Targeting Delta-2 tubulin for the treatment of peripheral neuropathy

This technology identifies Delta-2-tubulin (D2) as a therapeutic target and biomarker for peripheral neuropathy.

Unmet Need: Therapeutic options for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is the most prevalent neurological complication associated with chemotherapy and can be induced by multiple anticancer drugs. The pathogenesis of CIPN remains largely unknown, and current therapies, such as opioid analgesics, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants, provide only limited symptomatic relief. As a result, there is a critical need to identify therapeutic targets and biomarkers for the treatment and prevention of CIPN.

The Technology: Therapeutic targeting of Delta-2-tubulin in peripheral neuropathy

This technology identifies Delta-2-tubulin (D2) as both a biomarker and therapeutic target for peripheral neuropathy. D2 is formed from the irreversible modification of α-tubulin in sensory neurons, causing multiple cellular perturbations. In preclinical models of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), overexpression of D2 was found to suppress mitochondrial respiration, inhibit transient receptor potential (TRP) channel function, upregulate the mitochondrial anchor syntaphilin, and directly impair axonal mitochondrial motility. Collectively, these effects contribute to sensory neuron axonopathy. Thus, D2 serves as both a therapeutic target and biomarker for determining the risk of developing peripheral neuropathy.

This technology has been validated in vivo with mouse models of CIPN.

Applications:

• Treatment of CIPN
• Therapy for inherited or acquired peripheral neuropathies
• Biomarker for peripheral neuropathy
• Research tool for analysis of mechanisms driving CIPN

Advantages:

• Specific pathogenic mechanisms for CIPN treatment
• Shared pathways across various classes of anticancer drugs
• Multiple actionable targets
• Potential first-in-class therapy

Lead Inventor:

Francesca Bartolini, Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Pending(WO/2026/107492)

Related Publications:

• Pero ME, Meregalli C, Qu X, Shin GJ, Kumar A, Shorey M, Rolls MM, Tanji K, Brannagan TH, Alberti P, Fumagalli G, Monza L, Grueber WB, Cavaletti G, Bartolini F. “Pathogenic role of delta 2 tubulin in bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy.” Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2021 Jan 26;118(4):e2012685118.

Tech Ventures Reference:

• IR CU25119, CU18162

• Licensing Contact: Kristin Neuman