Targeting NTPDase8 for treating liver ischemia
This technology identifies the nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolases 8 (NTPDase8) as a therapeutic target for liver ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Unmet Need: Therapies to treat liver ischemia-reperfusion injury
Liver ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury causes significant hepatic parenchymal damage due to a temporary disruption of portal or hepatic arterial inflow, followed by restoration. Although liver I/R injury can result from several pathological conditions, including systemic shock, its pathogenesis is complex, and few therapeutics currently target the molecular events that lead to tissue damage.
The Technology: Targeting NTPDase8 for liver ischemia-reperfusion injury
This technology describes the protective role of nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolases 8 (NTPDase8) in the liver as a critical suppressor of the inflammatory and metabolic responses to liver ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. NTPDase8, expressed on parenchymal liver cells, modulates the extracellular levels of purine nucleotides and nucleosides, thereby reducing hepatic injury after I/R. Exogenous administration or endogenous overexpression of NTPDase8 represents a potential strategy for preventing or treating liver I/R injury.
This technology has been validated in in vivo models of liver I/R injury.
Applications:
- Systemic hypotension/shock (e.g., massive hemorrhage, sepsis, cardiac failure)
- Portal occlusion during major liver surgeries
- Reperfusion of donor liver allografts in transplantation
Advantages:
- Molecular target for treating liver I/R injury
- Applicable to several pathological conditions
- Potential first-in-class therapeutic agent
Lead Inventor:
Patent Information:
Patent Pending
Related Publications:
Tech Ventures Reference:
IR CU25127
Licensing Contact: Kristin Neuman