This technology is a method to treat osteoporosis by modulating cilium elongation with repurposed pharmaceuticals that change gene expression leading to increased osteogenesis.
Osteoporosis occurs as an imbalance between bone resorption and formation resulting in bone loss and fractures. Current treatments rely mainly on resorption inhibition but do not induce growth and can lead to atypical fracture, necrosis, and other health risks. Although mechanical stimulation is critical to maintaining bones, current therapies fail to leverage the mechanosensitivity and regenerative potential of bone. Alternative approaches that could leverage these aspects are highly sought after.
This technology sensitizes bone to mechanical stimulation and enhances adaptation by regulating osteocyte primary cilia length with select drugs. Treatment with these cilium elongation modulators, such as fenoldopam and dihydrexidine, regulate gene expression in the cells by modulating the length of the primary cilia, thereby increasing the mechanosensitivity of the cell. As a result, this technology provides an improved method to treat ciliopathies and osteoporosis in patients by effectively increasing the length of the primary cilia in cells.
In vivo, fenoldopam increased cilia length, mechanosensitivity, and bone formation upon mechanical stimulation, allowing osteoblasts and osteoclasts to form and resorb bone with no added toxicity.
Christopher R. Jacobs, Ph.D.
IR CU16165, CU18303
Licensing Contact: Dovina Qu