Methods and Compositions for Screening for Modulators of Parkinson’s Disease
Introduction Parkinson’s Disease (PD) pathogenesis has been linked to oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, aberrant proteolytic processes and dysfunctional immune surveillance. However the molecular mechanisms of the involvement of these processes are currently unclear. Analysis of genes that are mutated in heritable forms of PD has begun to further define molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis in sporadic forms of PD. Loss-of-function mutations in the parkin gene have been shown to be a major cause for early onset PD, and there is increasing evidence for the role of Parkin in late-onset and sporadic PD as well. In an ongoing effort to elucidate the mechanism underlying the pathology associated with loss-of-function of parkin in Drosophila, Dr Pallanck’s laboratory and his collaborators have recently developed a genetic screen for mutations in genes that either enhance or suppress a parkin phenotype. Technology description This technology provides methods and compositions for identifying an agent (e.g., a gene product or small molecule compound) that modulates a PD phenotype. In practicing the subject methods, a non-mammalian animal model, such as Drosophila melanogaster, that includes a mutant parkin gene and at least one other mutant gene are evaluated for a PD phenotype. Also provided are kits and systems for practicing the subject methods, as well as methods of use of agents identified in the screening method of the invention. Business Opportunity The PD market is set to continue to grow over the next 7 years, reaching over $2.37 billion in 2013, a 39% increase from 2006 levels. New pipeline drugs will need to be innovative to compete in an increasingly crowded market, and this technology can help the discovery of new disease-modifying drugs. Intellectual Property Position Published Patent Application: US20060101527A1 “Methods and Compositions For Screening For Modulators of Parkinson’s Disease”Related Publication(s)
Drug Discov Today. 2006 Feb;11(3-4):119-26
Type of Offer: Licensing
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