Methods and Reagents for Modulating TGF-beta Superfamily Signalling

Summary Harvard Medical School researchers have developed compositions and methods for modulating TGF-b signalling. TGF-b superfamily members regulate a wide range of normal and pathological biological processes, and have been implicated in a variety of developmental and immunological disorders, as well as cancer.


TGF-b signals are mediated intracellularly by Smad proteins. Multiple Smad proteins form a complex with the DNA-binding protein FAST-1 to activate transcription of target genes. The portion of the FAST-1 protein necessary for Smad interactions has been identified, and overexpression of this polypeptide results in the inhibition of TGF-b-mediated activation of transcriptional targets. The Smad/FAST-1 interaction thus provides a new target for studies of modulators of TGF-b signalling.


References:

Yeo, C.Y., Chen, X., and Whitman, M. (1999) The role of FAST-1 and Smads in transcriptional regulation by Activin during early Xenopus embryogenesis. J. Biol. Chem. 274(37): 26584-90.


Chen, X., Rubock, M.J., and Whitman, M. (1996) A transcriptional partner for MAD proteins in TGF-b signalling. Nature 383: 691-6.

Applications Screening target-The compositions and methods of the invention can be used to establish in vitro or in vivo assays for screening large numbers of compounds for modulators of TGF-b signalling.


Diagnostic-Compositions of the invention can be utilized as a diagnostic for cellular abnormalities or prenatal screening for developmental disorders.


Therapeutic-The compositions of the invention have been demonstrated to be capable of blocking activation of TGF-b target genes in vivo. For Further Information Please Contact the Director of Business Development Katie Gordon Email: [email protected] Telephone: (617) 432-0920

Inventor(s): Whitman, Malcolm R

Type of Offer: Licensing



Next Patent »
« More Pharmaceutical Patents

Share on      


CrowdSell Your Patent