Nitroxide Radical as a Treatment for Neurodegeneration
Description of Invention:
This invention describes the use of a nitroxide radical to treat or prevent the progression of neurodegeneration characterized by a deficiency in iron regulatory protein 2 (IRP 2) function. The inventors discovered that IRP 2 null mice with adult-onset neurodegeneration and microcytic anemia regain activity of iron regulatory protein 1 (IRP 1) after eating food formulations containing specific nitroxide radicals. The inventors also discovered the nitroxide agent prevents the progression of neurodegeneration by attacking inhibitory iron-sulfur clusters found on IRP 1 thereby allowing IRP 1 to bind to iron responsive elements found on transcripts that encode iron metabolism proteins that regulate cellular iron homeostasis in the brain.
Applications:
Treatment for neurological disorders resulting from a deficiency in the amount of bioavailable iron in the central nervous system, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, erythropoietic protoporphyria or adult-onset neurodegeneration.
Market:
Over 22 million people suffer from neurodegenerative diseases worldwide, and in 2050, this number could triple due to increased life expectancy and an increased aging population.
Development Status:
Early-stage
Inventors:
Tracey Rouault et al. (NICHD)
Patent Status:
DHHS Reference No. E-153-2007/0 --
U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/894,134 filed 09 Mar 2007
Licensing Status: Available for licensing.
Portfolios: Central Nervous System
Central Nervous System -Therapeutics-Neurological Therapeutics-Antiparkinsonian Central Nervous System -Therapeutics-Neurological Therapeutics-Alzheimer Central Nervous System -Therapeutics
For Additional Information Please Contact: Charlene A. Sydnor Ph.D.
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Blvd, Suite 325
Rockville, MD 20852-3804
Phone: 301/435-4689
Email: sydnorc@mail.nih.gov
Fax: 301/402-0220
