Biomarkers For Birt-Hogg-Dube (BHD) Syndrome And Renal Cancer
Background:
The National Cancer Institute's Urologic Oncology Branch is seeking
statements of capability or interest from parties interested in
collaborative research to further develop, evaluate, or
commercialize detection methods to screen a biomarker for renal
cancer.
Technology:
Birt-Hogg-Dube' (BHD) syndrome is a potentially disfiguring
dermatologic disorder associated with an increased risk for
developing renal cancer, spontaneous pneumothorax and lung cysts.
This invention describes the identification and characterization of
a FNIP1 homolog, folliculin-interacting protein 2 (FNIP2), that
interacts with folliculin. Folliculin is the protein encoded
by the FLCN gene, which is responsible for the Birt-Hogg-Dube (BHD)
syndrome. Importantly, FNIP2 expression was elevated in renal
tumors seen in BDH patients. This finding suggests that FNIP2
may serve as a biomarker for BHD. Additionally, this
technology could facilitate the development of therapeutic drugs to
treat the skin lesions and renal tumors that develop in BHD
patients.
Further R&D Needed:
- Determine the mechanism by which folliculin in complex with
FNIP2 performs a biological function in the normal cell
- Determine whether BHD mutations interfere with the formation of
the complex
- Analyze the pathways within the folliculin/FNIP2 complex to
enable targeting by intervention drugs
R&D Status: Pre-clinical
development
IP Status: This invention is
classified as a Research Tool, and patent protection is not being
sought pursuant to NIH patent policy.
Value Proposition:
- Potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of Birt-Hogg-Dube' (BHD)
syndrome
- Potential diagnostics for renal cancer
- Ability to develop topical creams and therapeutics for
BHD-related skins lesions and renal tumors
Contact Information:
John D. Hewes, Ph.D.
NCI Technology Transfer Center
Tel: 301-435-3121
Email: hewesj@mail.nih.gov
Please reference advertisement #757
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