Description of Invention:
HGF/NK2, a truncated form of a hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), may offer an improved method of diagnosing and treating proliferative disorders such as cancers. Elevated levels of HGF are associated with both cancerous and noncancerous conditions. This truncated form of HGF is an antagonist of HGF and can be used to effectively counteract its effects on cells. Its cDNA can also be used as a probe to detect increased levels of HGF mRNA in cells.
HGF/NK1, another truncated form of HGF, has partial agonist/antagonist properties. Thus, it may be useful either as an antagonist of an HGF or as an agonist to reinforce the action of endogenous growth factor, depending on the circumstances. A technique has been developed to produce large quantities of biologically active HGF/NK1 and HGF/NK2 using a prokaryotic expression system.
Potential Area of Application:
cancer therapeutic
cancer diagnostic
wound healing
Main Advantage of Invention:
behaves like HGF/SF
method of producing large quantities
Inventors:
Jeffrey S. Rubin (NCI) et al.
Patent Status:
DHHS Reference No. E-044-1991/2 --
U.S. Patent 6,566,098 issued 20 May 2003
U.S. Patent Application No. 10/283,769 filed 23 Oct 2002
Relevant Publication: V Cioce, KG Csaky, AML Chan, DP Bottaro, WG Taylor, R Jensen, SA Aaronson, JS Rubin. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/NK1 is a naturally occurring HGF/scatter factor variant with partial agonist/antagonist activity. J Biol Chem. 1996 May 31;271(22):13110-13115. [PubMed abs]
Licensing Status:
Therapeutics available for exclusive or non-exclusive licensing.
Diagnostics available for non-exclusive licensing.
Portfolios: Cancer
Cancer -Therapeutics-Biological Response Modifiers-Growth Factors Cancer -Diagnostics Cancer -Therapeutics
For Additional Information Please Contact: Susan S. Rucker J.D.
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Blvd, Suite 325
Rockville, MD 20852-3804
Phone: (301) 435-4478
Email: ruckersu@mail.nih.gov
Fax: (301) 402-0220
