University of Pittsburgh researchers have extracted a large quantity of total RNA from a robust laboratory strain of Hydractinia symbiolongicarpus, allowing for the development of powerful research tools. Hydractinia genomes contain many human disease genes not found in other species, and there is a growing need to better understand these genomes for research purposes. This isolation of total RNA could lead to the development of research tools to revolutionize the fields of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine research.
Description
Hydractinia is a small colonial invertebrate, traditionally found growing on snail shells inhabited by hermit crabs. It has an extraordinary ability to regenerate its entire body throughout its lifetime. As a result, it is emerging as a model system in biomedical research. The extraction of total RNA now provides an opportunity to build a yeast two-hybrid library to perform yeast two-hybrid screens and identify and study novel protein-protein interactions.
Applications
• Treatment of type 2 diabetes
• Management of insulin resistance
• Potential treatment for metabolic syndrome
• PPAR-γ modulation without traditional side effects
• Regulation of glucose metabolism
Advantages
• Reduces blood glucose without causing weight gain
• Superior insulin sensitization compared to existing treatments
• Avoids fluid retention side effects
• Different PPAR-γ binding mechanism than current drugs
• Extended activity through active metabolites
Invention Readiness
in vivo study has been completed using a murine model of diabetes (ob/ob -/- mice). The results showed that NO2-FA administration exerts anti-diabetic effects without the side effects commonly associated with thiazolidinediones (TZDs), such as peripheral edema, weight gain, and increased risk of cardiac failure.
IP Status
https://patents.google.com/patent/US10869850B2
