University of Pittsburgh researchers have developed a first in class compound that holds the potential to prevent NMNAT2 degradation.
Description
When axons in the brain are damaged by trauma and other conditions, a process of cell death called Wallerian degeneration (WD) begins. Significant insight into the molecular basis of WD has come from analyzing a mouse mutant, WLDs, which appears protected from damage following blunt traumatic brain injury. Scientists have been seeking to understand the molecular basis for this protection, and now Pitt researchers have undertaken a novel program to develop small molecules that augment NMNAT2 levels in the setting of neuronal injury. Small molecules maintaining NMNAT2 levels can have widespread beneficial effects to prevent degradation from traumatic nerve injury and chronic neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s.
Applications
• For use in preventing degradation from traumatic nerve injury and chronic neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s
Advantages
• First in class compound that prevents NMNAT2 degradation
• Holds potential to protect against nerve injury and chronic neurodegenerative diseases
Invention Readiness
In vitro data showing that the new compounds can increase or maintain NMNAT2 polypeptide levels in human cell lines.
IP Status
https://patents.google.com/patent/US20220169632A1
