Available Technology from UC Irvine

Background

Prokineticin 2 (PK2) is a signaling molecule that is critical for transmitting circadian rhythms from the suprachiasmatic nucleus, the master pacemaker that drives circadian rhythms in animals. It is known that disrupted circadian rhythms are strictly associated with many mood disorders, such as bipolar disorders, depression, and seasonal affective disorder. The functional role of PK2 in anxiety and depression-like behaviors was investigated and provide a new therapeutic target and system for the discovery of treatments for mood disorders and stress.

Technology Description

UC Irvine researchers have investigated the role of Prokineticin 2 (PK2) in the behavioral response to stress. PK2 was discovered to be upregulated in the paraventricular nucleus of rodents in response to stress. The role of PK2 was further demonstrated by infusion of PK2 that resulted in an increased behavioral response to stress in rodent models, including reduced food intake, increased arousal, anxiety and depression-like behaviors. Mice lacking the PK2 gene showed significantly reduced behavioral stress response. The results provide a new therapeutic target and treatment strategy to reduce anxiety-related disorders.

Applications

A system for the discovery of new treatments for mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, and modulation of the response to stress. This technology is part of a portfolio of UC Irvine technologies focused on the prokineticin system.

Patent Status

Other Information

Contact

Holger Roehl / hroehl@uci.edu / tel: View Phone Number. Please reference Tech ID #18750.

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