Preventing Synuclein Accumulation as a Strategy for Improving Neuronal Survival and Regeneration after Spinal Cord Injury

Tech ID: 24466 / UC Case 2013-708-0

Background

Protein aggregation is associated with a number of diseases (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and amyloidosis), and is believed to be responsible for tissue damage after traumatic injury to the spinal cord or brain. It is hypothesized that removing such aggregates can alleviate symptoms and minimize tissue damage.

Innovation

This invention describes a new application of a known drug, called CLR01. CLR01 is a “molecular tweezer” that can disaggregate amyloidogenic proteins, such as amyloid-β. According to new findings, CLR01 can be applied to the injury site of the spinal cord, and improve neuronal survival by inhibiting the post-injury aggregation of α-synuclein.

Applications

  • Improve neuronal survival and regeneration following spinal cord injury 
  • Improve neuronal survival and regeneration following traumatic brain injury

Advantages

There are currently no therapeutics that specifically target toxic protein aggregates following spinal cord and traumatic brain injury.

State Of Development

The molecular tweezer has been tested in a lamprey model of spinal cord injury. Not only was significantly less synuclein aggregation observed, neuronal survival was also greatly increased.

Patent Status

Country Type Number Dated Case
United States Of America Issued Patent 10,918,657 02/16/2021 2013-708
 

Related Materials

Contact

Learn About UC TechAlerts - Save Searches and receive new technology matches

Inventors

  • Bitan, Gal

Other Information

Keywords

Spinal injury, brain injury, aggregation, alpha-synuclein, amyloid

Categorized As