Available Technology
Methods and reagents for modulating TGF-beta superfamily signalling
Technology:
Compositions and methods for modulating TGF-b signalling
Markets Addressed
Screening target-The compositions and methods of the invention can be used to establish in vitro or in vivo assays for screening large numbers of compounds for modulators of TGF-b signalling.
Diagnostic-Compositions of the invention can be utilized as a diagnostic for cellular abnormalities or prenatal screening for developmental disorders.
Therapeutic-The compositions of the invention have been demonstrated to be capable of blocking activation of TGF-b target genes in vivo.
Innovations and Advantages
Harvard Medical School researchers have developed compositions and methods for modulating TGF-b signalling. TGF-b superfamily members regulate a wide range of normal and pathological biological processes, and have been implicated in a variety of developmental and immunological disorders, as well as cancer.
TGF-b signals are mediated intracellularly by Smad proteins. Multiple Smad proteins form a complex with the DNA-binding protein FAST-1 to activate transcription of target genes. The portion of the FAST-1 protein necessary for Smad interactions has been identified, and overexpression of this polypeptide results in the inhibition of TGF-b-mediated activation of transcriptional targets. The Smad/FAST-1 interaction thus provides a new target for studies of modulators of TGF-b signalling.
Additional Information
Intellectual Property Status: Issued U.S. patent nos.: 6,365,711
Publications:
Yeo, C.Y., Chen, X., and Whitman, M. (1999) The role of FAST-1 and Smads in transcriptional regulation by Activin during early Xenopus embryogenesis. J. Biol. Chem. 274(37): 26584-90.
Chen, X., Rubock, M.J., and Whitman, M. (1996) A transcriptional partner for MAD proteins in TGF-b signalling. Nature 383: 691-6.
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Inventor(s):
Chen, Xin
Whitman, Malcolm R.
Categories:
For further information, please contact:
Grant Zimmermann, Director of Business Development
(617) 495-3067
Reference Harvard Case #1372