Nitroxide Radical as a Treatment for Neurodegeneration
Posted Dec 31 2007 4:00pm
Description of Invention: This invention describes the use of a nitroxide radical to treat or prevent the progression of neurodegeneration characterized by a deficiency in iron regulatory protein 2 (IRP 2) function. The inventors discovered that IRP 2 null mice with adult-onset neurodegeneration and microcytic anemia regain activity of iron regulatory protein 1 (IRP 1) after eating food formulations containing specific nitroxide radicals. The inventors also discovered the nitroxide agent prevents the progression of neurodegeneration by attacking inhibitory iron-sulfur clusters found on IRP 1 thereby allowing IRP 1 to bind to iron responsive elements found on transcripts that encode iron metabolism proteins that regulate cellular iron homeostasis in the brain.
Applications: Treatment for neurological disorders resulting from a deficiency in the amount of bioavailable iron in the central nervous system, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, erythropoietic protoporphyria or adult-onset neurodegeneration.
Portfolios: Central Nervous System Central Nervous System - Therapeutics
For Additional Information Please Contact: Charlene Sydnor Ph.D. NIH Office of Technology Transfer 6011 Executive Blvd. Suite 325, Rockville, MD 20852 United States Email: sydnorc@mail.nih.gov Phone: 301-435-4689 Fax: 301-402-0220
Description of Invention:
This invention describes the use of a nitroxide radical to treat or prevent the progression of neurodegeneration characterized by a deficiency in iron regulatory protein 2 (IRP 2) function. The inventors discovered that IRP 2 null mice with adult-onset neurodegeneration and microcytic anemia regain activity of iron regulatory protein 1 (IRP 1) after eating food formulations containing specific nitroxide radicals. The inventors also discovered the nitroxide agent prevents the progression of neurodegeneration by attacking inhibitory iron-sulfur clusters found on IRP 1 thereby allowing IRP 1 to bind to iron responsive elements found on transcripts that encode iron metabolism proteins that regulate cellular iron homeostasis in the brain.
Applications:
Treatment for neurological disorders resulting from a deficiency in the amount of bioavailable iron in the central nervous system, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, erythropoietic protoporphyria or adult-onset neurodegeneration.
Development Status:
Early-stage
Inventors:
Tracey A Rouault (NICHD)
Patent Status:
HHS, Reference No. E-153-2007/0
US, Application No. 12/530,593 filed 04 Nov 2009
Licensing Status:
Available for licensing.
Portfolios:
Central Nervous System
Central Nervous System - Therapeutics
For Additional Information Please Contact:
Charlene Sydnor Ph.D.
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Blvd. Suite 325,
Rockville, MD 20852
United States
Email: sydnorc@mail.nih.gov
Phone: 301-435-4689
Fax: 301-402-0220
Ref No: 1704
Updated: 01/2008