A Method of Identifying Cdk5/p35 Modulators, and Possible Diagnostic or Therapeutic Uses for Neurodegenerative Diseases
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| Inventor: Ashok B. Kulkarni and Elias S. Utreras Puratich (NIDCR) | Record Date: 11/5/2009 |
| Last Updated: 11/5/2009 |
Abstract: |
| Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) is a serine/threonine cyclin-dependent kinase that is highly expressed in the central nervous system and controls many biological processes that impact learning and memory, as well as pain and drug addiction. Studies have indicated that abnormal Cdk5 activity may be associated with the onset of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The kinase activity of Cdk5 is turned on when it binds to one of the two proteins considered to be neuronal activators, p35 and p39. Scientists at the NIH designed a cell-based assay to screen for p35 transcriptional regulators that work as upstream regulators of Cdk5. This technology may be useful for assessing the presence and risk of conditions associated with atypical Cdk5 kinase activity or for finding drug modulators that could be promising drug targets. Development Status: Early stage |
Applications: |
| Diagnostic tool for assessing risk of conditions associated with abnormal Cdk5 kinase activity Tool for screening Cdk5 modulators |
Patent:
HHS Reference No. E-012-2009/0 -- Research Material. Patent prosecution is not being pursued for this technology. |
License:
Available for licensing. Collaborative Research Opportunity: The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Biology, Functional Genomics Section, is seeking statements of capability or interest from parties interested in collaborative research to further develop, evaluate, or commercialize this technology. Please contact David W. Bradley, Ph.D. at 301-402-0540 or bradleyda@nidcr.nih.gov for more information. |
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