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Lysosomes are
acidic organelles that contain hydrolytic enzymes (such as proteases) that
are required for maintaining normal cellular physiology. Lysosomal enzymes
participate in diverse cellular functions from degradation of endogenous
abnormal or normal proteins to activation or regulation of essential cellular
processes. Interfering with lysosomal function can lead to cell death as found in the
case of treatment of malarial parasites.
The rise in pH of acidic food vacuoles (lysosomes
in eukaryotics) by a known lysosomal
targeting, anti-malarial drug chloroquine (CQ),
leads to death of these parasites. In vitro studies using an acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) cell line indicate that CQ
and another lysosomal targeting agent caused these leukemic cells to undergo apoptosis (programmed cell
death). Preliminary studies, performed
by Dartmouth’s scholars using cultured APL cells and a mouse
transplantable transgenic APL model, provided data implicating lysosomes as a molecular therapeutic target. Notably, in vivo studies using treatment with the lysosomal
targeting agent CQ, delayed onset of APL in this mouse model for this
leukemia. These in vitro and in vivo
data indicate that lysosomes and lysosomal enzymes could be exploited as novel therapeutic
targets in cancer and perhaps other disease states. These findings are claimed in
the published United States Patent Application No. 10/564,070. We are seeking an industrial partner to
further refine and market this technology. (Ref: J246) |
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«Technology Transfer Office : Sponsored Projects : Dartmouth College |
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11 Rope Ferry Road #6210 |
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Hanover, NH 03755-1404 |
Phone: (603) 646-3027 |
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Fax: (603) 646-3670 |
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