BACKGROUND
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene and affects ~30,000 people in the USA alone. Microbial lung infections are currently one of the main causes of mortality and morbidity in CF patients. 2,990 people died primarily from non-tuberculosis mycobacterial infections in the United States between 1999-2010; these data also show a significant increase in deaths across time. There is a clear need to enable the early detection of CF lung disease progressions, with robust and reliable biomarkers currently lacking.
SUMMARY OF TECHNOLOGY
Researchers at OSU have developed a biomarker for understanding the progression of CF lung diseases. In vivo data from CF mice show that non-tuberculosis mycobacteria induce cellular senescence. Eliminating senescent cells using senolytics improves non-tuberculosis mycobacteria killing in CF mice. These data provide proof of concept for using cellular senescence measured from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid as a biomarker to determine the progression of CF lung diseases. This method is characterized by an increased sensitivity relative to current technologies, which lack a level of precision necessary to provide proper care.
POTENTIAL AREAS OF APPLICATION
MAIN ADVANTAGES
STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT