Cellular Senescence as a Biomarker for Cystic Fibrosis Lung Disease

Case ID:
2023-015

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

  • Biomarker to determine progression of cystic fibrosis lung diseases

MAIN ADVANTAGES

  • Increased sensitivity relative to current technologies

STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT

  • Proof-of-concept

 

Patent Information:
For Information, Contact:
Russell Hopper
Sr. Licensing Associate
Oklahoma State University
russell.hopper@okstate.edu
Inventors:
Yong Cheng
Xuejuan Tan
Keywords:
Biotech & Pharmaceutical
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