Research Terms
Globally, substance abuse and addiction are responsible for more than 11 million deaths every year. These disorders account for more than $200 billion in lost wages, healthcare, criminal and legal costs. Alcohol is the most commonly abused drug, followed by prescription drugs, cocaine, and heroin. Several FDA-approved drugs are available, but lack efficacy and often associated with severe side effects.
This technology comprises a mouse model and drug target for the treatment of substance abuse. Metallo-Beta-Lactamase Domain Containing 1 (MBLAC1) is a protein known to be involved in several neurodegenerative disorders, including substance abuse. The inventors genetically removed MBLAC1 in mice and showed animals were at increased risk for addition via experiments with cocaine compared to normal mice. These observations provide a new mouse model for research and the possibility for targeting MBLAC1 via new drug development for the treatment of neurological disorders.
FAU is seeking partners to advance this technology into the marketplace through licensing or development partnerships.
More than one billion people worldwide suffer from a neurological disorder. Cholinergic circuits have been implicated in abnormal cognitive functioning and are involved in cognitive impairments observed in these disorders. Choline transport via the neuronal high-affinity choline transporter (CHT) is essential for cholinergic terminals to synthesize and release acetylcholine (ACh). Mutations in a gene called Val89 lead to loss of function of CHT in many neurological diseases.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University have developed a CRISPR generated mouse model where animals express a Val89 substitution for studying neurogenerative diseases. Val89 mice exhibit up to an 80% reduction in CHT clearance and experience deficits in attentional control mechanisms when challenged with a visual disruptor.
FAU seeks partners to advance this technology into the marketplace through licensing or development partnerships.