Abstract
Researchers at the University of Central Florida and the Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies have identified new compounds to inhibit the growth of human cancers and parasitic infections through nutrient deprivation. The compounds inhibit the import of large neutral amino acids such as leucine and methionine.
Technical Details
Researchers screened molecular libraries from the Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies for polyamine transport inhibition and cytotoxicity. The compounds were screened for the ability to inhibit the uptake of methionine and leucine. A lead compound was shown to reduce the intracellular levels of methionine which led to decreased intracellular levels of the polyamines spermidine and spermine, which are essential growth factors. Treatment with the compound inhibited the cell growth of a metastatic human pancreatic cancer cell line.
Partnering Opportunity
The research team is looking for partners to further develop the technology for commercialization.
Stage of Development
Effectiveness demonstrated on the pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cell line in vitro..
Benefit
Potentially more potent than current LAT1 (L-type neutral amino acid transporter) inhibitorsCompounds are hydrophobic, which could further facilitate their uptakePotential advantage over DFMO cancer drug; efficacy is not reversed by polyamine importMarket Application
Nutrient deprivation therapies to fight cancerAnti-infectives to treat parasitic diseases that rely on amino acid import
Brochure
