Prevention and Treatment of Pulmonary Diseases

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) encompasses a spectrum of diseases including chronic bronchitis (CB), reduced lung function, and emphysema and its severity is linked to chronic mucus hypersecretion (CMH). CMH is a global healthcare problem that is highly prevalent among people affected with allergic asthma, including over 24.6 million in the USA with conservative estimates of annual healthcare costs exceeding 81.9 billion dollars. Respiratory epithelial cells of the conducting airways are a pivotal first line of defense against airborne pathogens and allergens that orchestrate inflammatory responses and mucociliary clearance. Unfortunately, the molecular mechanisms responsible for epithelial hyperreactivity associated with allergic asthma, including the regulation and function of lncRNAs in airway epithelium, are not completely understood.FIU inventors have identified a novel molecular species referred to as long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) that are early innate sensors of cellular stress and are involved in the regulation of airway inflammation and hyperreactive mucous response. AC011511.2 lncRNA comprises 3 exons and overlaps with intracellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) on the antisense strand and regulates ICAM-1 expression and is therefore, hereon referred to as LASI (LncRNA on Antisense Strand to ICAM-1). Our researchers have designed and tested several inhibitors that target the exon regions of LASI. One small interfering RNA targeting LASI successfully downregulated its expression by more than 5-fold.

Benefit

Decreases expression of an immunomodulatory lncRNA associated with hyperreactive response of airway epithelial cells Offers novel diagnosis and treatment options for airway diseases

Market Application

Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of pulmonary airway inflammation, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) and chronic mucus hypersecretion (CMH) pathogenesis and the target specificity of the genetic formulation will be helpful in possible combinatorial approaches with current pharmacotherapies

Publications

Devadoss, D., Daly, G., Manevski, M. et al. A long noncoding RNA antisense to ICAM-1 is involved in allergic asthma associated hyperreactive response of airway epithelial cells. Mucosal Immunol (2020)

Brochure