Targeting of EWS-FLI1 and RHA Interaction as Anti-Tumor Therapy
Section: For Industry
Category(ies): Cancer Therapeutics
Reference #: TOJE439502
OTC Contact: David Humphrey (Directory Information | Send a Message)
Description
EWS-FLI1 has been identified as a critical target in Ewing’s Sarcoma Family of Tumors (ESFT) over 15 years ago, yet no therapies have been developed that impact the outcome of the disease. ESFT contains a characteristic translocation t(11:22), which leads to the oncogenic transcription factor EWS-FLI1. EWS-FLI1 is a critical tumor-specific oncogene in patients with ESFT because it is derived from a chromosomal translocation necessary to maintain tumor growth. RNA helicase A (RHA), a member of the DEXH box helicase family of proteins, is an integral component of protein complexes that regulate transcription, splicing and mRNA translation in a distinct class of proteins. EWS-FLI1 and RHA interact to promote and maintain the oncogenic phenotype of ESFT. Novel small molecule compounds and peptides have been developed that disrupt the EWS-FLI1 and RHA interaction, demonstrating a potential therapy for treating Ewing’s sarcoma as well as pancreatic cancer, acute myeloid leukemia, prostate cancer, and congenital fibrosarcoma.
Applications
The novel small molecule compounds and peptides are potential therapies for
Advantages
Stage of Development
Stage of Development: Novel small molecules synthesized by
Inventors: Dr. Jeff Toretsky, Dr. Aykut Uren, and Dr. Milton Brown
Relevant Publications
Relevant Publications: Toretsky et al. Oncoprotein EWS-FLI1 activity is enhanced by RNA helicase A. Cancer Research 66(11): 5574-5581, 2006.
Patent Status
US and Foreign rights are protected.
