BACKSmall Molecule Activator of MicroRNA-34a
[Licensing negotiation in progress]
[Invitation for Expression of Interest- Deadline 5 August 2021]
We are inviting expressions of interest (EoI) for commercializing “Small molecule activator of microRNA-34a” technology. The innovation is developed by Professor CHEN Yangchao, School of Biomedical Sciences of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK Reference: 12/MED/488).
The Technology
MicroRNAs play critical roles in various biological processes through regulating gene expression. Aberrant expression of microRNAs has been well documented in a variety of cancers. microRNAs function as oncogenes or tumor suppressors and represent promising therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. Small molecules modulating microRNA expression would thus constitute potential anti-cancer agents. microRNA-34a functions as a tumor suppressor and is downregulated or silenced in various cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we established the microRNA-34a luciferase report system and developed an assay for screening small molecule activators of microRNA-34a. The natural product library containing 640 pure compounds was screened to identify microRNA-34a activators. Two compounds were identified to be microRNA-34a activators. These two compounds specifically and dramatically activated microRNA-34a expression in HCC cells with microRNA-34a silencing. It was further demonstrated that these two compounds exhibited growth inhibiting activities on various HCC cell lines but not in non-tumorigenic human hepatocytes. These two compounds also downregulated the expression of microRNA-34a target proteins such as cyclin D1. These two compounds induced HCC cell cycle arrest and inhibited angiogenesis. Furthermore, these two compounds dramatically inhibited tumor growth in xenografted HCC mouse model. Our results suggested that these two small molecule compounds could be further developed as potential novel anti-HCC agents. Since miR-34a also plays important roles in development and cellular differentiation, extensive investigation has recently focused on miR-34a. Currently, microRNA mimics and inhibitors are used to modulate miR-34a expression so as to investigate its function in various systems. These two compounds could also be developed as research reagents for studying miR-34a.
Commercialization
The technology is now available for licensing on an exclusive basis. In order to fully realize the benefit of the technology, we expect substantial investment is necessary to enable further research and development. In addition to the financial commitment, the licensee is expected to have the appropriate expertise as well as plans in marketing and strategizing the end product to ensure successful transfer of the technology to the society. Previous or existing business involvement and experience in this area is a plus.
This invitation of expression of interest is without prejudice. We also stress that this invitation is not a tender, and the University is not bound to accept any offer, or to accept the highest monetary offer, as there are additional considerations (such as the widest possible benefit to the community) that we, as a public institution, will need to take into consideration.
Small Molecule Activator of MicroRNA-34a
[Licensing negotiation in progress]
[Invitation for Expression of Interest- Deadline 5 August 2021]
We are inviting expressions of interest (EoI) for commercializing “Small molecule activator of microRNA-34a” technology. The innovation is developed by Professor CHEN Yangchao, School of Biomedical Sciences of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK Reference: 12/MED/488).
The Technology
MicroRNAs play critical roles in various biological processes through regulating gene expression. Aberrant expression of microRNAs has been well documented in a variety of cancers. microRNAs function as oncogenes or tumor suppressors and represent promising therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. Small molecules modulating microRNA expression would thus constitute potential anti-cancer agents. microRNA-34a functions as a tumor suppressor and is downregulated or silenced in various cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we established the microRNA-34a luciferase report system and developed an assay for screening small molecule activators of microRNA-34a. The natural product library containing 640 pure compounds was screened to identify microRNA-34a activators. Two compounds were identified to be microRNA-34a activators. These two compounds specifically and dramatically activated microRNA-34a expression in HCC cells with microRNA-34a silencing. It was further demonstrated that these two compounds exhibited growth inhibiting activities on various HCC cell lines but not in non-tumorigenic human hepatocytes. These two compounds also downregulated the expression of microRNA-34a target proteins such as cyclin D1. These two compounds induced HCC cell cycle arrest and inhibited angiogenesis. Furthermore, these two compounds dramatically inhibited tumor growth in xenografted HCC mouse model. Our results suggested that these two small molecule compounds could be further developed as potential novel anti-HCC agents. Since miR-34a also plays important roles in development and cellular differentiation, extensive investigation has recently focused on miR-34a. Currently, microRNA mimics and inhibitors are used to modulate miR-34a expression so as to investigate its function in various systems. These two compounds could also be developed as research reagents for studying miR-34a.
Commercialization
The technology is now available for licensing on an exclusive basis. In order to fully realize the benefit of the technology, we expect substantial investment is necessary to enable further research and development. In addition to the financial commitment, the licensee is expected to have the appropriate expertise as well as plans in marketing and strategizing the end product to ensure successful transfer of the technology to the society. Previous or existing business involvement and experience in this area is a plus.
This invitation of expression of interest is without prejudice. We also stress that this invitation is not a tender, and the University is not bound to accept any offer, or to accept the highest monetary offer, as there are additional considerations (such as the widest possible benefit to the community) that we, as a public institution, will need to take into consideration.
Therapeutics
Biotechnology
Fei Fei Miu
Office of Research and Knowledge Transfer Services
miufeifei@cuhk.edu.hk
Yang Chao Chen
N/A