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Threonyl-tRNA Synthetase (TARS) – A Novel Target and Biomarker for Metastatic Prostate and Ovarian Cancer | UVM Innovations | University of Vermont

Threonyl-tRNA Synthetase (TARS) – A Novel Target and Biomarker for Metastatic Prostate and Ovarian Cancer

UVM Reference Number: C460

Summary:

The aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (AARS) family catalyzes the attachment of amino acids to tRNAs, but its members have now been found to play significant roles in a number of unique diseases, including autoimmune disorders and cancers. At UVM, researchers have identified a novel pro-angiogenic role for one member of the AARS family, TARS, that is also upregulated in metastatic prostate and ovarian cancers. The researchers have since shown that TARS itself is a pro-angiogentic chemokine-like protein and, in cell models, efficiently stimulates new blood vessel formation. This, together with TARS overexpression, suggest that the pro-angiogenic function of TARS may have a role in metastasis in prostate and ovarian cancer. Initial in vitro studies with anti-TARS borrielidin derived compounds further supports this mechanism and provide small molecule lead anti-cancer compounds for further optimization.

Applications:

Diagnosis and monitoring of prostate and /or ovarian cancer.
TARS inhibitors as anti-angiogenic cancer therapeutics.
Increasing vascularization in cardiovascular and wound healing.

Advantages:

Novel biomarker of metastesis.
Novel anti-angiogeneic target and therapeutics for advanced cancers.
Novel pro-angiogenic cytokine-like protein for increasing vascularization.

References:

Threonyl-tRNA synthetase overexpression correlates with angiogenic markers and progression of human ovarian cancer Wellman et al. BMC Cancer 2014, 14:620

Regulation of Angiogenesis by Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetases Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15, 23725-23748

Secreted Threonyl-tRNA synthetase stimulates endothelial cell migration and angiogenesis DOI: 10.1038/srep01317

Opportunity:

UVM is looking for partners to help further validate the use of TARS in prostate /ovarian cancer diagnosis and progression, as well as lead compound optimization for both cancer treatment and vascularization.