UVM Reference Number: C740
Summary:
Functional and structural attenuations in the cerebral micro vascularization that are early culprits in the manifestations of SVDs
Background:
Cerebral small vessel diseases (SVD) are responsible for more than 25% of ischemic stroke and are a leading cause of age-related cognitive dementia and disability. Despite the enormous impact of SVDs on human health, little is known about disease processes and key biological mechanisms and there are no specific therapeutic treatments of these diseases.
Technology Overview:
Research from the University of Vermont has identified certain functional and structural attenuations in the cerebral micro vascularization that are early culprits in the manifestations of SVDs and more recently found that provision of a minor inner leaflet lipid, PIP2, is able to rescue these early deficits in an in vivo model of SVD. Provision of PIP2 may also offer vasodilation of constricted blood vessels and perfusion of brain regions following an ischemic stroke.
Further Details:
- Endothelial GqPCR activity controls capillary electrical signaling and brain blood flow through PIP2 depletion, Harraz OF et al PMC5899484
Benefits:
- No current FDA approved treatment of SVDs.
- Prevention of vascular dementia and stroke.
- Vasodilation based reperfusion of ischemic stroke injury.
- Neurovascular coupling mechanism is a model for new therapeutics.
Applications:
- Small vessel disease, stroke and vascular dementia.
- Potentially Alzheimer’s disease as well
Opportunity:
Looking for both licensing and industry partners for lead compound optimization.
Patents:
Seeking:
- Development partner
- Commercial partner
- Licensing
