Use of VEGF and homologues to treat neuron disorders
US7592314B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 4, 2007 |
| Grant date | Sep 22, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 4, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC12N2830/85
- WIPO fieldPharmaceuticals
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present invention relates to neurological and physiological dysfunction associated with neuron disorders. In particular, the invention relates to the involvement of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and homologues in the aetiology of motor neuron disorders. The invention further concerns a novel, mutant transgenic mouse (VEGFm/m) with a homozygous deletion in the hypoxia responsive element (HRE) of the VEGF promoter which alters the hypoxic upregulation of VEGF. These mice suffer severe adult onset muscle weakness due to progressive spinal motor neuron degeneration which is reminiscent of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)—a fatal disorder with unknown aetiology. Furthermore, the neuropathy of these mice is not caused by vascular defects, but is due to defective VEGF-mediated survival signals to motor neurons. The present invention relates in particular to the isoform VEGF165 which stimulates survival of motor neurons via binding to neuropilin-1, a receptor known to bind semaphorin-3A which is implicated in axon retraction and neuronal death, and the VEGF Receptor-2. The present invention thus relates to the usage of VEGF, in particular VEGF165, for the treatment of ne…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.