NU 2007-156
Inventors
Ming Zhang
Short Description
Maspin, a tumor-suppressing protein, stimulates bone cell proliferation for treatment of osteoporosis
Abstract
A Northwestern researcher has discovered that maspin, a well-known anti-cancer protein, can also stimulate proliferation of bone cells. Maspin is able to modulate osteoblast proliferation from the extracellular environment, which makes it a viable and simple treatment strategy for bone formation disorders such as osteoporosis. Most treatments that are currently available for this disease slow down bone loss, but are not able to reverse it. Since maspin treatment has the potential to increase bone density it could be used as a stand-alone therapeutic or in combination with medications that are already on the market to personalize each patient's therapy and improve their quality of life. This novel application of maspin protein utilizes an approach opposite to current osteoporosis therapies, and therefore provides a valuable tool in the fight against this progressive disease.
Applications
Advantages
IP Status
Issued US Patent Nos. 8,791, 233 and 9,701,733. A PCT application has been filed.