Invention:
This innovation is the identification and isolation of small molecules to inhibit trogocytosis to prevent or slow cancer cell tumor growth. Researchers plan to develop cell lines transduced with lentivirus vectors that can be cocultured and the process of trogocytosis will result in cell fusion that will generate a luminescent signal. Selected small molecules with demonstrated inhibition will undergo further studies to validate their functional properties and optimize their structure. The ultimate objective is to develop a drug that can be administered directly into the tumor site through injection or other systemic means to effectively hinder tumor development.
Background:
Trogocytosis occurs when a very early stage epithelial cell interacts with an endogenous lymphocyte in a transient manner such that membranes and protein molecules are exchanged. At later times they become stable fused cells in which the proteins are expressed in a stable form. Trogocytosis has been identified as a key factor in the formation of solid tumors, particularly renal clear cell tumors.
The technology improves upon existing approaches by providing a targeted and efficient screening method for identifying molecules that can inhibit trogocytosis. This approach may lead to the development of a drug that can effectively hinder tumor development. The improved screening method could also potentially reduce costs and accelerate the drug development process by identifying promising candidates more efficiently.
Applications:
- Personalized medicine
- Targeted cancer therapy
Advantages:
- Novel and target approach to cancer therapy
- Inhibits tumor growth at all stages
