Breakthrough in Cancer Treatment: Synthetic Peptides Patented

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at the U.S. National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, the University of California, and North Carolina State University have made a groundbreaking discovery in cancer treatment with the patenting of synthetic peptides that cause F-actin bundling and block actin depolymerization. These peptides, derived from sucrose synthase, have shown potential in treating diseases characterized by neoplastic growth and could be used as a component of anti-cancer therapeutics. The discovery opens new avenues for cancer treatment, with the peptides also exhibiting the ability to stabilize microfilaments in living cells and inhibit cell growth.

Key Takeaways:

  • The U.S. National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, the University of California, and North Carolina State University have been assigned a patent (8,039,438) for synthetic peptides that cause F-actin bundling and block actin depolymerization.
  • The peptides, derived from sucrose synthase, have homology to actin and actin-related proteins and exhibit a common motif, making them useful for treating diseases characterized by neoplastic growth.
  • The synthetic peptides have shown potential as anti-cancer therapeutics, with the ability to cause bundled actin, inhibit actin depolymerization, and stabilize microfilaments in living cells.
  • The discovery has significant implications for cancer treatment, with the peptides offering a new avenue for research and potential treatment options.
  • The patent application was filed on October 20, 2004, and the full-text of the patent can be found on the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office website.
  • The researchers involved in this discovery include Heike Sederoff, Steven C. Huber, and Carolyn A. Larabell.

Statistics:

  • Patent number: 8,039,438
  • Date of patent filing: October 20, 2004
  • Peptides described in the patent: synthetic peptides derived from sucrose synthase, with homology to actin and actin-related proteins
  • Number of researchers involved in the discovery: at least 3 (Heike Sederoff, Steven C. Huber, and Carolyn A. Larabell)

Sources:

  • U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (patent 8,039,438)
  • Patent application filed on October 20, 2004 (US20040257859A1)
  • Additional sources not provided in the original text