mrc

iCLIP is an in vivo method that can be used to study protein-RNA interactions, enabling the precise identification of the RNA nucleotides involved in protein binding. The method is distinct from other CLIP methods in that it employs an innovative method to prepare cDNA libraries, resulting in precise protein-RNA cross-link site determination, Opportunity 391

Novel small molecule inhibitors of PfCDPK1, a novel, validated malarial kinase target. The lead compounds show low nanomolar potency in enzyme and parasite growth assays with good kinase selectivity profiles and ADMET properties. Preliminary data indicate efficacy in vivo. A set of relevant in vitro and cell-based assays are also available. Opportunity 327

Landmark research by a Medical Research Council scientist who has discovered an intracellular immune system whereby antibodies can fight viruses from within infected cells. These findings represent an entirely new system of broad-spectrum immunity which may be exploited for the development of new anti-virals. Opportunity 375

Deep brain stimulation is a growing technique used in the treatment of tremor and dystonia and associated neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. It requires the stimulation of specific neural centres within the brain which must be placed accurately to have therapeutic effect and avoid potentially damage side effects. Methods are required to minimize the amount of surgery required in deep brain stimulation procedures and improve the therapeutic efficacy of the technique. MRC Scientists have developed a novel patented technique to allow unambiguous identification of neural centres in one surgical step. Opportunity 284

A unique set of tools are provided with a patent position allowing development of further assays and models to characterise regulation by methylation and agents proposed to disrupt methylation processes. MRC researchers have shown that a very limited set of genes critically rely on de novo methylation of their CpG island promoters by Dnmt3b to initiate and maintaining gene silencing during development and in differentiating ES cells. Such gene promoters are not marked by repressive histone modifications and are activated by ubiquitous transcription factors when unmethylated, consistent with DNA methylation being the primary and causal mechanism of directing gene silencing. The data demonstrates for the first time a causal role for DNA methylation in regulating germline restricted genes but argues against a general function for MeCPs in implementing methylation dependent repression. With this information and the gene promoters for genes subject to this regulation we have constructed a set of tools that allow the analysis of genes that are subject to epigenetic control only through de novo methylation. Opportunity 470

This opportunity covers use of recombinant MSP1 and fragments for the development of malaria vaccines and diagnostic tests for detection of the malaria parasite in blood. Opportunity 256

A series of kisspeptin peptide antagonists capable of suppressing GnRH and therefore steroid hormones. These can be useful in treating conditions such as prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, endometriosis and uterine fibroids. The peptides may also have the potential to treat precocious puberty and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Kisspeptin is the ligand for GPCR54. It has a central role in control of GnRH secretion and therefore presents a new mode of action in the control of hormone dependant diseases. This series of peptides has demonstrated efficacy in various animal models reducing GnRH secretion, LH and testosterone secretion. Moreover, his is achieved by peripheral delivery of the peptides. Thus, these peptides could form the basis of new therapeutics in hormone dependant diseases. Opportunity 459

The kinase LRRK2 is important in Parkinson’s Disease research and drug discovery. Scientists at the MRC Protein Phosphorylation Unit have developed assays which are useful in researching the activity and function of LRRK2, and in screening for LRRK2 inhibitors. Opportunity 452

The invention relates to a single-stranded DNA binding protein (SSB) which has been modified in order to attach a fluorescent label which results in an increase in fluorescence in the presence of single-stranded DNA. The formation and maintenance of ssDNA is an important part of many biological processes including, for example, DNA repair and DNA replication. Methods to assay for the ssDNA product generated by, for example, DNA repair enzymes, helicases and polymerases are therefore of great importance in the study of these enzymatic reactions, both to understand mechanisms of action and to develop inhibitors for therapeutic intervention. Opportunity 267

Scientists at the Medical Research Council (MRC) Laboratories of Human Nutrition Research in Cambridge have developed novel oxygen sensors for use in product packaging for storing products under oxygen free conditions. Opportunity 440

rSP-D is a novel biological entity with enormous potential as a therapeutic for inflammatory respiratory diseases. It is a recombinant fragment of human surfactant protein D (SP-D) that is readily produced using E. coli. Opportunity 240

Organ fibrosis is a multi-billion dollar market of growing interest for the pharmaceutical industry. Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is implicated in fibrosis of the heart, lung, liver and kidney, but traditional inhibitors act across the entire transglutaminase family with undesirable side effects. No subtype-specific inhibitor has been developed. We have a potential first-in-class humanized antibody that specifically inhibits the activity of TG2 in vitro and in cellular assays, and will be taking into animal models of kidney and lung fibrosis in the coming months. Opportunity 472

New polymorphisms in a gene panel that explain susceptibility to Paget’s disease of bone (PDB) have been identified. The discovery should provide a test for patient groups at risk of developing the disease, and therefore provide for early intervention in a disease that affects up to 2% of individuals of European ancestry aged 55 and above. Opportunity 373

Wound healing is a complex and dynamic process and there is an increasing requirement for medicaments that promote wound healing particularly in chronic wounds. The proposed therapeutic would have applications in both chronic wounds and in healing serious acute wounds such as post-operative healing and burns. The intervention and medicament is defined based on the combination of GMCSF (such as Sargramostim) and PGE, or an agonist thereof (such as dinoprostone), which has not been previously suggested as a therapy. The inventor has demonstrated that this combination has a synergistic effect and results in quicker wound healing. The proposed therapy has particular effect in early stages of wound healing. An in vivo model demonstrated a significant difference in wound healing which was improved by day three compared to either compound alone or no treatment. This has been shown to result from the increased expression of chemokines, induced by the combination therapy, that are known to be involved in later stages of wound healing. This combination therapy would be amenable to application both in topical formulations and incorporation into dressing, bandaging and sealants. Opportunity 331

GnRH receptor expression has been recognised as a key component of auto-regulation of cell proliferation in a number of tumours. Researchers at the MRC have developed an assay and peptides capable of distinguishing between GnRH receptor signalling in normal and tumour cells. This then provides for a method to develop GnRH receptor ligands capable of suppressing tumour growth in tumours expressing GnRH while leaving normal signalling in tact. Further, a series of GnRH peptide analogues capable of selectively inhibiting GnRH signalling in tumour cells while not significantly activating unrelated transduction signals is provided. Novel GnRH receptor targeted ligands capable of suppressing growth in such tumours would contribute to the potential for treatment a number of hormone dependant cancers either alone or as adjuvant therapies. For instance, 50% of breast cancers and 80% of ovarian and endometrial tumours express GnRH receptor. This then represents an opportunity to introduce a therapy based on a new mode of action. Opportunity 458

MRC-funded scientists in the Babylab at the Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development in London have developed novel computer-based games for use in cognitive training for babies and toddlers. In controlled tests, a short training period led to significant improvements in infants’ concentration skills. Opportunity 467

An emulsion based technique (“High throughput screening in emulsions”) for selection of polymerases exhibiting desired characteristics. The method can be adapted to select polymerases under various conditions, to meet the constant need for new enzymes with different properties from the wild type. Selected polymerases developed by the method are also available for licensing. Opportunity 243

Rodent antibodies against CCR2 that markedly improved established disease in multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis animal models have been raised, and are now being humanised by MRC Technology. This novel approach to a well-characterised target uses IgG1 antibodies to CCR2 to deplete inflammatory monocytes without blocking CCR2 signalling, thus avoiding potential pro-inflammatory effects. Opportunity 333

A modular platform of stacking rotatable wheels with multiple slots for high-throughput independent imaging of live specimens Opportunity 484

In vitro compartmentalization (IVC) is an emulsion based technology that generates cell-like compartments in vitro. These compartments are designed such that each contains no more than one gene. When the gene is transcribed and/or translated, its products (RNAs and/or proteins) become ‘trapped’ with the encoding gene inside the compartment. By coupling the genotype (DNA) and phenotype (RNA, protein), compartmentalization allows the selection and evolution of phenotype. Opportunity 246

A novel paraxial charge compensator that overcomes or mitigates problems associated with beam-induced positive charge build up and specimen degradation in order to improve the quality of TEM images. Opportunity 263

A novel mouse model of inducible bacterial infection of the middle ear (otitis media) for preclinical testing. The Junbo mouse is specifically predisposed to otitis media and the middle ear can be efficiently infected with human otopathogens by intranasal challenge. The model is suitable for high throughput antibiotic and vaccine research. Opportunity 483

Amiloride, a known drug used for the treatment of hypertension for forty years, has been shown to decrease the progress of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) disease progression in mice. It appears that amiloride resolves the neurodegenerative phase of MS, whereas existing drugs only target the initial inflammatory phase. Opportunity 277

Scientists at MRC’s National Institute for Medical Research have developed a reagentless protein-based biosensor for the detection of ADP, useful in the study of reactions catalysed by ATPases and kinases to understand mechanism of action and develop inhibitors for therapeutic intervention. Opportunity 447

Scientists at the Medical Research Council (MRC) Laboratories of Human Nutrition Research in Cambridge have developed a novel platform technology that allows the physicochemical characteristics of minerals to be tailored to optimize them for a variety of biological applications including use in antiperspirants. Opportunity 434

There is a major need for spinal injury therapeutics, as adult nervous tissue regenerates only poorly or not at all following injury or disease. This invention provides a peptide therapeutic approach for the treatment of spinal cord injury by inhibiting Nogo signalling to promote neurite outgrowth and regeneration of the CNS by extracellular phosphorylation of the Nogo receptor. Opportunity 270

Scientists at the Medical Research Council’s (MRC) Laboratory for Molecular Biology in Cambridge have developed a range of novel research tools for profiling deubiquitinases including DUB assays based on physiological di-ubiquitin substrates with vastly improved properties over commonly used methods and engineered E2 ubiquitin conjugating enzymes with increased efficiency of ubiquitin polymerisation. Our novel assay technologies which are based on fluorescence anisotropy and FRET are applicable for high-through-put screening and can expedite drug discovery for DUBs and other proteins involved in ubiquitination. Opportunity 450

A robust and simple PCR-based method for measuring gene copy number. Genetic copy number variations (CNV) are often associated with genetic disorders, degenerative diseases and cancer, and the method has applications in personalised treatment of cancer, diagnosis of genetic disease and fertility treatment. Opportunity 245

A novel affinity technology that can efficiently staple together, capture or immobilise multiple proteins, useful as a platform technology with a vast number of potential applications including use as a research tool, as part of a diagnostic platform or for in vivo drug delivery. Opportunity 306