Product name
Gene silencing of viruses (HIV) and in cancer by short doublestranded DNA from University Zurich, MPI BerlinSummary
siDNA is able to induce HIV committing suicideOrganization name
Universität Zurich, MPI für Molekulare Genetik BerlinProfile
Challenge
Gene silencing is a mechanism to control gene expression by small sequencespecific nucleic acids, such as antisense or siRNA. We developed a novel approach by using a hairpin loop DNA for targeting RNA, which could be called siDNA. With this approach we are inactivating viral and cellular genes involved in cancer. We are inducing HIV to commit suicide by a short DNA. This happens before or early during infection and prevents viral replication. Applications envisaged are prevention of sexual transmission, of mother-to-child transmission, the main two routes of viral spread, and therapy of resistant viruses.
Technology
We are using short, partially double-stranded DNA for induction of HIV suicide before infection. The DNA enters the virus particle and the cell and prevents viral replication. The activated enzyme is the RNase H, one of the 4 enzymes of HIV, the only one not yet targeted by therapy, which I discovered several years ago. We have shown that the viral load in the blood is reduced in a few hours and disease progression reduced or completely prevented in a mouse retrovirus model ( See Ref.). HIV from 30 infected individuals from Zurich and Africa was treated once ex vivo and showed in primary material a reduction of the viral RNA levels, which was more than 1000fold in 33% of the cases. Also a retrovirus treatment in the mouse vagina showed a significant reduction of virus load. The approach is under investigation for other viruses and cancer. Since we are mimicking a natural step of the virus prematurely, there is no selective pressure for mutations.
Developmental Status
For HIV no more animal studies required. Preclinical studies are sufficient to proceed with clinical trials. Toxicology studies, GMP material are required. Platform technology with other applications under investigation.
Commercial Opportunity
In-licensing or collaboration partnership for development into a therapy.
Patent Situation
One patent issued in the USA, others pending.
Contact
University of Zurich and MPI f. MolGen, Berlin
Prof. Dr. Karin Moelling
moelling(at)immv.uzh.ch
About ETH Zurich
ETH Zurich is a science and technology university with an outstanding research record. ETH Zurich is the study, research and work place of 18,000 people from 80 nations. About 350 professors in 16 departments teach mainly in the engineering sciences and architecture, system-oriented sciences, mathematics and natural sciences areas and carry out research that is highly valued worldwide. As an internationally oriented institution of higher education and a nationally grounded one this forward-looking task is fulfilled in service to the Swiss nation. Twenty-one Nobel Laureates are connected with ETH Zurich. Maintaining and developing its top standing in the international competition among top universities is an important task of ETH Zurich.
Description File
Gene_silencing_of_viruses.pdf
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