This technology includes the generation and use of human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines that can be used to study and screen potential therapeutics for lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs). LSDs are a group of 50 genetic disorders caused by mutations in the genes encoding lysosomal enzymes and proteins. Although various therapeutic approaches exist, most cases of LSDs are not effectively treated due to a lack of therapeutics (including stem cells and recombinant proteins).

This technology includes the use of novel lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) inhibitors, including WO2018005807A1, for the treatment of primary hyperoxalurias (PHs). PHs are rare autosomal recessive disorders caused by overproduction of oxalate, leading to recurrent calcium oxalate kidney stone disease, and in some cases end-stage renal disease. One potential strategy to treat PHs is to reduce the production of oxalate by diminishing the activity of LDH, the proposed key enzyme responsible for converting glyoxylate to oxalate.

This technology includes the use of a novel formulation for an engineered version of Fibroblast Growth Factor 1 (FGF1), TTHX1114, that can be used to accelerate regeneration of the corneal endothelium after surgical lesions. FGFs are well-established regulators of migration and proliferation of corneal endothelial cells (CECs).

This technology includes a chemical series, including the NCGC00538279 compound, that selectively activates the GHSR1a G-protein pathway for calcium mobilization while only partially activating the beta-arrestin-2 translocation pathway. The resulting chemical series may be therapeutically valuable for addictive disorders. Activation of the GHSR1a G-protein pathway promotes production and secretion of multiple hormones, including insulin, growth hormone, and IGF1. Activation of the beta-arrestin-2 pathway stimulates dopamine production and may mediate addictive behaviors.

This technology includes a novel computational algorithm and software implementation to map and display biological pathways and their relationship on the surface of a globe in a three-dimensional space. Currently, biological pathways and genes are represented as two-dimensional networks, which is not effective for displaying complicated relationships between pathways and genes.

This technology includes the identification and use of novel ACRV1/ALK2 inhibitors for the treatment of fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), an autosomal-dominant rare disease that affects one person in every 1-2 million. FOP is characterized by malformation of the great (big) toes during embryonic development and by progressive heterotopic endochondral ossification (HEO) postnatally, which leads to the formation of a second skeleton of heterotopic bone.

This technology includes the discovery and use of novel selective 12-LO (lipoxygenase) inhibitors, 4-((2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzyl)amino)benzenesulfonamide derivatives, for attenuating large clots and for the treatment of Type 1/2 diabetes. A 12-LO inhibitor could be a potent intracellular approach to block platelets from forming large clots in response to vessel injury or activation of the coagulation pathway, either due to diabetes and/or cardiovascular disease. Blocking clot formation can significantly decrease the occurrence of myocardial infarction and death.

Isolated Methylmalonic Acidemia (MMA) comprises a relatively common and heterogeneous group of inborn errors of metabolism. Most affected individuals display severe multisystemic disease characterized by metabolic instability, chronic renal disease, and neurological complications. Patients with the cobalamin A (cblA) subtype of MMA can have variable presentations, spanning the full spectrum of MMA associated symptoms and pathology, yet always harbor an element of clinical and biochemical responsiveness to injectable vitamin B12.

Isolated Methylmalonic Acidemia (MMA) and the related disorder Propionic Acidemia (PA) comprise a relatively common and heterogeneous group of inborn errors of metabolism. NHGRI scientist discovered that in isolated MMA, a novel inhibitory PTM, methylmalonyllysine, is generated and inactivates protein targets through the failure of SIRT-mediated deacylation, and identified a series of antibodies for PTM specificity.

Cobalamin C deficiency (cblC), caused by mutations in MMACHC, is the most common inborn error of intracellular vitamin B12 metabolism. NHGRI scientist have generated a number of Mmachc knockout mouse models. The cblC mice present with early lethality, recapitulate the neurological phenotype seen in patients, and have enabled proof of concept testing with traditional hydroxocobalamin formulations and doses. The scientist have also developed a novel combination of hydroxo- and methylcobalamin, having superior performance to traditional hydroxocobalamin only treatment.