The UBE2G2 Binding Domain in the Ubiquitin Ligase GP78 and Methods of Use Thereof

Abstract:

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. The primary cause of mortality from cancer is metastasis. While the underlying mechanisms of cancer metastasis are still being unraveled, the gp78 protein involved in ER-associated degradation (ERAD) appears to play a role in metastasis in sarcoma. Targeting gp78 may be a therapeutic option in cancer treatment.

The prometastatic activity of ERAD requires the E3 ubiquitin ligase activity of gp78. Gp78 targets the transmembrane metastasis suppressor, KAI1, for degradation. Suppression of gp78 results in the accumulation of KAI1 and a reduced metastatic potency of sarcoma cells.

Regulating gp78 presents a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of sarcomas. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is seeking statements of capability or interest from parties interested in licensing or in collaborative research to co-develop technologies that disrupt gp78 activity and/or ERAD activity for the treatment of cancer.

Competitive Advantages:

• The G2BR is the only reagent specific for targeting the endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation E2, Ube2G2

Commercial Applications:

• Targeted therapies for sarcomas, melanoma, breast cancer, myeloma and other solid tumors and leukemias
• Reducing activation of SREBP pathway for lipid and cholesterol synthesis
• Reducing degradation and improving maturation of cell surface or secreted proteins
• Developing a method to identify more robust gp78 inhibitors