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Technology Transfer Center. The National Institutes of Health ... Turning Discovery Into Health
Technology Transfer Center of the National Cancer Institute

Biomarkers For Birt-Hogg-Dube (BHD) Syndrome And Renal Cancer

E-213-2008

Background:
The National Cancer Institute's Urologic Oncology Branch is seeking statements of capability or interest from parties interested in collaborative research to further develop, evaluate, or commercialize detection methods to screen a biomarker for renal cancer. 

Technology:
Birt-Hogg-Dube' (BHD) syndrome is a potentially disfiguring  dermatologic disorder associated with an increased risk for developing renal cancer, spontaneous pneumothorax and lung cysts. This invention describes the identification and characterization of a FNIP1 homolog, folliculin-interacting protein 2 (FNIP2), that interacts with folliculin.  Folliculin is the protein encoded by the FLCN gene, which is responsible for the Birt-Hogg-Dube (BHD) syndrome.  Folliculin interacts with AMPK, an important energy sensor in cells and negative regulator of mTOR, through its binding partners FNIP1 and FNIP2, suggesting FNIP2 may play a role in sensing cellular energy deficit.  Importantly, FNIP2 expression was elevated in renal tumors seen in BDH patients.  This finding suggests that FNIP2 may serve as a biomarker for BHD.  Additionally, this technology could facilitate the development of therapeutic drugs to treat the skin lesions and renal tumors that develop in BHD patients.

Further R&D Needed:


  • Determine the mechanism by which folliculin in complex with FNIP2 performs a biological function in the normal cell
  • Determine whether BHD mutations interfere with the formation of the complex
  • Analyze the pathways within the folliculin/FNIP2 complex to enable targeting by intervention drugs

R&D Status: Pre-clinical development

IP Status:  This invention is classified as a Research Tool, and patent protection is not being sought pursuant to NIH patent policy.  

Value Proposition:


  • Potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of Birt-Hogg-Dube'''' (BHD) syndrome
  • Potential diagnostics for renal cancer
  • Ability to develop topical creams and therapeutics for BHD-related skins lesions and renal tumors

   
Contact Information:
John D. Hewes, Ph.D.
NCI Technology Transfer Center
Tel: 301-435-3121
Email: hewesj@mail.nih.gov

Please reference advertisement #757
Last updated 2/9/2012

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