Download presentation
Presentation is loading. Please wait.
Published byAlexia Watson Modified over 9 years ago
1
ECM signaling as a druggable target for tumor therapy Rolf A. Brekken, PhD Rock Star Science for Nucleating Newcos Texas FreshAIR 2014 Venture Forum October 24, 2014
2
Scientific Concept Tumors develop and progress in the context of the ECM Tumor cells use the ECM as a survival signal and as a signal that drives progression Collagen is an abundant protein in the ECM of tumors – decreases the efficacy of chemotherapy – drives tumor progression – Signals through DDRs
3
Scientific Concept Fibrillar collagens (e.g., collagen I) bind to discoidin domain receptors (DDRs) DDRs are RTKs implicated in cell survival, proliferation and migration DDR1, typically expressed by epithelial cells, is the focus of the project. DDRs are expressed broadly and bind GVMGFO collagen sequence Coincident with DDRs and collagen deposition is the expression of SPARC SPARC binds to GVMGFO on fibrillar collagens
4
Scientific Concept SPARC and DDR1 compete for collagen Absence of SPARC correlates with increased DDR1 activation and worse survival Von Hoff, et al 2011 LSL-Kras G12D : Ink4aArf lox/lox : p48 Cre/+ Suggests that DDR1 is a therapeutic target
5
Business Proposition Targeted inhibition of collagen-induced DDR1 activity in tumor cells with a novel small molecule:7rh – Ready for lead optimization – Target tumors with high collagen, low SPARC and active DDR1 signaling
6
Major Indication Stromal rich tumors – GI, breast are primary indications Preclinical work has been done in models of pancreatic cancer – Stromal rich – chemoresistant Expectation is that DDR1 inhibition will be applicable to multiple tumor types – Collagen is expressed broadly in various cancers
7
Patent Status Provisional patents have been filed by UTSW
8
Key Data – primary project Targeted inhibition of collagen signaling 7rh blocks collagen-DDR1 interaction and reduces DDR1 signaling
9
7rh Enhances Sensitivity to Gemcitabine ASPC-1PANC-1 Key Data – primary project
10
Targeted inhibition of collagen signaling Blockade of collagen signaling enhances the efficacy of chemotherapy in orthotopic pancreatic tumors Active DDR1 Active PEAK1 Control 7rh WT mice SPARC -/- mice Toxicity None detected at therapeutic dosing levels with 7rh as a single agent or in combo with chemo 7rh
11
People Collagen signaling – Kristina Aguilera, Brekken lab UTSW – Ke Ding, PhD, GIBH Tuevol Therapeutics – David Foster, David@tuevol.comDavid@tuevol.com
Similar presentations
© 2025 SlidePlayer.com. Inc.
All rights reserved.