Tolypodiol and analog expression in Anabaena sp. for use as an anti-inflammatory agents
Background
Cyanobacteria are tremendous producers of biologically active natural products, including the potent anti-inflammatory compound tolypodiol. Biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) are sets of genes which participate in a specific metabolic pathway. When expressed in a microorganism, these BGCs can be used in the synthesis of various compounds, often pharmaceuticals. Tolypodiol is one of these compounds, a natural product obtained from cyanobacteria and an anti-inflammatory agent. Initial studies demonstrated that tolypodiol is as potent as hydrocortisone as an anti-inflammatory agent. However, due to its different chemical structure, it is anticipated that tolypodiol will lack the side effects of hydrocortisone and other corticosteroids.
Technology Description
This patent licensing and collaborative research opportunity is for a method to produce the anti-inflammatory compound tolypodiol and tolypodiol analogs (Figure 1) via the introduction of a BGC into the cyanobacteria Anabaena sp. This particular cyanobacterium is non-toxic and easy to grow, allowing for easy production of tolypodiol and tolypodiol analogs for use in anti-inflammatory and other pharmaceutical applications. This system has the ability to produce tolypodiol or analogs in quantities sufficient for biological testing or formulation. Genetic manipulation can also produce different tolypodiol analogs.
Figure 1
Further Details: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acschembio.3c00225
Features & Benefits
- Production in a non‑toxic, easy to grow cyanobacterium
- Production of Tolypodiol analogs
Applications
- Treatment of gut inflammation as a supplements
- Treatment of inflammatory bowel disease or related diseases
- Potential for the prevention of anti-cancer drug intestinal irritation
- Treatment of irritated or inflamed skin (e.g. atopic dermatitis)
Opportunity
Oregon State University is seeking a licensee or collaborative research to further validate and explore the potential applications of this technology.
Status
Provisional patent