Novel gene editing approach to increase BDNF expression for neurological diseases
Applications: Pharmaceuticals
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a key regulator of neuronal survival and synaptic function, and reduced BDNF signalling is implicated in a broad range of neurodegenerative and neurological indications, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS, and stroke.
This invention targets a specific uORF start codon in a brain-relevant BDNF isoform to generate modest increases in expression to levels that show efficacy in pre-clinical models, whilst maintaining the native cellular control.
Features
Benefits
Targets a brain relevant isoform of BDNF
Focussed editing for neurological conditions
Generates 1.5-3 fold increase in BDNF
Physiological levels of increase, reducing effects of over-expression
Editing does not alter native promoter, enhancers, and splicing
Ensures tissue specificity, and temporal and activity-dependent control
Specific base editing
Does not require delivery of large editing machinery