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Anti-Atherosclerosis Agents Targeting Sphingosine Kinase

Award Information
Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Branch: National Institutes of Health
Contract: 1R43HL083765-01A1
Agency Tracking Number: HL083765
Amount: $219,476.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N/A
Solicitation Number: PHS2006-2
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2006
Award Year: 2006
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
PO BOX 916
HERSHEY, PA 17033
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 LYNN MAINES
 () -
Business Contact
 CHARLES SMITH
Phone: (843) 792-3420
Email: cdsmith@apogee-biotech.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Principal Investigator/Program Director: French, Kevin J. Abstract: The long-term goal of this program is to develop inhibitors of human sphingosine kinase (SK) that are effective as therapeutic agents. Because of its critical role in sphingolipid metabolism, we have focused on SK as an innovative molecular target for the development of new drugs for the treatment of atherosclerosis. Sphingolipids are being increasingly recognized as key mediators of cell proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation. In particular, SK is a critical regulator of vascular smooth muscle, endothelial cells, and inflammatory cells that are of central importance in atherosclerosis. Therefore, we hypothesize that SK is a key molecular target for the development of new anti-atherosclerotic drugs. In spite of accumulating evidence for a pivotal role of SK in the regulation of vascular inflammatory processes, pharmacological inhibition of SK is an untested means of preventing and/or treating atherosclerosis. This is largely due to the heretofore lack of pharmacologically useful SK inhibitors. To overcome this problem, we have recently identified novel inhibitors of human SK. These compounds are more potent than any other known SK inhibitor, and do not compete for the ATP binding site of the enzyme. We hypothesize that these SK inhibitors can be used to attenuate the atherosclerotic process, and will conduct the following proof-of-principle studies during Phase I of this project: 1). To determine the in vitro effects of these SK inhibitors on signaling cascades that contribute to atherosclerosis. Each SK inhibitor will be tested in several mechanism-based assays including: proliferation, apoptosis, sphingosine 1-phosphate generation, and induction of adhesion molecules. 2). To evaluate the therapeutic efficacies of SK inhibitors in a rodent model of atherosclerosis. The apoE-deficient mouse will be used as a model for atherosclerosis. Each SK inhibitor will be tested for efficacy in reducing aortic lesions, and effects on circulating inflammatory cytokines and sphingolipids.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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