Progenitor Announces Discovery of Novel Gene Associated With Cardiovascular Disease and Angiogenesis
MENLO PARK, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--March 30, 1998--Progenitor, Inc. (NASDAQ:PGEN - news; NASDAQ:PGENW - news) today announced the discovery of a novel gene, C18, belonging to a family of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) genes.
Known LPLs, produced primarily by fat and muscle cells, metabolize the fat component of circulating low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) and related fat-binding proteins. Progenitor is evaluating the potential of C18 for development of new treatments for cardiovascular disease.
C18 is the first LPL found to be produced by endothelial cells. These specialized cells line the circulatory system and modulate blood pressure, immune function and inflammation. Damaged or abnormally functioning endothelial cells may contribute to hypertension, atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular disorders.
Endothelial cells divide and differentiate to form new blood vessels in response to damage or disease, a process called angiogenesis. C18 gene expression is specifically associated with actively differentiating endothelial cells. Thus, this gene may provide new insights for development of treatments for atherosclerosis, restenosis and other cardiovascular disorders involving damage and activation of endothelial cells.
Progenitor researchers are studying C18 gene expression in diseased cardiovascular tissues to evaluate the potential involvement of this novel LPL. The company also is evaluating C18 gene polymorphisms (variations) in patient DNA for associations with inherited disorders of fat metabolism and related cardiovascular diseases. Progenitor recently initiated a broad collaboration with Cambridge Antibody Technology plc, which includes joint programs for functional evaluation and target validation of C18 and del-1, an angiogenesis gene previously discovered by Progenitor.
''The C18 discovery is further evidence of the power and efficiency of our angiogenesis genomics program in isolating genes that provide a new understanding of the multiple functions of endothelial cells,'' said H. Ralph Snodgrass, Ph.D., Vice President, Research and Chief Scientific Officer. ''These genes may open new opportunities for predisposition testing and therapeutics for cardiovascular disease, cancer and other disorders in which endothelial cells play a central role.''
C18 was co-discovered by researchers at Progenitor and Vanderbilt University. The two organizations have filed a joint U.S. patent application relating to the novel gene and the LPL it encodes, antibodies to C18 LPL, and methods for diagnosing and treating cardiovascular and other disorders based on C18 gene expression. Progenitor has obtained an exclusive worldwide license to Vanderbilt's commercial rights under this patent application, in exchange for certain late-stage milestone and royalty payments on products that may be developed.
Progenitor discovers and develops genomic leads and targets for new pharmaceuticals using a unique technology platform that combines developmental biology and disease genetics to identify, characterize and utilize key genes responsible for health or disease. Progenitor's genomic discoveries provide multiple product opportunities which the company pursues through a combination of partnerships, licenses and retained rights for internal product development programs.
Except for the descriptions of historical facts contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties as detailed from time to time in Progenitor's SEC filings under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, including the early stage of development of Progenitor's technology; need for additional funds; patent, regulatory and competitive risks; dependence on third parties; product liability; and other risks.
Contact:
Progenitor, Inc.
H. Ralph Snodgrass, Ph.D., 650/614-7058
Mark N.K. Bagnall, 650/614-7057
|
