Decelerator Technology
A novel mechanism for combatting cancer metastases and fibrosis
While at an earlier stage of development than its cell motility accelerator program, MicroCures believes that its cell motility decelerator program has significant potential to offer a unique, natural approach to preventing cancer metastases and fibrosis.
The company’s work in this area is focused on silencing the activity of the key microtubule regulatory proteins (MRPs) kinesin-like protein KlF19 and centrosomal protein Cep192. Each of these MRPs has been demonstrated to contribute to cellular activity that is believed to influence the movement of cancer cells, as well as the development of fibrosis.
When decelerator targets are inhibited, cell migration is limited as compared to normal conditions. This video demonstrates this activity with small cell lung cancer tumor cell spheroids.
“The depletion of Cep192 negatively impacts cell motility and alters normal cell polarization.”
Conclusion from preclinical study conducted by researchers, including Dr. David Sharp, MicroCures’ founder and CSO
Putting the Brakes on Disease
This potential to limit cell movement by silencing KIF19 and/or Cep192 offers a compelling approach for MicroCures’ scientists to develop novel siRNA-based treatments. As such, the company is currently conducting early-stage studies with the intent of developing KlF19 and Cep192 inhibitors to combat cancer metastasis and fibrosis.