TITLE: A Method to Discover Molecules that Lower Cholesterol Levels in Human Cells
INVENTORS: Arun Radhakrishnan
TECHNOLOGY: Biologicals
UTSD: 2922
SUMMARY: The invention is a simple method to discover drug candidates that will lower
cholesterol levels in human cells. The method employs a bacterial toxin to identify molecules
that shut down the activation of sterol regulatory binding proteins (SREBPs), transcription
factors that are master regulators of lipid homeostasis in animals. Inhibition of SREBPs leads to
lower cholesterol levels in cells, and in whole animals. The method is compatible with all highthroughput strategies. It has already been utilized in pilot studies and has yielded promising lead
compounds.
Please contact the Office for Technology Development for more details:
Phone: 214-648-1888
Email: TechnologyDevelopment@utsouthwestern.edu
Please reference UT Southwestern Case Number: 2922