TITLE: Autophagy-Inducing Peptide Analogues
INVENTORS: Beth Levine
TECHNOLOGY:
UTSD: 2655
SUMMARY: This invention is a cell permeable peptide that comprises a fragment of the
autophagy protein, Beclin 1, which functions as a potent inducer of autophagy both in vitro and
in vivo. This peptide, or chemical compounds that mimic its action, is shorter and more active
than the original peptide previously described. It has the potential to be useful in treating a
broad range of diseases where the upregulation of autophagy is thought to be therapeutically
beneficial (including infection with intracellular pathogens, neurodegenerative diseases, certain
cancers, certain forms of cardiomyopathy), and/or in the prevention of aging. This peptide is
expected to a have much higher level of specificity and potency and is more likely to be
succeeded as effective therapeutic agents for a wide range of human diseases.
Please contact the Office for Technology Development for more details:
Phone: 214-648-1888
Email: TechnologyDevelopment@utsouthwestern.edu
Please reference UT Southwestern Case Number: 2655