TITLE: A Small Molecule Activator for MRTF-A Dependent Gene Expression Promotes
Myofibroblast Differentiation and Wound Healing.
INVENTORS: Eric Olson and Eric Small
TECHNOLOGY: Biologicals
UTSD: 2716
SUMMARY:
The inventors previously reported that myocardin-related transcription factor
(MRTF)-A promotes differentiation of cardiac fibroblast to a myfibroblast
phenotype and production of stress fibers. MRTF-A also stimulates fibroflast
contractility, while MRTF-R null fibroblasts fail to induce the smooth muscle
cell contractile program in response to stress signals. Deletion of MRTF-A in
mice attenuates myofibroblast responses following cardiac injury and
reduces cardiac fibrosis and scarring. Using dermal fibroblast differentiation
as an experimental model, isoxazole ring-containing small molecules are
shown here as stimulators of MRTF-A activity and myofibroblast
differentiation. They promote granulation tissue formation and wound
closure, suggesting that targeting MRTFs pharmacologically may prove
useful in treating diseases associated with inappropriate myofibroblast
activity.
Please contact the Office for Technology Development for more details:
Phone: 214-648-1888
Email: TechnologyDevelopment@utsouthwestern.edu
Please reference UT Southwestern Case Number: 2716