Inhibitors of Keap1-Nrf2 PPI for ulcerative colitis

Inventor (s): Longqin Hu

Date Awarded: December 2012

Summary:

Nrf2 is a transcription factor that has anti-inflammatory properties and protects cells from oxidative stress. However, Nrf2 is suppressed in cells by the Keap1 protein. The direct inhibitors we work on uniquely target the protein-protein interaction between Keap1 and Nrf2, a critical point in cell’s own Keap1-Nrf2-ARE pathway to counter the effects of oxidative stress and inflammation.  These small molecules could potentially be developed into chemopreventive and therapeutic agents for the prevention and treatment of a variety of diseases and conditions including ulcerative colitis.

Market applications:

• Therapeutics for ulcerative colitis and other inflammatory diseases