Methods and Compositions for Inhibiting Mitochondrial Trafficking
AssigneeThe Wistar Institute of Anatomy and Biology
InventorsDario C. Altieri, Maria Cecilia Caino
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods for reducing, inhibiting or preventing cancer metastasis comprise blocking the movement of mitochondria within a cancer cell. Other methods involve interrupting or preventing oxidative phosphorylation pathways or respiration pathways in the cancer cell. In one embodiment, mitochondrial movement is induced by contact of the cell with PI3K inhibitors or antagonists. Methods for treating cancer involve a regimen of treating a subject with a PI3K inhibitor or antagonist and treating the subject with a composition that blocks the movement of mitochondria within the subject's cells.
Claims20
A method of reducing, inhibiting or preventing cancer metastasis comprising blocking movement of mitochondria within the cancer cell.
A method of improving therapeutic outcome in a cancer patient receiving PI3K inhibitors or antagonists comprising administering to said patient a composition or regimen that blocks oxidative phosphorylation or respiration of the cell.
A method of screening molecules comprising:
- a. contacting a mammalian cancer or tumor cell culture demonstrating mitochondrial trafficking with a test molecule;
- b. culturing the cell and examining same for movement of mitochondria;
- and
- c. measuring the oxidative phosphorylation of an AKT pathway, an mTOR pathway or a FAK pathway or respiration of the cell;
- wherein a decrease or inhibition in mitochondrial trafficking, oxidative phosphorylation or respiration within the cell indicates that the test molecule has an anti-cancer or anti-tumor effect and
- wherein the detection of, or increase in, mitochondrial trafficking, or increase in oxidative phosphorylation or respiration of certain pathways within the cell indicates that the test molecule has a carcinogenic, metastatic, or tumorigenic effect.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.