Method of targeting conjugate molecules to mitochondria
AssigneeMitoKor
InventorsCorinna Herrnstadt, William Davis Parker
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention relates to genetic mutations in mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase genes that segregate with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The invention provides methods for detecting such mutations, as a diagnostic for Alzheimer's Disease, either before or after the onset of clinical symptoms. The invention further provides treatment of cytochrome c oxidase dysfunction.
Claims29
A method for selectively accumulating a mitochondrial disabling or destructive amount of a conjugate molecule in mitochondria having defective cytochrome c oxidase activity comprising:
- (a) providing a conjugate molecule comprising a targeting molecule conjugated to a toxin, wherein said targeting molecule selected accumulates in mitochondria having defective cytochrome c oxidase activity;
- and
- (b) contacting mitochondria with said conjugate molecule, wherein said mitochondria having defective cytochrome c oxidase activity accumulate a disabling or destructive amount of said conjugate molecule.
A method for selectively accumulating a mitochondrial disabling or destructive amount of a conjugate molecule in mitochondria having defective cytochrome c oxidase activity comprising:
- (a) providing a conjugate molecule comprising a targeting molecule conjugated to a toxin, wherein said targeting molecule is a lipophilic cation selected from the group consisting of acridine orange, acridine orange derivatives, JC-1 and JC-1 derivatives;
- and
- (b) contacting mitochondria with said conjugate molecule, wherein said mitochondria having defective cytochrome c oxidase activity accumulate a disabling or destructive amount of said conjugate molecule.
A method for selectively accumulating a mitochondrial disabling or destructive amount of a conjugate molecule in mitochondria having defective cytochrome c oxidase activity comprising:
- (a) providing a conjugate molecule comprising a targeting molecule conjugated to a toxin, wherein said targeting molecule is selected from the group consisting of rhodamine 123 and derivatives of rhodamine 123;
- and
- (b) contacting mitochondria with said conjugate molecule, wherein said mitochondria having defective cytochrome c oxidase activity accumulate a disabling or destructive amount of said conjugate molecule.
A method for selectively accumulating a conjugate molecule in mitochondria displaying increased transmembrane potential comprising:
- (a) providing a conjugate molecule comprising a targeting( molecule conjugated to a toxin, wherein said targeting molecule is JC-1 or a JC-1 derivative;
- and
- (b) contacting mitochondria with said conjugate molecule.
A method for selectively accumulating a conjugate molecule in mitochondria, wherein the accumulation of said conjugate molecule is independent of the transmembrane potential, comprising:
- (a) providing a conjugate molecule comprising a targeting molecule conjugated to a toxin, wherein said targeting molecule is acridine orange or an acridine orange derivative;
- and
- (b) contacting mitochondria with said conjugate molecule.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.