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US 6,867,197 B1Granted
Method of targeting conjugate molecules to mitochondria
AssigneeMitoKor
InventorsRobert E. Davis, Soumitra S. Ghosh, John S. Kiely
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.
Claims28
A conjugate capable of disabling or destroying a mitochondrion, comprising:
- a targeting molecule conjugated to a toxin, wherein the targeting molecule selectively accumulates in a mitochondrion that is selected from the group consisting of (i) a mitochondrion having increased intramitochondrial membrane potential relative to a mitochondrion with intact cytochrome c oxidase activity and (ii) a mitochondrion having an increased level of cardiolipin relative to a mitochondrion with intact cytochrome c oxidase activity.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.