RdCVF2v Polypeptide for Retinal Neuroprotection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for neurodegenerative disorders, such as retinal degenerative diseases, lack effective trophic factors that can rescue and restore function to degenerating photoreceptors, highlighting a need for identifying and utilizing specific polypeptides with neuron rescue activity.

Innovation Solution

A new isoform of the Rod-derived Cone Viability Factor 2 polypeptide (RdCVF2v) is identified, comprising specific amino acid sequences that exhibit neuron rescue activity, along with nucleic acid molecules encoding these polypeptides and antibodies selectively binding to them, for the treatment and diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing trophic factors (RdCVF1, RdCVF2) are used for treating retinal degenerative disorders, then some trophic activity is achieved, but the neuron rescue activity is insufficient and does not effectively prevent photoreceptor death

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveneuron rescue activityVSAvoidphotoreceptor death
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent identifies a specific isoform (RdCVF2v) of the RdCVF2 polypeptide with a distinct amino acid sequence that differs from the previously characterized RdCVF2. This isoform exhibits enhanced neuron rescue activity and prevents photoreceptor death more effectively than existing trophic factors, suggesting that changes in the protein sequence parameters lead to improved biological activity and therapeutic efficacy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If more trophic factors are identified and developed for neurodegenerative disorders, then treatment effectiveness improves, but the complexity of treatment options and diagnostic requirements increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoidtreatment and diagnosis complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and characterizes a specific functional isoform (RdCVF2v) from the broader family of rod-derived cone viability factors. By isolating and defining this particular isoform with its specific amino acid sequence and neuron rescue activity, the invention simplifies the therapeutic approach compared to using multiple different trophic factors, thereby reducing treatment complexity while maintaining effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS8779093B2Neuronal viability factor and use thereof
Publication Date: 2014.07.15 INST NAT DE LA SANTE & DE LA RECHERCHE MEDICALE (INSERM)

AI summary

This invention relates to methods and compositions for detection and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, the invention relates to polypeptides that can protect against neuron degeneration, nucleic acid molecules that encode such polypeptides, and antibodies that recognize said polypeptides.