Dominant Negative SARM1 Variants for Preserving Axon Integrity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments are inadequate for targeting axonal degeneration, a hallmark of neurological disorders such as peripheral neuropathy, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, where axonal degeneration precedes symptom onset and widespread neuronal loss.

Innovation Solution

Development of dominant negative SARM1 polypeptides with specific amino acid changes at positions 189, 190, 193, or 194, and optionally 685, which inhibit SARM1 activity to prevent axon fragmentation after injury or damage, using vectors like adeno-associated virus (AAV) for delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If current treatments are used for neurological disorders, then general symptom management is provided, but axonal degeneration cannot be effectively targeted or prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffectiveness of treatmentVSAvoidtargeting capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by introducing specific amino acid substitutions at positions 189, 190, 193, or 194 of the SARM1 protein sequence. These parameter changes (amino acid substitutions) create a dominant negative variant that specifically targets and inhibits SARM1-mediated axonal degeneration, transforming the treatment approach from general symptom management to targeted molecular intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If SARM1 activity is inhibited to prevent axon fragmentation, then axon integrity is preserved, but this requires specific molecular targeting that current treatments lack

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxon integrityVSAvoidmolecular targeting requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses parameter changes in the form of specific amino acid substitutions (189, 190, 193, or 194) to create a dominant negative SARM1 protein that selectively inhibits SARM1 activity. This approach preserves axon integrity by blocking the degeneration pathway while the specific molecular targeting is achieved through precise amino acid parameter modifications rather than complex external delivery systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3697401B1Dominant negative SARM1 molecules as a therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative diseases or disorders
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 WASHINGTON UNIV IN SAINT LOUIS
  • EP3697401B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3697401B1 patent drawingFigure 1C
  • EP3697401B1 patent drawingFigure 1D~1E

AI summary

The present invention provides compositions useful as inhibitors of SARM1 activity, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods of using the same. The present invention provides dominant negative SARM1 molecules useful for treating a neurodegenerative or neurological disease or disorder, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods of using the same.