We enable nucleic acid labeling bioconjugation
IRE1/XBP1 drug development
MILESTONE
Background:
The trans autophosphorylation of the kinase domain of IRE1 activates its unusual effector function, which causes the unconventional splicing of the mRNA that encodes a transcription factor XBP1. Abnormalities in XBP1 lead to ER stress and subsequently causes susceptibility for inflammatory processes that contribute to cancer. baseclick started a program whereby oligonucleotides are tested to inhibit RNase activity of IRE1 for anticancer therapy.
Cooperation partner:
National University of Ireland, Galway
Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 replication
MILESTONE
Background:
Development of RNA / DNA gene scissors for specific cleavage of viral SARS-CoV-2 genomes to inhibit viral replication. The overall goal is to design a SARS-CoV-2 drug based on an artificial gene editing method. Therefore, an oligo linked with a metal complexes capable of cutting will direct the “gene scissor” to the SARS-CoV-2 RNA in infected cells leading to inhibition of viral replication.
Cooperation partner:
Dublin City University, Ireland
Targeting agents und cellular uptake
MILESTONE
Background:
Since 2014 baseclick is interested to utilizing click chemistry approaches to modify and conjugate targeting chemical entities to nucleic acids for tissue and cellular targeting and has filed several patents in this field even producing oligomeric modified nucleic acids for customer. One focus is directed to sugar conjugated nucleic acids, in particular RNA species such as siRNA, LNA or mRNA. These RNAs are conjugated to sugars such as glucose, mannose, GalNac and others for tissue and cellular targeting. In cooperation with various partners different sugar receptors are investigated. The modified nucleic acids are developed for targeted drug delivery strategies to treat infectious diseases, cancer and others.
Cooperation partner:
University of Groningen, Netherlands