UMass Med gets $100k to develop antibody
University of Massachusetts Medical School
The University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS) has announced it will receive $100,000 over the next two years to develop an antibody for a genetic condition that can cause emphysema and liver disease.
UMass Med scientists plan to work with the Miami-based alpha-1 project to optimize an antibody that can test the presence of abnormal proteins in liver tissue and white blood cells, the school said Wednesday. UMass said the work will allow scientists to test strategies to reduce the effects of alpha-1 by increase production of normal proteins and reducing the production of mutant proteins.
Misfolding in the abnormal protein means it can’t be transported into the blood, resulting in a lack of lung protection.
“This is an exciting step forward in seeking new therapies for Alpha-1,” said John Walsh, who sits on the alpha-1 project board of directors. “UMMS researchers are doing cutting-edge research.”
UMMS scientists have already developed an antibody that can differentiate between mutant human proteins and normal proteins in mice. They plan to refine the antibody to work specifically with normal human proteins.
WBJ Web Partners
Most Recent
Most Recent
0 Comments