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CHIR99021 administration reduces adipocyte differentiation (as seen by lipid droplet formation) in adipogenic cultures of stem cells. (A) Oil Red O staining for lipids 14 days after adipogenic induction. (B) Quantification of Oil Red O staining after 14 and 21 days.)
Invention Summary:
The most common injury among athletes are muscle injuries, an injury to the myotendinous junction (MTJ) is especially troublesome. Severe injuries of this kind require surgical intervention that pose a greater risk of reinjury due to fatty infiltration of the muscle, which prevents healthy tissue formation and causes long recovery periods, preventing athletes from training. One mechanism to inhibit fatty infiltration of the muscle is to manipulate the signaling pathways that control the fatty cell differentiation.
Rutgers researchers have proposed that the incorporation of CHIR99021, an inhibitor of GSK3β, into a polymeric scaffold to restrict this infiltration while still supporting tissue regeneration. This inhibition will suppress the expression of PPARγ, which regulates fatty cell formation, by increasing β-cantenin levels. This method is the first of its kind in limiting fat buildup while encouraging tissue growth using scaffold-based tissue engineering approaches.
Market Applications:
- Treatment of muscle strain injuries due to rapid stretching (calves, hamstrings, rectus femoris), myotendinous joint injuries, and rotator cuff injuries
Advantages:
Intellectual Property & Development Status: Provisional application filed. Patent pending. Available for licensing and/or research collaboration. For any business development and other collaborative partnerships, contact: marketingbd@research.rutgers.edu
