Using x-ray crystallography, we discovered a previously unknown knob-pocket mechanism critical for intermediate filament (IF) assembly into tetramer building blocks. Mutation of knob residues eliminated tetramer formation.

Vimentin (V) is upregulated in human cancers and is associated with metastasis of cancers. Keratin (K) IFs are upregulated in human cancers and are associated with cancer proliferation. Despite Ks being commonly used in pathology to immunohistochemically identify tumors, there are no anti-cancer drugs currently targeting Ks or other IFs.

Currently, there are no reliable ways to prevent cancer metastasis. We are developing first-in-class anti-cancer treatments by disrupting the K-V IF cytoskeleton. Our first product will be topical and target Actinic Keratosis (AK) and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC).

Lead Innovator: Christopher Bunick, M.D.

IP Status: PRV application filed in 2018