Kurzfassung

The silicateins are unique enzymes which act in concert with a group of silicatein-interacting proteins (silintaphins) to catalyze the formation of the inorganic “biosilica” skeleton of the siliceous sponges. In the frame of the ERC Advanced Grant “BIOSILICA”, we could demonstrate that biosilica not only increases the expression of bone morphogenic protein 2 (BMP-2) involved in bone formation, but also modulates the ratio of expression of two proteins, osteoprotegerin and RANKL, which are...The silicateins are unique enzymes which act in concert with a group of silicatein-interacting proteins (silintaphins) to catalyze the formation of the inorganic “biosilica” skeleton of the siliceous sponges. In the frame of the ERC Advanced Grant “BIOSILICA”, we could demonstrate that biosilica not only increases the expression of bone morphogenic protein 2 (BMP-2) involved in bone formation, but also modulates the ratio of expression of two proteins, osteoprotegerin and RANKL, which are crucial in pathogenesis of osteoporosis. Hence, biosilica has a potential in prophylaxis and therapy of osteoporosis, a major health threat worldwide. In particular postmenopausal women are affected, but also aging men may suffer from reduced bone mineral density. Measures to prevent the development of osteoporosis have become increasingly important due to the demographic development in many industrialized countries. Our idea arising from the ERC-funded project is to apply the silica-enzymes fused to a hydroxyapatite-binding protein tag for the formation of a bioactive biosilica-based scaffold / nanocomposite materials for bone regeneration and repair in osteoporotic patients and patients with related bone diseases. This project aims at bringing this idea to a pre-demonstration stage by conducting a proof of concept and verifying its innovation and near-term market potential. The potential commercialization opportunities and the IPR position of this idea will be clarified.» weiterlesen» einklappen