Summary of Invention
The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the modulating acid sphingomyelinase (ASM)-related processes, including apoptosis. ASM-related apoptosis can be induced by environmental stressors, such as ionizing radiation and chemotherapeutic agents. Apoptosis can be characterized by a cellular morphology comprising cellular condensation, nuclear condensation, or zeiosis. The present invention further relates to methods for the identification of compounds, which modulate (i.e., either increase or decrease) sensitivity to ASM-related processes, including apoptosis.
Advantages
Methods for identifying compounds that increase or decrease a cell's sensitivity to acid sphingomyelinase-related apoptosis.
Areas of Application
Research tool.
Stage of Development
In vivo proof of principle obtained.
Lead Inventor
Dr. Richard N. Kolesnick
Patent Information
US patents 6,274,309 and 6,790,627.
References
Contact Information
Viviane Martin, PhD
Tel: 212-639-6181; Fax: 212-717-3934
E-mail: martinv@mskcc.org
