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[TECHNOLOGY
OPPORTUNITY 1998-010]
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Mammalian
Sperm Protein
Description:
Researchers at Queen's University have isolated a sperm
protein that promotes oocyte activation, a critical
step in fertilization. Postacrosomal sheath WW domain
binding protein (PAWP) could be used to increase the
success rate of artificial reproduction in animals or
help overcome male infertility in humans.
Benefits:
Enhanced Fertility - Intracytoplasmic sperm injection
(ICSI), a treatment for male infertility, normally yields
a 20-per-cent rate of oocyte activation in bovines.
Adding PAWP to the ICSI medium increases bovine oocyte
activation up to 80 per cent.
Targeted and Safe - Our research has demonstrated that
injecting recombinant bovine PAWP into a bovine oocyte
results in activation and cytoplasmic and nuclear events
that mirror natural fertilization. Agents commonly used
in artificial activation protocols in animals (actinomycin
and 6-dimethylamino-purine) result in abnormal patterns
of nuclear pore complex formation and annulate lamellae
assembly, two processes critical to normal oocyte activation.
Unlike these agents, PAWP is natural, non-toxic and
does not interfere with other developmental processes.
Research Status:
The human, bovine and murine genes that code for this
protein have been sequenced and characterized. Expression
systems for the protein and antibodies have also been
developed.
Thus, the protein identified at Queen's provides higher
oocyte activation rates in mammalian species with poor
ICSI results. PAWP may also increase successful fertilization
by ICSI in infertile humans. Due to PAWP’s pivotal
role in fertilization, it could be an attractive target
for developing new methods of contraception and fertility
diagnosis in humans as well.
Commercial Status:
A U.S. patent has issued and additional U.S., Canadian and international patent applications
are pending. PARTEQ is looking for a qualified licensee
to collaborate in the further development of this infertility
treatment for human and veterinary applications.
Contact:
Anne Vivian-Scott, MBA, PEng
Vice-President, Commercial Development
P: 613. 533. 6000 x 75513
edent@parteqinnovations.com
Ref: Tech ID 98010
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