INNOVATION:  Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles have identified a family of proteins named protein inhibitor of activated STAT (PIAS). The PIAS family regulates the activity of many transcription factors, including STATs, NF- κB, and SMADs. The PIAS family consists of PIAS1, PIAS3, PIASx (also known as PIAS2), and PIASy (also known as PIAS4). Researchers have also developed a PIAS1 monoclonal antibody. In addition to the already mentioned transcription proteins, researchers have also shown PIAS to regulate other gene-activation pathways in the immune system and in cancer.

POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS:  Both the PIAS proteins and the PIAS1 monoclonal antibody may be developed as therapeutics and diagnostics for cancers and immune disorders that involve the signaling through pathways regulated by PIAS.

Reference: UCLA Case No. 1998-541

US Patent No.: 7,265,202