FH-Prof. Dr. Thomas Czerny
Senior Lecturer
thomas.czerny@hcw.ac.at
+43 1 606 68 77-3511
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Antisense oligos are used to block genes in the organism. This makes it possible to intervene in the molecular mechanisms of diseases. The biotech company ugichem develops peptide nucleic acids for pharmaceutical use in humans. Together with ugichem, the Molecular Biotechnology specialist area is testing a new concept for PNA applications.
Project duration: October 2012 to September 2014.
PNAs are functionally similar to nucleic acids and bind RNA and DNA in a sequence-specific manner and with high affinity. Antisense engineering is used to block specific RNA molecules in order to specifically attenuate or even completely prevent the expression of a gene. As part of the project, PNAs are equipped with special end groups. This is intended to increase the efficiency of these antisense agents. The aim of the improved PNAs is to influence the Wnt signalling pathway, which is an important target in cancer.
The company ugichem develops peptide nucleic acids for pharmaceutical use in humans. Together with ugichem, FH Campus Wien will develop these ugimers for the Wnt signalling pathway of the cell. Antisense treatment could be particularly effective for leukaemia patients, as the ugimers also reach the bone marrow. Furthermore, preliminary tests suggest that orally administered ugimers are taken up by intestinal cells and thus open up a direct route for the treatment of colon cancer.