Seung W Oh

US Patent:

7858327, Dec 28, 2010

Filed:

Dec 23, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/746910

Inventors:

Heidi A. Tissenbaum - Wayland MA, US
Seung Wook Oh - Westborough MA, US

Assignee:

University of Massachusetts - Boston MA

International Classification:

A61K 49/00
G01N 33/53
G01N 33/567

US Classification:

435 72, 424 92

Abstract:

The present invention is based at least in part on the discovery of a role for the JNK signaling pathway in longevity. In particular, the present inventors have shown that modulation of the c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway in an organism, optionally in combination with modulation of the insulin receptor (IR) signaling pathway, can enhance longevity in an organism. Accordingly, the present invention features methods of identifying modulators of longevity in assays featuring organisms and/or cells having either a functional or deregulated JNK signaling pathway and, optionally, a functional or deregulated IR signaling pathway. Also featured is an in vitro method of identifying an agent capable of enhancing longevity featuring an assay composition having a JNK signaling pathway molecule and insulin signaling pathway molecule. Further featured are therapeutic methods for the use of JNK signaling pathway modulators to enhance longevity.

US Patent:

7914998, Mar 29, 2011

Filed:

Mar 29, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/813324

Inventors:

Heidi A. Tissenbaum - Wayland MA, US
Christian Grove - Worcester MA, US
Nenad Svrzikapa - Somerville MA, US
Seung Wook Oh - Westborough MA, US
Melissa Grabowski - Worcester MA, US
Yamei Wang - Worcester MA, US

Assignee:

University of Massachusetts - Boston MA

International Classification:

G01N 33/53

US Classification:

435 71, 435 722, 435 721

Abstract:

The present invention features methods of identifying modulators of longevity. Also featured are organisms, cell systems and compositions for performing those methods. Further featured are therapeutic methods for the use of modulators identified according to said methodologies.

US Patent:

7932049, Apr 26, 2011

Filed:

Mar 8, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/372469

Inventors:

Heidi A. Tissenbaum - Wayland MA, US
Seung Wook Oh - Lewisville TX, US

Assignee:

University of Massachusetts - Boston MA

International Classification:

C12Q 1/48
G01N 33/53

US Classification:

435 15, 435 71

Abstract:

The present invention is based at least in part on the discovery of a role for the JNK signaling pathway in longevity. In particular, the present inventors have shown that overexpression of c-jun N-terminal kinase 1 (jnk-1) extends lifespan and that said extended lifespan is associated with DAF-16 phosphorylation by JNK-1 and the consequent DAF-16 localization to the nucleus. Accordingly, the present invention features methods of identifying modulators of longevity in assays featuring organisms and/or cells having a JNK signaling pathway and, optionally, an IR signaling pathway. Also featured is an in vitro method of identifying an agent capable of enhancing longevity featuring an assay composition having a JNK signaling pathway molecule and insulin signaling pathway molecule. Further featured are therapeutic methods for the use of JNK signaling pathway modulators to enhance longevity, to prevent or reduce obesity and to prevent or treat type II diabetes.