# A Custom-Built Protein to Block TGF-beta Signaling in Disease

> A laboratory-engineered protein designed to soak up excess TGF-beta molecules, which could help treat conditions like cancer and fibrosis where these signals are overactive.

- **Patent:** US RE49280
- **Original title:** USRE49280E1 - TGFbeta type II-type III receptor fusions
- **Owner:** University of Texas System
- **Granted:** 2022
- **Status:** Active
- **Times cited:** 0
- **Field:** biotech, pharmaceutical

## What it does

This patent describes a synthetic protein called RER, which is a fusion of parts from two different human receptors: TGF-beta type II and type III. By stitching these together into a heterotrimeric structure, the protein acts like a molecular sponge that binds to all three isoforms of TGF-beta with high affinity. Because it specifically targets TGF-beta, it can neutralize these signals without interfering with other related growth factors like BMPs or activins. In practice, this could be injected into a patient to clear out harmful, excess TGF-beta signaling that drives tumor growth or tissue scarring.

## What it does NOT cover

- Does not cover naturally occurring TGF-beta receptors found in the human body.
- Does not cover fusion proteins that bind to other TGF-beta superfamily members like BMPs or activins.
- Does not cover general protein engineering techniques that do not result in the specific RER heterotrimeric structure.
- Does not cover therapeutic methods that do not rely on the specific amino acid sequences defined in the claims.

## The clever bit

The innovation lies in combining the ectodomains of two distinct receptors into a single, stable heterotrimeric fusion that achieves high-affinity binding to all three TGF-beta isoforms simultaneously, a feat that single-receptor approaches struggle to match.

## Real-world examples

1. Experimental cancer therapies targeting the tumor microenvironment
2. Anti-fibrotic research treatments for organ scarring

## Why it matters

TGF-beta is a major signaling protein involved in both healthy tissue repair and dangerous disease progression. By creating a highly specific 'sink' for this protein, researchers aim to stop diseases like cancer and fibrosis at the source. This is a significant step in developing targeted biological therapies that avoid the broad side effects of systemic drugs.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does A Custom-Built Protein to Block TGF-beta Signaling in Disease cover?

A laboratory-engineered protein designed to soak up excess TGF-beta molecules, which could help treat conditions like cancer and fibrosis where these signals are overactive.

### Who owns patent US RE49280?

University of Texas System owns this patent, granted in 2022.

### When does this patent expire?

This patent is expected to expire on November 8, 2042, when the invention enters the public domain.

### What problem does this patent solve?

TGF-beta is a major signaling protein involved in both healthy tissue repair and dangerous disease progression. By creating a highly specific 'sink' for this protein, researchers aim to stop diseases like cancer and fibrosis at the source. This is a significant step in developing targeted biological therapies that avoid the broad side effects of systemic drugs.

### What does this patent NOT cover?

Does not cover naturally occurring TGF-beta receptors found in the human body.

**Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/RE49280/smart-ring-health-tracker

**Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/USRE49280

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_Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._