We develop novel therapies for hard-to-treat resistant cancers by targeting Mitochondrial Carriers
Unlocking Mitochondrial Carriers
to treat resistant cancers
The mitochondrial anion carriers are transport proteins that translocate specific metabolites necessary for cell viability across the impermeable inner mitochondrial membrane. In humans, mitochondrial carriers (SLC25A) are the largest solute carrier family, playing significant roles in various pathologies such as cancer and rare mitochondrial diseases. Consisting of 53 members (out of ~450 total SLC members), transporters of this family are extensively shown to be involved in different types of malignancies such as cervical, prostate, hepatocellular carcinoma, and breast cancer, among others.
However, despite being directly linked with severe pathologies, the number of drug discovery projects in the field is still very low, and Computer Aided Drug Design (CADD) campaigns are scarce due to the limited amount of solved 3D structures (i.e., solved 3D structures are only available for the non-H. sapiens ADP/ATP carrier). To discover new potential drugs targeting human mitochondrial carriers, MitoCareX Bio has developed its MITOLINE™ algorithm and other advanced computational capabilities to generate reliable 3D models for its mitochondrial proteins of interest – a major key step for utilizing CADD. To recognize novel small molecule scaffolds interacting with our proteins of interest, we use our advanced cloud-based computational platform to efficiently screen numerous small molecules against our 3D models. Our selected hit candidates are then progressed along the pre-clinical path.
Our Science
In Silico
Utilizing our MITOLINE™ algorithm, we characterize and model the substrate’s translocation pathway of mitochondrial carriers as a functional targeting site for our virtual screening campaigns.
Bioinformatics
We bioinformatically analyze multiple patients’ databases to recognize tumor-specific genetic fingerprints related to mitochondrial carriers. Understanding the involvement of a mitochondrial carrier of interest in clinically relevant settings is critical to our oncology drug development process.
Bioassays
To validate and monitor the activity of our virtual hit molecules, we tailor cell-based and cell-free bioassays with specific readouts.
Pipleline
Target SLC25A transporter
Area of focus
Non-Disclosed
Oncology
Exploratory
Discovery
Pre-clinical
MitoCareX Bio was founded in 2022 with the goal to utilize its computational chemistry knowledge and know how in the field of Mitochondrial Carriers in order to develop new transformative medicines
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News
Recent research papers
Mitochondrial transporter expression patterns distinguish tumor from normal tissue and identify cancer subtypes with different survival and metabolism”. Hartmut Wohlrab et. al.
Suggested reviews
Diseases Caused by Mutations in Mitochondrial Carrier Genes SLC25: A Review”. Ferdinando Palmieri et. al.
Our investors
SciSparc
A specialty pharmaceutical company