Carna Biosciences has been studying the functions, mechanisms and signaling of protein kinases and EGF family molecules for their role in diseases such as cancer, inflammation and dermatitis.
We have cloned and classified over 500 varieties of protein kinase genes from the human genome by means of bioinformatics. By using knockout and transgenic mice, and RNAi technology, the company is attempting to clarify the functions of orphan protein kinases along with their implications in the pathogenesis of diseases, thereby providing novel drug targets.
Regarding EGF molecules, Carna Biosciences has been studying the activation mechanisms, signaling pathway and physiological/pathological roles of these proteins, with the emphasis on HB-EGF. These growth factors are noted not only for their roles as growth factors but also for mediating the EGF receptor transactivation in GPCR-induced cell proliferation. It is becoming clear that EGF-mediated EGF receptor transactivation is implicated in the pathogenesis of diseases such as dermatitis, heart disease and cancer. Also, EGF family molecules are involved in steroid signal transduction. The activation and signaling pathways of these growth factors have drawn attention as new drug targets. Carna Biosciences has been characterizing these pathways in an attempt to identify new drug targets.
