Intellectual Property Management (Patents)

Italian version

The protection of intellectual property through PATENTS is an important step, even in the field of basic research. The DSB has generated patents on various topics. It promotes awareness and training among its researchers and faculty regarding the possibility of patenting their research.

  Maldi-tof peptidomic profile of faeces for the diagnosis of intestinal inflammatory disease

This patent describes a system for analysing faecal samples capable of diagnosing the main chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (Inflammatory Bowel Diseases - IBD). The peptide extraction method and subsequent MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry analysis allow for a precise and specific diagnosis, particularly of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, as well as colorectal cancer.

INVENTORS
Basso Daniela, Padoan Andrea, Plebani Mario, Arrigoni Giorgio (DSB), D’Incà Renata, Scapellato Maria Luisa.

  Identification of interactions between subcellular organelles with split GFP

The object of this invention is a method to determine the interactions between subcellular organelles in a cell that includes:

  • express in this cell or provide this cell with a fusion protein which includes an X localization signal for a first subcellular organelle and an F complementary fragment of a fluorophore, and a fusion protein which includes a Y localization signal for a second subcellular organelle and an F’ complementary fragment of the same fluorophore, where F and F’ are self- complementary to each other and, once self-assembled, they reconstitute the fluorophore;
  • display the fluorescent signal and the interaction points between first and second subcellular organelles, where this fluorophore is selected between GFP or its variants.

INVENTORS
Cali Tito (DSB), Brini Marisa (DSB).

  MicroRNA sequences identified in blood cell populations and sub-populations

MicroRNA sequences and other small noncoding RNAs identified by NGS in RNA isolated from sub-populations of T lymphocytes, thymocytes, monocytes/macrophages, granulocytes, eosinophils and from two T-cell lines infected with the retrovirus HTLV-1.

INVENTORS
Guffanti Alessandro, De Bellis Gianluca, Sonda Nada, Bronte Vincenzo, Corradin Alberto, Ghisi Margherita, Ruggero Katia, Zanovello Paola, Ciminale Vincenzo, D'Agostino Donna Mia (DSB).

  Two dimensional and nano materials as mass tags and cell labeling systems in mass cytometry and high dimensional imaging

This invention concerns the use of two-dimensional materials for single-cell mass cytometry and high dimensional imaging. These materials can be used as mass markers for bioimaging, allowing the detection, quantification and chemical characterisation of cells, tissues and organelles. The applications range from cellular tracking and identification to characterisation of biological markers with single-cell resolution.

INVENTORS
Gogotsi Yury, Delogu Lucia Gemma (DSB), Fusco Laura (DSB).

PATENT HOLDERS
YDrexel University, Philadelphia US - Universita' degli studi di Padova.

  New inhibitors of epigenetic regulators

The present invention is directed to a therapeutic agent for use in the treatment of a disease associated with gain-of-function of androgen receptor (AR) and/or with overexpression of an AR coactivator, such as Kennedy disease or cancer. The therapeutic agent of the invention comprises at least one inhibitor of an androgen receptor (AR) coactivator, selected from protein arginine methyltransferase 6 (PRMT6) inhibitor, lysine specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) inhibitor, or combinations thereof.

INVENTORS
Maria Pennuto (DSB), Manuela Basso, Andrea Contestabile, Giuseppe Ronzitti

PATENT HOLDERS
Fondazione Telethon ETS, Universita' degli studi di Padova, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genethon, Università degli Studi di Trento, INSERM, Université d'Evry-Val d'Essonne

  DspS311A Mouse Model for Desmoplakin-Related Cardiomyopathies

The University of Padua has granted a non-exclusive license to an international biotech company developing innovative therapies for rare cardiac diseases, allowing the use of the DspS311A knock-in mouse model developed in the laboratory of Prof. Tania Zaglia.
This model faithfully reproduces the clinical and histopathological features of dominant and recessive cardiomyopathies caused by mutations in the gene encoding Desmoplakin (DSP), including variants associated with Carvajal syndrome.
This collaboration represents a concrete example of technology transfer in the field of rare genetic heart diseases and supports the preclinical validation of therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring the integrity of cardiac desmosomes.

INVENTOR
Tania Zaglia

LICENSEE
Biotech company specialized in therapies for cardiac diseases

LICENSE TYPE
Non-exclusive (2025–2028)

REFERENCE
Non-Exclusive License Agreement for the DspS311A KI mouse line (UniPD, 2025)