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Updated: Sep 10, 2025

Bridging the Bio-Electronic Interface with Biofabrication
Published on: June 6, 2012
Opportunities in proximity modulation: Bridging academia and industry
Ivan Dikic1, Cristina Mayor-Ruiz2, Georg E Winter3
1Institute of Biochemistry II, Medical Faculty, Goethe University, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, 60439 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
New proximity-inducing therapies harness the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) to degrade target proteins. An academia-industry alliance can accelerate developing treatments for previously undruggable diseases.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is a key cellular machinery for protein degradation.
- Targeting protein degradation offers novel therapeutic avenues.
- Proximity-inducing modalities leverage UPS for targeted protein removal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advancements in proximity-inducing therapeutic strategies.
- To highlight the role of academic and industrial collaborations.
- To advocate for a global alliance to accelerate therapeutic development.
Main Methods:
- Discussion of academic research in proximity-based protein degradation.
- Analysis of academic-industrial partnerships in this field.
- Review of current therapeutic strategies and their potential.
Main Results:
- Significant progress has been made in developing proximity-inducing modalities.
- Academic-industrial collaborations have been crucial for advancing the field.
- These strategies show promise for targeting previously undruggable proteins.
Conclusions:
- Proximity-inducing therapies represent a promising frontier in drug development.
- Enhanced collaboration between academia and industry is essential for clinical translation.
- A global alliance can foster innovation and improve patient access to novel treatments.
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