A -- Inositol Signaling Molecules

The Uniformed Services University proposes to negotiate a contract, on a sole source basis, with Inologic, Inc. to conduct research on Inositol Signaling Molecules. This action is being undertaken under the authority at 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1). The overall aim of this effort is to develop a small molecule inositol polyphosphate drug that prevents and/or reverses the deleterious effects of exposure to ionizing radiation. In normal cells intrinsic pathways exist to repair radiation induced damage through activation of intracellular signaling pathways. Inositol signaling molecules are key components of intracellular signaling and figure prominently in the regulation of radiation repair mechanisms and it is expected that analogues of specific inositol-signaling molecules (ISM) can be developed that could be used in a very specific manner to affect DNA double strand repair breaks and boost cell repair processes. This ISM analog would act as a radioprotective agent that could be used to protect cells from radiation damage and could restore or protect bone marrow progenitor cells. This contract seeks to identify lead candidate ISMs that can be moved forward for further development and testing in models as radiation countermeasures.