Our preclinical programs for the treatment of iron-restricted anemia targets the signaling of BMP6, a key controller of the body’s ability to regulate the availability of iron for use by the body. We believe that targeting BMP6 signaling specifically in the liver presents the potential to address both iron-restricted anemias and iron overload conditions.
A number of disease states as well as rare genetic mutations can cause disruptions in iron homeostasis and can result in either iron deficiency or overload. These imbalances in iron levels can lead to detrimental complications.
Given BMP6’s important role in iron metabolism, we believe that targeting BMP6 signaling in a liver-selective fashion presents the potential to address both iron-restricted anemias and iron overload conditions. Signaling of BMP6 is driven by a co-receptor molecule, RGMc, also known as hemojuvelin. Utilizing our structural biology insights into BMP6 and its co-receptors, along with our novel antibody discovery and optimization strategies, we have identified specific inhibitors of RGMc’s interaction with BMP6.
BMP6: A Closer Look
Bone morphogenetic protein 6 (BMP6) is a member of the TGFβ superfamily that regulates a wide range of biological processes, including iron homeostasis in the liver. Iron is essential for many metabolic processes, including oxygen transport, electron transport, and DNA synthesis.