UAB Researchers’ Inventions have Far-Reaching Impact

By Laura Freeman

In a time when budget cuts are making research dollars more difficult to find, it isn’t unreasonable to be concerned that those who aren’t versed in the value of basic science may think they are trimming the fat only to find out later they are cutting into the muscle and beating heart that powers our economy.

The vitality of basic and applied science in Alabama is a powerhouse for both the state and national economy. In Birmingham, this is especially true of medical research. One vivid example of basic research that is unlocking a cascade of opportunities is the discovery and development of the MspA channel protein by UAB microbiologist Michael Niederweis, PhD.

The journey that began with basic research into mycobacteria led to the discovery of the MspA channel protein that forms an unusual funnel-shaped nanopore.

“As other researchers learned about the nanopore and its properties, they contacted me with questions about possible applications,” Niederweis said. “One researcher in Seattle was working on a new, much faster and far less expensive way to sequence DNA. He wanted to know whether the nanopore might be suitable for a technique he was exploring.

“At first, the answer was no. The charge on the nanopore would repel the DNA nucleotides. But his question started me thinking about ways to reverse the charge. That collaboration led to a joint patent for the technique which uses a simple hand-held device that should soon revolutionize DNA sequencing and can also be used to learn more about many different diseases.”

Recognized as Method of The Year in 2022 by New Methods, the technique sends a single strand of DNA through the nanopore while measuring ionic changes. These changes essentially spell out the sequence. It can be used to examine a long strand so that multiple points can be reviewed.

Niederweis is now launching a new research effort in collaboration with UAB cancer researchers using the same approach to get at the basics of what is going on in pancreatic cancer. The technique could unlock a better understanding of many different diseases, making them easier to target. The economic impact, not only in the rollout of the new technology itself, but also in the potential savings in healthcare costs, lives and relieving of human suffering is enormous.          

This is why Niederweis has been asked by those in charge of federal research funding to write a summary of how his work in basic research is leading to a much broader economic impact.

Another example of how answering basic questions can improve the odds for success in other research and lead to a significant economic and human impact is the work that led to the invention of the darkness adaptometer by UAB Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine ophthalmology professor Cynthia Owsley, PhD.

Both Owsley, who has 11 U.S. patents, and Niederweis, who has 12, were recently named as fellows by the National Academy of Inventors in recognition of their work.

Owsley’s darkness adaptometer arose in answer to the basic questions of “how long does it take the eye to recover night vision after being exposed to a bright light?” How long is longer than normal, and can a longer recovery time be a measurable way to predict macular degeneration or set a baseline to monitor its progress?

“Originally with the help of my team, I wanted to invent a tool that could be used in research to find early treatments to prevent or delay the progression of macular degeneration,” Owsley said. “One of the essential problems was identifying who was likely to develop the condition, and then we needed a reliable method to track whether potential treatments were working.”

In aging, Americans are at greater risk of developing macular degeneration than Alzheimer’s. It’s the leading cause of blindness in older populations. Until recently, most research has been focused on mitigating the impact of the disease in later stages. Now work has begun on recognizing the disease early and finding ways to intervene before the damage is done.

“We started with a common symptom we see in macular degeneration—difficulty seeing at night,” Owsley said. “That’s one reason so many older adults have to give up driving after sunset, which can be limiting to quality of life. The darkness adaptometer shines a bright light into the eyes and measures the amount of time till night vision recovers.”

After proving its accuracy and effectiveness, it was patented then brought to market as a tool that has a multiplier effect by enabling additional layer of research that could have an economic impact that goes well beyond the sales of the device itself. There is also the value of the new medications and devices it makes possible as well as the additional years of productivity and quality of life in patients who will continue to see.

In weighing the wisdom of budget priorities, the U.S. would do well to keep a familiar fable in mind. When your goose is laying golden eggs, the smart money is on staying away from chopping blocks.