Methods of modulating apoptosis by administration of relaxin agonists or antagonists

Abstract

The present invention relates to the discovery that relaxin is associated with the development or maturation of body tissues. Knockouts of the gene encoding relaxin result in various abnormalities in the development of various tissues. The present invention provides methods of modulating apoptosis by administering a relaxin agonist or antagonist to a subject.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The growth and development of normal tissues is achieved by programmed cell proliferation, differentiation and cell death. Cell proliferation and differentiation are required for the formation of new cells and tissues. Conversely, programmed cell death, also referred to as apoptosis, is required to remove existing cells, including immature or damaged cells. Apoptosis naturally occurs in virtually all tissues of the body. Apoptosis plays a critical role in tissue homeostasis, that is, it ensures that the number of new cells produced are correspondingly offset by an equal number of cells that die. For example, the cells in the intestinal lining divide so rapidly that the body must eliminate cells after only three days in order to prevent the overgrowth of the intestinal lining. The disruption of the genetic program, by either abnormally increasing or decreasing rate of cell proliferation and / or apoptosis can result in abnormal tissue development. For exam...