Gene regulatory peptides

Abstract

The invention relates to the modulation of gene expression in a cell, also called gene control, in particular in relation to the treatment of a variety of diseases. The invention provides a method for modulating expression of a gene in a cell comprising providing the cell with a signaling molecule comprising a peptide or functional analogue thereof. Furthermore, the invention provides a method for identifying or obtaining a signaling molecule comprising a peptide or functional derivative or analogue thereof capable of modulating expression of a gene in a cell comprising providing the cell with a peptide or derivative or analogue thereof and determining the activity and/or nuclear translocation of a gene transcription factor.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of PCT International Application Number PCT / NL02 / 00639, filed Oct. 4, 2002, and published in English as International Publication Number WO 03 / 029292 A2 on Apr. 10, 2003, which claimed continuation-in-part status from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 028,075, filed Dec. 21, 2001, the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by this reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates generally to biotechnology, and more particularly to gene regulatory peptides and methods of their use. [0003] Gene control is generally thought to occur at four levels: 1) transcription (either initiation or termination), 2) processing of primary transcripts, 3) stabilization or destabilization of mRNAs, and 4) mRNA translation. The primary function of gene control in cells is to adjust the enzymatic machinery of the cell to its nutritional, chemical and physical environment. [0004] It is general...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

These steps define the regulatory decisions in a transcriptional circuit and misregulation at any stage can result in a variety of diseases.

Some receptor-ligand interactions, however, are known to cause prompt nuclear transcriptional activation of a specific and limited set of genes.

However, progress has been slow in determining exactly how such activation is achieved.

These drugs are considered to be nonspecific and often only applicable in high concentrations that may end up toxic for the individual treated.

Under these conditions, it can be difficult to use the peptide in experiments, and it may be difficult to purify the peptide if necessary.

Peptides containing multiple Cys, Met, or Trp residues can also be difficult to obtain in high purity partly because these residues are susceptible to oxidation and/or side reactions.

Certain side chains contain functional groups that can interfere with the formation of the amide bond.

Also, it can lead to transcriptional repression of target genes.

Bone disease is often characterized by a disturbance in this balance such that there is a net increase in bone resorption over bone formation.

The white blood cells bound to the endothelium eventually migrate into the brain or cardiac tissue, causing significant tissue destruction.

Anthrax, the disease caused by the spore-forming Bacillus anthracis (B. anthracis), continues to be a worldwide problem among domesticated and wild herbivores in Asia and Africa and poses a worldwide threat when being used as biological weapons for biological warfare or bioterrorism.

Outbreaks or epidemics are a constant threat for endemic regions because spores can persist in the soil for long periods of time.

Therapeutic intervention in general must be initiated early, as septicemic infections are nearly always fatal.

As said, anthrax is a disease of animals and humans and...

Images