The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The United States of America, As Represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services

University of Michigan

Progeria Research Foundation, Inc.

Other

Mount Sinai Hospital Corporation

Channing J Der

Adrienne Cox

Francis S Collins

Brian K Kay

Leslie B Gordon

Andrew B Sparks

Michael W Glynn

Thomas Glover

Judith M Thorn

Lawrence A Quilliam

Brian C Capell

Dana M Fowlkes

James E Rider

Anthony J Pawson

Chad Pecot

John O'Bryan

The invention relates to the inhibition of expression of mutant KRAS sequences using RNA interference.

Methods and compositions using RNA interference for inhibition of KRAS

Although it can be farnesylated, the mutant lamin A protein expressed in Hutchinson Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS) cannot be defarnesylated because the characteristic mutation causes deletion of a cleavage site necessary for binding the protease ZMPSTE24 and effecting defarnesylation. The result is an aberrant farnesylated protein (called 'progerin') that alters normal lamin A function as a dominant negative, as well as assuming its own aberrant function through its association with the nuclear membrane. The retention of farnesylation, and potentially other abnormal properties of progerin and other abnormal lamin gene protein products, produces disease. Farnesyltransferase inhibitors (FTIs) (both direct effectors and indirect inhibitors) will inhibit the formation of progerin, cause a decrease in lamin A protein, and/or an increase prelamin A protein. Decreasing the amount of aberrant protein improves cellular effects caused by and progerin expression. Similarly, treatment with FTIs should improve disease status in progeria and other laminopathies. In addition, elements of atherosclerosis and aging in non-laminopathy individuals will improve after treatment with farnesyltransferase inhibitors.

Farnesyltransferase inhibitors for treatment of laminopathies, cellular aging and atherosclerosis

Although it can be farnesylated, mutant lamin A expressed in Hutchinson Gilford Progeria Syndrome cannot be defarnesylated; the characteristic mutation causes deletion of a cleavage site necessary for binding the protease ZMPSTE24 and effecting defarnesylation. The result is an aberrant farnesylated protein ('progerin') that alters normal lamin A function as a dominant negative, and assumes its own aberrant function through its association with the nuclear membrane. Retention of farnesylation, and potentially other abnormal properties of progerin and other abnormal lamin gene protein products, produces disease. Farnesyltransferase inhibitors (FTIs) will inhibit formation of progerin, cause a decrease in lamin A protein, and/or an increase prelamin A protein. Decreasing the amount of aberrant protein improves cellular effects caused by and progerin expression. Similarly, treatment with FTIs should improve disease status in progeria and other laminopathies. In addition, elements of atherosclerosis and aging in non-laminopathy individuals will improve after treatment with FTIs.

Although it can be farnesylated, the mutant lamin A protein expressed in Hutchison Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS) cannot be defarnesylated because the characteristic mutation causes deletion of a cleavage site necessary for binding the protease ZMPSTE24 and effecting defarnesylation. The result is an aberrant farnesylated protein (called 'progerin') that alters normal lamin A function as a dominant negative, as well as assuming its own aberrant function through its association with the nuclear membrane. The retention of farnesylation, and potentially other abnormal properties of progerin and other abnormal lamin gene protein products, produces disease. Farnesyltransferase inhibitors (FTIs) (both direct effectors and indirect inhibitors) will inhibit the formation of progerin, cause a decrease in lamin A protein, and/or an increase prelamin A protein. Decreasing the amount of aberrant protein improves cellular effects caused by and progerin expression. Similarly, treatment with FTIs should improve disease status in progeria and other laminopathies. In addition, elements of atherosclerosis and aging in non-laminopathy individuals will improve after treatment with farnesyltransferase inhibitors.

Peptides having general and specific binding affinities for the Src homology region (SH3) domains of proteins are disclosed in the present invention. In particular, SH3 binding peptides have been isolated from three phage-displayed random peptide libraries which had been screened for isolates that bind to bacterial fusion proteins of SH3 domains and glutathione S-transferase (GST). Preferred peptides are disclosed having a core 7-mer sequence (preferably, a consensus motif) and two or more, preferably at least six, additional amino acid residues flanking the core sequence, for a total length of 9, preferably at least 13, amino acid residues and no more than about 45 amino acid residues. Such peptides manifest preferential binding affinities for certain SH3 domains. The preferred peptides exhibit specific binding affinities for the Src-family of proteins. In vitro and in vivo results are presented which demonstrate the biochemical activity of such peptides.

Src SH3 binding peptides and methods of isolating and using same

Peptides having general and specific binding affinities for the Src homology region 3 (SH3) domains of proteins are disclosed in the present invention. In particular, SH3 binding peptides have been isolated from phage-displayed random peptide libraries which had been screened for isolates that bind to bacterial fusion proteins having an SH3 domain and glutathione S-transferase (GST). Preferred peptides are disclosed which comprise a core 7-mer sequence (preferably, a consensus motif) and two or more, preferably at least six, additional amino acid residues flanking the core sequence, for a total length of 9, preferably at least 13, amino acid residues and no more than about 45 amino acid residues. Such peptides manifest preferential binding affinities for certain SH3 domains. The preferred peptides exhibit specific binding affinities for the Src-family of proteins. In vitro and in vivo results are presented which demonstrate the biochemical activity of such peptides.

Nck SH3 binding peptides

Peptides having general and specific binding affinities for the Src homology region 3 (SH3) domains of proteins are disclosed in the present invention. In particular, SH3 binding peptides have been isolated from three phage-displayed random peptide libraries which had been screened for isolates that bind to bacterial fusion proteins of SH3 domains and glutathione S-transferase (GST). Preferred peptides are disclosed having a core 7-mer sequence (preferably, a consensus motif) and two or more, preferably at least six, additional amino acid residues flanking the core sequence, for a total length of 9, preferably at least 13, amino acid residues and no more than about 45 amino acid residues. Such peptides manifest preferential binding affinities for certain SH3 domains. The preferred peptides exhibit specific binding affinities for the Src-family of proteins. In vitro and in vivo results are presented which demonstrate the biochemical activity of such peptides.

Scr SH3 binding peptides and methods of isolating and using same

GRB2 SH3 binding peptides and methods of isolating and using same

A Shc protein which is characterized as follows: (a) containing a C-terminal Src homology 2 (SH2) domain, a central proline-rich region (CH1), and an N-terminal phosphotyrosine binding (PTB) domain; (b) it is predominantly expressed in the adult brain; (c) it binds through its SH2 domain to proteins containing the consensus sequence pTyr-(hydrophobic/Glu)-(hydrophobic/Met/Tyr/Ile)-(Ile/Leu/Met/Phe/Tyr); and (d) it associates through its PTB domain with proteins containing the consensus sequence Asn-Pro-X-pTyr where X is any amino acid; nucleic acids encoding the protein; and uses of the protein. The Shc proteins mediate signaling from tyrosine kinases in the nervous system.

Growing community of inventors

Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America

Channing J Der