The Burnham Institute

Sanford-burnham Medical Research Institute

Genentech, Inc.

Guy S Salvesen

John C Reed

Quinn L Deveraux

Ryosuke Takahashi

Natalie Roy

Wayne J Fairbrother

Linda Orren Elliott

Saloumeh Kadkhodayan

Domagoj Vucic

Matthew C Franklin

Heidi Jenii Ackerly Wallweber

The present invention relates to an action between an inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) protein and members of the caspase family of cell death proteases, for example, an interaction of the X chromosome linked IAP (XIAP) and caspase-3, caspase-7 or caspase-9, wherein the IAP regulates the activity of the caspases. The invention provides screening assays for identifying agents that alter the specific association of an IAP such as XIAP, c-IAP-1 or c-IAP-2 and a caspase such as caspase-3 or caspase-7. The invention also provides screening assays for identifying agents that alter the specific association of an IAP such as XIAP, c-IAP-1 or c-IAP-2 and a pro-caspase such as pro-caspase-9. In addition, the invention also provides methods for identifying agents that modulate the activity of a caspase in the presence of an IAP and that regulate the activation of a pro-caspase by an IAP. The invention further provides methods of reducing the severity of a pathologic condition in an individual by administering to the individual an agent that alters the caspase inhibitory activity of an IAP. In addition, the invention provides methods of modulating the ability of a population of cells to survive ex vivo by contacting the cells with an agent that alters the caspase inhibitory activity of an IAP in the cells.

Screening assays for agents that alter inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) protein regulation of caspase activity

The present invention is directed to compositions of matter useful for the enhancement of apoptosis in mammals and to methods of using those compositions of matter for the same.

Compositions and methods for the screening pro-apoptotic compounds

Growing community of inventors

Encinitas, CA, United States of America

Guy S Salvesen