Ramot at Tel-aviv University Ltd.

Inna Divinski

Illana Gozes

Eliezer Giladi

Roy N Alcalay

Saar Oz

Maya Maor

David Dangoor

This invention relates to the use of ADNF polypeptides in the treatment of anxiety and/or depression. The present invention also relates to drug discovery assays using the ADNF polypeptide mechanism of action and target interaction, as well as the manufacture of medicaments, methods of application and formulation therefor. Embodiments of the invention provide methods for preventing and/or treating anxiety and depression disorders in a subject by administering a NAP, an 8-amino-acid peptide derived from Activity Dependent Neurotrophic Factor (ADNF III), in an amount sufficient to improve postnatal performance. The ADNF polypeptides include ADNF I and ADNF III (also referred to as ADNP) polypeptides, analogs, subsequences, and D-amino acid versions (either wholly D-amino acid peptides or mixed D- and L-amino acid peptides), and combinations thereof which contain their respective active core sites and provide neuroprotective and anti-anxiety functions.

Use of ADNF polypeptides for treating anxiety and depression

The invention is based on the discovery of a novel neuroprotective peptide. In addition, the invention rests on the discovery that the NAP peptide enhances the association of tau and the brain-specific beta tubulin subunit. In addition, NAP modifies microtubule assembly and dynamics, in part, by affecting the tyrosination of microtubule proteins. The invention provides compositions and methods for treatment and prevention of neuronal disorders, including NAP-binding and tau-binding agents, tau peptide mimetics, NAP-like and NAP-like tau peptide mimetics.

Therapeutics based on tau/microtubule dynamics

This invention relates to the use of ADNF III polypeptides in the treatment of mental diseases or disorders, including schizophrenia. Embodiments of the invention provide methods for treating mental disorders, including schizophrenia, in a subject by administering a NAP, an 8-amino-acid peptide derived from Activity Dependent Neurotrophic Factor (ADNF III), in an amount sufficient to reduce or eliminate symptoms. The ADNF III polypeptides include polypeptides, analogs, subsequences, and D-amino acid versions (either wholly D-amino acid peptides or mixed D- and L-amino acid peptides), and combinations thereof which contain the active core sites and provide neuroprotective and anti-schizophrenic functions.

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Petach Tikva, Israel

Inna Divinski