The University of Arizona

H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Inc.

The University of Texas System

Intezyne Technologies, Incorporated

University of South Florida

Josef Vagner

Robert J Gillies

David L Morse

Amanda Huynh

Jonathan L Sessler

Kevin N Sill

Victor J Hruby

Narges Tafreshi

Christian Preihs

Natalie M Barkey

Mark L McLaughlin

Theodore J Price

Michael Doligalski

Scott A Boitano

Daruka Mahadevan

Greg Dussor

Gregory O Dussor

Eric Weterings

The subject invention pertains to a modified MC1R peptide ligand comprising a peptide that is a melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) ligand and a functionality or linker, such as a click functionality, for conjugation to a surface or agent. The modified MC1R peptide ligand can be coupled, e.g., via a click reaction with a complementary click functionality attached, to a moiety to form an MC1R-targeted agent. Drugs, contrast agents, polymers, particles, micelles, surfaces of larger structures, or other moieties can be targeted to the MC1R. The subject invention also pertains to a MC1R peptide ligand-micelle complex comprising a peptide that is a melanocortin 1 receptor ligand connected via a click reaction product to a micelle. The micelle is stable in vivo and can target melanoma tumor cells by association of the peptide ligand with the MC1R or the tumor and selectively provide a detectable and/or therapeutic agent (such as an imagable contrast agent and/or anti-cancer agent) selectively to the tumor cell.

Melanocortin 1 receptor ligands and methods of use

This invention is in the field of medicinal pharmacology. In particular, the invention relates to a new class of small-molecules having a pyrazino-pyrimidine-dione (or related) structure which function as modulators (activators, inhibitors) of protease activated receptor type 2 (PAR2), and their use as therapeutics for the treatment of conditions involving PAR2 activity (e.g., asthma, chronic pain, cancer and/or vascular disorders).

Small molecule modulators of PAR2 and uses thereof

Cellular targets on cancer cells have been identified that can be used with targeted molecular imaging to detect the cancer cells in vivo. Non-invasive methods for detecting cancer cells, such as metastasized cancer cells, are therefore provided. Also provided are compositions and kits for use in the disclosed methods.

Molecular imaging of cancer cells in vivo

Disclosed are monoacylated Toll-like receptor 2 ligands which can be used in both the development of targeted agents for the imaging and treatment of pancreatic cancer as well as other cancers, and as an adjuvant for cancer immunotherapy. The monoacylated compounds disclosed herein have a higher binding affinity for TLR2 relative to a known potent diacylated agonists, but only &#x2212;&#xbd; the bioactivity. Competition of the monoacylated compound with the diacylated compound for binding TLR2 was confirmed. Hence, the reported monoacylated compounds are inhibitors/antagonists of TLR2 activation.

Toll-like receptor 2 ligands and methods of making and using thereof

This invention is in the field of medicinal pharmacology. In particular, the invention relates to protease activated receptor type 2 (PAR2) modulating compounds (e.g., mimetic peptides), compositions comprising such modulating compounds, and their use as therapeutics for the treatment of conditions involving PAR2 activity.

PAR2 mimetic peptides and uses thereof

This invention is in the field of medicinal pharmacology. In particular, the invention relates to protease activated receptor type 3 (PAR3) modulating compounds (e.g., mimetic peptides), compositions comprising such modulating compounds, and their use as therapeutics for the treatment of conditions involving PAR3 activity.

PAR3 mimetic peptides and uses thereof

The subject invention pertains to a modified MC1R peptide ligand comprising a peptide that is a melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) ligand and a functionality or linker, such as a click functionality, for conjugation to a surface or agent. The modified MC1R peptide ligand can be coupled, e.g., via a click reaction with a complementary click functionality attached, to a moiety to form an MC1R-targeted agent. Drugs, contrast agents, polymers, particles, micelles, surfaces of larger structures, or other moieties can be targeted to the MC1R. The subject invention also pertains to a MC1R peptide ligand-micelle complex comprising a peptide that is a melanocortin 1 receptor ligand connected via a click reaction product to a micelle. The micelle is stable in vivo and can target melanoma tumor cells by association of the peptide ligand with the MC1R or the tumor and selectively provide a detectable and/or therapeutic agent (such as an imageable contrast agent and/or anti-cancer agent) selectively to the tumor cell.

Provided herein are methods for identifying and treating subjects having conditions involving aberrant Ku70/80 activity. In particular, the invention relates to small-molecules which function as inhibitors of Ku70/80 protein and the non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) pathway, and their use as therapeutics for the treatment of cancer and other diseases.

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Tucson, AZ, United States of America

Josef Vagner