University of Pittsburgh

Meghan McCord

Elias Aizenman

Peptides capable of interfering with the Kv2.1-mediated apoptotic Kcurrent surge that leads to neuronal cell death are described. The disclosed peptides are derived from the C-terminal region of Kv2.1, which mediates binding to the SNARE protein syntaxin. Disruption of Kv2.1 binding to syntaxin inhibits the apoptotic Kcurrent surge that leads to neuronal cell death. The present disclosure provides methods of inhibiting binding of Kv2.1 to syntaxin in a cell (in vitro or in vivo), such as for neuroprotection following cerebral ischemia, stroke, or traumatic brain injury, or during the course of a neurodegenerative disease, or any other condition associated with neuronal cell death.

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Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America

Meghan McCord