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A Class of Small Peptides that Inhibit the Function of a Mitotic Checkpoint Protein
(Reference Number: UTSD:0795)
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| Description: |
There are several lines of evidence that point to defects in the spindle assembly checkpoint as a contributing factor to malignant transformation and tumorigenesis. In fact, it is hypothesized that the mitotic checkpoint is inactivated in many human cancers through various mechanisms. These models are supported by the observation that tumor cells often have karyotypic abnormalities (aneuploidy) which is probably a result of errors in chromosome segregation. Dr. Yu and his colleagues have recently described a class of short peptides that can inhibit a mitotic checkpoint protein, effectively disrupting mitosis and potentially stopping further transformation via inaccurate chromosome segregation. These polypeptides can be delivered to the cell of interest in a variety of ways, including liposome or gene therapy, and can be combined with other anti-cancer therapies such as chemotherapy or radiation. The peptides can also be incorporated into fusion peptides, combined with other sequences to drive cellular targeting, cellular localization, or other useful sequences. The technology also includes a method to screen for more peptides to inhibit mitotic checkpoint proteins. These peptides are the first known inhibitors of a mitotic checkpoint protein and may form a new class of anti-cancer therapeutics. |
| Inventors: |
H. Yu; Z. Tang; X. Luo; J. Rizo-Rey. |
| Market: |
Therapeutic. |
| Application: |
These peptides are the first known inhibitors of a mitotic checkpoint protein and may represent novel anti-cancer drugs. |
| Patent Status: |
U.S. Patent Pending (20030083261). |
| License Availability: |
Negotiable. |
| References: |
(none recorded) |
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