Abstract:
It has now been found that the p53 pathway is inactivated in ocular cancers such as retinoblastoma. As such, the present invention is a method for inducing ocular cancer cell death using a p53 activator. In particular embodiments, the p53 activator blocks the interaction between DM2 or DMX and p53. As the p53 activator induces ocular cancer cell death, a method for preventing or treating ocular cancer is also provided.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to methods and kits for the detection, isolation and quantification of apoptotic cells based on the apoptotic cells' increased expression of alpha-D-mannose and/or beta-D-galactose containing glycoproteins. Lectins that bind to alpha-D-mannose and beta-D-galactose-rich glycoconjugates are used in the methods and kits for agglutination tests for the detection, isolation and quantification of apoptotic cells. Lectins may be used to stimulate the agglutination of cells and apoptosis may be detected by assessing the concentration of lectins required to agglutinate a cell population and comparing the concentration to predetermined values for intact cells and cells in various stages after induction of apoptosis.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein are compounds as resented by Formula (I): wherein R 1 ,R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , n, W, A, and Q are as defined herein. The compounds of formula (I) are useful as antagonists of the IAPs via binding to BIR domain. The compounds are useful for application to the cells or subjects afflicted with or having a predisposition towards developing a particular disease state, which is characterized by insufficient apoptosis. Thus, the compounds and compositions thereof are used to treat cellular proliferative diseases/disorders, which include, cancer, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory disorders, proliferation induced post medical procedures, etc. The compounds may also be useful in the treatment of diseases in which there is a defect in the programmed cell-death or the apoptotic machinery, such as multiple sclerosis, artherosclerosis, inflammation, autoimmunity, etc.
Abstract:
The invention relates to methods for modulating cell death and cell survival and for modulating the sensitivity of cells towards agents that modulate cell death or cell survival. The invention also relates to the identification of kinases and phosphatases that promote cell survival or cell death. The invention further relates to methods for screening compounds that modulate the activity, expression and/or protein-protein interactions of cell survival or cell death-promoting kinases and phosphatases. Accordingly, kinases and/or phosphatases that modulate cell proliferation and death may serve as therapeutic targets for the development of new cancer treatments.
Abstract:
Methods and assays examining expression of one or more biomarkers in a mammalian tissue or cell sample are provided. According to the disclosed methods and assays, detection of the expression of GalNac-T related molecules, such as GalNac-T14 or GalNac-T3, is predictive or indicative that the tissue or cell sample will be sensitive to apoptosis-inducing agents such as Apo2L/TRAIL and anti-DR5 agonist antibodies. Kits and articles of manufacture are also provided.
Abstract:
Provided herein are methods and compositions for modulating apoptosis of cells and the lifespan of cells. These may be used for treating or preventing aging-related disorders and cancer.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to the identification and cloning of ARTS1, a novel tumor suppressor gene. The invention further encompasses isolated proteins encoded by ARTS1, methods of making and using the same, methods of diagnosing the presence of, or predisposition for, a cancer associated with a defective ARTS1 gene or gene product, and methods of treating or preventing cancers associated with a defective ARTS1 gene or gene product.
Abstract:
Compounds and related methods for synthesis, and the use of compounds in therapy for the treatment of cancer and selective induction of apoptosis in cells are disclosed. Compounds are disclosed in connection with modification of procaspases such as procaspase-3, and particular embodiments are capable of direct activation of procaspase-3 and procaspase-7 to the effector forms of caspase-3 and caspase-7. Procaspase-3 levels can vary among cancer cell types; several types have relatively high levels and can have increased susceptibility to chemotherapy by compounds and methods herein. Therapeutic applications are relevant for a variety of cancer conditions and cell types, e.g. breast, lung, brain, colon, renal, adrenal, melanoma, and others.
Abstract:
Superantibodies having enhanced autophilic, catalytic, and/or membrane- penetrating properties are prepared by affinity-based conjugation of a photoactivatable organic molecule to a target immunoglobulin. The photoactivatable organic molecule bears a chromophoric aromatic hydrocarbon moiety, which has affinity for the immunoglobulin. Upon photolysis, the organic molecule is covalently linked to the immunoglobulin. A preferred organic molecule is a peptide and a preferred aromatic hydrocarbon moiety is a tryptophan residue. The photoactivatable organic molecule need not bear a purine, pyrimidine or azido group to effect binding to the immunoglobulin and/or photoactivation. The superantibodies can enhance the potency and expand the targeting range of target antibodies. Autophilic superantibodies can promote apoptosis of target cells and/or enhance therapeutic efficacies in the treatment of patients with diseases or disorders responsive to antibody therapy. Exemplary of such diseases are atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Membrane-penetrating superantibodies can prevent apoptosis by binding to intracellular anti-caspase signal proteins. Compositions containing the superantibodies, as well as methods of making and using them, are disclosed.