Abstract:
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting and reversing nonenzymatic cross-linking (protein aging). Accordingly, compositons are disclosed which comprise an agent capable of inhibiting the formation of advanced glycosylation endproducts of target proteins, and which additionally reverse pre-formed crosslinks in the advanced glycosylation endproducts by cleaving alpha-dicarbonyl-based protein crosslinks present in the advanced glycosylation endproducts. Certain agents useful are thiazolium salts. The method comprises contacting the target protein with the composition. Both industrial and therapeutic applications for the invention are envisioned, as food spoilage and animal protein aging can be treated. A novel immunoassay for detection of the reversal of the nonenzymatic crosslinking is also disclosed.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting the aging of amino-containing amino acid, peptides, proteins and biomolecules. Accordingly, a composition is disclosed which comprises an agent or compound capable of reacting with the glycosyl-amino moiety of the early glycosylation product (also known as the Amadori product or the Heyns product) formed by the reaction of glucose, or other reactive sugars, with an amino-containing peptide, protein or biomolecule, thus stabilizing this early glycosylation product, and preventing its further reaction to form open-chain, carbonyl-containing advanced glycosylation end products. Suitable agents may contain a reactive aldehyde group. A preferred agent is acetaldehyde. The method comprises contacting the target biomolecule with the composition. The compounds so obtained are represented by formulae (VI) and (VIII) wherein R is the residue of an amino-containing biomolecule such as a peptide and CH2R' is the residue of the reactive aldhehyde group. Both industrial and therapeutic applications for the invention are envisioned, as food spoilage and animal protein aging can be treated.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to advanced glycosylation endproducts, and particularly to the use of novel cyclopentenone aminoreductones, 3-alkylamino-2-hydroxy-4-hydroxymethyl-2-cyclopenten-1-ones. Such AGEs can be used in various diagnostic and therapeutic methods.
Abstract:
There is disclosed pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of HIV-infection using cyclophilin A and its corresponding human cellular binding partner as a target for intervention. There is further disclosed a method of using cyclophilins, anti-cyclophilin antibodies, and pegylated cyclosporin A as a treatment for HIV-infection. The present invention further provides screening assays for the identification of compounds which inhibit the interaction of cyclophilin and its cellular receptor.
Abstract:
There is disclosed assays to identify compounds that inhibit an enzymatic activity of MIF (macrophage migration inhibitory factor). The enzyme activity catalyzes a tautomerization of MIF-substrates, such as D-dopachrome to DHICA. In general, the assay is conducted in vitro by adding, mixing or combining MIF polypeptide and a suitable substrate in the presence or absence of a test compound, and measuring the tautomerization of the substrate. The test compounds that inhibit tautomerization in the assay are identified as MIF inhibitors.