U.S. patent application number 14/226179 was filed with the patent office on 2014-10-09 for methods for the modulation of angiogenesis.
This patent application is currently assigned to THE CHILDREN'S MEDICAL CENTER CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is THE CHILDREN'S MEDICAL CENTER CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Donald E. INGBER, Akiko MAMMOTO.
Application Number | 20140303234 14/226179 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41434710 |
Filed Date | 2014-10-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140303234 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
INGBER; Donald E. ; et
al. |
October 9, 2014 |
METHODS FOR THE MODULATION OF ANGIOGENESIS
Abstract
The present invention relates to methods and compositions for
promoting or inhibiting capillary endothelial (CE) cell migration,
promoting or inhibiting the formation of CE networks and promoting
or inhibiting angiogenesis. Some embodiments relate to methods and
compositions for treating angiogenesis-related disorders
characterized by loss or decreased angiogenesis. One aspect relates
to the use of at least one pro-angiogenic agent selected from at
least one of an p190RhoGAP inhibitor, a TFII-I inhibitor a GATA-2
activator for promoting the formation of CE networks and
angiogenesis, and methods for treating angiogenesis-related
disorders characterized by loss or decreased angiogenesis. Another
aspect of the invention related to use of at least one
anti-angiogenic agent selected from at least one of an p190RhoGAP
activator, a TFII-I activator a GATA-2 inhibitor for inhibiting the
formation of CE networks and inhibiting angiogenesis, and methods
for treating angiogenesis-related disorders characterized by
uncontrolled or elevated angiogenesis.
Inventors: |
INGBER; Donald E.; (Boston,
MA) ; MAMMOTO; Akiko; (Brookline, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
THE CHILDREN'S MEDICAL CENTER CORPORATION |
Boston |
MA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
THE CHILDREN'S MEDICAL CENTER
CORPORATION
Boston
MA
|
Family ID: |
41434710 |
Appl. No.: |
14/226179 |
Filed: |
March 26, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12999746 |
Dec 17, 2010 |
8722638 |
|
|
PCT/US09/47935 |
Jun 19, 2009 |
|
|
|
14226179 |
|
|
|
|
61147850 |
Jan 28, 2009 |
|
|
|
61074164 |
Jun 20, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
514/44A |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61K 31/7088 20130101;
A61P 17/02 20180101; C12N 15/113 20130101; A61K 45/06 20130101;
A61P 19/02 20180101; A61P 17/06 20180101; A61P 25/28 20180101; A61P
27/02 20180101; A61P 3/10 20180101; C12N 2310/14 20130101; A61P
35/00 20180101; A61P 3/04 20180101; A61P 9/00 20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
514/44.A |
International
Class: |
C12N 15/113 20060101
C12N015/113; A61K 45/06 20060101 A61K045/06; A61K 31/7088 20060101
A61K031/7088 |
Goverment Interests
GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
[0002] This invention was made with Governmental support under
CA55833 and PO1 CA45548, awarded by the National Institute of
Health (NIH). The Government has certain rights in the invention.
Claims
1. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically
effective amount of at least one anti-angiogenic agent selected
from the group consisting of: a p190RhoGAP activator, a TFII-I
activator, a GATA-2 inhibitor, and a pharmaceutically acceptable
carrier.
2. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the GATA-2
inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of an antibody, an
RNA interference molecule, a small molecule, a peptide and an
aptamer.
3. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the
p190RhoGAP activator the TFII-I activator is selected from the
group consisting of an antibody, a small molecule, a peptide,
polypeptide, or nucleic acid.
4. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, further comprising at
least one additional anti-angiogenic therapy.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser.
No. 12/999,746, filed Dec. 17, 2010, which is a 35 U.S.C. .sctn.371
National Phase Entry Application of International Application No.
PCT/US2009/047935 filed Jun. 19, 2009, which designates the U.S.,
and which claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) of the U.S. provisional applications 61/147,850 filed
on Jan. 28, 2009 and 61/074,164 filed Jun. 20, 2008, the contents
of which are incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety.
SEQUENCE LISTING
[0003] The instant application contains a Sequence Listing which
has been submitted in ASCII format via EFS-Web and is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety. Said ASCII copy, created
on Jun. 15, 2009, is named 70103906.txt, and is 119,355 bytes in
size.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Angiogenesis is the formation, development and growth of new
blood vessels. The normal regulation of angiogenesis is governed by
a fine balance between factors that induce the formation of blood
vessels and those that halt or inhibit the process. When this
balance is upset, it generally results in pathological
angiogenesis. Under normal physiological conditions, angiogenesis
occur in very specific, restricted situations and is highly
regulated through a system of angiogenic stimulators and
inhibitors. For example, angiogenesis is normally observed in wound
healing, fetal and embryonic development, and formation of the
corpus luteum, endometrium and placenta.
[0005] In addition, angiogenesis is regulated by external factors.
Physical forces applied to extracellular matrix (ECM) can influence
the direction of capillary endothelial (CE) cell migration and
oriented sprouting that drive angiogenesis. For example, local
thinning of the basement membrane precedes initiation of capillary
sprout formation, and cells in this region physically extend into
surrounding ECM, leading to outward migration and growth of the
capillary endothelial cells towards the growth stimulus. Similar
changes in capillary cell shape and function, including
distortion-related migration and growth, can be produced by
changing ECM elasticity, adhesivity or topography, or altering
cell-generated traction forces in vitro, as well as by applying
mechanical stresses in vitro or in vivo. The growth and development
of all living tissues are influenced by physical forces, and
deregulation of this form of mechanoregulation can lead to various
diseases and debilitating conditions. This is particularly evident
in the cardiovascular system where blood pressure, wall strain and
fluid shear stress elicit biochemical signals in endothelial cells
that are required for normal tissue homeostasis, and when these
physical factors are altered, they produce changes in cell function
and vascular wall remodeling that can contribute to life
threatening diseases, such as hypertension and atherosclerosis.
Mechanical forces also play an important role in the
microvasculature. For example, micromechanical stresses (e.g.,
cyclical changes in wall strain in angiogenic atherosclerotic
plaques, static stretch in healing wounds or cancer parenchyma) can
be potent inducers of capillary ingrowth as chemical factors.
Moreover, physical forces actually dominate and govern the local
capillary response (i.e., whether CE cells will grow,
differentiate, die or move in a specific direction) when stimulated
by saturating amounts of soluble angiogenic factors. Thus,
understanding the molecular mechanism by which CE cells migrate and
grow, causing capillary sprouts to elongate and differentiate into
functional vascular networks to form when exposed to mechanical
stress could lead to identification of novel targets for therapy in
angiogenic diseases, such as cancer, arthritis and diabetic
retinopathy.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention relates to methods and compositions
for inhibiting and promoting angiogenesis driven by endothelial
cell (EC) migration, growth and associated capillary sprout
elongation and vascular network formation, and uses thereof for the
purposes of treating angiogenesis-related disorders and diseases,
particularly when diseases or disorders are directly related to
aberrant angiogenesis, including increased or decreased
angiogenesis.
[0007] The invention generally relates to compositions and methods
for modulating the migration, growth and/or differentiation of
microvascular endothelial cells that underlie the angiogenic
process. The methods described herein are based upon the discovery
of a mechanosensitive signalling pathway that controls the
expression of the gene encoding VEGFR2 by modulating antagonistic
activities of two opposing transcription factors, TFII-I and GATA2.
While not wishing to be bound by theory, the inventors have
discovered that TFII-I and GATA2 compete for binding to the VEGFR2
promoter and share sensitivity to p190RhoGAP, which responds to
signals elicited by growth factors, ECM adhesion, and mechanical
forces.
[0008] The invention generally relates to altering angiogenesis in
vivo by modulating the levels of p190RhoGAP, TFII-I, or GATA-2. In
particular, the inventors herein have discovered that inhibition of
the expression of p190RhoGAP or TFII-I, for example using siRNAs
directed to p190RhoGAP and/or TFII-I respectively, enhances VEGFR
expression and increases angiogenesis in vivo. In addition, the
inventors further demonstrate that over-expression of GATA-2
increases angiogenesis in vivo, while the inhibition of GATA-2, for
example using siRNA directed to GATA-2 decreases angiogenesis in
vivo. Furthermore, the inventors also demonstrate that
over-expression or activation of TFII-I has been shown to inhibit
the expression of VEGFR and decrease angiogenesis in vivo. Methods
for the treatment of macular degeneration and for
inhibiting/promoting capillary endothelial (CE) cell migration by
modulating the levels of p190RhoGAP, TFII-I, or GATA-2 are also
contemplated.
[0009] Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention relates to
a method for promoting microvascular endothelial cell migration,
differentiation, capillary blood vessel growth and/or angiogenesis
by administering an pro-angiogenic agent, whereby a pro-angiogenic
agent is selected from at least one of an inhibitor of p190RhoGAP,
an inhibitor of TFII-I or an activator of GATA-2.
[0010] Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention relates to
a method for inhibiting microvascular endothelial cell migration,
differentiation, capillary blood vessel growth and/or angiogenesis
by administering an anti-angiogenic agent, whereby an
anti-angiogenic agent is selected from at least one of an activator
of p190RhoGAP, an activator of TFII-I or an inhibitor of
GATA-2.
[0011] Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention relate to
methods and compositions to promote or increase endothelial cell
migration, capillary sprout formation and formation of
microvascular networks, the method comprising contacting an
endothelial cell with a pro-angiogenesis agent, for example a
pro-angiogenic agent is selected from at least one or any
combination of an inhibitor of p190RhoGAP, an inhibitor of TFII-I,
or an activator of GATA-2.
[0012] Embodiments of the invention also provide methods for
promoting or increasing angiogenesis in a mammal in need thereof,
the method comprising administering a therapeutically effective
amount of a pro-angiogenic agent, for example, a pro-angiogenesis
agent, for example a pro-angiogenic agent is selected from at least
one or any combination of an inhibitor of p190RhoGAP, an inhibitor
of TFII-I, or an activator of GATA-2 and a pharmaceutically
acceptable carrier.
[0013] Embodiments of the invention also provide methods for
treating an angiogenesis-related disease characterized by a
decrease or loss in angiogenesis in a mammal in need thereof, the
method comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount
of a pro-angiogenesis agent, for example a pro-angiogenic agent is
selected from at least one or any combination of an inhibitor of
p190RhoGAP, an inhibitor of TFII-I, or an activator of GATA-2 and a
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
[0014] In one embodiment, provided herein is a method of promoting
microvascular endothelial cell migration, differentiation,
capillary blood vessel growth and/or angiogenesis, the method
comprising contacting a cell with an inhibitor of TFII-I expression
or activity Inhibition of expression or activity can be achieved,
for example, via siRNA, an antibody, or a small molecule inhibitor
of TFII-I.
[0015] In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of
promoting microvascular endothelial cell migration,
differentiation, capillary blood vessel growth and/or angiogenesis,
the method comprising contacting a cell with an inhibitor of
p190RhoGAP expression or activity. Inhibition of expression or
activity can be achieved, for example, via siRNA, an antibody, or a
small molecule inhibitor of p190RhoGAP.
[0016] Other embodiments of the present invention relate to methods
and compositions to inhibit endothelial cell migration, the method
comprising contacting an endothelial cell with an anti-angiogenic
agent, whereby an anti-angiogenic agent is selected from at least
one or any combination of an activator of p190RhoGAP, an activator
of TFII-I or an inhibitor of GATA-2
[0017] Embodiments of the invention also provide methods for
inhibiting angiogenesis in a mammal in need thereof, the method
comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a
anti-angiogenic agent, for example, an anti-angiogenic agent is
selected from at least one or any combination of an activator of
p190RhoGAP, an activator of TFII-I or an inhibitor of GATA-2 and a
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
[0018] Embodiments of the invention also provide methods for
treating an angiogenesis-related disease characterized by
uncontrolled or increased angiogenesis in a mammal in need thereof,
the method comprising administering a therapeutically effective
amount of a anti-angiogenic agent, for example, an anti-angiogenic
agent is selected from at least one or any combination of an
activator of p190RhoGAP, an activator of TFII-I or an inhibitor of
GATA-2 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
[0019] In another embodiment, provided herein is a method of
inhibiting microvascular endothelial cell migration,
differentiation, capillary blood vessel growth and/or angiogenesis,
the method comprising contacting a cell with an inhibitor of GATA2
expression or activity. Inhibition of expression or activity can be
achieved, for example, via siRNA, an antibody, or a small molecule
inhibitor of GATA2.
[0020] In another embodiment, there is provided a method of
modulating angiogenesis, the method comprising contacting a
microvascular endothelial cell with a modulator of one or more of
p190RhoGAP, TFII-I, and GATA2. The use of a plurality of such
modulators is specifically contemplated.
[0021] One aspect of the present invention relates to the use of
anti-angiogenic agents for inhibiting angiogenesis through
modulation (i.e. inhibition) of microvascular endothelial cell
migration, and/or microvascular endothelial cell differentiation
and/or capillary blood vessel growth.
[0022] One aspect of the present invention relates to the use of
pro-angiogenic agents for promoting angiogenesis through modulation
(i.e. increase) of microvascular endothelial cell migration, and/or
microvascular endothelial cell differentiation and/or capillary
blood vessel growth.
[0023] One aspect of the present invention relates to the use of an
anti-angiogenic agent for inhibiting angiogenesis through
modulation (i.e. inhibiting) microvascular endothelial cell
migration or differentiation or growth in a mammal, wherein the
anti-angiogenic agent is selected from at least one from the group
consisting of: a p190RhoGAP activator, a TFII-I activator, a GATA-2
inhibitor.
[0024] One aspect of the present invention relates to the use of an
siRNA directed specifically against a GATA-2 gene for inhibiting
angiogenesis through modulation (i.e. inhibiting) microvascular
endothelial cell migration or differentiation or growth. In another
embodiment, the present invention relates to the use of an antibody
directed specifically against a GATA-2 for inhibiting angiogenesis
through modulation (i.e. inhibiting) microvascular endothelial cell
migration or microvascular endothelial cell differentiation or
microvascular endothelial cell growth, wherein the GATA-2 function
is blocked by the antibody. In some embodiments, a siRNA directed
specifically against a GATA-2 gene is useful for the manufacture of
a medicament for inhibiting angiogenesis by modulating (i.e.
inhibiting) microvascular endothelial cell migration, or
differentiation or growth in a mammal in need thereof. In some
embodiments, an antibody directed specifically against a GATA-2 is
useful for inhibiting angiogenesis by modulating (i.e. inhibiting)
microvascular endothelial cell migration, differentiation or growth
in a mammal in need thereof, wherein the GATA-2 function is blocked
by the antibody. In some embodiments, an antibody directed
specifically against a GATA-2 for the manufacture of a medicament
for inhibiting angiogenesis or microvascular endothelial cell
migration or differentiation or growth in a mammal in need thereof,
wherein the GATA-2 is blocked by the antibody.
[0025] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a
pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective
amount of at least one anti-angiogenic agent selected from the
group consisting of: a p190RhoGAP activator, a TFII-I activator, a
GATA-2 inhibitor, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier for
inhibiting angiogenesis through modulation (i.e. inhibition) of
microvascular endothelial cell migration, or differentiation or
growth in a mammal in need thereof. In some embodiments of all
aspects, a pharmaceutical composition is useful for the manufacture
of a medicament for inhibiting angiogenesis in a mammal in need
thereof.
[0026] In all aspects of the invention, a pharmaceutical
composition comprising an anti-angiogenic agent is useful for
treating a mammal is afflicted with an angiogenesis-related disease
or disorder characterized by increased angiogenesis. Examples of
angiogenesis-related disease characterized by increased
angiogenesis is selected from the group consisting of cancer,
macular degeneration; diabetic retinopathy; rheumatoid arthritis;
Alzheimer's disease; obesity, psoriasis, atherosclerosis, vascular
malformations, angiomata, and endometriosis.
[0027] In all aspects of the invention, a pharmaceutical
composition comprising an anti-angiogenic agent further comprises
at least one additional anti-angiogenic therapy, for example, but
not limited to chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
[0028] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method
for inhibiting angiogenesis through modulation (i.e. inhibiting)
microvascular endothelial cell migration, differentiation or growth
in a mammal in need thereof, the method comprising administering a
therapeutically effective amount of at least one anti-angiogenic
agent selected from the group consisting of: a p190RhoGAP
activator, a TFII-I activator, a GATA-2 inhibitor, and a
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
[0029] Another aspect relates to a method of treating an
angiogenesis-related disease characterized by increased
angiogenesis in a mammal in need thereof, the method comprising
administering a therapeutically effective amount an anti-angiogenic
agent selected from the group consisting of: p190RhoGAP activator,
a TFII-I activator, a GATA-2 inhibitor, and a pharmaceutically
acceptable carrier. In some embodiments, the method further
comprises administering an anti-angiogenic therapy in conjunction
with the anti-angiogenic agent, for example, but not limited to
chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.
[0030] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a method of
inhibiting angiogenesis by modulating (i.e. inhibiting)
microvascular endothelial cell migration and/or differentiation
and/or growth comprising contacting said cell with an inhibitor of
GATA2 expression or activity.
[0031] Another aspect of the present invention relates to the use
of an siRNA directed specifically against a GATA-2 gene for
inhibiting angiogenesis or microvascular endothelial cell
migration, differentiation or growth in a mammal in need thereof,
or for example, in the manufacture of a medicament for inhibiting
angiogenesis or microvascular endothelial cell migration,
differentiation or growth in a mammal in need thereof. In another
embodiment relates to the use of an antibody directed specifically
against a GATA-2 polypeptide for inhibiting angiogenesis or
microvascular endothelial cell migration, differentiation or growth
in a mammal in need thereof, wherein the p190RhoGAP function is
blocked by the antibody.
[0032] In all aspects related to methods, uses and compositions
related to an anti-angiogenic agents, a GATA-2 inhibitor is
selected from the group consisting of an antibody, an RNA
interference molecule, a small molecule, a peptide and an aptamer.
In some embodiments, a GATA-2 inhibitor is an RNA interference
molecule that inhibits GATA-2 expression in the cell. In some
embodiments, a GATA-2 inhibitor is an antibody directed
specifically against a GATA-2 polypeptide, wherein the GATA-2
function is blocked by the antibody.
[0033] In all aspects related to methods, uses and compositions
related to an anti-angiogenic agents, a p190RhoGAP activator is
selected from the group consisting of an antibody, a small
molecule, a peptide, polypeptide, or nucleic acid.
[0034] In all aspects related to methods, uses and compositions
related to an anti-angiogenic agents, a TFII-I activator is
selected from the group consisting of antibody, a small molecule, a
peptide, polypeptide, or nucleic acid.
[0035] Another aspect of the present invention relates to the use
of a pro-angiogenic agent for promoting angiogenesis through
modulation (i.e. increase) in microvascular endothelial cell
migration, and/or differentiation and/or growth in a mammal,
wherein the pro-angiogenic agent is selected from at least one from
the group consisting of: a p190RhoGAP inhibitor, a TFII-I
inhibitor, a GATA-2 activator.
[0036] In some embodiments, the present invention relates to the
use of an siRNA directed specifically against a p190RhoGAP gene for
promoting endothelial cell migration. In some embodiments, the
present invention relates to the use of an antibody directed
specifically against a p190RhoGAP for promoting endothelial cell
migration, wherein the p190RhoGAP function is blocked by the
antibody.
[0037] In some embodiments, the present invention relates to the
use of an siRNA directed specifically against a TFII-I gene for
promoting endothelial cell migration. In some embodiments, the
present invention relates to the use of an antibody directed
specifically against a TFII-I for promoting endothelial cell
migration, wherein the TFII-I function is blocked by the
antibody.
[0038] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a
pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective
amount of at least one pro-angiogenic agent selected from the group
consisting of: a p190RhoGAP inhibitor; a TFII-I inhibitor, a GATA-2
activator, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier for promoting
angiogenesis or microvascular endothelial cell migration,
differentiation or growth in a mammal in need thereof.
[0039] In some embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition comprising
a pro-angiogenic agent is useful for the manufacture of a
medicament for promoting angiogenesis or microvascular endothelial
cell migration, differentiation or growth in a mammal in need
thereof.
[0040] Another aspect of the present invention relates to the use
of an siRNA directed specifically against a p190RhoGAP gene for
promoting angiogenesis or microvascular endothelial cell migration,
differentiation or growth in a mammal in need thereof. In some
embodiments, a siRNA directed specifically against a p190RhoGAP
gene is useful for the manufacture of a medicament for promoting
angiogenesis or microvascular endothelial cell migration,
differentiation or growth in a mammal in need thereof.
[0041] In some embodiments, an antibody directed specifically
against a p190RhoGAP is useful for promoting angiogenesis by
modulating (i.e. increasing) microvascular endothelial cell
migration, differentiation or growth in a mammal in need thereof,
wherein the p190RhoGAP function is blocked by the antibody. In some
embodiments, an antibody directed specifically against a p190RhoGAP
polypeptide is useful in a manufacture of a medicament for
promoting angiogenesis by modulating (i.e. increasing)
microvascular endothelial cell migration, or differentiation or
growth in a mammal in need thereof, wherein the p190RhoGAP function
is blocked by the antibody.
[0042] In another aspect, a siRNA directed specifically against a
TFII-I gene is useful for promoting angiogenesis by modulating
(i.e. increasing) microvascular endothelial cell migration,
differentiation or growth in a mammal in need thereof, or
alternatively, is useful in the manufacture of a medicament for
promoting angiogenesis or microvascular endothelial cell migration,
differentiation or growth in a mammal in need thereof.
[0043] In some embodiments, an antibody directed specifically
against a TFII-I polypeptide is useful for promoting angiogenesis
through modulation (i.e. increase) in microvascular endothelial
cell migration and/or differentiation and/or growth in a mammal in
need thereof, wherein the TFII-I function is blocked by the
antibody, and in some embodiments, is also useful in the
manufacture of a medicament for promoting angiogenesis or
microvascular endothelial cell migration, differentiation or growth
in a mammal in need thereof, wherein the TFII-I is blocked by the
antibody.
[0044] In some embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition comprising
a pro-angiogenic agent is administered to, or is useful to treat a
mammal afflicted with an angiogenesis-related disease or disorder
characterized by decreased angiogenesis. Examples of
angiogenesis-related diseases characterized by decreased
angiogenesis are well known in the art, and include, for example
ischemic limb disease, coronary artery disease, myocardial
infarction, brain ischemia, tissue transplantation therapy and stem
cell implantation.
[0045] In some embodiments, such a pharmaceutical composition
comprising a pro-angiogenic agent is useful to promote angiogenesis
or microvascular endothelial cell migration, differentiation or
growth in a mammal, wherein the mammal is in need of
neovascularization of tissue engineering contructs, organ
transplantation, tissue repair, regenerative medicine and wound
healing.
[0046] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method
for inhibiting angiogenesis through modulation (i.e. inhibiting)
microvascular endothelial cell migration and/or differentiation
and/or growth, the method comprising contacting an endothelial cell
with at least one anti-angiogenic agent selected from the group
consisting of: a p190RhoGAP activator, a TFII-I activator, a GATA-2
inhibitor.
[0047] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method
for promoting angiogenesis through modulation (i.e. increasing)
microvascular endothelial cell migration and/or differentiation
and/or growth, the method comprising contacting an endothelial cell
with at least one pro-angiogenic agent selected from the group
consisting of: a p190RhoGAP inhibitor, a TFII-I inhibitor, a GATA-2
activator.
[0048] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method
for promoting angiogenesis through modulation (i.e. increasing) or
microvascular endothelial cell migration and/or differentiation
and/or growth in a mammal in need thereof, the method comprising
administering a therapeutically effective amount of at least one
pro-angiogenic agent selected from the group consisting of: a
p190RhoGAP inhibitor, a TFII-I inhibitor, a GATA-2 activator and a
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
[0049] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of
treating an angiogenesis-related disease characterized by decreased
angiogenesis in a mammal in need thereof, the method comprising
administering a therapeutically effective amount pro-angiogenic
agent selected from the group consisting of: a p190RhoGAP
inhibitor, a TFII-I inhibitor, a GATA-2 activator and a
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In some embodiments, a mammal
in need of treatment with an a pro-angiogenic agent is a mammal
where it is desirable to increase the neovascularization of a
tissue engineering construct or a organ transplant or for tissue
repair or any type of regenerative medicine or wound healing.
[0050] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method
of promoting angiogenesis or microvascular endothelial cell
migration, differentiation or growth comprising contacting a
microvascular endothelial cell with an inhibitor of TFII-I
expression or activity. Another aspect of the present invention
relates to a method of promoting angiogenesis or microvascular
endothelial cell migration, differentiation or growth comprising
contacting said cell with an inhibitor of p190RhoGAP expression or
activity.
[0051] In all aspects related to methods, uses and compositions
related to a pro-angiogenic agent, a mammal to be treated with such
anti-angiogenic agent can be afflicted with an angiogenesis-related
disease or disorder characterized by a decrease in angiogenesis.
Examples of such angiogenesis-related diseases characterized by
decrease in angiogenesis are well known in the art, and include for
example but are not limited to ischemic limb disease, coronary
artery disease, myocardial infarction, brain ischemia, tissue
transplantation therapy and stem cell implantation.
[0052] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method
for promoting angiogenesis or microvascular endothelial cell
migration, differentiation or growth, the method comprising
contacting an endothelial cell with an siRNA directed specifically
against a p190RhoGAP gene or a TFII-I gene.
[0053] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method
for promoting angiogenesis or microvascular endothelial cell
migration, differentiation or growth, the method comprising
contacting an endothelial cell with an antibody directed
specifically against a p190RhoGAP polypeptide, wherein the
p190RhoGAP function is blocked by the antibody.
[0054] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a
method for promoting angiogenesis or microvascular endothelial cell
migration, differentiation or growth, the method comprising
contacting an endothelial cell with an antibody directed
specifically against a TFII-I polypeptide, wherein the TFII-I
function is blocked by the antibody.
[0055] In all aspects related to methods, uses and compositions
related to a pro-angiogenic agents, a p190RhoGAP inhibitor can be
selected from the group consisting of an antibody, an RNA
interference molecule, a small molecule, a peptide and an aptamer.
In some embodiments, a p190RhoGAP inhibitor is an RNA interference
molecule that inhibits p190RhoGAP expression in the cell. In
another embodiment, a p190RhoGAP inhibitor is an siRNA directed
specifically against a p190RhoGAP gene.
[0056] In all aspects related to methods, uses and compositions
related to a pro-angiogenic agents, a TFII-I inhibitor can be
selected from the group consisting of an antibody, an RNA
interference molecule, a small molecule, a peptide and an aptamer.
In some embodiments, a TFII-I inhibitor is selected from the group
consisting of an antibody, an RNA interference molecule, a small
molecule, a peptide and an aptamer. In some embodiments, a TFII-I
inhibitor is an RNA interference molecule that inhibits TFII-I
expression in the cell, such as a siRNA molecule directed
specifically against a TFII-I gene.
[0057] In all aspects related to methods, uses and compositions
related to a pro-angiogenic agents, a GATA-2 activator is selected
from the group consisting of antibody, a small molecule, a peptide,
polypeptide, or nucleic acid.
[0058] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method
of modulating angiogenesis or microvascular endothelial cell
migration and/or differentiation and/or growth, the method
comprising contacting a microvascular endothelial cell with an
agent which inhibits or activates one or more of p190RhoGAP,
TFII-I, and GATA-2. In some embodiments modulating is an increase
in angiogenesis or an increase in microvascular endothelial cell
migration, or an increase in differentiation or an increase in
microvascular growth, and wherein the endothelial cell is contacted
with at least one agent which inhibits p190RhoGAP or inhibits
TFII-I or activates GATA-2. In alternative embodiments, modulating
is a decrease in angiogenesis or microvascular endothelial cell
migration, differentiation or growth, and wherein the endothelial
cell is contacted with at least one agent which activates
p190RhoGAP or activates TFII-I or inhibits GATA-2.
[0059] Another embodiments relates to the use of an antibody
directed specifically against a GATA-2 polypeptide for the
manufacture of a medicament for inhibiting angiogenesis or
microvascular endothelial cell migration, differentiation or growth
in a mammal in need thereof, wherein the p190RhoGAP function is
blocked by the antibody.
[0060] In all aspects of the present invention, an microvascular
endothelial cell is a mammalian endothelial cell. In some
embodiments, a mammalian endothelial cell is a human endothelial
cell.
[0061] In all aspects of the invention, a mammal can be a
human.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0062] FIG. 1A is a histogram showing the VEGFR2 and TFII-I mRNA
levels in cells treated with TFII-I siRNA or lentiviral vectors
(virus) relative to control cells (*P<0.05; unpaired Student's
t-test is used throughout). All error bars are s.e.m.
[0063] FIG. 1B are representative immunoblots showing VEGFR2,
TFII-I, p190RhoGAP (p190) and GAPDH protein levels in cells treated
with TFII-I or p190RhoGAP siRNAs, or both.
[0064] FIG. 1C is a histogram showing the VEGFR2 mRNA levels in
cells transfected with p190RhoGAP siRNA alone or with GATA2 siRNA
(*P<0.01). All error bars are s.e.m.
[0065] FIG. 1D is a histogram showing the VEGFR2 promoter
activities in cells transfected with GATA2 or TFII-I siRNA alone or
in combination (*P<0.01, **P<0.05). All error bars are
s.e.m.
[0066] FIG. 1E is a histogram showing the VEGFR mRNA levels in
cells transfected with GATA2 or TFII-I siRNA alone or in
combination (*P, 0.01, **P<0.05). All error bars are s.e.m.
[0067] FIG. 1F shows the ChIP analysis of the VEGFR2 promoter
coimmunoprecipitating (IP) with GATA2 or TFII-I antibodies in cells
transfected with TFII-I or GATA2 siRNA (n=3). Ct, control.
[0068] FIG. 2A is a histogram showing the VEGFR2 mRNA levels in
HMVE cells cultured on rigid fibronectin-coated glass or the gels
of different elasticity (150, 1,000 and 4,000 Pa; normalized to
that in cells on the softest gels; *P<0.01, **P<0.05). Error
bars represent s.e.m. of three replica experiments.
[0069] FIG. 2B is a histogram showing the VEGFR2 mRNA levels in
HMVE cells on soft gels (150 Pa) transfected with TFII-I or GATA2
siRNA alone or in combination (normalized to cells on the stiffest
gels; *P<0.01). Error bars represent s.e.m. of three replica
experiments.
[0070] FIG. 2C is a histogram showing the VEGFR2 mRNA levels in
HMVE cells on soft gels transfected with p190RhoGAP or GATA2 siRNA
alone or in combination (normalized to cells on stiffest gels;
*P<0.01). Error bars represent s.e.m. of three replica
experiments.
[0071] FIG. 3A are histograms showing the motility of HMVE cells
transfected with human siRNAs or transduced with lentiviral vectors
encoding GATA2 or TFII-I, alone or in combination, as quantified
using the transwell migration assay (*P<0.01). Where
demonstrated, VEGF (10 ng/ml) was added to the lower chamber and
SU5416 was added in both chambers. Error bars represent s.e.m. of
three replica experiments.
[0072] FIG. 3B are micrographs showing in vitro tube formation
induced by VEGF (10 ng/ml) in HMVE cells transfected with siRNAs or
transduced with lentiviral vectors encoding GATA2 or TFII-I, alone
or in combination (scale bar, 500 .mu.m).
[0073] FIG. 4A is a histogram showing the cell infiltration and
VEGFR2 expression (exp) in MATRIGEL.TM. with different elasticity
implanted in mice for 7 days without TfII-I or Gata2 siRNAs. The
number of VEGFR2-positive blood vessels was normalized to that in
the 700 Pa gels and to that in gels treated with control siRNA in d
(n=6). Data are mean.+-.s.e.m., *P<0.01.
[0074] FIG. 4B is a histogram showing the cell infiltration and
VEGFR2 expression (exp) in MATRIGEL.TM. with different elasticity
implanted in mice for 7 days with TfII-I or Gata2 siRNAs. The
number of VEGFR2-positive blood vessels was normalized to that in
the 700 Pa gels and to that in gels treated with control siRNA in d
(n=6). Data are mean.+-.s.e.m., *P<0.01.
[0075] FIG. 5A is a graph showing the quantification of the total
percentage of the peripheral region of retina that contained blood
vessels, wherein the retinal tissues' expression of TFII-I was
knocked down by in vivo delivery of respective siRNAs (n=7; *,
p<0.01).
[0076] FIG. 5B is a graph showing the quantification of the total
percentage of the peripheral region of retina that contained blood
vessels, wherein the retinal tissues' expression of GATA2 was
knocked down by in vivo delivery of respective siRNAs (n=7; *,
p<0.01).
[0077] FIG. 5C is a graph showing the quantification of the total
percentage of the peripheral region of retina that contained blood
vessels, wherein the retinal tissues' expression of p190RhoGAP was
knocked down by in vivo delivery of respective siRNAs (n=7; *,
p<0.01).
[0078] FIG. 6 shows a schematic model for the mechanical control of
angiogenesis via transcriptional control of VEGFR2 expression
through the transcription factors GATA2 and TFII-I.
[0079] FIG. 7A is an immunoblots showing TFII-I distribution in
cytoplasmic versus nuclear fractions in HMVE cells treated with
p190RhoGAP siRNA. Lamin and paxillin are nuclear and cytoplasmic
markers, respectively.
[0080] FIG. 7B is a histogram showing the quantitative results of
the ratio of TFII-I in the nucleus versus total cell lysate
(mean.+-.S.E.M. of 3 or more replica experiments for all
graphs).
[0081] FIG. 7C is a histogram showing the quantitative results of
the ratio of TFII-I in the nucleus versus the whole cell in control
and p190RhoGAP knockdown cells.
[0082] FIG. 7D is an immunoblots of p190RhoGAP
co-immunoprecipitated with anti-TFII-I antibody, and vice versa
(mouse IgG was used as a control); Lys(-) is the
immunoprecipitation control without protein lysate.
[0083] FIG. 8A shows the VEGFR2, TFII-I and GAPDH protein levels in
cells treated with TFII-I siRNA or lentiviral vectors (virus)
encoding myc-tagged TFII-I. Quantitative results show the ratio of
VEGFR2 and TFII-I protein levels relative to GAPDH normalized to
those in cells treated with control siRNA or virus (*, p<0.05).
Error Bars represent s.e.m of 3 replica experiments.
[0084] FIG. 8B shows the VEGFR2 promoter activity in cells
transfected with TFII-I siRNA or DNA. Activities of VEGFR2
promoters (pGL3-225, -570, -780) and the Inr region mutant
(pGL3-780MUT) are presented as ratio of VEGFR2 promoter activity
normalized to cells transfected with control siRNA or DNA (*,
p<0.05; **, p<0.01). Error Bars represent s.e.m of 3 replica
experiments.
[0085] FIG. 8C are immunoblots showing the VEGFR2, TFII-I, GATA2,
and GAPDH protein levels in HMVE cells treated with human TFII-I or
GATA2 siRNA alone or in combination with virus expressing mouse
TFII-I or Gata2 (upper). Histogram shows the VEGFR2 promoter
activity (pGL3-780) in HUVE cells transfected with human TFII-I or
GATA2 siRNA alone or in combination with DNA encoding mouse TFII-I
or Gata2 (lower; normalized to cells expressing control siRNA and
DNA vector; *, p<0.01; **, p<0.05). Error Bars represent
s.e.m of 3 replica experiments.
[0086] FIG. 8D shows the VEGFR2 promoter activity (pGL3-780) and
mRNA and protein levels relative to GAPDH in HMVE cells treated
with siRNAs for TFII-I or p190RhoGAP, or both in combination;
results are normalized to control cells treated with control siRNA
(*, p<0.01, **, p<0.05). Error Bars represent s.e.m of 3
replica experiments.
[0087] FIG. 8E are immunoblots showing GATA2 distribution in the
nucleus and cytoplasm, and the expression levels of GATA2 and
p190RhoGAP in the total cell lysates of control or p190RhoGAP
knockdown HMVE cells. Quantitation of results from triplicate
studies reveals that the ratio of GATA2 in the nucleus to the total
cell lysate increases significantly (*, p<0.05) in p190RhoGAP
knockdown cells. Error Bars represent s.e.m of 3 replica
experiments.
[0088] FIG. 8F are immunoblots of GATA2 co-immunoprecipitated with
anti-p190RhoGAP antibody (left), and p190RhoGAP with anti-HA
antibody in cells overexpressing HA-GATA2 (right).
[0089] FIG. 9A shows the GATA2 (left) and VEGFR2 (middle) mRNA
levels in HMVE cells transfected with siRNA or transduced with
lentiviral vector (virus) encoding GATA2 (normalized to the cells
expressing control siRNA or DNA; *, p<0.01, **, p<0.05).
VEGFR2 promoter activity (pGL3-780) in HUVE cells transfected with
siRNA or DNA encoding GATA2 (right; *, p<0.01).
[0090] FIG. 9B (left) are the immunoblots showing VEGFR2, GATA2 and
GAPDH protein levels in GATA2 knockdown (siRNA) or overexpressing
cells (virus). right; The ratio of VEGFR2 protein levels relative
to GAPDH in GATA2 knockdown (siRNA) or overexpressing (virus) HMVE
cells normalized to the cells expressing control siRNA or DNA
vector (*, p<0.01, **, p<0.05).
[0091] FIG. 9C are the immunoblots showing VEGFR2 and GAPDH protein
levels in cells transfected with p190RhoGAP siRNA with or without
GATA2 siRNA (left) and quantitative results showing VEGFR2 protein
levels relative to GAPDH normalized to the control siRNA
transfected cells (right; *, p<0.01, **, p<0.05).
[0092] FIG. 9D shows VEGFR2 promoter activity in HUVE cells
transfected with DNA encoding GATA2 or TFII-I, alone or in
combination (*, p<0.01).
[0093] FIG. 9E are the immunoblots showing VEGFR2 and GAPDH protein
expression level in HMVE cells transfected with siRNA or transduced
with lentiviral vectors encoding GATA2 or TFII-I, alone or in
combination.
[0094] FIG. 9F shows the quantitative results of VEGFR2 and GAPDH
protein expression levels in cells of FIG. 9E. The protein levels
relative to control GAPDH were normalized to cells treated with
control siRNA or virus (*, p<0.01). Error Bars represent s.e.m
of 3 replica experiments.
[0095] FIG. 10A demonstrates the VEGFR1 and VEGFR3 mRNA levels in
HMVE cells transfected with TFII-I or GATA2 siRNA (mRNA levels were
normalized to those in cells transfected with control siRNA).
[0096] FIG. 10B shows the VEGFR2 mRNA (left) and protein (right)
levels in HMVE cells treated with lentivirus expressing
constitutively active RhoA or cell permeable Rho inhibitor C3
exoenzyme (2 .mu.g/ml) (mRNA levels were normalized relative to
those in cells transfected with control virus).
[0097] FIG. 10C shows the VEGFR2 and p73RhoGAP mRNA levels in HMVE
cells transfected with p73RhoGAP siRNA (normalized to those in
cells transfected with control siRNA; *, p<0.01). Error Bars
represent s.e.m of 3 replica experiments.
[0098] FIG. 11A are immunoblots showing GATA2 co-immunoprecipitated
with anti-TFII-I antibody, and TFII-I with anti-HA antibody in the
same cells overexpressing HA-GATA2.
[0099] FIG. 11B are immunoblots of GATA2 coimmunoprecipitated with
anti-TFII-I antibody in p190RhoGAP knockdown HMVE cells (mouse IgG
was used as a control), and immunoblots of p190RhoGAP in the total
cell lysate (upper).
[0100] FIG. 11C are immunoblots of GATA2 coimmunoprecipitated with
anti-p190RhoGAP antibody in TFII-I knockdown HMVE cells (mouse IgG
was used as a control) and immunoblots of TFII-I in total cell
lysate (lower).
[0101] FIG. 11D are gel pictures showing the PCR products derived
from the VEGFR2 promoter region co-immunoprecipitates with antibody
against GATA2 or TFII-I in HMVE cells transfected with p190RhoGAP
siRNA, as detected using the ChIP assay (control IgG was used as a
control).
[0102] FIG. 12A are immunoblots showing the VEGFR2 and GAPDH
protein expression levels in HMVE cells cultured on rigid
fibronectin-coated glass or on gels of different elasticity (150
and 4000 Pa); protein levels relative to GAPDH were normalized to
those in cells on the softer gels (*, p<0.01).
[0103] FIG. 12B are immunoblots showing the VEGFR2 and GAPDH
protein levels in HMVE cells on soft gels (150 Pa) transfected with
TFII-I or GATA2 siRNA alone or in combination. Protein levels
relative to control GAPDH were normalized to those in cells on the
stiff gels (*, p<0.01, **, p<0.05). Error Bars represent
s.e.m of 3 replica experiments.
[0104] FIG. 12C are immunoblots showing the VEGFR2 and GAPDH
protein levels in HMVE cells on soft gels (150 Pa) transfected with
p190RhoGAP or GATA2 siRNA alone or in combination. Protein levels
relative to control GAPDH were normalized to those in cells on the
stiff gels (*, p<0.01, **, p<0.05). Error Bars represent
s.e.m of 3 replica experiments.
[0105] FIG. 13A shows the motility of HUVE cells transfected with
human siRNAs alone or in combination with DNA encoding mouse Gata2
or TFII-I was quantitated using the Transwell migration assay (*,
p<0.01, **, p<0.05). Results are migrated cells from three
experiments (mean.+-.s.e.m.).
[0106] FIG. 13B are graphs showing the mean tube length from ten
fields of forming tubes as measured using the MATRIGEL.TM.
angiogenesis assay in combination with various added growth factors
(upper) or VEGFR2 kinase inhibitor SU5416 (lower) in HMVE cells (*,
p<0.01). Results are mean tube length in ten fields from three
experiments (mean.+-.s.e.m.)
[0107] FIG. 13C are graphs showing the mean tube length from ten
fields of forming tubes induced by VEGF (10 ng/ml) in HMVE cells
transfected with siRNAs or transduced with lentiviral vectors
encoding GATA2 or TFII-I, alone or in combination (*, p<0.01).
Results are mean tube length in ten fields from three experiments
(mean.+-.s.e.m.).
[0108] FIG. 13D are micrographs showing in vitro tube formation
induced by VEGF (10 ng/ml) in HMVE cells transfected with siRNAs or
transduced with lentiviral vectors encoding p190RhoGAP (left).
[0109] FIG. 13E are immunoblots showing the p190RhoGAP and GAPDH
protein levels in p190RhoGAP knockdown (siRNA) or overexpressing
(virus) cells.
[0110] FIG. 13F are histograms of the quantitative results showing
the mean tube length in ten fields from three experiments. Results
are mean tube length in ten fields from three experiments
(mean.+-.s.e.m.).
[0111] FIG. 14A is a graph showing the number of ConA-positive
blood vessels per high power field (0.03 mm.sup.2) (n=6,
mean.+-.SEM; *, p<0.01) observed in fluorescence confocal
sections through MATRIGEL.TM. plugs with different elasticity
implanted in the mouse for 7 days that were stained with
fluorescent-ConA to visual capillary blood vessels.
[0112] FIG. 14B is a graph showing the Vegfr2 mRNA levels in cells
infiltrating MATRIGEL.TM. plugs with different elasticity
(normalized to those in cells in the softest gels; n=6,
mean.+-.SEM; *, p<0.01).
[0113] FIG. 15A is a graph showing the relative gene expression
levels of TFII-I and GATA2 in gels of mouse implanted for 7 days
with MATRIGEL.TM. gel plugs treated with TFII-I or GATA2 siRNA,
normalized to values obtained in in vivo implanted MATRIGEL.TM.
gels plugs treated with control siRNA. (n=6; mean.+-.SEM; *,
p<0.01)
[0114] FIG. 15B is a graph showing the number of ConA-positive
blood vessels in the gels of mouse implanted for 7 days with
MATRIGEL.TM. gel plugs treated with TFII-I or GATA2 siRNA,
normalized to values obtained in in vivo implanted MATRIGEL.TM.
gels plugs treated with control siRNA. (n=6; mean.+-.SEM; *,
p<0.01).
[0115] FIG. 15C is a graph showing the relative gene expression
levels of p190RhoGAP in gels of mouse implanted for 7 days with
MATRIGEL.TM. gel plugs treated with p190RhoGAP siRNA, normalized to
values obtained in in vivo implanted MATRIGEL.TM. gels plugs
treated with control siRNA. (n=6; mean.+-.SEM; *, p<0.01)
[0116] FIG. 15D is a graph showing the number of ConA-positive
blood vessels in the gels of mouse implanted for 7 days with
MATRIGEL.TM. gel plugs treated with p190RhoGAP siRNA, normalized to
values obtained in in vivo implanted MATRIGEL.TM. gels plugs
treated with control siRNA. (n=6; mean.+-.SEM; *, p<0.01).
[0117] FIG. 16A-F. TFII-I, GATA2, and p190RhoGAP control
microvascular formation in vivo within the P16 mouse retina.
[0118] FIG. 16A shows the mRNA levels of TFII-I, Gata2, p190RhoGAP,
and Vegfr2 in mouse retinal tissues in which TFII-I, Gata2, or
p190RhoGAP were knocked down by in vivo delivery of respective
siRNAs (normalized to mRNA levels in retina injected with control
siRNA; n=7, mean.+-.SEM; *, p<0.01 using unpaired student's
t-test).
[0119] FIG. 16B shows the mRNA levels of TFII-I and GATA2 in
retinal tissues in which TFII-I or GATA2 were overexpressed by in
vivo delivery of each DNA (normalized to mRNA levels of observed in
the retina when control DNA vector was injected; n=7, mean.+-.SEM;
*, p<0.01).
[0120] FIG. 16C shows the Vegf mRNA levels in retina transfected
with siRNA for TFII-I, Gata2, or p190RhoGAP (data are normalized to
retina transfected with control siRNA; n=7, mean.+-.SEM; **,
p<0.05).
[0121] FIG. 16D-F are graphs showing the results of quantifying the
total percentage of the peripheral region of retina that contained
blood vessels in the whole mount retina of a control mouse eye
versus eyes transfected with TFII-I, Gata2, or p190RhoGAP siRNAs
(bar=0.8 mm). (n=7, mean.+-.SEM; *, p<0.01).
[0122] FIG. 17A-C are graphs showing the total percentage of the
peripheral region of retina that contained blood vessels in normal
P7 mouse retina transfected with siRNA for TFII-I, Gata2, or
p190RhoGAP, or a control siRNA. Data are normalized to retina
transfected with control siRNA (n=7, mean.+-.SEM; *,
p<0.01).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0123] Unless otherwise explained, all technical and scientific
terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by
one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.
Definitions of common terms in molecular biology can be found in
Benjamin Lewin, Genes IX, published by Jones & Bartlett
Publishing, 2007 (ISBN-13: 9780763740634); Kendrew et al. (eds.),
The Encyclopedia of Molecular Biology, published by Blackwell
Science Ltd., 1994 (ISBN 0-632-02182-9); and Robert A. Meyers
(ed.), Molecular Biology and Biotechnology: a Comprehensive Desk
Reference, published by VCH Publishers, Inc., 1995 (ISBN
1-56081-569-8). Further, unless otherwise required by context,
singular terms shall include pluralities and plural terms shall
include the singular.
[0124] Unless otherwise stated, the present invention was performed
using standard procedures known to one skilled in the art, for
example, in Maniatis et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory
Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor,
N.Y., USA (1982); Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory
Manual (3rd ed.), Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring
Harbor, N.Y., USA (2000); Davis et al., Basic Methods in Molecular
Biology, Elsevier Science Publishing, Inc., New York, USA (1986);
Current Protocols in Molecular Biology (CPMB) (Fred M. Ausubel, et
al. ed., John Wiley and Sons, Inc.), Current Protocols in
Immunology (CPI); (John E. Coligan, et. al., ed. John Wiley and
Sons, Inc.), Current Protocols in Cell Biology (CPCB) (Juan S.
Bonifacino et. al. ed., John Wiley and Sons, Inc.); Culture of
Animal Cells: A Manual of Basic Technique by R. Ian Freshney,
Publisher: Wiley-Liss; 5th edition (2005); Animal Cell Culture
Methods (Methods in Cell Biology, Vol. 57, Jennie P. Mather and
David Barnes editors, Academic Press, 1st edition, 1998); Methods
in Molecular biology, Vol. 180, Transgenesis Techniques by Alan R.
Clark editor, second edition, 2002, Humana Press; and Methods in
Molecular Biology, Vo. 203, 2003, Transgenic Mouse, editored by
Marten H. Hofker and Jan van Deursen, which are all herein
incorporated by reference in their entireties.
[0125] It should be understood that this invention is not limited
to the particular methodology, protocols, and reagents, etc.,
described herein and as such can vary. The terminology used herein
is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and
is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which
is defined solely by the claims.
[0126] Other than in the operating examples, or where otherwise
indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients or
reaction conditions used herein should be understood as modified in
all instances by the term "about." The term "about" when used in
connection with percentages will mean.+-.1%.
[0127] All patents and publications identified are expressly
incorporated herein by reference for the purpose of describing and
disclosing, for example, the methodologies described in such
publications that might be used in connection with the present
invention. These publications are provided solely for their
disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application.
Nothing in this regard should be construed as an admission that the
inventors are not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of
prior invention or for any other reason. All statements as to the
date or representation as to the contents of these documents is
based on the information available to the applicants and does not
constitute any admission as to the correctness of the dates or
contents of these documents.
[0128] The present invention relates to methods of regulating
endothelial cell migration and angiogenesis, and uses thereof for
the purpose of treating angiogenesis related diseases and
disorders, particularly when the diseases or disorders is directly
related aberrant angiogenesis.
[0129] Embodiments of the present invention are based, at least in
part, on the discovery that p190RhoGAP interacts with two
antagonistic transcription factors, TFII-I and GATA-2, thereby one
can regulate angiogenesis by activating or inhibiting a combination
of p190RhoGAP, TFII-I and GATA-2. Without wishing to be bound to
theory, the inventors have discovered that protein p190RhoGAP
sequesters TFII-I and GATA-2 in the cytoplasm and thereby regulates
the expression of the VEGF receptor in capillary endothelial cells.
The inventors have also demonstrated that modulation (i.e.
decreasing/reducing or increasing) the levels of p190RhoGAP,
TFII-I, or GATA-2, it is possible to regulate VEGFR expression and
subsequently alter angiogenesis. Briefly, the inventors have
demonstrated: (1) Inhibition of TFII-I and/or p190RhoGAP by siRNA
results in an increase in angiogenesis in vivo. (2) inhibition of
GATA-2 by siRNA results in decrease in angiogenesis in vivo; (3)
increase in TFII-I activity by overexpression results in a decrease
in angiogenesis in vivo; and (4) increase in GATA-2 activity alone,
by overexpression results in an increase in angiogenesis in vivo,
which is inhibited by in combination with increase in TFII-I
activity (i.e. GATA-2 and TFII-I).
[0130] Thus, described herein are methods for promoting or
increasing microvascular endothelial cell migration,
differentiation, capillary blood vessel growth and/or angiogenesis
by administering an pro-angiogenic agent, whereby a pro-angiogenic
agent is selected from at least one of an inhibitor of p190RhoGAP,
an inhibitor of TFII-I or an activator of GATA-2.
[0131] Thus, described herein are methods for inhibiting
microvascular endothelial cell migration, differentiation,
capillary blood vessel growth and/or angiogenesis by administering
an anti-angiogenic agent, whereby an anti-angiogenic agent is
selected from at least one of an activator of p190RhoGAP, an
activator of TFII-I or an inhibitor of GATA-2.
[0132] One aspect of the invention provides a method and
compositions for altering angiogenesis by modulating the levels of
p190RhoGAP, TFII-I, or GATA-2, by siRNA or over-expression.
[0133] One embodiment of this aspect and all other aspects the
present invention relates to a method to increase or promote
angiogenesis by inhibiting p190RhoGAP, and/or inhibiting TFII-I
and/or activating GATA-2. One embodiment of the present invention
relates to a method to decrease angiogenesis by activating
p190RhoGAP, and/or activating TFII-I and/or inhibiting GATA-2.
[0134] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method
and compositions for inhibiting/promoting capillary endothelial
cell migration and differentiation by modulating the levels of
p190RhoGAP, TFII-I, or GATA-2, by siRNA or over-expression.
[0135] One embodiment of this aspect and all other aspects the
present invention relates to a method to increase or promote
endothelial cell migration by inhibiting p190RhoGAP, and/or
inhibiting TFII-I and/or activating GATA-2. One embodiment of this
aspect and all other aspects of the present invention relates to a
method to decrease endothelial cell migration by activating
p190RhoGAP, and/or activating TFII-I and/or inhibiting GATA-2.
[0136] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method
and compositions for the treatment of macular
degeneration/tumor/cancer by inhibiting angiogenesis through over
expressing p190RhoGAP and/or TFII-I, or inhibition of GATA-2
expression by siRNA directed to GATA-2.
[0137] One embodiment of this aspect and all other aspects the
present invention relates to a method to treat disorders where it
is desirable to decrease angiogenesis by activating p190RhoGAP,
and/or activating TFII-I and/or inhibiting GATA-2.
[0138] Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention relate to
methods and compositions to promote or increase endothelial cell
migration, the method comprising contacting an endothelial cell
with a pro-angiogenesis agent, for example a pro-angiogenic agent
is selected from at least one or any combination of an inhibitor of
p190RhoGAP, an inhibitor of TFII-I, or an activator of GATA-2.
[0139] Embodiments of the invention also provide methods for
promoting or increasing angiogenesis in a mammal in need thereof,
the method comprising administering a therapeutically effective
amount of a pro-angiogenic agent, for example, a pro-angiogenesis
agent, for example a pro-angiogenic agent is selected from at least
one or any combination of an inhibitor of p190RhoGAP, an inhibitor
of TFII-I, or an activator of GATA-2 and a pharmaceutically
acceptable carrier.
[0140] Embodiments of the invention also provide methods for
treating an angiogenesis-related disease characterized by a
decrease or loss in angiogenesis in a mammal in need thereof, the
method comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount
of a pro-angiogenesis agent, for example a pro-angiogenic agent is
selected from at least one or any combination of an inhibitor of
p190RhoGAP, an inhibitor of TFII-I, or an activator of GATA-2 and a
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
[0141] Other embodiments of the present invention relate to methods
and compositions to inhibit endothelial cell migration, the method
comprising contacting an endothelial cell with an anti-angiogenic
agent, whereby an anti-angiogenic agent is selected from at least
one or any combination of an activator of p190RhoGAP, an activator
of TFII-I or an inhibitor of GATA-2
[0142] Embodiments of the invention also provide methods for
inhibiting angiogenesis in a mammal in need thereof, the method
comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a
anti-angiogenic agent, for example, an anti-angiogenic agent is
selected from at least one or any combination of an activator of
p190RhoGAP, an activator of TFII-I or an inhibitor of GATA-2 and a
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
[0143] Embodiments of the invention also provide methods for
treating an angiogenesis-related disease characterized by
uncontrolled or increased angiogenesis in a mammal in need thereof,
the method comprising administering a therapeutically effective
amount of a anti-angiogenic agent, for example, an anti-angiogenic
agent is selected from at least one or any combination of an
activator of p190RhoGAP, an activator of TFII-I or an inhibitor of
GATA-2 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
DEFINITIONS
[0144] As used herein, the term "pro-angiogenic agent" refers to
any agent which is an inhibitor of p190RhoGAP (i.e. any agent which
decreases or inhibits the expression or function of p190RhoGAP
protein), or an inhibitor of TFII-I (i.e. any agent which decreases
or inhibits the expression or function of the TFII-I protein), or
an activator GATA-2 (i.e. any agent which increases the expression
or function of GATA-2 protein). For example, a pro-angiogenic agent
which is an inhibitor of p190RhoGAP or an inhibitor of TFII-I (e.g.
any agent which decreases or inhibits the expression or function of
a p190RhoGAP or TFII-I protein) can be selected from the group
consisting of, but not limited to an antibody, an RNA interference
(RNAi) molecule, a small molecule, a peptide and aptamer. In
another example, a pro-angiogenic agent which is an activator of
GATA-2 (e.g. any agent which increases the expression and/or
function of a GATA-2 protein) can be selected from the group
consisting of, but not limited to an antibody, a small molecule, a
peptide, a polypeptide, nucleic acid, such as RNA or DNA. The
effect of a pro-angiogenic agent can be assessed by measuring
endothelial cell growth and migration in vitro. Endothelial cell
growth can be determined, for example, by measuring cell
proliferation using an MTS assay commercially available from a
variety of companies including RnD Systems, and Promega, among
others. Endothelial cell migration can be assessed, for example, by
measuring the migration of cells through a porous membrane using a
commercially available kit such as BD BioCoat Angiogenesis System
or through a Boyden chamber apparatus.
[0145] The pro-angiogenic activity of pro-angiogenic agent, such as
an inhibitor of p190RhoGAP, an inhibitor of TFII-I or an activator
of GATA-2, can be measured in angiogenesis assay as described
herein or known in the art, for example by assessment in vivo by an
increase in capillary density or neovascular infiltration using a
Matrigel plug assay as described by e.g., Kragh M, et al., (2003)
(Kragh M, Hjarnaa P J, Bramm E, Kristjansen P E, Rygaard J, and
Binderup L. Int J Oncol. (2003) 22(2):305-11, which is herein
incorporated by reference in its entirety) in a mammal treated with
a pro-angiogenic agent, compared to capillary density or
neovascular infiltration observed in the absence of a
pro-angiogenic agent. An "increase in capillary density" means an
increase of cell density of at least 5% in the presence of a
pro-angiogenic agent relative to the absence of a pro-angiogenic
agent, preferably at least 10% at least 20%, at least 30%, at least
40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at
least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99%, at least 1-fold, at least
2-fold, at least 5-fold, at least 10-fold, at least 100-fold, at
least 1000-fold or more, relative to absence of such pro-angiogenic
agent.
[0146] As used herein, the term "anti-angiogenic agent" refers to
any agent which is an activator of p190RhoGAP (e.g. any agent which
increases the expression or function of p190RhoGAP protein), or an
activator of TFII-I (e.g. any agent which increases the function or
expression of the TFII-I protein), or an inhibitor of GATA-2 (e.g.
any agent which decreases or inhibits the function or expression of
GATA-2 protein). For example, an anti-apoptotic pro-angiogenic
agent which is an activator of p190RhoGAP or activator of TFII-I
(e.g. any agent which increases the expression and/or function of a
p190RhoGAP protein or a TFII-I protein) can be selected from the
group consisting of, but not limited to an antibody, a small
molecule, a peptide, a polypeptide, nucleic acid, such as RNA or
DNA. In another example, an anti-angiogenic agent which is an
inhibitor of GATA-2 (e.g. any agent which decreases or inhibits the
expression or function of a GATA-2 protein) can be selected from
the group consisting of, but not limited to an antibody, an RNA
interference (RNAi) molecule, a small molecule, a peptide and
aptamer.
[0147] The anti-angiogenic activity of an anti-angiogenic agent,
such as an activator of p190RhoGAP, an activator of TFII-I or an
inhibitor of GATA-2 can also be assessed in vivo by a decrease in
capillary density or neovascular infiltration using a Matrigel plug
assay as described by e.g., Kragh M, et al., (2003) (Kragh M,
Hjarnaa P J, Bramm E, Kristjansen P E, Rygaard J, and Binderup L.
Int J Oncol. (2003) 22(2):305-11, which is herein incorporated by
reference in its entirety) in a mammal treated with an
anti-angiogenic agent, compared to capillary density or neovascular
infiltration observed in the absence of an anti-angiogenic agent. A
"decrease in capillary density" means a decrease of at least 5% in
the presence of anti-angiogenic agent as compared to untreated
subjects; preferably a decrease in capillary density is at least
10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at
least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%,
at least 99% lower, or even 100% (i.e., absent) in the presence of
a an anti-angiogenic agent as compared to that measured in the
absence of administration of an anti-angiogenic agent.
[0148] As used herein, the term "p190RhoGAP polypeptide" or to a
conservative substitution variant or fragment thereof that retains
p190RhoGAP activity as that term is defined herein. p190RhoGAP is
also known in the art as aliases; GRF-1 (glucocorticoid receptor
repression factor 1); P190A; P190-A; KIAA1722; MGC10745; GRLF1
(glucocorticoid receptor DNA binding factor 1). The human
p190RhoGAP corresponds to Genbank Accession No. NM.sub.--004491,
(or M73077, Gene ID: 2909) and human p190RhoGAP refers to a
polypeptide of SEQ ID NO. 01 (Genbank Accession No.
NM.sub.--004491). The human p190RhoGAP polypeptide is encoded by
the genomic nucleic acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 2, and the mRNA
nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3. It should be understood that
the carbohydrate moieties of p190RhoGAP can be involved in
p190RhoGAP anti-angiogenic activity, including, e.g., N-linked
keratin sulfate chains. By "retaining p190RhoGAP activity" is meant
that a polypeptide retains at least 50% of the p190RhoGAP activity
of a polypeptide of SEQ ID NO. 1. Also encompassed by the term
"p190RhoGAP polypeptide" are mammalian homologs of human p190RhoGAP
and conservative substitution variants or fragments thereof that
retain p190RhoGAP activity. In one aspect, such homologs or
conservative variants thereof inhibit human endothelial cell growth
and/or migration as measured, for example, as described herein.
[0149] As used herein, the term "TFII-I polypeptide" or to a
conservative substitution variant or fragment thereof that retains
TFII-I activity as that term is defined herein. TFII-I is also
known in the art as aliases; BAP-135, SPIN, BTKAP1, DIWS, IB291 and
GTF2I (General Transcription factor II, i). The human TFII-I
corresponds to Genbank Accession No. NM.sub.--032999, (or U77948,
and Gene ID: 2969) and human TFII-I refers to a polypeptide of SEQ
ID NO. 04 (Genbank Accession No. NM.sub.--032999). The human TFII-I
polypeptide is encoded by the genomic nucleic acid sequence SEQ ID
NO: 6, and the mRNA nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 5. It
should be understood that the carbohydrate moieties of TFII-I can
be involved in TFII-I anti-angiogenic activity, including, e.g.,
N-linked keratin sulfate chains. By "retaining TFII-I activity" is
meant that a polypeptide retains at least 50% of the TFII-I
activity of a polypeptide of SEQ ID NO. 4. Also encompassed by the
term "TFII-I polypeptide" are mammalian homologs of human TFII-I
and conservative substitution variants or fragments thereof that
retain TFII-I activity. In one aspect, such homologs or
conservative variants thereof inhibit human endothelial cell growth
and/or migration as measured, for example, as described herein.
[0150] As used herein, the term "GATA-2 polypeptide" or to a
conservative substitution variant or fragment thereof that retains
GATA-2 activity as that term is defined herein. GATA-2 is also
known in the art as aliases; GATA binding protein 2 (GATA-2), also
known in the art by the aliases GATA2, GATA-binding protein 2 and
NFE1B). The human GATA-2 corresponds to Genbank Accession No.
NM.sub.--032638, (or AF169253, and Gene ID: 2624) and human GATA-2
refers to a polypeptide of SEQ ID NO. 07 (Genbank Accession No.
NM.sub.--0326389). The human GATA-2 polypeptide is encoded by the
genomic nucleic acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 9, and the mRNA nucleic
acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8. It should be understood that the
carbohydrate moieties of GATA-2 can be involved in GATA-2
pro-angiogenic activity, including, e.g., N-linked keratin sulfate
chains. By "retaining GATA-2 activity" is meant that a polypeptide
retains at least 50% of the GATA-2 activity of a polypeptide of SEQ
ID NO. 7. Also encompassed by the term "GATA-2 polypeptide" are
mammalian homologs of human GATA-2 and conservative substitution
variants or fragments thereof that retain GATA-2 activity. In one
aspect, such homologs or conservative variants thereof stimulate
human endothelial cell growth and/or migration as measured, for
example, as described herein.
[0151] The term "agent" as used herein refers to a chemical entity
or biological product, or combination of chemical entities or
biological products. The chemical entity or biological product is
preferably, but not necessarily a low molecular weight compound,
but can also be a larger compound, for example, an oligomer of
nucleic acids, amino acids, or carbohydrates including without
limitation proteins, oligonucleotides, ribozymes, DNAzymes,
glycoproteins, siRNAs, lipoproteins, aptamers, and modifications
and combinations thereof. The term "agent" refers to any entity
selected from a group comprising; chemicals; small molecules;
nucleic acid sequences; nucleic acid analogues; proteins; peptides;
aptamers; antibodies; or fragments thereof. A nucleic acid sequence
can be RNA or DNA, and can be single or double stranded, and can be
selected from a group comprising; nucleic acid encoding a protein
of interest, oligonucleotides, nucleic acid analogues, for example
peptide-nucleic acid (PNA), pseudo-complementary PNA (pc-PNA),
locked nucleic acid (LNA), etc. Such nucleic acid sequences
include, for example, but not limited to, nucleic acid sequence
encoding proteins, for example that act as transcriptional
repressors, antisense molecules, ribozymes, small inhibitory
nucleic acid sequences, for example but not limited to RNAi,
shRNAi, siRNA, micro RNAi (mRNAi), antisense oligonucleotides etc.
A protein and/or peptide agent can be any protein of interest, for
example, but not limited to; mutated proteins; therapeutic
proteins; truncated proteins, wherein the protein is normally
absent or expressed at lower levels in the cell. Proteins can also
be selected from a group comprising; mutated proteins, genetically
engineered proteins, peptides, synthetic peptides, recombinant
proteins, chimeric proteins, antibodies, midibodies, tribodies,
humanized proteins, humanized antibodies, chimeric antibodies,
modified proteins and fragments thereof. In some embodiments, the
agent is any chemical, entity or moiety, including without
limitation synthetic and naturally-occurring non-proteinaceous
entities. In certain embodiments the agent is a small molecule
having a chemical moiety. For example, chemical moieties included
unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, aromatic, or heterocyclyl
moieties including macrolides, leptomycins and related natural
products or analogues thereof. Agents can be known to have a
desired activity and/or property, or can be selected from a library
of diverse compounds.
[0152] As used herein, an "inhibitor of p190RhoGAP" or "p190RhoGAP
inhibitor" are used interchangeably and refers to any molecule or
agent which decreases or inhibits the expression of p190RhoGAP or
inhibits the consequences of activated p190RhoGAP, i.e. inhibits
the downstream signalling of p190RhoGAP, or inhibits the binding of
p190RhoGAP to sequester GATA-2 or TFII-I in a CE cell. For example,
a p190RhoGAP inhibitor can be an siRNA or dsRNA that inhibits the
expression of p190RhoGAP, a p190RhoGAP small molecule inhibitor, a
p190RhoGAP antagonist, a p190RhoGAP inhibiting antibody.
[0153] As used herein, the term "inhibiting p190RhoGAP activity"
refers to a decrease in the activity of p190RhoGAP by at least 10%,
at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least
60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at
least 99%, or even 100% (i.e., no activity) in the presence of a
p190RhoGAP activity inhibitor compared to the activity of
p190RhoGAP in the absence of an inhibitor.
[0154] As used herein, the terms an "activator of p190RhoGAP" or a
"p190RhoGAP activator" are used interchangeably and refer to any
molecule or agent which increases the expression of p190RhoGAP or
functions to increase p190RhoGAP activity, i.e. any agent which
increases the downstream signalling of p190RhoGAP via binding and
sequestering of GATA-2 or TFII-I in a CE cell. For example, a
p190RhoGAP activator can be a nucleic acid agent that increases the
expression of p190RhoGAP, a p190RhoGAP small molecule activator, a
p190RhoGAP agonist, a p190RhoGAP antibody that constitutive
activates p190RhoGAP or any agent which inhibits the repression of
p190RhoGAP.
[0155] As used herein, the terms "increasing p190RhoGAP activity"
or "promoting f p190RhoGAP activity" refers to an increase in the
anti-angiogenic activity of p190RhoGAP by at least 10% at least
20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at
least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99%,
at least 1-fold, at least 2-fold, at least 5-fold, at least
10-fold, at least 100-fold, at least 1000-fold or more in the
presence of an activator agent of p190RhoGAP, relative to the level
of activity of p190RhoGAP activity in the absence of such a
p190RhoGAP activator agent.
[0156] As used herein, an "inhibitor of TFII-I" or "TFII-I
inhibitor" are used interchangeably and refers to any molecule or
agent which decreases or inhibits the expression of TFII-I or
functions to inhibit TFII-I activity, i.e. inhibits the downstream
signalling of TFII-I such a increases cell infiltration, increased
vascular density, increased capillary vessel formation and increase
Vegfr2 expression in a CE cell. For example, a TFII-I inhibitor can
be an siRNA or dsRNA that inhibits the expression of TFII-I, a
TFII-I small molecule inhibitor, a TFII-I antagonist, a TFII-I
inhibiting antibody.
[0157] As used herein, the term "inhibiting TFII-I activity" refers
to a decrease in the activity of TFII-I by at least 10%, at least
20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at
least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99%,
or even 100% (i.e., no activity) in the presence of a TFII-I
activity inhibitor compared to the activity of TFII-I in the
absence of an inhibitor.
[0158] As used herein, the terms an "activator of TFII-I" or
"TFII-I activator" are used interchangeably and refer to any
molecule or agent which increases the expression of TFII-I or
functions to increase TFII-I activity, i.e. increases the
downstream signalling of TFII-I such a decreases cell infiltration,
decreases vascular density, decreases capillary vessel formation
and decreases Vegfr2 expression in a CE cell. For example, a TFII-I
activator can be a nucleic acid agent that increases the expression
of TFII-I, a TFII-I small molecule activator, a TFII-I agonist, a
TFII-I antibody that constitutive activates TFII-I or any agent
which inhibits the repression of TFII-I.
[0159] As used herein, the terms "increasing TFII-I activity" or
"promoting TFII-I activity" refers to an increase in the
anti-angiogenic activity of TFII-I by at least 10% at least 20%, at
least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%,
at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99%, at least
1-fold, at least 2-fold, at least 5-fold, at least 10-fold, at
least 100-fold, at least 1000-fold or more in the presence of an
activator agent of TFII-I, relative to the level of activity of
TFII-I activity in the absence of such a TFII-I activator
agent.
[0160] As used herein, an "inhibitor of GATA-2" or "GATA-2
inhibitor" are used interchangeably and refers to any molecule or
agent which decreases or inhibits the expression of GATA-2 or
functions to inhibit GATA-2 activity, i.e. inhibits the downstream
signalling of GATA-2 such as decreases cell infiltration, decreases
vascular density, decreases capillary vessel formation and
decreases Vegfr2 expression in a CE cell. For example, a GATA-2
inhibitor can be an siRNA or dsRNA that inhibits the expression of
GATA-2, a GATA-2 small molecule inhibitor, a GATA-2 antagonist, a
GATA-2 inhibiting antibody.
[0161] As used herein, the term "inhibiting GATA-2 activity" refers
to a decrease in the activity of GATA-2 by at least 10%, at least
20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at
least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99%,
or even 100% (i.e., no activity) in the presence of a GATA-2
activity inhibitor as compared to the activity of GATA-2 in the
absence of an inhibitor.
[0162] As used herein, the terms an "activator of GATA-2" or
"GATA-2 activator" are used interchangeably and refer to any
molecule or agent which increases the expression of GATA-2 or
increases the consequences of activated GATA-2, i.e. increases the
downstream signalling of GATA-2 such a increases cell infiltration,
increases vascular density, increases capillary vessel formation
and increases Vegfr2 expression in a CE cell. For example, a GATA-2
activator can be a nucleic acid agent that increases the expression
of GATA-2, a GATA-2 small molecule activator, a GATA-2 agonist, a
GATA-2 antibody that constitutive activates GATA-2 or any agent
which inhibits the repression of GATA-2.
[0163] As used herein, the terms "increasing GATA-2 activity" or
"promoting GATA-2 activity" refers to an increase in the
anti-angiogenic activity of GATA-2 by at least 10% at least 20%, at
least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%,
at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99%, at least
1-fold, at least 2-fold, at least 5-fold, at least 10-fold, at
least 100-fold, at least 1000-fold or more in the presence of an
activator agent of GATA-2, relative to the level of activity of
GATA-2 activity in the absence of such a GATA-2 activator
agent.
[0164] As used herein, the terms "inhibiting endothelial cell
migration" refer to the reduction in cell migration and/or
capillary tube formation in the presence of an anti-angiogenic
agent, for example an anti-angiogenic agent is selected from at
least one or any combination of an activator of p190RhoGAP, an
activator of TFII-I or an inhibitor of GATA-2. Assays for in vitro
cell migration and capillary tube formation are well known to one
skilled in the art, e. g. in Lingen M W, 2003, Methods Mol Med.
78:337-47 and McGonigle and Shifrin, 2008, Curr. Prot.
Pharmacology, Unit 12.12, and any angiogenesis assays described
herein.
[0165] As used herein, the term "inhibiting angiogenesis" means the
reduction or prevention of growth of new blood vessels. Inhibition
include slowing the rate of growth. The growth rate can be reduced
by about 20%, about 30%, about 40%, about 50%, about 60%, about
70%, about 80%, about 90%, about 100%, about 125%, about 150% or
more compared to a control, untreated condition. Inhibition also
means no further growth of new blood vessels from the time of start
of treatment administration. The term "inhibiting angiogenesis"
also refers to a decrease in a measurable marker of angiogenesis by
at least about 10%, at least about 20%, at least about 30%, at
least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least
about 70%, at least about 80%, at least about 90%, at least about
95%, at least about 99%, or even 100% (i.e., absent) in the
presence of an anti-angiogenic agent, such as for example, an
activator of p190RhoGAP, an activator of TFII-I or an inhibitor of
GATA-2 as compared to the level of the measurable marker in the
absence of an anti-angiogenic agent. Some non-limiting examples of
measurable markers of angiogenesis include capillary density,
endothelial cell proliferation, endothelial cell migration, and
vessel ingrowth. Angiogenesis can be detected by methods known in
the art.
[0166] As used herein, the terms "increasing angiogenesis" or
"promoting angiogenesis" refer to an increase in at least one
measurable marker of angiogenesis by at least 10%, at least 20%, at
least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%,
at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99%, at least
1-fold, at least 2-fold, at least 5-fold, at least 10-fold, at
least 100-fold, at least 1000-fold or more, in the presence of a
pro-angiogenic agent relative to that marker in the absence of such
agent.
[0167] The term "angiogenesis" is broadly defined as the creation
or spouting of new blood vessels from pre-existing blood vessels
and is characterized by endothelial cell proliferation and
migration triggered by pro-angiogenic factors. Angiogenesis can be
a good and necessary process, for example, in wound healing, or it
can be an aberrant and undesired process with detrimental
consequences, such as the growth of solid tumors and metastasis,
and hemangiomas. Aberrant angiogenesis can lead to certain
pathological conditions such as death, blindness, and
disfigurement. Angiogeneis and capillary elongation of about 1-2 mm
requires both endothelial cell growth (including endothelial cell
proliferation) and endothelial cell migration.
[0168] As used herein, the term "inhibiting endothelial cell
proliferation" refers to a decrease in the proliferation of
endothelial cells of at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at
least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%,
at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99%, or even 100% (i.e., no
growth) in the presence of an anti-angiogenic agent as compared to
the level of proliferation in the absence of an anti-angiogenic
agent.
[0169] As used herein, the term "promoting endothelial cell
proliferation" refers to an increase in the proliferation of
endothelial cells of at least 10%, preferably the increase is at
least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%,
at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least
99%, at least 1-fold, at least 2-fold, at least 5-fold, at least
10-fold, at least 100-fold, at least 1000-fold or more in the
presence of a pro-angiogenic agent, as that term is used herein as
compared to in the absence of a pro-angiogenic agent.
[0170] As used herein, the term "inhibition endothelial cell
differentiation" refers to an increase in the number of
differentiated endothelial cells in a given population of
endothelial cells of at least 10% in the presence of an
anti-angiogenic agent, preferably the decrease is at least 20%, at
least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%,
at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99% decrease in
the number of differentiated endothelial cells, or even 100% (i.e.,
no proliferation) of differentiated cells in a population of
differentiated cells in the presence of an anti-angiogenic agent as
compared to in the absence of an anti-angiogenic agent.
[0171] As used herein, the term "promoting endothelial cell
differentiation" refers to an increase in the number of
differentiated endothelial cells in a given population of
endothelial cells of at least 10%, preferably the increase is at
least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%,
at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least
99%, at least 1-fold, at least 2-fold, at least 5-fold, at least
10-fold, at least 100-fold, at least 1000-fold or more in the
presence of a pro-angiogenic agent, as that term is used herein as
compared to in the absence of a pro-angiogenic agent.
[0172] As used herein, the term "migration" as used herein in
reference to endothelial cell migration refers to all mechanisms
and ways capillary blood vessels can grow or elongate or extend
over increasing distances and surface areas.
[0173] As used herein, the term "capillary blood vessel growth" as
used herein refers to an in increase in the original length of a
capillary blood vessel, for example an increase is at least about
10%, or at least about 15%, or at least 20%, at least 30%, at least
40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at
least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99%, at least 1-fold, at least
2-fold, at least 5-fold, at least 10-fold, at least 100-fold, at
least 1000-fold or more the length of the capillary blood vessel as
compared to the original length. An inhibition of capillary blood
vessel growth would be a reduction or complete attenuation of the
rate of the growth of a capillary blood vessel (i.e. the blood
vessel does not increase in length or does not elongtate or
increases in length at a slower rate), or a retraction of a
capillary blood vessel (i.e. the length of the blood vessel
decreases) as compared to its original length. Promotion of
capillary blood vessel growth would be an increase in the rate of
the growth of a capillary blood vessel (i.e. the blood vessel
elongates or increases in length or increases the rate at which the
length increases), as compared to its original length.
[0174] As used herein, the term "inhibition of migration" refers to
a decrease in the migration of endothelial cells through a porous
membrane (e.g., using a commercially available migration assay kit
such as BD BioCoat Angiogenesis System) of at least 10% in the
presence of an anti-angiogenic agent, preferably the decrease is at
least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%,
at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least
99% decrease in the migration of endothelial cells through a porous
membrane, or even 100% (i.e., no migration) in the presence of an
anti-angiogenic agent as compared to in the absence of an
anti-angiogenic agent.
[0175] As used herein, the term "promoting migration" refers to an
increase in the migration of endothelial cells through a porous
membrane of at least 10%, preferably the increase is at least 20%,
at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least
70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99%, at
least 1-fold, at least 2-fold, at least 5-fold, at least 10-fold,
at least 100-fold, at least 1000-fold or more in the presence of a
pro-angiogenic agent, as that term is used herein as compared to in
the absence of a pro-angiogenic agent.
[0176] As used herein, the term an "angiogenic disease or disorder"
and an "angiogenesis-related disease" which are used in conjunction
with the phrase "characterized by uncontrolled or increased
angiogenesis", refers to any pathological state or disease or
disorder that is the direct result of aberrant blood vessel
proliferation (e.g. diabetic retinopathy and hemangiomas) or
undesired or pathological blood vessel proliferation (e.g. in the
case cancer and tumor growth). The term also refer to diseases or
disorders whose pathological progression is dependent on a good
blood supply and thus blood vessel proliferation. Examples include
but are not limited to abnormal vascular proliferation, ascites
formation, psoriasis, age-related macular degeneration, thyroid
hyperplasia, preeclampsia, rheumatoid arthritis and
osteo-arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, obesity, pleural effusion,
atherosclerosis, endometriosis, diabetic/other retinopathies,
ocular neovascularization.
[0177] As used herein, the term an "angiogenesis-related disease"
which used in conjunction with the phrase "characterized by a
decrease in angiogenesis", refers to any pathological state or
disease or disorder that is the direct result of a loss of blood
vessels or a reduction or inhibition of blood vessel proliferation.
The term also refer to diseases or disorders whose pathological
progression is due to a reduced blood supply or to disorders where
it is desirable to increase the blood supply to a particular organ
or tissue. Examples include, but are not limited to, ischemic
diseases or ischemic injury, ischemia, transplantation therapy
(such as, for example post-organ transplant therapy for
transplantation of heart, lung, heart/lung, kidney, liver, and
post-cell transplantation in cell based therapies such as stem cell
therapies), stroke, and the like.
[0178] As used herein, the term "pro-angiogenic factors" refers to
factors that directly or indirectly promote new blood vessels
formation. These factors can be expressed and secreted by normal
and tumor cells. In one embodiment, the pro-angiogenic factors
include, but are not limited to EGF, E-cadherin, VEGF, angiogenin,
angiopoietin-1, fibroblast growth factors: acidic (aFGF) and basic
(bFGF), fibrinogen, fibronectin, heparanase, hepatocyte growth
factor (HGF), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), IGF, BP-3,
PDGF, VEGF-A VEGF-C, pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF),
vitronection, leptin, trefoil peptides (TFFs), CYR61 (CCN1) and NOV
(CCN3), leptin, midkine, placental growth factor platelet-derived
endothelial cell growth factor (PD-ECGF), platelet-derived growth
factor-BB (PDGF-BB), pleiotrophin (PTN), progranulin, proliferin,
transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha), transforming growth
factor-beta (TGF-beta), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha),
c-Myc, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), stromal
derived factor 1 (SDF-1), scatter factor (SF), osteopontin, stem
cell factor (SCF), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs),
thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), and inflammatory cytokines and chemokines
that are inducers of angiogenesis and increased vascularity, eg.
CCL2 (MCP-1), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and CCL5 (RANTES). The
pro-angiogenic factors can be used in conjunction with any and all
combinations of pro-angiogenic agents (i.e. a p190RhoGAP inhibitor,
and/or a TFII-I inhibitor and/or a GATA-2 activator) as described
herein.
[0179] As used herein, the term "ischemia" refers to inadequate or
reduced blood supply (i.e. circulation) to a local area, for
example due to a blockage of blood vessels to the area. Ischemic
diseases include stroke, ischemic heart disease and the like.
[0180] As used herein, the term "ischemic injury" refers to
conditions directly associated with reduced blood flow to tissue,
for example due to a clot or obstruction of blood vessels which
supply blood to the subject tissue and which result, inter alia, in
lowered oxygen transport to such tissue, impaired tissue
performance, tissue dysfunction and/or necrosis and can contribute
to the pathogenesis of heart failure. Alternatively, where blood
flow or organ perfusion can be quantitatively adequate, the oxygen
carrying capacity of the blood or organ perfusion medium can be
reduced, e.g., in hypoxic environment, such that oxygen supply to
the tissue is lowered, and impaired tissue performance, tissue
dysfunction, and/or tissue necrosis ensues. "Ischemia/reperfusion
injury" refers to a subset of ischemic injury in which injury
involves a period of reduced blood flow, followed by at least
partial restoration of the blood flow. Ischemia/reperfusion injury
involves an inflammatory response and oxidative damage accompanied
by apoptosis that occur when blood flow has been restored to a
tissue subjected to an interruption in blood flow. As used herein,
the term "ischemic limb disease" refers to any disease resulting
from lack of blood flow to a superficial limb or extremity (e.g.,
an arm, leg, hand, foot, toe, finger etc.). Ischemic limb disease
results from complications due to diabetes or atherosclerosis,
among others.
[0181] As used herein, the term "ischemic heart disease" refers to
a condition in which the blood supply to the heart is decreased or
reduced.
[0182] As used herein, the term "therapeutically effective amount"
or "effective amount" are used interchangeably and refer to the
amount of an agent that is effective, at dosages and for periods of
time necessary to achieve the desired therapeutic result, e.g., for
an increase in angiogenesis for a pro-angiogenic agent, or a
decrease or prevention of angiogenesis for an anti-angiogenic
agent. By way of example only, an effective amount of an
anti-angiogenic agent for treatment of an angiogenesis-related
disease characterized by uncontrolled or increased angiogeneis will
cause a reduction or even completely halt any new blood vessel
formation. An effective amount for treating or ameliorating such an
angiogenesis-related disease (i.e. one characterized by
uncontrolled or increased angiogeneis) is an amount sufficient to
result in a reduction or complete removal of the symptoms of the
disorder, disease, or medical condition. By way of example only, an
effective amount of a pro-angiogenic agent for treatment of an
angiogenesis-related disease characterized by a decrease in
angiogeneis will cause an increase in new blood vessel formation or
an increase in angiogeneis. An effective amount for treating or
ameliorating such an angiogenesis-related disease (i.e. one
characterized by a decrease in angiogeneis) is an amount sufficient
to result in a reduction or complete removal of the symptoms of the
disorder, disease, or medical condition. The effective amount of a
given therapeutic agent (i.e. pro-angiogenic agent or
anti-angiogenic agent) will vary with factors such as the nature of
the agent, the route of administration, the size and species of the
animal to receive the therapeutic agent, and the purpose of the
administration. A therapeutically effective amount of the agents,
factors, or inhibitors described herein, or functional derivatives
thereof, can vary according to factors such as disease state, age,
sex, and weight of the subject, and the ability of the therapeutic
compound to elicit a desired response in the subject. A
therapeutically effective amount is also one in which any toxic or
detrimental effects of the therapeutic agent are outweighed by the
therapeutically beneficial effects. The effective amount in each
individual case can be determined empirically by a skilled artisan
according to established methods in the art and without undue
experimentation. In general, an anti-angiogenic agent is determined
to be "therapeutically effective" in the methods described herein
if (a) measurable symptom(s) of angiogenesis or an
angiogenesis-related disease, (e.g., capillary density, tumor
growth, rate of vessel formation) are decreased by at least 10%
compared to the measurement prior to treatment onset, (b) the
progression of the disease is halted (e.g., patients do not worsen,
new vessels do not form, or the tumor does not continue to grow, or
(c) symptoms are reduced or even ameliorated, for example, by
measuring a reduction in tumor size or a reduction in vessel
infiltration in the eye or elsewhere. Efficacy of treatment can be
judged by an ordinarily skilled practitioner. Where promotion of
angiogenesis is desired, e.g., in promotion of wound healing, a
pro-angiogenic agent is determined to be "therapeutically
effective" in the methods described herein if angiogenesis or one
or more markers of angiogenesis or wound healing are increased by
at least 10% relative to angiogenesis or the marker measured in the
absence of that agent. Efficacy can be assessed in animal models of
angiogenesis, cancer and tumor, for example treatment of a rodent
with an experimental cancer, and any treatment or administration of
an anti-angiogenic agent in a composition or formulation that leads
to a decrease of at least one symptom of the cancer, for example a
reduction in the size of the tumor a cessation or slowing of the
rate of growth of the tumor indicates effective treatment.
Alternatively, pro-angiogenesis efficacy of a pro-angiogenic agent
can be assessed in an animal model of reduced angiogenesis, such as
e.g., hindlimb ischemia, wherein a treatment is considered
efficacious if there is a increase in new vessel formation of the
hindlimb compared to untreated animals. As yet another alternative,
a corneal pocket assay, aortic ring assay or CAM assay can be used
to predict treatment efficacy for a pro-angiogenic agent and/or
anti-angiogenic agent.
[0183] The term "variant" as used herein refers to a polypeptide or
nucleic acid that is "substantially similar" to a wild-type
polypeptide or polynucleic acid. A molecule is said to be
"substantially similar" to another molecule if both molecules have
substantially similar structures (i.e., they are at least 50%
similar in amino acid sequence as determined by BLASTp alignment
set at default parameters) and are substantially similar in at
least one relevant function (e.g., effect on cell migration). A
variant differs from the naturally occurring polypeptide or nucleic
acid by one or more amino acid or nucleic acid deletions,
additions, substitutions or side-chain modifications, yet retains
one or more specific functions or biological activities of the
naturally occurring molecule. Amino acid substitutions include
alterations in which an amino acid is replaced with a different
naturally-occurring or a non-conventional amino acid residue. Some
substitutions can be classified as "conservative," in which case an
amino acid residue contained in a polypeptide is replaced with
another naturally occurring amino acid of similar character either
in relation to polarity, side chain functionality or size.
Substitutions encompassed by variants as described herein can also
be "non-conservative," in which an amino acid residue which is
present in a peptide is substituted with an amino acid having
different properties (e.g., substituting a charged or hydrophobic
amino acid with an uncharged or hydrophilic amino acid), or
alternatively, in which a naturally-occurring amino acid is
substituted with a non-conventional amino acid. Also encompassed
within the term "variant," when used with reference to a
polynucleotide or polypeptide, are variations in primary,
secondary, or tertiary structure, as compared to a reference
polynucleotide or polypeptide, respectively (e.g., as compared to a
wild-type polynucleotide or polypeptide). Polynucleotide changes
can result in amino acid substitutions, additions, deletions,
fusions and truncations in the polypeptide encoded by the reference
sequence. Variants can also include insertions, deletions or
substitutions of amino acids, including insertions and
substitutions of amino acids and other molecules) that do not
normally occur in the peptide sequence that is the basis of the
variant, including but not limited to insertion of ornithine which
does not normally occur in human proteins.
[0184] The term "derivative" as used herein refers to peptides
which have been chemically modified, for example by ubiquitination,
labeling, pegylation (derivatization with polyethylene glycol) or
addition of other molecules. A molecule is also a "derivative" of
another molecule when it contains additional chemical moieties not
normally a part of the molecule. Such moieties can improve the
molecule's solubility, absorption, biological half life, etc. The
moieties can alternatively decrease the toxicity of the molecule,
or eliminate or attenuate an undesirable side effect of the
molecule, etc. Moieties capable of mediating such effects are
disclosed in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 18th edition, A.
R. Gennaro, Ed., Mack Publ., Easton, Pa. (1990).
[0185] The term "functional" when used in conjunction with
"derivative" or "variant" refers to a polypeptide which possess a
biological activity that is substantially similar to a biological
activity of the entity or molecule of which it is a derivative or
variant. By "substantially similar" in this context is meant that
at least 50% of the relevant or desired biological activity of a
corresponding wild-type peptide is retained. In the instance of
promotion of angiogenesis, for example, an activity retained would
be promotion of endothelial cell migration; preferably the variant
retains at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at
least 95%, at least 100% or even higher (i.e., the variant or
derivative has greater activity than the wild-type), e.g., at least
110%, at least 120%, or more compared to a measurable activity
(i.e., promotion or inhibition of endothelial cell migration) of
the wild-type polypeptide.
[0186] The term "protein binding agent" is used interchangeably
herein with "protein binding molecule" or protein binding moiety"
and refers to any entity which has specific affinity for a protein.
The term "protein-binding molecule" also includes antibody-based
binding moieties and antibodies and includes immunoglobulin
molecules and immunologically active determinants of immunoglobulin
molecules, e.g., molecules that contain an antigen binding site
which specifically binds (immunoreacts with) to the Psap proteins.
The term "antibody-based binding moiety" is intended to include
whole antibodies, e.g., of any isotype (IgG, IgA, IgM, IgE, etc),
and includes fragments thereof which are also specifically reactive
with the Psap proteins. Antibodies can be fragmented using
conventional techniques. Thus, the term includes segments of
proteolytically-cleaved or recombinantly-prepared portions of an
antibody molecule that are capable of selectively reacting with a
certain protein. Non limiting examples of such proteolytic and/or
recombinant fragments include Fab, F(ab')2, Fab', Fv, dAbs and
single chain antibodies (scFv) containing a VL and VH domain joined
by a peptide linker. The scFv's can be covalently or non-covalently
linked to form antibodies having two or more binding sites. Thus,
"antibody-base binding moiety" includes polyclonal, monoclonal, or
other purified preparations of antibodies and recombinant
antibodies. The term "antibody-base binding moiety" is further
intended to include humanized antibodies, bispecific antibodies,
and chimeric molecules having at least one antigen binding
determinant derived from an antibody molecule. In a preferred
embodiment, the antibody-based binding moiety detectably labeled.
In some embodiments, a "protein-binding agent" is a co-factor
binding protein that interacts with the appendicitis biomarker
protein to be measured, for example a co-factor binding protein or
ligand to the appendicitis biomarker protein.
[0187] The term "labeled antibody", as used herein, includes
antibodies that are labeled by a detectable means and include, but
are not limited to, antibodies that are enzymatically,
radioactively, fluorescently, and chemiluminescently labeled.
Antibodies can also be labeled with a detectable tag, such as
c-Myc, HA, VSV-G, HSV, FLAG, V5, or HIS. The detection and
quantification of a appendicitis biomarker protein present in a
urine samples correlate to the intensity of the signal emitted from
the detectably labeled antibody.
[0188] The term "specific affinity" or "specifically binds" or
"specific binding" are used interchangeably herein refers to an
entity such as a protein-binding molecule or antibody that
recognizes and binds a desired polypeptide (e.g. a specific
appendicitis biomarker protein) but that does not substantially
recognize and bind other molecules in the sample, i.e. a urine
sample. In some embodiments, the term "specifically binds" refers
to binding with a K.sub.d of 10 micromolar or less, preferably 1
micromolar or less, more preferably 100 nM or less, 10 nM or less,
or 1 nM or less.
[0189] The term "antibody" is meant to be an immunoglobulin protein
that is capable of binding an antigen. Antibody as used herein is
meant to include antibody fragments, e.g. F(ab').sub.2, Fab', Fab,
capable of binding the antigen or antigenic fragment of
interest.
[0190] The term "humanized antibody" is used herein to describe
complete antibody molecules, i.e. composed of two complete light
chains and two complete heavy chains, as well as antibodies
consisting only of antibody fragments, e.g. Fab, Fab',
F(ab').sub.2, and Fv, wherein the CDRs are derived from a non-human
source and the remaining portion of the Ig molecule or fragment
thereof is derived from a human antibody, preferably produced from
a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human antibody.
[0191] The terms "human antibody" and "humanized antibody" are used
herein to describe an antibody of which all portions of the
antibody molecule are derived from a nucleic acid sequence encoding
a human antibody. Such human antibodies are most desirable for use
in antibody therapies, as such antibodies would elicit little or no
immune response in the human subject.
[0192] The term "chimeric antibody" is used herein to describe an
antibody molecule as well as antibody fragments, as described above
in the definition of the term "humanized antibody." The term
"chimeric antibody" encompasses humanized antibodies. Chimeric
antibodies have at least one portion of a heavy or light chain
amino acid sequence derived from a first mammalian species and
another portion of the heavy or light chain amino acid sequence
derived from a second, different mammalian species. In some
embodiments, a variable region is derived from a non-human
mammalian species and the constant region is derived from a human
species. Specifically, the chimeric antibody is preferably produced
from a 9 nucleotide sequence from a non-human mammal encoding a
variable region and a nucleotide sequence from a human encoding a
constant region of an antibody.
[0193] The term "label" refers to a composition capable of
producing a detectable signal indicative of the presence of the
target polynucleotide in an assay sample. Suitable labels include
radioisotopes, nucleotide chromophores, enzymes, substrates,
fluorescent molecules, chemiluminescent moieties, magnetic
particles, bioluminescent moieties, and the like. As such, a label
is any composition detectable by spectroscopic, photochemical,
biochemical, immunochemical, electrical, optical or chemical
means.
[0194] As used herein the term "comprising" or "comprises" is used
in reference to compositions, methods, and respective component(s)
thereof, that are essential to the invention, yet open to the
inclusion of unspecified elements, whether essential or not. The
use of "comprising" indicates inclusion rather than limitation.
[0195] The term "consisting of" refers to compositions, methods,
and respective components thereof as described herein, which are
exclusive of any element not recited in that description of the
embodiment.
[0196] As used herein the term "consisting essentially of" refers
to those elements required for a given embodiment. The term permits
the presence of elements that do not materially affect the basic
and novel or functional characteristic(s) of that embodiment of the
invention.
[0197] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the
singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references
unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus for example,
references to "the method" includes one or more methods, and/or
steps of the type described herein and/or which will become
apparent to those persons skilled in the art upon reading this
disclosure and so forth.
[0198] Other than in the operating examples, or where otherwise
indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients or
reaction conditions used herein should be understood as modified in
all instances by the term "about." The term "about" when used in
connection with percentages will mean.+-.1%.
Pro-Angiogenic Agents:
[0199] In one embodiment, a method of promoting microvascular
endothelial cell migration or angiogenesis requires contacting a
microvascular endothelial cell (EC) with at least one
pro-angiogenic agent. Another embodiment provides a method of
promoting angiogenesis by contacting a microvascular endothelial
cell with a pro-angiogenic agent. As defined herein, a
pro-angiogenic agent can be at least one of an inhibitor of
p190RhoGAP (i.e. any agent which decreases or inhibits the
expression or function of p190RhoGAP protein), or an inhibitor of
TFII-I (i.e. any agent which decreases or inhibits the expression
or function of the TFII-I protein), or an activator of GATA-2
[0200] In one embodiment, the p190RhoGAP inhibitor TFII-I inhibitor
is selected from the group consisting of an antibody, an RNA
interference molecule, a small molecule, a peptide and an aptamer.
In one embodiment, a GATA-2 activator is selected from, but is not
limited to an antibody, a small molecule, a peptide, a polypeptide,
nucleic acid, such as RNA or DNA
[0201] As used herein, the term "aptamer" refer to relatively short
RNA or DNA oligonucleotides, which binds to, for example,
p190RhoGAP, and preferably blocks/prevents/inhibits p190RhoGAP from
sequestering TFII-I. Methods of determining p190RhoGAP activation
are known in the art (see U.S. Patent Application 2008/0119430,
which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety).
"Aptamer" are isolated in vitro using, for example, the selection
procedure known as SELEX (systematic evolution of ligands by
exponential enrichment) (Tuerk & Gold, 1990; Ellington &
Szostak, 1990, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,475,096 and 5,270,163, which are
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety). Because the
selection procedure is driven by binding of ligands, aptamers bind
their ligands with high affinity and fold into secondary structures
which are optimized for ligand binding (Herman & Patel, 2000,
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). In this respect
aptamers resemble antibodies by selectively binding corresponding
ligand from complex chemical or biological mixtures. Methods to
design and synthesize aptamers and aptamer binding sequences are
known to those of skill in the art.
[0202] In one embodiment, a pro-angiogenic agent, such as a
p190RhoGAP inhibitor and/or a TFII-I inhibitor and/or GATA-2
activator increases vegfr2 expression in a cell. In some
embodiments, a pro-angiogenic agent, such as a p190RhoGAP inhibitor
and/or a TFII-I inhibitor and/or GATA-2 activator increases
vascular density. The detection, monitoring and measurement of
vascular density can be performed using a variety of angiogenesis
assays, including as described herein, an in vivo retinal vessel
assay where vessel density is determined by densitometry and
immunohistochemical analysis. Other models of angiogenesis are well
known to one skilled in the art and can be used, and are described
herein in the section entitled "Pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic
agent assay methods".
[0203] Public access software programs and methods of predicting
and selecting antisense oligonucleotides and siRNA are known in the
art and are also found on the world wide web sites of
GENSCRIPT.TM., AMBION.RTM., DHARMACON.TM., OLIGOENGINE.TM.,
Wadsworth Bioinformatics Center, Whitehead Institute at the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology and are also described in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,060,248. After selecting the antisense
oligonucleotides and siRNA sequences, these molecules can be
produced biologically using an expression vector carrying the
polynucleotides that encode the siRNA or antisense RNA. General
molecular biological methods known in the art can be used to clone
these sequences into the expression vectors. Examples of such are
described herein.
[0204] In one embodiment, a pro-angiogenic agent which is a
p190RhoGAP inhibitor specifically inhibits the expression of
p190RhoGAP in the cell. In one embodiment, the inhibitor is an RNA
interference molecule specific to the p190RhoGAP gene such as an
siRNA, shRNA, or dsRNA. The human p190RhoGAP gene is
NM.sub.--004491 (SEQ. ID. No. 2) (GENBANK.TM.).
[0205] In other embodiments, the siRNA p190RhoGAP molecules
are:
TABLE-US-00001 (SEQ. ID. No. 12) 5'-GGAUUGUGUGGAAUGUAAG-3' (SEQ.
ID. No. 13) 5'-ACCGAGAGAGGAAACACAAUA-3'
[0206] In alternative embodiments, siRNA p190RhoGAP molecules
are:
TABLE-US-00002 (SEQ ID NO: 45) 5'-GTAGTCGTGCCACCAGTAG-3', (SEQ ID
NO: 46) 5'-AGACTTGGCATACTCGCTG-3'; (SEQ ID NO: 47)
5'-GUAGUCGUGCCACCAGUAG-3; (SEQ ID NO: 48)
5'-AGACUUGGCAUACUCGCUG-3';
[0207] In other embodiments, a commercially available RNAi molecule
which inhibits p190RhoGAP can be used. In alternative embodiments,
shRNA p190RhoGAP molecules are:
TABLE-US-00003 (SEQ ID NO: 49)
5'-GATCCCCGTAGTCGTGCCACCAGTAGTTCAAGAGACTACTGGTGGCA
CGACTACTTTTTGGAAA-3'; (SEQ ID NO: 50)
5'-GATCCCCAGACTTGGCATACTCGCTGTTCAAGAGCAGCGAGTATGCC
AAGTCTTTTTTGGAAA-3'
[0208] Isoforms of the p190RhoGAP gene have been identified. The
pro-angiogenic agents which are siRNA or shRNA molecules which
target p190RhoGAP can be targeted to any one or more of these
p190RhoGAP isoforms. Specifically, any one or more of isoform I, II
or III can be targeted. The nucleotide and amino acid sequence of
isoform I is represented by SEQ ID Numbers: 51 and 52 respectively.
Isoform II is the molecule identified as BNO69 in PCT/AU02/01282
and its nucleotide and amino acid sequences are represented herein
by SEQ ID Numbers: 53 and 54 respectively. The nucleotide and amino
acid sequence of isoform III is represented by SEQ ID Numbers: 55
and 56 respectively. The p190RhoGAP isoforms share a common region
of sequence identity, the nucleotide and amino acid sequence of
which is represented by SEQ ID Numbers: 57 and 58 respectively.
This region of identity includes a GAP domain, the nucleotide and
amino acid sequence of which is represented by SEQ ID NO: 59 and 60
respectively. In some embodiments, a pro-angiogenic agent which is
a siRNA or shRNA molecules of p190RhoGAP can target the common
region shared by all isoforms of p190RhoGA, including the GAP
domain, or can bind specifically to one isoform alone.
[0209] In a further aspect of the present invention, there is
provided an isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising the sequence
set forth in one of SEQ ID Numbers: 51, 55, 57 or 59.
[0210] In one embodiment, a pro-angiogenic agent which is a TFII-I
inhibitor specifically inhibits the expression of TFII-I in the
cell. In one embodiment, the inhibitor is an RNA interference
molecule specific to the TFII-I gene such as an siRNA, shRNA, or
dsRNA. The human TFII-I gene is NM.sub.--032999 (SEQ. ID. No. 6)
(GENBANK.TM.).
[0211] In other embodiments, a commercially available RNAi molecule
which inhibits TFII-I can be used. In other embodiments, the siRNA
TFII-I molecules are:
TABLE-US-00004 (SEQ. ID. No. 10) 5'-AGUAUCAGUGGUUGAGAAG-3' (SEQ.
ID. No. 15) 5'-CAAUGAUCUCUAUGUGGA-3'
[0212] In one embodiment, a pro-angiogenic agent which is a GATA-2
activator which specifically increases the expression of GATA-2 in
a cell. In one embodiment, a GATA-2 activator is a nucleic acid
molecule of SEQ ID NO: 8, or in alternative embodiments, is a
nucleic acid molecule of SEQ ID NO: 9. In another embodiment, the
GATA-2 activator is a peptide. In some embodiments, a GATA-2
activator is a peptide comprising at least 50 amino acids of SEQ ID
NO: 7.
[0213] As used herein, the term "peptide" refer to a polymer of up
to 20 amino acid residues. The terms apply to amino acid polymers
in which one or more amino acid residue is an artificial chemical
mimetic of a corresponding naturally occurring amino acid, as well
as to naturally occurring amino acid polymers and non-naturally
occurring amino acid polymer. "Peptide" further refer to amino
acids joined to each other by peptide bonds or modified peptide
bonds, i.e., peptide isosteres, and can contain modified amino
acids other than the 20 gene-encoded amino acids.
[0214] A reduction or decrease in the expression of p190RhoGAP,
TFII-I or an increase in the expression of GATA-2 in a cell can be
determined by any methods known in the art, e. g. measurement of
the messenger RNA by RT-PCR or by Western blots analysis for the
protein as described herein.
[0215] For the avoidance of doubt, a decrease in expression will be
at least 5% relative to in the absence of a p190RhoGAP inhibitor a
TFII-I inhibitor respectively, preferably at least 10%, 20%, 30%,
40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or more, up to and including at least
100% or more. In the case of an increase, for example, of a GATA-2,
is at least 2.times., 3.times., 4.times., 5.times., . . . . .
10.times. or more) as compared to in the absence of a GATA-2
activator. All the percentages in between 5-100% as well as
fractions of integer number of folds increase are also
included.
[0216] In one embodiment, a pro-angiogenic agent, such as a
p190RhoGAP inhibitor, a TFII-I inhibitor a GATA-2 activator
increases the expression of vegfr2 in the cell. An increase in the
level of vegfr2 expression can be determined by any methods known
in the art, e. g. by Western blots analysis for vegfr2 protein,
using an antibody specific for anti-VEGFR2 as described herein.
[0217] In one embodiment, a pro-angiogenic agent is a p190RhoGAP
inhibitory antibody or a TFII-I inhibitory antibody or a GATA-2
activating antibody. In another embodiment, a pro-angiogenic agent
is a p190RhoGAP inhibitory antibody. In another embodiment, a
pro-angiogenic agent is a TFII-I inhibitory antibody. In another
embodiment, a pro-angiogenic agent is a GATA-2 activating
antibody.
[0218] In one embodiment, an pro-angiogenic agent is an antibody is
specific for p190RhoGAP. In one embodiment, an pro-angiogenic agent
is an antibody is specific for inhibiting TFII-I. In one
embodiment, an pro-angiogenic agent is an antibody which activates
GATA-2. Commercially antibodies to p190RhoGAP, TFII-I or GATA-2 are
available from MILIPORE.RTM., INVITROGEN.TM., SIGMA ALDRICH.RTM.
and R&D Systems to name a few. Alternatively, antibodies to
p190RhoGAP, TFII-I or GATA-2 can be made by methods well know to
one skilled in the art. The antibodies to p190RhoGAP or TFII-I for
use as pro-angiogenic agents can be assayed for the inhibitory
function to p190RhoGAP or TFII-I respectively by measuring an
increase in the expression of Vegfr2 in the presence and absence of
a inhibitor antibody or an increase in vascular density as
described herein. Alternatively, a antibodies to p190RhoGAP or
TFII-I for use as anti-angiogenic agents can be assayed for their
increase in the activation of p190RhoGAP or TFII-I respectively by
measuring a decrease in the expression of Vegfr2 in the presence
and absence of an activating anti-p190RhoGAP or anti-TFII-I
antibody or a decrease in vascular density as described herein.
Similarly, antibodies for use as pro-angiogenic agents which
activate GATA-2 can be assayed for activation of GATA-2 function by
measuring an increase in the expression of Vegfr2 in the presence
and absence of a inhibitor antibody or an increase in vascular
density as described herein. Alternatively, an inhibitor antibody
of GATA-2 for use as an anti-angiogenic agent can be assayed for a
decrease in vegfr2 expression or a decrease in vascular density as
described herein.
Anti-Angiogenic Agents.
[0219] In one embodiment, a method of inhibiting microvascular
endothelial cell (EC) migration or angiogeneisis involves
contacting a microvascular endothelial cell with at least one
anti-angiogenic agent. Another embodiment provides a method of
inhibiting angiogenesis by contacting a microvascular endothelial
cell with a pro-angiogenic agent. As defined herein, an
anti-angiogenic agent can be at least one of an activator of
p190RhoGAP (e.g. any agent which increases the expression or
function of p190RhoGAP protein), or an activator of TFII-I (e.g.
any agent which increases the function or expression of the TFII-I
protein), or an inhibitor of GATA-2 (e.g. any agent which decreases
or inhibits the function or expression of GATA-2 protein). For
example, an anti-apoptotic pro-angiogenic agent which is an
activator of p190RhoGAP or activator of TFII-I (e.g. any agent
which increases the expression and/or function of a p190RhoGAP
protein or a TFII-I protein) can be selected from the group
consisting of, but not limited to an antibody, a small molecule, a
peptide, a polypeptide, nucleic acid, such as RNA or DNA. In
another example, an anti-angiogenic agent which is an inhibitor of
GATA-2 (e.g. any agent which decreases or inhibits the expression
or function of a GATA-2 protein) can be selected from the group
consisting of, but not limited to an antibody, an RNA interference
(RNAi) molecule, a small molecule, a peptide and aptamer.
[0220] In one embodiment, an anti-angiogenic agent is a GATA-2
inhibitor which specifically inhibits the expression of GATA-2 in
the cell. In one embodiment, the inhibitor is an RNA interference
molecule specific to the GATA-2 gene such as an siRNA, shRNA, or
dsRNA. The human GATA-2 gene is NM.sub.--032638 (SEQ. ID. No. 9)
(GENBANK.TM.).
[0221] In other embodiments, a commercially available RNAi molecule
which inhibits GATA-2 can be used. In other embodiments, an
anti-angiogenic agent is a siRNA GATA-2 molecule are:
TABLE-US-00005 (SEQ. ID. No. 11) 5'-GAACCGGAAGAUGUCCAAC-3' (SEQ.
ID. No. 14) 5'-GAAUCGGAAGAUGUCCAGCAA-3'
[0222] In one embodiment, an anti-angiogenic agent which is a
p190RhoGAP activator which specifically increases the expression of
p190RhoGAP in a cell. In one embodiment, a p190RhoGAP activator is
a nucleic acid molecule of SEQ ID NO: 2, or in alternative
embodiments, is a nucleic acid molecule of SEQ ID NO: 3. In another
embodiment, the p190RhoGAP activator is a peptide. In some
embodiments, a p190RhoGAP activator is a peptide comprising at
least 50 amino acids of SEQ ID NO: 1.
[0223] In one embodiment, an anti-angiogenic agent which is a
TFII-I activator which specifically increases the expression of
TFII-I in a cell. In one embodiment, a TFII-I activator is a
nucleic acid molecule of SEQ ID NO: 5, or in alternative
embodiments, is a nucleic acid molecule of SEQ ID NO: 6. In another
embodiment, the TFII-I activator is a peptide. In some embodiments,
a TFII-I activator is a peptide comprising at least 50 amino acids
of SEQ ID NO: 4.
[0224] An increase in the expression of p190RhoGAP or TFII-I or a
decrease in the expression of GATA-2 in a cell can be determined by
any methods known in the art, e. g. measurement of the messenger
RNA by RT-PCR or by Western blots analysis for the protein as
described herein.
[0225] For the avoidance of doubt, a decrease in expression will be
at least 5% relative to in the absence of a GATA-2 inhibitor
respectively, preferably at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%,
70%, 80%, 90%, or more, up to and including at least 100% or more.
In the case of an increase, for example, of a p190RhoGAP activator
a TFII-I activator, is at least 2.times., 3.times., 4.times.,
5.times., . . . . . 10.times. or more) as compared to in the
absence of a p190RhoGAP activator a TFII-I activator, respectively.
All the percentages in between 5-100% as well as fractions of
integer number of folds increase are also included.
[0226] In one embodiment, an anti-angiogenic agent, such as a
p190RhoGAP activator, a TFII-I activator a GATA-2 inhibitor
decreases the expression of vegfr2 in the cell. A decrease in the
level of vegfr2 expression can be determined by any methods known
in the art, e. g. by Western blots analysis for vegfr2 protein,
using an antibody specific for anti-VEGFR2 as described herein.
[0227] In one embodiment, an anti-angiogenic agent is a p190RhoGAP
activating antibody or a TFII-I activating antibody or a GATA-2
inhibiting antibody. In another embodiment, an anti-angiogenic
agent is a p190RhoGAP activating antibody. In another embodiment,
an anti-angiogenic agent is a TFII-I activating antibody. In
another embodiment, an anti-angiogenic agent is a GATA-2 inhibiting
antibody.
[0228] In one embodiment, an anti-angiogenic agent is an antibody
is specific for activating p190RhoGAP. In one embodiment, an
anti-angiogenic agent is an antibody is specific for activating
TFII-I. In one embodiment, an anti-angiogenic agent is an antibody
which inhibits GATA-2. Commercially antibodies to p190RhoGAP,
TFII-I or GATA-2 are available from MILIPORE.RTM., INVITROGEN.TM.,
SIGMA ALDRICH.RTM. and R&D Systems to name a few.
Alternatively, and as discussed above, antibodies to p190RhoGAP,
TFII-I or GATA-2 can be made by methods well know to one skilled in
the art. The antibodies to p190RhoGAP or TFII-I for use as
pro-angiogenic agents can be assayed for the inhibitory function to
p190RhoGAP or TFII-I respectively by measuring an increase in the
expression of Vegfr2 in the presence and absence of a inhibitor
antibody or an increase in vascular density as described herein.
Alternatively, antibodies to p190RhoGAP or TFII-I for use as
anti-angiogenic agents can be assayed for their increase in the
activation of p190RhoGAP or TFII-I respectively by measuring a
decrease in the expression of Vegfr2 in the presence and absence of
an activating anti-p190RhoGAP or anti-TFII-I antibody or a decrease
in vascular density as described herein. Similarly, antibodies for
use as pro-angiogenic agents which activate GATA-2 can be assayed
for activation of GATA-2 function by measuring an increase in the
expression of Vegfr2 in the presence and absence of a inhibitor
antibody or an increase in vascular density as described herein.
Alternatively, an inhibitor antibody of GATA-2 for use as an
anti-angiogenic agent can be assayed for a decrease in vegfr2
expression or a decrease in vascular density as described
herein.
General Inhibitors as Pro-Angiogenic Agents or Anti-Angiogenic
Agents: Inhibiting Gene or Protein Function
[0229] In some embodiments, a pro-angiogenic agent can be a
inhibitor of p190RhoGAP function, or an inhibitor of TFII-I
function and/or an activator of GATA-2 function. In one embodiment,
the p190RhoGAP inhibitor TFII-I inhibitor is selected from the
group consisting of an antibody, an RNA interference molecule, a
small molecule, a peptide and an aptamer.
[0230] In some embodiments, an anti-angiogenic agent can be a
p190RhoGAP activator, or a TFII-I activator a GATA-2 inhibitor. In
one embodiment, a GATA-2 inhibitor can be selected from the group
consisting of an antibody, an RNA interference molecule, a small
molecule, a peptide and an aptamer.
[0231] Essentially any agent that inhibits p190RhoGAP activity, as
that term is defined herein, can be used as an pro-angiogenic agent
with the methods described herein. It is preferred, however, that a
pro-angiogenic agent inhibitor of p190RhoGAP activity is specific,
or substantially specific, for p190RhoGAP activity inhibition.
Further, it is noted that p190RhoGAP activity can be inhibited by
agents that specifically inhibit the expression of the p190RhoGAP
as well as by agents that specifically either bind to, or cleave,
the p190RhoGAP molecule. Some non-limiting examples of
pro-angiogenic agents which inhibit p190RhoGAP function include
antibodies, small molecules, RNA interference molecules, aptamers,
ligands, peptides, nucleic acids, or a combination thereof. In
addition, expression of a dominant negative mutant of a p190RhoGAP
polypeptide can also be used to inhibit p190RhoGAP activity.
Competitive mutants and/or competitive peptides of a p190RhoGAP
polypeptide are also contemplated for use herein for inhibiting
p190RhoGAP activity. Inhibitors of p190RhoGAP can be screened for
efficacy by measuring p190RhoGAP pro-angiogenic activity in the
presence and absence of a p190RhoGAP inhibitor. To avoid doubt, an
agent that inhibits p190RhoGAP activity will, at a minimum,
increase the pro-angiogenic activity of p190RhoGAP, or
alternatively increase blood vessel or vascular density as that
term is used herein.
[0232] Essentially any agent that inhibits TFII-I activity, as that
term is defined herein, can be used as an pro-angiogenic agent with
the methods described herein. It is preferred, however, that a
pro-angiogenic agent inhibitor of TFII-I activity is specific, or
substantially specific, for TFII-I activity inhibition. Further, it
is noted that TFII-I activity can be inhibited by agents that
specifically inhibit the expression of the TFII-I as well as by
agents that specifically either bind to, or cleave, the TFII-I
molecule. Some non-limiting examples of pro-angiogenic agents which
inhibit TFII-I function include antibodies, small molecules, RNA
interference molecules, aptamers, ligands, peptides, nucleic acids,
or a combination thereof. In addition, expression of a dominant
negative mutant of a TFII-I polypeptide can also be used to inhibit
TFII-I activity. Competitive mutants and/or competitive peptides of
a TFII-I polypeptide are also contemplated for use herein for
inhibiting TFII-I activity. Inhibitors of TFII-I can be screened
for efficacy by measuring TFII-I pro-angiogenic activity in the
presence and absence of a TFII-I inhibitor. To avoid doubt, an
agent that inhibits TFII-I activity will, at a minimum, increase
the pro-angiogenic activity of TFII-I, or alternatively increase
blood vessel or vascular density as that term is used herein.
[0233] Essentially any agent that inhibits GATA-2 activity, as that
term is defined herein, can be used as an anti-angiogenic agent
with the methods described herein. It is preferred, however, that
an anti-angiogenic agent inhibitor of GATA-2 activity is specific,
or substantially specific, for GATA-2 activity inhibition. Further,
it is noted that GATA-2 activity can be inhibited by agents that
specifically inhibit the expression of the GATA-2 as well as by
agents that specifically either bind to, or cleave, the GATA-2
molecule. Some non-limiting examples of anti-angiogenic agents
which inhibit GATA-2 function include antibodies, small molecules,
RNA interference molecules, aptamers, ligands, peptides, nucleic
acids, or a combination thereof. In addition, expression of a
dominant negative mutant of a GATA-2 polypeptide can also be used
to inhibit GATA-2 activity. Competitive mutants and/or competitive
peptides of a GATA-2 polypeptide are also contemplated for use
herein for inhibiting GATA-2 activity. Inhibitors of GATA-2 can be
screened for efficacy by measuring GATA-2 anti-angiogenic activity
in the presence and absence of a GATA-2 inhibitor. To avoid doubt,
an agent that inhibits GATA-2 activity will, at a minimum, decrease
angiogenesis or blood vessel density, as that term is used
herein.
Small Molecule Inhibitors
[0234] As used herein, the term "small molecule" refers to a
chemical agent including, but not limited to, peptides,
peptidomimetics, amino acids, amino acid analogs, polynucleotides,
polynucleotide analogs, nucleotides, nucleotide analogs, organic or
inorganic compounds (i.e., including heteroorganic and
organometallic compounds) having a molecular weight less than about
10,000 grams per mole, organic or inorganic compounds having a
molecular weight less than about 5,000 grams per mole, organic or
inorganic compounds having a molecular weight less than about 1,000
grams per mole, organic or inorganic compounds having a molecular
weight less than about 500 grams per mole, and salts, esters, and
other pharmaceutically acceptable forms of such compounds.
[0235] Small molecules inhibitors of p190RhoGAP, TFII-I (as
pro-angiogenic agents) and GATA-2 (as anti-angiogenic agents) can
be identified from within a small molecule library, which can be
obtained from commercial sources such as AMRI (Albany, N.Y.),
AsisChem Inc. (Cambridge, Mass.), TimTec (Newark, Del.), among
others, or from libraries as known in the art.
Aptamers
[0236] Aptamers are relatively short RNA or DNA oligonucleotides,
which bind ligands and are isolated in vitro using, for example,
the selection procedure known as SELEX (systematic evolution of
ligands by exponential enrichment) (Tuerk & Gold, 1990;
Ellington & Szostak, 1990, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,475,096 and
5,270,163, which are incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety). Because the selection procedure is driven by binding of
ligands, aptamers bind their ligands with high affinity and fold
into secondary structures which are optimized for ligand binding
(Herman & Patel, 2000, incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety). In this respect aptamers resemble antibodies by
selectively binding corresponding ligand from complex chemical or
biological mixtures.
[0237] The aptamer oligonucleotide of such an embodiment can be any
useful aptamer now known or later developed. Methods to design and
synthesize aptamers and aptamer binding sequences are known to
those of skill in the art.
[0238] It is contemplated herein that aptamers directed at binding
p190RhoGAP, TFII-I (as pro-angiogenic agents) and GATA-2 (as
anti-angiogenic agents) and inhibiting their activity can be used
in the methods described herein.
Antibodies
[0239] Antibodies can be used as pro-angiogenic agents (i.e. to
inhibit function of p190RhoGAP and/or TFII-I) or as anti-angiogenic
agents (i.e. to inhibit GATA-2) by e.g., recognition of an epitope
such that a bound antibody inhibits p190RhoGAP or TFII-I or GATA-2
activity, respectively. Production of antibodies useful for the
methods described herein are known to those of skill in the art,
and described in more detail below.
[0240] The production of non-human monoclonal antibodies, e.g.,
murine or rat, can be accomplished by, for example, immunizing the
animal with a desired target peptide or polypeptide and preparing
hybridomas of spleen cells from the immunized animals, according to
well established methods (e.g., See Harlow & Lane, Antibodies,
A Laboratory Manual (CSHP NY, 1988, which is herein incorporated by
reference in its entirety). Immunogen can be obtained from a
natural source, by peptide synthesis or by recombinant expression.
Humanized forms of mouse antibodies (e.g., as produced by a
hybridoma) can be generated by cloning and linking the CDR regions
of the murine antibodies to human constant regions by recombinant
DNA techniques. See Queen et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 86,
10029-10033 (1989) and WO 90/07861 (incorporated by reference
herein in their entirety). Human antibodies can be obtained using
phage-display methods. See, e.g., Dower et al., WO 91/17271;
McCafferty et al., WO 92/01047, which are incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety. In these methods, libraries of phage
are produced in which members display different antibodies on their
outer surfaces. Antibodies are usually displayed as Fv or Fab
fragments. Phage displaying antibodies with a desired specificity
are selected by binding to a p190RhoGAP polypeptide or a TFII-I
polypeptide or a GATA-2 polypeptide or fragments thereof. Increased
affinity can be selected by successive rounds of affinity
enrichment by binding to the same fragment. Human antibodies
against p190RhoGAP, TFII-I, and GATA-2 can also be produced from
non-human transgenic mammals having transgenes encoding at least a
segment of the human immunoglobulin locus and an inactivated
endogenous immunoglobulin locus. See, e.g., Lonberg et al.,
WO93/12227 (1993); Kucherlapati, WO 91/10741 (1991) (each of which
is incorporated by reference in its entirety). Human antibodies can
be selected by competitive binding experiments, or otherwise, to
have the same epitope specificity as a particular mouse antibody.
Such antibodies are particularly likely to share the useful
functional properties of the mouse antibodies. Human polyclonal
antibodies can also be provided in the form of serum from humans
immunized with an immunogenic agent. Optionally, such polyclonal
antibodies can be concentrated by affinity purification using the
respective polypeptide (i.e., p190RhoGAP, TFII-I and GATA-2
polypeptides) as an affinity reagent. Human or humanized antibodies
can be designed to have IgG, IgD, IgA and IgE constant region, and
any isotype, including IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4. Antibodies can be
expressed as tetramers containing two light and two heavy chains,
as separate heavy chains, light chains, as Fab, Fab'F(ab')2, and
Fv, or as single chain antibodies in which heavy and light chain
variable domains are linked through a spacer.
[0241] Anti-p190RhoGAP, anti-TFII-I antibodies and anti-GATA-2
antibodies can be obtained from commercial sources such as e.g.,
Santa Cruz Biotechnology Inc. (Santa Cruz, Calif.), Sigma,
Millipore (Billerica, Mass.), Novus Biologicals (Littleton, Colo.),
AbNova Corporation (Walnut, Calif.), and AbCam (Cambridge, Mass.),
and Transduction Laboratories, among others. A mouse polyclonal
antibody against human p190RhoGAP and TFII-I can be obtained from
Transduction laboratories (Lexington, Ky.) as disclosed in the
examples. A polyclonal antibody against human GATA-2 can be
obtained from Abcam (Cambridge, Mass.) as disclosed in the
examples.
[0242] Peptide or Dominant Negative Polypeptides.
[0243] In some embodiments, dominant negative polypeptides, i.e.
molecules that non-functionally mimic the peptide, can serve as
inhibitor agents. For example, a pro-angiogenic agent can be a
dominant negative p190RhoGAP polypeptide or a dominant negative
TFII-I polypeptide. An anti-angiogenic agent can be a dominant
negative GATA-2 polypeptide. For example, a mutant (or mutein) of
p190RhoGAP polypeptide, in which the putative GAP activity of
p190RhoGAP is eliminated can be a pro-angiogenic agent,
specifically a mutant in which Arg82 of SEQ ID NO: 54 is replaced,
more specifically in which Arg82 is replaced by Ala (hence an R82A
mutation) can be a pro-angiogenic agent.
RNA Interference
[0244] In one embodiment, RNAi interference molecules can be used
as pro-angiogenic agents (i.e. to inhibit expression of p190RhoGAP
and/or TFII-I) or as anti-angiogenic agents (i.e. to inhibit the
expression of GATA-2).
[0245] RNA interference-inducing molecules include but are not
limited to siRNA, dsRNA, stRNA, shRNA, micro RNAi (mRNAi),
antisense oligonucleotides etc. and modified versions thereof,
where the RNA interference molecule silences the gene expression of
either p190RhoGAP or TFII-I (as an pro-angiogenic agent) or GATA-2
(i.e. for an anti-angiogenic agent). An anti-sense oligonucleic
acid, or a nucleic acid analogue, for example but are not limited
to DNA, RNA, peptide-nucleic acid (PNA), pseudo-complementary PNA
(pc-PNA), or locked nucleic acid (LNA) and the like.
[0246] RNA interference (RNAi) is an evolutionally conserved
process whereby the expression or introduction of RNA of a sequence
that is identical or highly similar to a target gene results in the
sequence specific degradation or specific post-transcriptional gene
silencing (PTGS) of messenger RNA (mRNA) transcribed from that
targeted gene (see Coburn, G. and Cullen, B. (2002) J. of Virology
76(18):9225), thereby inhibiting expression of the target gene. In
one embodiment, the RNA is double stranded RNA (dsRNA). This
process has been described in plants, invertebrates, and mammalian
cells. In nature, RNAi is initiated by the dsRNA-specific
endonuclease Dicer, which promotes processive cleavage of long
dsRNA into double-stranded fragments termed siRNAs. siRNAs are
incorporated into a protein complex (termed "RNA induced silencing
complex," or "RISC") that recognizes and cleaves target mRNAs. RNAi
can also be initiated by introducing nucleic acid molecules, e.g.,
synthetic siRNAs or RNA interfering agents, to inhibit or silence
the expression of target genes. As used herein, "inhibition of
target gene expression" includes any decrease in expression or
protein activity or level of the target gene or protein encoded by
the target gene as compared to a situation wherein no RNA
interference has been induced. The decrease can be of at least 30%,
40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% or 99% or more as compared to the
expression of a target gene or the activity or level of the protein
encoded by a target gene which has not been targeted by an RNA
interfering agent.
[0247] As used herein, "Short interfering RNA" (siRNA), is used
interchangeably herein with "small interfering RNA" and refers to
an agent which functions to inhibit expression of a target gene,
e.g., by RNAi. An siRNA can be chemically synthesized, can be
produced by in vitro transcription, or can be produced within a
host cell. In one embodiment, siRNA is a double stranded RNA
(dsRNA) molecule of about 15 to about 40 nucleotides in length,
preferably about 15 to about 28 nucleotides, more preferably about
19 to about 25 nucleotides in length, and more preferably about 19,
20, 21, 22, or 23 nucleotides in length, and can contain a 3'
and/or 5' overhang on each strand having a length of about 0, 1, 2,
3, 4, or 5 nucleotides. The length of the overhang is independent
between the two strands, i.e., the length of the overhang on one
strand is not dependent on the length of the overhang on the second
strand. Preferably the siRNA is capable of promoting RNA
interference through degradation or specific post-transcriptional
gene silencing (PTGS) of the target messenger RNA (mRNA).
[0248] siRNAs also include small hairpin (also called stem loop)
RNAs (shRNAs). In one embodiment, these shRNAs are composed of a
short (e.g., about 19 to about 25 nucleotide) antisense strand,
followed by a nucleotide loop of about 5 to about 9 nucleotides,
and the analogous sense strand. Alternatively, the sense strand can
precede the nucleotide loop structure and the antisense strand can
follow. These shRNAs can be contained in plasmids, retroviruses,
and lentiviruses and expressed from, for example, the pol III U6
promoter, or another promoter (see, e.g., Stewart, et al. (2003)
RNA April; 9(4):493-501, incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety).
[0249] The target gene or sequence of the RNA interfering agent can
be a cellular gene or genomic sequence, e.g. the p190RhoGAP
(genomic sequence is SEQ. ID. No. 2; GENBANK.TM. Accession No.
NM.sub.--004491 (SEQ. ID. No. 3)); the TFII-I (genomic sequence is
SEQ. ID. No. 6; GENBANK.TM. Accession No. NM.sub.--032999 (SEQ. ID.
No. 5)); the GATA-2 (genomic sequence is SEQ ID NO: 9, GENBANK.TM.
Accession No. NM.sub.--032638). An siRNA can be substantially
homologous to the target gene or genomic sequence, or a fragment
thereof. As used in this context, the term "homologous" is defined
as being substantially identical, sufficiently complementary, or
similar to the target mRNA, or a fragment thereof, to effect RNA
interference of the target. In addition to native RNA molecules,
RNA suitable for inhibiting or interfering with the expression of a
target sequence include RNA derivatives and analogs. Preferably,
the siRNA is identical to its target.
[0250] Commercial pre-designed RNA interference molecules to
p190RhoGAP, TFII-I or GATA-2 are also available, e. g. from
INVITROGEN.TM. Inc. (STEALTH.TM. Select RNAi, p190RhoGAP, catalog#
IOH5439; HSS104485; HSS104486; HSS104487; TFII-I; catalog#
IOH62625; IOH5665; IOH62975, HSS142343; HSS142344: GATA-2,
Catalogue # MSS204584; MSS204585; MSS204586) and from DHARMACON.TM.
(SMARTvector Lentiviral shRNA-Human p190RhoGAP catalog #
L-004158-00; LQ-004158-00; LU-004158-00). Human p190RhoGAP, TFII-I
or GATA-2 siRNA, shRNA and lentiviral particle gene silencers are
available from Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc.
[0251] These sense and anti-sense strand oligonucleotide can be
chemically synthesized, annealed and formulated for use, e. g
anti-angiogenic agents which are RNAi based agents can be
formulated for direct intravitreal injection into an eye affected
with macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy. Alternatively,
the anti-sense strand can be designed into short hairpin RNA
(shRNA) for plasmid- or vector-based approaches for supplying
siRNAs to cells to produce stable p190RhoGAP, TFII-I or GATA-2 gene
silencing. Examples of vectors for shRNA are #AM5779:
--pSilencer.TM. 4.1-CMV neo; #AM5777: --pSilencer.TM. 4.1-CMV
hygro; #AM5775: --pSilencer.TM. 4.1-CMV puro; #AM7209:
--pSilencer.TM. 2.0-U6; #AM7210: --pSilencer.TM. 3.0-H1; #AM5768:
--pSilencer.TM. 3.1-H1 puro; #AM5762: --pSilencer.TM. 2.1-U6 puro;
#AM5770: --pSilencer.TM. 3.1-H1 neo; #AM5764: --pSilencer.TM.
2.1-U6 neo; #AM5766: --pSilencer.TM. 3.1-H1 hygro; #AM5760:
--pSilencer.TM. 2.1-U6 hygro; #AM7207: --pSilencer.TM. 1.0-U6
(circular) from AMBION.RTM..
[0252] The siRNA preferably targets only one sequence. Each of the
RNA interfering agents, such as siRNAs, can be screened for
potential off-target effects by, for example, expression profiling.
Such methods are known to one skilled in the art and are described,
for example, in Jackson et al, Nature Biotechnology 6:635-637,
2003. In addition to expression profiling, one can also screen the
potential target sequences for similar sequences in the sequence
databases to identify potential sequences which can have off-target
effects. For example, according to Jackson et al. (Id.) 15, or
perhaps as few as 11 contiguous nucleotides of sequence identity
are sufficient to direct silencing of non-targeted transcripts.
Therefore, one can initially screen the proposed siRNAs to avoid
potential off-target silencing using the sequence identity analysis
by any known sequence comparison methods, such as BLAST.
[0253] siRNA molecules need not be limited to those molecules
containing only RNA, but, for example, further encompasses
chemically modified nucleotides and non-nucleotides, and also
include molecules wherein a ribose sugar molecule is substituted
for another sugar molecule or a molecule which performs a similar
function. Moreover, a non-natural linkage between nucleotide
residues can be used, such as a phosphorothioate linkage. For
example, siRNA containing D-arabinofuranosyl structures in place of
the naturally-occurring D-ribonucleosides found in RNA can be used
in RNAi molecules according to the present invention (U.S. Pat. No.
5,177,196). Other examples include RNA molecules containing the
o-linkage between the sugar and the heterocyclic base of the
nucleoside, which confers nuclease resistance and tight
complementary strand binding to the oligonucleotidesmolecules
similar to the oligonucleotides containing 2'-O-methyl ribose,
arabinose and particularly D-arabinose (U.S. Pat. No.
5,177,196).
[0254] The RNA strand can be derivatized with a reactive functional
group of a reporter group, such as a fluorophore. Particularly
useful derivatives are modified at a terminus or termini of an RNA
strand, typically the 3' terminus of the sense strand. For example,
the 2'-hydroxyl at the 3' terminus can be readily and selectively
derivatized with a variety of groups.
[0255] siRNA and miRNA molecules having various "tails" covalently
attached to either their 3'- or to their 5'-ends, or to both, are
also known in the art and can be used to stabilize the siRNA and
miRNA molecules delivered using the methods of the present
invention. Generally speaking, intercalating groups, various kinds
of reporter groups and lipophilic groups attached to the 3' or 5'
ends of the RNA molecules are well known to one skilled in the art
and are useful according to the methods of the present invention.
Descriptions of syntheses of 3'-cholesterol or 3'-acridine modified
oligonucleotides applicable to preparation of modified RNA
molecules useful according to the present invention can be found,
for example, in the articles: Gamper, H. B., Reed, M. W., Cox, T.,
Virosco, J. S., Adams, A. D., Gall, A., Scholler, J. K., and Meyer,
R. B. (1993) Facile Preparation and Exonuclease Stability of
3'-Modified Oligodeoxynucleotides. Nucleic Acids Res. 21 145-150;
and Reed, M. W., Adams, A. D., Nelson, J. S., and Meyer, R. B., Jr.
(1991) Acridine and Cholesterol-Derivatized Solid Supports for
Improved Synthesis of 3'-Modified Oligonucleotides. Bioconjugate
Chem. 2 217-225 (1993).
[0256] siRNAs useful for the methods described herein include siRNA
molecules of about 15 to about 40 or about 15 to about 28
nucleotides in length, which are homologous to the p190RhoGAP gene
or TFII-I gene (for pro-angiogenic agents) or GATA-2 gene (for an
anti-angiogenic agent). Preferably, a targeting siRNA molecule to a
p190RhoGAP gene or TFII-I gene (for pro-angiogenic agents) or
GATA-2 gene (for an anti-angiogenic agent) have a length of about
19 to about 25 nucleotides. More preferably, the targeting siRNA
molecules have a length of about 19, 20, 21, or 22 nucleotides. The
targeting siRNA molecules can also comprise a 3' hydroxyl group.
The targeting siRNA molecules can be single-stranded or double
stranded; such molecules can be blunt ended or comprise overhanging
ends (e.g., 5', 3'). In specific embodiments, the RNA molecule is
double stranded and either blunt ended or comprises overhanging
ends.
[0257] In one embodiment, at least one strand of a pro-angiogenic
agent or anti-angiogenic RNAi targeting RNA molecule has a 3'
overhang from about 0 to about 6 nucleotides (e.g., pyrimidine
nucleotides, purine nucleotides) in length. In other embodiments,
the 3' overhang is from about 1 to about 5 nucleotides, from about
1 to about 3 nucleotides and from about 2 to about 4 nucleotides in
length. In one embodiment the targeting RNA molecule is double
stranded--one strand has a 3' overhang and the other strand can be
blunt-ended or have an overhang. In the embodiment in which the
targeting RNA molecule is double stranded and both strands comprise
an overhang, the length of the overhangs can be the same or
different for each strand. In a particular embodiment, the RNA of
the present invention comprises about 19, 20, 21, or 22 nucleotides
which are paired and which have overhangs of from about 1 to about
3, particularly about 2, nucleotides on both 3' ends of the RNA. In
one embodiment, the 3' overhangs can be stabilized against
degradation. In a preferred embodiment, the RNA is stabilized by
including purine nucleotides, such as adenosine or guanosine
nucleotides. Alternatively, substitution of pyrimidine nucleotides
by modified analogues, e.g., substitution of uridine 2 nucleotide
3' overhangs by 2'-deoxythymidine is tolerated and does not affect
the efficiency of RNAi. The absence of a 2' hydroxyl significantly
enhances the nuclease resistance of the overhang in tissue culture
medium.
Oligonucleotide Modifications
[0258] Unmodified oligonucleotides can be less than optimal in some
applications, e.g., unmodified oligonucleotides can be prone to
degradation by e.g., cellular nucleases. Nucleases can hydrolyze
nucleic acid phosphodiester bonds. However, chemical modifications
to one or more of the subunits of oligonucleotide can confer
improved properties, and, e.g., can render oligonucleotides more
stable to nucleases.
[0259] Modified nucleic acids and nucleotide surrogates can include
one or more of: (i) alteration, e.g., replacement, of one or both
of the non-linking phosphate oxygens and/or of one or more of the
linking phosphate oxygens in the phosphodiester backbone linkage.
(ii) alteration, e.g., replacement, of a constituent of the ribose
sugar, e.g., of the 2' hydroxyl on the ribose sugar; (iii)
wholesale replacement of the phosphate moiety with "dephospho"
linkers; (iv) modification or replacement of a naturally occurring
base with a non-natural base; (v) replacement or modification of
the ribose-phosphate backbone; (vi) modification of the 3' end or
5' end of the oligonucelotide, e.g., removal, modification or
replacement of a terminal phosphate group or conjugation of a
moiety, e.g., a fluorescently labeled moiety, to either the 3' or
5' end of oligonucleotide; and (vii) modification of the sugar
(e.g., six membered rings).
[0260] The terms replacement, modification, alteration, and the
like, as used in this context, do not imply any process limitation,
e.g., modification does not mean that one must start with a
reference or naturally occurring ribonucleic acid and modify it to
produce a modified ribonucleic acid bur rather modified simply
indicates a difference from a naturally occurring molecule.
[0261] As oligonucleotides are polymers of subunits or monomers,
many of the modifications described herein can occur at a position
which is repeated within an oligonucleotide, e.g., a modification
of a nucleobase, a sugar, a phosphate moiety, or the non-bridging
oxygen of a phosphate moiety. It is not necessary for all positions
in a given oligonucleotide to be uniformly modified, and in fact
more than one of the aforementioned modifications can be
incorporated in a single oligonucleotide or even at a single
nucleoside within an oligonucleotide.
[0262] In some cases the modification will occur at all of the
subject positions in the oligonucleotide but in many, and in fact
in most cases it will not. By way of example, a modification can
only occur at a 3' or 5' terminal position, can only occur in the
internal region, can only occur in a terminal regions, e.g. at a
position on a terminal nucleotide or in the last 2, 3, 4, 5, or 10
nucleotides of an oligonucleotide. A modification can occur in a
double strand region, a single strand region, or in both. A
modification can occur only in the double strand region of an
oligonucleotide or can only occur in a single strand region of an
oligonucleotide. E.g., a phosphorothioate modification at a
non-bridging oxygen position can only occur at one or both termini,
can only occur in a terminal regions, e.g., at a position on a
terminal nucleotide or in the last 2, 3, 4, 5, or 10 nucleotides of
a strand, or can occur in double strand and single strand regions,
particularly at termini. The 5' end or ends can be
phosphorylated.
[0263] A modification described herein can be the sole
modification, or the sole type of modification included on multiple
nucleotides, or a modification can be combined with one or more
other modifications described herein. The modifications described
herein can also be combined onto an oligonucleotide, e.g. different
nucleotides of an oligonucleotide have different modifications
described herein.
[0264] In some embodiments it is particularly preferred, e.g., to
enhance stability, to include particular nucleobases in overhangs,
or to include modified nucleotides or nucleotide surrogates, in
single strand overhangs, e.g., in a 5' or 3' overhang, or in both.
E.g., it can be desirable to include purine nucleotides in
overhangs. In some embodiments all or some of the bases in a 3' or
5' overhang will be modified, e.g., with a modification described
herein. Modifications can include, e.g., the use of modifications
at the 2' OH group of the ribose sugar, e.g., the use of
deoxyribonucleotides, e.g., deoxythymidine, instead of
ribonucleotides, and modifications in the phosphate group, e.g.,
phosphothioate modifications. Overhangs need not be homologous with
the target sequence.
Specific Modifications to Oligonucleotide
The Phosphate Group
[0265] The phosphate group is a negatively charged species. The
charge is distributed equally over the two non-bridging oxygen
atoms. However, the phosphate group can be modified by replacing
one of the oxygens with a different substituent. One result of this
modification to RNA phosphate backbones can be increased resistance
of the oligoribonucleotide to nucleolytic breakdown. Thus while not
wishing to be bound by theory, it can be desirable in some
embodiments to introduce alterations which result in either an
uncharged linker or a charged linker with unsymmetrical charge
distribution.
[0266] Examples of modified phosphate groups include
phosphorothioate, phosphoroselenates, borano phosphates, borano
phosphate esters, hydrogen phosphonates, phosphoroamidates, alkyl
or aryl phosphonates and phosphotriesters. In certain embodiments,
one of the non-bridging phosphate oxygen atoms in the phosphate
backbone moiety can be replaced by any of the following: S, Se,
BR.sub.3 (R is hydrogen, alkyl, aryl), C (i.e. an alkyl group, an
aryl group, etc. . . . ), H, NR.sub.2 (R is hydrogen, alkyl, aryl),
or OR (R is alkyl or aryl). The phosphorous atom in an unmodified
phosphate group is achiral. However, replacement of one of the
non-bridging oxygens with one of the above atoms or groups of atoms
renders the phosphorous atom chiral; in other words a phosphorous
atom in a phosphate group modified in this way is a stereogenic
center. The stereogenic phosphorous atom can possess either the "R"
configuration (herein Rp) or the "S" configuration (herein Sp).
[0267] Phosphorodithioates have both non-bridging oxygens replaced
by sulfur. The phosphorus center in the phosphorodithioates is
achiral which precludes the formation of oligoribonucleotides
diastereomers. Thus, while not wishing to be bound by theory,
modifications to both non-bridging oxygens, which eliminate the
chiral center, e.g. phosphorodithioate formation, can be desirable
in that they cannot produce diastereomer mixtures. Thus, the
non-bridging oxygens can be independently any one of S, Se, B, C,
H, N, or OR (R is alkyl or aryl).
[0268] The phosphate linker can also be modified by replacement of
bridging oxygen, (i.e. oxygen that links the phosphate to the
nucleoside), with nitrogen (bridged phosphoroamidates), sulfur
(bridged phosphorothioates) and carbon (bridged
methylenephosphonates). The replacement can occur at the either
linking oxygen or at both the linking oxygens. When the bridging
oxygen is the 3'-oxygen of a nucleoside, replacement with carbon is
preferred. When the bridging oxygen is the 5'-oxygen of a
nucleoside, replacement with nitrogen is preferred.
Replacement of the Phosphate Group
[0269] The phosphate group can be replaced by non-phosphorus
containing connectors. While not wishing to be bound by theory, it
is believed that since the charged phosphodiester group is the
reaction center in nucleolytic degradation, its replacement with
neutral structural mimics should impart enhanced nuclease
stability. Again, while not wishing to be bound by theory, it can
be desirable, in some embodiment, to introduce alterations in which
the charged phosphate group is replaced by a neutral moiety.
[0270] Examples of moieties which can replace the phosphate group
include methyl phosphonate, hydroxylamino, siloxane, carbonate,
carboxymethyl, carbamate, amide, thioether, ethylene oxide linker,
sulfonate, sulfonamide, thioformacetal, formacetal, oxime,
methyleneimino, methylenemethylimino, methylenehydrazo,
methylenedimethylhydrazo and methyleneoxymethylimino. Preferred
replacements include the methylenecarbonylamino and
methylenemethylimino groups.
[0271] Modified phosphate linkages where at least one of the
oxygens linked to the phosphate has been replaced or the phosphate
group has been replaced by a non-phosphorous group, are also
referred to as "non-phosphodiester backbone linkage."
Replacement of Ribophosphate Backbone
[0272] Oligonucleotide-mimicking scaffolds can also be constructed
wherein the phosphate linker and ribose sugar are replaced by
nuclease resistant nucleoside or nucleotide surrogates. While not
wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the absence of a
repetitively charged backbone diminishes binding to proteins that
recognize polyanions (e.g. nucleases). Again, while not wishing to
be bound by theory, it can be desirable in some embodiment, to
introduce alterations in which the bases are tethered by a neutral
surrogate backbone. Examples include the morpholino, cyclobutyl,
pyrrolidine and peptide nucleic acid (PNA) nucleoside surrogates. A
preferred surrogate is a PNA surrogate.
Sugar Modifications
[0273] An oligonucleotide can include modification of all or some
of the sugar groups of the nucleic acid. E.g., the 2' hydroxyl
group (OH) can be modified or replaced with a number of different
"oxy" or "deoxy" substituents. While not being bound by theory,
enhanced stability is expected since the hydroxyl can no longer be
deprotonated to form a 2'-alkoxide ion. The 2'-alkoxide can
catalyze degradation by intramolecular nucleophilic attack on the
linker phosphorus atom. Again, while not wishing to be bound by
theory, it can be desirable to some embodiments to introduce
alterations in which alkoxide formation at the 2' position is not
possible.
[0274] Examples of "oxy"-2' hydroxyl group modifications include
alkoxy or aryloxy (OR, e.g., R.dbd.H, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl,
aralkyl, heteroaryl or sugar); polyethyleneglycols (PEG),
O(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.nCH.sub.2CH.sub.2OR; "locked" nucleic
acids (LNA) in which the 2' hydroxyl is connected, e.g., by a
methylene bridge, to the 4' carbon of the same ribose sugar;
0-AMINE (AMINE=NH.sub.2; alkylamino, dialkylamino, heterocyclyl,
arylamino, diaryl amino, heteroaryl amino, or diheteroaryl amino,
ethylene diamine, polyamino) and aminoalkoxy,
O(CH.sub.2).sub.nAMINE, (e.g., AMINE=NH.sub.2; alkylamino,
dialkylamino, heterocyclyl, arylamino, diaryl amino, heteroaryl
amino, or diheteroaryl amino, ethylene diamine, polyamino). It is
noteworthy that oligonucleotides containing only the methoxyethyl
group (MOE), (OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2OCH.sub.3, a PEG derivative),
exhibit nuclease stabilities comparable to those modified with the
robust phosphorothioate modification.
[0275] "Deoxy" modifications include hydrogen (i.e. deoxyribose
sugars, which are of particular relevance to the overhang portions
of partially ds RNA); halo (e.g., fluoro); amino (e.g. NH.sub.2;
alkylamino, dialkylamino, heterocyclyl, arylamino, diaryl amino,
heteroaryl amino, diheteroaryl amino, or amino acid);
NH(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2NH).sub.nCH.sub.2CH.sub.2-AMINE (AMINE=NH.sub.2;
alkylamino, dialkylamino, heterocyclyl, arylamino, diaryl amino,
heteroaryl amino, or diheteroaryl amino), --NHC(O)R (R=alkyl,
cycloalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl or sugar), cyano; mercapto;
alkyl-thio-alkyl; thioalkoxy; thioalkyl; and alkyl, cycloalkyl,
aryl, alkenyl and alkynyl, which can be optionally substituted with
e.g., an amino functionality.
[0276] The sugar group can also contain one or more carbons that
possess the opposite stereochemical configuration than that of the
corresponding carbon in ribose. Thus, an oligonucleotide can
include nucleotides containing e.g., arabinose, as the sugar. The
monomer can have an alpha linkage at the 1' position on the sugar,
e.g., alpha-nucleosides. Oligonucleotides can also include "abasic"
sugars, which lack a nucleobase at C-1'. These abasic sugars can
also be further containing modifications at one or more of the
constituent sugar atoms. Oligonucleotides can also contain one or
more sugars that are in the L form, e.g. L-nucleosides.
[0277] Preferred substitutents are 2'-O-Me (2'-O-methyl), 2'-O-MOE
(2'-O-methoxyethyl), 2'-F, 2'-O-[2-(methylamino)-2-oxoethyl]
(2'-O-NMA), 2'-S-methyl, 2'-O-CH2-(4'-C) (LNA),
2'-O--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2-(4'-C) (ENA), 2'-O-aminopropyl (2'-O-AP),
2'-O-dimethylaminoethyl (2'-O-DMAOE), 2'-O-dimethylaminopropyl
(2'-O-DMAP) and 2'-O-dimethylaminoethyloxyethyl (2'-O-DMAEOE).
Terminal Modifications
[0278] The 3-prime (3') and 5-prime (5') ends of an oligonucleotide
can be modified. Such modifications can be at the 3' end, 5' end or
both ends of the molecule. They can include modification or
replacement of an entire terminal phosphate or of one or more of
the atoms of the phosphate group. E.g., the 3' and 5' ends of an
oligonucleotide can be conjugated to other functional molecular
entities such as labeling moieties, e.g., fluorophores (e.g.,
pyrene, TAMRA, fluorescein, Cy3 or Cy5 dyes) or protecting groups
(based e.g., on sulfur, silicon, boron or ester). The functional
molecular entities can be attached to the sugar through a phosphate
group and/or a linker. The terminal atom of the linker can connect
to or replace the linking atom of the phosphate group or the C-3'
or C-5' O, N, S or C group of the sugar. Alternatively, the linker
can connect to or replace the terminal atom of a nucleotide
surrogate (e.g., PNAs).
[0279] When a linker/phosphate-functional molecular
entity-linker/phosphate array is interposed between two strands of
a dsRNA, this array can substitute for a hairpin RNA loop in a
hairpin-type RNA agent.
[0280] Terminal modifications useful for modulating activity
include modification of the 5' end with phosphate or phosphate
analogs. E.g., in preferred embodiments antisense strands of
dsRNAs, are 5' phosphorylated or include a phosphoryl analog at the
5' prime terminus. 5'-phosphate modifications include those which
are compatible with RISC mediated gene silencing. Modifications at
the 5'-terminal end can also be useful in stimulating or inhibiting
the immune system of a subject. Suitable modifications include:
5'-monophosphate ((HO).sub.2(O)P--O-5'); 5'-diphosphate
((HO).sub.2(O)P--O--P(HO)(O)--O-5'); 5'-triphosphate
((HO).sub.2(O)P--O--(HO)(O)P--O--P(HO)(O)--O-5'); 5'-guanosine cap
(7-methylated or non-methylated)
(7m-G-O-5'-(HO)(O)P--O--(HO)(O)P--O--P(HO)(O)--O-5'); 5'-adenosine
cap (Appp), and any modified or unmodified nucleotide cap structure
(N--O-5'-(HO)(O)P--O--(HO)(O)P--O--P(HO)(O)--O-5');
5'-monothiophosphate (phosphorothioate; (HO).sub.2(S)P--O-5');
5'-monodithiophosphate (phosphorodithioate; (HO)(HS)(S)P--O-5'),
5'-phosphorothiolate ((HO).sub.2(O)P--S-5'); any additional
combination of oxygen/sulfur replaced monophosphate, diphosphate
and triphosphates (e.g. 5'-alpha-thiotriphosphate,
5'-beta-thiotriphosphate, 5'-gamma-thiotriphosphate, etc.),
5'-phosphoramidates ((HO).sub.2(O)P--NH-5',
(HO)(NH.sub.2)(O)P--O-5'), 5'-alkylphosphonates (R=alkyl=methyl,
ethyl, isopropyl, propyl, etc., e.g. RP(OH)(O)--O-5'-,
(OH).sub.2(O)P-5'-CH.sub.2--), 5'-alkyletherphosphonates
(R=alkylether=methoxymethyl (MeOCH.sub.2--), ethoxymethyl, etc.,
e.g. RP(OH)(O)--O-5'-). Other embodiments include replacement of
oxygen/sulfur with BH.sub.3, BH.sub.3-- and/or Se.
[0281] Terminal modifications can also be useful for monitoring
distribution, and in such cases the preferred groups to be added
include fluorophores, e.g., fluorscein or an ALEXA.RTM. dye, e.g.,
ALEXA.RTM. 488. Terminal modifications can also be useful for
enhancing uptake, useful modifications for this include
cholesterol. Terminal modifications can also be useful for
cross-linking an RNA agent to another moiety; modifications useful
for this include mitomycin C.
Nucleobases
[0282] Adenine, guanine, cytosine and uracil are the most common
bases found in RNA. These bases can be modified or replaced to
provide RNA's having improved properties. For example, nuclease
resistant oligoribonucleotides can be prepared with these bases or
with synthetic and natural nucleobases (e.g., inosine, thymine,
xanthine, hypoxanthine, nubularine, isoguanisine, or tubercidine)
and any one of the above modifications. Alternatively, substituted
or modified analogs of any of the above bases and "universal bases"
can be employed. Examples include 2-(halo)adenine,
2-(alkyl)adenine, 2-(propyl)adenine, 2 (amino)adenine,
2-(aminoalkyll)adenine, 2 (aminopropyl)adenine, 2 (methylthio)
N.sup.6 (isopentenyl)adenine, 6 (alkyl)adenine, 6 (methyl)adenine,
7 (deaza)adenine, 8 (alkenyl)adenine, 8-(alkyl)adenine, 8
(alkynyl)adenine, 8 (amino)adenine, 8-(halo)adenine,
8-(hydroxyl)adenine, 8 (thioalkyl)adenine, 8-(thiol)adenine,
N.sup.6-(isopentyl)adenine, N.sup.6 (methyl)adenine, N.sup.6,
N.sup.6 (dimethyl)adenine, 2-(alkyl)guanine, 2 (propyl)guanine,
6-(alkyl)guanine, 6 (methyl)guanine, 7 (alkyl)guanine, 7
(methyl)guanine, 7 (deaza)guanine, 8 (alkyl)guanine,
8-(alkenyl)guanine, 8 (alkynyl)guanine, 8-(amino)guanine, 8
(halo)guanine, 8-(hydroxyl)guanine, 8 (thioalkyl)guanine,
8-(thiol)guanine, N (methyl)guanine, 2-(thio)cytosine, 3 (deaza) 5
(aza)cytosine, 3-(alkyl)cytosine, 3 (methyl)cytosine,
5-(alkyl)cytosine, 5-(alkynyl)cytosine, 5 (halo)cytosine, 5
(methyl)cytosine, 5 (propynyl)cytosine, 5 (propynyl)cytosine, 5
(trifluoromethyl)cytosine, 6-(azo)cytosine, N4 (acetyl)cytosine, 3
(3 amino-3 carboxypropyl)uracil, 2-(thio)uracil, 5 (methyl) 2
(thio)uracil, 5 (methylaminomethyl)-2 (thio)uracil, 4-(thio)uracil,
5 (methyl) 4 (thio)uracil, 5 (methylaminomethyl)-4 (thio)uracil, 5
(methyl) 2,4 (dithio)uracil, 5 (methylaminomethyl)-2,4
(dithio)uracil, 5 (2-aminopropyl)uracil, 5-(alkyl)uracil,
5-(alkynyl)uracil, 5-(allylamino)uracil, 5 (aminoallyl)uracil, 5
(aminoalkyl)uracil, 5 (guanidiniumalkyl)uracil, 5
(1,3-diazole-1-alkyl)uracil, 5-(cyanoalkyl)uracil,
5-(dialkylaminoalkyl)uracil, 5 (dimethylaminoalkyl)uracil,
5-(halo)uracil, 5-(methoxy)uracil, uracil-5 oxyacetic acid, 5
(methoxycarbonylmethyl)-2-(thio)uracil, 5
(methoxycarbonyl-methyl)uracil, 5 (propynyl)uracil, 5
(propynyl)uracil, 5 (trifluoromethyl)uracil, 6 (azo)uracil,
dihydrouracil, N3 (methyl)uracil, 5-uracil (i.e., pseudouracil), 2
(thio)pseudouracil, 4 (thio)pseudouracil, 2,4-(dithio)psuedouracil,
5-(alkyl)pseudouracil, 5-(methyl)pseudouracil,
5-(alkyl)-2-(thio)pseudouracil, 5-(methyl)-2-(thio)pseudouracil,
5-(alkyl)-4 (thio)pseudouracil, 5-(methyl)-4 (thio)pseudouracil,
5-(alkyl)-2,4 (dithio)pseudouracil, 5-(methyl)-2,4
(dithio)pseudouracil, 1 substituted pseudouracil, 1 substituted
2(thio)-pseudouracil, 1 substituted 4 (thio)pseudouracil, 1
substituted 2,4-(dithio)pseudouracil, 1
(aminocarbonylethylenyl)-pseudouracil, 1
(aminocarbonylethylenyl)-2(thio)-pseudouracil, 1
(aminocarbonylethylenyl)-4 (thio)pseudouracil, 1
(aminocarbonylethylenyl)-2,4-(dithio)pseudouracil, 1
(aminoalkylaminocarbonylethylenyl)-pseudouracil, 1
(aminoalkylamino-carbonylethylenyl)-2(thio)-pseudouracil, 1
(aminoalkylaminocarbonylethylenyl)-4 (thio)pseudouracil, 1
(aminoalkylaminocarbonylethylenyl)-2,4-(dithio)pseudouracil,
1,3-(diaza)-2-(oxo)-phenoxazin-1-yl,
1-(aza)-2-(thio)-3-(aza)-phenoxazin-1-yl,
1,3-(diaza)-2-(oxo)-phenthiazin-1-yl,
1-(aza)-2-(thio)-3-(aza)-phenthiazin-1-yl, 7-substituted
1,3-(diaza)-2-(oxo)-phenoxazin-1-yl, 7-substituted
1-(aza)-2-(thio)-3-(aza)-phenoxazin-1-yl, 7-substituted
1,3-(diaza)-2-(oxo)-phenthiazin-1-yl, 7-substituted
1-(aza)-2-(thio)-3-(aza)-phenthiazin-1-yl,
7-(aminoalkylhydroxy)-1,3-(diaza)-2-(oxo)-phenoxazin-1-yl,
7-(aminoalkylhydroxy)-1-(aza)-2-(thio)-3-(aza)-phenoxazin-1-yl,
7-(aminoalkylhydroxy)-1,3-(diaza)-2-(oxo)-phenthiazin-1-yl,
7-(aminoalkylhydroxy)-1-(aza)-2-(thio)-3-(aza)-phenthiazin-1-yl,
7-(guanidiniumalkylhydroxy)-1,3-(diaza)-2-(oxo)-phenoxazin-1-yl,
7-(guanidiniumalkylhydroxy)-1-(aza)-2-(thio)-3-(aza)-phenoxazin-1-yl,
7-(guanidiniumalkylhydroxy)-1,3-(diaza)-2-(oxo)-phenthiazin-1-yl,
7-(guanidiniumalkylhydroxy)-1-(aza)-2-(thio)-3-(aza)-phenthiazin-1-yl,
1,3,5-(triaza)-2,6-(dioxa)-naphthalene, inosine, xanthine,
hypoxanthine, nubularine, tubercidine, isoguanisine, inosinyl,
2-aza-inosinyl, 7-deaza-inosinyl, nitroimidazolyl, nitropyrazolyl,
nitrobenzimidazolyl, nitroindazolyl, aminoindolyl,
pyrrolopyrimidinyl, 3-(methyl)isocarbostyrilyl,
5-(methyl)isocarbostyrilyl,
3-(methyl)-7-(propynyl)isocarbostyrilyl, 7-(aza)indolyl,
6-(methyl)-7-(aza)indolyl, imidizopyridinyl,
9-(methyl)-imidizopyridinyl, pyrrolopyrizinyl, isocarbostyrilyl,
7-(propynyl)isocarbostyrilyl, propynyl-7-(aza)indolyl,
2,4,5-(trimethyl)phenyl, 4-(methyl)indolyl, 4,6-(dimethyl)indolyl,
phenyl, napthalenyl, anthracenyl, phenanthracenyl, pyrenyl,
stilbenyl, tetracenyl, pentacenyl, difluorotolyl,
4-(fluoro)-6-(methyl)benzimidazole, 4-(methyl)benzimidazole,
6-(azo)thymine, 2-pyridinone, 5 nitroindole, 3 nitropyrrole,
6-(aza)pyrimidine, 2 (amino)purine, 2,6-(diamino)purine, 5
substituted pyrimidines, N.sup.2-substituted purines,
N.sup.6-substituted purines, O.sup.6-substituted purines,
substituted 1,2,4-triazoles, or any O-alkylated or N-alkylated
derivatives thereof;
[0283] Further purines and pyrimidines include those disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 3,687,808, hereby incorporated by reference, those
disclosed in the Concise Encyclopedia Of Polymer Science And
Engineering, pages 858-859, Kroschwitz, J. I., ed. John Wiley &
Sons, 1990, and those disclosed by Englisch et al., Angewandte
Chemie, International Edition, 1991, 30, 613.
Cationic Groups
[0284] Modifications to oligonucleotides can also include
attachment of one or more cationic groups to the sugar, base,
and/or the phosphorus atom of a phosphate or modified phosphate
backbone moiety. A cationic group can be attached to any atom
capable of substitution on a natural, unusual or universal base. A
preferred position is one that does not interfere with
hybridization, i.e., does not interfere with the hydrogen bonding
interactions needed for base pairing. A cationic group can be
attached e.g., through the C2' position of a sugar or analogous
position in a cyclic or acyclic sugar surrogate. Cationic groups
can include e.g., protonated amino groups, derived from e.g.,
O-AMINE (AMINE=NH.sub.2; alkylamino, dialkylamino, heterocyclyl,
arylamino, diaryl amino, heteroaryl amino, or diheteroaryl amino,
ethylene diamine, polyamino); aminoalkoxy, e.g.,
O(CH.sub.2).sub.nAMINE, (e.g., AMINE=NH.sub.2; alkylamino,
dialkylamino, heterocyclyl, arylamino, diaryl amino, heteroaryl
amino, or diheteroaryl amino, ethylene diamine, polyamino); amino
(e.g. NH.sub.2; alkylamino, dialkylamino, heterocyclyl, arylamino,
diaryl amino, heteroaryl amino, diheteroaryl amino, or amino acid);
or NH(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2NH).sub.nCH.sub.2CH.sub.2-AMINE
(AMINE=NH.sub.2; alkylamino, dialkylamino, heterocyclyl, arylamino,
diaryl amino, heteroaryl amino, or diheteroaryl amino).
Placement within an Oligonucleotide
[0285] Some modifications can preferably be included on an
oligonucleotide at a particular location, e.g., at an internal
position of a strand, or on the 5' or 3' end of an oligonucleotide.
A preferred location of a modification on an oligonucleotide, can
confer preferred properties on the agent. For example, preferred
locations of particular modifications can confer optimum gene
silencing properties, or increased resistance to endonuclease or
exonuclease activity.
[0286] One or more nucleotides of an oligonucleotide can have a
2'-5' linkage. One or more nucleotides of an oligonucleotide can
have inverted linkages, e.g. 3'-3', 5'-5', 2'-2' or 2'-3'
linkages.
[0287] An oligonucleotide can comprise at least one
5'-pyrimidine-purine-3' (5'-PyPu-3') dinucleotide wherein the
pyrimidine is modified with a modification chosen independently
from a group consisting of 2'-O-Me (2'-O-methyl), 2'-O-MOE
(2'-O-methoxyethyl), 2'-F, 2'-O-[2-(methylamino)-2-oxoethyl]
(2'-O-NMA), 2'-S-methyl, 2'-O--CH.sub.2-(4'-C) (LNA) and
2'-O--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2-(4'-C) (ENA).
[0288] In one embodiment, the 5'-most pyrimidines in all
occurrences of sequence motif 5'-pyrimidine-purine-3' (5'-PyPu-3')
dinucleotide in the oligonucleotide are modified with a
modification chosen from a group consisting of 2''-O-Me
(2'-O-methyl), 2'-O-MOE (2'-O-methoxyethyl), 2'-F,
2'-O-[2-(methylamino)-2-oxoethyl] (2'-O-NMA), 2'-S-methyl,
2'-O--CH.sub.2-(4'-C) (LNA) and 2'-O--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2-(4'-C)
(ENA).
[0289] A double-stranded oligonucleotide can include at least one
5'-uridine-adenine-3' (5'-UA-3') dinucleotide wherein the uridine
is a 2'-modified nucleotide, or a 5'-uridine-guanine-3' (5'-UG-3')
dinucleotide, wherein the 5'-uridine is a 2'-modified nucleotide,
or a terminal 5'-cytidine-adenine-3' (5'-CA-3') dinucleotide,
wherein the 5'-cytidine is a 2'-modified nucleotide, or a terminal
5'-uridine-uridine-3' (5'-UU-3') dinucleotide, wherein the
5'-uridine is a 2'-modified nucleotide, or a terminal
5'-cytidine-cytidine-3' (5'-CC-3') dinucleotide, wherein the
5'-cytidine is a 2'-modified nucleotide, or a terminal
5'-cytidine-uridine-3' (5'-CU-3') dinucleotide, wherein the
5'-cytidine is a 2'-modified nucleotide, or a terminal
5'-uridine-cytidine-3' (5'-UC-3') dinucleotide, wherein the
5'-uridine is a 2'-modified nucleotide. Double-stranded
oligonucleotides including these modifications are particularly
stabilized against endonuclease activity.
General References
[0290] The oligoribonucleotides and oligoribonucleosides used in
accordance with this invention can be synthesized with solid phase
synthesis, see for example "Oligonucleotide synthesis, a practical
approach", Ed. M. J. Gait, IRL Press, 1984; "Oligonucleotides and
Analogues, A Practical Approach", Ed. F. Eckstein, IRL Press, 1991
(especially Chapter 1, Modern machine-aided methods of
oligodeoxyribonucleotide synthesis, Chapter 2, Oligoribonucleotide
synthesis, Chapter 3, 2'-O-Methyloligoribonucleotide-s: synthesis
and applications, Chapter 4, Phosphorothioate oligonucleotides,
Chapter 5, Synthesis of oligonucleotide phosphorodithioates,
Chapter 6, Synthesis of oligo-2'-deoxyribonucleoside
methylphosphonates, and. Chapter 7, Oligodeoxynucleotides
containing modified bases. Other particularly useful synthetic
procedures, reagents, blocking groups and reaction conditions are
described in Martin, P., Helv. Chim. Acta, 1995, 78, 486-504;
Beaucage, S. L. and Iyer, R. P., Tetrahedron, 1992, 48, 2223-2311
and Beaucage, S. L. and Iyer, R. P., Tetrahedron, 1993, 49,
6123-6194, or references referred to therein. Modification
described in WO 00/44895, WO01/75164, or WO02/44321 can be used
herein. The disclosure of all publications, patents, and published
patent applications listed herein are hereby incorporated by
reference.
Phosphate Group References
[0291] The preparation of phosphinate oligoribonucleotides is
described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,508,270. The preparation of alkyl
phosphonate oligoribonucleotides is described in U.S. Pat. No.
4,469,863. The preparation of phosphoramidite oligoribonucleotides
is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,256,775 or U.S. Pat. No. 5,366,878.
The preparation of phosphotriester oligoribonucleotides is
described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,023,243. The preparation of borano
phosphate oligoribonucleotide is described in U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,130,302 and 5,177,198. The preparation of 3'-Deoxy-3'-amino
phosphoramidate oligoribonucleotides is described in U.S. Pat. No.
5,476,925. 3'-Deoxy-3'-methylenephosphonate oligoribonucleotides is
described in An, H, et al. J. Org. Chem. 2001, 66, 2789-2801.
Preparation of sulfur bridged nucleotides is described in Sproat et
al. Nucleosides Nucleotides 1988, 7,651 and Crosstick et al.
Tetrahedron Lett. 1989, 30, 4693.
Sugar Group References
[0292] Modifications to the 2' modifications can be found in Verma,
S. et al. Annu Rev. Biochem. 1998, 67, 99-134 and all references
therein. Specific modifications to the ribose can be found in the
following references: 2'-fluoro (Kawasaki et. al., J. Med. Chem.,
1993, 36, 831-841), 2'-MOE (Martin, P. Helv. Chim. Acta 1996, 79,
1930-1938), "LNA" (Wengel, J. Acc. Chem. Res. 1999, 32,
301-310).
Replacement of the Phosphate Group References
[0293] Methylenemethylimino linked oligoribonucleosides, also
identified herein as MMI linked oligoribonucleosides,
methylenedimethylhydrazo linked oligoribonucleosides, also
identified herein as MDH linked oligoribonucleosides, and
methylenecarbonylamino linked oligonucleosides, also identified
herein as amide-3 linked oligoribonucleosides, and
methyleneaminocarbonyl linked oligonucleosides, also identified
herein as amide-4 linked oligoribonucleosides as well as mixed
backbone compounds having, as for instance, alternating MMI and PO
or PS linkages can be prepared as is described in U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,378,825, 5,386,023, 5,489,677 and in published PCT applications
PCT/US92/04294 and PCT/US92/04305 (published as WO 92/20822 WO and
92/20823, respectively). Formacetal and thioformacetal linked
oligoribonucleosides can be prepared as is described in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 5,264,562 and 5,264,564. Ethylene oxide linked
oligoribonucleosides can be prepared as is described in U.S. Pat.
No. 5,223,618. Siloxane replacements are described in Cormier, J.
F. et al. Nucleic Acids Res. 1988, 16, 4583. Carbonate replacements
are described in Tittensor, J. R. J. Chem. Soc. C 1971, 1933.
Carboxymethyl replacements are described in Edge, M. D. et al. J.
Chem. Soc. Perkin Trans. 1 1972, 1991. Carbamate replacements are
described in Stirchak, E. P. Nucleic Acids Res. 1989, 17, 6129.
Replacement of the Phosphate-Ribose Backbone References
[0294] Cyclobutyl sugar surrogate compounds can be prepared as is
described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,359,044. Pyrrolidine sugar surrogate
can be prepared as is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,519,134.
Morpholino sugar surrogates can be prepared as is described in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 5,142,047 and 5,235,033, and other related patent
disclosures. Peptide Nucleic Acids (PNAs) are known per se and can
be prepared in accordance with any of the various procedures
referred to in Peptide Nucleic Acids (PNA): Synthesis, Properties
and Potential Applications, Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry,
1996, 4, 5-23. They can also be prepared in accordance with U.S.
Pat. No. 5,539,083 which is incorporated herein in its entirety by
reference.
Terminal Modification References
[0295] Terminal modifications are described in Manoharan, M. et al.
Antisense and Nucleic Acid Drug Development 12, 103-128 (2002) and
references therein.
Nuclebases References
[0296] N-2 substituted purine nucleoside amidites can be prepared
as is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,459,255. 3-Deaza purine
nucleoside amidites can be prepared as is described in U.S. Pat.
No. 5,457,191. 5,6-Substituted pyrimidine nucleoside amidites can
be prepared as is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,614,617. 5-Propynyl
pyrimidine nucleoside amidites can be prepared as is described in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,484,908. Additional references are disclosed in the
above section on base modifications
Oligonucleotide Production
[0297] The oligonucleotide compounds of the invention can be
prepared using solution-phase or solid-phase organic synthesis.
Organic synthesis offers the advantage that the oligonucleotide
strands comprising non-natural or modified nucleotides can be
easily prepared. Any other means for such synthesis known in the
art can additionally or alternatively be employed. It is also known
to use similar techniques to prepare other oligonucleotides, such
as the phosphorothioates, phosphorodithioates and alkylated
derivatives. The double-stranded oligonucleotide compounds of the
invention can be prepared using a two-step procedure. First, the
individual strands of the double-stranded molecule are prepared
separately. Then, the component strands are annealed.
[0298] Regardless of the method of synthesis, the oligonucleotide
can be prepared in a solution (e.g., an aqueous and/or organic
solution) that is appropriate for formulation. For example, the
oligonucleotide preparation can be precipitated and redissolved in
pure double-distilled water, and lyophilized. The dried
oligonucleotiode can then be resuspended in a solution appropriate
for the intended formulation process.
[0299] Teachings regarding the synthesis of particular modified
oligonucleotides can be found in the following U.S. patents or
pending patent applications: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,138,045 and
5,218,105, drawn to polyamine conjugated oligonucleotides; U.S.
Pat. No. 5,212,295, drawn to monomers for the preparation of
oligonucleotides having chiral phosphorus linkages; U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,378,825 and 5,541,307, drawn to oligonucleotides having modified
backbones; U.S. Pat. No. 5,386,023, drawn to backbone-modified
oligonucleotides and the preparation thereof through reductive
coupling; U.S. Pat. No. 5,457,191, drawn to modified nucleobases
based on the 3-deazapurine ring system and methods of synthesis
thereof; U.S. Pat. No. 5,459,255, drawn to modified nucleobases
based on N-2 substituted purines; U.S. Pat. No. 5,521,302, drawn to
processes for preparing oligonucleotides having chiral phosphorus
linkages; U.S. Pat. No. 5,539,082, drawn to peptide nucleic acids;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,554,746, drawn to oligonucleotides having-lactam
backbones; U.S. Pat. No. 5,571,902, drawn to methods and materials
for the synthesis of oligonucleotides; U.S. Pat. No. 5,578,718,
drawn to nucleosides having alkylthio groups, wherein such groups
can be used as linkers to other moieties attached at any of a
variety of positions of the nucleoside; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,587,361
and 5,599,797, drawn to oligonucleotides having phosphorothioate
linkages of high chiral purity; U.S. Pat. No. 5,506,351, drawn to
processes for the preparation of 2'-O-alkyl guanosine and related
compounds, including 2,6-diaminopurine compounds; U.S. Pat. No.
5,587,469, drawn to oligonucleotides having N-2 substituted
purines; U.S. Pat. No. 5,587,470, drawn to oligonucleotides having
3-deazapurines; U.S. Pat. No. 5,223,168, and U.S. Pat. No.
5,608,046, both drawn to conjugated 4'-desmethyl nucleoside
analogs; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,602,240, and 5,610,289, drawn to
backbone-modified oligonucleotide analogs; and U.S. Pat. Nos.
6,262,241, and 5,459,255, drawn to, inter alia, methods of
synthesizing 2'-fluoro-oligonucleotides.
In Vivo Delivery of Pro-Angiogenic or Anti-Angiogenic RNA
Interference (RNAi) Molecules
[0300] In general, any method of delivering a nucleic acid molecule
can be adapted for use with an RNAi interference molecule (see
e.g., Akhtar S. and Julian R L. (1992) Trends Cell. Biol.
2(5):139-144; WO94/02595, which are incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety). However, there are three factors that
are important to consider in order to successfully deliver an RNAi
molecule in vivo: (a) biological stability of the RNAi molecule,
(2) preventing non-specific effects, and (3) accumulation of the
RNAi molecule in the target tissue. The non-specific effects of an
RNAi molecule can be minimized by local administration by e.g.,
direct injection into a tissue including, for example, a tumor
topically administering the molecule.
[0301] Local administration of an RNAi molecule to a treatment site
limits the exposure of the e.g., siRNA to systemic tissues and
permits a lower dose of the RNAi molecule to be administered.
Several studies have shown successful knockdown of gene products
when an RNAi molecule is administered locally. For example,
intraocular delivery of a VEGF siRNA by intravitreal injection in
cynomolgus monkeys (Tolentino, M J., et al (2004) Retina
24:132-138) and subretinal injections in mice (Reich, S J., et al
(2003) Mol. Vis. 9:210-216) were both shown to prevent
neovascularization in an experimental model of age-related macular
degeneration. In addition, direct intratumoral injection of an
siRNA in mice reduces tumor volume (Pille, J., et al (2005) Mol.
Ther. 11:267-274) and can prolong survival of tumor-bearing mice
(Kim, W J., et al (2006) Mol. Ther. 14:343-350; Li, S., et al
(2007) Mol. Ther. 15:515-523). RNA interference has also shown
success with local delivery to the CNS by direct injection (Dorn,
G., et al (2004) Nucleic Acids 32:e49; Tan, P H., et al (2005) Gene
Ther. 12:59-66; Makimura, H., et al (2002) BMC Neurosci. 3:18;
Shishkina, G T., et al (2004) Neuroscience 129:521-528; Thakker, E
R., et al (2004) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 101:17270-17275;
Akaneya, Y., et al (2005) J. Neurophysiol. 93:594-602) and to the
lungs by intranasal administration (Howard, K A., et al (2006) Mol.
Ther. 14:476-484; Zhang, X., et al (2004) J. Biol. Chem.
279:10677-10684; Bitko, V., et al (2005) Nat. Med. 11:50-55).
[0302] For administering an RNAi molecule systemically for the
treatment of a disease, the RNAi molecule can be either be modified
or alternatively delivered using a drug delivery system; both
methods act to prevent the rapid degradation of the RNAi molecule
by endo- and exo-nucleases in vivo. Modification of the RNAi
molecule or the pharmaceutical carrier can also permit targeting of
the RNAi molecule to the target tissue and avoid undesirable
off-target effects.
[0303] RNA interference molecules can be modified by chemical
conjugation to lipophilic groups such as cholesterol to enhance
cellular uptake and prevent degradation. For example, an siRNA
directed against ApoB conjugated to a lipophilic cholesterol moiety
was injected systemically into mice and resulted in knockdown of
apoB mRNA in both the liver and jejunum (Soutschek, J., et al
(2004) Nature 432:173-178). Conjugation of an RNAi molecule to an
aptamer has been shown to inhibit tumor growth and mediate tumor
regression in a mouse model of prostate cancer (McNamara, J O., et
al (2006) Nat. Biotechnol. 24:1005-1015).
[0304] In an alternative embodiment, the RNAi molecules can be
delivered using drug delivery systems such as e.g., a nanoparticle,
a dendrimer, a polymer, liposomes, or a cationic delivery system.
Positively charged cationic delivery systems facilitate binding of
an RNA interference molecule (negatively charged) and also enhance
interactions at the negatively charged cell membrane to permit
efficient uptake of an siRNA by the cell. Cationic lipids,
dendrimers, or polymers can either be bound to an RNA interference
molecule, or induced to form a vesicle or micelle (see e.g., Kim S
H., et al (2008) Journal of Controlled Release 129(2):107-116) that
encases an RNAi molecule. The formation of vesicles or micelles
further prevents degradation of the RNAi molecule when administered
systemically. Methods for making and administering cationic-RNAi
complexes are well within the abilities of one skilled in the art
(see e.g., Sorensen, D R., et al (2003) J. Mol. Biol 327:761-766;
Verma, U N., et al (2003) Clin. Cancer Res. 9:1291-1300; Arnold, A
S et al (2007) J. Hypertens. 25:197-205, which are incorporated
herein by reference in their entirety).
[0305] Some non-limiting examples of drug delivery systems useful
for systemic administration of RNAi include DOTAP (Sorensen, D R.,
et al (2003), supra; Verma, U N., et al (2003), supra),
Oligofectamine, "solid nucleic acid lipid particles" (Zimmermann, T
S., et al (2006) Nature 441:111-114), cardiolipin (Chien, P Y., et
al (2005) Cancer Gene Ther. 12:321-328; Pal, A., et al (2005) Int
J. Oncol. 26:1087-1091), polyethyleneimine (Bonnet M E., et al
(2008) Pharm. Res. August 16 Epub ahead of print; Aigner, A. (2006)
J. Biomed. Biotechnol. 71659), Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptides (Liu, S.
(2006) Mol. Pharm. 3:472-487), and polyamidoamines (Tomalia, D A.,
et al (2007) Biochem. Soc. Trans. 35:61-67; Yoo, H., et al (1999)
Pharm. Res. 16:1799-1804). In some embodiments, an RNAi molecule
forms a complex with cyclodextrin for systemic administration.
Methods for administration and pharmaceutical compositions of RNAi
molecules and cyclodextrins can be found in U.S. Pat. No.
7,427,605, which is herein incorporated by reference in its
entirety. Specific methods for administering an RNAi molecule for
the inhibition of angiogenesis can be found in e.g., U.S. Patent
Application No. 20080152654, which is herein incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
[0306] In some embodiments, the siRNA, dsRNA, or shRNA vector which
is an pro-angiogenic agent (i.e. directed against p190RhoGAP or
TFII-I) or which is an anti-angiogenic agent (i.e. directed against
GATA-2) can be administered systemically, such as intravenously, e.
g. via central venous catheter (CVC or central venous line or
central venous access catheter) placed into a large vein in the
neck (internal jugular vein), chest (subclavian vein) or groin
(femoral vein). Methods of systemic delivery of siRNA, dsRNA, or
shRNA vector are well known in the art, e. g. as described herein
and in Gao and Huang, 2008, (Mol. Pharmaceutics, Web publication
December 30) and review by Rossi, 2006, Gene Therapy, 13:583-584.
The siRNA, dsRNA, or shRNA vector can be formulated in various
ways, e. g. conjugation of a cholesterol moiety to one of the
strands of the siRNA duplex for systemic delivery to the liver and
jejunum (Soutschek J. et. al. 2004, Nature, 432:173-178),
complexing of siRNAs to protamine fused with an antibody fragment
for receptor-mediated targeting of siRNAs (Song E, et al. 2005, Nat
Biotechnol., 23: 709-717) and the use of a lipid bilayer system by
Morrissey et al. 2005 (Nat Biotechnol., 23: 1002-1007). The lipid
bilayer system produces biopolymers that are in the 120 nanometer
diameter size range, and are labeled as SNALPs, for
Stable-Nucleic-Acid-Lipid-Particles. The lipid combination protects
the siRNAs from serum nucleases and allows cellular endosomal
uptake and subsequent cytoplasmic release of the siRNAs (see
WO/2006/007712). These references are incorporated by reference in
their entirety.
General Activators as Pro-Angiogenic Agents or Anti-Angiogenic
Agents: Increasing Gene or Protein Function
[0307] As discussed herein, a pro-angiogenic agent can be a
inhibitor of p190RhoGAP function, or an inhibitor of TFII-I
function and/or an activator of GATA-2 function. In one embodiment,
a GATA-2 activator is selected from, but is not limited to an
antibody, a small molecule, a peptide, a polypeptide, nucleic acid,
such as RNA or DNA which enhances the function of GATA-2 gene or
protein function.
[0308] In some embodiments, an anti-angiogenic agent can be a
p190RhoGAP activator, or a TFII-I activator a GATA-2 inhibitor. In
one embodiment, a p190RhoGAP activator, and/or a TFII-I activator
is selected from, but is not limited to an antibody, a small
molecule, a peptide, a polypeptide, nucleic acid, such as RNA or
DNA which enhances the function of p190RhoGAP gene or protein
function or TFII-I gene or protein function.
[0309] Enhancing, stimulating or re-activating a gene's or
protein's function can be achieved in a variety of ways. In one
aspect of the invention administration of an isolated nucleic acid
molecule, as described above, to a subject can be initiated.
Typically, a p190RhoGAP and/or TFII-I nucleic acid molecule can be
administered as an anti-angiogenic agent to a subject to treat or
prevent an angiogenesis-related disorder characterized by
uncontrolled or enhanced angiogenesis. Similarly, a GATA-2 nucleic
acid molecule can be administered as a pro-angiogenic agent to a
subject to treat or prevent an angiogenesis-related disorder
characterized by a decrease or loss in angiogenesis. In a further
aspect, there is provided the use of a pro-angiogenic isolated
nucleic acid molecule (i.e. GATA-2 nucleic acid), as described
above, in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of an
angiogenesis-related disorder characterized by a decrease or loss
in angiogenesis. In a further aspect, there is provided the use of
an anti-angiogenic isolated nucleic acid agent (i.e. p190RhoGAP
and/or TFII-I nucleic acid) in the preparation of a medicament for
the treatment of an angiogenesis-related disorder characterized by
a uncontrolled or enhanced angiogenesis.
[0310] Typically, a vector capable of expressing a polypeptide of
the invention, or a fragment or derivative thereof, can be
administered to a subject to treat or prevent a disorder including,
but not limited to, those described above. Transducing retroviral
vectors are often used for somatic cell gene therapy because of
their high efficiency of infection and stable integration and
expression. A nucleic acid molecule of the invention, or portions
thereof, can be cloned into a retroviral vector and expression can
be driven from its endogenous promoter or from the retroviral long
terminal repeat or from a promoter specific for the target cell
type of interest. Other viral vectors can be used and include, as
is known in the art, adenoviruses, adeno-associated viruses,
vaccinia viruses, papovaviruses, lentiviruses and retroviruses of
avian, murine and human origin.
[0311] Gene therapy can be carried out according to established
methods (See for example Friedman, 1991; Culver, 1996). A vector
containing a nucleic acid molecule of the invention linked to
expression control elements and capable of replicating inside the
cells is prepared. Alternatively the vector can be replication
deficient and can require helper cells for replication and use in
gene therapy.
[0312] Gene transfer using non-viral methods of infection in vitro
can also be used. These methods include direct injection of DNA,
uptake of naked DNA in the presence of calcium phosphate,
electroporation, protoplast fusion or liposome delivery. Gene
transfer can also be achieved by delivery as a part of a human
artificial chromosome or receptor-mediated gene transfer. This
involves linking the DNA to a targeting molecule that will bind to
specific cell-surface receptors to induce endocytosis and transfer
of the DNA into mammalian cells. One such technique uses
poly-L-lysine to link asialoglycoprotein to DNA. An adenovirus is
also added to the complex to disrupt the lysosomes and thus allow
the DNA to avoid degradation and move to the nucleus. Infusion of
these particles intravenously has resulted in gene transfer into
hepatocytes.
[0313] In a further aspect, a suitable pro-angiogenic agent can
also include peptides, phosphopeptides or small organic or
inorganic compounds that can mimic the function of a GATA-2
polypeptide of the invention, or can include an antibody specific
for a GATA-2 polypeptide that is able to enhance or increase the
function or activity of a GATA-2 polypeptide.
[0314] In a further aspect, a suitable anti-angiogenic agents can
also include peptides, phosphopeptides or small organic or
inorganic compounds that can mimic the function of a p190RhoGAP
polypeptide and/or TFII-I polypeptide of the invention, or can
include an antibody specific for a p190RhoGAP polypeptide and/or
TFII-I polypeptide that is able to enhance or increase the function
or activity of a p190RhoGAP polypeptide and/or TFII-I polypeptide,
respectively.
[0315] Peptides, phosphopeptides or small organic or inorganic
compounds suitable for therapeutic applications can be identified
using nucleic acids and polypeptides of p190RhoGAP, TFII-I or
GATA-2 using drug screening applications, which are commonly known
by one of ordinary skill in the art, and can be assessed for their
pro-angiogenic or anti-angiogenic activity using the angiogenesis
assays as described herein.
[0316] In further embodiments, any pro-angiogenic agent, such as
complementary sequences, siRNA molecules, shRNA molecules and
inhibitory antibodies to p190RhoGAP and/or TFII-I, can be used in
combination with any pro-angiogenic agent selected from nucleic
acid molecules, polypeptides, activating antibodies, or vectors to
GATA-2 can be administered in combination with other appropriate
pharmaceutical or therapeutic agents, or treatment methods. In
further embodiments, any anti-angiogenic agent, such as
complementary sequences, siRNA molecules, shRNA molecules and
inhibitory antibodies to GATA-2, can be used in combination with
any anti-angiogenic agent selected from nucleic acid molecules,
polypeptides, activating antibodies, or vectors to p190RhoGAP
and/or TFII-I can be administered in combination with other
appropriate pharmaceutical or therapeutic agents, or treatment
methods.
[0317] Selection of the appropriate agents and treatment methods
can be made by those skilled in the art, according to conventional
pharmaceutical principles. The combination of therapeutic agents
and treatment methods can act synergistically to effect the
treatment or prevention of the various disorders described above.
Using this approach, therapeutic efficacy with lower dosages of
each agent can be possible, thus reducing the potential for adverse
side effects. Any of the therapeutic methods described herein can
be applied to any subject, including, for example, mammals such as
dogs, cats, cows, horses, rabbits, monkeys, and most preferably,
humans.
Polypeptides and Peptides
[0318] In some embodiments, a pro-angiogenic agent is a GATA-2
polypeptide or a functional portion thereof to promote
angiogenesis, and can be administered to an individual in need
thereof. In one approach, a soluble GATA-2 polypeptide, produced,
for example, in cultured cells bearing a recombinant GATA-2
expression vector can be administered to the individual. In one
embodiment, GATA-2 can be overexpressed in an individual by gene
therapy methodologies commonly known by one of ordinary skill in
the art.
[0319] In some embodiments, an anti-angiogenic agent is a
p190RhoGAP polypeptide or a functional portion thereof and/or a
TFII-I polypeptide or a portion functional thereof to inhibit
angiogenesis, which can be administered to an individual in need
thereof. In one approach, a soluble p190RhoGAP polypeptide and/or
TFII-I polypeptide, produced, for example, in cultured cells
bearing a recombinant p190RhoGAP and/or TFII-I expression vectors,
respectively, can be administered to the individual. In one
embodiment, p190RhoGAP and/or TFII-I can be overexpressed in an
individual by gene therapy methodologies commonly known by one of
ordinary skill in the art.
[0320] In a further aspect of the present invention, an
anti-angiogenic agent is an isolated polypeptide of p190RhoGAP
comprising the sequence set forth in one of SEQ ID Numbers: 52, 56,
58 or 60. In some embodiments, an anti-angiogenic agent is an
isolated polypeptide of p190RhoGAP, or fragment thereof, comprising
the sequence set forth in one of SEQ ID Numbers: 52, 56, 58 or 60.
In some embodiments, an anti-angiogenic agent is an isolated
polypeptide of p190RhoGAP having at least 70%, preferably 85%, and
more preferably 95%, identity to any one of SEQ ID Numbers: 52, 56,
58 or 60. Sequence identity is typically calculated using the BLAST
algorithm, described in Altschul et al (1997) with the BLOSUM62
default matrix.
[0321] An pro-angiogenic polypeptide agent (i.e. GATA-2 polypeptide
or a functional portion thereof) or an anti-angiogenic polypeptide
agent (i.e. a p190RhoGAP polypeptide or a functional portion
thereof and/or a TFII-I polypeptide or a portion functional
thereof) will generally be administered intravenously. This
approach rapidly delivers the protein throughout the system and
maximizes the chance that the protein is intact when delivered.
Alternatively, other routes of therapeutic protein administration
are contemplated, such as by inhalation. Technologies for the
administration of agents, including protein agents, as aerosols are
well known and continue to advance. Alternatively, the polypeptide
agent can be formulated for topical delivery, including, for
example, preparation in liposomes. Further contemplated are, for
example, transdermal administration, and rectal or vaginal
administration. Further options for the delivery of polypeptides as
an pro-angiogenic agent or an anti-angiogenic agent for use in the
methods as described herein are discussed in the section
"Formulation and Administration" herein below.
Generation of Recombinant GATA-2 Protein as a Pro-Angiogenic Agent
or Recombinant p190RhoGAP Protein and/or TFII-I Protein as
Anti-Angiogenic Agents
[0322] Vectors for transduction of a GATA-2 or p190RhoGAP or
TFII-I-encoding sequence are well known in the art. While
overexpression using a strong non-specific promoter, such as a CMV
promoter, can be used, it can be helpful to include a tissue- or
cell-type-specific promoter on the expression construct--for
example, the use of a skeletal muscle-specific promoter or other
cell-type-specific promoter can be advantageous, depending upon
what cell type is used as a host. Further, treatment can include
the administration of viral vectors that drive the expression of
pro-angiogenic polypeptides (i.e. GATA-2 polypeptides) or
anti-angiogenic polypeptides (e.g. p190RhoGAP or TFII-I
polypeptides) in infected host cells. Viral vectors are well known
to those skilled in the art and discussed in more detail
herein.
[0323] These vectors are readily adapted for use in the methods of
the present invention. By the appropriate manipulation using
recombinant DNA/molecular biology techniques to insert an
operatively linked nucleic acid sequence encoding the gene to be
expressed (e.g. GATA-2 nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8; or
p190RhoGAP nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3; or TFII-I nucleic
acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 5) into the selected
expression/delivery vector, many equivalent vectors for the
practice of the methods described herein can be generated. It will
be appreciated by those of skill in the art that cloned genes
readily can be manipulated to alter the amino acid sequence of a
protein.
[0324] Examples of expression vectors and host cells are the pET
vectors (NOVAGEN.RTM.), pGEX vectors (GE Life Sciences), and pMAL
vectors (New England labs. Inc.) for protein expression in E. coli
host cell such as BL21, BL21(DE3) and AD494(DE3)pLysS, Rosetta
(DE3), and Origami (DE3) ((NOVAGEN.RTM.); the strong CMV
promoter-based pcDNA3.1 (INVITROGEN.TM. Inc.) and pCIneo vectors
(Promega) for expression in mammalian cell lines such as CHO, COS,
HEK-293, Jurkat, and MCF-7; replication incompetent adenoviral
vector vectors pAdeno X, pAd5F35, pLP-Adeno-X-CMV (CLONTECH.RTM.),
pAd/CMV/V5-DEST, pAd-DEST vector (INVITROGEN.TM. Inc.) for
adenovirus-mediated gene transfer and expression in mammalian
cells; pLNCX2, pLXSN, and pLAPSN retrovirus vectors for use with
the RETRO-X.TM. system from Clontech for retroviral-mediated gene
transfer and expression in mammalian cells; pLenti4N5-DEST.TM.,
pLenti6N5-DEST.TM., and pLenti6.2/V5-GW/lacZ (INVITROGEN.TM. Inc.)
for lentivirus-mediated gene transfer and expression in mammalian
cells; adenovirus-associated virus expression vectors such as
pAAV-MCS, pAAV-IRES-hrGFP, and pAAV-RC vector (STRATAGENE.RTM.) for
adeno-associated virus-mediated gene transfer and expression in
mammalian cells; BACpak6 baculovirus (CLONTECH.RTM.) and
pFastBac.TM. HT (INVITROGEN.TM. Inc.) for the expression in
Spodopera frugiperda 9 (Sf9) and Sf11 insect cell lines;
pMT/BiP/V5-His (INVITROGEN.TM. Inc.) for the expression in
Drosophila Schneider S2 cells; Pichia expression vectors pPICZa,
pPICZ, pFLD.alpha. and pFLD (INVITROGEN.TM. Inc.) for expression in
Pichia pastoris and vectors pMET.alpha. and pMET for expression in
P. methanolica; pYES2/GS and pYD1 (INVITROGEN.TM. Inc.) vectors for
expression in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Recent advances in
the large scale expression heterologous proteins in Chlamydomonas
reinhardtii are described by Griesbeck C. et. al. 2006 Mol.
Biotechnol. 34:213-33 and Fuhrmann M. 2004, Methods Mol Med.
94:191-5. Foreign heterologous coding sequences are inserted into
the genome of the nucleus, chloroplast and mitochodria by
homologous recombination. The chloroplast expression vector p64
carrying the most versatile chloroplast selectable marker
aminoglycoside adenyl transferase (aadA), which confer resistance
to spectinomycin or streptomycin, can be used to express foreign
protein in the chloroplast. Biolistic gene gun method is used to
introduced the vector in the algae. Upon its entry into
chloroplasts, the foreign DNA is released from the gene gun
particles and integrates into the chloroplast genome through
homologous recombination.
[0325] In one embodiment, the expression vector is a viral vector,
such as a lentivirus, adenovirus, or adeno-associated virus. A
simplified system for generating recombinant adenoviruses is
presented by He T C. et. al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA,
95:2509-2514, 1998. The gene of interest is first cloned into a
shuttle vector, e.g. pAdTrack-CMV. The resultant plasmid is
linearized by digesting with restriction endonuclease Pme I, and
subsequently cotransformed into E. coli BJ5183 cells with an
adenoviral backbone plasmid, e. g. pAdEasy-1 of STRATAGENE.RTM.'s
ADEASY.TM. Adenoviral Vector System. Recombinant adenovirus vectors
are selected for kanamycin resistance, and recombination confirmed
by restriction endonuclease analyses. Finally, the linearized
recombinant plasmid is transfected into adenovirus packaging cell
lines, for example HEK 293 cells (E1-transformed human embryonic
kidney cells) or 911 (E1-transformed human embryonic retinal cells)
(Human Gene Therapy 7:215-222, 1996). Recombinant adenovirus are
generated within the HEK 293 cells.
[0326] In one embodiment, the preferred viral vector is a
lentiviral vector and there are many examples of use of lentiviral
vectors for gene therapy for inherited disorders of haematopoietic
cells and various types of cancer, and these references are hereby
incorporated by reference (Klein, C. and Baum, C. (2004), Hematol.
J., 5:103-111; Zufferey, R et. al. (1997), Nat. Biotechnol.,
15:871-875; Morizono, K. et. al. (2005), Nat. Med., 11:346-352; Di
Domenico, C. et. al. (2005). Hum. Gene Ther., 16:81-90). The HIV-1
based lentivirus can effectively transduce a broader host range
than the Moloney Leukemia Virus (MoMLV)-base retroviral systems.
Preparation of the recombinant lentivirus can be achieved using the
pLenti4/V5-DEST.TM., pLenti6/V5-DEST.TM. or pLenti vectors together
with VIRAPOWER.TM. Lentiviral Expression systems from
INVITROGEN.TM. Inc.
[0327] In one embodiment, the expression viral vector can be a
recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vector. Using rAAV
vectors, genes can be delivered into a wide range of host cells
including many different human and non-human cell lines or tissues.
Because AAV is non-pathogenic and does not illicit an immune
response, a multitude of pre-clinical studies have reported
excellent safety profiles. rAAVs are capable of transducing a broad
range of cell types and transduction is not dependent on active
host cell division. High titers, >10.sup.8 viral particle/ml,
are easily obtained in the supernatant and 10.sup.11-10.sup.12
viral particle/ml with further concentration. The transgene is
integrated into the host genome so expression is long term and
stable.
[0328] The use of alternative AAV serotypes other than AAV-2
(Davidson et al (2000), PNAS 97(7)3428-32; Passini et al (2003), J.
Virol 77(12):7034-40) has demonstrated different cell tropisms and
increased transduction capabilities. With respect to brain cancers,
the development of novel injection techniques into the brain,
specifically convection enhanced delivery (CED; Bobo et al (1994),
PNAS 91(6):2076-80; Nguyen et al (2001), Neuroreport 12(9):1961-4),
has significantly enhanced the ability to transduce large areas of
the brain with an AAV vector.
[0329] Large scale preparation of AAV vectors is made by a
three-plasmid cotransfection of a packaging cell line: AAV vector
carrying the chimeric DNA coding sequence, AAV RC vector containing
AAV rep and cap genes, and adenovirus helper plasmid pDF6, into
50.times.150 mm plates of subconfluent 293 cells. Cells are
harvested three days after transfection, and viruses are released
by three freeze-thaw cycles or by sonication.
[0330] AAV vectors are then purified by two different methods
depending on the serotype of the vector. AAV2 vector is purified by
the single-step gravity-flow column purification method based on
its affinity for heparin (Auricchio, A., et. al., 2001, Human Gene
therapy 12; 71-6; Summerford, C. and R. Samulski, 1998, J. Virol.
72:1438-45; Summerford, C. and R. Samulski, 1999, Nat. Med. 5:
587-88). AAV2/1 and AAV2/5 vectors are currently purified by three
sequential CsCl gradients.
[0331] The cloned gene for an pro-angiogenic agent (i.e. the GATA-2
gene) or an anti-angiogenic agent (e.g. p190RhoGAP gene and/or
TFII-I gene) can be manipulated by a variety of well known
techniques for in vitro mutagenesis, among others, to produce
variants of the naturally occurring human protein, herein referred
to as muteins or variants or mutants of GATA-2, p190RhoGAP or
TFII-I, respectively, which can be used in accordance with the
methods and compositions described herein. The variation in primary
structure of muteins of GATA-2, p190RhoGAP or TFII-I, useful in the
invention, for instance, can include deletions, additions and
substitutions. The substitutions can be conservative or
non-conservative. The differences between the natural protein and
the mutein generally conserve desired properties, mitigate or
eliminate undesired properties and add desired or new properties.
For example, in some embodiments, a pro-angiogenic agent can be a
GATA-2 polypeptide of at least 50 amino acids of SEQ ID NO: 7, or a
functional mutein or variant thereof. In some embodiments, an
anti-angiogenic agent can be a p190RhoGAP polypeptide of at least
50 amino acids of SEQ ID NO: 1, or a functional mutein or variant
thereof. For example, in some embodiments, an anti-angiogenic agent
can be a TFII-I polypeptide of at least 50 amino acids of SEQ ID
NO: 4, or a functional mutein or variant thereof.
[0332] In some embodiments, the expressed GATA-2 polypeptide (as a
pro-angiogenic agent) or expressed p190RhoGAP and/or TFII-I
polypeptides (both as anti-angiogenic agents) can also be a fusion
polypeptide, fused, for example, to a polypeptide that targets the
product to a desired location, or, for example, a tag that
facilitates its purification, if so desired. Fusion to a
polypeptide sequence that increases the stability of an expressed
polypeptide, i.e. an expressed GATA-2 polypeptide (as a
pro-angiogenic agent) or expressed p190RhoGAP and/or TFII-I
polypeptide (i.e. as anti-angiogenic agents) is also contemplated.
For example, fusion to a serum protein, e.g., serum albumin, can
increase the circulating half-life of a GATA-2, p190RhoGAP or
TFII-I polypeptide. Tags and fusion partners can be designed to be
cleavable, if so desired. Another modification specifically
contemplated is attachment, e.g., covalent attachment, to a
polymer. In one aspect, polymers such as polyethylene glycol (PEG)
or methoxypolyethylene glycol (mPEG) can increase the in vivo
half-life of proteins to which they are conjugated. Methods of
PEGylation of polypeptide agents are well known to those skilled in
the art, as are considerations of, for example, how large a PEG
polymer to use. In another aspect, biodegradable or absorbable
polymers can provide extended, often localized, release of
polypeptide agents. Such synthetic bioabsorbable, biocompatible
polymers, which can release proteins over several weeks or months
can include, for example, poly-.alpha.-hydroxy acids (e.g.
polylactides, polyglycolides and their copolymers), polyanhydrides,
polyorthoesters, segmented block copolymers of polyethylene glycol
and polybutylene terephtalate (Polyactive.TM.), tyrosine derivative
polymers or poly(ester-amides). Suitable bioabsorbable polymers to
be used in manufacturing of drug delivery materials and implants
are discussed e.g. in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,968,317 and 5,618,563, which
are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference and among
others, and in "Biomedical Polymers" edited by S. W. Shalaby, Carl
Hanser Verlag, Munich, Vienna, New York, 1994 and in many
references cited in the above publications. The particular
bioabsorbable polymer that should be selected will depend upon the
particular patient that is being treated.
Antibodies:
[0333] In some embodiment, pro-angiogenic agents, and
anti-angiogenic agents which are antibodies, or antibody fragments
can be generated by any methods known in the art, for example,
immunizing a mammal with a p190RhoGAP protein or a TFII-I protein
or a GATA-2 protein. Large quantities of such proteins can be made
using standard molecular recombinant protein expression methods.
Protein coding nucleic acid sequences of p190RhoGAP or TFII-I or
GATA-2 protein or fragments thereof can be amplified by polymerase
chain reaction (PCR) and cloned into protein expression vectors.
The resultant expression vectors can be then be transfected into
corresponding host for protein expression.
Generating Antibodies to p190RhoGAP, TFII-I and GATA-2 Proteins
[0334] As discussed previously, an pro-angiogenic agent or an
anti-angiogenic agent can be an antibody. For example, a
pro-angiogenic agent which is an antibody can be selected from an
antibody which inhibits p190RhoGAP function, and/or an antibody
which inhibits TFII-I function and/or an antibody which activates
GATA-2 function. Alternatively, an anti-angiogenic agent which is
an antibody can be selected from an antibody which activates
p190RhoGAP function, and/or an antibody which activates TFII-I
function and/or an antibody which inhibits GATA-2 function.
[0335] As used herein, the term "antibody" refers to immunoglobulin
molecules and immunologically active portions of immunoglobulin
molecules, i.e., molecules that contain an antigen binding site
that immunospecifically binds an antigen. The terms also refers to
antibodies comprised of two immunoglobulin heavy chains and two
immunoglobulin light chains as well as a variety of forms besides
antibodies; including, for example, Fv, Fab, and F(ab)'.sub.2 as
well as bifunctional hybrid antibodies (e.g., Lanzavecchia et al.,
Eur. J. Immunol. 17, 105 (1987)) and single chains (e.g., Huston et
al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 85, 5879-5883 (1988) and Bird
et al., Science 242, 423-426 (1988), which are incorporated herein
by reference). (See, generally, Hood et al., Immunology, Benjamin,
N.Y., 2nd ed. (1984), Harlow and Lane, Antibodies. A Laboratory
Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (1988) and Hunkapiller and
Hood, Nature, 323, 15-16 (1986), which are incorporated herein by
reference.).
[0336] In one embodiment, a pro-angiogenic agent antibody (i.e.
inhibitor antibody of p190RhoGAP or inhibitor antibody of TFII-I or
activating antibody of GATA-2) is a polyclonal antibody or a
monoclonal antibody. In one embodiment, a pro-angiogenic agent
antibody (i.e. inhibitor antibody of p190RhoGAP or inhibitor
antibody of TFII-I or activating antibody of GATA-2) is a humanized
antibody or a chimeric antibody. In yet another embodiment, a
pro-angiogenic agent antibody (i.e. inhibitor antibody of
p190RhoGAP or inhibitor antibody of TFII-I or activating antibody
of GATA-2) includes, but are not limited to multispecific, human,
single chain antibodies, Fab fragments, F(ab)'.sub.2 fragments,
fragments produced by a Fab expression library, domain-deleted
antibodies (including, e.g., CH2 domain-deleted antibodies),
anti-idiotypic (anti-Id) antibodies (including, e.g., anti-Id
antibodies to antibodies of the invention), and epitope-binding
fragments of any of the above. The immunoglobulin molecules of the
invention can be of any type (e.g., IgG, IgE, IgM, IgD, IgA and
IgY), class (e.g., IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgA1 and IgA2) or
subclass of immunoglobulin molecule.
[0337] In one embodiment, an anti-angiogenic agent antibody (i.e.
activating antibody of p190RhoGAP or activating antibody of TFII-I
or inhibiting antibody of GATA-2) is a polyclonal antibody or a
monoclonal antibody. In one embodiment, an anti-angiogenic agent
antibody (i.e. activating antibody of p190RhoGAP or activating
antibody of TFII-I or inhibiting antibody of GATA-2) is a humanized
antibody or a chimeric antibody. In yet another embodiment, an
anti-angiogenic agent antibody (i.e. activating antibody of
p190RhoGAP or activating antibody of TFII-I or inhibiting antibody
of GATA-2) includes, but are not limited to multispecific, human,
single chain antibodies, Fab fragments, F(ab)'.sub.2 fragments,
fragments produced by a Fab expression library, domain-deleted
antibodies (including, e.g., CH2 domain-deleted antibodies),
anti-idiotypic (anti-Id) antibodies (including, e.g., anti-Id
antibodies to antibodies of the invention), and epitope-binding
fragments of any of the above. The immunoglobulin molecules of the
invention can be of any type (e.g., IgG, IgE, IgM, IgD, IgA and
IgY), class (e.g., IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgA1 and IgA2) or
subclass of immunoglobulin molecule.
[0338] Encompassed in the methods disclosed herein are
pro-angiogenic agent antibodies (i.e. inhibitor antibodies of
p190RhoGAP or inhibitor antibodies of TFII-I or activating
antibodies of GATA-2) or anti-angiogenic agent antibodies (i.e.
activating antibodies of p190RhoGAP or activating antibodies of
TFII-I or inhibiting antibodies of GATA-2) that are, but are not
limited to, engineered forms of antibodies and antibody fragments
such as diabodies, triabodies, tetrabodies, and higher multimers of
scFvs, single-domain antibodies, as well as minibodies, such as two
scFv fragments joined by two constant (C) domains. See, e.g.,
Hudson, P. J. and Couriau, C., Nature Med. 9: 129-134 (2003); U.S.
Publication No. 20030148409; U.S. Pat. No. 5,837,242.
[0339] In one embodiment, pro-angiogenic agent antibodies (i.e.
inhibitor antibodies of p190RhoGAP or inhibitor antibodies of
TFII-I or activating antibodies of GATA-2) or anti-angiogenic agent
antibodies (i.e. activating antibodies of p190RhoGAP or activating
antibodies of TFII-I or inhibiting antibodies of GATA-2) can be
obtained from any animal origin including birds and mammals.
Preferably, the antibodies are human, murine (e.g., mouse and rat),
donkey, ship rabbit, goat, guinea pig, camel, horse, or chicken. As
used herein, "human" antibodies include antibodies having the amino
acid sequence of a human immunoglobulin and include antibodies
isolated from human immunoglobulin libraries or from animals
transgenic for one or more human immunoglobulin and that do not
express endogenous immunoglobulins, as described infra and, for
example in, U.S. Pat. No. 5,939,598 by Kucherlapati et al. which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0340] In a preferred embodiment for use in humans, pro-angiogenic
agent antibodies (i.e. inhibitor antibodies of p190RhoGAP or
inhibitor antibodies of TFII-I or activating antibodies of GATA-2)
or anti-angiogenic agent antibodies (i.e. activating antibodies of
p190RhoGAP or activating antibodies of TFII-I or inhibiting
antibodies of GATA-2) are human or humanized antigen-binding
antibody fragments of the present invention and include, but are
not limited to, Fab, Fab and F(ab)'.sub.2, Fd, single-chain Fvs
(scFv), single-domain antibodies, triabodies, tetrabodies,
minibodies, domain-deleted antibodies, single-chain antibodies,
disulfide-linked Fvs (sdFv) and fragments comprising either a
variable light chain (VL) or variable heavy chain VH region.
Antigen-binding antibody fragments, including single-chain
antibodies, can comprise the variable region(s) alone or in
combination with the entirety or a portion of the following: hinge
region, CHI, CH2, and CH3 domains. Also included in the invention
are antigen-binding fragments also comprising any combination of
variable region(s) with a hinge region, CH1, CH2, and CH3
domains.
[0341] Preferred pro-angiogenic agent antibodies (i.e. inhibitor
antibodies of p190RhoGAP or inhibitor antibodies of TFII-I or
activating antibodies of GATA-2) or anti-angiogenic agent
antibodies (i.e. activating antibodies of p190RhoGAP or activating
antibodies of TFII-I or inhibiting antibodies of GATA-2) for use in
the therapeutic methods of the invention are those containing a
deletion of the CH2 domain.
[0342] As used herein, the term "humanized" immunoglobulin or
"humanized" antibody refers to an immunoglobulin comprising a human
framework, at least one complementarity determining regions (CDR)
from a non-human antibody, and in which any constant region present
is substantially identical to a human immunoglobulin constant
region, i.e., at least about 85-90%, preferably at least 95%
identical. Hence, all parts of a humanized immunoglobulin, except
possibly the CDRs, are substantially identical to corresponding
parts of one or more native human immunoglobulin sequences. For
example, a humanized immunoglobulin would not encompass a chimeric
mouse variable region/human constant region antibody.
[0343] As used herein, the term "framework region" refers to those
portions of antibody light and heavy chain variable regions that
are relatively conserved (i.e., other than the CDRs) among
different immunoglobulins in a single species, as defined by Kabat,
et al., op. cit. As used herein, a "human framework region" is a
framework region that is substantially identical (about 85% or
more) to the framework region of a naturally occurring human
antibody.
[0344] As used herein, the term "chimeric" antibody refers to an
antibody whose heavy and light chains have been constructed,
typically by genetic engineering, from immunoglobulin gene segments
belonging to different species. For example, the variable (V)
segments of the genes from a mouse monoclonal antibody can be
joined to human constant (C) segments, such as gamma1 and/or
gamma4. A typical therapeutic or diagnostic chimeric antibody is
thus a hybrid protein comprising at least one V region (e.g., VH or
VL) or the entire antigen-binding domain (i.e., VH and VL) from a
mouse antibody and at least one C (effector) region (e.g., CH (CH1,
CH2, CH3, or CH4) or CL or the entire C domain (i.e., CH and CL)
from a human antibody, although other mammalian species can be
used. In some embodiments, especially for use in the therapeutic
methods of the pro-angiogenic agent antibodies (i.e. inhibitor
antibodies of p190RhoGAP or inhibitor antibodies of TFII-I or
activating antibodies of GATA-2) or anti-angiogenic agent
antibodies (i.e. activating antibodies of p190RhoGAP or activating
antibodies of TFII-I or inhibiting antibodies of GATA-2) should
contain no CH2 domain.
[0345] In one embodiment, a pro-angiogenic agent chimeric antibody
(i.e. inhibitor chimeric antibody of p190RhoGAP or inhibitor
chimeric antibody of TFII-I or activating chimeric antibody of
GATA-2) or an anti-angiogenic agent chimeric antibody (i.e.
activating chimeric antibody of p190RhoGAP or activating chimeric
antibody of TFII-I or inhibiting chimeric antibody of GATA-2) can
contain at least the p190RhoGAP or TFII-I or GATA-2 antigen binding
Fab or F(ab)'.sub.2 region, respectively, while a humanized
antibody can contain at least the p190RhoGAP or TFII-I or GATA-2
antigen binding Fv region, respectively fused to a human Fc
region.
[0346] The terms "antigen" is well understood in the art and refer
to the portion of a macromolecule which is specifically recognized
by a component of the immune system, e.g., an antibody or a T-cell
antigen receptor. The term antigen includes any protein determinant
capable of specific binding to an immunoglobulin. Antigenic
determinants usually consist of chemically active surface groupings
of molecules such as amino acids or sugar side chains and usually
have specific three dimensional structural characteristics, as well
as specific charge characteristics.
[0347] Alternatively, techniques described for the production of
single chain antibodies (U.S. Pat. No. 4,946,778; Bird, Science
242:423-42 (1988); Huston et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA
85:5879-5883 (1988); and Ward et al., Nature 334:544-54 (1989)) can
be adapted to produce single chain antibodies. Single chain
antibodies are formed by linking the heavy and light chain
fragments of the Fv region via an amino acid bridge, resulting in a
single chain polypeptide. Techniques for the assembly of functional
Fv fragments in E. coli can also be used (Skerra et al., Science
242:1038-1041 (1988)).
[0348] Recombinant expression of an antibody disclosed herein, or
fragment, derivative or analog thereof, (e.g., a heavy or light
chain of an antibody of the invention or a single chain antibody of
the invention), including a recombinant protein derived from the
antibody antigen-binding region, requires construction of an
expression vector containing a polynucleotide that encodes the
antibody. Once a polynucleotide encoding an antibody molecule or a
heavy or light chain of an antibody or portion thereof (preferably
containing the heavy or light chain variable domain) of the
invention has been obtained, the vector for the production of the
antibody molecule can be produced by recombinant DNA technology
using techniques well known in the art. Thus, methods for preparing
a protein by expressing a polynucleotide containing an
antibody-encoding nucleotide sequence are described herein. Methods
which are well known to those skilled in the art can be used to
construct expression vectors containing antibody coding sequences
and appropriate transcriptional and translational control signals.
These methods include, for example, in vitro recombinant DNA
techniques, synthetic techniques, and in vivo genetic
recombination. The invention, thus, provides replicable vectors
comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding an antibody molecule of
the invention, or a heavy or light chain thereof, or a heavy or
light chain variable domain, operably linked to a promoter. Such
vectors can include the nucleotide sequence encoding the constant
region of the antibody molecule (see, e.g., PCT publication WO
86/05807; PCT publication WO 89/01036; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,122,464,
which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference) and
the variable domain of the antibody can be cloned into such a
vector for expression of the entire heavy or light chain. Methods
for generating multivalent and bispecific antibody fragments are
described by Tomlinson I. and Holliger P. (2000) Methods Enzymol,
326, 461-479 and the engineering of antibody fragments and the rise
of single-domain antibodies is described by Holliger P. (2005) Nat.
Biotechnol. September; 23(9):1126-36, and are both hereby
incorporated by reference.
Gene therapy
[0349] In gene therapy, a vector comprising a nucleic acid encoding
a pro-angiogenic agent (i.e. encoding GATA-2) or an anti-angiogenic
agent (i.e. encoding p190RhoGAP and/or TFII-I) or a fusion, or
truncated nucleic acid thereof includes but is not limited to
adenovirus, retrovirus, lentivirus, adeno associated virus,
envelope protein pseudotype virus (chimeric virus), and virosomes
(e.g. liposomes combined with an inactivated HIV or influenza
virus).
[0350] In addition, an anti-angiogenic agent the present invention
provides isolated nucleic acid molecules of p190RhoGAP comprising
the sequence set forth in one of SEQ ID Numbers: 51, 55, 57 or 59,
or fragments thereof. Such diseases include, but are not restricted
to, cancer; inflammatory disorders including arthritis; corneal,
retinal or choroidal neovascularization including macular
degeneration and diabetic retinopathy; psoriasis; cardiovascular
diseases. Useful fragments of p190RhoGAP nucleic acid SEQ ID
Numbers: 51, 55, 57 or 59 can include those which are unique and
which do not overlap any previously identified genes, unique
fragments which do overlap with a known sequence, and fragments
which span alternative splice junctions etc.
[0351] In some embodiments, an anti-angiogenic agent is an isolated
nucleic acid molecule that is at least 70% identical to any one of
SEQ ID Numbers: 51, 55, 57 or 59 and which encodes a polypeptide
that plays a role in an angiogenic process. Such variants will have
preferably at least about 85%, and most preferably at least about
95% sequence identity to these sequences. Sequence identity is
typically calculated using the BLAST algorithm, described in
Altschul et al (1997) with the BLOSUM62 default matrix. The
invention also encompasses an isolated nucleic acid molecule which
hybridizes under stringent conditions with any one of SEQ ID
Numbers: 51, 55, 57 or 59 and which plays a role in an angiogenic
process.
[0352] A simplified system for generating recombinant adenoviruses
is presented by He T C. et. al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA
95:2509-2514, 1998. The gene of interest is first cloned into a
shuttle vector, e.g. pAdTrack-CMV. The resultant plasmid is
linearized by digesting with restriction endonuclease Pme I, and
subsequently cotransformed into E. coli. BJ5183 cells with an
adenoviral backbone plasmid, e.g. pAdEasy-1 of Stratagene's
AdEasy.TM. Adenoviral Vector System. Recombinant adenovirus vectors
are selected for kanamycin resistance, and recombination confirmed
by restriction endonuclease analyses. Finally, the linearized
recombinant plasmid is transfected into adenovirus packaging cell
lines, for example HEK 293 cells (E1-transformed human embryonic
kidney cells) or 911 (E1-transformed human embryonic retinal cells)
(Human Gene Therapy 7:215-222, 1996). Recombinant adenovirus are
generated within the HEK 293 cells.
[0353] Recombinant lentivirus has the advantage of delivery and
expression of a nucleic acid encoding a pro-angiogenic agent (i.e.
encoding GATA-2) or an anti-angiogenic agent (i.e. encoding
p190RhoGAP and/or TFII-I) or a fusion, or truncated nucleic acid
thereof in either dividing and non-dividing mammalian cells. The
HIV-1 based lentivirus can effectively transduce a broader host
range than the Moloney Leukemia Virus (MoMLV)-base retroviral
systems. Preparation of the recombinant lentivirus can be achieved
using the pLenti4N5-DEST.TM., pLenti6/V5-DEST.TM. or pLenti vectors
together with ViraPower.TM. Lentiviral Expression systems from
Invitrogen.
[0354] A preferred embodiment is the use of AAV viral vectors
comprising a nucleic acid encoding a pro-angiogenic agent (i.e.
encoding GATA-2) or an anti-angiogenic agent (i.e. encoding
p190RhoGAP and/or TFII-I) or a fusion, or truncated nucleic acid
thereof and/or its variant forms. Recombinant adeno-associated
virus (rAAV) vectors are applicable to a wide range of host cells
including many different human and non-human cell lines or tissues.
Because AAV is non-pathogenic and does not ellicit an immune
response, a multitude of pre-clinical studies have reported
excellent safety profiles. rAAVs are capable of transducing a broad
range of cell types and transduction is not dependent on active
host cell division. High titers, >10.sup.8 viral particle/ml,
are easily obtained in the supernatant and 10.sup.11-10.sup.12
viral particle/ml with further concentration. The transgene is
integrated into the host genome so expression is long term and
stable.
[0355] The use of alternative AAV serotypes other than AAV-2
(Davidson et al (2000), PNAS 97(7)3428-32; Passini et al (2003), J.
Virol 77(12):7034-40) has demonstrated different cell tropisms and
increased transduction capabilities. With respect to brain cancers,
the development of novel injection techniques into the brain,
specifically convection enhanced delivery (CED; Bobo et al (1994),
PNAS 91(6):2076-80; Nguyen et al (2001), Neuroreport 12(9):1961-4),
has significantly enhanced the ability to transduce large areas of
the brain with an AAV vector.
[0356] Large scale preparation of AAV vectors is made by a
three-plasmid cotransfection of a packaging cell line: AAV vector
carrying the coding nucleic acid, AAV RC vector containing AAV rep
and cap genes, and adenovirus helper plasmid pDF6, into
50.times.150 mm plates of subconfluent 293 cells. Cells are
harvested three days after transfection, and viruses are released
by three freeze-thaw cycles or by sonication.
[0357] AAV vectors are then purified by two different methods
depending on the serotype of the vector. AAV2 vector is purified by
the single-step gravity-flow column purification method based on
its affinity for heparin (Auricchio, A., et. al., 2001, Human Gene
therapy 12; 71-6; Summerford, C. and R. Samulski, 1998, J. Virol.
72:1438-45; Summerford, C. and R. Samulski, 1999, Nat. Med. 5:
587-88). AAV2/1 and AAV2/5 vectors are currently purified by three
sequential CsCl gradients.
Uses
Treatment of Angiogenesis-Related Diseases Characterized by
Inhibited or Decreased Angiogenesis
[0358] In one embodiment, a pro-angiogenic agent as described
herein is useful in the treatment of an angiogenesis-related
disease characterized by inhibited or decreased angiogenesis, for
example, where an angiogenesis-related disease characterized by
inhibited or decreased angiogenesis can selected from the group
consisting of, but not limited to; ischemic limb disease, coronary
artery disease, myocardial infarction, brain ischemia and other
ischemic diseases, as well as other therapies where it is desirable
to enhance or promote vascular expansion, for example tissue
transplantation, stem cell implantation and other therapeutic
strategies where increased angiogeneis is desired.
[0359] One aspect of the present invention provides a method for
increasing angiogenesis in a tissue associated with a disease
process or condition characterized by reduced or inhibited
angiogeneis or blood vessel growth, and thereby affect events in
the tissue which depend upon angiogenesis. Generally, the method
comprises administering to a subject, or to the tissue of a subject
associated with, or suffering from a disease process or condition,
an angiogenesis-increasing amount of a composition comprising at
least one pro-angiogenic agent as described herein (i.e. at least
one of; a p190RhoGAP inhibitor, and/or a TFII-I inhibitor and/or a
GATA-2 activator).
[0360] Any of a variety of tissues, or organs comprised of
organized tissues, can support angiogenesis in disease conditions
including heart, skin, muscle, gut, connective tissue, brain
tissue, nerve cells, joints, bones and the like tissue in which
blood vessels can invade upon angiogenic stimuli.
[0361] In one aspect of the invention, at least one pro-angiogenic
agent as described herein (i.e. at least one of; a p190RhoGAP
inhibitor, and/or a TFII-I inhibitor and/or a GATA-2 activator) is
used to treat cardiac disorders.
[0362] In one preferred embodiment, the cardiac disorder is
associated with myocardial tissue that has a decreased blood
supply, including, but not limited to, coronary occlusive disease,
carotid occlusive disease, arterial occlusive disease, peripheral
arterial disease, atherosclerosis, myointimal hyperplasia (e.g.,
due to vascular surgery or balloon angioplasty or vascular
stenting), thromboangiitis obliterans, thrombotic disorders,
vasculitis, myocardial infarction, and the like.
[0363] In one preferred embodiment the cardiac disorder is cardiac
hypertrophy. As used herein, the term "cardiac hypertrophy" refers
to the process in which adult cardiac myocytes respond to stress
through hypertrophic growth.
[0364] In one preferred embodiment, the cardiac disorder is heart
failure that can be due to a variety of causes, including but not
limited to, congestive heart failure, heart failure with diastolic
dysfunction, heart failure with systolic dysfunction, heart failure
associated with cardiac hypertrophy, and heart failure that
develops as a result of chemically induced cardiomyopathy,
congenital cardiomyopathy, and cardiomyopathy associated with
ischemic heart disease or myocardial infarction.
[0365] Any diseases or condition that would benefit from the
potentiation of angiogenesis can be treated by methods of the
present invention. For example, stimulation of angiogenesis can aid
in the enhancement of collateral circulation where there has been
vascular occlusion or stenosis (e.g. to develop a "biopass" around
an obstruction of an artery, vein, or of a capillary system).
Specific examples of such conditions or disease include, but are
not necessarily limited to, coronary occlusive disease, carotid
occlusive disease, arterial occlusive disease, peripheral arterial
disease, atherosclerosis, myointimal hyperplasia (e.g., due to
vascular surgery or balloon angioplasty or vascular stenting),
thromboangiitis obliterans, thrombotic disorders, vasculitis, and
the like.
[0366] Other conditions or diseases that can be prevented using the
methods of the invention include, but are not necessarily limited
to, heart attack (myocardial infarction) or other vascular death,
stroke, death or loss of limbs associated with decreased blood
flow, and the like. In addition, the methods of the invention can
be used to accelerate healing of wounds or ulcers; to improve the
vascularization of skin grafts or reattached limbs so as to
preserve their function and viability; to improve the healing of
surgical anastomoses (e.g., as in re-connecting portions of the
bowel after gastrointestinal surgery); and to improve the growth of
skin or hair.
[0367] In one preferred embodiment, at least one pro-angiogenic
agent as described herein (i.e. at least one of; a p190RhoGAP
inhibitor, and/or a TFII-I inhibitor and/or a GATA-2 activator) are
used in methods and compostions to treat vascular complications of
diabetes.
[0368] In one embodiment, at least one pro-angiogenic agent as
described herein (i.e. at least one of; a p190RhoGAP inhibitor,
and/or a TFII-I inhibitor and/or a GATA-2 activator) are used in
method and compostions to treat cardiac disorders associated with
diabetes, such as hypertrophic cardiac myopathy.
[0369] Also encompassed in some embodiments of the invention is the
use of the pro-angiogenic agents as described herein (i.e.
p190RhoGAP inhibitors, TFII-I inhibitors and GATA-2 activators) in
methods and compostions for the promotion of angiogeneis or
promotion of neovascularization in tissue engineering constructs,
tissue repair, regenerative medicine, and wound healing. Tissue
engineering is the use of a combination of cells, engineering and
material methods, and suitable biochemical and physiochemical
factors to improve or replace biological functions. Tissue
engineering aims at developing functional cell, tissue, and organ
substitutes to repair, replace or enhance biological function that
has been lost due to congenital abnormalities, injury, disease, or
aging, or repair fascia in hernias. The tissue that is engineered
is used to repair or replace portions of or whole tissues (i.e.,
bone, cartilage, blood vessels, heart valves, bladder, diaphragm,
etc.). Often, the tissues involved require certain mechanical and
structural properties for proper function. Tissue engineering also
encompass the efforts to perform specific biochemical functions
using cells within an artificially-created support system (e.g. an
artificial pancreas, or a bioartificial liver). The term
regenerative medicine is often used synonymously with tissue
engineering, although those involved in regenerative medicine place
more emphasis on the use of stem cells to produce tissues and on
promoting repair in situ. Tissue regeneration aims to restore and
repair tissue function via the interplay of living cells, an
extracellular matrix and cell communicators.
[0370] In some embodiments, the pro-angiogenic agents as described
herein (i.e. p190RhoGAP inhibitors, TFII-I inhibitors and GATA-2
activators) are useful in methods and compostions to promote in
vivo therapeutic neovascularization, for example for tissue repair
and healing of chronic wound in humans. The human body has a great
capacity to heal itself when damaged. However, sometimes, the
body's innate healing function becomes impaired or reduced due to
metabolic diseases such as diabetes, poor blood circulation,
blocked or damaged blood vessels. Accordingly, in some embodiments,
the pro-angiogenic agents as described herein can be used to
artificially increase blood vessels and blood vessel growth in the
damaged area, by de novo formation of blood vessels and also
stimulates new blood vessels formation from existing ones. The new
blood vessels bring oxygen, nutrients and growth factors to
stimulate the body's own natural healing process by activating the
body's inherent ability to repair and regenerate. In vivo
therapeutic neovascularization helps speed up healing and helps
injuries that will not heal or repair on their own. In vivo
therapeutic neovascularization can be used to heal broken bones,
severe burns, chronic wounds, heart damage, nerve damage, damaged
tissue of the heart, muscles, skin, adipose tissue, brain, liver,
lungs, intestines, limbs, and kidneys to name a few.
[0371] In one embodiment, the methods and compostions comprising a
pro-angiogenic agent as described herein (i.e. a p190RhoGAP
inhibitor, and/or a TFII-I inhibitor and/or a GATA-2 activator) can
help cardiac tissue to repair itself weeks after a heart attack. In
some embodiments, a composition comprising at least one
pro-angiogenic agent as described herein (i.e. at least one of; a
p190RhoGAP inhibitor and/or a TFII-I inhibitor and/or a GATA-2
activator) can be administered to a subject after a heart attack
(or myocardial infarction) or a subject at risk of having a
myocardial infarction.
[0372] In addition, in some embodiments methods and compostions
comprising a pro-angiogenic agents as described herein (i.e. at
least one of; a p190RhoGAP inhibitor, and/or a TFII-I inhibitor
and/or a GATA-2 activator) can be used to promote viability of
transplanted cells into a subject. For example, embryonic stem
cells have been shown to regenerate damaged heart muscle, when
transplanted within a 3-dimensional scaffold into the infracted
heart. Embryonic stem cells have a higher rate of successful
treatment in restoring heart muscle when transplanted within a
3-dimensional matrix into damaged hearts in an animal model of
severe infarction. In addition to the stem cell transplantation, a
composition comprising at least one pro-angiogenic agent as
described herein (i.e. at least one of; a p190RhoGAP inhibitor,
and/or a TFII-I inhibitor and/or a GATA-2 activator) can be
administered concurrent with, post or prior the implantation of the
stem cells or cells in a cell-based therapy to the infracted heart
tissue. In some embodiments, cells for transplantation (i.e.
embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) or other
types of cells, such as tissue-derived (parenchymal) cells can be
used with a composition comprising at least one pro-angiogenic
agent as described herein (i.e. at least one of; a p190RhoGAP
inhibitor, and/or a TFII-I inhibitor and/or a GATA-2 activator) are
seeded on a suitable biocompatible scaffold or matrix prior to
implantation to the tissue repair location. Methods of constructing
cardiac related structures are described in U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,880,090, 5,899,937, 6,695,879, 6,666,886, 7,214,371, and US Pat.
Publication No. 20040044403 and they are hereby incorporated by
reference.
[0373] In another embodiment, method and compostions comprising at
least one pro-angiogenic agent as described herein (i.e. at least
one of; a p190RhoGAP inhibitor, and/or a TFII-I inhibitor and/or a
GATA-2 activator) can be administered to a subject concurrent with,
or prior to, or post-transplantation of an organ, such as a lung
transplant, cardiac transplant, heart-lung transplant and other
organ transplantations.
[0374] In one embodiment, methods and compositions comprising at
least one pro-angiogenic agent as described herein (i.e. at least
one of; a p190RhoGAP inhibitor, and/or a TFII-I inhibitor and/or a
GATA-2 activator) are useful to promote angiogeneis or
neovascularization in a subject can optionally include growth,
differentiation, and/or other pro-angiogenesis factors that are
known in the art to stimulated cell proliferation, differentiation,
and angiogenesis the cells at the site where the composition is
delivered. Examples of such pro-angiogenic factors which can be
used in combination with a pro-angiogenic agent as described herein
(i.e. at least one of; a p190RhoGAP inhibitor, and/or a TFII-I
inhibitor and/or a GATA-2 activator) include, but are not limited
to Angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1), bFGF, EGF, Fibrinogen, Fibronectin,
Heparanase, HGF, IGF-1, IGF BP-3, PDGF, VEGF-A, VEGF-C and
vitronection. Other pro-angiogenic factors are disclosed herein,
and include, but are not limited to E-cadherin, angiogenin,
fibroblast growth factors: acidic (aFGF) and basic (bFGF),
heparanase, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), insulin-like growth
factor-1 (IGF-1), IGF BP-3, PDGF, VEGF-A VEGF-C, pigment
epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), vitronection, leptin, trefoil
peptides (TFFs), CYR61 (CCN1) and NOV (CCN3), leptin, midkine,
placental growth factor platelet-derived endothelial cell growth
factor (PD-ECGF), platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB),
pleiotrophin (PTN), progranulin, proliferin, transforming growth
factor-alpha (TGF-alpha), transforming growth factor-beta
(TGF-beta), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), c-Myc,
granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), stromal derived
factor 1 (SDF-1), scatter factor (SF), osteopontin, stem cell
factor (SCF), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), thrombospondin-1
(TSP-1), and inflammatory cytokines and chemokines that are
inducers of angiogenesis and increased vascularity, eg. CCL2
(MCP-1), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and CCL5 (RANTES). The pro-angiogenic
factors can be used in conjunction with any and all combinations of
a pro-angiogenic agent (i.e. a p190RhoGAP inhibitor, and/or a
TFII-I inhibitor and/or a GATA-2 activator) as described herein,
for example, pro-angiogenic factors can be administered within the
same composition as, or administered to a subject substantially at
the same time (i.e. shortly before or shortly after) the
administration of, a composition comprising at least one
pro-angiogenic agent.
[0375] In one embodiment, a composition comprising at least one
pro-angiogenic agent as described herein (i.e. at least one of; a
p190RhoGAP inhibitor, and/or a TFII-I inhibitor and/or a GATA-2
activator) is directly implanted to the site needing repair, for
example, the part of the heart that has suffered a myocardial
infarction (Dinender K. Singla, et. al., Am J Physiol Heart Circ
Physiol 293: H1308-H1314, 2007). A composition comprising at least
one pro-angiogenic agent as described herein (i.e. at least one of;
a p190RhoGAP inhibitor, and/or a TFII-I inhibitor and/or a GATA-2
activator) can be injected into the tissue repair site together
with at least one pro-angiogenic factor, or other growth,
differentiation, and angiogenesis factors that are known in the art
to stimulate cell growth, differentiation, and angiogenesis in the
appropriate cell type of the recipient tissue. As discussed
previously, suitable growth factors include but are not limited to
transforming growth factor-beta (TGF.beta.), vascular endothelial
growth factor (VEGF), platelet derived growth factor (PDGF),
angiopoietins, epidermal growth factor (EGF), bone morphogenic
protein (BMP) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Other
examples are described in Dijke et al., "Growth Factors for Wound
Healing", Bio/Technology, 7:793-798 (1989); Mulder G D, Haberer P
A, Jeter K F, eds. Clinicians' Pocket Guide to Chronic Wound
Repair. 4th ed. Springhouse, Pa.: Springhouse Corporation; 1998:85;
Ziegler T. R., Pierce, G. F., and Herndon, D. N., 1997,
International Symposium on Growth Factors and Wound Healing: Basic
Science & Potential Clinical Applications (Boston, 1995, Serono
Symposia USA), Publisher: Springer Verlag.
[0376] In another embodiment, a composition comprising at least one
pro-angiogenic agent as described herein (i.e. at least one of; a
p190RhoGAP inhibitor, and/or a TFII-I inhibitor and/or a GATA-2
activator) can be implanted in a tissue in need of vascularization
or angiogeneis by direct injection of the composition. Direct
injection is useful for the repair of ischemic tissue, for example,
cardiac muscles, blood vessels, kidney, liver, bones, ischemic limb
disease, brain (in the case of stroke), the pancreas and connective
and support tissues such as ligaments, muscles, tendons and those
tissues, such as the collagen-containing tissues which encapsulate
organs, to name a few. Ischemia in a tissue can be determined by
methods known to one skilled in the art, such as SPECT and
diffusion/perfusion MRI, ankle-brachial index (ABI), Doppler
ultrasound, segmental pressures and waveforms, duplex ultrasound,
and transcutaneous oxygen pressure. Methods of direct implantation
of stem cells for tissue repair are described in Shake J G et, al.
2002 (Ann Thorac Surg. 73:1919-25), Yoshinori Miyaharal, et. al.,
2006 (Nature Medicine 12, 459-465), Atta Behfar, et. al., 2005
(Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 1049: 189-198), Luciano C. Amado, et. al.,
2005, (PNAS, 102: 11474-9), Khalil P N, et. al., 2007,
(Gastroenterology. 132:944-54), Lee R H, et. al., 2006 (Proc Natl
Acad Sci USA.; 103:17438-43), and Chamberlain J., et. al., 2007,
(Hepatology. 2007 Aug. 17, in press), S. P. Bruder, et. al., 1998,
(J. Bone and Joint Surgery 80:985-96), Pignataro G., et. al., J.
Cereb Blood Flow Metab. 2007 May; 27(5):919-27 and are hereby
incorporated by reference.
[0377] In yet another embodiment, the composition comprising at
least one pro-angiogenic agent as described herein (i.e. at least
one of; a p190RhoGAP inhibitor, and/or a TFII-I inhibitor and/or a
GATA-2 activator) can be "seeded" into an artificial structure or
matrix capable of supporting three-dimensional tissue formation.
These structures, typically called scaffolds or matracies, are
often critical, both ex vivo as well as in vivo, for cell viability
and correct cell morphology and/or phenotype of transplanted cells
in cell-based therapies, in order for the transplanted cells to
recapitulating the in vivo milieu and allowing transplanted cells
to influence their own microenvironments. Scaffold-guided tissue
engineering involves seeding highly porous biodegradable scaffolds
with cells and/or growth factors, followed by culturing the tissue
engineering constructs in vitro for a time period. Subsequently the
scaffolds are implanted into a host to induce and direct the growth
of new tissue. The goal is for the cells to attach to the scaffold,
then replicate, differentiate, and organize into normal healthy
tissue as the scaffold degrades. This method has been used to
create various tissue analogs including skin, cartilage, bone,
liver, nerve, vessels, to name a few examples. Thus, one embodiment
of the present invention encompasses the use of at least one
pro-angiogenic agent as described herein (i.e. at least one of; a
p190RhoGAP inhibitor, and/or a TFII-I inhibitor and/or a GATA-2
activator) in contact with a scaffold and/or cell coated scaffold
to promote the neovascularization of the tissue engineering
construct after implantation or transplantation into a host
subject.
Treatment of Angiogenesis-Related Diseases Characterized by
Uncontrolled or Enhanced Angiogenesis
[0378] In one embodiment, an anti-angiogenic agent as described
herein is useful in the treatment of an angiogenesis-related
disease characterized by uncontrolled or enhanced angiogenesis, for
example, where an angiogenesis-related disease characterized by
uncontrolled or enhanced angiogenesis can selected from the group
consisting of: cancer, macular degeneration; diabetic retinopathy;
rheumatoid arthritis; Alzheimer's disease; obesity, psoriasis,
atherosclerosis, vascular malformations, angiomata, and
endometriosis.
[0379] In one embodiment, an anti-angiogenic agent is used in the
treatment of angiogenesis-related disease characterized by
uncontrolled or enhanced angiogenesis related to the eyes, e. g.
macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy, comprises directly
injecting an siRNA, dsRNA, or shRNA vector directed against
p190RhoGAP or the TFII-I gene into the vitreous cavity of the
affected eye. In one embodiment, a mixture of several different
siRNAs is injected directly into the vitreous cavity. In another
embodiment, the siRNA can be combined with other anti-angiogenic
therapy, such as anti-VEGF therapy, and injected directly into the
vitreous cavity. In another embodiment, the siRNA can be combined
with other p190RhoGAP or TFII-I inhibitors, e. g. an
anti-p190RhoGAP antibody, or a anti-TFII-I antibody or an activator
of GATA-2 as described herein, and injected directly into the
vitreous cavity.
[0380] In one embodiment, an anti-angiogenic agent is used for the
treatment of an angiogenesis-related disease characterized by
uncontrolled or enhanced angiogenesis related to the eyes, e. g.
macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy, where an
anti-angiogenic agent (i.e. activator of p190RhoGAP or activator of
TFII-I inhibitor of GATA-2) is directly injected specifically into
the vitreous cavity of the eye. In one embodiment, an
anti-angiogenic agent can be combined with other anti-angiogenic
therapy, such as anti-VEGF therapy, and injected directly into the
vitreous cavity. In another embodiment, the anti-angiogenic agent
can be an inhibitory antibody to GATA-2 or an activating antibody
to p190RhoGAP or activating antibody to TFII-I which be combined
with other anti-angiogenic agents, such as siRNA to GATA-2 as
described herein, and injected directly into the vitreous
cavity.
[0381] In some embodiments, where the pro-angiogenic agent or the
anti-angiogenic agent is an antibody, an antibody can be
administered intravenously, e. g. via central venous catheter (CVC
or central venous line or central venous access catheter) placed
into a large vein in the neck (internal jugular vein), chest
(subclavian vein) or groin (femoral vein). Systemic delivery of
antibodies can be performed according to any methods known in the
art, e. g. as described in Loberg et. al. 2007, Cancer Research
67:9417 and WO/2000/050008). These references are incorporated by
reference in their entirety. The antibody or variants or fragments
thereof can be formulated for systemic delivery such as in
liposomes.
[0382] In one embodiments, an anti-angiogenic agent can be used in
a method for the treatment of angiogenesis-related diseases
characterized by uncontrolled or enhanced angiogenesis having
localized aberrant angiogenesis, e. g. solid non-metastatic tumor,
arthritis, and endometriosis, the method comprising directly
injecting an anti-angiogenic agent, such as a siRNA, dsRNA, or
shRNA vector directed against GATA-2 gene to the location or tissue
with aberrant angiogenesis. In one embodiment, a mixture of several
different siRNAs to GATA-2 can be used, directly injected into the
bodily site having localized aberrant angiogenesis. In another
embodiment, an anti-angiogenic agent which is a siRNA is combined
with other anti-angiogenic therapy, such as anti-VEGF therapy, and
injected directly into the bodily site. In another embodiment, an
anti-angiogenic agent which is a siRNA can be combined with other
anti-angiogenic agents, e. g. small molecule inhibitors of GATA-2
and/or activators of p190RhoGAP and/or activators of TFII-I which
can be injected directly into the bodily site.
[0383] In another embodiment, an anti-angiogenic agent can be
combined with other anti-angiogenic therapy, such as anti-VEGF
therapy, and injected directly into the bodily site having
localized aberrant angiogenesis.
[0384] In other embodiments, the treatment of an
angiogenesis-related disease or disorder characterized by enhanced
or uncontrolled angiogenesis with an anti-angiogenic agent
comprises systemic administration of an anti-angiogenic agent (e.g.
such as an siRNA, dsRNA, shRNA vector directed against a GATA-2
gene and/or an inhibitory antibody specifically against GATA-2
and/or activator of p190RhoGAP and/or an activator of TFII-I
function) into the mammal in need thereof. Such a mammal can have
been diagnosed with an angiogenesis-related disease or disorder
characterized by uncontrolled or enhanced angiogenesis by a skilled
physician.
[0385] In one embodiment, the methods described herein of use of an
anti-angiogenic agent for the treatment of an angiogenesis-related
disease can be administered in conjunction with other
anti-angiogenesis factor/drugs and treatment regime for the
afflicted mammals, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
[0386] Mammals include but are not limited to human, cat, dog,
horse, monkey, cow, sheep, goats and other ungulates. In one
embodiment, the mammal is a human.
[0387] An angiogenesis-related disease or disorder characterized by
uncontrolled or enhanced angiogenesis can be selected, for example,
from a group consisting of cancer, ascites formation, psoriasis,
age-related macular degeneration, thyroid hyperplasia,
preeclampsia, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, Alzheimer's
disease, obesity, psoriasis, atherosclerosis, vascular
malformations, angiomata, pleural effusion, atherosclerosis,
endometriosis, diabetic/other retinopathies, neovascular glaucoma,
age-related macular degeneration, hemangiomas, corneal
neovascularization, sickle cell anemia, sarcoidosis, syphilis,
pseudoxanthoma elasticum, Paget's disease, vein occlusion, artery
occlusion, carotid obstructive disease, chronic uveitis/vitritis,
Mycobacteria infections, Lyme disease, systemic lupus
erythematosis, retinopathy of prematurity, vascular malformations,
angiomata, Eales' disease, Behcet's disease, infections causing
retinitis or choroiditis, presumed ocular histoplasmosis, Best's
disease, myopia, optic pits, Stargardt's disease, pars planitis,
chronic retinal detachment, hyperviscosity syndromes,
toxoplasmosis, histoplasmosis, trauma and post-laser complications.
In one embodiment, the age-related macular degeneration is wet
macular degeneration. Other eye-associated diseases that can
involve inappropriate angiogenesis include, but are not limited to,
diseases associated with rubeosis (neovascularization of the angle)
and diseases caused by the abnormal proliferation of fibrovascular
or fibrous tissue, including all forms of prolific
vitreoretinopathy.
[0388] In one embodiment, an angiogenesis-related disease or
disorder characterized by uncontrolled or enhanced angiogenesis is
cancer, where the rapidly dividing neoplastic cancer cells require
an efficient blood supply to sustain the continued growth of the
tumor. As used herein, "cancer" refers to any of various malignant
neoplasms characterized by the proliferation of anaplastic cells
that tend to invade surrounding tissue and metastasize to new body
sites and also refers to the pathological condition characterized
by such malignant neoplastic growths. The blood vessels provide
conduits to metastasize and spread elsewhere in the body. Upon
arrival at the metastatic site, the cancer cells then work on
establishing a new blood supply network. Administration of a
pharmaceutically effective amount of an anti-angiogenic agent or a
pharmaceutical composition comprising an anti-angiogenic agent and
a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier can inhibit angiogenesis. By
inhibiting angiogenesis at the primary tumor site and secondary
tumor site, embodiments of the invention serve to prevent and limit
the progression of the disease.
[0389] It is emphasized that any solid tumor that requires an
efficient blood supply to keep growing is a candidate target. For
example, candidates for the treatment methods described herein
include carcinomas and sarcomas found in the anus, bladder, bile
duct, bone, brain, breast, cervix, colon/rectum, endometrium,
esophagus, eye, gallbladder, head and neck, liver, kidney, larynx,
lung, mediastinum (chest), mouth, ovaries, pancreas, penis,
prostate, skin, small intestine, stomach, spinal marrow, tailbone,
testicles, thyroid and uterus. The types of carcinomas include
papilloma/carcinoma, choriocarcinoma, endodermal sinus tumor,
teratoma, adenoma/adenocarcinoma, melanoma, fibroma, lipoma,
leiomyoma, rhabdomyoma, mesothelioma, angioma, osteoma, chondroma,
glioma, lymphoma/leukemia, squamous cell carcinoma, small cell
carcinoma, large cell undifferentiated carcinomas, basal cell
carcinoma and sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma. The types of
sarcomas include, for example, soft tissue sarcoma such as alveolar
soft part sarcoma, angiosarcoma, dermatofibrosarcoma, desmoid
tumor, desmoplastic small round cell tumor, extraskeletal
chondrosarcoma, extraskeletal osteosarcoma, fibrosarcoma,
hemangiopericytoma, hemangiosarcoma, Kaposi's sarcoma,
leiomyosarcoma, liposarcoma, lymphangiosarcoma, lymphosarcoma,
malignant fibrous histiocytoma, neurofibrosarcoma,
rhabdomyosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, and Askin's tumor, Ewing's
sarcoma (primitive neuroectodermal tumor), malignant
hemangioendothelioma, malignant schwannoma, osteosarcoma, and
chondrosarcoma. Abnormal build up and growth of blood vessels in
the skin or internal organs in the form of hemangiomas can also be
treated according to the methods described herein.
[0390] In one embodiment, the methods of anti-angiogenic agents as
disclosed herein can be used in preventing blinding blood vessel
growth associated with diabetic eye diseases, namely diabetic
retinopathy. The methods described herein can antagonize the
effects of VEGF, a substance naturally produced in the body that
promotes blood vessel formation. Released by the retina
(light-sensitive tissue in back of the eye) when normal blood
vessels are damaged by tiny blood clots due to diabetes, VEGF turns
on its receptor, igniting a chain reaction that culminates in new
blood vessel growth. However, the backup blood vessels are faulty;
they leak, bleed and encourage scar tissue that detaches the
retina, resulting in severe loss of vision. Such growth is the
hallmark of diabetic retinopathy, the leading cause of blindness
among young people in developed countries.
[0391] In yet another embodiment, anti-angiogenic agents as
disclosed herein can be used in the treatment of age-related
macular degeneration, as it is known that VEGF also contributes to
abnormal blood vessel growth from the choroid layer of the eye into
the retina, similar to what occurs during the wet or neovascular
form of age-related macular degeneration. Macular degeneration,
often called AMD or ARMD (age-related macular degeneration), is the
leading cause of vision loss and blindness in Americans aged 65 and
older. New blood vessels grow (neovascularization) beneath the
retina and leak blood and fluid. This leakage causes permanent
damage to light-sensitive retinal cells, which die off and create
blind spots in central vision or the macula. Administration of an
anti-angiogenic agent, such as a p190RhoGAP activator, and/or a
TFII-I activator and/or a GATA-2 inhibitor, can serve to inhibit
unwanted neovascularization in the choroid layer of the eye.
[0392] In one embodiment, the angiogenesis-related disease or
disorder characterized by uncontrolled or enhanced angiogenesis is
rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by
synovial tissue swelling, leukocyte ingress and angiogenesis, or
new blood vessel growth. The disease is thought to occur as an
immunological response to an as yet unidentified antigen. The
expansion of the synovial lining of joints in rheumatoid arthritis
(RA) and the subsequent invasion by the pannus of underlying
cartilage and bone necessitate an increase in the vascular supply
to the synovium, to cope with the increased requirement for oxygen
and nutrients. Angiogenesis is now recognised as a key event in the
formation and maintenance of the pannus in RA (Paleolog, E. M.,
2002, Arthritis Res. 4 (Suppl 3):S81-S90). Even in early RA, some
of the earliest histological observations are blood vessels. A
mononuclear infiltrate characterizes the synovial tissue along with
a luxuriant vasculature. Angiogenesis is integral to formation of
the inflammatory pannus and without angiogenesis, leukocyte ingress
could not occur (Koch, A. E., 2000, Ann. Rheum. Dis.; 59(Suppl
1):i65-i71). Disruption of the formation of new blood vessels would
not only prevent delivery of nutrients to the inflammatory site, it
could also reduce joint swelling due to the additional activity of
VEGF, a potent pro-angiogenic factor in RA, as a vascular
permeability factor. Anti-VEGF hexapeptide RRKRRR (dRK6) (SEQ. ID.
NO. 42) can suppress and mitigate the arthritis severity (Seung-Ah
Yoo, et. al., J Immunol. 2005, 174:5846-55). Inhibition of
angiogenesis by a pharmaceutically effective amount of
anti-angiogenic agent can also suppress and mitigate the arthritis
severity.
[0393] In one embodiment, the angiogenesis-related disease or
disorder characterized by uncontrolled or enhanced angiogenesis is
Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common
cause of dementia worldwide. AD is characterized by an excessive
cerebral amyloid deposition leading to degeneration of neurons and
eventually to dementia. The exact cause of AD is still unknown. It
has been shown by epidemiological studies that long-term use of
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, statins, histamine
H2-receptor blockers, or calcium-channel blockers, all of which are
cardiovascular drugs with anti-angiogenic effects, seem to prevent
Alzheimer's disease and/or influence the outcome of AD patients.
Therefore, it has been speculated that angiogenesis in the brain
vasculature can play an important role in AD. In Alzheimer's
disease, the brain endothelium secretes the precursor substrate for
the beta-amyloid plaque and a neurotoxic peptide that selectively
kills cortical neurons. Moreover amyloid deposition in the
vasculature leads to endothelial cell apoptosis and endothelial
cell activation which leads to neovascularization. Vessel formation
could be blocked by the VEGF antagonist SU 4312 as well as by
statins, indicating that anti-angiogenesis strategies based on VEGF
inhibition can interfere with endothelial cell activation in AD
(Schultheiss C., el. al., 2006, Angiogenesis. 9(2):59-65; Grammas
P., et. al., 1999, Am. J. Path., 154(2):337-42) and can be used for
preventing and/or treating AD. In the same way, the anti-angiogenic
properties of a pharmaceutically effective amount of an
anti-angiogenic agent (i.e. p190RhoGAP activator, and/or TFII-I
activator and/or GATA-2 inhibitor) can be useful preventing and/or
treating AD.
[0394] In one embodiment, the pathological angiogenic disease or
disorder is obesity. Adipogenesis in obesity requires close
interplay between differentiating adipocytes, stromal cells, and
blood vessels. There are close spatial and temporal
interrelationships between blood vessel formation and adipogenesis,
and the sprouting of new blood vessels from preexisting vasculature
is coupled to adipocyte differentiation. Adipogenic/angiogenic cell
clusters can morphologically and immunohistochemically be
distinguished from crown-like structures frequently seen in the
late stages of adipose tissue obesity. Administration of anti-VEGF
antibodies inhibited not only angiogenesis but also the formation
of adipogenic/angiogenic cell clusters, indicating that the
coupling of adipogenesis and angiogenesis is essential for
differentiation of adipocytes in obesity. (Satoshi Nishimura et.
al., 2007, Diabetes 56:1517-1526). It has been shown that the
angiogenesis inhibitor, TNP-470 was able to prevent diet-induced
and genetic obesity in mice (Ebba Brakenhielm et. al., Circulation
Research, 2004; 94:1579). TNP-470 reduced vascularity in the
adipose tissue, thereby inhibiting the rate of growth of the
adipose tissue and obesity development. Accordingly, treatment of
obesity by the method and compositions comprising anti-angiogenic
agents as disclosed herein is also encompassed.
[0395] In one embodiment, the angiogenesis-related disease or
disorder characterized by uncontrolled or enhanced angiogenesis is
endometriosis. Excessive endometrial angiogenesis is proposed as an
important mechanism in the pathogenesis of endometriosis (Healy, D
L., et. al., 1998, Human Reproduction Update, 4:736-740). The
endometrium of patients with endometriosis shows enhanced
endothelial cell proliferation. Moreover there is an elevated
expression of the cell adhesion molecule integrin v.beta.3 in blood
vessels in the endometrium of women with endometriosis when
compared with normal women. U.S. Pat. No. 6,121,230 described the
use of anti-VEGF agents in the treatment of endometriosis and this
Patent is incorporated hereby reference. Encompassed in the methods
disclosed herein is the treatment of endometriosis with an
anti-angiogenic agent, such as a p190RhoGAP activator, and/or a
TFII-I activator and/or a GATA-2 inhibitor. Encompassed in the
methods disclosed herein is the treatment of obesity with
anti-angiogenic therapy, including the use of a pharmaceutically
effective amount of an anti-angiogenic agent, such as a p190RhoGAP
activator, and/or a TFII-I activator and/or a GATA-2 inhibitor.
[0396] Diseases associated with chronic inflammation are
accompanied by an increase in angiogenesis and can be treated using
an anti-angiogenic agent, such as a p190RhoGAP activator, and/or a
TFII-I activator and/or a GATA-2 inhibitor, in the compositions and
methods of the present invention. Diseases with symptoms of chronic
inflammation include obesity, inflammatory bowel diseases such as
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, sarcoidosis,
atherosclerosis including plaque rupture, Sjogrens disease, acne
rosacea, syphilis, chemical burns, bacterial ulcers, fungal ulcers,
Behcet's syndrome, Stevens-Johnson's disease, Mycobacteria
infections, Herpes simplex infections, Herpes zoster infections,
protozoan infections, Mooren's ulcer, leprosy, Wegener's
sarcoidosis, pemphigoid, lupus, systemic lupus erythematosis,
polyarteritis, lyme's disease, Bartonelosis, tuberculosis,
histoplasmosis and toxoplasmosis. Angiogenesis is a key element
that these chronic inflammatory diseases have in common. The
chronic inflammation depends on continuous formation of capillary
sprouts to maintain an influx of inflammatory cells. The influx and
presence of the inflammatory cells sometimes produce granulomas to
help maintain the chronic inflammatory state. Inhibition of
angiogenesis by the compositions and methods comprising
anti-angiogenic agents as disclosed herein is also encompassed for
the prevention of the formation of the granulomas and to alleviate
the disease.
[0397] The inflammatory bowel diseases also show extraintestinal
manifestations such as skin lesions. Such lesions are characterized
by inflammation and angiogenesis and can occur at many sites other
than the gastrointestinal tract. In some embodiments, an
anti-angiogenic agent, such as a p190RhoGAP activator, and/or a
TFII-I activator and/or a GATA-2 inhibitor, can be used in the
compositions and methods of the present invention for treating
these lesions by preventing the angiogenesis, thus, reducing the
influx of inflammatory cells and the lesion formation. Accordingly,
treatment of inflammatory lesions and skin lesions by the method
and compositions comprising anti-angiogenic agents as disclosed
herein is also encompassed.
[0398] Sarcoidosis is another chronic inflammatory disease that is
characterized as a multisystem granulomatous disorder. The
granulomas of this disease can form anywhere in the body, and,
thus, the symptoms depend on the site of the granulomas and whether
the disease active. The granulomas are created by the angiogenic
capillary sprouts providing a constant supply of inflammatory
cells. Accordingly, treatment of sarcoidosis by the method and
compositions comprising anti-angiogenic agents as disclosed herein
is also encompassed.
Combination Therapy of an Anti-Angiogenic Agent with Other
Anti-Angiogenic Factors/Drugs for the Treatment of
Angiogenesis-Related Disorder Characterized by Uncontrolled or
Increased Angiogeneis
[0399] In one embodiment, the therapeutically effective amount of
an anti-angiogenic agent (i.e. p190RhoGAP activator, and/or TFII-I
activator and/or GATA-2 inhibitor) can be administered in
conjunction with one or more additional anti-angiogenic factors,
drugs or therapeutics. For example, other potent angiogenesis
inhibitors such as angiostatin, endostatin and cleaved antithrombin
III can be incorporated into the composition.
[0400] There are three main types of anti-angiogenic drugs that are
currently approved by the United States Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) for the treatment of cancer and tumors: (1)
Drugs that stop new blood vessels from sprouting (true angiogenesis
inhibitors); (2) Drugs that attack a tumor's established blood
supply (vascular targeting agents); and (3) Drugs that attack both
the cancer cells as well as the blood vessel cells (the
double-barreled approach).
[0401] In one embodiment, an anti-angiogenic agent as described
herein can be used in combination with an anti-angiogenic therapy,
such as but is not limited to the administration of monoclonal
antibody therapies directed against specific pro-angiogenic growth
factors and/or their receptors. Examples of these are: bevacizumab
(AVASTIN.RTM.), cetuximab (ERBITUX.RTM.), panitumumab
(VECTIBIX.TM.), and trastuzumab (HERCEPTIN.RTM.).
[0402] In another embodiment, In one embodiment, an anti-angiogenic
agent as described herein can be used in combination with an
anti-angiogenic therapy, where the anti-angiogenic therapies
include but are not limited to administration of small molecule
tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) of multiple pro-angiogenic growth
factor receptors. The three TKIs that are currently approved as
anti-cancer therapies are erlotinib)(TARCEVA.RTM., sorafenib
(NEXAVAR.RTM.), and sunitinib (SUTENT.RTM.).
[0403] In another embodiment, an anti-angiogenic agent as described
herein can be used in combination with an anti-angiogenic therapy,
where the anti-angiogenic therapies include but are not limited to
administration of inhibitors of mTOR (mammalian target of
rapamycin) such as temsirolimus (TORICEL.TM.), bortezomib
(VELCADE.RTM.), thalidomide (THALOMID.RTM.) and Doxycyclin.
[0404] Many of the current anti-angiogenesis factors or drugs
attack the VEGF pathway. Bevacizumab (AVASTIN.RTM.) was the first
drug that targeted new blood vessels to be approved for use against
cancer. It is a monoclonal antibody that binds to VEGF, thereby
blocking VEGF from reaching the VEGF receptor (VEGFR). Other drugs,
such as sunitinib (SUTENT.RTM.) and sorafenib (NEXAVAR.RTM.), are
small molecules that attach to the VEGF receptor itself, preventing
it from being turned on. Such drugs are collectively termed VEGF
inhibitors.
[0405] As the VEGF protein interacts with the VEGFRs, inhibition of
either the ligand VEGF, e.g. by reducing the amount that is
available to interact with the receptor; or inhibition of the
receptor's intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity, blocks the function
of this pathway. This pathway controls endothelial cell growth, as
well as permeability, and these functions are mediated through the
VEGFRs.
[0406] "VEGF inhibitors" include any compound or agent that
produces a direct or indirect effect on the signaling pathways that
promote growth, proliferation and survival of a cell by inhibiting
the function of the VEGF protein, including inhibiting the function
of VEGF receptor proteins. These include any organic or inorganic
molecule, including, but not limited to modified and unmodified
nucleic acids such as antisense nucleic acids, RNAi agents such as
siRNA or shRNA, peptides, peptidomimetics, receptors, ligands, and
antibodies that inhibit the VEGF signaling pathway. The siRNAs are
targeted at components of the VEGF pathways and can inhibit the
VEGF pathway. Preferred VEGF inhibitors, include for example,
AVASTIN.RTM. (bevacizumab), an anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody of
Genentech, Inc. of South San Francisco, Calif., VEGF Trap
(Regeneron/Aventis). Additional VEGF inhibitors include CP-547,632
(3-(4-Bromo-2,6-difluoro-benzyloxy)-5-[3-(4-pyrrolidin
1-yl-butyl)-ureido]-isothiazole-4-carboxylic acid amide
hydrochloride; Pfizer Inc., NY), AG13736, AG28262 (Pfizer Inc.),
SU5416, SU11248, & SU6668 (formerly Sugen Inc., now Pfizer, New
York, N.Y.), ZD-6474 (AstraZeneca), ZD4190 which inhibits VEGF-R2
and -R1 (AstraZeneca), CEP-7055 (Cephalon Inc., Frazer, Pa.), PKC
412 (Novartis), AEE788 (Novartis), AZD-2171), NEXAVAR.RTM. (BAY
43-9006, sorafenib; Bayer Pharmaceuticals and Onyx
Pharmaceuticals), vatalanib (also known as PTK-787, ZK-222584:
Novartis & Schering: AG), MACUGEN.RTM. (pegaptanib octasodium,
NX-1838, EYE-001, Pfizer Inc./Gilead/Eyetech), IM862 (glufanide
disodium, Cytran Inc. of Kirkland, Wash., USA), VEGFR2-selective
monoclonal antibody DC101 (ImClone Systems, Inc.), angiozyme, a
synthetic ribozyme from Ribozyme (Boulder, Colo.) and Chiron
(Emeryville, Calif.), Sirna-027 (an siRNA-based VEGFR1 inhibitor,
Sirna Therapeutics, San Francisco, Calif.) Caplostatin, soluble
ectodomains of the VEGF receptors, Neovastat (terna Zentaris Inc;
Quebec City, CA), ZM323881 (CALBIOCHEM.RTM. CA, USA), pegaptanib
(MACUGEN) (Eyetech Pharmaceuticals), an anti-VEGF aptamer and
combinations thereof.
[0407] VEGF inhibitors are also disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.
6,534,524 and 6,235,764. Additional VEGF inhibitors are described,
for example, in WO 99/24440; WO 95/21613; WO 98/50356; WO 99/10349;
WO 97/22596; WO 97/32856; WO 98/54093; WO 98/02438; WO 99/16755; WO
99/61422; WO 99/62890; WO 98/02437; WO 01/02369; WO 01/95353; WO
02/44158; WO 03/106462A1; U.S. Pat. Publ. No. 20060094032; U.S.
Pat. Nos. 6,534,524; 5,834,504; 5,883,113; 5,886,020; 5,792,783;
6,653,308; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/491,771; and
60/460,695. These references are incorporated herein in their
entirety.
[0408] In one embodiment, the pharmaceutically effective amount of
an anti-angiogenic agent (i.e. a p190RhoGAP activator, and/or
TFII-I activator and/or GATA-2 inhibitor) can be administered in
conjunction with VEGF inhibitors.
[0409] In another embodiment, other anti-angiogenic factors which
can be administered with an anti-angiogenic agent as that term is
defined herein (i.e. a p190RhoGAP activator, and/or TFII-I
activator and/or GATA-2 inhibitor) include but are not limited to
alpha-2 antiplasmin (fragment), angiostatin (plasminogen fragment),
antiangiogenic antithrombin III, cartilage-derived inhibitor (CDI),
CD59 complement fragment, endostatin (collagen XVIII fragment),
fibronectin fragment, gro-beta (a C--X--C chemokine), heparinases
heparin hexasaccharide fragment, human chorionic gonadotropin
(hCG), interferon alpha/beta/gamma, interferon inducible protein
(IP-10), interleukin-12, kringle 5 (plasminogen fragment),
beta-thromboglobulin, EGF (fragment), VEGF inhibitor, endostatin,
fibronection (45 kD fragment), high molecular weight kininogen
(domain 5), NK1, NK2, NK3 fragments of HGF, PF-4, serpin proteinase
inhibitor 8, TGF-beta-1, thrombospondin-1, prosaposin, p53,
angioarrestin, metalloproteinase inhibitors (TIMPs),
2-Methoxyestradiol, placental ribonuclease inhibitor, plasminogen
activator inhibitor, prolactin 16kD fragment, proliferin-related
protein (PRP), retinoids, tetrahydrocortisol-S transforming growth
factor-beta (TGF-b), vasculostatin, and vasostatin (calreticulin
fragment), pamidronate-thalidomide, TNP470, the bisphosphonate
family such as amino-bisphosphonate zoledronic acid.
bombesin/gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) antagonists such as
RC-3095 and RC-3940-II (Bajol A M, et. al., British Journal of
Cancer (2004) 90, 245-252), and anti-VEGF peptide RRKRRR (dRK6)
(SEQ. ID. NO. 42) (Seung-Ah Yoo, J. Immuno, 2005, 174:
5846-5855).
Pro-Angiogenic Agent and Anti-Angiogenesis Agent Assay Methods
[0410] The effectiveness of any given pro-angiogenic agent (i.e. a
p190RhoGAP inhibitor, and/or a TFII-I inhibitor and/or a GATA-2
activator) or anti-angiogenic agent (i.e. an p190RhoGAP activator,
and/or TFII-I activator and/or GATA-2 inhibitor) can be evaluated
in vitro or in vivo or both, as described, e.g., in the examples
provided herein in the Examples and below.
[0411] For the avoidance of doubt, one can also use other assays
commonly accepted in the field. For example, one can use the "CAM"
assay. The chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay is frequently
used to evaluate the effects of angiogenesis regulating factors
because it is relatively easy and provides relatively rapid
results. A pro-angiogenic agent (i.e. a p190RhoGAP inhibitor,
and/or a TFII-I inhibitor and/or a GATA-2 activator) useful in the
methods described herein will increase the number of microvasculars
in the modified CAM assay described by Iruela-Arispe et al., 1999,
Circulation 100: 1423-1431, relative to controls with no
pro-angiogenic agent added (i.e. negative control). An
anti-angiogenic agent (i.e. an p190RhoGAP activator, and/or TFII-I
activator and/or GATA-2 inhibitor) useful in the methods described
herein will decrease the number of microvasculars in the modified
CAM assay described by Iruela-Arispe et al., 1999, Circulation 100:
1423-1431 (incorporated herein by reference in its entirety),
relative to controls with no anti-angiogenic agent added (i.e.
negative control). The method is based on the vertical growth of
new capillary vessels into a collagen gel pellet placed on the CAM.
In the assay as described by Iruela-Arispe et al., the collagen gel
is supplemented with VEGF.sub.165 (250 ng/gel) in the presence or
absence of at least one pro-angiogenic agent or at least one
anti-angiogenic agent. The extent of the vessel growth (i.e.
pro-angiogenic effect) or vessel decrease (i.e. anti-angiogenic
effect) is measured using FITC-dextran (50 .mu.g/mL) (SIGMA
ALDRICH.RTM.) injected into the circulation of the CAM. The degree
of fluorescence intensity parallels variations in capillary
density; the linearity of this correlation can be observed with a
range of capillaries between 5 and 540. Morphometric analyses are
performed, for example, by acquisition of images with a CCD camera.
Images are then analyzed by importing into an analysis package,
e.g., NHImage version 1.59, and measurements of fluorescence
intensity are obtained as positive pixels. Each data point is
compared with its own positive and negative controls present in the
same CAM and interpreted as a percentage of inhibition, considering
the positive control to be 100% (VEGF.sub.165 alone) and the
negative control (vehicle alone) 0%. Statistical evaluation of the
data is performed to check whether groups differ significantly from
random, e.g., by analysis of contingency with Yates'
correction.
[0412] Additional angiogenesis assays are known in the art and can
be used to evaluate a pro-angiogenic agent (i.e. a p190RhoGAP
inhibitor, and/or a TFII-I inhibitor and/or a GATA-2 activator) or
anti-angiogenic agent (i.e. an p190RhoGAP activator, and/or TFII-I
activator and/or GATA-2 inhibitor) for use in the methods described
herein. These include, for example, the corneal micropocket assay,
hamster cheek pouch assay, the MATRIGEL.TM. assay and modifications
thereof, and co-culture assays. Donovan et al. describe a
comparison of three different in vitro assays developed to evaluate
angiogenesis regulators in a human background (Donovan et al.,
2001, Angiogenesis 4: 113-121, incorporated herein by reference).
Briefly, the assays examined include: 1) a basic MATRIGEL.TM. assay
in which low passage human endothelial cells (Human umbilical vein
endothelial cells, HUVEC) are plated in wells coated with
MATRIGEL.TM. (Becton Dickinson, Cedex, France) with or without
angiogenesis regulator(s); 2) a similar MATRIGEL.TM. assay using
"growth factor reduced" or GFR MATRIGEL.TM.; and 3) a co-culture
assay in which primary human fibroblasts and HUVEC are co-cultured
with or without additional angiogenesis regulator(s)--the
fibroblasts produce extracellular matrix and other factors that
support HUVEC differentiation and tubule formation. In the Donovan
et al. paper the co-culture assay provided microvascular networks
that most closely resembled microvascular networks in vivo. Other
CE cells, such as the bovine CE cells described herein, can be used
instead of HUVEC. In addition, the basic MATRIGEL.TM. assay and the
GFR MATRIGEL.TM. assay can also be used by one of skill in the art
to evaluate whether a given pro-angiogenic agent (i.e. a p190RhoGAP
inhibitor, and/or a TFII-I inhibitor and/or a GATA-2 activator) or
anti-angiogenic agent (i.e. an p190RhoGAP activator, and/or TFII-I
activator and/or GATA-2 inhibitor) inhibits vessel growth as
necessary for the methods described herein. Finally, an in vitro
angiogenesis assay kit is marketed by CHEMICON.RTM.. The Fibrin Gel
in vitro Angiogenesis Assay Kit is CHEMICON.RTM. Catalog No.
ECM630.
[0413] A pro-angiogenic agent (i.e. a p190RhoGAP inhibitor, and/or
a TFII-I inhibitor and/or a GATA-2 activator) as described herein
is considered useful in a method for promoting angiogenesis and for
the treatment (including prophylaxis treatment) of a
angiogenesis-related disease or disorder characterized by inhibited
or reduced angiogenesis or reduced blood vessel growth as described
herein if it reduces angiogenesis in any one of these assays by 10%
or more relative to a control assay performed the absence of any
anti-angiogenic agent.
[0414] An anti-angiogenic agent (i.e. an p190RhoGAP activator,
and/or TFII-I activator and/or GATA-2 inhibitor) as described
herein preferably reduces angiogenesis in one or more of these
assays by at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%,
at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90% or more, up
to and including 100% inhibition.
[0415] An anti-angiogenic agent (i.e. an p190RhoGAP activator,
and/or TFII-I activator and/or GATA-2 inhibitor) as described
herein is considered useful in a method for the inhibition of
angiogenesis and for the treatment of an angiogenesis-related
disease or disorder characterized by uncontrolled or enhanced
angiogenesis as described herein if it reduces angiogenesis in any
one of these assays by 10% or more relative to a control assay
performed the absence of any anti-angiogenic agent. An
anti-angiogenic agent as described herein preferably reduces
angiogenesis in one or more of these assays by at least 20%, at
least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%,
at least 80%, at least 90% or more, up to and including 100%
inhibition.
[0416] Alternatively, angiogenesis inhibition can be measured
functionally downstream, as a reduction or cessation of tumor
growth or tumor size. For example, if there is zero growth of tumor
mass, or at least 5% reduction in the size of the tumor mass, there
is angiogenesis inhibition by the methods as described herein.
Formulation and Administration
[0417] In one embodiment, a pro-angiogenic agent (i.e. a p190RhoGAP
inhibitor, and/or a TFII-I inhibitor and/or a GATA-2 activator) or
anti-angiogenic agent (i.e. an p190RhoGAP activator, and/or TFII-I
activator and/or GATA-2 inhibitor) is delivered in a
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
[0418] In one embodiment, the term "pharmaceutically acceptable"
means approved by a regulatory agency of the Federal or a state
government or listed in the U.S. Pharmacopeia or other generally
recognized pharmacopeia for use in animals, and more particularly
in humans. Specifically, it refers to those compounds, materials,
compositions, and/or dosage forms which are, within the scope of
sound medical judgment, suitable for use in contact with the
tissues of human beings and animals without excessive toxicity,
irritation, allergic response, or other problem or complication,
commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio.
[0419] The term "carrier" refers to a diluent, adjuvant, excipient,
or vehicle with which the therapeutic is administered. Such
pharmaceutical carriers can be sterile liquids, such as water and
oils, including those of petroleum, animal, vegetable or synthetic
origin, such as peanut oil, soybean oil, mineral oil, sesame oil
and the like. Water is a preferred carrier when the pharmaceutical
composition is administered intravenously. Saline solutions and
aqueous dextrose and glycerol solutions can also be employed as
liquid carriers, particularly for injectable solutions. Suitable
pharmaceutical excipients include starch, glucose, lactose,
sucrose, gelatin, malt, rice, flour, chalk, silica gel, sodium
stearate, glycerol monostearate, talc, sodium chloride, dried skim
milk, glycerol, propylene, glycol, water, ethanol and the like. The
composition, if desired, can also contain minor amounts of wetting
or emulsifying agents, or pH buffering agents. These compositions
can take the form of solutions, suspensions, emulsion, tablets,
pills, capsules, powders, sustained-release formulations, and the
like. The composition can be formulated as a suppository, with
traditional binders and carriers such as triglycerides. Oral
formulation can include standard carriers such as pharmaceutical
grades of mannitol, lactose, starch, magnesium stearate, sodium
saccharine, cellulose, magnesium carbonate, etc. Examples of
suitable pharmaceutical carriers are described in Remington's
Pharmaceutical Sciences, 18th Ed., Gennaro, ed. (Mack Publishing
Co., 1990). The formulation should suit the mode of administration.
Additional carrier agents, such as liposomes, can be added to the
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
[0420] As used herein, the terms "administering," refers to the
placement of pro-angiogenic agent (i.e. a p190RhoGAP inhibitor,
and/or a TFII-I inhibitor and/or a GATA-2 activator) or
anti-angiogenic agent (i.e. an p190RhoGAP activator, and/or TFII-I
activator and/or GATA-2 inhibitor) that can promote or inhibit
angiogenesis, respectively into a subject by a method or route
which results in at least partial localization of the
pro-angiogenic agent or anti-angiogenic agent at a desired site.
The pro-angiogenic agent (i.e. a p190RhoGAP inhibitor, and/or a
TFII-I inhibitor and/or a GATA-2 activator) or anti-angiogenic
agent (i.e. an p190RhoGAP activator, and/or TFII-I activator and/or
GATA-2 inhibitor) can be administered by any appropriate route
which results in an effective treatment in the subject.
[0421] As used herein, the term "comprising" or "comprises" is used
in reference to methods, and respective component(s) thereof, that
are essential to the invention, yet open to the inclusion of
unspecified elements, whether essential or not. The use of
"comprising" indicates inclusion rather than limitation.
[0422] The term "consisting of" refers to methods, and respective
components thereof as described herein, which are exclusive of any
element not recited in that description of the embodiment.
[0423] Therapeutic compositions contain a physiologically tolerable
carrier together with an active agent as described herein,
dissolved or dispersed therein as an active ingredient. In a
preferred embodiment, the therapeutic composition is not
immunogenic when administered to a mammal or human patient for
therapeutic purposes. As used herein, the terms "pharmaceutically
acceptable", "physiologically tolerable" and grammatical variations
thereof, as they refer to compositions, carriers, diluents and
reagents, are used interchangeably and represent that the materials
are capable of administration to or upon a mammal without the
production of undesirable physiological effects such as nausea,
dizziness, gastric upset and the like. A pharmaceutically
acceptable carrier will not promote the raising of an immune
response to an agent with which it is admixed, unless so desired.
The preparation of a pharmacological composition that contains
active ingredients dissolved or dispersed therein is well
understood in the art and need not be limited based on formulation.
Typically such compositions are prepared as injectable either as
liquid solutions or suspensions, however, solid forms suitable for
solution, or suspensions, in liquid prior to use can also be
prepared. The preparation can also be emulsified or presented as a
liposome composition. The active ingredient can be mixed with
excipients which are pharmaceutically acceptable and compatible
with the active ingredient and in amounts suitable for use in the
therapeutic methods described herein. Specifically contemplated
pharmaceutical compositions are active RNAi ingredients in a
preparation for delivery as described herein above, or in
references cited and incorporated herein in that section. Suitable
excipients include, for example, water, saline, dextrose, glycerol,
ethanol or the like and combinations thereof. In addition, if
desired, the composition can contain minor amounts of auxiliary
substances such as wetting or emulsifying agents, pH buffering
agents and the like which enhance the effectiveness of the active
ingredient. The therapeutic composition of the present invention
can include pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the components
therein. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts include the acid
addition salts (formed with the free amino groups of the
polypeptide) that are formed with inorganic acids such as, for
example, hydrochloric or phosphoric acids, or such organic acids as
acetic, tartaric, mandelic and the like. Salts formed with the free
carboxyl groups can also be derived from inorganic bases such as,
for example, sodium, potassium, ammonium, calcium or ferric
hydroxides, and such organic bases as isopropylamine,
trimethylamine, 2-ethylamino ethanol, histidine, procaine and the
like. Physiologically tolerable carriers are well known in the art.
Exemplary liquid carriers are sterile aqueous solutions that
contain no materials in addition to the active ingredients and
water, or contain a buffer such as sodium phosphate at
physiological pH value, physiological saline or both, such as
phosphate-buffered saline. Still further, aqueous carriers can
contain more than one buffer salt, as well as salts such as sodium
and potassium chlorides, dextrose, polyethylene glycol and other
solutes. Liquid compositions can also contain liquid phases in
addition to and to the exclusion of water. Exemplary of such
additional liquid phases are glycerin, vegetable oils such as
cottonseed oil, and water-oil emulsions. The amount of an active
agent used in the methods described herein that will be effective
in the treatment of a particular disorder or condition will depend
on the nature of the disorder or condition, and can be determined
by standard clinical techniques.
[0424] Routes of administration include, but are not limited to,
direct injection, intradermal, intravitreal, intramuscular,
intraperitoneal, intravenous, subcutaneous, intranasal, epidural,
and oral routes. The agent can be administered by any convenient
route, for example by infusion or bolus injection, by absorption
through epithelial or mucocutaneous linings (e.g., oral mucosa,
rectal and intestinal mucosa, etc.) and can be administered
together with other biologically active agents. Administration can
be systemic or local.
[0425] The precise dose and formulation to be employed depends upon
the potency of the inhibitor, and include amounts large enough to
produce the desired effect, e.g., a reduction in invasion of new
blood vessels in the eye or elsewhere. The dosage should not be so
large as to cause unacceptable adverse side effects. Generally, the
dosage will vary with the type of pro-angiogenic agent or
anti-angiogenic agent used (e.g., an antibody or fragment, small
molecule, siRNA, etc.), as well as the combination of
pro-angiogenic agents (i.e. any and all possible combinations of a
p190RhoGAP inhibitor, and/or a TFII-I inhibitor and/or a GATA-2
activator) or combination of anti-angiogenic agents administered
(i.e. any and all combinations of an p190RhoGAP activator, and/or
TFII-I activator and/or GATA-2 inhibitor), as well as the age,
condition, and sex of the patient are also considered. Dosage and
formulation of the pro-angiogenic agent or anti-angiogenic agent
will also depend on the route of administration, and the
seriousness of the disease or disorder, and should be decided
according to the judgment of the practitioner and each patient's
circumstances. Effective doses can be extrapolated from
dose-response curves derived from in vitro or animal model test
systems.
[0426] The dosage can be determined by one of skill in the art and
can also be adjusted by the individual physician in the event of
any complication. Typically, the dosage ranges from 0.001 mg/kg
body weight to 5 g/kg body weight. In some embodiments, the dosage
range is from 0.001 mg/kg body weight to 1 g/kg body weight, from
0.001 mg/kg body weight to 0.5 g/kg body weight, from 0.001 mg/kg
body weight to 0.1 g/kg body weight, from 0.001 mg/kg body weight
to 50 mg/kg body weight, from 0.001 mg/kg body weight to 25 mg/kg
body weight, from 0.001 mg/kg body weight to 10 mg/kg body weight,
from 0.001 mg/kg body weight to 5 mg/kg body weight, from 0.001
mg/kg body weight to 1 mg/kg body weight, from 0.001 mg/kg body
weight to 0.1 mg/kg body weight, from 0.001 mg/kg body weight to
0.005 mg/kg body weight. Alternatively, in some embodiments the
dosage range is from 0.1 g/kg body weight to 5 g/kg body weight,
from 0.5 g/kg body weight to 5 g/kg body weight, from 1 g/kg body
weight to 5 g/kg body weight, from 1.5 g/kg body weight to 5 g/kg
body weight, from 2 g/kg body weight to 5 g/kg body weight, from
2.5 g/kg body weight to 5 g/kg body weight, from 3 g/kg body weight
to 5 g/kg body weight, from 3.5 g/kg body weight to 5 g/kg body
weight, from 4 g/kg body weight to 5 g/kg body weight, from 4.5
g/kg body weight to 5 g/kg body weight, from 4.8 g/kg body weight
to 5 g/kg body weight. In one embodiment, the dose range is from 5
.mu.g/kg body weight to 30 .mu.g/kg body weight. Alternatively, the
dose range will be titrated to maintain serum levels between 5
.mu.g/mL and 30 .mu.g/mL.
[0427] Administration of the doses recited above can be repeated
for a limited period of time. In some embodiments, the doses are
given once a day, or multiple times a day, for example but not
limited to three times a day. In a preferred embodiment, the doses
recited above are administered daily for several weeks or months.
The duration of treatment depends upon the subject's clinical
progress and responsiveness to therapy. Continuous, relatively low
maintenance doses are contemplated after an initial higher
therapeutic dose.
[0428] As exemplary, for the treatment of solid tumors that are
accessible by catheters or needles, an anti-angiogenic agent (i.e.
an p190RhoGAP activator, and/or TFII-I activator and/or GATA-2
inhibitor) and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier can be
formulated for direct application by injection into the solid tumor
and/or adjacent to the tumor site, e. g. melanoma and hemangiomas.
A pro-angiogenic agent or anti-angiogenic agent can also be
formulated for a transdermal delivery, e. g. a skin patch.
[0429] For cancers or tumors not so easily accessible, an
anti-angiogenic agent (i.e. a p190RhoGAP activator, and/or TFII-I
activator and/or GATA-2 inhibitor) can be administered to one of
the main blood vessel that drains the cancer site, e. g. into the
portal vein for liver cancer. For the treatment of macular
degeneration or retinopathy, the anti-angiogenic agent can be
formulated for direct injection into the vitreous cavity of the
affected eye.
[0430] In one embodiment, where the pro-angiogenic agent (i.e. a
p190RhoGAP inhibitor, and/or a TFII-I inhibitor) or anti-angiogenic
agent (i.e. GATA-2 inhibitor) is an RNA interference molecule such
as an siRNA. Such siRNA is delivered by delivering a vector
encoding small hairpin RNA (shRNA) in a pharmaceutically acceptable
carrier to the cells in an organ of an individual. The shRNA is
converted by the cells after transcription into siRNA capable of
targeting p190RhoGAP, TFII-I or GATA-2 respectively. In one
embodiment, the vector can be a regulatable vector, such as
tetracycline inducible vector. Such vectors with inducible
promoters are well known in the art and are also easily found in
the commercial sector, e. g. pSingle-tTS-shRNA vector from
CLONTECH.RTM..
[0431] In one embodiment, the treatment of angiogenesis-related
diseases characterized by uncontrolled or increased angiogenesis in
the eyes, e. g. macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy,
comprises directly injecting an siRNA, dsRNA, or shRNA vector
directed against a GATA-2 gene into the vitreous cavity of the
affected eye, and optionally in combination with other
anti-angiogenic agents such as activators of p190RhoGAP and/pr
activators of TFII-I.
[0432] In other embodiments, the treatment of angiogenesis-related
diseases characterized by uncontrolled or increased angiogenesis
having localized aberrant angiogenesis, e. g. solid non-metastatic
tumor, arthritis, and endometriosis, comprises directly injecting
an siRNA, dsRNA, or shRNA vector directed against a GATA-2 gene to
the location of tissue with aberrant angiogenesis, and optionally
in combination with other anti-angiogenic agents such as activators
of p190RhoGAP and/pr activators of TFII-I.
[0433] In one embodiment, the RNA interfering molecules used in the
methods described herein are taken up actively by cells in vivo
following intravenous injection, e.g., hydrodynamic injection,
without the use of a vector, illustrating efficient in vivo
delivery of the RNA interfering molecules, e.g., the siRNAs used in
the methods of the invention.
[0434] Other strategies for delivery of the RNA interfering
molecules, e.g., the siRNAs or shRNAs used as pro-angiogenic agents
(i.e. a p190RhoGAP inhibitor, and/or a TFII-I inhibitor) or an
anti-angiogenic agent (i.e. GATA-2 inhibitor) according to the
methods of the invention, can also be employed, such as, for
example, delivery by a vector, e.g., a plasmid or viral vector,
e.g., a lentiviral vector. Such vectors can be used as described,
for example, in Xiao-Feng Qin et al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.,
100: 183-188. Other delivery methods include delivery of the RNA
interfering agents, e.g., the siRNAs or shRNAs of the invention,
using a basic peptide by conjugating or mixing the RNA interfering
agent with a basic peptide, e.g., a fragment of a TAT peptide,
mixing with cationic lipids or formulating into particles.
[0435] As noted, the dsRNA, such as siRNA or shRNA can be delivered
using an inducible vector, such as a tetracycline inducible vector.
Methods described, for example, in Wang et al. Proc. Natl. Acad.
Sci. 100: 5103-5106, using pTet-On vectors (BD Biosciences
Clontech, Palo Alto, Calif.) can be used. In some embodiments, a
vector can be a plasmid vector, a viral vector, or any other
suitable vehicle adapted for the insertion and foreign sequence and
for the introduction into eukaryotic cells. The vector can be an
expression vector capable of directing the transcription of the DNA
sequence of the agonist or antagonist nucleic acid molecules into
RNA. Viral expression vectors can be selected from a group
comprising, for example, reteroviruses, lentiviruses, Epstein Barr
virus-, bovine papilloma virus, adenovirus- and
adeno-associated-based vectors or hybrid virus of any of the above.
In one embodiment, the vector is episomal. The use of a suitable
episomal vector provides a means of maintaining the antagonist
nucleic acid molecule in the subject in high copy number extra
chromosomal DNA thereby eliminating potential effects of
chromosomal integration.
[0436] In some embodiments, vectors comprising RNA interfering
molecules, e.g., the siRNAs, dsRNA or shRNAs used as pro-angiogenic
agents (i.e. RNAi molecules directed against p190RhoGAP gene,
and/or the TFII-I gene) or an anti-angiogenic agent (i.e. RNAi
molecules directed against GATA-2 gene) can be administered
intravenously, e. g. via central venous catheter (CVC or central
venous line or central venous access catheter) placed into a large
vein in the neck (internal jugular vein), chest (subclavian vein)
or groin (femoral vein). Methods of systemic delivery of siRNA,
dsRNA, or shRNA vector are well known in the art, e. g. as
described herein and in Gao and Huang, 2008, (Mol. Pharmaceutics,
Web publication December 30) and review by Rossil, 2006, Gene
Therapy, 13:583-584. The siRNA, dsRNA, or shRNA vector can be
formulated in various ways, e. g. conjugation of a cholesterol
moiety to one of the strands of the siRNA duplex for systemic
delivery to the liver and jejunum (Soutschek J. et. al. 2004,
Nature, 432:173-178), complexing of siRNAs to protamine fused with
an antibody fragment for receptor-mediated targeting of siRNAs
(Song E, et al. 2005, Nat Biotechnol., 23: 709-717) and the use of
a lipid bilayer system by Morrissey et al. 2005 (Nat Biotechnol.,
23: 1002-1007). The lipid bilayer system produces biopolymers that
are in the 120 nanometer diameter size range, and are labeled as
SNALPs, for Stable-Nucleic-Acid-Lipid-Particles. The lipid
combination protects the siRNAs from serum nucleases and allows
cellular endosomal uptake and subsequent cytoplasmic release of the
siRNAs (see WO/2006/007712). These references are incorporated by
reference in their entirety.
[0437] In another embodiment, the treatment of angiogenesis-related
diseases characterized by uncontrolled or increased angiogenesis in
the eye, e. g. macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy
comprises directly injecting an anti angiogenic agent into the
vitreous cavity of the eye.
[0438] In other embodiments, the treatment of angiogenesis-related
diseases characterized by uncontrolled or increased angiogenesis
having localized aberrant angiogenesis, e. g. solid non-metastatic
tumor, arthritis, and endometriosis, comprises directly injecting
an anti-angiogenic agent (i.e. an p190RhoGAP activator, and/or a
TFII-I activator a GATA-2 inhibitor) into the location or tissue
with aberrant angiogenesis, wherein the integrin function is
blocked by the antibody.
[0439] In some embodiments, a pro-angiogenic agent (i.e. an
p190RhoGAP inhibitor, and/or a TFII-I inhibitor a GATA-2 activator)
or an anti-angiogenic agent (i.e. an p190RhoGAP activator, and/or a
TFII-I activator a GATA-2 inhibitor) is a an antibody. a small
molecule, a peptide or an aptamer. Such a pro-angiogenic agent or
anti-angiogenic agent can be targeted to specific organ or tissue
by means of a targeting moiety, such as e.g., an antibody or
targeted liposome technology. In some embodiments, for example, an
anti-angiogenic agent can be targeted to tissue- or tumor-specific
targets by using bispecific antibodies, for example produced by
chemical linkage of an anti-ligand antibody (Ab) and an Ab directed
toward a specific target. To avoid the limitations of chemical
conjugates, molecular conjugates of antibodies can be used for
production of recombinant bispecific single-chain Abs directing
ligands and/or chimeric inhibitors at cell surface molecules. The
conjugation of an anti-angiogenic agent permits the anti-angiogenic
agent attached to accumulate additively at the desired target site.
Antibody-based or non-antibody-based targeting moieties can be
employed to deliver a ligand or the inhibitor to a target site.
Preferably, a natural binding agent for an unregulated or disease
associated antigen is used for this purpose.
[0440] For therapeutic applications, a pro-angiogenic antibody
agent or an anti-angiogenic antibody agent can be administered to a
mammal, preferably a human, in a pharmaceutically acceptable dosage
form, including those that can be administered to a human
intravenously as a bolus or by continuous infusion over a period of
time, by intramuscular, subcutaneous, intra-articular,
intrasynovial, intrathecal, oral, topical, or inhalation routes. A
pro-angiogenic antibody agent or an anti-angiogenic antibody agent
can also suitably administered by intratumoral, peritumoral,
intralesional, or perilesional routes, to exert local as well as
systemic therapeutic effects.
[0441] In some embodiments, a pro-angiogenic antibody agent or an
anti-angiogenic antibody agent is administered intravenously, e. g.
via central venous catheter (CVC or central venous line or central
venous access catheter) placed into a large vein in the neck
(internal jugular vein), chest (subclavian vein) or groin (femoral
vein).
[0442] Such dosage forms encompass pharmaceutically acceptable
carriers that are inherently nontoxic and non-therapeutic. Examples
of such carriers include ion exchangers, alumina, aluminum
stearate, lecithin, serum proteins, such as human serum albumin,
buffer substances such as phosphates, glycine, sorbic acid,
potassium sorbate, partial glyceride mixtures of saturated
vegetable fatty acids, water, salts, or electrolytes such as
protamine sulfate, disodium hydrogen phosphate, potassium hydrogen
phosphate, sodium chloride, zinc salts, colloidal silica, magnesium
trisilicate, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, cellulose-based substances, and
polyethylene glycol. Carriers for topical or gel-based forms of
antibody include polysaccharides such as sodium
carboxymethylcellulose or methylcellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone,
polyacrylates, polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene-block polymers,
polyethylene glycol, and wood wax alcohols. For all
administrations, conventional depot forms are suitably used. Such
forms include, for example, microcapsules, nano-capsules,
liposomes, plasters, inhalation forms, nose sprays, and sublingual
tablets. A pro-angiogenic antibody agent or an anti-angiogenic
antibody agent will typically be formulated in such vehicles at a
concentration of about 0.1 mg/ml to 100 mg/ml.
[0443] Depending on the type and severity of the disease, about
0.015 to 15 mg/kg of a pro-angiogenic antibody agent or an
anti-angiogenic antibody agent is an initial candidate dosage for
administration to the patient, whether, for example, by one or more
separate administrations, or by continuous infusion. For repeated
administrations over several days or longer, depending on the
condition, the treatment is repeated until a desired suppression of
disease symptoms occurs. However, other dosage regimens can be
useful.
[0444] The effectiveness of a pro-angiogenic antibody agent or an
anti-angiogenic antibody agent in treating disease can be improved
by administering the antibody serially or in combination with
another agent that is effective for those purposes, such as another
antibody directed against a different epitope or neutralizing a
different protein than the first antibody, or one or more
conventional therapeutic agents such as, for example, alkylating
agents, folic acid antagonists, anti-metabolites of nucleic acid
metabolism, antibiotics, pyrimidine analogs, 5-fluorouracil, purine
nucleosides, amines, amino acids, triazol nucleosides,
corticosteroids, calcium, retinoids, lipoxygenase and
cyclooxygenase inhibitors, fumaric acid and its salts, analgesics,
psychopharmaceuticals, local anesthetics, spasmolytics, and
beta-blockers. Such other agents can be present in the composition
being administered or can be administered separately. Also, a
pro-angiogenic antibody agent or an anti-angiogenic antibody agent
can be suitably administered serially or in combination with
radiological treatments, whether involving irradiation or
administration of radioactive substances.
[0445] Efficacy testing can be performed during the course of
treatment using the methods described herein. Measurements of the
degree of severity of a number of symptoms associated with a
particular ailment are noted prior to the start of a treatment and
then at later specific time period after the start of the
treatment. For example, when treating an autoimmune disease such as
rheumatoid arthritis, the severity of joint pain can be scored from
a number of 1-10, with a score of 1 representing mild discomfort
and a score of 10 represent constant unbearable pain with or
without movement; the range of motion of an affected joint can also
are be measured as a degree of angle for which that joint can move.
The joint pain and range of motion are noted before and after a
treatment. The severity of joint pain and range of motion after the
treatment are compared to those before the treatment. A decrease in
the pain score and/or an increase in the degree of angle of joint
movement indicate that the treatment is effective in reducing
inflammation in the affected joint, thereby decreasing pain and
improving joint movement. Other methods of efficacy testing
includes evaluating for visual problems, new blood vessel invasion,
rate of vessel growth, angiogenesis, etc.: (1) inhibiting the
disease, e.g., arresting, or slowing the pathogenic growth of new
blood vessels; or (2) relieving the disease, e.g., causing
regression of symptoms, reducing the number of new blood vessels in
a tissue exhibiting pathology involving angiogenesis (e. g., the
eye); and (3) preventing or reducing the likelihood of the
development of a neovascular disease, e.g., an ocular neovascular
disease).
[0446] The present invention can be defined in any of the following
numbered paragraphs:
1. The use of an anti-angiogenic agent for inhibiting angiogenesis
through modulation of microvascular endothelial cell migration, or
microvascular endothelial cell differentiation or capillary blood
vessel growth in a mammal, wherein the anti-angiogenic agent is
selected from at least one from the group consisting of: a
p190RhoGAP activator, a TFII-I activator, a GATA-2 inhibitor. 2.
The use of paragraph 1, wherein the GATA-2 inhibitor is selected
from the group consisting of an antibody, an RNA interference
molecule, a small molecule, a peptide and an aptamer. 3. The use of
paragraph 1, wherein the p190RhoGAP activator is selected from the
group consisting of an antibody, a small molecule, a peptide,
polypeptide, or nucleic acid. 4. The use of paragraph 1, wherein
the TFII-I activator is selected from the group consisting of
antibody, a small molecule, a peptide, polypeptide, or nucleic
acid. 5. The use of an siRNA directed specifically against a GATA-2
gene for inhibiting endothelial cell migration. 6. The use of an
antibody directed specifically against a GATA-2 for inhibiting
endothelial cell migration, wherein the GATA-2 function is blocked
by the antibody. 7. The use of any of paragraphs 1-6, wherein the
endothelial cell is a mammalian endothelial cell. 8. The use of
paragraph 7, wherein the mammalian endothelial cell is a human
endothelial cell. 9. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a
therapeutically effective amount of at least one anti-angiogenic
agent selected from the group consisting of: a p190RhoGAP
activator, a TFII-I activator, a GATA-2 inhibitor, and a
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier for inhibiting angiogenesis
through modulation of microvascular endothelial cell migration, or
microvascular endothelial cell differentiation or capillary blood
vessel growth in a mammal in need thereof. 10. The pharmaceutical
composition of paragraph 9 for the manufacture of a medicament for
inhibiting angiogenesis in a mammal in need thereof 11. The
pharmaceutical composition of paragraph 9, wherein the GATA-2
inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of an antibody, an
RNA interference molecule, a small molecule, a peptide and an
aptamer. 12. The pharmaceutical composition of paragraph 9, wherein
the p190RhoGAP activator is selected from the group consisting of
an antibody, a small molecule, a peptide, polypeptide, or nucleic
acid. 13. The pharmaceutical composition of paragraph 9, wherein
the TFII-I activator is selected from the group consisting of
antibody, a small molecule, a peptide, polypeptide, or nucleic
acid. 14. The use of an siRNA directed specifically against a
GATA-2 gene for inhibiting angiogenesis through modulation of
microvascular endothelial cell migration, or microvascular
endothelial cell differentiation or capillary blood vessel growth
in a mammal in need thereof. 15. The use of an siRNA directed
specifically against a GATA-2 gene for the manufacture of a
medicament for inhibiting angiogenesis through modulation of
microvascular endothelial cell migration, or microvascular
endothelial cell differentiation or capillary blood vessel growth
in a mammal in need thereof. 16. The use of an antibody directed
specifically against a GATA-2 for inhibiting angiogenesis through
modulation of microvascular endothelial cell migration, or
microvascular endothelial cell differentiation or capillary blood
vessel growth in a mammal in need thereof, wherein the GATA-2
function is blocked by the antibody. 17. The use of an antibody
directed specifically against a GATA-2 for the manufacture of a
medicament for inhibiting angiogenesis through modulation of
microvascular endothelial cell migration, or microvascular
endothelial cell differentiation or capillary blood vessel growth
in a mammal in need thereof, wherein the GATA-2 is blocked by the
antibody. 18. The pharmaceutical composition of paragraph 9,
wherein the mammal is afflicted with an angiogenesis-related
disease or disorder characterized by increased angiogenesis. 19.
The use of any of paragraphs 14-17, wherein the mammal is afflicted
with an angiogenesis-related disease or disorder characterized by
increased angiogenesis. 20. The use of paragraphs 18 or 19, the
angiogenesis-related disease characterized by increased
angiogenesis is selected from the group consisting of cancer,
macular degeneration; diabetic retinopathy; rheumatoid arthritis;
Alzheimer's disease; obesity, psoriasis, atherosclerosis, vascular
malformations, angiomata, and endometriosis. 21. The use of any of
paragraphs 1, 14-17 and 19, wherein the mammal is a human. 22. The
pharmaceutical composition of paragraph 9 for use in the treatment
of an angiogenesis-related disease characterized by increased
angiogenic in a mammal in need thereof 23. The pharmaceutical
composition of paragraphs 19 or 18, wherein the mammal is a human.
24. The pharmaceutical composition of paragraph 9, further
comprising at least one additional anti-angiogenic therapy. 25. The
pharmaceutical composition of paragraph 24, wherein the
anti-angiogenic therapy is chemotherapy or radiation therapy. 26.
The use of a pro-angiogenic agent for promoting angiogenesis
through modulation of microvascular endothelial cell migration, or
microvascular endothelial cell differentiation or capillary blood
vessel growth in a mammal, wherein the pro-angiogenic agent is
selected from at least one from the group consisting of: a
p190RhoGAP inhibitor, a TFII-I inhibitor, a GATA-2 activator. 27.
The use of paragraph 26, wherein the p190RhoGAP inhibitor is
selected from the group consisting of an antibody, an RNA
interference molecule, a small molecule, a peptide and an aptamer.
28. The use of paragraph 26, wherein the TFII-I inhibitor is
selected from the group consisting of an antibody, an RNA
interference molecule, a small molecule, a peptide and an aptamer.
29. The use of paragraph 26, wherein the GATA-2 activator is
selected from the group consisting of antibody, a small molecule, a
peptide, polypeptide, or nucleic acid. 30. The use of an siRNA
directed specifically against a p190RhoGAP gene for promoting
endothelial cell migration. 31. The use of an siRNA directed
specifically against a TFII-I gene for promoting endothelial cell
migration. 32. The use of an antibody directed specifically against
a p190RhoGAP for promoting endothelial cell migration, wherein the
p190RhoGAP function is blocked by the antibody. 33. The use of an
antibody directed specifically against a TFII-I for promoting
endothelial cell migration, wherein the TFII-I function is blocked
by the antibody 34. The use of any of paragraphs 26-33, wherein the
endothelial cell is a mammalian endothelial cell. 35. The use of
paragraph 34, wherein the mammalian endothelial cell is a human
endothelial cell. 36. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a
therapeutically effective amount of at least one pro-angiogenic
agent selected from the group consisting of: a p190RhoGAP
inhibitor; a TFII-I inhibitor, a GATA-2 activator, and a
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier for promoting angiogenesis
through modulation of microvascular endothelial cell migration, or
microvascular endothelial cell differentiation or capillary blood
vessel growth in a mammal in need thereof. 37. The pharmaceutical
composition of paragraph 36 for the manufacture of a medicament for
promoting angiogenesis through modulation of microvascular
endothelial cell migration, or microvascular endothelial cell
differentiation or capillary blood vessel growth in a mammal in
need thereof. 38. The pharmaceutical composition of paragraph 36,
wherein the p190RhoGAP inhibitor is selected from the group
consisting of an antibody, an RNA interference molecule, a small
molecule, a peptide and an aptamer. 39. The pharmaceutical
composition of paragraph 36, wherein the TFII-I inhibitor is
selected from the group consisting of an antibody, an RNA
interference molecule, a small molecule, a peptide and an aptamer.
40. The pharmaceutical composition of paragraph 36, wherein the
GATA-2 activator is selected from the group consisting of an
antibody, a small molecule, a peptide, polypeptide, or nucleic
acid. 41. The use of an siRNA directed specifically against a
p190RhoGAP gene for promoting angiogenesis through modulation of
microvascular endothelial cell migration, or microvascular
endothelial cell differentiation or capillary blood vessel growth
in a mammal in need thereof. 42. The use of an siRNA directed
specifically against a p190RhoGAP gene for the manufacture of a
medicament for promoting angiogenesis through modulation of
microvascular endothelial cell migration, or microvascular
endothelial cell differentiation or capillary blood vessel growth
in a mammal in need thereof. 43. The use of an antibody directed
specifically against a p190RhoGAP for promoting angiogenesis
through modulation of microvascular endothelial cell migration, or
microvascular endothelial cell differentiation or capillary blood
vessel growth in a mammal in need thereof, wherein the p190RhoGAP
function is blocked by the antibody. 44. The use of an antibody
directed specifically against a p190RhoGAP polypeptide for the
manufacture of a medicament for promoting angiogenesis through
modulation of microvascular endothelial cell migration, or
microvascular endothelial cell differentiation or capillary blood
vessel growth in a mammal in need thereof, wherein the p190RhoGAP
function is blocked by the antibody. 45. The use of an siRNA
directed specifically against a TFII-I gene for promoting
angiogenesis through modulation of microvascular endothelial cell
migration, or microvascular endothelial cell differentiation or
capillary blood vessel growth in a mammal in need thereof. 46. The
use of an siRNA directed specifically against a TFII-I gene for the
manufacture of a medicament for promoting angiogenesis through
modulation of microvascular endothelial cell migration, or
microvascular endothelial cell differentiation or capillary blood
vessel growth in a mammal in need thereof. 47. The use of an
antibody directed specifically against a TFII-I polypeptide for
promoting angiogenesis through modulation of microvascular
endothelial cell migration, or microvascular endothelial cell
differentiation or capillary blood vessel growth in a mammal in
need thereof, wherein the TFII-I function is blocked by the
antibody. 48. The use of an antibody directed specifically against
a TFII-I polypeptide for the manufacture of a medicament for
promoting angiogenesis through modulation of microvascular
endothelial cell migration, or microvascular endothelial cell
differentiation or capillary blood vessel growth in a mammal in
need thereof, wherein the TFII-I is blocked by the antibody. 49.
The pharmaceutical composition of paragraph 36, wherein the mammal
is afflicted with an angiogenesis-related disease or disorder
characterized by decreased angiogenesis. 50. The use of any of
paragraphs 26 and 41-48, wherein the mammal is afflicted with an
angiogenesis-related disease or disorder characterized by decreased
angiogenesis. 51. The use of paragraphs 49 or 50, the
angiogenesis-related disease characterized by decreased
angiogenesis is selected from the group consisting of ischemic limb
disease, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, brain
ischemia, tissue transplantation therapy and stem cell
implantation. 52. The use of the pharmaceutical composition of
paragraph 26 for to promote angiogenesis through modulation of
microvascular endothelial cell migration, or microvascular
endothelial cell differentiation or capillary blood vessel growth
in a mammal, wherein the mammal is in need of neovascularization of
tissue engineering contructs, organ transplantation, tissue repair,
regenerative medicine and wound healing. 53. The use of any of
paragraphs 26-35, 41-48 and 52, wherein the mammal is a human. 54.
The pharmaceutical composition of paragraph 36 for use in the
treatment of an angiogenesis-related disease characterized by
decrease in angiogenesis in a mammal in need thereof 55. A method
for inhibiting angiogenesis through modulation of microvascular
endothelial cell migration, or microvascular endothelial cell
differentiation or capillary blood vessel growth, the method
comprising contacting an endothelial cell with at least one
anti-angiogenic agent selected from the group consisting of: a
p190RhoGAP activator, a TFII-I activator, a GATA-2 inhibitor. 56. A
method for inhibiting angiogenesis through modulation of
microvascular endothelial cell migration, or microvascular
endothelial cell differentiation or capillary blood vessel growth
in a mammal in need thereof, the method comprising administering a
therapeutically effective amount of at least one anti-angiogenic
agent selected from the group consisting of: a p190RhoGAP
activator, a TFII-I activator, a GATA-2 inhibitor, and a
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 57. A method of treating an
angiogenesis-related disease characterized by increased
angiogenesis in a mammal in need thereof, the method comprising
administering a therapeutically effective amount a anti-angiogenic
agent selected from the group consisting of: p190RhoGAP activator,
a TFII-I activator, a GATA-2 inhibitor, and a pharmaceutically
acceptable carrier. 58. The method of any of paragraphs 55-57,
wherein the GATA-2 inhibitor is selected from the group consisting
of an antibody, an RNA interference molecule, a small molecule, a
peptide and an aptamer. 59. The method of any of paragraphs 55-57,
wherein the GATA-2 inhibitor is an RNA interference molecule that
inhibits GATA-2 expression in the cell. 60. The method any of
paragraphs 55-57, wherein the GATA-2 inhibitor is an siRNA directed
specifically against a GATA-2 gene. 61. The method any of
paragraphs 55-57, wherein the GATA-2 inhibitor is an antibody
directed specifically against a GATA-2 polypeptide, wherein the
GATA-2 function is blocked by the antibody. 62. The method of any
of paragraphs 55-57, wherein the p190RhoGAP activator is selected
from the group consisting of an antibody, a small molecule, a
peptide, polypeptide, or nucleic acid. 63. The method of any of
paragraphs paragraph 55-57, wherein the TFII-I activator is
selected from the group consisting of an antibody, a small
molecule, a peptide, polypeptide, or nucleic acid. 64. The method
of paragraph 55, wherein the endothelial cell is a mammalian
endothelial cell. 65. The method of paragraph 63, wherein the
mammalian endothelial cell is a human endothelial cell. 66. The
method of any of paragraphs 56-57, wherein the mammal is afflicted
with an angiogenesis-related disease or disorder characterized by
increase in angiogenesis. 67. The method of paragraph 66, wherein
the angiogenesis-related disease characterized by increase in
angiogenesis is selected from the group consisting of cancer,
macular degeneration; diabetic retinopathy; rheumatoid arthritis;
Alzheimer's disease; obesity, psoriasis, atherosclerosis, vascular
malformations, angiomata, and endometriosis. 68. The method of any
of paragraphs 56-57, wherein the mammal is a human. 69. The method
of any of paragraphs 55-57, further comprising administering an
anti-angiogenic therapy in conjunction with the anti-angiogenic
agent. 70. The method of paragraph 69, wherein an anti-angiogenic
therapy is chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. 71. A method for
promoting angiogenesis through modulation of microvascular
endothelial cell migration, or microvascular endothelial cell
differentiation or capillary blood vessel growth, the method
comprising contacting an endothelial cell with at least one
pro-angiogenic agent selected from the group consisting of: a
p190RhoGAP inhibitor, a TFII-I inhibitor, a GATA-2 activator. 72. A
method for promoting angiogenesis through modulation of
microvascular endothelial cell migration, or microvascular
endothelial cell differentiation or capillary blood vessel growth
in a mammal in need thereof, the method comprising administering a
therapeutically effective amount of at least one pro-angiogenic
agent selected from the group consisting of: a p190RhoGAP
inhibitor, a TFII-I inhibitor, a GATA-2 activator and a
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 73. A method of treating an
angiogenesis-related disease characterized by decreased
angiogenesis in a mammal in need thereof, the method comprising
administering a therapeutically effective amount pro-angiogenic
agent selected from the group consisting of: a p190RhoGAP
inhibitor, a TFII-I inhibitor, a GATA-2 activator and a
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 74. The method of any of
paragraphs 71-73, wherein the p190RhoGAP inhibitor is selected from
the group consisting of an antibody, an RNA interference molecule,
a small molecule, a peptide and an aptamer. 75. The method of any
of paragraphs 71-73, wherein the p190RhoGAP inhibitor is an RNA
interference molecule that inhibits p190RhoGAP expression in the
cell. 76. The method any of paragraphs 71-73, wherein the
p190RhoGAP inhibitor is an siRNA directed specifically against a
p190RhoGAP gene. 77. The method of any of paragraphs 71-73, wherein
the TFII-I inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of an
antibody, an RNA interference molecule, a small molecule, a peptide
and an aptamer. 78. The method of any of paragraphs 71-73, wherein
the TFII-I inhibitor is an RNA interference molecule that inhibits
TFII-I expression in the cell. 79. The method any of paragraphs
71-73, wherein the TFII-I inhibitor is an siRNA directed
specifically against a TFII-I gene. 80. The method of any
of paragraphs 71-73, wherein the GATA-2 activator is selected from
the group consisting of an antibody, a small molecule, a peptide,
polypeptide, or nucleic acid. 81. The method of paragraph 71,
wherein the endothelial cell is a mammalian endothelial cell. 82.
The method of paragraph 81, wherein the mammalian endothelial cell
is a human endothelial cell. 83. The method of paragraph 72,
wherein the mammal in need thereof is in need of neovascularization
of a tissue engineering construct, organ transplant, tissue repair,
regenerative medicine, and wound healing. 84. A method for
inhibiting angiogenesis through modulation of microvascular
endothelial cell migration, or microvascular endothelial cell
differentiation or capillary blood vessel growth, the method
comprising contacting an endothelial cell with an siRNA directed
specifically against a p190RhoGAP gene or a TFII-I gene. 85. A
method for inhibiting angiogenesis through modulation of
microvascular endothelial cell migration, or microvascular
endothelial cell differentiation or capillary blood vessel growth,
the method comprising contacting an endothelial cell with an
antibody directed specifically against a p190RhoGAP polypeptide,
wherein the p190RhoGAP function is blocked by the antibody. 86. A
method for inhibiting angiogenesis through modulation of
microvascular endothelial cell migration, or microvascular
endothelial cell differentiation or capillary blood vessel growth,
the method comprising contacting an endothelial cell with an
antibody directed specifically against a TFII-I polypeptide,
wherein the TFII-I function is blocked by the antibody. 87. The
method of any of paragraphs 72 or 73, wherein the mammal is
afflicted with an angiogenesis-related disease or disorder
characterized by a decrease in angiogenesis. 88. The method of
paragraph 87, wherein the angiogenesis-related disease
characterized by decrease in angiogenesis is selected from the
group consisting of ischemic limb disease, coronary artery disease,
myocardial infarction, brain ischemia, tissue transplantation
therapy and stem cell implantation. 89. The method of any of
paragraphs 72 and 73, wherein the mammal is a human. 90. A method
of promoting angiogenesis through modulation of microvascular
endothelial cell migration, or microvascular endothelial cell
differentiation or capillary blood vessel growth comprising
contacting said cell with an inhibitor of TFII-I expression or
activity. 91. A method of promoting angiogenesis through modulation
of microvascular endothelial cell migration, or microvascular
endothelial cell differentiation or capillary blood vessel growth
comprising contacting said cell with an inhibitor of p190RhoGAP
expression or activity. 92. A method of inhibiting angiogenesis
through modulation of microvascular endothelial cell migration, or
microvascular endothelial cell differentiation or capillary blood
vessel growth comprising contacting said cell with an inhibitor of
GATA2 expression or activity. 93. A method of modulating
angiogenesis through modulation of microvascular endothelial cell
migration, or microvascular endothelial cell differentiation or
capillary blood vessel growth, the method comprising contacting a
microvascular endothelial cell with an agent which inhibits or
activates one or more of p190RhoGAP, TFII-I, and GATA-2. 94. The
method of paragraph 93, wherein modulating is an increase in
angiogenesis through modulation of microvascular endothelial cell
migration, or microvascular endothelial cell differentiation or
capillary blood vessel growth, and wherein the endothelial cell is
contacted with at least one agent which inhibits p190RhoGAP or
inhibits TFII-I or activates GATA-2. 95. The method of paragraph
93, wherein modulating is a decrease in angiogenesis through
modulation of microvascular endothelial cell migration, or
microvascular endothelial cell differentiation or capillary blood
vessel growth, and wherein the endothelial cell is contacted with
at least one agent which activates p190RhoGAP or activates TFII-I
or inhibits GATA-2. 96. The use of an siRNA directed specifically
against a GATA-2 gene for inhibiting angiogenesis through
modulation of microvascular endothelial cell migration, or
microvascular endothelial cell differentiation or capillary blood
vessel growth in a mammal in need thereof 97. The use of an siRNA
directed specifically against a GATA-2 gene for the manufacture of
a medicament for inhibiting angiogenesis through modulation of
microvascular endothelial cell migration, or microvascular
endothelial cell differentiation or capillary blood vessel growth
in a mammal in need thereof. 98. The use of an antibody directed
specifically against a GATA-2 polypeptide for inhibiting
angiogenesis through modulation of microvascular endothelial cell
migration, or microvascular endothelial cell differentiation or
capillary blood vessel growth in a mammal in need thereof, wherein
the p190RhoGAP function is blocked by the antibody. 99. The use of
an antibody directed specifically against a GATA-2 polypeptide for
the manufacture of a medicament for inhibiting angiogenesis through
modulation of microvascular endothelial cell migration, or
microvascular endothelial cell differentiation or capillary blood
vessel growth in a mammal in need thereof, wherein the p190RhoGAP
function is blocked by the antibody.
EXAMPLES
[0447] Angiogenesis is controlled by physical interactions between
cells and extracellular matrix as well as soluble angiogenic
factors, such as VEGF. However, the mechanism by which mechanical
signals integrate with other microenvironmental cues to regulate
neovascularization remains unknown. Here, the inventors demonstrate
that the Rho inhibitor, p190RhoGAP, controls capillary network
formation in vitro and retinal angiogenesis in vivo by modulating
the balance of activities between two antagonistic transcription
factors--TFII-I and GATA2 that govern gene expression of the VEGF
receptor, VEGFR2. Moreover, this novel angiogenesis signaling
pathway is sensitive to extracellular matrix elasticity as well as
soluble VEGF. This is the first known functional cross-antagonism
between transcription factors that controls tissue morphogenesis,
and that responds to both mechanical and chemical cues. The
inventors herein demonstrate methods to promote or inhibit
microvascular endothelial cell migration, endothelial cell
differentiation, capillary blood vessel growth and/or angiogenesis
by modulation (i.e. inhibiting or activating) p190RhoGAP, TFII-I
and GATA-2.
[0448] VEGF and its receptor VEGFR2 are of particular importance in
angiogenesis because they are essential for normal blood vessel
development.sup.12, 13, and deregulation of these factors leads to
various pathological conditions.sup.1, 2, 14. The inventors have
investigated the role of VEGF and VEGFR2 in the mechanism by which
these mechanical forces regulate capillary development. Analysis of
cellular mechanotransduction during angiogenesis has revealed that
the small GTPase, Rho, mediates growth control in vitro.sup.10, 15,
as well as blood vessel development in vivo.sup.9, by modulating
the mechanical force balance that governs cell shape.
Stress-induced distortion of the capillary cell cytoskeleton
regulates Rho activity by controlling its upstream inhibitor,
p190RhoGAP.sup.16. p190RhoGAP was shown to bind to the
transcription factor TFII-I and sequester it in the cytoplasm of
fibroblasts.sup.17, and TFII-I is a multifunctional transcription
factor that regulates VEGFR2 expression in large vessel endothelial
cells.sup.18 19. Although it remains unknown whether it plays a
role in angiogenesis, TFII-I deletions are associated with
cardiovascular defects.sup.20.
[0449] Deregulation of angiogenesis--the growth of blood
capillaries--contributes to development of many diseases, including
cancer, arthritis and blindness.sup.1, 2. FDA-approved angiogenesis
inhibitors solely target the oxygen-sensitive vascular endothelial
growth factor, VEGF; however, neovascularization is also controlled
by other microenvironmental signals, including mechanical forces
conveyed by extracellular matrix (ECM). For example, although
capillary development is driven by angiogenic mitogens, cell
sensitivity to these soluble cues can be modulated by physical
interactions between cells and ECM that alter cell shape and
cytoskeletal structure.sup.3-8. Similar changes in capillary cell
shape and function can be produced by changing ECM elasticity,
adhesivity or topography, applying mechanical stresses, or altering
cell-generated traction forces.sup.3-8. Mechanical tension also
stimulates capillary growth and vascular remodeling in vivo.sup.9,
and regional variations of ECM mechanics and cell shape appear
mediate how neighboring cells undergo localized differentials of
growth and differentiation that drive three-dimensional (3D) tissue
pattern formation.sup.10, 11. But the mechanism by which mechanical
signals conveyed by ECM converge with those elicited by growth
factors to control gene transcription required for angiogenic
control remains unknown.
Example 1
p190RhoGAP and TFII-I regulate VEGFR2
[0450] To explore whether p190RhoGAP modulates vascular development
by altering gene transcription, the inventors knocked down
p190RhoGAP in human microvascular endothelial (HMVE) cells using
siRNA. TFII-I protein levels were approximately 1.5 times higher in
the nuclear fraction of knockdown cells (FIGS. 7A and 7B), and this
was confirmed by fluorescence microscopy (FIG. 7C). As first shown
in fibroblasts.sup.17, the inventors discovered that p190RhoGAP
co-precipitates with TFII-I (and vice versa) (FIG. 7D),
demonstrating that p190RhoGAP can also bind TFII-I and sequester it
in the cytoplasm of human capillary cells.
[0451] TFII-I upregulates VEGFR2 protein expression in human aortic
endothelial cells by binding to the VEGFR2 promoter.sup.18. But
TFII-I knockdown in the HMVE cells increased (rather than
decreased) VEGFR2 mRNA and protein levels by 2- to 3-fold relative
to control cells, and overexpressing TFII-I (delta isoform.sup.21)
using lentiviral transduction produced the opposite effect (FIG.
1A, FIG. 8A). This difference maybe due to the fact that
macrovascular and microvascular endothelial cells undergo distinct
morphogenetic programs (produce large tubes versus branching
capillaries).
[0452] TFII-I binds to the Inr region of the VEGFR2 gene promoter,
and smaller portions of this promoter (human VEGFR2: -225 to +268,
-570 to +268, and -780 to +268) have similar or greater activity
compared to the full length promoter (4 kb).sup.18, 22. When these
various VEGFR2 promoters were characterized using a luciferase
assay in human umbilical vein endothelial (HUVE) cells, TFII-I
knockdown increased, and overexpression of TFII-I using DNA
transfection decreased, VEGFR2 promoter activity by 1.5 to 2-fold
and one-fifth normal levels, respectively (FIG. 8B). The
promoter-less pGL3 basic reporter showed no promoter activity (not
shown). Moreover, mutagenesis of the VEGFR2 Inr (-780+268; 780MUT)
decreased promoter activity in both control and TFII-I knockdown
cells (FIG. 8B), demonstrating that TFII-I decreases VEGFR2
promoter activity through the Inr region. Importantly, the
specificity of these effects of TFII-I knockdown were confirmed by
demonstrating that reconstitution of TFII-I can reverse these
effects (FIG. 8C).
Example 2
[0453] The inventors next determined whether p190RhoGAP stimulates
VEGFR2 expression by restricting nuclear translocation of TFII-I
(FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C). TFII-I knockdown increased, and p190RhoGAP
knockdown decreased, VEGFR2 promoter activity (-780+268) relative
to control cells (FIG. 8D). The double knockdown of p190RhoGAP and
TFII-I exhibited the same stimulation as observed in the TFII-I
knockdown cells (FIG. 8D). However, p190RhoGAP knockdown did not
decrease VEGFR2 mRNA and protein levels; in fact, it increased
VEGFR2 protein levels (FIG. 1C, 8D). Moreover, p190RhoGAP and
TFII-I double knockdown produced similar or slightly higher levels
of VEGFR2 mRNA and protein expression (FIG. 1B, FIG. 8D) compared
to either p190RhoGAP or TFII-I knockdown alone. These results
raised the intriguing possibility that an antagonist of TFII-I
activity might exist that also contributes to p190RhoGAP-dependent
control of VEGFR2 expression.
Example 3
GATA2 Upregulates VEGFR2
[0454] GATA2 is another transcription factor that binds the VEGFR2
promoter and regulates its activity.sup.23, 24. Because many GATA
family members antagonize the effects of other transcription
factors at promoter sites.sup.25-28, the inventors explored whether
GATA2 mediates p190RhoGAP-dependent control of VEGFR2 expression by
opposing TFII-I activity. When p190RhoGAP was knocked down, GATA2
levels in the nucleus increased dramatically (>10-fold) relative
to control cells even though total GATA2 levels remained the same,
as shown by immunoblotting (FIG. 8E) and fluorescence microscopy
(data not shown). p190RhoGAP also co-immunoprecipitated with GATA2
and vice versa (FIG. 8F). Importantly, this increase in nuclear
GATA2 was significantly higher than the 1.5-fold increase in
nuclear TFII-I produced using p190RhoGAP siRNA (FIG. 7A, 7B, 7C),
demonstrating that p190RhoGAP binds and sequesters GATA2 in the
cytoplasm more efficiently than TFII-I in capillary cells. GATA2
knockdown using siRNA decreased VEGFR2 promoter activity, as well
as levels of mRNA and protein (FIG. 9A, 9B) as previously
observed.sup.23, while GATA2 overexpression produced the opposite
effects. These effects of GATA2 siRNA on VEGFR2 promoter activity
and protein expression were specific as they were reversed by Gata2
reconstitution (FIG. 8C). Interestingly, p190RhoGAP knockdown
increased the expression of VEGFR2 mRNA and protein, and double
knockdown with GATA2 inhibited these effects (FIG. 1C, FIG. 9C).
Thus, GATA2 appears to upregulate VEGFR2 promoter activity and
mediate the effects of p190RhoGAP on VEGFR2 gene expression in
capillary cells. However, knockdown of p190RhoGAP, which releases
more GATA2 than TFII-I and increases VEGFR2 expression, did not
increase VEGFR2 promoter activity (FIG. 8D). This can be because
cellular TFII-I levels are 5 times higher than GATA2 levels (not
shown). The inventors also measured VEGFR2 promoter activity using
only a portion of its promoter, and hence, TFII-I and GATA2 also
can exert regulatory activities at other promoter sites;
alternatively, p190RhoGAP might elicit signals that influence mRNA
stability.
[0455] The inventors next asked whether GATA2 and TFII-I directly
antagonize each other. Simultaneous knockdown of TFII-I and GATA2
abrogated each other's effects on VEGFR2 promoter activity (FIG.
1D), mRNA production (FIG. 1D) and protein expression levels (FIG.
9E), and simultaneous overexpression of TFII-I and GATA2 produced
similar effects (FIG. 9D, 9E). These effects were specific for
VEGFR2 as knockdown of TFII-I or GATA2 did not alter expression of
VEGFR1 or VEGFR3 in HMVE cells (FIG. 10A). Importantly, although
p190RhoGAP is a Rho inhibitor, altering Rho activity with
constitutively active RhoA, membrane-permeable C3 exoenzyme or
siRNA directed to another Rho-inhibiting RhoGAP (p73RhoGAP).sup.29
did not change VEGFR2 mRNA or protein levels (Supplementary 10B,
10C). Thus, p190RhoGAP appears to control VEGFR2 expression solely
by its ability to sequester these transcription factors.
[0456] Analysis of this mechanism of functional cross-antagonism
revealed that GATA2 and TFII-I associate with each other, as GATA2
co-immunoprecipitated with TFII-I, and vice versa (FIG. 11A).
Furthermore, GATA2 even binds to TFII-I in p190RhoGAP knockdown
cells and to p190RhoGAP in TFII-I knockdown cells (FIG. 11B, 11C).
These results demonstrate that the various heterodimeric
combinations of TFII-I, GATA2, and p190RhoGAP exist in separate
pools, and that these heterodimers then associate to form a larger
ternary complex (FIG. 6).
[0457] Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis revealed that
TFII-I knockdown cells exhibited increased recruitment of GATA2 to
the GATA binding site (-150-+150) compared to control cells and
vice versa (FIG. 1F), whereas control IgG did not immunoprecipitate
these DNAs (FIG. 1F). p190RhoGAP knockdown decreased recruitment of
TFII-I, but not GATA2, to this promoter site, which resulted in a
relative net increase in GATA2 recruitment to this site (FIG. 11D).
TFII-I and GATA2 therefore compete with each other for occupancy of
a common region of the VEGFR2 promoter, which is controlled by
p190RhoGAP.
Example 4
Mechanical Control of VEGFR2
[0458] Soluble growth factors, integrin binding to ECM and
mechanical distortion of the cytoskeleton all regulate p190RhoGAP
activity in cells.sup.30. Cell binding to growth factors and
adhesive contact formation with ECM also control VEGFR2
expression.sup.31, 32, and soluble mitogens (5% serum plus VEGF,
bFGF and PDGF) increase nuclear translocation of TFII-I and GATA2
in HMVE cells (data not shown). The inventors next assessed whether
changes in mechanical interactions between cells and ECM regulate
this pathway as well. When HMVE cells were cultured in the absence
of mitogens on fibronectin-coated polyacrylamide gels with
different elasticity (Young's moduli of 150 to 4000 Pa), they
appeared round on the soft gels, while they flattened on the
stiffer gels, as previously observed.sup.33, 34, which is based on
differences in their ability to physically resist cell traction
forces.sup.8, 33, 34. Nuclear GATA2 levels were significantly
higher in cells on the stiffer gels, whereas nuclei exhibit similar
high levels of TFII-I regardless of ECM stiffness (data not shown),
and similar results were obtained in the presence of multiple
soluble factors or VEGF alone (data not shown). Moreover, VEGFR2
mRNA and protein levels were higher in cells on the stiffer (4000
Pa) gels (FIG. 12A and data not shown). Interestingly, this
relatively stiff, but still compliant, ECM gel appeared to support
optimal responsiveness of this signaling pathway as VEGFR2 mRNA and
protein levels were significantly lower in cells cultured on rigid
glass ECM substrates (FIG. 2A, FIG. 12B). This demonstrates that
ECM elasticity can regulate VEGFR2 expression preferentially via
GATA2, particularly over the stiffness range analyzed in this
study.
[0459] Further analysis revealed that TFII-I knockdown restored
VEGFR2 expression in cells on soft gels to levels similar to those
in cells on stiff gels, and double knockdown with GATA2 (which
decreases VEGFR2 expression) abrogated TFII-I's effects (FIG. 2B,
FIG. 12B and FIG. 12C). p190RhoGAP knockdown also increased
expression of VEGFR2 mRNA and protein, and double knockdown with
GATA2 inhibited these effects on soft gels (FIG. 2C, FIGS. 12B and
12C). These data demonstrate that p190RhoGAP and the mutually
antagonistic TFII-I and GATA2 transcription factors mediate the
effects of ECM elasticity on VEGFR2 expression in these cells,
which is preferentially shifted to GATA2 on stiffer gels.
Example 5
Transcriptional Control of Angiogenesis
[0460] The inventors next examined the functional relevance of this
antagonism between GATA2 and TFII-I by analyzing capillary cell
migration and differentiation (tube formation) in vitro. When HMVE
cells were transfected with TFII-I siRNA and analyzed using the
Transwell migration assay, VEGF-stimulated cell motility increased
by 2-fold, whereas this induction was prevented by knocking down
GATA2 simultaneously with TFII-I (FIG. 3A). The VEGFR2 kinase
inhibitor SU5416 totally inhibited the migration of these cells
(FIG. 3A), confirming that these effects are mediated by VEGFR2
signaling. Moreover, GATA2 overexpression increased VEGF-induced
cell migration by 3-fold, and simultaneous overexpression of GATA2
and TFII-I abolished these effects (FIG. 3A). These effects were
specific in that reconstitution of TFII-I or Gata2 reversed the
effects of knocking down TFII-I or GATA2, respectively (FIG. 13A).
Thus, the inventors herein demonstrate methods to promote
microvascular endothelial cell migration, endothelial cell
differentiation, capillary blood vessel growth and/or angiogenesis
by inhibiting p190RhoGAP and/or TFII-I and activating (e.g.
overexpressing) GATA-2.
[0461] The inventors then assessed capillary tube formation by HMVE
cells cultured within the ECM gel, Matrigel, which supports
angiogenesis in part because of its flexibility. Tube formation was
stimulated by VEGF in a dose-dependent manner, whereas bFGF and
PDGF were ineffective, and the effects of VEGF were inhibited by
SU5416 (FIG. 13B). GATA2 knockdown and TFII-I overexpression
suppressed VEGF-stimulated capillary development, and once again
either knocking down or overexpressing both transcription factors
simultaneously negated these effects (FIG. 3B, FIG. 13C). TFII-I
knockdown or GATA2 overexpression alone did not produce significant
effects on tube formation, apparently because it was already
optimally stimulated under these conditions (FIG. 3B); knockdown or
overexpression of p190RhoGAP also did not alter tube formation
(FIG. 13D, 13E, 13F). Thus, functional antagonism between GATA2 and
TFII-I at the level of VEGFR2 transcription translates into
biologically relevant changes in capillary cell behavior that are
required for formation of 3D capillary networks. Thus, the
inventors herein demonstrate methods to inhibit microvascular
endothelial cell migration, endothelial cell differentiation,
capillary blood vessel growth and/or angiogenesis by activating
(i.e. overexpressing) p190RhoGAP and/or TFII-I and inhibiting
GATA-2.
Example 6
Control of Angiogenesis In Vivo
[0462] The inventors next assessed whether ECM mechanics governs
vessel formation in vivo using a modified Matrigel implant assay.
Maximal levels of cell infiltration, capillary blood vessel
formation, and VEGFR2 expression were observed in Matrigel with
intermediate stiffness (800 Pa) compared to cells in more or less
rigid gels (900 or 700 Pa, respectively) (FIG. 4D, 14A and 14B, and
data not shown). VEGFR2, GATA2, and TFII-I all localized within
cells lining CD31-positive staining microvasculars (data not
shown). The finding that the optimal ECM stiffness required for
angiogenesis in vivo (800 Pa) was different than that observed in
vitro (4000 Pa) is likely due to different requirements by cells
when cultured on 2D ECM versus within a 3D ECM gel; it also can
relate to how the Matrigel is remodeled over time in vivo.
[0463] The inventors next performed siRNA-mediated gene knockdown
in the in vivo Matrigel assay. Interestingly, TFII-I knockdown
increased cell infiltration, capillary vessel formation and VEGFR2
expression by cells in the soft gels so that it mimicked the
behavior of cells on the intermediate stiffness gel, whereas Gata2
knockdown produced the opposite effects (FIG. 4B, 15A, 15B and data
not shown), and p190RhoGAP knockdown also increased the level of
vessel formation in the soft gels (FIG. 15C, 15D). These results
demonstrate that TFII-I, GATA2, and p190RhoGAP mediate the
signaling effects of ECM mechanics on vessel formation in vivo.
[0464] To unequivocally confirm the functional and clinical
relevance of regulatory interactions between TFII-I, GATA2, and
p190RhoGAP, the inventors modulated their expression in the
neonatal mouse retina because angiogenesis in this growing organ is
tightly regulated by VEGF and its receptors.sup.14, 35, 36. TFII-I,
GATA2, and VEGFR2 localized to the three layers of the retina where
blood vessels are located in postnatal day 15 mice (data not
shown). Consistent with in vitro data, knocking down TFII-I using
intravitreal injection of siRNA to p14 mice resulted in increased
Vegfr2 expression and the appearance of highly tortuous dilated
vessels and a significant increase in vascular density in the
retina, whereas Gata2 knockdown suppressed Vegfr2 expression,
disrupted capillary network formation and decreased vascular
density (FIG. 5A, FIG. 16A). Knockdown of p190RhoGAP also increased
Vegfr2 expression and vessel density, but it resulted in a slightly
different capillary growth pattern, perhaps in part because of its
known effects on vascular permeability.sup.37 (FIG. 5A and FIG.
16A). Similar effects were observed in earlier (P5) retina that
contain rapidly growing microvasculars (FIG. 17). Furthermore,
overexpression of TFII-I and GATA2 produced opposite effects on
vascular density in P14 retina, and simultaneous overexpression of
both factors abolished these effects, confirming our in vitro
findings (FIG. 5B and FIG. 16B). Knockdown of p190RhoGAP or TFII-I
did not significantly change Vegf expression levels in the retina,
whereas Gata2 knockdown increased (rather than decreased) its
expression (FIG. 16C). The decrease of Vegfr2 expression appears to
be sufficient to abrogate this Vegf response in Gata2 knockdown
retina, and thereby inhibit angiogenesis. Hence, the inventors have
demonstrated that p190RhoGAP controls Vegfr2 expression and
vascular development by modulating the balance between TFII-I and
GATA2 activities such that TFII-I activity dominates (and Vegfr2
expression is suppressed) in retina. As angiogenesis and capillary
elongation of about 1-2 mm in length requires capillary blood
vessel growth and endothelial cell migration, the inventors have
demonstrated methods to promote or increase endothelial cell
migration, differentiation, capillary blood vessel growth and/or
angiogenesis in an animal in vivo.
[0465] Transcription factors change their activities in a
spatiotemporal manner during development, and thereby specify cell
fate.sup.38, 39. Here the inventors demonstrate that p190RhoGAP,
which has been shown to be regulated by growth factors, ECM binding
and cytoskeletal distortion also controls VEGFR2 expression, as
well as angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo, by altering the balance
between two mutually antagonistic transcription factors: TFII-I and
GATA2 (FIG. 6). Moreover, the inventors demonstrate that p190RhoGAP
and this downstream transcriptional control mechanism are
controlled by mechanical signals conveyed by variations in ECM
elasticity. This mechanism is analogous to other developmental
mechanisms used by hematopoietic cells and mammary
epithelium.sup.38-40 28; however, this is the first demonstration
that transcriptional cross-antagonism can govern
histodifferentiation and tissue morphogenesis, and be sensitive to
mechanical as well as chemical cues.
[0466] The inventors herein have demonstrated that an appropriate
level of ECM stiffness can be required for optimal VEGFR2
expression and vascular development in vitro and in vivo. In fact,
the fates of different cell types are exquisitely sensitive to
distinct ECM elasticity values that often match those exhibited by
their host tissues.sup.41. Abrupt local changes in ECM mechanics
also accompany the switch between active growth and quiescent
differentiation of functional capillary networks in living
tissues.sup.42. Cell rounding suppressed p190RhoGAP activity within
1 to 2 hours by altering its binding to the cytoskeletal protein,
filamin.sup.16. A similar cytoskeleton-based effect could mediate
the effect of ECM elasticity on p190RhoGAP activity at later times,
and thereby control the TFII-I:GATA2 balance and VEGFR2
transcription. Since VEGFR2 is expressed in neurons as well as in
endothelial cells in retina, some of the effects of gene knockdown
the inventors observed can not be specific to capillary cells. But
even these alterations might be relevant for control of vascular
development because neuron-vessel interactions are dispensable for
normal microvasculature function and patterning.
[0467] In summary, the inventors have discovered a previously
unknown mechanosensitive signaling pathway that controls VEGFR2
promoter activity and expression, and which represents a point of
convergence for all three classes of microenvironmental signals
that regulate capillary morphogenesis. Development of specific
modifiers of this pathway could therefore lead to novel therapeutic
approaches for various angiogenesis-dependent diseases, including
proliferative retinopathy, arthritis, and cancer in the future.
[0468] Methods
[0469] Expression of TFII-I, GATA2, and VEGFR2 were evaluated by
qRT-PCR and immunoblotting. A luciferase reporter assay was used to
measure VEGFR2 promoter activity. To test the effects of TFII-I and
GATA2 on VEGFR2 expression and angiogenesis in vitro,
siRNA-mediated knockdown or lentiviral transduction was performed
in HMVE cells. in vitro analysis of angiogenesis was carried out
using Transwell migration and Matrigel tube formation assays, and
similar results were obtained using both native and growth
factor-reduced forms of Matrigel. A subcutaneous Matrigel
angiogenesis assay was used to analyze the effects of ECM mechanics
on capillary formation in vivo. Retinal vessel formation was also
studied in newborn C57BL/6 mice, and gene expression was
manipulated in whole living retina by intravitreal injection of
siRNA or DNA into the eye at P5 or P14.
[0470] Materials. Anti-GATA2 polyclonal antibody was from Abcam
(Cambridge, Mass.); anti-HA monoclonal antibody from Covance
(Princeton, N.J.); monoclonal antibodies against TFII-I,
p190RhoGAP, PECAM (CD31), and paxillin from Transduction laboratory
(Lexington, Ky.); anti-GAPDH antibody from Chemicon (Temecula,
Calif.); anti-lamin monoclonal antibody from Upstate (Lake Placid,
N.Y.); anti-VEGFR2 antibody from Cell Signaling (Danvers, Mass.);
and anti-myc antibody from Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz, Calif.). Protein
G-sepharose was from Amersham-Pharmacia (Uppsala, Sweden) and
SU5416 was from Calbiochem (SanDiego, Calif.). VEGF-A was from NIH;
bFGF and PDGF were from Roche (Basel, Switzerland) and Biovision
(Mountain View, Calif.) respectively. Cell permeable Rho inhibitor
(C3 exoenzyme) was from Cytoskeleton (Denver, Colo.). HMVE and HUVE
cells (Cambrex, Walkersville, Md.) were cultured in EBM2 medium
containing 5% FBS and growth factors (VEGF, bFGF, and PDGF) for all
experiments.sup.16 except the nuclear translocation assays in which
the inventors used EBM2 with 0.3% serum. Cells were plated on
plastic dishes for molecular biochemical assays, and on
fibronectin-coated glass coverslips for cell staining, except for
experiments using flexible substrates.
[0471] Plasmid Construction and Gene Knockdown.
[0472] pGL3-VEGFR2-225 (-225+268), -570 (-570+268), -780 (-780+268)
were constructed using the reverse transcription (RT)-PCR with
genomic DNA from HUVE cells, and subcloned into pGL3 vector
(Promega) at the SacI/XhoI sites. For pGL3-VEGFR2-780Inr-MUT, the
Inr (CACT to GTGC) was point mutated using the QuickChange
mutagenesis kit (Stratagene, La Jolla, Calif.). For lentivirus
construction, human myc-TFII-I (delta isoform), HA-GATA2, and
HA-p190RhoGAP were constructed by PCR using template plasmids from
Open Biosystems (Huntsville, Ala.) and H. Sabe (OBI, Osaka, Japan).
For retrovirus construction, mouse myc-TFII-I (gamma isoform) and
HA-Gata2 were constructed using template plasmids from Open
Biosystems and T. Nakano (Osaka University, Osaka, Japan),
respectively. To generate delta isoform of mouse TFII-I, 256-274
and 294-314aa were deleted from the gamma isoform. Construction of
constitutively active RhoA and generation of viral vectors were
previously described.sup.37. For gene knockdown, siRNA transfection
was performed as described.sup.16. siRNA sequences are shown in
Table 1.
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 1 siRNA sequences for human p190RhoGAP, human
TFII-I and GATA-2 Human TFII-I 5'AGUAUCAGUGGUUGAGAAG3' (SEQ. ID.
No. 10) Human GATA2 5'GAACCGGAAGAUGUCCAAC3' (SEQ. ID. No. 11)
Human/Mouse 5'GGAUUGUGUGGAAUGUAAG3' p190RhoGAP (SEQ. ID. No. 12)
Human 5'ACCGAGAGAGGAAACACAAUA3' p73RhoGAP (SEQ. ID. No. 13) Mouse
GATA2 5'GAAUCGGAAGAUGUCCAGCAA3' (SEQ. ID. No. 14) Mouse TFII-I
5'CAAUGAUCUCUAUGUGGA3' (SEQ. ID. No. 15)
[0473] Biochemical Methods.
[0474] For luciferase reporter assays, HUVE cells were transfected
using Superfect (QIAGEN) and assayed using Dual-Luciferase reporter
assay kit (Promega). Luciferase activity was measured in duplicate
using a luminometer (TD20/20, Turner Designs). Cytoplasmic and
nuclear cell extracts were prepared with a Nuclear Extraction Kit
(Chemicon).
[0475] Molecular Biological Methods.
[0476] Quantitative RT-PCR was performed with the Quantitect SYBR
Green RT-PCR kit (QIAGEN) using ABI7300 real-time PCR system
(Applied Biosystems, Foster City, Calif.); 2 microglobulin or
cyclophilin controlled for cDNA content. The primers used are shown
in Table 2. For ChIP assay, DNA from HMVE cells transfected with
control or TFII-I siRNA was immunoprecipitated with the GATA2
antibody or control immunoglobulin (Jackson Immuno Research), or
vice versa, according to the manufacturer instructions (Active
Motif). GATA2- and TFII-I-binding region was amplified using
primers, 5'-GTAAATGGGCTTGGGGAGCTG-3' (SEQ. ID. NO: 43) and
5'-GGCGGCTGCAGGGGCGTCT-3' (SEQ. ID. NO: 44).
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 2 primer sequences for human p190RhoGAP, human
TFII-I and GATA-2 Forward Reverse Reverse Human
5'-CACCACTCAAACGCTGA 5'-CCAACTGCCAATACCAG VEGFR2 CATGTA-3' TGGA-3'
(SEQ. ID. No. 16) (SEQ. ID. No. 17) Human 5'-AAAGAACTGGCCAAGTC
5'-AAGCACGTCCTCTTTCA TFII-I CAAAGCC-3' GTTCCGA-3' (SEQ. ID. No. 18)
(SEQ. ID. No. 19) Human 5'-GTCACTGACGGAGAGCA 5'-GCCTTCTGAACAGGAAC
GATA2 TGA-3' GAG-3' (SEQ. ID. No. 20) (SEQ. ID. No. 21) Human
5'-CTGTCATGCTAATGGTG 5'-TGCTGCTTCCTGGTCCT VEGFR1 TCCC-3' AAAATA-3'
(SEQ. ID. No. 22) (SEQ. ID. No. 23) Human 5'-CTCGGCTCACGCAGAAC
5'-GCTGCACAGATAGCGTC VEGFR3 TT-3' CC-3' (SEQ. ID. No. 24) (SEQ. ID.
No. 25) Human 5'-GGGCAACAGCAGCAGCA 5'-TCGCTCGGCATTTCGCA p73RhoGAP
ACCACA-3' TTTTTAT-3' (SEQ. ID. No. 26) (SEQ. ID. No. 27) Human
.beta.2 5'-GAATGGAGAGAGAATTG 5'CAATCCAAATGCGGCATC MICRO-
AAAAAGTGGAGCA-3' TTCAAAC-3' GLOBULIN (SEQ. ID. No. 28) (SEQ. ID.
No. 29) Mouse 5'-GCCCTGCCTGTGGTCTC 5'-CAAAGCATTGCCCATTC VEGFR2
ACTAC-3' GAT-3' (SEQ. ID. No. 30) (SEQ. ID. No. 31) Mouse
5'-AAAGAGCTGGCCAAGTC 5'AAGCACGCCCTCTTTCGG TFII-I CAAGGCT-3'
TTCCAA-3' (SEQ. ID. No. 32) (SEQ. ID. No. 33) Mouse
5'-CACGCCACCCAAAGAAG 5'-CCGCCTTCCATCTTCAT GATA2 TGT-3' GCT-3' (SEQ.
ID. No. 34) (SEQ. ID. No. 35) Mouse 5'-GCTCTGCTACCCCGTAG
5'GTTGGAGGAAAGCCACAC p190RhoGAP GA-3' AC-3' (SEQ. ID. No. 36) (SEQ.
ID. No. 37) Mouse 5'-GCACTGGACCCTGGCTT 5'GAACTTGATCACTTCATG VEGF
TACTGCTGTA-3' GGACTTCTGCTC-3' (SEQ. ID. No. 38) (SEQ. ID. No. 39)
Mouse 5'-CAGACGCCACTGTCGCT 5'-TGTCTTTGGAACTTTGT CYCLO- TT-3'
CTGCAA-3' PHILIN (SEQ. ID. No. 40) (SEQ. ID. No. 41)
[0477] Cell Analysis Methods.
[0478] Flexible polyacrylamide gel culture substrates were prepared
as described and coated with fibronectin (1 .mu.g/cm.sup.2).
Substrate flexibility was controlled by varying the acrylamide
(2-4%) and the bis-acrylamide (0.1-0.5%) concentration; the Young's
modulus (stiffness) was determined as described.sup.45. HMVE cells
were cultured for 6 hrs on the gels and immunostaining was
performed and analyzed using confocal Leica SP2 microscope.sup.15.
For cell migration assay, Transwell membranes (Coster, N.Y.) were
coated with 0.5% gelatin, and cells were seeded (10 cells/100
.mu.l) with 0.3% FBS/EBM2. Cells were stained with Giemsa solution
16 h later, and counted in 10 random fields (.times.400). For the
in vitro angiogenesis assay, HMVE cells (10.sup.4 cells/150.sub.--1
of EBM-2) were plated on Matrigel.TM. (BD biosciences), and
incubated for 12-16 hrs in the presence of VEGF (10 ng/ml); tube
formation was assessed in 10 random fields (4.times.).
[0479] In vivo Matrigel implantation assay. All animal studies were
reviewed and approved by the animal care and use committee of
Children's Hospital Boston. Matrigel plugs with different
elasticity were cast in 4.times.4 mm (ID.times.H)
polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) molds and incubated at 37.degree. C.
overnight before implanting them subcutaneously on the backs of
C57BL/6 mice. The stiffness of the Matrigel was modulated over a
narrow range (i.e., without making it rigid) by altering ECM
protein cross-linking using a microbial transglutaminase (2.5-20
U/g; Ajinomoto, Japan).sup.46. The storage modulus (G') of the gels
was measured with an AR-G2 rheometer (TA Instruments) using a
standard 20 mm aluminum parallel plate (1 Hz, 1% strain, 37.degree.
C.). The Young's modulus for an equivalent polyacrylamide gel was
calculated by E=2*G'(1+_) using an average Poisson's Ratio (_) of
0.5. After 7 days, the PDMS molds containing the gel plugs were
harvested, fixed, and cryosectioned. H&E staining and
immunostaining were performed as described.sup.15 47. Stacks of
optical sections (20 .mu.m thick) were compiled to form 3D images
using Velocity 4.4 (Improvision, PerkinElmer). Vessel formation was
evaluated by counting the number of vessels that stained positive
for fluorescein-conjugated ConA injected into the tail vein or
VEGFR2 in 5 different areas (n=6), individual cell nuclei were
identified by DAPI staining Cell recovery solution (BD Biosciences)
was used to collect cells from the recovered Matrigel plugs. In
some studies, siRNA (7_g) was mixed into the Matrigels and 10_g of
additional siRNA was injected into the implanted Matrigel after 3
days (n=6); the same amount of scrambled siRNA was used as a
control. Gene knockdown was evaluated by counting the number of
cells expressing each gene in the five different regions.
[0480] In Vivo Analysis for Retinal Vessel Formation.
[0481] For gene knockdown in living retina, siRNA (0.5 .mu.g) for
each gene was injected intravitreally into one eye of C57BL/6 mouse
at P5 or P14, and the same amount of control siRNA was injected to
the other eye. To overexpress genes, the complex of DNA (0.5 .mu.g)
for TFII-I and/or GATA2 and jetPEI transfection reagent (Polyplus
transfection, CA) was injected to the eye at P14. Vascular network
formation in the retina was assessed 2 days after injection using
flat-mounted, fluorescein-conjugated isolectin-staining and
immunohistochemical analysis (n=7). Retinal RNA was purified and
gene expression was quantified using qRT-PCR (n=7). Quantification
of vessel density was performed with Adobe Photoshop.
REFERENCES
[0482] The references cited herein and throughout the specification
and examples are herein incorporated by reference in their
entirety. [0483] 1. Ferrara, N., Gerber, H. P. & LeCouter, J.
The biology of VEGF and its receptors. Nat Med 9, 669-76 (2003).
[0484] 2. Ferrara, N., Mass, R. D., Campa, C. & Kim, R.
Targeting VEGF-A to treat cancer and age-related macular
degeneration. Annu Rev Med 58, 491-504 (2007). [0485] 3. Ingber, D.
E. & Folkman, J. Mechanochemical switching between growth and
differentiation during fibroblast growth factor-stimulated
angiogenesis in vitro: role of extracellular matrix. J Cell Biol
109, 317-30 (1989). [0486] 4. Chen, C. S., Mrksich, M., Huang, S.,
Whitesides, G. M. & Ingber, D. E. Geometric control of cell
life and death. Science 276, 1425-8 (1997). [0487] 5. Dike, L. E.
et al. Geometric control of switching between growth, apoptosis,
and differentiation during angiogenesis using micropatterned
substrates. in vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 35, 441-8 (1999). [0488] 6.
Parker, K. K. et al. Directional control of lamellipodia extension
by constraining cell shape and orienting cell tractional forces.
Faseb J 16, 1195-204 (2002). [0489] 7. Matthews, B. D., Overby, D.
R., Mannix, R. & Ingber, D. E. Cellular adaptation to
mechanical stress: role of integrins, Rho, cytoskeletal tension and
mechanosensitive ion channels. J Cell Sci 119, 508-18 (2006).
[0490] 8. Kumar, S. et al. Viscoelastic refraction of single living
stress fibers and its impact on cell shape, cytoskeletal
organization, and extracellular matrix mechanics. Biophys J 90,
3762-73 (2006). [0491] 9. Moore, K. A. et al. Control of basement
membrane remodeling and epithelial branching morphogenesis in
embryonic lung by Rho and cytoskeletal tension. Dev Dyn 232, 268-81
(2005). [0492] 10. Huang, S. & Ingber, D. E. The structural and
mechanical complexity of cell-growth control. Nat Cell Biol 1,
E131-8 (1999). [0493] 11. Folkman, J. & Moscona, A. Role of
cell shape in growth control. Nature 273, 345-9 (1978). [0494] 12.
Folkman, J. & Kalluri, R. Cancer without disease. Nature 427,
787 (2004). [0495] 13. Matsumoto, T. & Claesson-Welsh, L. VEGF
receptor signal transduction. Sci STKE 2001, RE21 (2001). [0496]
14. Wong, C. G., Rich, K. A., Liaw, L. H., Hsu, H. T. & Berns,
M. W. Intravitreal VEGF and bFGF produce florid retinal
neovascularization and hemorrhage in the rabbit. Curr Eye Res 22,
140-7 (2001). [0497] 15. Mammoto, A., Huang, S., Moore, K., Oh, P.
& Ingber, D. E. Role of RhoA, mDia, and ROCK in cell
shape-dependent control of the Skp2-p27kip1 pathway and the G1/S
transition. J Biol Chem 279, 26323-30 (2004). [0498] 16. Mammoto,
A., Huang, S. & Ingber, D. E. Filamin links cell shape and
cytoskeletal structure to Rho regulation by controlling
accumulation of p190RhoGAP in lipid rafts. J Cell Sci 120, 456-67
(2007). [0499] 17. Jiang, W. et al. An FF domain-dependent protein
interaction mediates a signaling pathway for growth factor-induced
gene expression. Mol Cell 17, 23-35 (2005). [0500] 18. Jackson, T.
A., Taylor, H. E., Sharma, D., Desiderio, S. & Danoff, S. K.
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2: counter-regulation
by the transcription factors, TFII-I and TFII-IRD1. J Biol Chem
280, 29856-63 (2005). [0501] 19. Roy, A. L. Biochemistry and
biology of the inducible multifunctional transcription factor
TFII-I. Gene 274, 1-13 (2001). [0502] 20. Francke, U.
Williams-Beuren syndrome: genes and mechanisms. Hum Mol Genet 8,
1947-54 (1999). [0503] 21. Roy, A. L. Signal-induced functions of
the transcription factor TFII-I. Biochim Biophys Acta 1769, 613-21
(2007). [0504] 22. Patterson, C. et al. Cloning and functional
analysis of the promoter for KDR/flk-1, a receptor for vascular
endothelial growth factor. J Biol Chem 270, 23111-8 (1995). [0505]
23. Minami, T., Rosenberg, R. D. & Aird, W. C. Transforming
growth factor-beta 1-mediated inhibition of the flk-1/KDR gene is
mediated by a 5'-untranslated region palindromic GATA site. J Biol
Chem 276, 5395-402 (2001). [0506] 24. Minami, T. et al. Interaction
between hex and GATA transcription factors in vascular endothelial
cells inhibits flk-1/KDR-mediated vascular endothelial growth
factor signaling. J Biol Chem 279, 20626-35 (2004). [0507] 25.
Cantor, A. B. & Orkin, S. H. Hematopoietic development: a
balancing act. Curr Opin Genet Dev 11, 513-9 (2001). [0508] 26.
Grogan, J. L. & Locksley, R. M. T helper cell differentiation:
on again, off again. Curr Opin Immunol 14, 366-72 (2002). [0509]
27. Pai, S. Y., Truitt, M. L. & Ho, I. C. GATA-3 deficiency
abrogates the development and maintenance of T helper type 2 cells.
Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 101, 1993-8 (2004). [0510] 28. Kouros-Mehr,
H., Slorach, E. M., Sternlicht, M. D. & Werb, Z. GATA-3
maintains the differentiation of the luminal cell fate in the
mammary gland. Cell 127, 1041-55 (2006). [0511] 29. Su, Z. J. et
al. A vascular cell-restricted RhoGAP, p73RhoGAP, is a key
regulator of angiogenesis. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 101, 12212-7
(2004). [0512] 30. Arthur, W. T., Petch, L. A. & Burridge, K.
Integrin engagement suppresses RhoA activity via a c-Src-dependent
mechanism. Curr Biol 10, 719-22 (2000). [0513] 31. Robinson, C. J.
& Stringer, S. E. The splice variants of vascular endothelial
growth factor (VEGF) and their receptors. J Cell Sci 114, 853-65
(2001). [0514] 32. Sheibani, N. & Frazier, W. A.
Down-regulation of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1
results in thrombospondin-1 expression and concerted regulation of
endothelial cell phenotype. Mol Biol Cell 9, 701-13 (1998). [0515]
33. Numaguchi, Y. et al. Caldesmon-dependent switching between
capillary endothelial cell growth and apoptosis through modulation
of cell shape and contractility. Angiogenesis 6, 55-64 (2003).
[0516] 34. Polte, T. R., Eichler, G. S., Wang, N. & Ingber, D.
E. Extracellular matrix controls myosin light chain phosphorylation
and cell contractility through modulation of cell shape and
cytoskeletal prestress. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 286, C518-28
(2004). [0517] 35. Pierce, E. A., Avery, R. L., Foley, E. D.,
Aiello, L. P. & Smith, L. E. Vascular endothelial growth
factor/vascular permeability factor expression in a mouse model of
retinal neovascularization. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 92, 905-9
(1995). [0518] 36. Stalmans, I. et al. Arteriolar and venular
patterning in retinas of mice selectively expressing VEGF isoforms.
J Clin Invest 109, 327-36 (2002). [0519] 37. Mammoto, T. et al.
Angiopoietin-1 requires p190RhoGAP to protect against vascular
leakage in vivo. J Biol Chem (2007). [0520] 38. Singh, H., Medina,
K. L. & Pongubala, J. M. Contingent gene regulatory networks
and B cell fate specification. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 102, 4949-53
(2005). [0521] 39. Swiers, G., Patient, R. & Loose, M. Genetic
regulatory networks programming hematopoietic stem cells and
erythroid lineage specification. Dev Biol 294, 525-40 (2006).
[0522] 40. Gottgens, B. et al. Establishing the transcriptional
programme for blood: the SCL stem cell enhancer is regulated by a
multiprotein complex containing Ets and GATA factors. Embo J 21,
3039-50 (2002). [0523] 41. Engler, A. J., Sen, S., Sweeney, H. L.
& Discher, D. E. Matrix elasticity directs stem cell lineage
specification. Cell 126, 677-89 (2006). [0524] 42. Clark, E. R.
& Clark, E. L. Microscopic observations on the growth of blood
capillaries in the living mammal. Am. J. Anat. 64, 251-301 (1938).
[0525] 43. Carmeliet, P. & Tessier-Lavigne, M. Common
mechanisms of nerve and blood vessel wiring. Nature 436, 193-200
(2005). [0526] 44. Pelham, R. J., Jr. & Wang, Y. Cell
locomotion and focal adhesions are regulated by substrate
flexibility. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 94, 13661-5 (1997). [0527] 45.
Wang, N. et al. Cell prestress. I. Stiffness and prestress are
closely associated in adherent contractile cells. Am J Physiol Cell
Physiol 282, C606-16 (2002). [0528] 46. Yung, C. W. et al.
Transglutaminase crosslinked gelatin as a tissue engineering
scaffold. J Biomed Mater Res A 83, 1039-46 (2007). [0529] 47.
Connor, K. M. et al. Increased dietary intake of
omega-3-polyunsaturated fatty acids reduces pathological retinal
angiogenesis. Nat Med 13, 868-73 (2007).
Sequence CWU 1
1
601835PRTHomo sapiens 1Met Asp Ala Thr Ser His Ile Asp Asn Met Glu
Asn Glu Arg Ile Pro 1 5 10 15 Phe Asp Leu Met Asp Thr Val Pro Ala
Glu Ala Leu Tyr Glu Ala His 20 25 30 Leu Glu Lys Leu Arg Asn Glu
Arg Lys Arg Val Glu Met Arg Arg Ala 35 40 45 Phe Lys Glu Asn Leu
Glu Thr Ser Pro Phe Ile Thr Pro Gly Lys Pro 50 55 60 Trp Glu Glu
Ala Arg Ser Phe Ile Met Asn Glu Asp Phe Tyr Gln Trp 65 70 75 80 Leu
Glu Glu Ser Val Tyr Thr Asp Ile Tyr Gly Lys His Gln Lys Gln 85 90
95 Ile Ile Asp Lys Ala Lys Glu Glu Phe Gln Glu Leu Leu Leu Glu Tyr
100 105 110 Ser Glu Leu Phe Tyr Glu Leu Glu Leu Asp Ala Lys Pro Ser
Lys Glu 115 120 125 Lys Met Gly Val Ile Gln Asp Val Leu Gly Glu Glu
Gln Arg Phe Lys 130 135 140 Ala Ile Tyr Lys Ser Ser Lys Gln Ser Val
Asp Ala Leu Ile Leu Lys 145 150 155 160 His Ile His Phe Val Tyr His
Pro Thr Lys Glu Thr Cys Pro Ser Cys 165 170 175 Pro Ala Cys Val Asp
Ala Lys Ile Glu His Leu Ile Ser Ser Arg Phe 180 185 190 Ile Arg Pro
Ser Asp Arg Asn Gln Lys Asn Ser Leu Ser Asp Pro Asn 195 200 205 Ile
Asp Arg Ile Asn Leu Val Ile Leu Gly Lys Asp Ala Leu Pro Glu 210 215
220 Ser Trp Pro Met Glu Ile Arg Ala Leu Cys Thr Asn Asp Asp Lys Tyr
225 230 235 240 Val Ile Asp Gly Lys Met Tyr Glu Leu Ser Leu Arg Pro
Ile Glu Gly 245 250 255 Asn Val Arg Leu Pro Val Asn Ser Phe Gln Thr
Pro Thr Phe Gln Pro 260 265 270 His Gly Cys Leu Cys Leu Tyr Asn Ser
Lys Glu Ser Leu Ser Tyr Val 275 280 285 Val Glu Ser Ile Glu Lys Ser
Arg Glu Ser Thr Leu Gly Arg Arg Asp 290 295 300 Asn His Leu Val His
Leu Pro Leu Thr Leu Ile Leu Val Asn Lys Arg 305 310 315 320 Gly Asp
Thr Ser Gly Glu Thr Leu His Ser Leu Ile Gln Gln Gly Gln 325 330 335
Gln Ile Ala Ser Lys Leu Gln Cys Val Phe Leu Asp Pro Ala Ser Ala 340
345 350 Gly Ile Gly Tyr Gly Arg Asn Ile Asn Glu Lys Gln Ile Ser Gln
Val 355 360 365 Leu Lys Gly Leu Leu Asp Ser Lys Arg Asn Leu Asn Leu
Val Ser Ser 370 375 380 Thr Ala Ser Ile Lys Asp Leu Ala Asp Val Asp
Leu Arg Ile Val Met 385 390 395 400 Cys Leu Met Cys Gly Asp Pro Phe
Ser Ala Asp Asp Ile Leu Phe Pro 405 410 415 Val Leu Gln Ser Gln Thr
Cys Lys Ser Ser His Cys Gly Ser Asn Asn 420 425 430 Ser Val Leu Leu
Glu Leu Pro Ile Gly Leu His Lys Lys Arg Ile Glu 435 440 445 Leu Ser
Val Leu Ser Tyr His Ser Ser Phe Ser Ile Arg Lys Ser Arg 450 455 460
Leu Val His Gly Tyr Ile Val Phe Tyr Ser Ala Lys Arg Lys Ala Ser 465
470 475 480 Leu Ala Met Leu Arg Ala Phe Leu Cys Glu Val Gln Asp Ile
Ile Pro 485 490 495 Ile Gln Leu Val Ala Leu Thr Asp Gly Ala Val Asp
Val Leu Asp Asn 500 505 510 Asp Leu Ser Arg Glu Gln Leu Thr Glu Gly
Glu Glu Ile Ala Gln Glu 515 520 525 Ile Asp Gly Arg Phe Thr Ser Ile
Pro Cys Ser Gln Pro Gln His Lys 530 535 540 Leu Glu Ile Phe His Pro
Phe Phe Lys Asp Val Val Glu Lys Lys Asn 545 550 555 560 Ile Ile Glu
Ala Thr His Met Tyr Asp Asn Ala Ala Glu Ala Cys Ser 565 570 575 Thr
Thr Glu Glu Val Phe Asn Ser Pro Arg Ala Gly Ser Pro Leu Cys 580 585
590 Asn Ser Asn Leu Gln Asp Ser Glu Glu Asp Ile Glu Pro Ser Tyr Ser
595 600 605 Leu Phe Arg Glu Asp Thr Ser Leu Pro Ser Leu Ser Lys Asp
His Ser 610 615 620 Lys Leu Ser Met Glu Leu Glu Gly Asn Asp Gly Leu
Ser Phe Ile Met 625 630 635 640 Ser Asn Phe Glu Ser Lys Leu Asn Asn
Lys Val Pro Pro Pro Val Lys 645 650 655 Pro Lys Pro Pro Val His Phe
Glu Ile Thr Lys Gly Asp Leu Ser Tyr 660 665 670 Leu Asp Gln Gly His
Arg Asp Gly Gln Arg Lys Ser Val Ser Ser Ser 675 680 685 Pro Trp Leu
Pro Gln Asp Gly Phe Asp Pro Ser Asp Tyr Ala Glu Pro 690 695 700 Met
Asp Ala Val Val Lys Pro Arg Asn Glu Glu Glu Asn Ile Tyr Ser 705 710
715 720 Val Pro His Asp Ser Thr Gln Gly Lys Ile Ile Thr Ile Arg Asn
Ile 725 730 735 Asn Lys Ala Gln Ser Asn Gly Ser Gly Asn Gly Ser Asp
Ser Glu Met 740 745 750 Asp Thr Ser Ser Leu Glu Arg Gly Arg Lys Val
Ser Ile Val Ser Lys 755 760 765 Pro Val Leu Tyr Arg Thr Arg Cys Thr
Arg Leu Gly Gly Leu Leu Val 770 775 780 Thr Gly Pro Ala Ser Ala Trp
Gly Val Met Met Ser Trp Gly Pro Ser 785 790 795 800 Gly Arg Lys Arg
Arg Ile Arg His Pro Arg Val Ile Lys Gly Thr Met 805 810 815 Leu Ser
Phe His Thr Lys Gln Thr Lys Thr Arg Gly Gly Gly Ile Phe 820 825 830
Phe Ala Ala 835 28904DNAHomo sapiens 2atgatgatgg caagaaagca
agatgtccga attcccacct acaacatcag tgtggtggga 60ttatctggga ccgagaagga
aaagggccag tgtgggattg gaaagtcttg tttgtgcaac 120cgcttcgtgc
gcccgagtgc tgacgagttt cacttggacc atacctccgt cctcagcacc
180agtgactttg gagggcgagt ggtcaataat gaccactttc tctactgggg
agaagttagc 240cgctccctgg aggattgtgt ggaatgtaag atgcacattg
tggagcagac tgaatttatt 300gatgatcaga cttttcaacc tcatcgaagc
acggccctgc agccctatat caagagagct 360gctgcgacca agcttgcatc
agctgaaaaa ctcatgtact tttgcactga ccagctgggg 420ctggagcagg
actttgagca gaaacaaatg ccagacggaa agctgctggt tgatggtttt
480cttcttggta ttgatgttag caggggcatg aataggaact ttgatgacca
gctcaagttt 540gtctccaatc tctacaatca gcttgcaaaa acaaaaaagc
ccatagtggt ggtcctgact 600aagtgtgacg aaggtgttga gcggtacatt
agagatgcac atacttttgc cttaagcaaa 660aagaacctcc aggttgtgga
gacctcagcg agatccaatg taaacgtgga cttggctttc 720agcaccttag
tgcaactcat tgataaaagt cggggaaaga caaaaatcat tccttatttt
780gaagctctca agcagcagag tcagcagata gctacagcaa aagacaagta
tgagtggctg 840gtgagtcgca ttgtgaaaaa ccacaatgag aactggctga
gtgtcagccg aaagatgcag 900gcctctccag aataccagga ctatgtctac
ctggaaggga ctcagaaagc caagaagctg 960tttctacagc acatccaccg
cctcaagcat gagcatatcg agcgtaggag aaagctgtac 1020ctggcagccc
tgccattagc ttttgaagct cttataccta atctagatga aatagaccac
1080ctaagctgca taaaagccaa aaagctctta gaaaccaagc cagaattctt
gaagtggttt 1140gttgtgcttg aagagacccc atgggatgcc accagtcaca
ttgacaacat ggaaaacgaa 1200cggattccct ttgatttaat ggataccgtc
cctgcagagc agctatacga ggcccactta 1260gagaagctga ggaacgaaag
gaaaagagtt gagatgcgaa gggcgtttaa agaaaacctg 1320gagacttctc
ctttcataac tcccggaaag ccttgggaag aggcccgtag ttttattatg
1380aatgaggatt tctaccagtg gctggaggaa tctgtataca tggatattta
tggcaaacac 1440caaaagcaaa ttatagataa agcaaaggaa gaatttcagg
agttgctttt ggaatattca 1500gaattgtttt atgaactgga gctggatgct
aagcccagca aggagaagat gggtgttatt 1560caggatgttc tgggagagga
acagcgattt aaagcattac aaaagctcca agcagagcgt 1620gatgccctta
ttctgaaaca cattcatttt gtgtaccacc caacaaagga gacatgcccc
1680agctgcccag cttgtgtgga cgctaagatt gagcacttga ttagttctcg
gtttatccgg 1740ccgtctgacc ggaatcagaa aaattcactc tctgacccta
acattgatag aatcaacttg 1800gttatattgg gcaaagacgg ccttgcccga
gagttggcca atgagattcg agctctttgt 1860acaaatgatg acaagtatgt
gatagatggt aaaatgtatg agctttccct gaggccaata 1920gaggggaatg
tcaggcttcc tgtgaactct ttccagacgc caacatttca gccccacggc
1980tgtctctgcc tttacaattc aaaggaatcg ctatcctatg tagtggaaag
tatagagaag 2040agtagagagt ccacgctggg ccggcgggat aatcatttag
tccatctccc ccttacatta 2100attttggtta acaagagagg agacaccagt
ggagagactc tgcatagctt aatacagcaa 2160ggtcaacaaa ttgctagcaa
acttcagtgt gtctttctcg accctgcttc tgctggcatt 2220ggttacggac
gcaacattaa tgaaaagcaa atcagtcaag ttttgaaggg actcctggac
2280tctaagcgta acttaaacct ggtcagttct actgctagca tcaaagattt
ggctgatgtt 2340gatctgcgaa ttgttatgtg tctgatgtgt ggagatcctt
ttagtgcaga tgacatactt 2400tttcctgtcc ttcagtccca aacctgtaaa
tcttcccatt gtggaagcaa caactctgtt 2460ttacttgaac taccaatcgg
actgcacaag aagcggattg aactgtctgt tctttcatac 2520cattcctcct
ttagcatcag aaagagccgg ttggttcatg ggtacattgt tttttattca
2580gccaaacgta aggcctcttt ggctatgtta cgtgcctttc tttgtgaagt
gcaggatatt 2640atccctattc agcttgtagc actcactgat ggcgctgtag
atgtcctgga caatgactta 2700agtagggaac agctaactga gggggaggag
attgctcaag aaattgacgg aaggttcaca 2760agcatcccct gtagccaacc
ccagcataaa cttgagatct ttcacccatt ttttaaagat 2820gtggtggaaa
aaaagaacat aatcgaggct actcatatgt acgataatgc tgccgaggcc
2880tgtagcacca ccgaagaggt gtttaactcc ccccgggcag gatcaccgct
ctgcaactca 2940aacctgcagg attcagaaga agatatcgag ccatcttaca
gcctgtttcg agaagacaca 3000tcactgcctt ctctgtccaa agaccattct
aagctctcta tggaactgga gggaaatgat 3060gggctgtctt tcattatgag
caattttgag agtaaactga acaacaaagt acctccgcca 3120gtcaaaccaa
agcctcctgt ccattttgaa attacaaagg gggatctatc ttatttagac
3180caaggccata gggatggaca gaggaagtct gtgtcttcta gcccctggct
gcctcaggat 3240gggtttgatc cttctgacta tgctgaaccc atggatgctg
tggtgaagcc aaggaatgaa 3300gaagaaaaca tatactccgt gccccatgac
agcacccaag gcaaaatcat caccattcgg 3360aatatcaaca aagcccagtc
caacggcagc gggaatggtt ctgacagtga aatggacacc 3420agctctctag
agcgagggcg caaggtttcc atcgtgagca agccagtgct gtacaggacg
3480agatgcaccc ggctggggcg gtttgctagt taccggacca gcttcagcgt
ggggagtgat 3540gatgagctgg ggcccatccg gaagaaagag gaggatcagg
catcccaggg ttataaaggg 3600gacaatgctg tcattccata cgaaacagac
gaagacccgc ggaggaggaa tattcttcgc 3660agcctaagga ggaacactaa
gaaaccaaag cccaaacccc ggccatccat cacaaaggca 3720acctgggaga
gtaactattt tggggtgccc ttaacaactg tcgtgactcc agagaagccg
3780atccccattt ttattgaaag atgtattgag tacattgaag ccacaggact
gagcacggaa 3840ggcatctacc gggtcagcgg gaacaagtct gagatggaga
gtctgcagag acagtttgat 3900caagaccaca acctggacct ggcagagaaa
gactttacgg tgaataccgt ggctggtgcc 3960atgaagagct ttttctcaga
actgcctgac cccctggtcc cgtataacat gcagatcgac 4020ttggtggaag
cacacaaaat caacgaccgg gagcagaagt tgcatgccct taaggaggta
4080ttaaagaaat ttccaaagga aaaccacgaa gtcttcaagt atgtcatctc
tcacctaaac 4140aaggtcagcc acaacaacaa ggtgaatctc atgaccagcg
agaacctctc catctgcttc 4200tggcccacct tgatgagacc tgatttcagc
actatggacg ccctcacagc cacgcgcacc 4260taccagacaa tcattgaact
ctttatccag cagtgcccct tcttcttcta caatcggccc 4320atcaccgagc
cccccggcgc caggcccagc tccccctctg ccgtggcttc caccgtcccc
4380ttcctcactt ccacgcctgt cacaagtcag ccgtcgcccc cacagtcgcc
tccacccacc 4440ccccagtccc caatgcagcc actgcttccc tcccagcttc
aagccgaaca cacgctgtga 4500gccaccaaga cctggggcga caggagaacc
ggtcctctct ctgacggggt ggcatttggc 4560cttgaacaaa accaagtcca
ctggggacag aggcaggggc aagtggctct ccccattacc 4620ttctcaagac
ctcagtggga gcaccagcca atggtaccat cggctgggct gccaggtacc
4680ctgggcctgg cgctgcagac ctgagctggc ttggacccat ttgaggactg
aactaggcag 4740gcaatggctc cagtgccctc cctctgttcc ctggaccacc
accccacgta gctgctcaca 4800ccagcctccg ggtgcctccc tctgcttgta
cagagcccat ggtcgggaca gtgccctggc 4860ctttgccggg gaggaggatg
ctctgagatt cagggtgggg ctggcaaccc ctgaagagaa 4920cacttcctgt
tggtctgtct cttcccacct tccatctgca cacaccccca aggtaagggt
4980acagcccggc tggcggcctc cttgggaacg tgtaggccac ggctctgcca
ccactaggta 5040cctgctgagg gcgctggctc tgcagatcag aacaacggag
gatagctttg tgcctggacc 5100cagagagtgt gggactcccc gcttcatccc
caccgtccca ctccacagcc ttcccgaaac 5160attccctggc aaacaaagga
acactaggag aaaaaatgga aaaacccttc cagtaattaa 5220aaaggaagaa
accacagaaa gaaaactaca gacctcaaga ttccactctg tgcccgcctc
5280tgccgggagg gagggaggca cacaggtgga gctgaccctc gtctttgtgg
cagcaaaacc 5340aggatgcctg gagctgtggc ctgagggcct gctggggtcc
cactcaccca cttaggtcta 5400gtcgctagat cccccgtttt cccaagaaga
gggttcgagc ccttggtggg gacagctggg 5460gagatggcag tgcaggctgg
aacctgggct gccccagaac acagtccatt acgatagaaa 5520cactaattga
gcatgtgcgt ggggtggggg tgtgtgtgca catgtgagtg tgagtgtgtg
5580tgggcgcttg gtggggggtt ggggacagct ggaaggtgcc aggtgcactt
ggggttgggg 5640ttggtgtgtt gggtgttgaa gtggaatcgt ttcatcccag
ccatggaggc caccagcagg 5700agtgttcatg gggatgtggg cgaggtgggg
cactttgaag gaatggcggt ctgctggtgc 5760cctcgaaggg gcatccttcc
tggtcttcgc tgacccagag gcgctgtgcc tgcatatcat 5820ccaccaccac
cctagcccag ccttcccact gccccaggaa aagctcttct cctggccacc
5880tctgcccccc agcacctcaa acttgcatgg ctgggctgtg gcctctgcgg
ccaggaagcc 5940tgacactagg caccccccag gcgagagcta gtggggtgca
gagggcccca tgccagacag 6000cccttggggc tcgttgcact ttaagaaata
ggatctgtgg tgtattccag ggggcctgat 6060ggacaccttt cccgggcgtc
tgcagctgcc ctgcccgtgc ccgcctgcag tggttggaga 6120cgggagtggc
ccttcggctc ccgagctccc tctggggacg gctggctcac tgtctccagt
6180tctcaatggc caacgaaggt gcttggaaac acctaacctt gcaagtttta
ccgccttttg 6240aggaacacaa atcggagaac aaacccaggg ttcaggcgtg
ttttctgtga atgttggatg 6300atgaattttt gtctcttctg gtggagctgt
gcctggccct gtaggcccag ggttggctgg 6360aaggtgacat ctgtgtttcg
ttttagctga ggttggcaga aacgttccca aactccccca 6420gccctggacc
ccagcagatg aggaaacggc cccatttact gaccccgccc ccttttcgag
6480gttatgctca cctggtcagc tcctcacgta attgggggtg gagggaaagc
atggtggtgc 6540cctgggccgt ccctgtgtga acgcaggcaa aagcagccca
gtccccctca ctgcttgagc 6600taacactgcc acctcttttg tgtgagcaca
aaagccacgt cccaagccac ctggcccgat 6660tccacagatg tatgtgcggc
cagtgacttc cccaggagtg tggagggggt ggtgaggagg 6720agcacctggg
ctctctaccc ctctcctcac agaagtacct gaaactaggt ctggggcact
6780cccaatgcag cgccttgtca gccaaggtgg gcaggcaggg actgtggcag
cttatgtcca 6840aagggagccc ccatgcacag gaagccacag ggttcctctt
gtttcccccg ctaacttcag 6900cctctcatct gctgctccgg gctgagggac
tagaggacat ctcggtcgtt tgaggggcat 6960ggccagtcgt ggcaggccgg
ccttcagcgt ccggtcaggg aagcgtgcag cccaaatggg 7020cacttgcatg
ggagccacag aggagcgtcc ctggggattg ttgggaccat gctgccccca
7080ctcccgcttt tgttggggct ctaagttctg gaaggtgtgt gcacagaggg
tgctcatggg 7140actcgcatgc agctctcagc actgggtggg agggcgttgg
cttgtccaga atggggacgt 7200ggggcagcca cccctgccca gcgagagcgc
agacaccgtg tgaggggaca gcagcccttg 7260gtgcaaagcc agagactgat
cctggctctg acggctgaag agggaagacc caaggctggg 7320tggcgtggct
cgtgaatcca cttagaattc ttggcttgtg tcgcatactg ggtgtcacgg
7380cacacattta ctctgcattg tccccgtctt tcccatcgcc tagcgtttgg
ggaggaacag 7440ggagagagct tcggggcgtc tgtctccgtg ctctcctgcc
tccaccgcct tggttttgct 7500tcctgctgga ggcagggcac ctgctgcgac
ccagattctt ctgcaggatg tgtctgtctt 7560tgtcacggtg gacagagggt
gacatcatag gagcagctcg ctggccagaa ggggatgggg 7620gcatccctgt
gcctcactca gctcctgctg ctcttaggga aaggaggcct gggtcaagcc
7680agcatcccct tggtaaagac ccccgcaggc caccaggcat tctggacacg
cacacacaca 7740cacacacaca cacacacaca caaaacttca cagcaggcca
gctgcagtga cttgtcatca 7800agagtcacct cagctgcgcc cccctcccat
cctttcctat gagaagccac tgctttgggg 7860gcgccggcta gaaaaagtag
ggtgcggtgg ccaggagggc ccctgccgcg cggggggctg 7920ggtctggttg
agtcgctgct ttcccgaggg cagcgcaggg atccggggaa gctgcggcag
7980ggagcgggcg ccggcttcgt ggctctgagg tgtaacgggg gtgggctccc
tccctcggag 8040gacatcgtct gtgtccaggt cagaaagtgg cccaggaagg
gggcagtttc tgtcgcgggt 8100ccggtggggg cgcggccgcg gtgcggtcgg
tgcagcgtgg ccaatgcgcg gcgcgcgcgg 8160gggacagagc aggaggcggt
ctgtcacctc ggccactgct gacctgggct ggcctccccc 8220agccctcccg
tggcggagcc ggcagcgatg ctacaggcct aagttattgt ttgcataaaa
8280agaatcatgt tccctgtgta catttaagaa aaaaacaaaa aaacggaaat
gtcagaattg 8340tatggaaata aaacttgttt gaaaatttgg aatagtgctg
ctgccagctt atttttctgg 8400tacttgtatt ttcacatgtt aaatgatctt
tatatatgtt gaattaacaa atattttgag 8460tttctgagaa aaaacaaaac
atattaatgg tattgaaatg tgttagtagt ctggctgtgt 8520gcccaaaatt
ctgtttcgca gcaaaagtga agacctgtat gtaaagaaag tataacaatt
8580atttctttgt attttagggg ctttaaccgg aacatcgtct agctggtgtt
aggaatgttt 8640gcttaatttc cagacttttt tttaaaaaca catcgtgggt
tttttgaggc tccaacctga 8700ttagtgcatg gtcagccctc aatgaaggct
gaggcatctc tgactgaggt gtttttgttt 8760ggttttgttt tttaaaatca
tgtatttgct acaaagtatt gtacttgtct caatgggaat 8820ggtgtaaaaa
acaaaaggcc ttatgtgatc tgtatcatag ttaataaatg aatcttgtaa
8880aaaaccaaaa aaaaaaaaaa aaaa 890433233DNAHomo sapiens 3cttgaagtgg
tttgttgtgc ttgaagagac cccatggatg ccaccagtca cattgacaac 60atggaaaacg
aacggattcc ctttgattta atggataccg tccctgcaga ggcactatac
120gaggcccact tagagaagct gaggaacgaa aggaaaagag ttgagatgcg
aagggcgttt 180aaagaaaacc tggagacttc tcctttcata actcccggaa
agccttggga agaggcccgt 240agttttatta tgaatgagga tttctaccag
tggctggagg aatctgtata cacggatatt 300tatggcaaac accaaaagca
aattatagat aaagcaaagg aagaatttca ggagttgctt 360ttggaatatt
cagaattgtt ttatgaactg gagctggatg ctaagcccag caaggagaag
420atgggtgtta ttcaggatgt tctgggagag gaacagcgat ttaaagccat
ttacaaaagc 480tccaagcaga gcgttgatgc ccttattctg aaacacattc
attttgtgta ccacccaaca 540aaggagacat gccccagctg cccagcttgt
gtggacgcta agattgagca cttgattagt 600tctcggttta
tccggccgtc tgaccggaat cagaaaaatt cactctctga ccctaacatt
660gatagaatca acttggttat attgggcaaa gacgccttgc ccgagagttg
gccaatggag 720attagagctc tttgtacaaa tgatgacaag tatgtgatag
atggtaaaat gtatgagctt 780tccctgaggc caatagaggg gaatgtcagg
cttcctgtga actctttcca gacgccaaca 840tttcagcccc acggctgtct
ctgcctttac aattcaaagg aatcgctatc ctatgtagtg 900gaaagtatag
agaagagtag agagtccacg ctgggccggc gggataatca tttagtccat
960ctccccctta cattaatttt ggttaacaag agaggagaca ccagtggaga
gactctgcat 1020agcttaatac agcaaggtca acaaattgct agcaaacttc
agtgtgtctt tctcgaccct 1080gcttctgctg gcattggtta cggacgcaac
attaatgaaa agcaaatcag tcaagttttg 1140aagggactcc tggactctaa
gcgtaactta aacctggtca gttctactgc tagcatcaaa 1200gatttggctg
atgttgatct gcgaattgtt atgtgtctga tgtgtggaga tccttttagt
1260gcagatgata tactttttcc tgtccttcag tcccaaacct gtaaatcttc
ccattgtgga 1320agcaacaact ctgttttact tgaactacca atcggactgc
acaagaagcg gattgaactg 1380tctgttcttt cataccattc ctcctttagc
atcagaaaga gccggttggt tcatgggtac 1440attgtttttt attcagccaa
acgtaaggcc tctttggcta tgttacgtgc ctttctttgt 1500gaagtgcagg
atattatccc tattcagctt gtagcactca ctgatggcgc tgtagatgtc
1560ctggacaatg acttaagtag ggaacagcta actgaggggg aggagattgc
tcaagaaatt 1620gacggaaggt tcacaagcat cccctgtagc caaccccagc
ataaacttga gatctttcac 1680ccatttttta aagatgtggt ggaaaaaaag
aacataatcg aggctactca tatgtacgat 1740aatgctgccg aggcctgtag
caccaccgaa gaggtgttta actccccccg ggcaggatca 1800ccgctctgca
actcaaacct gcaggattca gaagaagata tcgagccatc ttacagcctg
1860tttcgagaag acacatcact gccttctctg tccaaagacc attctaagct
ctctatggaa 1920ctggagggaa atgatgggct gtctttcatt atgagcaatt
ttgagagtaa actgaacaac 1980aaagtacctc cgccagtcaa accaaagcct
cctgtccatt ttgaaattac aaagggggat 2040ctatcttatt tagaccaagg
ccatagggat ggacagagga agtctgtgtc ttctagcccc 2100tggctgcctc
aggatgggtt tgatccttct gactatgctg aacccatgga tgctgtggtg
2160aagccaagga atgaagaaga aaacatatac tccgtgcccc atgacagcac
ccaaggcaaa 2220atcatcacca ttcggaatat caacaaagcc cagtccaacg
gcagcgggaa tggttctgac 2280agtgaaatgg acaccagctc tctagagcga
gggcgcaagg tttccatcgt gagcaagcca 2340gtgctgtaca ggacgagatg
cacccggctg ggcggtttgc tagttaccgg accagcttca 2400gcgtggggag
tgatgatgag ctggggccca tccggaagaa agaggaggat caggcatccc
2460agggttataa aggggacaat gctgtcattc catacgaaac agacgaagac
ccgcggagga 2520ggaatattct tcgcagccta aggaggaaca ctaagaaacc
aaagcccaaa ccccggccat 2580ccatcacaaa ggccaacctg ggagagtaac
tattttgggg tgcccttaac aactgtcgtg 2640actccagaga agccgatccc
catttttatt gaaagatgta ttgagtacat tgaagccaca 2700ggactgagca
cggaaggcat ctaccgggtc agcgggaaca agtctgagat ggagagtctg
2760cagagacagt ttgatcaaga ccacaacctg gacctggcag agaaagactt
tacggtgaat 2820accgtggctg gtgccatgaa gagctttttc tcagaactgc
ctgaccccct ggtccgtata 2880acatgcagat cgacttggtg gaagcacaca
aaatcaacga ccgggagcag aagttgcatg 2940cccttaagga ggtattaaag
aaatttccaa aggaaaacca cgaagtcttc aagtatgtca 3000tctctcacct
aaacaaggtc agccacaaca acaaggtgaa tctcatgacc agcgagaacc
3060tctccatctg cttctggccc accttgatga gacctgattt cagcactatg
gacgccctca 3120cagccacgcg cacctaccag acaatcattg aactctttat
ccagcagtgc cccttcttct 3180tctacaatcg gcccatcacc gagcccccgg
cgccaggccc agctcccgga att 32334998PRTHomo sapiens 4Met Ala Gln Val
Ala Met Ser Thr Leu Pro Val Glu Asp Glu Glu Ser 1 5 10 15 Ser Glu
Ser Arg Met Val Val Thr Phe Leu Met Ser Ala Leu Glu Ser 20 25 30
Met Cys Lys Glu Leu Ala Lys Ser Lys Ala Glu Val Ala Cys Ile Ala 35
40 45 Val Tyr Glu Thr Asp Val Phe Val Val Gly Thr Glu Arg Gly Arg
Ala 50 55 60 Phe Val Asn Thr Arg Lys Asp Phe Gln Lys Asp Phe Val
Lys Tyr Cys 65 70 75 80 Val Glu Glu Glu Glu Lys Ala Ala Glu Met His
Lys Met Lys Ser Thr 85 90 95 Thr Gln Ala Asn Arg Met Ser Val Asp
Ala Val Glu Ile Glu Thr Leu 100 105 110 Arg Lys Thr Val Glu Asp Tyr
Phe Cys Phe Cys Tyr Gly Lys Ala Leu 115 120 125 Gly Lys Ser Thr Val
Val Pro Val Pro Tyr Glu Lys Met Leu Arg Asp 130 135 140 Gln Ser Ala
Val Val Val Gln Gly Leu Pro Glu Gly Val Ala Phe Lys 145 150 155 160
His Pro Glu Asn Tyr Asp Leu Ala Thr Leu Lys Trp Ile Leu Glu Asn 165
170 175 Lys Ala Gly Ile Ser Phe Ile Ile Lys Arg Pro Phe Leu Glu Pro
Lys 180 185 190 Lys His Val Gly Gly Arg Val Met Val Thr Asp Ala Asp
Arg Ser Ile 195 200 205 Leu Ser Pro Gly Gly Ser Cys Gly Pro Ile Lys
Val Lys Thr Glu Pro 210 215 220 Thr Glu Asp Ser Gly Ile Ser Leu Glu
Met Ala Ala Val Thr Val Lys 225 230 235 240 Glu Glu Ser Glu Asp Pro
Asp Tyr Tyr Gln Tyr Asn Ile Gln Ala Gly 245 250 255 Pro Ser Glu Thr
Asp Asp Val Asp Glu Lys Gln Pro Leu Ser Lys Pro 260 265 270 Leu Gln
Gly Ser His His Ser Ser Glu Gly Asn Glu Gly Thr Glu Met 275 280 285
Glu Val Pro Ala Glu Asp Ser Thr Gln His Val Pro Ser Glu Thr Ser 290
295 300 Glu Asp Pro Glu Val Glu Val Thr Ile Glu Asp Asp Asp Tyr Ser
Pro 305 310 315 320 Pro Ser Lys Arg Pro Lys Ala Asn Glu Leu Pro Gln
Pro Pro Val Pro 325 330 335 Glu Pro Ala Asn Ala Gly Lys Arg Lys Val
Arg Glu Phe Asn Phe Glu 340 345 350 Lys Trp Asn Ala Arg Ile Thr Asp
Leu Arg Lys Gln Val Glu Glu Leu 355 360 365 Phe Glu Arg Lys Tyr Ala
Gln Ala Ile Lys Ala Lys Gly Pro Val Thr 370 375 380 Ile Pro Tyr Pro
Leu Phe Gln Ser His Val Glu Asp Leu Tyr Val Glu 385 390 395 400 Gly
Leu Pro Glu Gly Ile Pro Phe Arg Arg Pro Ser Thr Tyr Gly Ile 405 410
415 Pro Arg Leu Glu Arg Ile Leu Leu Ala Lys Glu Arg Ile Arg Phe Val
420 425 430 Ile Lys Lys His Glu Leu Leu Asn Ser Thr Arg Glu Asp Leu
Gln Leu 435 440 445 Asp Lys Pro Ala Ser Gly Val Lys Glu Glu Trp Tyr
Ala Arg Ile Thr 450 455 460 Lys Leu Arg Lys Met Val Asp Gln Leu Phe
Cys Lys Lys Phe Ala Glu 465 470 475 480 Ala Leu Gly Ser Thr Glu Ala
Lys Ala Val Pro Tyr Gln Lys Phe Glu 485 490 495 Ala His Pro Asn Asp
Leu Tyr Val Glu Gly Leu Pro Glu Asn Ile Pro 500 505 510 Phe Arg Ser
Pro Ser Trp Tyr Gly Ile Pro Arg Leu Glu Lys Ile Ile 515 520 525 Gln
Val Gly Asn Arg Ile Lys Phe Val Ile Lys Arg Pro Glu Leu Leu 530 535
540 Thr His Ser Thr Thr Glu Val Thr Gln Pro Arg Thr Asn Thr Pro Val
545 550 555 560 Lys Glu Asp Trp Asn Val Arg Ile Thr Lys Leu Arg Lys
Gln Val Glu 565 570 575 Glu Ile Phe Asn Leu Lys Phe Ala Gln Ala Leu
Gly Leu Thr Glu Ala 580 585 590 Val Lys Val Pro Tyr Pro Val Phe Glu
Ser Asn Pro Glu Phe Leu Tyr 595 600 605 Val Glu Gly Leu Pro Glu Gly
Ile Pro Phe Arg Ser Pro Thr Trp Phe 610 615 620 Gly Ile Pro Arg Leu
Glu Arg Ile Val Arg Gly Ser Asn Lys Ile Lys 625 630 635 640 Phe Val
Val Lys Lys Pro Glu Leu Val Ile Ser Tyr Leu Pro Pro Gly 645 650 655
Met Ala Ser Lys Ile Asn Thr Lys Ala Leu Gln Ser Pro Lys Arg Pro 660
665 670 Arg Ser Pro Gly Ser Asn Ser Lys Val Pro Glu Ile Glu Val Thr
Val 675 680 685 Glu Gly Pro Asn Asn Asn Asn Pro Gln Thr Ser Ala Val
Arg Thr Pro 690 695 700 Thr Gln Thr Asn Gly Ser Asn Val Pro Phe Lys
Pro Arg Gly Arg Glu 705 710 715 720 Phe Ser Phe Glu Ala Trp Asn Ala
Lys Ile Thr Asp Leu Lys Gln Lys 725 730 735 Val Glu Asn Leu Phe Asn
Glu Lys Cys Gly Glu Ala Leu Gly Leu Lys 740 745 750 Gln Ala Val Lys
Val Pro Phe Ala Leu Phe Glu Ser Phe Pro Glu Asp 755 760 765 Phe Tyr
Val Glu Gly Leu Pro Glu Gly Val Pro Phe Arg Arg Pro Ser 770 775 780
Thr Phe Gly Ile Pro Arg Leu Glu Lys Ile Leu Arg Asn Lys Ala Lys 785
790 795 800 Ile Lys Phe Ile Ile Lys Lys Pro Glu Met Phe Glu Thr Ala
Ile Lys 805 810 815 Glu Ser Thr Ser Ser Lys Ser Pro Pro Arg Lys Ile
Asn Ser Ser Pro 820 825 830 Asn Val Asn Thr Thr Ala Ser Gly Val Glu
Asp Leu Asn Ile Ile Gln 835 840 845 Val Thr Ile Pro Asp Asp Asp Asn
Glu Arg Leu Ser Lys Val Glu Lys 850 855 860 Ala Arg Gln Leu Arg Glu
Gln Val Asn Asp Leu Phe Ser Arg Lys Phe 865 870 875 880 Gly Glu Ala
Ile Gly Met Gly Phe Pro Val Lys Val Pro Tyr Arg Lys 885 890 895 Ile
Thr Ile Asn Pro Gly Cys Val Val Val Asp Gly Met Pro Pro Gly 900 905
910 Val Ser Phe Lys Ala Pro Ser Tyr Leu Glu Ile Ser Ser Met Arg Arg
915 920 925 Ile Leu Asp Ser Ala Glu Phe Ile Lys Phe Thr Val Ile Arg
Pro Phe 930 935 940 Pro Gly Leu Val Ile Asn Asn Gln Leu Val Asp Gln
Ser Glu Ser Glu 945 950 955 960 Gly Pro Val Ile Gln Glu Ser Ala Glu
Pro Ser Gln Leu Glu Val Pro 965 970 975 Ala Thr Glu Glu Ile Lys Glu
Thr Asp Gly Ser Ser Gln Ile Lys Gln 980 985 990 Glu Pro Asp Pro Thr
Trp 995 53328DNAHomo sapiens 5gggatcatgg cccaagttgc aatgtccacc
ctccccgttg aagatgagga gtcctcggag 60agcaggatgg tggtgacatt cctcatgtca
gctctcgagt ccatgtgtaa agaactggcc 120aagtccaaag ccgaagtggc
ctgcattgca gtgtatgaaa cagacgtgtt tgtcgtcgga 180actgaaagag
gacgtgcttt tgtcaatacc agaaaggatt ttcaaaaaga ttttgtaaaa
240tattgtgttg aagaagaaga aaaagctgca gagatgcata aaatgaaatc
tacaacccag 300gcaaatcgga tgagtgtaga tgctgtagaa attgaaacac
tcagaaaaac agttgaggac 360tatttctgct tttgctatgg gaaagcttta
ggcaaatcca cagtggtacc tgtaccatat 420gagaagatgc tgagagacca
gtcggctgtg gtagtgcagg ggcttccgga aggtgttgcc 480tttaaacacc
ccgagaacta tgatcttgca accctgaaat ggattgggga gaacaaagga
540gggatttcat tcatcattaa gagacctttt ttagagccaa agaagcatgt
aggtggtcgt 600gtgatggtaa cagatgctga caggtcaata ctatctccag
gtggaagttg tggccccatc 660aaagtgaaaa ctgaacccac agaagattct
ggcatttccc tggaaatggc agctgtgaca 720gtaaaggaag aatcagaaga
tcctgattat tatcaatata acattcaagg aagccaccat 780tcttcagagg
gcaatgaagg cacagaaatg gaagtaccag cagaagatga tgattattct
840ccaccgtcta agagaccaaa ggccaatgag ctaccgcagc caccagtccc
ggaacccgcc 900aatgctggga agcggaaagt gagggagttc aacttcgaga
aatggaatgc tcgcatcact 960gatctacgta aacaagttga agaattgttt
gaaaggaaat atgctcaagc cataaaagcc 1020aaaggtccgg tgacgatccc
gtaccctctt ttccagtctc atgttgaaga tctttatgta 1080gaaggacttc
ctgaaggaat tccttttaga aggccatcta cttacggaat tcctcgcctg
1140gagaggatat tacttgcaaa ggaaaggatt cgttttgtga ttaagaaaca
tgagcttctg 1200aattcaacac gtgaagattt acagcttgat aagccagctt
caggagtaaa ggaagaatgg 1260tatgccagaa tcactaaatt aagaaagatg
gtggatcagc ttttctgcaa aaaatttgcg 1320gaagccttgg ggagcactga
agccaaggct gtaccgtacc aaaaatttga ggcacacccg 1380aatgatctgt
acgtggaagg actgccagaa aacattcctt tccgaagtcc ctcatggtat
1440ggaatcccaa ggctggaaaa aatcattcaa gtgggcaatc gaattaaatt
tgttattaaa 1500agaccagaac ttctgactca cagtaccact gaagttactc
agccaagaac gaatacacca 1560gtcaaagaag attggaatgt cagaattacc
aagctacgga agcaagtgga agagattttt 1620aatttgaaat ttgctcaagc
tcttggactc accgaggcag taaaagtacc atatcctgtg 1680tttgaatcaa
acccggagtt cttgtatgtg gaaggcttgc cagaggggat tcccttccga
1740agccctacct ggtttggaat tccacgactt gaaaggatcg tccacgggag
taataaaatc 1800aagttcgttg ttaaaaaacc tgaactagtt atttcctact
tgcctcctgg gatggctagt 1860aaaataaaca ctaaagcttt gcagtccccc
aaaagaccac gaagtcctgg gagtaattca 1920aaggttcctg aaattgaggt
caccgtggaa ggccctaata acaacaatcc tcaaacctca 1980gctgttcgaa
ccccgaccca gactaacggt tctaacgttc ccttcaagcc acgagggaga
2040gagttttcct ttgaggcctg gaatgccaaa atcacggacc taaaacagaa
agttgaaaat 2100ctcttcaatg agaaatgtgg ggaagctctt ggccttaaac
aagctgtgaa ggtgccgttc 2160gcgttatttg agtctttccc ggaagacttt
tatgtggaag gcttacctga gggtgtgcca 2220ttccgaagac catcgacttt
tggcattccg aggctggaga agatactcag aaacaaagcc 2280aaaattaagt
tcatcattaa aaagcccgaa atgtttgaga cggcgattaa ggagagcacc
2340tcctctaaga gccctcccag aaaaataaat tcatcaccca atgttaatac
tactgcatca 2400ggtgttgaag accttaacat cattcaggtg acaattccag
atgatgataa tgaaagactc 2460tcgaaagttg aaaaagctag acagctaaga
gaacaagtga atgacctctt tagtcggaaa 2520tttggtgaag ctattggtat
gggttttcct gtgaaagttc cctacaggaa aatcacaatt 2580aaccctggct
gtgtggtggt tgatggcatg cccccggggg tgtccttcaa agcccccagc
2640tacctggaaa tcagctccat gagaaggatc ttagactctg ccgagtttat
caaattcacg 2700gtcattagac catttccagg acttgtgatt aataaccagc
tggttgatca gagtgagtca 2760aaaggccccg tgatacaaga atcagctgaa
ccaagccagt tggaagttcc agccacagaa 2820gaaataaaag agactgatgg
aagctctcag atcaagcaag aaccagaccc cacgtggtag 2880acctcttccc
tcctaggctt aaagtatcag tggttgagaa gagcttttcg gacctgttac
2940taccccaagc tgtgtaatat acttgtataa cagaaatacc ttctatacaa
accttttttt 3000ctacttttag atagaaatgt ctactttttc agcagttctg
tgaattaaag agcagagtga 3060ctgtgggtct ggaatggctg gtgtacttgg
gaatgtacta tcaggatttt acagcaatgc 3120tgggaaatga cagggaaaat
gacaggaatg aatctcacca gattttttat gtactcagca 3180gagccttgag
ttacggtgtt tattttccaa tcaagtgaag atatctccta cttctcctac
3240tggaacatct cagcttctgc agtgaagaaa aattcctgtg atagttcagt
tctttagttt 3300ttctatttga aaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaa 332864529DNAHomo
sapiens 6aggaggagga gggtgagaga gaagctggga gagcagagaa aaggggccac
cggtcgcccc 60cccgcttccc cgcacgcgct ctccagccgc ggccgcccgc ctgccgcggt
caccccggcc 120tctgcctctg tcccccagtg atcggatcaa ggcgctgagc
gaggccctgc ctgcggggcg 180gccatgcggc ggtgacagga gcgcgaccga
cacgcacggg cccctcgccc cctctcgcct 240cccgtccgct cgccagctcc
cctcagccga ggctgctccg cggcggccgc agcccgcgcg 300cggcccacac
tcgcctcccc tcggcacccc cggccccgga gctgcctgga ggcggccgca
360ctcggggatc atggcccaag ttgcaatgtc caccctcccc gttgaagatg
aggagtcctc 420ggagagcagg atggtggtga cattcctcat gtcagctctc
gagtccatgt gtaaagaact 480ggccaagtcc aaagccgaag tggcctgcat
tgcagtgtat gaaacagacg tgtttgtcgt 540cggaactgaa agaggacgtg
cttttgtcaa taccagaaag gattttcaaa aagattttgt 600aaaatattgt
gttgaagaag aagaaaaagc tgcagagatg cataaaatga aatctacaac
660ccaggcaaat cggatgagtg tagatgctgt agaaattgaa acactcagaa
aaacagttga 720ggactatttc tgcttttgct atgggaaagc tttaggcaaa
tccacagtgg tacctgtacc 780atatgagaag atgctgcgag accagtcggc
tgtggtagtg caggggcttc cggaaggtgt 840tgcctttaaa caccccgaga
actatgatct tgcaaccctg aaatggattt tggagaacaa 900agcagggatt
tcattcatca ttaagagacc ttttttagag ccaaagaagc atgtaggtgg
960tcgtgtgatg gtaacagatg ctgacaggtc aatactatct ccaggtggaa
gttgtggccc 1020catcaaagtg aaaactgaac ccacagaaga ttctggcatt
tccctggaaa tggcagctgt 1080gacagtaaag gaagaatcag aagatcctga
ttattatcaa tataacattc aagcaggccc 1140ttctgaaact gatgatgttg
atgaaaaaca gcccctatcg aagcctttgc aaggaagcca 1200ccattcttca
gagggcaatg aaggcacaga aatggaagta ccagcagaag attctactca
1260acatgtccct tcagaaacaa gtgaggaccc tgaagttgag gtgactattg
aagatgatga 1320ttattctcca ccgtctaaga gaccaaaggc caatgagcta
ccgcagccac cagtcccgga 1380acccgccaat gctgggaagc ggaaagtgag
ggagttcaac ttcgagaaat ggaatgctcg 1440catcactgat ctacgtaaac
aagttgaaga attgtttgaa aggaaatatg ctcaagccat 1500aaaagccaaa
ggtccggtga cgatcccgta ccctcttttc cagtctcatg ttgaagatct
1560ttatgtagaa ggacttcctg aaggaattcc ttttagaagg ccatctactt
acggaattcc 1620tcgcctggag aggatattac ttgcaaagga aaggattcgt
tttgtgatta agaaacatga 1680gcttctgaat tcaacacgtg aagatttaca
gcttgataag ccagcttcag gagtaaagga 1740agaatggtat gccagaatca
ctaaattaag aaagatggtg gatcagcttt tctgcaaaaa 1800atttgcggaa
gccttgggga gcactgaagc caaggctgta ccgtaccaaa aatttgaggc
1860acacccgaat gatctgtacg tggaaggact gccagaaaac attcctttcc
gaagtccctc 1920atggtatgga atcccaaggc tggaaaaaat cattcaagtg
ggcaatcgaa ttaaatttgt 1980tattaaaaga ccagaacttc tgactcacag
taccactgaa gttactcagc caagaacgaa 2040tacaccagtc aaagaagatt
ggaatgtcag aattaccaag ctacggaagc aagtggaaga 2100gatttttaat
ttgaaatttg ctcaagctct tggactcacc gaggcagtaa aagtaccata
2160tcctgtgttt gaatcaaacc cggagttctt gtatgtggaa ggcttgccag
aggggattcc 2220cttccgaagc cctacctggt ttggaattcc acgacttgaa
aggatcgtcc gcgggagtaa 2280taaaatcaag ttcgttgtta aaaaacctga
actagttatt tcctacttgc ctcctgggat 2340ggctagtaaa ataaacacta
aagctttgca gtcccccaaa agaccacgaa gtcctgggag 2400taattcaaag
gttcctgaaa ttgaggtcac cgtggaaggc cctaataaca acaatcctca
2460aacctcagct gttcgaaccc cgacccagac taacggttct
aacgttccct tcaagccacg 2520agggagagag ttttcctttg aggcctggaa
tgccaaaatc acggacctaa aacagaaagt 2580tgaaaatctc ttcaatgaga
aatgtgggga agctcttggc cttaaacaag ctgtgaaggt 2640gccgttcgcg
ttatttgagt ctttcccgga agacttttat gtggaaggct tacctgaggg
2700tgtgccattc cgaagaccat cgacttttgg cattccgagg ctggagaaga
tactcagaaa 2760caaagccaaa attaagttca tcattaaaaa gcccgaaatg
tttgagacgg cgattaagga 2820gagcacctcc tctaagagcc ctcccagaaa
aataaattca tcacccaatg ttaatactac 2880tgcatcaggt gttgaagacc
ttaacatcat tcaggtgaca attccagatg atgataatga 2940aagactctcg
aaagttgaaa aagctagaca gctaagagaa caagtgaatg acctctttag
3000tcggaaattt ggtgaagcta ttggtatggg ttttcctgtg aaagttccct
acaggaaaat 3060cacaattaac cctggctgtg tggtggttga tggcatgccc
ccgggggtgt ccttcaaagc 3120ccccagctac ctggaaatca gctccatgag
aaggatctta gactctgccg agtttatcaa 3180attcacggtc attagaccat
ttccaggact tgtgattaat aaccagctgg ttgatcagag 3240tgagtcagaa
ggccccgtga tacaagaatc agctgaacca agccagttgg aagttccagc
3300cacagaagaa ataaaagaga ctgatggaag ctctcagatc aagcaagaac
cagaccccac 3360gtggtagacc tcttccctcc taggcttaaa gtatcagtgg
ttgagaagag cttttcggac 3420ctgttactac cccaagctgt gtaatatact
tgtataacag aaataccttc tatacaaacc 3480tttttttcta cttttagata
gaaatgtcta ctttttcagc agttctgtga attaaagagc 3540agagtgactg
tgggtctgga atggctggtg tacttgggaa tgtactatca ggattttaca
3600gcaatgctgg gaaatgacag ggaaaatgac aggaatgaat ctcaccagat
tttttatgta 3660ctcagcagag ccttgagtta cggtgtttat tttccaatca
agtgaagata tctcctactt 3720ctcctactgg aacatctcag cttctgcagt
gaagaaaaat tcctgtgata gttcagttct 3780ttagtttttc tatttgaaaa
aaaaaaatca tttaaatgat cctttgttca cggctctcct 3840taatgactga
gtgaacagtt cctatctgta tatttgacta aaccttttcc taagctatct
3900ctcatggttc ctatgttttt ttatcataat taaaagcaaa accatctgga
tcacctaaca 3960gtcagaggtc agtatctcag cgtgtgaatt atagaggaaa
tacagagaga acctcttcca 4020cttttacttt tcgtccaaat aaaatgcatg
gtgtaccaga agttgaagat cgggttgagg 4080attggggcta gctcgatgac
actaaggccc caacatcgcg ggacctgctg tggcgcggat 4140tcttaggaac
gctgttctag ccggccccct ctccaggggt cgccgtggcc ggcattattt
4200cctagttctt cttgtaaccc tgaggtgcca gcgcggggag tgaggagggg
tcagggggct 4260aaggatgcaa cctctgacgt tctgcgcctt cctaggagag
tcttacatgt gttgagattt 4320cacaagcaat gcgagttgta aaataccagc
tctacaagaa gctaggctct gtgacggcat 4380agttttcagt agctttatca
caatattcac aatggagaat tatatgacat ggtagcagaa 4440ataggccctt
ttatgtgttg cttctatttt acctcaaatt gtagatatag ggtaatcaat
4500aaaatccatc catgcctttc acacactaa 45297480PRTHomo sapiens 7Met
Glu Val Ala Pro Glu Gln Pro Arg Trp Met Ala His Pro Ala Val 1 5 10
15 Leu Asn Ala Gln His Pro Asp Ser His His Pro Gly Leu Ala His Asn
20 25 30 Tyr Met Glu Pro Ala Gln Leu Leu Pro Pro Asp Glu Val Asp
Val Phe 35 40 45 Phe Asn His Leu Asp Ser Gln Gly Asn Pro Tyr Tyr
Ala Asn Pro Ala 50 55 60 His Ala Arg Ala Arg Val Ser Tyr Ser Pro
Ala His Ala Arg Leu Thr 65 70 75 80 Gly Gly Gln Met Cys Arg Pro His
Leu Leu His Ser Pro Gly Leu Pro 85 90 95 Trp Leu Asp Gly Gly Lys
Ala Ala Leu Ser Ala Ala Ala Ala His His 100 105 110 His Asn Pro Trp
Thr Val Ser Pro Phe Ser Lys Thr Pro Leu His Pro 115 120 125 Ser Ala
Ala Gly Gly Pro Gly Gly Pro Leu Ser Val Tyr Pro Gly Ala 130 135 140
Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Ser Ser Val Ala Ser Leu Thr 145
150 155 160 Pro Thr Ala Ala His Ser Gly Ser His Leu Phe Gly Phe Pro
Pro Thr 165 170 175 Pro Pro Lys Glu Val Ser Pro Asp Pro Ser Thr Thr
Gly Ala Ala Ser 180 185 190 Pro Ala Ser Ser Ser Ala Gly Gly Ser Ala
Ala Arg Gly Glu Asp Lys 195 200 205 Asp Gly Val Lys Tyr Gln Val Ser
Leu Thr Glu Ser Met Lys Met Glu 210 215 220 Ser Gly Ser Pro Leu Arg
Pro Gly Leu Ala Thr Met Gly Thr Gln Pro 225 230 235 240 Ala Thr His
His Pro Ile Pro Thr Tyr Pro Ser Tyr Val Pro Ala Ala 245 250 255 Ala
His Asp Tyr Ser Ser Gly Leu Phe His Pro Gly Gly Phe Leu Gly 260 265
270 Gly Pro Ala Ser Ser Phe Thr Pro Lys Gln Arg Ser Lys Ala Arg Ser
275 280 285 Cys Ser Glu Gly Arg Glu Cys Val Asn Cys Gly Ala Thr Ala
Thr Pro 290 295 300 Leu Trp Arg Arg Asp Gly Thr Gly His Tyr Leu Cys
Asn Ala Cys Gly 305 310 315 320 Leu Tyr His Lys Met Asn Gly Gln Asn
Arg Pro Leu Ile Lys Pro Lys 325 330 335 Arg Arg Leu Ser Ala Ala Arg
Arg Ala Gly Thr Cys Cys Ala Asn Cys 340 345 350 Gln Thr Thr Thr Thr
Thr Leu Trp Arg Arg Asn Ala Asn Gly Asp Pro 355 360 365 Val Cys Asn
Ala Cys Gly Leu Tyr Tyr Lys Leu His Asn Val Asn Arg 370 375 380 Pro
Leu Thr Met Lys Lys Glu Gly Ile Gln Thr Arg Asn Arg Lys Met 385 390
395 400 Ser Asn Lys Ser Lys Lys Ser Lys Lys Gly Ala Glu Cys Phe Glu
Glu 405 410 415 Leu Ser Lys Cys Met Gln Glu Lys Ser Ser Pro Phe Ser
Ala Ala Ala 420 425 430 Leu Ala Gly His Met Ala Pro Val Gly His Leu
Pro Pro Phe Ser His 435 440 445 Ser Gly His Ile Leu Pro Thr Pro Thr
Pro Ile His Pro Ser Ser Ser 450 455 460 Leu Ser Phe Gly His Pro His
Pro Ser Ser Met Val Thr Ala Met Gly 465 470 475 480 83383DNAHomo
sapiens 8gtgagcgcca ggaaggtagc gaggccagcg tcgccccggg actcgctgct
caagtctgtc 60tattgcctgc cgccacatcc atcctagcag ggccccgtcg cccaccaggc
ggacaaaagc 120ggtccgctga acaccatgcg gccgctcggc gtgccgccca
ggctctgctg gtgagcgccg 180ccaccccgcg cccaggtccc gcgagcccgc
ctgccgcgca cctcgccctg ctcccagctc 240tactccaggc cccgtccgcc
cgggggcgcc gcccaccgcg cctcgctcgg gccgttgccg 300tctgcaccca
gaccctgagc cgccgccgcc ggccatggag gtggcgcccg agcagccgcg
360ctggatggcg cacccggccg tgctgaatgc gcagcacccc gactcacacc
acccgggcct 420ggcgcacaac tacatggaac ccgcgcagct gctgcctcca
gacgaggtgg acgtcttctt 480caatcacctc gactcgcagg gcaaccccta
ctatgccaac cccgctcacg cgcgggcgcg 540cgtctcctac agccccgcgc
acgcccgcct gaccggaggc cagatgtgcc gcccacactt 600gttgcacagc
ccgggtttgc cctggctgga cgggggcaaa gcagccctct ctgccgctgc
660ggcccaccac cacaacccct ggaccgtgag ccccttctcc aagacgccac
tgcacccctc 720agctgctgga ggccctggag gcccactctc tgtgtaccca
ggggctgggg gtgggagcgg 780gggaggcagc gggagctcag tggcctccct
cacccctaca gcagcccact ctggctccca 840ccttttcggc ttcccaccca
cgccacccaa agaagtgtct cctgacccta gcaccacggg 900ggctgcgtct
ccagcctcat cttccgcggg gggtagtgca gcccgaggag aggacaagga
960cggcgtcaag taccaggtgt cactgacgga gagcatgaag atggaaagtg
gcagtcccct 1020gcgcccaggc ctagctacta tgggcaccca gcctgctaca
caccacccca tccccaccta 1080cccctcctat gtgccggcgg ctgcccacga
ctacagcagc ggactcttcc accccggagg 1140cttcctgggg ggaccggcct
ccagcttcac ccctaagcag cgcagcaagg ctcgttcctg 1200ttcagaaggc
cgggagtgtg tcaactgtgg ggccacagcc acccctctct ggcggcggga
1260cggcaccggc cactacctgt gcaatgcctg tggcctctac cacaagatga
atgggcagaa 1320ccgaccactc atcaagccca agcgaagact gtcggccgcc
agaagagccg gcacctgttg 1380tgcaaattgt cagacgacaa ccaccacctt
atggcgccga aacgccaacg gggaccctgt 1440ctgcaacgcc tgtggcctct
actacaagct gcacaatgtt aacaggccac tgaccatgaa 1500gaaggaaggg
atccagactc ggaaccggaa gatgtccaac aagtccaaga agagcaagaa
1560aggggcggag tgcttcgagg agctgtcaaa gtgcatgcag gagaagtcat
cccccttcag 1620tgcagctgcc ctggctggac acatggcacc tgtgggccac
ctcccgccct tcagccactc 1680cggacacatc ctgcccactc cgacgcccat
ccacccctcc tccagcctct ccttcggcca 1740cccccacccg tccagcatgg
tgaccgccat gggctaggga acagatggac gtcgaggacc 1800gggcactccc
gggatgggtg gaccaaaccc ttagcagccc agcatttccc gaaggccgac
1860accactcctg ccagcccggc tcggcccagc accccctctc ctggagggcg
cccagcagcc 1920tgccagcagt tactgtgaat gttccccacc gctgagaggc
tgcctccgca cctgaccgct 1980gcccaggtgg ggtttcctgc atggacagtt
gtttggagaa caacaaggac aactttatgt 2040agagaaaagg aggggacggg
acagacgaag gcaaccattt ttagaaggaa aaaggattag 2100gcaaaaataa
tttattttgc tcttgtttct aacaaggact tggagacttg gtggtctgag
2160ctgtcccaag tcctccggtt cttcctcggg attggcgggt ccacttgcca
gggctctggg 2220ggcagatttg tggggacctc agcctgcacc ctcttctcct
ctggcttccc tctctgaaat 2280agccgaactc caggctgggc tgagccaaag
ccagagtggc cacggcccag ggagggtgag 2340ctggtgcctg ctttgacggg
ccaggccctg gagggcagag acaatcacgg gcggtcctgc 2400acagattccc
aggccagggc tgggtcacag gaaggaaaca acattttctt gaaaggggaa
2460acgtctccca gatcgctccc ttggctttga ggccgaagct gctgtgactg
tgtcccctta 2520ctgagcgcaa gccacagcct gtcttgtcag gtggaccctg
taaatacatc ctttttctgc 2580taacccttca accccctcgc ctcctactct
gagacaaaag aaaaaatatt aaaaaaatgc 2640ataggcttaa ctcgctgatg
agttaattgt tttattttta aactcttttt gggtccagtt 2700gattgtacgt
agccacagga gccctgctat gaaaggaata aaacctacac acaaggttgg
2760agctttgcaa ttctttttgg aaaagagctg ggatcccaca gccctagtat
gaaagctggg 2820ggtggggagg ggcctttgct gcccttggtt tctgggggct
ggttggcatt tgctggcctg 2880gcagggggtg aaggcaggag ttgggggcag
gtcaggacca ggacccaggg agaggctgtg 2940tccctgctgg ggtctcaggt
ccagctttac tgtggctgtc tggatccttc ccaaggtaca 3000gctgtatata
aacgtgtccc gagcttagat tctgtatgcg gtgacggcgg ggtgtggtgg
3060cctgtgaggg gcccctggcc caggaggagg attgtgctga tgtagtgacc
aagtgcaata 3120tgggcgggca gtcgctgcag ggagcaccac ggccagaagt
aacttatttt gtactagtgt 3180ccgcataaga aaaagaatcg gcagtatttt
ctgtttttat gttttatttg gcttgtttta 3240ttttggatta gtgaactaag
ttattgttaa ttatgtacaa catttatata ttgtctgtaa 3300aaaatgtatg
ctatcctctt attcctttaa agtgagtact gttaagaata ataaaatact
3360ttttgtgaat gcccaaaaaa aaa 3383913759DNAHomo sapiens 9gagcgccagg
aaggtagcga ggccagcgtc gccccgggac tcgctgctca agtctgtcta 60ttgcctgccg
ccacatccat cctagcaggg ccccgtcgcc caccaggcgg acaaaagcgg
120tccgctgaac accatgcggc cgctcggcgt gccgcccagg ctctgctggt
gagcgccgcc 180accccgcgcc caggtcccgc gagcccgcct gccgcgcacc
tcgccctgct cccagctcta 240ctccaggccc cgtccgcccg ggggcgccgc
ccaccgcgcc tcgctcggtg agtttcttcc 300acttccacct tccctgggcc
cggcccttcc cgcccccggc ccggcccgcc tggcacccga 360atcgcttggt
ccgtttgccc tgtggcccct acctttgggg ctcgccttgg ccctgccaga
420gaccggaaac cctggttata gggactttaa ccagagggag tatttggtta
cctgggcaca 480gcaggcccgc ctcgggcctc ttgtcttccc atttctcgga
gccacaggcc acgagaccct 540ggcattccca gagcctcgca aagcaccccc
gcctcccggc ccccgaactg gggcctttgt 600ctcggccgcc cccaatcccc
aggccaccgc ggcggatgcg tccgagccgg gccgccgagc 660ggcggctgca
cctgccggct ggtcccgtgc gccggctttt cgcggcttaa cccagctcgc
720tcctgcttgc gcccccgcgc gctgcgcccc gcagcccttt atcctgtgtg
actggggtgc 780gtgtggggga gagcgccggg tctggaagtc tccccccgcc
ccaagccgga gtcggaatcc 840gtttagtggg atttcaataa gaatggggcc
gccgcgggct tgaagatctg ccgccggtag 900gcgtagacgg cgttctggat
ctgtctgaaa acggggcatt taaaattatt ctgtggcggc 960caggcttgaa
ctccgcgttg ctccaaccac gaggggaaag gccccgcgtt cagggacccc
1020gtgtgtggcg aacgctcctt taccggaaaa caaggaagga aattcgttgt
tttggaaaaa 1080gcctcctctc ccgaggtcgg gaacatctgg tggtgagctc
caggtctacg caggcacccc 1140gtgctaggat tcgtttatga gcaggcagga
ttcgagaacc aggtagggcc cgtgcggcag 1200ccgaggcgtc tggggagcgt
ttcccagccg ggctgacaaa ttgcagacaa attgtgccta 1260acgaaacgga
tttaccagtt gtcaggccgc cggccccggc cgctccaaat aaaccgtggc
1320tgttcgtgga ggagggagaa gcacggcccg attgtctccg ggtctcagca
gggttccgcg 1380gggagcctgc caggcttgaa ggtaggggtc agaagcgata
tagaatctcg gaggcgcctg 1440ggtccagggt gccgagacac ctaggacgtg
ggggccacag actctacgat tcccaaagac 1500acagaacagt aatgaggtgg
gagagcctgc actgatgccg agggagggag ccttctgctt 1560taaggggctg
gaattgaacc tcaaggagca ggaggggccg ttatagcagt agtccccccc
1620ttgggaaccc ccccggaggg atggctgctg gcctgagatc taatgccccg
gctttaaggg 1680aacttctgaa cccatctgct aaggcacccc acttcctccc
cgtacccctc aaggtttatt 1740gccagtgtgg ggctgggagg ccgctgggtt
gcgaattaaa tttctctatg gaaggtagtc 1800ccttagcaaa tgggtttcct
tgacacccca cccccagccc cacaccgcgg gccaattagc 1860tgcccataag
gaaaaggcga gaagaattag gttacaaagg gagggcaaac ttatggtccc
1920aaaggggccg cctcggatga gctaacttta aacaaagggc tcagaggggg
gggggggctg 1980gacggccggg gagacctggg catctctgtg tccccacctg
gcacccgcgg cttagtagag 2040gcctgagaag cactctagaa ccgggcacca
gatctgctac ctccccagct cccaggcaga 2100agcacccagg tcaaatggtg
gcgatcgccg ctgtgagttc tcgggccaaa agggtccttc 2160gaaaattctg
cttcctggct gaccttctcc agtcctcaga gaaatcttgt tcccaagtaa
2220ggaaagtgac agcttcttaa tgtgatcaaa ggcagcgcca gcatttccaa
ctatactccc 2280gaacgaacaa agtactgaaa aagggaacgc gtccctctaa
aggtgttttg gggaccccaa 2340agttccagcc cataaattgg agtaaatctg
ctctcaccag gcctggaaca gcgcctcaag 2400accccagcag attctggggg
ctgcgttgac cctccccggg agtttgtttg gggcccaagg 2460tgggaggacc
atgtcttcgg cctaatgggg aggggcccgg ttggtgtccc tcggtctgcc
2520tggcacacac agacattgtc gagcgcgggt ccctctttat tggccagctg
ggcgccctgc 2580tacttggcgt cgcatttctc tctcccaggc gggttcgttt
ccgccagaga atgcagcagt 2640cccgcatcct acgcaggacc tgcaaccgag
gtggaggctt cggtcaagcc ggctcctgcc 2700tgcgttgtcg aggaaggcaa
ccccaaggcc tgaaaggacc tggcagaact cctgtttcct 2760ttttttcctc
tacaccggat tgcgggcaag gaggctggtt cgggtctccc gaggcccctg
2820ctcaagcact ccttaaccgt cctgctaagc ccctctgtgc ggcgattttc
tgagctgccg 2880agcggggtaa ttaaatcccc tccctcgctc cgctctgcgt
caggcaggcg gcagcacagg 2940gctgacgttt gggcagggga ctcagccagg
ctggccacct ccactaccgc agtggccggg 3000accctgccgc ggaggggtta
gacgccgagc tcgctgcgct gaaactggga atacacacgg 3060aacggggagg
gggagggtaa tttttaccgc gccggtggga gaaaaaggcg aattacctgc
3120tttcccgagg gacgcgcgta gccacttccc tgagagccgc ggcaccgatc
gcggccgggc 3180gggaagcttc cgctcggtcc tggcgttcac agcccagcgg
ccagctgctg gtctgcctcc 3240cgcgctgggt cccagggttc gcgctcgagc
ggggcagctt tgccggacac gggggattat 3300ccctggggac gcggtgtctt
tcagagggtc ttgctagtct ccggagacgc caaataggct 3360cgagctccgc
ggcgatctca ttttacgagt tgatgaagaa tcgtaagcta aaggatggga
3420aaagttgaga gacagacgga cggagagaca gtgggccccg gcgggaccgc
acgcgttgag 3480gggaacgcca accgggaggc acggagactg ctcacctgcc
cggcctggcc gcggaggccc 3540ggcgccaagg gcctcgcgct cggcctcccg
ccccctgcgc ggcttcccgg gctggcgccg 3600gcctccgctc ccgcagagtg
gagttccgag cagaccgggc tccgcgcgct ccagcgtgga 3660ggggagcggg
aggcttagca ggcggctcgg gcaggcgggt cccccaaggg cacgagacgc
3720gctggttccc agcccaatgg agctctgcgc cccccagccc cgcgctttac
ctgcgctgag 3780gcctcggaca gacaaacgga cgccagacgc ctaggcagga
ggaggcctca gcctgagccc 3840gcggcccctt ggcgctgccc tgaactggcc
tgggaggggg tgacgggggc gcgcccgcgg 3900agctgggccc agccgggcgc
ccccggagcc gaggggaccg agggctttcc tccctcctcg 3960gattattaaa
aagttcattt cctggcgaat cgggtgacgt caggggctcg gcgtcgcggt
4020ggcggggccg cccggccgga gaagccgcct ccagttaccc aattaccgac
tgtcaatccc 4080gccgcccctc ccccactctc ccgggggtgg ccgggacccc
agccctcctc ctgcccccga 4140cccacctggg ggccctctgg acatctaccc
cgggagcctc gggcccaaca gggaagaggg 4200ctggaggacg ctgttgagtc
cccccagtac tcggcacctg tctaggtccc ccaaaatgcc 4260tttgtcctgg
acctccctcc tcggcccggg gctcccttcg agcctccgtc tccccagtct
4320gtacaatggg agggaggaag acttgtgcgc ccggcccaca cgaaccatag
agccgatctc 4380cgggctagaa gtgagtgggg agcacttcca ggtgacttag
aagacggaga cctcagacca 4440ccgcctcccc ctcaccagag gccacctcgg
ggaccccccc cggaggaaaa aaaatgccac 4500ctcttgcccg ggggcgtctc
cctccagctg gcgccggcgc cagtccgggt ctccacggcc 4560tcgccccagg
caattgggcc cgttggcctg cgaaggccac gcccggggag gggtgccccc
4620tccccctttc tggagccacc ggccgggcca cctccactgg gtcaagcaca
gccctgagcg 4680gccgcgtgtc cgaggcccag gtgccctcta gagccctgta
gttcctgccc ctctctgccc 4740ctctcggctc ctgctgttcc gccgctgtcg
tccgaaccat cccaaccccc agtccaccca 4800gacagcgccc gagctagggg
agggaacggt ctgggtaggt aactgcgctc ggactgacca 4860cgttcagcgg
tgaaggagcg tggcggggtt agggtctcgg ggagaggcca tccagagggt
4920gtgcggcccg ggctcctggg gagggggcag ttggtggtta gttactgcta
gggaggccca 4980gagcatcgag ggatcccgga gtgttcgcaa gaggggctgc
aggggtcggg ccttggggtg 5040agggtccctt agtggtgggg cgcgttggca
gcaggggccg ccaggagcgc gcagggaggg 5100ggcccgccgg ctgagggggg
ccggcccgcg ggtcagtccc ggagtccagc ggttcgggaa 5160ttgcggacgc
agccaatggg aggcggaggc tgggaggcgc gcggcgttga ttggctggct
5220tgggcttctt aggcgtgcgc ggcccccgct tcatgtctgt gcaggagtcg
gcagctggcg 5280ccagggcggc cggaggatgc cgaggggccg gagccgggag
ggcccgaggc cgaggcgcac 5340tctaccccca gctcctaccc tgtaagcccc
gccagcctcc ggacgtgctg tccctgggcc 5400cgtcgccctc ggggctcccg
ccggaactcc ttcactctca gaggccgagt ccctcccctc 5460cccacggctg
cgtgtgtaag tttggggttt gagagccggc tgggggcctg gggcgctcct
5520agctttgagg ggactctggg gggacttagg gcggggggcc aggctgcggg
cgactgcttt 5580ggtgtgcttt gttgagaggt cctgattgtg ccgcttagta
ctgcgctcag ggggctgcgt 5640gtgcatgttt tcggggttga gatcagtatg
tgtatctggc gccaagtgtg ggtgtgtgcg 5700tgtcgctggg atcaagtgcc
acactgggtg cccgggcgcc tgtctccaac ttttgagtct 5760gtgttcatgt
gtttgtctac cgggcggggg ggctcagtgt gagtgtctga ctgaagtgct
5820gctctgtgcg tttgttgggg tcactggtgt cgggacccgt ccccgggcgt
gaccccatgt 5880gcacgggtgt gtgattctgg agccgcgggt caccacgtga
gtgtgcgtgg ctgaaccccc 5940tcccccgcct tcctttcgtt ttgagccttg
ggctttcctc ccacccggga ctggtgctct 6000ttctcgccgg atctgggctg
gggctccgtg gcgtgcggga cacctcgtgg tgggactttg 6060gggggtgtca
ggcgctggcg gcacgcctca ctcccccttc ctcgcgcagg gccgttgccg
6120tctgcaccca gaccctgagc cgccgccgcc ggccatggag gtggcgcccg
agcagccgcg 6180ctggatggcg cacccggccg tgctgaatgc gcagcacccc
gactcacacc acccgggcct 6240ggcgcacaac tacatggaac ccgcgcagct
gctgcctcca gacgaggtgg acgtcttctt 6300caatcacctc gactcgcagg
gcaaccccta ctatgccaac cccgctcacg cgcgggcgcg 6360cgtctcctac
agccccgcgc acggtgagca
ctgggcccgt ggtgatgaga acccaggcgc 6420cgcgcgccag gcgagggagg
ggaggagggc ccgtctgctt gcttcccgga tgtaggatcc 6480gcaggaatcg
agctgctgaa aaattggggc gggagaggtg ggagcagcgg ccgattgggg
6540agggtctggg acccacaggg tttctgccca cttccagctg gcctgtgagg
gttccctgta 6600gggtctgtcc ggtggggttc cttctatgcc acttgtcctt
cagcttggac tgacattcct 6660gattattacc ggtggggtat tatgtttctg
gctttctttg gggaggggat gactgctggt 6720tctgggagtc gtgatctcaa
tgtctgtcag gggcgtccct agctctgcct accctgatct 6780ttctgcccac
cctgatcctc tctctctttg cccgcagccc gcctgaccgg aggccagatg
6840tgccgcccac acttgttgca cagcccgggt ttgccctggc tggacggggg
caaagcagcc 6900ctctctgccg ctgcggccca ccaccacaac ccctggaccg
tgagcccctt ctccaagacg 6960ccactgcacc cctcagctgc tggaggccct
ggaggcccac tctctgtgta cccaggggct 7020gggggtggga gcgggggagg
cagcgggagc tcagtggcct ccctcacccc tacagcagcc 7080cactctggct
cccacctttt cggcttccca cccacgccac ccaaagaagt gtctcctgac
7140cctagcacca cgggggctgc gtctccagcc tcatcttccg cggggggtag
tgcagcccga 7200ggagaggaca aggacggcgt caagtaccag gtgtcactga
cggagagcat gaagatggaa 7260agtggcagtc ccctgcgccc aggcctagct
actatgggca cccagcctgc tacacaccac 7320cccatcccca cctacccctc
ctatgtgccg gcggctgccc acgactacag cagcggactc 7380ttccaccccg
gaggcttcct ggggggaccg gcctccagct tcacccctaa gcagcgcagc
7440aaggctcgtt cctgttcagg taaaggcagg tgctggggac ttcgtggaag
aggggagcat 7500ttgcgttttt gtggtgggga gctgtgactt gggagaggtg
gcagtgttgg tttcccagat 7560ctggggatgg gtgatgtctc gctctaatag
cccccagcag atgtttgaga cccccgggtc 7620agggagagga gactctaaaa
cttttgccat tttcttaagt gcttccagtg tacccccaaa 7680gttcagttcc
ttgccccagg gttggtcact gcctgaccag aacatagaac aggaattccc
7740cctttccctc cctgaatctt aagtgaaaat tcaagccacc tcaggactta
gtatgtgaag 7800cgagggaagt gactctgtat gtgcatgtgt ttgggagcgt
gtgtgcatgt gtatacgtgt 7860gtctgtgtgc atgttgtgtg tgcatgtttc
aggcactccg gaggttccag accattaagg 7920aatctgggtc tctaactcaa
tcagtctgat cttgggattt cgatggctcc ctgatctcct 7980cgggagattt
tccccagagc aaaattccca ggacctgctc ctgctccctg ccctcgccag
8040gcccttccct ctccctccct gagggctgga gtgaggggat gaagctgcag
tgcccccgcc 8100ccttttcccg cagctggctg gggccaaact gggtttgtcc
aagaatctgg ccacagagca 8160taaacccaga aactcgtggc tagtgtggag
ttcttgctgt ccatgtctct ttcccgaatc 8220cctttgagcc acagaggggg
aaggttttta aaacagttac tcctgagtgc aggaaccacc 8280ttctcttgcc
aggctgtact cctcatttag tttaaactaa atcaagaata acttcctggg
8340gaacacgatg ccagccagtg atcctgctca acttggtccc cagccccagc
ccccgctggc 8400cccagcaccc gctgagcccc ggctcagggt cctagttctg
ctcagacccg tcagcttgcc 8460ttttcttggt cctttctcct gtttgttttg
cattttattt gaattccaga tggtctttta 8520attgaaaaaa aaaatacaaa
caaaaaaaac ccaggccact tatctaaaaa agaaagagct 8580tattatttat
tttattttaa agaacaacaa cttcgatcca ttatttccag gactcagaaa
8640aattctagag ctttggtgga agaggagaaa agttggggag aaagagggaa
atgcttctgg 8700acttagagca gaaagacggg gtggggcaga cacagttggg
tagaaaggag agggacaaaa 8760gaggagaggg ggagagacgc gccagagcgg
gaaggagaga gcctcctggg cccagccagg 8820ttgagctggg tgactcctgc
caccacccta ccctcggcaa agtttgcagt aaataccctc 8880ctggttgctc
cagaacgcct ggggccctgg gcccctcctc ccctcctcct tcgtttccat
8940ccctcctggt gaggattgga agcaggggat ttggctttaa acgactctgg
acctgtgccc 9000cctcccatgt gggagaccct ctcgtccctc ttcctgccca
ggctgttgca gccaggccca 9060ggccaaccgt gtgcctgaga ggcaccggca
ctgctcggct ggctgctttc ctgccctgga 9120ctccctcccg agaacttgcc
ggttaagcag gcccccgtgt ctctccctgt tcccctgcag 9180aaggccggga
gtgtgtcaac tgtggggcca cagccacccc tctctggcgg cgggacggca
9240ccggccacta cctgtgcaat gcctgtggcc tctaccacaa gatgaatggg
cagaaccgac 9300cactcatcaa gcccaagcga agactggtag gagcgggcac
aggtggctgg gagggggctg 9360ctgggcagga gctggcggtt aattacaggg
gaaaaaaact ccttcaaatg cagacgcttt 9420gccgcttgaa atcctctttt
atcatgaaaa gcactgggat gtcagttggg gtcgtctctc 9480tttctggcca
gattctttcg ggccagattt cctcctcggg tatagggagc ccaccgggca
9540cccttgcgcc accccactct gctccgggat ccccgaagtt gagtgtccac
gggccggact 9600cctgtcctct ggcctctgct tagctctttt ttaaaaatag
ggccatgaag tacttttcct 9660tgtggctcag ccctccccga cagccccgct
cacaagctcc tcgtgcttat ttaaataaaa 9720cacaaactca caccggccac
taaaaaaacc tgccctttat tatttttcca tggagtcacc 9780tatactgtgt
attttcattt gagtgatttt aaaaaaatgc cctttcggat ctcctgccgg
9840agtttcctat ccggacatct gcagcctgaa gataaggaaa cttcgtgtat
ctgtttccgg 9900actctgcgag tttttagagt ctcctcagct cagtcctgcc
tctcgctggg ctgttttgaa 9960atttctaata ccctccactc tgcaaataat
gcgtaaaatg ctaagaataa taaatatatt 10020ttttcagggc gaagtgattt
atgaggctta aatcgttccc tgctttgggg gccttttttt 10080cccctggagc
gagggcgggg tgaggcccgg gtgggggtag aggtggagga cgcggcgttg
10140gcccctgagt cagaattcca gcttcaggct gcttactcac ccctccctgc
ccccgcggct 10200gcagtccctc tgtcccttct gtgaccaggc ttgggcctgg
ggctgttcca ggctctgcag 10260gcctcagccc ccagcccccc acactcacca
cctggtgcac tcccgcctgc agttctctgg 10320gaagtgttgg gggaccccct
ctgtcactgt ggggctggcg ttggtggaac cgggagaggg 10380gatctgtttt
cttgggtaaa gcctccctct agcttctctc tgcaaggacc aggcgctcat
10440ttccagaccc tacctctgcc aggcatttcc tgagggacta ggactcagag
gggctgcggg 10500gtggttaaag ctctaagggt tggggtatgg ggggctggat
gggggggatc agcactcaca 10560tcagctggag agatggaaaa gttctgtgtc
tgcactgccc actgtggtag cccctggcca 10620catgtgaata ttgatcactt
gaaatgtggc tcgtgcaatt gagggaactg ggtttttaat 10680tttgttaatt
tgtagttaga tcttatttaa atggctgcct gtggccagct gctacagtgt
10740tggacggtgc agctctgcac tctgtaaacc tgcgctggcc tcagcgacac
tgactcaccc 10800aggattatgg attttgagcg gagtcgtgct agaggagaca
cagaatcggc cccagatcca 10860ggggctcgag ggggaccaag ccggctcagc
ctcaggatgc ctgtgctact agagagccct 10920tctcagggcc tcagtttccc
catttatgga gttagagcgc agggtagttg ggggaggtag 10980ctaattctcc
tctgtagctc ttgcaatccc gttgattcta acatcaggct tctgagagtt
11040ctttattcca aagttctgtg agtcttgact tatttcgttc tcaaattcta
aaattccatg 11100gttctgagat gctttgattc ccatgtgaga tttagccctc
cttgactgag ctggtgggga 11160ctgggggtgg agcgagggtc agggaggggg
gtcgaggtgg gcgtgggagt ccagcctgct 11220gacgctgcct tgccctccca
gtcggccgcc agaagagccg gcacctgttg tgcaaattgt 11280cagacgacaa
ccaccacctt atggcgccga aacgccaacg gggaccctgt ctgcaacgcc
11340tgtggcctct actacaagct gcacaatgtg agtgcgcccc gccccggcca
ccccgcccct 11400cccaggggac ctctgcgctt tgtgctgcca ggcaagaggc
cccagccaca atatccagct 11460tggcttggct tgggaagctg ctgccctgag
tgagcgccag aagggcttcc cgtaagaggg 11520gtgccttgcc tctgctcagg
aggtggagct ggctaggaca gggtctcgga ctagggaagt 11580ggtttctctg
cttaaaaagg gtcagggtgg gggggaggac ttcagttggc tgggcagtgc
11640tggcatgcgg tgggcagagc cagggagggt gtgggtcagc cccatatgcc
agaacccgcc 11700cttcctggaa tggtagccat ctggtgatgg gactatgaag
gtcgggcaca attcctggct 11760tcctgggacc ctcagcttga cctgcctctg
gtccacgctg tggcggggtg ggaggaatgt 11820tgctggagga aggaactggc
cctctgaaaa ctggtggttg cctctaggtt aacaggccac 11880tgaccatgaa
gaaggaaggg atccagactc ggaaccggaa gatgtccaac aagtccaaga
11940agagcaagaa aggggcggag tgcttcgagg agctgtcaaa gtgcatgcag
gagaagtcat 12000cccccttcag tgcagctgcc ctggctggac acatggcacc
tgtgggccac ctcccgccct 12060tcagccactc cggacacatc ctgcccactc
cgacgcccat ccacccctcc tccagcctct 12120ccttcggcca cccccacccg
tccagcatgg tgaccgccat gggctaggga acagatggac 12180gtcgaggacc
gggcactccc gggatgggtg gaccaaaccc ttagcagccc agcatttccc
12240gaaggccgac accactcctg ccagcccggc tcggcccagc accccctctc
ctggagggcg 12300cccagcagcc tgccagcagt tactgtgaat gttccccacc
gctgagaggc tgcctccgca 12360cctgaccgct gcccaggtgg ggtttcctgc
atggacagtt gtttggagaa caacaaggac 12420aactttatgt agagaaaagg
aggggacggg acagacgaag gcaaccattt ttagaaggaa 12480aaaggattag
gcaaaaataa tttattttgc tcttgtttct aacaaggact tggagacttg
12540gtggtctgag ctgtcccaag tcctccggtt cttcctcggg attggcgggt
ccacttgcca 12600gggctctggg ggcagatttg tggggacctc agcctgcacc
ctcttctcct ctggcttccc 12660tctctgaaat agccgaactc caggctgggc
tgagccaaag ccagagtggc cacggcccag 12720ggagggtgag ctggtgcctg
ctttgacggg ccaggccctg gagggcagag acaatcacgg 12780gcggtcctgc
acagattccc aggccagggc tgggtcacag gaaggaaaca acattttctt
12840gaaaggggaa acgtctccca gatcgctccc ttggctttga ggccgaagct
gctgtgactg 12900tgtcccctta ctgagcgcaa gccacagcct gtcttgtcag
gtggaccctg taaatacatc 12960ctttttctgc taacccttca accccctcgc
ctcctactct gagacaaaag aaaaaatatt 13020aaaaaaatgc ataggcttaa
ctcgctgatg agttaattgt tttattttta aactcttttt 13080gggtccagtt
gattgtacgt agccacagga gccctgctat gaaaggaata aaacctacac
13140acaaggttgg agctttgcaa ttctttttgg aaaagagctg ggatcccaca
gccctagtat 13200gaaagctggg ggtggggagg ggcctttgct gcccttggtt
tctgggggct ggttggcatt 13260tgctggcctg gcagggggtg aaggcaggag
ttgggggcag gtcaggacca ggacccaggg 13320agaggctgtg tccctgctgg
ggtctcaggt ccagctttac tgtggctgtc tggatccttc 13380ccaaggtaca
gctgtatata aacgtgtccc gagcttagat tctgtatgcg gtgacggcgg
13440ggtgtggtgg cctgtgaggg gcccctggcc caggaggagg attgtgctga
tgtagtgacc 13500aagtgcaata tgggcgggca gtcgctgcag ggagcaccac
ggccagaagt aacttatttt 13560gtactagtgt ccgcataaga aaaagaatcg
gcagtatttt ctgtttttat gttttatttg 13620gcttgtttta ttttggatta
gtgaactaag ttattgttaa ttatgtacaa catttatata 13680ttgtctgtaa
aaaatgtatg ctatcctctt attcctttaa agtgagtact gttaagaata
13740ataaaatact ttttgtgaa 137591019RNAArtificial
SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence Synthetic
oligonucleotide 10aguaucagug guugagaag 191119RNAArtificial
SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence Synthetic
oligonucleotide 11gaaccggaag auguccaac 191219RNAArtificial
SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence Synthetic
oligonucleotide 12ggauugugug gaauguaag 191321RNAArtificial
SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence Synthetic
oligonucleotide 13accgagagag gaaacacaau a 211421RNAArtificial
SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence Synthetic
oligonucleotide 14gaaucggaag auguccagca a 211518RNAArtificial
SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence Synthetic
oligonucleotide 15caaugaucuc uaugugga 181623DNAArtificial
SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence Synthetic primer
16caccactcaa acgctgacat gta 231721DNAArtificial SequenceDescription
of Artificial Sequence Synthetic primer 17ccaactgcca ataccagtgg a
211824DNAArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence
Synthetic primer 18aaagaactgg ccaagtccaa agcc 241924DNAArtificial
SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence Synthetic primer
19aagcacgtcc tctttcagtt ccga 242020DNAArtificial
SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence Synthetic primer
20gtcactgacg gagagcatga 202120DNAArtificial SequenceDescription of
Artificial Sequence Synthetic primer 21gccttctgaa caggaacgag
202221DNAArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence
Synthetic primer 22ctgtcatgct aatggtgtcc c 212323DNAArtificial
SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence Synthetic primer
23tgctgcttcc tggtcctaaa ata 232419DNAArtificial SequenceDescription
of Artificial Sequence Synthetic primer 24ctcggctcac gcagaactt
192519DNAArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence
Synthetic primer 25gctgcacaga tagcgtccc 192623DNAArtificial
SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence Synthetic primer
26gggcaacagc agcagcaacc aca 232724DNAArtificial SequenceDescription
of Artificial Sequence Synthetic primer 27tcgctcggca tttcgcattt
ttat 242830DNAArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence
Synthetic primer 28gaatggagag agaattgaaa aagtggagca
302925DNAArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence
Synthetic primer 29caatccaaat gcggcatctt caaac 253022DNAArtificial
SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence Synthetic primer
30gccctgcctg tggtctcact ac 223120DNAArtificial SequenceDescription
of Artificial Sequence Synthetic primer 31caaagcattg cccattcgat
203224DNAArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence
Synthetic primer 32aaagagctgg ccaagtccaa ggct 243324DNAArtificial
SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence Synthetic primer
33aagcacgccc tctttcggtt ccaa 243420DNAArtificial
SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence Synthetic primer
34cacgccaccc aaagaagtgt 203520DNAArtificial SequenceDescription of
Artificial Sequence Synthetic primer 35ccgccttcca tcttcatgct
203619DNAArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence
Synthetic primer 36gctctgctac cccgtagga 193720DNAArtificial
SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence Synthetic primer
37gttggaggaa agccacacac 203827DNAArtificial SequenceDescription of
Artificial Sequence Synthetic primer 38gcactggacc ctggctttac
tgctgta 273930DNAArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial
Sequence Synthetic primer 39gaacttgatc acttcatggg acttctgctc
304019DNAArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence
Synthetic primer 40cagacgccac tgtcgcttt 194123DNAArtificial
SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence Synthetic primer
41tgtctttgga actttgtctg caa 23426PRTArtificial SequenceDescription
of Artificial Sequence Synthetic peptide 42Arg Arg Lys Arg Arg Arg
1 5 4321DNAArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence
Synthetic primer 43gtaaatgggc ttggggagct g 214419DNAArtificial
SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence Synthetic primer
44ggcggctgca ggggcgtct 194519DNAArtificial SequenceDescription of
Artificial Sequence Synthetic oligonucleotide 45gtagtcgtgc
caccagtag 194619DNAArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial
Sequence Synthetic oligonucleotide 46agacttggca tactcgctg
194719RNAArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence
Synthetic oligonucleotide 47guagucgugc caccaguag
194819RNAArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence
Synthetic oligonucleotide 48agacuuggca uacucgcug
194964DNAArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence
Synthetic oligonucleotide 49gatccccgta gtcgtgccac cagtagttca
agagactact ggtggcacga ctactttttg 60gaaa 645063DNAArtificial
SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence Synthetic
oligonucleotide 50gatccccaga cttggcatac tcgctgttca agagcagcga
gtatgccaag tcttttttgg 60aaa 63512936DNAHomo sapiens 51ttttctaact
tctgggactc tttgcgcaac tgctaggatt tctcaagtgc atgtggcaac 60acagcccagc
tccgggtgga aaccagcagg gctctggagg ggctcggaga ccaggggagc
120tgtcaaggct gcggcgggga ccagagagga gcctggcggg ggtggctggg
tggctggggg 180aatcccccca acttcccatc gcaggcgcag ctctctcggc
cgcctatttc ctccgaaacc 240cgcgctgcgg agcagcccag tgcatagagt
tcaacacttc cccttgttgt ggaaagtaaa 300ggagcctcac taccaccttt
ttttctttgc gttttcttac tgctggtcct gggagccttt 360tccttcggag
cagcagccct gtccggcatc tgtcttgagc tgccagcaag gaaagtccat
420cagcttgata atggaggaga acaatgactc cacggagaac ccccaacaag
gccaagggcg 480gcagaatgcc atcaagtgtg ggtggctgag gaagcaagga
ggctttgtca agacttggca 540tactcgctgg tttgtgctca agggggatca
gctctattat ttcaaagatg aagatgaaac 600caagcccttg ggtactattt
ttctgcctgg aaataaagtt tctgagcatc cctgcaatga 660agagaaccca
gggaagttcc tttttgaagt agttccagga ggcgatcgag atcggatgac
720agcaaatcat gagagctacc tcctcatggc aagcacccag aatgatatgg
aagactgggt 780gaagtcaatc cgccgagtca tatggggacc tttcggagga
ggcatttttg gacagaaact 840ggaggatgct gttcgttatg agaagagata
tgggaaccgt ctggctccga tgttggtgga 900gcagtgcgtg gactttatcc
gacaaagggg gctgaaagaa gagggtctct ttcgactgcc 960aggccaggct
aatcttgtta aggagctcca agatgccttt gactgtgggg agaagccatc
1020atttgacagc aacacagatg tacacacggt ggcatcactt cttaagctgt
acctccgaga 1080acttccagaa ccagttattc cttatgcgaa gtatgaagat
tttttgtcat gtgccaaact 1140gctcagcaag gaagaggaag caggtgttaa
ggaattagca aagcaggtga agagtttgcc 1200agtggtaaat tacaacctcc
tcaagtatat ttgcagattc ttggatgaag tacagtccta 1260ctcgggagtt
aacaaaatga gtgtgcagaa cttggcaacg gtctttggtc ctaatatcct
1320gcgccccaaa gtggaagatc ctttgactat catggagggc actgtggtgg
tccagcagtt 1380gatgtcagtg atgattagca aacatgattg cctctttccc
aaagatgcag aactacaaag 1440caagccccaa gatggagtga gcaacaacaa
cgaaattcag aagaaagcca ccatggggca 1500gttacagaac aaggagaaca
ataacaccaa ggacagccct agtagacagt gctcctggga 1560caagtctgag
tcaccccaga gaagcagcat gaacaatgga tcccccacag ctctatcagg
1620cagcaaaacc aacagcccaa agaacagtgt tcacaagcta gatgtgtcta
gaagcccccc 1680tctcatggtc aaaaagaacc cagcctttaa taagggtagt
gggatagtta ccaatgggtc 1740cttcagcagc agtaatgcag aaggtcttga
gaaaacccaa accaccccca atgggagcct 1800acaggccaga aggagctctt
cactgaaggt atctggtacc aaaatgggca cgcacagtgt 1860acagaatgga
acggtgcgca tgggcatttt gaacagcgac acactcggga accccacaaa
1920tgttcgaaac atgagctggc tgccaaatgg ctatgtgacc ctgagggata
acaagcagaa 1980agaacaagct ggagagttag
gccagcacaa cagactgtcc acctatgata atgtccatca 2040acagttctcc
atgatgaacc ttgatgacaa gcagagcatt gacagtgcta cctggtccac
2100ttcctcctgt gaaatctccc tccctgagaa ctccaactcc tgtcgctctt
ctaccaccac 2160ctgcccagag caagactttt ttggggggaa ctttgaggac
cctgttttgg atgggccccc 2220gcaggacgac ctttcccacc ccagggacta
tgaaagcaaa agtgaccaca ggagtgtggg 2280aggtcgaagt agtcgtgcca
ccagtagcag tgacaacagt gagacatttg tgggcaacag 2340cagcagcaac
cacagtgcac tgcacagttt agtttccagc ctgaaacagg aaatgaccaa
2400acagaagata gagtatgagt ccaggataaa gagcttagaa cagcgaaact
tgactttgga 2460aacagaaatg atgagcctcc atgatgaact ggatcaggag
aggaaaaagt tcacaatgat 2520agaaataaaa atgcgaaatg ccgagcgagc
aaaagaagat gccgagaaaa gaaatgacat 2580gctacagaaa gaagtggagc
agtttttttc cacgtttgga gaactgacag tggaacccag 2640gagaaccgag
agaggaaaca caatatggat tcagtgagcc tgctttcgcc tgctgtctct
2700gatggctctg gcaaggactc cagggattct ggtgggatat gacttagaac
caggtggctg 2760gtcacctgga tgtacagaag tctaactggt gaaggaatat
catttacaga cattaaacat 2820ccatatctgc aatgtgtacc aaagttatat
catgccccat aatgctactg tcaagtgtta 2880caactggata tgtgtatata
gagtagtttt tcaaaagtaa actaaaaatg agaagc 293652748PRTHomo sapiens
52Met Glu Glu Asn Asn Asp Ser Thr Glu Asn Pro Gln Gln Gly Gln Gly 1
5 10 15 Arg Gln Asn Ala Ile Lys Cys Gly Trp Leu Arg Lys Gln Gly Gly
Phe 20 25 30 Val Lys Thr Trp His Thr Arg Trp Phe Val Leu Lys Gly
Asp Gln Leu 35 40 45 Tyr Tyr Phe Lys Asp Glu Asp Glu Thr Lys Pro
Leu Gly Thr Ile Phe 50 55 60 Leu Pro Gly Asn Lys Val Ser Glu His
Pro Cys Asn Glu Glu Asn Pro 65 70 75 80 Gly Lys Phe Leu Phe Glu Val
Val Pro Gly Gly Asp Arg Asp Arg Met 85 90 95 Thr Ala Asn His Glu
Ser Tyr Leu Leu Met Ala Ser Thr Gln Asn Asp 100 105 110 Met Glu Asp
Trp Val Lys Ser Ile Arg Arg Val Ile Trp Gly Pro Phe 115 120 125 Gly
Gly Gly Ile Phe Gly Gln Lys Leu Glu Asp Ala Val Arg Tyr Glu 130 135
140 Lys Arg Tyr Gly Asn Arg Leu Ala Pro Met Leu Val Glu Gln Cys Val
145 150 155 160 Asp Phe Ile Arg Gln Arg Gly Leu Lys Glu Glu Gly Leu
Phe Arg Leu 165 170 175 Pro Gly Gln Ala Asn Leu Val Lys Glu Leu Gln
Asp Ala Phe Asp Cys 180 185 190 Gly Glu Lys Pro Ser Phe Asp Ser Asn
Thr Asp Val His Thr Val Ala 195 200 205 Ser Leu Leu Lys Leu Tyr Leu
Arg Glu Leu Pro Glu Pro Val Ile Pro 210 215 220 Tyr Ala Lys Tyr Glu
Asp Phe Leu Ser Cys Ala Lys Leu Leu Ser Lys 225 230 235 240 Glu Glu
Glu Ala Gly Val Lys Glu Leu Ala Lys Gln Val Lys Ser Leu 245 250 255
Pro Val Val Asn Tyr Asn Leu Leu Lys Tyr Ile Cys Arg Phe Leu Asp 260
265 270 Glu Val Gln Ser Tyr Ser Gly Val Asn Lys Met Ser Val Gln Asn
Leu 275 280 285 Ala Thr Val Phe Gly Pro Asn Ile Leu Arg Pro Lys Val
Glu Asp Pro 290 295 300 Leu Thr Ile Met Glu Gly Thr Val Val Val Gln
Gln Leu Met Ser Val 305 310 315 320 Met Ile Ser Lys His Asp Cys Leu
Phe Pro Lys Asp Ala Glu Leu Gln 325 330 335 Ser Lys Pro Gln Asp Gly
Val Ser Asn Asn Asn Glu Ile Gln Lys Lys 340 345 350 Ala Thr Met Gly
Gln Leu Gln Asn Lys Glu Asn Asn Asn Thr Lys Asp 355 360 365 Ser Pro
Ser Arg Gln Cys Ser Trp Asp Lys Ser Glu Ser Pro Gln Arg 370 375 380
Ser Ser Met Asn Asn Gly Ser Pro Thr Ala Leu Ser Gly Ser Lys Thr 385
390 395 400 Asn Ser Pro Lys Asn Ser Val His Lys Leu Asp Val Ser Arg
Ser Pro 405 410 415 Pro Leu Met Val Lys Lys Asn Pro Ala Phe Asn Lys
Gly Ser Gly Ile 420 425 430 Val Thr Asn Gly Ser Phe Ser Ser Ser Asn
Ala Glu Gly Leu Glu Lys 435 440 445 Thr Gln Thr Thr Pro Asn Gly Ser
Leu Gln Ala Arg Arg Ser Ser Ser 450 455 460 Leu Lys Val Ser Gly Thr
Lys Met Gly Thr His Ser Val Gln Asn Gly 465 470 475 480 Thr Val Arg
Met Gly Ile Leu Asn Ser Asp Thr Leu Gly Asn Pro Thr 485 490 495 Asn
Val Arg Asn Met Ser Trp Leu Pro Asn Gly Tyr Val Thr Leu Arg 500 505
510 Asp Asn Lys Gln Lys Glu Gln Ala Gly Glu Leu Gly Gln His Asn Arg
515 520 525 Leu Ser Thr Tyr Asp Asn Val His Gln Gln Phe Ser Met Met
Asn Leu 530 535 540 Asp Asp Lys Gln Ser Ile Asp Ser Ala Thr Trp Ser
Thr Ser Ser Cys 545 550 555 560 Glu Ile Ser Leu Pro Glu Asn Ser Asn
Ser Cys Arg Ser Ser Thr Thr 565 570 575 Thr Cys Pro Glu Gln Asp Phe
Phe Gly Gly Asn Phe Glu Asp Pro Val 580 585 590 Leu Asp Gly Pro Pro
Gln Asp Asp Leu Ser His Pro Arg Asp Tyr Glu 595 600 605 Ser Lys Ser
Asp His Arg Ser Val Gly Gly Arg Ser Ser Arg Ala Thr 610 615 620 Ser
Ser Ser Asp Asn Ser Glu Thr Phe Val Gly Asn Ser Ser Ser Asn 625 630
635 640 His Ser Ala Leu His Ser Leu Val Ser Ser Leu Lys Gln Glu Met
Thr 645 650 655 Lys Gln Lys Ile Glu Tyr Glu Ser Arg Ile Lys Ser Leu
Glu Gln Arg 660 665 670 Asn Leu Thr Leu Glu Thr Glu Met Met Ser Leu
His Asp Glu Leu Asp 675 680 685 Gln Glu Arg Lys Lys Phe Thr Met Ile
Glu Ile Lys Met Arg Asn Ala 690 695 700 Glu Arg Ala Lys Glu Asp Ala
Glu Lys Arg Asn Asp Met Leu Gln Lys 705 710 715 720 Glu Val Glu Gln
Phe Phe Ser Thr Phe Gly Glu Leu Thr Val Glu Pro 725 730 735 Arg Arg
Thr Glu Arg Gly Asn Thr Ile Trp Ile Gln 740 745 534593DNAHomo
sapiens 53gggggagttt gaagacagaa aggaaagggg agaaacctgc agagagcatc
aaaggatggg 60gggtgctata aaagaagcag gggggtcctt tgaaagaaat ctatcatgca
ctgaaatgct 120ttctggagaa ggtgccgtta ttttcctccc ctcttgctca
gatgaaagga gccagcaagg 180acagtcctga aatattcctc aggggacttt
ttgtcattgt tcctctttcc tcttgcacag 240agctatttgc tgacctttcc
agaggaatct cagtccagct gagaagacag ttcttaataa 300aaacaaaaaa
atgcaaaaac caattcctgc tgtttgaatg ggaatggtag cttgcttgct
360gcagttcttt tcctgtgaca ttttggaatg tctgcagaaa cttaaaaaaa
agaaaaaaaa 420aaccttaaaa actccctgga ttaggcaaga gaaaaggaag
tttttttttg ctaaacagga 480gtaaatgaga ggtggtaact tatccctaag
ccaggacctg gatgatcaaa accttcaaat 540tctagggatc agcacttcaa
aaataacaag taaacaagca tgaggagtgg ctgttgggtt 600tcgctcagag
gcaggtttta aaggaagcca aaaccgggtt cagaacttca ggcctgtacg
660atgcctgaag accggaattc tggggggtgc ccggctggtg ccttagcctc
aactcctttc 720atccctaaaa ctacatacag aagaatcaaa cggtgtttta
gttttcggaa aggcattttt 780ggacagaaac tggaggatac tgttcgttat
gagaagagat atgggaaccg tctggctccg 840atgttggtgg agcagtgcgt
ggactttatc cgacaaaggg ggctgaaaga agagggtctc 900tttcgactgc
caggccaggc taatcttgtt aaggagctcc aagatgcctt tgactgtggg
960gagaagccat catttgacag caacacagat gtacacacgg tggcatcact
tcttaagctg 1020tacctccgag aacttccaga accagttatt ccttatgcga
agtatgaaga ttttttgtca 1080tgtgccaaac tgctcagcaa ggaagaggaa
gcaggtgtta aggaattagc aaagcaggtg 1140aagagtttgc cagtggtaaa
ttacaacctc ctcaagtata tttgcagatt cttggatgaa 1200gtacagtcct
actcgggagt taacaaaatg agtgtgcaga acttggcaac ggtctttggt
1260cctaatatcc tgcgccccaa agtggaagat cctttgacta tcatggaggg
cactgtggtg 1320gtccagcagt tgatgtcagt gatgattagc aaacatgatt
gcctctttcc caaagatgca 1380gaactacaaa gcaagcccca agatggagtg
agcaacaaca atgaaattca gaagaaagcc 1440accatggggc tgttacagaa
caaggagaac aataacacca aggacagccc tagtaggcag 1500tgctcctggg
acaagtctga gtcaccccag agaagcagca tgaacaatgg atcccccaca
1560gctctatcag gcagcaaaac caacagccca aagaacagtg ttcacaagct
agatgtgtct 1620agaagccccc ctctcatggt caaaaagaac ccagccttta
ataagggtag tgggatagtt 1680accaatgggt ccttcagcag cagtaatgca
gaaggtcttg agaaaaccca aaccaccccc 1740aatgggagcc tacaggccag
aaggagctct tcactgaagg tatctggtac caaaatgggc 1800acgcacagtg
tacagaatgg aacggtgcgc atgggcattt tgaacagcga cacactcggg
1860aaccccacaa atgttcgaaa catgagctgg ctgccaaatg gctatgtgac
cctgagggat 1920aacaagcaga aagaacaagc tggagagtta ggccagcaca
acagactgtc cacctatgat 1980aatgtccatc aacagttctc catgatgaac
cttgatgaca agcagagcat tgacagtgct 2040acctggtcca cttcctcctg
tgaaatctcc ctccctgaga actccaactc ctgtcgctct 2100tctaccacca
cctgcccaga gcaagacttt tttgggggga actttgagga ccctgttttg
2160gatgggcccc cgcaggacga cctttcccac cccagggact atgaaagcaa
aagtgaccac 2220aggagtgtgg gaggtcgaag tagtcgtgcc accagtagca
gtgacaacag tgagacattt 2280gtgggcaaca gcagcagcaa ccacagtgca
ctgcacagtt tagtttccag cctgaaacag 2340gaaatgacca aacagaagat
agagtatgag tccaggataa agagcttaga acagcgaaac 2400ttgactttgg
aaacagaaat gatgagcctc catgatgaac tggatcagga gaggaaaaag
2460ttcacaatga tagaaataaa aatgcgaaat gccgagcgag caaaagaaga
tgccgagaaa 2520agaaatgaca tgctacagaa agaaatggag cagttttttt
ccacgtttgg agaactgaca 2580gtggaaccca ggagaaccga gagaggaaac
acaatatgga ttcagtgagc ctgctttcgc 2640ctgctgtctc tgatggctct
ggcaaggact ccagggattc tggtgggata tgacttagaa 2700ccaggtggct
ggtcacctgg atgtacagaa gtctaactgg tgaaggaata tcatttacag
2760acattaaaca tccatatctg caatgtgtac caaagttata tcatgcccca
taatgctact 2820gtcaagtgtt acaactggat atgtgtatat agagtagttt
ttcaaaagta aactaaaaat 2880gagaagcata tttcaagaat tattttattg
caagtcttgt atttaaatgt taaatcaata 2940tgttgttgca atttagcttg
ctttcaagct tcaccccttg cacttaacat aagctatttt 3000tggcattgtg
ttatcatcgg cttattttat agatcaatat ttttatttcc cttttttgct
3060gaggaaatga agataagcaa aaatataaat atatatataa atatatgagt
tattaaaacc 3120agaagaatac tttgtggctg tgctgtttgt gccaatagac
tttgtcatga ccaaaaagag 3180aaatgtaaat agttttataa aatacagtcg
aatcaccagg aacctttgag ctgcttttaa 3240aattcttccc ctggcaccac
tcagttttgc ttttgcgagg cgatttgaca taggaacttt 3300gagactccat
gagaaagtcc ctttctgagg cccactgtct accttgccag atcctcagtg
3360cgtatcgcca atgcaggatg ctccttagaa aagaaaaaat ggtaaaggat
ggcatttaac 3420gattcaggct ttgaattact ctgtccctct ggaccgaatc
tctttaactg ctggatagtt 3480ttagaggaat tctcctgcta cttaggtact
gggaaacaat gcttgctaaa ccatgcccac 3540gtgagcacct gtctcccact
caaacctctc ccatctccca acaactgcac tttagaatac 3600cagcagtgaa
atggtattac tgtttccctc tgagtgaaac tgctagagta tatgtcacgt
3660agtgacattt ttttctcact caggctattg ccatctggga ttctctccct
actacagctg 3720gcaaagttgg tttgcagcaa gaagatagtg ggagggggcc
aggctgcagg agaaggagaa 3780aagtttagaa gaaacaaacc attttgcttc
taattttgac agtatcactt tcctgttaaa 3840acatacaata attttaaaag
gtgaatgcct aaagttccaa ttttagcaaa tatgggaacc 3900tcagcaatgc
taattttcta gaaaaaccca gggctctttg gagctagagt tttgggagaa
3960cagttcttca caataaggca atggttttga gaggccaggc aaataatctt
tctcaccgta 4020gaacaaaaag ttacaaaagg cataatcgga aatagagact
acatacttga gtttatgggg 4080tttgtgttgt ttgaaggttc aatgcttgca
tgtgtttatt tattttcaag agggaaagtg 4140gtctgtactg ctttcatcct
tgccactgtc ttgcttttat tttttactct cccactgagc 4200aagcgtctgt
ggtcctatgg tatcaaccag tatctttata gcaataattt ctttaattcc
4260cttttctctc tctttccaat tatttaacca gttacttcca cctggacata
cgataggaaa 4320ttcaaactca aaatatgaaa attgatctta ataactctcc
cttcatatct tttcacctat 4380ttccagtcct tatcatagtt gataaaaacc
tcagactcat ccagaaagct atatgatgca 4440ctagtaaaaa aaacaaagat
atttaaactg cttgggttca aatggtatac aatttgccag 4500ctgttactga
accttctatg cataactttt tttttcctct gtgcaattgg aataataaaa
4560atactactcc cataaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaa aac 459354655PRTHomo sapiens
54Met Pro Glu Asp Arg Asn Ser Gly Gly Cys Pro Ala Gly Ala Leu Ala 1
5 10 15 Ser Thr Pro Phe Ile Pro Lys Thr Thr Tyr Arg Arg Ile Lys Arg
Cys 20 25 30 Phe Ser Phe Arg Lys Gly Ile Phe Gly Gln Lys Leu Glu
Asp Thr Val 35 40 45 Arg Tyr Glu Lys Arg Tyr Gly Asn Arg Leu Ala
Pro Met Leu Val Glu 50 55 60 Gln Cys Val Asp Phe Ile Arg Gln Arg
Gly Leu Lys Glu Glu Gly Leu 65 70 75 80 Phe Arg Leu Pro Gly Gln Ala
Asn Leu Val Lys Glu Leu Gln Asp Ala 85 90 95 Phe Asp Cys Gly Glu
Lys Pro Ser Phe Asp Ser Asn Thr Asp Val His 100 105 110 Thr Val Ala
Ser Leu Leu Lys Leu Tyr Leu Arg Glu Leu Pro Glu Pro 115 120 125 Val
Ile Pro Tyr Ala Lys Tyr Glu Asp Phe Leu Ser Cys Ala Lys Leu 130 135
140 Leu Ser Lys Glu Glu Glu Ala Gly Val Lys Glu Leu Ala Lys Gln Val
145 150 155 160 Lys Ser Leu Pro Val Val Asn Tyr Asn Leu Leu Lys Tyr
Ile Cys Arg 165 170 175 Phe Leu Asp Glu Val Gln Ser Tyr Ser Gly Val
Asn Lys Met Ser Val 180 185 190 Gln Asn Leu Ala Thr Val Phe Gly Pro
Asn Ile Leu Arg Pro Lys Val 195 200 205 Glu Asp Pro Leu Thr Ile Met
Glu Gly Thr Val Val Val Gln Gln Leu 210 215 220 Met Ser Val Met Ile
Ser Lys His Asp Cys Leu Phe Pro Lys Asp Ala 225 230 235 240 Glu Leu
Gln Ser Lys Pro Gln Asp Gly Val Ser Asn Asn Asn Glu Ile 245 250 255
Gln Lys Lys Ala Thr Met Gly Leu Leu Gln Asn Lys Glu Asn Asn Asn 260
265 270 Thr Lys Asp Ser Pro Ser Arg Gln Cys Ser Trp Asp Lys Ser Glu
Ser 275 280 285 Pro Gln Arg Ser Ser Met Asn Asn Gly Ser Pro Thr Ala
Leu Ser Gly 290 295 300 Ser Lys Thr Asn Ser Pro Lys Asn Ser Val His
Lys Leu Asp Val Ser 305 310 315 320 Arg Ser Pro Pro Leu Met Val Lys
Lys Asn Pro Ala Phe Asn Lys Gly 325 330 335 Ser Gly Ile Val Thr Asn
Gly Ser Phe Ser Ser Ser Asn Ala Glu Gly 340 345 350 Leu Glu Lys Thr
Gln Thr Thr Pro Asn Gly Ser Leu Gln Ala Arg Arg 355 360 365 Ser Ser
Ser Leu Lys Val Ser Gly Thr Lys Met Gly Thr His Ser Val 370 375 380
Gln Asn Gly Thr Val Arg Met Gly Ile Leu Asn Ser Asp Thr Leu Gly 385
390 395 400 Asn Pro Thr Asn Val Arg Asn Met Ser Trp Leu Pro Asn Gly
Tyr Val 405 410 415 Thr Leu Arg Asp Asn Lys Gln Lys Glu Gln Ala Gly
Glu Leu Gly Gln 420 425 430 His Asn Arg Leu Ser Thr Tyr Asp Asn Val
His Gln Gln Phe Ser Met 435 440 445 Met Asn Leu Asp Asp Lys Gln Ser
Ile Asp Ser Ala Thr Trp Ser Thr 450 455 460 Ser Ser Cys Glu Ile Ser
Leu Pro Glu Asn Ser Asn Ser Cys Arg Ser 465 470 475 480 Ser Thr Thr
Thr Cys Pro Glu Gln Asp Phe Phe Gly Gly Asn Phe Glu 485 490 495 Asp
Pro Val Leu Asp Gly Pro Pro Gln Asp Asp Leu Ser His Pro Arg 500 505
510 Asp Tyr Glu Ser Lys Ser Asp His Arg Ser Val Gly Gly Arg Ser Ser
515 520 525 Arg Ala Thr Ser Ser Ser Asp Asn Ser Glu Thr Phe Val Gly
Asn Ser 530 535 540 Ser Ser Asn His Ser Ala Leu His Ser Leu Val Ser
Ser Leu Lys Gln 545 550 555 560 Glu Met Thr Lys Gln Lys Ile Glu Tyr
Glu Ser Arg Ile Lys Ser Leu 565 570 575 Glu Gln Arg Asn Leu Thr Leu
Glu Thr Glu Met Met Ser Leu His Asp 580 585 590 Glu Leu Asp Gln Glu
Arg Lys Lys Phe Thr Met Ile Glu Ile Lys Met 595 600 605 Arg Asn Ala
Glu Arg Ala Lys Glu Asp Ala Glu Lys Arg Asn Asp Met 610 615 620 Leu
Gln Lys Glu Met Glu Gln Phe Phe Ser Thr Phe Gly Glu Leu Thr 625 630
635 640 Val Glu Pro Arg Arg Thr Glu Arg Gly Asn Thr Ile Trp Ile Gln
645 650 655 552417DNAHomo sapiens 55aaaacttaaa tatagctacc
accgctttga aaggaatggt ttgtgtccaa acagcatttt 60ccagacaagc tctgtacttt
tttgccaaaa gaattaactt taaactgaag gcagtggaca 120gttaaacaag
agtcggcact gggaacagct gtgcgtagac cagaccagtg acttataagg
180aggcgatcga gatcggatga cagcaaatca tgaaagctac ctcctcatgg
caagcaccca 240gaatgatatg
gaagactggg tgaagtcaat ccgccgagtc atatggggac ctttcggagg
300aggcattttt ggacagaaac tggaggatac tgttcgttat gagaagagat
atgggaaccg 360tctggctccg atgttggtgg agcagtgcgt ggactttatc
cgacaaaggg ggctgaaaga 420agagggtctc tttcgactgc caggccaggc
taatcttgtt aaggagctcc aagatgcctt 480tgactgtggg gagaagccat
catttgacag caacacagat gtacacacgg tggcatcact 540tcttaagctg
tacctccgag aacttccaga accagttatt ccttatgcga agtatgaaga
600ttttttgtca tgtgccaaac tgctcagcaa ggaagaggaa gcaggtgtta
aggaattagc 660aaagcaggtg aagagtttgc cagtggtaaa ttacaacctc
ctcaagtata tttgcagatt 720cttggatgaa gtacagtcct actcgggagt
taacaaaatg agtgtgcaga acttggcaac 780ggtctttggt cctaatatcc
tgcgccccaa agtggaagat cctttgacta tcatggaggg 840cactgtggtg
gtccagcagt tgatgtcagt gatgattagc aaacatgatt gcctctttcc
900caaagatgca gaactacaaa gcaagcccca agatggagtg agcaacaaca
atgaaattca 960gaagaaagcc accatggggc agttacagaa caaggagaac
aataacacca aggacagccc 1020tagtaggcag tgctcctggg acaagtctga
gtcaccccag agaagcagca tgaacaatgg 1080atcccccaca gctctatcag
gcagcaaaac caacagccca aagaacagtg ttcacaagct 1140agatgtgtct
agaagccccc ctctcatggt caaaaagaac ccagccttta ataagggtag
1200tgggatagtt accaatgggt ccttcagcag cagtaatgca gaaggtcttg
agaaaaccca 1260aaccaccccc aatgggagcc tacaggccag aaggagctct
tcactgaagg tatctggtac 1320caaaatgggc acgcacagtg tacagaatgg
aacggtgcgc atgggcattt tgaacagcga 1380cacactcggg aaccccacaa
atgttcgaaa catgagctgg ctgccaaatg gctatgtgac 1440cctgagggat
aacaagcaga aagaacaagc tggagagtta ggccagcaca acagactgtc
1500cacctatgat aatgtccatc aacagttctc catgatgaac cttgatgaca
agcagagcat 1560tgacagtgct acctggtcca cttcctcctg tgaaatctcc
ctccctgaga actccaactc 1620ctgtcgctct tctaccacca cctgcccaga
gcaagacttt tttgggggga actttgagga 1680ccctgttttg gatgggcccc
cgcaggacga cctttcccac cccagggact atgaaagcaa 1740aagtgaccac
aggagtgtgg gaggtcgaag tagtcgtgcc accagtagca gtgacaacag
1800tgagacattt gtgggcaaca gcagcagcaa ccacagtgca ctgcacagtt
tagtttccag 1860cctgaaacag gaaatgacca aacagaagat agagtatgag
tccaggataa agagcttaga 1920acagcgaaac ttgactttgg aaacagaaat
gatgagcctc catgatgaac tggatcagga 1980gaggaaaaag ttcacaatga
tagaaataaa aatgcgaaat gccgagcgag caaaagaaga 2040tgccgagaaa
agaaatgaca tgctacagaa agaagtggag cagttttttt ccacgtttgg
2100agaactgaca gtggaaccca ggagaaccga gagaggaaac acaatatgga
ttcagtgagc 2160ctgctttcgc ctgctgtctc tgatggctct ggcaaggact
ccagggattc tggtgggata 2220tgacttagaa ccaggtggct ggtcacctgg
atgtacagaa gtctaactgg tgaaggaata 2280tcatttacag acattaaaca
tccatatctg caatgtgtac caaagttata tcatgcccca 2340taatgctact
gtcaagtgtt acaactggat atgtgtatat agagtagttt ttcaaaagta
2400aactaaaaat gagaagc 241756653PRTHomo sapiens 56Met Thr Ala Asn
His Glu Ser Tyr Leu Leu Met Ala Ser Thr Gln Asn 1 5 10 15 Asp Met
Glu Asp Trp Val Lys Ser Ile Arg Arg Val Ile Trp Gly Pro 20 25 30
Phe Gly Gly Gly Ile Phe Gly Gln Lys Leu Glu Asp Thr Val Arg Tyr 35
40 45 Glu Lys Arg Tyr Gly Asn Arg Leu Ala Pro Met Leu Val Glu Gln
Cys 50 55 60 Val Asp Phe Ile Arg Gln Arg Gly Leu Lys Glu Glu Gly
Leu Phe Arg 65 70 75 80 Leu Pro Gly Gln Ala Asn Leu Val Lys Glu Leu
Gln Asp Ala Phe Asp 85 90 95 Cys Gly Glu Lys Pro Ser Phe Asp Ser
Asn Thr Asp Val His Thr Val 100 105 110 Ala Ser Leu Leu Lys Leu Tyr
Leu Arg Glu Leu Pro Glu Pro Val Ile 115 120 125 Pro Tyr Ala Lys Tyr
Glu Asp Phe Leu Ser Cys Ala Lys Leu Leu Ser 130 135 140 Lys Glu Glu
Glu Ala Gly Val Lys Glu Leu Ala Lys Gln Val Lys Ser 145 150 155 160
Leu Pro Val Val Asn Tyr Asn Leu Leu Lys Tyr Ile Cys Arg Phe Leu 165
170 175 Asp Glu Val Gln Ser Tyr Ser Gly Val Asn Lys Met Ser Val Gln
Asn 180 185 190 Leu Ala Thr Val Phe Gly Pro Asn Ile Leu Arg Pro Lys
Val Glu Asp 195 200 205 Pro Leu Thr Ile Met Glu Gly Thr Val Val Val
Gln Gln Leu Met Ser 210 215 220 Val Met Ile Ser Lys His Asp Cys Leu
Phe Pro Lys Asp Ala Glu Leu 225 230 235 240 Gln Ser Lys Pro Gln Asp
Gly Val Ser Asn Asn Asn Glu Ile Gln Lys 245 250 255 Lys Ala Thr Met
Gly Gln Leu Gln Asn Lys Glu Asn Asn Asn Thr Lys 260 265 270 Asp Ser
Pro Ser Arg Gln Cys Ser Trp Asp Lys Ser Glu Ser Pro Gln 275 280 285
Arg Ser Ser Met Asn Asn Gly Ser Pro Thr Ala Leu Ser Gly Ser Lys 290
295 300 Thr Asn Ser Pro Lys Asn Ser Val His Lys Leu Asp Val Ser Arg
Ser 305 310 315 320 Pro Pro Leu Met Val Lys Lys Asn Pro Ala Phe Asn
Lys Gly Ser Gly 325 330 335 Ile Val Thr Asn Gly Ser Phe Ser Ser Ser
Asn Ala Glu Gly Leu Glu 340 345 350 Lys Thr Gln Thr Thr Pro Asn Gly
Ser Leu Gln Ala Arg Arg Ser Ser 355 360 365 Ser Leu Lys Val Ser Gly
Thr Lys Met Gly Thr His Ser Val Gln Asn 370 375 380 Gly Thr Val Arg
Met Gly Ile Leu Asn Ser Asp Thr Leu Gly Asn Pro 385 390 395 400 Thr
Asn Val Arg Asn Met Ser Trp Leu Pro Asn Gly Tyr Val Thr Leu 405 410
415 Arg Asp Asn Lys Gln Lys Glu Gln Ala Gly Glu Leu Gly Gln His Asn
420 425 430 Arg Leu Ser Thr Tyr Asp Asn Val His Gln Gln Phe Ser Met
Met Asn 435 440 445 Leu Asp Asp Lys Gln Ser Ile Asp Ser Ala Thr Trp
Ser Thr Ser Ser 450 455 460 Cys Glu Ile Ser Leu Pro Glu Asn Ser Asn
Ser Cys Arg Ser Ser Thr 465 470 475 480 Thr Thr Cys Pro Glu Gln Asp
Phe Phe Gly Gly Asn Phe Glu Asp Pro 485 490 495 Val Leu Asp Gly Pro
Pro Gln Asp Asp Leu Ser His Pro Arg Asp Tyr 500 505 510 Glu Ser Lys
Ser Asp His Arg Ser Val Gly Gly Arg Ser Ser Arg Ala 515 520 525 Thr
Ser Ser Ser Asp Asn Ser Glu Thr Phe Val Gly Asn Ser Ser Ser 530 535
540 Asn His Ser Ala Leu His Ser Leu Val Ser Ser Leu Lys Gln Glu Met
545 550 555 560 Thr Lys Gln Lys Ile Glu Tyr Glu Ser Arg Ile Lys Ser
Leu Glu Gln 565 570 575 Arg Asn Leu Thr Leu Glu Thr Glu Met Met Ser
Leu His Asp Glu Leu 580 585 590 Asp Gln Glu Arg Lys Lys Phe Thr Met
Ile Glu Ile Lys Met Arg Asn 595 600 605 Ala Glu Arg Ala Lys Glu Asp
Ala Glu Lys Arg Asn Asp Met Leu Gln 610 615 620 Lys Glu Val Glu Gln
Phe Phe Ser Thr Phe Gly Glu Leu Thr Val Glu 625 630 635 640 Pro Arg
Arg Thr Glu Arg Gly Asn Thr Ile Trp Ile Gln 645 650 571856DNAHomo
sapiens 57gcatttttgg acagaaactg gaggatactg ttcgttatga gaagagatat
gggaaccgtc 60tggctccgat gttggtggag cagtgcgtgg actttatccg acaaaggggg
ctgaaagaag 120agggtctctt tcgactgcca ggccaggcta atcttgttaa
ggagctccaa gatgcctttg 180actgtgggga gaagccatca tttgacagca
acacagatgt acacacggtg gcatcacttc 240ttaagctgta cctccgagaa
cttccagaac cagttattcc ttatgcgaag tatgaagatt 300ttttgtcatg
tgccaaactg ctcagcaagg aagaggaagc aggtgttaag gaattagcaa
360agcaggtgaa gagtttgcca gtggtaaatt acaacctcct caagtatatt
tgcagattct 420tggatgaagt acagtcctac tcgggagtta acaaaatgag
tgtgcagaac ttggcaacgg 480tctttggtcc taatatcctg cgccccaaag
tggaagatcc tttgactatc atggagggca 540ctgtggtggt ccagcagttg
atgtcagtga tgattagcaa acatgattgc ctctttccca 600aagatgcaga
actacaaagc aagccccaag atggagtgag caacaacaat gaaattcaga
660agaaagccac catggggcag ttacagaaca aggagaacaa taacaccaag
gacagcccta 720gtaggcagtg ctcctgggac aagtctgagt caccccagag
aagcagcatg aacaatggat 780cccccacagc tctatcaggc agcaaaacca
acagcccaaa gaacagtgtt cacaagctag 840atgtgtctag aagcccccct
ctcatggtca aaaagaaccc agcctttaat aagggtagtg 900ggatagttac
caatgggtcc ttcagcagca gtaatgcaga aggtcttgag aaaacccaaa
960ccacccccaa tgggagccta caggccagaa ggagctcttc actgaaggta
tctggtacca 1020aaatgggcac gcacagtgta cagaatggaa cggtgcgcat
gggcattttg aacagcgaca 1080cactcgggaa ccccacaaat gttcgaaaca
tgagctggct gccaaatggc tatgtgaccc 1140tgagggataa caagcagaaa
gaacaagctg gagagttagg ccagcacaac agactgtcca 1200cctatgataa
tgtccatcaa cagttctcca tgatgaacct tgatgacaag cagagcattg
1260acagtgctac ctggtccact tcctcctgtg aaatctccct ccctgagaac
tccaactcct 1320gtcgctcttc taccaccacc tgcccagagc aagacttttt
tggggggaac tttgaggacc 1380ctgttttgga tgggcccccg caggacgacc
tttcccaccc cagggactat gaaagcaaaa 1440gtgaccacag gagtgtggga
ggtcgaagta gtcgtgccac cagtagcagt gacaacagtg 1500agacatttgt
gggcaacagc agcagcaacc acagtgcact gcacagttta gtttccagcc
1560tgaaacagga aatgaccaaa cagaagatag agtatgagtc caggataaag
agcttagaac 1620agcgaaactt gactttggaa acagaaatga tgagcctcca
tgatgaactg gatcaggaga 1680ggaaaaagtt cacaatgata gaaataaaaa
tgcgaaatgc cgagcgagca aaagaagatg 1740ccgagaaaag aaatgacatg
ctacagaaag aaatggagca gtttttttcc acgtttggag 1800aactgacagt
ggaacccagg agaaccgaga gaggaaacac aatatggatt cagtga 185658618PRTHomo
sapiens 58Gly Ile Phe Gly Gln Lys Leu Glu Asp Thr Val Arg Tyr Glu
Lys Arg 1 5 10 15 Tyr Gly Asn Arg Leu Ala Pro Met Leu Val Glu Gln
Cys Val Asp Phe 20 25 30 Ile Arg Gln Arg Gly Leu Lys Glu Glu Gly
Leu Phe Arg Leu Pro Gly 35 40 45 Gln Ala Asn Leu Val Lys Glu Leu
Gln Asp Ala Phe Asp Cys Gly Glu 50 55 60 Lys Pro Ser Phe Asp Ser
Asn Thr Asp Val His Thr Val Ala Ser Leu 65 70 75 80 Leu Lys Leu Tyr
Leu Arg Glu Leu Pro Glu Pro Val Ile Pro Tyr Ala 85 90 95 Lys Tyr
Glu Asp Phe Leu Ser Cys Ala Lys Leu Leu Ser Lys Glu Glu 100 105 110
Glu Ala Gly Val Lys Glu Leu Ala Lys Gln Val Lys Ser Leu Pro Val 115
120 125 Val Asn Tyr Asn Leu Leu Lys Tyr Ile Cys Arg Phe Leu Asp Glu
Val 130 135 140 Gln Ser Tyr Ser Gly Val Asn Lys Met Ser Val Gln Asn
Leu Ala Thr 145 150 155 160 Val Phe Gly Pro Asn Ile Leu Arg Pro Lys
Val Glu Asp Pro Leu Thr 165 170 175 Ile Met Glu Gly Thr Val Val Val
Gln Gln Leu Met Ser Val Met Ile 180 185 190 Ser Lys His Asp Cys Leu
Phe Pro Lys Asp Ala Glu Leu Gln Ser Lys 195 200 205 Pro Gln Asp Gly
Val Ser Asn Asn Asn Glu Ile Gln Lys Lys Ala Thr 210 215 220 Met Gly
Gln Leu Gln Asn Lys Glu Asn Asn Asn Thr Lys Asp Ser Pro 225 230 235
240 Ser Arg Gln Cys Ser Trp Asp Lys Ser Glu Ser Pro Gln Arg Ser Ser
245 250 255 Met Asn Asn Gly Ser Pro Thr Ala Leu Ser Gly Ser Lys Thr
Asn Ser 260 265 270 Pro Lys Asn Ser Val His Lys Leu Asp Val Ser Arg
Ser Pro Pro Leu 275 280 285 Met Val Lys Lys Asn Pro Ala Phe Asn Lys
Gly Ser Gly Ile Val Thr 290 295 300 Asn Gly Ser Phe Ser Ser Ser Asn
Ala Glu Gly Leu Glu Lys Thr Gln 305 310 315 320 Thr Thr Pro Asn Gly
Ser Leu Gln Ala Arg Arg Ser Ser Ser Leu Lys 325 330 335 Val Ser Gly
Thr Lys Met Gly Thr His Ser Val Gln Asn Gly Thr Val 340 345 350 Arg
Met Gly Ile Leu Asn Ser Asp Thr Leu Gly Asn Pro Thr Asn Val 355 360
365 Arg Asn Met Ser Trp Leu Pro Asn Gly Tyr Val Thr Leu Arg Asp Asn
370 375 380 Lys Gln Lys Glu Gln Ala Gly Glu Leu Gly Gln His Asn Arg
Leu Ser 385 390 395 400 Thr Tyr Asp Asn Val His Gln Gln Phe Ser Met
Met Asn Leu Asp Asp 405 410 415 Lys Gln Ser Ile Asp Ser Ala Thr Trp
Ser Thr Ser Ser Cys Glu Ile 420 425 430 Ser Leu Pro Glu Asn Ser Asn
Ser Cys Arg Ser Ser Thr Thr Thr Cys 435 440 445 Pro Glu Gln Asp Phe
Phe Gly Gly Asn Phe Glu Asp Pro Val Leu Asp 450 455 460 Gly Pro Pro
Gln Asp Asp Leu Ser His Pro Arg Asp Tyr Glu Ser Lys 465 470 475 480
Ser Asp His Arg Ser Val Gly Gly Arg Ser Ser Arg Ala Thr Ser Ser 485
490 495 Ser Asp Asn Ser Glu Thr Phe Val Gly Asn Ser Ser Ser Asn His
Ser 500 505 510 Ala Leu His Ser Leu Val Ser Ser Leu Lys Gln Glu Met
Thr Lys Gln 515 520 525 Lys Ile Glu Tyr Glu Ser Arg Ile Lys Ser Leu
Glu Gln Arg Asn Leu 530 535 540 Thr Leu Glu Thr Glu Met Met Ser Leu
His Asp Glu Leu Asp Gln Glu 545 550 555 560 Arg Lys Lys Phe Thr Met
Ile Glu Ile Lys Met Arg Asn Ala Glu Arg 565 570 575 Ala Lys Glu Asp
Ala Glu Lys Arg Asn Asp Met Leu Gln Lys Glu Met 580 585 590 Glu Gln
Phe Phe Ser Thr Phe Gly Glu Leu Thr Val Glu Pro Arg Arg 595 600 605
Thr Glu Arg Gly Asn Thr Ile Trp Ile Gln 610 615 59531DNAHomo
sapiens 59ccgtctggct ccgatgttgg tggagcagtg cgtggacttt atccgacaaa
gggggctgaa 60agaagagggt ctctttcgac tgccaggcca ggctaatctt gttaaggagc
tccaagatgc 120ctttgactgt ggggagaagc catcatttga cagcaacaca
gatgtacaca cggtggcatc 180acttcttaag ctgtacctcc gagaacttcc
agaaccagtt attccttatg cgaagtatga 240agattttttg tcatgtgcca
aactgctcag caaggaagag gaagcaggtg ttaaggaatt 300agcaaagcag
gtgaagagtt tgccagtggt aaattacaac ctcctcaagt atatttgcag
360attcttggat gaagtacagt cctactcggg agttaacaaa atgagtgtgc
agaacttggc 420aacggtcttt ggtcctaata tcctgcgccc caaagtggaa
gatcctttga ctatcatgga 480gggcactgtg gtggtccagc agttgatgtc
agtgatgatt agcaaacatg a 53160177PRTHomo sapiens 60Arg Leu Ala Pro
Met Leu Val Glu Gln Cys Val Asp Phe Ile Arg Gln 1 5 10 15 Arg Gly
Leu Lys Glu Glu Gly Leu Phe Arg Leu Pro Gly Gln Ala Asn 20 25 30
Leu Val Lys Glu Leu Gln Asp Ala Phe Asp Cys Gly Glu Lys Pro Ser 35
40 45 Phe Asp Ser Asn Thr Asp Val His Thr Val Ala Ser Leu Leu Lys
Leu 50 55 60 Tyr Leu Arg Glu Leu Pro Glu Pro Val Ile Pro Tyr Ala
Lys Tyr Glu 65 70 75 80 Asp Phe Leu Ser Cys Ala Lys Leu Leu Ser Lys
Glu Glu Glu Ala Gly 85 90 95 Val Lys Glu Leu Ala Lys Gln Val Lys
Ser Leu Pro Val Val Asn Tyr 100 105 110 Asn Leu Leu Lys Tyr Ile Cys
Arg Phe Leu Asp Glu Val Gln Ser Tyr 115 120 125 Ser Gly Val Asn Lys
Met Ser Val Gln Asn Leu Ala Thr Val Phe Gly 130 135 140 Pro Asn Ile
Leu Arg Pro Lys Val Glu Asp Pro Leu Thr Ile Met Glu 145 150 155 160
Gly Thr Val Val Val Gln Gln Leu Met Ser Val Met Ile Ser Lys His 165
170 175 Asp
* * * * *