U.S. patent application number 15/645561 was filed with the patent office on 2018-02-01 for compostions for treating dry eye disease.
The applicant listed for this patent is The Regents of the University of California, Schepens Eye Research Institute. Invention is credited to Tannin A. Schmidt, Benjamin Sullivan, David A. Sullivan.
Application Number | 20180028598 15/645561 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41264988 |
Filed Date | 2018-02-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180028598 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sullivan; Benjamin ; et
al. |
February 1, 2018 |
Compostions for Treating Dry Eye Disease
Abstract
The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition, and
methods of use thereof, for treating ocular boundary deficiency,
symptoms associated therewith, or an undesired condition that is
associated with or causes ocular boundary deficiency at the ocular
surface. The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention
comprises a human PRG4 protein, a lubricant fragment, homolog, or
isoform thereof, suspended in an ophthalmically acceptable balanced
salt solution. The pharmaceutical composition of the present
invention may also comprise one or more ophthalmically acceptable
agents selected from the group consisting of an ophthalmically
acceptable demulcent, excipient, astringent, vasoconstrictor,
emollient, sodium hyaluronate, hyaluronic acid, and surface active
phospholipids, in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier for topical
administration.
Inventors: |
Sullivan; Benjamin; (San
Diego, CA) ; Schmidt; Tannin A.; (Calgary, CA)
; Sullivan; David A.; (Boston, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Regents of the University of California
Schepens Eye Research Institute |
Oakland
Boston |
CA
MA |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
41264988 |
Appl. No.: |
15/645561 |
Filed: |
July 10, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15091665 |
Apr 6, 2016 |
9730978 |
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15645561 |
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12940370 |
Nov 5, 2010 |
9393285 |
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15091665 |
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PCT/US2009/039887 |
Apr 8, 2009 |
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12940370 |
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61051112 |
May 7, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61K 31/568 20130101;
A61K 31/568 20130101; A61K 9/0051 20130101; A61K 38/1709 20130101;
A61K 31/685 20130101; A61K 9/0048 20130101; A61K 38/13 20130101;
A61P 27/14 20180101; A61K 38/14 20130101; A61K 2300/00 20130101;
A61P 27/04 20180101; A61P 29/00 20180101; A61K 2300/00 20130101;
A61P 27/02 20180101; A61K 38/1841 20130101; A61P 27/00 20180101;
A61K 2300/00 20130101; A61P 37/08 20180101; A61K 38/1841 20130101;
A61K 31/715 20130101; A61K 31/728 20130101; A61K 38/13 20130101;
A61K 31/688 20130101; A61K 38/17 20130101; A61K 45/06 20130101;
A61K 47/02 20130101; A61K 47/24 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61K 38/14 20060101
A61K038/14; A61K 9/00 20060101 A61K009/00; A61K 31/688 20060101
A61K031/688; A61K 31/685 20060101 A61K031/685; A61K 45/06 20060101
A61K045/06; A61K 38/18 20060101 A61K038/18; A61K 31/728 20060101
A61K031/728; A61K 47/02 20060101 A61K047/02; A61K 31/568 20060101
A61K031/568; A61K 31/715 20060101 A61K031/715; A61K 38/13 20060101
A61K038/13; A61K 47/24 20060101 A61K047/24; A61K 38/17 20060101
A61K038/17 |
Goverment Interests
STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTEREST
[0002] The invention was made with government support under EY05612
awarded by the National Institutes of Health. The government has
certain rights in the invention.
Claims
1.-12. (canceled)
13. A pharmaceutical composition suitable for topical application
to an ocular surface of an individual, comprising: PRG4 or a
lubricating fragment thereof comprising glycosylated repeats of the
sequence KEPAPTT (SEQ ID NO:4) at a concentration effective to
reduce tear osmolarity upon topical application of the
pharmaceutical composition to the ocular surface of the individual
so as to relieve dysfunction of a tear film or dry eye disease or
symptoms associated therewith, a polysorbate surfactant, and one or
more ophthalmically acceptable agents selected from the group
consisting of a salt solution, a demulcent, an excipient, an
astringent, a vasoconstrictor, and an emollient.
14. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 13, comprising PRG4 or
a lubricating fragment thereof comprising glycosylated repeats of
the sequence KEPAPTT (SEQ ID NO:4) at a concentration of 10-10,000
.mu.g/mL.
15. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 13, comprising PRG4 or
a lubricating fragment thereof comprising glycosylated repeats of
the sequence KEPAPTT (SEQ ID NO:4) at a concentration of 50-500
.mu.g/mL.
16. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 13, further comprising
sodium hyaluronate or hyaluronic acid.
17. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 16, wherein the sodium
hyaluronate or the hyaluronic acid is present at a concentration of
10-100,000 .mu.g/mL.
18. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 16, wherein the sodium
hyaluronate or the hyaluronic acid is present at a concentration of
500-5,000 .mu.g/mL.
19. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 13, further comprising
a surface active phospholipid selected from the group consisting of
L-.alpha.-dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylcholine,
phosphatidylethanolamine and sphingomyelin.
20. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 19, wherein the
phospholipid is present at a concentration of 10-10,000
.mu.g/mL.
21. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 13, wherein the salt
solution comprises at least three different electrolytes selected
from the group consisting of sodium phosphate, sodium chloride,
potassium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate,
calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, sodium acetate, sodium
citrate, hydrochloric acid, and sodium hydroxide.
22. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 13, wherein the PRG4 or
a lubricating fragment thereof comprising glycosylated repeats of
the sequence KEPAPTT (SEQ ID NO:4) has an average molecular mass of
between 50 kDa and 400 kDa.
23. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 13, wherein the PRG4 or
a lubricating fragment thereof comprising glycosylated repeats of
the sequence KEPAPTT (SEQ ID NO:4) is a recombinant molecule.
24. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 13, wherein the PRG4 or
a lubricating fragment thereof comprising glycosylated repeats of
the sequence KEPAPTT (SEQ ID NO:4) is a purified naturally
occurring molecule.
25. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 13, wherein PRG4 is
made from the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1.
26. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 13, comprising PRG4 or
a lubricating fragment thereof comprising glycosylated repeats of
the sequence KEPAPTT (SEQ ID NO:4) at a concentration of 10-500
.mu.g/mL.
27. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 13, comprising PRG4 or
a lubricating fragment thereof comprising glycosylated repeats of
the sequence KEPAPTT (SEQ ID NO:4) at a concentration of 100-300
.mu.g/mL.
28. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 13, comprising PRG4 or
a lubricating fragment thereof comprising glycosylated repeats of
the sequence KEPAPTT (SEQ ID NO:4) at a concentration of 100
.mu.g/mL.
29. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 13, comprising PRG4 or
a lubricating fragment thereof comprising glycosylated repeats of
the sequence KEPAPTT (SEQ ID NO:4) at a concentration of 200
.mu.g/mL.
30. A method of managing ocular lubrication, comprising
administering to an ocular surface of an individual in need an
effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition suitable for
topical ophthalmic application, the pharmaceutical composition
comprising: PRG4 or a lubricating fragment thereof comprising
glycosylated repeats of the sequence KEPAPTT (SEQ ID NO:4) at a
concentration effective to reduce tear osmolarity upon topical
application of the pharmaceutical composition to the ocular surface
of the individual so as to relieve dysfunction of a tear film or
dry eye disease or symptoms associated therewith, a polysorbate
surfactant, and one or more ophthalmically acceptable agents
selected from the group consisting of a salt solution, a demulcent,
an excipient, an astringent, a vasoconstrictor, and an
emollient.
31. The method of claim 30, the pharmaceutical composition
comprising PRG4 or a lubricating fragment thereof comprising
glycosylated repeats of the sequence KEPAPTT (SEQ ID NO:4) at a
concentration of 10-10,000 .mu.g/mL.
32. The method of claim 30, the pharmaceutical composition
comprising PRG4 or a lubricating fragment thereof comprising
glycosylated repeats of the sequence KEPAPTT (SEQ ID NO:4) at a
concentration of 50-500 .mu.g/mL.
33. The method of claim 30, the pharmaceutical composition further
comprising sodium hyaluronate or hyaluronic acid.
34. The method of claim 33, wherein the sodium hyaluronate or the
hyaluronic acid is present at a concentration of 10-100,000
.mu.g/mL.
35. The method of claim 33, wherein the sodium hyaluronate or the
hyaluronic acid is present at a concentration of 500-5,000
.mu.g/mL.
36. The method of claim 30, the pharmaceutical composition further
comprising a surface active phospholipid selected from the group
consisting of L-.alpha.-dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine,
phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine and
sphingomyelin.
37. The method of claim 36, wherein the phospholipid is present at
a concentration of 10-10,000 .mu.g/mL.
38. The method of claim 30, wherein the salt solution comprises at
least three different electrolytes selected from the group
consisting of sodium phosphate, sodium chloride, potassium
chloride, sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, calcium
chloride, magnesium chloride, sodium acetate, sodium citrate,
hydrochloric acid, and sodium hydroxide.
39. The method of claim 30, wherein the PRG4 or a lubricating
fragment thereof comprising glycosylated repeats of the sequence
KEPAPTT (SEQ ID NO:4) has an average molecular mass of between 50
kDa and 400 kDa.
40. The method of claim 30, wherein the PRG4 or a lubricating
fragment thereof comprising glycosylated repeats of the sequence
KEPAPTT (SEQ ID NO:4) is a recombinant molecule.
41. The method of claim 30, wherein the PRG4 or a lubricating
fragment thereof comprising glycosylated repeats of the sequence
KEPAPTT (SEQ ID NO:4) is a purified naturally occurring
molecule.
42. The method of claim 30, wherein PRG4 is made from the amino
acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1.
43. The method of claim 30, the pharmaceutical composition
comprising PRG4 or a lubricating fragment thereof comprising
glycosylated repeats of the sequence KEPAPTT (SEQ ID NO:4) at a
concentration of 10-500 .mu.g/mL.
44. The method of claim 30, the pharmaceutical composition
comprising PRG4 or a lubricating fragment thereof comprising
glycosylated repeats of the sequence KEPAPTT (SEQ ID NO:4) at a
concentration of 100-300 .mu.g/mL.
45. The method of claim 30, the pharmaceutical composition
comprising PRG4 or a lubricating fragment thereof comprising
glycosylated repeats of the sequence KEPAPTT (SEQ ID NO:4) at a
concentration of 100 .mu.g/mL.
46. The method of claim 30, the pharmaceutical composition
comprising PRG4 or a lubricating fragment thereof comprising
glycosylated repeats of the sequence KEPAPTT (SEQ ID NO:4) at a
concentration of 200 .mu.g/mL.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application is a continuation of U.S.
application Ser. No. 15/091,665, filed Apr. 6, 2016, which is a
continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/940,370, now U.S. Pat.
No. 9,393,285, which is a continuation of PCT Application No.
PCT/US09/39887, filed Apr. 8, 2009, which claims priority benefit
of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/051,112 filed May 7, 2008,
each of which is incorporated herein by reference in their
entireties.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to the management of ocular
lubrication. In particular, the present invention relates to
pharmaceutical compositions, and method of use thereof, for
treating diseases associated with compromised lubrication at the
corneal and conjunctival surfaces.
BACKGROUND
[0004] The proteoglycan 4 (prg4) gene encodes for highly
glycosylated proteins termed megakaryocyte stimulating factor
(MSF), lubricin, and superficial zone protein (SZP) (1)). Lubricin
was first isolated from synovial fluid and demonstrated lubricating
ability in vitro similar to synovial fluid at a cartilage-glass
interface (2). Lubricin was later identified as a product of
synovial fibroblasts (3) and also shown to possess boundary
lubricating ability at a latex-glass interface by Jay et al. (3-9).
O-linked .beta.(1-3)Gal-GalNAc oligosaccharides within a large
mucin like domain of 940 amino acids (10), encoded for by exon 6,
were subsequently shown to mediate, in part, this boundary
lubricating ability (8). SZP was first localized at the surface of
explant cartilage from the superficial zone and isolated from
conditioned medium (11). SZP also demonstrated lubricating ability
at a cartilage-glass interface (12). These molecules are
collectively referred to as PRG4. PRG4 was also shown to be present
at the surface of synovium (58), tendon (13), and meniscus (14). In
addition, PRG4 has been shown to contribute, both at physiological
and pathophysiological concentrations, to the boundary lubrication
of apposing articular cartilage surfaces (59).
[0005] The functional importance of prg4 was shown by mutations
that cause the camptodactyly-arthropathy-coxa vara-pericarditis
(CACP) disease syndrome in humans. CACP is manifest by
camptodactyly, noninflammatory arthropathy, and hypertrophic
synovitis, with coxa vara deformity, pericarditis, and pleural
effusion (15). Also, in PRG4-null mice, cartilage deterioration and
subsequent joint failure were observed (16). Therefore, PRG4
expression is a necessary component of healthy synovial joints.
[0006] PRG4 is a member of the mucin family, which are generally
abundant on epithelial linings and provide many functions,
including lubrication and protection from invading microorganisms
(17). The functional properties of mucins are generally determined
by specialized glycosylation patterns and their ability to form
multimers through intermolecular disulfide bonds (18), both of
which are altered in chronic diseases (e.g. cystic fibrosis,
asthma) (17). Biochemical characterization of PRG4 isolated from
synovial fluid (2, 19) showed molecular heterogeneity in
O-glycosylation, which appears to influence lubricating properties
(8) Recently, PRG4 from bovine synovial fluid has been shown to
exist as disulfide-bonded dimers, in addition to the monomeric
forms, as suggested by the conserved cysteine-rich domains at both
N- and C-terminals, along with an unpaired cysteine at the
C-terminal (20).
[0007] In tissues such as synovial joints, physicochemical modes of
lubrication have been classified as fluid film or boundary. The
operative lubrication modes depend on the normal and tangential
forces on the articulating tissues, on the relative rate of
tangential motion between these surfaces, and on the time history
of both loading and motion. The friction coefficient, .mu.,
provides a quantitative measure, and is defined as the ratio of
tangential friction force to the normal force. One type of
fluid-mediated lubrication mode is hydrostatic. At the onset of
loading and typically for a prolonged duration, the interstitial
fluid within cartilage becomes pressurized, due to the biphasic
nature of the tissue; fluid may also be forced into the asperities
between articular surfaces through a weeping mechanism. Pressurized
interstitial fluid and trapped lubricant pools may therefore
contribute significantly to the bearing of normal load with little
resistance to shear force, facilitating a very low .mu.. Also, at
the onset of loading and/or motion, squeeze film, hydrodynamic, and
elastohydrodynamic types of fluid film lubrication occur, with
pressurization, motion, and deformation acting to drive viscous
lubricant from and/or through the gap between two surfaces in
relative motion.
[0008] The relevant extent to which fluid pressure/film versus
boundary lubrication occurs classically depends on a number of
factors (31). When lubricant film can flow between the conforming
sliding surfaces, which can deform elastically, elastohydrodynamic
lubrication occurs. Pressure, surface roughness, and relative
sliding velocity determine when full fluid lubrication begins to
break down and the lubrication enters new regimes. As velocity
decreases further, lubricant films adherent to the articulating
surfaces begin to contribute and a mixed regime of lubrication
occurs. If the velocity decreases even further and only an
ultra-thin lubricant layer composed of a few molecules remain,
boundary lubrication occurs. A boundary mode of lubrication is
therefore indicated by a friction coefficient (ratio of the
measured frictional force between two contacting surfaces in
relative motion to the applied normal force) during steady sliding
being invariant with factors that influence formation of a fluid
film, such as relative sliding velocity and axial load (35). For
articular cartilage, it has been concluded boundary lubrication is
certain to occur, although complemented by fluid pressurization and
other mechanisms (36-39).
[0009] In boundary lubrication, load is supported by
surface-to-surface contact, and the associated frictional
properties are determined by lubricant surface molecules. This mode
has been proposed to be important because the opposing cartilage
layers make contact over .about.10% of the total area, and this may
be where most of the friction occurs (30). Furthermore, with
increasing loading time and dissipation of hydrostatic pressure,
lubricant-coated surfaces bear an increasingly higher portion of
the load relative to pressurized fluid, and consequently, this mode
can become increasingly dominant (31, 32). Boundary lubrication, in
essence, mitigates stickslip (31), and is therefore manifest as
decreased resistance both to steady motion and the start-up of
motion. The latter situation is relevant to load bearing
articulating surfaces after prolonged compressive loading (e.g.,
sitting or standing in vivo) (33). Typical wear patterns of
cartilage surfaces (34) also suggest that boundary lubrication of
articular cartilage is critical to the protection and maintenance
of the articular surface structure.
[0010] With increasing loading time and dissipation of hydrostatic
pressure, lubricant-coated surfaces bear an increasingly higher
portion of the load relative to pressurized fluid, and
consequently, .mu. can become increasingly dominated by this mode
of lubrication. A boundary mode of lubrication is indicated by
values of .mu. during steady sliding being invariant with factors
that influence formation of a fluid film, such as relative sliding
velocity and axial load. Boundary lubrication, in essence,
mitigates stickslip, and is therefore manifest as decreased
resistance both to steady motion and the start-up of motion.
[0011] The accumulation of PRG4 within synovial fluid and at the
articular surface, are likely key functional determinants of PRG4's
boundary lubricating ability. Recently, it was demonstrated that a
significant, threefold secretion of PRG4 resulted from the dynamic
shear loading of cultured cartilage explants, as compared to
free-swelling or statically compressed cultures (27). This PRG4
synthesis and secretion by chondrocytes could significantly
contribute to the concentration of PRG4 within synovial fluid, in
both homeostatic and pathological conditions where physiological
regulators are present (23). Although the amount of PRG4 bound to
the surface does not appear to correlate with secretion rates,
previous studies suggest surface bound PRG4 can exchange with
endogenous PRG4 in synovial fluid (25), especially under the
influence of mechanical perturbation (26, 27). Clarification of the
spatial and temporal aspects of PRG4 metabolism within the joint,
particularly at the articular surface, would further the
understanding of PRG4's contribution to the low-friction properties
of articular cartilage, and possibly lead to treatments to prevent
loss of this function (40, 41). More remains to be determined about
the processing, and the potentially additional or alternative
functions of various PRG4 molecules of different molecular weight
(10, 27, 28, 61). Moreover, the combination of chemical and
mechanical factors to stimulate PRG4 expression in chondrocytes
near the articular surface may be useful for creating tissue
engineered cartilage from isolated sub-populations (29) with a
surface that is bioactive and functional in lubrication.
[0012] The precise mechanisms of boundary lubrication at biological
interfaces are currently unknown. However, proteoglycan 4 (PRG4)
may play a critical role as a boundary lubricant in articulating
joints. This secreted glycoprotein is thought to protect
cartilaginous surfaces against frictional forces, cell adhesion and
protein deposition. Various native and recombinant lubricin
proteins and isoforms have been isolated and characterized. For
instance, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,326,558; 6,433,142; 7,030,223, and
7,361,738 disclose a family of human megakaryocyte stimulating
factors (MSFs) and pharmaceutical compositions containing one or
more such MSFs for treating disease states or disorders, such as a
deficiency of platelets. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,960,562 and 6,743,774
also disclose a lubricating polypeptide, tribonectin, comprising a
substantially pure fragments of MSF, and methods of lubricating
joints or other tissues by administering tribonectin systemically
or directly to tissues.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention provides, in various embodiments,
pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of use thereof, for
managing ocular lubrication, including the therapeutic
replenishment and enrichment of boundary lubricant molecules at the
ocular surface. Described in certain embodiments of the present
invention is the observation that PRG4 mRNA is expressed in human
corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells, as well as in mouse
lacrimal and meibomian glands, indicating that PRG4 protein is
presented in these tissues on the ocular surface. Described in
certain instances of the present invention is the observation that
the role PRG4 protein serves on the ocular surface is to protect
the cornea and conjunctiva against significant shear forces
generated during an eyelid blink, contact lens wear, and other
undesirable conditions. The impact of the tear film, including the
impact of inflammation, proinflammatory cytokines, sex steroid
imbalance and proteases on the composition and function of the
films, suggest a course of therapy for ocular tissues which
promotes boundary lubrication.
[0014] In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a
pharmaceutical composition suitable for topical application to an
ocular surface comprising a therapeutically effective concentration
of a PRG4 protein suspended in an ophthalmically acceptable
balanced salt solution. The pharmaceutical composition of the
present invention may also comprise one or more ophthalmically
acceptable agents selected from the group consisting of an
ophthalmically acceptable demulcent, ophthalmically acceptable
excipient, ophthalmically acceptable astringent, ophthalmically
acceptable vasoconstrictor, and ophthalmically acceptable
emollient.
[0015] Exemplary ophthalmically acceptable demulcents contemplated
in the present invention include, but are not limited to,
carboxymethylcellulose sodium (e.g., about 0.2 to 2.5% w/v),
hydroxyethyl cellulose (e.g., about 0.2 to 2.5% w/v), hypromellose
(e.g., about 0.2 to 2.5% w/v), methylcellulose (e.g., about 0.2 to
2.5% w/v), dextran 70 (e.g., about 0.1% w/v), gelatin (e.g., about
0.01% w/v), glycerin (e.g., about 0.2 to 1% w/v), polyethylene
glycol 300 (e.g., about 0.2 to 1% w/v), polyethylene glycol 400
(e.g., about 0.2 to 1% w/v), polysorbate 80 (e.g., about 0.2 to 1%
w/v), propylene glycol (e.g., about 0.2 to 1% w/v), polyvinyl
alcohol (e.g., about 0.1 to 4% w/v), povidone (e.g., about 0.1 to
2% w/v). Exemplary ophthalmically acceptable excipients/emollients
contemplated in the present invention include, but are not limited
to, anhydrous lanolin (e.g., about 1 to 10% w/v), lanolin (e.g.,
about 1 to 10% w/v), light mineral oil (e.g., .ltoreq.about 50%
w/v), mineral oil (e.g., .ltoreq.about 50% w/v), paraffin (e.g.,
.ltoreq.about 5% w/v), petrolatum (e.g., .ltoreq.about 100% w/v),
white ointment (e.g., .ltoreq.about 100% w/v), white petrolatum
(e.g., .ltoreq.about 100% w/v), white wax (e.g., .ltoreq.about 5%
w/v), yellow wax (e.g., .ltoreq.about 5% w/v). An exemplary
ophthalmically acceptable astringent contemplated in the present
invention includes, but is not limited to, zinc sulfate (e.g.,
about 0.25% w/v). Exemplary ophthalmically acceptable
vasoconstrictors contemplated in the present invention include, but
are not limited to, ephedrine hydrochloride (e.g., about 0.123%
w/v), naphazoline hydrochloride (e.g., about 0.01 to about 0.03%
w/v), phenylephrine hydrochloride (e.g., about 0.08 to about 0.2%
w/v), and tetrahydrozoline hydrochloride (e.g., about 0.01 to about
0.05% w/v).
[0016] In some of these embodiments, the demulcents, excipients,
astringents, vasoconstrictors, emollients and electrolytes provide
a means to deliver the PRG4 protein in an ophthalmically acceptable
manner. Ophthalmically acceptable compositions are suitable for
topical application to the ocular surface if they lack unacceptable
eye toxicity, burning, itchiness, viscosity, blurred vision, etc.
upon application.
[0017] In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition of
the present invention further comprises a therapeutically effective
concentration of one or more additional therapeutic agents,
including but not limited to, sodium hyaluronate, hyaluronic acid,
and phospholipid. Exemplary phospholipid includes, but is not
limited to, L-.alpha.-dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine,
phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine and
sphingomyelin.
[0018] In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a
pharmaceutical composition suitable for topical application to an
ocular surface comprising a therapeutically effective concentration
of PRG4 protein suspended in an ophthalmically acceptable balanced
salt solution comprising at least three electrolytes, including but
not limited to, sodium chloride (NaCl) 0.64%, potassium chloride
(KCl) 0.075%, calcium chloride dihydrate (CaCl2.2H2O) 0.048%,
magnesium chloride hexahydrate (MgCl2.6H2O) 0.03%, sodium acetate
trihydrate (C2H3NaO2.3H2O) 0.39%, sodium citrate dehydrate
(C6H5Na3O7.2H2O) 0.17%, sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid
(to adjust pH to approximately 7.5) with an osmolarity of
approximately 300 mOsms/L.
[0019] In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a
pharmaceutical composition suitable for topical application to an
ocular surface comprising a therapeutically effective concentration
of PRG4 protein suspended in an ophthalmically acceptable balanced
salt solution, comprised of sodium (Na+) of approximately 128 mM,
potassium (K+) of approximately 24 mM, chloride (Cl-) of
approximately 113 mM, calcium (Ca2+) of approximately 0.4 mM,
magnesium (Mg2+) of approximately 0.3 mM, HCO3- of approximately 5
mM, citrate of approximately 1 mM, phosphate of approximately 14
mM, acetate of approximately 15 mM, and sodium hydroxide and/or
hydrochloric acid (to adjust pH to approximately 7.5) with an
osmolarity of approximately 300 mOsms/L.
[0020] The present invention further provides a method for treating
ocular lubrication deficiency, or symptoms associated therewith, in
an individual in need. The method comprises topically administering
to the ocular surface of the individual in need a pharmaceutical
composition comprising a therapeutically effective concentration of
a PRG4 protein. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical
composition comprising the PRG4 protein is administered in
combination with an ophthalmically acceptable formulation
comprising one or more ophthalmically acceptable agents selected
from the group consisting of an ophthalmically acceptable
demulcent, ophthalmically acceptable excipient, ophthalmically
acceptable astringent, ophthalmically acceptable vasoconstrictor,
and ophthalmically acceptable emollient.
[0021] In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition
comprising the PRG4 protein is administered in combination with an
ophthalmically acceptable solution comprising a therapeutically
effective concentration of sodium hyaluronate or hyaluronic acid,
or a surface active phospholipid, as discussed above. In yet
certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprising the
PRG4 protein is administered in combination with a phosphate
buffered saline solution or an ophthalmically acceptable balanced
salt solution comprising one or more electrolytes, as discussed
above.
[0022] The present invention provides a method for treating a
deficiency in ocular lubrication or symptoms associated therewith,
that due to tear loss or unstable tear film in the ocular boundary
loop, such as androgen deficiency, Sjogren's syndrome and
keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). Such method comprises topically
administering to the ocular surface of a patient in need the
pharmaceutical composition of the present invention.
[0023] In certain embodiments, the present invention further
provides a method for addressing and treating the conditions
associated with unfavorable or deficient ocular lubrication.
Exemplary conditions include, but are not limited to aqueous or
evaporative dry eye disease, Sjogren's syndrome,
keratoconjunctivitis sicca, androgen deficiency, meibomian gland
disease, estrogen replacement therapy, contact lens wear,
refractive surgery, allergy, reduced tear film breakup time,
allergy, ocular surface disorders, increased protease levels in the
tear film and at the ocular surface, chronic inflammation,
hyperosmolarity, and aging.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 represents feedback loops within ocular surface
boundary lubrication.
[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates PRG4 mRNA expression in human corneal
epithelial cells. Human corneal epithelial cells were isolated from
the corneoscleral rims of male and female donors. Amplified samples
were screened for the presence of PRG4 products by using an Agilent
2100 Bioanalyzer. Vertical lanes contain: L. MW ladder; 1. No
template control; 2. Corneal tissue from a 33-year female; 4.
Cultured corneal epithelial cells from a 70-year female; 6.
Cultured corneal epithelial cells from a 53-year male.
[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates PRG4 mRNA expression in human
conjunctival epithelial cells. Human corneal epithelial cells were
isolated from the corneoscleral rims of male and female donors.
Amplified samples were screened for the presence of PRG4 products
by using agarose gel electrophoresis. Vertical lanes contain: 1. MW
ladder; 2. No template control; 4. Human female conjunctiva; 5.
Human male conjunctiva.
[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates PRG4 mRNA expression in human
corneoscleral rim tissue samples. L. Human corneal epithelial cells
were isolated from the corneoscleral rims of male and female
donors. Amplified samples were screened for the presence of PRG4
products by using an Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer. Vertical lanes
contain: MW ladder; 1. Human liver cDNA standard; 2. Corneoscleral
rim tissue from a 24-year female; 3. Corneoscleral rim tissue from
a 51-year female; 4. Human conjunctival epithelial cells.
[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates PRG4 mRNA expression in human
conjunctival impression cytology samples. Conjunctival impression
cytology samples were isolated from male and female donors.
Amplified samples were screened for the presence of PRG4 products
by using an Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer. Vertical lanes contain: L. MW
ladder; 1-9. Conjunctival impression cytology samples; 10. Repeat
of human conjunctival epithelial cells (Lane 4 in FIG. 3).
[0029] FIG. 6 illustrates a friction test schematic. The corneal
ocular surface (605) was fastened to the spherical end of an inert
non-permeable semi-rigid rubber plug cylinder (603) (radius r=6
mm). The plug cylinder (603) was attached to the rotational
actuator of the mechanical testing machine (Bose ELF 3200) forming
the bottom articular surface. An annulus (601) (outer radius=3.2
mm, inner radius=1.5 mm) was punched from the eyelid (604). The
annulus (601) was attached to the linear actuator coupled with an
axial load (N) and torsion (.tau.) load cells, forming the upper
articulating surface. Lubricant bath (602) was formed by securing
an inert tube around the plug cylinder (603). .omega. is the
angular frequency.
[0030] FIG. 7 illustrates the reduction of in vitro lid/cornea
kinetic friction with addition of PRG4 protein (lubricin).
[0031] FIG. 8 illustrates the reduction of in vitro lid/cornea
kinetic friction measured 1 minute after the addition of PRG4
protein (lubricin).
[0032] FIG. 9 illustrates the reduction of in vitro lid/cornea
kinetic friction measured 5 minutes after the addition of PRG4
protein (lubricin).
[0033] FIG. 10 illustrates the reduction of in vitro lid/cornea
kinetic friction over time, following addition of PRG4 protein
(lubricin).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0034] Provided in certain embodiments herein, is a method for
treating ocular lubrication deficiency (e.g., ocular boundary
lubrication deficiency), or symptoms associated therewith, in an
individual in need thereof comprising topically administering to
the ocular surface of the individual a pharmaceutical composition
comprising a therapeutically effective amount of PRG4 protein. Also
provided in some embodiments herein are pharmaceutical compositions
comprising PRG4 protein in an ophthalmically acceptable
formulation. In specific embodiments, provided herein is a
pharmaceutical composition suitable for topical application to an
ocular surface comprising a therapeutically effective amount of
PRG4 suspended in an ophthalmically acceptable balanced salt
solution, and may also be in combination with one or more
ophthalmically acceptable agents selected from the group consisting
of an ophthalmically acceptable demulcent, an ophthalmically
acceptable excipient, an ophthalmically acceptable astringent, an
ophthalmically acceptable vasoconstrictor, and an ophthalmically
acceptable emollient.
[0035] Provided in some embodiments herein are pharmaceutical
compositions, and methods of use thereof, for treating a deficiency
in ocular lubrication at the ocular surface (e.g., a deficiency of,
such as decreased or undesirable, ocular boundary lubrication). A
pharmaceutical composition of certain embodiments of the present
invention comprises an isolated or purified PRG4 protein suspended
in an ophthalmically acceptable balanced salt solution in
combination with one or more ophthalmic agents selected from the
group consisting of an ophthalmic demulcent, excipient, astringent,
vasoconstructor, and emollient. In some embodiments, any
pharmaceutical composition provided herein further comprises one or
more additional therapeutic agents selected from the group
consisting of sodium hyaluronate, surface active phospholipids, and
electrolytes in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier for topical
administration.
[0036] The present invention provides, in certain embodiments, a
novel approach to manage ocular lubrication, including the
therapeutic replenishment and enrichment of boundary lubricant
molecules at the ocular surface. It should be noted that the
importance and the mechanism of ocular boundary lubrication has not
heretofore been recognized within the ophthalmic community. For
years, the scientific consensus within the orthopaedic research
community was that hydrodynamic lubrication was by far the dominant
mode of lubrication for articular cartilage, and that boundary
lubrication was simply an afterthought. Moreover, those researchers
studying boundary lubrication at cartilage surfaces suggest that
boundary lubrication is likely only important under "high load and
low velocity," which are opposite to the conditions at the ocular
surface, where there are relatively low axial loads and relatively
fast sliding velocities. See, e.g., (54). Moreover, boundary
lubrication involving the corneal glyocalyx has not heretofore been
considered. Jay et al. compared purified lubricating factor from
bovine synovial fluid to "mucinous glycoprotein from human
submandibular saliva and stimulated tears," and concluded "mucin
secreted by the lacrimal gland did not lubricate," overlooking the
possibility that the corneal epithelium was a source of lubricant
or that boundary lubrication was an important contributor at the
ocular surface. See, e.g., (55). The most recent mathematical
models of tear film dynamics also ignore the possibility of
boundary lubrication, claiming a "lubrication approximation" for
the height of the tear film such that "the mucus layer on the
cornea can be taken to provide a no-slip surface for the aqueous
film" and that "it should be noted that the model only predicts the
evolution prior to the [tear film] thickness reaching some
critically thin value at which the model breaks down." See, e.g.,
(57).
[0037] There is a need to manage ocular lubrication and protect the
cornea and conjunctiva against significant shear forces generated
from the undesirable conditions described herein, including, by way
of non-limiting example, aqueous or evaporative dry eye disease,
Sjogren's syndrome, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, androgen
deficiency, meibomian gland disease, estrogen replacement therapy,
contact lens wear, refractive surgery, allergy, reduced tear film
breakup time, allergy, ocular surface disorders, increased protease
levels in the tear film and at the ocular surface, chronic
inflammation, hyperosmolarity, and aging.
[0038] In some instances, the loading of cornea and conjunctiva is
likely dominated by shear forces. In certain instances, eyelid
blinking, as well as contact lens wear, generates significant
stress upon ocular surface epithelial cells, and this is especially
true in the presence of a compromised tear film. As shown in FIG.
1, it is suggested that increased shear stress leads to tear film
instability, evaporative tear loss, hyperosmolarity, changes in
swelling pressure and a feedback elevation in shear stress. In some
instances, increased shear stress is also thought to promote
inflammation, androgen deficiency and decreased expression of
proteoglycans. In certain instances increased shear stress and its
sequelae may, over time, lead to a loss of boundary lubrication at
the ocular surface.
[0039] A deficiency in ocular lubrication and symptoms associated
therewith can be determine by any suitable method. In some
instances, a deficiency in ocular lubrication and symptoms
associated therewith is defined either qualitatively (e.g., a
feeling of low lubrication, dry eye, discomfort, etc.) or
quantitatively (e.g., measured through mechanical, biochemical,
electrical, optical or other methods of quantitative assays).
[0040] In certain instances, in undesirable conditions for ocular
boundary lubrication, such those resulting from aqueous or
evaporative dry eye disease, Sjogren's syndrome,
keratoconjunctivitis sicca, androgen deficiency, meibomian gland
disease, estrogen replacement therapy, contact lens wear,
refractive surgery, allergy, reduced tear film breakup time,
allergy, ocular surface disorders, increased protease levels in the
tear film and at the ocular surface, chronic inflammation,
hyperosmolarity, and aging, a compromised tear film will exist. In
some of these situations, increased evaporation may preclude
efficient fluid film lubrication, but allow boundary lubrication
and a molecular sacrificial mechanism to reduce shear stress at the
cell surface. Certain embodiments of the present invention provide
that therapeutic replenishment and enrichment of boundary lubricant
molecules at the ocular surface would interrupt the feedback loop
through which the unfavorable conditions associated with a
deficiency in ocular lubrication promote ocular surface
distress.
[0041] In certain instances, and as provided herein, PRG4 protein
plays a critical role in the eye as a boundary lubricant. In some
instances, this secreted glycoprotein protects the ocular surface
to protect the cornea and conjunctiva against significant shear
forces generated during an eyelid blink, contact lens wear, and any
other undesirable ocular boundary lubrication caused by chronic
inflammation and hyperosmolarity that result from dry eye disease,
androgen deficiency, estrogen replacement therapy, compromised tear
film, allergy, aging, ocular surface diseases, and increased
protease levels in the tear film and at the ocular surface. Given
the relationship between osmotic pressure and the electromechanical
interactions within charged molecules, the present invention
provides, in some embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition for
managing a deficiency in ocular lubrication by modulating
hyperosmolarity or osmolarity at the ocular surface via
interrupting the feedback mechanisms that prevent secreted
components from reducing friction coefficients and mitigating shear
stress.
[0042] In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention
features a sacrificial mechanism for ocular boundary lubrication,
whereby surface bound receptors reversibly bind one or more gel
forming or surfactant constructs. In some instances, the gel
forming or surfactant constructs detach during a shear event,
thereby preventing the shear stress from reaching (or reducing the
shear stress reaching) the epithelial surface. In certain
embodiments, following the transient shearing event, the gel
forming and surfactant constructs, allowed to return to their
undisturbed equilibrium, rebind to the surface bound receptors. In
some embodiments, the entire construct can detach during shear. One
could imagine, in certain instances, that the thermodynamics of
this equilibrium would increase the probability of release from the
receptor with increasing shear amplitude, but that any one
association is easily reversible.
[0043] In one embodiment of the current invention, the
pharmaceutical composition comprising a PRG4 protein suspended in
an ophthalmically acceptable balanced solution is applied topically
to the ocular surface, where the PRG4 protein associates or binds
to. In certain instances of this embodiment, PRG4 acts as the
surface bound receptor that is allowed to interact with endogenous
proteins and proteoglycans within the tear film to establish a
sacrificial mechanism to reduce the friction during eyelid blinks
at the ocular surface, prevent protein adsorption at the ocular
surface, and reduce dry spots caused by tear film instability.
[0044] In another embodiment of the current invention, PRG4 is
applied topically and associates or binds to the ocular surface, in
combination with one or more of hyaluronic acid and phospholipid
constructs. In certain instances of this embodiment, PRG4 acts as
the surface bound receptor that interacts with the exogenously
supplied hyaluronic acid and/or phospholipids to establish the
sacrificial mechanism to reduce the friction during eyelid blinks
at the ocular surface, prevent protein adsorption at the ocular
surface, and reduce dry spots caused by tear film instability. In
this embodiment, the hyaluronic acid and phospholipid constructs
disassociate from the PRG4 during a shear event. In yet another
embodiment, the entire construct detaches during a shear event to
prevent the shear stress from reaching the epithelium.
[0045] In yet another embodiment, functional fragments, multimers
(e.g., dimers, trimers, tetramers, etc.), homologs or orthologs of
PRG4 act as the surface receptor and/or gel forming constructs in
the sacrificial mechanism. Functional fragments and homologs of
PRG4 include those with a fewer repeats within the central
mucin-like KEPAPTT-repeat (SEQ ID NO: 4) domain, glycosylated forms
of the protein, splice variants, recombinant forms, and the like
may be used. A lubricating fragment of PRG4 exhibits at least 20%,
30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 95% of the ophthalmic
lubricating effect of human PRG4, as measured qualitatively,
mechanically, optically, electrically, or by biochemical assay.
[0046] As used herein, the term "PRG4", "PRG4 protein" or
"proteoglycan 4" protein, is used interchangeably with the term
"lubricin" protein. PRG4 is used herein also to encompass the term
megakaryocyte stimulating factor (MSF), that has been accepted for
the UCL/HGNC/HUGO Human Gene Nomenclature data base, and
superficial zone protein (SZP). The PRG4 or lubricin protein as
used herein refers to any isolated or purified native or
recombinant lubricin proteins, homologs, functional fragments or
motifs, isoforms, and/or mutants thereof. In certain embodiments,
the isolated or purified PRG4 protein comprises an amino acid
sequence for a human native or recombinant lubricin protein. In
other embodiments, the isolated or purified PRG4 protein comprises
an amino acid sequence encoded by prg4gene exons that encode the
full length PRG4 protein or isoforms' primary structures. The
proteoglycan 4 (prg4) gene contains 12 exons. The PRG4 protein used
herein comprises an amino acid sequence encoded by prg4gene exons
1-12, more preferably, exons 6-12, and most preferably, exons
9-12.
[0047] As used herein, the PRG4 protein includes any PRG4 proteins
now known, or later described. In certain embodiments, a preferred
PRG4 protein amino acid sequence is provided in SEQ ID NO: 1. The
PRG4 protein shares the primary amino acid structure of any known
PRG4 proteins or isoforms with at least 60% homology, preferably
75% homology, more preferably 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or
more homology. In certain embodiments, a preferred PRG4 protein has
an average molar mass of between 50 kDa and 400 kDa, comprising one
or more biological active portions of the PRG4 protein, or
functional fragments, such as a lubricating fragment, or a homolog
thereof.
[0048] As used herein, the PRG4 protein comprises a biological
active portion of the protein. As used herein, a "biologically
active portion" of the PRG4 protein includes a functional fragment
of a protein comprising amino acid sequences sufficiently
homologous to, or derived from, the amino acid sequence of the
protein, which includes fewer amino acids than the full length
protein, and exhibits at least one activity of the full-length
protein. Typically a biologically active portion comprises a
functional domain or motif with at least one activity of the
protein. A biologically active portion of a protein can be a
polypeptide which is, for example, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, or more
amino acids in length. In one embodiment, a biologically active
portion of the PRG4 protein can be used as a therapeutic agent
alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents for treating
undesirable or decreased ocular boundary lubrication.
[0049] The nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of several native
and recombinant PRG4 or lubricin proteins, and characterization of
the PRG4 proteins and various isoforms are disclosed in, for
instance, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,326,558; 6,433,142; 7,030,223; 7,361,738
to Turner et al., and U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,743,774 and 6,960,562 to Jay
et al. U.S. Publication No. 20070191268 to Flannery et al. also
discloses recombinant PRG4 or lubricin molecules useful in the
present invention.
[0050] Methods for isolation, purification, and recombinant
expression of a PRG4 protein are well known in the art. In certain
embodiments, the method starts with cloning and isolating mRNA and
cDNA encoding PRG4 proteins or isoforms using standard molecular
biology techniques, such as PCR or RT-PCR. The isolated cDNA
encoding the PRG4 protein or isoform is then cloned into an
expression vector, and further transformed and expressed in a host
cell for producing recombinant PRG4 protein.
[0051] As used herein, "recombinant" refers to a polynucleotide
synthesized or otherwise manipulated in vitro (e.g., "recombinant
polynucleotide"), to methods of using recombinant polynucleotides
to produce gene products in cells or other biological systems, or
to a polypeptide ("recombinant protein") encoded by a recombinant
polynucleotide. "Recombinant" also encompasses the ligation of
nucleic acids having various coding regions or domains or promoter
sequences from different sources into an expression cassette or
vector for expression of, e.g., inducible or constitutive
expression of a fusion protein comprising an active domain of the
PRG4 gene and a nucleic acid sequence amplified using a primer of
the invention.
[0052] In certain embodiments, the PRG4 protein encoding nucleic
acid may contain one or more mutations, deletions, or insertions.
In such embodiments, the PRG4 protein encoding nucleic acid is at
least 60% homology, preferably 75% homology, more preferably 85%,
90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or more homology, to a wild type PRG4
protein encoding nucleic acid.
[0053] As used herein, the term `cDNAs" includes DNA that is
complementary to mRNA molecules present in a cell or organism mRNA
that can be convened into cDNA with an enzyme such as reverse
transcriptase. In certain embodiments, the cDNA encoding PRG4
protein is isolated from PRG4 mRNA expressed in human corneal or
conjunctival epithelial cells using an RT-PCR method well known in
the art.
[0054] As used herein, the terms "polynucleotide," "nucleic
acid/nucleotide," and "oligonucleotide" are used interchangeably,
and include polymeric forms of nucleotides of any length, either
deoxyribonucleotides or ribonucleotides, or analogs thereof.
Polynucleotides may have any three-dimensional structure, and may
perform any function, known or unknown. The following are
non-limiting examples of polynucleotides: a gene or gene fragment,
exons, introns, messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA, ribosomal RNA,
ribozymes, DNA, cDNA, genomic DNA, recombinant polynucleotides,
branched polynucleotides, plasmids, vectors, isolated DNA of any
sequence, isolated RNA of any sequence, nucleic acid probes, and
primers. Polynucleotides may be naturally-occurring, synthetic,
recombinant or any combination thereof.
[0055] A polynucleotide may comprise modified nucleotides, such as
methylated nucleotides and nucleotide analogs. If present,
modifications to the nucleotide structure may be imparted before or
after assembly of the polymer. The sequence of nucleotides may be
interrupted by non-nucleotide components. A polynucleotide may be
further modified after polymerization, such as by conjugation with
a labeling component. The term also includes both double- and
single-stranded molecules. Unless otherwise specified or required,
any embodiment of this invention that is a polynucleotide
encompasses both the double-stranded form and each of two
complementary single-stranded forms known or predicted to make up
the double-stranded form.
[0056] As used herein, the term "polynucleotide sequence" is the
alphabetical representation of a polynucleotide molecule. A
polynucleotide is composed of a specific sequence of four
nucleotide bases: adenine (A); cytosine (C); guanine (G); thymine
(T); and uracil (U) in place of thymine when the polynucleotide is
RNA, instead of DNA. This alphabetical representation can be
inputted into databases in a computer and used for bioinformatics
applications such as, for example, functional genomics and homology
searching.
[0057] As used herein, the term "isolated polynucleotide/cDNA"
includes polynucleotide molecules which are separated from other
polynucleotide molecules which are present in the natural source of
the polynucleotide. For example, with regard to genomic DNA, the
term "isolated" includes polynucleotide molecules which are
separated from the chromosome with which the genomic DNA is
naturally associated. Preferably, an "isolated" polynucleotide is
free of sequences which naturally flank the polynucleotide (i.e.,
sequences located at the 5' and 3' ends of the polynucleotide of
interest) in the genomic DNA of the organism from which the
polynucleotide is derived. For example, in various embodiments, the
isolated polynucleotide molecule encoding the PRG4 protein used in
the invention can contain less than about 5 kb, 4 kb, 3 kb, 2 kb, 1
kb, 0.5 kb or 0.1 kb of nucleotide sequences which naturally flank
the polynucleotide molecule in genomic DNA of the cell from which
the polynucleotide is derived. Moreover, an "isolated"
polynucleotide molecule, such as a cDNA molecule, can be
substantially free of other cellular material, or culture medium
when produced by recombinant techniques, or substantially free of
chemical precursors or other chemicals when chemically
synthesized.
[0058] As used herein, a "gene" includes a polynucleotide
containing at least one open reading frame that is capable of
encoding a particular polypeptide or protein after being
transcribed and translated. Any of the polynucleotide sequences
described herein may also be used to identify larger fragments or
full-length coding sequences of the gene with which they are
associated. Methods of isolating larger fragment sequences are
known to those of skill in the art. As used herein, a "native or
naturally-occurring" polynucleotide molecule includes, for example,
an RNA or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that occurs in
nature (e.g., encodes a natural protein).
[0059] As used herein, the term "polypeptide" or "protein" is
interchangeable, and includes a compound of two or more subunit
amino acids, amino acid analogs, or peptidomimetics. The subunits
may be linked by peptide bonds. In another embodiment, the subunit
may be linked by other bonds, e.g., ester, ether, etc. As used
herein, the term "amino acid" includes either natural and/or
unnatural or synthetic amino acids, including glycine and both the
D or L optical isomers, and amino acid analogs and peptidomimetics.
A peptide of three or more amino acids is commonly referred to as
an oligopeptide. Peptide chains of greater than three or more amino
acids are referred to as a polypeptide or a protein.
[0060] In certain embodiments, the PRG4 protein used herein refers
to PRG4 proteins or various homologs or isoforms thereof, that are
naturally or recombinantly expressed in humans or other host cells.
As used herein, "express" or "expression" includes the process by
which polynucleotides are transcribed into RNA and/or translated
into polypeptides. If the polynucleotide is derived from genomic
DNA, expression may include splicing of the RNA, if an appropriate
eukaryotic host is selected. Regulatory elements required for
expression include promoter sequences to bind RNA polymerase and
transcription initiation sequences for ribosome binding. For
example, a bacterial expression vector includes a promoter such as
the lac promoter and for transcription initiation the
Shine-Dalgarno sequence and the start codon AUG. Similarly, a
eukaryotic expression vector includes a heterologous or homologous
promoter for RNA polymerase II, a downstream polyadenylation
signal, the start codon AUG, and a termination codon for detachment
of the ribosome. Such vectors can be obtained commercially or
assembled by the sequences described in methods well known in the
art, for example, the methods described below for constructing
vectors in general. As used herein, the term "vector" includes a
self-replicating nucleic acid molecule that transfers an inserted
polynucleotide into and/or between host cells. The term is intended
to include vectors that function primarily for insertion of a
nucleic acid molecule into a cell, replication vectors that
function primarily for the replication of nucleic acid and
expression vectors that function for transcription and/or
translation of the DNA or RNA. Also intended are vectors that
provide more than one of the above function.
[0061] As used herein, a "host cell" is intended to include any
individual cell or cell culture which can be, or has been, a
recipient for vectors or for the incorporation of exogenous
polynucleotides and/or polypeptides. It is also intended to include
progeny of a single cell. The progeny may not necessarily be
completely identical (in morphology or in genomic or total DNA
complement) to the original parent cell due to natural, accidental,
or deliberate mutation. The cells may be prokaryotic or eukaryotic,
and include but are not limited to bacterial cells, yeast cells,
insect cells, animal cells, and mammalian cells, including but not
limited to murine, rat, simian or human cells. As used herein, a
"host cell" also includes genetically modified cells. The term
"genetically modified cells" includes cells containing and/or
expressing a foreign or exogenous gene or polynucleotide sequence
which in turn modifies the genotype or phenotype of the cell or its
progeny. "Genetically modified" also includes a cell containing or
expressing a gene or polynucleotide sequence which has been
introduced into the cell. For example, in this embodiment, a
genetically modified cell has had introduced a gene which gene is
also endogenous to the cell. The term "genetically modified" also
includes any addition, deletion, or disruption to a cell's
endogenous nucleotides. As used herein, a "host cell" can be any
cells that express a human PRG4 protein.
[0062] As used herein, "homologs" are defined herein as two nucleic
acids or peptides that have similar, or substantially identical,
nucleic acids or amino acid sequences, respectively. The term
"homolog" further encompasses nucleic acid molecules that differ
from one of the nucleotide sequences due to degeneracy of the
genetic code and thus encodes the same amino acid sequences. In one
of the preferred embodiments, homologs include allelic variants,
orthologs, paralogs, agonists, and antagonists of nucleic acids
encoding the PRG4 protein (e.g., SEQ ID NO:1).
[0063] As used herein, the term "orthologs" refers to two nucleic
acids from different species, but that have evolved from a common
ancestral gene by speciation. Normally, orthologs encode peptides
having the same or similar functions. In particular, orthologs of
the invention will generally exhibit at least 80-85%, more
preferably 85-90% or 90-95%, and most preferably 95%, 96%, 97%,
98%, or even 99% identity, or 100% sequence identity, with all or
part of the amino acid sequence of any known PRG4 proteins (e.g.,
SEQ ID NO:1), isoforms, or analogs thereof, and will exhibit a
function similar to these peptides. As also used herein, the term
"paralogs" refers to two nucleic acids that are related by
duplication within a genome. Paralogs usually have different
functions, but these functions may be related.
[0064] To determine the percent sequence identity of two amino acid
sequences, the sequences are aligned for optimal comparison
purposes (e.g., gaps can be introduced in the sequence of one
polypeptide for optimal alignment with the other polypeptide or
nucleic acid). The amino acid residues at corresponding amino acid
positions are then compared. When a position in one sequence is
occupied by the same amino acid residue as the corresponding
position in the other sequence, then the molecules are identical at
that position. The same type of comparison can be made between two
nucleic acid sequences. The percent sequence identity between the
two sequences is a function of the number of identical positions
shared by the sequences (i.e., percent sequence identity=numbers of
identical positions/total numbers of positions.times.100).
Preferably, the isolated amino acid homologs included in the
present invention are at least about 50-60%, preferably at least
about 60-70%, and more preferably at least about 70-75%, 75-80%,
80-85%, 85-90%, or 90-95%, and most preferably at least about 96%,
97%, 98%, 99%, or more identical to an entire amino acid sequence
of any known PRG4 protein (e.g., SEQ ID NO:1).
[0065] In certain embodiments, an isolated nucleic acid homolog
encoding the PRG4 protein comprises a nucleotide sequence which is
at least about 40-60%, preferably at least about 60-70%, more
preferably at least about 70-75%, 75-80%, 80-85%, 85-90%, or
90-95%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%,
99%, or more identical to a nucleotide sequence encoding amino acid
sequences of such PRG4 protein (e.g., SEQ ID NO:1).
[0066] The determination of the percent sequence identity between
two nucleic acid or peptide sequences is well known in the art. For
instance, the Vector NTI 6.0 (PC) software package (InforMax,
Bethesda, Md.) to determine the percent sequence identity between
two nucleic acid or peptide sequences can be used. In this method,
a gap opening penalty of 15 and a gap extension penalty of 6.66 are
used for determining the percent identity of two nucleic acids. A
gap opening penalty of 10 and a gap extension penalty of 0.1 are
used for determining the percent identity of two polypeptides. All
other parameters are set at the default settings. For purposes of a
multiple alignment (Clustal W algorithm), the gap opening penalty
is 10, and the gap extension penalty is 0.05 with blosum62 matrix.
It is to be understood that for the purposes of determining
sequence identity when comparing a DNA sequence to an RNA sequence,
a thymidine nucleotide is equivalent to a uracil nucleotide.
[0067] Furthermore, the PRG4 protein used herein includes PRG4
protein encoded by a polynucleotide that hybridizes to the
polynucleotide encoding PRG4 protein under stringent conditions. As
used herein, "hybridization" includes a reaction in which one or
more polynucleotides react to form a complex that is stabilized via
hydrogen bonding between the bases of the nucleotide residues. The
hydrogen bonding may occur by Watson-Crick base pairing, Hoogstein
binding, or in any other sequence-specific manner. The complex may
comprise two strands forming a duplex structure, three or more
strands forming a multi-stranded complex, a single self-hybridizing
strand, or any combination of these. A hybridization reaction may
constitute a step in a more extensive process, such as the
initiation of a PCR reaction, or the enzymatic cleavage of a
polynucleotide by a ribozyme.
[0068] Hybridization reactions can be performed under different
stringent conditions. The present invention includes
polynucleotides capable of hybridizing under reduced stringency
conditions, more preferably stringent conditions, and most
preferably highly stringent conditions, to polynucleotides encoding
PRG4 protein described herein. As used herein, the term "stringent
conditions" refers to hybridization overnight at 60.degree. C. in
10.times. Denhart's solution, 6.times.SSC, 0.5% SDS, and 100 mg/ml
denatured salmon sperm DNA. Blots are washed sequentially at
62.degree. C. for 30 minutes each time in 3.times.SSC/0.1% SDS,
followed by 1.times.SSC/0.1% SDS, and finally 0.1.times.SSC/0.1%
SDS. As also used herein, in certain embodiments, the phrase
"stringent conditions" refers to hybridization in a 6.times.SSC
solution at 65.degree. C. In other embodiments, "highly stringent
conditions" refer to hybridization overnight at 65.degree. C. in
10.times. Denhart's solution, 6.times.SSC, 0.5% SDS and 100 mg/ml
denatured salmon sperm DNA. Blots are washed sequentially at
65.degree. C. for 30 minutes each time in 3.times.SSC/0.1% SDS,
followed by 1.times.SSC/0.1% SDS, and finally 0.1.times.SSC/0.1%
SDS. Methods for nucleic acid hybridizations are well known in the
art. Accordingly, the PRG4 proteins encoded by nucleic acids used
herein include nucleic acid having at least 60% homology,
preferably 75% homology, more preferably 85%, more preferably 90%,
most preferably 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% homology to a
polynucleotide sequence that encodes a human PRG4 protein (e.g.,
SEQ ID NO:1) or a specific isoform or homolog thereof.
[0069] Moreover, the PRG4 proteins used herein can also be chimeric
protein or fusion protein. As used herein, a "chimeric protein" or
"fusion protein" comprises a first polypeptide operatively linked
to a second polypeptide. Chimeric proteins may optionally comprise
a third, fourth or fifth or other polypeptide operatively linked to
a first or second polypeptide. Chimeric proteins may comprise two
or more different polypeptides. Chimeric proteins may comprise
multiple copies of the same polypeptide. Chimeric proteins may also
comprise one or more mutations in one or more of the polypeptides.
Methods for making chimeric proteins are well known in the art. In
certain embodiments of the present invention, the chimeric protein
is a chimera of PRG4 protein with other PRG4 protein isoforms.
[0070] As used herein, an "isolated" or "purified" protein,
polynucleotide or molecule means removed from the environment in
which they naturally occur, or substantially free of cellular
material, such as other contaminating proteins from the cell or
tissue source from which the protein polynucleotide or molecule is
derived, or substantially free from chemical precursors or other
chemicals when chemically synthesized. The language "substantially
free of cellular material" includes preparations separated from
cellular components of the cells from which it is isolated or
recombinantly produced or synthesized. In certain embodiments, the
language "substantially free of cellular material" includes
preparations of a PRG4 protein having less than about 30% (by dry
weight) of other proteins (also referred to herein as a
"contaminating protein"), more preferably less than about 20%,
still more preferably less than about 10%, and most preferably less
than about 5% of other proteins. When the protein or polynucleotide
is recombinantly produced, it is also preferably substantially free
of culture medium, i.e., culture medium represents less than about
20%, more preferably less than about 10%, and most preferably less
than about 5% of the volume of the preparation of the protein of
interest.
[0071] In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a
pharmaceutical composition suitable for topical administration to
an ocular surface of an individual in need a pharmaceutically
effective concentration of PRG4 protein suspended in an
ophthalmically acceptable balanced salt solution, and in
combination with one or more ophthalmically acceptable agents. The
ophthalmically acceptable agents can be selected from the group
consisting of an ophthalmically acceptable demulcent, excipient,
astringent, vasoconstrictor, and emollient. As used herein, the
term "effective concentration or amount" or "therapeutically
effective concentration or amount" is intended to mean a nontoxic
but sufficient concentration or amount of a PRG4 protein or other
therapeutic agents to provide the desired therapeutic effects. The
concentration or amount that is effective will vary from subject to
subject, depending on the age and general condition of the
individual, the particular agents, and the like. Thus, it is not
always possible to specify an exact effective concentration or
amount. However, an appropriate effective concentration or amount
in any individual case may be determined by one of ordinary skill
in the art using routine experimentation. Furthermore, the exact
effective concentration or amount of a PRG4 protein and other
therapeutic agent incorporated into a composition or dosage form of
the present invention is not critical, so long as the concentration
is within a range sufficient to permit ready application of the
solution or formulation so as to deliver an amount of the PRG4
protein and other active agents that is within a therapeutically
effective range.
[0072] In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutically effective
concentration of PRG4 protein is in a range of 10-10,000 .mu.g/mL,
preferably 50-500 .mu.g/mL, and more preferably 100-300 .mu.g/mL.
As used herein, the ophthalmically acceptable agents comprising the
ophthalmically acceptable demulcents, excipients, astringents,
vasoconstrictors, and emollients that are fully defined in the Code
of Federal Regulations 21CFR349.
[0073] As used herein, the term "topical administration" is used in
its conventional sense to mean delivery of the composition
comprising the PRG4 protein and one or more ophthalmically
acceptable agents to the eye. In general, topical administration is
achieved through a liquid formulation for eye drops or lavage and
provides a local effect.
[0074] In certain embodiments, any pharmaceutical composition
described herein comprise or the aforementioned ophthalmically
acceptable agents are or can be combined with one or more of
carboxymethylcellulose sodium (e.g., about 0.2 to about 2.5% w/v),
hydroxyethyl cellulose (e.g., about 0.2 to about 2.5% w/v),
hypromellose (e.g., about 0.2 to about 2.5% w/v), methylcellulose
(e.g., about 0.2 to about 2.5% w/v), dextran 70 (e.g., about 0.1%
w/v), gelatin (e.g., about 0.01% w/v), glycerin (e.g., about 0.2 to
about 1% w/v), polyethylene glycol 300 (e.g., about 0.2 to about 1%
w/v), polyethylene glycol 400 (e.g., about 0.2 to about 1% w/v),
polysorbate 80 (e.g., about 0.2 to about 1% w/v), propylene glycol
(e.g., about 0.2 to about 1% w/v), polyvinyl alcohol (e.g., about
0.1 to about 4% w/v), povidone (e.g., about 0.1 to about 2% w/v),
zinc sulfate (e.g., about 0.25% w/v), anhydrous lanolin (e.g.,
about 1 to about 10% w/v), lanolin (e.g., about 1 to about 10%
w/v), light mineral oil (e.g., .ltoreq.about 50% w/v), mineral oil
(e.g., .ltoreq.about 50% w/v), paraffin (e.g., .ltoreq.about 5%
w/v), petrolatum (e.g., .ltoreq.about 100% w/v), white ointment
(e.g., .ltoreq.about 100% w/v), white petrolatum (e.g.,
.ltoreq.about 100% w/v), white wax (e.g., .ltoreq.about 5% w/v),
yellow wax (e.g., .ltoreq.about 5% w/v), ephedrine hydrochloride
(e.g., about 0.123% w/v), naphazoline hydrochloride (e.g., about
0.01 to about 0.03% w/v), phenylephrine hydrochloride (e.g., about
0.08 to about 0.2% w/v), and tetrahydrozoline hydrochloride (e.g.,
about 0.01 to about 0.05% w/v). In certain instances, percent
amounts utilized herein are percent amounts by weight.
[0075] In further embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition of
the present invention comprising a PRG4 protein in combination with
one or more ophthalmically acceptable agents discussed above
further comprises a therapeutically effective concentration of
hyaluronic acid or sodium hyaluronate in the range of 10-100,000
.mu.g/mL, preferably 500-5,000 .mu.g/mL. Furthermore, the
pharmaceutical composition of the present invention further
comprises one or more surface active phospholipids in the range of
10-10,000 .mu.g/mL, such surface active phospholipids include, but
are not limited to, L-.alpha.-dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine
(DPPC), phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and
sphingomyelin (Sp), or other neutral and polar lipids.
[0076] The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may
further comprise one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers
or vehicles comprising any acceptable materials, and/or any one or
more additives known in the art. As used herein, the term
"carriers" or "vehicle" refer to carrier materials suitable for
topical drug administration. Carriers and vehicles useful herein
include any such materials known in the art, which are nontoxic and
do not interact with other components of the composition in a
deleterious manner. Various additives, known to those skilled in
the art, may be included in the composition. For example, solvents,
including relatively small amounts of alcohol, may be used to
solubilize certain drug substances. Other optional additives
include opacifiers, antioxidants, fragrance, colorant, gelling
agents, thickening agents, stabilizers, surfactants, and the like.
Other agents may also be added, such as antimicrobial agents, to
prevent spoilage upon storage, i.e., to inhibit growth of microbes
such as yeasts and molds. Suitable antimicrobial agents are
typically selected from the group consisting of the methyl and
propyl esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid (i.e., methyl and propyl
paraben), sodium benzoate, sorbic acid, imidurea, and combinations
thereof. Permeation enhancers and/or irritation-mitigating
additives may also be included in the pharmaceutical composition of
the present invention.
[0077] In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition of
the present invention is prepared in a pharmaceutically acceptable
carrier, such as a phosphate buffered saline or an osmotically
balanced salt solution of tear electrolytes, including one or more
of sodium chloride in about 44% to about 54% mole fraction,
potassium chloride in about 8% to about 14% mole fraction, sodium
bicarbonate in about 8% to about 18% mole fraction, potassium
bicarbonate in about 0% to about 4% mole fraction, calcium chloride
in about 0% to about 4% mole fraction, magnesium chloride in about
0% to about 4% mole fraction, trisodium citrate in about 0% to
about 4% mole fraction, and hydrochloric acid in about 0% to about
20% mole fraction or sodium hydroxide in about 0% to about 20% mole
fraction. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical carrier can be
formulated to generate an aqueous electrolyte solution in about
150-200 mM range. Other suitable formulations, such as ointments,
creams, gels, pastes, and the like, suitable for topical
administration, are also contemplated in the present invention. In
certain embodiments, electrolytes provide proper osmotic balance
when combined with PRG4 to make a solution ophthalmically
acceptable.
[0078] The present invention further provides a method for treating
decreased or undesired ocular boundary lubrication, symptoms
associated therewith, or a condition that is associated with or
causes a deficiency in ocular lubrication, in an individual in need
thereof, comprising topically administering to the ocular surface
of the individual in need a pharmaceutical composition comprising a
therapeutically effective amount of PRG4 protein. In one
embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises topically
administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising the
therapeutically effective amount of the PRG4 protein that is
suspended in a phosphate buffered saline solution or an
ophthalmically acceptable balanced salt solution comprising one or
more electrolytes. In yet other embodiment, the method of the
present invention comprising topically administering a
pharmaceutical composition comprising the PRG4 protein formulated
in an ophthalmically acceptable formulation comprising one or more
additional ophthalmically acceptable agent as discussed above.
[0079] As used herein, the term "treating or treatment" refers to
reduction in severity and/or frequency of symptoms, elimination of
symptoms and/or underlying cause, prevention of the occurrence of
symptoms and/or their underlying cause, and improvement or
remediation of damage. The term "treating or treatment" also
encompasses both prevention of a disorder in a predisposed
individual and treatment of the disorder in a clinically
symptomatic individual.
[0080] In certain embodiments, the decreased ocular boundary
lubrication is caused by increased evaporative tear loss or
unstable tear film in the ocular boundary loop. Such decreased or
undesired ocular boundary lubrication is associated with aqueous or
evaporative dry eye disease, Sjogren's syndrome,
keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), androgen deficiency, meibomian
gland disease, estrogen replacement therapy, contact lens wear,
refractive surgery, allergy, reduced tear film breakup time,
compromised tear film, ocular surface disorders, increased protease
levels in the tear film and at the ocular surface, chronic
inflammation, hyperosmolarity, and aging. As discussed above, the
increased shear stress leads to tear film instability, evaporative
tear loss, hyperosmolarity, changes in swelling pressure and a
feedback elevation in shear stress. Increased shear stress also
promotes inflammation, androgen deficiency and decreased expression
of proteoglycans. Over time, increased shear stress and its
sequelae leads to a loss of boundary lubrication at the ocular
surface. Accordingly, the present invention provides a method for
reducing shear stress by replenishing and enriching the expression
of proteoglycans, such as PRG4 protein at the ocular surface, so as
to prevent or increase ocular boundary lubrication.
[0081] Throughout this application, various publications are
referenced. The disclosures of all of these publications and those
references cited within those publications in their entireties are
hereby incorporated by reference into this application in order to
more fully describe the state of the art to which this invention
pertains.
[0082] It should also be understood that the foregoing relates to
preferred embodiments of the present invention and that numerous
changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the
invention. The invention is further illustrated by the following
examples, which are not to be construed in any way as imposing
limitations upon the scope thereof. On the contrary, it is to be
clearly understood that resort may be had to various other
embodiments, modifications, and equivalents thereof, which, after
reading the description herein, may suggest themselves to those
skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present
invention and/or the scope of the appended claims.
[0083] Other features and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the following description of the preferred
embodiments thereof and from the claims. These and many other
variations and embodiments of the invention will be apparent to one
of skill in the art upon a review of the appende description and
examples.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
PRG4 mRNA Expression in Human Corneal and Conjunctival Epithelial
Cells
[0084] Human corneal epithelial cells were isolated from the
corneoscleral rims of male and female donors. Cells were processed
either directly (n=8), or first cultured in phenol red-free
keratinocyte serum free media (n=2). Bulbar conjunctivae (n=2),
conjunctival impression cytology samples (n=9), immortalized human
conjunctival epithelial cells after culture (n=1), NOD mouse
lacrimal glands (n=5 adult mice/sex, 10 glands/sample), and BALB/c
mouse meibomian glands (n=7 adult mice/sex, glands from 28
lids/sample) were obtained during surgical procedures. These
samples were processed for the analysis of PRG4 mRNA by using
primarily RT-PCR (n=18 human, all mouse) and Affymetrix GeneChips
(n=4 human corneas). The PRG4 primers for PCR spanned over 1 kbp of
intron sequences, in order to suppress amplification of
contaminating chromosomal DNA (Table 1). Amplified samples were
screened for the presence of PRG4 products by using agarose gel
electrophoresis and an Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer. To confirm the
identity of amplicons, PCR products from cornea samples (n=2),
conjunctival epithelial cells (n=1) and a human liver standard
(n=1) were sequenced with a 3100 Genetic Analyzer at the
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary DNA Sequencing Center for
Vision Research (Boston, Mass.) and resulting data were analyzed
with BLASTn searches of GenBank databases.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Oligonucleotide primers designed for RT-PCR
analysis of PRG4 mRNA Nucleotide sequence Amplicon Species
Orientation (5'-3') Exons Size (bp) Human Sense GATGCAGGGTACCC 9-12
526 CAAA (SEQ ID NO: 2) Antisense CAGACTTTGGATAA GGTCTGCC (SEQ ID
NO: 3)
[0085] It was demonstrated that PRG4 mRNA is present in all human
corneal and conjunctival epithelial cell and impression cytology
samples. The identity of PRG4 PCR products was confirmed by DNA
sequence analysis (Table 2). The results show that PRG4 is
transcribed in human corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Identification of amplicon sequences from
human cornea, conjunctival and liver samples Aligned BLASTn
Sequencing Base Pairs Total Base Pairs Search Direction To Human
PRG4 from Amplicon Identity Human Liver Standard A Forward 495 500
Human PRG4 A Reverse 488 491 Human PRG4 B Forward 496 499 Human
PRG4 B Reverse 498 500 Human PRG4 Human Cornea (24 year old female)
A Forward 497 499 Human PRG4 A Reverse 490 492 Human PRG4 B Forward
500 504 Human PRG4 B Reverse 498 501 Human PRG4 Human Cornea (51
year old female) A Forward 498 499 Human PRG4 A Reverse 474 489
Human PRG4 B Forward 496 498 Human PRG4 B Reverse 490 491 Human
PRG4 Human Conjunctival Epithelial Cells A Forward 496 499 Human
PRG4 A Reverse 490 492 Human PRG4 B Forward 495 499 Human PRG4 B
Reverse 474 491 Human PRG4 Two different samples (A & B) of
each preparation were sequenced in forward and reverse directions.
The human cornea samples were epithelial cells from the
corneoscleral rims of female donors. The gene accession number for
human PRG4 is NM_005807.
Example 2
Reduction of Friction In Vitro with the Addition of PRG4
(Lubricin)
[0086] An in vitro friction test with clinically relevant
interfaces, such as an ocular surface-eyelid and ocular
surface-contact lens interface is described below. Clinically
relevant methods capable of quantitatively assessing the
lubricating ability of artificial tears are currently lacking.
Friction tests with synthetic (e.g. latex and glass) or non-ocular
`native` surfaces (e.g. umbilical cord vein segments) may
facilitate some, but likely not all of the molecular interactions
that occur during articulation/blinking. Indeed, the relevance of
data obtained with non-tissue interfaces is unclear.
[0087] An annulus-on-disk rotational test configuration has been
shown to be ideal for studying boundary lubrication at an articular
cartilage-cartilage interface. A boundary mode of lubrication is
indicated by kinetic friction being invariant with factors that
influence formation of a fluid film, including sliding velocity and
axial load. This is because surface-to-surface contact is
occurring, and surface bound molecules contribute to lubrication
(by decreasing friction and wear). Boundary lubrication has been
discovered to be a critical and operative mechanism at the ocular
surface, like it is at the articular cartilage surface. Therefore,
the in vitro friction test previously developed and characterized
to study boundary lubrication at an articular cartilage-cartilage
interface was modified for the study of ocular surface-eye lid and
ocular surface-contact lens interfaces.
[0088] To determine the test conditions in which boundary
lubrication is dominant at the ocular surface-eyelid and ocular
surface-contact lens interfaces, the dependence of frictional
properties on axial load and sliding velocity was examined. Normal
fresh human ocular surfaces (resected corneas with .about.3 mm of
sclera) were obtained from the Lions Eye Bank of Alberta. The
resected corneas were stored in Optisol-GS at 4.degree. C. and used
within 2 weeks. Eyelids (age 60-80 years old) were obtained from
the University of Calgary Body Donation Program within 1-3 days
after death and used immediately or stored at -20.degree. C. in
saline for at most 2 weeks until use. Comparative lubricants
consisted of Lens Plus Sterile Saline Solution (Advanced Medical
Optics) as a negative control; SYSTANE.RTM. Lubricant Eye Drops
(Alcon Laboratories), Refresh Tears Lubricant Eye Drops (Allergan),
AQUIFY.RTM. Long Lasting Comfort Drops (CIBA Vision) and BLINK.RTM.
Tears Lubricant Eye Drops (Advanced Medical Optics) as test
lubricants.
[0089] The friction test schematic is shown in FIG. 6. The corneal
ocular surface (605) was fastened to the spherical end of an inert
non-permeable semi-rigid rubber plug cylinder (603) (radius r=6 mm)
by applying super glue to the sclera. This plug cylinder (603) was
attached to the rotational actuator of the mechanical testing
machine (BoseELF 3200) thus forming the bottom articular surface.
An annulus (601) (outer radius=3.2 mm, inner radius=1.5 mm) was
punched from the eyelid (604), and was attached to the linear
actuator coupled with an axial load (N) and torsion (.tau.) load
cell, thus forming the upper articulating surface. Lubricant bath
602 was formed by securing an inert tube around the plug cylinder
(603).
[0090] Samples were first tested in saline, then in one of the
three (3) test lubricants. The lubricant bath was filled with
.about.0.3 ml, and the articulating surfaces allowed to equilibrate
with the lubricant. The sample surfaces were slowly (0.05 mm/s)
brought into contact and compressed until the spherical plug
flattened out and the entire annular eyelid surface was in contact
with the cornea (605). The resulting normal stress (calculated from
axial load as, in units of MPa, as
N/(n[r.sup.2.sub.outer-r.sup.2.sub.inner]) can be varied by using
different stiffness rubber plugs to mimic physiological stresses
.about.5 kPa. The test sequence was initiated by preconditioning
the sample by rotating +4 revolutions (rev) and reset with -4
revolutions at a physiologically relevant effective linear sliding
velocity, veff=30 mm/s (where veff=.omega.Reff, .omega. is the
angular frequency, and Reff=2.4 mm is the effective radius
calculated by integrating the shear stress distribution over the
annular contact area). Samples were then tested by rotating +4
revolutions, immediately followed by -4 reset revolutions at
veff=30, 10, 1, 0.3 and then 30 mm/s, with a dwell time of 12
second between each revolution. The test sequence was then be
repeated in the opposite direction of rotation.
[0091] To evaluate the lubrication properties of the ocular
surface, two friction coefficients (.mu.) of the form
.mu.=.tau./(R.sub.effN)) where is torque, R.sub.eff is effective
radius, and N is axial load, described above. A static friction
coefficient, which reflects the resistance to the onset of motion,
.mu..sub.static was calculated as the peak value of .mu., just
after (within) .about.10.degree. the start of rotation. An average
kinetic friction coefficient, which reflects the resistance to
steady state motion, <.mu..sub.kinetic> was calculated from
.mu. averaged during the third and fourth complete test revolution.
Both .mu..sub.static and <.mu..sub.kinetic> were averaged for
the + and - revolutions in each test to account for potential
directional effects on .tau. measurements. Data was collected at a
frequency of 20 Hz.
[0092] The results of lubricin (PRG4) added to the corneal surface
at a concentration in the range of 100-300 .mu.g/mL are shown in
FIG. 7. Lubricin had a friction lowering effect at the eyelid
interface, both in terms of kinetic and static friction, at all
velocities. At a concentration 1/10th of that of physiological
hyaluronic acid, lubricin was similar to BLINK.RTM. Tears Lubricant
Eye Drops, which contains hyaluronic acid. In combination, the two
lubricants are better than either alone.
[0093] FIG. 8 demonstrates the reduction of in vitro cornea/lid
kinetic friction measured during the first minute after the
addition of lubricin, as compared to AQUIFY.RTM. eye drops.
Lubricants were thoroughly washed from the ocular surface using
saline between tests. A synergistic effect (reduced
.mu..sub.kinetic over either alone) was evident when AQUIFY.RTM.
(with hyaluronic acid) was combined with lubricin. The saline
repeat was lower than the original saline control. This showed a
retention of lubricin's effect even after washing with saline,
suggesting that the molecules were binding to the ocular surface,
and that lubricin demonstrated superior retention time as compared
to sodium hyaluronate alone.
[0094] FIG. 9 demonstrates the reduction of in vitro cornea/lid
kinetic friction measured during the 5th minute after the addition
of lubricin, as compared to AQUIFY.RTM. eye drops. A synergistic
effect (reduced .mu..sub.kinetic over either alone) was evident
when AQUIFY.RTM. (with hyaluronic acid) was combined with lubricin.
The friction coefficient of AQUIFY.RTM. had returned to statistical
equivalence to saline after 5 minutes, whereas lubricin remains
lower, as did the combination of lubricin and hyaluronic acid.
[0095] FIG. 10 shows the reduction of kinetic friction coefficient
over time, following addition of lubricin. Again, the continual
reduction suggested binding to the ocular surface.
Example 3
Treatment of Deficient Ocular Boundary Lubrication In Vivo
[0096] A patient complaining of ocular surface irritation is
examined for ocular lubrication or conditions associated with a
deficiency in ocular lubrication by measuring symptoms greater than
2 positive responses on the McMonnies questionnaire, greater than a
score of 5 on the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), or through
evidence of some symptoms on the Visual Analog Scale, in
combination with objective signs including one or more of a reduced
tear film breakup time (less than .apprxeq.10 seconds), inferior
lateral tear meniscus osmolarity greater than 308 mOsms/L, low
Schirmer strip value (less than .apprxeq.10 mm), sodium fluorescein
corneal or conjunctival staining (scores >0 with multiple
macropunctates), significant debris resulting from impression
cytology, meibomian gland dysfunction however determined, a
decrease in the rate of post-blink displacement of a contact lens,
a change in the spatiotemporal transfer function of a contact lens
following application of a series of pressure impulses, a decrease
in the rate of post-blink interferometric tear film relaxation, an
increase in the concentration of proinflammatory cytokines, a
reduced concentration of lactoferrin or lysozyme, or an increase in
the rate of post-blink point spread function decoherence.
[0097] The patient administers 1 to 2 drops on the surface of each
eye a solution containing 200 .mu.g/mL PGR4 protein suspended in an
ophthalmically acceptable balanced salt solution. The patient is
instructed to close their eyes for 10 seconds.
[0098] Follow-up visits may track a reduction in inferior lateral
tear osmolarity, increased tear film breakup time, or the other
aforementioned signs. In particular if the tear film osmolarity is
reduced from an abnormal value (perhaps 330 mOsms/L) to a more
normal value (perhaps 304 mOsms/L), the therapeutic modulation and
replenishment of the ocular surface lubrication would be deemed
successful.
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TABLE-US-00003 [0160] SEQUENCE LIST SEQ ID NO: 1
MAWKTLPIYLLLLLSVFVIQQVSSQDLSSCAGRCGEGYSRDATCNCDYNC
QHYMECCPDFKRVCTAELSCKGRCFESFERGRECDCDAQCKKYDKCCPDY
ESFCAEVHNPTSPPSSKKAPPPSGASQTIKSTTKRSPKPPNKKKTKKVIE
SEEITEEHSVSENQESSSSSSSSSSSSTIRKIKSSKNSAANRELQKKLKV
KDNKKNRTKKKPTPKPPVVDEAGSGLDNGDFKVTTPDTSTTQHNKVSTSP
KITTAKPINPRPSLPPNSDTSKETSLTVNKETTVETKETTTTNKQTSTDG
KEKTTSAKETQSIEKTSAKDLAPTSKVLAKPTPKAETTTKGPALTTPKEP
TPTTPKEPASTTPKEPTPTTIKSAPTTPKEPAPTTTKSAPTTPKEPAPTT
TKEPAPTTPKEPAPTTTKEPAPTTTKSAPTTPKEPAPTTPKKPAPTTPKE
PAPTTPKEPTPTTPKEPAPTTKEPAPTTPKEPAPTAPKKPAPTTPKEPAP
TTPKEPAPTTTKEPSPTTPKEPAPTTTKSAPTTTKEPAPTTTKSAPTTPK
EPSPTTTKEPAPTTPKEPAPTTPKKPAPTTPKEPAPTTPKEPAPTTTKKP
APTTPKEPAPTTPKETAPTTPKKLTPTTPEKLAPTTPEKPAPTTPEELAP
TTPEEPTPTTPEEPAPTTPKAAAPNTPKEPAPTTPKEPAPTTPKEPAPTT
PKETAPTTPKGTAPTTLKEPAPTTPKKPAPKELAPTTTKEPTSTTCDKPA
PTTPKGTAPTTPKEPAPTTPKEPAPTTPKGTAPTTLKEPAPTTPKKPAPK
ELAPTTTKGPTSTTSDKPAPTTPKETAPTTPKEPAPTTPKKPAPTTPETP
PPTTSEVSTPTTTKEPTTIHKSPDESTPELSAEPTPKALENSPKEPGVPT
TKTPAATKPEMTTTAKDKTTERDLRTTPETTTAAPKMTKETATTTEKTTE
SKITATTTQVTSTTTQDTTPFKITTLKTTTLAPKVTTTKKTITTTEIMNK
PEETAKPKDRATNSKATTPKPQKPTKAPKKPTSTKKPKTMPRVRKPKTTP
TPRKMTSTMPELNPTSRIAEAMLQTTTRPNQTPNSKLVEVNPKSEDAGGA
EGETPHMLLRPHVFMPEVTPDMDYLPRVPNQGIIINPMLSDETNICNGKP
VDGLTTLRNGTLVAFRGHYFWMLSPFSPPSPARRITEVWGIPSPIDTVFT
RCNCEGKTFFFKDSQYWRFTNDIKDAGYPKPIFKGFGGLTGQIVAALSTA
KYKNWPESVYFFKRGGSIQQYIYKQEPVQKCPGRRPALNYPVYGETTQVR
RRRFERAIGPSQTHTIRIQYSPARLAYQDKGVLHNEVKVSILWRGLPNVV
TSAISLPNIRKPDGYDYYAFSKDQYYNIDVPSRTARAITTRSGQTLSKVW YNCP SEQ ID NO:
2: GATGCAGGGTACCCCAAA (human, sense) SEQ ID NO: 3:
CAGACTTTGGATAAGGTCTGCC (human, antisense) SEQ ID NO: 4: KEPAPTT
Sequence CWU 1
1
411404PRTHomo sapiens 1Met Ala Trp Lys Thr Leu Pro Ile Tyr Leu Leu
Leu Leu Leu Ser Val 1 5 10 15 Phe Val Ile Gln Gln Val Ser Ser Gln
Asp Leu Ser Ser Cys Ala Gly 20 25 30 Arg Cys Gly Glu Gly Tyr Ser
Arg Asp Ala Thr Cys Asn Cys Asp Tyr 35 40 45 Asn Cys Gln His Tyr
Met Glu Cys Cys Pro Asp Phe Lys Arg Val Cys 50 55 60 Thr Ala Glu
Leu Ser Cys Lys Gly Arg Cys Phe Glu Ser Phe Glu Arg 65 70 75 80 Gly
Arg Glu Cys Asp Cys Asp Ala Gln Cys Lys Lys Tyr Asp Lys Cys 85 90
95 Cys Pro Asp Tyr Glu Ser Phe Cys Ala Glu Val His Asn Pro Thr Ser
100 105 110 Pro Pro Ser Ser Lys Lys Ala Pro Pro Pro Ser Gly Ala Ser
Gln Thr 115 120 125 Ile Lys Ser Thr Thr Lys Arg Ser Pro Lys Pro Pro
Asn Lys Lys Lys 130 135 140 Thr Lys Lys Val Ile Glu Ser Glu Glu Ile
Thr Glu Glu His Ser Val 145 150 155 160 Ser Glu Asn Gln Glu Ser Ser
Ser Ser Ser Ser Ser Ser Ser Ser Ser 165 170 175 Ser Thr Ile Arg Lys
Ile Lys Ser Ser Lys Asn Ser Ala Ala Asn Arg 180 185 190 Glu Leu Gln
Lys Lys Leu Lys Val Lys Asp Asn Lys Lys Asn Arg Thr 195 200 205 Lys
Lys Lys Pro Thr Pro Lys Pro Pro Val Val Asp Glu Ala Gly Ser 210 215
220 Gly Leu Asp Asn Gly Asp Phe Lys Val Thr Thr Pro Asp Thr Ser Thr
225 230 235 240 Thr Gln His Asn Lys Val Ser Thr Ser Pro Lys Ile Thr
Thr Ala Lys 245 250 255 Pro Ile Asn Pro Arg Pro Ser Leu Pro Pro Asn
Ser Asp Thr Ser Lys 260 265 270 Glu Thr Ser Leu Thr Val Asn Lys Glu
Thr Thr Val Glu Thr Lys Glu 275 280 285 Thr Thr Thr Thr Asn Lys Gln
Thr Ser Thr Asp Gly Lys Glu Lys Thr 290 295 300 Thr Ser Ala Lys Glu
Thr Gln Ser Ile Glu Lys Thr Ser Ala Lys Asp 305 310 315 320 Leu Ala
Pro Thr Ser Lys Val Leu Ala Lys Pro Thr Pro Lys Ala Glu 325 330 335
Thr Thr Thr Lys Gly Pro Ala Leu Thr Thr Pro Lys Glu Pro Thr Pro 340
345 350 Thr Thr Pro Lys Glu Pro Ala Ser Thr Thr Pro Lys Glu Pro Thr
Pro 355 360 365 Thr Thr Ile Lys Ser Ala Pro Thr Thr Pro Lys Glu Pro
Ala Pro Thr 370 375 380 Thr Thr Lys Ser Ala Pro Thr Thr Pro Lys Glu
Pro Ala Pro Thr Thr 385 390 395 400 Thr Lys Glu Pro Ala Pro Thr Thr
Pro Lys Glu Pro Ala Pro Thr Thr 405 410 415 Thr Lys Glu Pro Ala Pro
Thr Thr Thr Lys Ser Ala Pro Thr Thr Pro 420 425 430 Lys Glu Pro Ala
Pro Thr Thr Pro Lys Lys Pro Ala Pro Thr Thr Pro 435 440 445 Lys Glu
Pro Ala Pro Thr Thr Pro Lys Glu Pro Thr Pro Thr Thr Pro 450 455 460
Lys Glu Pro Ala Pro Thr Thr Lys Glu Pro Ala Pro Thr Thr Pro Lys 465
470 475 480 Glu Pro Ala Pro Thr Ala Pro Lys Lys Pro Ala Pro Thr Thr
Pro Lys 485 490 495 Glu Pro Ala Pro Thr Thr Pro Lys Glu Pro Ala Pro
Thr Thr Thr Lys 500 505 510 Glu Pro Ser Pro Thr Thr Pro Lys Glu Pro
Ala Pro Thr Thr Thr Lys 515 520 525 Ser Ala Pro Thr Thr Thr Lys Glu
Pro Ala Pro Thr Thr Thr Lys Ser 530 535 540 Ala Pro Thr Thr Pro Lys
Glu Pro Ser Pro Thr Thr Thr Lys Glu Pro 545 550 555 560 Ala Pro Thr
Thr Pro Lys Glu Pro Ala Pro Thr Thr Pro Lys Lys Pro 565 570 575 Ala
Pro Thr Thr Pro Lys Glu Pro Ala Pro Thr Thr Pro Lys Glu Pro 580 585
590 Ala Pro Thr Thr Thr Lys Lys Pro Ala Pro Thr Thr Pro Lys Glu Pro
595 600 605 Ala Pro Thr Thr Pro Lys Glu Thr Ala Pro Thr Thr Pro Lys
Lys Leu 610 615 620 Thr Pro Thr Thr Pro Glu Lys Leu Ala Pro Thr Thr
Pro Glu Lys Pro 625 630 635 640 Ala Pro Thr Thr Pro Glu Glu Leu Ala
Pro Thr Thr Pro Glu Glu Pro 645 650 655 Thr Pro Thr Thr Pro Glu Glu
Pro Ala Pro Thr Thr Pro Lys Ala Ala 660 665 670 Ala Pro Asn Thr Pro
Lys Glu Pro Ala Pro Thr Thr Pro Lys Glu Pro 675 680 685 Ala Pro Thr
Thr Pro Lys Glu Pro Ala Pro Thr Thr Pro Lys Glu Thr 690 695 700 Ala
Pro Thr Thr Pro Lys Gly Thr Ala Pro Thr Thr Leu Lys Glu Pro 705 710
715 720 Ala Pro Thr Thr Pro Lys Lys Pro Ala Pro Lys Glu Leu Ala Pro
Thr 725 730 735 Thr Thr Lys Glu Pro Thr Ser Thr Thr Cys Asp Lys Pro
Ala Pro Thr 740 745 750 Thr Pro Lys Gly Thr Ala Pro Thr Thr Pro Lys
Glu Pro Ala Pro Thr 755 760 765 Thr Pro Lys Glu Pro Ala Pro Thr Thr
Pro Lys Gly Thr Ala Pro Thr 770 775 780 Thr Leu Lys Glu Pro Ala Pro
Thr Thr Pro Lys Lys Pro Ala Pro Lys 785 790 795 800 Glu Leu Ala Pro
Thr Thr Thr Lys Gly Pro Thr Ser Thr Thr Ser Asp 805 810 815 Lys Pro
Ala Pro Thr Thr Pro Lys Glu Thr Ala Pro Thr Thr Pro Lys 820 825 830
Glu Pro Ala Pro Thr Thr Pro Lys Lys Pro Ala Pro Thr Thr Pro Glu 835
840 845 Thr Pro Pro Pro Thr Thr Ser Glu Val Ser Thr Pro Thr Thr Thr
Lys 850 855 860 Glu Pro Thr Thr Ile His Lys Ser Pro Asp Glu Ser Thr
Pro Glu Leu 865 870 875 880 Ser Ala Glu Pro Thr Pro Lys Ala Leu Glu
Asn Ser Pro Lys Glu Pro 885 890 895 Gly Val Pro Thr Thr Lys Thr Pro
Ala Ala Thr Lys Pro Glu Met Thr 900 905 910 Thr Thr Ala Lys Asp Lys
Thr Thr Glu Arg Asp Leu Arg Thr Thr Pro 915 920 925 Glu Thr Thr Thr
Ala Ala Pro Lys Met Thr Lys Glu Thr Ala Thr Thr 930 935 940 Thr Glu
Lys Thr Thr Glu Ser Lys Ile Thr Ala Thr Thr Thr Gln Val 945 950 955
960 Thr Ser Thr Thr Thr Gln Asp Thr Thr Pro Phe Lys Ile Thr Thr Leu
965 970 975 Lys Thr Thr Thr Leu Ala Pro Lys Val Thr Thr Thr Lys Lys
Thr Ile 980 985 990 Thr Thr Thr Glu Ile Met Asn Lys Pro Glu Glu Thr
Ala Lys Pro Lys 995 1000 1005 Asp Arg Ala Thr Asn Ser Lys Ala Thr
Thr Pro Lys Pro Gln Lys 1010 1015 1020 Pro Thr Lys Ala Pro Lys Lys
Pro Thr Ser Thr Lys Lys Pro Lys 1025 1030 1035 Thr Met Pro Arg Val
Arg Lys Pro Lys Thr Thr Pro Thr Pro Arg 1040 1045 1050 Lys Met Thr
Ser Thr Met Pro Glu Leu Asn Pro Thr Ser Arg Ile 1055 1060 1065 Ala
Glu Ala Met Leu Gln Thr Thr Thr Arg Pro Asn Gln Thr Pro 1070 1075
1080 Asn Ser Lys Leu Val Glu Val Asn Pro Lys Ser Glu Asp Ala Gly
1085 1090 1095 Gly Ala Glu Gly Glu Thr Pro His Met Leu Leu Arg Pro
His Val 1100 1105 1110 Phe Met Pro Glu Val Thr Pro Asp Met Asp Tyr
Leu Pro Arg Val 1115 1120 1125 Pro Asn Gln Gly Ile Ile Ile Asn Pro
Met Leu Ser Asp Glu Thr 1130 1135 1140 Asn Ile Cys Asn Gly Lys Pro
Val Asp Gly Leu Thr Thr Leu Arg 1145 1150 1155 Asn Gly Thr Leu Val
Ala Phe Arg Gly His Tyr Phe Trp Met Leu 1160 1165 1170 Ser Pro Phe
Ser Pro Pro Ser Pro Ala Arg Arg Ile Thr Glu Val 1175 1180 1185 Trp
Gly Ile Pro Ser Pro Ile Asp Thr Val Phe Thr Arg Cys Asn 1190 1195
1200 Cys Glu Gly Lys Thr Phe Phe Phe Lys Asp Ser Gln Tyr Trp Arg
1205 1210 1215 Phe Thr Asn Asp Ile Lys Asp Ala Gly Tyr Pro Lys Pro
Ile Phe 1220 1225 1230 Lys Gly Phe Gly Gly Leu Thr Gly Gln Ile Val
Ala Ala Leu Ser 1235 1240 1245 Thr Ala Lys Tyr Lys Asn Trp Pro Glu
Ser Val Tyr Phe Phe Lys 1250 1255 1260 Arg Gly Gly Ser Ile Gln Gln
Tyr Ile Tyr Lys Gln Glu Pro Val 1265 1270 1275 Gln Lys Cys Pro Gly
Arg Arg Pro Ala Leu Asn Tyr Pro Val Tyr 1280 1285 1290 Gly Glu Thr
Thr Gln Val Arg Arg Arg Arg Phe Glu Arg Ala Ile 1295 1300 1305 Gly
Pro Ser Gln Thr His Thr Ile Arg Ile Gln Tyr Ser Pro Ala 1310 1315
1320 Arg Leu Ala Tyr Gln Asp Lys Gly Val Leu His Asn Glu Val Lys
1325 1330 1335 Val Ser Ile Leu Trp Arg Gly Leu Pro Asn Val Val Thr
Ser Ala 1340 1345 1350 Ile Ser Leu Pro Asn Ile Arg Lys Pro Asp Gly
Tyr Asp Tyr Tyr 1355 1360 1365 Ala Phe Ser Lys Asp Gln Tyr Tyr Asn
Ile Asp Val Pro Ser Arg 1370 1375 1380 Thr Ala Arg Ala Ile Thr Thr
Arg Ser Gly Gln Thr Leu Ser Lys 1385 1390 1395 Val Trp Tyr Asn Cys
Pro 1400 218DNAArtificial SequenceDescription of Artificial
Sequence Synthetic primer 2gatgcagggt accccaaa 18322DNAArtificial
SequenceDescription of Artificial Sequence Synthetic primer
3cagactttgg ataaggtctg cc 2247PRTHomo sapiens 4Lys Glu Pro Ala Pro
Thr Thr 1 5
* * * * *