Scientists
have identified a unique cyclic molecule that diminishes extracellular matrix
production thereby reducing tumor growth in cancer with no toxicity. Our
scientists have validated the reduction of tumor growth in the presence of the
molecule in two distinct models: breast cancer and melanoma.
• The
present invention relates to peptides that inhibit overproduction and/or excess
accumulation of extracellular matrix in an organ or tissue.
• The
inventive peptides have the general sequence Xa-Leu-Gln-Gly-Xb
(SEQ ID NO: 1), wherein Xa is selected from Pro-Gly,
Gly
and Ac-Gly
and Xb
is selected from Glu and Glu-NH2,
and
are able of inhibit overproduction and excess accumulation of extracellular
matrix in an organ or tissue both as linear peptides and as cyclic peptides.
• In
particular the peptides disclosed herein can be used for treating fibrotic
conditions characterized by an excess accumulation of extracellular matrix such
as liver fibrosis, cirrhosis of the liver, lung fibrosis, chronic respiratory
failure, cardiac fibrosis, ischemic heart disease, heart failure, diabetic
nephropathy, glomerulonephritis, myelofibrosis, and various types of cancers
such as breast cancer, uterus cancer, prostate cancer, pancreas cancer, colon
cancer, skin cancer, blood cell cancers, cancers of the central nervous system,
fibroids, fibroma, fibroadenomas and fibrosarcomas.
