Control of Proliferation and Apoptosis in Cancer Cells

pp32 (ANP32A) is a protein expressed in stem-like normal cellular compartments and in human cancers, such as breast and prostate, that exerts multiple complex functions. Collectively appear to control whether a cell retains proliferative capacity, terminally differentiates, or undergoes apoptosis. The multiple functions include pro-apoptotic participation in at least two cell death pathways, inhibition of histone acetylation, stabilization and control of trafficking of immediate early and other mRNA?s containing AU-rich elements, and inhibition of cellular differentiation. The present invention identifies a previously unknown interaction of pp32 with a unique post-translationally modified form of a key and well-studied cellular regulatory molecule and tumor suppressor. Consequences of this interaction appear to be the sequestration of pp32 and inhibition of its pro-apoptotic function and continued expression of certain cellular molecules favoring continued proliferation. This unexpected and important interaction offers a therapeutic target for peptides and small molecules that could lead to reduction in chemoresistance of many forms of cancer including breast and prostate, and could also lead to concomitant cessation of cell proliferation and induction of differentiation. Description (Set) Proposed Use (Set) The interaction can serve as a therapeutic drug target. Patent (Set) US 2007/0141062 published on 21-Jun-2007

Inventor(s): Pasternack, Gary R.

Type of Offer: Licensing



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