Peptide Inhibitors of MAPKAP Kinase II and Methods of Use

Cell kinases are intracellular signaling molecules used to communicate information between different parts of a cell. Kinases are very prevalent in many cellular signaling pathways, so when something goes wrong with these molecules many diseases and other problems can arise.

Researchers at Purdue have discovered a category of peptides that can be used as intervention for fibrotic diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis, abdominal adhesion, intimal hyperplasia, and aid in scar-less wound healing. These peptides may even be useful for disorders involving smooth muscle spasms such as asthma, vascular bypass surgery, and systemic hypertension. These peptides work by inhibiting kinases that are frequently uncontrolled in the disease state. This treatment is advantageous over previous methods due to its efficacy at lower doses and the multiple ways the peptides can enter cells.

Advantages:

-Lower effective dose

-Higher biological activity

-Multiple methods of cell entry

TRL: 7

Intellectual Property:

Keywords: cell kinases, intracellular signaling, peptides, fibrotic diseases, pulmonary fibrosis, abdominal adhesion, intimal hyperplasia, scar-less wound healing, smooth muscle spasms, kinase inhibitors, protein kinase inhibitors, tyrosine kinase inhibitors