Peptides and calcium regulation in mammalian cells

US8022177B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois · US

Inventors

• Philip M. Best · Urbana, US
• Janice Jones · Clarksburg, US
• Jared P. Hansen · Peoria, US
• Zuojun Lin · King of Prussia, US
• Karen E. Weis · Champaign, US
• Po-Ju Chu · Taipei, TW

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 29, 2006
• Grant date: Sep 20, 2011
• Expiry date: Aug 11, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61K38/00
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Calcium channels in a variety of tissues may contain different subunits, including several different γ (gamma) subunits. We report studies regarding structural features of certain gamma subunits, for example the N-terminal first transmembrane domain (TM1) of the subunit γ6. We disclose that certain structural motifs, for example a GxxxG-like structural motif as described herein, can mediate subunit function for calcium channels. A particular peptide motif that has been identified as significant for the ability to mediate a decrease in calcium current is GxxxA. Compositions and methods are disclosed which are useful in modifying calcium regulation in mammalian cells. In various embodiments, calcium current is modified.