Matrix protein compositions for induction of apoptosis

Abstract

Enamel matrix, enamel matrix derivatives and/or enamel matrix proteins or peptides may be used as therapeutic or prophylactic agents for inducing programmed cell death (apoptosis), in particular in the treatment or prevention of cancer or malignant or benign neoplasms.

1 - 29 . (Cancelled)  
     
     
         30 . A method of inducing apoptosis in a benign, semi-malignant or malignant neoplasm comprising the step of contacting the neoplasm with a composition comprising the low molecular weight fraction of acetic acid extractable proteins from an enamel matrix, wherein the low molecular weight fraction of acetic acid extractable proteins from an enamel matrix comprises proteins having a molecular weight of 20 kDa, 14 kDa, 5 kDa as determined by SDS gel electrophoresis.  
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein the enamel matrix is porcine enamel matrix.  
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein the neoplasm is an ectodermal neoplasm.  
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein the ectodermal neoplasm is an epithelial neoplasm.  
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein the neoplasm is a malignancy.  
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the malignancy is a human malignancy.  
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the malignancy is chosen from breast cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, melanoma, osteosarcoma and rhabdosarcoma.  
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein the composition is administered as a pharmaceutical composition.  
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.  
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the excipient is propylene glycol alginate.  
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the excipient is hyaluronic acid or a salt derivative thereof.  
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein the composition is administered topically.  
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein the composition is administered in the range of about 0.1 mg/cm 2  to about 15 mg/cm 2 .  
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein the composition is administered in the range of about 0.01 mg/cm 2  to about 20 mg/cm 2 .  
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein at least part of the low molecular weight fraction of acetic acid extractable proteins from an enamel matrix is administered as an aggregate or forms an aggregate after administration.  
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 44 , wherein the aggregate has a particle size of about 20 nm to about 1 μm.  
     
     
         46 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein the 20 kDa, the 14 kDa, and the 5 kDa protein are present in a ratio, based on weight, of 85/5/10 respectively.  
     
     
         47 . The method of  claim 46 , wherein the composition is administered as a pharmaceutical composition.  
     
     
         48 . The method of  claim 47 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.  
     
     
         49 . The method of  claim 48 , wherein the excipient is propylene glycol alginate.  
     
     
         50 . The method of  claim 48 , wherein the excipient is hyaluronic acid or a salt derivative thereof.  
     
     
         51 . The method of  claim 46 , wherein the composition is administered in the range of about 0.1 mg/cm 2  to about 15 mg/cm 2 .  
     
     
         52 . The method of  claim 46 , wherein the composition is administered in the range of about 0.01 mg/cm 2  to about 20 mg/cm 2 .  
     
     
         53 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein the neoplasm is chosen from a glandular neoplasm, a bone neoplasm, an ovarian neoplasm, a skin neoplasm, a mucosal neoplasm and a muscle neoplasm.