Novel haptotactic peptides

Abstract

A group of novel peptides having a sequence selected from the group consisting of KGSWYSMRKMSMKIRPFFPQQ (SEQ ID NO:1), KTRWYSMKKTTMKIIPFNRL (SEQ ID NO:2) and RGADYSLRAVRMKIRPLVTQ (SEQ ID NO:3) are provided. Compositions and methods of use of these peptides are also provided.

1 . An isolated polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, or a functional analogue thereof that has haptotactic activity.  
     
     
         2 . The isolated polypeptide of  claim 1 , comprising an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 and functional analogues thereof having haptotactic activity.  
     
     
         3 . The isolated polypeptide of  claim 1 , comprising an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:3 and functional analogues thereof having haptotactic activity.  
     
     
         4 . The isolated polypeptide of  claim 1 , comprising an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 or SEQ ID NO:3.  
     
     
         5 . An isolated nucleic acid comprising a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide as set forth in SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2, or SEQ ID NO:3.  
     
     
         6 . The isolated nucleic acid of  claim 5 , comprising a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide as set forth in SEQ ID NO:1.  
     
     
         7 . The isolated nucleic acid of  claim 5 , comprising a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide as set forth in SEQ ID NO:2.  
     
     
         8 . The isolated nucleic acid of  claim 5 , comprising a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide as set forth in SEQ ID NO:3.  
     
     
         9 . A composition comprising an isolated peptide according to  claim 1  and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.  
     
     
         10 . The composition of  claim 9 , further comprising a biological agent.  
     
     
         11 . A composition comprising the isolated polypeptide of  claim 1  or a haptotactic peptide having a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2 and SEQ ID NO:3, wherein the isolated or haptotactic peptide is attached to the surface of a prosthetic device, a bead, or a matrix or is present in combination with cells.  
     
     
         12 . The composition of  claim 11 , wherein the haptotactic peptide is attached to a bead.  
     
     
         13 . The composition of  claim 11 , wherein the haptotactic peptide is attached to a matrix.  
     
     
         14 . The composition of  claim 11 , wherein the haptotactic peptide is present in combination with cells selected from the group consisting of fibroblasts, endothelial cells, chondrocytes, osteoblasts, neuroblastroma cells, kidney cells, liver cells, pancreatic cells, thyroid cells, glial cells, nerve cells, smooth muscle cells, mouse mammary carcinoma cells, bone or cartilage forming cells and combinations thereof.  
     
     
         15 . A polymer composition, comprising: 
 (a) a plurality of subunits, each featuring at least one isolated polypeptide according to  claim 1  or a haptotactic peptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2 and SEQ ID NO:3; and    (b) a plurality of linker moieties for attaching each of the plurality of subunits to another of the plurality of subunits to form the polymer.    
     
     
         16 . The polymer composition of  claim 15 , wherein each of the plurality of subunits is comprised of the at least one haptotactic peptide, such that the polymer is a peptide polymer.  
     
     
         17 . The polymer composition of  claim 15 , wherein the at least one haptotactic peptide is attached to the subunit, such that the polymer is a co-polymer.  
     
     
         18 . A cell structure, comprising: 
 (a) the isolated polypeptide of  claim 1  or a haptotactic peptide having a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2 and SEQ ID NO:3;    (b) a cell bound to the haptotactic peptide; and    (c) a structure for supporting the cell, the haptotactic peptide being attached to the structure such that the cell is supported by the structure.    
     
     
         19 . The cell structure of  claim 18 , wherein the cell is selected from the group consisting of fibroblasts, endothelial cells, chondrocytes, osteoblasts, neuroblastroma cells, kidney cells, liver cells, pancreatic cells, thyroid cells, glial cells, nerve cells, smooth muscle cells, mouse mammary carcinoma cells, bone or cartilage forming cells and combinations thereof.  
     
     
         20 . The cell structure of  claim 18 , wherein said structure is a biomedical device.