Matrix-targeted fusion polypeptides for tissue regeneration and wound healing

Abstract

The present invention relates to compositions and methods for promoting tissue repair and regeneration. The invention provides a fusion polypeptide useful for targeting tissues for regeneration and methods of use therefore.

1 . A fusion polypeptide comprising a collagen-binding domain and an epithelial cell proliferation-modulating agent. 
     
     
         2 . The fusion polypeptide of  claim 1 , wherein the epithelial cell proliferation-modulating agent stimulates epithelial cell proliferation. 
     
     
         3 . The fusion protein of  claim 1 , wherein the epithelial cell proliferation-modulating domain is a growth factor. 
     
     
         4 . The fusion polypeptide of  claim 3 , wherein the growth factor is epidermal growth factor (EGF). 
     
     
         5 . A nucleic acid sequence encoding a fusion polypeptide comprising a collagen-binding domain and an epithelial cell proliferation-modulating agent. 
     
     
         6 . The nucleic acid sequence of  claim 5 , operably linked to a promoter. 
     
     
         7 . An expression vector comprising the nucleic acid sequence of  claim 5 . 
     
     
         8 . The expression vector of  claim 7 , wherein the expression vector is a retroviral vector. 
     
     
         9 . A host cell comprising the nucleic acid sequence of  claim 5 . 
     
     
         10 . A method of producing the fusion polypeptide comprising a collagen-binding domain and an epithelial cell proliferation-modulating agent, comprising growing the host cells of  claim 9  under conditions that allow expression of the fusion polypeptide and recovering the fusion polypeptide. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the host is a prokaryotic cell. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the host is a eukaryotic cell. 
     
     
         13 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising a fusion polypeptide comprising a collagen-binding domain and an epithelial cell proliferation-modulating agent, in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.