Laminins, derivatives, and compositions including same and methods for their therapeutic use

Abstract

In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of treating a subject using laminin or a composition that includes laminin. In one embodiment, the method is used to enhance muscle regeneration, maintenance, or repair in a subject. In another embodiment, the method is used to promote wound healing. The method, in yet another embodiment, is used to prevent or reduce muscle damage or injury. In specific implementations of these methods, the laminin or composition that includes laminin is administered in a therapeutically effective amount. In some implementations, the laminin is a complete laminin protein. In other implementations, the laminin is a laminin fragment, a laminin derivative, or a laminin analogue.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A method of enhancing muscle regeneration, repair, or maintenance in a subject comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of at least a portion of a laminin to the subject. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the laminin comprises at least a portion of laminin-1. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the laminin comprises laminin-1. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , where the laminin comprises all or a portion of laminin-1, laminin-2, laminin-4, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the laminin comprises the α1 chain of laminin. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the laminin comprises at least a portion of the α1 chain of laminin. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising diagnosing the subject with a condition characterized by impaired muscle regeneration prior to administering a therapeutically effective amount of at least a portion of a laminin to the subject. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the subject has a condition characterized by impaired production of a component of the costamere. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the subject has impaired production of dystrophin. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the subject has impaired production of laminin. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the subject has impaired production of α7β1 integrin. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the laminin is administered with an additional therapeutic agent. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the additional therapeutic agent is selected from a costameric protein, a growth factor, satellite cells, stem cells, and myocytes. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the laminin is administered prior to the subject experiencing muscle damage or disease. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the laminin is administered systemically to the subject. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the laminin is selected from a derivative, analog, or fragment of a laminin. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the laminin is administered in a concentration of between about 50 nM and about 200 nm. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the laminin is administered in an amount between about 1 nmol/g and about 50 nmol/g of the subject's weight. 
     
     
         19 . A method of promoting wound healing in a subject comprising administering an effective amount of laminin to the subject. 
     
     
         20 . A method of prospectively preventing or reducing muscle injury or damage in a subject comprising administering an effective amount of laminin to the subject.