PEPTIDE BASED INHIBITION OF caPCNA INTERACTION IN CANCER

Abstract

Peptides derived from cancer specific isoform of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (caPCNA, also known as csPCNA) or from nmPCNA-interacting proteins interfere with intracellular protein-protein interaction, thereby causing a reduction in the proliferative potential of cancer. These peptides serve as therapeutic compositions to reduce the proliferation of cancer cells and also augment existing chemotherapeutic methods.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A therapeutic composition for reducing cellular proliferation of malignant cells that express a cancer specific isoform of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (caPCNA), the composition comprising a peptide molecule selected from the group consisting of:
 a) peptide consisting of the amino acid sequence LGIPEQEY (SEQ ID No. 1) and   b) peptide comprising the amino acid sequence LGIPEQEY (SEQ ID No. 1) and up to three additional amino acids on the NH2 terminus of LGIPEQEY or up to nine amino acids on the —COOH terminus of LGIPEQEY;   wherein the therapeutic composition further comprises a cell-permeable peptide.   
     
     
         2 . The therapeutic composition of  claim 1 , wherein the cell-permeable peptide is selected from the group consisting of: Antennapedia (Antp) homeodomain, an RYIRS tag sequence, Penetratin (RQIKIWFQNRRMKWKK), Tat (GRKKRRQRRRPPQ), Transportan (GWTLN SAGYLLGKINLKALAALAKKIL), VP22 (DAATATRGRSAASRPTERPRAPARSASRP RRPVD), Amphipathic peptides (secondary and primary), MAP (KLALKLALKALKAAL KLA), KALA (WEAKLAKALAKALAKHLAKALAKALKACEA), ppTG20 (GLFRAL LRLLRSLWRLLLRA), Trimer (VRLPPP), P1 (MGLGLHLLVLAAALQGAWSQPKKKR KV), MPG (GALFLGFLGAAGSTMGAWSQPKKKRKV), Pep-1 (KETWWETWWTEWS QPKKKRKV), hCT (LGTYTQDFNKFHTFPQTAIGVGAP).