Compounds and methods for modulating cell adhesion

Abstract

Cadherins are a group of cell adhesion molecules involved in homophilic interactions. They are critically important for maintenance of tissue integrity and for the physical and permeability barriers between both cells and tissues. This patent describes novel cyclic peptides that bind to the cadherin’s cellular adhesion recognition sequence, HAV. The peptides inhibited cell-cell adhesion and increased permeability in vitro. No in vivo data was presented. There is also evidence that the peptides are angiostatic. The patent discusses linking the peptide with a cytotoxic agent for the treatment of solid tumours. Finally, neural tissue grown in culture can be induced to produce neural extensions. This was inhibited in the presence of the peptides, suggesting that they could be useful in the treatment of certain neural diseases.

• cadherin
• cellular adhesion recognition sequence
• cyclic peptide
• HAV