Stem Cell Related Patent Number US7067486

Acetylcholinesterase-derived peptides and uses thereof

Soreq, Hermona; Jerusalem, Israel
Eldor, legal representative, Sofia; Tel Aviv, Israel
Deutch, Varda; Jerusalem, Israel
Grisaru, Dan; Hertzlia, Israel
Eldor, deceased, Amiram; Tel Aviv, Israel

This invention describes novel regulatory peptides having cell growth and cell differentiation activity derived from the C-terminal region of acetylcholinesterase. The invention relates to a cell growth or differentiation regulatory peptide comprising a sequence of approximately 9 to 150 amino acids derived from the acetylcholinesterase amino acid sequence, preferably from the C-terminal region of acetylcholinesterase. Further disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the peptides, particularly for use in promoting the survival, proliferation and growth of stem cells. Therapeutic applications are included, such as the use of the peptides in the treatment of thrombocytopenia, post-irradiation conditions, post-chemotherapy conditions, or conditions following massive blood loss. Also described is the promotion of neural progenitors in cell therapies aimed at restoring neural function, and methods by which antibodies which recognize these peptides may be used in various diagnostic procedures. Discussed within this context is the treatment of stress-induced male infertility, in vitro and in vivo methods for the screening of drugs that affect the central nervous system, and potential modulators of interactions between the “readthrough” form of acteylcholinesterase, AChE-R, the intracellular receptor RACK1 and the kinase PKC.

Application Number: US2001000998042

Date Filed: 11/30/01

Dated Published: 06/27/06

Assignee: Yissum Research Development Company of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel