Peptides that stimulate cell survival and axon regeneration

Patent Number: 7,304,129

This patent covers the composition of matter for several peptides as well as their utility for "stimulating the survival of, or neurite outgrowth in, cultured mammalian neuron, oligodendrocyte or fibroblast cells." The peptides are derived from the fibronectin domain of NCAM and have the ability to bind and activate the FGF2 receptor. Additionally, the inventors have demonstrated ability of the peptides to promote survival of neurons as well as to stimulate neurite outgrowth. These peptides are described in scientific publications by the inventor such as: Anderson et al. A peptide from the first fibronectin domain of NCAM acts as an inverse agonist and stimulates FGF receptor activation, neurite outgrowth and survival.J Neurochem. 2005 Oct;95(2):570-83. Epub 2005 Aug 31. In which the inventor describes how one of the peptides patented acts as an inverse agonist. Specifically, in the presence of FGF-2, small doses of the peptide actively suppress neurite outgrowth but saturating concentrations stimulate it.

View this patent on the USPTO website.