Therapeutic Agents Containing Gamma Hydroxylated Amino Acids

Description

This is a novel conopeptide (gla-1) that contains the unusual amino acid γ-Hydroxyvaline. This conopeptide is not constrained and has a high content of hydroxylated residues. The sequence has no close match with other peptides in any sequence database. The source is a natural component found in the venom of Conus gladiator, a wide spread cone snail species that inhabits the tropical Eastern Pacific region. Conus venom is a complex mixture of peptides (conopeptides) that elicit a wide range of neurophysiological responses. Several conopeptides have been shown to be valuable therapeutic agents for the treatment of a variety of neurologically related conditions.

Advantages

• Unique stability and exquisite specificity towards neuronal targets
• Peptide has less than 10 amino acids
• Can be assembled by solid-phase methods

Potential Applications

• Sodium channel blocker
• Therapeutic agent for the treatment of a variety of neurologically related conditions including:
       • Pain
       • Epilepsy
       • Neurotoxic injuries
       • Cancer
       • Parkinson’s
       • Alzheimer’s

Conus Gladiator

(c) Florida Atlantic University All rights reserved.
Updated August 10, 2008

Inventors
Dr. Frank Mari
Associate Professor,
Chemistry and Biochemistry

Dr. Gregg B. Fields
Chair & Professor,
Chemistry and Biochemistry

IP Status
U.S. Patent Application 10/794,640 filed 3/5/2003

U.S. Patent Application 11/149,757 filed 6/10/2005

Contact Information
Office of Technology Transfer
777 Glades Road, ADM 218
Boca Raton, FL 33431-0991

Kurt R. Moore
Assistant V.P. & Director
Ph: 561-297-1165
Fax: 561-297-2141
kmoore34@fau.edu

Michelle Webb
Assistant Director
Ph: 561-297-0673
Fax: 561-297-2141
mwebb18@fau.edu

Case Number
2003-04