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WO2002014369A9 - Human kininogen d5 domain polypeptides and their use - Google Patents

Human kininogen d5 domain polypeptides and their use

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Publication number
WO2002014369A9
WO2002014369A9 PCT/US2001/023185 US0123185W WO0214369A9 WO 2002014369 A9 WO2002014369 A9 WO 2002014369A9 US 0123185 W US0123185 W US 0123185W WO 0214369 A9 WO0214369 A9 WO 0214369A9
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
polypeptide
cell
cells
tumor
binding
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PCT/US2001/023185
Other languages
French (fr)
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WO2002014369A3 (en
WO2002014369A2 (en
Inventor
Andrew P Mazar
Jose C Juarez
Original Assignee
Attenuon Llc
Andrew P Mazar
Jose C Juarez
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Application filed by Attenuon Llc, Andrew P Mazar, Jose C Juarez filed Critical Attenuon Llc
Priority to AU2001277119A priority Critical patent/AU2001277119A1/en
Priority to JP2002519506A priority patent/JP2004515222A/en
Priority to EP01954904A priority patent/EP1305342A2/en
Publication of WO2002014369A2 publication Critical patent/WO2002014369A2/en
Publication of WO2002014369A3 publication Critical patent/WO2002014369A3/en
Publication of WO2002014369A9 publication Critical patent/WO2002014369A9/en

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    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K14/00—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof
    • C07K14/81—Protease inhibitors
    • C07K14/8107—Endopeptidase (E.C. 3.4.21-99) inhibitors
    • C07K14/8139—Cysteine protease (E.C. 3.4.22) inhibitors, e.g. cystatin
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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    • A61P27/00—Drugs for disorders of the senses
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    • A61P7/02—Antithrombotic agents; Anticoagulants; Platelet aggregation inhibitors
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    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K2319/00—Fusion polypeptide

Definitions

  • the invention in the field of biochemistry and medicine relates to angiogenesis- inhibitory peptides and polypeptides comprising parts of the D5 domain of human kimnogen and their use in diagnosis and therapy of diseases associated with endothelial cell migration and proliferation.
  • these polypeptides are useful in treating subjects with cancer.
  • Angiogenesis In adults, new blood vessels are formed through the process of angiogenesis, in which new capillaries sprout from the existing vasculature (Risau W., Nature 386:61 -614, 1997).
  • the endothelium of a non-angiogenic vessel is normally quiescent, whereas angiogenic endothelial cells ("ECs") proliferate actively.
  • Angiogenesis is a complex process that involves (1) degradation of the underlying basement membrane by angiogenic ECs, (2) loss of EC adhesion, (3) -migration and proliferation of the detached cells toward the angiogenic stimulus, and (4) ordered reassociation of these cells to form a new vessel.
  • Angiogenesis in the adult occurs only in "pathological" situations, such as in response to wound healing, tissue ischemia or neoplasia.
  • bFGF basic fibroblast growth factor
  • FGF-2 vascular endothelial cell growth factor
  • VEGF vascular endothelial cell growth factor
  • Angiogenesis is thought to be regulated under certain conditions by cryptic polypeptides released from larger proteins by proteolysis within the tumor milieu. It is becoming apparent that proteolytic fragments of plasma proteins or extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins may play an important role (Hanahan D et al, Cell 55:353-364, 1996).
  • ECM extracellular matrix
  • angiostatin the C-terminal hemopexin domain of matrix metalloprotease 2 (MMP-2) (Brooks PC et al, Cell 92:391-400, 1998)
  • MMP-2 matrix metalloprotease 2
  • the N- terminal 16 kD fragment of prolactin and a 29 kDa fragment of fibronectin O'Reilly MS et al, Cell 79:315-328, 1994; Folkman, J., Sci. Amer. 230:150-154, 1996.
  • TSP-1 thrombospondin 1
  • peptides derived from its procollagen and pro erdin-like type 1 repeats are anti-angiogenic (Good DJ et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 57:6624-6628, 1990).
  • TSP-1 thrombospondin 1
  • peptides derived from its procollagen and pro erdin-like type 1 repeats are anti-angiogenic (Good DJ et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 57:6624-6628, 1990).
  • the ability of several of these fragments to inhibit tumor growth or induce tumor regression and/or dormancy in preclinical models has led to enthusiasm for the potential use of angiogenesis inhibitors for therapy of human neoplasms.
  • the prototype inhibitor is angiostatin which consists of kringles 1-4 of plasminogen and inhibits the growth of experimental tumors in mice (O'Reilly et al. , supra) .
  • Angiostatin may be generated by serine proteases, as well as matrix metalloproteinases 7 and 9 and macrophage metalloelastase.
  • a second anti-angiogenic polypeptide, endostatin is a 20 kDa C-terminal fragment of the basement membrane protein, collagen XVIII. Endostatin also inhibits tumor growth (Folkman, supra), and its efficacy in repeatedly inducing tumor regression in animals in which tumors are allowed to regrow between treatment cycles suggests that development of resistance to this agent is unlikely.
  • LK low molecular weight kininogen
  • H chain which contains domains 1, 2 and 3, termed Dl, D2 and D3 (Colman RW et al, Blood 90:3819-3843, 1997).
  • LK contains only a 4 kDa light (L) chain (D4 L )
  • D5 and D6 the ⁇ 46kDa L chain of HK contains domains 5 and 6 (D5 and D6, respectively).
  • Each domain of HK has a unique function.
  • Dl binds calcium
  • D2 inhibits calpain (Colman et al, supra).
  • the cell binding regions of HK are contained within D3 and D5, while D6 binds plasma prekalhkrein and coagulation Factor XI.
  • D6 remains free following the binding of HK to cells, indicating that it may serve as an "acquired receptor" for Factor XI or kallikrein.
  • D4 links the H and L chains; D4 also includes the nonapeptide, bradykinin which is released from HK by kallikrein via cleavage between Lys 362 -Arg 363 and Arg 3 ⁇ -Ser 2 , leaving behind a cleaved molecule consisting of a 62 kDa H chain and 56-62 kDa L chain, which are bonded by an intrachain disulfide between Cysio and Cys 5 6 .
  • a subsequent cleavage at a site near the N-terminus of D5 results in reduction of the M r of the L chain to -45 kDa (Kaplan AP et al, Blood 70:1-15, 1987).
  • BRADYKININ is a potent vasodilator and an agonist for ECs.
  • Kallikrein-mediated cleavage of HK occurs on the EC surface, and may be mediated (a) directly by plasma kallikrein or (b) after binding of prekalhkrein to cell-bound HK, followed by its activation to kallikrein by an EC cysteine protease.
  • PMA Phorbol myristoyl acetate
  • BRADYK ⁇ NIN The release of BRADYK ⁇ NIN from HK is accompanied by a structural rearrangement in the remaining two-chain kininogen molecule, HK a and the acquisition of several novel properties.
  • cleavage of HK to HK a allows the latter to bind to artificial anionic surfaces (Colman et al. , supra); interactions that are mediated by residues of the His-Gly-rich region within D5 of HK a (amino acids 420-458) (DeLa Cadena RA et al, Protein Sci 7:151-160, 1992; Kunapuli SP et al, JBiol Chem 268:2486-2492, 1993).
  • HK a is anti-adhesive, inhibiting the spreading of osteosarcoma and melanoma cells on vitronectin, and of ECs, platelets and mononuclear cells on vitronectin and fibrinogen (Asakura S et al, J Cell Biol 116:465-416, 1992).
  • Rotary shadowing electron microscopy demonstrated that the structural rearrangement of HK a involves a change in the orientation of HK a domains relative to each other.
  • HK exists as a linear array of three linked globular regions, with the two peripheral regions connected by a thin strand (Colman RW et al, J Clin Invest 700:1481-1487, 1997).
  • the strand may represent the disulfide bridge between Dl and D6, as it is no longer apparent following reduction.
  • mAbs epitope-specific monoclonal antibodies
  • the two-chain molecule, HK a After kallikrein-mediated cleavage, the two-chain molecule, HK a , retains the trinodular structure, though the three globular regions rearrange in a pattern resembling vertices of a triangle. In this structure, the anionic surface binding and prekallikrein binding regions are more closely apposed.
  • HK a inhibition of EC proliferation in vitro is a unique property of HK a as HK, which binds to ECs, nevertheless lacks this antiproliferative effect. Moreover, the observed difference in binding to ECs exhibited by HK and HK a suggests potential differences in function. HK a could inhibit EC proliferation by several mechanisms. First, it might induce detachment of ECs from their matrix through direct interactions with integrins, thereby leading to interruption of integrin-mediated signaling and MAP kinase phosphorylation, leading to apoptosis. However, other than one report that single-chain HK binds to Mac-1 ( ⁇ , M ⁇ 2 or CD1 lb/CD18) on monocytes, there is no evidence for interactions of kininogen with integrins.
  • HK a The binding of HK a to ECs was also not inhibited by a blocking antibody against the ⁇ 3 integrin chain, suggesting that HK a does not interact with ⁇ v ⁇ 3 , an integrin which plays an important role in angiogenesis (Colman RW et al, J Clin Invest 700:1481-1487, 1997). HK a might interact in either a specific or non-specific manner with an ECM protein(s), thereby preventing its interaction with an EC integrin receptor. However, there is no data to support this hypothesis. The fact that HK a inhibited the proliferation of HUNEC plated on fibronectin, gelatin, and Matrigel, suggested effects independent of matrix identity.
  • HK a might inhibit the binding of growth factors to cellular glycosaminoglycans, such as heparan sulfate, or to specific growth factor receptors.
  • this explanation is unlikely, since withdrawal of growth factors does not lead to EC apoptosis within 6 hours ⁇ a time frame in which HK a induced apoptotic changes. McCrae's group recently observed that the cleaved form of human HK a inhibited bFGF- stimulated angiogenesis in vivo. (Zhang J-C et al, FASEB J. 14:2589-600, 2000).
  • HK a potently inhibited the proliferation of HUNEC and human dermal microvascular ECs (HDMNEC), inducing EC apoptosis.
  • HDMNEC human dermal microvascular ECs
  • HK a Compared to the antiproliferative effects, the anti-adhesive effects of HK a appear to be of less importance since EC adhesion was only modestly inhibited at HK a concentrations > 100 nM, whereas anti-proliferative effects were observed at concentrations as low as ⁇ 1 nM.
  • the present invention is directed to a polypeptide that corresponds to the D5 domain of human kininogen, or a biologically active peptide fragment, homologue or other functional derivative thereof which is has one or more of the following properties:
  • the D5 domain preferably has the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO:2.
  • the above polypeptide or peptide fragment has between about 8 and about 32 or between about 16 and about 32 amino acids which includes, or consists essentially, of one or more repeats of a sequence selected from the group consisting of:
  • HKNKGKKNGKHNGWKT SEQ ID NO:6
  • HKNKGKKN SEQ I NO:7
  • Another The polypeptide or peptide fragment as above has between about 4 and about 16 amino acids and includes one or more repeats of a sequence HKXK (SEQ ID NO: 8) where X is a neutral or aromatic amino acid.
  • the present invention also provides a D5 fusion polypeptide having a first fusion partner comprising all or a part of the D5 domain polypeptide, or a peptide fragment, homologue or other functional derivative of the D5 polypeptide, which (i) is fused directly to a second polypeptide or, (ii) optionally, is fused to a linker peptide sequence that is fused to the second polypeptide, which fusion polypeptide has one or more of the following properties: (a) inhibits angiogenesis at a IC 50 of at least about 1 ⁇ M; (b) binds to a D5 binding site on an endothelial cell with an affinity characterized by a K_ of about l ⁇ M or lower as measured in a direct binding assay to activated endothelial cells or in a competitive binding assay to purified D5 receptor; (c) activates one or more signaling pathways leading to induction of apoptosis in an endothelial cell; or (d) inhibits
  • the D5 fusion polypeptide may comprise any of the above polypeptides, peptide fragments, homologues or other functional derivatives, fused to a second polypeptide.
  • the binding partner molecule is a protein or peptide that increases the expression, stability or biologic or pharmacologic activity of the fusion polypeptide when compared to the D5 polypeptide, fragment homologue or derivative alone.
  • a preferred binding partner molecule is thioredoxin, calmodulin binding protein, maltose-binding protein or glutathione-S-transferase.
  • the second polypeptide may be one or more domains of an Ig heavy chain constant region, preferably having an amino acid sequence corresponding to the hinge, C H 2 and C R 3 regions of a human immunoglobulin C ⁇ l chain.
  • the above fusion polypeptide may comprise a linear multimer of two or more repeats of monomers of the first fusion partner linked end to end, directly or with a linker sequences present between the monomer repeats.
  • An example is a dimeric or trimeric fusion polypeptide which is a tandemly linked dimer or trimer of the above fusion polypeptide.
  • the linker in the above fusion is preferably cleavable by an enzyme that is present and active in the vicinity of, or in cells of, a tumor, such that the first fusion partner is released from the fusion polypeptide when the enzyme acts on the fusion polypeptide.
  • Preferred enzymes are a matrix metalloprotease, urokinase, a cathepsin, plasmin or thrombin, which act to release D5 in
  • a preferred linker is a peptide having the sequence VPRGSD (SEQ ID NO:9) or DDKDWH ⁇ SEQ ID NO:10).
  • this invention is directed to an isolated nucleic acid molecule that encodes any of the above polypeptides, fragments, homologues or other functional derivatives.
  • a preferred nucleic acid has the sequence SEQ ID NO:3.
  • Another preferred nucleic acid molecule encodes a fusion polypeptide as above.
  • the nucleic acid molecule comprises:
  • nucleic acid sequence that is linked in frame to the first nucleic acid sequence or to the linker nucleic acid sequence and that encodes a second polypeptide. Also included is an isolated nucleic acid molecule that hybridizes with any of the above nucleic acid molecules under stringent conditions.
  • the above polypeptide or a biologically active fragment, homologue or other functional derivative may be produced by recombinant expression of the above nucleic acid molecules.
  • an expression vector comprising a nucleic acid encoding any of the above polypeptides or functional derivatives, operatively linked to
  • the expression vector preferably comprises the above nucleic acids operatively linked to (a) a promoter and (b) optionally, additional regulatory sequences that regulate expression of the nucleic acid in a eukaryotic cell.
  • Preferred expression vectors are plasmids or viral vectors.
  • a cell transformed or transfected with any of the above nucleic acid molecules or expression vectors Preferred cells are mammalian cell, most preferably, human. Also provided is an isolated mammalian tumor cell transfected with an exogenous nucleic acid molecule encoding a mammalian D5 polypeptide or a biologically active fragment, homologue or other functional derivative thereof, such that when the protein, fragment, homologue or derivative is expressed by or secreted from the tumor cell, and the tumor cell is contacted with an endothelial cell, the tumor cell or the secreted product
  • the present invention is directed to an antibody that is specific for an epitope of a human kininogen D5 domain polypeptide, preferably a linear or conformational epitope of the polypeptide having SEQ ID NO:2.
  • the antibody may be specific for an epitope present in a peptide selected from the group consisting of
  • HKNKGKKN SEQ ID NO:7
  • Preferred antibodies are monoclonal, more preferably, a human or humanized monoclonal antibody.
  • the foregoing antibody is preferably one which, upon administration to a subject with a tumor, inhibits tumor growth or angiogenesis.
  • an angiogenic endothelial cell-targeting pharmaceutical composition preferably in a form suitable for injection comprising, (a) the above polypeptide, fusion polypeptide, fragment, homologue or functional derivative; and (b) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
  • an angiogenic endothelial cell-targeting-targeting therapeutic composition comprises (a) an effective amount of the above polypeptide, fusion polypeptide, fragment, homologue or functional derivative of any of claims bound directly or indirectly to a therapeutically active moiety, such as a radionuclide; and (b) a therapeutically acceptable carrier.
  • the radionuclide maybe 125 L 131 L 90 Y, 67 Cu, 217 Bi, 211 At, 212 Pb, 47 Sc, or 109 Pd.
  • the invention provides a method for inhibiting endothelial cell migration, proliferation, invasion, or angiogenesis, or for inducing endothelial cell apoptosis, comprising contacting endothelial cells involved in undesired migration, proliferation, invasion, or angiogenesis with an effective amount of the above polypeptide, fusion polypeptide, fragment, homologue or functional derivative. Also provided is a method for treating a subject having a disease or condition associated with undesired endothelial cell migration, proliferation, invasion or angiogenesis (such as tumor growth, tumor invasion or tumor metastasis) comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of the above pharmaceutical composition.
  • Another embodiment is a diagnosticaUy useful composition for targeting angiogenic endothelial cells, comprising (a) the above polypeptide, fusion polypeptide, fragment, homologue or functional derivative which is diagnosticaUy labeled; and (b) a diagnosticaUy acceptable carrier.
  • Detectable labels include a radionuclide, a PET-imageable agent, a fluorescer, a fluorogen, a chromophore, a cliromogen, a phosphorescer, a chemiluminescer or a bioluminescer.
  • Preferred diagnostic radionuclides are 3 H, 14 C, 35 S, 99 Tc, 123 L 125 1, 131 I, lu h ⁇ , Ru, Ga, Ga, As, Zr and TI.
  • Useful fluorescers or fluorogens are is fluorescein, rhodamine, dansyl, phycoerythrin, phycocyanin, allophycocyanin, o-phthaldehyde, fluorescamine, a fluorescein derivative, Oregon Green, Rhodamine Green, Rhodol Green or Texas Red.
  • the above diagnostic composition is used in a method for detecting the presence of angiogenic endothelial cells (i) in a tissue, (ii) in an organ or (iii) in a biological sample, which tissue, organ or sample is suspected of having angiogenically-activated endothelial cells.
  • the method comprises (a) contacting the tissue, organ or sample with the diagnostic composition; and (b) detecting the presence of the label associated with the tissue, organ or sample.
  • the contacting is in vivo. Both the contacting and the detecting may be in vivo.
  • the invention is also directed to an affinity ligand useful for binding to angiogenic endothelial cells or to a D5 domain binding site.
  • These ligands comprise the above polypeptide, fusion polypeptide, fragment, homologue or functional derivative immobilized to a solid support or carrier.
  • the ligand is used in a method for isolating a D5 domain binding molecule from a complex mixture, the method comprising: (a) contacting the mixture with the affinity ligand; (b) allowing any of the binding molecules to bind to the ligand; (c) removing unbound material from the ligand; and (d) eluting the bound D5 domain binding material.
  • Also provided is a method for isolating or enriching cells expressing D5 domain binding sites from a cell mixture comprising (a) contacting the cell mixture with the affinity ligand or the above polypeptide, fusion polypeptide, fragment, homologue or functional derivative; (b) allowing any binding site-expressing cell to bind to the ligand or the polypeptide, fusion polypeptide, fragment, homologue or functional derivative; (c) separating cells bound to the ligand, polypeptide, fusion polypeptide, fragment, homologue or functional derivative from unbound cells; and (d) removing the bound cells, thereby isolating or enriching the D5 domain binding site-expressing cells.
  • a method for isolating or enriching cells expressing D5 domain binding sites from a cell mixture comprises (a) contacting the cell mixture with the affinity ligand of claim 57;
  • Figure 1 Primary sequence and genetic structure of high molecular weight kininogen. Numbers 1-626 are amino acid (aa) locations with leader sequence -18 to -1. Letters A-J are the locations of intron/exon junctions. Domain 1 (aa 1-113) is coded by exons 1, 2 and 3. Domain 2 (aa 114-234) is coded by exons 4, 5 and 6. Domain 3 (aa 235-357) is coded by exons 7, 8 and 9.
  • Domain 4 (aa 358-383) is coded by exon IO BK - Domain 5 (aa 384-502) is coded by the 5' portion of exon IO HK - Domain 6 (aa-503-626) is coded by the 3' portion of exon IO HK - Curved arrows indicate kallikrein cleavage sites. Boxed “O” and “N” are the locations of O- and N- linked carbohydrate chains, respectively.
  • XI is the putative factor XI binding sequence.
  • PK is the putative prekallikrein binding sequence (from DeLa Cadena ).
  • Figure 2A, 2B and 2C is a set of gels and blots showing the identification and purification of CBP-D5 expressed in E. coli.
  • E. coli were transformed with an expression vector containing the cDNA for CBP-D5.
  • Small scale cultures were grown at 30°C and induced with IPTG.
  • Cells were extracted and the supernatants and inclusion bodies analyzed by western blot (Fig. 2A) using an antibody previously raised against D5and SDS-PAGE (Fig 2B).
  • the CBP- D5 constituted most of the protein in the inclusion bodies as demonstrated by SDS-PAGE (Fig. 2B).
  • Inclusion bodies were extracted and the protein was re-folded and purified as described in the Examples. Fractions eluted from a calmodulin column (CAM) containing pure protein are shown in Fig. 2C.
  • CAM calmodulin column
  • FIG 3 Inhibition of EC proliferation by D5 and CBP-D5.
  • HUNEC in EBM media 3,000 cells/well
  • the cells were allowed to adhere for 4 hours at which time the EBM media was exchanged for EBM+bFGF (10 ng/mL) + inhibitor.
  • Figure 4 Inhibition of angiogenesis in the CAM model using various D5 fusion constructs. Chick eggs were incubated for 7 days at which time the top of the egg was carefully removed to expose the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM).
  • CAM chorioallantoic membrane
  • Disks impregnated with either bFGF alone (30 ng) or bFGF+HKa (ATN-234) or bFGF+HKa D5 (ATN-235) were placed on the CAM and the eggs incubated an additional 4 days.
  • FIG. 5 Inhibition of EC tube fomiation on Matrigel®.
  • Matrigel® (0.1 mg/mL) was plated into 96 well plates.
  • HKa D5 (AT ⁇ -235) was added in the presence of equimolar amounts of low molecular weight heparin (which stimulates the activity of AT ⁇ -235) at the outset of the assay.
  • the plates were evaluated by two independent readers after 24 hours of incubation at 37°C.
  • PROTEINS POLYPEPTIDES AND PEPTIDES
  • polypeptide corresponding to the D5 domain of HK is useful as an inhibitor of angiogenesis and of various EC functions including cell proliferation.
  • the 125 residue D5 domain therefore has the sequence SEQ ID NO:2:
  • D5 polypeptides In addition to the native D5 domain polypeptide itself, fragments, variants, fusion polypeptides, or other functional derivatives of D5 including chemical derivatives and peptidomimetics are used for the same purpose. For the sake of brevity, this entire group of compounds is collectively termed "D5 polypeptides" herein.
  • the D5 polypeptides bind to ECs at a binding site or receptor, which is operationally termed a "D5 binding site" or "D5BS.” Binding of a D5 polypeptide to a D5BS on an EC: (1) activates one or more signaling pathways leading to induction of EC apoptosis or (2) inhibits a signaling pathway required for maintenance of EC viability.
  • the activation or inhibition of these pathways may be direct (as a result of binding to a D5BS) or indirect (result due to displacement of an EC from the matrix architecture), hi either case, the net effect is loss of EC viability.
  • the peptides disclosed in Zhang et al, supra also provide scaffolds for peptidomimetic design and structure-based drug design as well as the development of orally-active anti- angiogenic molecules which may provide a novel approach to achieving therapeutic anti- angiogenic effects.
  • one objective of the present invention is development of HK-derived peptides as peptide-based drugs or peptidomimetic-based drags.
  • a “functional derivative” retains measurable D5 activity, preferably that of binding to a D5BS on an EC and activating a biochemical process leading to EC apoptosis or inhibiting a process required for maintenance of EC viability, which permits its utility in accordance with the present invention.
  • “Functional derivatives” encompass “mutants,” “variants,” “fragments,” “analogues” or “chemical derivative” of D5, defined herein, regardless of whether the terms are used in the conjunctive or the alternative herein.
  • a “fragment” of D5 refers to any subset of the molecule, that is, a shorter peptide.
  • a “variant” of D5 refers to a molecule substantially identical to either the full protein or to a fragment thereof in which one or more amino acid residues have been replaced (substitution variant) or which has one or several residues deleted (deletion variant) or added (addition variant).
  • a “fragment” of D5 refers to any subset of the molecule, that is, a shorter polypeptide of the full-length protein.
  • a number of processes (chemical and recombinant) wall-known in the art can be used to generate fragments, mutants and variants of the isolated DNA sequence. Small subregions or fragments of the nucleic acid encoding the D5 protein, for example 1-30 bases in length, can be prepared by standard, chemical synthesis. Antisense oligonucleotides and primers for use in the generation of larger synthetic fragment.
  • mutant is used interchangeably with “variant.”
  • an “analogue” of D5 refers to a non- natural molecule substantially similar to either the entire molecule or a fragment thereof.
  • a "chemical derivative" of D5 contains additional chemical moieties not normally a part of the peptide.
  • Covalent modifications of the peptide are included within the scope of this invention. Such modifications may be introduced into the molecule by reacting targeted amino acid residues of the peptide with an organic derivatizing agent that is capable of reacting with selected side chains or terminal residues.
  • a preferred functional derivative is a fusion polypeptide, a polypeptide that includes a D5 or functional fragment thereof. These are described in a separate section below.
  • a functional "homologue" of D5 must possess the biochemical and biological activities described above for D5. In view of this functional characterization, use of homologous proteins to D5 from other species, including proteins not yet discovered, fall within the scope of the invention if these proteins have the sequence similarities and the recited biochemical and biological activity.
  • the sequences are aligned for optimal comparison purposes (e.g., gaps can be introduced in one or both of a first and a second amino acid or nucleic acid sequence for optimal alignment and non-homologous sequences can be disregarded for comparison purposes).
  • Cys residues are aligned.
  • the length of a sequence being compared is at least 30%, preferably at least 40%, more preferably at least 50%, even more preferably at least 60%, and even more preferably at least 70%, 80%, or 90% of the length of the reference sequence, here, the human D5 protein (SEQ ID NO:2).
  • amino acid residues (or nucleotides) at corresponding amino acid positions (or nucleotide) positions are then compared.
  • a position in the first sequence is occupied by the same amino acid residue (or nucleotide) as the corresponding position in the second sequence, then the molecules are identical at that position (as used herein amino acid or nucleic acid "identity” is equivalent to amino acid or nucleic acid "homology”).
  • the percent identity between the two sequences is a function of the number of identical positions shared by the sequences, taking into account the number of gaps, and the length of each gap, which need to be introduced for optimal alignment of the two sequences.
  • the comparison of sequences and determination of percent identity between two sequences can be accomplished using a mathematical algorithm.
  • the percent identity between two amino acid sequences is determined using the Needleman and Wunsch (J. Mol. Biol. 45:444-453 (1970) algorithm which has been incorporated into the GAP program in the GCG software package (available at http://www.gcg.com), using either a Blossom 62 matrix or a PAM250 matrix, and a gap weight of 16, 14, 12, 10, 8, 6, or 4 and a length weight of I, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6.
  • the percent identity between two nucleotide sequences is determined using the GAP program in the GCG software package (available at http://www.gcg.com), using a NWSgapdna.CMP matrix and a gap weight > of 40, 50, 60, 70, or 80 and a length weight of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6.
  • the percent identity between two amino acid or nucleotide sequences is determined using the algorithm of E. Meyers and W. Miller (CABIOS, 4:11-17 (1989)) which has been incorporated into the ALIGN program (version 2.0), using a PAM120 weight residue table, a gap length penalty of 12 and a gap penalty of 4.
  • the nucleic acid and protein sequences of the present invention can further be used as a "query sequence" to perform a search against public databases, for example, to identify other family members or related sequences.
  • Such searches can be performed using the NBLAST and XBLAST programs (version 2.0) of Altschul et al (1990) J Mol. Biol 275:403-10.
  • Gapped BLAST can be utilized as described in Altschul et al. (1997) Nucleic Acids Res. 25:3389-3402.
  • the default parameters of the respective programs e.g., XBLAST and NBLAST
  • XBLAST and NBLAST See http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
  • a homologue of the D5 protein described above is characterized as having (a) functional activity of the reference D5, and (b) sequence similarity to a "native" D5 protein (such as SEQ ID NO:2), when determined above, of at least about 30%> (at the amino acid level), preferably at least about 50%, more preferably at least about 70% ⁇ , even more preferably at least about 90%. It is within the skill in the art to obtain and express such a protein using DNA probes based on the disclosed sequences of D5. Then, the protein's biochemical and biological activity can be tested readily using art-recognized methods such as those described herein. A biological assay will indicate whether the homologue has the requisite activity to qualify as a "functional" homologue.
  • D5 variants are those in which at least one amino acid residue and preferably, only one, has been substituted by different residue.
  • the types of substitutions which may be made in a D5 polypeptide molecule of the present invention may be based on analysis of the frequencies of amino acid changes between a homologous protein of different species, such as those presented in Table 1-2 of Schulz et al. (supra) and Figure 3-9 of Creighton (supra). Based on such an analysis, conservative substitutions are defined herein as exchanges within one of the following groups:
  • D5 peptide variants in which at least one amino acid residue and preferably, only one, has been removed and a different residue inserted in its place.
  • D5 peptide variants in which at least one amino acid residue and preferably, only one, has been removed and a different residue inserted in its place.
  • the types of substitutions which may be made in the peptide molecule of the present invention are conservative substitutions and are defined herein as exchanges within one of the following groups:
  • Polar, negatively charged residues and their amides e.g., Asp, Asn, Glu, Gin;
  • Polar, positively charged residues e.g., His, Arg, Lys;
  • substitutions that are less conservative, such as between, rather than within, the above groups (or two other amino acid groups not shown above), which will differ more significantly in their effect on maintaining (a) the structure of the peptide backbone in the area of the substitution (b) the charge or hydrophobicity of the molecule at the target site, or (c) the bulk of the side chain.
  • Most substitutions according to the present invention are those which do not produce radical changes in the characteristics of the peptide molecule.
  • NMR and molecular dynamic analysis where one examines regions that are defined by the active site of D5.
  • the capacity for motion in these structures is considered along with the impact of restraining the motion at particular sites on rigidity and biological activity of the molecule.
  • Conventional approaches of protein engineering are applied.
  • stability is increased by introducing one or more Cys residues into strategic positions , where the formation of disulfide bonds between two Cys residues increases stability.
  • Another approach is based on introduction of residues that form ⁇ helices at sites that do not impede the polypeptide's biological activity, for example at the N- and C- termini. These helices have a charged face and a hydrophobic face, and because of the highly charged nature of the polypeptide, hydrophobic residues in the helices will enter into from helix-helix interactions that further stabilize the polypeptide.
  • “Chemical derivatives” of D5 contain additional chemical moieties not normally apart of the peptide. Covalent modifications of the peptide are included within the scope of this invention. Such modifications may be introduced into the molecule by reacting targeted amino acid residues of the peptide with an organic derivatizing agent that is capable of reacting with selected side chains or terminal residues.
  • Capped polypeptides discussed below are examples of preferred chemical derivatives of a "natural" uncapped polypeptide. Any of the present combination of substitution or addition variants may be capped with any of the capping groups disclosed herein. Other examples of chemical derivatives of the polypeptide follow. Lysinyl and amino terminal residues are derivatized with succinic or other carboxylic acid anhydrides. Derivatization with a cyclic carboxylic anhydride has the effect of reversing the charge of the lysinyl residues.
  • Suitable reagents for derivatizing ⁇ -amino-containing residues include imidoesters such as methyl picolinimidate; pyridoxal phosphate; pyridoxal; chloroborohydride; trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid; O-methylisourea; 2,4 pentanedione; and transaminase-catalyzed reaction with glyoxylate.
  • imidoesters such as methyl picolinimidate; pyridoxal phosphate; pyridoxal; chloroborohydride; trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid; O-methylisourea; 2,4 pentanedione; and transaminase-catalyzed reaction with glyoxylate.
  • aspartyl and glutamyl residues can be converted to asparaginyl and glutaminyl residues by reaction with ammonia.
  • the present invention also includes longer peptides in which a sequence from D5 or a variant thereof is repeated from about two to about 100 times, with or without intervening spacers or linkers.
  • a multimer of the peptide referred to symbolically in this section as D5 is shown by the following formula
  • a peptide multimer may comprise different combinations of peptide monomers and the disclosed substitution variants thereof.
  • Such oiigomeric or multimeric peptides can be made by chemical synthesis or by recombinant DNA techniques as discussed herein.
  • the oligomers When produced chemically, the oligomers preferably have from 2-8 repeats of the basic polypeptide sequence.
  • the multimers may have as many repeats as the expression system permits, for example from two to about 100 repeats.
  • the multimer of a D5 sequence can further be fused to another polypeptide, resulting in fusion polypeptides that include more than a single repeat of the D5 sequence..
  • Any D5 polypeptide may be blocked or capped at its amino and carboxyl termini, preferably with acetyl bound to the amino-terminal N (“Ac”) and amido (-NH 2 bound to the C- terminal carboxyl group (“Am”)), respectively.
  • the N-terminal capping function is preferably linked to the terminal amino function and may be selected from the group consisting of: formyl; alkanoyl, having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, such as acetyl, propionyl, butyryl; alkenoyl, having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, such as hex-3-enoyl; alkynoyl, having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, such as hex-5-ynoyl; aroyl, such as benzoyl or 1-naphthoyl; heteroaroyl, such as 3-pyrroyl or 4-quinoloyl; alkylsulfonyl, such as methanesulfonyl; arylsulfonyl, such as benzenesulfonyl or sulfanilyl; heteroarylsulfonyl, such as pyridine-4-sulfonyl; substituted alkanoyl, having from 1 to 10 carbon
  • R' is alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, substituted alkyl, substituted alkenyl, substituted alkynyl, substituted aryl, or substituted heteroaryl; substituted carbamoyl (R'-NH-CO) or substituted thiocarbamoyl (R'-NH-CS) wherein R' is alkanoyl, alkenoyl, alkynoyl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, substituted alkanoyl, substituted alkenoyl, substituted alkynoyl, substituted aroyl, or substituted heteroaroyl, all as above defined;
  • the C-terminal capping function can either be in an amide bond with the terminal carboxyl or in an ester bond with the terminal carboxyl.
  • R and R may be independently drawn from the following group: hydrogen; alkyl, preferably having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, such as methyl, ethyl, isopropyl; alkenyl, preferably having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, such as prop-2-enyl; alkynyl, preferably having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, such as prop-2-ynyl; substituted alkyl having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, such as hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, mercaptoalkyl, alkylthioalkyl, halogenoalkyl, cyanoalkyl, aminoalkyl, alkylaminoalkyl, dialkylaminoalkyl, alkanoylalkyl, carboxyalkyl, carbamoylalkyl; substituted alkenyl having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, such as hydroxyalkenyl, alkoxyalken
  • Another class of compounds useful in this regard are low molecular weight peptidomimetic compounds which influence the interactions between a D5 polypeptide and the D5BS.
  • Such peptidomimetics may - be derived from the structure of either the free D5 or D5 bound to D5BS.
  • a peptidomimetic of D5 mimics the biological effect of a D5 polypeptide and may be an unnatural peptide or a non-peptide agent which has the stereochemical properties of a D5 polypeptide such that it has the binding activity or biological activity of the peptide.
  • this invention includes compounds wherein a peptidomimetic compound is coupled to another peptide.
  • a peptidomimetic agent may be an um atural peptide or a non-peptide agent which recreates the stereospatial properties of the binding elements of D5 such that it has the binding activity or biological activity of D5. Similar to the linear peptides corresponding to D5, a peptidomimetic will have a binding face (which interacts with the D5BS) and a non-binding face. Again, similar to linear peptides of D5, the non-binding face of a peptidomimetic will contain functional groups which can be modified by various therapeutic moieties without modifying the binding face of the peptidomimetic. A preferred embodiment of a peptidomimetic would contain an aniline on the non-binding face of the molecule.
  • the NH 2 - group of an aniline has a pKa ⁇ 4.5 and could therefore be modified by any NH -selective reagent without modifying any NH functional groups on the binding face of the peptidomimetic.
  • Other peptidomimetics may not have any NH 2 functional groups on their binding face and therefore, any NH 2 , without regard for pK a could be displayed on the non- binding face as a site for conjugation.
  • other modifiable functional groups such as - SH and -COOH could be incorporated into the non-binding face of a peptidomimetic as a site of conjugation.
  • a therapeutic moiety could also be directly incorporated during the synthesis of a peptidomimetic and preferentially be displayed on the non-binding face of the molecule.
  • This invention also includes compounds, which retain partial peptide characteristics.
  • any proteolytically unstable bond within a peptide of the invention could be selectively replaced by a non-peptidic element such as an isostere (N-methylation; D-amino acid at a particular site) or a reduced peptide bond while the rest of the molecule retains its peptide nature.
  • Peptidomimetic compounds either agonists, substrates or inhibitors, have been described for a number of bioactive peptides such as opioid peptides, NIP, thrombin, HIN protease, etc.
  • bioactive peptides such as opioid peptides, NIP, thrombin, HIN protease, etc.
  • Methods for designing and preparing peptidomimetic compounds are known in the art (Hruby, N.J., Biopolymers 33:1073-1082 (1993); Wiley, R.A. et al, Med. Res. Rev. 73:327-384 (1993); Moore et al, Adv. in Pharmacol 33:91-141 (1995); Giannis et al, Adv. in Drug Res. 29:1-78 (1997), which references are incorporated by reference in their entirety).
  • such peptidomimetics may be identified by inspection of the cystallographically-derived three-dimensional structure of a peptide of the invention either free or bound in complex with a D5BS.
  • the structure of a peptide of the invention bound to D5BS can be gained by using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The better knowledge of the stereochemistry of the interaction of a peptide with its binding partner will permit the rational design of such peptidomimetic agents.
  • Fusion polypeptides of D5 have been prepared and tested for anti-angiogenic activity. Fusions with thioredoxin, calmodulin binding protein (CBP), maltose-binding protein (MBP) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) were prepared and expressed in E. coli. A small amount of each polypeptide is expressed in soluble, active form that can be purified from the E. coli inclusion body fraction.
  • CBP calmodulin binding protein
  • MBP maltose-binding protein
  • GST glutathione-S-transferase
  • the present inventors developed a high-yield method for extracting and refolding the fusion polypeptides from inclusion bodies, thus making this method useful for preparing a D5 fusion polypeptide for therapeutic use.
  • One liter of E. coli culture grown to a density of 0.6 OD units/mL is in the range of 50-
  • the CBP-D5 fusion is predicted to have a pi of 9.0 and can thus be purified using cation exchange such as SP (sulfopropyl)-Sepharose developed at pH 8.5.
  • SP sulfopropyl
  • Very few proteins have as basic of a pi as CBP- D5 and thus, only CBP-D5 would be positively charged at pH and capable of sticking to the column.
  • This protocol has been used for the one-step purification of the CBP-D5 fusion to homogeneity.
  • An active D5 fusion polypeptide can be expressed and purified in this manner regardless of fusion partner.
  • the D5 fusion polypeptides are angiogenic ⁇ C-selective in that they have no measurable effect on the proliferation of other cells such as aortic smooth muscle cells and liver cells (HepG2).
  • the D5 fusion polypeptides do not affect the proliferation of non-stimulated (quiescent) ⁇ Cs.
  • D5 also inhibits blood vessel formation in the CAM assay.
  • a D5 fusion polypeptide that binds to the D5BS on ECs and has any of the above inhibitory actions on ECs will prevent the angiogenesis that is requisite for tumor growth and will therefore exert an antitumor activity in a subject hi a preferred D5 fusion partner, the binding partner is fused to the N-terminus of D5.
  • a preferred D5 fusion polypeptide has a cleavable linker between the D5 portion and the fusion partner.
  • cleavable linkers include VPRGSD (SEQ ID NO:9) and DDKDWH (SEQ ID NO: 10, cleavable by thrombin; DDKDWH, cleavable by enterokinase. Any sequence with a basic residue (K or R) in the PI position is potentially cleavable by thrombin, enterokinase, trypsin or plasmin. However, thrombin is the least promiscuous of these enzymes and is preferred.
  • the fusion polypeptide comprises a sequence from D5 and more than one additional protein.
  • the fusion partner serves as a bridge to yet another sequence that serves as a diagnostic label or as a therapeutic moiety.
  • the probability increases that the ability of the D5 portion of the fusion polypeptide to bind to a D5BS will remain intact.
  • Diagnostic labels and therapeutic moieties are disclosed in more detail below.
  • the foregoing polypeptides, fusion polypeptides or other functional derivatives and chemical derivatives including peptidomimetics and multimeric peptides must have the biological activity or biochemical (e.g.,, binding activity) of the native D5 domain polypeptide of HK as follows: at least about 20% of the activity of native D5 in an in vitro assay of endothelial cell growth or cell viability or of angiogenesis.
  • these derivatives should compete with labeled D5 polypeptide (with an IC 5 o ⁇ 10 ⁇ M, more preferably ⁇ l ⁇ M) for binding to a ligand or binding partner, preferably the D5BS, when tested in a binding assay with whole endothelial cells or cell fractions, an isolated D5BS-containing polypeptide or peptide, or any other such binding molecule.
  • a ligand or binding partner preferably the D5BS
  • D5 polypeptides and fusion polypeptides are preferably produced using conventional recombinant DNA techniques
  • This invention includes an expression vector comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding a D5 polypeptide operably linked to at least one regulatory sequence.
  • "Operably linked” means that the coding sequence is linked to a regulatory sequence in a manner that allows expression of the coding sequence.
  • Known regulatory sequences are selected to direct expression of the desired protein in an appropriate host cell. Accordingly, the term “regulatory sequence” includes promoters, enhancers and other expression control elements. Such regulatory sequences are described in, for example, Goeddel, Gene Expression Technology. Methods in Enzymology, vol. 185, Academic Press, San Diego, Calif. (1990)).
  • an expression vector of this invention depends on considerations such as the host cell to be transfected and/or the type of protein to be expressed.
  • the present expression vectors comprise the full range of nucleic acid molecules encoding the various embodiments of D5: full length protein and its functional derivatives (defined herein) including polypeptide fragments, variants, fusion polypeptides, etc.
  • the expression vector comprises a nucleic acid encoding at least a portion of the D5 protein, alone or fused to another protein.
  • Such expression vectors are used to transfect host cells for expression of the DNA and production of the encoded polypeptides which include fusion polypeptides or peptides.
  • a genetically modified cell expressing the D5 polypeptide may transiently express the exogenous DNA for a time sufficient for the cell to be useful for its stated purpose. The length of time that expression is required, or that the cell remain alive, is the time necessary for the cell to exert its stimulatory or inhibitory function.
  • expression of D5 may be for as little as 6 hours, preferably 24 hours, more preferably for at least 2-4 days. Of course, expression may also be stable (i.e., for the life of the cell).
  • Appropriate expression vectors and regulatory elements are selected in accordance with the desired or required stability of expression.
  • the present in invention provides methods for producing the D5 polypeptide, fragments and derivatives.
  • a host cell transfected with a nucleic acid vector that encodes at least a portion of the D5 protein is cultured under appropriate conditions to allow expression of D5 polypeptide.
  • Host cells may also be transfected with one or more expression vectors that singly or in combination comprise DNA encoding at least a portion of the D5 protein and DNA encoding at least a portion of a second protein, so that the host cells produce fusion polypeptides that include both the portions.
  • the resulting fusion polypeptide may have altered solubility, binding affinity and/or valency.
  • a D5 Ig fusion polypeptide for example, is preferably secreted by transfected host cells in cultures and is therefor isolated from the culture medium. Alternatively, if protein is retained in the cytoplasm, the cells are harvested and lysed and the protein isolated from this lysate.
  • a culture typically includes host cells, appropriate growth media and other byproducts.
  • D5 protein can be isolated from medium or cell lysates using conventional techniques for purifying proteins and peptides, including ammonium sulfate precipitation, fractionation column cliromatography (e.g. ion exchange, gel filtration, affinity chromatography, etc.) and/or electrophoresis (see generally, "Enzyme Purification and Related Techniques", Methods in Enzymology, 22: 233-577 (1971)).
  • fractionation column cliromatography e.g. ion exchange, gel filtration, affinity chromatography, etc.
  • electrophoresis see generally, "Enzyme Purification and Related Techniques", Methods in Enzymology, 22: 233-577 (1971)).
  • D5 may be expressed in bacterial cells such as E. coli, insect cells (baculovims), yeast, or mammalian cells such as Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO) or human cells.
  • bacterial cells such as E. coli, insect cells (baculovims), yeast, or mammalian cells such as Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO) or human cells.
  • baculovims insect cells
  • yeast or mammalian cells
  • CHO Chinese hamster ovary cells
  • Other suitable host cells may be found in Goeddel, (1990) supra or are otherwise known to those skilled in the art.
  • yeast S. cerevisiae examples include pYepSecl (Baldari et al, (1987) EMBO J. 6:229-234), pMFa (Kurjan et al. (1982) Cell 30:933-943), pJRY88 (Schultz et al, (1987) Gene 54:113-123), and pYES2 (Invitrogen Corporation, San Diego, Calif).
  • Baculovirus vectors available for expression of proteins in cultured insect cells include the pAc series (Smith et al, (1983) Mol. Cell Biol. 3: 2156-2165,) and the pVL series (Lucklow, V. A., and Summers, M. D., (1989) Virology 170: 31-39).
  • COS cells Gluzman, Y., (1981) Cell 23: 175-182 are used in conjunction with such vectors as pCDM 8 (Aruffo A.
  • CHO A/r-negative CHO cells
  • vectors such as pMT2PC (Kaufman et al. (1987), EMBO J. 6: 187-195) for stable amplification/expression in mammalian cells.
  • the NSO myeloma cell line (a glutamine synthetase expression system.) is available from Celltech Ltd.
  • a proteolytic cleavage site is introduced at the junction of the two fusion partner polypeptides to enable separation of the target protein from the partner sequence after purification of the fusion polypeptide.
  • proteolytic enzymes for such cleavage and their recognition sequences include Factor Xa, thrombin and enterokinase.
  • Typical fusion expression vectors include pGEX (Amrad Corp., Melbourne, Australia), pMAL (New England Biolabs, Beverly, Mass.) and pRIT5 (Pharmacia, Piscataway, N.J.) which fuse glutathione S-transferase, maltose E binding protein, or protein A, respectively, to the target recombinant protein.
  • Inducible non-fusion expression vectors include pTrc (Amann et al, (1988) Gene 69: 301-315) and pET lid (Studier et al. , Gene Expression Technology: Methods in Enzymology 185, Academic Press, San Diego, Calif. (1990) 60-89). While target gene expression relies on host RNA polymerase transcription from the hybrid trp-lac fusion promoter in pTrc, expression of target genes inserted into pET lid relies on transcription from the T7 gnlO-lacO fusion promoter mediated by coexpressed viral RNA polymerase (T7gnl). Th is viral polymerase is supplied by host strains BL21(DE3) or HMS174(DE3) from a resident ⁇ prophage harboring a T7gnl under the transcriptional control of the lacUV 5 promoter.
  • One embodiment of this invention is a transfected cell which expresses D5 de novo.
  • the transfected cell expresses increased amounts of D5 proteins or fragments thereof.
  • a tumor cell such as a sarcoma, melanoma, leukemia, lymphoma, carcinoma or neuroblastoma is transfected with an expression vector directing the expression of D5 on the tumor cell surface.
  • the DNA sequences which form the vectors are available from a number of sources. Backbone vectors and control systems are generally found on available "host" vectors which are used for the bulk of the sequences in construction. For the pertinent coding sequence, initial construction may be, and usually is, a matter of retrieving the appropriate sequences from cDNA or genomic DNA libraries. However, once the sequence is disclosed it is possible to synthesize the entire gene sequence in vitro starting from the individual nucleotide derivatives. The entire gene sequence for genes of sizeable length, e.g., 500-1000 bp may be prepared by synthesizing individual overlapping complementary oligonucleotides and filling in single stranded nonoverlapping portions using DNA polymerase in the presence of the dNTPs.
  • Synthetic oligonucleotides are prepared by either the phosphotriester method as described by references cited above or the phosphoramidite method as described by Beaucage, S. L., and Caruthers, M. H., Tet Lett (1981) 22:1859; and Matteucci, M. D., and Caruthers, M. H., J ⁇ 4m Chem Soc (1981) 103:3185 and can be prepared using commercially available automated oligonucleotide synthesizers.
  • kinase treatment of single strands prior to annealing or for labeling is achieved using an excess of polynucleotide kinase to 1 nmole substrate in the presence of appropriate buffers, salts, etc., and ⁇ - 32 P-ATP.
  • the components of the desired vectors are thus available, they can be excised and ligated using standard restriction and ligation procedures.
  • Site-specific DNA cleavage is performed by treating with the suitable restriction enzyme (or enzymes) under conditions which are generally understood in the art, and the particulars of which are specified by the manufacturer of these commercially available restriction enzymes. See, e.g., New England Biolabs, Product Catalog.
  • plasmid or DNA sequence is cleaved by one unit of enzyme in about 20 ml of buffer solution; in the examples herein, typically, an excess of restriction enzyme is used to insure complete digestion of the DNA substrate. Incubation times of about one hour to two hours at about 37°C. are workable, although variations can be tolerated. After each incubation, protein is removed by extraction with phenol/chloroform, and may be followed by ether extraction, and the nucleic acid recovered from aqueous fractions by precipitation with ethanol. If desired, size separation of the cleaved fragments may be performed by polyacrylamide gel or agarose gel electrophoresis using standard techniques. A general description of size separations is found in Methods in Enzymology (1980) 65:499-560.
  • Restriction cleaved fragments may be blunt ended by treating with the large fragment of E. coli DNA polymerase I (Klenow) in the presence of the four dNTPs using known concentrations, incubation times and conditions.
  • the Klenow fragment fills in at 5 ' single- stranded overhangs but chews back protruding 3 ' single strands, even though the four dNTPs are present.
  • selective repair can be performed by supplying only one of the, or selected, dNTPs within the limitations dictated by the nature of the overhang.
  • the mixture is extracted with phenol/chloroform and ethanol precipitated. Treatment under appropriate conditions with SI nuclease or BAL-31 results in hydrolysis of any single- stranded portion.
  • Ligations are typically performed in 15-50 ml volumes under conditions and temperatures known to be appropriate for "sticky end” or “blunt end” ligation.
  • vector construction employing "vector fragments”
  • the fragment is commonly treated with bacterial alkaline phosphatase or calf intestinal alkaline phosphatase to remove the 5' phosphate and prevent self-ligation. Re-ligation can be prevented in vectors which have been double digested by additional restriction enzyme and separation of the unwanted fragments.
  • Any of a number of methods are used to introduce mutations into the coding sequence to generate the variants of the invention. These mutations include simple deletions or insertions, systematic deletions, insertions or substitutions of clusters of bases or substitutions of single bases.
  • D5 DNA sequence cDNA or genomic DNA
  • modifications of D5 DNA sequence are created by site-directed mutagenesis, a well-known technique for which protocols and reagents are commercially available (ZoUer, MJ et al, Nucleic Acids Res (1982) 10:6487-6500 and Adehnan, JP et al, DNA (1983) 2:183-193)).
  • Correct ligations for plasmid construction are confirmed, for example, by first transforming E. coli strain MC1061 (Casadaban, M., et al, JMol Biol (1980) 138: 179-207) or other suitable host with the ligation mixture.
  • transformants are selected based on the presence of the ampicillin-, tetracycline- or other antibiotic resistance gene (or other selectable marker) depending on the mode of plasmid construction. Plasmids are then prepared from the transformants with optional chloramphenicol amplification optionally following chloramphenicol amplification ((Clewell, DB et al. , Proc Natl Acad Sci USA (1969) 62:1159; Clewell, D. B., J Bacteriol (1972) 110:667). Several mini DNA preps are commonly used.
  • Vector DNA can be introduced into mammalian cells via conventional techniques such as calcium phosphate or calcium chloride co-precipitation, DEAE-dextran-mediated transfection, lipofection, or electroporation. Suitable methods for transforming host cells can be found in Sambrook et al. supra and other standard texts.
  • a proteolytic cleavage site is introduced at the junction of the reporter group and the target protein to enable separation of the target protein from the reporter group subsequent to purification of the fusion protein.
  • Proteolytic enzymes for such cleavage and their recognition sequences include Factor Xa, thrombin and enterokinase.
  • Typical fusion expression vectors include pGEX (Amrad Corp., Melbourne, Australia), pMAL (New England Biolabs, Beverly, Mass.) and pRIT5 (Pharmacia, Piscataway, N.J.) which fuse glutathione S-transferase, maltose E binding protein, or protein A, respectively, to the target recombinant protein.
  • Inducible non-fusion expression vectors include pTrc (Amann et al, (1988) Gene 69: 301-315) and pET lid (Srudier et al, Gene Expression Technology: Methods in Enzymology 185, Academic Press, San Diego, Calif. (1990) 60-89). While target gene expression relies on host RNA polymerase transcription from the hybrid trp-lac fusion promoter in pTrc, expression of target genes inserted into pET lid relies on transcription from the T7 gnlO-lacO fusion promoter mediated by coexpressed viral RNA polymerase (T7gnl). Th is viral polymerase is supplied by host strains BL21(DE3) or HMS174(DE3) from a resident ⁇ prophage harboring a T7gnl under the transcriptional control of the lacUV 5 promoter. Promoters and Enhancers
  • a promoter region of a DNA or RNA molecule binds RNA polymerase and promotes the transcription of an "operably linked" nucleic acid sequence.
  • a "promoter sequence” is the nucleotide sequence of the promoter which is found on that strand of the DNA or RNA which is transcribed by the RNA polymerase.
  • Two sequences of a nucleic acid molecule, such as a promoter and a coding sequence are "operably linked” when they are linked to each other in a manner which permits both sequences to be transcribed onto the same RNA transcript or permits an RNA transcript begun in one sequence to be extended into the second sequence.
  • two sequences such as a promoter sequence and a coding sequence of DNA or RNA are operably linked if transcription commencing in the promoter sequence will produce an RNA transcript of the operably linked coding sequence.
  • the preferred promoter sequences of the present invention must be operable in mammalian cells and may be either eukaryotic or viral promoters. Suitable promoters may be inducible, repressible or constitutive.
  • An example of a constitutive promoter is the viral promoter MSV-LTR, which is efficient and active in a variety of cell types, and, in contrast to most other promoters, has the same enhancing activity in arrested and growing cells.
  • CMV-LTR from cytomegalovirus
  • RSV-LTR from Rous sarcoma viras
  • promoter of the mouse metallothionein I gene Hamer, D., et al, J. Mol. Appl Gen.
  • transcriptional factor association with promoter regions and the separate activation and DNA binding of transcription factors include: Keegan et al, Nature (1986) 237:699; Fields et al, Nature (1989) 340:245; Jones, Cell (1990) 57:9; Lewin, Cell (1990) 57:1161; Ptashne et al, Nature (1990) 346:329;
  • the promoter region may further include an octamer region which may also function as a tissue specific enhancer, by interacting with certain proteins found in the specific tissue.
  • the enhancer domain of the DNA construct of the present invention is one which is specific for the target cells to be transfected, or is highly activated by cellular factors of such target cells. Examples of vectors (plasmid or retrovirus) are disclosed in (Roy-Burman et al, U.S. Patent No. 5,112,767). For a general discussion of enhancers and their actions in transcription, see, Lewin, B.M., Genes IV, Oxford University Press, Oxford, (1990), pp. 552-576. Particularly useful are retroviral enhancers (e.g., viral LTR).
  • the enhancer is preferably placed upstream from the promoter with which it interacts to stimulate gene expression.
  • the endogenous viral LTR may be rendered enhancer-less and substituted with other desired enhancer sequences which confer tissue specificity or other desirable properties such as transcriptional efficiency on the D5-encoding DNA molecule of the present invention.
  • the nucleic acid sequences of the invention can also be chemically synthesized using standard techniques.
  • Various methods of chemically synthesizing polydeoxynucleotides are known, including solid-phase synthesis which, like peptide synthesis, has been fully automated with commercially available DNA synthesizers (See, e.g., Itakura et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,598,049; Caruthers et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,458,066; and Itakura U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,401,796 and 4,373,071, incorporated by reference herein).
  • Hybridization is preferably performed under "stringent conditions" which means (1) employing low ionic strength and high temperature for washing, for example, 0.015 sodium chloride/0.0015 M sodium citrate/0.1% sodium dodecyl sulfate at 50°C, or (2) employing during hybridization a denaturing agent, such as formamide, for example, 50% (vol/vol) formamide with 0.1%) bovine serum albumin/0.1% FicoU/0.1% polyvinylpyrrolidone/50 nM sodium phosphate buffer at pH 6.5 with 750 mM sodium chloride, 75 mM sodium citrate at 42C.
  • stringent conditions means (1) employing low ionic strength and high temperature for washing, for example, 0.015 sodium chloride/0.0015 M sodium citrate/0.1% sodium dodecyl sulfate at 50°C, or (2) employing during hybridization a denaturing agent, such as formamide, for example, 50% (vol/vol) formamide with 0.1%) bovine serum albumin/0.1%
  • Another example is use of 50% formamide, 5 x SSC (0.75 M NaCl, 0.075 M sodium citrate), 50mM sodium phosphate (pH 6/8), 0.1% sodium pyrophosphate, 5 x Denhardt's solution, sonicated salmon sperm DNA (50 ⁇ g/ml), 0.1% SDS, and 10% dextran sulfate at 42°C, with washes at 42C. in 0.2 x SSC and 0.1% SDS.
  • Yet another example is hybridization using a buffer of 10% dextran sulfate, 2 x SSC and 50% formamide at 55°C, followed by a high-stringency wash consisting of 0.1 x SSC containing EDTA at 55°C
  • the present invention also includes cells containing and/or expressing the DNA encoding the D5 polypeptides of the present invention, including prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and in particular, bacterial, plant, yeast, worm, insect, mouse or other rodent, and other mammalian cells, including human cells, of various types and lineages, whether frozen or in active growth, whether in culture or in a whole organism containing them.
  • Preferred mammalian cells may be primate, particularly human, but can be associated with any animal of interest, particularly domesticated animals, such as equine, bovine, murine, ovine, canine, feline, etc.
  • animal of interest particularly domesticated animals, such as equine, bovine, murine, ovine, canine, feline, etc.
  • various types of cells can be used such as hematopoietic, neural, mesenchymal, cutaneous, mucosal, stromal, muscle, spleen, reticuloendothelial, epithelial, endothelial, hepatic, kidney, gastrointestinal, pulmonary, etc.
  • Hematopoietic cells may be lymphoid or myelomonocytic lineages, including T and B lymphocytes, macrophages and monocytes, myoblasts and fibroblasts. Also of interest are stem and progenitor cells. DELIVERY OF D5 DNA TO CELLS AND ANIMALS
  • DNA delivery for example to effect what is also known colloquially as “gene therapy” involves introduction of a "foreign” DNA into a cell and ultimately, into a live animal.
  • gene therapy involves introduction of a "foreign” DNA into a cell and ultimately, into a live animal.
  • Several general strategies for gene therapy have been studied and have been reviewed extensively
  • nucleic acid transfer into primary cells in culture followed by autologous transplantation of the ex vivo transformed cells into the host, either systemically or into a particular organ or tissue.
  • nucleic acid therapy would be accomplished by direct transfer of a the functionally active DNA into mammalian somatic tissue or organ in vivo.
  • DNA transfer can be achieved using a number of approaches described below. These systems can be tested for successful expression in vitro by use of a selectable marker (e.g., G418 resistance) to select transfected clones expressing the DNA, followed by detection of the presence of the D5 expression product (after treatment with the inducer in the case of an inducible system) using an antibody to the product in an appropriate immunoassay.
  • a selectable marker e.g., G418 resistance
  • Efficiency of the procedure can be improved by linearizing the plasmid DNA using known methods, and co- transfection using high molecular weight mammalian DNA as a "carrier".
  • Examples of successful "gene transfer” reported in the art include: (a) direct injection of plasmid DNA into mouse muscle tissues, which led to expression of marker genes for an indefinite period of time (Wolff, J.A. et al, Science 247:1465 (1990); Acsadi, G.
  • retroviral vectors preparations into liver effected gene transfer and expression in vivo Horzaglou, M. et al, J. Biol. Chem. 255:17285 (1990); Koleko, M. et al, Human Gene Therapy 2:27 (1991); Ferry, N. et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.
  • Rerroviral-mediated human therapy utilizes amphotrophic, replication-deficient retroviras systems (Temin, H.M., Human Gene Therapy 7:111 (1990); Temin et al, U.S. Patent 4,980,289; Temin et al, U.S. Patent 4,650,764; Temin et al, U.S. Patent No. 5,124,263; Wills, J.W. U.S. Patent 5,175,099; Miller, A.D., U.S. Patent No. 4,861,719).
  • Retrovirus-mediated gene delivery generally requires target cell proliferation for gene transfer (Miller, D.G. et al, Mol. Cell. Biol. 70:4239 (1990). This condition is met by certain of the preferred target cells into which the present DNA molecules are to be introduced, i.e., actively growing tumor cells.
  • Gene therapy of cystic fibrosis using transfection by plasmids using any of a number of methods and by retroviral vectors has been described by Collins et al, U.S. Patent 5,240,846.
  • the DNA molecules encoding the D5 sequences may be packaged into retroviras vectors using packaging cell lines that produce replication-defective retrovirases, as is well-known in the art (see, for example, Cone, R.D. et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 81 :6349-6353 (1984); Mann, R.F. et al, Cell 33:153-159 (1983); Miller, A.D. et al, Molec. Cell. Biol. 5:431-437 (1985),; Sorge, J., et al, Molec. Cell. Biol 4:1730-1737 (1984); Hock, R.A. et al, Nature 320:257 (1986); Miller, A.D. et al, Molec. Cell. Biol. 6:2895-2902 (1986). Newer packaging cell lines which are efficient an safe for gene transfer have also been described (Bank et al, U.S. 5,278,056.
  • This approach can be utilized in a site specific manner to deliver the retroviral vector to the tissue or organ of choice.
  • a catheter delivery system can be used (Nabel, EG et al, Science 244:1342 (1989)).
  • Such methods using either a retroviral vector or a liposome vector, are particularly useful to deliver the nucleic acid to be expressed to a blood vessel wall, or into the blood circulation of a tumor.
  • viras vectors may also be used, including recombinant adenovirases (Horowitz, M.S., In: Virology, Fields, BN et al, eds, Raven Press, New York, 1990, p. 1679; Berkner, K.L., Biotechniques 6:616 9191988), Strauss, S.E., h : The Adenovirus es, Ginsberg, HS, ed., Plenum Press, New York, 1984, chapter 11), herpes simplex viras (HSV) for neuron-specific delivery and persistence.
  • recombinant adenovirases Horowitz, M.S., In: Virology, Fields, BN et al, eds, Raven Press, New York, 1990, p. 1679; Berkner, K.L., Biotechniques 6:616 9191988
  • Strauss, S.E., h The Adenovirus
  • adenovirus vectors for human gene therapy include the fact that recombination is rare, no human malignancies are known to be associated with such viruses, the adenovirus genome is double stranded DNA which can be manipulated to accept foreign genes of up to 7.5 kb in size, and live adenoviras is a safe human vaccine organisms.
  • Adeno- associated viras is also useful for human therapy (Samulski, R.J. et al, EMBO J. 70:3941 (1991) according to the present invention.
  • vaccinia viras which can be rendered non-replicating (U.S. Patents 5,225,336; 5,204,243; 5,155,020; 4,769,330; Sutler, G et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (1992) 59:10847-10851; Fuerst, T.R. et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (1989) 55:2549-2553; Falkner F.G. et /.; Nucl Acids Res (1987) 75:7192; Chakrabarti, S et al, Molec. Cell.
  • engineered bacteria may be used as vectors.
  • a number of bacterial strains including Salmonella, BCG and Listeria monocytogenes(IM) (Hoiseth & Stacker, Nature 291, 238-239 (1981); Poirier, TP et al. J. Exp. Med. 168, 25-32 (1988); (Sadoff, J.C., et al, Science 240, 336-338 (1988); Stover, C.K., et al, Nature 351, 456-460 (1991); Aldovini, A. et al. dislike Nature 351, 479-482 (1991); Schafer, R., et al, J. Immunol.
  • IM Listeria monocytogenes
  • Carrier mediated gene transfer has also been described (Wu, CH. et al, J. Biol. Chem. 264:16985 (1989); Wu, G.Y. et al, J. Biol. Chem. 263:14621 (1988); Soriano, P. et al, Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 50:7128 (1983); Wang, C-Y. et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 84:1851 (1982); Wilson, J.M. et al, J. Biol. Chem. 267:963 (1992)).
  • Preferred carriers are targeted liposomes ( ⁇ icolau, C. et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.
  • Plasmid D ⁇ A used for transfection or microinj ection may be prepared using methods well-known in the art, for example using the Quiagen procedure (Quiagen), followed by D ⁇ A purification using known methods.
  • transduced D5 molecules may not require stable expression. Rather, transient expression of the polypeptide may be sufficient for transduced cells to perform their biological/pharmacological function.
  • HUVEC or HDMNEC (purchased from Cell Systems or Clonetics) are plated at a density of 3,000 cells per well in gelatin-coated 96 well plates. The cells are allowed to adhere and spread (4-6 hours at 37° C). The medium is then removed and replaced with fresh Ml 99 containing 2% FBS, 10 ng/ml recombinant human bFGF and various concentrations of test peptide.
  • % inhibition ______(AA. _ ( +GF , HKa')__A 90 f-GFu 1 x 100. (A ⁇ 9. (+GF) " A C10 (-GF)))
  • a 96-well migration apparatus ( ⁇ euro-Probe). Briefly, wells of a 96-well microplate are filled with Ml 99 containing 10 ng/ml VEGF. The microplate is then placed into an acrylic chamber, and a polycarbonate filter (0.8 ⁇ M pore size), precoated with fibronectin or type I collagen, is placed over the top of the microplate (this filter covers the entire plate). The hinged lid of the migration chamber, which contains 96 holes that align directly with the microplate wells, is then closed over the filter and clamped tightly. HDMVEC, which are significantly more active in migration assays than HUVEC, are added to the "wells" of the lid, at a concentration of 50,000 cells/well. The migration apparatus is then incubated at 37°C for 6 hours, at which time the filter is removed and stained with Giemsa. After washing, the filter is placed directly in a microplate reader, and the OD 54 o measured.
  • a polycarbonate filter 0.8 ⁇ M pore
  • This lipophilic compound traverses cell membranes, where intracellular hydrolysis releases the fluorescent, charged calcein moiety. Since the latter leaks from cells only slowly, it may be used to quantitate cells using a fluorescent plate reader. Percent inhibition is calculated as: (# Migr&ted cells with VEGF + test agent x 100 (#M ⁇ /grated cells with VEGF only)
  • Endothelial cell apoptosis Endothelial cell apoptosis.
  • Apoptosis is detected using DAPI staining, DNA fragmentation or Annexin 5 binding to treated cells. These methods will be performed as previously described (Zhang et al.., supra). Cells treated with D5 fusions or peptides derived from D5 rapidly commit to apoptosis (within 4-8 ho,urs). HUNEC or HDMVEC (purchased from Cell Systems or Clonetics) are plated at a density of 3,000 cells per well in gelatin-coated 96 well plates.
  • the cells are allowed to adhere and spread (4-6 hours at 37° C). The medium is then removed and replaced with fresh Ml 99 containing 2% FBS, 10 ng/ml recombinant human bFGF and various concentrations of test peptide or D5 fusion. After 4-8 hours of treatment, the cells are harvested (for D ⁇ A fragmentation) or stained with DAPI (which fluoresces more brightly in cells with fragmented D ⁇ A). Alternatively, the amount of fluorescent Annexin 5 binding, which binds to the phosphatidylserine that is exposed to the extracellular face of the cell surface in apoptotic cells, is measured in a fluorescent plate reader.
  • Quantitation is best achieved using the DAPI or Annexin 5 protocols and can be measured as an increase of fluorescence in the wells containing test agent compared to control.
  • Agents known to induce endothelial cell apoptosis such as ursolic acid and T ⁇ P470 are included as a positive control.
  • the DAPI increase in fluorescence can be correlated directly with the number of apoptotic cells by manual counting of cells with highly fluorescent nuclei.
  • ECs can be induced to form capillary-like tubes on Matrigel.
  • Matrigel is dispensed into 96-well plates and allowed to gel.
  • HUNECS or HMVECs (3-6,000 cells/well) are added to the plate in the presence of bFGF (10 ng/mL), VEGF (10 ng/mL) and PMA (75 nM) in addition to any test agent.
  • the number of tubes formed per well are scored visually by at least 2 different readers. The values are expressed as percentage of control wells which receive no test agent.
  • Matrigel® is maintained at 4°C until use. Just prior to injection, Matrigel® is mixed with angiogenic factors (100 ng/mL bFGF, 100 ng/mL VEGF), then injected s.c. into mice (0.5 mL per mouse). The injected Matrigel® forms a palpable solid gel which persists for 10 days, at which time the animals are euthanized.
  • angiogenic factors 100 ng/mL bFGF, 100 ng/mL VEGF
  • the Matrigel® plugs are removed and angiogenesis quantitated by measuring the amount of hemoglobin in the Matrigel® plugs or by counting neovessels in sections prepared from the plugs.
  • Anti-CD31 staining may be used to confirm neovessel formation and microvessel density in the plugs, hi some experiments, tumor cells may be mixed with the Matrigel in lieu of a specific angiogenic factor to investigate the ability of the test agents, hi either configuration, the test agent is mixed directly into the Matrigel and can also be directly injected on a daily basis into the plug over the course of the experiment.
  • D5 or fusion D5 cDNA will be transfected into tumor cells in a secretable expression system. Expression and secretion of the protein will be confirmed in cell culture. D5 expressing tumor cells will then be mixed with Matrigel and evaluated for anti-angiogenic activity in the Matrigel Plug assay.
  • CAM Chick Chorioallantoic Membrane
  • HT1080 human fibrosarcoma tumor cells are passaged in vitro.
  • Nude Balb/c mice are inoculated with 10 5 - 10 6 tumor cells sc on the right flank. Primary tumor growth is evaluated using caliper measurements.
  • the peptide or polypeptide being tested for antitumor efficacy may be dissolved in PBS and administered by continuous infusion or by daily iv, sc or ip injections. Control animals receive PBS alone.
  • tumor cells are first transfected to a D5 polypeptide. These transfected cells inoculated into the animals and the growth of the transfected tumor cells is compared to non-transfected cells or cells transfected with an empty or control expression vector. This embodiment mimics local delivery of the test agent which would model the a gene delivery approach wherein cDNA encoding the D5 polypeptide was administered to the subject.
  • Tumor may be implanted sc as a 2-4 mm fragment, or im or sc as an inoculum of suspended cells of about 0.5-2 x 10 6 -cells. Treatment begins 24 hours after implant or is delayed until a tumor of specified size (usually approximately 400 mg) can be palpated. The test compound is administered ip daily for 11 days
  • Test mice are male C57BL/6 mice, 2-3 months old.
  • this tumor produces metastases, preferentially in the lungs.
  • the primary tumor exerts anti-metastatic effects and must first be excised before study of the metastatic phase (see also U.S. 5,639,725).
  • Single-cell suspensions are prepared from solid tumors by treating minced tumor tissue with a solution of 0.3% trypsin. Cells are washed 3 times with PBS (pH 7.4) and suspended in PBS. Viability of the 3LL cells prepared in this way is generally about 95-99% (by trypan blue dye exclusion). Viable tumor cells (e.g., 3 x 10 4 - 5 x 10 6 ) suspended in 0.05 ml PBS are injected subcutaneously, either in the dorsal region or into one hind foot pad of C57BL/6 mice. Visible tumors appear after 3-4 days after dorsal sc injection of 10 6 cells. The day of tumor appearance and the diameters of established tumors are measured by caliper every two days.
  • the treatment is given as one or two doses of peptide or derivative, per week.
  • the peptide is delivered by osmotic minipump.
  • mice are randomized into two groups: (1) primary tumor is completely excised; or (2) sham surgery is performed and the tumor is left intact. Although tumors from 500-3000 mm 3 inhibit growth of metastases, primary tumors of 1500 mm 3 are the largest that can be safely resected with high survival and without local regrowth. After 21 days, all mice are sacrificed and autopsied.
  • Lungs are removed, weighed, fixed in Bouin's solution and the number of visible metastases is recorded.
  • the diameters of the metastases are also measured using a binocular stereoscope equipped with a micrometer-containing ocular under 8X magnification. On the basis of the recorded diameters, it is possible to calculate the volume of each metastasis. To determine the total volume of metastases per lung, the mean number of visible metastases is multiplied by the mean volume of metastases. To further determine metastatic growth, it is possible to measure incorporation of 125 IdUrd into lung cells (Thakur, MX. et al, J. Lab. Clin. Med. 59:217-228 (1977).
  • mice Ten days following tumor amputation, 25 ⁇ g of fluorodeoxyuridine is inoculated into the peritoneums of tumor-bearing (and, if used, tumor-resected mice). After 30 min, mice are given 1 ⁇ Ci of 125 IdUrd (iododeoxyuridine). One day later, lungs and spleens are removed and weighed,
  • mice with footpad tumors when tumors reach about 8-10 mm in diameter, mice are randomized into two groups: (1) legs with tumors are amputated after ligation above the knee joints; or (2) mice are left intact as nonamputated tumor-bearing controls. (Amputation of a tumor-free leg in a tumor-bearing mouse has no known effect on subsequent metastasis, ruling out possible effects of anesthesia, stress or surgery). Mice are killed 10-14 days after amputation. Metastases are evaluated as described above.
  • the D5 polypeptides of the invention have been designed so that they can be detectably labeled and used, for example, to detect a D5BS on the surface or in the interior of a cell.
  • the fate of the D5 polypeptide during and after binding can be followed in vitro or in vivo by using the appropriate method to detect the label.
  • the labeled D5 polypeptide may be utilized in vivo for diagnosis and prognosis Because these polypeptides bind to "activated" or angiogenic endothelial cells, and since most endothelium is quiescent, they would not bind to quiescent endothelium, thereby decreasing the potential for background. Tumor-associated endothelium is angiogenic and is therefore recognized by these polypeptides.
  • any imaging using these polypeptides will not be specific for any particular tumor but rather can be used in general for any angiogenesis- dependent tumor. This is in contrast to imaging agents that target tumor markers, many of which are tumor-type specific.
  • Suitable detectable labels include radioactive, fluorescent, fluorogenic, chromogenic, or other chemical labels.
  • Useful radiolabels, which are detected simply by gamma counter, scintillation counter, PET scanning or autoradiography include 3 H, 1241, 125 1, 131 1, 35 S and 14 C.
  • 131 I is a useful therapeutic isotope (see below).
  • Common fluorescent labels include fluorescein, rhodamine, dansyl, phycoerythrin, phycocyanin, allophycocyanin, o-phthaldehyde and fluorescamine.
  • the fluorophore such as the dansyl group, must be excited by light of a particular wavelength to fluoresce. See, for example, Haugland, Handbook of Fluorescent Probes and Research Chemicals, Sixth Ed., Molecular Probes, Eugene, OR., 1996).
  • the long wavelength rhodamines which are basically Rhodamine GreenTM derivatives with substituents on the nitrogens, are among the most photostable fluorescent labeling reagents known.
  • This group includes the tetramethylrhodamines, X-rhodamines and Texas RedTM derivatives.
  • Other preferred fluorophores for derivatizing the peptide according to this invention are those which are excited by ultraviolet light. Examples include cascade blue, coumarin derivatives, naphthalenes (of which dansyl chloride is a member), pyrenes and pyridyloxazole derivatives. Also included as labels are two related inorganic materials that have recently been described: semiconductor nanocrystals, comprising, for example, cadmium sulfate (Bruchez, M.
  • the amino group of a D5 polypeptide is allowed to react with a reagent that yields a fluorescent product, for example, fluorescamine, dialdehydes such as o- phthaldialdehyde, naphthalene-2,3-dicarboxylate and anthracene-2,3-dicarboxylate.
  • a reagent that yields a fluorescent product for example, fluorescamine, dialdehydes such as o- phthaldialdehyde, naphthalene-2,3-dicarboxylate and anthracene-2,3-dicarboxylate.
  • NBD nitrobenz-2-oxa-l,3-diazole
  • the D5 polypeptides can also be labeled for detection using fluorescence-emitting metals
  • DTPA diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid
  • EDTA ethylene- diaminetetraacetic acid
  • radionuclides may be bound to the D5 polypeptide either directly or indirectly using a chelating agent such as DTPA and EDTA.
  • a chelating agent such as DTPA and EDTA.
  • radionuclides are 99 Tc, 123 L 125 1, 131 I, m In, 97 Ru, 67 Cu, 67 Ga, 68 Ga, 72 As, 89 Zr, 90 Y and 201 T1.
  • the amount of labeled D5 polypeptide needed for detectability in diagnostic use will vary depending on considerations such as age, condition, sex, and extent of disease in the patient, contraindications, if any, and other variables, and is to be adjusted by the individual physician or diagnostician. Dosage can vary from 0.01 mg/kg to 100 mg/kg.
  • the D5 polypeptides can also be made detectable by coupling them to a phosphorescent or a chemiluminescent compound.
  • the presence of the chemiluminescent-tagged peptide is then determined by detecting the presence of luminescence that arises during the course of a chemical reaction.
  • chemiluminescers are luminol, isoluminol, theromatic acridinium ester, imidazole, acridinium salt and oxalate ester.
  • a bioluminescent compound may be used to label the peptides. Bioluminescence is a type of chemiluminescence found in biological systems in which a catalytic protein increases the efficiency of the chemiluminescent reaction.
  • the presence of a bioluminescent protein is determined by detecting the presence of luminescence.
  • Important bioluminescent compounds for purposes of labeling are luciferin, luciferase and aequorin.
  • colorimetric detection is used, based on chromogenic compounds which have, or result in, chromophores with high extinction coefficients.
  • In situ detection of the labeled D5 polypeptide may be accomplished by removing a histological specimen from a subject and examining it by microscopy under appropriate conditions to detect the label. Those of ordinary skill will readily perceive that any of a wide variety of histological methods (such as staining procedures) can be modified in order to achieve such in situ detection.
  • diagnosticUy labeled means that the D5 polypeptide has attached to it a diagnosticaUy detectable label.
  • labels and methods of labeling known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Examples of the types of labels which can be used in the present invention include radioactive isotopes, paramagnetic isotopes, and compounds which can be imaged by positron emission tomography (PET).
  • PET positron emission tomography
  • Those of ordinary skill in the art will know of other suitable labels for binding to the D5 polypeptides used in the invention, or will be able to ascertain such, by routine experimentation.
  • PET positron emission tomography
  • the type of detection instrument available is a major factor in selecting a radionuclide.
  • the radionuclide chosen must have a type of decay, which is detectable by a particular instrument.
  • any conventional method for visualizing diagnostic imaging can be utilized in accordance with this invention.
  • Another factor in selecting a radionuclide for in vivo diagnosis is that its half-life be long enough so that the label is still detectable at the time of maximum uptake by the target tissue, but short enough so that deleterious irradiation of the host is minimized.
  • a radionuclide used for in vivo imaging does not emit particles, but produces a large number of photons in a 140-200 keV range, which may be readily detected by conventional gamma cameras.
  • the D5 polypeptides or derivatives of the present invention are used as affinity ligands for binding to a D5BS in assays, preparative affinity chromatography and solid phase separation of molecules that include a D5BS (such as a D5 receptor).
  • a D5BS such as a D5 receptor
  • Such compositions may also be used to identify, enrich, purify or isolate cells to which the D55 polypeptide binds, preferably through a specific receptor-ligand interaction using flow cytometric and/or solid phase methodologies.
  • the D5 polypeptide (or derivative) is immobilized using conventional methods, e.g.
  • D5 polypeptides or derivatives of the invention may be immobilized by any other method which is capable of immobilizing these compounds to a solid phase for the indicated purposes. See, for example Affinity Chromatography: Principles and Methods (Pharmacia LKB Biotechnology).
  • one embodiment is a composition
  • a composition comprising any of the D5 polypeptides, derivatives or peptidomimetics described herein, bound to a solid support or a resin.
  • the compound may be bound directly or via a spacer, preferably an aliphatic chain having about 2-12 carbon atoms.
  • solid phase or “solid support” or “carrier” is intended any support or carrier capable of binding the D5 polypeptide or derivative.
  • Well-known supports, or carriers, in addition to Sepharose or Agarose ® described above are glass, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene, dextran, nylon, amylases, natural and modified celluloses such as nitrocellulose, polyacrylamides, polyvinyhdene difluoride, other agaroses, and magnetite, including magnetic beads.
  • the carrier can be totally insoluble or partially soluble.
  • the support material may have any possible structural configuration so long as the coupled molecule is capable of binding to receptor material.
  • the support configuration may be spherical, as in a bead, or cylindrical, as in the inside surface of a test tube or microplate well, or the external surface of a rod.
  • the surface may be flat such as a sheet, test strip, bottom surface of a microplate well, etc.
  • biological sample any fluid or other material derived from the body of a normal or diseased subject, such as blood, serum, plasma, lymph, urine, saliva, tears, cerebrospinal fluid, milk, amniotic fluid, bile, ascites fluid, pus and the like.
  • a organ or tissue extract and a culture fluid in which any cells or tissue preparation from the subject has been incubated is also included within the meaning of this term.
  • the D5 polypeptides that may be employed in the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention include all of those compounds described above, as well as the pharmaceutically acceptable salts of these compounds.
  • Pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts of the compounds of the invention containing a basic group are formed where appropriate with strong or moderately strong, non-toxic, organic or inorganic acids by methods known to the art.
  • Exemplary of the acid addition salts that are included in this invention are maleate, fumarate, lactate, oxalate, methanesulfonate, ethanesulfonate, benzenesulfonate, tartrate, citrate, hydrochloride, hydrobromide, sulfate, phosphate and nitrate salts.
  • Pharmaceutically acceptable base addition salts of compounds of the invention containing an acidic group are prepared by known methods from organic and inorganic bases and include, for example, nontoxic alkali metal and alkaline earth bases, such as calcium, sodium, potassium and ammonium hydroxide; and nontoxic organic bases such as triethylamine, butylamine, piperazine, and tri(hydroxymethyl)methylamine.
  • nontoxic alkali metal and alkaline earth bases such as calcium, sodium, potassium and ammonium hydroxide
  • nontoxic organic bases such as triethylamine, butylamine, piperazine, and tri(hydroxymethyl)methylamine.
  • D5 polypeptides of the invention possess the ability to inhibit i angiogenesis, properties that are exploited in the treatment of cancer, in particular metastatic cancer.
  • a composition of this invention may be active per se, or may act as a "pro-drag" that is converted in vivo to the active form.
  • compositions within the scope of this invention include all compositions wherein the D5 polypeptide is contained in an amount effective to achieve its intended purpose. While individual needs vary, determination of optimal ranges of effective amounts of each component is within the skill of the art. Typical dosages comprise 0.1 to 100 mg/kg/body wt, though more preferred dosages are described for certain particular uses, below.
  • D5 polypeptides of the invention may be incorporated into convenient dosage forms, such as capsules, impregnated wafers, tablets or injectable preparations.
  • Solid or liquid pharmaceutically acceptable carriers may be employed.
  • the compounds of the invention are administered systemically, e.g., by injection or infusion.
  • injection may be by any known route, preferably intravenous, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intracranial or intraperitoneal.
  • suitable routes include rectal e.g., as a suppository, intravaginal; intrapenilel intranasal; intrabronchial; intraaurally; or intraocular.
  • the preferred routes of administration are systemic the pharmaceutical composition may be administered transdennally or topically, e.g., as an ointment, cream or gel.
  • the composition may be incorporated into controlled release vehicles that are well- known in the art.
  • injectables can be prepared in conventional forms, either as solutions or suspensions, solid forms suitable for solution or suspension in liquid prior to injection, or as emulsions.
  • administration may be by the oral route.
  • the dosage administered will be dependent upon the age, health, and weight of the recipient, kind of concurrent treatment, if any, frequency of treatment, and the nature of the effect desired.
  • Suitable solutions for administration by injection or orally may contain from about 0.01 to 99 percent, active compound(s) together with the excipient.
  • Solid carriers include starch, lactose, calcium sulfate dihydrate, terra alba, sucrose, talc, gelatin, agar, pectin, acacia, magnesium stearate and stearic acid.
  • Liquid carriers include syrap, peanut oil, olive oil, saline, water, dextrose, glycerol and the like.
  • the carrier or diluent may include any prolonged release material, such as glyceryl monostearate or glyceryl distearate, alone or with a wax.
  • a liquid carrier When a liquid carrier is used, the preparation may be in the form of a syrup, elixir, emulsion, soft gelatin capsule, sterile injectable liquid (e.g., a solution), such as an ampoule, or an aqueous or nonaqueous liquid suspension.
  • sterile injectable liquid e.g., a solution
  • an ampoule or an aqueous or nonaqueous liquid suspension.
  • the pharmaceutical preparations are made following conventional techniques of phannaceutical chemistry involving such steps as mixing, granulating and compressing, when necessary for tablet forms, or mixing, filling and dissolving the ingredients, as appropriate, to give the desired products for oral, parenteral, topical, transdermal, rectal, etc. administration.
  • the pharmaceutical compositions may also contain minor amounts of nontoxic auxiliary substances such as wetting or emulsifying agents, pH buffering agents and so forth.
  • aerosolized solutions are used.
  • the active protein may be in combination with a solid or liquid inert carrier material. This may also be packaged in a squeeze bottle or in admixture with a pressurized volatile, normally gaseous propellant.
  • the aerosol preparations can contain solvents, buffers, surfactants, and antioxidants in addition to the protein of the invention.
  • nasal administration as this has become a very viable route for the delivery of peptides and proteins.
  • the compound may be incorporated into topically applied vehicles such as a salve or ointment.
  • the carrier for the active ingredient may be either in sprayable or nonsprayable form.
  • Non-sprayable forms can be semi-solid or solid forms comprising a carrier indigenous to topical application and having a dynamic viscosity preferably greater than that of water.
  • Suitable formulations include, but are not limited to, solution, suspensions, emulsions, creams, ointments, powders, liniments, salves, and the like. If desired, these maybe sterilized or mixed with auxiliary agents, e.g., preservatives, stabilizers, wetting agents, buffers, or salts for influencing osmotic pressure and the like.
  • Preferred vehicles for non-sprayable topical preparations include ointment bases, e.g., polyethylene glycol- 1000 (PEG- 1000); conventional creams such as HEB cream; gels; as well as petroleum jelly and the like.
  • ointment bases e.g., polyethylene glycol- 1000 (PEG- 1000); conventional creams such as HEB cream; gels; as well as petroleum jelly and the like.
  • sprayable aerosol preparations wherein the active compound, preferably in combination with a solid or liquid inert carrier material, is packaged in a squeeze bottle or in admixture with a pressurized volatile, normally gaseous propellant.
  • the aerosol preparations can contain solvents, buffers, surfactants, perfumes, and/or antioxidants in addition to the compounds of the invention.
  • an effective amount of the compound for the preferred topical applications, especially for humans, it is preferred to administer an effective amount of the compound to an affected area, e.g., skin surface, mucous membrane, eyes, etc.
  • an affected area e.g., skin surface, mucous membrane, eyes, etc.
  • This amount will generally range from about 0.001 mg to about 1 g per application, depending upon the area to be treated, the severity of the symptoms, and the nature of the topical vehicle employed.
  • the active protein is preferably present in the aqueous layer and in the lipidic layer, inside or outside, or, in any event, in the non-homogeneous system generally known as a liposomic suspension.
  • the hydrophobic layer, or lipidic layer generally, but not exclusively, comprises phospholipids such as lecithin and sphingomyelin, steroids such as cholesterol, more or less ionic surface active substances such as dicetylphosphate, stearylamine or phosphatidic acid, and or other materials of a hydrophobic nature.
  • compositions of the invention may comprise, in addition to the D5 polypeptide, one or more additional anti-tumor agents, such as a mitotic inhibitor, e.g., vinblastine; alkylating agents, e.g., cyclophosphamide; a folate inhibitor, e.g., methotrexate, piritrexim or trimetrexate; an antimetabolite, e.g., 5-fluorouracil and cytosine arabinoside; an intercalating antibiotic, e.g., adriamycin and bleomycin; an enzyme or enzyme inhibitors, e.g., asparaginase, topoisomerase inhibitors such as etoposide; or a cytokine or "biological response modifier," e.g., an interferon or an interleukin.
  • a mitotic inhibitor e.g., vinblastine
  • alkylating agents e.g., cyclophosphamide
  • compositions comprising any known cancer therapeutic in combination with the D5 polypeptides disclosed herein are within the scope of this invention.
  • the pharmaceutical composition may also comprise one or more other medicaments to treat additional symptoms for which the target patients are at risk, for example, anti-infectives (including antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, anti-viral, and anti-coccidial agents), analgesic agents, etc.
  • anti-infectives including antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, anti-viral, and anti-coccidial agents
  • analgesic agents etc.
  • the present invention may be used in the diagnosis or treatment of any of a number of animal genera and species, and are equally applicable in the practice of human or veterinary medicine.
  • the pharmaceutical compositions can be used to treat domestic and commercial animals, including birds and more preferably mammals as well as humans.
  • the D5 polypeptide compounds of this invention are "therapeutically conjugated” and used to deliver a therapeutic agent to the site to which the compounds home and bind, such as sites of tumor metastasis or foci of infection/inflammation.
  • therapeutically conjugated means that the modified D5 polypeptide or peptidomimetic is conjugated to another therapeutic agent that is directed either to the underlying cause or to a "component" of tumor invasion, angiogenesis or inflammation.
  • Examples of therapeutic radioisotopes useful herein include 125 1, 131 1, 90 Y, 67 Cu, 17 Bi, 211 At, 212 Pb, 47 Sc, and 109 Pd. These atoms can be conjugated to the D5 polypeptide compounds directly, indirectly as part of a chelate, or, in the case of iodine, indirectly as part of an iodinated Bolton-Hunter group. The radioiodine can be introduced either before or after this group is coupled to the D5 polypeptide compound.
  • Preferred doses of the radionuclide conjugates are a function of the specific radioactivity to be delivered to the target site which varies with tumor type, tumor location and vascularization, kinetics and biodistribution of the D5 polypeptide carrier, energy of radioactive emission by the nuclide, etc.
  • Those skilled in the art of radiotherapy can readily adjust the dose of the D5 polypeptide in conjunction with the dose of the particular nuclide to effect the desired therapeutic benefit without undue experimentation.
  • an effective dose of 131 I-D5 is between about 1 and 1000 ⁇ Ci per gram of tumor for an extracranial tumor.
  • boron neutron capture therapy where a boronated polypeptide is delivered to a desired target site, such as a tumor, most preferably an intracranial tumor (Barth, R.F., Cancer Invest. 7 ⁇ :534-550 (1996); Mishima, Y. (ed.), Cancer Neutron Capture Therapy, New York: Plenum Publishing Corp., 1996; Soloway, A.H., et al, (eds), J Neuro-Oncol 33:1-188 (1997).
  • the stable isotope 10 B is irradiated with low energy ( ⁇ 0.025eV) thermal neutrons, and the resulting nuclear capture yields ⁇ particles and Li nuclei which have high linear energy transfer and respective path lengths of about 9 and 5 ⁇ m.
  • This method is predicated on 10 B accumulation in the tumor with lower levels in blood, endothelial cells and normal tissue (e.g., brain). Such delivery has been accomplished using epidermal growth factor (Yang. W. et al, Cancer Res 57:4333-4339 (1997).
  • Other therapeutic agents which can be coupled to the D5 polypeptide compounds according to the method of the invention are drags, prodrags, enzymes for activating pro-drags, photosensitizing agents, gene therapeutics, antisense vectors, viral vectors, lectins and other toxins.
  • the therapeutic dosage administered is an amount which is therapeutically effective, as is known to or readily ascertainable by those skilled in the art.
  • the dose is also dependent upon the age, health, and weight of the recipient, kind of concurrent treatment(s), if any, the frequency of treatment, and the nature of the effect desired, such as, for example, anti-inflammatory effects or anti-bacterial effect.
  • Lectins are proteins, commonly derived from plants, that bind to carbohydrates. Among other activities, some lectins are toxic. Some of the most cytotoxic substances known are protein toxins of bacterial and plant origin (Frankel, A.E. et al, Ann. Rev. Med. 37:125-142 (1986)). These molecules binding the cell surface and inhibit protein synthesis. The most commonly used plant toxins are ricin and abrin; the most commonly used bacterial toxins are diphtheria toxin and Pseudomonas exotoxin A (or toxic chains or fragments thereof). In ricin and abrin, the binding and toxic functions are contained in two separate protein subunits, the A and B chains.
  • the ricin B chain binds to the cell surface carbohydrates and promotes the uptake of the A chain into the cell. Once inside the cell, the ricin A chain inhibits protein synthesis by inactivating the 60S subunit of the eukaryotic ribosome Endo, Y. et al, J. Biol. Chem. 262: 5908-5912 (1987)).
  • Other plant derived toxins which are single chain ribosomal inhibitory proteins, include pokeweed antiviral protein, wheat germ protein, gelonin, dianthins, momorcharins, trichosanthin, and many others (Strip, F. et al, FEBSLett. 795:1-8 (1986)).
  • Diphtheria toxin and Pseudomonas exotoxin A are also single chain proteins, and their binding and toxicity functions reside in separate domains of the same protein chain with full toxin activity requiring proteolytic cleavage between the two domains.
  • Pseudomonas exotoxin A has the same catalytic activity as diphtheria toxin.
  • Ricin has been used therapeutically by binding its toxic ⁇ -chain, to targeting molecules such as antibodies to enable site-specific delivery of the toxic effect.
  • Bacterial toxins have also been used as anti-tumor conjugates.
  • a toxic peptide chain or domain is conjugated to a compound of this invention and delivered in a site-specific manner to a target site where the toxic activity is desired, such as a metastatic focus.
  • Conjugation of toxins to protein such as antibodies or other ligands are known in the art and can be applied directly to the present invention. See, for example, GiUiland, et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 77:4539-43 (1980) (diphtheria toxin); Krolick, K. et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 77:5419-23 (1980) (ricin); U.S.
  • Patent 4,350,626 (ricin A chain); Thorpe, P.E. et al, Eur. J. Biochem. 116:447-454 (1981)(gelonin); Thorpe, P.E. et al, in Monoclonal Antibodies in
  • Cytotoxic drugs that interfere with critical cellular processes including DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis have been conjugated to antibodies and subsequently used for in vivo therapy.
  • Such drags including, but not limited to, daunorabicin, doxorabicin, methotrexate, and Mitomycin C are also coupled to the compounds of this invention and used therapeutically in this form.
  • photosensitizers maybe coupled to the compounds of the invention for delivery directly to a tumor.
  • DNA such as cDNA in the form of naked DNA or in a physical or “biological” delivery vehicle, is also intended as a therapeutic composition.
  • the methods of this invention may be used to inhibit tumor growth and invasion in a subject or to suppress angiogenesis induced by tumors by inhibiting endothelial cell growth and migration.
  • the methods result in inhibition of tumor metastasis.
  • a vertebrate subject preferably a mammal, more preferably a human, is administered an amount of the compound effective to inhibit tumor growth, invasion or angiogenesis.
  • the compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is preferably administered in the form of a pharmaceutical composition as described above.
  • Doses of the compounds preferably include pharmaceutical dosage units comprising an effective amount of the D5 polypeptide.
  • an effective amount is meant an amount sufficient to achieve a steady state concentration in vivo which results in a measurable reduction in any relevant parameter of disease and may include growth of primary or metastatic tumor, any accepted index of inflammatory reactivity, or a measurable prolongation of disease-free interval or of survival.
  • a reduction in tumor growth in 20 % of patients is considered efficacious (Frei III, E., The Cancer Journal 3:127-136 (1997)).
  • an effect of this magnitude is not considered to be a minimal requirement for the dose to be effective in accordance with this invention.
  • an effective dose is preferably 10-fold and more preferably 100-fold higher than the 50% effective dose (ED 5 o) of the compound in an in vivo assay as described herein.
  • the amount of active compound to be administered depends on the precise D5 polypeptide, fusion polypeptide or derivative selected, the disease or condition, the route of administration, the health and weight of the recipient, the existence of other concurrent treatment, if any, the frequency of treatment, the nature of the effect desired, for example, inhibition of tumor metastasis, and the judgment of the skilled practitioner.
  • a preferred dose for treating a subject, preferably mammalian, more preferably human, with a tumor is an amount of up to about 100 milligrams of active compound per kilogram of body weight.
  • a typical single dosage of the D5 polypeptide or peptidomimetic is between about 1 ng and about lOOmg/kg body weight.
  • dosages in the range of about 0.01-20% concentration (by weight) of the compound, preferably 1-5% are suggested.
  • a total daily dosage in the range of about 0.1 milligrams to about 7 grams (??) is preferred for intravenous administration.
  • the foregoing ranges are, however, suggestive, as the number of variables in an individual treatment regime is large, and considerable excursions from these prefened values are expected.
  • An effective amount or dose of the D5 polypeptide for inhibiting invasion in vitro is in the range of about 1 picogram to about 0.5 nano grams per cell. Effective doses and optimal dose ranges may be determined in vitro using the methods described herein.
  • DNA encoding the D5 polypeptide of the invention can be administered by the routes and means described, so that the polypeptide product is produced in vivo in the subject and is thereby available to mediate its pharmacological effects.
  • the compounds of the invention may be characterized as producing an inhibitory effect on cell migration and invasion, tumor cell and endothelial cell proliferation, on angiogenesis, on tumor metastasis or on inflammatory reactions.
  • the compounds are especially useful in producing an anti-tumor effect in a mammalian host, preferably human, harboring a tumor.
  • compositions and treatment methods are useful for inhibiting endothelial cell migration and proliferation in a subject having any disease or condition associated with undesired migration, proliferation, angiogenesis or metastasis. Such diseases or conditions have been listed above.
  • compositions of the present invention are administered as soon as possible after traumatic spinal cord injury and for several days up to about two weeks thereafter to inhibit the angiogenesis and gliosis that would sterically prevent reestablishment of neuronal connectivity.
  • the treatment reduces the area of damage at the site of spinal cord injury and facilitates regeneration of neuronal function and thereby prevents paralysis.
  • the compounds of the invention are expected also to protect axons from Wallerian degeneration, reverse aminobutyrate-mediated depolarization (occurring in traumatized neurons), and improve recovery of neuronal conductivity of isolated central nervous system cells and tissue in culture.
  • angiogenesis inhibitors are broad and includes treatment of primary and metastatic growth of solid tumors, benign hyperplasias, atherosclerosis, myocardial angiogenesis, post-balloon angioplasty vascular restenosis, neointima formation following vascular trauma, vascular graft restenosis, coronary collateral formation, deep venous thrombosis, ischemic limb angiogenesis, telangiectasia, pyogenic granuloma, corneal diseases, rabeosis, neovascular glaucoma, diabetic and other retinopathy, retrolental fibroplasia, diabetic neovascularization, macular degeneration, endometriosis, arthritis, fibrosis associated with chronic inflammatory conditions (including psoriasis scler
  • Certain brain tumors are among the most highly neovascularized tumors known, are influence by angiogenic stimuli and are therefore appropriate targets for inhibitors of angiogenesis. See, for example, Zhang et al, Surg. Oncol. 74:90-94 (2000); Mohanam et al, Int. J. Oncol. 14:169-74 (1999);Gladson et al, Am. J. Pathol. 146:1150-60 (1995); Kinder et al, Oncol. Res. 5:409-14 (1993).
  • compositions are therefore intendedd for the treatment of any of a number of brain tumors, including but not limited to astrocytoma, anaplastic astrocytoma, glioblastoma, glioblastoma multiformae, pilocytic astrocytoma, pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma, subependymal giant cell astrocytoma, fibrillary astrocytoma, gemistocytic astrocytoma, protoplasmic astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, anaplastic oligodendroglioma, ependymoma,, anaplastic ependymoma, myxopapillary ependymoma, subependymoma, mixed oligoastrocytoma and malignant oligoastrocytoma.
  • astrocytoma anaplastic astrocytoma
  • Endometriosis is a condition in which ectopic endometrium is present in abnormal locations, the ovary being the most common site.
  • Adenomyosis is a similar condition in which endometrial tissue has penetrated the uterine myometrium. Endometriotic tissue resembles neoplastic tissue in its ability to implant and invade. See Sillem M. et al., Mol. Hum. Reprod. 3:1101-1105 (1997).
  • the present pharmaceutical compositions are intended for the treatment of endometriosis, adenomyosis, endometrial carcinoma and endometrioid tumors of the ovary
  • Ocular neovascularization is a leading cause of blindness in the world (Lee et al., Surv. Ophthalmol. 43:245-269 (1998)).
  • the most common diseases caused by this process are proliferative diabetic retinopathy, neovascular age-related macular degeneration, and retinopathy of prematurity (Neely and Gardner, Am. J. Path. 153:665-670 (1998)).
  • Other diseases which produce visual loss due to neovascularization are sickle cell retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, and certain inflammatory conditions in the eye. See also, Das et al., Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 40:809-813 (1999)).
  • the present pharmaceutical compositions are intended for the treatment of any of diseases or conditions that involve ocular neovascularization, chief among them, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, neovascular age-related macular degeneration,, retinopathy of prematurity, sickle cell retinopathy and retinal vein occlusion.
  • an antibody specific for an epitope of D5 preferably, an epitope that is absent in full length HK a .
  • the existence of such epitopes is supported by the fact that a number of antisera prepared against HK a do not react with D5. Cleavage of D5 from the full length HK protein exposes new epitopes.
  • the region of an antigen that actually interacts with an antibody is called an antigenic determinant or "epitope.” Roughly speaking, the effective size of an epitope corresponds to the size of the antibody's combining site: e.g., about 5-6 amino acids of a linear peptide antigen.
  • epitope refers to that portion of a D5 polypeptide capable of being recognized by an bound by an antibody.
  • antibody refers both to monoclonal antibodies mAbs, antibodies in polyclonal antisera derived from the sera of animals immunized with an immunogen comprising a D5 epitope.
  • Mabs are may be obtained by methods known to those skilled in the art may be of any immunoglobuhn (Ig) class including IgG, IgM, IgE, IgA, IgD and any subclass thereof.
  • Antibodies also include chimeric and anti-idiotypic antibodies described below.
  • antibody is also meant to include both intact four-chain Ig molecules as well as fragments thereof, such as, for example, Fab and F(ab') , and Fv as well as single chain antibodies (scFv) which are capable of binding antigen.
  • Fab and F(ab') 2 fragments lack the Fc fragment of intact antibody, clear more rapidly from the circulation, and may have less nonspecific tissue binding than an intact antibody (Wahl et al, J. Nucl Med. 24:316-325 (1983)).
  • Fab, F(ab') 2 , Fv and scFv fragments or forms of the antibodies useful in the present invention may be used for the detection and quantitation of the D5 polypeptides in the same manner as an intact antibody.
  • Conventional fragments are typically produced by proteolytic cleavage, using enzymes such as papain (for Fab fragments) or pepsin (for F(ab') 2 fragments).
  • Fv fragments are described in (Hochman, J. et al. (1973) Biochemistry 12:1 ISO- I DS; Sharon, J, et ⁇ /.(1976) Biochemistry 15:1591-1594). ).
  • scFv polypeptides include the hypervariable regions from the Ig of interest and recreate the antigen binding site of the native Ig while being a fraction of the size of the intact Ig (Skerra, A. et al. (1988) Science, 240: 1038- 1041; Pluckthun, A. et al. (1989) Methods Enzymol 178: 497-515; Winter, G. et al. (1991) Nature, 349: 293-299); Bird et al, (1988) Science 242:423; Huston et al. (1988) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85:5879; U.S. Patents No. 4,704,692, 4,853,871, 4,94,6778, 5,260,203, 5,455,030.
  • Chimeric antibodies are Ig molecules wherein different parts of the molecule are derived from different animal species.
  • An example is an Ig having a variable region derived from a murine mAb and a human Ig constant region.
  • Chimeric antibodies and methods for their production are known in the art ( Cabilly et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 57:3273-3277 (1984); Morrison et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.
  • An anti-idiotypic (anti-Id) antibody is an antibody which recognizes unique determinants generally associated with the antigen-binding site of another antibody.
  • An anti-Id antibody can be prepared by immunizing an animal of the same species and genetic type (e.g., mouse strain) as the source of the mAb with the mAb to which an anti-Id is being prepared. The immunized animal will recognize and respond to the idiotypic epitopes of the immunizing antibody by producing an antibody to these idiotypic determinants (the anti-Id antibody).
  • the anti-Id antibody may also be used as an "immunogen" to induce an immune response in yet another animal, producing a so-called anti-anti-Id antibody.
  • the anti-anti-Id may be epitopically identical to the original mAb which induced the anti-Id.
  • the anti-anti-Id may be epitopically identical to the original mAb which induced the anti-Id.
  • antibodies to the idiotypic determinants of a mAb it is possible to identify other clones expressing antibodies of identical specificity.
  • mAbs generated against the D5 polypeptide of the present invention may be used to induce anti-Id antibodies in suitable animals, such as BALB/c mice.
  • Spleen cells from such immunized mice are used to produce anti-Id hybridomas secreting anti-Id mAbs.
  • the anti-Id mAbs can be coupled to a carrier such as keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) and used to immunize additional BALB/c mice.
  • Sera from these mice will contain anti-anti-Id antibodies that have the binding properties of the original mAb specific for a D5 epitope.
  • the anti-Id mAbs thus have their own idiotypic epitopes, or "idiotopes" structurally similar to the epitope being evaluated, such as a D5 epitope.
  • the antibodies, or fragments of antibodies, useful in the present invention may be used to quantitatively or qualitatively detect the presence of aD5 polypeptide. For example, it may be desired to monitor the level of a D5 polypeptide in the circulation or in the tissues of a subject receiving therapeutic doses of the polypeptide. Thus, the antibodies (of fragments thereof) useful in the present invention may be employed histologically to detect the presence of D5
  • An assay for a D5 polypeptide typically comprises incubating a biological sample from the subject in the presence of a detectably labeled specific antibody or antibody fragment and detecting the antibody which is bound in the sample.
  • a biological sample may be treated with nitrocellulose, or other solid support which is capable of immobilizing cells, cell particles or soluble proteins.
  • the support may then be washed with suitable buffers followed by treatment with the detectably labeled specific antibody.
  • the solid phase support may then be washed with the buffer a second time to remove unbound antibody.
  • the amount of bound label on said solid support may then be detected by conventional means.
  • solid phase support or “carrier” is intended any support capable of binding a D5 polypeptide or antibody .
  • Well-known supports, or carriers include glass, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene, dextran, nylon, amylases, natural and modified celluloses, polyacrylamides, agaroses, and magnetite.
  • the support material may have virtually any possible structural configuration so long as the coupled molecule is capable of binding to an antigen or antibody.
  • the binding activity of an antibody specific for a D5 polypeptide may be determined according to well known methods, such as enzyme immunoassay (EIA)., particularly an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or radioimmunoassay (RIA).
  • enzyme immunoassay enzyme immunoassay
  • ELISA enzyme linked immunosorbent assay
  • RIA radioimmunoassay
  • the antibody is detectably labeled by linking to an enzyme.
  • This enzyme when later exposed to its substrate, will react with the substrate in such a manner as to produce a chemical moiety which can be detected, for example, by spectrophotometric, fluorometric or by visual means.
  • Enzymes which can be used to detectably label the antibody include, but are not limited to, malate dehydrogenase, staphylococcal nuclease, delta- V-steroid isomerase, yeast alcohol dehydrogenase, alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase, triose phosphate isomerase, horseradish peroxidase, alkaline phosphatase, asparaginase, glucose oxidase, beta-galactosidase, ribonuclease, urease, catalase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, glucoamylase and acetylcholinesterase.
  • radioactively labeling the antibody or fragments By radioactively labeling the antibody or fragments, it is possible to detect binding to the protein of the present invention through the use of a RIA.
  • a RIA See, for example: Weintraub, B., Principles of Radioimmunoassay s, Seventh Training Course on Radioligand Assay Techniques, The Endocrine Society, March, 1986, pp. 1-5, 46-49 and 68-78; Work, T.S. et al, Laboratory Techniques and Biochemistry in Molecular Biology, North Holland Publishing Company, NY, 1978.
  • the radioactive isotope can be detected by such means as the use of a gamma counter or a scintillation counter or by autoradiography.
  • the antibody can also be detectably labeled using fluorescence emitting metals such as 152 Eu, or others of the lanthanide series. These metals can be attached to the antibody using such metal chelating groups as diethylenetriamine-pentaacetic acid (DTPA) or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA).
  • DTPA diethylenetriamine-pentaacetic acid
  • EDTA ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid
  • the antibody also can be detectably labeled by coupling it to a chemiluminescent compound.
  • the presence of the chemiluminescent-tagged antibody is then determined by detecting the presence of luminescence that arises during the course of a chemical reaction.
  • chemiluminescent labeling compounds are luminol, isoluminol, theromatic acridinium ester, imidazole, acridinium salt and oxalate ester.
  • bioluminescent compound may be used to label the antibody of the present invention.
  • useful bioluminescent compounds for labeling include luciferin, luciferase and aequorin.
  • Antibodies to D5 epitopes are also used to treat tumors. They may inhibit interactions between endothelial cells and ECM, so that their binding to D5 results in a similar outcome to treatment with D5 peptides and fusion proteins.
  • mice were injected in the left flank with 0.25 ml Matrigel containing 50 ⁇ g heparin and 400 ng/ml bFGF.
  • Mice were injected in the right flank with an identical mixture which also contained 20 ⁇ g HK a .
  • animals were sacrificed and the Matrigel plugs examined for neovascularization.
  • Histologic analysis revealed that fewer ECs had invaded the HK a -containing plugs, and those that had acquired a rounded, apoptotic appearance.
  • cells in the control plugs were elongated and spindle-shaped, suggesting a migratory phenotype.
  • the anti-proliferative activity of HK a on ECs was hypothesized to be contained within the known EC binding regions within D5. This hypothesis was tested by synthesizing thirty peptides having 16 amino-acid residues whose sequences conesponded to each of these domains, each overlapping by 8 amino acids, in an effort to identify peptides which possessed at least a portion of the activity of the whole molecule, hi an initial screen, the ability of each of these peptides (used initially at 50 ⁇ M) to inhibit the proliferation of ECs in response to 10 ng/ml bFGF was assessed.
  • H5-13 and H5-14 which are also potent inhibitors of EC proliferation
  • H5-10 which inhibits proliferation less potently, are as follows:
  • H5-13 and 14 share the sequence HKNKGKKN [SEQ ID NO:7], while H5-10 contains a closely related HKFK sequence. Based on these comparisons, it is concluded that the antiproliferative activities of these peptides are mediated through an HKXK [SEQ ID NO: 8] consensus sequence, where X is a neutral or aromatic amino acid (Asn in H5-13 or 14 and Phe in H5-10).
  • X is a neutral or aromatic amino acid
  • the relatively lower activity of H5-10 may reflect the substitution of phenylalanine for asparagine, or a potency-enhancing effect of the -GKKN sequence C-terminal to HKNK in the latter two peptides.
  • the HKNK sequence lies within the EC binding region of HK D5 reported by Hasan et al; 1995 (supra).
  • the DNA encoding the D5 polypeptide was PCR amplified from a HK cDNA using primers 5'cgggatccgtaagtccaccccacacttc3' [SEQ ID NO: 11] and 5'cgaattctcagcttgccaaatgctc3' [SEQ ID NO: 12] using SuperMix (GibcoBRL).
  • the amplified product was gel purified, double- digested with BainHI and EcoRI and ligated into the BamHI/EcoRI linearized expression vector pCAL-n (Stratagene) containing the calmodulin binding protein (CBP) as a tag at the N- terminus for purification purposes.
  • the expression vector was transformed into BL21(DE3) Gold cells (Stratagene) and subclones were grown and induced with 1 mM JPTG at 37°C for 4 hours. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed that the majority of expressed CBP-D5 was in inclusion bodies.
  • a 500 ml preparation of cells was grown, harvested and the pellet washed once with 50 mM Tris/ 1 mM EDTA, pH 8.0 (TE buffer).
  • the cell suspension was lysed with 0.25 mg/ml lysozyme in TE buffer.
  • the lysate was homogenized with 4% Tergitol and centrifuged at 10,000 x g for 45 minutes.
  • the inclusion body pellet was washed several times with TE buffer.
  • Purified inclusion bodies were resuspended in 7 M guanidine HC1 in TE buffer. After sonicating 3 x 30 seconds and a 1 hour incubation on ice, the denatured protein was clarified at 20,000 x g for 1 hour. The clarified suspension was then added to 1000 ml of ice-cold 50 mM Bicine, 150 mM NaCl pH 8.8. The refolded CBP-D5 was purified on a HiTrap S 5 ml column (Pharmacia) and eluted with a 0.15-1 M NaCl gradient. Finally, the fractions were pooled, concentrated and salt exchanged.
  • the fusion protein in 20 mM Tris, 150 mM NaCl, pH 8.0 was digested with ⁇ - thrombin (2.5 ⁇ g thrombin mg of CBP-D5) for 90 minutes at 37 C
  • the reaction was stopped by adding PMSF to a final concentration of 1 mM and then D5 was purified on a Mono S 5/5 column (Pharmacia) and eluted using a 0.15-1 M NaCl gradient. Results shown in Figure 2A-2C.
  • the sequence of the CBP-D5 fusion protein (SEQ ID NO : 13) is
  • Matrigel Plugs containing either bFGF (10 ng) or tumor cells (3LL, HT1080, HT1080 transfected with D5 cDNA) are implanted s.c. in a nude mouse (Balb/c). The plugs are then harvested after 4 days and evaluated histologically and by measuring the hemoglobin content of the plug as a surrogate marker of angiogenesis using a commercially available ELISA.
  • D5 (20 ⁇ g) inhibited angiogenesis stimulated by bFGF in this assay by at least 40%.
  • Tumor cells embedded into the Matrigel could also efficiently stimulate angiogenesis and this could be inhibited by expressing D5 locally.
  • the cDNA for D5 is transfected into several tumor cell lines (3LL, HT1080) and the effect of local expression evaluated on tumor growth. These models are described above. Expression of D5 by the tumor cells inhibit the rate of growth of primary HT1080 and 3LL tumors by 50%. The microvessel density, a measure of angiogenesis, is also decreased by 25%. h the metastatic 3LL models, the incidence and outgrowth of metastasis is inhibited by 50%
  • the HT10180 and 3LL models are used to evaluate the effect of mAbs raised against D5 on tumor growth.
  • tumors are grown until palpable (4-6 weeks) at which time treatment with the antibodies is initiated (0.1 mg/mouse, 3x per week IP). Animals are treated for an additional 4 weeks, and tumor volumes are measured 2x/week to determine growth rates. Inhibition of rumor growth is at least 30%, depending on the antibody used.

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Abstract

Peptides form the human kininogen D5 domain and fusion peptides thereof having angiogenesis-inhibitory activity. These peptides are used in diagnosis and therapy of diseases associated with endothelial cell migration and proliferation, e.g., the treatment of cancer. The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding said peptides, antibodies to the said peptides and methods for isolating said peptides and cells expressing them.

Description

HUMAN KININOGEN D5 DOMAIN POLYPEPTIDES AND THEIR USE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
The invention in the field of biochemistry and medicine relates to angiogenesis- inhibitory peptides and polypeptides comprising parts of the D5 domain of human kimnogen and their use in diagnosis and therapy of diseases associated with endothelial cell migration and proliferation. In particular these polypeptides are useful in treating subjects with cancer.
Description of the Background Art
In adults, new blood vessels are formed through the process of angiogenesis, in which new capillaries sprout from the existing vasculature (Risau W., Nature 386:61 -614, 1997). The endothelium of a non-angiogenic vessel is normally quiescent, whereas angiogenic endothelial cells ("ECs") proliferate actively. Angiogenesis is a complex process that involves (1) degradation of the underlying basement membrane by angiogenic ECs, (2) loss of EC adhesion, (3) -migration and proliferation of the detached cells toward the angiogenic stimulus, and (4) ordered reassociation of these cells to form a new vessel. Angiogenesis in the adult occurs only in "pathological" situations, such as in response to wound healing, tissue ischemia or neoplasia.
The most thoroughly studied angiogenic factors in tumors are basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF, FGF-2) and vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) ((Pepper MS et al, Curr. Topics Microbiol. Immunol 213 (Pt 2):31-67, 1996). These proteins are produced by neoplastic cells or their stroma, often in response to tissue hypoxia, and promote EC migration and proliferation through interactions with specific cell surface receptors with intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity (Thomas KA, JBiol Chem 271:603-606, 1996). The importance of each of these factors in the neovascularization and growth of tumors has been demonstrated in animal models through the use of agents which either bind and inactivate these growth factors or their cell- surface receptors ((Lin P et al, Cell Growth Diff 9:49-58, 1997; Wang Y. et al, Nature Med 3:887-893, 1997; S obe M et al, Nature Med 3:1222-1227, 1997).
Angiogenesis is thought to be regulated under certain conditions by cryptic polypeptides released from larger proteins by proteolysis within the tumor milieu. It is becoming apparent that proteolytic fragments of plasma proteins or extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins may play an important role (Hanahan D et al, Cell 55:353-364, 1996). To date, several polypeptides with such activities have been identified: angiostatin, endostatin, PEX (the C-terminal hemopexin domain of matrix metalloprotease 2 (MMP-2) (Brooks PC et al, Cell 92:391-400, 1998), the N- terminal 16 kD fragment of prolactin and a 29 kDa fragment of fibronectin (O'Reilly MS et al, Cell 79:315-328, 1994; Folkman, J., Sci. Amer. 230:150-154, 1996. Both intact thrombospondin 1 (TSP-1) as well as peptides derived from its procollagen and pro erdin-like type 1 repeats are anti-angiogenic (Good DJ et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 57:6624-6628, 1990). The ability of several of these fragments to inhibit tumor growth or induce tumor regression and/or dormancy in preclinical models has led to enthusiasm for the potential use of angiogenesis inhibitors for therapy of human neoplasms.
The prototype inhibitor is angiostatin which consists of kringles 1-4 of plasminogen and inhibits the growth of experimental tumors in mice (O'Reilly et al. , supra) . Angiostatin may be generated by serine proteases, as well as matrix metalloproteinases 7 and 9 and macrophage metalloelastase. A second anti-angiogenic polypeptide, endostatin, is a 20 kDa C-terminal fragment of the basement membrane protein, collagen XVIII. Endostatin also inhibits tumor growth (Folkman, supra), and its efficacy in repeatedly inducing tumor regression in animals in which tumors are allowed to regrow between treatment cycles suggests that development of resistance to this agent is unlikely. Repeated cycles of therapy with endostatin have also induced long-term tumor dormancy. A third anti-angiogenic protein fragment, PEX (Brooks et al, supra). Association of MMP-2 with the integrin αvβ3, which is selectively expressed on angiogenic endothelial cells, promotes cell surface collagenolytic activity and cellular invasiveness. Autocatalysis of MMP-2 leads to the release of PEX, which continues to bind αvβ3 through a non-RGD-dependent mechanism, thereby competing with its parent molecule for binding to the integrin, and impairing cellular collagenolytic activity. Elevated levels of PEX occur in tumor tissue, and recombinant PEX inhibits tumor growth (Brooks et al, supra). Biochemistry of high molecular weight kininogen Two forms of kininogen, high molecular weight kininogen (HK, Mr=120kDa) (Figure
1), and low molecular weight kininogen (LK, Mr = 68 kDa), have been identified in human plasma (Jacobsen S et al, Br J Pharm 29:25-36, 1967). HK is an α-globulin with a plasma concentration of 90 μg/ml (Proud D et al, JLab Clin Med 95:563-5514, 1980) (Figure 1), and LK is a α-globulin with a plasma concentration of 220 μg/ml (Muller-Esterl W et al, Biochim Biophys Ada 106: 145-152, 1982). These proteins are derived from the alternative splicing of a single gene (Kitamura et al, JBiol Chem 250:8610-8617, 1985), and share a common heavy
(H) chain, which contains domains 1, 2 and 3, termed Dl, D2 and D3 (Colman RW et al, Blood 90:3819-3843, 1997). However, while LK contains only a 4 kDa light (L) chain (D4L), the ~46kDa L chain of HK contains domains 5 and 6 (D5 and D6, respectively).
Each domain of HK has a unique function. For example, Dl binds calcium, and D2 inhibits calpain (Colman et al, supra). The cell binding regions of HK are contained within D3 and D5, while D6 binds plasma prekalhkrein and coagulation Factor XI. D6 remains free following the binding of HK to cells, indicating that it may serve as an "acquired receptor" for Factor XI or kallikrein.
In intact HK, D4 links the H and L chains; D4 also includes the nonapeptide, bradykinin which is released from HK by kallikrein via cleavage between Lys362-Arg363 and Arg3 ι-Ser 2, leaving behind a cleaved molecule consisting of a 62 kDa H chain and 56-62 kDa L chain, which are bonded by an intrachain disulfide between Cysio and Cys5 6. A subsequent cleavage at a site near the N-terminus of D5, results in reduction of the Mr of the L chain to -45 kDa (Kaplan AP et al, Blood 70:1-15, 1987). Released BRADYKININ is a potent vasodilator and an agonist for ECs. Kallikrein-mediated cleavage of HK occurs on the EC surface, and may be mediated (a) directly by plasma kallikrein or (b) after binding of prekalhkrein to cell-bound HK, followed by its activation to kallikrein by an EC cysteine protease. Thus the EC is an important site for HKa generation. Phorbol myristoyl acetate (PMA)-stimulated ECs bind increased amounts of HK (Colman et al, supra) suggesting acceleration of this process on "activated" ECs. The observation that ECs produce HK mRNA and protein further supports the physiological importance of this process (Schmaier AH et al. , JBiol Chem 263: 16327- 16333, 1988).
The release of BRADYKΓNIN from HK is accompanied by a structural rearrangement in the remaining two-chain kininogen molecule, HKa and the acquisition of several novel properties. For example, cleavage of HK to HKa allows the latter to bind to artificial anionic surfaces (Colman et al. , supra); interactions that are mediated by residues of the His-Gly-rich region within D5 of HKa (amino acids 420-458) (DeLa Cadena RA et al, Protein Sci 7:151-160, 1992; Kunapuli SP et al, JBiol Chem 268:2486-2492, 1993).
Furthermore, HKa, but not HK, is anti-adhesive, inhibiting the spreading of osteosarcoma and melanoma cells on vitronectin, and of ECs, platelets and mononuclear cells on vitronectin and fibrinogen (Asakura S et al, J Cell Biol 116:465-416, 1992). Rotary shadowing electron microscopy demonstrated that the structural rearrangement of HKa involves a change in the orientation of HKa domains relative to each other. HK exists as a linear array of three linked globular regions, with the two peripheral regions connected by a thin strand (Colman RW et al, J Clin Invest 700:1481-1487, 1997). The strand may represent the disulfide bridge between Dl and D6, as it is no longer apparent following reduction. Studies with epitope-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) determined that the globular domains on the ends of HK represent the prekallikrein-binding region (within D6 of the L chain) and the cysteine protease inl ibitor region (D2 and D3 of the H chain), while the central nodule represents the anionic surface binding region within D5.
After kallikrein-mediated cleavage, the two-chain molecule, HKa, retains the trinodular structure, though the three globular regions rearrange in a pattern resembling vertices of a triangle. In this structure, the anionic surface binding and prekallikrein binding regions are more closely apposed. Because the EC binding regions within HK have been mapped to sites within D3 ofthe H chain and D5 of the L chain ((Reddigari SR et al, Blood 81: 1306-1311, 1993; Herwald H et al, JBiol Chem 270:14634-14642, 1995; Hasan AAK et al, JBiol Chem 259:31822-31830, 1994; Hasan AAK et al, J Mol Biol 279:717-725, 1995) and since the latter regions in the linear sequence overlap extensively with the anionic surface binding regions of HKa, the orientation of the cellular binding regions within HK and HKa must differ. This conclusion implies that HK and HKa are likely to interact differently with ECs, a hypothesis supported by functional studies demonstrating that HKa, but not HK, is a potent inliibitor of proliferation and inducer of apoptosis in ECs.
Interactions of HK with ECs
A. Identification of cell binding regions within HK
Several reports indicate that HK binds with high affinity to human umbilical vein ECs
(HUNEC) (Reddigari et al, supra; van Iwaarden F et al, JBiol Chem 253:4698-4703, 1988;
Zini JM et al, Blood 81:2936-2946, 1993; Hasan AAK et al, Blood 55:3134-3143, 1995). The presence of Zn2+ is an absolute requirement for binding, whereas Ca2+ either inhibited or had no effect on binding. Internalization of HK has also been reported (van Iwaarden F et al, Blood
77:1268-1276, 1988).
The binding of HK to ECs is mediated through interactions involving both its H and L chains, and several studies have led to the identification of specific regions that mediate binding within D3 (Herwald H et al. , supra) and D5 (Hasan AAK et al. , J Mol Biol, supra) (one of which overlaps with BRADYKIΝTΝ within D4). These regions were identified by the ability of synthetic peptides with corresponding sequences to compete with intact, labeled HK for binding to HUNEC.
In contrast to HK, little information is available concerning the binding of HKa to ECs. In one study, cleavage of biotinylated HK by increasing amounts of kallikrein led to a progressive diminution in binding of the cleaved ligand. In contrast, others reported that HKa was more potent than unlabeled HK in inl ibiting the binding of radiolabeled HK to ECs (IC5o = 73 nM for HKa vs 335 nM for HK) (Reddigari et al, supra). Although these IC50 values are difficult to reconcile with a reported Kd (30-40 nM) for the binding of HK to ECs, they nevertheless suggest differences between HK and HKa in their interactions with cells. B. Endothelial cell HK/HKa receptors
HKa inhibition of EC proliferation in vitro is a unique property of HKa as HK, which binds to ECs, nevertheless lacks this antiproliferative effect. Moreover, the observed difference in binding to ECs exhibited by HK and HKa suggests potential differences in function. HKa could inhibit EC proliferation by several mechanisms. First, it might induce detachment of ECs from their matrix through direct interactions with integrins, thereby leading to interruption of integrin-mediated signaling and MAP kinase phosphorylation, leading to apoptosis. However, other than one report that single-chain HK binds to Mac-1 (α,Mβ2 or CD1 lb/CD18) on monocytes, there is no evidence for interactions of kininogen with integrins.
The binding of HKa to ECs was also not inhibited by a blocking antibody against the β3 integrin chain, suggesting that HKa does not interact with αvβ3, an integrin which plays an important role in angiogenesis (Colman RW et al, J Clin Invest 700:1481-1487, 1997). HKa might interact in either a specific or non-specific manner with an ECM protein(s), thereby preventing its interaction with an EC integrin receptor. However, there is no data to support this hypothesis. The fact that HKa inhibited the proliferation of HUNEC plated on fibronectin, gelatin, and Matrigel, suggested effects independent of matrix identity. HKa might inhibit the binding of growth factors to cellular glycosaminoglycans, such as heparan sulfate, or to specific growth factor receptors. However, this explanation is unlikely, since withdrawal of growth factors does not lead to EC apoptosis within 6 hours~a time frame in which HKa induced apoptotic changes. McCrae's group recently observed that the cleaved form of human HKa inhibited bFGF- stimulated angiogenesis in vivo. (Zhang J-C et al, FASEB J. 14:2589-600, 2000). In vitro, HKa potently inhibited the proliferation of HUNEC and human dermal microvascular ECs (HDMNEC), inducing EC apoptosis. Several peptides were identified with sequences corresponding to the binding regions within D3 and D5 of HKa that inhibited EC proliferation at low μM to nM concentrations. Comparison of the sequences of overlapping peptides used in these studies led to the identification peptides of 4-8 amino acids that mediated this activity. Compared to the antiproliferative effects, the anti-adhesive effects of HKa appear to be of less importance since EC adhesion was only modestly inhibited at HKa concentrations > 100 nM, whereas anti-proliferative effects were observed at concentrations as low as ~ 1 nM.
Citation of the above documents is not intended as an admission that any of the foregoing is pertinent prior art. All statements as to the date or representation as to the contents of these documents is based on the information available to the applicant and does not constitute any admission as to the correctness of the dates or contents of these documents.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a polypeptide that corresponds to the D5 domain of human kininogen, or a biologically active peptide fragment, homologue or other functional derivative thereof which is has one or more of the following properties:
(a) inhibits angiogenesis at a IC50 of at least about 1 μM;
(b) binds to a D5 binding site on an endothelial cell with an affinity characterized by a K of about lμM or lower as measured in a direct binding assay to activated endothelial cells or in a competitive binding assay to purified D5 receptor; (c) activates one or more signaling pathways leading to induction of apoptosis in an endothelial cell; or (d) inhibits a signaling pathway required for maintenance of endothelial cell viability. The D5 domain preferably has the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO:2.
In another embodiment, the above polypeptide or peptide fragment has between about 8 and about 32 or between about 16 and about 32 amino acids which includes, or consists essentially, of one or more repeats of a sequence selected from the group consisting of:
(a) GHKFKLDDDLEHQGGH (SEQ ID NO:4);
(b) KHGHGHGKHKNKGKKN (SEQ ID NO:5);
(c) HKNKGKKNGKHNGWKT (SEQ ID NO:6); and (d) HKNKGKKN (SEQ I NO:7). Another The polypeptide or peptide fragment as above has between about 4 and about 16 amino acids and includes one or more repeats of a sequence HKXK (SEQ ID NO: 8) where X is a neutral or aromatic amino acid.
The present invention also provides a D5 fusion polypeptide having a first fusion partner comprising all or a part of the D5 domain polypeptide, or a peptide fragment, homologue or other functional derivative of the D5 polypeptide, which (i) is fused directly to a second polypeptide or, (ii) optionally, is fused to a linker peptide sequence that is fused to the second polypeptide, which fusion polypeptide has one or more of the following properties: (a) inhibits angiogenesis at a IC50 of at least about 1 μM; (b) binds to a D5 binding site on an endothelial cell with an affinity characterized by a K_ of about lμM or lower as measured in a direct binding assay to activated endothelial cells or in a competitive binding assay to purified D5 receptor; (c) activates one or more signaling pathways leading to induction of apoptosis in an endothelial cell; or (d) inhibits a signaling pathway required for maintenance of endothelial cell viability.
The D5 fusion polypeptide may comprise any of the above polypeptides, peptide fragments, homologues or other functional derivatives, fused to a second polypeptide. Preferably, the binding partner molecule is a protein or peptide that increases the expression, stability or biologic or pharmacologic activity of the fusion polypeptide when compared to the D5 polypeptide, fragment homologue or derivative alone. A preferred binding partner molecule is thioredoxin, calmodulin binding protein, maltose-binding protein or glutathione-S-transferase.
In the fusion polypeptide above, the second polypeptide may be one or more domains of an Ig heavy chain constant region, preferably having an amino acid sequence corresponding to the hinge, CH2 and CR3 regions of a human immunoglobulin Cγl chain. The above fusion polypeptide may comprise a linear multimer of two or more repeats of monomers of the first fusion partner linked end to end, directly or with a linker sequences present between the monomer repeats. An example is a dimeric or trimeric fusion polypeptide which is a tandemly linked dimer or trimer of the above fusion polypeptide.
The linker in the above fusion is preferably cleavable by an enzyme that is present and active in the vicinity of, or in cells of, a tumor, such that the first fusion partner is released from the fusion polypeptide when the enzyme acts on the fusion polypeptide. Preferred enzymes are a matrix metalloprotease, urokinase, a cathepsin, plasmin or thrombin, which act to release D5 in
1 vivo (or in situ ) in the tumor milieu. A preferred linker is a peptide having the sequence VPRGSD (SEQ ID NO:9) or DDKDWH {SEQ ID NO:10). hi another embodiment, this invention is directed to an isolated nucleic acid molecule that encodes any of the above polypeptides, fragments, homologues or other functional derivatives. A preferred nucleic acid has the sequence SEQ ID NO:3. Another preferred nucleic acid molecule encodes a fusion polypeptide as above. For example, the nucleic acid molecule comprises:
(a) a first nucleic acid sequence encoding a first polypeptide that is all or a part of a D5 domain polypeptide SEQ ID NO:2 or encodes a homologue or other functional derivative thereof;
(b) optionally, fused in frame with the first nucleic acid sequence, a linker nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker peptide; and
(c) a second nucleic acid sequence that is linked in frame to the first nucleic acid sequence or to the linker nucleic acid sequence and that encodes a second polypeptide. Also included is an isolated nucleic acid molecule that hybridizes with any of the above nucleic acid molecules under stringent conditions..
The above polypeptide or a biologically active fragment, homologue or other functional derivative may be produced by recombinant expression of the above nucleic acid molecules. Also provided is an expression vector comprising a nucleic acid encoding any of the above polypeptides or functional derivatives, operatively linked to
(a) a promoter and
(b) optionally, additional regulatory sequences that regulate expression of the nucleic acid in a eukaryotic cell.
The expression vector preferably comprises the above nucleic acids operatively linked to (a) a promoter and (b) optionally, additional regulatory sequences that regulate expression of the nucleic acid in a eukaryotic cell.
Preferred expression vectors are plasmids or viral vectors.
Also provided is a cell transformed or transfected with any of the above nucleic acid molecules or expression vectors. Preferred cells are mammalian cell, most preferably, human. Also provided is an isolated mammalian tumor cell transfected with an exogenous nucleic acid molecule encoding a mammalian D5 polypeptide or a biologically active fragment, homologue or other functional derivative thereof, such that when the protein, fragment, homologue or derivative is expressed by or secreted from the tumor cell, and the tumor cell is contacted with an endothelial cell, the tumor cell or the secreted product
(a) binds to the endothelial cell; or
(b) activates one or more signaling pathways leading to induction of apoptosis in the endothelial cell; or
(c) inhibits a signaling pathway required for maintenance of endothelial cell viability.
The present invention is directed to an antibody that is specific for an epitope of a human kininogen D5 domain polypeptide, preferably a linear or conformational epitope of the polypeptide having SEQ ID NO:2. The antibody may be specific for an epitope present in a peptide selected from the group consisting of
(a) GHKFKLDDDLEHQGGH (SEQ TD NO:4);
(b) KHGHGHGKHKNKGKKN (SEQ ID NO:5);
(c) HKNKGKKNGKHNGWKT (SEQ ID NO:6); and
(d) HKNKGKKN (SEQ ID NO:7) Preferred antibodies are monoclonal, more preferably, a human or humanized monoclonal antibody. The foregoing antibody is preferably one which, upon administration to a subject with a tumor, inhibits tumor growth or angiogenesis.
Also provided herein is an angiogenic endothelial cell-targeting pharmaceutical composition, preferably in a form suitable for injection comprising, (a) the above polypeptide, fusion polypeptide, fragment, homologue or functional derivative; and (b) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. hi another embodiment, an angiogenic endothelial cell-targeting-targeting therapeutic composition comprises (a) an effective amount of the above polypeptide, fusion polypeptide, fragment, homologue or functional derivative of any of claims bound directly or indirectly to a therapeutically active moiety, such as a radionuclide; and (b) a therapeutically acceptable carrier.
The radionuclide maybe 125L 131L 90Y, 67Cu, 217Bi, 211At, 212Pb, 47Sc, or 109Pd.
The invention provides a method for inhibiting endothelial cell migration, proliferation, invasion, or angiogenesis, or for inducing endothelial cell apoptosis, comprising contacting endothelial cells involved in undesired migration, proliferation, invasion, or angiogenesis with an effective amount of the above polypeptide, fusion polypeptide, fragment, homologue or functional derivative. Also provided is a method for treating a subject having a disease or condition associated with undesired endothelial cell migration, proliferation, invasion or angiogenesis (such as tumor growth, tumor invasion or tumor metastasis) comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of the above pharmaceutical composition. Another embodiment is a diagnosticaUy useful composition for targeting angiogenic endothelial cells, comprising (a) the above polypeptide, fusion polypeptide, fragment, homologue or functional derivative which is diagnosticaUy labeled; and (b) a diagnosticaUy acceptable carrier. Detectable labels include a radionuclide, a PET-imageable agent, a fluorescer, a fluorogen, a chromophore, a cliromogen, a phosphorescer, a chemiluminescer or a bioluminescer. Preferred diagnostic radionuclides are 3H, 14C, 35S, 99Tc, 123L 1251, 131I, luhι, Ru, Ga, Ga, As, Zr and TI. Useful fluorescers or fluorogens are is fluorescein, rhodamine, dansyl, phycoerythrin, phycocyanin, allophycocyanin, o-phthaldehyde, fluorescamine, a fluorescein derivative, Oregon Green, Rhodamine Green, Rhodol Green or Texas Red. The above diagnostic composition is used in a method for detecting the presence of angiogenic endothelial cells (i) in a tissue, (ii) in an organ or (iii) in a biological sample, which tissue, organ or sample is suspected of having angiogenically-activated endothelial cells. The method comprises (a) contacting the tissue, organ or sample with the diagnostic composition; and (b) detecting the presence of the label associated with the tissue, organ or sample. Preferably, the contacting is in vivo. Both the contacting and the detecting may be in vivo.
The invention is also directed to an affinity ligand useful for binding to angiogenic endothelial cells or to a D5 domain binding site. These ligands comprise the above polypeptide, fusion polypeptide, fragment, homologue or functional derivative immobilized to a solid support or carrier. The ligand is used in a method for isolating a D5 domain binding molecule from a complex mixture, the method comprising: (a) contacting the mixture with the affinity ligand; (b) allowing any of the binding molecules to bind to the ligand; (c) removing unbound material from the ligand; and (d) eluting the bound D5 domain binding material.
Also provided is a method for isolating or enriching cells expressing D5 domain binding sites from a cell mixture, comprising (a) contacting the cell mixture with the affinity ligand or the above polypeptide, fusion polypeptide, fragment, homologue or functional derivative; (b) allowing any binding site-expressing cell to bind to the ligand or the polypeptide, fusion polypeptide, fragment, homologue or functional derivative; (c) separating cells bound to the ligand, polypeptide, fusion polypeptide, fragment, homologue or functional derivative from unbound cells; and (d) removing the bound cells, thereby isolating or enriching the D5 domain binding site-expressing cells.
A method for isolating or enriching cells expressing D5 domain binding sites from a cell mixture comprises (a) contacting the cell mixture with the affinity ligand of claim 57;
(b) allowing any D5- -expressing cell to bind to the ligand; (c) removing unbound cells from the ligand and from the bound cells; and (d) releasing the bound cells.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1: Primary sequence and genetic structure of high molecular weight kininogen. Numbers 1-626 are amino acid (aa) locations with leader sequence -18 to -1. Letters A-J are the locations of intron/exon junctions. Domain 1 (aa 1-113) is coded by exons 1, 2 and 3. Domain 2 (aa 114-234) is coded by exons 4, 5 and 6. Domain 3 (aa 235-357) is coded by exons 7, 8 and 9. Domain 4 (aa 358-383) is coded by exon IOBK- Domain 5 (aa 384-502) is coded by the 5' portion of exon IOHK- Domain 6 (aa-503-626) is coded by the 3' portion of exon IOHK- Curved arrows indicate kallikrein cleavage sites. Boxed "O" and "N" are the locations of O- and N- linked carbohydrate chains, respectively. XI is the putative factor XI binding sequence. PK is the putative prekallikrein binding sequence (from DeLa Cadena ).
Figure 2A, 2B and 2C is a set of gels and blots showing the identification and purification of CBP-D5 expressed in E. coli. E. coli were transformed with an expression vector containing the cDNA for CBP-D5. Small scale cultures were grown at 30°C and induced with IPTG. Cells were extracted and the supernatants and inclusion bodies analyzed by western blot (Fig. 2A) using an antibody previously raised against D5and SDS-PAGE (Fig 2B). The CBP- D5 constituted most of the protein in the inclusion bodies as demonstrated by SDS-PAGE (Fig. 2B). Inclusion bodies were extracted and the protein was re-folded and purified as described in the Examples. Fractions eluted from a calmodulin column (CAM) containing pure protein are shown in Fig. 2C.
Figure 3: Inhibition of EC proliferation by D5 and CBP-D5. HUNEC in EBM media (3,000 cells/well) were added to 96 well plates coated with gelatin. The cells were allowed to adhere for 4 hours at which time the EBM media was exchanged for EBM+bFGF (10 ng/mL) + inhibitor. The plates were allowed to incubate for 48 hours at which time the total cell number per each well was determined using the MTS assay (n=3 per each concentration of inhibitor). Figure 4: Inhibition of angiogenesis in the CAM model using various D5 fusion constructs. Chick eggs were incubated for 7 days at which time the top of the egg was carefully removed to expose the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM). Disks impregnated with either bFGF alone (30 ng) or bFGF+HKa (ATN-234) or bFGF+HKa D5 (ATN-235) were placed on the CAM and the eggs incubated an additional 4 days. Neovessel formation (angiogenesis) was evaluated under a dissecting microscope by counting the number of vessels adjacent to the disk (n=3 for each condition).
Figure 5: Inhibition of EC tube fomiation on Matrigel®. Matrigel® (0.1 mg/mL) was plated into 96 well plates. bFGF (10 ng/mL), VEGF (1 ng/mL) and PMA (20 nM) were " combined to stimulate tube formation in the presence of HUNEC (3000 cells/well). HKa D5 (ATΝ-235) was added in the presence of equimolar amounts of low molecular weight heparin (which stimulates the activity of ATΝ-235) at the outset of the assay. The plates were evaluated by two independent readers after 24 hours of incubation at 37°C.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
General References
Unless otherwise indicated, the practice of many aspects of the present invention employs conventional techniques of molecular biology, recombinant DNA technology and immunology, which are within the skill of the art. Such techniques are described in more detail in the scientific literature, for example, Sambrook, J. et al, Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 2nd Ed., Cold Spring Harbor Press, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 1989, Ausubel, F.M. et al. Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Wiley-Interscience, New York, current volume; Albers, B. et al, Molecular Biology of the Cell, 2nd Ed., Garland Publishing, hie, New York, NY (1989); Lewin, BM, Genes IV, Oxford University Press, Oxford, (1990); Watson, J.D. et al, Recombinant DNA, Second Edition, Scientific American Books, New York, 1992; Darnell, JE et al, Molecular Cell Biology, Scientific American Books, Inc., New York, NY (1986); Old, R.W. et al, Principles of Gene Manipulation: An Introduction to Genetic Engineering, 2nd Ed., University of California Press, Berkeley, CA (1981); DNA Cloning: A Practical Approach, vol. I & II (D. Glover, ed.); Oligonucleotide Synthesis (N. Gait, ed., Current Edition); Nucleic Acid Hybridization (B. Hames & S. Higgins, eds., Current Edition); Transcription and Translation (B. Hames & S. Higgins, eds., Current Edition); Methods in Enzymology: Guide to Molecular Cloning Techniques, (Berger and Kimmel, eds., 1987J; Hartlow, E. et al, Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 1988) , Coligan, J.E. et al, eds., Current Protocols in Immunology, Wiley-friterscience, New York 1991. Protein structure and function is discussed in Schulz, GE et al, Principles of Protein Structure, Springer-Nerlag, New York, 1978, and Creighton, TE, Proteins: Structure and Molecular Properties, W.H. Freeman & Co., San Francisco, 1983.
PROTEINS. POLYPEPTIDES AND PEPTIDES
The full sequence of the mature form of HK (SEQ ID NO:l) is presented below.
QESQSEEIDC ND DLFKAVD AALKKYNSQN QSNNQFVLYR ITEATKTVGS DTFYSFKYEI 60 EGDCPVQSG KTWQDCEYKD AAKAATGECT ATVGKRSSTK FSVATQTCQI TPAEGPWTA 120 QYDCLGCVHP ISTQSPDLEP ILRHGIQYFN NNTQHSSLFM LNEVKRAQRQ AGLNFRIT 180
YSIVQTNCSK ENFLFLTPDC KSL NGDTGE CTDNAYIDIQ LRIASFSQNC DIYPGKDFVQ 240
PPTKICVGCP RDIPTNSPEL EETLTHTITK NKENNATFY FJCTDNVKKAR VQWAGKKYF 300
IDFVARETTC SKΞSNEELTE SCETKKLGQS LDCNAEVYW P EKKIYPTV NCQPLGMISL 360
MKRPPGFSPF RSSRIGEIKE ETTVSPPHTS MAPAQDEERD SGKEQGHTRR HD GHEKQRK 420 HNLGHGHKHE RDQGHGHQRG HGLGHGHΞQQ HG GHGHKFK LDDD EHQGG HVLDHGHKHK 480
HGHGHGKHKN KGKKNGKHNG KTEHLASSS EDSTTPSAQT QEKTEGPTPI PSLAKPGVTV 540
TFSDFQDSDL IATMMPPISP APIQSDDD I PDIQTDPNG SFNPISDFPD TTSPKCPGRP 600 KSVSEINPT TQMKESYYFD LTDG S 626
The present inventors have discovered that a polypeptide corresponding to the D5 domain of HK (amino acid residues 384-508 of the mature HK sequence; underscored above) is useful as an inhibitor of angiogenesis and of various EC functions including cell proliferation.
The 125 residue D5 domain therefore has the sequence SEQ ID NO:2:
VSPPHTSMAP AQDEERDSGK EQGHTRRHDW GHEKQRKHNL GHGHKHERDQ 50 GHGHQRGHGL GHGHEQQHGL GHGHKFKLDD DLEHQGGHVL DHGH HKHGH 100 GHGKHK KGK KNGKHNGWKT EHLAS 125
Takagaki,Y et al, J. Biol. Chem. 250:8601-8609 (1985) disclosed a cDNA clone encoding mature form of HK. The D5 coding region of this molecule is SEQ ID NO:3) is: gta agt cca ccc cac act tec atg gca cct gca caa gat gaa gag egg gat tea gga aaa gaa caa ggg cat act cgt aga cat gac tgg ggc cat gaa aaa caa aga aaa cat aat ctt ggc cat ggc cat aaa cat gaa cgt gac caa ggg cat ggg cac caa aga gga cat ggc ctt ggc cat gga cac gaa caa cag cat ggt ctt ggt cat gga cat aag ttc aaa ctt gat gat gat ctt gaa cac caa ggg ggc cat gtc ctt gac cat gga cat aag cat aag cat ggt cat ggc cac gga aaa cat aaa aat aaa ggc aaa aag aat gga aag cac aat ggt tgg aaa aca gag cat ttg gca age
In addition to the native D5 domain polypeptide itself, fragments, variants, fusion polypeptides, or other functional derivatives of D5 including chemical derivatives and peptidomimetics are used for the same purpose. For the sake of brevity, this entire group of compounds is collectively termed "D5 polypeptides" herein.
The D5 polypeptides bind to ECs at a binding site or receptor, which is operationally termed a "D5 binding site" or "D5BS." Binding of a D5 polypeptide to a D5BS on an EC: (1) activates one or more signaling pathways leading to induction of EC apoptosis or (2) inhibits a signaling pathway required for maintenance of EC viability.
The activation or inhibition of these pathways may be direct (as a result of binding to a D5BS) or indirect (result due to displacement of an EC from the matrix architecture), hi either case, the net effect is loss of EC viability. The peptides disclosed in Zhang et al, supra, also provide scaffolds for peptidomimetic design and structure-based drug design as well as the development of orally-active anti- angiogenic molecules which may provide a novel approach to achieving therapeutic anti- angiogenic effects. Thus, one objective of the present invention is development of HK-derived peptides as peptide-based drugs or peptidomimetic-based drags. Functional Derivatives of D5
A "functional derivative" retains measurable D5 activity, preferably that of binding to a D5BS on an EC and activating a biochemical process leading to EC apoptosis or inhibiting a process required for maintenance of EC viability, which permits its utility in accordance with the present invention. "Functional derivatives" encompass "mutants," "variants," "fragments," "analogues" or "chemical derivative" of D5, defined herein, regardless of whether the terms are used in the conjunctive or the alternative herein.
A "fragment" of D5 refers to any subset of the molecule, that is, a shorter peptide. A "variant" of D5 refers to a molecule substantially identical to either the full protein or to a fragment thereof in which one or more amino acid residues have been replaced (substitution variant) or which has one or several residues deleted (deletion variant) or added (addition variant). A "fragment" of D5 refers to any subset of the molecule, that is, a shorter polypeptide of the full-length protein. A number of processes (chemical and recombinant) wall-known in the art can be used to generate fragments, mutants and variants of the isolated DNA sequence. Small subregions or fragments of the nucleic acid encoding the D5 protein, for example 1-30 bases in length, can be prepared by standard, chemical synthesis. Antisense oligonucleotides and primers for use in the generation of larger synthetic fragment.
The term "mutant" is used interchangeably with "variant." An "analogue" of D5 refers to a non- natural molecule substantially similar to either the entire molecule or a fragment thereof.
A "chemical derivative" of D5 contains additional chemical moieties not normally a part of the peptide. Covalent modifications of the peptide are included within the scope of this invention. Such modifications may be introduced into the molecule by reacting targeted amino acid residues of the peptide with an organic derivatizing agent that is capable of reacting with selected side chains or terminal residues.
A preferred functional derivative is a fusion polypeptide, a polypeptide that includes a D5 or functional fragment thereof. These are described in a separate section below. A functional "homologue" of D5 must possess the biochemical and biological activities described above for D5. In view of this functional characterization, use of homologous proteins to D5 from other species, including proteins not yet discovered, fall within the scope of the invention if these proteins have the sequence similarities and the recited biochemical and biological activity. To determine the percent identity of two amino acid sequences or of two nucleic acid sequences, the sequences are aligned for optimal comparison purposes (e.g., gaps can be introduced in one or both of a first and a second amino acid or nucleic acid sequence for optimal alignment and non-homologous sequences can be disregarded for comparison purposes). In a preferred method of alignment, Cys residues are aligned. In a preferred embodiment, the length of a sequence being compared is at least 30%, preferably at least 40%, more preferably at least 50%, even more preferably at least 60%, and even more preferably at least 70%, 80%, or 90% of the length of the reference sequence, here, the human D5 protein (SEQ ID NO:2). The amino acid residues (or nucleotides) at corresponding amino acid positions (or nucleotide) positions are then compared. When a position in the first sequence is occupied by the same amino acid residue (or nucleotide) as the corresponding position in the second sequence, then the molecules are identical at that position (as used herein amino acid or nucleic acid "identity" is equivalent to amino acid or nucleic acid "homology"). The percent identity between the two sequences is a function of the number of identical positions shared by the sequences, taking into account the number of gaps, and the length of each gap, which need to be introduced for optimal alignment of the two sequences. The comparison of sequences and determination of percent identity between two sequences can be accomplished using a mathematical algorithm. In a preferred embodiment, the percent identity between two amino acid sequences is determined using the Needleman and Wunsch (J. Mol. Biol. 45:444-453 (1970) algorithm which has been incorporated into the GAP program in the GCG software package (available at http://www.gcg.com), using either a Blossom 62 matrix or a PAM250 matrix, and a gap weight of 16, 14, 12, 10, 8, 6, or 4 and a length weight of I, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6. hi yet another preferred embodiment, the percent identity between two nucleotide sequences is determined using the GAP program in the GCG software package (available at http://www.gcg.com), using a NWSgapdna.CMP matrix and a gap weight > of 40, 50, 60, 70, or 80 and a length weight of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6. hi another embodiment, the percent identity between two amino acid or nucleotide sequences is determined using the algorithm of E. Meyers and W. Miller (CABIOS, 4:11-17 (1989)) which has been incorporated into the ALIGN program (version 2.0), using a PAM120 weight residue table, a gap length penalty of 12 and a gap penalty of 4.
The nucleic acid and protein sequences of the present invention can further be used as a "query sequence" to perform a search against public databases, for example, to identify other family members or related sequences. Such searches can be performed using the NBLAST and XBLAST programs (version 2.0) of Altschul et al (1990) J Mol. Biol 275:403-10. BLAST nucleotide searches can be performed with the NBLAST program, score = 100, wordlength = 12 to obtain nucleotide sequences homologous to human or murine D5 nucleic acid molecules. BLAST protein searches can be performed with the XBLAST program, score = 50, wordlength = 3 to obtain amino acid sequences homologous to human or murine D5 protein molecules of the invention. To obtain gapped alignments for comparison purposes, Gapped BLAST can be utilized as described in Altschul et al. (1997) Nucleic Acids Res. 25:3389-3402. When utilizing BLAST and Gapped BLAST programs, the default parameters of the respective programs (e.g.,, XBLAST and NBLAST) can be used. See http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Thus, a homologue of the D5 protein described above is characterized as having (a) functional activity of the reference D5, and (b) sequence similarity to a "native" D5 protein (such as SEQ ID NO:2), when determined above, of at least about 30%> (at the amino acid level), preferably at least about 50%, more preferably at least about 70%ι, even more preferably at least about 90%. It is within the skill in the art to obtain and express such a protein using DNA probes based on the disclosed sequences of D5. Then, the protein's biochemical and biological activity can be tested readily using art-recognized methods such as those described herein. A biological assay will indicate whether the homologue has the requisite activity to qualify as a "functional" homologue.
A preferred group of D5 variants are those in which at least one amino acid residue and preferably, only one, has been substituted by different residue. For a detailed description of protein chemistry and structure, see Schulz, GE et al, Principles of Protein Structure, Springer- Nerlag, New York, 1978, and Creighton, T.E., Proteins: Structure and Molecular Properties, W.H. Freeman & Co., San Francisco, 1983, which are hereby incorporated by reference. The types of substitutions which may be made in a D5 polypeptide molecule of the present invention may be based on analysis of the frequencies of amino acid changes between a homologous protein of different species, such as those presented in Table 1-2 of Schulz et al. (supra) and Figure 3-9 of Creighton (supra). Based on such an analysis, conservative substitutions are defined herein as exchanges within one of the following groups:
Also included in this invention are D5 peptide variants in which at least one amino acid residue and preferably, only one, has been removed and a different residue inserted in its place. For a detailed description of protein chemistry and structure, see Schulz, G.E. et al, Principles of Protein Structure, Springer-Nerlag, New York, 1979, and Creighton, T.E., Proteins: Structure and Molecular Principles, W.H. Freeman & Co., San Francisco, 1984, which are hereby incorporated by reference. The types of substitutions which may be made in the peptide molecule of the present invention are conservative substitutions and are defined herein as exchanges within one of the following groups:
1. Small aliphatic, nonpolar or slightly polar residues: e.g. , Ala, Ser, Thr, Gly;
2. Polar, negatively charged residues and their amides: e.g., Asp, Asn, Glu, Gin;
3. Polar, positively charged residues: e.g., His, Arg, Lys;
Pro, because of its unusual geometry, tightly constrains the chain. Substantial changes in functional properties are made by selecting substitutions that are less conservative, such as between, rather than within, the above groups (or two other amino acid groups not shown above), which will differ more significantly in their effect on maintaining (a) the structure of the peptide backbone in the area of the substitution (b) the charge or hydrophobicity of the molecule at the target site, or (c) the bulk of the side chain. Most substitutions according to the present invention are those which do not produce radical changes in the characteristics of the peptide molecule. Even when it is difficult to predict the exact effect of a substitution in advance of doing so, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the effect can be evaluated by routine screening assays, preferably the biological and biochemical assays described herein. Modifications of peptide properties including redox or thermal stability, hydrophobicity, susceptibility to proteolytic degradation or the tendency to aggregate with carriers or into multimers are assayed by methods well known to the ordinarily skilled artisan. Preferred variants are those that have increased stability. These changes are based on
NMR and molecular dynamic analysis, where one examines regions that are defined by the active site of D5. The capacity for motion in these structures is considered along with the impact of restraining the motion at particular sites on rigidity and biological activity of the molecule. Conventional approaches of protein engineering are applied. In one embodiment, stability is increased by introducing one or more Cys residues into strategic positions , where the formation of disulfide bonds between two Cys residues increases stability. Another approach is based on introduction of residues that form α helices at sites that do not impede the polypeptide's biological activity, for example at the N- and C- termini. These helices have a charged face and a hydrophobic face, and because of the highly charged nature of the polypeptide, hydrophobic residues in the helices will enter into from helix-helix interactions that further stabilize the polypeptide.
Chemical Derivatives of D5
"Chemical derivatives" of D5 contain additional chemical moieties not normally apart of the peptide. Covalent modifications of the peptide are included within the scope of this invention. Such modifications may be introduced into the molecule by reacting targeted amino acid residues of the peptide with an organic derivatizing agent that is capable of reacting with selected side chains or terminal residues.
Capped polypeptides discussed below are examples of preferred chemical derivatives of a "natural" uncapped polypeptide. Any of the present combination of substitution or addition variants may be capped with any of the capping groups disclosed herein. Other examples of chemical derivatives of the polypeptide follow. Lysinyl and amino terminal residues are derivatized with succinic or other carboxylic acid anhydrides. Derivatization with a cyclic carboxylic anhydride has the effect of reversing the charge of the lysinyl residues. Other suitable reagents for derivatizing α-amino-containing residues include imidoesters such as methyl picolinimidate; pyridoxal phosphate; pyridoxal; chloroborohydride; trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid; O-methylisourea; 2,4 pentanedione; and transaminase-catalyzed reaction with glyoxylate.
Carboxyl side groups, aspartyl or glutamyl, may be selectively modified by reaction with carbodiimides (R-N:=C=N-R') such as l-cyclohexyl-3-(2-morpholinyl-(4-ethyl) carbodiimide or l-ethyl-3-(4-azonia-4,4-dimethylpentyl) carbodiimide. Furthermore, aspartyl and glutamyl residues can be converted to asparaginyl and glutaminyl residues by reaction with ammonia.
Other modifications include hydroxylation of proline and lysine, phosphorylation of hydroxyl groups of seryl or threonyl residues, methylation of the amino group of lysine (Creighton, supra, pp. 79-86 ), acetylation of the N-terminal amine, and amidation of the C- teπninal carboxyl groups.
Multimeric Peptides
The present invention also includes longer peptides in which a sequence from D5 or a variant thereof is repeated from about two to about 100 times, with or without intervening spacers or linkers. A multimer of the peptide referred to symbolically in this section as D5 is shown by the following formula
(D5-Xm )n-D5 wherein m= 0 or 1, n = 1-100. X is a spacer group, consisting of 1-20 glycine residues or chemical cross-linking agents
It is understood that such multimers may be built from any of the peptide variants described herein. Moreover, a peptide multimer may comprise different combinations of peptide monomers and the disclosed substitution variants thereof. Such oiigomeric or multimeric peptides can be made by chemical synthesis or by recombinant DNA techniques as discussed herein. When produced chemically, the oligomers preferably have from 2-8 repeats of the basic polypeptide sequence. When produced recombinantly, the multimers may have as many repeats as the expression system permits, for example from two to about 100 repeats. The multimer of a D5 sequence can further be fused to another polypeptide, resulting in fusion polypeptides that include more than a single repeat of the D5 sequence..
Capped Polypeptides
Any D5 polypeptide may be blocked or capped at its amino and carboxyl termini, preferably with acetyl bound to the amino-terminal N ("Ac") and amido (-NH2 bound to the C- terminal carboxyl group ("Am")), respectively. The N-terminal capping function is preferably linked to the terminal amino function and may be selected from the group consisting of: formyl; alkanoyl, having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, such as acetyl, propionyl, butyryl; alkenoyl, having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, such as hex-3-enoyl; alkynoyl, having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, such as hex-5-ynoyl; aroyl, such as benzoyl or 1-naphthoyl; heteroaroyl, such as 3-pyrroyl or 4-quinoloyl; alkylsulfonyl, such as methanesulfonyl; arylsulfonyl, such as benzenesulfonyl or sulfanilyl; heteroarylsulfonyl, such as pyridine-4-sulfonyl; substituted alkanoyl, having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, such as 4-aminobutyryl; substituted alkenoyl, having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, such as 6-hydroxy-hex-3-enoyl; substituted alkynoyl, having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, such as 3-hydroxy-hex-5-ynoyl; substituted aroyl, such as 4-chlorobenzoyl or 8-hydroxy-naphth-2-oyl; substituted heteroaroyl, such as 2,4-dioxo- 1 ,2,3 ,4-tetrahydro-3 -methyl-quinazolin-6-oyl; substituted alkylsulfonyl, such as 2-aminoethanesulfonyl; substituted arylsulfonyl, such as 5-dimethylamino-l-naphthalenesulfonyl; substituted heteroarylsulfonyl, such as l-methoxy-6-isoquinolinesulfonyl; carbamoyl or thiocarbamoyl; substituted carbamoyl (R'-NH-CO) or substituted thiocarbamoyl (R'-NH-CS) wherein
R' is alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, substituted alkyl, substituted alkenyl, substituted alkynyl, substituted aryl, or substituted heteroaryl; substituted carbamoyl (R'-NH-CO) or substituted thiocarbamoyl (R'-NH-CS) wherein R' is alkanoyl, alkenoyl, alkynoyl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, substituted alkanoyl, substituted alkenoyl, substituted alkynoyl, substituted aroyl, or substituted heteroaroyl, all as above defined;
The C-terminal capping function can either be in an amide bond with the terminal carboxyl or in an ester bond with the terminal carboxyl. Capping functions that provide for an
1 9 1 9 amide bond are designated as NR R wherein R and R may be independently drawn from the following group: hydrogen; alkyl, preferably having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, such as methyl, ethyl, isopropyl; alkenyl, preferably having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, such as prop-2-enyl; alkynyl, preferably having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, such as prop-2-ynyl; substituted alkyl having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, such as hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, mercaptoalkyl, alkylthioalkyl, halogenoalkyl, cyanoalkyl, aminoalkyl, alkylaminoalkyl, dialkylaminoalkyl, alkanoylalkyl, carboxyalkyl, carbamoylalkyl; substituted alkenyl having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, such as hydroxyalkenyl, alkoxyalkenyl, mercaptoalkenyl, alkylthioalkenyl, halogenoalkenyl, cyanoalkenyl, aminoalkenyl, alkylaminoalkenyl, dialkylaminoalkenyl, alkanoylalkenyl, carboxyalkenyl, carbamoylalkenyl; substituted alkynyl having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, such as hydroxyalkynyl, alkoxyalkynyl, mercaptoalkynyl, alkylthioalkynyl, halogenoalkynyl, cyanoalkynyl, aminoalkynyl, alkylaminoalkynyl, dialkylaminoalkynyl, alkanoylaU ynyl, carboxyalkynyl, carbamoylalkynyl; aroylalkyl having up to 10 carbon atoms, such as phenacyl or 2-benzoylethyl; aryl, such as phenyl or 1-naphthyl; heteroaryl, such as 4-quinolyl; alkanoyl having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, such as acetyl or butyryl; aroyl, such as benzoyl; heteroaroyl, such as 3-quinoloyl; OR' or NR'R" where R' and R" are independently hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, acyl, aroyl, sulfonyl, sulfmyl, or SO2-R'" or SO-R'" where R'" is substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkenyl, or alkynyl.
Peptidomimetics
Another class of compounds useful in this regard are low molecular weight peptidomimetic compounds which influence the interactions between a D5 polypeptide and the D5BS. Such peptidomimetics may - be derived from the structure of either the free D5 or D5 bound to D5BS.
A peptidomimetic of D5 mimics the biological effect of a D5 polypeptide and may be an unnatural peptide or a non-peptide agent which has the stereochemical properties of a D5 polypeptide such that it has the binding activity or biological activity of the peptide. Hence, this invention includes compounds wherein a peptidomimetic compound is coupled to another peptide.
A peptidomimetic agent may be an um atural peptide or a non-peptide agent which recreates the stereospatial properties of the binding elements of D5 such that it has the binding activity or biological activity of D5. Similar to the linear peptides corresponding to D5, a peptidomimetic will have a binding face (which interacts with the D5BS) and a non-binding face. Again, similar to linear peptides of D5, the non-binding face of a peptidomimetic will contain functional groups which can be modified by various therapeutic moieties without modifying the binding face of the peptidomimetic. A preferred embodiment of a peptidomimetic would contain an aniline on the non-binding face of the molecule. The NH2- group of an aniline has a pKa ~ 4.5 and could therefore be modified by any NH -selective reagent without modifying any NH functional groups on the binding face of the peptidomimetic. Other peptidomimetics may not have any NH2 functional groups on their binding face and therefore, any NH2 , without regard for pKa could be displayed on the non- binding face as a site for conjugation. In addition other modifiable functional groups, such as - SH and -COOH could be incorporated into the non-binding face of a peptidomimetic as a site of conjugation. A therapeutic moiety could also be directly incorporated during the synthesis of a peptidomimetic and preferentially be displayed on the non-binding face of the molecule.
This invention also includes compounds, which retain partial peptide characteristics. For example, any proteolytically unstable bond within a peptide of the invention could be selectively replaced by a non-peptidic element such as an isostere (N-methylation; D-amino acid at a particular site) or a reduced peptide bond while the rest of the molecule retains its peptide nature.
Peptidomimetic compounds, either agonists, substrates or inhibitors, have been described for a number of bioactive peptides such as opioid peptides, NIP, thrombin, HIN protease, etc. Methods for designing and preparing peptidomimetic compounds are known in the art (Hruby, N.J., Biopolymers 33:1073-1082 (1993); Wiley, R.A. et al, Med. Res. Rev. 73:327-384 (1993); Moore et al, Adv. in Pharmacol 33:91-141 (1995); Giannis et al, Adv. in Drug Res. 29:1-78 (1997), which references are incorporated by reference in their entirety). These methods are used to make peptidomimetics that possess at least the binding capacity and specificity of the cyclic peptides and preferably also possess the biological activity. Knowledge of peptide chemistry and general organic chemistry available to those skilled in the art are sufficient, in view of the present disclosure, for designing and synthesizing such compounds.
For example, such peptidomimetics may be identified by inspection of the cystallographically-derived three-dimensional structure of a peptide of the invention either free or bound in complex with a D5BS. Alternatively, the structure of a peptide of the invention bound to D5BS can be gained by using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The better knowledge of the stereochemistry of the interaction of a peptide with its binding partner will permit the rational design of such peptidomimetic agents. D5 Fusion Polypeptides that Inhibit Angiogenesis
Fusion polypeptides of D5 have been prepared and tested for anti-angiogenic activity. Fusions with thioredoxin, calmodulin binding protein (CBP), maltose-binding protein (MBP) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) were prepared and expressed in E. coli. A small amount of each polypeptide is expressed in soluble, active form that can be purified from the E. coli inclusion body fraction.
The present inventors developed a high-yield method for extracting and refolding the fusion polypeptides from inclusion bodies, thus making this method useful for preparing a D5 fusion polypeptide for therapeutic use. One liter of E. coli culture grown to a density of 0.6 OD units/mL is in the range of 50-
100 mg of the active refolded polypeptide. The bacteria is precipitated into a pellet by centrifugation and the pellet lysed using lysozyme followed by sonication to disrupt the cell membranes. Inclusion bodies are purified from the lysate and extracted in 6 M G
Guanidine HC1 in 20 mM Tris HC1 buffer pH 7.5. The extracted polypeptide is allowed to refold by slow dilution (0.1 mL/minute into 300 mL) into 20 mM Tris HC1 pH 7.5 followed by stirring at 4 C for 24 hrs. Refolded polypeptide remains in solution under these conditions and misfolded and denatured polypeptide precipitates and can be removed by filtration or centrifugation. The further purification of D5 depends on the identity of the fusion partner and can be achieved using affinity or ion exchange chromatography. For example, the CBP-D5 fusion is predicted to have a pi of 9.0 and can thus be purified using cation exchange such as SP (sulfopropyl)-Sepharose developed at pH 8.5. Very few proteins have as basic of a pi as CBP- D5 and thus, only CBP-D5 would be positively charged at pH and capable of sticking to the column. This protocol has been used for the one-step purification of the CBP-D5 fusion to homogeneity. An active D5 fusion polypeptide can be expressed and purified in this manner regardless of fusion partner. Fusion polypeptides, as well as pure D5 cleaved from the fusion polypeptide, inhibit the proliferation of ΕCs (IC5o= 60nM) and lead in these cells to rapid induction of apoptosis (about 4 hrs to DNA laddering).
The D5 fusion polypeptides are angiogenic ΕC-selective in that they have no measurable effect on the proliferation of other cells such as aortic smooth muscle cells and liver cells (HepG2). The D5 fusion polypeptides do not affect the proliferation of non-stimulated (quiescent) ΕCs. D5 also inhibits blood vessel formation in the CAM assay.
On the basis of these activities, a D5 fusion polypeptide that binds to the D5BS on ECs and has any of the above inhibitory actions on ECs will prevent the angiogenesis that is requisite for tumor growth and will therefore exert an antitumor activity in a subject hi a preferred D5 fusion partner, the binding partner is fused to the N-terminus of D5.
A preferred D5 fusion polypeptide has a cleavable linker between the D5 portion and the fusion partner. Examples of cleavable linkers include VPRGSD (SEQ ID NO:9) and DDKDWH (SEQ ID NO: 10, cleavable by thrombin; DDKDWH, cleavable by enterokinase. Any sequence with a basic residue (K or R) in the PI position is potentially cleavable by thrombin, enterokinase, trypsin or plasmin. However, thrombin is the least promiscuous of these enzymes and is preferred. hi one embodiment, the fusion polypeptide comprises a sequence from D5 and more than one additional protein. Thus, in a fusion polypeptide as described above, the fusion partner serves as a bridge to yet another sequence that serves as a diagnostic label or as a therapeutic moiety. By distancing such a label or moiety from the D5 structure, the probability increases that the ability of the D5 portion of the fusion polypeptide to bind to a D5BS will remain intact. Diagnostic labels and therapeutic moieties are disclosed in more detail below.
AU the foregoing polypeptides, as well as their variants and chemical derivatives, including peptidomimetics, must bind to endothelial cells or a fraction of these cells that contains the D5BS, preferably with an IC5o ≤ lOμM, more preferably < lμM. This activity is characterized in greater detail below.
AU the foregoing polypeptides, fusion polypeptides or other functional derivatives and chemical derivatives including peptidomimetics and multimeric peptides must have the biological activity or biochemical (e.g.,, binding activity) of the native D5 domain polypeptide of HK as follows: at least about 20% of the activity of native D5 in an in vitro assay of endothelial cell growth or cell viability or of angiogenesis. Alternatively, or in addition, these derivatives should compete with labeled D5 polypeptide (with an IC5o <10μM, more preferably < lμM) for binding to a ligand or binding partner, preferably the D5BS, when tested in a binding assay with whole endothelial cells or cell fractions, an isolated D5BS-containing polypeptide or peptide, or any other such binding molecule. RECOMBINANT EXPRESSION OF D5 AND FUSION POLYPEPTIDES THEREOF
D5 polypeptides and fusion polypeptides are preferably produced using conventional recombinant DNA techniques
Expression Vectors and Host Cells This invention includes an expression vector comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding a D5 polypeptide operably linked to at least one regulatory sequence. "Operably linked" means that the coding sequence is linked to a regulatory sequence in a manner that allows expression of the coding sequence. Known regulatory sequences are selected to direct expression of the desired protein in an appropriate host cell. Accordingly, the term "regulatory sequence" includes promoters, enhancers and other expression control elements. Such regulatory sequences are described in, for example, Goeddel, Gene Expression Technology. Methods in Enzymology, vol. 185, Academic Press, San Diego, Calif. (1990)).
Those skilled in the art appreciate that the particular design of an expression vector of this invention depends on considerations such as the host cell to be transfected and/or the type of protein to be expressed.
The present expression vectors comprise the full range of nucleic acid molecules encoding the various embodiments of D5: full length protein and its functional derivatives (defined herein) including polypeptide fragments, variants, fusion polypeptides, etc. Thus, in one embodiment, the expression vector comprises a nucleic acid encoding at least a portion of the D5 protein, alone or fused to another protein.
Such expression vectors are used to transfect host cells for expression of the DNA and production of the encoded polypeptides which include fusion polypeptides or peptides. It will be understood that a genetically modified cell expressing the D5 polypeptide may transiently express the exogenous DNA for a time sufficient for the cell to be useful for its stated purpose. The length of time that expression is required, or that the cell remain alive, is the time necessary for the cell to exert its stimulatory or inhibitory function. For example, in the case of a transduced cell expressing D5, expression of D5 may be for as little as 6 hours, preferably 24 hours, more preferably for at least 2-4 days. Of course, expression may also be stable (i.e., for the life of the cell). Appropriate expression vectors and regulatory elements (e.g., inducible or constitutive promoters) discussed below are selected in accordance with the desired or required stability of expression. The present in invention provides methods for producing the D5 polypeptide, fragments and derivatives. For example, a host cell transfected with a nucleic acid vector that encodes at least a portion of the D5 protein is cultured under appropriate conditions to allow expression of D5 polypeptide. Host cells may also be transfected with one or more expression vectors that singly or in combination comprise DNA encoding at least a portion of the D5 protein and DNA encoding at least a portion of a second protein, so that the host cells produce fusion polypeptides that include both the portions.
When the recombinant expression vector comprises DNA encoding a portion of D5 and DNA encoding another protein, the resulting fusion polypeptide may have altered solubility, binding affinity and/or valency. A D5 Ig fusion polypeptide, for example, is preferably secreted by transfected host cells in cultures and is therefor isolated from the culture medium. Alternatively, if protein is retained in the cytoplasm, the cells are harvested and lysed and the protein isolated from this lysate. A culture typically includes host cells, appropriate growth media and other byproducts.
Suitable culture media are well known in the art. D5 protein can be isolated from medium or cell lysates using conventional techniques for purifying proteins and peptides, including ammonium sulfate precipitation, fractionation column cliromatography (e.g. ion exchange, gel filtration, affinity chromatography, etc.) and/or electrophoresis (see generally, "Enzyme Purification and Related Techniques", Methods in Enzymology, 22: 233-577 (1971)). Once purified, partially or to homogeneity, the recombinant D5 polypeptides of the invention can be utilized in pharmaceutical compositions as described in more detail herein.
Prokaryotic or eukaryotic host cells transformed or transfected to express D5 or a homologue or functional derivative thereof are within the scope of the invention. For example, D5 may be expressed in bacterial cells such as E. coli, insect cells (baculovims), yeast, or mammalian cells such as Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO) or human cells. Other suitable host cells may be found in Goeddel, (1990) supra or are otherwise known to those skilled in the art.
Expression in eukaryotic cells leads to partial or complete glycosylation and/or formation of relevant inter- or intra-chain disulfide bonds of the recombinant protein. Examples of vectors for expression in yeast S. cerevisiae include pYepSecl (Baldari et al, (1987) EMBO J. 6:229-234), pMFa (Kurjan et al. (1982) Cell 30:933-943), pJRY88 (Schultz et al, (1987) Gene 54:113-123), and pYES2 (Invitrogen Corporation, San Diego, Calif). Baculovirus vectors available for expression of proteins in cultured insect cells (SF 9 cells) include the pAc series (Smith et al, (1983) Mol. Cell Biol. 3: 2156-2165,) and the pVL series (Lucklow, V. A., and Summers, M. D., (1989) Virology 170: 31-39). Generally, COS cells (Gluzman, Y., (1981) Cell 23: 175-182) are used in conjunction with such vectors as pCDM 8 (Aruffo A. and Seed, B., supra, for transient amplification/expression in mammalian cells, while CHO ( A/r-negative CHO) cells are used with vectors such as pMT2PC (Kaufman et al. (1987), EMBO J. 6: 187-195) for stable amplification/expression in mammalian cells. The NSO myeloma cell line (a glutamine synthetase expression system.) is available from Celltech Ltd. Often, in fusion expression vectors, a proteolytic cleavage site is introduced at the junction of the two fusion partner polypeptides to enable separation of the target protein from the partner sequence after purification of the fusion polypeptide. As discussed herein, proteolytic enzymes for such cleavage and their recognition sequences include Factor Xa, thrombin and enterokinase.
Typical fusion expression vectors include pGEX (Amrad Corp., Melbourne, Australia), pMAL (New England Biolabs, Beverly, Mass.) and pRIT5 (Pharmacia, Piscataway, N.J.) which fuse glutathione S-transferase, maltose E binding protein, or protein A, respectively, to the target recombinant protein.
Inducible non-fusion expression vectors include pTrc (Amann et al, (1988) Gene 69: 301-315) and pET lid (Studier et al. , Gene Expression Technology: Methods in Enzymology 185, Academic Press, San Diego, Calif. (1990) 60-89). While target gene expression relies on host RNA polymerase transcription from the hybrid trp-lac fusion promoter in pTrc, expression of target genes inserted into pET lid relies on transcription from the T7 gnlO-lacO fusion promoter mediated by coexpressed viral RNA polymerase (T7gnl). Th is viral polymerase is supplied by host strains BL21(DE3) or HMS174(DE3) from a resident λ prophage harboring a T7gnl under the transcriptional control of the lacUV 5 promoter.
One embodiment of this invention is a transfected cell which expresses D5 de novo. In the case of a cell already expressing D5, the transfected cell expresses increased amounts of D5 proteins or fragments thereof. For example, a tumor cell such as a sarcoma, melanoma, leukemia, lymphoma, carcinoma or neuroblastoma is transfected with an expression vector directing the expression of D5 on the tumor cell surface. Vector Construction
Construction of suitable vectors containing the desired coding and control sequences employs standard ligation and restriction techniques which are well understood in the art. Isolated plasmids, DNA sequences, or synthesized oligonucleotides are cleaved, tailored, and re- ligated in the form desired.
The DNA sequences which form the vectors are available from a number of sources. Backbone vectors and control systems are generally found on available "host" vectors which are used for the bulk of the sequences in construction. For the pertinent coding sequence, initial construction may be, and usually is, a matter of retrieving the appropriate sequences from cDNA or genomic DNA libraries. However, once the sequence is disclosed it is possible to synthesize the entire gene sequence in vitro starting from the individual nucleotide derivatives. The entire gene sequence for genes of sizeable length, e.g., 500-1000 bp may be prepared by synthesizing individual overlapping complementary oligonucleotides and filling in single stranded nonoverlapping portions using DNA polymerase in the presence of the dNTPs. This approach has been used successfully in the construction of several genes of known sequence. See, for example, Edge, M. D., Nature (1981) 292:756; Nambair, K. P., et al, Science (1984) 223:1299; and Jay, E., JBiol Chem (1984) 259:6311.
Synthetic oligonucleotides are prepared by either the phosphotriester method as described by references cited above or the phosphoramidite method as described by Beaucage, S. L., and Caruthers, M. H., Tet Lett (1981) 22:1859; and Matteucci, M. D., and Caruthers, M. H., J^4m Chem Soc (1981) 103:3185 and can be prepared using commercially available automated oligonucleotide synthesizers. Kinase treatment of single strands prior to annealing or for labeling is achieved using an excess of polynucleotide kinase to 1 nmole substrate in the presence of appropriate buffers, salts, etc., andγ-32P-ATP. Once the components of the desired vectors are thus available, they can be excised and ligated using standard restriction and ligation procedures. Site-specific DNA cleavage is performed by treating with the suitable restriction enzyme (or enzymes) under conditions which are generally understood in the art, and the particulars of which are specified by the manufacturer of these commercially available restriction enzymes. See, e.g., New England Biolabs, Product Catalog. In general, about 1 mg of plasmid or DNA sequence is cleaved by one unit of enzyme in about 20 ml of buffer solution; in the examples herein, typically, an excess of restriction enzyme is used to insure complete digestion of the DNA substrate. Incubation times of about one hour to two hours at about 37°C. are workable, although variations can be tolerated. After each incubation, protein is removed by extraction with phenol/chloroform, and may be followed by ether extraction, and the nucleic acid recovered from aqueous fractions by precipitation with ethanol. If desired, size separation of the cleaved fragments may be performed by polyacrylamide gel or agarose gel electrophoresis using standard techniques. A general description of size separations is found in Methods in Enzymology (1980) 65:499-560.
Restriction cleaved fragments may be blunt ended by treating with the large fragment of E. coli DNA polymerase I (Klenow) in the presence of the four dNTPs using known concentrations, incubation times and conditions. The Klenow fragment fills in at 5 ' single- stranded overhangs but chews back protruding 3 ' single strands, even though the four dNTPs are present. If desired, selective repair can be performed by supplying only one of the, or selected, dNTPs within the limitations dictated by the nature of the overhang. After treatment with Klenow, the mixture is extracted with phenol/chloroform and ethanol precipitated. Treatment under appropriate conditions with SI nuclease or BAL-31 results in hydrolysis of any single- stranded portion.
Ligations are typically performed in 15-50 ml volumes under conditions and temperatures known to be appropriate for "sticky end" or "blunt end" ligation.
In vector construction employing "vector fragments", the fragment is commonly treated with bacterial alkaline phosphatase or calf intestinal alkaline phosphatase to remove the 5' phosphate and prevent self-ligation. Re-ligation can be prevented in vectors which have been double digested by additional restriction enzyme and separation of the unwanted fragments.
Any of a number of methods are used to introduce mutations into the coding sequence to generate the variants of the invention. These mutations include simple deletions or insertions, systematic deletions, insertions or substitutions of clusters of bases or substitutions of single bases.
For example, modifications of D5 DNA sequence (cDNA or genomic DNA) are created by site-directed mutagenesis, a well-known technique for which protocols and reagents are commercially available (ZoUer, MJ et al, Nucleic Acids Res (1982) 10:6487-6500 and Adehnan, JP et al, DNA (1983) 2:183-193)). Correct ligations for plasmid construction are confirmed, for example, by first transforming E. coli strain MC1061 (Casadaban, M., et al, JMol Biol (1980) 138: 179-207) or other suitable host with the ligation mixture. Using conventional methods, transformants are selected based on the presence of the ampicillin-, tetracycline- or other antibiotic resistance gene (or other selectable marker) depending on the mode of plasmid construction. Plasmids are then prepared from the transformants with optional chloramphenicol amplification optionally following chloramphenicol amplification ((Clewell, DB et al. , Proc Natl Acad Sci USA (1969) 62:1159; Clewell, D. B., J Bacteriol (1972) 110:667). Several mini DNA preps are commonly used. See, e.g.,, Holmes, DS, et al, Anal Biochem (1981) 114:193- 197; Birnboim, HC et al. , Nucleic Acids Res (1979) 7:1513-1523. The isolated DNA is analyzed by restriction and/or sequenced by the dideoxy nucleotide method of Sanger (Proc Natl Acad Sci USA (1977) 74:5463) as further described by Messing, et al, Nucleic Acids Res (1981) 9:309, or by the method of Maxam et al. Methods in Enzymology (1980) 65:499. Vector DNA can be introduced into mammalian cells via conventional techniques such as calcium phosphate or calcium chloride co-precipitation, DEAE-dextran-mediated transfection, lipofection, or electroporation. Suitable methods for transforming host cells can be found in Sambrook et al. supra and other standard texts.
Often, in fusion expression vectors, a proteolytic cleavage site is introduced at the junction of the reporter group and the target protein to enable separation of the target protein from the reporter group subsequent to purification of the fusion protein. Proteolytic enzymes for such cleavage and their recognition sequences include Factor Xa, thrombin and enterokinase.
Typical fusion expression vectors include pGEX (Amrad Corp., Melbourne, Australia), pMAL (New England Biolabs, Beverly, Mass.) and pRIT5 (Pharmacia, Piscataway, N.J.) which fuse glutathione S-transferase, maltose E binding protein, or protein A, respectively, to the target recombinant protein.
Inducible non-fusion expression vectors include pTrc (Amann et al, (1988) Gene 69: 301-315) and pET lid (Srudier et al, Gene Expression Technology: Methods in Enzymology 185, Academic Press, San Diego, Calif. (1990) 60-89). While target gene expression relies on host RNA polymerase transcription from the hybrid trp-lac fusion promoter in pTrc, expression of target genes inserted into pET lid relies on transcription from the T7 gnlO-lacO fusion promoter mediated by coexpressed viral RNA polymerase (T7gnl). Th is viral polymerase is supplied by host strains BL21(DE3) or HMS174(DE3) from a resident λ prophage harboring a T7gnl under the transcriptional control of the lacUV 5 promoter. Promoters and Enhancers
A promoter region of a DNA or RNA molecule binds RNA polymerase and promotes the transcription of an "operably linked" nucleic acid sequence. As used herein, a "promoter sequence" is the nucleotide sequence of the promoter which is found on that strand of the DNA or RNA which is transcribed by the RNA polymerase. Two sequences of a nucleic acid molecule, such as a promoter and a coding sequence, are "operably linked" when they are linked to each other in a manner which permits both sequences to be transcribed onto the same RNA transcript or permits an RNA transcript begun in one sequence to be extended into the second sequence. Thus, two sequences, such as a promoter sequence and a coding sequence of DNA or RNA are operably linked if transcription commencing in the promoter sequence will produce an RNA transcript of the operably linked coding sequence. In order to be "operably linked" it is not necessary that two sequences be immediately adjacent to one another in the linear sequence. The preferred promoter sequences of the present invention must be operable in mammalian cells and may be either eukaryotic or viral promoters. Suitable promoters may be inducible, repressible or constitutive. An example of a constitutive promoter is the viral promoter MSV-LTR, which is efficient and active in a variety of cell types, and, in contrast to most other promoters, has the same enhancing activity in arrested and growing cells. Other preferred viral promoters include that present in the CMV-LTR (from cytomegalovirus) (Bashart, M. et al, Cell 41:52 (1985)) or in the RSV-LTR (from Rous sarcoma viras) (Gorman, CM., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 79:6111 (1982). Also useful are the promoter of the mouse metallothionein I gene (Hamer, D., et al, J. Mol. Appl Gen. 7:273-288 (1982)); the TK promoter of Herpes virus (McKnight, S., Cell 37:355-365 (1982)); the SV40 early promoter (Benoist, C, et al, Nature 290:304-310 (1981)); and the yeast gal4 gene promoter (Johnston, S.A., et al, Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. (USA) 79:6971-6975 (1982); Silver, P.A., et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (USA) 57:5951-5955 (1984)). Other illustrative descriptions of transcriptional factor association with promoter regions and the separate activation and DNA binding of transcription factors include: Keegan et al, Nature (1986) 237:699; Fields et al, Nature (1989) 340:245; Jones, Cell (1990) 57:9; Lewin, Cell (1990) 57:1161; Ptashne et al, Nature (1990) 346:329;
Adams et al, Cell (1993) 72:306. The relevant disclosure of all of these above-listed references is hereby incorporated by reference.
The promoter region may further include an octamer region which may also function as a tissue specific enhancer, by interacting with certain proteins found in the specific tissue. The enhancer domain of the DNA construct of the present invention is one which is specific for the target cells to be transfected, or is highly activated by cellular factors of such target cells. Examples of vectors (plasmid or retrovirus) are disclosed in (Roy-Burman et al, U.S. Patent No. 5,112,767). For a general discussion of enhancers and their actions in transcription, see, Lewin, B.M., Genes IV, Oxford University Press, Oxford, (1990), pp. 552-576. Particularly useful are retroviral enhancers (e.g., viral LTR). The enhancer is preferably placed upstream from the promoter with which it interacts to stimulate gene expression. For use with retroviral vectors, the endogenous viral LTR may be rendered enhancer-less and substituted with other desired enhancer sequences which confer tissue specificity or other desirable properties such as transcriptional efficiency on the D5-encoding DNA molecule of the present invention.
The nucleic acid sequences of the invention can also be chemically synthesized using standard techniques. Various methods of chemically synthesizing polydeoxynucleotides are known, including solid-phase synthesis which, like peptide synthesis, has been fully automated with commercially available DNA synthesizers (See, e.g., Itakura et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,598,049; Caruthers et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,458,066; and Itakura U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,401,796 and 4,373,071, incorporated by reference herein).
Hybridization is preferably performed under "stringent conditions" which means (1) employing low ionic strength and high temperature for washing, for example, 0.015 sodium chloride/0.0015 M sodium citrate/0.1% sodium dodecyl sulfate at 50°C, or (2) employing during hybridization a denaturing agent, such as formamide, for example, 50% (vol/vol) formamide with 0.1%) bovine serum albumin/0.1% FicoU/0.1% polyvinylpyrrolidone/50 nM sodium phosphate buffer at pH 6.5 with 750 mM sodium chloride, 75 mM sodium citrate at 42C. Another example is use of 50% formamide, 5 x SSC (0.75 M NaCl, 0.075 M sodium citrate), 50mM sodium phosphate (pH 6/8), 0.1% sodium pyrophosphate, 5 x Denhardt's solution, sonicated salmon sperm DNA (50 μg/ml), 0.1% SDS, and 10% dextran sulfate at 42°C, with washes at 42C. in 0.2 x SSC and 0.1% SDS. Yet another example is hybridization using a buffer of 10% dextran sulfate, 2 x SSC and 50% formamide at 55°C, followed by a high-stringency wash consisting of 0.1 x SSC containing EDTA at 55°C
The present invention also includes cells containing and/or expressing the DNA encoding the D5 polypeptides of the present invention, including prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and in particular, bacterial, plant, yeast, worm, insect, mouse or other rodent, and other mammalian cells, including human cells, of various types and lineages, whether frozen or in active growth, whether in culture or in a whole organism containing them.
Preferred mammalian cells may be primate, particularly human, but can be associated with any animal of interest, particularly domesticated animals, such as equine, bovine, murine, ovine, canine, feline, etc. Among these species, various types of cells can be used such as hematopoietic, neural, mesenchymal, cutaneous, mucosal, stromal, muscle, spleen, reticuloendothelial, epithelial, endothelial, hepatic, kidney, gastrointestinal, pulmonary, etc. Hematopoietic cells may be lymphoid or myelomonocytic lineages, including T and B lymphocytes, macrophages and monocytes, myoblasts and fibroblasts. Also of interest are stem and progenitor cells. DELIVERY OF D5 DNA TO CELLS AND ANIMALS
DNA delivery, for example to effect what is also known colloquially as "gene therapy" involves introduction of a "foreign" DNA into a cell and ultimately, into a live animal. Several general strategies for gene therapy have been studied and have been reviewed extensively
(Yang, N-S., Crit. Rev. Biotechnol 72:335-356 (1992); Anderson, W.F., Science 255:808-813 (1992); Miller, A.S., Nature 357:455-460 (1992); Crystal, R.G., Amer. J. Med. 92(suppl 54):44S-52S (1992); Zwiebel, J.A. et al, Ann. NY. Acad. Sci. 575:394-404 (1991); McLachlin, J.R. et al, Prog. Nucl Acid Res. Molec. Biol. 35:91-135 (1990); Kohn, D.B. et al, Cancer Invest. 7:179-192 (1989), which references are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety).
One approach comprises nucleic acid transfer into primary cells in culture followed by autologous transplantation of the ex vivo transformed cells into the host, either systemically or into a particular organ or tissue. For accomplishing the objectives of the present invention, nucleic acid therapy would be accomplished by direct transfer of a the functionally active DNA into mammalian somatic tissue or organ in vivo. DNA transfer can be achieved using a number of approaches described below. These systems can be tested for successful expression in vitro by use of a selectable marker (e.g., G418 resistance) to select transfected clones expressing the DNA, followed by detection of the presence of the D5 expression product (after treatment with the inducer in the case of an inducible system) using an antibody to the product in an appropriate immunoassay. Efficiency of the procedure, including DNA uptake, plasmid integration and stability of integrated plasmids, can be improved by linearizing the plasmid DNA using known methods, and co- transfection using high molecular weight mammalian DNA as a "carrier". Examples of successful "gene transfer" reported in the art include: (a) direct injection of plasmid DNA into mouse muscle tissues, which led to expression of marker genes for an indefinite period of time (Wolff, J.A. et al, Science 247:1465 (1990); Acsadi, G. et al, The New Biologist 3:71 (1991)); (b) retroviral vectors-are effective for in vivo and in situ infection of blood vessel tissues; (c) portal vein injection and direct injection of retroviras preparations into liver effected gene transfer and expression in vivo (Horzaglou, M. et al, J. Biol. Chem. 255:17285 (1990); Koleko, M. et al, Human Gene Therapy 2:27 (1991); Ferry, N. et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 88:8387 (1991)); (d) intratracheal infusion of recombinant adenoviras into lung tissues was effective for in vivo transfer and prolonged expression of foreign genes in lung respiratory epithelium (Rosenfeld, M.A. et al, Science 252:431 (1991); (e) Herpes simplex viras vectors achieved in vivo gene transfer into brain tissue (Ahmad, F. et al, eds, Miami Short Reports - Advances in Gene Technology: The Molecular Biology of Human Genetic Disease, Vol 1, Boehringer Manneheim Biochemicals, USA, 1991).
Rerroviral-mediated human therapy utilizes amphotrophic, replication-deficient retroviras systems (Temin, H.M., Human Gene Therapy 7:111 (1990); Temin et al, U.S. Patent 4,980,289; Temin et al, U.S. Patent 4,650,764; Temin et al, U.S. Patent No. 5,124,263; Wills, J.W. U.S. Patent 5,175,099; Miller, A.D., U.S. Patent No. 4,861,719). Such vectors have been used to introduce functional DNA into human cells or tissues, for example, the adenosine deaminase gene into lymphocytes, the NPT-II gene and the gene for tumor necrosis factor into tumor infiltrating lymphocytes. Retrovirus-mediated gene delivery generally requires target cell proliferation for gene transfer (Miller, D.G. et al, Mol. Cell. Biol. 70:4239 (1990). This condition is met by certain of the preferred target cells into which the present DNA molecules are to be introduced, i.e., actively growing tumor cells. Gene therapy of cystic fibrosis using transfection by plasmids using any of a number of methods and by retroviral vectors has been described by Collins et al, U.S. Patent 5,240,846.
The DNA molecules encoding the D5 sequences may be packaged into retroviras vectors using packaging cell lines that produce replication-defective retrovirases, as is well-known in the art (see, for example, Cone, R.D. et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 81 :6349-6353 (1984); Mann, R.F. et al, Cell 33:153-159 (1983); Miller, A.D. et al, Molec. Cell. Biol. 5:431-437 (1985),; Sorge, J., et al, Molec. Cell. Biol 4:1730-1737 (1984); Hock, R.A. et al, Nature 320:257 (1986); Miller, A.D. et al, Molec. Cell. Biol. 6:2895-2902 (1986). Newer packaging cell lines which are efficient an safe for gene transfer have also been described (Bank et al, U.S. 5,278,056.
This approach can be utilized in a site specific manner to deliver the retroviral vector to the tissue or organ of choice. Thus, for example, a catheter delivery system can be used (Nabel, EG et al, Science 244:1342 (1989)). Such methods, using either a retroviral vector or a liposome vector, are particularly useful to deliver the nucleic acid to be expressed to a blood vessel wall, or into the blood circulation of a tumor.
Other viras vectors may also be used, including recombinant adenovirases (Horowitz, M.S., In: Virology, Fields, BN et al, eds, Raven Press, New York, 1990, p. 1679; Berkner, K.L., Biotechniques 6:616 9191988), Strauss, S.E., h : The Adenovirus es, Ginsberg, HS, ed., Plenum Press, New York, 1984, chapter 11), herpes simplex viras (HSV) for neuron-specific delivery and persistence. Advantages of adenovirus vectors for human gene therapy include the fact that recombination is rare, no human malignancies are known to be associated with such viruses, the adenovirus genome is double stranded DNA which can be manipulated to accept foreign genes of up to 7.5 kb in size, and live adenoviras is a safe human vaccine organisms. Adeno- associated viras is also useful for human therapy (Samulski, R.J. et al, EMBO J. 70:3941 (1991) according to the present invention.
Another vector which can express the DNA molecule of the present invention, and is useful in the present therapeutic setting, particularly in humans, is vaccinia viras, which can be rendered non-replicating (U.S. Patents 5,225,336; 5,204,243; 5,155,020; 4,769,330; Sutler, G et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (1992) 59:10847-10851; Fuerst, T.R. et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (1989) 55:2549-2553; Falkner F.G. et /.; Nucl Acids Res (1987) 75:7192; Chakrabarti, S et al, Molec. Cell. Biol. (1985) 5:3403-3409). Descriptions of recombinant vaccinia viruses and other virases containing heterologous DNA and their uses in immunization and DNA therapy are reviewed in: Moss, B., Curr. Opin. Genet. Dev. (1993) 3:86-90; Moss, B. Biotechnology (1992) 20: 345-362; Moss, B., Curr Top Microbiol Immunol (1992) 755:25-38; Moss, B., Science (1991) 252:1662-1667; Piccini, A et al, Adv. Virus Res. (1988) 34:43-64; Moss, B. et al, Gene Amplif Anal (1983) 3:201-213. In addition to naked DNA or RNA, or viral vectors, engineered bacteria may be used as vectors. A number of bacterial strains including Salmonella, BCG and Listeria monocytogenes(IM) (Hoiseth & Stacker, Nature 291, 238-239 (1981); Poirier, TP et al. J. Exp. Med. 168, 25-32 (1988); (Sadoff, J.C., et al, Science 240, 336-338 (1988); Stover, C.K., et al, Nature 351, 456-460 (1991); Aldovini, A. et al.„ Nature 351, 479-482 (1991); Schafer, R., et al, J. Immunol. 149, 53-59 (1992); Ikonomidis, G. et al, J. Exp. Med. 180, 2209-2218 (1994)). In addition to virus-mediated gene transfer in vivo, physical means well-known in the art can be used for direct transfer of DNA, including administration of plasmid DNA (Wolff et al, 1990, supra) and particle-bombardment mediated gene transfer (Yang, N.-S., et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 57:9568 (1990); Williams, R.S. et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 55:2726 (1991); Zelenin, AN. et al, FEBSLett. 280:94 (1991); Zelenin, A.N. et al, FEBSLett. 244:65 (1989); Johnston, S.A. et al, In Vitro Cell. Dev. Biol. 27:11 (1991)). Furthermore, electroporation, a well-known means to transfer genes into cell in vitro, can be used to transfer DΝA molecules according to the present invention to tissues in vivo (Titomirov, A.N. et al, Biochim. Biophys. Acta 7055:131 ((1991)).
"Carrier mediated gene transfer" has also been described (Wu, CH. et al, J. Biol. Chem. 264:16985 (1989); Wu, G.Y. et al, J. Biol. Chem. 263:14621 (1988); Soriano, P. et al, Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 50:7128 (1983); Wang, C-Y. et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 84:1851 (1982); Wilson, J.M. et al, J. Biol. Chem. 267:963 (1992)). Preferred carriers are targeted liposomes (Νicolau, C. et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 50:1068 (1983); Soriano et al, supra) such as immunoliposomes, which can incorporate acylated mAbs into the lipid bilayer (Wang et al, supra). Polycations such as asialoglycoprotein/polylysine (Wu et al, 1989, supra) may be used, where the conjugate includes a molecule which recognizes the target tissue (e.g., asialoorosomucoid for liver) and a DΝA binding compound to bind to the DΝA to be transfected. Polylysine is an example of a DΝA binding molecule which binds DΝA without damaging it. This conjugate is then complexed with plasmid DΝA according to the present invention for transfer. Plasmid DΝA used for transfection or microinj ection may be prepared using methods well-known in the art, for example using the Quiagen procedure (Quiagen), followed by DΝA purification using known methods.
Again, as noted above, for the utility of transduced D5 molecules according to this invention may not require stable expression. Rather, transient expression of the polypeptide may be sufficient for transduced cells to perform their biological/pharmacological function.
ASSAY METHODS
A number of conventional techniques useful for evaluating the biological and pharmacological activities of the D5 polypeptides are described below. Endothelial Cell Proliferation.
HUVEC or HDMNEC (purchased from Cell Systems or Clonetics) are plated at a density of 3,000 cells per well in gelatin-coated 96 well plates. The cells are allowed to adhere and spread (4-6 hours at 37° C). The medium is then removed and replaced with fresh Ml 99 containing 2% FBS, 10 ng/ml recombinant human bFGF and various concentrations of test peptide.
In selected studies, similar concentrations of other EC growth factors, such as NEGF, is used. Cells are then be cultured for an additional 48 hours at 37° C, at which time the relative cell numbers in each well is determined using the Cell Titer® Aque0us cell proliferation assay (Promega). Briefly, 20 μl of a 19:1 (V/V) mixture of (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3- carboxymethylphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) and phenazine methosulfate (PMS) are be added to each well, and after an additional hour of incubation, ^o is measured. The present inventor has quantitated ECs following incubation with HKa using both this method and manual cell counting, and observed a direct linear correlation.
The percent inhibition of proliferation will be calculated as previously described (Zhang et al, supra), using the formula:
% inhibition = ______(AA. _ (+GF, HKa')__A 90 f-GFu1 x 100. (AΛ9. (+GF) " A C10 (-GF)))
Endothelial Cell Migration
These studies are performed using a 96-well migration apparatus (Νeuro-Probe). Briefly, wells of a 96-well microplate are filled with Ml 99 containing 10 ng/ml VEGF. The microplate is then placed into an acrylic chamber, and a polycarbonate filter (0.8 μM pore size), precoated with fibronectin or type I collagen, is placed over the top of the microplate (this filter covers the entire plate). The hinged lid of the migration chamber, which contains 96 holes that align directly with the microplate wells, is then closed over the filter and clamped tightly. HDMVEC, which are significantly more active in migration assays than HUVEC, are added to the "wells" of the lid, at a concentration of 50,000 cells/well. The migration apparatus is then incubated at 37°C for 6 hours, at which time the filter is removed and stained with Giemsa. After washing, the filter is placed directly in a microplate reader, and the OD54o measured.
The sensitivity of this assay may be increased, and the time required for migration reduced, by preloading cells with Calcein-acetoxymethyl ester (Molecular Probes). This lipophilic compound traverses cell membranes, where intracellular hydrolysis releases the fluorescent, charged calcein moiety. Since the latter leaks from cells only slowly, it may be used to quantitate cells using a fluorescent plate reader. Percent inhibition is calculated as: (# Migr&ted cells with VEGF + test agent x 100 (#Mι/grated cells with VEGF only)
Endothelial cell apoptosis.
These studies will performed after identifying peptides which inhibit EC proliferation, to determine if, as w/ϊth the parent molecule, these effects reflect the induction of EC apoptosis. Apoptosis (is detected using DAPI staining, DNA fragmentation or Annexin 5 binding to treated cells. These methods will be performed as previously described (Zhang et al.., supra). Cells treated with D5 fusions or peptides derived from D5 rapidly commit to apoptosis (within 4-8 ho,urs). HUNEC or HDMVEC (purchased from Cell Systems or Clonetics) are plated at a density of 3,000 cells per well in gelatin-coated 96 well plates. The cells are allowed to adhere and spread (4-6 hours at 37° C). The medium is then removed and replaced with fresh Ml 99 containing 2% FBS, 10 ng/ml recombinant human bFGF and various concentrations of test peptide or D5 fusion. After 4-8 hours of treatment, the cells are harvested (for DΝA fragmentation) or stained with DAPI (which fluoresces more brightly in cells with fragmented DΝA). Alternatively, the amount of fluorescent Annexin 5 binding, which binds to the phosphatidylserine that is exposed to the extracellular face of the cell surface in apoptotic cells, is measured in a fluorescent plate reader. Quantitation is best achieved using the DAPI or Annexin 5 protocols and can be measured as an increase of fluorescence in the wells containing test agent compared to control. Agents known to induce endothelial cell apoptosis such as ursolic acid and TΝP470 are included as a positive control. The DAPI increase in fluorescence can be correlated directly with the number of apoptotic cells by manual counting of cells with highly fluorescent nuclei.
Tube formation assay
ECs can be induced to form capillary-like tubes on Matrigel. Matrigel is dispensed into 96-well plates and allowed to gel. HUNECS or HMVECs (3-6,000 cells/well) are added to the plate in the presence of bFGF (10 ng/mL), VEGF (10 ng/mL) and PMA (75 nM) in addition to any test agent. The number of tubes formed per well are scored visually by at least 2 different readers. The values are expressed as percentage of control wells which receive no test agent.
In Vivo Evaluation of D5 Polypeptides Matrigel® Plug Assay
This assay is perfonned essentially as described by Passaniti et al. (Lab Invest. 67:519- 528 (1992)). Matrigel® is maintained at 4°C until use. Just prior to injection, Matrigel® is mixed with angiogenic factors (100 ng/mL bFGF, 100 ng/mL VEGF), then injected s.c. into mice (0.5 mL per mouse). The injected Matrigel® forms a palpable solid gel which persists for 10 days, at which time the animals are euthanized. The Matrigel® plugs are removed and angiogenesis quantitated by measuring the amount of hemoglobin in the Matrigel® plugs or by counting neovessels in sections prepared from the plugs. Anti-CD31 staining may be used to confirm neovessel formation and microvessel density in the plugs, hi some experiments, tumor cells may be mixed with the Matrigel in lieu of a specific angiogenic factor to investigate the ability of the test agents, hi either configuration, the test agent is mixed directly into the Matrigel and can also be directly injected on a daily basis into the plug over the course of the experiment. In one orientation of the model, D5 or fusion D5 cDNA will be transfected into tumor cells in a secretable expression system. Expression and secretion of the protein will be confirmed in cell culture. D5 expressing tumor cells will then be mixed with Matrigel and evaluated for anti-angiogenic activity in the Matrigel Plug assay.
Chick Chorioallantoic Membrane (CAM) Angiogenesis Assay This assay is performed essentially as described by Nguyen et al (Microvascular Res. 47:31-40 (1994)). A mesh containing either angiogenic factors (bFGF) or tumor cells plus inhibitors is placed onto the CAM of an 8-day old chick embryo and the CAM observed for 3-9 days after implantation of the sample. Angiogenesis is quantitated by determining the percentage of squares in the mesh which contain blood vessels. hi Vivo Testing of Compositions in Animal Models of Human Tumors The peptides, peptidomimetics and conjugates are tested for therapeutic efficacy in several well established rodent models which are considered to be highly representative of a broad spectrum of human tumors. The approaches are described in detail in Geran, R.I. et al, "Protocols for Screening Chemical Agents and Natural Products Against Animal Tumors and Other Biological Systems (Third Edition)", Cane. Chemother. Reports, Part 3, 3:1-112, which is ■ hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. AU general test evaluation procedures, measurements and calculations are performed in accordance with this reference, including mean survival time, median survival time, calculation of approximate tumor weight from measurement of tumor diameters with vernier calipers; calculation of tumor diameters; calculation of mean tumor weight from individual excised tumors; and ratios between treated and control groups ratio for any measure (T/C ratios).
A. HT1080 xenograft model
HT1080 human fibrosarcoma tumor cells are passaged in vitro. Nude Balb/c mice are inoculated with 105- 106 tumor cells sc on the right flank. Primary tumor growth is evaluated using caliper measurements. The peptide or polypeptide being tested for antitumor efficacy may be dissolved in PBS and administered by continuous infusion or by daily iv, sc or ip injections. Control animals receive PBS alone. In another embodiment of this model, tumor cells are first transfected to a D5 polypeptide. These transfected cells inoculated into the animals and the growth of the transfected tumor cells is compared to non-transfected cells or cells transfected with an empty or control expression vector. This embodiment mimics local delivery of the test agent which would model the a gene delivery approach wherein cDNA encoding the D5 polypeptide was administered to the subject.
B. 3LL Lewis Lung Carcinoma: Primary Tumor Growth This tumor line arose spontaneously in 1951 as carcinoma of the lung in a C57BL/6 mouse (Cancer Res 15:39, 1955. See, also Malave, I. et al, J. Nat Cane. Inst. 52:83-88 (1979)). It is propogated by passage in C57BL/6 mice by subcutaneous (sc) inoculation and is tested in semiallogeneic C57BL/6 x DBA/2 Fi mice or in allogeneic C3H mice. Typically six animals per group for subcutaneously (sc) implant, or ten for intramuscular (im) implant are used. Tumor may be implanted sc as a 2-4 mm fragment, or im or sc as an inoculum of suspended cells of about 0.5-2 x 106-cells. Treatment begins 24 hours after implant or is delayed until a tumor of specified size (usually approximately 400 mg) can be palpated. The test compound is administered ip daily for 11 days
Animals are followed by weighing, palpation, and measurement of tumor size. Typical tumor weight in untreated control recipients on day 12 after im inoculation is 500-2500 mg. Typical median survival time is 18-28 days. A positive control compound, for example cyclophosphamide at 20 mg/kg/inj ection per day on days 1-11 is used. Results computed include mean animal weight, tumor size, tumor weight, survival time For confirmed therapeutic activity, the test composition should be tested in two multi-dose assays. C. 3LL Lewis Lung Carcinoma: Primary Growth and Metastasis Model
This model has been utilized by a number of investigators. See, for example, Gorelik, E. et al, J. Nafl Cane. Inst. 55:1257-1264 (1980); Gorelik, E. et al, Rec. Results Cane. Res. 75:20-28 (1980); Isakov, N. et al, Invasion Metas. 2:12-32 (1982); Talmadge J.E. et al, J. Nafl. Cane. Inst. 59:975-980 (1982); Hilgard, P. et al, Br. J. Cancer 35:78-86(1977)). Test mice are male C57BL/6 mice, 2-3 months old. Following sc, im, or intra-footpad implantation, this tumor produces metastases, preferentially in the lungs. With some lines of the tumor, the primary tumor exerts anti-metastatic effects and must first be excised before study of the metastatic phase (see also U.S. 5,639,725).
Single-cell suspensions are prepared from solid tumors by treating minced tumor tissue with a solution of 0.3% trypsin. Cells are washed 3 times with PBS (pH 7.4) and suspended in PBS. Viability of the 3LL cells prepared in this way is generally about 95-99% (by trypan blue dye exclusion). Viable tumor cells (e.g., 3 x 104 - 5 x 106) suspended in 0.05 ml PBS are injected subcutaneously, either in the dorsal region or into one hind foot pad of C57BL/6 mice. Visible tumors appear after 3-4 days after dorsal sc injection of 106 cells. The day of tumor appearance and the diameters of established tumors are measured by caliper every two days.
The treatment is given as one or two doses of peptide or derivative, per week. In another embodiment, the peptide is delivered by osmotic minipump.
In experiments involving tumor excision of dorsal tumors, when tumors reach about 1500 mm3 in size, mice are randomized into two groups: (1) primary tumor is completely excised; or (2) sham surgery is performed and the tumor is left intact. Although tumors from 500-3000 mm3 inhibit growth of metastases, primary tumors of 1500 mm3 are the largest that can be safely resected with high survival and without local regrowth. After 21 days, all mice are sacrificed and autopsied.
Lungs are removed, weighed, fixed in Bouin's solution and the number of visible metastases is recorded. The diameters of the metastases are also measured using a binocular stereoscope equipped with a micrometer-containing ocular under 8X magnification. On the basis of the recorded diameters, it is possible to calculate the volume of each metastasis. To determine the total volume of metastases per lung, the mean number of visible metastases is multiplied by the mean volume of metastases. To further determine metastatic growth, it is possible to measure incorporation of 125IdUrd into lung cells (Thakur, MX. et al, J. Lab. Clin. Med. 59:217-228 (1977). Ten days following tumor amputation, 25 μg of fluorodeoxyuridine is inoculated into the peritoneums of tumor-bearing (and, if used, tumor-resected mice). After 30 min, mice are given 1 μCi of 125IdUrd (iododeoxyuridine). One day later, lungs and spleens are removed and weighed,
1 S and a degree of IdUrd incorporation is measured using a gamma counter. In mice with footpad tumors, when tumors reach about 8-10 mm in diameter, mice are randomized into two groups: (1) legs with tumors are amputated after ligation above the knee joints; or (2) mice are left intact as nonamputated tumor-bearing controls. (Amputation of a tumor-free leg in a tumor-bearing mouse has no known effect on subsequent metastasis, ruling out possible effects of anesthesia, stress or surgery). Mice are killed 10-14 days after amputation. Metastases are evaluated as described above.
Statistics: Values representing the incidence of metastases and their growth in the lungs of rumor-bearing mice are not normally distributed. Therefore, non-parametric statistics such as the Mann- Whitney U-Test may be used for analysis. Study of this model by Gorelik et al. (1980, supra) showed that the size of the tumor cell inoculum determined the extent of metastatic growth. The rate of metastasis in the lungs of operated mice was different from primary tumor-bearing mice. Thus in the lungs of mice in which the primary tumor had been induced by inoculation of larger doses of 3LL cells (1-5 x 106) followed by surgical removal, the number of metastases was lower than that in nonoperated tumor-bearing mice, though the volume of metastases was higher than in the nonoperated controls. Using 125IdUrd incorporation as a measure of lung metastasis, no significant differences were found between the lungs of tumor-excised mice and tumor-bearing mice originally inoculated with 1 x 10 3LL cells. Amputation of tumors produced following inoculation of 1 x 105 tumor cells dramatically accelerated metastatic growth. These results were in accord with the survival of mice after excision of local tumors. The phenomenon of acceleration of metastatic growth following excision of local tumors had been repeatedly observed (for example, see U.S. 5,639,725). These observations have implications for the prognosis of patients who undergo cancer surgery.
For a compound to be useful in accordance with this invention, it should demonstrate biological or pharmacological activity in at least one of the in vitro or in vivo assay systems described herein.
Diagnostic and Prognostic Compositions
The D5 polypeptides of the invention have been designed so that they can be detectably labeled and used, for example, to detect a D5BS on the surface or in the interior of a cell. The fate of the D5 polypeptide during and after binding can be followed in vitro or in vivo by using the appropriate method to detect the label. The labeled D5 polypeptide may be utilized in vivo for diagnosis and prognosis Because these polypeptides bind to "activated" or angiogenic endothelial cells, and since most endothelium is quiescent, they would not bind to quiescent endothelium, thereby decreasing the potential for background. Tumor-associated endothelium is angiogenic and is therefore recognized by these polypeptides. In addition, since "activation" of endothelium induces the same set of surface markers, any imaging using these polypeptides will not be specific for any particular tumor but rather can be used in general for any angiogenesis- dependent tumor. This is in contrast to imaging agents that target tumor markers, many of which are tumor-type specific.
Suitable detectable labels include radioactive, fluorescent, fluorogenic, chromogenic, or other chemical labels. Useful radiolabels, which are detected simply by gamma counter, scintillation counter, PET scanning or autoradiography include 3H, 1241, 1251, 1311, 35S and 14C. In addition, 131I is a useful therapeutic isotope (see below).
Common fluorescent labels include fluorescein, rhodamine, dansyl, phycoerythrin, phycocyanin, allophycocyanin, o-phthaldehyde and fluorescamine. The fluorophore, such as the dansyl group, must be excited by light of a particular wavelength to fluoresce. See, for example, Haugland, Handbook of Fluorescent Probes and Research Chemicals, Sixth Ed., Molecular Probes, Eugene, OR., 1996). Fluorescein, fluorescein derivatives and fluorescein-like molecules such as Oregon Green™ and its derivatives, Rhodamine Green™ and Rhodol Green™, are coupled to amine groups using the isothiocyanate, succinimidyl ester or dichlorotriazinyl- reactive groups. Similarly, fluorophores may also be coupled to thiols using maleimide, iodoacetamide, and aziridine-reactive groups. The long wavelength rhodamines, which are basically Rhodamine Green™ derivatives with substituents on the nitrogens, are among the most photostable fluorescent labeling reagents known. Their spectra are not affected by changes in pH between 4 and 10, an important advantage over the fluoresceins for many biological applications. This group includes the tetramethylrhodamines, X-rhodamines and Texas Red™ derivatives. Other preferred fluorophores for derivatizing the peptide according to this invention are those which are excited by ultraviolet light. Examples include cascade blue, coumarin derivatives, naphthalenes (of which dansyl chloride is a member), pyrenes and pyridyloxazole derivatives. Also included as labels are two related inorganic materials that have recently been described: semiconductor nanocrystals, comprising, for example, cadmium sulfate (Bruchez, M. et al, Science 257:2013-2016 (1998), and quantum dots, e.g., zinc-sulfide-capped cadmium selenide (Chan, W.C.W. et al, Science 281:2016-2018 (1998)). In yet another approach, the amino group of a D5 polypeptide is allowed to react with a reagent that yields a fluorescent product, for example, fluorescamine, dialdehydes such as o- phthaldialdehyde, naphthalene-2,3-dicarboxylate and anthracene-2,3-dicarboxylate. 7- nitrobenz-2-oxa-l,3-diazole (NBD) derivatives, both chloride and fluoride, are useful to modify amines to yield fluorescent products.
The D5 polypeptides can also be labeled for detection using fluorescence-emitting metals
1 ^9 such as Eu, or others of the lanthanide series. These metals can be attached to the peptide using such metal chelating groups as diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) or ethylene- diaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). DTPA in anhydride form can readily modify the NH2- containing D5 polypeptides.
For in vivo diagnosis or therapy, radionuclides may be bound to the D5 polypeptide either directly or indirectly using a chelating agent such as DTPA and EDTA. Examples of such radionuclides are 99Tc, 123L 1251, 131I, mIn, 97Ru, 67Cu, 67Ga, 68Ga, 72As, 89Zr, 90Y and 201T1. Generally, the amount of labeled D5 polypeptide needed for detectability in diagnostic use will vary depending on considerations such as age, condition, sex, and extent of disease in the patient, contraindications, if any, and other variables, and is to be adjusted by the individual physician or diagnostician. Dosage can vary from 0.01 mg/kg to 100 mg/kg.
The D5 polypeptides can also be made detectable by coupling them to a phosphorescent or a chemiluminescent compound. The presence of the chemiluminescent-tagged peptide is then determined by detecting the presence of luminescence that arises during the course of a chemical reaction. Examples of particularly useful chemiluminescers are luminol, isoluminol, theromatic acridinium ester, imidazole, acridinium salt and oxalate ester. Likewise, a bioluminescent compound may be used to label the peptides. Bioluminescence is a type of chemiluminescence found in biological systems in which a catalytic protein increases the efficiency of the chemiluminescent reaction. The presence of a bioluminescent protein is determined by detecting the presence of luminescence. Important bioluminescent compounds for purposes of labeling are luciferin, luciferase and aequorin.
In yet another embodiment, colorimetric detection is used, based on chromogenic compounds which have, or result in, chromophores with high extinction coefficients. In situ detection of the labeled D5 polypeptide may be accomplished by removing a histological specimen from a subject and examining it by microscopy under appropriate conditions to detect the label. Those of ordinary skill will readily perceive that any of a wide variety of histological methods (such as staining procedures) can be modified in order to achieve such in situ detection.
The term "diagnosticaUy labeled" means that the D5 polypeptide has attached to it a diagnosticaUy detectable label. There are many different labels and methods of labeling known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Examples of the types of labels which can be used in the present invention include radioactive isotopes, paramagnetic isotopes, and compounds which can be imaged by positron emission tomography (PET). Those of ordinary skill in the art will know of other suitable labels for binding to the D5 polypeptides used in the invention, or will be able to ascertain such, by routine experimentation. For diagnostic in vivo radioimaging, the type of detection instrument available is a major factor in selecting a radionuclide. The radionuclide chosen must have a type of decay, which is detectable by a particular instrument. In general, any conventional method for visualizing diagnostic imaging can be utilized in accordance with this invention. Another factor in selecting a radionuclide for in vivo diagnosis is that its half-life be long enough so that the label is still detectable at the time of maximum uptake by the target tissue, but short enough so that deleterious irradiation of the host is minimized. In one preferred embodiment, a radionuclide used for in vivo imaging does not emit particles, but produces a large number of photons in a 140-200 keV range, which may be readily detected by conventional gamma cameras. Reagent Compositions In another embodiment, the D5 polypeptides or derivatives of the present invention are used as affinity ligands for binding to a D5BS in assays, preparative affinity chromatography and solid phase separation of molecules that include a D5BS (such as a D5 receptor). Such compositions may also be used to identify, enrich, purify or isolate cells to which the D55 polypeptide binds, preferably through a specific receptor-ligand interaction using flow cytometric and/or solid phase methodologies. The D5 polypeptide (or derivative) is immobilized using conventional methods, e.g. binding to CNBr-activated Sepharose® or Agarose , NHS-Agarose or Sepharose , epoxy-activated Sepharose or Agarose®, EAH- Sepharose® or Agarose®, streptavidin-Sepharose® or Agarose® in conjunction with biotinylated D5 polypeptide. In general the D5 polypeptides or derivatives of the invention may be immobilized by any other method which is capable of immobilizing these compounds to a solid phase for the indicated purposes. See, for example Affinity Chromatography: Principles and Methods (Pharmacia LKB Biotechnology). Thus, one embodiment is a composition comprising any of the D5 polypeptides, derivatives or peptidomimetics described herein, bound to a solid support or a resin. The compound may be bound directly or via a spacer, preferably an aliphatic chain having about 2-12 carbon atoms.
By "solid phase" or "solid support" or "carrier" is intended any support or carrier capable of binding the D5 polypeptide or derivative. Well-known supports, or carriers, in addition to Sepharose or Agarose® described above are glass, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene, dextran, nylon, amylases, natural and modified celluloses such as nitrocellulose, polyacrylamides, polyvinyhdene difluoride, other agaroses, and magnetite, including magnetic beads.. The carrier can be totally insoluble or partially soluble. The support material may have any possible structural configuration so long as the coupled molecule is capable of binding to receptor material. Thus, the support configuration may be spherical, as in a bead, or cylindrical, as in the inside surface of a test tube or microplate well, or the external surface of a rod. Alternatively, the surface may be flat such as a sheet, test strip, bottom surface of a microplate well, etc. The compositions of the present invention may be used in diagnostic, prognostic or research procedures in conjunction with any appropriate cell, tissue, organ or biological sample of the desired animal species. By the term "biological sample" is intended any fluid or other material derived from the body of a normal or diseased subject, such as blood, serum, plasma, lymph, urine, saliva, tears, cerebrospinal fluid, milk, amniotic fluid, bile, ascites fluid, pus and the like. Also included within the meaning of this term is a organ or tissue extract and a culture fluid in which any cells or tissue preparation from the subject has been incubated.
Pharmaceutical and Therapeutic Compositions and Their Administration
The D5 polypeptides that may be employed in the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention include all of those compounds described above, as well as the pharmaceutically acceptable salts of these compounds. Pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts of the compounds of the invention containing a basic group are formed where appropriate with strong or moderately strong, non-toxic, organic or inorganic acids by methods known to the art. Exemplary of the acid addition salts that are included in this invention are maleate, fumarate, lactate, oxalate, methanesulfonate, ethanesulfonate, benzenesulfonate, tartrate, citrate, hydrochloride, hydrobromide, sulfate, phosphate and nitrate salts.
Pharmaceutically acceptable base addition salts of compounds of the invention containing an acidic group are prepared by known methods from organic and inorganic bases and include, for example, nontoxic alkali metal and alkaline earth bases, such as calcium, sodium, potassium and ammonium hydroxide; and nontoxic organic bases such as triethylamine, butylamine, piperazine, and tri(hydroxymethyl)methylamine.
As stated above, the D5 polypeptides of the invention possess the ability to inhibit i angiogenesis, properties that are exploited in the treatment of cancer, in particular metastatic cancer. A composition of this invention may be active per se, or may act as a "pro-drag" that is converted in vivo to the active form.
Compositions within the scope of this invention include all compositions wherein the D5 polypeptide is contained in an amount effective to achieve its intended purpose. While individual needs vary, determination of optimal ranges of effective amounts of each component is within the skill of the art. Typical dosages comprise 0.1 to 100 mg/kg/body wt, though more preferred dosages are described for certain particular uses, below.
The D5 polypeptides of the invention, as well as the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, may be incorporated into convenient dosage forms, such as capsules, impregnated wafers, tablets or injectable preparations. Solid or liquid pharmaceutically acceptable carriers may be employed.
Preferably, the compounds of the invention are administered systemically, e.g., by injection or infusion. When used, injection may be by any known route, preferably intravenous, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intracranial or intraperitoneal. Other suitable routes include rectal e.g., as a suppository, intravaginal; intrapenilel intranasal; intrabronchial; intraaurally; or intraocular. Though the preferred routes of administration are systemic the pharmaceutical composition may be administered transdennally or topically, e.g., as an ointment, cream or gel. In addition, the composition may be incorporated into controlled release vehicles that are well- known in the art. Also contemplated are inhalation routes. Injectables can be prepared in conventional forms, either as solutions or suspensions, solid forms suitable for solution or suspension in liquid prior to injection, or as emulsions.
Alternatively, or concurrently, administration may be by the oral route. The dosage administered will be dependent upon the age, health, and weight of the recipient, kind of concurrent treatment, if any, frequency of treatment, and the nature of the effect desired. Suitable solutions for administration by injection or orally, may contain from about 0.01 to 99 percent, active compound(s) together with the excipient. Solid carriers include starch, lactose, calcium sulfate dihydrate, terra alba, sucrose, talc, gelatin, agar, pectin, acacia, magnesium stearate and stearic acid. Liquid carriers include syrap, peanut oil, olive oil, saline, water, dextrose, glycerol and the like. Similarly, the carrier or diluent may include any prolonged release material, such as glyceryl monostearate or glyceryl distearate, alone or with a wax. When a liquid carrier is used, the preparation may be in the form of a syrup, elixir, emulsion, soft gelatin capsule, sterile injectable liquid (e.g., a solution), such as an ampoule, or an aqueous or nonaqueous liquid suspension. A summary of such pharmaceutical compositions may be found, for example, in Remington 's Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mack Publishing Company, Easton Pennsylvania (Gennaro 18th ed. 1990). The pharmaceutical preparations are made following conventional techniques of phannaceutical chemistry involving such steps as mixing, granulating and compressing, when necessary for tablet forms, or mixing, filling and dissolving the ingredients, as appropriate, to give the desired products for oral, parenteral, topical, transdermal, rectal, etc. administration. The pharmaceutical compositions may also contain minor amounts of nontoxic auxiliary substances such as wetting or emulsifying agents, pH buffering agents and so forth.
For lung instillation, aerosolized solutions are used. In a sprayable aerosol preparations, the active protein may be in combination with a solid or liquid inert carrier material. This may also be packaged in a squeeze bottle or in admixture with a pressurized volatile, normally gaseous propellant. The aerosol preparations can contain solvents, buffers, surfactants, and antioxidants in addition to the protein of the invention. We should also briefly mention nasal administration as this has become a very viable route for the delivery of peptides and proteins.
For topical application, the compound may be incorporated into topically applied vehicles such as a salve or ointment. The carrier for the active ingredient may be either in sprayable or nonsprayable form. Non-sprayable forms can be semi-solid or solid forms comprising a carrier indigenous to topical application and having a dynamic viscosity preferably greater than that of water. Suitable formulations include, but are not limited to, solution, suspensions, emulsions, creams, ointments, powders, liniments, salves, and the like. If desired, these maybe sterilized or mixed with auxiliary agents, e.g., preservatives, stabilizers, wetting agents, buffers, or salts for influencing osmotic pressure and the like. Preferred vehicles for non-sprayable topical preparations include ointment bases, e.g., polyethylene glycol- 1000 (PEG- 1000); conventional creams such as HEB cream; gels; as well as petroleum jelly and the like. Also suitable for topic application are sprayable aerosol preparations wherein the active compound, preferably in combination with a solid or liquid inert carrier material, is packaged in a squeeze bottle or in admixture with a pressurized volatile, normally gaseous propellant. The aerosol preparations can contain solvents, buffers, surfactants, perfumes, and/or antioxidants in addition to the compounds of the invention.
For the preferred topical applications, especially for humans, it is preferred to administer an effective amount of the compound to an affected area, e.g., skin surface, mucous membrane, eyes, etc. This amount will generally range from about 0.001 mg to about 1 g per application, depending upon the area to be treated, the severity of the symptoms, and the nature of the topical vehicle employed.
Other pharmaceutically acceptable carriers for the D5 polypeptides according to the present invention are liposomes, pharmaceutical compositions in which the active protein is contained either dispersed or variously present in corpuscles consisting of aqueous concentric layers adherent to lipidic layers. The active protein is preferably present in the aqueous layer and in the lipidic layer, inside or outside, or, in any event, in the non-homogeneous system generally known as a liposomic suspension.
The hydrophobic layer, or lipidic layer, generally, but not exclusively, comprises phospholipids such as lecithin and sphingomyelin, steroids such as cholesterol, more or less ionic surface active substances such as dicetylphosphate, stearylamine or phosphatidic acid, and or other materials of a hydrophobic nature.
Therapeutic compositions of the invention may comprise, in addition to the D5 polypeptide, one or more additional anti-tumor agents, such as a mitotic inhibitor, e.g., vinblastine; alkylating agents, e.g., cyclophosphamide; a folate inhibitor, e.g., methotrexate, piritrexim or trimetrexate; an antimetabolite, e.g., 5-fluorouracil and cytosine arabinoside; an intercalating antibiotic, e.g., adriamycin and bleomycin; an enzyme or enzyme inhibitors, e.g., asparaginase, topoisomerase inhibitors such as etoposide; or a cytokine or "biological response modifier," e.g., an interferon or an interleukin. h fact, pharmaceutical compositions comprising any known cancer therapeutic in combination with the D5 polypeptides disclosed herein are within the scope of this invention. The pharmaceutical composition may also comprise one or more other medicaments to treat additional symptoms for which the target patients are at risk, for example, anti-infectives (including antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, anti-viral, and anti-coccidial agents), analgesic agents, etc. The present invention may be used in the diagnosis or treatment of any of a number of animal genera and species, and are equally applicable in the practice of human or veterinary medicine. Thus, the pharmaceutical compositions can be used to treat domestic and commercial animals, including birds and more preferably mammals as well as humans. Other Therapeutic Compositions
In another embodiment, the D5 polypeptide compounds of this invention are "therapeutically conjugated" and used to deliver a therapeutic agent to the site to which the compounds home and bind, such as sites of tumor metastasis or foci of infection/inflammation. The term "therapeutically conjugated" means that the modified D5 polypeptide or peptidomimetic is conjugated to another therapeutic agent that is directed either to the underlying cause or to a "component" of tumor invasion, angiogenesis or inflammation.
Examples of therapeutic radioisotopes useful herein include 1251, 1311, 90Y, 67Cu, 17Bi, 211 At, 212Pb, 47Sc, and 109Pd. These atoms can be conjugated to the D5 polypeptide compounds directly, indirectly as part of a chelate, or, in the case of iodine, indirectly as part of an iodinated Bolton-Hunter group. The radioiodine can be introduced either before or after this group is coupled to the D5 polypeptide compound.
Preferred doses of the radionuclide conjugates are a function of the specific radioactivity to be delivered to the target site which varies with tumor type, tumor location and vascularization, kinetics and biodistribution of the D5 polypeptide carrier, energy of radioactive emission by the nuclide, etc. Those skilled in the art of radiotherapy can readily adjust the dose of the D5 polypeptide in conjunction with the dose of the particular nuclide to effect the desired therapeutic benefit without undue experimentation. For example, an effective dose of 131I-D5 is between about 1 and 1000 μCi per gram of tumor for an extracranial tumor.
Another therapeutic approach included here is the use of boron neutron capture therapy, where a boronated polypeptide is delivered to a desired target site, such as a tumor, most preferably an intracranial tumor (Barth, R.F., Cancer Invest. 7^:534-550 (1996); Mishima, Y. (ed.), Cancer Neutron Capture Therapy, New York: Plenum Publishing Corp., 1996; Soloway, A.H., et al, (eds), J Neuro-Oncol 33:1-188 (1997). The stable isotope 10B is irradiated with low energy (<0.025eV) thermal neutrons, and the resulting nuclear capture yields α particles and Li nuclei which have high linear energy transfer and respective path lengths of about 9 and 5 μm. This method is predicated on 10B accumulation in the tumor with lower levels in blood, endothelial cells and normal tissue (e.g., brain). Such delivery has been accomplished using epidermal growth factor (Yang. W. et al, Cancer Res 57:4333-4339 (1997).
Other therapeutic agents which can be coupled to the D5 polypeptide compounds according to the method of the invention are drags, prodrags, enzymes for activating pro-drags, photosensitizing agents, gene therapeutics, antisense vectors, viral vectors, lectins and other toxins.
The therapeutic dosage administered is an amount which is therapeutically effective, as is known to or readily ascertainable by those skilled in the art. The dose is also dependent upon the age, health, and weight of the recipient, kind of concurrent treatment(s), if any, the frequency of treatment, and the nature of the effect desired, such as, for example, anti-inflammatory effects or anti-bacterial effect.
Lectins are proteins, commonly derived from plants, that bind to carbohydrates. Among other activities, some lectins are toxic. Some of the most cytotoxic substances known are protein toxins of bacterial and plant origin (Frankel, A.E. et al, Ann. Rev. Med. 37:125-142 (1986)). These molecules binding the cell surface and inhibit protein synthesis. The most commonly used plant toxins are ricin and abrin; the most commonly used bacterial toxins are diphtheria toxin and Pseudomonas exotoxin A (or toxic chains or fragments thereof). In ricin and abrin, the binding and toxic functions are contained in two separate protein subunits, the A and B chains. The ricin B chain binds to the cell surface carbohydrates and promotes the uptake of the A chain into the cell. Once inside the cell, the ricin A chain inhibits protein synthesis by inactivating the 60S subunit of the eukaryotic ribosome Endo, Y. et al, J. Biol. Chem. 262: 5908-5912 (1987)). Other plant derived toxins, which are single chain ribosomal inhibitory proteins, include pokeweed antiviral protein, wheat germ protein, gelonin, dianthins, momorcharins, trichosanthin, and many others (Strip, F. et al, FEBSLett. 795:1-8 (1986)). Diphtheria toxin and Pseudomonas exotoxin A are also single chain proteins, and their binding and toxicity functions reside in separate domains of the same protein chain with full toxin activity requiring proteolytic cleavage between the two domains. Pseudomonas exotoxin A has the same catalytic activity as diphtheria toxin. Ricin has been used therapeutically by binding its toxic α-chain, to targeting molecules such as antibodies to enable site-specific delivery of the toxic effect. Bacterial toxins have also been used as anti-tumor conjugates. As intended herein, a toxic peptide chain or domain is conjugated to a compound of this invention and delivered in a site-specific manner to a target site where the toxic activity is desired, such as a metastatic focus. Conjugation of toxins to protein such as antibodies or other ligands are known in the art and can be applied directly to the present invention. See, for example, GiUiland, et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 77:4539-43 (1980) (diphtheria toxin); Krolick, K. et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 77:5419-23 (1980) (ricin); U.S. Patent 4,350,626 (ricin A chain); Thorpe, P.E. et al, Eur. J. Biochem. 116:447-454 (1981)(gelonin); Thorpe, P.E. et al, in Monoclonal Antibodies in
Clinical Medicine (McMichael, A.J. et al, , eds.), Academic Press, New York, 1982, ppl67- - 201; Thorpe, P.E., In: Monoclonal Antibodies '84: Biological and Clinical Applications, Pinchera, A. et al, eds., Edirrice Kurtis s.r.L, 1985, pp. 475-506; Vitetta, E. et al, Science 279:644-650 (1983); Vitetta, E.S. et al, Ann. Rev. Immunol. 3:197-212 (1985); Pasxan, I. et al, Cell 47:641-648 (1986); Fitzgerald, D. et al, JNCI 81: 1455-63 (1989); Dillman, R.O., Ann. Int. Med. 777:592-603 (1989); Olsnes, S. et al, Immunol. Today 70:291-295 (1989)); Lord, J. et al, Adv. Biotechnol. Processes 77:193-211 (1989); Oemnann, T.N. et al, FASEB J.5 -.2334-2331 (1991).
Cytotoxic drugs that interfere with critical cellular processes including DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis, have been conjugated to antibodies and subsequently used for in vivo therapy. Such drags, including, but not limited to, daunorabicin, doxorabicin, methotrexate, and Mitomycin C are also coupled to the compounds of this invention and used therapeutically in this form.
In another embodiment of the invention, photosensitizers maybe coupled to the compounds of the invention for delivery directly to a tumor.
As described above, DNA such as cDNA in the form of naked DNA or in a physical or "biological" delivery vehicle, is also intended as a therapeutic composition.
Therapeutic Methods
The methods of this invention may be used to inhibit tumor growth and invasion in a subject or to suppress angiogenesis induced by tumors by inhibiting endothelial cell growth and migration. By inhibiting the growth or invasion of a tumor or angiogenesis, the methods result in inhibition of tumor metastasis. A vertebrate subject, preferably a mammal, more preferably a human, is administered an amount of the compound effective to inhibit tumor growth, invasion or angiogenesis. The compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is preferably administered in the form of a pharmaceutical composition as described above.
Doses of the compounds preferably include pharmaceutical dosage units comprising an effective amount of the D5 polypeptide. By an effective amount is meant an amount sufficient to achieve a steady state concentration in vivo which results in a measurable reduction in any relevant parameter of disease and may include growth of primary or metastatic tumor, any accepted index of inflammatory reactivity, or a measurable prolongation of disease-free interval or of survival. For example, a reduction in tumor growth in 20 % of patients is considered efficacious (Frei III, E., The Cancer Journal 3:127-136 (1997)). However, an effect of this magnitude is not considered to be a minimal requirement for the dose to be effective in accordance with this invention.
In one embodiment, an effective dose is preferably 10-fold and more preferably 100-fold higher than the 50% effective dose (ED5o) of the compound in an in vivo assay as described herein.
The amount of active compound to be administered depends on the precise D5 polypeptide, fusion polypeptide or derivative selected, the disease or condition, the route of administration, the health and weight of the recipient, the existence of other concurrent treatment, if any, the frequency of treatment, the nature of the effect desired, for example, inhibition of tumor metastasis, and the judgment of the skilled practitioner.
A preferred dose for treating a subject, preferably mammalian, more preferably human, with a tumor is an amount of up to about 100 milligrams of active compound per kilogram of body weight. A typical single dosage of the D5 polypeptide or peptidomimetic is between about 1 ng and about lOOmg/kg body weight. For topical administration, dosages in the range of about 0.01-20% concentration (by weight) of the compound, preferably 1-5%, are suggested. A total daily dosage in the range of about 0.1 milligrams to about 7 grams (??) is preferred for intravenous administration. The foregoing ranges are, however, suggestive, as the number of variables in an individual treatment regime is large, and considerable excursions from these prefened values are expected. An effective amount or dose of the D5 polypeptide for inhibiting invasion in vitro is in the range of about 1 picogram to about 0.5 nano grams per cell. Effective doses and optimal dose ranges may be determined in vitro using the methods described herein.
As described above, DNA encoding the D5 polypeptide of the invention can be administered by the routes and means described, so that the polypeptide product is produced in vivo in the subject and is thereby available to mediate its pharmacological effects.
The compounds of the invention may be characterized as producing an inhibitory effect on cell migration and invasion, tumor cell and endothelial cell proliferation, on angiogenesis, on tumor metastasis or on inflammatory reactions. The compounds are especially useful in producing an anti-tumor effect in a mammalian host, preferably human, harboring a tumor.
The foregoing compositions and treatment methods are useful for inhibiting endothelial cell migration and proliferation in a subject having any disease or condition associated with undesired migration, proliferation, angiogenesis or metastasis. Such diseases or conditions have been listed above.
More recently, it has become apparent that angiogenesis inhibitors may play a role in preventing inflammatory angiogenesis and gliosis following traumatic spinal cord injury, thereby promoting the reestabfishment of neuronal connectivity (Wamil, A.W. et al, Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 95:13188-13193 (1998)). Therefore, the compositions of the present invention are administered as soon as possible after traumatic spinal cord injury and for several days up to about two weeks thereafter to inhibit the angiogenesis and gliosis that would sterically prevent reestablishment of neuronal connectivity. The treatment reduces the area of damage at the site of spinal cord injury and facilitates regeneration of neuronal function and thereby prevents paralysis. The compounds of the invention are expected also to protect axons from Wallerian degeneration, reverse aminobutyrate-mediated depolarization (occurring in traumatized neurons), and improve recovery of neuronal conductivity of isolated central nervous system cells and tissue in culture.
The inhibition of angiogenesis produced by the compositions of the present invention is a desired effect in the treatment of various diseases including cancer, retinopathy, inflammation and atherosclerosis. Therefore, the application of the present angiogenesis inhibitors is broad and includes treatment of primary and metastatic growth of solid tumors, benign hyperplasias, atherosclerosis, myocardial angiogenesis, post-balloon angioplasty vascular restenosis, neointima formation following vascular trauma, vascular graft restenosis, coronary collateral formation, deep venous thrombosis, ischemic limb angiogenesis, telangiectasia, pyogenic granuloma, corneal diseases, rabeosis, neovascular glaucoma, diabetic and other retinopathy, retrolental fibroplasia, diabetic neovascularization, macular degeneration, endometriosis, arthritis, fibrosis associated with chronic inflammatory conditions (including psoriasis scleroderma), lung fibrosis, chemotherapy-induced fibrosis, wound healing with scarring and fibrosis, peptic ulcers, fractures, keloids, and disorders of vasculo genesis, hematopoiesis, ovulation, menstruation, pregnancy and placentation, or any other disease or condition in which EC migration or angiogenesis is pathogenic or undesired. Several specific disease categories, that include some conditions listed above, are noted below.
Brain Tumors
Certain brain tumors are among the most highly neovascularized tumors known, are influence by angiogenic stimuli and are therefore appropriate targets for inhibitors of angiogenesis. See, for example, Zhang et al, Surg. Oncol. 74:90-94 (2000); Mohanam et al, Int. J. Oncol. 14:169-74 (1999);Gladson et al, Am. J. Pathol. 146:1150-60 (1995); Kinder et al, Oncol. Res. 5:409-14 (1993). The present pharmaceutical compositions are therefore intendedd for the treatment of any of a number of brain tumors, including but not limited to astrocytoma, anaplastic astrocytoma, glioblastoma, glioblastoma multiformae, pilocytic astrocytoma, pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma, subependymal giant cell astrocytoma, fibrillary astrocytoma, gemistocytic astrocytoma, protoplasmic astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, anaplastic oligodendroglioma, ependymoma,, anaplastic ependymoma, myxopapillary ependymoma, subependymoma, mixed oligoastrocytoma and malignant oligoastrocytoma. Disorders of Endometrial Tissue
Endometriosis is a condition in which ectopic endometrium is present in abnormal locations, the ovary being the most common site. Adenomyosis is a similar condition in which endometrial tissue has penetrated the uterine myometrium. Endometriotic tissue resembles neoplastic tissue in its ability to implant and invade. See Sillem M. et al., Mol. Hum. Reprod. 3:1101-1105 (1997). Accordingly, the present pharmaceutical compositions are intended for the treatment of endometriosis, adenomyosis, endometrial carcinoma and endometrioid tumors of the ovary
Ocular Neovascularization
Ocular neovascularization is a leading cause of blindness in the world (Lee et al., Surv. Ophthalmol. 43:245-269 (1998)). The most common diseases caused by this process are proliferative diabetic retinopathy, neovascular age-related macular degeneration, and retinopathy of prematurity (Neely and Gardner, Am. J. Path. 153:665-670 (1998)). Other diseases which produce visual loss due to neovascularization are sickle cell retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, and certain inflammatory conditions in the eye. See also, Das et al., Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 40:809-813 (1999)). Accordingly,, the present pharmaceutical compositions are intended for the treatment of any of diseases or conditions that involve ocular neovascularization, chief among them, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, neovascular age-related macular degeneration,, retinopathy of prematurity, sickle cell retinopathy and retinal vein occlusion.
ANTIBODIES SPECIFIC FOR EPITOPES OF D5
Also included within the scope of the present invention is an antibody specific for an epitope of D5, preferably, an epitope that is absent in full length HKa. The existence of such epitopes is supported by the fact that a number of antisera prepared against HKa do not react with D5. Cleavage of D5 from the full length HK protein exposes new epitopes. (The region of an antigen that actually interacts with an antibody is called an antigenic determinant or "epitope." Roughly speaking, the effective size of an epitope corresponds to the size of the antibody's combining site: e.g., about 5-6 amino acids of a linear peptide antigen. As used herein, "epitope" refers to that portion of a D5 polypeptide capable of being recognized by an bound by an antibody.)
The term "antibody" refers both to monoclonal antibodies mAbs, antibodies in polyclonal antisera derived from the sera of animals immunized with an immunogen comprising a D5 epitope. Mabs are may be obtained by methods known to those skilled in the art may be of any immunoglobuhn (Ig) class including IgG, IgM, IgE, IgA, IgD and any subclass thereof. Antibodies also include chimeric and anti-idiotypic antibodies described below.
The term "antibody" is also meant to include both intact four-chain Ig molecules as well as fragments thereof, such as, for example, Fab and F(ab') , and Fv as well as single chain antibodies (scFv) which are capable of binding antigen. Fab and F(ab')2 fragments lack the Fc fragment of intact antibody, clear more rapidly from the circulation, and may have less nonspecific tissue binding than an intact antibody (Wahl et al, J. Nucl Med. 24:316-325 (1983)). It will be appreciated that Fab, F(ab')2 , Fv and scFv fragments or forms of the antibodies useful in the present invention may be used for the detection and quantitation of the D5 polypeptides in the same manner as an intact antibody. Conventional fragments are typically produced by proteolytic cleavage, using enzymes such as papain (for Fab fragments) or pepsin (for F(ab')2 fragments). Fv fragments are described in (Hochman, J. et al. (1973) Biochemistry 12:1 ISO- I DS; Sharon, J, et α/.(1976) Biochemistry 15:1591-1594). ). scFv polypeptides include the hypervariable regions from the Ig of interest and recreate the antigen binding site of the native Ig while being a fraction of the size of the intact Ig (Skerra, A. et al. (1988) Science, 240: 1038- 1041; Pluckthun, A. et al. (1989) Methods Enzymol 178: 497-515; Winter, G. et al. (1991) Nature, 349: 293-299); Bird et al, (1988) Science 242:423; Huston et al. (1988) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85:5879; U.S. Patents No. 4,704,692, 4,853,871, 4,94,6778, 5,260,203, 5,455,030.
Chimeric antibodies are Ig molecules wherein different parts of the molecule are derived from different animal species. An example is an Ig having a variable region derived from a murine mAb and a human Ig constant region. Chimeric antibodies and methods for their production are known in the art ( Cabilly et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 57:3273-3277 (1984); Morrison et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 81:6851-6855 (1984); Boulianne et al, Nature 372:643-646 (1984); Cabilly et al, EP 125023 (published November 14, 1984); Neuberger et al, Nature 314:268-210 (1985); Taniguchi et al, EP 171496 (published Febraary 19, 1985); Morrison et al, EP 173494 (published March 5, 1986); Neuberger et al, WO 86/01533 (published March 13, 1986); Kudo et al, EP 184187 (published June 11, 1986); Morrison et al, EP 173494 (published March 5, 1986); Sahagan et al, J. Immunol 737:1066- 1074 (1986); Liu et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 54:3439-3443 (1987); Sun et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 54:214-218 (1987); Better et al, Science 240:1041- 1043 (1988)). These references are hereby incorporated by reference.
An anti-idiotypic (anti-Id) antibody is an antibody which recognizes unique determinants generally associated with the antigen-binding site of another antibody. An anti-Id antibody can be prepared by immunizing an animal of the same species and genetic type (e.g., mouse strain) as the source of the mAb with the mAb to which an anti-Id is being prepared. The immunized animal will recognize and respond to the idiotypic epitopes of the immunizing antibody by producing an antibody to these idiotypic determinants (the anti-Id antibody). The anti-Id antibody may also be used as an "immunogen" to induce an immune response in yet another animal, producing a so-called anti-anti-Id antibody. The anti-anti-Id may be epitopically identical to the original mAb which induced the anti-Id. Thus, by using antibodies to the idiotypic determinants of a mAb, it is possible to identify other clones expressing antibodies of identical specificity.
Accordingly, mAbs generated against the D5 polypeptide of the present invention may be used to induce anti-Id antibodies in suitable animals, such as BALB/c mice. Spleen cells from such immunized mice are used to produce anti-Id hybridomas secreting anti-Id mAbs. Further, the anti-Id mAbs can be coupled to a carrier such as keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) and used to immunize additional BALB/c mice. Sera from these mice will contain anti-anti-Id antibodies that have the binding properties of the original mAb specific for a D5 epitope. The anti-Id mAbs thus have their own idiotypic epitopes, or "idiotopes" structurally similar to the epitope being evaluated, such as a D5 epitope.
The antibodies, or fragments of antibodies, useful in the present invention may be used to quantitatively or qualitatively detect the presence of aD5 polypeptide. For example, it may be desired to monitor the level of a D5 polypeptide in the circulation or in the tissues of a subject receiving therapeutic doses of the polypeptide. Thus, the antibodies (of fragments thereof) useful in the present invention may be employed histologically to detect the presence of D5
An assay for a D5 polypeptide typically comprises incubating a biological sample from the subject in the presence of a detectably labeled specific antibody or antibody fragment and detecting the antibody which is bound in the sample. Thus, in this aspect of the invention, a biological sample may be treated with nitrocellulose, or other solid support which is capable of immobilizing cells, cell particles or soluble proteins. The support may then be washed with suitable buffers followed by treatment with the detectably labeled specific antibody. The solid phase support may then be washed with the buffer a second time to remove unbound antibody. The amount of bound label on said solid support may then be detected by conventional means. By "solid phase support" or "carrier" is intended any support capable of binding a D5 polypeptide or antibody . Well-known supports, or carriers, include glass, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene, dextran, nylon, amylases, natural and modified celluloses, polyacrylamides, agaroses, and magnetite. The support material may have virtually any possible structural configuration so long as the coupled molecule is capable of binding to an antigen or antibody.
The binding activity of an antibody specific for a D5 polypeptide may be determined according to well known methods, such as enzyme immunoassay (EIA)., particularly an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or radioimmunoassay (RIA). Such assays are described in Butler, J.E., The Behavior of Antigens and Antibodies Immobilized on a Solid Phase
(Chapter 11) In: STRUCTURE OF ANTIGENS, Vol. 1 (Nan Regenmortel, M., CRC Press, Boca Raton 1992, pp. 209-259; Butler, J.E., ELISA (Chapter 29), hi: van Oss, C.J. et al., (eds), IMMUNOCHEMISTRY, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, 1994, pp. 759-803 ; Butler, J.E. (ed.), Immunochemistry of Solid-Phase Immunoassay, CRC Press, Boca Raton, 1991; VoUer, A. et al, Bull WHO 53:55-65 (1976); Voller, A. et al., J. Clin. Pathol 37:507-520 (1978);
Weintraub, B., Principles of Radioimmunoassay s, Seventh Training Course on Radioligand Assay Techniques, The Endocrine Society, March, 1986, pp. 1-5, 46-49 and 68-78; Chard, T., "An Introduction to Radioimmune Assay and Related Techniques, in: Work, T.S. et al, Laboratory Techniques and Biochemistry in Molecular Biology, North Holland Publishing Company, NY, (1978).
Those skilled in the art will be able to detennine operative and optimal assay conditions for each determination by employing routine experimentation. For EIA, the antibody is detectably labeled by linking to an enzyme. This enzyme, in turn, when later exposed to its substrate, will react with the substrate in such a manner as to produce a chemical moiety which can be detected, for example, by spectrophotometric, fluorometric or by visual means. Enzymes which can be used to detectably label the antibody include, but are not limited to, malate dehydrogenase, staphylococcal nuclease, delta- V-steroid isomerase, yeast alcohol dehydrogenase, alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase, triose phosphate isomerase, horseradish peroxidase, alkaline phosphatase, asparaginase, glucose oxidase, beta-galactosidase, ribonuclease, urease, catalase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, glucoamylase and acetylcholinesterase. By radioactively labeling the antibody or fragments, it is possible to detect binding to the protein of the present invention through the use of a RIA. See, for example: Weintraub, B., Principles of Radioimmunoassay s, Seventh Training Course on Radioligand Assay Techniques, The Endocrine Society, March, 1986, pp. 1-5, 46-49 and 68-78; Work, T.S. et al, Laboratory Techniques and Biochemistry in Molecular Biology, North Holland Publishing Company, NY, 1978. The radioactive isotope can be detected by such means as the use of a gamma counter or a scintillation counter or by autoradiography.
It is also possible to label the antibody with a fluorescent compound. When the fluorescently labeled antibody is exposed to light of the proper wavelength, its presence can then be detected due to fluorescence. Fluorescent labelling compounds have been described above. The antibody can also be detectably labeled using fluorescence emitting metals such as 152Eu, or others of the lanthanide series. These metals can be attached to the antibody using such metal chelating groups as diethylenetriamine-pentaacetic acid (DTPA) or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA).
The antibody also can be detectably labeled by coupling it to a chemiluminescent compound. The presence of the chemiluminescent-tagged antibody is then determined by detecting the presence of luminescence that arises during the course of a chemical reaction. Examples of particularly useful chemiluminescent labeling compounds are luminol, isoluminol, theromatic acridinium ester, imidazole, acridinium salt and oxalate ester.
Likewise, a bioluminescent compound may be used to label the antibody of the present invention. Useful bioluminescent compounds for labeling include luciferin, luciferase and aequorin.
Antibodies to D5 epitopes are also used to treat tumors. They may inhibit interactions between endothelial cells and ECM, so that their binding to D5 results in a similar outcome to treatment with D5 peptides and fusion proteins.
Having now generally described the invention, the same will be more readily understood tlirough reference to the following examples which are provided by way of illustration, and are not intended to be limiting of the present invention, unless specified.
EXAMPLE I Anti- Angiogenic Properties Of HK HKa was shown to (1) inhibited EC proliferation at low concentrations (1-10 nM); (2) inhibit EC proliferation in a cell-specific manner; and (3) induced EC apoptosis. These characteristics suggested that HKa may possess anti-angiogenic activity in vivo. To test this, studies were conducted using the Matrigel "plug" assay.
Briefly, mice were injected in the left flank with 0.25 ml Matrigel containing 50 μg heparin and 400 ng/ml bFGF. Mice were injected in the right flank with an identical mixture which also contained 20 μg HKa. After 4 days, animals were sacrificed and the Matrigel plugs examined for neovascularization. These studies revealed abundant ingrowth of new vessels in the control plugs but a complete lack of neovascularization in those which contained HKa. Histologic analysis revealed that fewer ECs had invaded the HKa-containing plugs, and those that had acquired a rounded, apoptotic appearance. In contrast, cells in the control plugs were elongated and spindle-shaped, suggesting a migratory phenotype.
EXAMPLE II Identification of D5-Derived Peptides which Inhibit Endothelial Cell Proliferation
The anti-proliferative activity of HKaon ECs was hypothesized to be contained within the known EC binding regions within D5. This hypothesis was tested by synthesizing thirty peptides having 16 amino-acid residues whose sequences conesponded to each of these domains, each overlapping by 8 amino acids, in an effort to identify peptides which possessed at least a portion of the activity of the whole molecule, hi an initial screen, the ability of each of these peptides (used initially at 50 μM) to inhibit the proliferation of ECs in response to 10 ng/ml bFGF was assessed.
These studies led to the identification of 8 peptides which inhibited the proliferation of HUVEC by 50% or more. Based on these results, 8 peptides (H3-2, H3-6, H3-7, H3-10A, H3- 13A, H5-13 and H5-14) were selected and their relative anti-proliferative activities evaluated by determining the concentration of peptide that inhibited EC proliferation by 50% or more (IC5o) (Table 1).
Table 1 : Inhibition of HUVEC Proliferation by HKa Peptides
Peptide H5-13 H5-14
IC50 (μM) 8 14
It was concluded that the peptides most active in inhibiting EC proliferation are H5-13 and H5-14 which completely inhibited EC proliferation at concentrations of approximately 10- 50 μM (. Each of these peptides is within previously described HK binding regions (Table 1).
The sequences of H5-13 and H5-14, which are also potent inhibitors of EC proliferation, and H5-10, which inhibits proliferation less potently, are as follows:
H5-10 GHKFKLDDDLEHQGGH [SEQ ID NO:4] H5-13 KHGHGHGKHKNKGKKN [SEQ ID NO:5] H5-14 HKNKGKKNGKHNGWKT [SEQ ID NO:6]
H5-13 and 14 share the sequence HKNKGKKN [SEQ ID NO:7], while H5-10 contains a closely related HKFK sequence. Based on these comparisons, it is concluded that the antiproliferative activities of these peptides are mediated through an HKXK [SEQ ID NO: 8] consensus sequence, where X is a neutral or aromatic amino acid (Asn in H5-13 or 14 and Phe in H5-10). The relatively lower activity of H5-10 may reflect the substitution of phenylalanine for asparagine, or a potency-enhancing effect of the -GKKN sequence C-terminal to HKNK in the latter two peptides. The HKNK sequence lies within the EC binding region of HK D5 reported by Hasan et al; 1995 (supra). EXAMPLE III
Cloning, Expression, Refolding and Purification of Human Kininogen D5.
The DNA encoding the D5 polypeptide was PCR amplified from a HK cDNA using primers 5'cgggatccgtaagtccaccccacacttc3' [SEQ ID NO: 11] and 5'cgaattctcagcttgccaaatgctc3' [SEQ ID NO: 12] using SuperMix (GibcoBRL). The amplified product was gel purified, double- digested with BainHI and EcoRI and ligated into the BamHI/EcoRI linearized expression vector pCAL-n (Stratagene) containing the calmodulin binding protein (CBP) as a tag at the N- terminus for purification purposes. The expression vector was transformed into BL21(DE3) Gold cells (Stratagene) and subclones were grown and induced with 1 mM JPTG at 37°C for 4 hours. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed that the majority of expressed CBP-D5 was in inclusion bodies. A 500 ml preparation of cells was grown, harvested and the pellet washed once with 50 mM Tris/ 1 mM EDTA, pH 8.0 (TE buffer). The cell suspension was lysed with 0.25 mg/ml lysozyme in TE buffer. The lysate was homogenized with 4% Tergitol and centrifuged at 10,000 x g for 45 minutes. The inclusion body pellet was washed several times with TE buffer. Purified inclusion bodies were resuspended in 7 M guanidine HC1 in TE buffer. After sonicating 3 x 30 seconds and a 1 hour incubation on ice, the denatured protein was clarified at 20,000 x g for 1 hour. The clarified suspension was then added to 1000 ml of ice-cold 50 mM Bicine, 150 mM NaCl pH 8.8. The refolded CBP-D5 was purified on a HiTrap S 5 ml column (Pharmacia) and eluted with a 0.15-1 M NaCl gradient. Finally, the fractions were pooled, concentrated and salt exchanged. The fusion protein in 20 mM Tris, 150 mM NaCl, pH 8.0 was digested with α- thrombin (2.5 μg thrombin mg of CBP-D5) for 90 minutes at 37 C The reaction was stopped by adding PMSF to a final concentration of 1 mM and then D5 was purified on a Mono S 5/5 column (Pharmacia) and eluted using a 0.15-1 M NaCl gradient. Results shown in Figure 2A-2C. The sequence of the CBP-D5 fusion protein (SEQ ID NO : 13) is
1 KRRWKKNFI AVSAA RFKK ISSSGALLVP RGSVSPPHTS MAPAQDEERD SGKEQGHTRR 61 HD GHEKQRK HNLGHGHKHE RDQGHGHQRG HGLGHGHEQQ HGLGHGHKFK LDDDLEHQGG 121 HVLDHGHKHK HGHGHGKHKN KGKKNGKHNG WKTEHLAS 151 The CBP sequence is shown in boldface and the D5 sequence is underscored. The engineered thrombin cleavage site is P-R-G ending with the N-terminal Gly of D5 such that, in vivo, thrombin cleavage between the Arg and Gly leaves an intact D5 polypeptide. EXAMPLE III D5 Inhibits Angiogenesis in a Matrigel Plug
Matrigel Plugs containing either bFGF (10 ng) or tumor cells (3LL, HT1080, HT1080 transfected with D5 cDNA) are implanted s.c. in a nude mouse (Balb/c). The plugs are then harvested after 4 days and evaluated histologically and by measuring the hemoglobin content of the plug as a surrogate marker of angiogenesis using a commercially available ELISA. D5 (20 μg) inhibited angiogenesis stimulated by bFGF in this assay by at least 40%. Tumor cells embedded into the Matrigel could also efficiently stimulate angiogenesis and this could be inhibited by expressing D5 locally. This was accomplished in this model system by transfecting the tumor cells with a D5 cDNA construct. This did not affect the growth of the tumor cells in vitro but inhibited angiogenesis stimulated by the tumor cells in the Matrigel Plug by 40%) in vivo.
EXAMPLE IV D5 Inhibits Angiogenesis When Expressed Locally in a Tumor
The cDNA for D5 is transfected into several tumor cell lines (3LL, HT1080) and the effect of local expression evaluated on tumor growth. These models are described above. Expression of D5 by the tumor cells inhibit the rate of growth of primary HT1080 and 3LL tumors by 50%. The microvessel density, a measure of angiogenesis, is also decreased by 25%. h the metastatic 3LL models, the incidence and outgrowth of metastasis is inhibited by 50%
EXAMPLE V MAbs Directed Against D5 Inhibit Tumor Growth In Vivo
The HT10180 and 3LL models are used to evaluate the effect of mAbs raised against D5 on tumor growth. In the HT1080 model, tumors are grown until palpable (4-6 weeks) at which time treatment with the antibodies is initiated (0.1 mg/mouse, 3x per week IP). Animals are treated for an additional 4 weeks, and tumor volumes are measured 2x/week to determine growth rates. Inhibition of rumor growth is at least 30%, depending on the antibody used.
In the 3LL model, antibody treatment is initiated the day after tumor inoculation using the same regimen as above. Tumor volumes are determined using caliper measurements 3x/week for 28 days at which time the animals are sacrificed and evaluated for lung metastases. Local expression of D5 results in a 30% decrease in primary tumor growth and a 20% decrease in the number of visible lung metastases.
The references cited above are all incorporated by reference herein, whether specifically incorporated or not.
Having now fully described this invention, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the same can be performed within a wide range of equivalent parameters, concentrations, and conditions without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without undue experimentation.

Claims

1. An isolated polypeptide that corresponds to the D5 domain of human kininogen, or a biologically active peptide fragment, homologue or other functional derivative thereof which is has one or more of the following properties: (a) inhibits angiogenesis at a IC5o of at least about 1 μM;
(b) binds to a D5 binding site on an endothelial cell with an affinity characterized by a K of about 1 μM or lower as measured in a direct binding assay to activated endothelial cells or in a competitive binding assay to purified D5 receptor;
(c) activates one or more signaling pathways leading to induction of apoptosis in an endothelial cell; or
(d) inhibits a signaling pathway required for maintenance of endothelial cell viability.
2. The polypeptide, fragment, homologue or other derivative of claim 1 wherein said D5 domain has the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO:2.
3. The polypeptide or peptide fragment of claim 1 or 2 having between about 8 and about 32 or between about 16 and about 32 amino acids which includes one or more repeats of a sequence selected from the group consisting of:
(a) GHKFKLDDDLEHQGGH (SEQ ID NO:4);
(b) KHGHGHGKHKNKGKKN (SEQ ID NO:5); (c) HKNKGKKNGKHNGWKT (SEQ ID NO:6); and (d) HKNKGKKN (SEQ ID NO:7).
4. The peptide fragment of 3 consisting essentially of a peptide selected from the group consisting of:
(a) GHKFKLDDDLEHQGGH (SEQ ID NO:4); (b) KHGHGHGKHKNKGKKN (SEQ ID NO:5);
(c) HKNKGKKNGKHNGWKT (SEQ ID NO:6); and
(d) HKNKGKKN (SEQ ID NO:7).
5. The polypeptide or peptide fragment of any of claims 1 or 2 having between about 4 and about 16 amino acids which includes one or more repeats of a sequence HKXK (SEQ ID NO: 8) where X is a neutral or aromatic amino acid.
6. A D5 fusion polypeptide having a first fusion partner comprising all or a part of the D5 domain polypeptide, or a peptide fragment, homologue or other functional derivative of said D5 polypeptide, which
(i) is fused directly to a second polypeptide or,
(ii) optionally, is fused to a linker peptide sequence that is fused to said second polypeptide. which fusion polypeptide has one or more of the following properties :
(a) inhibits angiogenesis at a IC50 of at least about 1 μM;
(b) binds to a D5 binding site on an endothelial cell with an affinity characterized by a K of about lμM or lower as measured in a direct binding assay to activated endothelial cells or in a competitive binding assay to purified D5 receptor; (c) activates one or more signaling pathways leading to induction of apoptosis in an endothelial cell; or (d) inhibits a signaling pathway required for maintenance of endothelial cell viability.
7. A D5 fusion polypeptide comprising the polypeptide, peptide fragment, homologue or other functional derivative of any of claims 1-5, fused to a second polypeptide.
8. The fusion polypeptide of claim 6 or 7 wherein said binding partner molecule is a protein or peptide that increases the expression, stability or biologic or pharmacologic activity of said fusion polypeptide when compared to the D5 polypeptide, fragment homologue or derivative alone.
9. The fusion polypeptide of claim 8 wherein said binding partner molecule is selected from the group consisting of thioredoxin, calmodulin binding protein, maltose-binding protein and glutathione-S-transferase.
10. The fusion polypeptide of claim 8 wherein said binding partner molecule is calmodulin binding protein.
11. The fusion polypeptide of any of claim 6-8 wherein said second polypeptide is one or more domains of an Ig heavy chain constant region.
12. The fusion polypeptide of claim 1 lwherein said polypeptide has an amino acid sequence corresponding to the hinge, CR2 and CH3 regions of a human immunoglobuhn Cγl chain.
13. The fusion polypeptide of any of claims 6-12, comprising a linear multimer of two or more repeats of monomers of said first fusion partner linked end to end, directly or with a linker sequences present between said monomer repeats.
14. A dimeric or trimeric fusion polypeptide which is a tandemly linked dimer or trimer of the fusion polypeptide of any of claims 6-12.
15. The fusion polypeptide of any of claims 6-13 where said linker is cleavable by an enzyme that is present and active in the vicinity of, or in cells of, a tumor, such that said first fusion partner is released from the fusion polypeptide when said enzyme acts on said fusion polypeptide.
16. The fusion polypeptide of claim 15 wherein the enzyme is a matrix metalloprotease, urokinase, a cathepsin, plasmin or thrombin to release D5 in vivo (or in situ) in the tumor milieu
17. The fusion polypeptide of claim 15 or 16 wherein the linker is a peptide having the sequence VPRGSD (SEQ ID NO:9) or DDKDWH {SEQ ID NO: 10).
18. An isolated nucleic acid molecule that encodes a polypeptide, fragment, homologue or other functional derivative of any of claims 1-5.
19. The nucleic acid of claim 18 having the sequence SEQ ID NO:3.
20. An isolated nucleic acid molecule that encodes a fusion polypeptide of any of claims 6-17.
21. A nucleic acid molecule that encodes a D5 fusion polypeptide, which molecule comprises:
(a) a first nucleic acid sequence encoding a first polypeptide that is all or a part of a D5 domain polypeptide SEQ ID NO:2 or encodes a homologue or other functional derivative thereof;
(b) optionally, fused in frame with the first nucleic acid sequence, a linker nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker peptide; and
(c) a second nucleic acid sequence that is linked in frame to said first nucleic acid sequence or to said linker nucleic acid sequence and that encodes a second polypeptide.
22. An isolated nucleic acid molecule that hybridizes under stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of any of claims 18-21.
23. A polypeptide or a biologically active fragment, homologue or other functional derivative of said polypeptide produced by recombinant expression of the nucleic acid of any of claims 17-21.
24. An expression vector comprising a nucleic acid encoding the polypeptide or functional derivative of any of claims 1-17, operatively linked to
(a) a promoter and
(b) optionally, additional regulatory sequences that regulate expression of said nucleic acid in a eukaryotic cell.
25. An expression vector comprising the nucleic acid of any of claims 18-22 operatively linked to
(a) a promoter and
(b) optionally, additional regulatory sequences that regulate expression of said nucleic acid in a eukaryotic cell.
26. The expression vector of claim 24or 25 which is a plasmid.
27. The expression vector of claim 24 or25 which is a viral vector.
28. A cell transformed or transfected with the nucleic acid molecule of any of claims 18-22.
29. A cell transformed or transfected with the expression vector of any of claims 24-7.
30.. The cell of claim 28 or 29 which is a mammalian cell.
31. The cell of claim 30 which is a human cell.
32. The cell of any of claims 28-31 which is a tumor cell.
33. An isolated mammalian tumor cell transfected with an exogenous nucleic acid molecule encoding a mammalian D5 polypeptide or a biologically active fragment, homologue or other functional derivative thereof, such that when said protein, fragment, homologue or derivative is expressed by or secreted from said tumor cell, and said tumor cell is contacted with an endothelial cell, said tumor cell or said secreted product
(a) binds to said endothelial cell; or
(b) activates one or more signaling pathways leading to induction of apoptosis in said endothelial cell; or
(c) inhibits a signaling pathway required for maintenance of endothelial cell viability.
34. An antibody that is specific for an epitope of a human kininogen D5 domain polypeptide.
35. The antibody of claim 34 wherein said epitope is a linear or conformational epitope of a polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:2.
36. The antibody of claim 34 or 35 wherein said epitope is present in a peptide selected from the group consisting of
(a) GHKFKLDDDLEHQGGH (SEQ ID NO:4); (b) KHGHGHGKHKNKGKKN (SEQ TD NO:5);
(c) HKNKGKKNGKHNGWKT (SEQ ID NO:6); and
(d) HKNKGKKN (SEQ ID NO:7)
37. The antibody of any of claims 34-36 that is a monoclonal antibody.
38.. The antibody of claim 37 that is a human or humanized monoclonal antibody.
39. The antibody of any of claims 34-38 that, upon administration to a subject with a tumor, inhibits tumor growth or angiogenesis.
40. An angiogenic endothelial cell-targeting phannaceutical composition comprising:
(a) the polypeptide, fusion polypeptide, fragment, homologue or functional derivative of any of claims 1-17; and
(b) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
41. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 40 in a form suitable for injection.
42. An angiogenic endothelial cell-targeting-targeting therapeutic composition comprising
(a) an effective amount of the polypeptide, fusion polypeptide, fragment, homologue or functional derivative of any of claims 1-17 bound directly or indirectly to a therapeutically active moiety; and (b) a therapeutically acceptable carrier.
43. The composition of claim 24 in a form suitable for injection.
44. The composition of claim 42 or 43, wherein said moiety is a radionuclide.
45. The composition of claim 44, wherein said radionuclide is selected from the group consisting of 1251, 1311, 90Y, 67Cu, 217Bi, 211At, 212Pb, 47Sc, and 109Pd.
46. A method for inliibiting endothelial cell migration, proliferation, invasion, or angiogenesis, or for inducing endothelial cell apoptosis, comprising contacting endothelial cells involved in undesired migration, proliferation, invasion, or angiogenesis with an effective amount of the polypeptide, fusion polypeptide, fragment, homologue or functional derivative of any of claims 1-17.
47. A method for treating a subject having a disease or condition associated with undesired endothelial cell migration, proliferation, invasion or angiogenesis comprising administering to said subject an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition according to claim 40 or 41.
48. A method according to any of claims 47, wherein said disease or condition is primary growth of a solid tumor, leukemia or lymphoma; tumor invasion, metastasis or growth of tumor metastases; benign hyperplasia; atherosclerosis; myocardial angiogenesis; post-balloon angioplasty vascular restenosis; neointima formation following vascular trauma; vascular graft restenosis; coronary collateral formation; deep venous thrombosis; ischemic limb angiogenesis; telangiectasia; pyogenic granuloma; corneal disease; rubeosis; neovascular glaucoma; diabetic and other retinopathy; retrolental fibroplasia; diabetic neovascularization; macular degeneration; endometriosis; arthritis; fibrosis associated with a chronic inflammatory condition, traumatic spinal cord injury including ischemia, scaning or fibrosis; lung fibrosis, chemotherapy-induced fibrosis; wound healing with scarring and fibrosis; peptic ulcers; a bone fracture; keloids; or a disorder of vasculogenesis, hematopoiesis, ovulation, menstruation, pregnancy or placentation associated with pathogenic cell invasion or with angiogenesis.
49. A method according to claim 48, wherein said disease is tumor growth, tumor invasion or tumor metastasis.
50. A diagnosticaUy useful composition for targeting angiogenic endothelial cells, comprising:
(a) the polypeptide, fusion polypeptide, fragment, homologue or functional derivative of any of claims 1-17 which is diagnosticaUy labeled; and
(b) a diagnosticaUy acceptable carrier.
51. The composition of claim 50 wherein the detectable label is a radionuclide, a PET-imageable agent, a fluorescer, a fluorogen, a chromophore, a chromogen, a phosphorescer, a chemiluminescer or a bioluminescer.
52. The composition of claim 51 wherein said radionuclide is selected from the group consisting of 3H, 14C, 35S, 99Tc, 1231, 125L 131I, mhι, 97Ru, 67Ga, 68Ga, 72As, 89Zr and 201T1.
53. The composition of claim 51 wherein said fluorescer or fluorogen is fluorescein, rhodamine, dansyl, phycoerythrin, phycocyanin, allophycocyanin, o-phthaldehyde, fluorescamine, a fluorescein derivative, Oregon Green, Rhodamine Green, Rhodol Green or Texas Red.
54. A method for detecting the presence of angiogenic endothelial cells (i) in a tissue, (ii) in an organ or (iii) in a biological sample, which tissue, organ or sample is suspected of having angiogenically-activated endothelial cells, comprising :
(a) contacting said tissue, organ or sample with the diagnostic composition of any of claims 50-53; and
(b) detecting the presence of said label associated with said tissue, organ or sample.
55. A method according to claim 54, wherein said contacting is in vivo.
56. A method according to claim 54, wherein said contacting and said detecting are in vivo.
57. An affinity ligand useful for binding to angiogenic endothelial cells or a D5 domain binding site comprising the polypeptide, fusion polypeptide, fragment, homologue or functional derivative of any of claims 1-17 immobilized to a solid support or carrier.
58. A method for isolating a D5 domain binding molecule from a complex mixture comprising:
(a) contacting said mixture with the affinity ligand of claim 57;
(b) allowing any of said binding molecules to bind to said ligand;
(c) removing unbound material from said ligand; and (d) eluting said bound D5 domain binding material, thereby isolating said D5 domain binding molecules.
59. A method for isolating or enriching cells expressing D5 domain binding sites from a cell mixture, comprising
(a) contacting said cell mixture with the affinity ligand of claim 57 or the polypeptide, fusion polypeptide, fragment, homologue or functional derivative of any of claims 1-17;
(b) allowing any binding site-expressing cell to bind to said ligand or said polypeptide, fusion polypeptide, fragment, homologue or functional derivative; (c) separating cells bound to said ligand, polypeptide, fusion polypeptide, fragment, homologue or functional derivative from unbound cells; and
(d) removing said bound cells; thereby isolating or enriching said D5 domain binding site-expressing cells.
60. A method for isolating or enriching cells expressing D5 domain binding sites from a cell mixture, comprising
(a) contacting said cell mixture with the affinity ligand of claim 57;
(b) allowing any D5- -expressing cell to bind to said ligand;
(c) removing unbound cells from said ligand and from said bound cells; and (d) releasing said bound cells, thereby isolating or enriching said D5 domain binding site-expressing cells.
PCT/US2001/023185 2000-07-24 2001-07-24 Human kininogen d5 domain polypeptides and their use WO2002014369A2 (en)

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