Toward The Rational Design of Cell Fate Modifiers Notch Signaling as a Target for Novel Biopharmaceuticals

Authors: Zlobin A.; Jang M.; Miele L.

Source: Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Volume 1, Number 1, July 2000 , pp. 83-106(24)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

Abstract:

Recent advances in our understanding of highly conserved mechanisms that control cell fate determination are paving the way towards rationally designed biologics that modulate specific cell fate decisions. Cell fate decisions leading to proliferation, differentiation or apoptosis are crucial elements in the pathogenesis of countless human diseases. Biopharmaceuticals designed to regulate such processes in specific cell types in vivo or ex vivo have vast potential applications in oncology, stem cell technology, immunomodulation and neuropathology. One of the most conserved mechanisms controlling cell fate determination is based upon Notch-ligand interactions and subsequent signaling events. Recent studies have shown that this mechanism regulates cell differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis in a wide variety of cell maturation processes and in neoplastic cells. These observations identify the Notch signaling network as a promising drug target for numerous indications. In this review, we describe 1) potential drug targets in the Notch signaling network 2) the Notch agonists and antagonists developed so far, including recombinant proteins, antibody-based agents, synthetic peptides, antisense oligonucleotides and gene therapy approaches, as well as possible strategies to design novel Notch-targeting biopharmaceuticals 3) the possible clinical applications of such biopharmaceuticals and 4) a model strategy for the selection and developement of a Notch-targeting biopharmaceutical.

Keywords: Cell fate modifiers; Notch; Signaling; Novel Biopharmaceuticals; Notch agonists; Drug targets

Language: English

Document Type: Review article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1389201003379013

Publication date: 2000-07-01

• Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology aims to cover all the latest and outstanding developments in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology. Each issue of the journal contains a series of timely in-depth reviews written by leaders in the field covering a range of current topics in both pre-clinical and clinical areas of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology. Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology is an essential journal for academic, clinical, government and pharmaceutical scientists who wish to be kept informed and up-to-date with the latest and most important developments.

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Nutrition & Food ,  Biotechnology ,  Pharmacology
• By this author: Zlobin A. ;  Jang M. ;  Miele L.

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers