Invention:
This technology is a peptide that binds serum glucocorticoid kinase 1 (SGK1) to prevent binding to glucocorticoid-inducible leucine zipper protein (GILZ). The interaction between GILZ-SGK1 protects SGK1 from degradation, and the peptide developed prevents this interaction allowing for SGK1 degradation and decreased SGK1-mediated cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac fibrosis, and subsequent pathology.
Background:
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), or enlarged heart, is a rare but dangerous disease that can cause many cardiac health concerns including atrial fibrillation, blood clots, stroke, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest. There are currently no disease-specific medications for HCM and individuals suffering from the disease must rely on lifestyle changes to treat the disease. Therefore, a treatment option for HCM would be a valuable asset to the market.
This technology is a potential pharmaceutical option that can intervene in the process that commonly causes HCM. Although little is known about SGK1, it has been shown that it plays a role in regulating cell growth, including in the heart, which when overactive can cause unregulated heart growth.
Applications:
- Pharmaceutical therapeutic option for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Pharmaceutical option to treat other cardiac conditions
- Promotes serum glucocorticoid kinase 1 degradation
Advantages:
- Increases degradation of kinases related to heart disease
