Alpha-crystallin-derived peptides as therapeutic chaperones.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The demonstration of chaperone-like activity in peptides (mini-chaperones) derived from α-crystallin's chaperone region has generated significant interest in exploring the therapeutic potential of peptide chaperones in diseases of protein aggregation. Recent studies in experimental animals show that mini-chaperones could reach intended targets and alter the disease phenotype. Although mini-chaperones show potential benefits against protein aggregation diseases, they do tend to form aggregates on storage. There is thus a need to fine-tune peptide chaperones to increase their solubility, pharmacokinetics, and biological efficacy.

Scope of review

This review summarizes the properties and the potential therapeutic roles of mini-chaperones in protein aggregation diseas

SUBMITTER: Raju M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4673008 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature