| abstract |
Tetrapeptides consisting of (I or V)-X1-K-X2, where X1 can be selected from E, Q or K, and X2 can be selected from M, F, I, W, or V, exhibit diverse bioactivities. They are multi-functional effector molecules to stimulate keratinocytes migration; neutralize the proinflammatory effect of bacterial cell wall components such as lipoteichoic acids of the Gram-positive S. aureus; and induce angiogenesis in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The downregulation of pro-inflammatory condition was also demonstrated using SOR-300-FT psoriasis skin model for representative peptide. The bioactivity was also supported by gene profiling study upon treatment of normal skin tissues using EPIDERMTM skin substitutes. The inventive peptides with diverse bioactivities are useful for treating various skin conditions including, but not limited to, acute or chronic wounds, striae distensae, aging skin, hair control, inflammatory skins such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and rosacea and for unwanted hair removal or for conditions such as removal of skin tags. |