| abstract |
This invention relates generally to a peptide being a fragment of the mammalian apolipoprotein AI peptide, said peptide comprising the sequence RHFWQQ (human, macaque and pig), the sequence WEFWQQ (rat), and the sequence WHVWQQ (mouse), or suitable modifications thereof, or equivalent synthetic peptides. In contrast to the entire protein, these short peptides have the ability to enter the nucleus of a cell. By binding directly to the DNA or to a protein that is attached to the DNA, these peptides undertake a role as a transcription factor. In particular, these peptides bind to the LXRβ receptor within the nucleus of the human cell. Therefore, they may be used as a drug to effectively treat disorders such as hyperlipidemia, inflammation (arthritis), and Alzheimer's disease. |