| abstract |
The present invention is directed a method of using certain hydrophobic peptides for the inhibition of cell proliferation, wherein the peptides have the general formula: R-Xaa1-(Xaa)m-Xaac. The subject peptides have 2-7 amino acids such as alanine (Ala), arginine (Arg), cysteine (Cys), isoleucine (Ile), leucine (Leu), lysine (Lys), methionine (Met), norleucine (nLeu), phenylalanine (Phe), proline (Pro), threonine (Thr), tyrosine (Tyr), tryptophan (Trp), or valine (Val). In accordance with the present invention, these peptides are potent inhibitors of cell proliferation as well as inhibitors of the synthesis of two cellular proto-oncogenes. One aspect of the present invention provides for the prevention and treatment of cancer by administration of the subject peptides. A further aspect of the present invention provides for inhibiting cell proliferation using the subject peptides in the treatment and prevention of prostatic hypertrophy, arterial occlusion (restenosis), arteriosclerosis, and smooth muscle cell diseases. |