Nkd2 as target for treating renal fibrosis
AssigneeRheinisch-Westfalische Tech-Nische Hochschule (Rwth) Aachen
InventorRafael Johannes Thomas KRAMANN
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Abstract
The present application relates to the identification of the role of naked cuticle homolog 2 (Nkd2) gene-derived protein in the development of chronic kidney disease, in particular of progressive chronic kidney disease and kidney fibrosis. The present invention particularly relates to methods for identifying compounds that bind to Nkd2 protein, and to the use of Nkd2 for screening and identifying Nkd2-interacting compounds. The invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions for use in the treatment of kidney diseases, in particular to pharmaceutical compositions comprising agents binding to and/or inhibiting NKD2 protein.
Claims29
A method for reducing extracellular matrix (ECM) protein expression and/or secretion by a given cell, wherein the method comprises at least one step selected from the group consisting of
- (i) inhibiting or reducing nkd2 gene expression in said cell,
- (ii) promoting degradation of NKD2 protein in said cell, and/or
- (iii) inhibiting or reducing NKD2 protein activity in said cell.
A method for the identification of an agent that binds to Naked Cuticle Homolog 2 (NKD2) protein, or a fragment thereof.
Antibody, or antigen-binding fragment or derivative thereof, or antibody-like protein, that specifically binds to NKD2 protein.
An agent that binds to Naked Cuticle Homolog 2 (NKD2) protein, for use in the treatment of chronic kidney disease.
Use of an agent that binds to Naked Cuticle Homolog 2 (NKD2) protein in a method of treating chronic kidney disease, preferably wherein the chronic kidney disease is progressive chronic kidney disease and/or kidney fibrosis.
Method for treating or preventing chronic kidney disease, which method comprises administration, to a human or animal subject, of an agent that binds to and/or inhibits Naked Cuticle Homolog 2 (NKD2) protein in a therapeutically effective dose.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.