Fusion proteins and methods for monitoring fibronectin matrix assembly

Abstract

Disclosed are methods and a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention and treatment of fibrosis by the inhibition of fibronectin matrix assembly, as well as insights into the molecular mechanism by which cell-mediated assembly of fibronectin (FN) matrix contributes to extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation. Peptides S2, S3, S20, and variants thereof may be utilized, either alone or fused to one or more proteins. In one aspect, a construct comprising a first protein fused to a first end of a peptide and a second protein fused to a second end of the peptide may be used, where the peptide has at least 80% sequence identity to S2, S3, or S20. The peptide may then be allowed to interact with fibronectin.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.