Method for identification of compounds that bind to β-tubulin and stimulate insulin secretion
AssigneeBiovitrum AB
InventorsPer-Olof Berggren, Thomas Lundbäck, Alejandro Bertorello
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
According to the invention β-tubulin, as well as a 65 kDa polypeptide present in pancreatic β-cells, have been identified as molecular targets for sulfonylurea compounds. These findings enable for the identification of new insulin secretagogues. The invention thus relates to the use of sulfonylurea compounds, such as e.g. glibenclamide, in methods for identification of compounds binding the 65 kDa polypeptide or tubulin, or stimulating tubulin polymerization and/or turnover, thereby stimulating insulin secretion.
Claims21
A method for the identification of a compound that bins to β-tubulin, the method comprising:
- (a) contacting β-tubulin with (i) a test compound and (ii) a reference compound comprising a sulfonylurea compound or a derivative thereof that binds to β-tubulin;
- and
- (b) measuring the binding of the test compound to β-tubulin relative to the binding of the reference compound to β-tubulin, to thereby identify a compound that binds to β-tubulin.
A method for identification of a compound that stimulates polymerization or turnover of β-tubulin, the method comprising:
- (a) contacting β-tubulin with a test compound;
- (b) measuring the effect of the test compound on stimulating polymerization or turnover of β-tubulin;
- and
- (c) determining the effect of the test compound, relative to that of a sulfonylurea compound or a derivative thereof that binds to β-tubulin, on stimulating polymerization or turnover of β-tubulin, to thereby identify a compound that stimulates polymerization or turnover of β-tubulin.
A method for identifying a compound that stimulates insulin secretion, the method comprising:
- (a) contacting β-tubulin with a test compound;
- (b) detecting binding of the test compound to β-tubulin;
- and
- (c) determining whether the test compound stimulates insulin secretion.
A method for identifying a compound that stimulates insulin secretion, the method comprising:
- (a) contacting β-tubulin with a test compound;
- (b) detecting stimulation of β-tubulin polymerization or turnover by the test compound;
- and
- (c) determining whether the test compound stimulates insulin secretion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.