Compositions and methods for modulating EMT and uses thereof
AssigneeWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research
InventorsChristina Scheel, Robert A. Weinberg
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention provides compositions and methods useful for modulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Certain of the compositions and methods are useful for inducing epithelial cells to undergo an EMT. The invention further provides cells generated using the inventive methods and methods of use thereof. Certain of the compositions and methods are useful for inhibiting epithelial cells from undergoing an EMT. Certain of the compositions and methods are useful for inhibiting EMT in a subject in need thereof.
Claims16
A composition comprising one or more compounds selected from each of at least three of the following groups:
- (a) compounds that stimulate transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta pathway signaling;
- (b) compounds that stimulate canonical Wnt pathway signaling;
- (c) compounds that stimulate non-canonical Wnt pathway signaling;
- and (d) compounds that perturb cell adhesion, wherein the composition comprises at least one compound from group (b), and wherein the at least one compound of (b) disinhibits canonical Wnt pathway signaling by inhibiting a Dikkopf (DKK) or soluble Frizzled-related proteins (SFRP) family member.
A composition comprising one or more compounds selected from each of at least three of the following groups:
- (a) compounds that stimulate TGF-beta pathway signaling;
- (b) compounds that stimulate canonical Wnt pathway signaling;
- (c) compounds that stimulate non-canonical Wnt pathway signaling;
- and (d) compounds that perturb cell adhesion, wherein the composition comprises at least one compound from group (d), wherein the at least one compound of (d) perturbs adherens junction or tight junction formation or maintenance.
A composition comprising one or more compounds selected from each of at least three of the following groups:
- (a) compounds that stimulate TGF-beta pathway signaling;
- (b) compounds that stimulate canonical Wnt pathway signaling;
- (c) compounds that stimulate non-canonical Wnt pathway signaling;
- and (d) compounds that perturb cell adhesion, wherein the compounds are present in concentrations effective to induce epithelial cells to undergo an EMT.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.