# US 9,751,923 B2 · Administration of DKK1 muteins to treat fibrosis

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- Number: US 9,751,923 B2
- Document ID: US9751923B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 14/438,860
- Filed: 2013-11-01
- Published: 2015-11-26
- Granted: 2017-09-05
- Earliest claimed: 2012-11-01
- Assignees: University of Washington through its Center for Commercialization
- Applicants: University of Washington through its Center for Commercialization; Children's Hospital Medical Center
- Inventors: Jeremy Duffield; Shuyu Ren; Rashmi Hedge
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US9751923B2

## CPC

- C07K 14/4703: {Inhibitors; Suppressors}
- A61K 38/1709: {from mammals}
- C07K: PEPTIDES (peptides in foodstuffs A23; obtaining protein compositions for foodstuffs, working-up proteins for foodstuffs A23J; preparations for medicinal purposes A61K; peptides containing beta-lactam rings C07D; cyclic dipeptides not having in their molecule any other peptide link than those which form their ring, e.g. piperazine-2,5-diones, C07D; ergot alkaloids of the cyclic peptide type C07D519/02; macromolecular compounds having statistically distributed amino acid units in their molecules, i.e. when the preparation does not provide for a specific; but for a random sequence of the amino acid units, homopolyamides and block copolyamides derived from amino acids C08G69/00; macromolecular products derived from proteins C08H1/00; preparation of glue or gelatine C09H; single cell proteins, enzymes C12N; genetic engineering processes for obtaining peptides C12N15/00; compositions for measuring or testing processes involving enzymes C12Q; investigation or analysis of biological material G01N33/00)
- A61K: PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES (devices or methods specially adapted for bringing pharmaceutical products into particular physical or administering forms A61J3/00; chemical aspects of, or use of materials for deodorisation of air, for disinfection or sterilisation, or for bandages, dressings, absorbent pads or surgical articles A61L; soap compositions C11D)

## Abstract

The present disclosure provides molecules, compositions and methods for treating scarring in organs. The molecules, compositions and methods treat scarring by modulating the WNT, platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF3) and/or connective-tissue growth factor (CTGF) signaling pathways.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A method of treating scarring of an organ in a subject in need thereof comprising: administering an effective amount of a molecule that down-regulates the WNT signaling pathways to the subject in need thereof, wherein the molecule comprises:
modified SEQ ID NO:5, wherein amino acid residues 28 to 173 of modified SEQ ID NO:5 are at least 90% identical to amino acid residues 28 to 173 of SEQ ID NO:5, and wherein modified SEQ ID NO:5 comprises at least one amino acid modification independently selected from a substitution, a deletion, or an addition, and wherein amino acid residues 174 to 262 of modified SEQ ID NO:5 are identical to amino acid residues 174 to 262 of SEQ ID NO:5;
modified SEQ ID NO:6, wherein amino acid residues 28 to 53 , 62 to 70, and 87 to 116 of modified SEQ ID NO:6 are at least 90% identical to amino acid residues 28 to 53 , 62 to 70, and 87 to 116 of SEQ ID NO:6, and wherein modified SEQ ID NO:6 comprises at least one amino acid modification independently selected from a substitution, a deletion, or an addition, and wherein amino acid residues 54 to 61 and 71 to 86 of modified SEQ ID NO:6 are identical to amino acid residues 54 to 61 and 71 to 86 of SEQ ID NO:6;
modified SEQ ID NO:7, wherein amino acid residues 28 to 179 of modified SEQ ID NO:7 are at least 90% identical to amino acid residues 28 to 179 of SEQ ID NO:7, and wherein modified SEQ ID NO:7 comprises at least one amino acid modification independently selected from a substitution, a deletion, or an addition, and wherein amino acid residues 180 to 268 of modified SEQ ID NO:7 are identical to amino acid residues 180 to 268 of SEQ ID NO:7; or
modified SEQ ID NO:8, wherein amino acid residues 28 to 53, 62 to 70, and 87 to 116 of modified SEQ ID NO:8 are at least 90% identical to amino acid residues 28 to 53, 62 to 70, and 87 to 116 of SEQ ID NO:8, and wherein modified SEQ ID NO:8 comprises at least one amino acid modification independently selected from a substitution, a deletion, or an addition, and wherein amino acid residues 54 to 61 and 71 to 86 of modified SEQ ID NO:8 are identical to amino acid residues 54 to 61 and 71 to 86 of SEQ ID NO:8;
thereby treating scarring of the organ in the subject.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the down-regulation occurs based on binding of the molecule to a LRP5 receptor or LRP6 receptor.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the organ in the subject is a kidney, liver, lung, heart, skin, pancreas, muscle, brain, intestine, eye, or bone marrow.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the treatment of scarring further treats chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetes mellitus, hypertension, arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis, autoimmune disease, lupus, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis, anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) disease, focal segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS), IgA nephropathy, membranous nephropathy, Alport Syndrome, polycystic kidney disease, kidney infections, urinary track infections (UTIs), viral kidney disease, bacterial kidney disease, parasite-related kidney disease, CKD following xenobiotic exposure, CKD following sepsis, CKD following ischemic injuries, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, scleroderma, ischemic cardomyopathy, post myocardial infraction cardiac failure, fibrosing muscle diseases, fibrosing gut diseases, Crohn's disease, colitis, gut diseases with strictures, scarring of the peritoneum following surgical laparotomies, or pancreatitis.

### Claim 5

A modified DKK1 protein comprising:
modified SEQ ID NO:5, wherein amino acid residues 28 to 173 of modified SEQ ID NO:5 are at least 90% identical to amino acid residues 28 to 173 of SEQ ID NO:5, and wherein modified SEQ ID NO:5 comprises at least one amino acid modification independently selected from a substitution, a deletion, or an addition, and wherein amino acid residues 174 to 262 of modified SEQ ID NO:5 are identical to amino acid residues 174 to 262 of SEQ ID NO:5;
modified SEQ ID NO:6, wherein amino acid residues 28 to 53, 62 to 70, and 87 to 116 of modified SEQ ID NO:6 are at least 90% identical to amino acid residues 28 to 53, 62 to 70, and 87 to 116 of SEQ ID NO:6, and wherein modified SEQ ID NO:6 comprises at least one amino acid modification independently selected from a substitution, a deletion, or an addition, and wherein amino acid residues 54 to 61 and 71 to 86 of modified SEQ ID NO:6 are identical to amino acid residues 54 to 61 and 71 to 86 of SEQ ID NO:6;
modified SEQ ID NO:7, wherein amino acid residues 28 to 179 of modified SEQ ID NO:7 are at least 90% identical to amino acid residues 28 to 179 of SEQ ID NO:7, and wherein modified SEQ ID NO:7 comprises at least one amino acid modification independently selected from a substitution, a deletion, or an addition, and wherein amino acid residues 180 to 268 of modified SEQ ID NO:7 are identical to amino acid residues 180 to 268 of SEQ ID NO:7; or
modified SEQ ID NO:8, wherein amino acid residues 28 to 53, 62 to 70, and 87 to 116 of modified SEQ ID NO:8 are at least 90% identical to amino acid residues 28 to 53, 62 to 70, and 87 to 116 of SEQ ID NO:8, and wherein modified SEQ ID NO:8 comprises at least one amino acid modification independently selected from a substitution, a deletion, or an addition, and wherein amino acid residues 54 to 61 and 71 to 86 of modified SEQ ID NO:8 are identical to amino acid residues 54 to 61 and 71 to 86 of SEQ ID NO:8.

### Claim 6 (depends on 5)

The modified DKK1 protein of claim 5, wherein the modified DKK1 protein consists of:
modified SEQ ID NO:5, wherein amino acid residues 28 to 173 of modified SEQ ID NO:5 are at least 90% identical to amino acid residues 28 to 173 of SEQ ID NO:5, and wherein modified SEQ ID NO:5 comprises at least one amino acid modification independently selected from a substitution, a deletion, or an addition, and wherein amino acid residues 174 to 262 of modified SEQ ID NO:5 are identical to amino acid residues 174 to 262 of SEQ ID NO:5;
modified SEQ ID NO:6, wherein amino acid residues 28 to 53, 62 to 70, and 87 to 116 of modified SEQ ID NO:6 are at least 90% identical to amino acid residues 28 to 53, 62 to 70, and 87 to 116 of SEQ ID NO:6, and wherein modified SEQ ID NO:6 comprises at least one amino acid modification independently selected from a substitution, a deletion, or an addition, and wherein amino acid residues 54 to 61 and 71 to 86 of modified SEQ ID NO:6 are identical to amino acid residues 54 to 61 and 71 to 86 of SEQ ID NO:6;
modified SEQ ID NO:7, wherein amino acid residues 28 to 179 of modified SEQ ID NO:7 are at least 90% identical to amino acid residues 28 to 179 of SEQ ID NO:7, and wherein modified SEQ ID NO:7 comprises at least one amino acid modification independently selected from a substitution, a deletion, or an addition, and wherein amino acid residues 180 to 268 of modified SEQ ID NO:7 are identical to amino acid residues 180 to 268 of SEQ ID NO:7; or
modified SEQ ID NO:8, wherein amino acid residues 28 to 53, 62 to 70, and 87 to 116 of modified SEQ ID NO:8 are at least 90% identical to amino acid residues 28 to 53, 62 to 70, and 87 to 116 of SEQ ID NO:8, and wherein modified SEQ ID NO:8 comprises at least one amino acid modification independently selected from a substitution, a deletion, or an addition, and wherein amino acid residues 54 to 61 and 71 to 86 of modified SEQ ID NO:8 are identical to amino acid residues 54 to 61 and 71 to 86 of SEQ ID NO:8.

### Claim 7

A method of treating scarring of a peritoneum, a joint, or a large vessel in a subject in need thereof comprising: administering an effective amount of a molecule that down-regulates the WNT signaling pathways to the subject in need thereof, wherein the molecule comprises:
modified SEQ ID NO:5 , wherein amino acid residues 28 to 173 of modified SEQ ID NO:5 are at least 90% identical to amino acid residues 28 to 173 of SEQ ID NO:5, and wherein modified SEQ ID NO:5 comprises at least one amino acid modification independently selected from a substitution, a deletion, or an addition, and wherein amino acid residues 174 to 262 of modified SEQ ID NO:5 are identical to amino acid residues 174 to 262 of SEQ ID NO:5;
modified SEQ ID NO:6, wherein amino acid residues 28 to 53, 62 to 70, and 87 to 116 of modified SEQ ID NO:6 are at least 90% identical to amino acid residues 28 to 53, 62 to 70, and 87 to 116 of SEQ ID NO:6, and wherein modified SEQ ID NO:6 comprises at least one amino acid modification independently selected from a substitution, a deletion, or an addition, and wherein amino acid residues 54 to 61 and 71 to 86 of modified SEQ ID NO:6 are identical to amino acid residues 54 to 61 and 71 to 86 of SEQ ID NO:6;
modified SEQ ID NO:7, wherein amino acid residues 28 to 179 of modified SEQ ID NO:7 are at least 90% identical to amino acid residues 28 to 179 of SEQ ID NO:7, and wherein modified SEQ ID NO:7 comprises at least one amino acid modification independently selected from a substitution, a deletion, or an addition, and wherein amino acid residues 180 to 268 of modified SEQ ID NO:7 are identical to amino acid residues 180 to 268 of SEQ ID NO:7; or
modified SEQ ID NO:8, wherein amino acid residues 28 to 53, 62 to 70, and 87 to 116 of modified SEQ ID NO:8 are at least 90% identical to amino acid residues 28 to 53, 62 to 70, and 87 to 116 of SEQ ID NO:8, and wherein modified SEQ ID NO:8 comprises at least one amino acid modification independently selected from a substitution, a deletion, or an addition, and wherein amino acid residues 54 to 61 and 71 to 86 of modified SEQ ID NO:8 are identical to amino acid residues 54 to 61 and 71 to 86 of SEQ ID NO:8;
thereby treating scarring of the peritoneum, the joint, or the large vessel in the subject.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the modification is a substitutions, and the substitution is independently a substitution of one amino acid of a group for another amino acid of the same group found in one of the following substitution groups:
1) Ala, Gly, Ser, and Thr;
2) Asp and Glu;
3) Asn and Gln;
4) Arg, Lys, and His;
5) Ile, Leu, Met, and Val;
6) Phe, Tyr, and Trp;
7) Gly, Ala, Val, Leu, and Ile;
8) Met and Cys;
9) Asp, Glu, Asn, and Gln;
10) Ala, Ser, Thr, Pro, and Gly;
11) Asp, Asn, Glu, and Gln;
12) His, Arg, and Lys;
13) Met, Leu, Ile, Val, and Cys; or
14) Phe, Tyr, and Trp.

### Claim 9 (depends on 5)

The modified DKK1 protein of claim 5, wherein the modification is a substitutions, and the substitution is independently a substitution of one amino acid of a group for another amino acid of the same group found in one of the following substitution groups:
1) Ala, Gly, Ser, and Thr;
2) Asp and Glu;
3) Asn and Gln;
4) Arg, Lys, and His;
5) Ile, Leu, Met, and Val;
6) Phe, Tyr, and Trp;
7) Gly, Ala, Val, Leu, and Ile;
8) Met and Cys;
9) Asp, Glu, Asn, and Gln;
10) Ala, Ser, Thr, Pro, and Gly;
11) Asp, Asn, Glu, and Gln;
12) His, Arg, and Lys;
13) Met, Leu, Ile, Val, and Cys; or
14) Phe, Tyr, and Trp.