ARTIFICIAL TRANSCRIPTION FACTORS REGULATING NUCLEAR RECEPTORS AND THEIR THERAPEUTIC USE

摘要

The invention relates to an artificial transcription factor comprising a polydactyl zinc finger protein targeting specifically a promoter region of a nuclear receptor genefused to an inhibitory or activatory protein domain, a nuclear localization sequence, and a protein transduction domain. In particular examples these promoter regions of a nuclear receptor gene regulate the expression of the glucocorticoid receptor, the androgen receptor, or the estrogen receptor ESR1. Artificial transcription factors directed against the glucocorticoid receptor are useful in the treatment of diseases modulated by glucocorticoids, such as inflammatory processes, diabetes, obesity, coronary artery disease, asthma, celiac disease and lupus erythematosus. Artificial transcription factors directed against the androgen receptor are useful in the treatment of diseases modulated by testosterone, such as various cancers, coronary artery disease, metabolic disorders such as obesity or diabetes or mood disorders such as schizophrenia, depression or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Artificial transcription factors directed against the estrogen receptor are useful in the treatment of diseases modulated by estrogens, such as various cancers, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis or mood disorders.