METHODS AND REAGENTS FOR THE TREATMENT OF APOPTOSIS-RELATED DISORDERS

摘要

The present invention relates to novel uses and reagents relating to apoptosis-related disorders. In particular, modulation of PI3K class Iia activity is shown to influence apoptosis, and PI3K class IIa is thought to be cellular survival factors. Based on these findings the present invention provides therapeutic methods and pharmaceutical compositions useful for the treatment of apoptosis-related disorders. In addition, PI3K class IIa is provided as a target for the development of therapeutics. Accordingly, the invention provides screening methods for identifying candidate compounds that modulate PI3K class IIa activity and may therefore be used to treat apoptosis-related disorders such as cardiovascular disorders, autoimmune disorders, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer.