Agents for treating human illnesses based on beta-catenin, and the production and use thereof

摘要

The present invention relates to peptides that affect the interaction of the protein beta-catenin with a transcription factor or a tumor suppressor protein. Such peptides are derived either from the amino acids of beta-catenin that are known to interact with such proteins, or from the amino acids of the transcription factor or tumor suppressor protein that are known to interact with beta-catenin. The effect of the interaction is preferably inhibition of binding of beta-catenin and the transcription factor or tumor suppressor protein. Peptide mutants and peptidomimetic compounds are also contemplated in the invention. The peptides, mutands and peptidomimetic compounds of the invention are useful for treating cancer in mammals, and particularly in humans.