COMPOUNDS AND METHODS FOR MODULATING DESMOSOMAL AND ATYPICALCADHERIN-MEDIATED CELL ADHESION

摘要

Modulating agents and methods for enhancing or inhibiting nonclassical cadherin-mediated functions, such as atypical or desmosomal cadherin -mediat ed functions, are provided. The modulating agents comprise at least a tryptopha n- containing cell adhesion recognition sequence of an atypical and/or desmosom al cadherin, a conservative analogue or peptidomimetic thereof, or an antibody or fragment thereof that specifically binds to such a cell adhesion recognition sequence. Modulating agents may additionally comprise one or more cell adhesion recognition sequences recognized by cadherins and/or other adhesion molecules. Such modulating agents may, but need not, be linked to a targetin g agent, pharmaceutically active substance and/or support material.