PROMOTING CELL GROWTH BY INHIBITING ENABLED PROTEINS OR THEIR LIGANDS

摘要

The invention provides methods for modulating cell growth by altering the binding of Ena/VASP proteins with their ligands. Disclosed is a method of promoting growth or movement of a cell comprising (i) an Ena/VASP protein comprising an Enabled VASP homology 1 (EVH1) domain and (ii) a proline rich EVH1 peptide (PREP) ligand of said Ena/VASP protein wherein the cell is subject to growth or movement inhibition mediated by the binding of the EVH1 domain to the PREP ligand. The method involves specifically and artificially inhibiting the binding of the EVH1 domain to the PREP ligand and confirming a resultant promotion of growth or movement of the cell. Converse methods are used to inhibit growth or movement of a cell.