Methods and compositions relating to MEK5 and cardiac hypertrophy and dilated cardiomyopathy

Abstract

The present invention relates to compositions and methods relating to MEK 5 and its role in heart disease. This protein has now been identified as a target for therapeutic intervention due to its role molecular events that lead to or contribute to cardiac hypertrophy and/or dilated cardiomyopathy. In particular, inhibition of MEK 5 activity will lead to decrease signalling of the pathways and reduce or eliminate the effects on sarcomere assembly, which in turn result or contribute to cardiac dysfunction. Also provided are transgenic animals and methods of screening for inhibitors of MEK 5.

1 . A method for inhibiting cardiac hypertrophy in a subject comprising administering to said subject an amount of a composition effective to inhibit MEK5 activity, whereby inhibition of MEK5 activity inhibits cardiac hypertrophy.  
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said subject is a human.  
     
     
         3 - 62 . (canceled)  
     
     
         63 . A method for inhibiting dilated cardiomyopathy in a subject comprising administering to said subject an amount of a composition effective to inhibit MEK5 activity, whereby inhibition of MEK5 activity inhibits dilated cardiomyopathy.  
     
     
         64 . A method for inhibiting heart failure in a subject comprising administering to said subject an amount of a composition effective to inhibit MEK5 activity, whereby inhibition of MEK5 activity inhibits heart failure.