Lanthionine synthetase component c-like proteins as molecular targets for preventing and treating diseases and disorders

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of medical treatments for diseases and disorders. More specifically, the present invention relates to the use of the lanthionine synthetase component C-like (LANCL) proteins as therapeutic targets for novel classes of anti-inflammatory, immune regulatory and antidiabetic drugs. This includes but it is not limited to abscisic acid (ABA), ABA analogs, benzimidazophenyls, repurposed drugs or drug combinations, including thiazolidinediones (TZDs); naturally occurring compounds such as conjugated diene fatty acids, conjugated triene fatty acids, isoprenoids, and natural and synthetic agonists of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors that activate this receptor through an alternative mechanism of action involving LANCL2 or other membrane proteins to treat or prevent the common inflammatory pathogenesis underlying type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, cancer, some inflammatory infectious diseases such as influenza and autoimmune diseases including but not limited to inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and Ulcerative colitis), rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes and other chronic inflammatory conditions.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for screening for drug candidates for the treatment of inflammation, diabetes, or obesity, said method comprising the steps of
 a. contacting a test agent with LANCL2;   b. determining whether the test agent binds LANCL2, wherein binding between the test agent and LANCL2 indicates that the agent is a drug candidate for the treatment of inflammation, diabetes, or obesity.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the agent is selected from the group consisting of proteins, peptides, small molecules, vitamin derivatives, and carbohydrates. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step determining whether the agent is effective in increasing the activity or expression of PPARγ. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein steps a and b take place in silico. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein steps a and b take place in a microluidic device. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein steps a and b take place in a high throughput screening. 
     
     
         7 - 27 . (canceled)