Agents directed against a cis rgma/neogenin interaction or lipid rafts and use of the same in methods of treatment

Abstract

Disclosed herein is an agent that modulates a cis interaction between Repulsive Guidance Molecule A (RGMa) and Neogenin or lipid rafts. Modulation by the agent may include blocking the cis interaction between RGMa and Neogenin and/or disrupting lipid rafts. In turn, this promotes neuronal cell survival and axon growth and/or regeneration. Also disclosed herein is a method of treating a disease in a subject in need thereof. The method may include administering the agent to the subject. Further disclosed herein is a method of identifying an agent that modulates the cis interaction between RGMa and Neogenin.

1 - 65 . (canceled) 
     
     
         66 . A method of treating retinitis pigmentosa, ischemia, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, or optic nerve injury wherein the method comprises administering to the subject a composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a peptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:9, or SEQ ID NO:10, or any combination of the foregoing. 
     
     
         67 . The method of  claim 66 , wherein the ischemia is stroke. 
     
     
         68 . The method of  claim 67 , wherein the method further comprises reducing at least one of infarct volume, brain edema, or a combination thereof in the subject. 
     
     
         69 . The method of  claim 66 , wherein the disease is spinal cord injury and wherein the method further comprises restoring locomotor function in the subject. 
     
     
         70 . The method of  claim 66 , wherein the disease is retinitis pigmentosa and wherein the method further comprises promoting survival of photoreceptor cells in the subject. 
     
     
         71 . A method of treating retinitis pigmentosa, ischemia, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, or optic nerve injury, wherein the wherein the method comprises administering to the subject a composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a peptide consisting of an amino acid sequence having at least 95% identity to an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:9, or SEQ ID NO:10, or any combination of the foregoing, which disrupt a cis interaction between Repulsive Guidance Molecule A (RGMa) and Neogenin.