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Licensed Unlicensed Requires Authentication Published by De Gruyter July 6, 2016

Development of molecules stimulating the activity of KLK3 – an update

Hannu Koistinen, Erik Wallén, Henna Ylikangas, Kristian Meinander, Maija Lahtela-Kakkonen, Ale Närvänen and Ulf-Håkan Stenman
From the journal Biological Chemistry

Abstract

Kallikrein-related peptidase-3 (KLK3, known also as prostate-specific antigen, PSA) is highly expressed in the prostate. KLK3 possess antiangiogenic activity, which we have found to be related to its proteolytic activity. Thus, it may be possible to slow down the growth of prostatic tumors by enhancing this activity. We have developed peptides that enhance the proteolytic activity of KLK3. As these peptides are degraded in circulation and rapidly excreted, we have started to modify them and have succeeded in creating bioactive and more stable pseudopeptides. We have also identified small molecules stimulating the activity of KLK3, especially in synergy with peptides.


Corresponding author: Dr. Hannu Koistinen, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, P.O. Box 63 (Haartmaninkatu 8), 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland

Acknowledgments

Our original studies reviewed in this paper have been supported by grants from the Helsinki University Central Hospital, the Finnish Cancer Foundation, the Academy of Finland, Sigrid Jusélius Foundation, Graduate School of Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, the Research Funds of the University of Helsinki, Finska Läkaresällskapet, Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation, Magnus Ehrnrooth Foundation, the Swedish Research Council and Biomedicum Helsinki Foundation.

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Received: 2016-4-26
Accepted: 2016-6-30
Published Online: 2016-7-6
Published in Print: 2016-12-1

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