Wnt antagonists and methods of treatment and screening
The present invention relates to compositions comprising Wnt antagonists and methods of treating Wnt-associated diseases and disorders, such as cancer, inducing differentiation, and reducing the frequency of cancer stem cells, as well as novel methods of screening for such Wnt antagonists. In particular, the invention discloses soluble FZD, SFRP and Ror receptors and their use.
1. An isolated polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO:50, and SEQ ID NO:53.
2. The polypeptide of claim 1 , which further comprises the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO:67, SEQ ID NO:68, SEQ ID NO:69, SEQ ID NO:70, SEQ ID NO:71, SEQ ID NO:72, SEQ ID NO:73, and SEQ ID NO:74.
3. A Wnt-binding agent comprising an isolated polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:53.
4. An isolated polypeptide comprising the Wnt-binding agent of claim 3 and the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO:67, SEQ ID NO:68, SEQ ID NO:69, SEQ ID NO:70, SEQ ID NO:71, SEQ ID NO:72, SEQ ID NO:73, and SEQ ID NO:74.
5. An isolated polypeptide comprising the Wnt-binding agent of claim 3 and the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:72.
6. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the Wnt-binding agent of claim 3 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.