Anti-connexin compounds targeted to connexins and methods of use thereof
View Patent ↗Methods and compositions for modulating the activities of connexins are provided, including, for example, for use in post-surgical, trauma, or tissue engineering applications. These compounds and methods can be used therapeutically, for example, to reduce the severity of adverse effects associated diseases and disorders where localized disruption in direct cell-cell communication is desirable.
1. A method of treating an ophthalmic disorder affecting the posterior segment in a subject, the method comprising administering to the subject an anti-connexin 43 peptidomimetic compound capable of down-regulating connexin 43 biological activity.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein said connexin 43 biological activity is cell-cell communication.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein connexin 43 gap-junction-mediated-cell-cell communication is down-regulated.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein said ophthalmic disorder affecting the posterior segment is an ophthalmic disorder affecting the lens.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein said ophthalmic disorder affecting the posterior segment is an ophthalmic disorder affecting the retina.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein said ophthalmic disorder affecting the posterior segment is diabetic retinopathy.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein said ophthalmic disorder affecting the posterior segment is macular degeneration.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein said ophthalmic disorder affecting the posterior segment is vitreoretinopathy.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein said ophthalmic disorder affecting the posterior segment is selected from the group consisting of macular holes and retinal tears.
10. The method of claim 1 wherein said anti-connexin 43 peptidomimetic compound is administered by local administration.
11. The method of claim 1 wherein said anti-connexin 43 peptidomimetic compound is administered systemically.
12. The method of claim 1 wherein said anti-connexin 43 peptidomimetic compound is administered by intraocular injection.
13. The method of claim 1 wherein said anti-connexin 43 peptidomimetic compound is formulated for parenteral administration.