Approach to treatment of hyperglycemia using a nanoparticle encapsulated peptide
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for treating or preventing hyperglycemia and diseases associated with hyperglycemia. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises a peptide having the amino acid sequence KRSCYK wherein the peptide consists of D-amino acids is useful in treating or preventing diabetes. In some aspects, the peptide of the invention is encapsulated in a nanoparticle.
1. An isolated peptide comprising an amino acid sequence of KRSCCYK (SEQ ID NO: 1), wherein each amino acid of the peptide is in D configuration (D-amino acid).
2. The peptide of claim 1 , wherein the peptide further comprises an acetyl group on the N-terminus of the peptide.
3. The peptide of claim 1 , wherein the peptide further comprises an amido group on the C-terminus of the peptide.
4. A composition comprising the peptide of claim 1 , or a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
5. The composition of claim 4 is in a form of a nanoparticle.
6. The composition of claim 5 , wherein the nanoparticle comprises a core comprising heparin, protamine, and the peptide.
7. The composition of claim 6 , wherein the weight ratio of protamine to heparin is about 0.3:1 to about 0.6:1.
8. The composition of claim 5 , wherein the nanoparticle comprises a membrane comprising cholesterol and DOTAP.
9. A method for treating diabetes in a subject, the method comprising administering to a subject an effective amount of a peptide of claim 1 .
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the peptide comprises an acetyl group on the N-terminus of the peptide.
11. The method of claim 9 , wherein the peptide further comprises an amido group on the C-terminus of the peptide.
12. The method of claim 9 further comprising administering a second therapeutic agent.
13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the second therapeutic agent is an anti-diabetic agent.
14. The method of claim 12 , wherein the second therapeutic agent is insulin.