Biomineralization Modulating Peptides
In addition to Specifically-Targeted Antimicrobial Peptides (STAMPs), we are advancing a series of novel biomineralization modulating peptides that have been demonstrated to bind calcified surfaces in a tissue specific manner, where they may be used to selectively promote or inhibit mineralization. Potential medical applications include enhancing remineralization and osseointegration in tooth or bone (Fig. 1-2); or, conversely, blocking unwanted calcification, such as in conditions associated with vascular calcification. In vivo toxicity studies have shown that these mineral binding peptides are safe and do not produce any signs of acute toxicity, organ damage or antigenic response. Current studies are focused on developing biominerialization peptides for dental desensitization, remineralization of dental defects, and for enhancement of bone healing.
Figure 1. Mineralization promotion by C3 peptides
Peptides (green) are able to bind to mineralized surfaces at high levels
and recruit microcrystalline calcium phosphate nuclei (red and blue)
from the surrounding medium. These nuclei then give rise to crystal
growth and mineralization. [Copyright © C3 Jian, Inc. 2009]
Biomineralization modulating peptides applications:
- Diagnosis of bone and tooth defects; and sites of arterial calcification
- Remineralization of dental defects; and dental desensitization
- Enhancement of osseointegration of osseous implants
- Enhancement and acceleration of bone healing
- Enhancement of bone healing
- Treatment of osteomyelitis, osteosarcoma and osteoporosis
- Inhibition of inappropriate mineralization, e.g. medical devices and vascular calcification
- Targeting of therapeutics to mineralized tissue defects or sites of inappropriate mineralization
Figure 2. Effect of C3 biomineralization-promoting peptide (top) or mock-treatment (bottom) on bone healing in critical rat calvarial defects at 3 weeks following single treatment. [Copyright © C3 Jian, Inc. 2009]
