Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid encodes a polypeptide for inhibiting growth of a cancer cell. The amino acid sequence defines a binding domain of a ? integrin subunit for ERK2 MAP kinase, the binding domain comprising an intervening, centrally located amino acid linker sequence that links opposite terminal end amino acid sequence regions of the binding domain together and is non-essential for binding of the MAP kinase to the binding domain. The linker sequence of the binding domain is deleted such that the opposite terminal end amino acid sequence regions of the binding domain remain and are contiguous with one another. Also provided are vectors incorporating the nucleic acid and methods for prophylaxis or treatment of cancer in a mammal, comprising administering the nucleic acid for expression of the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid in the cancer cells of the cancer.

Abstract: A purified anti-cancer peptide consisting of amino acids 266 to 287 of Genbank Accession No. O68604 (SEQ ID No. 4), and modified and homologous forms of the peptide are described. The modified or and homologous forms of the peptide include more than contiguous amino acids having at least 75% amino acid sequence identity with at least 8 contiguous amino acids of amino acids 266-287 of Genbank Accession No. O68604 (SEQ ID No. 4) defining a motif selected from the group consisting of RRRVQQ (SEQ ID No. 5) and RGRAK (SEQ ID No. 1). The peptide(s) can be produced by B. linens, a Brevibacterium commonly used in the production of cheese. There is also provided method for prophylaxis or treatment of cancer in a mammal, comprising treating the mammal with an effective amount of the peptide, or a protein the pepsin cleavage of which yields the peptide.

Abstract: There is disclosed agents capable of inhibiting the binding of a MAP kinase to a binding domain of an integrin for the MAP kinase, and methods of modulating the activity of a cell utilizing the agents. The methods are particularly suitable for inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.

Abstract: There is provided a method for inhibiting growth and/or proliferation of a cancer cell. The method comprises treating a cancer cell with an effective amount of a polypeptide providing a cytoplasmic binding domain of a ? integrin subunit for binding of ERK2 to inhibit at least one protein kinase, other than a MAP kinase, in a cell activation pathway of the cancer cell. The protein kinases inhibited by the polypeptide may be selected from the group consisting of c-Raf, MEK 1 and kinases in the Src, PI3K, PKB/AKT and PKC families. Methods for the prophylaxis and treatment of cancer are also provided.

Abstract: There is disclosed agents capable of inhibiting the binding of a MAP kinase to a binding domain of an integrin for the MAP kinase, and methods of modulating the activity of a cell utilising the agents. The methods are particularly suitable for inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to dendrimer agents presenting polypetides providing the binding domain of a ? integrin sub-unit for an ERK MAP kinase, or a variant or modified form of the binding domain, and the use of the dendrimers to inhibit growth of cancer cells. The peptides present more that 8 units of the polypeptide(s) examples of which include the peptide RSKAKNPLYR (SEQ ID No. 6).

Abstract: Dislosed is the integrin-binding domain of MAP kinase. Interaction between MAP kinase and integrin via this domain activates MAP kinase and initiates cellular activity. Methods of modulating cellular activity by inhibiting direct MAP kinase-integrin binding are provided. These methods have particular use in inhibiting growth of cancer cells.