Abstract: A therapeutic composition that includes an active portion of the lysyl oxidase pro-peptide in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier substance and methods of using such a therapeutic composition are disclosed. The active agent does not have lysyl oxidase enzymatic activity. Preferably, the active polypeptide is active in inhibiting cell growth in soft agar and active in inhibiting tumor formation. In addition, the active polypeptide preferably comprises an active portion of the amino acid sequence given in SEQ ID NO.: 1 or SEQ ID NO.: 2, or conservative substitions thereof. Alternatively, the active polypeptide comprises a polypeptide comprising an active portion of an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs.: 3-8, or conservative substitions thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to agents that regulate the proliferation of cells such as smooth muscle cells. Proliferation of smooth muscle cells may be increased or decreased by affecting the activity or concentration of a transcription factor. The factor comprises two domains of about 50 kD and about 70 kD which together have an approximate molecular weight of 120 kD and specifically binds to the nucleic acid sequence 5'-GGGTTTTCCCC-3' (SEQ ID NO 2). This factor represents a novel member of the family of rel-related factors. This invention also relates to methods for the treatment and prevention of diseases and disorders associated with proliferation of smooth muscle cells such as arteriosclerosis, fibrosis and wound healing, which involve regulation of the smooth muscle cell transcription factor.

Abstract: This invention relates to agents that regulate the proliferation of cells such as smooth muscle cells. Proliferation of smooth muscle cells may be increased or decreased by affecting the activity or concentration of a transcription factor. The factor comprises two domains of about 50 kD and about 70 kD which together have an approximate molecular weight of 120 kD and specifically binds to the nucleic acid sequence 5'-GGGTTTTCCCC-3' (SEQ ID NO 2). This factor represents a novel member of the family of rel-related factors. This invention also relates to methods for the treatment and prevention of diseases and disorders associated with proliferation of smooth muscle cells such as arteriosclerosis, fibrosis and wound healing, which involve regulation of the smooth muscle cell transcription factor.