Abstract: Peptides comprising a cadherin cell adhesion recognition (CAR) sequence, and compositions comprising such peptides, are provided. Methods of using such peptides for modulating cadherin-mediated processes in a variety of therapeutic contexts are also provided. Methods are also provided for identifying compounds that are capable of modulating cadherin-mediated processes.

Abstract: Compounds, particularly compounds having activity as modulators of cadherin-mediated cell adhesion having the following structure: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, stereoisomer or prodrug thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, A, X, Y, Z, m and n are as defined herein. Methods associated with preparation and use of the same, as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing the same, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Peptides comprising a cadherin cell adhesion recognition (CAR) sequence, and compositions comprising such peptides, are provided. Methods of using such peptides for modulating cadherin-mediated processes in a variety of therapeutic contexts are also provided. Methods are also provided for identifying compounds that are capable of modulating cadherin-mediated processes.

Abstract: Compounds, particularly compounds having activity as modulators of cadherin-mediated cell adhesion having the following structure: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, stereoisomer or prodrug thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, A, X, Y, Z, m and n are as defined herein. Methods associated with preparation and use of the same, as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing the same, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for modulating OB-cadherin-mediated functions are provided. The compositions and methods employ OB-cadherin modulating agents which generally comprise one or more of: (a) a peptide sequence that is at least 50% identical to an OB-cadherin CAR sequence; (b) a non-peptide mimetic of an OB-cadherin CAR sequence; (c) a substance, such as an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, that specifically binds an OB-cadherin CAR sequence; and/or (d) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide that comprises an OB-cadherin CAR sequence or analogue thereof.

Abstract: Modulating agents and methods for enhancing or inhibiting nonclassical cadherin-mediated functions, such as atypical or desmosomal cadherin-mediated functions, are provided. The modulating agents comprise at least a tryptophan-containing cell adhesion recognition sequence of an atypical and/or desmosomal cadherin, a conservative analogue or peptidomimetic thereof, or an antibody or fragment thereof that specifically binds to such a cell adhesion recognition sequence. Modulating agents may additionally comprise one or more cell adhesion recognition sequences recognized by cadherins and/or other adhesion molecules. Such modulating agents may, but need not, be linked to a targeting agent, pharmaceutically active substance and/or support material.

Abstract: Modulating agents and methods for enhancing or inhibiting classical cadherin-mediated functions are provided. The modulating agents comprise at least a tryptophan-containing cell adhesion recognition sequence of a classical cadherin molecule, a conservative analogue or peptidomimetic thereof, or an antibody or fragment thereof that specifically binds to such a cell adhesion recognition sequence. Modulating agents may additionally comprise one or more cell adhesion recognition sequences recognized by cadherins and/or other adhesion molecules. Such modulating agents may, but need not, be linked to a targeting agent, pharmaceutically active substance and/or support material.

Abstract: Peptidomimetics of cyclic peptides, and compositions comprising such peptidomimetics are provided. The peptidomimetics have a three-dimensional structure that is substantially similar to a three-dimensional structure of a cyclic peptide that comprises a cadherin cell adhesion recognition sequence HAV. Methods for using such peptidomimetics for modulating cadherin-mediated cell adhesion in a variety of contexts are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for using modulating agents to enhance or inhibit cadherin-mediated cell adhesion in a variety of in vivo and in vitro contexts are provided. In particular, the modulating agents may be used in the therapy of multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating diseases. The modulating agents comprise at least one cadherin cell adhesion recognition sequence (HAV) or an antibody or fragment thereof that specifically binds to a cadherin cell adhesion recognition sequence. Modulating agents may additionally comprise one or more cell adhesion recognition sequences recognized by other adhesion molecules. Such modulating agents may, but need not, be linked to a targeting agent, drug and/or support material.

Abstract: Peptidomimetics of cyclic peptides, and compositions comprising such peptidomimetics are provided. The peptidomimetics have a three-dimensional structure that is substantially similar to a three-dimensional structure of a cyclic peptide that comprises a cadherin cell adhesion recognition sequence HAV. Methods for using such peptidomimetics for modulating cadherin-mediated cell adhesion in a variety of contexts are also provided.

Abstract: Cyclic peptides and compositions comprising such cyclic peptides are provided. The cyclic peptides comprise a classical cadherin cell adhesion recognition sequence HAV. Methods for using such peptides and compositions for inducing apoptosis in cadherin-expressing cells, such as cancer cells, are also provided.

Abstract: Cyclic peptides comprising a cadherin cell adhesion recognition sequence HAV, and compositions comprising such cyclic peptides, are provided. Methods for using such peptides for modulating cadherin-mediated cell adhesion in a variety of contexts are also provided.

Abstract: Modulating agents for inhibiting an interaction between ?-catenin and ?-catenin are provided. The modulating agents comprise one or more of: (a) a ?-catenin HAV motif; (b) a peptide analogue or mimetic of a ?-catenin HAV motif; or (c) an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that specifically binds to a ?-catenin HAV motif. Methods for using such modulating agents for inhibiting cadherin-mediated cell adhesion in a variety of contexts are also provided.

Abstract: Cyclic peptides comprising a cadherin cell adhesion recognition sequence HAV, and compositions comprising such cyclic peptides, are provided. Methods for using such peptides for modulating cadherin-mediated cell adhesion in a variety of contexts are also provided.

Abstract: Modulating agents for inhibiting or enhancing nonclassical cadherin mediated cell adhesion are provided. The modulating agents comprise one or more of: (a) a peptide sequence that is at least 50% identical to a nonclassical cadherin CAR sequence; (b) a non-peptide mimetic of a nonclassical cadherin CAR sequence; (c) a substance, such as an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, that specifically binds a nonclassical cadherin CAR sequence; and/or (d) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide that comprises a nonclassical cadherin CAR sequence or analogue thereof. Methods for using such modulating agents for modulating nonclassical cadherin-mediated cell adhesion in a variety of contexts are also provided.

Abstract: Cyclic peptides and compositions comprising such cyclic peptides are provided. The cyclic peptides comprise a cadherin cell adhesion recognition sequence HAV. Methods for using such peptides and compositions for modulating cadherin-mediated cell adhesion in a variety of contexts are also provided.

Abstract: Modulating agents for inhibiting &bgr;-catenin mediated gene expression are provided. The modulating agents comprise one or more of: (1) the peptide sequence LXXLL (SEQ ID NO:1); or (2) a peptide analogue or peptidomimetic thereof. Methods for using such modulating agents for modulating &bgr;-catenin mediated gene expression and cellular differentiation in a variety of contexts (e.g., for modulating hair growth or treating cancer or Alzheimer's disease) are provided.

Abstract: Methods for using modulating agents to enhance or inhibit claudin-mediated cell adhesion in a variety of in vivo and in vitro contexts are provided. Within certain embodiments, the modulating agents may be used to increase blood/brain barrier permeability. The modulating agents comprise at least one claudin cell adhesion recognition sequence or an antibody or fragment thereof that specifically binds the claudin cell adhesion recognition sequence. Modulating agents may additionally comprise one or more cell adhesion recognition sequences recognized by other adhesion molecules. Such modulating agents may, but need not, be linked to a targeting agent, drug and/or support material.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosing cancer, such as prostate, ovarian or breast cancer, as well as leukemia, are provided. Such methods may employ binding agents, such as antibodies or CAR sequences of OB-cadherin or N-cadherin, that specifically bind to OB-cadherin or N-cadherin, or polynucleotides that hybridize to a polynucleotide encoding OB-cadherin or N-cadherin. Also provided are methods for monitoring the progression of a cancer and to evaluate the metastatic potential of a cancer.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosing cancer, such as prostate, ovarian or breast cancer, as well as leukemia, are provided. Such methods may employ binding agents, such as antibodies or CAR sequences of OB-cadherin or N-cadherin, that specifically bind to OB-cadherin or N-cadherin, or polynucleotides that hybridize to a polynucleotide encoding OB-cadherin or N-cadherin. Also provided are methods for monitoring the progression of a cancer and to evaluate the metastatic potential of a cancer.