Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of peptides and other small molecules (i.e. peptide mimetics) as pharmaceutical and/or therapeutic agents, and to methods for identification and design of peptides and peptide mimetics having desired functional activities. Specifically, peptides and other small molecules derived from regions of interacting intracellular signaling proteins are provided. More specifically, peptides and other small molecules derived from regions of the G&bgr; subunit of heterotrimeric GTP binding proteins are provided. Such molecules include specific agonists and antagonists of G&bgr; downstream effectors, including adenylyl cyclase and phospholipase C. Such molecules are targeted to predicted regions of interaction between intracellular signaling proteins and tested for activity in functional assays using methods of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of peptides and other small molecules (i.e. peptide mimetics) as pharmaceutical and/or therapeutic agents, and to methods for identification and design of peptides and peptide mimetics having desired functional activities. Specifically, peptides and other small molecules derived from regions of interacting intracellular signaling proteins are provided. More specifically, peptides and other small molecules derived from regions of the G&bgr; subunit of heterotrimeric GTP binding proteins are provided. Such molecules include specific agonists and antagonists of G&bgr; downstream effectors, including adenylyl cyclase and phospholipase C. Such molecules are targeted to predicted regions of interaction between intracellular signaling proteins and tested for activity in functional assays using methods of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to therapeutic uses of mutant activated G.sub.s .alpha. and adenylyl cyclase 2. Although mutant activated G.sub.s .alpha. has been, previously, associated with proliferative and physiological disorders of a subset of differentiated cells, it has now been discovered that mutant activated G.sub.s .alpha. (referred to, hereafter, as G.sub.s .alpha.*) can suppress proliferation as well as the transformed phenotype. Accordingly, in various embodiments of the present invention, introduction of G.sub.s .alpha.* into cells or tissues, preferably by the use of viral vectors, may be used to reduce proliferation and/or prevent the development, reduce, or reverse malignancy. In further embodiments of the present invention, the introduction of adenylyl cyclase 2, preferably using viral vectors, may be used to limit cell proliferation and/or reduce the transformed phenotype.