The invention described herein is based in part on the discovery of a protein/peptide crosslink, which introduces fluorescent properties, and which has been applied to synthesize analogues of melanocortin and amanitin as choice peptides to be explored in the context of isoindole peptides. Without limitation, it is expected that those trained in the art of peptide synthesis and stapling would appreciate the consequences of this invention such that other peptides of varied length can be similarly constrained by isoindole staples as featured herein.

The invention described herein is based in part on the discovery of a protein/peptide crosslink, which introduces fluorescent properties, and which has been applied to synthesize analogues of melanocortin and amanitin as choice peptides to be explored in the context of isoindole peptides. Without limitation, it is expected that those trained in the art of peptide synthesis and stapling would appreciate the consequences of this invention such that other peptides of varied length can be similarly constrained by isoindole staples as featured herein.

The disclosure is related to a method of treating a disorder, such as obesity or a condition associated with obesity, such as hyperphagia, in a subject using a melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) agonist.

The disclosure is related to a method of treating a disorder, such as obesity or a condition associated with obesity, such as hyperphagia, in a subject using a melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) agonist.

The present invention relates to protein nanocages comprising a melanocyte-targeting moiety and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the protein cages as well as methods for treating or diagnosing hyperpigmentation disorders or other melanocyte-related disorders using the protein nanocages or pharmaceutical compositions. In the preferred embodiment, the protein nanocage is composed of Bacillus stearothermophilus E2 protein of pyruvate dehydrogenase multi-enzyme complex (E2), with a skin penetrating and cell permeating SPACE moiety, and a melanocyte-targeting moiety of alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone.

The present invention relates to protein nanocages comprising a melanocyte-targeting moiety and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the protein cages as well as methods for treating or diagnosing hyperpigmentation disorders or other melanocyte-related disorders using the protein nanocages or pharmaceutical compositions. In the preferred embodiment, the protein nanocage is composed of Bacillus stearothermophilus E2 protein of pyruvate dehydrogenase multi-enzyme complex (E2), with a skin penetrating and cell permeating SPACE moiety, and a melanocyte-targeting moiety of alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone.

Ligand-drug conjugates for targeted melanoma therapies are disclosed herein. A ligand is conjugated to a cytotoxic cancer drug through a cleavage linker. The ligand can bind to an overexpressed receptor on a cancer cell, resulting in selectivity. This allows the drug to enter a cancer cell selectively and release the drug within that specific cancer cell. Such therapies provide selectivity to melanoma through a ligand that targets the MC1R receptor, which is highly expressed in 80% of malignant melanomas. The ligand-drug conjugates can be used to deliver a wide range of cytotoxic cancer drugs selective to melanoma cells which may solve the drug resistance problem of melanoma in current therapies.

The present invention is directed to novel non-invasive diagnostic tools/compounds comprising a cyclic peptide wherein the compound binds to a MSH receptor to image and treat cancers, especially, melanoma, including metastatic melanoma in vivo. The present invention represents a clear advance in the art which presently relies on tissue biopsy for diagnoses of these cancers. The novel imaging probes are capable of detecting cancerous melanoma cells, as well as their metastatic spread in tissues. This represents a quantum step forward in the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma, including metastatic melanoma using non-invasive molecular imaging techniques. The novel probes of the present invention will also be useful to initiate therapy for melanoma as well as monitor patients response to chemotherapy treatments and other interventions or therapies used in the treatment of melanoma/metastatic melanoma. Compounds according to the present invention may be used as diagnostic tools for a number of conditions and diseases states as well as therapeutic agents for treating such conditions and disease states.

The present invention is directed to novel non-invasive diagnostic tools/compounds comprising a cyclic peptide wherein the compound binds to a MSH receptor to image and treat cancers, especially, melanoma, including metastatic melanoma in vivo. The present invention represents a clear advance in the art which presently relies on tissue biopsy for diagnoses of these cancers. The novel imaging probes are capable of detecting cancerous melanoma cells, as well as their metastatic spread in tissues. This represents a quantum step forward in the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma, including metastatic melanoma using non-invasive molecular imaging techniques. The novel probes of the present invention will also be useful to initiate therapy for melanoma as well as monitor patients response to chemotherapy treatments and other interventions or therapies used in the treatment of melanoma/metastatic melanoma. Compounds according to the present invention may be used as diagnostic tools for a number of conditions and diseases states as well as therapeutic agents for treating such conditions and disease states.

Provided are compositions and methods for delivering biological moieties such as modified nucleic acids into cells to modulate protein expression. Such compositions and methods include the use of modified messenger RNAs, and are useful to treat or prevent diseases, disorders or conditions, or to improve a subject's heath or wellbeing.