Mice lacking a functional c-src gene develop osteopetrosis due to a defect in bone resorption by osteoclasts (1). This evidence implicates the role of Src in osteoclast resorption activity.
We aim to develop a drug that blocks the action of Src protein kinase as a potential treatment of osteoporosis. To do this, we are targeting a domain of the Src protein kinase termed SH2 (src homology 2). SH2 domains are found on a number of intracellular proteins and function as receptors for tyrosine-phosphorylated polypeptides. Our phase I goal is to identify peptides that tightly bind to the Src SH2 domain using a technique termed """"""""phage display"""""""". A library of pentapeptides is expressed on the surface of M13 phage fused to the geneIII protein, a minor M13 coat protein. Each phage displays a single peptide sequence on its surface. The phage library is mixed with immobilized SH2 domain and non-binding phage are removed by washing. Bound phage are eluted and propagated through E. coli to produce a population of phage enriched for sequences that recognize the SH2 domain. Since SH2 domains exhibit a higher affinity for tyrosine-phosphorylated peptides versus nonphosphorylated peptides, we will use several novel approaches to phosphorylate the phage-displayed peptides. The selection cycle is repeated 5-10 times then individual phage are cloned and the encoded peptides are sequenced. Peptides derived from the selected clones will be synthesized and tested for binding to Src SH2 domain.
