Peptides and Receptors in Development, Cancer, Cell Renewal, Wound Healing, Angiogenesis, Cornea, Neurodegeneration, Diabetes, and Crohn's Disease

The focus of Dr. Zagon's laboratory is the relationship of growth factors and receptors to homeostasis of biological processes, as well as to the etiology, pathogenesis, and treatment/rescue of human disease states. An emphasis is placed on translating basic science discoveries to the clinical realm. His research group had discovered that endogenous opioid peptides are growth factors. In particular, a native opioid system (i.e., peptide and receptor) has been documented to play a crucial role in regulating the growth of normal and neoplastic cells and tissues. Studies reveal that the pentapeptide, [Met⁵]-enkephalin, is a tonically active, reversible, non-cytotoxic, autocrine produced and secreted inhibitory growth agent. [Met⁵]-enkephalin has been termed opioid growth factor (OGF) to signify its function. OGF interfaces with a nuclear-associated receptor, OGFr, in order to transduce a physiological response. The target of OGF is the cyclin-dependent inhibitory kinases. Dr. Zagon's research team has cloned, sequenced, expressed, and defined functionally the cDNA for OGFr. Areas of basic science interest are directed towards understanding the mechanism(s) of OGF-OGFr interfacing in regard to development, cancer, cell renewal, wound healing, diabetes, neurodengeneration, and angiogenesis. Current programs include the genesis of the nervous and cardiovascular systems, embryology, pancreatic/colon/head and neck/renal/prostate cancer, repair of corneal abrasions, complications of diabetes in the eye, and multiple sclerosis. Clinical studies include Phase I and Phase II trials using OGF and naltrexone for treatment of pancreatic cancer, squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, and Crohn's disease.