Abstract:
The present invention concerns the field of ion channels, and in particular relates to peptides which are suitable for use in the treatment of conditions where the L-type calcium channel (LTCC) density and function is altered. LTCCs are located on the membrane of all excitable cells and control the small voltage gradient across the plasma membrane by allowing the flow of Ca 2+  ions down their electrochemical gradient. This Ca 2+  flux is critical for numerous processes including cardiac action potential propagation, muscle contraction, Ca 2+ -dependent gene expression, synaptic efficacy, and cell survival by contributing to various signaling cascades. Reduction of the inward calcium current (I Ca ) conducted through the LTCCs is seen in several diseases and medications to improve or restores impaired intracellular Ca 2+  homeostasis are limited. The present invention reports mimetic peptides (MPs) that through a novel mechanism directly targets LTCCs and, by modulation of LTCC density and function, increases I Ca . This invention supports a therapeutic role for MP to treat human diseases associated with altered cellular Ca 2+  homeostasis.

Description:
This application is a national stage application under 35 U.S.C. §371 of PCT Application No. PCT/EP2015/051376, filed Jan. 23, 2015, which claims the priority benefit of Italian Patent Application No. MI2014A000097, filed Jan. 24, 2014. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention concerns the field of ion channels, and in particular relates to peptides which are suitable for use in the treatment of conditions where the L-type calcium channel density is altered. 
     STATE OF THE ART 
     Ion channels are integral membrane proteins that help establish and control the small voltage gradient across the plasma membrane of living cells by allowing the flow of ions down their electrochemical gradient. They are present in the membranes that surround all biological cells regulating the flow of ions across it. 
     L-Type Calcium Channels (LTCCs) are ion channels that couple membrane depolarization to cellular Ca 2+  entry 1 . LTCCs are critical for numerous processes including cardiac action potential propagation, muscle contraction, Ca 2+ -dependent gene expression, synaptic efficacy, and cell survival by contributing to various signaling cascades. LTCCs play a critical role in Ca 2+  dependent signaling processes in a variety of cell types and are mostly found in skeletal muscle, smooth muscle, bone (osteoblasts), atrial and ventricular myocytes (responsible for prolonged action potential in cardiac cell; also termed DHP receptors), dendrites and dendritic spines of cortical neurons. In particular LTCCs can be found in excitable cells such as cardiac and skeletal muscles, smooth muscles, neuronal cells, cells which are present in the eye and are responsible for vision. 
     LTCCs are the initiators of the Ca 2+ -induced Ca 2+  release (CICR) process in the heart and are composed of different subunits: the pore-forming subunit Ca v α1.2 and the accessory Ca v β2 and Ca v α2δ subunits. The number of functional LTCCs at the plasma membrane strongly influences the strength and duration of Ca 2+  signals triggering myocardial systolic/diastolic cycles and cardiac rhythm and changes in the LTCC density have been observed in aging and various diseases. 
     Indeed, a trend for the Ca 2+  channel density to decline has been found with the progression of pathological hypertrophy, dilated cardiomyopathy, atrial/ventricular fibrillation, and diabetic cardiomyopathy. In addition, recent evidence has revealed that loss-of-function mutations in genes coding for subunits of the LTCC, once considered rare, are now recognized as relatively common and to be associated with a wide variety of inherited cardiac arrhythmic syndromes, including Timothy, early repolarization, short QT syndrome and Brugada syndromes. Thus, these observations highlight the pivotal role of LTCCs in health and disease and support the view that LTCCs may represent a reasonable pharmacologic target for the treatment of variety of pathological conditions that need novel therapeutic approaches to reduce their morbidity and mortality. 
     In the past few years major advancements have been made in the understanding of the abnormalities of Ca 2+  regulation present in human diseases and efforts are being made to turn this knowledge into novel therapeutic strategies targeting Ca 2+ -related ion exchangers, binding proteins and ion-channels to prevent or reverse Ca 2+  handling dysfunction. 
     Exhaustive understandings of the molecular mechanisms underlying LTCC structural and functional alterations occurring in cardiac pathologies as well as in other LTCC-related (or Ca 2+ -dependent) pathologies in general, are required. 
     The need and importance is increasingly felt for the development of small molecules such as therapeutic peptides for the treatment of conditions having altered LTCC functionality, which are more target-specific and avoid adverse effects of currently available drugs. 
     It is therefore object of the present invention the development of novel mimetic peptides as innovative tools, which allow to modulate the quantity of intracellular Ca 2+  available for activating excitable cells (i.e. for binding and activating muscle contractile proteins). 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention concerns an isolated peptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:10, and its use as a peptide binding domain. The amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10 corresponds to a previously unknown binding domain [hereafter referred to as Tail Interacting Domain (TID), see Example 1] of the Ca v β2 target protein, which is the binding site of the peptides (set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 to 9 and SEQ ID NO:12 to 22) and which, upon binding to the TID, extend the half-life of the Ca v α1.2 protein, pore-forming subunit of LTCCs. This modulation of LTCC density restores the intracellular Ca 2+  handling in conditions where alterations of Ca 2+  homeostasis in excitable cells determine the extent and severity of the disease. 
     The invention also relates to mimetic peptides set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 to 9 and SEQ ID NO:12 to 22 that bind to the peptide binding domain TID of the Ca v β2 protein according to SEQ ID NO:10, thus acting on the modulation of the density and function of LTCCs. 
     As will be further described in the detailed description of the invention, the present invention concerns an isolated peptide having an amino acid sequence chosen from the group consisting of: 
                             (SEQ ID NO: 2)           A-Arg-Pro-Asp-Arg-Glu-Ala-Pro-B           or                       (SEQ ID NO: 1)           A-Arg-Pro-Asp-Arg-Asp-Ala-Pro-B           or                       (SEQ ID NO: 8)           Lys-Gln-Arg-Asp-Arg-His-Lys-Glu-Lys-Asp,           or,                        (SEQ ID NO: 9)           Lys-Gln-Arg-Asp-Arg-His-Lys-Asp-Lys-Asp;            or                       (SEQ ID NO: 21)           Lys-Gln-Arg-Ser-Arg-His-Lys-Glu-Lys-Asp,           or                        (SEQ ID NO 22)           Lys-Gln-Arg-Ser-Arg-His-Lys-Asp-Lys-Asp,            
wherein:
     A is an amino acid sequence which is optionally present, and if present is chosen from the group consisting of Asp-Gln-, and   B is an amino acid sequence which is optionally present, and if present is chosen from the group consisting of: Arg-, Arg-Ser, Arg-Ser-Gln-Ala-Glu-Glu-Glu-Pro-Cys (SEQ ID NO:23), Arg-Ser-Gln-Ala-Glu-Glu-Glu-Pro-Cys-Leu-Glu-Pro-Val-Lys-Lys (SEQ ID NO:24), Arg-Ser-Gln-Ala-Glu-Glu-Glu-Pro-Cys-Leu-Glu-Pro-Val-Lys-Lys-Ser-Gln-His-Arg (SEQ ID NO:25), Arg-Ser-Gln, or Arg-Ser-Gln-Ala-Glu-Glu-Glu-Pro-Cys-Leu-Glu-Pro (SEQ ID NO:26).   

     The peptides of the present invention have the advantages of being specific for LTCCs as they bind to a pocket domain (TID, SEQ ID NO:10) in the Ca v β2 protein, subunit of the LTCC. 
     A further aspect of the present invention is the use of an isolated peptide chosen from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:13, SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO:15, SEQ ID NO:16, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:19, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:22 for the preparation of a medicament. 
     In a still further aspect the invention relates to the use of an isolated peptide chosen from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:13, SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO:15, SEQ ID NO:16, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:19, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:22 for the treatment of conditions having altered LTCC density and function. 
     A further aspect of the present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more peptides chosen from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:13, SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO:15, SEQ ID NO:16, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:19, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:22 and/or pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     A further aspect of the present invention relates to the use of the isolated peptide chosen from the SEQ ID NO:10 for further optimization and development of novel peptides (in addition to SEQ ID NO:1-9 and SEQ ID NO:12-22) or synthetic compounds able to bind the TID binding domain in Ca v β2 and to modulate LTCC density and function. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the detailed description reported below, from the Examples given for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, and from the annexed  FIGS. 1-9 , wherein: 
         FIG. 1 : shows schematic working model of modulation of LTCC half-life in basal (top left), engineered (bottom left), and pathological (right) conditions. 
         FIG. 2 : shows identification of a previously unknown binding domain in Ca v β2 (TID; SEQ ID NO:10) as described in Example 1. (a, top) schematic representation of Ca v β2 [dark grey box (globular domain); dark grey line (coiled-coil); light grey box (TID); black (Akt consensus site)]. (a, bottom) 3D structure of Ca v β2 (Ca v β2 PDB code: 1T3S 2 ) where solvent accessibility of the TID for a potential protein-protein interaction is shown in light grey; (b) Yeast two-hybrid co-transformation: b-galactosidase activity (dark grey) in streaks of yeast cells on a culture plate, Hu=human, Ms= mus musculus ; labels show the bait and/or prey plasmids transformed into the yeast cells; and (c) co-immunoprecipitation assay of identified positive clones. HEK293 and tSA-201 cells were transfected as indicated (n=4). 
         FIG. 3 : shows the effects of site-specific mutagenesis in the TID binding site and Ca v α1.2 stability as described in Example 1. a) Western blotting analysis (left) and densitometry measurements (right) of Ca v α1.2 and GAPDH protein levels of total protein lysates from HEK293 transfected cells; b) Yeast two-hybrid co-trasformation: b-galactosidase activity (dark grey) in streaks of yeast cells on a culture plate; labels show the bait and/or prey plasmids transformed into the yeast cells; (c) Ca 2+  flux analysis from HEK293 transfected cells; (d) Ca 2+  current measurements in tSA-201 transfected cells. HEK293 and tSA-201 cells were transfected as indicated. Ca v α1.2 protein degradation was elicited in vitro with cell starvation (serum removal). Protein levels were normalized to GAPDH. (n=4). Data are shown as the means±SEM; *, P&lt;0.05, **, P&lt;0.005; ***, P&lt;0.001. 
         FIG. 4 : shows the effects of peptides on Ca v α1.2 protein stability and function as described in Example 2 and 3. 
       a) Western blotting analysis of Ca v α1.2 and GAPDH protein levels of total protein lysates; b) Intracellular Ca 2+ fluxes; (c) Molecular modeling and docking of a peptide (SEQ ID NO:2, dark grey) to TID region (SEQ ID NO:10, light grey) of Ca v β2.; (d) Western blotting analysis of Ca v α1.2 and GAPDH protein levels of total protein lysates; (e) Confocal analyses of adult cardiomyocytes treated with TAT-MP- and TAT-scramble-and stained with di 8-ANEPPS dye. MP=SEQ ID NO:3, scramble=SEQ ID NO:11. (f) Western blotting analysis of Ca v α1.2 and GAPDH protein levels of total protein lysates from HEK293 cells treated with increasing doses of MP; (g) Ca 2+  current measurements in tSA-201 cells previously transfected. For Western blotting analyses, HEK293 or tSA-201 cells transfected or treated as indicated. Protein levels were normalized to GAPDH. (n=4). Data are shown as the means±SEM; *, P&lt;0.05, **, P&lt;0.005; ***, P&lt;0.001. Peptides are chosen from the group listed in Table 1. 
         FIG. 5 : shows the effects of site-specific mutagenesis in the TID binding site and Ca v α1.2 stability as described in Example 2. Western blotting analysis of Ca v α1.2 and GAPDH protein levels of total protein lysates from HEK293 transfected cells. Ca v α1.2 protein degradation was elicited in vitro with cell starvation (serum removal). HEK293 cells were transfected as indicated. Protein levels were normalized to GAPDH. (n=4). 
         FIG. 6 : shows the therapeutic potential of mimetic peptide in a genetic mouse model of heart failure as described in Example 4. (a, top) Design of study. Echo, echocardiography. (a, bottom) Fractional shortening (%) as determined by echocardiography in pdk1 knockout mice treated with mimetic peptide (TAT-MP) or scramble (TAT-scramble). (b) Western blotting analysis of Ca v α1.2 and GAPDH protein levels of total protein lysates from left ventricular homogenates. Protein levels were normalized to GAPDH. (n=4) MP=SEQ ID NO:3, scramble=SEQ ID NO:11. Tamoxifen (TAM) and peptide was injected daily as indicated. Protein levels were normalized to GAPDH. Data are shown as the means±SEM; *, P&lt;0.05. 
         FIG. 7 : shows the therapeutic potential of mimetic peptide in a mouse model of diabetic cardiomyopathy. (a, top) Design of study. Echo, echocardiography. (a, bottom) Fractional shortening (%) as determined by echocardiography in mice treated with streptozotocin (STZ) and mimetic peptide (TAT-MP) or scramble (TAT-scramble). (n=10) (b) Western blotting analysis and densitometry of Ca v α1.2 and GAPDH protein levels of total protein lysates from left ventricular homogenates. (c) Ca 2+  current measurements in cardiomyocytes isolated from treated mice. (d, top) contractility and (d, middle and bottom) systolic and diastolic Ca 2+  transient measurements in cardiomyocytes isolated from treated mice. Cardiomyocytes were analyzed at different pacing (Hz). MP=SEQ ID NO:3, scramble=SEQ ID NO:11. Protein levels were normalized to GAPDH. STZ and peptide were injected daily as indicated. Data are shown as the means±SEM; *, P&lt;0.05, **, P&lt;0.005; ***, P&lt;0.001. 
         FIG. 8 : shows the therapeutic potential of mimetic peptide in a human cardiac model as described in Example 6. (a) Western blotting analysis of Ca v α1.2 and GAPDH protein levels of total protein lysates from cardiomyocytes (CMs) differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and previously derived from skin fibroblasts of healthy individuals. (n=4) Cells were untreated or treated with an Akt-inhibitor. MP=SEQ ID NO:3, scramble=SEQ ID NO:11. 
         FIG. 9 : shows the therapeutic potential of mimetic peptide in a model of inherited cardiac arrhythmic syndrome (Brugada) as described in Example 6. I Ca  current density was normalized for cell capacitance. The Ca v α1.2 mutation occurs within the Q420E site. HEK293 cells were transfected as indicated. MP=SEQ ID NO:3 (n=15 cells/group). * p&lt;0.05 vs. baseline for MP groups. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention concerns an isolated peptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:10, corresponding to the TID binding domain of the Ca v β2 target protein. 
     Ca v β2 is the Voltage-dependent L-type calcium channel subunit beta-2, also known as CACNB2 [gene ID 783 ( Homo sapiens ), gene ID 12296 ( Mus musculus )]. 
     The TID binding site of the Ca v β2 (SEQ ID NO:10) was previously unknown and it has been here revealed as a triggering domain for the modulation of Ca v α1.2 protein half-life. In particular, peptides binding to the TID induce a molecular mechanism that increases Ca v α1.2 protein density and function at the plasma membrane. 
     The importance of identifying the exact binding site of the Ca v β2, (SEQ ID NO:10 Ile-Ser-Phe-Glu-Ala-Lys-Asp-Phe-Leu-His-Val-Lys-Glu-Lys-Phe-Asn-Asn-Asp-Trp-Trp-Ile-Gly-Arg-Leu-Val-Lys-Glu-Gly-Cys-Gludle-Gly-Phe-Ile) and in particular the amino acids (highlighted in bold in SEQ ID NO:10 Ile-Ser-Phe-Glu-Ala-Lys-Asp-Phe-Leu-His-Val-Lys-Glu-Lys-Phe-Asn-Asn-Asp-Trp-Trp-Ile-Gly-Arg-Leu-Val-Lys-Glu-Gly-Cys-Gludle-Gly-Phe-Ile (SEQ ID NO:10) and further described in example 1) which are responsible for the direct ionic bond between the TID in Ca v β2 and the activator peptides (SEQ ID NO: 1 to 9 and SEQ ID NO: 12 to 22) is widely recognized and allowed the identification of mimetic peptides which modulate the channel&#39;s density and activity. 
     In a further aspect the invention relates to the use of the isolated peptide of SEQ ID NO:10 as a peptide binding domain. In particular, this peptide-binding domain in Ca v β2 is relevant for further optimization and development of novel mimetic peptides or synthetic compounds that are more specific for the binding to the TID domain in Ca v β2 and lead to a modulation of LTCC density and function. In a further aspect the invention concerns mimetic peptides (SEQ ID NO: 1 to 9 and SEQ ID NO:12 to 22) that bind to the TID peptide binding domain of the Ca v β2 protein according to SEQ ID NO:10, thus acting on density and function of voltage dependent LTCCs. 
     In a preferred aspect the invention concerns an isolated peptide having an amino acid sequence chosen from the group consisting of: 
                             (SEQ ID NO: 2)           A-Arg-Pro-Asp-Arg-Glu-Ala-Pro-B           or                       (SEQ ID NO: 1)           A-Arg-Pro-Asp-Arg-Asp-Ala-Pro-B           or                       (SEQ ID NO: 8)           Lys-Gln-Arg-Asp-Arg-His-Lys-Glu-Lys-Asp,           or,                        (SEQ ID NO: 9)           Lys-Gln-Arg-Asp-Arg-His-Lys-Asp-Lys-Asp;            or                       (SEQ ID NO: 21)           Lys-Gln-Arg-Ser-Arg-His-Lys-Glu-Lys-Asp,           or                        (SEQ ID NO: 22)           Lys-Gln-Arg-Ser-Arg-His-Lys-Asp-Lys-Asp,            
wherein:
     A is an amino acid sequence which is optionally present, and if present is chosen from the group consisting of Asp-Gln-, and   B is an amino acid sequence which is optionally present, and if present is chosen from the group consisting of: Arg-, Arg-Ser, Arg-Ser-Gln-Ala-Glu-Glu-Glu-Pro-Cys (SEQ ID NO:23), Arg-Ser-Gln-Ala-Glu-Glu-Glu-Pro-Cys-Leu-Glu-Pro-Val-Lys-Lys (SEQ ID NO:24), Arg-Ser-Gln-Ala-Glu-Glu-Glu-Pro-Cys-Leu-Glu-Pro-Val-Lys-Lys-Ser-Gln-His-Arg (SEQ ID NO:25), Arg-Ser-Gln, or Arg-Ser-Gln-Ala-Glu-Glu-Glu-Pro-Cys-Leu-Glu-Pro (SEQ ID NO:26).   

     
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Peptide 
                 SEQ 
                 peptide amino acid sequence 
                 peptide amino acid sequence 
               
               
                 number 
                 ID NO. 
                 (three letter code) 
                 (one letter code) 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                  1 
                 SEQ ID NO: 1 
                 Arg-Pro-Asp-Arg-Asp-Ala-Pro 
                 RPDRDAP 
               
               
                   
               
               
                  2 
                 SEQ ID NO: 2 
                 Arg-Pro-Asp-Arg-Glu-Ala-Pro 
                 RPDREAP 
               
               
                   
               
               
                  3 
                 SEQ ID NO: 3 
                 Asp-Gln-Arg-Pro-Asp-Arg-Glu- 
                 DQRPDREAPRS 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Ala-Pro-Arg-Ser 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                  4 
                 SEQ ID NO: 4 
                 Asp-Gln-Arg-Pro-Asp-Arg-Glu- 
                 DQRPDREAPR 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Ala-Pro-Arg 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                  5 
                 SEQ ID NO: 5 
                 Asp-Gln-Arg-Pro-Asp-Arg-Glu- 
                 DQRPDREAPRSASQAEEEPC 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Ala-Pro-Arg-Ser-Ala-Ser-Gln- 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Ala-Glu-Glu-Glu-Pro-Cys 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                  6 
                 SEQ ID NO: 6 
                 Asp-Gln-Arg-Pro-Asp-Arg-Glu- 
                 DQRPDREAPRSASQAEEEPC 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Ala-Pro-Arg-Ser-Ala-Ser-Gln- 
                 LEPVKK 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Ala-Glu-Glu-Glu-Pro-Cys-Leu- 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Glu-Pro-Val-Lys-Lys 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                  7 
                 SEQ ID NO: 7 
                 Asp-Gln-Arg-Pro-Asp-Arg-Glu- 
                 DQRPDREAPRSASQAEEEPCLEPV 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Ala-Pro-Arg-Ser-Ala-Ser-Gln- 
                 KKSQHR 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Ala-Glu-Glu-Glu-Pro-Cys-Leu- 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Glu-Pro-Val-Lys-Lys-Ser-Gln- 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 His-Arg 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                  8 
                 SEQ ID NO: 8 
                 Lys-Gln-Arg-Asp-Arg-His-Lys- 
                 KQRDRHKEKD 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Glu-Lys-Asp 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                  9 
                 SEQ ID NO: 9 
                 Lys-Gln-Arg-Asp-Arg-His-Lys- 
                 KQRDRHKDKD 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Asp-Lys-Asp 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 10 
                 SEQ ID NO: 10 
                 Ile-Ser-Phe-Glu-Ala-Lys-Asp- 
                 ISFEAKDFLHVKEKFNNDWW 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Phe-Leu-His-Val-Lys-Glu-Lys- 
                 IGRLVKEGCEIGFI 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Phe-Asn-Asn-Asp-Trp-Trp-Ile- 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Gly-Arg-Leu-Val-Lys-Glu-Gly- 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Cys-Glu-Ile-Gly-Phe-Ile 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 11 
                 SEQ ID NO: 11 
                 Asp-Gln-Pro-Pro-Ser-Arg-Arg- 
                 DQPPSRRDERA 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Asp-Glu-Arg-Ala 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 12 
                 SEQ ID NO: 12 
                 Asp-Gln-Arg-Pro-Asp-Arg-Glu- 
                 DQRPDREAPRSASQAEEEPCLEP 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Ala-Pro-Arg-Ser-Ala-Ser-Gln- 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Ala-Glu-Glu-Glu-Pro-Cys- 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Leu-Glu-Pro 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 13 
                 SEQ ID NO: 13 
                 Asp-Gln-Arg-Pro-Asp-Arg-Glu- 
                 DQRPDREAPRSASQ 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Ala-Pro-Arg-Ser-Ala-Ser-Gln 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 14 
                 SEQ ID NO: 14 
                 Asp-Gln-Arg-Pro-Asp-Arg-Asp- 
                 DQRPDRDAPRS 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Ala-Pro-Arg-Ser 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 15 
                 SEQ ID NO: 15 
                 Asp-Gln-Arg-Pro-Asp-Arg-Asp- 
                 DQRPDRDAPR 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Ala-Pro-Arg 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 16 
                 SEQ ID NO: 16 
                 Asp-Gln-Arg-Pro-Asp-Arg-Asp- 
                 DQRPDRDAPRSASQAEEEPC 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Ala-Pro-Arg-Ser-Ala-Ser-Gln- 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Ala-Glu-Glu-Glu-Pro-Cys 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 17 
                 SEQ ID NO: 17 
                 Asp-Gln-Arg-Pro-Asp-Arg-Asp- 
                 DQRPDRDAPRSASQAEEEPC 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Ala-Pro-Arg-Ser-Ala-Ser-Gln- 
                 LEPVKK 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Ala-Glu-Glu-Glu-Pro-Cys-Leu- 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Glu-Pro-Val-Lys-Lys 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 18 
                 SEQ ID NO: 18 
                 Asp-Gln-Arg-Pro-Asp-Arg-Asp- 
                 DQRPDRDAPRSASQAEEEPCLEPV 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Ala-Pro-Arg-Ser-Ala-Ser-Gln- 
                 KKSQHR 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Ala-Glu-Glu-Glu-Pro-Cys-Leu- 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Glu-Pro-Val-Lys-Lys-Ser-Gln- 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 His-Arg 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 19 
                 SEQ ID NO: 19 
                 Asp-Gln-Arg-Pro-Asp-Arg-Asp- 
                 DQRPDRDAPRSASQAEEEPCLEP 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Ala-Pro-Arg-Ser-Ala-Ser-Gln- 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Ala-Glu-Glu-Glu-Pro-Cys-Leu- 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Glu-Pro 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 20 
                 SEQ ID NO: 20 
                 Asp-Gln-Arg-Pro-Asp-Arg-Asp- 
                 DQRPDRDAPRSASQ 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Ala-Pro-Arg-Ser-Ala-Ser-Gln 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 21 
                 SEQ ID NO: 21 
                 Lys-Gln-Arg-Ser-Arg-His-Lys- 
                 KQRSRHKEKD 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Glu-Lys-Asp 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 22 
                 SEQ ID NO: 22 
                 Lys-Gln-Arg-Ser-Arg-His-Lys- 
                 KQRSRHKDKD 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Asp-Lys-Asp 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 23 
                 SEQ ID NO: 23 
                 Arg-Ser-Gln-Ala-Glu-Glu-Glu- 
                 RSQAEEEPC 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Pro-Cys 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 24 
                 SEQ ID NO: 24 
                 Arg-Ser-Gln-Ala-Glu-Glu-Glu- 
                 RSQAEEEPCLEPVKK 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Pro-Cys-Leu-Glu-Pro-Val-Lys- 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Lys 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 25 
                 SEQ ID NO: 25 
                 Arg-Ser-Gln-Ala-Glu-Glu-Glu- 
                 RSQAEEEPCLEPVKKSQHR 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Pro-Cys-Leu-Glu-Pro-Val-Lys- 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Lys-Ser-Gln-His-Arg 
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 26 
                 SEQ ID NO: 26 
                 Arg-Ser-Gln-Ala-Glu-Glu-Glu- 
                 RSQAEEEPCLEP 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Pro-Cys-Leu-Glu-Pro 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     For the purposes of the present invention, each isolated peptide has a corresponding SEQ ID NO., according to the following Table 1. 
     The isolated peptides of the present invention have the amino acid sequences defined in Table 1, in which the three and one letter IUPAC amino acid code is used (ie. Arg and R corresponds to the amino acid Arginine, Pro and P corresponds to the amino acid Proline). Each peptide has a peptide number and a corresponding SEQ ID NO., as above reported in the Table 1. 
     The subject of the invention is therefore a novel group of low molecular weight peptides, which can be chemically synthesized. 
     These peptides are of synthetic origin and are therefore easy to manufacture in large quantities, and they can be modified chemically and biologically or conjugates to other moieties (i.e. carriers). 
     These peptides have the advantages of being of synthetic origin, and therefore do not have the disadvantages seen in natural peptides such as the tendency to induce inflammatory response and pathogen transfer due to undefined factors that cannot be eliminated by purification prior to implantation, the significant degree of variability between different lots and the difficulty of availability of large scale sources. 
     When compared with proteins/antibodies or even small organic molecules, the peptides according to the present invention offer advantages such as: i) good biocompatibility; ii) reduced side effects due to limited systemic toxicity or drug—drug interactions (e.g. degradation products are amino acids); iii) reduced secondary complications (e.g. minor tissue accumulation) due to a relatively short half-life of peptides (or their metabolites); (in addition, proteolysis can be prevented by chemical modifications); iv) generally less immunogenicity; v) potentially more penetrating into tissues due to smaller size; vi) good efficacy, selectivity and specificity and limited off-target binding; vii) ease of chemical synthesis and modification, free of impurities and side products; viii) low manufacturing costs. 
     In addition, since the therapeutic peptide-binding site in the protein target is known and set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, this allows for further drug optimization (i.e. drug design for increased selectivity). 
     In a further aspect, the invention regards an isolated peptide, wherein: 
                             (SEQ ID NO: 2)           A-Arg-Pro-Asp-Arg-Glu-Ala-Pro-B           or                       (SEQ ID NO: 1)           A-Arg-Pro-Asp-Arg-Asp-Ala-Pro-B           or                       (SEQ ID NO: 8)           Lys-Gln-Arg-Asp-Arg-His-Lys-Glu-Lys-Asp,           or,                        (SEQ ID NO: 9)           Lys-Gln-Arg-Asp-Arg-His-Lys-Asp-Lys-Asp;            or                       (SEQ ID NO: 21)           Lys-Gln-Arg-Ser-Arg-His-Lys-Glu-Lys-Asp,           or                        (SEQ ID NO: 22)           Lys-Gln-Arg-Ser-Arg-His-Lys-Asp-Lys-Asp,            
wherein:
     A is an amino acid sequence which is optionally present, and if present is chosen from the group consisting of Asp-Gln-, and   B is an amino acid sequence which is optionally present, and if present is chosen from the group consisting of: Arg-, Arg-Ser, Arg-Ser-Gln-Ala-Glu-Glu-Glu-Pro-Cys (SEQ ID NO:23), Arg-Ser-Gln-Ala-Glu-Glu-Glu-Pro-Cys-Leu-Glu-Pro-Val-Lys-Lys (SEQ ID NO:24), Arg-Ser-Gln-Ala-Glu-Glu-Glu-Pro-Cys-Leu-Glu-Pro-Val-Lys-Lys-Ser-Gln-His-Arg (SEQ ID NO:25), Arg-Ser-Gln, or Arg-Ser-Gln-Ala-Glu-Glu-Glu-Pro-Cys-Leu-Glu-Pro (SEQ ID NO:26).   

     In a preferred aspect, the invention relates to an isolated peptide according to the invention, chosen from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:13, SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO:15, SEQ ID NO:16, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:19, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:22. 
     In a further aspect the invention relates to the use of an isolated peptide chosen from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:13, SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO:15, SEQ ID NO:16, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:19, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:22 for the preparation of a medicament. 
     The peptides of the present invention surprisingly have been shown to be useful in the preparation of a medicament (Examples 4, 5, 6, and 7). 
     In a still further embodiment the invention relates to the use of an isolated peptide chosen from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:13, SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO:15, SEQ ID NO:16, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:19, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:22 for the treatment of conditions having altered LTCC density (Examples 4, 5, 6, and 7) 
     In general, peptides of the invention may be useful in any situation involving conditions having altered LTCC density or in those conditions where an intervention for the modulation of LTCC density or intracellular Ca 2+  concentration is preferable. Such conditions may occur as a result of genetic and/or metabolic disorders, and/or other diseases and/or conditions. 
     Peptides of the invention aim at augmenting LTCC protein density by extending the calcium channel half-life through a mechanism that rely on the binding of peptides to a solvent-exposed domain (TID, SEQ ID NO:10) in Ca v β2 protein, subunit of LTCC. 
     Certain peptides of the present invention may be used to ameliorate the effects of diseases such as heart pathology. 
     In a preferred aspect the invention relates to the use of an isolated peptide chosen from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:13, SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO:15, SEQ ID NO:16, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:19, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:22 wherein said conditions having altered LTCC density and function are cardiovascular dysfunctions selected from the group consisting of heart failure, reduction of myocardial contraction, fibrillation, diabetic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, genetic-based disorders (i.e. channelopathies such as Brugada syndrome, Timothy syndrome, or short QT syndrome), cardiac hypertrophy, hypotension, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, acute heart failure, chronic heart failure, myocardial infarction. 
     In a still further aspect the invention relates to the use of an isolated peptide chosen from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:13, SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO:15, SEQ ID NO:16, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:19, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:21 wherein said conditions having altered LTCC density and function are ophthalmological conditions selected from the group consisting of lens transparency, and altered intraocular pressure. 
     In a still further aspect the invention relates to the use of an isolated peptide chosen from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:13, SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO:15, SEQ ID NO:16, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:19, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:22 wherein said conditions having altered LTCC density and function are neurological conditions selected from the group consisting of vascular dementia, Alzheimer&#39;s disease, Parkinson&#39;s disease, Prion disease and hypokalemic periodic paralysis. 
     In a further aspect, the invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more peptides chosen from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:13, SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO:15, SEQ ID NO:16, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:19, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:22 and/or pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     Exemplary pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or excipients include any and all solvents, dispersion media, diluents, or other liquid vehicles, dispersion or suspension aids, surface active agents, isotonic agents, thickening or emulsifying agents, preservatives, solid binders, lubricants and the like, nanoparticles, nucleic acids (i.e aptamers), cell-penetrating molecules or peptides as suited to the particular form of administration and dosage. 
     The pharmaceutical composition according to the present invention can be for enteral and parenteral administration (i.e. intravenous, intraperitoneal, oral, sublingual, aerosol, inhalation, spray, rectal, intraocular, topical or transdermal). In another aspect the invention relates to method of screening for a peptide or other synthetic molecule which binds the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:10 comprising the steps of:
     a) transfecting a mammalian cell with a nucleic acid construct comprising SEQ ID NO:10;   b) contacting said mammalian cell with a screening compound;   c) detecting the binding of the screening compound to the mammalian cell;   or   d) virtual high throughput screening of compound library database to identify peptides or molecules of novel chemical structure that bind to the Ca v β2 macromolecular target comprising SEQ ID NO:10;   or   e) computer-aided drug design of compounds that bind to the Ca v β2 macromolecular target comprising SEQ ID NO:10.   

     In a still further embodiment the invention relates to peptides or synthetic molecules which are identified and obtained in the method of screening wherein said peptide or synthetic molecule binds the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:10 in the method described above in the present invention. 
     In particular, the invention relates to a peptide or synthetic molecule which binds the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:10 obtainable according to the method of screening comprising the steps of:
     a) transfecting a mammalian cell with a nucleic acid construct comprising SEQ ID NO:10;   b) contacting said mammalian cell with a screening compound;   c) detecting the binding of the screening compound to the mammalian cell;   or   d) virtual high throughput screening of compound library database to identify peptides or molecules of novel chemical structure that bind to the Ca v β2 macromolecular target comprising SEQ ID NO:10;   or   e) computer-aided drug design of compounds that bind to the Ca v β2 macromolecular target comprising SEQ ID NO:10.   

     Use of the peptide or synthetic molecule which binds the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:10 for the treatment of conditions having altered LTCC density and function, said peptide or synthetic molecule obtainable according to the method of screening comprising the steps of:
     a) transfecting a mammalian cell with a nucleic acid construct comprising SEQ ID NO:10;   b) contacting said mammalian cell with a screening compound;   c) detecting the binding of the screening compound to the mammalian cell;   or   d) virtual high throughput screening of compound library database to identify peptides or molecules of novel chemical structure that bind to the Ca v β2 macromolecular target comprising SEQ ID NO:10;   or   e) computer-aided drug design of compounds that bind to the Ca v β2 macromolecular target comprising SEQ ID NO:10.   

     EXAMPLES 
     Results below were partially funded by Fondazione Cariplo (grant n° 2008.2504) 
     Example 1 
     Identification of a Previously Unknown Binding Domain in Ca v β2 (TID; SEQ ID NO:10) 
     Our previous in vitro findings showed that an Akt-dependent phosphorylation of Ca v β2, either directly through the kinase or by introduction of an Akt-phosphomimetic mutation (Ser to Glu, Ca v β2-SE) in the Akt consensus-site of Ca v β2 cDNA, was sufficient to enhance the Ca v α1.2(and thus LTCC) half-life and thus intracellular Ca 2+ handlings and cardiomyocyte contractility ( FIG. 1 ) 3 . Based on this evidence, we designed experiments to determine the sequence of structural and molecular events that link Akt-mediated phosphorylation of Ca v β2 to the inhibition of Ca v α1.2 degradation. As a first step, we investigated whether upon Akt-phosphorylation, Ca v β2 recruits additional interacting partners to inhibit Ca v α1.2 degradation. We performed a yeast-two-hybrid screening using Akt-phosphomimetic Ca v β2 cDNA (Ca v β2-SE) as a bait and either human or mouse heart cDNA expression libraries as preys. Remarkably, several positive clones corresponded to Ca v β2 in a region belonging to the globular domain ( FIG. 2 a,b   ), whereas no Ca v β2 clones were found when the assay was repeated with a wildtype Ca v β2-WT bait. Co-immunoprecipitation analyses of lysates obtained from HEK293 cells co-transfected with the Ca v β2-SE bait and either mouse or human Ca v β2-prey clones confirmed the specificity of the interaction ( FIG. 2 c   ). 
     Finally, when amino acid sequences from the identified positive clones were aligned ( FIG. 2 a   , top) and analyzed for solvent accessibility ( FIG. 2 a   , bottom), we identified a minimal common region potentially binding to the Ca v β2 C-terminal region, which we named Tail Interacting Domain (TID; SEQ ID NO:10). 
     To assess whether TID plays a direct role in the molecular mechanism that protects Ca v α1.2 from protein degradation, we used site-specific mutagenesis forreplacing positively charged Lysines (K) at positions 6, 14, and 26 in the TID (SEQ ID NO:10) sequence with Glutamines (Q) to destroy any potential ionic interaction between the binding domain and the coiled-coil. Whereas co-transfection of HEK293 cells with Ca v α1.2 and Ca v β2-SE resulted in unaltered Ca v α1.2 protein levels when Akt was not activated (i.e. upon serum removal), the introduction of the K26Q site mutation in TID strongly impaired the protective effect ( FIG. 3 a   , right panel). Similar results, but to a different extent, were obtained when the other amino acids in the TID were mutated ( FIG. 3 a   , right panel). A yeast two-hybrid assay with Ca v β2-SE as a bait and the K26Q mutated Ca v β2 as a prey showed no interaction, confirming the direct role of K26 in SEQ ID NO:10 for the interaction ( FIG. 3 b   ). Subsequently, a fluorescence-based Ca 2+  assay was used to analyze LTCC-mediated intracellular Ca 2+  flux. Co-transfection of Ca v α1.2 with any of the mutated Ca v β2-SE constructs resulted in a significant reduction in Ca 2+  flux upon serum removal, down to a level that was similar to the one of the control condition ( FIG. 3 c   ). In addition, I Ca  measurements showed a significant reduction in current when tSA-201 cells were transfected with Ca v β2-SE-K26Q compared to Ca v β2-SE ( FIG. 3 d   ). 
     Example 2 
     Mimetic Peptides (MPs) Affect LTCC Protein Stability and Function In Vitro 
     Based on the evidence shown in example 1, we next investigated whether mimetic peptides (MPs) might recapitulate the mechanism by which LTCCs are protected from protein degradation by binding to the TID domain. Thus, we transfected HEK293 cells with an array of partially overlapping peptides (length from 7 to 25 amino acids) belonging to the Ca v β2 terminal coiled-coil region and subsequently performed Western blot ( FIG. 4 a   ) and intracellular Ca 2+  measurements ( FIG. 4 b   ), identifying several peptides that, to different extents, were efficient in protecting LTCC protein stability and function upon serum removal. No evidence for significant apoptosis was found ( FIG. 4 a   ). 
     By computational docking simulation, we tested the ability of the identified MPs to recognize the TID region and predicted that MP most specifically recognize the TID region by direct interaction with the lysine residue K26 and formation of electrostatic interactions between two arginine residues and negatively charged regions of the functional core of the Ca v β2 ( FIG. 4 c   ). In line with this, additional site-directed mutagenesis analyses in Ca v β2 further supported this prediction and found E4, D7, E27, and E30 in SEQ ID NO:10 relevant for the binding MP-TID ( FIG. 5 ). The specificity of the selected MP (SEQ ID NO: 3) was subsequently confirmed in vitro as the protective effect of the selected MP on Ca v α1.2 was completely lost when specific mutations within either the MP or Ca v α1.2 abolished the predicted interaction between MP and TID ( FIG. 4 d   ). 
     Example 3 
     Modified MP Penetrates the Plasma Membrane and Affect LTCC Function In Vitro 
     To facilitate the intracellular uptake, a cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) was conjugated to the MP (SEQ ID NO: 3). To overcome any potential steric hindrance that a CPP might have when fused to the MP, we evaluated our Ca v β2-MP 3D model ( FIG. 4 d   ) and predicted the N-terminus of MP as a suitable region for CCP fusion. Thus, the trans-activating transcriptional activator (TAT) from Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 (HIV-1) was used. When administered to isolated cardiomyocytes, this cell-penetrating derivative of the MP peptide (TAT-MP) was shown to specifically co-localize with LTCCs ( FIG. 4 e   ), protect Ca v α1.2 from protein degradation ( FIG. 4 f   ), and preserve Ca 2+ current ( FIG. 4 g   ) upon serum removal. On the other hand, none of these effects were observed when a scramble peptide was used. TAT-MP=SEQ ID NO: 3; TAT-scramble=scramble=SEQ ID NO:11. 
     Example 4 
     Therapeutic Potential of Mimetic Peptides (Genetic Mouse Model of Heart Failure) 
     To explore the in vivo therapeutic potential, MP was used in an inducible and cardiac specific knockout of the phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1 (PDK1), the upstream activator of all three Akt isoforms. As previously reported 3 , deletion of PDK1 by tamoxifen injection resulted with a reduction of cardiac function as evaluated by echocardiographic analysis. We then treated the mice with either cell penetrating MP or scramble peptides and followed the phenotype for the following days. Whereas animals treated with scrambles displayed progressive impairment of left ventricular function, animals treated with MP showed significant attenuation of the impairment of cardiac function that corresponded to a restoration of LTCC protein levels ( FIG. 6 ). MP=SEQ ID NO: 3; TAT-scramble=scramble=SEQ ID NO:11. 
     Example 5 
     Therapeutic Potential of Mimetic Peptides (Diabetic Cardiomyopathy) 
     To further explore the potential therapeutic application, we assessed the effects of the TAT-MP in a mouse model of cardiomyopathy in which LTCC density, and consequently cardiac contractility, is downregulated (i.e. diabetic cardiomyopathy, DM). Alterations in Ca 2+  signaling within cardiac muscle cells are a hallmark of DM. The defects identified in the mechanical activity of hearts from diabetic animals are attributed to a reduction in Ica, a decrease in systolic Ca 2+ , and a lengthening of the systolic Ca 2+  transient, primarily resulting from dysfunction of the SR. To induce DM, mice were injected with streptozotocin (STZ), a compound that is toxic for the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas ( FIG. 7 ). In line with the effects of the insulin/Akt signaling on LTCCs, cardiac dysfunction in DM mice was associated with reduced Caval 0.2 protein levels in DM mice compared to control mice ( FIG. 7 b   ). Intriguingly, 4 days of treatment of DM mice with TAT-MP (MP=SEQ ID NO: 3) nearly completely restored cardiac function ( FIG. 7 a   ), while no effects were obtained when vehicle or TAT-scramble (scramble=SEQ ID NO:11) where administered. In addition, functional analyses of cardiomyocytes isolated from the same treated mice revealed that the TAT-MP restored I C     a    as well as cell contractility and systolic Ca 2+  amplitudes ( FIG. 7 c,d   ). 
     Example 6 
     Therapeutic Potential of Mimetic Peptides (Human Cardiac Model) 
     To pursue the cardiac therapeutic potential of MP, we employed a human cardiac model that is based on cardiomyocytes (CMs) differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and previously derived from skin fibroblasts of healthy individuals 4 . iPSC-CMs subjected to an Akt inhibitor showed a downregulation of Ca v α1.2 protein levels that was prevented when cells were co-treated with MP (MP=SEQ ID NO: 3) ( FIG. 8 a   ). On the other hand, no rescuing effects were obtained when scramble peptide was used. Based on this, we next performed functional analyses and examined the iPSC-CM beating clusters (BCs) for Ca 2+  handling properties. While administration of Akt-inhibitor to BCs showed a significant slowing of Ca 2+  transient development, indicating an alteration between LTCC activity and evoked Ca 2+  release from the sarcoplasmatic reticulum, MP administration was sufficient for reducing this delay ( FIG. 8 b,c   ). On the other hand, no effects were observed when BCs were co-treated with scramble. 
     Example 7 
     Therapeutic Potential of Mimetic Peptides (Inherited Cardiac Arrhythmic Disease, i.e Brugada Syndrome) 
     To test whether the potential therapeutic use of the TAT-MP (MP=SEQ ID NO:3) may also exert a corrective effect in conditions of patients are affected by Brugada Syndrome (BrS) and who are carriers of loss of function mutations in the CACNA1C gene encoding for the Ca v α1.2 subunit of the LTCC. BrS is an inherited arrhythmogenic disease estimated to account for 20% of sudden deaths in young patients with an otherwise normal hearts. Thus, we investigated whether the loss of function in the LTCC caused by missense mutations (i.e the substitution of Glutamine at position 428 with a Glutamic Acid found in a patient diagnosed after a cardiac arrest at 32 years of age occurring at rest) in the CACNA1C gene identified in BrS patients could be reverted by the administration of TAT-MP. Membrane currents were measured using whole-cell patch clamp procedures to obtain the current-voltage (I-V) relationship. The current-voltage (I-V) relationships between WT and Q428E showed that amplitudes of current were significantly reduced as compared to WT ( FIG. 8 ). Treatment of cells expressing mutant Ca v α1.2 with TAT-MP nearly completely reverted the loss-of-current phenotype induced by the Ca v α1.2 mutation. 
     From the above description and the above-noted examples, the advantage attained by the product described and obtained according to the present invention are apparent. 
     REFERENCES 
     
         
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         3 Catalucci, D. et al. Akt regulates L-type Ca2+ channel activity by modulating Cavalphal protein stability.  The Journal of cell biology  184, 923-933, doi:10.1083/jcb.200805063 (2009). 
         4 Di Pasquale, E. et al. CaMKII inhibition rectifies arrhythmic phenotype in a patient-specific model of catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.  Cell death  &amp;  disease  4, e843, doi:10.1038/cddis.2013.369 (2013).