This invention provides a computer based method for preparing a stem cell factor
(SCF) analog comprising the steps of: (a) providing computer expression of the
three dimensional structure of an SCF molecule using its crystal structure; (b)
selecting from the computer expression of step (a) at least one site on the SCF
molecule for alteration; (c) preparing a SCF molecule having an alteration at said
at least one selected site; and (d) optionally, testing the SCF molecule for a
desired characteristic. This invention also provides SCF analogs and SCF ligand
analogs prepared according to the above-described method. Compositions comprising
SCF analogs or SCF ligand analogs prepared according to the above-described method
effective to treat a subject and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier are provided,
as are methods of treating a subject comprising administration of pharmaceutical
compositions comprising the prepared SCF analogs and SCF ligand analogs prepared
by the described methods. This invention also provides methods for designing compounds
capable of binding to the SCF receptor site and compounds designed by the above-described methods.
