CONVERSION OF NATURALLY-OCCURRING QUINONES TO QUINONE DERIVATIVES BY MACROPHAGE MIGRATION INHIBITION FACTOR AND USES THEREOF

摘要

The present invention provides methods of using a protein of the macrophage migration inhibitory factor family to promote conversion of a naturally-occurring toxic quinone to a less toxic quinone derivative, thereby detoxifying the naturally-occurring quinone and preventing cell death. The present invention also provides methods of diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of degenerative disorders characterized by quinone-induced cell death.