U.S. patent application number 09/739254 was filed with the patent office on 2001-09-13 for 49 human secreted proteins.
Invention is credited to Duan, Roxanne D., Ebner, Reinhard, Endress, Gregory A., Florence, Kimberly A., Komatsoulis, George, Lafleur, David W., Moore, Paul A., Olsen, Henrik S., Rosen, Craig A., Ruben, Steven M., Shi, Yanggu, Soppet, Daniel R..
Application Number | 20010021700 09/739254 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26793787 |
Filed Date | 2001-09-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010021700 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Moore, Paul A. ; et
al. |
September 13, 2001 |
49 human secreted proteins
Abstract
The present invention relates to novel human secreted proteins
and isolated nucleic acids containing the coding regions of the
genes encoding such proteins. Also provided are vectors, host
cells, antibodies, and recombinant methods for producing human
secreted proteins. The invention further relates to diagnostic and
therapeutic methods useful for diagnosing and treating diseases,
disorders, and/or conditions related to these novel human secreted
proteins.
Inventors: |
Moore, Paul A.; (Germantown,
MD) ; Ruben, Steven M.; (Oley, MD) ; Olsen,
Henrik S.; (Gaithersburg, MD) ; Shi, Yanggu;
(Gaithersburg, MD) ; Rosen, Craig A.;
(Laytonsville, MD) ; Florence, Kimberly A.;
(Rockville, MD) ; Soppet, Daniel R.; (Centreville,
VA) ; Lafleur, David W.; (Washington, DC) ;
Endress, Gregory A.; (Potomac, MD) ; Ebner,
Reinhard; (Gaithersburg, MD) ; Komatsoulis,
George; (Silver Spring, MD) ; Duan, Roxanne D.;
(Bethesda, MD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HUMAN GENOME SCIENCES INC
9410 KEY WEST AVENUE
ROCKVILLE
MD
20850
|
Family ID: |
26793787 |
Appl. No.: |
09/739254 |
Filed: |
December 19, 2000 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09739254 |
Dec 19, 2000 |
|
|
|
09511554 |
Feb 23, 2000 |
|
|
|
09511554 |
Feb 23, 2000 |
|
|
|
PCT/US99/19330 |
Aug 24, 1999 |
|
|
|
60097917 |
Aug 25, 1998 |
|
|
|
60098634 |
Aug 31, 1998 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
514/44R ;
435/320.1; 435/325; 435/69.1; 435/69.7; 435/7.1; 514/13.3;
514/15.1; 514/16.4; 514/19.1; 514/19.3; 514/6.9; 514/7.9; 514/9.4;
530/350; 530/388.2; 536/23.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61P 25/16 20180101;
A61P 25/02 20180101; A61P 9/10 20180101; A61P 25/12 20180101; A61P
25/18 20180101; C07K 14/47 20130101; A61P 25/28 20180101; A61P 9/00
20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
514/44 ;
536/23.5; 530/350; 530/388.2; 435/320.1; 435/7.1; 435/69.1;
435/69.7; 435/325; 514/12 |
International
Class: |
A61K 048/00; G01N
033/53; A61K 038/16; C07H 021/04 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a polynucleotide
having a nucleotide sequence at least 95% identical to a sequence
selected from the group consisting of: (a) a polynucleotide
fragment of SEQ ID NO:X or a polynucleotide fragment of the cDNA
sequence included in ATCC Deposit No:Z, which is hybridizable to
SEQ ID NO:X; (b) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide fragment
of SEQ ID NO:Y or a polypeptide fragment encoded by the cDNA
sequence included in ATCC Deposit No:Z, which is hybridizable to
SEQ ID NO:X; (c) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide domain of
SEQ ID NO:Y or a polypeptide domain encoded by the cDNA sequence
included in ATCC Deposit No:Z, which is hybridizable to SEQ ID
NO:X; (d) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide epitope of SEQ ID
NO:Y or a polypeptide epitope encoded by the cDNA sequence included
in ATCC Deposit No:Z, which is hybridizable to SEQ ID NO:X; (e) a
polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:Y or the cDNA
sequence included in ATCC Deposit No:Z, which is hybridizable to
SEQ ID NO:X, having biological activity; (f) a polynucleotide which
is a variant of SEQ ID NO:X; (g) a polynucleotide which is an
allelic variant of SEQ ID NO:X; (h) a polynucleotide which encodes
a species homologue of the SEQ ID NO:Y; (i) a polynucleotide
capable of hybridizing under stringent conditions to any one of the
polynucleotides specified in (a)-(h), wherein said polynucleotide
does not hybridize under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid
molecule having a nucleotide sequence of only A residues or of only
T residues.
2. The isolated nucleic acid molecule of claim 1, wherein the
polynucleotide fragment comprises a nucleotide sequence encoding a
secreted protein.
3. The isolated nucleic acid molecule of claim 1, wherein the
polynucleotide fragment comprises a nucleotide sequence encoding
the sequence identified as SEQ ID NO:Y or the polypeptide encoded
by the cDNA sequence included in ATCC Deposit No:Z, which is
hybridizable to SEQ ID NO:X.
4. The isolated nucleic acid molecule of claim 1, wherein the
polynucleotide fragment comprises the entire nucleotide sequence of
SEQ ID NO:X or the cDNA sequence included in ATCC Deposit No:Z,
which is hybridizable to SEQ ID NO:X.
5. The isolated nucleic acid molecule of claim 2, wherein the
nucleotide sequence comprises sequential nucleotide deletions from
either the C-terminus or the N-terminus.
6. The isolated nucleic acid molecule of claim 3, wherein the
nucleotide sequence comprises sequential nucleotide deletions from
either the C-terminus or the N-terminus.
7. A recombinant vector comprising the isolated nucleic acid
molecule of claim 1.
8. A method of making a recombinant host cell comprising the
isolated nucleic acid molecule of claim 1.
9. A recombinant host cell produced by the method of claim 8.
10. The recombinant host cell of claim 9 comprising vector
sequences.
11. An isolated polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence at
least 95% identical to a sequence selected from the group
consisting of: (a) a polypeptide fragment of SEQ ID NO:Y or the
encoded sequence included in ATCC Deposit No:Z; (b) a polypeptide
fragment of SEQ ID NO:Y or the encoded sequence included in ATCC
Deposit No:Z, having biological activity; (c) a polypeptide domain
of SEQ ID NO:Y or the encoded sequence included in ATCC Deposit
No:Z; (d) a polypeptide epitope of SEQ ID NO:Y or the encoded
sequence included in ATCC Deposit No:Z; (e) a secreted form of SEQ
ID NO:Y or the encoded sequence included in ATCC Deposit No:Z; (f)
a full length protein of SEQ ID NO:Y or the encoded sequence
included in ATCC Deposit No:Z; (g) a variant of SEQ ID NO:Y; (h) an
allelic variant of SEQ ID NO:Y; or (i) a species homologue of the
SEQ ID NO:Y.
12. The isolated polypeptide of claim 11, wherein the secreted form
or the full length protein comprises sequential amino acid
deletions from either the C-terminus or the N-terminus.
13. An isolated antibody that binds specifically to the isolated
polypeptide of claim 11.
14. A recombinant host cell that expresses the isolated polypeptide
of claim 11.
15. A method of making an isolated polypeptide comprising: (a)
culturing the recombinant host cell of claim 14 under conditions
such that said polypeptide is expressed; and (b) recovering said
polypeptide.
16. The polypeptide produced by claim 15.
17. A method for preventing, treating, or ameliorating a medical
condition, comprising administering to a mammalian subject a
therapeutically effective amount of the polypeptide of claim 11 or
the polynucleotide of claim 1.
18. A method of diagnosing a pathological condition or a
susceptibility to a pathological condition in a subject comprising:
(a) determining the presence or absence of a mutation in the
polynucleotide of claim 1; and (b) diagnosing a pathological
condition or a susceptibility to a pathological condition based on
the presence or absence of said mutation.
19. A method of diagnosing a pathological condition or a
susceptibility to a pathological condition in a subject comprising:
(a) determining the presence or amount of expression of the
polypeptide of claim 11 in a biological sample; and (b) diagnosing
a pathological condition or a susceptibility to a pathological
condition based on the presence or amount of expression of the
polypeptide.
20. A method for identifying a binding partner to the polypeptide
of claim 11 comprising: (a) contacting the polypeptide of claim 11
with a binding partner; and (b) determining whether the binding
partner effects an activity of the polypeptide.
21. The gene corresponding to the cDNA sequence of SEQ ID NO:Y.
22. A method of identifying an activity in a biological assay,
wherein the method comprises: (a) expressing SEQ ID NO:X in a cell;
(b) isolating the supernatant; (c) detecting an activity in a
biological assay; and (d) identifying the protein in the
supernatant having the activity.
23. The product produced by the method of claim 20.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims
benefit under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 120 of copending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. PCT/US99/17130 filed Jul. 29, 1999, which is
hereby incorporated by reference, which claims benefit under 35
U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e) based on U.S. Provisional Applications Nos.
60/097,917 filed Aug. 25, 1998 and 60/098,634 filed Aug. 31, 1998,
each of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to newly identified polynucleotides
and the polypeptides encoded by these polynucleotides, uses of such
polynucleotides and polypeptides, and their production.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Unlike bacterium, which exist as a single compartment
surrounded by a membrane, human cells and other eucaryotes are
subdivided by membranes into many functionally distinct
compartments. Each membrane-bounded compartment, or organelle,
contains different proteins essential for the function of the
organelle. The cell uses "sorting signals," which are amino acid
motifs located within the protein, to target proteins to particular
cellular organelles.
[0004] One type of sorting signal, called a signal sequence, a
signal peptide, or a leader sequence, directs a class of proteins
to an organelle called the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The ER
separates the membrane-bounded proteins from all other types of
proteins. Once localized to the ER, both groups of proteins can be
further directed to another organelle called the Golgi apparatus.
Here, the Golgi distributes the proteins to vesicles, including
secretory vesicles, the cell membrane, lysosomes, and the other
organelles.
[0005] Proteins targeted to the ER by a signal sequence can be
released into the extracellular space as a secreted protein. For
example, vesicles containing secreted proteins can fuse with the
cell membrane and release their contents into the extracellular
space--a process called exocytosis. Exocytosis can occur
constitutively or after receipt of a triggering signal. In the
latter case, the proteins are stored in secretory vesicles (or
secretory granules) until exocytosis is triggered. Similarly,
proteins residing on the cell membrane can also be secreted into
the extracellular space by proteolytic cleavage of a "linker"
holding the protein to the membrane.
[0006] Despite the great progress made in recent years, only a
small number of genes encoding human secreted proteins have been
identified. These secreted proteins include the commercially
valuable human insulin, interferon, Factor VIII, human growth
hormone, tissue plasminogen activator, and erythropoeitin. Thus, in
light of the pervasive role of secreted proteins in human
physiology, a need exists for identifying and characterizing novel
human secreted proteins and the genes that encode them. This
knowledge will allow one to detect, to treat, and to prevent
medical diseases, disorders, and/or conditions by using secreted
proteins or the genes that encode them.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention relates to novel polynucleotides and
the encoded polypeptides. Moreover, the present invention relates
to vectors, host cells, antibodies, and recombinant and synthetic
methods for producing the polypeptides and polynucleotides. Also
provided are diagnostic methods for detecting diseases, disorders,
and/or conditions related to the polypeptides and polynucleotides,
and therapeutic methods for treating such diseases, disorders,
and/or conditions. The invention further relates to screening
methods for identifying binding partners of the polypeptides.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0008] Definitions
[0009] The following definitions are provided to facilitate
understanding of certain terms used throughout this
specification.
[0010] In the present invention, "isolated" refers to material
removed from its original environment (e.g., the natural
environment if it is naturally occurring), and thus is altered "by
the hand of man" from its natural state. For example, an isolated
polynucleotide could be part of a vector or a composition of
matter, or could be contained within a cell, and still be
"isolated" because that vector, composition of matter, or
particular cell is not the original environment of the
polynucleotide. The term "isolated" does not refer to genomic or
cDNA libraries, whole cell total or mRNA preparations, genomic DNA
preparations (including those separated by electrophoresis and
transferred onto blots), sheared whole cell genomic DNA
preparations or other compositions where the art demonstrates no
distinguishing features of the polynucleotide/sequences of the
present invention.
[0011] In the present invention, a "secreted" protein refers to
those proteins capable of being directed to the ER, secretory
vesicles, or the extracellular space as a result of a signal
sequence, as well as those proteins released into the extracellular
space without necessarily containing a signal sequence. If the
secreted protein is released into the extracellular space, the
secreted protein can undergo extracellular processing to produce a
"mature" protein. Release into the extracellular space can occur by
many mechanisms, including exocytosis and proteolytic cleavage.
[0012] In specific embodiments, the polynucleotides of the
invention are at least 15, at least 30, at least 50, at least 100,
at least 125, at least 500, or at least 1000 continuous nucleotides
but are less than or equal to 300 kb, 200 kb, 100 kb, 50 kb, 15 kb,
10 kb, 7.5 kb, 5 kb, 2.5 kb, 2.0 kb, or 1 kb, in length. In a
further embodiment, polynucleotides of the invention comprise a
portion of the coding sequences, as disclosed herein, but do not
comprise all or a portion of any intron. In another embodiment, the
polynucleotides comprising coding sequences do not contain coding
sequences of a genomic flanking gene (i.e., 5' or 3' to the gene of
interest in the genome). In other embodiments, the polynucleotides
of the invention do not contain the coding sequence of more than
1000, 500, 250, 100, 50, 25, 20, 15, 10, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 genomic
flanking gene(s).
[0013] As used herein, a "polynucleotide" refers to a molecule
having a nucleic acid sequence contained in SEQ ID NO:X or the cDNA
contained within the clone deposited with the ATCC. For example,
the polynucleotide can contain the nucleotide sequence of the full
length cDNA sequence, including the 5' and 3' untranslated
sequences, the coding region, with or without the signal sequence,
the secreted protein coding region, as well as fragments, epitopes,
domains, and variants of the nucleic acid sequence. Moreover, as
used herein, a "polypeptide" refers to a molecule having the
translated amino acid sequence generated from the polynucleotide as
broadly defined.
[0014] In the present invention, the full length sequence
identified as SEQ ID NO:X was often generated by overlapping
sequences contained in multiple clones (contig analysis). A
representative clone containing all or most of the sequence for SEQ
ID NO:X was deposited with the American Type Culture Collection
("ATCC"). As shown in Table 1, each clone is identified by a cDNA
Clone ID (Identifier) and the ATCC Deposit Number. The ATCC is
located at 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas, Va. 20110-2209,
USA. The ATCC deposit was made pursuant to the terms of the
Budapest Treaty on the international recognition of the deposit of
microorganisms for purposes of patent procedure.
[0015] A "polynucleotide" of the present invention also includes
those polynucleotides capable of hybridizing, under stringent
hybridization conditions, to sequences contained in SEQ ID NO:X,
the complement thereof, or the cDNA within the clone deposited with
the ATCC. "Stringent hybridization conditions" refers to an
overnight incubation at 42 degree C. in a solution comprising 50%
formamide, 5.times.SSC (750 mM NaCl, 75 mM trisodium citrate), 50
mM sodium phosphate (pH 7.6), 5.times.Denhardt's solution, 10%
dextran sulfate, and 20 .mu.g/ml denatured, sheared salmon sperm
DNA, followed by washing the filters in 0.1.times.SSC at about 65
degree C.
[0016] Also contemplated are nucleic acid molecules that hybridize
to the polynucleotides of the present invention at lower stringency
hybridization conditions. Changes in the stringency of
hybridization and signal detection are primarily accomplished
through the manipulation of formamide concentration (lower
percentages of formamide result in lowered stringency); salt
conditions, or temperature. For example, lower stringency
conditions include an overnight incubation at 37 degree C. in a
solution comprising 6.times.SSPE (20.times.SSPE=3M NaCl; 0.2M
NaH.sub.2PO.sub.4; 0.02M EDTA, pH 7.4), 0.5% SDS, 30% formamide,
100 ug/ml salmon sperm blocking DNA; followed by washes at 50
degree C. with 1.times.SSPE, 0.1% SDS. In addition, to achieve even
lower stringency, washes performed following stringent
hybridization can be done at higher salt concentrations (e.g.
5.times.SSC).
[0017] Note that variations in the above conditions may be
accomplished through the inclusion and/or substitution of alternate
blocking reagents used to suppress background in hybridization
experiments. Typical blocking reagents include Denhardt's reagent,
BLOTTO, heparin, denatured salmon sperm DNA, and commercially
available proprietary formulations. The inclusion of specific
blocking reagents may require modification of the hybridization
conditions described above, due to problems with compatibility.
[0018] Of course, a polynucleotide which hybridizes only to polyA+
sequences (such as any 3' terminal polyA+ tract of a cDNA shown in
the sequence listing), or to a complementary stretch of T (or U)
residues, would not be included in the definition of
"polynucleotide," since such a polynucleotide would hybridize to
any nucleic acid molecule containing a poly (A) stretch or the
complement thereof (e.g., practically any double-stranded cDNA
clone generated using oligo dT as a primer).
[0019] The polynucleotide of the present invention can be composed
of any polyribonucleotide or polydeoxribonucleotide, which may be
unmodified RNA or DNA or modified RNA or DNA. For example,
polynucleotides can be composed of single- and double-stranded DNA,
DNA that is a mixture of single- and double-stranded regions,
single- and double-stranded RNA, and RNA that is mixture of single-
and double-stranded regions, hybrid molecules comprising DNA and
RNA that may be single-stranded or, more typically, double-stranded
or a mixture of single- and double-stranded regions. In addition,
the polynucleotide can be composed of triple-stranded regions
comprising RNA or DNA or both RNA and DNA. A polynucleotide may
also contain one or more modified bases or DNA or RNA backbones
modified for stability or for other reasons. "Modified" bases
include, for example, tritylated bases and unusual bases such as
inosine. A variety of modifications can be made to DNA and RNA;
thus, "polynucleotide" embraces chemically, enzymatically, or
metabolically modified forms.
[0020] The polypeptide of the present invention can be composed of
amino acids joined to each other by peptide bonds or modified
peptide bonds, i.e., peptide isosteres, and may contain amino acids
other than the 20 gene-encoded amino acids. The polypeptides may be
modified by either natural processes, such as posttranslational
processing, or by chemical modification techniques which are well
known in the art. Such modifications are well described in basic
texts and in more detailed monographs, as well as in a voluminous
research literature. Modifications can occur anywhere in a
polypeptide, including the peptide backbone, the amino acid
side-chains and the amino or carboxyl termini. It will be
appreciated that the same type of modification may be present in
the same or varying degrees at several sites in a given
polypeptide. Also, a given polypeptide may contain many types of
modifications. Polypeptides may be branched, for example, as a
result of ubiquitination, and they may be cyclic, with or without
branching. Cyclic, branched, and branched cyclic polypeptides may
result from posttranslation natural processes or may be made by
synthetic methods. Modifications include acetylation, acylation,
ADP-ribosylation, amidation, covalent attachment of flavin,
covalent attachment of a heme moiety, covalent attachment of a
nucleotide or nucleotide derivative, covalent attachment of a lipid
or lipid derivative, covalent attachment of phosphotidylinositol,
cross-linking, cyclization, disulfide bond formation,
demethylation, formation of covalent cross-links, formation of
cysteine, formation of pyroglutamate, formylation,
gamma-carboxylation, glycosylation, GPI anchor formation,
hydroxylation, iodination, methylation, myristoylation, oxidation,
pegylation, proteolytic processing, phosphorylation, prenylation,
racemization, selenoylation, sulfation, transfer-RNA mediated
addition of amino acids to proteins such as arginylation, and
ubiquitination. (See, for instance, PROTEINS--STRUCTURE AND
MOLECULAR PROPERTIES, 2nd Ed., T. E. Creighton, W. H. Freeman and
Company, New York (1993); POSTTRANSLATIONAL COVALENT MODIFICATION
OF PROTEINS, B. C. Johnson, Ed., Academic Press, New York, pgs.
1-12 (1983); Seifter et al., Meth Enzymol 182:626-646 (1990);
Rattan et al., Ann NY Acad Sci 663:48-62 (1992).)
[0021] "SEQ ID NO:X" refers to a polynucleotide sequence while "SEQ
ID NO:Y" refers to a polypeptide sequence, both sequences
identified by an integer specified in Table 1.
[0022] "A polypeptide having biological activity" refers to
polypeptides exhibiting activity similar, but not necessarily
identical to, an activity of a polypeptide of the present
invention, including mature forms, as measured in a particular
biological assay, with or without dose dependency. In the case
where dose dependency does exist, it need not be identical to that
of the polypeptide, but rather substantially similar to the
dose-dependence in a given activity as compared to the polypeptide
of the present invention (i.e., the candidate polypeptide will
exhibit greater activity or not more than about 25-fold less and,
preferably, not more than about tenfold less activity, and most
preferably, not more than about three-fold less activity relative
to the polypeptide of the present invention.)
[0023] Polynucleotides and Polypeptides of the Invention
FEATURES OF PROTEIN ENCODED BY GENE NO: 1
[0024] The translation product of this gene shares sequence
homology with the TAP2 of Rattus norvegicus (See, e.g., Genbank
Accession No.gil407479) AAD15830; all references available through
this accession are hereby incorporated by reference herein.) which
is thought to be important in antigen presentation in T-cells. As
such, the protein product of this gene may be useful for a variety
of diagnostic tests for various immune system dysfunctions, and for
intervention of the antigen presentation process (e.g., to enhance
the immune response to vaccines and diminish the immune response
associated with autoimmune disease). The major histocompatibility
complex (Mhc) regions of mice, rats, and humans all contain a pair
of related genes, TAP1 and TAP2, which encode members of a large
superfamily of proteins of similar structure and function. A
functional TAP1/TAP2 heterodimer is probably required for efficient
presentation of antigens to CD8(+) T cells. This heterodimer
resides in the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum, and
transports peptides from the cytoplasm into the endoplasmic
reticulum lumen for binding to Mhc class I molecules.
[0025] The translation product of this gene also shares sequence
homology with the transport-associated proteins and ATP-binding
proteins (see, e.g., Genbank accesssion numbers CAB05918 (z83328.1)
and AAB95060 (AF040659.1); all references available through these
accessions are hereby incorporated by reference herein.)
[0026] Preferred polypeptides of the invention comprise the
following amino acid sequence:
1 EPHRGPHLPPDLGHHHGQRPGLQNINVFLRNTVKVTGVV
FMFSLSWQLSLVTFMGFPIIMMVSNIYGKYYKRLSKEVQ
NALARASNTAEETISAMKTVRSFANEEEEAEVYLRKLQQ
VYKLNRKEAAAYMYYVWGSGLTLLVVQVSILYYGGHLVI
SGQMTSGNLIAFIIYEFVLGDCMENVSFSLSPGKVTALV
GPSGSGKSSCVNILENEYPLEGGRVLLDGKPISAYDHKY
LHRVISLVSQEPVLFARSITDMSYGLPTVPFEMVVEAAQ
KANAHGFIMELQDGYSTETGEKGAQLSGGQKQRVAWPGL LWCGTPQSSSWMKPPALWMPRASI
(SEQ ID NO: 123), MSSATWTAASWRTSATSTSLTRCWISGQPACTAAACCWGAT
IGCAKNSALGPRRLRASWLVITLVCLFVGIYAMVKLLLFSE
VRRPRIDPWFWALFVWTYISLGASFLLWWLLSTVRPGTQAL
EPGAATEAEGFPGSGRPPPEQASGATLQKLLSYTKPDVALF
LVAASFFLIVAALGETFLPYYTGRAIDGIVIQKSMDQFSTA
VVIVCLLAIGSSFAAGIRGGIFTLIFARLNIRLRNCLFRSL
VSQETSFFDENRTGDLISRLTSDTTMVSDLVSRTSMSSCGT
QSRSRAWWSSCSASHGSSPWSPSWASPSS (SEQ ID NO: 124), or
HLLRPAHCAWDGGGGRTEGQCPRLHHGTPGRLQHRDRGEGR
PAVRWPEAAGGMARALVRNPPVLILDEATSALDAESEYLIQ
QAIGNLQKHTVIIAHRLSTVEHAHLIVVLDKGRVVQQGTHQ
QLLAQGGLYAKIVQRQMLGLQPAADFTA GHNEPVANGSHK A (SEQ ID NO: 125).
[0027] Polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides are also
encompassed by the invention.
[0028] The gene encoding the disclosed cDNA is believed to reside
on chromosome 12. Accordingly, polynucleotides related to this
invention are useful as a marker in linkage analysis for chromosome
12.
[0029] This gene is expressed primarily in brain and testes, and to
a lesser extent in amniotic cells, merkel cells and fetal
tissue.
[0030] Therefore, polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention
are useful as reagents for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s) present in a biological sample and for
diagnosis of diseases and conditions which include, but are not
limited to, neural, reproductive, or immune disorders, particularly
immunodeficiency, infection, lymphomas, auto-immunities, cancer.
Similarly, polypeptides and antibodies directed to these
polypeptides are useful in providing immunological probes for
differential identification of the tissue(s) or cell type(s). For a
number of disorders of the above tissues or cells, particularly of
the immune system, expression of this gene at significantly higher
or lower levels may be routinely detected in certain tissues or
cell types (e .g.,immune, hematopoietic, neural, reproductive,
developmental, differentiating, and cancerous and wounded tissues)
or bodily fluids (e.g.,lymph, amniotic fluid, serum, plasma, urine,
synovial fluid and spinal fluid) or another tissue or cell sample
taken from an individual having such a disorder, relative to the
standard gene expression level, i.e., the expression level in
healthy tissue or bodily fluid from an individual not having the
disorder. Preferred polypeptides of the present invention comprise
immunogenic epitopes shown in SEQ ID NO: 67 as residues: His-65 to
Cys-73, His-144 to Gly-152. Polynucleotides encoding said
polypeptides are also provided.
[0031] The major histocompatibility complex (Mhc) regions of mice,
rats, and humans all contain a pair of related genes, TAP1 and
TAP2, which encode members of a large superfamily of proteins of
similar structure and function. A functional TAP1/TAP2 heterodimer
is probably required for efficient presentation of antigens to
CD8(+) T cells. Furmermore, the tissue distribution in merkel cells
and homology to TAP indicates that polynucleotides and polypeptides
corresponding to this gene are useful for the diagnosis and
treatment of conditions in which antigen presentation is at issue,
such as general microbial infection, auto-immunity, inflammation or
cancer. Alternatively, expression within brain tissue indicates
that polynucleotides and polypeptides corresponding to this gene
are useful for the detection/treatment of neurodegenerative disease
states, behavioural disorders, or inflamatory conditions such as
Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Huntington's Disease,
Tourette Syndrome, meningitis, encephalitis, demyelinating
diseases, peripheral neuropathies, neoplasia, trauma, congenital
malformations, spinal cord injuries, ischemia and infarction,
aneurysms, hemorrhages, schizophrenia, mania, dementia, paranoia,
obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, learning
disabilities, ALS, psychoses, autism, and altered bahaviors,
including disorders in feeding, sleep patterns, balance, and
preception. In addition, the gene or gene product may also play a
role in the treatment and/or detection of developmental disorders
associated with the developing embryo, sexually-linked disorders,
or disorders of the cardiovascular system. Furthermore, the protein
may also be used to determine biological activity, to raise
antibodies, as tissue markers, to isolate cognate ligands or
receptors, to identify agents that modulate their interactions, in
addition to its use as a nutritional supplement. Protein, as well
as, antibodies directed against the protein may show utility as a
tumor marker and/or immunotherapy targets for the above listed
tissues.
[0032] Many polynucleotide sequences, such as EST sequences, are
publicly available and accessible through sequence databases. Some
of these sequences are related to SEQ ID NO:11 and may have been
publicly available prior to conception of the present invention.
Preferably, such related polynucleotides are specifically excluded
from the scope of the present invention. To list every related
sequence is cumbersome. Accordingly, preferably excluded from the
present invention are one or more polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence described by the general formula of a-b, where
a is any integer between 1 to 3275 of SEQ ID NO:11, b is an integer
of 15 to 3289, where both a and b correspond to the positions of
nucleotide residues shown in SEQ ID NO:11, and where b is greater
than or equal to a+14.
FEATURES OF PROTEIN ENCODED BY GENE NO: 2
[0033] The translation product of this gene shares sequence
homology with a human retrovirus related env glycoprotein (for
examples, see Genbank Accession No. AAD34324 and AAD14546; all
references available through this accession are hereby incorporated
herein by reference; for example Lindeskog, M., et al. Virology 258
(2), 441-450 (1999) and Blond, J. L., et al., J. Virol. 73 (2),
1175-1185 (1999)). This similarity indicates that the human protein
described herein is cell surface protein.
[0034] Preferred polypeptides of the invention comprise the
following amino acid sequence:
2 RLTKTISFSLQNQTAFINSLAKTPYQALTGAALAGSYPIWENEN
TLSWYLPSPTTLLSPPVLFCVIALIFXLPANWSGTCTLVFQAPT
INILPPNQTILISVEASISSSPIRNKWALHLITLLTGLGITAAL
GTGIAGITTSITSYQTLFTTLSNTVEDMHTSITSLQRQLDFLVG
VILQNWRVLDLLTTEKGGTCIYLQEECCFCVNESGIVHIAVRRL HDRAAEL (SEQ ID NO:
126), YPIWENENTLSWYLPSPTTLLSPPVLFCV (SEQ ID NO: 127), or
RVLDLLTTEKGGTCIYLQEECCFCVNE (SEQ ID NO: 128).
[0035] Polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides are also
provided.
[0036] Further, the gene encoding the disclosed cDNA is believed to
reside on the X chromosome. Accordingly, polynucleotides related to
this invention are useful as a marker in linkage analysis for the X
chromosome.
[0037] This gene is expressed primarily in human prostate cancer
(stage C fraction), subtracted kidney cortex, adult brain and
breast, and to a lesser extent in a variety of normal and
transformed tissue types.
[0038] Therefore, polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention
are useful as reagents for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s) present in a biological sample and for
diagnosis of diseases and conditions which include, but are not
limited to, anti-viral therapies, including cancer and other
proliferative diseases and/or disorders. Similarly, polypeptides
and antibodies directed to these polypeptides are useful in
providing immunological probes for differential identification of
the tissue(s) or cell type(s). For a number of disorders of the
above tissues or cells, particularly of the prostate, kidney, brain
and breast, expression of this gene at significantly higher or
lower levels may be routinely detected in certain tissues or cell
types (e.g., reproductive, neural, endocrine, and cancerous and
wounded tissues) or bodily fluids (e.g., lymph, seminal fluid,
serum, plasma, urine, synovial fluid and spinal fluid) or another
tissue or cell sample taken from an individual having such a
disorder, relative to the standard gene expression level, i.e., the
expression level in healthy tissue or bodily fluid from an
individual not having the disorder. Preferred polypeptides of the
present invention comprise immunogenic epitopes shown in SEQ ID NO:
68 as residues: Ser-28 to Ser-37, Ser-50 to Ser-58. Polynucleotides
encoding said polypeptides are also provided.
[0039] The tissue distribution in various transformed tissues,
combined with its similarity to retroviral env proteins indicates
that the protein product is useful for the detection, diagnosis,
and treatment of a variety of cancers and other proliferative
disorders. This gene may show utility in gene therapy applications
in viral prophylaxis. Furthermore, the protein may also be used to
determine biological activity, to raise antibodies, as tissue
markers, to isolate cognate ligands or receptors, to identify
agents that modulate their interactions, in addition to its use as
a nutritional supplement. Protein, as well as, antibodies directed
against the protein may show utility as a tumor marker and/or
immunotherapy targets for the above listed tissues.
[0040] Many polynucleotide sequences, such as EST sequences, are
publicly available and accessible through sequence databases. Some
of these sequences are related to SEQ ID NO:12 and may have been
publicly available prior to conception of the present invention.
Preferably, such related polynucleotides are specifically excluded
from the scope of the present invention. To list every related
sequence is cumbersome. Accordingly, preferably excluded from the
present invention are one or more polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence described by the general formula of a-b, where
a is any integer between 1 to 2328 of SEQ ID NO:12, b is an integer
of 15 to 2342, where both a and b correspond to the positions of
nucleotide residues shown in SEQ ID NO:12, and where b is greater
than or equal to a+14.
FEATURES OF PROTEIN ENCODED BY GENE NO: 3
[0041] The translation product of this gene shares sequence
homology with Cytochrome P450 monooxygenase which is thought to be
important in NADPH-dependent oxidation of a number of cellular
substrates (See Genbank Accession Nos. gil1185452, gblAAC50370.1,
and gblAAB87635.1, in addition to Geneseq Accession No. R72378; all
information and references available through these accessions are
hereby incorporated herein by reference). The polypeptide of this
gene has been determined to have a transmembrane domain at about
amino acid position 11-27 of the amino acid sequence referenced in
Table 1 for this gene. Moreover, a cytoplasmic tail encompassing
amino acids 28 to 501 of this protein has also been determined.
Based upon these characteristics, it is believed that the protein
product of this gene shares structural features to type Ib membrane
proteins. Included in this invention as a preferred domain is the
cytochrome P450 cysteine heme-iron ligand signature domain, which
was identified using the ProSite analysis tool (Swiss Institute of
Bioinformatics). Cytochrome P450's [1,2,3] are a group of enzymes
involved in the oxidative metabolism of a high number of natural
compounds (such as steroids, fatty acids, prostaglandins,
leukotrienes, etc) as well as drugs, carcinogens and mutagens.
Based on sequence similarities, P450's have been classified into
about forty different families [4,5]. P450's are proteins of 400 to
530 amino acids; the only exception is Bacillus BM-3 (CYP102) which
is a protein of 1048 residues that contains a N-terminal P450
domain followed by a reductase domain. P450's are heme proteins. A
conserved cysteine residue in the C-terminal part of P450's is
involved in binding the heme iron in the fifth coordination site.
From a region around this residue, we developed a ten residue
signature specific to P450's. The concensus pattern is as follows:
[FW]-[SGNH]-x-[GD]-x-[RHPT]-x-C-[LIVMFAP]-[GAD][C is the heme iron
ligand].
[0042] Preferred polypeptides of the invention comprise the
following amino acid sequence: FSLGRRHCLG (SEQ ID NO: 129).
Polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides are also provided.
Further preferred are polypeptides comprising the cytochrome P450
cysteine heme-iron ligand signature domain of the sequence
referenced in Table for this gene, and at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25,
30, 50, or 75 additional contiguous amino acid residues of this
referenced sequence. The additional contiguous amino acid residues
may be N-terminal or C-terminal to the cytochrome P450 cysteine
heme-iron ligand signature domain. Alternatively, the additional
contiguous amino acid residues may be both N-terminal and
C-terminal to the cytochrome P450 cysteine heme-iron ligand
signature domain, wherein the total N- and C-terminal contiguous
amino acid residues equal the specified number. The above preferred
polypeptide domain is characteristic of a signature specific to
cytochrome P450 cysteine heme-iron proteins. Based on the sequence
similarity, the translation product of this gene is expected to
share at least some biological activities with cytochrome P450
cysteine heme-iron proteins. Such activities are known in the art,
some of which are described elsewhere herein. The following
references were reference above and are hereby incorporated by
reference herein: [1] Nebert D. W., Gonzalez F. J. Annu. Rev.
Biochem. 56:945-993(1987). [2] Coon M. J., Ding X., Pernecky S. J.,
Vaz A. D. N. FASEB J. 6:669-673(1992). [3] Guengerich F. P. J.
Biol. Chem. 266:10019-10022(1991).[4] Nelson D. R., Kamataki T.,
Waxman D. J., Guengerich F. P., Estrabrook R. W., Feyereisen R.,
Gonzalez F. J., Coon M. J., Gunsalus I. C., Gotoh O., Okuda K.,
Nebert D. W. DNA Cell Biol. 12:1-51(1993).[5] Degtyarenko K. N.,
Archakov A. I. FEBS Lett. 332:1-8(1993).
[0043] When tested against Jurket T-cells and U937 cell lines,
supernatants removed from cells containing this gene activated the
GAS (gamma activation site) promoter element. Thus, it is likely
that this gene activates T-cells and myeloid cells through the
Jaks-STAT signal transduction pathway. GAS is a promoter element
found upstream in many genes which are involved in the Jaks-STAT
pathway. The Jaks-STAT pathway is a large, signal transduction
pathway involved in the differentiation and proliferation of cells.
Therefore, activation of the Jaks-STATs pathway, reflected by the
binding of the GAS element, can be used to indicate proteins
involved in the proliferation and differentiation of cells.
[0044] The gene encoding the disclosed cDNA is believed to reside
on chromosome 11. Accordingly, polynucleotides related to this
invention are useful as a marker in linkage analysis for chromosome
11.
[0045] This gene is expressed primarily in fetal liver spleen, and
to a lesser extent in lung, LNCAP prostate cell line, control
synovial fibroblasts, human testes tumor, and Hodgkin's
lymphoma.
[0046] Therefore, polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention
are useful as reagents for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s) present in a biological sample and for
diagnosis of diseases and conditions which include, but are not
limited to, hepatic or developmental diseases and/or disorders,
particularly cancer and other proliferative disorders. Similarly,
polypeptides and antibodies directed to these polypeptides are
useful in providing immunological probes for differential
identification of the tissue(s) or cell type(s). For a number of
disorders of the above tissues or cells, particularly of the liver,
spleen, lung, prostate, testes, and lymphatic system, expression of
this gene at significantly higher or lower levels may be routinely
detected in certain tissues or cell types (e.g., liver, spleen,
developmental, reproductive, and cancerous and wounded tissues) or
bodily fluids (e.g.,lymph, bile, seminal fluid, serum, plasma,
urine, synovial fluid and spinal fluid) or another tissue or cell
sample taken from an individual having such a disorder, relative to
the standard gene expression level, i.e., the expression level in
healthy tissue or bodily fluid from an individual not having the
disorder. Preferred polypeptides of the present invention comprise
immunogenic epitopes shown in SEQ ID NO: 69 as residues: Leu-30 to
Gly-38, Arg-67 to Val-72, Ser-127 to Trp-133, Gly-148 to Phe-154,
Thr-171 to Phe-177, Thr-201 to Asp-206, Ser-265 to Pro-273, Glu-283
to Lys-297, Pro-346 to Lys-357, Phe-409 to Glu-418, Glu-423 to
Ser-428, Leu-443 to Cys-448. Polynucleotides encoding said
polypeptides are also provided.
[0047] The tissue distribution in fetal liver and homology to
cytochrome P450 monooxygenase indicates indicates that
polynucleotides and polypeptides corresponding to this gene are
useful for the detection and treatment of liver disorders and
cancers (e.g., hepatoblastoma, jaundice, hepatitis, liver metabolic
diseases and conditions that are attributable to the
differentiation of hepatocyte progenitor cells). In addition the
expression in fetus would suggest a useful role for the protein
product in developmental abnormalities, fetal deficiencies,
pre-natal disorders and various would-healing models and/or tissue
trauma. The secreted protein can also be used to determine
biological activity, to raise antibodies, as tissue markers, to
isolate cognate ligands or receptors, to identify agents that
modulate their interactions and as nutritional supplements. It may
also have a very wide range of biological acitivities.
Representative uses are described in the "Chemotaxis" and "Binding
Activity" sections below, in Examples 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18,
19, and 20, and elsewhere herein. Briefly, the protein may possess
the following activities: cytokine, cell
proliferation/differentiation modulating activity or induction of
other cytokines; immunostimulating/immunosuppressant activities
(e.g., for treating human immunodeficiency virus infection, cancer,
autoimmune diseases and allergy); regulation of hematopoiesis
(e.g., for treating anaemia or as adjunct to chemotherapy);
stimulation or growth of bone, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and/or
nerves (e.g., for treating wounds, stimulation of follicle
stimulating hormone (for control of fertility); chemotactic and
chemokinetic activities (e.g., for treating infections, tumors);
hemostatic or thrombolytic activity (e.g., for treating
haemophilia, cardiac infarction etc.); anti-inflammatory activity
(e.g., for treating septic shock, Crohn's disease); as
antimicrobials; for treating psoriasis or other hyperproliferative
diseases; for regulation of metabolism, and behaviour. Also
contemplated is the use of the corresponding nucleic acid in gene
therapy procedures. Furthermore, the protein may also be used to
determine biological activity, to raise antibodies, as tissue
markers, to isolate cognate ligands or receptors, to identify
agents that modulate their interactions, in addition to its use as
a nutritional supplement. Protein, as well as, antibodies directed
against the protein may show utility as a tumor marker and/or
immunotherapy targets for the above listed tissues.
[0048] Many polynucleotide sequences, such as EST sequences, are
publicly available and accessible through sequence databases. Some
of these sequences are related to SEQ ID NO:13 and may have been
publicly available prior to conception of the present invention.
Preferably, such related polynucleotides are specifically excluded
from the scope of the present invention. To list every related
sequence is cumbersome. Accordingly, preferably excluded from the
present invention are one or more polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence described by the general formula of a-b, where
a is any integer between 1 to 1652 of SEQ ID NO:13, b is an integer
of 15 to 1666, where both a and b correspond to the positions of
nucleotide residues shown in SEQ ID NO:13, and where b is greater
than or equal to a+14.
FEATURES OF PROTEIN ENCODED BY GENE NO: 4
[0049] The translation product of this gene shares sequence
homology with CIqR(P), the human Clq/MBL/SPA receptor that mediates
enhanced phagocytosis in vitro (see, e.g., Genbank Accesion number
AAB53110.1 (U94333.1); all references available through this
accession are hereby incorporated by reference herein. Also see,
Immunity February 1997;6(2): 119-129). Preferred polypeptides
encoded by this gene comprise one or more of the following amino
acid sequences:
3 EHPTADRAGCSASGACYSLHHATMKRQAAEEACILRGGAL
STVRAGAELRAVLALLRAGPGPGXGSKDLLFWVALERRRS
HCXLENEPLRGFSWLSSDPGGLESDTLQWVEEPQRSCTAR RWV (SEQ ID NO: 130),
and/or SRPPVGSSPQLEGDAMPPXRQRYLCKYQFEVLCPGAPRPG
AASNLSYRAPFQLHSAALDFSPPGTEVSALCRGQLPISVT
CIADEIGARWDKLSGDVLCPCPGRYLRAGKCAELPNCLDD
LGGFACECATGFELGKDGRSCVTSGEGQPTLGGTGVPTRR
PPATATSPVPQRTWPIRVDEKLGETPLVPEQDNSVTSIPE
IPRWGSQSTMSTLQMSLQAESKATITPSGSVISKFNSTTS
SATPQAFDSSSAVVFIFVSTAVVVLVILTMTVLGLVKLCF
HESPSSQPRKESMGPPGWRVILKPAALGSSSAHCTNNGVK VGDCDLRDRAEGALLAESPLGSSDA
(SEQ ID NO: 131). Polynucleotides
[0050] Polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides are also
provided.
[0051] This gene is believed to reside on chromosome 14. Therefore,
polynucleotides and polypeptides related to this gene are useful in
linkage analysis as markers for chromosome 14.
[0052] This gene is expressed primarily in chondrosarcoma, smooth
muscle tissue, bone marrow, chondrosarcoma, fetal tissue (e.g.,
heart) and to a lesser extent in ovarian cancer, adult pulmonary
tissues, and brain.
[0053] Therefore, polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention
are useful as reagents for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s) present in a biological sample and for
diagnosis of diseases and conditions which include, but are not
limited to, chondrosarcoma, immune disorders, ovarian cancer,
respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders. Similarly, polypeptides
and antibodies directed to these polypeptides are useful in
providing immunological probes for differential identification of
the tissue(s) or cell type(s). For a number of disorders of the
above tissues or cells, particularly of the immune system,
expression of this gene at significantly higher or lower levels may
be routinely detected in certain tissues or cell types (e.g.,
immune, cancerous and wounded tissues) or bodily fluids (e.g.,
lymph, serum, plasma, urine, synovial fluid and spinal fluid) or
another tissue or cell sample taken from an individual having such
a disorder, relative to the standard gene expression level, i.e.,
the expression level in healthy tissue or bodily fluid from an
individual not having the disorder. Preferred polypeptides of the
present invention comprise immunogenic epitopes shown in SEQ ID NO:
70 as residues: Pro-18 to Gly-30. Polynucleotides encoding said
polypeptides are also provided.
[0054] The tissue distribution in bone marrow and homology to
ClqR(P) indicates that polynucleotides and polypeptides
corresponding to this gene are useful for diagnosis and treatment
of a variety of immune system disorders. Representative uses are
described in the "Immune Activity" and "Infectious Disease"
sections below, in Example 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, and 27, and
elsewhere herein. Briefly, the expression of this gene product
indicates a role in regulating the proliferation; survival;
differentiation; and/or activation of hematopoietic cell lineages,
including blood stem cells. This gene product is involved in the
regulation of cytokine production, antigen presentation, or other
processes suggesting a usefulness in the treatment of cancer (e.g.,
by boosting immune responses). Since the gene is expressed in cells
of lymphoid origin, the natural gene product is involved in immune
functions. Therefore it is also useful as an agent for
immunological disorders including arthritis, asthma,
immunodeficiency diseases such as AIDS, leukemia, rheumatoid
arthritis, granulomatous disease, inflammatory bowel disease,
sepsis, acne, neutropenia, neutrophilia, psoriasis,
hypersensitivities, such as T-cell mediated cytotoxicity; immune
reactions to transplanted organs and tissues, such as
host-versus-graft and graft-versus-host diseases, or autoimmunity
disorders, such as autoimmune infertility, lense tissue injury,
demyelination, systemic lupus erythematosis, drug induced hemolytic
anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's disease, and scleroderma.
Moreover, the protein may represent a secreted factor that
influences the differentiation or behavior of other blood cells, or
that recruits hematopoietic cells to sites of injury. Thus, this
gene product is thought to be useful in the expansion of stem cells
and committed progenitors of various blood lineages, and in the
differentiation and/or proliferation of various cell types. The
expression within fetal tissue and other cellular sources marked by
proliferating cells indicates this protein may play a role in the
regulation of cellular division, and may show utility in the
diagnosis, treatment, and/or prevention of developmental diseases
and disorders, including cancer (e.g., ovarian, chondrosarcoma),
and other proliferative conditions. Representative uses are
described in the "Hyperproliferative Disorders" and "Regeneration"
sections below and elsewhere herein. Briefly, developmental tissues
rely on decisions involving cell differentiation and/or apoptosis
in pattern formation. Dysregulation of apoptosis can result in
inappropriate suppression of cell death, as occurs in the
development of some cancers, or in failure to control the extent of
cell death, as is believed to occur in acquired immunodeficiency
and certain neurodegenerative disorders, such as spinal muscular
atrophy (SMA). Because of potential roles in proliferation and
differentiation, this gene product may have applications in the
adult for tissue regeneration and the treatment of cancers. It may
also act as a morphogen to control cell and tissue type
specification. Therefore, the polynucleotides and polypeptides of
the present invention are useful in treating, detecting, and/or
preventing said disorders and conditions, in addition to other
types of degenerative conditions. Thus this protein may modulate
apoptosis or tissue differentiation and is useful in the detection,
treatment, and/or prevention of degenerative or proliferative
conditions and diseases. The protein is useful in modulating the
immune response to aberrant polypeptides, as may exist in
proliferating and cancerous cells and tissues. The protein can also
be used to gain new insight into the regulation of cellular growth
and proliferation.
[0055] The tissue distribution in brain indicates polynucleotides
and polypeptides corresponding to this gene are useful for the
detection, treatment, and/or prevention of neurodegenerative
disease states, behavioral disorders, or inflammatory conditions.
Representative uses are described in the "Regeneration" and
"Hyperproliferative Disorders" sections below, in Example 11, 15,
and 18, and elsewhere herein. Briefly, the uses include, but are
not limited to the detection, treatment, and/or prevention of
Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Huntington's Disease,
Tourette Syndrome, meningitis, encephalitis, demyelinating
diseases, peripheral neuropathies, neoplasia, trauma, congenital
malformations, spinal cord injuries, ischemia and infarction,
aneurysms, hemorrhages, schizophrenia, mania, dementia, paranoia,
obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, panic disorder, learning
disabilities, ALS, psychoses, autism, and altered behaviors,
including disorders in feeding, sleep patterns, balance, and
perception. In addition, elevated expression of this gene product
in regions of the brain indicates it plays a role in normal neural
function. Potentially, this gene product is involved in synapse
formation, neurotransmission, learning, cognition, homeostasis, or
neuronal differentiation or survival. Alternatively, the protein is
useful in the detection, treatment, and/or prevention of vascular
conditions, which include, but are not limited to, microvascular
disease, vascular leak syndrome, aneurysm, stroke, atherosclerosis,
arteriosclerosis, or embolism. For example, this gene product may
represent a soluble factor produced by smooth muscle that regulates
the innervation of organs or regulates the survival of neighboring
neurons. Likewise, it is involved in controlling the digestive
process, and such actions as peristalsis. Similarly, it is involved
in controlling the vasculature in areas where smooth muscle
surrounds the endothelium of blood vessels. Furthermore, the
protein may also be used to determine biological activity, to raise
antibodies, as tissue markers, to isolate cognate ligands or
receptors, to identify agents that modulate their interactions, in
addition to its use as a nutritional supplement. Protein, as well
as, antibodies directed against the protein may show utility as a
tumor marker and/or immunotherapy targets for the above listed
tissues.
[0056] Many polynucleotide sequences, such as EST sequences, are
publicly available and accessible through sequence databases. Some
of these sequences are related to SEQ ID NO:14 and may have been
publicly available prior to conception of the present invention.
Preferably, such related polynucleotides are specifically excluded
from the scope of the present invention. To list every related
sequence is cumbersome. Accordingly, preferably excluded from the
present invention are one or more polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence described by the general formula of a-b, where
a is any integer between 1 to 2013 of SEQ ID NO:14, b is an integer
of 15 to 2027, where both a and b correspond to the positions of
nucleotide residues shown in SEQ ID NO:14, and where b is greater
than or equal to a+14.
FEATURES OF PROTEIN ENCODED BY GENE NO: 5
[0057] The translation product of this gene shares sequence
homology with human renal dipeptidase, which is a
glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol-anchore- d ectoenzyme thought to be
important in the metabolism of dihydro peptide bonds (See Genbank
Accession No.bbsl148378; dbjlBAA02433.1; gblAAB59410.1;
dbjlBAA02431.1; and Geneseq Accession Nos. W29665 and R30823; all
information and references available through these accessions are
hereby incorporated herein by reference). Included in this
invention as a preferred domain is the renal dipeptidase active
site domain, which was identified using the ProSite analysis tool
(Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics). Renal dipeptidase (rDP) (EC
3.4.13.19), also known as microsomal dipeptidase, is a
zinc-dependent metalloenzyme which hydrolyzes a wide range of
dipeptides. It is involved in renal metabolism of glutathione and
its conjugates. It is a homodimeric disulfide-linked glycoprotein
attached to the renal brush border microvilli membrane by a
GPI-anchor. A glutamate residue has recently been shown [1] to be
important for the catalytic activity of rDP. RDP seems to be
evolutionary related to hypothetical proteins in the PQQ
biosynthesis operons of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus and Klebsiella
pneumoniae. The concensus pattern is as follows:
[LIVM]-E-G-[GA]-x(2)-[LIVMF]-x(6)-L-x(3)-Y-x(2)-G-- [LIVM]-R [E is
the active site residue].
[0058] Preferred polypeptides of the invention comprise the
following amino acid sequence: VEGGHSLDNSLSILRTFYMLGVR (SEQ ID NO:
137). Polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides are also
provided. Further preferred are polypeptides comprising the renal
dipeptidase active site domain of the sequence referenced in Table
for this gene, and at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 50, or 75
additional contiguous amino acid residues of this referenced
sequence. The additional contiguous amino acid residues may be
N-terminal or C-terminal to the renal dipeptidase active site
domain. Alternatively, the additional contiguous amino acid
residues may be both N-terminal and C-terminal to the renal
dipeptidase active site domain, wherein the total N- and C-terminal
contiguous amino acid residues equal the specified number. The
above preferred polypeptide domain is characteristic of a signature
specific to renal dipeptidase proteins. Based on the sequence
similarity, the translation product of this gene is expected to
share at least some biological activities with renal dipeptidase
proteins. Such activities are known in the art, some of which are
described elsewhere herein. The following references were
referenced above and are hereby incorporated herein by reference:
[1] Adachi H., Katayama T., Nakazato H., Tsujimoto M. Biochim.
Biophys. Acta 1163:42-48(1993) and [2] Rawlings N. D., Barrett A.
J. Meth. Enzymol. 248:183-228(1995). The polypeptide of this gene
has been determined to have two transmembrane domains at about
amino acid position 17-33 and 470-486 of the amino acid sequence
referenced in Table 1 for this gene. Based upon these
characteristics, it is believed that the protein product of this
gene shares structural features to type IIIb membrane proteins.
[0059] When tested against Jurket T-cell cell lines, supernatants
removed from cells containing this gene activated the GAS (gamma
activation site) and NF-kB (Nuclear Factor kB) pathway. Thus, it is
likely that this gene activates T-cells through the Jaks-STAT
signal transduction pathway and may be involved in the activation
of apoptosis. GAS is a promoter element found upstream in many
genes which are involved in the Jaks-STAT pathway. The Jaks-STAT
pathway is a large, signal transduction pathway involved in the
differentiation and proliferation of cells. Therefore, activation
of the Jaks-STATs pathway, reflected by the binding of the GAS
element, can be used to indicate proteins involved in the
proliferation and differentiation of cells. Similarly, NF-KB is a
transcription factor activated by a wide variety of agents, leading
to cell activation, differentiation, or apoptosis. Reporter
constructs utilizing the NF-kB promoter element are used to screen
supernatants for such activity.
[0060] Preferred polypeptides of the invention comprise the
following amino acid sequence: RYLTLTH (SEQ ID NO: 132), CNTPWA
(SEQ ID NO: 133), APVIFSHS (SEQ ID NO: 134), RNVPDD (SEQ ID NO:
135), GLEDVS (SEQ ID NO: 136), or VEGGHS (SEQ ID NO: 138).
Polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides are also encompassed by
the invention.
[0061] The gene encoding the disclosed cDNA is believed to reside
on chromosome 16. Accordingly, polynucleotides related to this
invention are useful as a marker in linkage analysis for chromosome
16.
[0062] This gene is expressed primarily in infant brain, and to a
lesser extent, in primary dendritic cells, L428 cells, melanocytes,
keratinocytes, eosinophils, ovarian tumor, thymus stromal cells,
treated bone marrow, and Hodgkins lymphoma, and (to a lesser
extent) in a variety of other normal and transformed cell
types.
[0063] Therefore, polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention
are useful as reagents for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s) present in a biological sample and for
diagnosis of diseases and conditions which include, but are not
limited to, renal, urogenital, or neural disorders, particularly
neurodegenerative and/or developmental disorders of the brain,
including cancer and other proliferative disorders. Similarly,
polypeptides and antibodies directed to these polypeptides are
useful in providing immunological probes for differential
identification of the tissue(s) or cell type(s). For a number of
disorders of the above tissues or cells, particularly of the immune
and neurological systems, expression of this gene at significantly
higher or lower levels may be routinely detected in certain tissues
or cell types (e.g., immune, neural, renal, urogenital, and
cancerous and wounded tissues) or bodily fluids (e.g.,lymph, serum,
plasma, urine, synovial fluid and spinal fluid) or another tissue
or cell sample taken from an individual having such a disorder,
relative to the standard gene expression level, i.e., the
expression level in healthy tissue or bodily fluid from an
individual not having the disorder. Preferred polypeptides of the
present invention comprise immunogenic epitopes shown in SEQ ID NO:
71 as residues: Thr-36 to Arg-41, Pro-55 to Pro-60, Pro-67 to
Leu-72, Asn-111 to Ser-118, Cys-138 to Asp-144, Asn-290 to Pro-296,
Gly-350 to Phe-358, Gly-379 to Glu-384, Gln-399 to Cys-426, Ser-428
to Ser-438. Polynucleotides encoding said polypeptides are also
provided.
[0064] The tissue distribution combined with its homology to the
human renal dipeptidase indicates that this gene or gene product
could be used in the treatment and/or detection of kidney diseases
including renal failure, nephritus, renal tubular acidosis,
proteinuria, pyuria, edema, pyelonephritis, hydronephritis,
nephrotic syndrome, crush syndrome, glomerulonephritis, hematuria,
renal colic and kidney stones, in addition to Wilms Tumor Disease,
and congenital kidney abnormalities such as horseshoe kidney,
polycystic kidney, and Falconi's syndrome. Representative uses are
described here and elsewhere herein.
[0065] Alternatively, the tissue distribution in brain indicates
that polynucleotides and polypeptides corresponding to this gene
are useful for the detection/treatment of neurodegenerative disease
states and behavioural disorders such as Alzheimer's Disease,
Parkinson's Disease, Huntingtons Disease, Tourette Syndrome,
schizophrenia, mania, dementia, paranoia, obsessive compulsive
disorder, panic disorder, learning disabilities, ALS, psychoses ,
autism, and altered bahaviors, including disorders in feeding,
sleep patterns, balance, and preception. In addition, the gene or
gene product may also play a role in the treatment and/or detection
of developmental disorders associated with the developing embryo,
sexually-linked disorders, or disorders of the cardiovascular
system. Moreover, expression within embryonic tissue and other
cellular sources marked by proliferating cells combined with the
detected GAS and NF-kB biological activity indicates that this
protein may play a role in the regulation of cellular division, and
may show utility in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and other
proliferative disorders. Similarly, embryonic development also
involves decisions involving cell differentiation and/or apoptosis
in pattern formation. Thus this protein may also be involved in
apoptosis or tissue differentiation and could again be useful in
cancer therapy. Protein, as well as, antibodies directed against
the protein may show utility as a tumor marker and/or immunotherapy
targets for the above listed tissues.
[0066] Many polynucleotide sequences, such as EST sequences, are
publicly available and accessible through sequence databases. Some
of these sequences are related to SEQ ID NO:15 and may have been
publicly available prior to conception of the present invention.
Preferably, such related polynucleotides are specifically excluded
from the scope of the present invention. To list every related
sequence is cumbersome. Accordingly, preferably excluded from the
present invention are one or more polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence described by the general formula of a-b, where
a is any integer between 1 to 2320 of SEQ ID NO:15, b is an integer
of 15 to 2334, where both a and b correspond to the positions of
nucleotide residues shown in SEQ ID NO:15, and where b is greater
than or equal to a+14.
FEATURES OF PROTEIN ENCODED BY GENE NO: 6
[0067] Preferred polypeptides of the invention comprise the
following amino acid sequence:
4 TWLRLGSSQIWLGTAPRGPRIHPEQAGLAGAPVKSTSSEES
QPGGQCQSSGGAQTLPSLRAAPVAAIGSLSSYPDSCPATTP
ELCPGAPTLHLADSISSPPGSSLGPDAWTLCAKHHQAKGMT
LGTPKVLRLQPVSPCWGPKSWRVPGPFQPGRRRGESRQQGR GKRRSARSAQSPTGPESAAWPC
(SEQ ID NO: 139), TVATACVWAACTGCWARPPVPTWAGCAARCAAEDARAGVGD
LPATGGAATGRALTPAPPRGPCILSPQPWALGLPGAPLPAA
IPGRARGRPGLPAIPAISTLPGCPALDPAGAGTLCPPPGAA EPAGP (SEQ ID NO: 140),
or RSGQPGEGSMLRKFSLQRLLSPLDQAQTRWGLAIACVAGDK
GPPRPWNISSAPAHPHVTTPGMETSGGPARDGGLTLEREAA FNKYAPGE (SEQ ID NO:
141).
[0068] Polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides are also
encompassed by the invention.
[0069] This gene is expressed primarily in immune cells (e.g.,
eosinophils, T-cells, and macrophage), leukemic and lymphoid cells,
rectum, colon, and tonsils.
[0070] Therefore, polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention
are useful as reagents for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s) present in a biological sample and for
diagnosis of diseases and conditions which include, but are not
limited to, inflammatory disorders, particularly immunodeficiency,
tumor necrosis, infection, lymphomas, auto-immunities, breast
cancer, disorders of the colon and rectum, metastasis,
inflammation, anemias (leukemia) and other hematopoeitic disorders.
Similarly, polypeptides and antibodies directed to these
polypeptides are useful in providing immunological probes for
differential identification of the tissue(s) or cell type(s). For a
number of disorders of the above tissues or cells, particularly of
the immune system, expression of this gene at significantly higher
or lower levels may be routinely detected in certain tissues or
cell types (e.g., immune, hematopoietic, and cancerous and wounded
tissues) or bodily fluids (e.g., lymph, serum, plasma, urine,
synovial fluid and spinal fluid) or another tissue or cell sample
taken from an individual having such a disorder, relative to the
standard gene expression level, i.e., the expression level in
healthy tissue or bodily fluid from an individual not having the
disorder.
[0071] The tissue distribution indicates that polynucleotides and
polypeptides corresponding to this gene are useful for the
diagnosis and treatment of a variety of immune system disorders.
Representative uses are described in the "Immune Activity" and
"Infectious Disease" sections below, in Example 11, 13, 14, 16, 18,
19, 20, and 27, and elsewhere herein. Briefly, the expression
indicates a role in regulating the proliferation; survival;
differentiation; and/or activation of hematopoietic cell lineages,
including blood stem cells. Involvement in the regulation of
cytokine production, antigen presentation, or other processes
indicates a usefulness for treatment of cancer (e.g., by boosting
immune responses). Expression in cells of lymphoid origin,
indicates the natural gene product is involved in immune functions.
Therefore it would also be useful as an agent for immunological
disorders including arthritis, asthma, immunodeficiency diseases
such as AIDS, leukemia, rheumatoid arthritis, granulomatous
disease, inflammatory bowel disease, sepsis, acne, neutropenia,
neutrophilia, psoriasis, hypersensitivities, such as T-cell
mediated cytotoxicity; immune reactions to transplanted organs and
tissues, such as host-versus-graft and graft-versus-host diseases,
or autoimmunity disorders, such as autoimmune infertility, lense
tissue injury, demyelination, systemic lupus erythematosis, drug
induced hemolytic anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's disease,
and scleroderma. Moreover, the protein may represent a secreted
factor that influences the differentiation or behavior of other
blood cells, or that recruits hematopoietic cells to sites of
injury. Thus, this gene product is thought to be useful in the
expansion of stem cells and committed progenitors of various blood
lineages, and in the differentiation and/or proliferation of
various cell types. Additionally, expression of this gene product
in a variety of immune cells indicates a role in the regulation of
the proliferation; survival; differentiation; and/or activation of
potentially all hematopoietic cell lineages, including blood stem
cells. This gene product may be involved in the regulation of
cytokine production, antigen presentation, or other processes that
may also suggest a usefulness in the treatment of cancer (e.g., by
boosting immune responses). Since the gene is expressed in cells of
lymphoid origin, the natural gene product may be involved in immune
functions. Therefore it may be also used as an agent for
immunological disorders including arthritis, asthma,
immunodeficiency diseases such as AIDS, leukemia, rheumatoid
arthritis, granulomatous disease, inflammatory bowel disease,
sepsis, acne, neutropenia, neutrophilia, psoriasis,
hypersentivities, such as T-cell mediated cytotoxicity; immune
reactions to transplanted organs and tissues, such as
host-versus-graft and graft-versus-host diseases, or autoimmunity
disorders, such as autoimmune infertility, lense tissue injury,
demyelination, systemic lupus erythematosis, drug induced hemolytic
anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's disease, scleroderma and
tissues. In addition, this gene product may have commercial utility
in the expansion of stem cells and committed progenitors of various
blood lineages, and in the differentiation and/or proliferation of
various cell types.
[0072] The tissue distribution in kidney indicates the protein
product of this gene could be used in the treatment and/or
detection of kidney diseases including renal failure, nephritus,
renal tubular acidosis, proteinuria, pyuria, edema, pyelonephritis,
hydronephritis, nephrotic syndrome, crush syndrome,
glomerulonephritis, hematuria, renal colic and kidney stones, in
addition to Wilm's Tumor Disease, and congenital kidney
abnormalities such as horseshoe kidney, polycystic kidney, and
Falconi's syndrome. Furthermore, the protein may also be used to
determine biological activity, to raise antibodies, as tissue
markers, to isolate cognate ligands or receptors, to identify
agents that modulate their interactions, in addition to its use as
a nutritional supplement. Protein, as well as, antibodies directed
against the protein may show utility as a tumor marker and/or
immunotherapy targets for the above listed tissues.
[0073] Many polynucleotide sequences, such as EST sequences, are
publicly available and accessible through sequence databases. Some
of these sequences are related to SEQ ID NO:16 and may have been
publicly available prior to conception of the present invention.
Preferably, such related polynucleotides are specifically excluded
from the scope of the present invention. To list every related
sequence is cumbersome. Accordingly, preferably excluded from the
present invention are one or more polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence described by the general formula of a-b, where
a is any integer between 1 to 2594 of SEQ ID NO:16, b is an integer
of 15 to 2608, where both a and b correspond to the positions of
nucleotide residues shown in SEQ ID NO:16, and where b is greater
than or equal to a+14.
FEATURES OF PROTEIN ENCODED BY GENE NO: 7
[0074] The translation product of this gene shares sequence
homology with the human IgE receptor which is thought to be
important in immune regulation, particularly in immune cell
aggregation (See Genbank Accession No gil337418; all references
available through this accession are hereby incorporated herein by
reference). Moreover, the protein is believed to share structural
features to the TM4SF superfamily of proteins. The polypeptide of
this gene has been determined to have two transmembrane domains at
about amino acid position 73-89 and 106-122 of the amino acid
sequence referenced in Table 1 for this gene. Based upon these
characteristics, it is believed that the protein product of this
gene shares structural features to type IIIa membrane proteins.
Based on the sequence similarity, the translation product of this
gene is expected to share at least some biological activities with
human IgE receptor proteins. Such activities are known in the art,
some of which are described elsewhere herein.
[0075] In another embodiment, polypeptides comprising the amino
acid sequence of the open reading frame upstream of the predicted
signal peptide are contemplated by the present invention.
Specifically, polypeptides of the invention comprise the following
amino acid sequence:
5 RCQRNKDIMMSSKPTSHAEVNETIPNPYPPSSFMAPGFQQ
PLGSTNLENQAQGAQRAQPYGITSPGTFASSQPGQGNIQM
INPSVGTAVMNFKEEAKAIGVIQIMVGLMHIGFGIVLCLI
SFSFREVLGFASTAXIGGYPFWGGLSFTASGSLSVSASKE
LSRCLVKGSLGMNIGRSILAFIGVILLLVDMCTNGVXGQD
YWXVLSGKGISATLMIFSXLEEFVACATAHFANQANTTTN
MSVLVIPNMYESNPXTPASSSAPPRCNNYSANAPKRKRGI
SLISWRKTTCKNELRRCLLLSTMISSL (SEQ ID NO: 142).
[0076] Polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides are also
provided.
[0077] This gene is expressed primarily in colon.
[0078] Therefore, polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention
are useful as reagents for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s) present in a biological sample and for
diagnosis of diseases and conditions which include, but are not
limited to, immune disorders and disorders of the digestive tract.
Similarly, polypeptides and antibodies directed to these
polypeptides are useful in providing immunological probes for
differential identification of the tissue(s) or cell type(s). For a
number of disorders of the above tissues or cells, particularly of
the immune and digestive system, expression of this gene at
significantly higher or lower levels may be routinely detected in
certain tissues or cell types (e.g.,immune, hematopoietic,
gastrointesinal, and cancerous and wounded tissues) or bodily
fluids (e.g.,lymph, bile, serum, plasma, urine, synovial fluid and
spinal fluid) or another tissue or cell sample taken from an
individual having such a disorder, relative to the standard gene
expression level, i.e., the expression level in healthy tissue or
bodily fluid from an individual not having the disorder. Preferred
polypeptides of the present invention comprise immunogenic epitopes
shown in SEQ ID NO: 73 as residues: Met-2 to Ser-8, Glu-14 to
Ser-23, Leu-39 to Gly-53. Polynucleotides encoding said
polypeptides are also provided.
[0079] The tissue distribution and homology to the human IgE
receptor indicates that that polynucleotides and polypeptides
corresponding to this gene are useful for the diagnosis and
treatment of a variety of immune system disorders. Representative
uses are described in the "Immune Activity" and "Infectious
Disease" sections below, in Example 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, and
27, and elsewhere herein. Expression of this gene product in colon
indicates a role in the regulation of the proliferation; survival;
differentiation; and/or activation of proliferative mechanisms in
the digestive tract. This gene product may be involved in the
regulation of cytokine production, antigen presentation, or other
processes that may also suggest a usefulness in the treatment of
cancer (e.g., by boosting immune responses). Since the gene has
homology to a gene of lymphoid origin, the natural gene product may
be involved in immune functions. Therefore it may be also used as
an agent for immunological disorders including arthritis, asthma,
immune deficiency diseases such as AIDS, leukemia, rheumatoid
arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, sepsis, acne, and psoriasis,
and tissues. In addition, this gene product may have commercial
utility in the expansion of stem cells and committed progenitors of
various blood lineages, and in the differentiation and/or
proliferation of various cell types. Furthermore, the protein may
also be used to determine biological activity, to raise antibodies,
as tissue markers, to isolate cognate ligands or receptors, to
identify agents that modulate their interactions, in addition to
its use as a nutritional supplement. Protein, as well as,
antibodies directed against the protein may show utility as a tumor
marker and/or immunotherapy targets for the above listed
tissues.
[0080] Many polynucleotide sequences, such as EST sequences, are
publicly available and accessible through sequence databases. Some
of these sequences are related to SEQ ID NO:17 and may have been
publicly available prior to conception of the present invention.
Preferably, such related polynucleotides are specifically excluded
from the scope of the present invention. To list every related
sequence is cumbersome. Accordingly, preferably excluded from the
present invention are one or more polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence described by the general formula of a-b, where
a is any integer between 1 to 1277 of SEQ ID NO:17, b is an integer
of 15 to 1291, where both a and b correspond to the positions of
nucleotide residues shown in SEQ ID NO:17, and where b is greater
than or equal to a+14.
FEATURES OF PROTEIN ENCODED BY GENE NO: 8
[0081] This gene is expressed primarily in T-cells and lymph
node.
[0082] Therefore, polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention
are useful as reagents for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s) present in a biological sample and for
diagnosis of diseases and conditions which include, but are not
limited to, immune disorders, particularly immunodeficiencies or
inflammatory disorders. Similarly, polypeptides and antibodies
directed to these polypeptides are useful in providing
immunological probes for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s). For a number of disorders of the above
tissues or cells, particularly of the immune system, expression of
this gene at significantly higher or lower levels may be routinely
detected in certain tissues or cell types (e.g., immune,
hematopoietic, and cancerous and wounded tissues) or bodily fluids
(e.g.,lymph, serum, plasma, urine, synovial fluid and spinal fluid)
or another tissue or cell sample taken from an individual having
such a disorder, relative to the standard gene expression level,
i.e., the expression level in healthy tissue or bodily fluid from
an individual not having the disorder.
[0083] The tissue distribution in T-cells and lymph node indicates
that polynucleotides and polypeptides corresponding to this gene
are useful for the diagnosis and treatment of immune system
disorders. Representative uses are described in the "Immune
Activity" and "Infectious Disease" sections below, in Example 11,
13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, and 27, and elsewhere herein. Briefly, the
expression of this gene product indicates a role in regulating the
proliferation; survival; differentiation; and/or activation of
hematopoietic cell lineages, including blood stem cells. This gene
product is involved in the regulation of cytokine production,
antigen presentation, or other processes suggesting a usefulness in
the treatment of cancer (e.g., by boosting immune responses). Since
the gene is expressed in cells of lymphoid origin, the natural gene
product is involved in immune functions. Therefore it is also
useful as an agent for immunological disorders including arthritis,
asthma, immunodeficiency diseases such as AIDS, leukemia,
rheumatoid arthritis, granulomatous disease, inflammatory bowel
disease, sepsis, acne, neutropenia, neutrophilia, psoriasis,
hypersensitivities, such as T-cell mediated cytotoxicity; immune
reactions to transplanted organs and tissues, such as
host-versus-graft and graft-versus-host diseases, or autoimmunity
disorders, such as autoimmune infertility, lense tissue injury,
demyelination, systemic lupus erythematosis, drug induced hemolytic
anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's disease, and scleroderma.
Moreover, the protein may represent a secreted factor that
influences the differentiation or behavior of other blood cells, or
that recruits hematopoietic cells to sites of injury. Thus, this
gene product is thought to be useful in the expansion of stem cells
and committed progenitors of various blood lineages, and in the
differentiation and/or proliferation of various cell types.
Furthermore, the protein may also be used to determine biological
activity, raise antibodies, as tissue markers, to isolate cognate
ligands or receptors, to identify agents that modulate their
interactions, in addition to its use as a nutritional supplement.
Protein, as well as, antibodies directed against the protein may
show utility as a tumor marker and/or immunotherapy targets for the
above listed tissues.
[0084] Many polynucleotide sequences, such as EST sequences, are
publicly available and accessible through sequence databases. Some
of these sequences are related to SEQ ID NO:18 and may have been
publicly available prior to conception of the present invention.
Preferably, such related polynucleotides are specifically excluded
from the scope of the present invention. To list every related
sequence is cumbersome. Accordingly, preferably excluded from the
present invention are one or more polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence described by the general formula of a-b, where
a is any integer between 1 to 3115 of SEQ ID NO:18, b is an integer
of 15 to 3129, where both a and b correspond to the positions of
nucleotide residues shown in SEQ ID NO:18, and where b is greater
than or equal to a+14.
FEATURES OF PROTEIN ENCODED BY GENE NO: 9
[0085] The gene encoding the disclosed cDNA is believed to reside
on chromosome 2. Accordingly, polynucleotides related to this
invention are useful as a marker in linkage analysis for chromosome
2.
[0086] This gene is expressed primarily in immune and haemopoietic
cells, particularly messangial cells.
[0087] Therefore, polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention
are useful as reagents for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s) present in a biological sample and for
diagnosis of diseases and conditions which include, but are not
limited to, immune or haemopoietic diseases. Similarly,
polypeptides and antibodies directed to these polypeptides are
useful in providing immunological probes for differential
identification of the tissue(s) or cell type(s). For a number of
disorders of the above tissues or cells, particularly of the immune
and haemopoitic systems, expression of this gene at significantly
higher or lower levels may be routinely detected in certain tissues
or cell types (e.g., immune, haemopoietic, and cancerous and
wounded tissues) or bodily fluids (e.g.,lymph, serum, plasma,
urine, synovial fluid and spinal fluid) or another tissue or cell
sample taken from an individual having such a disorder, relative to
the standard gene expression level, i.e., the expression level in
healthy tissue or bodily fluid from an individual not having the
disorder.
[0088] The tissue distribution in immune cells and hemopoeitic
cells indicates polynucleotides, and polypeptides corresponding to
this gene are useful for the diagnosis and treatment of a variety
of immune system disorders. Representative uses are described in
the "Immune Activity" and "Infectious Disease" sections below, in
Example 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, and 27, and elsewhere herein.
Briefly, the expression of this gene product indicates a role in
regulating the proliferation; survival; differentiation; and/or
activation of hematopoietic cell lineages, including blood stem
cells. This gene product is involved in the regulation of cytokine
production, antigen presentation, or other processes suggesting a
usefulness in the treatment of cancer (e.g., by boosting immune
responses). Since the gene is expressed in cells of lymphoid
origin, the natural gene product is involved in immune functions.
Therefore it is also useful as an agent for immunological disorders
including arthritis, asthma, immunodeficiency diseases such as
AIDS, leukemia, rheumatoid arthritis, granulomatous disease,
inflammatory bowel disease, sepsis, acne, neutropenia,
neutrophilia, psoriasis, hypersensitivities, such as T-cell
mediated cytotoxicity; immune reactions to transplanted organs and
tissues, such as host-versus-graft and graft-versus-host diseases,
or autoimmunity disorders, such as autoimmune infertility, lense
tissue injury, demyelination, systemic lupus erythematosis, drug
induced hemolytic anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's disease,
and scleroderma. Moreover, the protein may represent a secreted
factor that influences the differentiation or behavior of other
blood cells, or that recruits hematopoietic cells to sites of
injury. Thus, this gene product is thought to be useful in the
expansion of stem cells and committed progenitors of various blood
lineages, and in the differentiation and/or proliferation of
various cell types. Furthermore, the protein may also be used to
determine biological activity, raise antibodies, as tissue markers,
to isolate cognate ligands or receptors, to identify agents that
modulate their interactions, in addition to its use as a
nutritional supplement. Protein, as well as, antibodies directed
against the protein may show utility as a tumor marker and/or
immunotherapy targets for the above listed tissues.
[0089] Many polynucleotide sequences, such as EST sequences, are
publicly available and accessible through sequence databases. Some
of these sequences are related to SEQ ID NO:19 and may have been
publicly available prior to conception of the present invention.
Preferably, such related polynucleotides are specifically excluded
from the scope of the present invention. To list every related
sequence is cumbersome. Accordingly, preferably excluded from the
present invention are one or more polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence described by the general formula of a-b, where
a is any integer between 1 to 3615 of SEQ ID NO:19, b is an integer
of 15 to 3629, where both a and b correspond to the positions of
nucleotide residues shown in SEQ ID NO: 19, and where b is greater
than or equal to a+14.
FEATURES OF PROTEIN ENCODED BY GENE NO: 10
[0090] The translation product of this gene shares sequence
homology with various dehydrogenase and oxidoreductase polypeptides
and appears to belong in the alcohol dehydrogenase/rybitol
dehydrogenase family (see, e.g., Genbank accession number
AAD36790.1 (AEOO1811.1) and CAA68181 (X99908.1); all references
available through this accession are hereby incorporated by
reference herein.) Preferred polypeptides encoded by this gene
comprise the following amino acid sequence:
6 MGRLDGKVIILTAAAQGIGQAAALAFAREGAKVIATDINESKL
QELEKYPGIQTRVLDVTKKKQIDQFANEVERLDVLFNVAGFVH
HGTVLDCEEKDWDFSMNLNVRNVMYLMIKAFLPKMLAQKSGNI
INMSSVASSVKGVVNRCVYSTTKAAVIGLTKSVAADFIQQGIR
CNCVCPGTVDTPSLQERIQARGNPEEARNDFLKRQKTGRFATA
EELAMLCVYLASDESAYVTGNPVIIDGGWSL (SEQ ID NO: 143).
[0091] Also provided are fragments thereof having dehydrogenase
activity and polypeptides comprising at least 30 residues of the
foregoing amino acid sequence. Polynucleotides encoding such
polypeptides are also provided.
[0092] This gene is expressed primarily in fetal tissue (e.g.,
liver, spleen, lung), gall bladder, heart, bone marrow and to a
lesser extent in smooth muscle, and parathyroid tumor.
[0093] Therefore, polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention
are useful as reagents for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s) present in a biological sample and for
diagnosis of diseases and conditions which include, but are not
limited to, immune, cardiovascular and developmental disorders.
Similarly, polypeptides and antibodies directed to these
polypeptides are useful in providing immunological probes for
differential identification of the tissue(s) or cell type(s). For a
number of disorders of the above tissues or cells, particularly of
the immune and fetal systems, expression of this gene at
significantly higher or lower levels may be routinely detected in
certain tissues or cell types (e.g., immune, cancerous and wounded
tissues) or bodily fluids (e.g., lymph, serum, plasma, urine,
synovial fluid and spinal fluid) or another tissue or cell sample
taken from an individual having such a disorder, relative to the
standard gene expression level, i.e., the expression level in
healthy tissue or bodily fluid from an individual not having the
disorder. Preferred polypeptides of the present invention comprise
immunogenic epitopes shown in SEQ ID NO: 76 as residues: Pro-78 to
Gln-85, Arg-87 to Arg-94, Asp-96 to Gly-104. Polynucleotides
encoding said polypeptides are also provided.
[0094] The tissue distribution in bone marrow indicates
polynucleotides and polypeptides corresponding to this gene are
useful for the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of immune
system disorders. Representative uses are described in the "Immune
Activity" and "Infectious Disease" sections below, in Example 11,
13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, and 27, and elsewhere herein. Briefly, the
expression of this gene product indicates a role in regulating the
proliferation; survival; differentiation; and/or activation of
hematopoietic cell lineages, including blood stem cells. This gene
product is involved in the regulation of cytokine production,
antigen presentation, or other processes suggesting a usefulness in
the treatment of cancer (e.g., by boosting immune responses). Since
the gene is expressed in cells of lymphoid origin, the natural gene
product is involved in immune functions. Therefore it is also
useful as an agent for immunological disorders including arthritis,
asthma, immunodeficiency diseases such as AIDS, leukemia,
rheumatoid arthritis, granulomatous disease, inflammatory bowel
disease, sepsis, acne, neutropenia, neutrophilia, psoriasis,
hypersensitivities, such as T-cell mediated cytotoxicity; immune
reactions to transplanted organs and tissues, such as
host-versus-graft and graft-versus-host diseases, or autoimmunity
disorders, such as autoimmune infertility, lense tissue injury,
demyelination, systemic lupus erythematosis, drug induced hemolytic
anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's disease, and scleroderma.
Moreover, the protein may represent a secreted factor that
influences the differentiation or behavior of other blood cells, or
that recruits hematopoietic cells to sites of injury. Thus, this
gene product is thought to be useful in the expansion of stem cells
and committed progenitors of various blood lineages, and in the
differentiation and/or proliferation of various cell types. The
expression within fetal tissue and other cellular sources marked by
proliferating cells indicates this protein may play a role in the
regulation of cellular division, and may show utility in the
diagnosis, treatment, and/or prevention of developmental diseases
and disorders, including cancer, and other proliferative
conditions. Representative uses are described in the
"Hyperproliferative Disorders" and "Regeneration" sections below
and elsewhere herein. Briefly, developmental tissues rely on
decisions involving cell differentiation and/or apoptosis in
pattern formation. Dysregulation of apoptosis can result in
inappropriate suppression of cell death, as occurs in the
development of some cancers, or in failure to control the extent of
cell death, as is believed to occur in acquired immunodeficiency
and certain neurodegenerative disorders, such as spinal muscular
atrophy (SMA). Because of potential roles in proliferation and
differentiation, this gene product may have applications in the
adult for tissue regeneration and the treatment of cancers. It may
also act as a morphogen to control cell and tissue type
specification. Therefore, the polynucleotides and polypeptides of
the present invention are useful in treating, detecting, and/or
preventing said disorders and conditions, in addition to other
types of degenerative conditions. Thus this protein may modulate
apoptosis or tissue differentiation and is useful in the detection,
treatment, and/or prevention of degenerative or proliferative
conditions and diseases. The protein is useful in modulating the
immune response to aberrant polypeptides, as may exist in
proliferating and cancerous cells and tissues. The protein can also
be used to gain new insight into the regulation of cellular growth
and proliferation. Furthermore, the protein may also be used to
determine biological activity, to raise antibodies, as tissue
markers, to isolate cognate ligands or receptors, to identify
agents that modulate their interactions, in addition to its use as
a nutritional supplement. Protein, as well as, antibodies directed
against the protein may show utility as a tumor marker and/or
immunotherapy targets for the above listed tissues.
[0095] Many polynucleotide sequences, such as EST sequences, are
publicly available and accessible through sequence databases. Some
of these sequences are related to SEQ ID NO:20 and may have been
publicly available prior to conception of the present invention.
Preferably, such related polynucleotides are specifically excluded
from the scope of the present invention. To list every related
sequence is cumbersome. Accordingly, preferably excluded from the
present invention are one or more polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence described by the general formula of a-b, where
a is any integer between 1 to 1130 of SEQ ID NO:20, b is an integer
of 15 to 1144, where both a and b correspond to the positions of
nucleotide residues shown in SEQ ID NO:20, and where b is greater
than or equal to a+14.
FEATURES OF PROTEIN ENCODED BY GENE NO: 11
[0096] The polypeptide of this gene has been determined to have a
transmembrane domain at about amino acid position 115-131 of the
amino acid sequence referenced in Table 1 for this gene. Moreover,
a cytoplasmic tail encompassing amino acids 132 to 152 of this
protein has also been determined. Based upon these characteristics,
it is believed that the protein product of this gene shares
structural features to type Ia membrane proteins.
[0097] In another embodiment, polypeptides comprising the amino
acid sequence of the open reading frame upstream of the predicted
signal peptide are contemplated by the present invention.
Specifically, polypeptides of the invention comprise the following
amino acid sequence:
7 GTIGLYWVGSUMSVVVFVPGNIVGKYGTRICPAFFLS
IPYTCLPVWAGFRIYNQPSENYNYPSKVIQEAQAKDL
LRRPFDLMLVVCLLLATGFCLFRGLIALDCPSELCRL
YTQFQEPYLKDPAAYPKIQMLAYMFYSVPYFVTALYG
LVVPGCSWMPDITLIHAGGLAQAQFSHIGASLHARTA
YVYRVPEEAKILFLALNIAYGVLPQLLAYRCIYKPEEI FIKTKAEEKVE (SEQ ID NO:
144). Polynucleotides encoding
[0098] Polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides are also
provided.
[0099] This gene is expressed primarily in osteoclastoma, and to a
lesser extent, in other human tissues.
[0100] Therefore, polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention
are useful as reagents for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s) present in a biological sample and for
diagnosis of diseases and conditions which include, but are not
limited to, skeletal diseases and/or disorders, particularly
osteoclastoma and osteoporosis. Similarly, polypeptides and
antibodies directed to these polypeptides are useful in providing
immunological probes for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s). For a number of disorders of the above
tissues or cells, particularly of the skeletal system, expression
of this gene at significantly higher or lower levels may be
routinely detected in certain tissues or cell types (e.g.,
skeletal, immune, and cancerous and wounded tissues) or bodily
fluids (e.g., lymph, serum, plasma, urine, synovial fluid and
spinal fluid) or another tissue or cell sample taken from an
individual having such a disorder, relative to the standard gene
expression level, i.e., the expression level in healthy tissue or
bodily fluid from an individual not having the disorder. Preferred
polypeptides of the present invention comprise immunogenic epitopes
shown in SEQ ID NO: 77 as residues: Thr-32 to Lys40, Lys-146 to
Glu-152. Polynucleotides encoding said polypeptides are also
provided.
[0101] The tissue distribution in osteoclastoma indicates a role in
the detection and treatment of disorders and conditions affecting
the skeletal system, in particular osteoporosis as well as
disorders afflicting connective tissues (e.g., arthritis, trauma,
tendonitis, chrondomalacia and inflammation), such as in the
diagnosis or treatment of various autoimmune disorders such as
rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, and dermatomyositis as
well as dwarfism, spinal deformation, and specific joint
abnormalities as well as chondrodysplasias (ie. spondyloepiphyseal
dysplasia congenita, familial osteoarthritis, Atelosteogenesis type
II, metaphyseal chondrodysplasia type Schmid). Representative uses
are described here and elsewhere herein. Furthermore, the protein
may also be used to determine biological activity, to raise
antibodies, as tissue markers, to isolate cognate ligands or
receptors, to identify agents that modulate their interactions, in
addition to its use as a nutritional supplement. Protein, as well
as, antibodies directed against the protein may show utility as a
tumor marker and/or immunotherapy targets for the above listed
tissues.
[0102] Many polynucleotide sequences, such as EST sequences, are
publicly available and accessible through sequence databases. Some
of these sequences are related to SEQ ID NO:21 and may have been
publicly available prior to conception of the present invention.
Preferably, such related polynucleotides are specifically excluded
from the scope of the present invention. To list every related
sequence is cumbersome. Accordingly, preferably excluded from the
present invention are one or more polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence described by the general formula of a-b, where
a is any integer between 1 to 1429 of SEQ ID NO:21, b is an integer
of 15 to 1443, where both a and b correspond to the positions of
nucleotide residues shown in SEQ ID NO:21, and where b is greater
than or equal to a+14.
FEATURES OF PROTEIN ENCODED BY GENE NO: 12
[0103] The polypeptide of this gene has been determined to have
transmembrane domains at about amino acid position 1-23 and 149-167
of the amino acid sequence referenced in Table 1 for this gene.
Based upon these characteristics, it is believed that the protein
product of this gene shares structural features to type IIIb
membrane proteins.
[0104] Preferred polypeptides of the invention comprise the
following amino acid sequence:
8 MSNHDPRGCTRRRAQKPLAIQPRLFHASAPDEGTQGTL
KGTQKGGCJLVQCQSEGGAAGAWTGPPSPARDRRVRPP
GTKAQRLERRRHVPRLHGLGVGGCEVRTGIVARISGST
PWAGGKPLGLHGAMGEAGAGDTGCCAKGPSPAAPLPAE
GRGQGAGPGGLVGRGERRDQQTLLGMAEDTGXSPSRPS
APAPRAPVPARQPLPRARLGAATAISKSRSSRVAPALA AAISASSHQR (SEQ ID NO:
145).
[0105] Polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides are also
encompassed by the invention.
[0106] This gene is expressed primarily in neutrophils,
haemopoietic cells, tymus tumor, osteosarcoma, synovial sarcoma,
B-cell lymphoma, dendritic cells, pineal gland, brain, prostate and
to a lesser extent in other tissues, including cancers.
[0107] Therefore, polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention
are useful as reagents for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s) present in a biological sample and for
diagnosis of diseases and conditions which include, but are not
limited to, immune and haemopoietic disorders, particularly
neutropenia or neutrophilia, and cancers. Similarly, polypeptides
and antibodies directed to these polypeptides are useful in
providing immunological probes for differential identification of
the tissue(s) or cell type(s). For a number of disorders of the
above tissues or cells, particularly of the immune and haemopoietic
systems, expression of this gene at significantly higher or lower
levels may be routinely detected in certain tissues or cell types
(e.g., immune, haemopoietic, and cancerous and wounded tissues) or
bodily fluids (e.g.,lymph, serum, plasma, urine, synovial fluid and
spinal fluid) or another tissue or cell sample taken from an
individual having such a disorder, relative to the standard gene
expression level, i.e., the expression level in healthy tissue or
bodily fluid from an individual not having the disorder. Preferred
polypeptides of the present invention comprise immunogenic epitopes
shown in SEQ ID NO: 78 as residues: Ser-23 to Ala-32, Gly-40 to
Glu-47. Polynucleotides encoding said polypeptides are also
provided.
[0108] The tissue distribution in immune cells (e.g., neutrophils)
indicates polynucleotides and polypeptides corresponding to this
gene are useful for the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of
immune system disorders. Representative uses are described in the
"Immune Activity" and "Infectious Disease" sections below, in
Example 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, and 27, and elsewhere herein.
Briefly, the expression of this gene product indicates a role in
regulating the proliferation; survival; differentiation; and/or
activation of hematopoietic cell lineages, including blood stem
cells. This gene product is involved in the regulation of cytokine
production, antigen presentation, or other processes suggesting a
usefulness in the treatment of cancer (e.g., by boosting immune
responses). Since the gene is expressed in cells of lymphoid
origin, the natural gene product is involved in immune functions.
Therefore it is also useful as an agent for immunological disorders
including arthritis, asthma, immunodeficiency diseases such as
AIDS, leukemia, rheumatoid arthritis, granulomatous disease,
inflammatory bowel disease, sepsis, acne, neutropenia,
neutrophilia, psoriasis, hypersensitivities, such as T-cell
mediated cytotoxicity; immune reactions to transplanted organs and
tissues, such as host-versus-graft and graft-versus-host diseases,
or autoimmunity disorders, such as autoimmune infertility, lense
tissue injury, demyelination, systemic lupus erythematosis, drug
induced hemolytic anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's disease,
and scleroderma. Moreover, the protein may represent a secreted
factor that influences the differentiation or behavior of other
blood cells, or that recruits hematopoietic cells to sites of
injury. Thus, this gene product is thought to be useful in the
expansion of stem cells and committed progenitors of various blood
lineages, and in the differentiation and/or proliferation of
various cell types. Expression of this gene product in tonsils also
indicates a role in the regulation of the proliferation; survival;
differentiation; and/or activation of potentially all hematopoietic
cell lineages, including blood stem cells. This gene product may be
involved in the regulation of cytokine production, antigen
presentation, or other processes that may also suggest a usefulness
in the treatment of cancer (e.g., by boosting immune
responses).
[0109] The tissue distribution in pineal gland and brain indicates
polynucleotides and polypeptides corresponding to this gene are
useful for the detection, treatment, and/or prevention of
neurodegenerative disease states, behavioral disorders, or
inflammatory conditions. Representative uses are described in the
"Regeneration" and "Hyperproliferative Disorders" sections below,
in Example 11, 15, and 18, and elsewhere herein. Briefly, the uses
include, but are not limited to the detection, treatment, and/or
prevention of Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease,
Huntington's Disease, Tourette Syndrome, meningitis, encephalitis,
demyelinating diseases, peripheral neuropathies, neoplasia, trauma,
congenital malformations, spinal cord injuries, ischemia and
infarction, aneurysms, hemorrhages, schizophrenia, mania, dementia,
paranoia, obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, panic
disorder, learning disabilities, ALS, psychoses, autism, and
altered behaviors, including disorders in feeding, sleep patterns,
balance, and perception. In addition, elevated expression of this
gene product in regions of the brain indicates it plays a role in
normal neural function. Potentially, this gene product is involved
in synapse formation, neurotransmission, learning, cognition,
homeostasis, or neuronal differentiation or survival. Furthermore,
the protein may also be used to determine biological activity, to
raise antibodies, as tissue markers, to isolate cognate ligands or
receptors, to identify agents that modulate their interactions, in
addition to its use as a nutritional supplement. Protein, as well
as, antibodies directed against the protein may show utility as a
tumor marker and/or immunotherapy targets for the above listed
tissues.
[0110] The tissue distribution in thymus tumor, B-cell lymphoma,
osteosarcoma, and synovial sarcoma indicates polynucleotides and
polypeptides corresponding to this gene are useful for the
diagnosis and treatment of these and related diseases.
[0111] Many polynucleotide sequences, such as EST sequences, are
publicly available and accessible through sequence databases. Some
of these sequences are related to SEQ ID NO:22 and may have been
publicly available prior to conception of the present invention.
Preferably, such related polynucleotides are specifically excluded
from the scope of the present invention. To list every related
sequence is cumbersome. Accordingly, preferably excluded from the
present invention are one or more polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence described by the general formula of a-b, where
a is any integer between 1 to 1039 of SEQ ID NO:22, b is an integer
of 15 to 1053, where both a and b correspond to the positions of
nucleotide residues shown in SEQ ID NO:22, and where b is greater
than or equal to a+14.
FEATURES OF PROTEIN ENCODED BY GENE NO: 13
[0112] The translation product of this gene shares sequence
homology with lymphoblastic leukaemia antigen, which is thought to
be important in cancers including leukemia. The polypeptide of this
gene has been determined to have a transmembrane domain at about
amino acid position 46-62 of the amino acid sequence referenced in
Table 1 for this gene. Moreover, a cytoplasmic tail encompassing
amino acids 63 to 69 of this protein has also been determined.
Based upon these characteristics, it is believed that the protein
product of this gene shares structural features to type Ia membrane
proteins.
[0113] This gene is expressed primarily in lung, and infant adrenal
gland.
[0114] Therefore, polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention
are useful as reagents for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s) present in a biological sample and for
diagnosis of diseases and conditions which include, but are not
limited to, disorders of the pulmonary and endocrine system,
including cancers and developmental diseases and/or disorders.
Similarly, polypeptides and antibodies directed to these
polypeptides are useful in providing immunological probes for
differential identification of the tissue(s) or cell type(s). For a
number of disorders of the above tissues or cells, particularly of
the pulmonary and endocrine systems, expression of this gene at
significantly higher or lower levels may be routinely detected in
certain tissues or cell types (e.g.,pulmonary, endocrine,
developmental, and cancerous and wounded tissues) or bodily fluids
(e.g.,lymph, amniotic fluid, serum, plasma, urine, synovial fluid
and spinal fluid) or another tissue or cell sample taken from an
individual having such a disorder, relative to the standard gene
expression level, i.e., the expression level in healthy tissue or
bodily fluid from an individual not having the disorder.
[0115] The tissue distribution in adrenal gland indicates that
polynucleotides and polypeptides corresponding to this gene are
useful for the detection, treatment, and/or prevention of various
endocrine disorders and cancers. Representative uses are described
in the "Biological Activity", "Hyperproliferative Disorders", and
"Binding Activity" sections below, in Example 11, 17, 18, 19, 20
and 27, and elsewhere herein. Briefly, the protein can be used for
the detection, treatment, and/or prevention of Addison's disease,
Cushing's Syndrome, and disorders and/or cancers of the pancrease
(e.g., diabetes mellitus), adrenal cortex, ovaries, pituitary
(e.g., hyper-, hypopituitarism), thyroid (e.g., hyper-,
hypothyroidism), parathyroid (e.g., hyper-, hypoparathyroidism) ,
hypothallamus, and testes. Similarly, expression within fetal
tissues and other cellular sources marked by proliferating cells,
combined with the homology to the human lymphoblastic leukaemia
antigen, indicates that this protein may play a role in the
regulation of cellular division, and may show utility in the
diagnosis and treatment of cancer and other proliferative
disorders. Similarly, embryonic development also involves decisions
involving cell differentiation and/or apoptosis in pattern
formation. Thus this protein may also be involved in apoptosis or
tissue differentiation and could again be useful in cancer therapy.
Furthermore, the protein may also be used to determine biological
activity, to raise antibodies, as tissue markers, to isolate
cognate ligands or receptors, to identify agents that modulate
their interactions, in addition to its use as a nutritional
supplement. Protein, as well as, antibodies directed against the
protein may show utility as a tumor marker and/or immunotherapy
targets for the above listed tissues.
[0116] Many polynucleotide sequences, such as EST sequences, are
publicly available and accessible through sequence databases. Some
of these sequences are related to SEQ ID NO:23 and may have been
publicly available prior to conception of the present invention.
Preferably, such related polynucleotides are specifically excluded
from the scope of the present invention. To list every related
sequence is cumbersome. Accordingly, preferably excluded from the
present invention are one or more polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence described by the general formula of a-b, where
a is any integer between 1 to 727 of SEQ ID NO:23, b is an integer
of 15 to 741, where both a and b correspond to the positions of
nucleotide residues shown in SEQ ID NO:23, and where b is greater
than or equal to a+14.
FEATURES OF PROTEIN ENCODED BY GENE NO: 14
[0117] This gene is expressed primarily in human tonsils.
[0118] Therefore, polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention
are useful as reagents for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s) present in a biological sample and for
diagnosis of diseases and conditions which include, but are not
limited to, immune or hematopoietic diseases and/or disorders,
particularly leukemia and cancers. Similarly, polypeptides and
antibodies directed to these polypeptides are useful in providing
immunological probes for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s). For a number of disorders of the above
tissues or cells, particularly of the immune system, expression of
this gene at significantly higher or lower levels may be routinely
detected in certain tissues or cell types (e.g.,immune,
hematopoietic, and cancerous and wounded tissues) or bodily fluids
(e.g.,lymph, serum, plasma, urine, synovial fluid and spinal fluid)
or another tissue or cell sample taken from an individual having
such a disorder, relative to the standard gene expression level,
i.e., the expression level in healthy tissue or bodily fluid from
an individual not having the disorder. Preferred polypeptides of
the present invention comprise immunogenic epitopes shown in SEQ ID
NO: 80 as residues: Gly-33 to Arg-40, Ser-106 to Met-112, Ala-154
to Gly-163. Polynucleotides encoding said polypeptides are also
provided.
[0119] The tissue distribution in tonsils indicates that
polynucleotides and polypeptides corresponding to this gene are
useful for the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of immune
system disorders. Representative uses are described in the "Immune
Activity" and "Infectious Disease" sections below, in Example 11,
13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, and 27, and elsewhere herein. Expression of
this gene product indicates a role in the regulation of the
proliferation; survival; differentiation; and/or activation of
potentially all hematopoietic cell lineages, including blood stem
cells. This gene product may be involved in the regulation of
cytokine production, antigen presentation, or other processes that
may also suggest a usefulness in the treatment of cancer (e.g., by
boosting immune responses). Since the gene is expressed in cells of
lymphoid origin, the natural gene product may be involved in immune
functions. Therefore it may be also used as an agent for
immunological disorders including arthritis, asthma, immune
deficiency diseases such as AIDS, leukemia, rheumatoid arthritis,
inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, sepsis,
acne, and psoriasis.and tissues. In addition, this gene product may
have commercial utility in the expansion of stem cells and
committed progenitors of various blood lineages, and in the
differentiation and/or proliferation of various cell types.
Furthermore, the protein may also be used to determine biological
activity, to raise antibodies, as tissue markers, to isolate
cognate ligands or receptors, to identify agents that modulate
their interactions, in addition to its use as a nutritional
supplement. Protein, as well as, antibodies directed against the
protein may show utility as a tumor marker and/or immunotherapy
targets for the above listed tissues.
[0120] Many polynucleotide sequences, such as EST sequences, are
publicly available and accessible through sequence databases. Some
of these sequences are related to SEQ ID NO:24 and may have been
publicly available prior to conception of the present invention.
Preferably, such related polynucleotides are specifically excluded
from the scope of the present invention. To list every related
sequence is cumbersome. Accordingly, preferably excluded from the
present invention are one or more polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence described by the general formula of a-b, where
a is any integer between 1 to 932 of SEQ ID NO:24, b is an integer
of 15 to 946, where both a and b correspond to the positions of
nucleotide residues shown in SEQ ID NO:24, and where b is greater
than or equal to a+14.
FEATURES OF PROTEIN ENCODED BY GENE NO: 15
[0121] The polypeptide of this gene has been determined to have two
transmembrane domains at about amino acid position 49-65 and
141-157 of the amino acid sequence referenced in Table 1 for this
gene. Based upon these characteristics, it is believed that the
protein product of this gene shares structural features to type
IIIa membrane proteins.
[0122] In another embodiment, polypeptides comprising the amino
acid sequence of the open reading frame upstream of the predicted
signal peptide are contemplated by the present invention.
Specifically, polypeptides of the invention comprise the following
amino acid sequence:
9 STXTXTIGXAGTPAGTGPEFPGRPTRPGEXPVDFSKQYSAS
WMCLSLLAALACSAGDTWASEVGPVLSKSSPRLITTWBKVP
VGTNGGVTVVGLVSSLLGGTFVGIAYFLTQLIFVNDLDISA
YQWPIIAFGGLAGLLGSIXTTDSYLGATMQYTGLDESTGMV
VNSPTNXARHIAGKPILDNNAVNLFSSVLIALLLPTAAWGF WPRG (SEQ ID NO:
146).
[0123] Polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides are also
provided.
[0124] This gene is expressed primarily in colon, brain, and to a
lesser extent, in epiglottis.
[0125] Therefore, polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention
are useful as reagents for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s) present in a biological sample and for
diagnosis of diseases and conditions which include, but are not
limited to, diseases and/or disorders of the central nervous system
and gastrointestinal or digestive tract. Similarly, polypeptides
and antibodies directed to these polypeptides are useful in
providing immunological probes for differential identification of
the tissue(s) or cell type(s). For a number of disorders of the
above tissues or cells, particularly of the digestive and central
nervous system, expression of this gene at significantly higher or
lower levels may be routinely detected in certain tissues or cell
types (e.g.,gastrointesinal, neural, and cancerous and wounded
tissues) or bodily fluids (e.g.,lymph, serum, plasma, urine,
synovial fluid and spinal fluid) or another tissue or cell sample
taken from an individual having such a disorder, relative to the
standard gene expression level, i.e., the expression level in
healthy tissue or bodily fluid from an individual not having the
disorder.
[0126] The tissue distribution in brain indicates that
polynucleotides and polypeptides corresponding to this gene are
useful for the detection/treatment of neurodegenerative disease
states and behavioural disorders. Representative uses are described
in the "Regeneration" and "Hyperproliferative Disorders" sections
below, in Example 11, 15, and 18, and elsewhere herein. Briefly,
the uses include, but are not limited to the detection, treatment,
and/or prevention of Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease,
Huntingtons Disease, Tourette Syndrome, schizophrenia, mania,
dementia, paranoia, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder,
learning disabilities, ALS, psychoses, autism, and altered
bahaviors, including disorders in feeding, sleep patterns, balance,
and preception. In addition, the gene or gene product may also play
a role in the treatment and/or detection of developmental disorders
associated with the developing embryo, sexually-linked disorders,
or disorders of the cardiovascular system. The protein product of
this gene may also be useful for the detection, treatment, or
prevention of a variety of gastrointestinal and digestive tract
disorders, particularly proliferative disorders, such as ulcers and
cancers. Furthermore, the protein may also be used to determine
biological activity, to raise antibodies, as tissue markers, to
isolate cognate ligands or receptors, to identify agents that
modulate their interactions, in addition to its use as a
nutritional supplement. Protein, as well as, antibodies directed
against the protein may show utility as a tumor marker and/or
immunotherapy targets for the above listed tissues.
[0127] Many polynucleotide sequences, such as EST sequences, are
publicly available and accessible through sequence databases. Some
of these sequences are related to SEQ ID NO:25 and may have been
publicly available prior to conception of the present invention.
Preferably, such related polynucleotides are specifically excluded
from the scope of the present invention. To list every related
sequence is cumbersome. Accordingly, preferably excluded from the
present invention are one or more polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence described by the general formula of a-b, where
a is any integer between 1 to 817 of SEQ ID NO:25, b is an integer
of 15 to 831, where both a and b correspond to the positions of
nucleotide residues shown in SEQ ID NO:25, and where b is greater
than or equal to a+14.
FEATURES OF PROTEIN ENCODED BY GENE NO: 16
[0128] The polypeptide of this gene has been determined to have a
transmembrane domain at about amino acid position 21-39 of the
amino acid sequence referenced in Table 1 for this gene. Moreover,
a cytoplasmic tail encompassing amino acids 40-41 of this protein
has also been determined. Based upon these characteristics, it is
believed that the protein product of this gene shares structural
features to type Ia membrane proteins. Preferred polypeptides
comprise the following amino acid sequence:
10 MSQRAGRRPGGWNPSLSVVEVCRGCRGTGPLPWGASL
FPCSASPLFPLPLNRRGDVHGTLGGRMLNRVECRDGV
AAWLCLHDAAAJRGAVGRCPMWTQPTHWVLLLCWALH FYCR (SEQ ID NO: 147)
[0129] Also preferred are the polynucleotides encoding these
polypeptides.
[0130] This gene is expressed primarily in tonsils.
[0131] Therefore, polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention
are useful as reagents for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s) present in a biological sample and for
diagnosis of diseases and conditions which include, but are not
limited to, immune disorders, particularly tonsilitis and
tonsillular neoplasms. Similarly, polypeptides and antibodies
directed to these polypeptides are useful in providing
immunological probes for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s). For a number of disorders of the above
tissues or cells, particularly of the immune system, expression of
this gene at significantly higher or lower levels may be routinely
detected in certain tissues or cell types (e.g., immune,
hematopoietic, and cancerous and wounded tissues) or bodily fluids
(e.g.,lymph, serum, plasma, saliva, urine, synovial fluid and
spinal fluid) or another tissue or cell sample taken from an
individual having such a disorder, relative to the standard gene
expression level, i.e., the expression level in healthy tissue or
bodily fluid from an individual not having the disorder.
[0132] The tissue distribution indicates that polynucleotides and
polypeptides corresponding to this gene are useful for the
diagnosis and treatment of a variety of immune system disorders.
Expression of this gene product in tonsils indicates a role in the
regulation of the proliferation; survival; differentiation; and/or
activation of potentially all hematopoietic cell lineages,
including blood stem cells. This gene product may be involved in
the regulation of cytokine production, antigen presentation, or
other processes that may also suggest a usefulness in the treatment
of cancer (e.g., by boosting immune responses). Since the gene is
expressed in cells of lymphoid origin, the natural gene product may
be involved in immune functions. Therefore it may be also used as
an agent for immunological disorders including arthritis, asthma,
immunodeficiency diseases such as AIDS, leukemia, rheumatoid
arthritis, granulomatous disease, inflammatory bowel disease,
sepsis, acne, neutropenia, neutrophilia, psoriasis,
hypersentivities, such as T-cell mediated cytotoxicity; immune
reactions to transplanted organs and tissues, such as
host-versus-graft and graft-versus-host diseases, or autoimmunity
disorders, such as autoimmune infertility, lense tissue injury,
demyelination, systemic lupus erythematosis, drug induced hemolytic
anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's disease, scleroderma and
tissues. In addition, this gene product may have commercial utility
in the expansion of stem cells and committed progenitors of various
blood lineages, and in the differentiation and/or proliferation of
various cell types. Furthermore, the protein may also be used to
determine biological activity, to raise antibodies, as tissue
markers, to isolate cognate ligands or receptors, to identify
agents that modulate their interactions, in addition to its use as
a nutritional supplement. Protein, as well as, antibodies directed
against the protein may show utility as a tumor marker and/or
immunotherapy targets for the above listed tissues.
[0133] Many polynucleotide sequences, such as EST sequences, are
publicly available and accessible through sequence databases. Some
of these sequences are related to SEQ ID NO:26 and may have been
publicly available prior to conception of the present invention.
Preferably, such related polynucleotides are specifically excluded
from the scope of the present invention. To list every related
sequence is cumbersome. Accordingly, preferably excluded from the
present invention are one or more polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence described by the general formula of a-b, where
a is any integer between 1 to 1280 of SEQ ID NO:26, b is an integer
of 15 to 1294, where both a and b correspond to the positions of
nucleotide residues shown in SEQ ID NO:26, and where b is greater
than or equal to a+14.
FEATURES OF PROTEIN ENCODED BY GENE NO: 17
[0134] The gene encoding the disclosed cDNA is believed to reside
on chromosome 9. Accordingly, polynucleotides related to this
invention are useful as a marker in linkage analysis for chromosome
9.
[0135] This gene is expressed primarily in fetal tissue (e.g.,
bone, liver, spleen), smooth muscle, chondrosarcoma, osteoblasts,
osteosarcoma, and placenta.
[0136] Therefore, polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention
are useful as reagents for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s) present in a biological sample and for
diagnosis of diseases and conditions which include, but are not
limited to, disorders of developing and growing organs and tissues,
bone disease, osteosarcoma, and other cancers. Similarly,
polypeptides and antibodies directed to these polypeptides are
useful in providing immunological probes for differential
identification of the tissue(s) or cell type(s). For a number of
disorders of the above tissues or cells, particularly of the fetal
and developing systems, expression of this gene at significantly
higher or lower levels may be routinely detected in certain tissues
or cell types (e.g., fetal tissue, bone, cancerous and wounded
tissues) or bodily fluids (e.g., lymph, serum, plasma, urine, bone
marrow, synovial fluid and spinal fluid) or another tissue or cell
sample taken from an individual having such a disorder, relative to
the standard gene expression level, i.e., the expression level in
healthy tissue or bodily fluid from an individual not having the
disorder.
[0137] The tissue distribution in osteosarcoma, osteoblasts, and
chondrosarcoma indicates polynucleotides and polypeptides
corresponding to this gene are useful for the detection, treatment,
and/or prevention of bone disease and diseases of the skeletal
system. The expression within fetal tissue and other cellular
sources marked by proliferating cells indicates this protein may
play a role in the regulation of cellular division, and may show
utility in the diagnosis, treatment, and/or prevention of
developmental diseases and disorders, including cancer, and other
proliferative conditions. Representative uses are described in the
"Hyperproliferative Disorders" and "Regeneration" sections below
and elsewhere herein. Briefly, developmental tissues rely on
decisions involving cell differentiation and/or apoptosis in
pattern formation. Dysregulation of apoptosis can result in
inappropriate suppression of cell death, as occurs in the
development of some cancers, or in failure to control the extent of
cell death, as is believed to occur in acquired immunodeficiency
and certain neurodegenerative disorders, such as spinal muscular
atrophy (SMA). Because of potential roles in proliferation and
differentiation, this gene product may have applications in the
adult for tissue regeneration and the treatment of cancers. It may
also act as a morphogen to control cell and tissue type
specification. Therefore, the polynucleotides and polypeptides of
the present invention are useful in treating, detecting, and/or
preventing said disorders and conditions, in addition to other
types of degenerative conditions. Thus this protein may modulate
apoptosis or tissue differentiation and is useful in the detection,
treatment, and/or prevention of degenerative or proliferative
conditions and diseases. The protein is useful in modulating the
immune response to aberrant polypeptides, as may exist in
proliferating and cancerous cells and tissues. The protein can also
be used to gain new insight into the regulation of cellular growth
and proliferation. Furthermore, the protein may also be used to
determine biological activity, to raise antibodies, as tissue
markers, to isolate cognate ligands or receptors, to identify
agents that modulate their interactions, in addition to its use as
a nutritional supplement. Protein, as well as, antibodies directed
against the protein may show utility as a tumor marker and/or
immunotherapy targets for the above listed tissues.
[0138] Many polynucleotide sequences, such as EST sequences, are
publicly available and accessible through sequence databases. Some
of these sequences are related to SEQ ID NO:27 and may have been
publicly available prior to conception of the present invention.
Preferably, such related polynucleotides are specifically excluded
from the scope of the present invention. To list every related
sequence is cumbersome. Accordingly, preferably excluded from the
present invention are one or more polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence described by the general formula of a-b, where
a is any integer between 1 to 1642 of SEQ ID NO:27, b is an integer
of 15 to 1656, where both a and b correspond to the positions of
nucleotide residues shown in SEQ ID NO:27, and where b is greater
than or equal to a+14.
FEATURES OF PROTEIN ENCODED BY GENE NO: 18
[0139] This gene is expressed primarily in liver, fetal liver, and
to a lesser extent in bone marrow stromal cells.
[0140] Therefore, polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention
are useful as reagents for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s) present in a biological sample and for
diagnosis of diseases and conditions which include, but are not
limited to, hepatic dysfunction, immune disorders, and disease of
the hemopoietic system. Similarly, polypeptides and antibodies
directed to these polypeptides are useful in providing
immunological probes for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s). For a number of disorders of the above
tissues or cells, particularly of the liver and immune system,
expression of this gene at significantly higher or lower levels may
be routinely detected in certain tissues or cell types (e.g.,
immune, liver, cancerous and wounded tissues) or bodily fluids
(e.g., lymph, serum, plasma, urine, synovial fluid and spinal
fluid) or another tissue or cell sample taken from an individual
having such a disorder, relative to the standard gene expression
level, i.e., the expression level in healthy tissue or bodily fluid
from an individual not having the disorder. Preferred polypeptides
of the present invention comprise immunogenic epitopes shown in SEQ
ID NO: 84 as residues: Glu-44 to Asp-50. Polynucleotides encoding
said polypeptides are also provided.
[0141] The tissue distribution in liver and fetal liver indicates
that polynucleotides and polypeptides corresponding to this gene
are useful for the detection and treatment of liver disorders and
cancers (e.g., hepatoblastoma, jaundice, hepatitis, liver metabolic
diseases and conditions that are attributable to the
differentiation of hepatocyte progenitor cells). In addition the
expression in fetus would suggest a useful role for the protein
product in developmental abnormalities, fetal deficiencies,
pre-natal disorders and various would-healing models and/or tissue
trauma.
[0142] The tissue distribution in bone marrow indicates
polynucleotides and polypeptides corresponding to this gene are
useful for the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of immune
system disorders. Representative uses are described in the "Immune
Activity" and "Infectious Disease" sections below, in Example 11,
13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, and 27, and elsewhere herein. Briefly, the
expression of this gene product indicates a role in regulating the
proliferation; survival; differentiation; and/or activation of
hematopoietic cell lineages, including blood stem cells. This gene
product is involved in the regulation of cytokine production,
antigen presentation, or other processes suggesting a usefulness in
the treatment of cancer (e.g., by boosting immune responses). Since
the gene is expressed in cells of lymphoid origin, the natural gene
product is involved in immune functions. Therefore it is also
useful as an agent for immunological disorders including arthritis,
asthma, immunodeficiency diseases such as AIDS, leukemia,
rheumatoid arthritis, granulomatous disease, inflammatory bowel
disease, sepsis, acne, neutropenia, neutrophilia, psoriasis,
hypersensitivities, such as T-cell mediated cytotoxicity; immune
reactions to transplanted organs and tissues, such as
host-versus-graft and graft-versus-host diseases, or autoimmunity
disorders, such as autoimmune infertility, lense tissue injury,
demyelination, systemic lupus erythematosis, drug induced hemolytic
anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's disease, and scleroderma.
Moreover, the protein may represent a secreted factor that
influences the differentiation or behavior of other blood cells, or
that recruits hematopoietic cells to sites of injury. Thus, this
gene product is thought to be useful in the expansion of stem cells
and committed progenitors of various blood lineages, and in the
differentiation and/or proliferation of various cell types.
Furthermore, the protein may also be used to determine biological
activity, raise antibodies, as tissue markers, to isolate cognate
ligands or receptors, to identify agents that modulate their
interactions, in addition to its use as a nutritional supplement.
Protein, as well as, antibodies directed against the protein may
show utility as a tumor marker and/or immunotherapy targets for the
above listed tissues.
[0143] Many polynucleotide sequences, such as EST sequences, are
publicly available and accessible through sequence databases. Some
of these sequences are related to SEQ ID NO:28 and may have been
publicly available prior to conception of the present invention.
Preferably, such related polynucleotides are specifically excluded
from the scope of the present invention. To list every related
sequence is cumbersome. Accordingly, preferably excluded from the
present invention are one or more polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence described by the general formula of a-b, where
a is any integer between 1 to 1336 of SEQ ID NO:28, b is an integer
of 15 to 1350, where both a and b correspond to the positions of
nucleotide residues shown in SEQ ID NO:28, and where b is greater
than or equal to a+14.
FEATURES OF PROTEIN ENCODED BY GENE NO: 19
[0144] The translation product of this gene shares sequence
homology with vacuolar proton-ATPase subunit M9.2 (see, e.g.,
Genbank accession numbers CAA75571 (Y15286.1); all references
available through this accession are hereby incorporated by
reference herein.). Preferred polypeptide encoded by this gene
comprise the following amino acid sequence:
11 MTAHSFALPVIIFTTFWGLVGIAGPWFVPKGPNRGVIITMLVATAVCCYL
FWLIAILAQLNPLFGPQLKNETIWYVRFLWE (SEQ ID NO: 148) and
AQRAARLGTRAPAAPAARPCILPGHPAPGHDGALIRPPGHHLHHVLGPRR
HRGPWFVPKGPNRGVIITML VATAVCCYLFWLIAILAQLNPLFGPQLKN- ETIWYVRFLWE
(SEQ ID NO: 149)
[0145] Polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides are also
provided.
[0146] This gene is expressed primarily in infant brain, pancreas
islet cell tumor, ovary tumors, immune cells (e.g., T-cells),
normal cerebellum, endometrial tumor tissues and to a lesser extent
in other tissues.
[0147] Therefore, polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention
are useful as reagents for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s) present in a biological sample and for
diagnosis of diseases and conditions which include, but are not
limited to, neurodevelopmental disorders, endocrine system
disorders, disorders of the immune system, and ovarian cancer.
Similarly, polypeptides and antibodies directed to these
polypeptides are useful in providing immunological probes for
differential identification of the tissue(s) or cell type(s). For a
number of disorders of the above tissues or cells, particularly of
the central nervous system, ovaries, immune system, expression of
this gene at significantly higher or lower levels may be routinely
detected in certain tissues or cell types (e.g., immune, neural,
cancerous and wounded tissues) or bodily fluids (e.g., lymph,
serum, plasma, urine, synovial fluid and spinal fluid) or another
tissue or cell sample taken from an individual having such a
disorder, relative to the standard gene expression level, i.e., the
expression level in healthy tissue or bodily fluid from an
individual not having the disorder.
[0148] The tissue distribution and homology to vacuolar
proton-ATPase subunit M9.2 indicates that polynucleotides and
polypeptides corresponding to this gene are useful for diagnosis
and treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders. The tissue
distribution in brain indicates polynucleotides and polypeptides
corresponding to this gene are useful for the detection, treatment,
and/or prevention of neurodegenerative disease states, behavioral
disorders, or inflammatory conditions. Representative uses are
described in the "Regeneration" and "Hyperproliferative Disorders"
sections below, in Example 11, 15, and 18, and elsewhere herein.
Briefly, the uses include, but are not limited to the detection,
treatment, and/or prevention of Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's
Disease, Huntington's Disease, Tourette Syndrome, meningitis,
encephalitis, demyelinating diseases, peripheral neuropathies,
neoplasia, trauma, congenital malformations, spinal cord injuries,
ischemia and infarction, aneurysms, hemorrhages, schizophrenia,
mania, dementia, paranoia, obsessive compulsive disorder,
depression, panic disorder, learning disabilities, ALS, psychoses,
autism, and altered behaviors, including disorders in feeding,
sleep patterns, balance, and perception. In addition, elevated
expression of this gene product in regions of the brain indicates
it plays a role in normal neural function. Potentially, this gene
product is involved in synapse formation, neurotransmission,
learning, cognition, homeostasis, or neuronal differentiation or
survival.
[0149] The tissue distribution in immune cells (e.g., T-cells)
indicates polynucleotides and polypeptides corresponding to this
gene are useful for the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of
immune system disorders. Representative uses are described in the
"Immune Activity" and "Infectious Disease" sections below, in
Example 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, and 27, and elsewhere herein.
Briefly, the expression of this gene product indicates a role in
regulating the proliferation; survival; differentiation; and/or
activation of hematopoietic cell lineages, including blood stem
cells. This gene product is involved in the regulation of cytokine
production, antigen presentation, or other processes suggesting a
usefulness in the treatment of cancer (e.g., by boosting immune
responses). Since the gene is expressed in cells of lymphoid
origin, the natural gene product is involved in immune functions.
Therefore it is also useful as an agent for immunological disorders
including arthritis, asthma, immunodeficiency diseases such as
AIDS, leukemia, rheumatoid arthritis, granulomatous disease,
inflammatory bowel disease, sepsis, acne, neutropenia,
neutrophilia, psoriasis, hypersensitivities, such as T-cell
mediated cytotoxicity; immune reactions to transplanted organs and
tissues, such as host-versus-graft and graft-versus-host diseases,
or autoimmunity disorders, such as autoimmune infertility, lense
tissue injury, demyelination, systemic lupus erythematosis, drug
induced hemolytic anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's disease,
and scleroderma. Moreover, the protein may represent a secreted
factor that influences the differentiation or behavior of other
blood cells, or that recruits hematopoietic cells to sites of
injury. Thus, this gene product is thought to be useful in the
expansion of stem cells and committed progenitors of various blood
lineages, and in the differentiation and/or proliferation of
various cell types. The tissue distribution in endocrine tissues
such as the pancreas indicates polynucleotides and polypeptides
corresponding to this gene are useful for the detection, treatment,
and/or prevention of various endocrine disorders and cancers.
Representative uses are described in the "Biological Activity",
"Hyperproliferative Disorders", and "Binding Activity" sections
below, in Example 11, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 27, and elsewhere herein.
Briefly, the protein can be used for the detection, treatment,
and/or prevention of Addison's disease, Cushing's Syndrome, and
disorders and/or cancers of the pancrease (e.g., diabetes
mellitus), adrenal cortex, ovaries, pituitary (e.g., hyper-,
hypopituitarism), thyroid (e.g., hyper-, hypothyroidism),
parathyroid (e.g., hyper-,hypoparathyroidism) , hypothallamus, and
testes. Furthermore, the protein may also be used to determine
biological activity, to raise antibodies, as tissue markers, to
isolate cognate ligands or receptors, to identify agents that
modulate their interactions, in addition to its use as a
nutritional supplement. Protein, as well as, antibodies directed
against the protein may show utility as a tumor marker and/or
immunotherapy targets for the above listed tissues.
[0150] Many polynucleotide sequences, such as EST sequences, are
publicly available and accessible through sequence databases. Some
of these sequences are related to SEQ ID NO:29 and may have been
publicly available prior to conception of the present invention.
Preferably, such related polynucleotides are specifically excluded
from the scope of the present invention. To list every related
sequence is cumbersome. Accordingly, preferably excluded from the
present invention are one or more polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence described by the general formula of a-b, where
a is any integer between 1 to 1752 of SEQ ID NO:29, b is an integer
of 15 to 1766, where both a and b correspond to the positions of
nucleotide residues shown in SEQ ID NO:29, and where b is greater
than or equal to a+14.
FEATURES OF PROTEIN ENCODED BY GENE NO: 20
[0151] This gene is expressed primarily in placenta, induced
endothelial cells, immune cells (e.g, T-cells, B-cells,
leukocytes), brain, fetal tissue, epididiymus, lung, lung cancer,
thyroid tumor and to a lesser extent in many other tissues.
[0152] Therefore, polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention
are useful as reagents for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s) present in a biological sample and for
diagnosis of diseases and conditions which include, but are not
limited to, fetal developmental disorders, immune disorders, cancer
of the lungs, thyroid, and cancer, in general. Similarly,
polypeptides and antibodies directed to these polypeptides are
useful in providing immunological probes for differential
identification of the tissue(s) or cell type(s). For a number of
disorders of the above tissues or cells, particularly of the immune
system, expression of this gene at significantly higher or lower
levels may be routinely detected in certain tissues or cell types
(e.g., immune, cancerous and wounded tissues) or bodily fluids
(e.g., lymph, serum, plasma, urine, synovial fluid and spinal
fluid) or another tissue or cell sample taken from an individual
having such a disorder, relative to the standard gene expression
level, i.e., the expression level in healthy tissue or bodily fluid
from an individual not having the disorder.
[0153] The tissue distribution in brain indicates polynucleotides
and polypeptides corresponding to this gene are useful for the
detection, treatment, and/or prevention of neurodegenerative
disease states, behavioral disorders, or inflammatory conditions.
Representative uses are described in the "Regeneration" and
"Hyperproliferative Disorders" sections below, in Example 11, 15,
and 18, and elsewhere herein. Briefly, the uses include, but are
not limited to the detection, treatment, and/or prevention of
Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Huntington's Disease,
Tourette Syndrome, meningitis, encephalitis, demyelinating
diseases, peripheral neuropathies, neoplasia, trauma, congenital
malformations, spinal cord injuries, ischemia and infarction,
aneurysms, hemorrhages, schizophrenia, mania, dementia, paranoia,
obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, panic disorder, learning
disabilities, ALS, psychoses, autism, and altered behaviors,
including disorders in feeding, sleep patterns, balance, and
perception. In addition, elevated expression of this gene product
in regions of the brain indicates it plays a role in normal neural
function. Potentially, this gene product is involved in synapse
formation, neurotransmission, learning, cognition, homeostasis, or
neuronal differentiation or survival.
[0154] The tissue distribution in immune cells (e.g., T-cells,
B-cells, and leukocytes) indicates polynucleotides and polypeptides
corresponding to this gene are useful for the diagnosis and
treatment of a variety of immune system disorders. Representative
uses are described in the "Immune Activity" and "Infectious
Disease" sections below, in Example 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, and
27, and elsewhere herein. Briefly, the expression of this gene
product indicates a role in regulating the proliferation; survival;
differentiation; and/or activation of hematopoietic cell lineages,
including blood stem cells. This gene product is involved in the
regulation of cytokine production, antigen presentation, or other
processes suggesting a usefulness in the treatment of cancer (e.g.,
by boosting immune responses). Since the gene is expressed in cells
of lymphoid origin, the natural gene product is involved in immune
functions. Therefore it is also useful as an agent for
immunological disorders including arthritis, asthma,
immunodeficiency diseases such as AIDS, leukemia, rheumatoid
arthritis, granulomatous disease, inflammatory bowel disease,
sepsis, acne, neutropenia, neutrophilia, psoriasis,
hypersensitivities, such as T-cell mediated cytotoxicity; immune
reactions to transplanted organs and tissues, such as
host-versus-graft and graft-versus-host diseases, or autoimmunity
disorders, such as autoimmune infertility, lense tissue injury,
demyelination, systemic lupus erythematosis, drug induced hemolytic
anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's disease, and scleroderma.
Moreover, the protein may represent a secreted factor that
influences the differentiation or behavior of other blood cells, or
that recruits hematopoietic cells to sites of injury. Thus, this
gene product is thought to be useful in the expansion of stem cells
and committed progenitors of various blood lineages, and in the
differentiation and/or proliferation of various cell types. The
expression within fetal tissue and other cellular sources marked by
proliferating cells indicates this protein may play a role in the
regulation of cellular division, and may show utility in the
diagnosis, treatment, and/or prevention of developmental diseases
and disorders, including cancer, and other proliferative
conditions. Representative uses are described in the
"Hyperproliferative Disorders" and "Regeneration" sections below
and elsewhere herein. Briefly, developmental tissues rely on
decisions involving cell differentiation and/or apoptosis in
pattern formation. Dysregulation of apoptosis can result in
inappropriate suppression of cell death, as occurs in the
development of some cancers, or in failure to control the extent of
cell death, as is believed to occur in acquired immunodeficiency
and certain neurodegenerative disorders, such as spinal muscular
atrophy (SMA). Because of potential roles in proliferation and
differentiation, this gene product may have applications in the
adult for tissue regeneration and the treatment of cancers. It may
also act as a morphogen to control cell and tissue type
specification. Therefore, the polynucleotides and polypeptides of
the present invention are useful in treating, detecting, and/or
preventing said disorders and conditions, in addition to other
types of degenerative conditions. Thus this protein may modulate
apoptosis or tissue differentiation and is useful in the detection,
treatment, and/or prevention of degenerative or proliferative
conditions and diseases. The protein is useful in modulating the
immune response to aberrant polypeptides, as may exist in
proliferating and cancerous cells and tissues. The protein can also
be used to gain new insight into the regulation of cellular growth
and proliferation.
[0155] The tissue distribution in endothelial cells indicates that
polynucleotides and polypeptides corresponding to this gene are
useful for the diagnosis and/or treatment of disorders involving
the vasculature. Elevated expression of this gene product by
endothelial cells indicates that it may play vital roles in the
regulation of endothelial cell function; secretion; proliferation;
or angiogenesis. Alternately, this may represent a gene product
expressed by the endothelium and transported to distant sites of
action on a variety of target organs. Expression of this gene
product by hematopoietic cells also indicates involvement in the
proliferation; survival; activation; or differentiation of all
blood cell lineages. Furthermore, the protein may also be used to
determine biological activity, to raise antibodies, as tissue
markers, to isolate cognate ligands or receptors, to identify
agents that modulate their interactions, in addition to its use as
a nutritional supplement. Protein, as well as, antibodies directed
against the protein may show utility as a tumor marker and/or
immunotherapy targets for the above listed tissues.
[0156] Many polynucleotide sequences, such as EST sequences, are
publicly available and accessible through sequence databases- Some
of these sequences are related to SEQ ID NO:30 and may have been
publicly available prior to conception of the present invention.
Preferably, such related polynucleotides are specifically excluded
from the scope of the present invention. To list every related
sequence is cumbersome. Accordingly, preferably excluded from the
present invention are one or more polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence described by the general formula of a-b, where
a is any integer between 1 to 2776 of SEQ ID NO:30, b is an integer
of 15 to 2790, where both a and b correspond to the positions of
nucleotide residues shown in SEQ ID NO:30, and where b is greater
than or equal to a+14.
FEATURES OF PROTEIN ENCODED BY GENE NO: 21
[0157] The polypeptide of this gene has been determined to have a
transmembrane domain at about amino acid position 1-29 of the amino
acid sequence referenced in Table 1 for this gene. Based upon these
characteristics, it is believed that the protein product of this
gene shares structural features to type Ib membrane proteins.
Preferred polypeptides comprise the following amino acid
sequence:
12 MTLEEHRDRPRLGMCMCVCACVYACMLMHVCVHACLCVCVCVCVEPWSS R
QSKDTGGWHMEEQVTPPSLAQLKSGQVRGEMGEGRGEKGEEALTGGAEA
LSLLGRRSPSTPLFLDREDKQ AKDARNLSSTVAPDF (SEQ ID NO: 150)
[0158] Also preferred are the polynucleotides encoding these
polypeptides.
[0159] This gene is expressed primarily in tonsils and activated
monocytes and to a lesser extent in activated neutrophils and
anergic T-cells.
[0160] Therefore, polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention
are useful as reagents for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s) present in a biological sample and for
diagnosis of diseases and conditions which include, but are not
limited to, immune disorders. Similarly, polypeptides and
antibodies directed to these polypeptides are useful in providing
immunological probes for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s). For a number of disorders of the above
tissues or cells, particularly of the immune system, expression of
this gene at significantly higher or lower levels may be routinely
detected in certain tissues or cell types (e.g., immune, cancerous
and wounded tissues) or bodily fluids (e.g., lymph, serum, plasma,
urine, synovial fluid and spinal fluid) or another tissue or cell
sample taken from an individual having such a disorder, relative to
the standard gene expression level, i.e., the expression level in
healthy tissue or bodily fluid from an individual not having the
disorder. Preferred polypeptides of the present invention comprise
immunogenic epitopes shown in SEQ ID NO: 87 as residues: Thr-27 to
Arg-33, Gly-37 to Ser-42, Pro-52 to Arg-72. Polynucleotides
encoding said polypeptides are also provided.
[0161] The tissue distribution in immune cells (e.g., T-cells,
neutrophils) indicates polynucleotides and polypeptides
corresponding to this gene are useful for the diagnosis and
treatment of a variety of immune system disorders. Representative
uses are described in the "Immune Activity" and "Infectious
Disease" sections below, in Example 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, and
27, and elsewhere herein. Briefly, the expression of this gene
product indicates a role in regulating the proliferation; survival;
differentiation; and/or activation of hematopoietic cell lineages,
including blood stem cells. This gene product is involved in the
regulation of cytokine production, antigen presentation, or other
processes suggesting a usefulness in the treatment of cancer (e.g.,
by boosting immune responses). Since the gene is expressed in cells
of lymphoid origin, the natural gene product is involved in immune
functions. Therefore it is also useful as an agent for
immunological disorders including arthritis, asthma,
immunodeficiency diseases such as AIDS, leukemia, rheumatoid
arthritis, granulomatous disease, inflammatory bowel disease,
sepsis, acne, neutropenia, neutrophilia, psoriasis,
hypersensitivities, such as T-cell mediated cytotoxicity; immune
reactions to transplanted organs and tissues, such as
host-versus-graft and graft-versus-host diseases, or autoimmunity
disorders, such as autoimmune infertility, lense tissue injury,
demyelination, systemic lupus erythematosis, drug induced hemolytic
anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's disease, and scleroderma.
Moreover, the protein may represent a secreted factor that
influences the differentiation or behavior of other blood cells, or
that recruits hematopoietic cells to sites of injury. Thus, this
gene product is thought to be useful in the expansion of stem cells
and committed progenitors of various blood lineages, and in the
differentiation and/or proliferation of various cell types.
Expression of this gene product in tonsils indicates a role in the
regulation of the proliferation; survival; differentiation; and/or
activation of potentially all hematopoietic cell lineages,
including blood stem cells. Furthermore, the protein may also be
used to determine biological activity, raise antibodies, as tissue
markers, to isolate cognate ligands or receptors, to identify
agents that modulate their interactions, in addition to its use as
a nutritional supplement. Protein, as well as, antibodies directed
against the protein may show utility as a tumor marker and/or
immunotherapy targets for the above listed tissues.
[0162] Many polynucleotide sequences, such as EST sequences, are
publicly available and accessible through sequence databases. Some
of these sequences are related to SEQ ID NO:31 and may have been
publicly available prior to conception of the present invention.
Preferably, such related polynucleotides are specifically excluded
from the scope of the present invention. To list every related
sequence is cumbersome. Accordingly, preferably excluded from the
present invention are one or more polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence described by the general formula of a-b, where
a is any integer between 1 to 1403 of SEQ ID NO:31, b is an integer
of 15 to 1417, where both a and b correspond to the positions of
nucleotide residues shown in SEQ ID NO:31, and where b is greater
than or equal to a+14.
FEATURES OF PROTEIN ENCODED BY GENE NO: 22
[0163] The gene encoding the disclosed cDNA is believed to reside
on chromosome 1. Accordingly, polynucleotides related to this
invention are useful as a marker in linkage analysis for chromosome
1.
[0164] This gene is expressed primarily in CD34 positive cells
(Cord Blood) and resting T-cells and to a lesser extent in anergic
T-cells and neutrophils.
[0165] Therefore, polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention
are useful as reagents for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s) present in a biological sample and for
diagnosis of diseases and conditions which include, but are not
limited to, immune disorders. Similarly, polypeptides and
antibodies directed to these polypeptides are useful in providing
immunological probes for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s). For a number of disorders of the above
tissues or cells, particularly of the immune system, expression of
this gene at significantly higher or lower levels may be routinely
detected in certain tissues or cell types (e.g., immune, cancerous
and wounded tissues) or bodily fluids (e.g., lymph, serum, plasma,
urine, synovial fluid and spinal fluid) or another tissue or cell
sample taken from an individual having such a disorder, relative to
the standard gene expression level, i.e., the expression level in
healthy tissue or bodily fluid from an individual not having the
disorder.
[0166] The tissue distribution in immune cells (e.g., T-cells,
neutrophils) indicates polynucleotides and polypeptides
corresponding to this gene are useful for the diagnosis and
treatment of a variety of immune system disorders. Representative
uses are described in the "Immune Activity" and "Infectious
Disease" sections below, in Example 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, and
27, and elsewhere herein. Briefly, the expression of this gene
product indicates a role in regulating the proliferation; survival;
differentiation; and/or activation of hematopoietic cell lineages,
including blood stem cells. This gene product is involved in the
regulation of cytokine production, antigen presentation, or other
processes suggesting a usefulness in the treatment of cancer (e.g.,
by boosting immune responses). Since the gene is expressed in cells
of lymphoid origin, the natural gene product is involved in immune
functions. Therefore it is also useful as an agent for
immunological disorders including arthritis, asthma,
immunodeficiency diseases such as AIDS, leukemia, rheumatoid
arthritis, granulomatous disease, inflammatory bowel disease,
sepsis, acne, neutropenia, neutrophilia, psoriasis,
hypersensitivities, such as T-cell mediated cytotoxicity; immune
reactions to transplanted organs and tissues, such as
host-versus-graft and graft-versus-host diseases, or autoimmunity
disorders, such as autoimmune infertility, lense tissue injury,
demyelination, systemic lupus erythematosis, drug induced hemolytic
anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's disease, and scleroderma.
Moreover, the protein may represent a secreted factor that
influences the differentiation or behavior of other blood cells, or
that recruits hematopoietic cells to sites of injury. Thus, this
gene product is thought to be useful in the expansion of stem cells
and committed progenitors of various blood lineages, and in the
differentiation and/or proliferation of various cell types.
Furthermore, the protein may also be used to determine biological
activity, raise antibodies, as tissue markers, to isolate cognate
ligands or receptors, to identify agents that modulate their
interactions, in addition to its use as a nutritional supplement.
Protein, as well as, antibodies directed against the protein may
show utility as a tumor marker and/or immunotherapy targets for the
above listed tissues.
[0167] Many polynucleotide sequences, such as EST sequences, are
publicly available and accessible through sequence databases. Some
of these sequences are related to SEQ ID NO:32 and may have been
publicly available prior to conception of the present invention.
Preferably, such related polynucleotides are specifically excluded
from the scope of the present invention. To list every related
sequence is cumbersome. Accordingly, preferably excluded from the
present invention are one or more polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence described by the general formula of a-b, where
a is any integer between 1 to 1892 of SEQ ID NO:32, b is an integer
of 15 to 1906, where both a and b correspond to the positions of
nucleotide residues shown in SEQ ID NO:32, and where b is greater
than or equal to a+14.
FEATURES OF PROTEIN ENCODED BY GENE NO: 23
[0168] The polypeptide of this gene has been determined to have a
transmembrane domain at about amino acid position 33-49 of the
amino acid sequence referenced in Table 1 for this gene. Moreover,
a cytoplasmic tail encompassing amino acids 50 to 62 of this
protein has also been determined. Based upon these characteristics,
it is believed that the protein product of this gene shares
structural features to type Ia membrane proteins.
[0169] In another embodiment, polypeptides comprising the amino
acid sequence of the open reading frame upstream of the predicted
signal peptide are contemplated by the present invention.
Specifically, polypeptides of the invention comprise the following
amino acid sequence:
13 HEKILTPIWPSSTDLEKPHEMLFLNVILFSLTVFTLISTAHTLDRAV
RSDWLLLVLIYACLEELIPELIF NLYCQGNATLFF (SEQ ID NO: 151).
[0170] Polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides are also
provided.
[0171] This gene is expressed primarily in activated T cells.
[0172] Therefore, polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention
are useful as reagents for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s) present in a biological sample and for
diagnosis of diseases and conditions which include, but are not
limited to, immune or hematopoietic diseases and/or disorders,
particularly inflammatory conditions or immunodeficiencies such as
AIDS. Similarly, polypeptides and antibodies directed to these
polypeptides are useful in providing immunological probes for
differential identification of the tissue(s) or cell type(s). For a
number of disorders of the above tissues or cells, particularly of
the immune system, expression of this gene at significantly higher
or lower levels may be routinely detected in certain tissues or
cell types (e.g., immune, hematopoietic, and cancerous and wounded
tissues) or bodily fluids (e.g., lymph, serum, plasma, urine,
synovial fluid and spinal fluid) or another tissue or cell sample
taken from an individual having such a disorder, relative to the
standard gene expression level, i.e., the expression level in
healthy tissue or bodily fluid from an individual not having the
disorder.
[0173] The tissue distribution in T-cells indicates polynucleotides
and polypeptides corresponding to this gene are useful for the
diagnosis and treatment of a variety of immune system disorders.
Representative uses are described in the "Immune Activity" and
"Infectious Disease" sections below, in Example 11, 13, 14, 16, 18,
19, 20, and 27, and elsewhere herein. Briefly, the expression of
this gene product indicates a role in regulating the proliferation;
survival; differentiation; and/or activation of hematopoietic cell
lineages, including blood stem cells. This gene product is involved
in the regulation of cytokine production, antigen presentation, or
other processes suggesting a usefulness in the treatment of cancer
(e.g., by boosting immune responses). Since the gene is expressed
in cells of lymphoid origin, the natural gene product is involved
in immune functions. Therefore it is also useful as an agent for
immunological disorders including arthritis, asthma,
immunodeficiency diseases such as AIDS, leukemia, rheumatoid
arthritis, granulomatous disease, inflammatory bowel disease,
sepsis, acne, neutropenia, neutrophilia, psoriasis,
hypersensitivities, such as T-cell mediated cytotoxicity; immune
reactions to transplanted organs and tissues, such as
host-versus-graft and graft-versus-host diseases, or autoimmunity
disorders, such as autoimmune infertility, lense tissue injury,
demyelination, systemic lupus erythematosis, drug induced hemolytic
anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's disease, and scleroderma.
Moreover, the protein may represent a secreted factor that
influences the differentiation or behavior of other blood cells, or
that recruits hematopoietic cells to sites of injury. Thus, this
gene product is thought to be useful in the expansion of stem cells
and committed progenitors of various blood lineages, and in the
differentiation and/or proliferation of various cell types.
Furthermore, the protein may also be used to determine biological
activity, raise antibodies, as tissue markers, to isolate cognate
ligands or receptors, to identify agents that modulate their
interactions, in addition to its use as a nutritional supplement.
Protein, as well as, antibodies directed against the protein may
show utility as a tumor marker and/or immunotherapy targets for the
above listed tissues.
[0174] Many polynucleotide sequences, such as EST sequences, are
publicly available and accessible through sequence databases. Some
of these sequences are related to SEQ ID NO:33 and may have been
publicly available prior to conception of the present invention.
Preferably, such related polynucleotides are specifically excluded
from the scope of the present invention. To list every related
sequence is cumbersome. Accordingly, preferably excluded from the
present invention are one or more polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence described by the general formula of a-b, where
a is any integer between 1 to 529 of SEQ ID NO:33, b is an integer
of 15 to 543, where both a and b correspond to the positions of
nucleotide residues shown in SEQ ID NO:33, and where b is greater
than or equal to a+14.
FEATURES OF PROTEIN ENCODED BY GENE NO: 24
[0175] This gene is expressed primarily in activated T-cells.
[0176] Therefore, polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention
are useful as reagents for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s) present in a biological sample and for
diagnosis of diseases and conditions which include, but are not
limited to, immune or hematopoietic diseases and/or disorders,
particularly inflammatory or immunodeficiency disorders, such as
AIDS. Similarly, polypeptides and antibodies directed to these
polypeptides are useful in providing immunological probes for
differential identification of the tissue(s) or cell type(s). For a
number of disorders of the above tissues or cells, particularly of
the immune system, expression of this gene at significantly higher
or lower levels may be routinely detected in certain tissues or
cell types (e.g.,immune, hematopoietic, and cancerous and wounded
tissues) or bodily fluids (e.g.,lymph, serum, plasma, urine,
synovial fluid and spinal fluid) or another tissue or cell sample
taken from an individual having such a disorder, relative to the
standard gene expression level, i.e., the expression level in
healthy tissue or bodily fluid from an individual not having the
disorder.
[0177] The tissue distribution in T-cells indicates that
polynucleotides and polypeptides corresponding to this gene are
useful for the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of immune
system disorders. Representative uses are described in the "Immune
Activity" and "Infectious Disease" sections below, in Example 11,
13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, and 27, and elsewhere herein. Expression of
this gene product in indicates a role in the regulation of the
proliferation; survival; differentiation; and/or activation of
potentially all hematopoietic cell lineages, including blood stem
cells. This gene product may be involved in the regulation of
cytokine production, antigen presentation, or other processes that
may also suggest a usefulness in the treatment of cancer (e.g., by
boosting immune responses). Since the gene is expressed in cells of
lymphoid origin, the natural gene product may be involved in immune
functions. Therefore it may be also used as an agent for
immunological disorders including arthritis, asthma, immune
deficiency diseases such as AIDS, leukemia, rheumatoid arthritis,
inflammatory bowel disease, sepsis, acne, and psoriasis. and
tissues. In addition, this gene product may have commercial utility
in the expansion of stem cells and committed progenitors of various
blood lineages, and in the differentiation and/or proliferation of
various cell types. Furthermore, the protein may also be used to
determine biological activity, to raise antibodies, as tissue
markers, to isolate cognate ligands or receptors, to identify
agents that modulate their interactions, in addition to its use as
a nutritional supplement. Protein, as well as, antibodies directed
against the protein may show utility as a tumor marker and/or
immunotherapy targets for the above listed tissues.
[0178] Many polynucleotide sequences, such as EST sequences, are
publicly available and accessible through sequence databases. Some
of these sequences are related to SEQ ID NO:34 and may have been
publicly available prior to conception of the present invention.
Preferably, such related polynucleotides are specifically excluded
from the scope of the present invention. To list every related
sequence is cumbersome. Accordingly, preferably excluded from the
present invention are one or more polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence described by the general formula of a-b, where
a is any integer between 1 to 1438 of SEQ ID NO:34, b is an integer
of 15 to 1452, where both a and b correspond to the positions of
nucleotide residues shown in SEQ ID NO:34, and where b is greater
than or equal to a+14.
FEATURES OF PROTEIN ENCODED BY GENE NO: 25
[0179] This gene is expressed primarily in multiple schlerosis
tissue, immune cells (e.g., T-cells and dendritic cells), brain,
uterus, ovary, stomach, placenta, and fetal tissue.
[0180] Therefore, polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention
are useful as reagents for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s) present in a biological sample and for
diagnosis of diseases and conditions which include, but are not
limited to, multiple sclerosis, disorders of the fetus and female
reproductive system, immune disorders, particularly
immunodeficiency, tumor necrosis, infection, lymphomas,
auto-immunities, cancer, metastasis, wound healing, inflammation,
anemias (leukemia) and other hematopoeitic disorders, in addition
to developmental or proliferative disorders. Similarly,
polypeptides and antibodies directed to these polypeptides are
useful in providing immunological probes for differential
identification of the tissue(s) or cell type(s). For a number of
disorders of the above tissues or cells, particularly of the immune
system, expression of this gene at significantly higher or lower
levels may be routinely detected in certain tissues or cell types
(e.g.,immune, hematopoietic, developmental, reproductive system,
differentiating, and cancerous and wounded tissues) or bodily
fluids (e.g.,lymph, amniotic fluid, serum, plasma, urine, synovial
fluid and spinal fluid) or another tissue or cell sample taken from
an individual having such a disorder, relative to the standard gene
expression level, i.e., the expression level in healthy tissue or
bodily fluid from an individual not having the disorder. Preferred
polypeptides of the present invention comprise immunogenic epitopes
shown in SEQ ID NO: 91 as residues: Met-1 to Lys-6. Polynucleotides
encoding said polypeptides are also provided.
[0181] The tissue distribution in immune cells (e.g., T-cells,
dendritic cells) indicates polynucleotides and polypeptides
corresponding to this gene are useful for the diagnosis and
treatment of a variety of immune system disorders. Representative
uses are described in the "Immune Activity" and "Infectious
Disease" sections below, in Example 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, and
27, and elsewhere herein. Briefly, the expression of this gene
product indicates a role in regulating the proliferation; survival;
differentiation; and/or activation of hematopoietic cell lineages,
including blood stem cells. This gene product is involved in the
regulation of cytokine production, antigen presentation, or other
processes suggesting a usefulness in the treatment of cancer (e.g.,
by boosting immune responses). Since the gene is expressed in cells
of lymphoid origin, the natural gene product is involved in immune
functions. Therefore it is also useful as an agent for
immunological disorders including arthritis, asthma,
immunodeficiency diseases such as AIDS, leukemia, rheumatoid
arthritis, granulomatous disease, inflammatory bowel disease,
sepsis, acne, neutropenia, neutrophilia, psoriasis,
hypersensitivities, such as T-cell mediated cytotoxicity; immune
reactions to transplanted organs and tissues, such as
host-versus-graft and graft-versus-host diseases, or autoimmunity
disorders, such as autoimmune infertility, lense tissue injury,
demyelination, systemic lupus erythematosis, drug induced hemolytic
anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's disease, and scleroderma.
Moreover, the protein may represent a secreted factor that
influences the differentiation or behavior of other blood cells, or
that recruits hematopoietic cells to sites of injury. Thus, this
gene product is thought to be useful in the expansion of stem cells
and committed progenitors of various blood lineages, and in the
differentiation and/or proliferation of various cell types.
[0182] The tissue distribution in female reproductive organs
indicates that polynucleotides and polypeptides corresponding to
this gene are useful for treating female infertility and cancers
including but not limited to ovaries and uterus. The protein
product is likely involved in preparation of the endometrium of
implantation and could be administered either topically or orally.
Alternatively, this gene could be transfected in gene-replacement
treatments into the cells of the endometrium and the protein
products could be produced. Similarly, these treatments could be
performed during artificial insemination for the purpose of
increasing the likelyhood of implantation and development of a
healthy embryo. In both cases this gene or its gene product could
be administered at later stages of pregnancy to promote heathy
development of the endometrium.
[0183] The tissue distribution in brain indicates polynucleotides
and polypeptides corresponding to this gene are useful for the
detection, treatment, and/or prevention of neurodegenerative
disease states, behavioral disorders, or inflammatory conditions.
Representative uses are described in the "Regeneration" and
"Hyperproliferative Disorders" sections below, in Example 11, 15,
and 18, and elsewhere herein. Briefly, the uses include, but are
not limited to the detection, treatment, and/or prevention of
Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Huntington's Disease,
Tourette Syndrome, meningitis, encephalitis, demyelinating
diseases, peripheral neuropathies, neoplasia, trauma, congenital
malformations, spinal cord injuries, ischemia and infarction,
aneurysms, hemorrhages, schizophrenia, mania, dementia, paranoia,
obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, panic disorder, learning
disabilities, ALS, psychoses, autism, and altered behaviors,
including disorders in feeding, sleep patterns, balance, and
perception. In addition, elevated expression of this gene product
in regions of the brain indicates it plays a role in normal neural
function. Potentially, this gene product is involved in synapse
formation, neurotransmission, learning, cognition, homeostasis, or
neuronal differentiation or survival. The expression within fetal
tissue and other cellular sources marked by proliferating cells
indicates this protein may play a role in the regulation of
cellular division, and may show utility in the diagnosis,
treatment, and/or prevention of developmental diseases and
disorders, including cancer, and other proliferative conditions.
Representative uses are described in the "Hyperproliferative
Disorders" and "Regeneration" sections below and elsewhere herein.
Briefly, developmental tissues rely on decisions involving cell
differentiation and/or apoptosis in pattern formation.
Dysregulation of apoptosis can result in inappropriate suppression
of cell death, as occurs in the development of some cancers, or in
failure to control the extent of cell death, as is believed to
occur in acquired immunodeficiency and certain neurodegenerative
disorders, such as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Because of
potential roles in proliferation and differentiation, this gene
product may have applications in the adult for tissue regeneration
and the treatment of cancers. It may also act as a morphogen to
control cell and tissue type specification. Therefore, the
polynucleotides and polypeptides of the present invention are
useful in treating, detecting, and/or preventing said disorders and
conditions, in addition to other types of degenerative conditions.
Thus this protein may modulate apoptosis or tissue differentiation
and is useful in the detection, treatment, and/or prevention of
degenerative or proliferative conditions and diseases. The protein
is useful in modulating the immune response to aberrant
polypeptides, as may exist in proliferating and cancerous cells and
tissues. The protein can also be used to gain new insight into the
regulation of cellular growth and proliferation. Furthermore, the
protein may also be used to determine biological activity, to raise
antibodies, as tissue markers, to isolate cognate ligands or
receptors, to identify agents that modulate their interactions, in
addition to its use as a nutritional supplement. Protein, as well
as, antibodies directed against the protein may show utility as a
tumor marker and/or immunotherapy targets for the above listed
tissues.
[0184] Many polynucleotide sequences, such as EST sequences, are
publicly available and accessible through sequence databases. Some
of these sequences are related to SEQ ID NO:35 and may have been
publicly available prior to conception of the present invention.
Preferably, such related polynucleotides are specifically excluded
from the scope of the present invention. To list every related
sequence is cumbersome. Accordingly, preferably excluded from the
present invention are one or more polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence described by the general formula of a-b, where
a is any integer between 1 to 2894 of SEQ ID NO:35, b is an integer
of 15 to 2908, where both a and b correspond to the positions of
nucleotide residues shown in SEQ ID NO:35, and where b is greater
than or equal to a+14.
FEATURES OF PROTEIN ENCODED BY GENE NO: 26
[0185] The gene encoding the disclosed cDNA is believed to reside
on chromosome 20. Accordingly, polynucleotides related to this
invention are useful as a marker in linkage analysis for chromosome
20.
[0186] This gene is expressed primarily in fetal and developing
tissues, tumors of male and female reproductive tissue (e.g., ovary
and testes), and immune cells (e.g., T-cells).
[0187] Therefore, polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention
are useful as reagents for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s) present in a biological sample and for
diagnosis of diseases and conditions which include, but are not
limited to, developmental and growth disorders, disorders of the
immune system, disorders and cancers of ovaries and testes.
Similarly, polypeptides and antibodies directed to these
polypeptides are useful in providing immunological probes for
differential identification of the tissue(s) or cell type(s). For a
number of disorders of the above tissues or cells, particularly of
the fetal, reproductive, or developing systems, expression of this
gene at significantly higher or lower levels may be routinely
detected in certain tissues or cell types (e.g.,developing,
differentiating, reproductive, and cancerous and wounded tissues)
or bodily fluids (e.g.,lymph, amniotic fluid, serum, plasma, urine,
synovial fluid and spinal fluid) or another tissue or cell sample
taken from an individual having such a disorder, relative to the
standard gene expression level, i.e., the expression level in
healthy tissue or bodily fluid from an individual not having the
disorder. Preferred polypeptides of the present invention comprise
immunogenic epitopes shown in SEQ ID NO: 92 as residues: Val-57 to
Ala-63. Polynucleotides encoding said polypeptides are also
provided.
[0188] The tissue distribution in immune cells (e.g., T-cells)
indicates polynucleotides and polypeptides corresponding to this
gene are useful for the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of
immune system disorders. Representative uses are described in the
"Immune Activity" and "Infectious Disease" sections below, in
Example 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, and 27, and elsewhere herein.
Briefly, the expression of this gene product indicates a role in
regulating the proliferation; survival; differentiation; and/or
activation of hematopoietic cell lineages, including blood stem
cells. This gene product is involved in the regulation of cytokine
production, antigen presentation, or other processes suggesting a
usefulness in the treatment of cancer (e.g., by boosting immune
responses). Since the gene is expressed in cells of lymphoid
origin, the natural gene product is involved in immune functions.
Therefore it is also useful as an agent for immunological disorders
including arthritis, asthma, immunodeficiency diseases such as
AIDS, leukemia, rheumatoid arthritis, granulomatous disease,
inflammatory bowel disease, sepsis, acne, neutropenia,
neutrophilia, psoriasis, hypersensitivities, such as T-cell
mediated cytotoxicity; immune reactions to transplanted organs and
tissues, such as host-versus-graft and graft-versus-host diseases,
or autoimmunity disorders, such as autoimmune infertility, lense
tissue injury, demyelination, systemic lupus erythematosis, drug
induced hemolytic anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's disease,
and scleroderma. Moreover, the protein may represent a secreted
factor that influences the differentiation or behavior of other
blood cells, or that recruits hematopoietic cells to sites of
injury. Thus, this gene product is thought to be useful in the
expansion of stem cells and committed progenitors of various blood
lineages, and in the differentiation and/or proliferation of
various cell types. The tissue distribution in ovaries and testes
indicates polynucleotides and polypeptides corresponding to this
gene are useful for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the
reproductive organs, including but not limited to ovarian and
testicular cancer. The expression within fetal tissue and other
cellular sources marked by proliferating cells indicates this
protein may play a role in the regulation of cellular division, and
may show utility in the diagnosis, treatment, and/or prevention of
developmental diseases and disorders, including cancer, and other
proliferative conditions. Representative uses are described in the
"Hyperproliferative Disorders" and "Regeneration" sections below
and elsewhere herein. Briefly, developmental tissues rely on
decisions involving cell differentiation and/or apoptosis in
pattern formation. Dysregulation of apoptosis can result in
inappropriate suppression of cell death, as occurs in the
development of some cancers, or in failure to control the extent of
cell death, as is believed to occur in acquired immunodeficiency
and certain neurodegenerative disorders, such as spinal muscular
atrophy (SMA). Because of potential roles in proliferation and
differentiation, this gene product may have applications in the
adult for tissue regeneration and the treatment of cancers. It may
also act as a morphogen to control cell and tissue type
specification. Therefore, the polynucleotides and polypeptides of
the present invention are useful in treating, detecting, and/or
preventing said disorders and conditions, in addition to other
types of degenerative conditions. Thus this protein may modulate
apoptosis or tissue differentiation and is useful in the detection,
treatment, and/or prevention of degenerative or proliferative
conditions and diseases. The protein is useful in modulating the
immune response to aberrant polypeptides, as may exist in
proliferating and cancerous cells and tissues. The protein can also
be used to gain new insight into the regulation of cellular growth
and proliferation. Furthermore, the protein may also be used to
determine biological activity, to raise antibodies, as tissue
markers, to isolate cognate ligands or receptors, to identify
agents that modulate their interactions, in addition to its use as
a nutritional supplement. Protein, as well as, antibodies directed
against the protein may show utility as a tumor marker and/or
immunotherapy targets for the above listed tissues.
[0189] Many polynucleotide sequences, such as EST sequences, are
publicly available and accessible through sequence databases. Some
of these sequences are related to SEQ ID NO:36 and may have been
publicly available prior to conception of the present invention.
Preferably, such related polynucleotides are specifically excluded
from the scope of the present invention. To list every related
sequence is cumbersome. Accordingly, preferably excluded from the
present invention are one or more polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence described by the general formula of a-b, where
a is any integer between 1 to 939 of SEQ ID NO:36, b is an integer
of 15 to 953, where both a and b correspond to the positions of
nucleotide residues shown in SEQ ID NO:36, and where b is greater
than or equal to a+14.
FEATURES OF PROTEIN ENCODED BY GENE NO: 27
[0190] This gene is expressed primarily in T-cells.
[0191] Therefore, polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention
are useful as reagents for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s) present in a biological sample and for
diagnosis of diseases and conditions which include, but are not
limited to, immune and haemopoietic disorders, particularly
immunodeficiencies, such as AIDS, or inflammatory disorders.
Similarly, polypeptides and antibodies directed to these
polypeptides are useful in providing immunological probes for
differential identification of the tissue(s) or cell type(s). For a
number of disorders of the above tissues or cells, particularly of
the immune and haemopoietic system, expression of this gene at
significantly higher or lower levels may be routinely detected in
certain tissues or cell types (e.g., immune, haemopoietic, and
cancerous and wounded tissues) or bodily fluids (e.g.,lymph, serum,
plasma, urine, synovial fluid and spinal fluid) or another tissue
or cell sample taken from an individual having such a disorder,
relative to the standard gene expression level, i.e., the
expression level in healthy tissue or bodily fluid from an
individual not having the disorder.
[0192] The tissue distribution in T-cells indicates polynucleotides
and polypeptides corresponding to this gene are useful for the
diagnosis and treatment of a variety of immune system disorders.
Representative uses are described in the "Immune Activity" and
"Infectious Disease" sections below, in Example 11, 13, 14, 16, 18,
19, 20, and 27, and elsewhere herein. Briefly, the expression of
this gene product indicates a role in regulating the proliferation;
survival; differentiation; and/or activation of hematopoietic cell
lineages, including blood stem cells. This gene product is involved
in the regulation of cytokine production, antigen presentation, or
other processes suggesting a usefulness in the treatment of cancer
(e.g., by boosting immune responses). Since the gene is expressed
in cells of lymphoid origin, the natural gene product is involved
in immune functions. Therefore it is also useful as an agent for
immunological disorders including arthritis, asthma,
immunodeficiency diseases such as AIDS, leukemia, rheumatoid
arthritis, granulomatous disease, inflammatory bowel disease,
sepsis, acne, neutropenia, neutrophilia, psoriasis,
hypersensitivities, such as T-cell mediated cytotoxicity; immune
reactions to transplanted organs and tissues, such as
host-versus-graft and graft-versus-host diseases, or autoimmunity
disorders, such as autoimmune infertility, lense tissue injury,
demyelination, systemic lupus erythematosis, drug induced hemolytic
anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's disease, and scleroderma.
Moreover, the protein may represent a secreted factor that
influences the differentiation or behavior of other blood cells, or
that recruits hematopoietic cells to sites of injury. Thus, this
gene product is thought to be useful in the expansion of stem cells
and committed progenitors of various blood lineages, and in the
differentiation and/or proliferation of various cell types.
Furthermore, the protein may also be used to determine biological
activity, raise antibodies, as tissue markers, to isolate cognate
ligands or receptors, to identify agents that modulate their
interactions, in addition to its use as a nutritional supplement.
Protein, as well as, antibodies directed against the protein may
show utility as a tumor marker and/or immunotherapy targets for the
above listed tissues.
[0193] Many polynucleotide sequences, such as EST sequences, are
publicly available and accessible through sequence databases. Some
of these sequences are related to SEQ ID NO:37 and may have been
publicly available prior to conception of the present invention.
Preferably, such related polynucleotides are specifically excluded
from the scope of the present invention. To list every related
sequence is cumbersome. Accordingly, preferably excluded from the
present invention are one or more polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence described by the general formula of a-b, where
a is any integer between 1 to 3850 of SEQ ID NO:37, b is an integer
of 15 to 3864, where both a and b correspond to the positions of
nucleotide residues shown in SEQ ID NO:37, and where b is greater
than or equal to a+14.
FEATURES OF PROTEIN ENCODED BY GENE NO: 28
[0194] In another embodiment, polypeptides comprising the amino
acid sequence of the open reading frame upstream of the predicted
signal peptide are contemplated by the present invention.
Specifically, polypeptides of the invention comprise the following
amino acid sequence:
PANKAGAAIIEAGIGISLMVLSPWACLFVVFFPYIQSSLRSDKHLQLSNILPTPS HHI
HLPASICIQLRAGN (SEQ ID NO: 152). Polynucleotides encoding these
polypeptides are also provided.
[0195] This gene is expressed primarily in brain (early stage human
brain and cerebellum) and immune cells (activated neutrophils,
activated T-cells, neutrophils and dendritic cells) and, to a
lesser extent in other tissues.
[0196] Therefore, polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention
are useful as reagents for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s) present in a biological sample and for
diagnosis of diseases and conditions which include, but are not
limited to, neural or immune diseases and/or disorders,
particularly inflammatory disorders, in addition to cancer and
other proliferative disorders. Similarly, polypeptides and
antibodies directed to these polypeptides are useful in providing
immunological probes for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s). For a number of disorders of the above
tissues or cells, particularly of the brain or the immune system,
expression of this gene at significantly higher or lower levels may
be routinely detected in certain tissues or cell types (e.g.,
immune, hematopoietic, neural, and cancerous and wounded tissues)
or bodily fluids (e.g., lymph, serum, plasma, urine, amniotic
fluid, synovial fluid and spinal fluid) or another tissue or cell
sample taken from an individual having such a disorder, relative to
the standard gene expression level, i.e., the expression level in
healthy tissue or bodily fluid from an individual not having the
disorder.
[0197] The tissue distribution indicates that polynucleotides and
polypeptides corresponding to this gene are useful for the
detection/treatment of neurodegenerative disease states and
behavioural disorders. Representative uses are described in the
"Regeneration" and "Hyperproliferative Disorders" sections below,
in Example 11, 15, and 18, and elsewhere herein. Briefly, the uses
include, but are not limited to the detection, treatment, and/or
prevention of Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease,
Huntington's Disease, Tourette Syndrome, schizophrenia, mania,
dementia, paranoia, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder,
learning disabilities, ALS, psychoses, autism, and altered
bahaviors, including disorders in feeding, sleep patterns, balance,
and preception. In addition, the gene or gene product may also play
a role in the treatment and/or detection of developmental disorders
associated with the developing embryo, sexually-linked disorders,
or disorders of the cardiovascular system.
[0198] Alternatively, the tissue distribution indicates that
polynucleotides and polypeptides corresponding to this gene are
useful for the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of immune
system disorders. Expression of this gene product in a variety of
hematopoietic derived cells (T-cells, neutrophils, etc.) indicates
a role in the regulation of the proliferation; survival;
differentiation; and/or activation of potentially all hematopoietic
cell lineages, including blood stem cells. This gene product may be
involved in the regulation of cytokine production, antigen
presentation, or other processes that may also suggest a usefulness
in the treatment of cancer (e.g., by boosting immune responses).
Since the gene is expressed in cells of lymphoid origin, the
natural gene product may be involved in immune functions. Therefore
it may be also used as an agent for immunological disorders
including arthritis, asthma, immune deficiency diseases such as
AIDS, leukemia, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease,
sepsis, acne, and psoriasis. and tissues. In addition, this gene
product may have commercial utility in the expansion of stem cells
and committed progenitors of various blood lineages, and in the
differentiation and/or proliferation of various cell types.
Furthermore, the protein may also be used to determine biological
activity, to raise antibodies, as tissue markers, to isolate
cognate ligands or receptors, to identify agents that modulate
their interactions, in addition to its use as a nutritional
supplement. Protein, as well as, antibodies directed against the
protein may show utility as a tumor marker and/or immunotherapy
targets for the above listed tissues.
[0199] Many polynucleotide sequences, such as EST sequences, are
publicly available and accessible through sequence databases. Some
of these sequences are related to SEQ ID NO:38 and may have been
publicly available prior to conception of the present invention.
Preferably, such related polynucleotides are specifically excluded
from the scope of the present invention. To list every related
sequence is cumbersome. Accordingly, preferably excluded from the
present invention are one or more polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence described by the general formula of a-b, where
a is any integer between 1 to 1397 of SEQ ID NO:38, b is an integer
of 15 to 1411, where both a and b correspond to the positions of
nucleotide residues shown in SEQ ID NO:38, and where b is greater
than or equal to a+14.
FEATURES OF PROTEIN ENCODED BY GENE NO: 29
[0200] When tested against Jurket T-cell cell lines, supernatants
removed from cells containing this gene activated the NF-kB
(Nuclear Factor kB) promoter element. Thus, it is likely that this
gene activates T-cells. NF-kB is a transcription factor activated
by a wide variety of agents, leading to cell activation,
differentiation, or apoptosis. Reporter constructs utilizing the
NF-kB promoter element are used to screen supernatants for such
activity. The polypeptide of this gene has been determined to have
a transmembrane domain at about amino acid position 5-21 of the
amino acid sequence referenced in Table 1 for this gene. Moreover,
a cytoplasmic tail encompassing amino acids 22 to 40 of this
protein has also been determined. Based upon these characteristics,
it is believed that the protein product of this gene shares
structural features to type Ib membrane proteins.
[0201] In another embodiment, polypeptides comprising the amino
acid sequence of the open reading frame upstream of the predicted
signal peptide are contemplated by the present invention.
Specifically, polypeptides of the invention comprise the following
amino acid sequence:
14 AGSPAGTGPEPPGRPTRPISTHVFEYECICKIPRFMCEYVLLLYIVLLCN
RSYAVFTQCVLRSSPJDSSRNAVLL (SEQ ID NO: 153).
[0202] Polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides are also
provided.
[0203] This gene is expressed primarily in colon, synovium,
chondrosarcoma and to a lesser extent in dendritic cells.
[0204] Therefore, polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention
are useful as reagents for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s) present in a biological sample and for
diagnosis of diseases and conditions which include, but are not
limited to, immune, gastrointestinal, or skeletal diseases and/or
disorders, particularly cancers. Similarly, polypeptides and
antibodies directed to these polypeptides are useful in providing
immunological probes for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s). For a number of disorders of the above
tissues or cells, particularly of the immune and digestive systems,
expression of this gene at significantly higher or lower levels may
be routinely detected in certain tissues or cell types (e.g.,lymph,
skeletal, gastrointestinal, or cancerous and wounded tissues) or
bodily fluids (e.g.,lymph, serum, plasma, urine, synovial fluid and
spinal fluid) or another tissue or cell sample taken from an
individual having such a disorder, relative to the standard gene
expression level, i.e., the expression level in healthy tissue or
bodily fluid from an individual not having the disorder.
[0205] The tissue distribution of this gene product in synovium
would suggest a role in the detection and treatment of disorders
and conditions affecting the skeletal system, in particular
osteoporosis as well as disorders afflicting connective tissues
(e.g., arthritis, trauma, tendonitis, chrondomalacia and
inflammation), such as in the diagnosis or treatment of various
autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus,
scleroderma, and dermatomyositis as well as dwarfism, spinal
deformation, and specific joint abnormalities as well as
chondrodysplasias (ie. spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita,
familial osteoarthritis, Atelosteogenesis type II, metaphyseal
chondrodysplasia type Schmid). The secreted protein can also be
used to determine biological activity, to raise antibodies, as
tissue markers, to isolate cognate ligands or receptors, to
identify agents that modulate their interactions and as nutritional
supplements. It may also have a very wide range of biological
acitivities, particularly NFk-B activation. Representative uses are
described in the "Chemotaxis" and "Binding Activity" sections
below, in Examples 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, and 20, and
elsewhere herein. Briefly, the protein may possess the following
activities:
[0206] cytokine, cell proliferation/differentiation modulating
activity or induction of other cytokines;
immunostimulating/immunosuppressant activities (e.g., for treating
human immunodeficiency virus infection, cancer, autoimmune diseases
and allergy); regulation of hematopoiesis (e.g., for treating
anaemia or as adjunct to chemotherapy); stimulation or growth of
bone, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and/or nerves (e.g., for
treating wounds, stimulation of follicle stimulating hormone (for
control of fertility); chemotactic and chemokinetic activities
(e.g., for treating infections, tumors); hemostatic or thrombolytic
activity (e.g., for treating haemophilia, cardiac infarction etc.);
anti-inflammatory activity (e.g., for treating septic shock,
Crohn's disease); as antimicrobials; for treating psoriasis or
other hyperproliferative diseases; for regulation of metabolism,
and behaviour. Also contemplated is the use of the corresponding
nucleic acid in gene therapy procedures. Furthermore, the protein
may also be used to determine biological activity, to raise
antibodies, as tissue markers, to isolate cognate ligands or
receptors, to identify agents that modulate their interactions, in
addition to its use as a nutritional supplement. Protein, as well
as, antibodies directed against the protein may show utility as a
tumor marker and/or immunotherapy targets for the above listed
tissues.
[0207] Many polynucleotide sequences, such as EST sequences, are
publicly available and accessible through sequence databases. Some
of these sequences are related to SEQ ID NO:39 and may have been
publicly available prior to conception of the present invention.
Preferably, such related polynucleotides are specifically excluded
from the scope of the present invention. To list every related
sequence is cumbersome. Accordingly, preferably excluded from the
present invention are one or more polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence described by the general formula of a-b, where
a is any integer between 1 to 1168 of SEQ ID NO:39, b is an integer
of 15 to 1182, where both a and b correspond to the positions of
nucleotide residues shown in SEQ ID NO:39, and where b is greater
than or equal to a+14.
FEATURES OF PROTEIN ENCODED BY GENE NO: 30
[0208] The gene encoding the disclosed cDNA is believed to reside
on chromosome 11. Accordingly, polynucleotides related to this
invention are useful as a marker in linkage analysis for chromosome
11.
[0209] This gene is expressed primarily in immune cells
(e.g.,activated T-cells), testes, fetal, spleen, and to a lesser
extent in colon tumor, teratocarcinoma cells, brain and number of
other tissues and cell types.
[0210] Therefore, polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention
are useful as reagents for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s) present in a biological sample and for
diagnosis of diseases and conditions which include, but are not
limited to, immune disorders related to T-cell dysfunction, such as
immunodeficiencies or inflammatory conditions, in addition to
neural, or reproductive disorders. Similarly, polypeptides and
antibodies directed to these polypeptides are useful in providing
immunological probes for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s). For a number of disorders of the above
tissues or cells, particularly of the immune system, expression of
this gene at significantly higher or lower levels may be routinely
detected in certain tissues or cell types (e.g.,immune,
hematopoietic, neural, reproductive, and cancerous and wounded
tissues) or bodily fluids (e.g.,seminal fluid, lymph, serum,
plasma, urine, synovial fluid and spinal fluid) or another tissue
or cell sample taken from an individual having such a disorder,
relative to the standard gene expression level, i.e., the
expression level in healthy tissue or bodily fluid from an
individual not having the disorder. Preferred polypeptides of the
present invention comprise immunogenic epitopes shown in SEQ ID NO:
96 as residues: Pro-25 to Arg-38. Polynucleotides encoding said
polypeptides are also provided.
[0211] The tissue distribution in activated T-cells and spleen
indicates that polynucleotides and polypeptides corresponding to
this gene are useful for the diagnosis and treatment of immune
related disorders and diseases, including hypersentivities, such as
T-cell mediated cytotoxicity; immmune reactions to transplanted
organs and tissues, such as host-versus-graft and graft-versus-host
diseases; immunodeficiency diseases, such as acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome, autoimmunity, such as autoimmune
infertility, lense tissue injury, demyelination, systemic lupus
erythematosis, drug induced hemolytic anemia, rheumatoid arthritis,
Sjogren's disease, scleroderma; infections, and other inflammatory
diseases and complications.
[0212] Additionally, the tissue distribution in T-cells and spleen
indicates polynucleotides and polypeptides corresponding to this
gene are useful for the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of
immune system disorders. Representative uses are described in the
"Immune Activity" and "Infectious Disease" sections below, in
Example 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, and 27, and elsewhere herein.
Briefly, the expression of this gene product indicates a role in
regulating the proliferation; survival; differentiation; and/or
activation of hematopoietic cell lineages, including blood stem
cells. This gene product is involved in the regulation of cytokine
production, antigen presentation, or other processes suggesting a
usefulness in the treatment of cancer (e.g., by boosting immune
responses). Since the gene is expressed in cells of lymphoid
origin, the natural gene product is involved in immune functions.
Therefore it is also useful as an agent for immunological disorders
including arthritis, asthma, immunodeficiency diseases such as
AIDS, leukemia, rheumatoid arthritis, granulomatous disease,
inflammatory bowel disease, sepsis, acne, neutropenia,
neutrophilia, psoriasis, hypersensitivities, such as T-cell
mediated cytotoxicity; immune reactions to transplanted organs and
tissues, such as host-versus-graft and graft-versus-host diseases,
or autoimmunity disorders, such as autoimmune infertility, lense
tissue injury, demyelination, systemic lupus erythematosis, drug
induced hemolytic anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's disease,
and scleroderma. Moreover, the protein may represent a secreted
factor that influences the differentiation or behavior of other
blood cells, or that recruits hematopoietic cells to sites of
injury. Thus, this gene product is thought to be useful in the
expansion of stem cells and committed progenitors of various blood
lineages, and in the differentiation and/or proliferation of
various cell types. The expression within fetal tissue and other
cellular sources marked by proliferating cells indicates this
protein may play a role in the regulation of cellular division, and
may show utility in the diagnosis, treatment, and/or prevention of
developmental diseases and disorders, including cancer, and other
proliferative conditions. Representative uses are described in the
"Hyperproliferative Disorders" and "Regeneration" sections below
and elsewhere herein. Briefly, developmental tissues rely on
decisions involving cell differentiation and/or apoptosis in
pattern formation. Dysregulation of apoptosis can result in
inappropriate suppression of cell death, as occurs in the
development of some cancers, or in failure to control the extent of
cell death, as is believed to occur in acquired immunodeficiency
and certain neurodegenerative disorders, such as spinal muscular
atrophy (SMA). Because of potential roles in proliferation and
differentiation, this gene product may have applications in the
adult for tissue regeneration and the treatment of cancers. It may
also act as a morphogen to control cell and tissue type
specification. Therefore, the polynucleotides and polypeptides of
the present invention are useful in treating, detecting, and/or
preventing said disorders and conditions, in addition to other
types of degenerative conditions. Thus this protein may modulate
apoptosis or tissue differentiation and is useful in the detection,
treatment, and/or prevention of degenerative or proliferative
conditions and diseases. The protein is useful in modulating the
immune response to aberrant polypeptides, as may exist in
proliferating and cancerous cells and tissues. The protein can also
be used to gain new insight into the regulation of cellular growth
and proliferation. In addition, the secreted protein can be used to
determine biological activity, to raise antibodies, as tissue
markers, to isolate cognate ligands or receptors, to identify
agents that modulate their interactions and as nutritional
supplements. It may also have a very wide range of biological
activities although no evidence for any is provided in the
specification. Typical of these are cytokine, cell
proliferation/differentiation modulating activity or induction of
other cytokines; immunostimulating/immunosuppres- sant activities
(e.g., for treating human immunodeficiency virus infection, cancer,
autoimmune diseases and allergy); regulation of haematopoiesis
(e.g., for treating anaemia or as adjunct to chemotherapy);
stimulation of growth of bone, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and/or
nerves (e.g., for treating wounds, periodontal disease,
neurological diseases stroke, fibrosis); inhibition or stimulation
of follicle stimulating hormone (for control of fertility);
chemotactic and chemokinetic activities (e.g., for treating
infections, tumours); haemostatic or thrombolytic activity (e.g.,
for treating haemophilia, cardiac infarction etc.);
anti-inflammatory activity (e.g., for treating septic shock,
Crohn's disease); as antimicrobials; for treating psoriasis or
other hyperproliferative disease; for regulation of metabolism,
behaviour, and many others. Also contemplated is the use of the
corresponding nucleic acid in gene therapy procedures. Furthermore,
the protein may also be used to determine biological activity, to
raise antibodies, as tissue markers, to isolate cognate ligands or
receptors, to identify agents that modulate their interactions, in
addition to its use as a nutritional supplement. Protein, as well
as, antibodies directed against the protein may show utility as a
tumor marker and/or immunotherapy targets for the above listed
tissues.
[0213] Many polynucleotide sequences, such as EST sequences, are
publicly available and accessible through sequence databases. Some
of these sequences are related to SEQ ID NO:40 and may have been
publicly available prior to conception of the present invention.
Preferably, such related polynucleotides are specifically excluded
from the scope of the present invention. To list every related
sequence is cumbersome. Accordingly, preferably excluded from the
present invention are one or more polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence described by the general formula of a-b, where
a is any integer between 1 to 2443 of SEQ ID NO:40, b is an integer
of 15 to 2457, where both a and b correspond to the positions of
nucleotide residues shown in SEQ ID NO:40, and where b is greater
than or equal to a+14.
FEATURES OF PROTEIN ENCODED BY GENE NO: 31
[0214] The translation product of this gene shares sequence
homology with epidermal growth factor which is thought to be
important in the growth and proliferation of epidermal cells,
fibroblasts and a variety of other cell types and tissues.
[0215] The gene encoding the disclosed cDNA is believed to reside
on chromosome 16. Accordingly, polynucleotides related to this
invention are useful as a marker in linkage analysis for chromosome
16.
[0216] This gene is expressed primarily in neutrophils.
[0217] Therefore, polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention
are useful as reagents for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s) present in a biological sample and for
diagnosis of diseases and conditions which include, but are not
limited to, immune disorders, particularly autoimmunities or
connective tissue diseases. Similarly, polypeptides and antibodies
directed to these polypeptides are useful in providing
immunological probes for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s). For a number of disorders of the above
tissues or cells, particularly of the immune and connective tissue
systems, expression of this gene at significantly higher or lower
levels may be routinely detected in certain tissues or cell types
(e.g.,immune, hematopoietic, epithelial, endothelial, and cancerous
and wounded tissues) or bodily fluids (e.g.,lymph, serum, plasma,
urine, synovial fluid and spinal fluid) or another tissue or cell
sample taken from an individual having such a disorder, relative to
the standard gene expression level, i.e., the expression level in
healthy tissue or bodily fluid from an individual not having the
disorder.
[0218] The tissue distribution in neutrophils indicates that
polynucleotides and polypeptides corresponding to this gene are
useful for for the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of immune
system disorders. Representative uses are described in the "Immune
Activity" and "Infectious Disease" sections below, in Example 11,
13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, and 27, and elsewhere herein. Briefly, the
expression of this gene product indicates a role in regulating the
proliferation; survival; differentiation; and/or activation of
hematopoietic cell lineages, including blood stem cells. This gene
product is involved in the regulation of cytokine production,
antigen presentation, or other processes suggesting a usefulness in
the treatment of cancer (e.g., by boosting immune responses). Since
the gene is expressed in cells of lymphoid origin, the natural gene
product is involved in immune functions. Therefore it is also
useful as an agent for immunological disorders including arthritis,
asthma, immunodeficiency diseases such as AIDS, leukemia,
rheumatoid arthritis, granulomatous disease, inflammatory bowel
disease, sepsis, acne, neutropenia, neutrophilia, psoriasis,
hypersensitivities, such as T-cell mediated cytotoxicity; immune
reactions to transplanted organs and tissues, such as
host-versus-graft and graft-versus-host diseases, or autoimmunity
disorders, such as autoimmune infertility, lense tissue injury,
demyelination, systemic lupus erythematosis, drug induced hemolytic
anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's disease, and scleroderma.
Moreover, the protein may represent a secreted factor that
influences the differentiation or behavior of other blood cells, or
that recruits hematopoietic cells to sites of injury. Thus, this
gene product is thought to be useful in the expansion of stem cells
and committed progenitors of various blood lineages, and in the
differentiation and/or proliferation of various cell types.
Furthermore, the protein may also be used to determine biological
activity, raise antibodies, as tissue markers, to isolate cognate
ligands or receptors, to identify agents that modulate their
interactions, in addition to its use as a nutritional supplement.
Protein, as well as, antibodies directed against the protein may
show utility as a tumor marker and/or immunotherapy targets for the
above listed tissues.
[0219] Many polynucleotide sequences, such as EST sequences, are
publicly available and accessible through sequence databases. Some
of these sequences are related to SEQ ID NO:41 and may have been
publicly available prior to conception of the present invention.
Preferably, such related polynucleotides are specifically excluded
from the scope of the present invention. To list every related
sequence is cumbersome. Accordingly, preferably excluded from the
present invention are one or more polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence described by the general formula of a-b, where
a is any integer between 1 to 1833 of SEQ ID NO:41, b is an integer
of 15 to 1847, where both a and b correspond to the positions of
nucleotide residues shown in SEQ ID NO:41, and where b is greater
than or equal to a+14.
FEATURES OF PROTEIN ENCODED BY GENE NO: 32
[0220] When tested against Reh cell lines, supernatants removed
from cells containing this gene activated the GAS (gamma activating
sequence) promoter element. Thus, it is likely that this gene
activates myeloid cells, and to a lesser extent, other cells and
tissue cell types, through the JAK-STAT signal transduction
pathway. GAS is a promoter element found upstream of many genes
which are involved in the Jak-STAT pathway. The Jak-STAT pathway is
a large, signal transduction pathway involved in the
differentiation and proliferation of cells. Therefore, activation
of the Jak-STAT pathway, reflected by the binding of the GAS
element, can be used to indicate proteins involved in the
proliferation and differentiation of cells.
[0221] This gene is expressed primarily in kidneys, tonsils and
dendritic cells.
[0222] Therefore, polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention
are useful as reagents for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s) present in a biological sample and for
diagnosis of diseases and conditions which include, but are not
limited to, renal disorders and neoplasms, tonsilitis and immune
disorders, particularly infections. Similarly, polypeptides and
antibodies directed to these polypeptides are useful in providing
immunological probes for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s). For a number of disorders of the above
tissues or cells, particularly of the renal and immune systems,
expression of this gene at significantly higher or lower levels may
be routinely detected in certain tissues or cell types (e.g.,renal,
urogenital, immune, hematopoietic, and cancerous and wounded
tissues) or bodily fluids (e.g.,lymph, serum, plasma, urine,
synovial fluid and spinal fluid) or another tissue or cell sample
taken from an individual having such a disorder, relative to the
standard gene expression level, i.e., the expression level in
healthy tissue or bodily fluid from an individual not having the
disorder.
[0223] The tissue distribution in kidney indicates that
polynucleotides and polypeptides corresponding to this gene are
useful for the treatment and diagnosis of renal conditions such as
acute renal failure, kidney fibrosis and kidney tubule regeneration
and neoplasms. Conditioned media, generated from the transient
expression of this gene in CHO cells has been shown to activate a
IFNg-reponsive element (GAS) in a B cell line (Reh). The same
conditioned media had no effect on T-cell (Jurkat) and pro-monocyte
(U937) derived cell lines, suggesting that the protein product of
this gene may exhibit IFNg-like activity in a (B)cell-specific
manner. This experimental data in conjunction with expression on
dendritic cells indicates that polynucleotides and polypeptides
corresponding to this gene are useful for the diagnosis and
treatment of immune disorders including: leukemias, lymphomas,
auto-immunities, immunodeficiencies (e.g., AIDS), immuno-supressive
conditions (transplantation) and hematopoeitic disorders. In
addition this gene product may be applicable in conditions of
general microbial infection, inflammation or cancer. Furthermore,
the protein may also be used to determine biological activity, to
raise antibodies, as tissue markers, to isolate cognate ligands or
receptors, to identify agents that modulate their interactions, in
addition to its use as a nutritional supplement. Protein, as well
as, antibodies directed against the protein may show utility as a
tumor marker and/or immunotherapy targets for the above listed
tissues.
[0224] Many polynucleotide sequences, such as EST sequences, are
publicly available and accessible through sequence databases. Some
of these sequences are related to SEQ ID NO:42 and may have been
publicly available prior to conception of the present invention.
Preferably, such related polynucleotides are specifically excluded
from the scope of the present invention. To list every related
sequence is cumbersome. Accordingly, preferably excluded from the
present invention are one or more polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence described by the general formula of a-b, where
a is any integer between 1 to 2583 of SEQ ID NO:42, b is an integer
of 15 to 2597, where both a and b correspond to the positions of
nucleotide residues shown in SEQ ID NO:42, and where b is greater
than or equal to a+14.
FEATURES OF PROTEIN ENCODED BY GENE NO: 33
[0225] The translation product of this gene was shown to have
homology to the classII MHC transactivator CIITA of Mus musculus
(See, e.g., Genbank Accession No gil1870520 and AAB48859.1; all
references available through this accession are hereby incorporated
by reference herein.), which is thought to regulate MHC class II
gene expression in B lymphocytes via direct interactation with the
MHC class II-specific transcription factors. Furthermore, the CIITA
protein is thought to play an indirect role in reducing
tumorigenicity and inducing long-term tumor immunity.
[0226] Preferred polypeptides of the invention comprise the
following amino acid sequence:
15 MPSGMSAAVPISGLLDLSHNSISQESALYLLETLPSCPRVR EASVNLGSEQSF
RIHESREDQAGKTLRLSECSFRPEHVSRLATGLS- KSLQLTELTLTQCCLGQKQL
AILLSLVGRPAGLFSLRVQEPWADRARVLSLLEVCA- QASGSVTEISISETQQQL
CVQLEFPRQEENPEAVALRLAHCDLGAHHSLLXGQLMET- CARLXQLSLSQV
NLCEDDDASSLLLQSLLLSLSELKTFRLTSSCVSTEGLAHLASGL- GHCHHLEEL
DLSNNQFDEEGTKALMRALEGKWMLKRLDLSKLLLNSSTLALLTHRLS- QMT
CLQSLRLNRNSIGDVGCCHLSEALRAATSLEELDLSHNQIGDAGVQHLATILP
GLPELRKIDLSGNSISSAGGVQLAESLVLCRRLEELMLGCNALGDPTALGLAQ
ELPQHLRVLHLPFSHLGPGGALSLARPWMDPPIWKIRSAWRKTTWLEGSCVS VWSSRCSDR (SEQ
iD NO: 154), or
HQLSRGSAVGRVSRSLQAPGGVDAWLQCPGGSHSPGAGSGAAPAPEGPTPTI
QPSGPRWGPEPGQALDGSPHLEEISLAENNLAGGVLRFCMELPLLRQIDLVSC
KIDNQTAKLLTSSETSCPALEVIILLSWNLLGDEAAAELAQVLPQMGRLKRVD
LEKNQITALGAWLLAEGLAQGSSIQVIRLWNNPIPCDMAQHLKSQEPRLDFAE FDNQPQAPWGT
(SEQ ID NO: 155).
[0227] Polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides are also
encompassed by the invention.
[0228] The gene encoding the disclosed cDNA is believed to reside
on chromosome 16. Accordingly, polynucleotides related to this
invention are useful as a marker in linkage analysis for chromosome
16.
[0229] The polypeptide of this gene has been determined to have
transmembrane domains at about amino acid positions 1-47 and 24-47
of the amino acid sequence referenced in Table 1 for this gene.
Based upon these characteristics, it is believed that the protein
product of this gene shares structural features to type IIIa
membrane proteins.
[0230] This gene is expressed primarily in immune cells (e.g.,
eosinophils, T-cells, dendritic) and other cell types of
hematopoeitic origin and to a lesser extent in ovary tumor and
heart.
[0231] Therefore, polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention
are useful as reagents for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s) present in a biological sample and for
diagnosis of diseases and conditions which include, but are not
limited to, immune disorders, particularly immunodeficiency, tumor
necrosis, infection, lymphomas, auto-immunities, cancer,
metastasis, inflammation, anemias (leukemia) and other
hematopoeitic disorders. Similarly, polypeptides and antibodies
directed to these polypeptides are useful in providing
immunological probes for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s). For a number of disorders of the above
tissues or cells, particularly of the immune system, expression of
this gene at significantly higher or lower levels may be routinely
detected in certain tissues or cell types (e.g.,immune,
hematopoietic, and cancerous and wounded tissues) or bodily fluids
(e.g.,lymph, serum, plasma, urine, synovial fluid and spinal fluid)
or another tissue or cell sample taken from an individual having
such a disorder, relative to the standard gene expression level,
i.e., the expression level in healthy tissue or bodily fluid from
an individual not having the disorder.
[0232] The tissue distribution in immune cells (T-cells, dendritic,
and eosinophils) indicates polynucleotides and polypeptides
corresponding to this gene are useful for the diagnosis and
treatment of a variety of immune system disorders. Representative
uses are described in the "Immune Activity" and "Infectious
Disease" sections below, in Example 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, and
27, and elsewhere herein. Briefly, the expression of this gene
product indicates a role in regulating the proliferation; survival;
differentiation; and/or activation of hematopoietic cell lineages,
including blood stem cells. This gene product is involved in the
regulation of cytokine production, antigen presentation, or other
processes suggesting a usefulness in the treatment of cancer (e.g.,
by boosting immune responses). Since the gene is expressed in cells
of lymphoid origin, the natural gene product is involved in immune
functions. Therefore it is also useful as an agent for
immunological disorders including arthritis, asthma,
immunodeficiency diseases such as AIDS, leukemia, rheumatoid
arthritis, granulomatous disease, inflammatory bowel disease,
sepsis, acne, neutropenia, neutrophilia, psoriasis,
hypersensitivities, such as T-cell mediated cytotoxicity; immune
reactions to transplanted organs and tissues, such as
host-versus-graft and graft-versus-host diseases, or autoimmunity
disorders, such as autoimmune infertility, lense tissue injury,
demyelination, systemic lupus erythematosis, drug induced hemolytic
anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's disease, and scleroderma.
Moreover, the protein may represent a secreted factor that
influences the differentiation or behavior of other blood cells, or
that recruits hematopoietic cells to sites of injury. Thus, this
gene product is thought to be useful in the expansion of stem cells
and committed progenitors of various blood lineages, and in the
differentiation and/or proliferation of various cell types.
Furthermore, the protein may also be used to determine biological
activity, raise antibodies, as tissue markers, to isolate cognate
ligands or receptors, to identify agents that modulate their
interactions, in addition to its use as a nutritional supplement.
Protein, as well as, antibodies directed against the protein may
show utility as a tumor marker and/or immunotherapy targets for the
above listed tissues.
[0233] Many polynucleotide sequences, such as EST sequences, are
publicly available and accessible through sequence databases. Some
of these sequences are related to SEQ ID NO:43 and may have been
publicly available prior to conception of the present invention.
Preferably, such related polynucleotides are specifically excluded
from the scope of the present invention. To list every related
sequence is cumbersome. Accordingly, preferably excluded from the
present invention are one or more polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence described by the general formula of a-b, where
a is any integer between 1 to 3102 of SEQ ID NO:43, b is an integer
of 15 to 3116, where both a and b correspond to the positions of
nucleotide residues shown in SEQ ID NO:43, and where b is greater
than or equal to a+14.
FEATURES OF PROTEIN ENCODED BY GENE NO: 34
[0234] Polynucleotides of the invention do not comprise the nucleic
acid sequence shown as Genbank accession no.gblZ859861HS 108K11,
which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
[0235] The gene encoding the disclosed cDNA is believed to reside
on chromosome 6. Accordingly, polynucleotides related to this
invention are useful as a marker in linkage analysis for chromosome
6.
[0236] This gene is expressed primarily in smooth muscle and cells
of hematopoeitic origin.
[0237] Therefore, polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention
are useful as reagents for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s) present in a biological sample and for
diagnosis of diseases and conditions which include, but are not
limited to, vascular disorders, particularly heart disease,
vasculitis, atherosclerosis, in addition to immune disorders, such
as immunodeficiency, auto-immunities, cancer, metastasis, anemias
(leukemia) and other hematopoeitic disorders. Similarly,
polypeptides and antibodies directed to these polypeptides are
useful in providing immunological probes for differential
identification of the tissue(s) or cell type(s). For a number of
disorders of the above tissues or cells, particularly of the immune
system, expression of this gene at significantly higher or lower
levels may be routinely detected in certain tissues or cell types
(e.g.,immune, endothelial, muscle, vascular, and cancerous and
wounded tissues) or bodily fluids (e.g., lymph, serum, plasma,
urine, synovial fluid and spinal fluid) or another tissue or cell
sample taken from an individual having such a disorder, relative to
the standard gene expression level, i.e., the expression level in
healthy tissue or bodily fluid from an individual not having the
disorder.
[0238] The tissue expression in hematopoeitic tissues indicates
polynucleotides and polypeptides corresponding to this gene are
useful for the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of immune
system disorders. Representative uses are described in the "Immune
Activity" and "Infectious Disease" sections below, in Example 11,
13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, and 27, and elsewhere herein. Briefly, the
expression of this gene product indicates a role in regulating the
proliferation; survival; differentiation; and/or activation of
hematopoietic cell lineages, including blood stem cells. This gene
product is involved in the regulation of cytokine production,
antigen presentation, or other processes suggesting a usefulness in
the treatment of cancer (e.g., by boosting immune responses). Since
the gene is expressed in cells of lymphoid origin, the natural gene
product is involved in immune functions. Therefore it is also
useful as an agent for immunological disorders including arthritis,
asthma, immunodeficiency diseases such as AIDS, leukemia,
rheumatoid arthritis, granulomatous disease, inflammatory bowel
disease, sepsis, acne, neutropenia, neutrophilia, psoriasis,
hypersensitivities, such as T-cell mediated cytotoxicity; immune
reactions to transplanted organs and tissues, such as
host-versus-graft and graft-versus-host diseases, or autoimmunity
disorders, such as autoimmune infertility, lense tissue injury,
demyelination, systemic lupus erythematosis, drug induced hemolytic
anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's disease, and scleroderma.
Moreover, the protein may represent a secreted factor that
influences the differentiation or behavior of other blood cells, or
that recruits hematopoietic cells to sites of injury. Thus, this
gene product is thought to be useful in the expansion of stem cells
and committed progenitors of various blood lineages, and in the
differentiation and/or proliferation of various cell types. In
addition, the expression in smooth muscle might indicates that
polynucleotides and polypeptides corresponding to this gene are
useful for the treatment and diagnosis of cardiovasular and
disorders such as atherosclerosis, restenosis, stoke, angina,
thrombosis hypertension, inflammation and vascular wound healing.
Furthermore, the protein may also be used to determine biological
activity, to raise antibodies, as tissue markers, to isolate
cognate ligands or receptors, to identify agents that modulate
their interactions, in addition to its use as a nutritional
supplement. Protein, as well as, antibodies directed against the
protein may show utility as a tumor marker and/or immunotherapy
targets for the above listed tissues.
[0239] Many polynucleotide sequences, such as EST sequences, are
publicly available and accessible through sequence databases. Some
of these sequences are related to SEQ ID NO:44 and may have been
publicly available prior to conception of the present invention.
Preferably, such related polynucleotides are specifically excluded
from the scope of the present invention. To list every related
sequence is cumbersome. Accordingly, preferably excluded from the
present invention are one or more polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence described by the general formula of a-b, where
a is any integer between 1 to 3446 of SEQ ID NO:44, b is an integer
of 15 to 3460, where both a and b correspond to the positions of
nucleotide residues shown in SEQ ID NO:44, and where b is greater
than or equal to a+14.
FEATURES OF PROTEIN ENCODED BY GENE NO: 35
[0240] The gene encoding the disclosed cDNA is believed to reside
on chromosome 17. Accordingly, polynucleotides related to this
invention are useful as a marker in linkage analysis for chromosome
17.
[0241] The translation product of this gene was shown to have
homology to the human cytochrome c-like polypeptide from lung
adenocarcinoma A549 (See Genbank Accession No.bbsl175350) which is
thought to be involved in metabolic processes, specific to tumors
or transformed cells.
[0242] Preferred polypeptides of the invention comprise the
following amino acid sequence:
16 EKLFCFEMLLICKFSPNSVPPETCA1LNQGLMDLGLCRMCLGNNMFAGSM
LGKSHRHSPFSINQRHNALRKAAGTPAQKSLGIVQVSPN (SEQ ID NO: 156),
GCAGCALVTICLQAVCLVKAIAThHSRLTRDTMHCGRPQGPLPRKAWVLS RFPPTETA (SEQ ID
NO: 157), PETQCTAEGRRDPCPEKPGYCPGFPQLRQPEIWPRGKGKTLHPPARHM (SEQ ID
NO: 158), SEIGENRP (SEQ ID NO: 159), HDTDSFAH (SEQ ID NO: 160), or
ALRKAAG (SEQ ID NO: 161).
[0243] Polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides are also
encompassed by the invention. Polynucleotides of the invention do
not comprise the nucleic acid sequence shown as Genbank accession
no.gblAC004706lAC004706, which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
[0244] This gene is expressed primarily in fetal tissue, lung,
melanocyte, retina, brain, T-cell lymphoma, and to a lesser extent,
in other tissues and cell types.
[0245] Therefore, polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention
are useful as reagents for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s) present in a biological sample and for
diagnosis of diseases and conditions which include, but are not
limited to, immune, hepatic, pulmonary, developmental, or growth
disorders. Similarly, polypeptides and antibodies directed to these
polypeptides are useful in providing immunological probes for
differential identification of the tissue(s) or cell type(s). For a
number of disorders of the above tissues or cells, particularly of
the immune and pulmonary systems, expression of this gene at
significantly higher or lower levels may be routinely detected in
certain tissues or cell types (e.g., immune, pulmonary,
hematopoietic, developing, differentiating, and cancerous and
wounded tissues) or bodily fluids (e.g.,lymph, amniotic fluid,
serum, plasma, urine, synovial fluid and spinal fluid) or another
tissue or cell sample taken from an individual having such a
disorder, relative to the standard gene expression level, i.e., the
expression level in healthy tissue or bodily fluid from an
individual not having the disorder.
[0246] The tissue distribution in brain indicates polynucleotides
and polypeptides corresponding to this gene are useful for the
detection, treatment, and/or prevention of neurodegenerative
disease states, behavioral disorders, or inflammatory conditions.
Representative uses are described in the "Regeneration" and
"Hyperproliferative Disorders" sections below, in Example 11, 15,
and 18, and elsewhere herein. Briefly, the uses include, but are
not limited to the detection, treatment, and/or prevention of
Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Huntington's Disease,
Tourette Syndrome, meningitis, encephalitis, demyelinating
diseases, peripheral neuropathies, neoplasia, trauma, congenital
malformations, spinal cord injuries, ischemia and infarction,
aneurysms, hemorrhages, schizophrenia, mania, dementia, paranoia,
obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, panic disorder, learning
disabilities, ALS, psychoses, autism, and altered behaviors,
including disorders in feeding, sleep patterns, balance, and
perception. In addition, elevated expression of this gene product
in regions of the brain indicates it plays a role in normal neural
function. Potentially, this gene product is involved in synapse
formation, neurotransmission, learning, cognition, homeostasis, or
neuronal differentiation or survival.
[0247] The tissue distribution in T-cell lymphoma indicates
polynucleotides and polypeptides corresponding to this gene are
useful for the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of immune
system disorders. Representative uses are described in the "Immune
Activity" and "Infectious Disease" sections below, in Example 11,
13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, and 27, and elsewhere herein. Briefly, the
expression of this gene product indicates a role in regulating the
proliferation; survival; differentiation; and/or activation of
hematopoietic cell lineages, including blood stem cells. This gene
product is involved in the regulation of cytokine production,
antigen presentation, or other processes suggesting a usefulness in
the treatment of cancer (e.g., by boosting immune responses). Since
the gene is expressed in cells of lymphoid origin, the natural gene
product is involved in immune functions. Therefore it is also
useful as an agent for immunological disorders including arthritis,
asthma, immunodeficiency diseases such as AIDS, leukemia,
rheumatoid arthritis, granulomatous disease, inflammatory bowel
disease, sepsis, acne, neutropenia, neutrophilia, psoriasis,
hypersensitivities, such as T-cell mediated cytotoxicity; immune
reactions to transplanted organs and tissues, such as
host-versus-graft and graft-versus-host diseases, or autoimmunity
disorders, such as autoimmune infertility, lense tissue injury,
demyelination, systemic lupus erythematosis, drug induced hemolytic
anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's disease, and scleroderma.
Moreover, the protein may represent a secreted factor that
influences the differentiation or behavior of other blood cells, or
that recruits hematopoietic cells to sites of injury. Thus, this
gene product is thought to be useful in the expansion of stem cells
and committed progenitors of various blood lineages, and in the
differentiation and/or proliferation of various cell types.
Moreover, the expression within fetal tissue and other cellular
sources marked by proliferating cells indicates this protein may
play a role in the regulation of cellular division, and may show
utility in the diagnosis, treatment, and/or prevention of
developmental diseases and disorders, including cancer, and other
proliferative conditions. Representative uses are described in the
"Hyperproliferative Disorders" and "Regeneration" sections below
and elsewhere herein. Briefly, developmental tissues rely on
decisions involving cell differentiation and/or apoptosis in
pattern formation. Dysregulation of apoptosis can result in
inappropriate suppression of cell death, as occurs in the
development of some cancers, or in failure to control the extent of
cell death, as is believed to occur in acquired immunodeficiency
and certain neurodegenerative disorders, such as spinal muscular
atrophy (SMA). Because of potential roles in proliferation and
differentiation, this gene product may have applications in the
adult for tissue regeneration and the treatment of cancers. It may
also act as a morphogen to control cell and tissue type
specification. Therefore, the polynucleotides and polypeptides of
the present invention are useful in treating, detecting, and/or
preventing said disorders and conditions, in addition to other
types of degenerative conditions. Thus this protein may modulate
apoptosis or tissue differentiation and is useful in the detection,
treatment, and/or prevention of degenerative or proliferative
conditions and diseases. The protein is useful in modulating the
immune response to aberrant polypeptides, as may exist in
proliferating and cancerous cells and tissues. The protein can also
be used to gain new insight into the regulation of cellular growth
and proliferation. Furthermore, the protein may also be used to
determine biological activity, to raise antibodies, as tissue
markers, to isolate cognate ligands or receptors, to identify
agents that modulate their interactions, in addition to its use as
a nutritional supplement. Protein, as well as, antibodies directed
against the protein may show utility as a tumor marker and/or
immunotherapy targets for the above listed tissues.
[0248] Many polynucleotide sequences, such as EST sequences, are
publicly available and accessible through sequence databases. Some
of these sequences are related to SEQ ID NO:45 and may have been
publicly available prior to conception of the present invention.
Preferably, such related polynucleotides are specifically excluded
from the scope of the present invention. To list every related
sequence is cumbersome. Accordingly, preferably excluded from the
present invention are one or more polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence described by the general formula of a-b, where
a is any integer between 1 to 2608 of SEQ ID NO:45, b is an integer
of 15 to 2622, where both a and b correspond to the positions of
nucleotide residues shown in SEQ ID NO:45, and where b is greater
than or equal to a+14.
FEATURES OF PROTEIN ENCODED BY GENE NO: 36
[0249] The translation product of this gene was shown to have
homology to the human protein kinase C substrate 80K-H (See Genbank
Accession No. P14314), which is may be important in the regulation
of various signal transduction pathways. Polynucleotides of the
invention do not comprise the nucleic acid sequence shown as
Genbank accession no. gblG21007lG21007, which is hereby
incorporated herein by reference. Additionally, this gene shares
sequence homology with a recently described rat neuronal immediate
early gene (IEG) cDNA gene R055 (see, e.g., Genseq Accession number
Z28293, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.). An IEG
is a gene whose expression is rapidly increased immediately
following a stimulus e.g., neuronal stimulation. Such neuronal IEGs
have been found to encode a variety of proteins, including
transcription factors, cytoskeletal proteins, growth factors and
metabolic enzymes, as well as proteins involved in signal
transduction. The identification of neuronal IEGs and the proteins
they encode may provide important information about the function of
neurons in, for example, learning, memory, synaptic transmission,
tolerance and neuronal plasticity. Based on the sequence
similarity, the translation product of this gene is expected to
share at least some biological activities with IEG gene products.
Such activities are known in the art, some of which are described
elsewhere herein.
[0250] This gene is expressed primarily in breast and prostate
cancer, retina, ovary, parathyroid tumor, fetal tissue and to a
lesser extent in ovary.
[0251] Therefore, polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention
are useful as reagents for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s) present in a biological sample and for
diagnosis of diseases and conditions which include, but are not
limited to, reproductive, endocrine, or ocular disorders,
particular breast or other cancers. Similarly, polypeptides and
antibodies directed to these polypeptides are useful in providing
immunological probes for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s). For a number of disorders of the above
tissues or cells, particularly of the reproductive and endocrine
systems, expression of this gene at significantly higher or lower
levels may be routinely detected in certain tissues or cell types
(e.g., reproductive, endocrine, differentiating, and cancerous and
wounded tissues) or bodily fluids (e.g.,lymph, breast milk,
aquaeous humor, vitreous humor, serum, plasma, urine, synovial
fluid and spinal fluid) or another tissue or cell sample taken from
an individual having such a disorder, relative to the standard gene
expression level, i.e., the expression level in healthy tissue or
bodily fluid from an individual not having the disorder. Preferred
polypeptides of the present invention comprise immunogenic epitopes
shown in SEQ ID NO: 102 as residues: Gln-14 to Val-20, Arg-28 to
Trp-35. Polynucleotides encoding said polypeptides are also
provided.
[0252] The tissue distribution in breast cancer cell lines,
combined with the homology to a PKC substrate indicates that
polynucleotides and polypeptides corresponding to this gene are
useful for the study, diagnosis, treatment, and/or prevention of a
variety of tumors, particularly of the breast or other
neoplasms.
[0253] Alternatively, the tissue distribution in ovary and
parathyroid tumors indicates that polynucleotides and polypeptides
corresponding to this gene are useful for the detection, treatment,
and/or prevention of various endocrine disorders and cancers,
particularly Addison's disease, Cushing's Syndrome, and disorders
and/or cancers of the pancrease (e.g., diabetes mellitus), adrenal
cortex, ovaries, pituitary (e.g., hyper-, hypopituitarism), thyroid
(e.g., hyper-, hypothyroidism), parathyroid (e.g., hyper-,
hypoparathyroidism), hypothallamus, and testes. Protein, as well
as, antibodies directed against the protein may show utility as a
tumor marker and/or immunotherapy targets for the above listed
tissues. The expression within fetal tissue and other cellular
sources marked by proliferating cells indicates this protein may
play a role in the regulation of cellular division, and may show
utility in the diagnosis, treatment, and/or prevention of
developmental diseases and disorders, including cancer, and other
proliferative conditions. Representative uses are described in the
"Hyperproliferative Disorders" and "Regeneration" sections below
and elsewhere herein. Briefly, developmental tissues rely on
decisions involving cell differentiation and/or apoptosis in
pattern formation. Dysregulation of apoptosis can result in
inappropriate suppression of cell death, as occurs in the
development of some cancers, or in failure to control the extent of
cell death, as is believed to occur in acquired immunodeficiency
and certain neurodegenerative disorders, such as spinal muscular
atrophy (SMA). Because of potential roles in proliferation and
differentiation, this gene product may have applications in the
adult for tissue regeneration and the treatment of cancers. It may
also act as a morphogen to control cell and tissue type
specification. Therefore, the polynucleotides and polypeptides of
the present invention are useful in treating, detecting, and/or
preventing said disorders and conditions, in addition to other
types of degenerative conditions. Thus this protein may modulate
apoptosis or tissue differentiation and is useful in the detection,
treatment, and/or prevention of degenerative or proliferative
conditions and diseases. The protein is useful in modulating the
immune response to aberrant polypeptides, as may exist in
proliferating and cancerous cells and tissues. The protein can also
be used to gain new insight into the regulation of cellular growth
and proliferation. Furthermore, the protein may also be used to
determine biological activity, to raise antibodies, as tissue
markers, to isolate cognate ligands or receptors, to identify
agents that modulate their interactions, in addition to its use as
a nutritional supplement. Protein, as well as, antibodies directed
against the protein may show utility as a tumor marker and/or
immunotherapy targets for the above listed tissues.
[0254] The tissue distribution in immune cells (e.g., germinal
B-cells) indicates polynucleotides and polypeptides corresponding
to this gene are useful for the diagnosis and treatment of a
variety of immune system disorders. Representative uses are
described in the "Immune Activity" and "Infectious Disease"
sections below, in Example 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, and 27, and
elsewhere herein. Briefly, the expression of this gene product
indicates a role in regulating the proliferation; survival;
differentiation; and/or activation of hematopoietic cell lineages,
including blood stem cells. This gene product is involved in the
regulation of cytokine production, antigen presentation, or other
processes suggesting a usefulness in the treatment of cancer (e.g.,
by boosting immune responses). Since the gene is expressed in cells
of lymphoid origin, the natural gene product is involved in immune
functions. Therefore it is also useful as an agent for
immunological disorders including arthritis, asthma,
immunodeficiency diseases such as AIDS, leukemia, rheumatoid
arthritis, granulomatous disease, inflammatory bowel disease,
sepsis, acne, neutropenia, neutrophilia, psoriasis,
hypersensitivities, such as T-cell mediated cytotoxicity; immune
reactions to transplanted organs and tissues, such as
host-versus-graft and graft-versus-host diseases, or autoimmunity
disorders, such as autoimmune infertility, lense tissue injury,
demyelination, systemic lupus erythematosis, drug induced hemolytic
anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's disease, and scleroderma.
Moreover, the protein may represent a secreted factor that
influences the differentiation or behavior of other blood cells, or
that recruits hematopoietic cells to sites of injury. Thus, this
gene product is thought to be useful in the expansion of stem cells
and committed progenitors of various blood lineages, and in the
differentiation and/or proliferation of various cell types.
Furthermore, the protein may also be used to determine biological
activity, raise antibodies, as tissue markers, to isolate cognate
ligands or receptors, to identify agents that modulate their
interactions, in addition to its use as a nutritional supplement.
Protein, as well as, antibodies directed against the protein may
show utility as a tumor marker and/or immunotherapy targets for the
above listed tissues.
[0255] The tissue distribution in parathyroid tumor, prostate
cancer and breast cancer tissue indicates polynucleotides and
polypeptides corresponding to this gene are useful for the
diagnosis and treatment these and related disorders.
[0256] Many polynucleotide sequences, such as EST sequences, are
publicly available and accessible through sequence databases. Some
of these sequences are related to SEQ ID NO:46 and may have been
publicly available prior to conception of the present invention.
Preferably, such related polynucleotides are specifically excluded
from the scope of the present invention. To list every related
sequence is cumbersome. Accordingly, preferably excluded from the
present invention are one or more polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence described by the general formula of a-b, where
a is any integer between 1 to 1970 of SEQ ID NO:46, b is an integer
of 15 to 1984, where both a and b correspond to the positions of
nucleotide residues shown in SEQ ID NO:46, and where b is greater
than or equal to a+14.
FEATURES OF PROTEIN ENCODED BY GENE NO: 37
[0257] Preferred polypeptides of the invention comprise the
following amino acid sequence:
17 MRGPVCGFSLVEMLLALALGLMLILGVTQIALSSRTTYASQSAASLLQDD
ARFALGKLIQEIRQAGMFGCLSAASJSNAPAGFDRPIGWSTTGSSRSLTL
VTADVGEGGSKPDWTVLSDCTGSAHAYVGSPPAANARANPLPTCAKIT (SEQ ID NO: 162),
or MGYYLSRSRQAGMVLLISLVFLLLLALLGVSSMQGAISQEKITG- SLRQRN
QSFQQAESGLRLGESLVQASGFALRPCHSTAACAPPAIESVSVVGPGTNP
VSTVTWIGMKDGVYGIQNLGPGTGLVNSRQRPRPRSIA (SEQ ID NO: 163).
[0258] Polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides are also
encompassed by the invention.
[0259] This gene is expressed primarily in cord blood, ovary,
tumors of the parathyroid, testes, and pancreas, and to a lesser
extent in fetal tissue, retina, brain, colon, endometrial stromal,
HL-60 cells, and many other tissues.
[0260] Therefore, polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention
are useful as reagents for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s) present in a biological sample and for
diagnosis of diseases and conditions which include, but are not
limited to, immune, hematopoietic, or developmental disorders,
cancer of the ovaries and endocrine system. Similarly, polypeptides
and antibodies directed to these polypeptides are useful in
providing immunological probes for differential identification of
the tissue(s) or cell type(s). For a number of disorders of the
above tissues or cells, particularly of the hemopoietic and immune
systems, expression of this gene at significantly higher or lower
levels may be routinely detected in certain tissues or cell types
(e.g.,immune, hematopoietic, reproductive, developmental,
endocrine, and cancerous and wounded tissues) or bodily fluids
(e.g., lymph, amniotic fluid, serum, plasma, urine, synovial fluid
and spinal fluid) or another tissue or cell sample taken from an
individual having such a disorder, relative to the standard gene
expression level, i.e., the expression level in healthy tissue or
bodily fluid from an individual not having the disorder. Preferred
polypeptides of the present invention comprise immunogenic epitopes
shown in SEQ ID NO: 103 as residues: Lys-29 to Ser-38, Ser-55 to
Trp-61, Gln-63 to Ser-69. Polynucleotides encoding said
polypeptides are also provided.
[0261] The tissue distribution in endocrine tissues indicates that
polynucleotides and polypeptides corresponding to this gene are
useful for the detection, treatment, and/or prevention of various
endocrine disorders and cancers, particularly Addison's disease,
Cushing's Syndrome, and disorders and/or cancers of the pancrease
(e.g., diabetes mellitus), adrenal cortex, ovaries, pituitary
(e.g., hyper-, hypopituitarism), thyroid (e.g., hyper-,
hypothyroidism), parathyroid (e.g., hyper-, hypoparathyroidism),
hypothallamus, and testes.
[0262] The tissue distribution in immune cells (e.g., neutrophils
and T-cells) indicates polynucleotides and polypeptides
corresponding to this gene are useful for the diagnosis and
treatment of a variety of immune system disorders. Representative
uses are described in the "Immune Activity" and "Infectious
Disease" sections below, in Example 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, and
27, and elsewhere herein. Briefly, the expression of this gene
product indicates a role in regulating the proliferation; survival;
differentiation; and/or activation of hematopoietic cell lineages,
including blood stem cells. This gene product is involved in the
regulation of cytokine production, antigen presentation, or other
processes suggesting a usefulness in the treatment of cancer (e.g.,
by boosting immune responses). Since the gene is expressed in cells
of lymphoid origin, the natural gene product is involved in immune
functions. Therefore it is also useful as an agent for
immunological disorders including arthritis, asthma,
immunodeficiency diseases such as AIDS, leukemia, rheumatoid
arthritis, granulomatous disease, inflammatory bowel disease,
sepsis, acne, neutropenia, neutrophilia, psoriasis,
hypersensitivities, such as T-cell mediated cytotoxicity; immune
reactions to transplanted organs and tissues, such as
host-versus-graft and graft-versus-host diseases, or autoimmunity
disorders, such as autoimmune infertility, lense tissue injury,
demyelination, systemic lupus erythematosis, drug induced hemolytic
anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's disease, and scleroderma.
Moreover, the protein may represent a secreted factor that
influences the differentiation or behavior of other blood cells, or
that recruits hematopoietic cells to sites of injury. Thus, this
gene product is thought to be useful in the expansion of stem cells
and committed progenitors of various blood lineages, and in the
differentiation and/or proliferation of various cell types. The
expression within fetal tissue and other cellular sources marked by
proliferating cells indicates this protein may play a role in the
regulation of cellular division, and may show utility in the
diagnosis, treatment, and/or prevention of developmental diseases
and disorders, including cancer, and other proliferative
conditions. Representative uses are described in the
"Hyperproliferative Disorders" and "Regeneration" sections below
and elsewhere herein. Briefly, developmental tissues rely on
decisions involving cell differentiation and/or apoptosis in
pattern formation. Dysregulation of apoptosis can result in
inappropriate suppression of cell death, as occurs in the
development of some cancers, or in failure to control the extent of
cell death, as is believed to occur in acquired immunodeficiency
and certain neurodegenerative disorders, such as spinal muscular
atrophy (SMA). Because of potential roles in proliferation and
differentiation, this gene product may have applications in the
adult for tissue regeneration and the treatment of cancers. It may
also act as a morphogen to control cell and tissue type
specification. Therefore, the polynucleotides and polypeptides of
the present invention are useful in treating, detecting, and/or
preventing said disorders and conditions, in addition to other
types of degenerative conditions. Thus this protein may modulate
apoptosis or tissue differentiation and is useful in the detection,
treatment, and/or prevention of degenerative or proliferative
conditions and diseases. The protein is useful in modulating the
immune response to aberrant polypeptides, as may exist in
proliferating and cancerous cells and tissues. The protein can also
be used to gain new insight into the regulation of cellular growth
and proliferation.
[0263] The tissue distribution in brain indicates polynucleotides
and polypeptides corresponding to this gene are useful for the
detection, treatment, and/or prevention of neurodegenerative
disease states, behavioral disorders, or inflammatory conditions.
Representative uses are described in the "Regeneration" and
"Hyperproliferative Disorders" sections below, in Example 11, 15,
and 18, and elsewhere herein. Briefly, the uses include, but are
not limited to the detection, treatment, and/or prevention of
Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Huntington's Disease,
Tourette Syndrome, meningitis, encephalitis, demyelinating
diseases, peripheral neuropathies, neoplasia, trauma, congenital
malformations, spinal cord injuries, ischemia and infarction,
aneurysms, hemorrhages, schizophrenia, mania, dementia, paranoia,
obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, panic disorder, learning
disabilities, ALS, psychoses, autism, and altered behaviors,
including disorders in feeding, sleep patterns, balance, and
perception. In addition, elevated expression of this gene product
in regions of the brain indicates it plays a role in normal neural
function. Potentially, this gene product is involved in synapse
formation, neurotransmission, learning, cognition, homeostasis, or
neuronal differentiation or survival. Furthermore, the protein may
also be used to determine biological activity, to raise antibodies,
as tissue markers, to isolate cognate ligands or receptors, to
identify agents that modulate their interactions, in addition to
its use as a nutritional supplement. Protein, as well as,
antibodies directed against the protein may show utility as a tumor
marker and/or immunotherapy targets for the above listed
tissues.
[0264] Many polynucleotide sequences, such as EST sequences, are
publicly available and accessible through sequence databases. Some
of these sequences are related to SEQ ID NO:47 and may have been
publicly available prior to conception of the present invention.
Preferably, such related polynucleotides are specifically excluded
from the scope of the present invention. To list every related
sequence is cumbersome. Accordingly, preferably excluded from the
present invention are one or more polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence described by the general formula of a-b, where
a is any integer between 1 to 1973 of SEQ ID NO:47, b is an integer
of 15 to 1987, where both a and b correspond to the positions of
nucleotide residues shown in SEQ ID NO:47, and where b is greater
than or equal to a+14.
FEATURES OF PROTEIN ENCODED BY GENE NO: 38
[0265] The polypeptide of this gene has been determined to have a
transmembrane domain at about amino acid position 1-24 of the amino
acid sequence referenced in Table 1 for this gene. Based upon these
characteristics, it is believed that the protein product of this
gene shares structural features to type Ib membrane proteins.
[0266] This gene is expressed primarily in activated monocytes,
dendritic cells, and cancerous ovary.
[0267] Therefore, polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention
are useful as reagents for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s) present in a biological sample and for
diagnosis of diseases and conditions which include, but are not
limited to, ovarian cancer, immune or hematopoietic disorders,
particularly immunodeficiencies or inflammatory disordes.
Similarly, polypeptides and antibodies directed to these
polypeptides are useful in providing immunological probes for
differential identification of the tissue(s) or cell type(s). For a
number of disorders of the above tissues or cells, particularly of
the immune system, expression of this gene at significantly higher
or lower levels may be routinely detected in certain tissues or
cell types (e.g.,immune, hematopoietic, and cancerous and wounded
tissues) or bodily fluids (e.g.,lymph, serum, plasma, urine,
synovial fluid and spinal fluid) or another tissue or cell sample
taken from an individual having such a disorder, relative to the
standard gene expression level, i.e., the expression level in
healthy tissue or bodily fluid from an individual not having the
disorder.
[0268] The tissue distribution in monocytes and dendritic cells
indicates that polynucleotides and polypeptides corresponding to
this gene are useful for the treatment and diagnosis of
hematopoetic related disorders such as anemia, pancytopenia,
leukopenia, thrombocytopenia or leukemia since stromal cells are
important in the production of cells of hematopoietic lineages. The
uses include bone marrow cell ex vivo culture, bone marrow
transplantation, bone marrow reconstitution, radiotherapy or
chemotherapy of neoplasia. The gene product may also be involved in
lymphopoiesis, therefore, it can be used in immune disorders such
as infection, inflammation, allergy, immunodeficiency etc.
[0269] The tissue distribution in dendritic cells indicates
polynucleotides and polypeptides corresponding to this gene are
useful for the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of immune
system disorders. Representative uses are described in the "Immune
Activity" and "Infectious Disease" sections below, in Example 11,
13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, and 27, and elsewhere herein. Briefly, the
expression of this gene product indicates a role in regulating the
proliferation; survival; differentiation; and/or activation of
hematopoietic cell lineages, including blood stem cells. This gene
product is involved in the regulation of cytokine production,
antigen presentation, or other processes suggesting a usefulness in
the treatment of cancer (e.g., by boosting immune responses). Since
the gene is expressed in cells of lymphoid origin, the natural gene
product is involved in immune functions. Therefore it is also
useful as an agent for immunological disorders including arthritis,
asthma, immunodeficiency diseases such as AIDS, leukemia,
rheumatoid arthritis, granulomatous disease, inflammatory bowel
disease, sepsis, acne, neutropenia, neutrophilia, psoriasis,
hypersensitivities, such as T-cell mediated cytotoxicity; immune
reactions to transplanted organs and tissues, such as
host-versus-graft and graft-versus-host diseases, or autoimmunity
disorders, such as autoimmune infertility, lense tissue injury,
demyelination, systemic lupus erythematosis, drug induced hemolytic
anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's disease, and scleroderma.
Moreover, the protein may represent a secreted factor that
influences the differentiation or behavior of other blood cells, or
that recruits hematopoietic cells to sites of injury. Thus, this
gene product is thought to be useful in the expansion of stem cells
and committed progenitors of various blood lineages, and in the
differentiation and/or proliferation of various cell types. The
tissue distribution in ovarian cancer tissue indicates that
polynucleotides and polypeptides corresponding to this gene are
useful for the treatment and diagnosis of ovarian, as well as,
other cancers.
[0270] Many polynucleotide sequences, such as EST sequences, are
publicly available and accessible through sequence databases. Some
of these sequences are related to SEQ ID NO:48 and may have been
publicly available prior to conception of the present invention.
Preferably, such related polynucleotides are specifically excluded
from the scope of the present invention. To list every related
sequence is cumbersome. Accordingly, preferably excluded from the
present invention are one or more polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence described by the general formula of a-b, where
a is any integer between 1 to 2099 of SEQ ID NO:48, b is an integer
of 15 to 2113, where both a and b correspond to the positions of
nucleotide residues shown in SEQ ID NO:48, and where b is greater
than or equal to a+14.
FEATURES OF PROTEIN ENCODED BY GENE NO: 39
[0271] The polypeptide of this gene has been determined to have a
transmembrane domain at about amino acid position 36-57 of the
amino acid sequence referenced in Table 1 for this gene. Based upon
these characteristics, it is believed that the protein product of
this gene shares structural features to type II membrane proteins.
Preferred polypeptides encoded by this gene comprise the following
amino acid sequence:
18 ENESTKEPSLLQYLCVQSPAGLNGFNVLLSGSQTPPTVGPSSGQLPSFSV
PCMVLPSPPLGPFPVLYSPAMPGPVSSTLGALPNTGPVNFSLPGLGSIAQ
LLVGPTAVVNPKSSTLPSADPQLQSQPSLNLSPVMSRSHSVVQQPESPVY
VGHPVSVVKLHQSPVPVTPKSIQRTHRETFFKTPGSLGDPVLKRRERNNH IETPARPRGD (SEQ
ID NO: 164).
[0272] Polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides are also
provided.
[0273] This gene is expressed primarily in 8 week-old embryo,
stromal cells, fetal lung, testes, and colon.
[0274] Therefore, polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention
are useful as reagents for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s) present in a biological sample and for
diagnosis of diseases and conditions which include, but are not
limited to, reproductive and immune defects, cancer, T-cell
lymphoma, and developmental disorders. Similarly, polypeptides and
antibodies directed to these polypeptides are useful in providing
immunological probes for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s). For a number of disorders of the above
tissues or cells, particularly of the pulmonary and immune systems,
expression of this gene at significantly higher or lower levels may
be routinely detected in certain tissues or cell types (e.g.,
cancerous and wounded tissues) or bodily fluids (e.g., lymph,
serum, plasma, urine, synovial fluid and spinal fluid) or another
tissue or cell sample taken from an individual having such a
disorder, relative to the standard gene expression level, i.e., the
expression level in healthy tissue or bodily fluid from an
individual not having the disorder.
[0275] The tissue distribution in T-cell lymphoma indicates that
polynucleotides and polypeptides corresponding to this gene are
useful for study and treatment of developmental and pulmonary
defects and neoplasms of blood, reproductive and other organs.
[0276] The tissue distribution indicates polynucleotides and
polypeptides corresponding to this gene are useful for the
diagnosis and treatment of a variety of immune system disorders.
Representative uses are described in the "Immune Activity" and
"Infectious Disease" sections below, in Example 11, 13, 14, 16, 18,
19, 20, and 27, and elsewhere herein. Briefly, the expression of
this gene product indicates a role in regulating the proliferation;
survival; differentiation; and/or activation of hematopoietic cell
lineages, including blood stem cells. This gene product is involved
in the regulation of cytokine production, antigen presentation, or
other processes suggesting a usefulness in the treatment of cancer
(e.g., by boosting immune responses). Since the gene is expressed
in cells of lymphoid origin, the natural gene product is involved
in immune functions. Therefore it is also useful as an agent for
immunological disorders including arthritis, asthma,
immunodeficiency diseases such as AIDS, leukemia, rheumatoid
arthritis, granulomatous disease, inflammatory bowel disease,
sepsis, acne, neutropenia, neutrophilia, psoriasis,
hypersensitivities, such as T-cell mediated cytotoxicity; immune
reactions to transplanted organs and tissues, such as
host-versus-graft and graft-versus-host diseases, or autoimmunity
disorders, such as autoimmune infertility, lense tissue injury,
demyelination, systemic lupus erythematosis, drug induced hemolytic
anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's disease, and scleroderma.
Moreover, the protein may represent a secreted factor that
influences the differentiation or behavior of other blood cells, or
that recruits hematopoietic cells to sites of injury. Thus, this
gene product is thought to be useful in the expansion of stem cells
and committed progenitors of various blood lineages, and in the
differentiation and/or proliferation of various cell types.
[0277] The tissue distribution in testes tissue indicates that
polynucleotides and polypeptides corresponding to this gene are
useful for the diagnosis and/or treatment of male reproductive and
endocrine disorders. It may also prove to be valuable in the
diagnosis and treatment of testicular cancer, as well as cancers of
other tissues where expression has been observed. The expression
within fetal tissue and other cellular sources marked by
proliferating cells indicates this protein may play a role in the
regulation of cellular division, and may show utility in the
diagnosis, treatment, and/or prevention of developmental diseases
and disorders, including cancer, and other proliferative
conditions. Representative uses are described in the
"Hyperproliferative Disorders" and "Regeneration" sections below
and elsewhere herein. Briefly, developmental tissues rely on
decisions involving cell differentiation and/or apoptosis in
pattern formation. Dysregulation of apoptosis can result in
inappropriate suppression of cell death, as occurs in the
development of some cancers, or in failure to control the extent of
cell death, as is believed to occur in acquired immunodeficiency
and certain neurodegenerative disorders, such as spinal muscular
atrophy (SMA). Because of potential roles in proliferation and
differentiation, this gene product may have applications in the
adult for tissue regeneration and the treatment of cancers. It may
also act as a morphogen to control cell and tissue type
specification. Therefore, the polynucleotides and polypeptides of
the present invention are useful in treating, detecting, and/or
preventing said disorders and conditions, in addition to other
types of degenerative conditions. Thus this protein may modulate
apoptosis or tissue differentiation and is useful in the detection,
treatment, and/or prevention of degenerative or proliferative
conditions and diseases. The protein is useful in modulating the
immune response to aberrant polypeptides, as may exist in
proliferating and cancerous cells and tissues. The protein can also
be used to gain new insight into the regulation of cellular growth
and proliferation. Furthermore, the protein may also be used to
determine biological activity, to raise antibodies, as tissue
markers, to isolate cognate ligands or receptors, to identify
agents that modulate their interactions, in addition to its use as
a nutritional supplement. Protein, as well as, antibodies directed
against the protein may show utility as a tumor marker and/or
immunotherapy targets for the above listed tissues.
[0278] Many polynucleotide sequences, such as EST sequences, are
publicly available and accessible through sequence databases. Some
of these sequences are related to SEQ ID NO:49 and may have been
publicly available prior to conception of the present invention.
Preferably, such related polynucleotides are specifically excluded
from the scope of the present invention. To list every related
sequence is cumbersome. Accordingly, preferably excluded from the
present invention are one or more polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence described by the general formula of a-b, where
a is any integer between 1 to 3451 of SEQ ID NO:49, b is an integer
of 15 to 3465, where both a and b correspond to the positions of
nucleotide residues shown in SEQ ID NO:49, and where b is greater
than or equal to a+14.
FEATURES OF PROTEIN ENCODED BY GENE NO: 40
[0279] The polypeptide of this gene has been determined to have a
transmembrane domain at about amino acid position 145-171 of the
amino acid sequence referenced in Table 1 for this gene. Moreover,
a cytoplasmic tail encompassing amino acids 168-282 of this protein
has also been determined. Based upon these characteristics, it is
believed that the protein product of this gene shares structural
features to type Ia membrane proteins.
[0280] This gene is expressed primarily in T helper cells, breast
cancer, kidney, fetal tissue and to a lesser extent in thymus and
cells from some other hemopoietic and endocrine sources.
[0281] Therefore, polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention
are useful as reagents for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s) present in a biological sample and for
diagnosis of diseases and conditions which include, but are not
limited to, immune and inflammatory conditions, cancer. Similarly,
polypeptides and antibodies directed to these polypeptides are
useful in providing immunological probes for differential
identification of the tissue(s) or cell type(s). For a number of
disorders of the above tissues or cells, particularly of the
hemopoietic and lymphoid systems, expression of this gene at
significantly higher or lower levels may be routinely detected in
certain tissues or cell types (e.g., cancerous and wounded tissues)
or bodily fluids (e.g., lymph, serum, plasma, urine, synovial fluid
and spinal fluid) or another tissue or cell sample taken from an
individual having such a disorder, relative to the standard gene
expression level, i.e., the expression level in healthy tissue or
bodily fluid from an individual not having the disorder. Preferred
polypeptides of the present invention comprise immunogenic epitopes
shown in SEQ ID NO: 106 as residues: Pro-135 to Ile-145, Trp-173 to
Gly-188, Pro-199 to Gln-219, Ser-225 to Ala-237, Pro-240 to
Gly-253, Ser-262 to Gly-275. Polynucleotides encoding said
polypeptides are also provided.
[0282] The tissue distribution in breast cancer tissue indicates
that polynucleotides and polypeptides corresponding to this gene
are useful for diagnosis and treatment of neoplasms of breast and
other organs.
[0283] The tissue distribution in immune cells (e.g., T-helper
cells) indicates polynucleotides and polypeptides corresponding to
this gene are useful for the diagnosis and treatment of a variety
of immune system disorders. Representative uses are described in
the "Immune Activity" and "Infectious Disease" sections below, in
Example 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, and 27, and elsewhere herein.
Briefly, the expression of this gene product indicates a role in
regulating the proliferation; survival; differentiation; and/or
activation of hematopoietic cell lineages, including blood stem
cells. This gene product is involved in the regulation of cytokine
production, antigen presentation, or other processes suggesting a
usefulness in the treatment of cancer (e.g., by boosting immune
responses). Since the gene is expressed in cells of lymphoid
origin, the natural gene product is involved in immune functions.
Therefore it is also useful as an agent for immunological disorders
including arthritis, asthma, immunodeficiency diseases such as
AIDS, leukemia, rheumatoid arthritis, granulomatous disease,
inflammatory bowel disease, sepsis, acne, neutropenia,
neutrophilia, psoriasis, hypersensitivities, such as T-cell
mediated cytotoxicity; immune reactions to transplanted organs and
tissues, such as host-versus-graft and graft-versus-host diseases,
or autoimmunity disorders, such as autoimmune infertility, lense
tissue injury, demyelination, systemic lupus erythematosis, drug
induced hemolytic anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's disease,
and scleroderma. Moreover, the protein may represent a secreted
factor that influences the differentiation or behavior of other
blood cells, or that recruits hematopoietic cells to sites of
injury. Thus, this gene product is thought to be useful in the
expansion of stem cells and committed progenitors of various blood
lineages, and in the differentiation and/or proliferation of
various cell types.
[0284] The tissue distribution in kidney indicates the protein
product of this gene could be used in the treatment and/or
detection of kidney diseases including renal failure, nephritus,
renal tubular acidosis, proteinuria, pyuria, edema, pyelonephritis,
hydronephritis, nephrotic syndrome, crush syndrome,
glomerulonephritis, hematuria, renal colic and kidney stones, in
addition to Wilm's Tumor Disease, and congenital kidney
abnormalities such as horseshoe kidney, polycystic kidney, and
Falconi's syndrome. Moreover, the expression within fetal tissue
and other cellular sources marked by proliferating cells indicates
this protein may play a role in the regulation of cellular
division, and may show utility in the diagnosis, treatment, and/or
prevention of developmental diseases and disorders, including
cancer, and other proliferative conditions. Representative uses are
described in the "Hyperproliferative Disorders" and "Regeneration"
sections below and elsewhere herein. Briefly, developmental tissues
rely on decisions involving cell differentiation and/or apoptosis
in pattern formation. Dysregulation of apoptosis can result in
inappropriate suppression of cell death, as occurs in the
development of some cancers, or in failure to control the extent of
cell death, as is believed to occur in acquired immunodeficiency
and certain neurodegenerative disorders, such as spinal muscular
atrophy (SMA). Because of potential roles in proliferation and
differentiation, this gene product may have applications in the
adult for tissue regeneration and the treatment of cancers. It may
also act as a morphogen to control cell and tissue type
specification. Therefore, the polynucleotides and polypeptides of
the present invention are useful in treating, detecting, and/or
preventing said disorders and conditions, in addition to other
types of degenerative conditions. Thus this protein may modulate
apoptosis or tissue differentiation and is useful in the detection,
treatment, and/or prevention of degenerative or proliferative
conditions and diseases. The protein is useful in modulating the
immune response to aberrant polypeptides, as may exist in
proliferating and cancerous cells and tissues. The protein can also
be used to gain new insight into the regulation of cellular growth
and proliferation. Furthermore, the protein may also be used to
determine biological activity, to raise antibodies, as tissue
markers, to isolate cognate ligands or receptors, to identify
agents that modulate their interactions, in addition to its use as
a nutritional supplement. Protein, as well as, antibodies directed
against the protein may show utility as a tumor marker and/or
immunotherapy targets for the above listed tissues.
[0285] Many polynucleotide sequences, such as EST sequences, are
publicly available and accessible through sequence databases. Some
of these sequences are related to SEQ ID NO:50 and may have been
publicly available prior to conception of the present invention.
Preferably, such related polynucleotides are specifically excluded
from the scope of the present invention. To list every related
sequence is cumbersome. Accordingly, preferably excluded from the
present invention are one or more polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence described by the general formula of a-b, where
a is any integer between 1 to 1223 of SEQ ID NO:50, b is an integer
of 15 to 1237, where both a and b correspond to the positions of
nucleotide residues shown in SEQ ID NO:50, and where b is greater
than or equal to a+14.
FEATURES OF PROTEIN ENCODED BY GENE NO: 41
[0286] The gene encoding the disclosed cDNA is believed to reside
on chromosome 16. Accordingly, polynucleotides related to this
invention are useful as a marker in linkage analysis for chromosome
16.
[0287] This gene is expressed primarily in adipose tissue, brain,
Hodgkin's lymphoma, and to a lesser extent in fetal tissue colon
tumor, synovium, salivary gland, immune cells (e.g.,neutrophils),
and other tissues.
[0288] Therefore, polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention
are useful as reagents for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s) present in a biological sample and for
diagnosis of diseases and conditions which include, but are not
limited to, neurodegenerative disorders, immune, or metabolic
disorders, particularly diseases or disorders of adipose tissue or
Hodgkin's lymphoma. Similarly, polypeptides and antibodies directed
to these polypeptides are useful in providing immunological probes
for differential identification of the tissue(s) or cell type(s).
For a number of disorders of the above tissues or cells,
particularly of the adipose tissues and immune system, expression
of this gene at significantly higher or lower levels may be
routinely detected in certain tissues or cell types (e.g.,immune,
adipose, and cancerous and wounded tissues) or bodily-fluids
(e.g.,lymph, serum, plasma, urine, synovial fluid and spinal fluid)
or another tissue or cell sample taken from an individual having
such a disorder, relative to the standard gene expression level,
i.e., the expression level in healthy tissue or bodily fluid from
an individual not having the disorder. Preferred polypeptides of
the present invention comprise immunogenic epitopes shown in SEQ ID
NO:107 as residues: Arg-54 to Leu-60, Ala-73 to Gly-78.
Polynucleotides encoding said polypeptides are also provided.
[0289] The tissue distribution in adipose tissue indicates that
polynucleotides and polypeptides corresponding to this gene are
useful for diagnosis and treatment of obesity, or other metabolic
disorders, such as Tay-Sachs disease, phenylkenonuria,
galactosemia, hyperlipidemias, porphyrias, and Hurler's syndrome,
in addition to various immune disorders and neoplasia.
[0290] The tissue distribution in brain indicates polynucleotides
and polypeptides corresponding to this gene are useful for the
detection, treatment, and/or prevention of neurodegenerative
disease states, behavioral disorders, or inflammatory conditions.
Representative uses are described in the "Regeneration" and
"Hyperproliferative Disorders" sections below, in Example 11, 15,
and 18, and elsewhere herein. Briefly, the uses include, but are
not limited to the detection, treatment, and/or prevention of
Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Huntington's Disease,
Tourette Syndrome, meningitis, encephalitis, demyelinating
diseases, peripheral neuropathies, neoplasia, trauma, congenital
malformations, spinal cord injuries, ischemia and infarction,
aneurysms, hemorrhages, schizophrenia, mania, dementia, paranoia,
obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, panic disorder, learning
disabilities, ALS, psychoses, autism, and altered behaviors,
including disorders in feeding, sleep patterns, balance, and
perception. In addition, elevated expression of this gene product
in regions of the brain indicates it plays a role in normal neural
function. Potentially, this gene product is involved in synapse
formation, neurotransmission, learning, cognition, homeostasis, or
neuronal differentiation or survival.
[0291] The tissue distribution in immune cells (e.g., neutrophils)
indicates polynucleotides and polypeptides corresponding to this
gene are useful for the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of
immune system disorders. Representative uses are described in the
"Immune Activity" and "Infectious Disease" sections below, in
Example 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, and 27, and elsewhere herein.
Briefly, the expression of this gene product indicates a role in
regulating the proliferation; survival; differentiation; and/or
activation of hematopoietic cell lineages, including blood stem
cells. This gene product is involved in the regulation of cytokine
production, antigen presentation, or other processes suggesting a
usefulness in the treatment of cancer (e.g., by boosting immune
responses). Since the gene is expressed in cells of lymphoid
origin, the natural gene product is involved in immune functions.
Therefore it is also useful as an agent for immunological disorders
including arthritis, asthma, immunodeficiency diseases such as
AIDS, leukemia, rheumatoid arthritis, granulomatous disease,
inflammatory bowel disease, sepsis, acne, neutropenia,
neutrophilia, psoriasis, hypersensitivities, such as T-cell
mediated cytotoxicity; immune reactions to transplanted organs and
tissues, such as host-versus-graft and graft-versus-host diseases,
or autoimmunity disorders, such as autoimmune infertility, lense
tissue injury, demyelination, systemic lupus erythematosis, drug
induced hemolytic anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's disease,
and scleroderma. Moreover, the protein may represent a secreted
factor that influences the differentiation or behavior of other
blood cells, or that recruits hematopoietic cells to sites of
injury. Thus, this gene product is thought to be useful in the
expansion of stem cells and committed progenitors of various blood
lineages, and in the differentiation and/or proliferation of
various cell types. In addition, the expression of this gene
product in synovium would suggest a role in the detection and
treatment of disorders and conditions afflicting the skeletal
system, in particular osteoporosis, bone cancer, connective tissue
disorders (e.g., arthritis, trauma, tendonitis, chrondomalacia and
inflammation). The protein is also useful in the diagnosis or
treatment of various autoimmune disorders (i.e., rheumatoid
arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, and dermatomyositis), dwarfism,
spinal deformation, joint abnormalities, and chondrodysplasias
(i.e. spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita, familial
osteoarthritis, Atelosteogenesis type II, metaphyseal
chondrodysplasia type Schmid, etc.). Furthermore, the protein may
also be used to determine biological activity, to raise antibodies,
as tissue markers, to isolate cognate ligands or receptors, to
identify agents that modulate their interactions, in addition to
its use as a nutritional supplement. Protein, as well as,
antibodies directed against the protein may show utility as a tumor
marker and/or immunotherapy targets for the above listed
tissues.
[0292] Many polynucleotide sequences, such as EST sequences, are
publicly available and accessible through sequence databases. Some
of these sequences are related to SEQ ID NO:51 and may have been
publicly available prior to conception of the present invention.
Preferably, such related polynucleotides are specifically excluded
from the scope of the present invention. To list every related
sequence is cumbersome. Accordingly, preferably excluded from the
present invention are one or more polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence described by the general formula of a-b, where
a is any integer between 1 to 1383 of SEQ ID NO:51, b is an integer
of 15 to 1397, where both a and b correspond to the positions of
nucleotide residues shown in SEQ ID NO:51, and where b is greater
than or equal to a+14.
FEATURES OF PROTEIN ENCODED BY GENE NO: 42
[0293] Polynucleotides of the invention do not comprise the nucleic
acid sequence shown as Genbank accession no.gblG15452lG15452, which
is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
[0294] Preferred polypeptides of the invention comprise the
following amino acid sequence:
19 RHERHEYRRALDHEEEALSSGSVQEAEAMLDEPQEQAEGSLTVYVISE
HSSLLPQDMMSYIGPKRTAVVRGIMHREAFNIIGRRIVQVAQAMSLTE
DVLAAALADHLPEDKWSAEKRRPLKSSLGYEITFSLLNPDPKSHDVYW
DIEGAVRRYVQPFLNALGAAGNFSVDSQILYYAMLGVNPRFDSASSSY
YLDMHSLPHVINPVESRLGSSAASLYPVLNFLLYVPELAHSPLYIQDK
DGAPVATNAFHSPRWGGJMVYNVDSKTYNASVLPVRVEYDMVRVMEVF
LAQLRLLFGTAQPQLPPKCLLSGPTSEGLMTWIELDRLLWARSVENLA
TATTTLTSLAQLLGKISNIYIKDDVASEVYKAVAAVQKSAEELASGHL
ASAFVASQEAVTSSELAFFDPSLLHLLYFPDDQKFAIYIPLFLPMAVP
ILLSLVKJFLETRKSWRKPEKTD (SEQ ID NO: 165).
[0295] Polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides are also
encompassed by the invention.
[0296] This gene is expressed primarily in immune and haemopoietic
cells, tumors of the ovaries, endometrium, and parathyroid.
[0297] Therefore, polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention
are useful as reagents for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s) present in a biological sample and for
diagnosis of diseases and conditions which include, but are not
limited to, immune or haemopoietic disorders, particularly cancers,
ovarian cancer, cancers of the endocrine system and endometrium,
and disorders of the retina. Similarly, polypeptides and antibodies
directed to these polypeptides are useful in providing
immunological probes for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s). For a number of disorders of the above
tissues or cells, particularly of the haemopoietic system,
expression of this gene at significantly higher or lower levels may
be routinely detected in certain tissues or cell types (e.g.,
immune, haemopoietic, and cancerous and wounded tissues) or bodily
fluids (e.g.,lymph, serum, plasma, urine, synovial fluid and spinal
fluid) or another tissue or cell sample taken from an individual
having such a disorder, relative to the standard gene expression
level, i.e., the expression level in healthy tissue or bodily fluid
from an individual not having the disorder. Preferred polypeptides
of the present invention comprise immunogenic epitopes shown in SEQ
ID NO: 108 as residues: Phe-11 to Gly-16, Pro-33 to Ser-42.
Polynucleotides encoding said polypeptides are also provided.
[0298] The tissue distribution in T-cells and bone marrow indicates
polynucleotides and polypeptides corresponding to this gene are
useful for the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of immune
system disorders. Representative uses are described in the "Immune
Activity" and "Infectious Disease" sections below, in Example 11,
13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, and 27, and elsewhere herein. Briefly, the
expression of this gene product indicates a role in regulating the
proliferation; survival; differentiation; and/or activation of
hematopoietic cell lineages, including blood stem cells. This gene
product is involved in the regulation of cytokine production,
antigen presentation, or other processes suggesting a usefulness in
the treatment of cancer (e.g., by boosting immune responses). Since
the gene is expressed in cells of lymphoid origin, the natural gene
product is involved in immune functions. Therefore it is also
useful as an agent for immunological disorders including arthritis,
asthma, immunodeficiency diseases such as AIDS, leukemia,
rheumatoid arthritis, granulomatous disease, inflammatory bowel
disease, sepsis, acne, neutropenia, neutrophilia, psoriasis,
hypersensitivities, such as T-cell mediated cytotoxicity; immune
reactions to transplanted organs and tissues, such as
host-versus-graft and graft-versus-host diseases, or autoimmunity
disorders, such as autoimmune infertility, lense tissue injury,
demyelination, systemic lupus erythematosis, drug induced hemolytic
anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's disease, and scleroderma.
Moreover, the protein may represent a secreted factor that
influences the differentiation or behavior of other blood cells, or
that recruits hematopoietic cells to sites of injury. Thus, this
gene product is thought to be useful in the expansion of stem cells
and committed progenitors of various blood lineages, and in the
differentiation and/or proliferation of various cell types.
Moreover, the expression within fetal tissue and other cellular
sources marked by proliferating cells indicates this protein may
play a role in the regulation of cellular division, and may show
utility in the diagnosis, treatment, and/or prevention of
developmental diseases and disorders, including cancer, and other
proliferative conditions. Representative uses are described in the
"Hyperproliferative Disorders" and "Regeneration" sections below
and elsewhere herein. Briefly, developmental tissues rely on
decisions involving cell differentiation and/or apoptosis in
pattern formation. Dysregulation of apoptosis can result in
inappropriate suppression of cell death, as occurs in the
development of some cancers, or in failure to control the extent of
cell death, as is believed to occur in acquired immunodeficiency
and certain neurodegenerative disorders, such as spinal muscular
atrophy (SMA). Because of potential roles in proliferation and
differentiation, this gene product may have applications in the
adult for tissue regeneration and the treatment of cancers. It may
also act as a morphogen to control cell and tissue type
specification. Therefore, the polynucleotides and polypeptides of
the present invention are useful in treating, detecting, and/or
preventing said disorders and conditions, in addition to other
types of degenerative conditions. Thus this protein may modulate
apoptosis or tissue differentiation and is useful in the detection,
treatment, and/or prevention of degenerative or proliferative
conditions and diseases. The protein is useful in modulating the
immune response to aberrant polypeptides, as may exist in
proliferating and cancerous cells and tissues. The protein can also
be used to gain new insight into the regulation of cellular growth
and proliferation. Furthermore, the protein may also be used to
determine biological activity, to raise antibodies, as tissue
markers, to isolate cognate ligands or receptors, to identify
agents that modulate their interactions, in addition to its use as
a nutritional supplement. Protein, as well as, antibodies directed
against the protein may show utility as a tumor marker and/or
immunotherapy targets for the above listed tissues.
[0299] Many polynucleotide sequences, such as EST sequences, are
publicly available and accessible through sequence databases. Some
of these sequences are related to SEQ ID NO:52 and may have been
publicly available prior to conception of the present invention.
Preferably, such related polynucleotides are specifically excluded
from the scope of the present invention. To list every related
sequence is cumbersome. Accordingly, preferably excluded from the
present invention are one or more polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence described by the general formula of a-b, where
a is any integer between 1 to 2257 of SEQ ID NO:52, b is an integer
of 15 to 2271, where both a and b correspond to the positions of
nucleotide residues shown in SEQ ID NO:52, and where b is greater
than or equal to a+14.
FEATURES OF PROTEIN ENCODED BY GENE NO: 43
[0300] The gene encoding the disclosed cDNA is believed to reside
on chromosome 19. Accordingly, polynucleotides related to this
invention are useful as a marker in linkage analysis for chromosome
19. The polypeptide of this gene has been determined to have a
transmembrane domain at about amino acid position 25-44 of the
amino acid sequence referenced in Table 1 for this gene. Based upon
these characteristics, it is believed that the protein product of
this gene shares structural features to type Ia membrane
proteins.
[0301] This gene is expressed primarily in infant brain, fetal
heart, uterine cancer, colon, metastatic melanoma, spleen, liver,
thymus and other cancers.
[0302] Therefore, polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention
are useful as reagents for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s) present in a biological sample and for
diagnosis of diseases and conditions which include, but are not
limited to, disorders of developing tissues, haemopoietic or immune
system, cardiovascular or musculoskeletal, or neural tissues,
uterine cancer and metastatic melanoma. Similarly, polypeptides and
antibodies directed to these polypeptides are useful in providing
immunological probes for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s). For a number of disorders of the above
tissues or cells, particularly of the immune system and developing
systems, expression of this gene at significantly higher or lower
levels may be routinely detected in certain tissues or cell types
(e.g.,neural, muscle, immune, hematopoietic, hepatic, developing,
differentiating, and cancerous and wounded tissues) or bodily
fluids (e.g.,lymph, bile, amniotic fluid, serum, plasma, urine,
synovial fluid and spinal fluid) or another tissue or cell sample
taken from an individual having such a disorder, relative to the
standard gene expression level, i.e., the expression level in
healthy tissue or bodily fluid from an individual not having the
disorder.
[0303] The tissue distribution in infant brain indicates that
polynucleotides and polypeptides corresponding to this gene are
useful for the detection/treatment of neurodegenerative disease
states, behavioural disorders, or inflamatory conditions such as
Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Huntingtons Disease,
Tourette Syndrome, meningitis, encephalitis, demyelinating
diseases, peripheral neuropathies, neoplasia, trauma, congenital
malformations, spinal cord injuries, ischemia and infarction,
aneurysms, hemorrhages, schizophrenia, mania, dementia, paranoia,
obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, learning
disabilities, ALS, psychoses, autism, and altered bahaviors,
including disorders in feeding, sleep patterns, balance, and
preception. In addition, the gene or gene product may also play a
role in the treatment and/or detection of developmental disorders
associated with the developing embryo, sexually-linked disorders,
or disorders of the cardiovascular system. Alternatively,
expression within embryonic tissue and other cellular sources
marked by proliferating cells indicates that this protein may play
a role in the regulation of cellular division, and may show utility
in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and other proliferative
disorders. Similarly, embryonic development also involves decisions
involving cell differentiation and/or apoptosis in pattern
formation. Thus this protein may also be involved in apoptosis or
tissue differentiation and could again be useful in cancer therapy.
The secreted protein can also be used to determine biological
activity, to raise antibodies, as tissue markers, to isolate
cognate ligands or receptors, to identify agents that modulate
their interactions and as nutritional supplements. It may also have
a very wide range of biological acitivities. Typical of these are
cytokine, cell proliferation/differenti- ation modulating activity
or induction of other cytokines;
immunostimulating/immunosuppressant activities (e.g., for treating
human immunodeficiency virus infection, cancer, autoimmune diseases
and allergy); regulation of hematopoiesis (e.g., for treating
anaemia or as adjunct to chemotherapy); stimulation or growth of
bone, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and/or nerves (e.g., for
treating wounds, stimulation of follicle stimulating hormone (for
control of fertility); chemotactic and chemokinetic activities
(e.g., for treating infections, tumors); hemostatic or thrombolytic
activity (e.g., for treating haemophilia, cardiac infarction etc.);
anti-inflammatory activity (e.g., for treating septic shock,
Crohn's disease); as antimicrobials; for treating psoriasis or
other hyperproliferative diseases; for regulation of metabolism,
and behaviour. Also contemplated is the use of the corresponding
nucleic acid in gene therapy procedures.
[0304] The tissue distribution in uterine cancer and metastatic
melanoma indicates that polynucleotides and polypeptides
corresponding to this gene are useful for the detection/treatment
of these cancers.
[0305] Many polynucleotide sequences, such as EST sequences, are
publicly available and accessible through sequence databases. Some
of these sequences are related to SEQ ID NO:53 and may have been
publicly available prior to conception of the present invention.
Preferably, such related polynucleotides are specifically excluded
from the scope of the present invention. To list every related
sequence is cumbersome. Accordingly, preferably excluded from the
present invention are one or more polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence described by the general formula of a-b, where
a is any integer between 1 to 2755 of SEQ ID NO:53, b is an integer
of 15 to 2769, where both a and b correspond to the positions of
nucleotide residues shown in SEQ ID NO:53, and where b is greater
than or equal to a+14.
FEATURES OF PROTEIN ENCODED BY GENE NO: 44
[0306] This gene shares sequence homology with Serglycin (see
GenSeq accession number Q44278; all references available through
this accession are hereby incorporated by reference herein.)
Serglycin is involved in the regulation of haematopoietic cell
function and development.
[0307] This gene is expressed primarily in brain frontal
cortex.
[0308] Therefore, polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention
are useful as reagents for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s) present in a biological sample and for
diagnosis of diseases and conditions which include, but are not
limited to, neurological and cognitive conditions. Similarly,
polypeptides and antibodies directed to these polypeptides are
useful in providing immunological probes for differential
identification of the tissue(s) or cell type(s). For a number of
disorders of the above tissues or cells, particularly of the
central nervous system (CNS), expression of this gene at
significantly higher or lower levels may be routinely detected in
certain tissues or cell types (e.g., cancerous and wounded tissues)
or bodily fluids (e.g., lymph, serum, plasma, urine, synovial fluid
and spinal fluid) or another tissue or cell sample taken from an
individual having such a disorder, relative to the standard gene
expression level, i.e., the expression level in healthy tissue or
bodily fluid from an individual not having the disorder. Preferred
polypeptides of the present invention comprise immunogenic epitopes
shown in SEQ ID NO: 110 as residues: Tyr-28 to Cys-40.
Polynucleotides encoding said polypeptides are also provided.
[0309] The tissue distribution indicates that polynucleotides and
polypeptides corresponding to this gene are useful for study and
treatment of central nervous system disorders, esp. schizophrenia,
neurodegenerative and memory disorders.
[0310] The tissue distribution in brain indicates polynucleotides
and polypeptides corresponding to this gene are useful for the
detection, treatment, and/or prevention of neurodegenerative
disease states, behavioral disorders, or inflammatory conditions.
Representative uses are described in the "Regeneration" and
"Hyperproliferative Disorders" sections below, in Example 11, 15,
and 18, and elsewhere herein. Briefly, the uses include, but are
not limited to the detection, treatment, and/or prevention of
Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Huntington's Disease,
Tourette Syndrome, meningitis, encephalitis, demyelinating
diseases, peripheral neuropathies, neoplasia, trauma, congenital
malformations, spinal cord injuries, ischemia and infarction,
aneurysms, hemorrhages, schizophrenia, mania, dementia, paranoia,
obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, panic disorder, learning
disabilities, ALS, psychoses, autism, and altered behaviors,
including disorders in feeding, sleep patterns, balance, and
perception. In addition, elevated expression of this gene product
in regions of the brain indicates it plays a role in normal neural
function. Potentially, this gene product is involved in synapse
formation, neurotransmission, learning, cognition, homeostasis, or
neuronal differentiation or survival. Furthermore, the protein may
also be used to determine biological activity, to raise antibodies,
as tissue markers, to isolate cognate ligands or receptors, to
identify agents that modulate their interactions, in addition to
its use as a nutritional supplement. Protein, as well as,
antibodies directed against the protein may show utility as a tumor
marker and/or immunotherapy targets for the above listed
tissues.
[0311] Many polynucleotide sequences, such as EST sequences, are
publicly available and accessible through sequence databases. Some
of these sequences are related to SEQ ID NO:54 and may have been
publicly available prior to conception of the present invention.
Preferably, such related polynucleotides are specifically excluded
from the scope of the present invention. To list every related
sequence is cumbersome. Accordingly, preferably excluded from the
present invention are one or more polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence described by the general formula of a-b, where
a is any integer between 1 to 1375 of SEQ ID NO:54, b is an integer
of 15 to 1389, where both a and b correspond to the positions of
nucleotide residues shown in SEQ ID NO:54, and where b is greater
than or equal to a+14.
FEATURES OF PROTEIN ENCODED BY GENE NO: 45
[0312] This gene is expressed primarily in human stomach.
[0313] Therefore, polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention
are useful as reagents for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s) present in a biological sample and for
diagnosis of diseases and conditions which include, but are not
limited to, gastrointestinal disorders, particularly gastritis,
stomach ulcers, and stomach cancer. Similarly, polypeptides and
antibodies directed to these polypeptides are useful in providing
immunological probes for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s). For a number of disorders of the above
tissues or cells, particularly of the gastrointestinal system,
expression of this gene at significantly higher or lower levels may
be routinely detected in certain tissues or cell types (e.g.,
gastrointesinal, endothelial, and cancerous and wounded tissues) or
bodily fluids (e.g., lymph, bile, serum, plasma, urine, synovial
fluid and spinal fluid) or another tissue or cell sample taken from
an individual having such a disorder, relative to the standard gene
expression level, i.e., the expression level in healthy tissue or
bodily fluid from an individual not having the disorder.
[0314] The tissue distribution in stomach cells and tissues
indicates that polynucleotides and polypeptides corresponding to
this gene are useful for treating or diagnosing disease involving
the stomach such as inflammation, ulceration or cancers.
Furthermore, the protein may also be used to determine biological
activity, to raise antibodies, as tissue markers, to isolate
cognate ligands or receptors, to identify agents that modulate
their interactions, in addition to its use as a nutritional
supplement. Protein, as well as, antibodies directed against the
protein may show utility as a tumor marker and/or immunotherapy
targets for the above listed tissues.
[0315] Many polynucleotide sequences, such as EST sequences, are
publicly available and accessible through sequence databases. Some
of these sequences are related to SEQ ID NO:55 and may have been
publicly available prior to conception of the present invention.
Preferably, such related polynucleotides are specifically excluded
from the scope of the present invention. To list every related
sequence is cumbersome. Accordingly, preferably excluded from the
present invention are one or more polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence described by the general formula of a-b, where
a is any integer between 1 to 734 of SEQ ID NO:55, b is an integer
of 15 to 748, where both a and b correspond to the positions of
nucleotide residues shown in SEQ ID NO:55, and where b is greater
than or equal to a+14.
FEATURES OF PROTEIN ENCODED BY GENE NO: 46
[0316] The gene encoding the disclosed cDNA is believed to reside
on chromosome 11. Accordingly, polynucleotides related to this
invention are useful as a marker in linkage analysis for chromosome
11.
[0317] This gene is expressed primarily in brain and fetal liver,
and to a lesser extent, in other cell types.
[0318] Therefore, polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention
are useful as reagents for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s) present in a biological sample and for
diagnosis of diseases and conditions which include, but are not
limited to, developmental, neurological, behavioral, hepatic or
immune diseases and/or disorders. Similarly, polypeptides and
antibodies directed to these polypeptides are useful in providing
immunological probes for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s). For a number of disorders of the above
tissues or cells, particularly of the immune or nervous systems,
expression of this gene at significantly higher or lower levels may
be routinely detected in certain tissues or cell types
(e.g.,hepatic, immune, hematopoietic, neural, and cancerous and
wounded tissues) or bodily fluids (e.g.,lymph, bile, amniotic
fluid, serum, plasma, urine, synovial fluid and spinal fluid) or
another tissue or cell sample taken from an individual having such
a disorder, relative to the standard gene expression level, i.e.,
the expression level in healthy tissue or bodily fluid from an
individual not having the disorder. Preferred polypeptides of the
present invention comprise immunogenic epitopes shown in SEQ ID NO:
112 as residues: Ala-24 to Lys-31. Polynucleotides encoding said
polypeptides are also provided.
[0319] The tissue distribution of this gene predominantly in fetal
liver indicates that the gene could be important for the treatment
or detection of immune or hematopoietic disorders including
arthritis, asthma, immunodeficiency diseases and leukemia.
Representative uses are described in the "Regeneration" and
"Hyperproliferative Disorders" sections below, in Example 11, 15,
and 18, and elsewhere herein. Briefly, the uses include, but are
not limited to the detection, treatment, and/or prevention of
neurodegenerative disease states and behavioural disorders such as
Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Huntington's Disease,
schizophrenia, mania, dementia, paranoia, obsessive compulsive
disorder and panic disorder. Furthermore, the protein may also be
used to determine biological activity, to raise antibodies, as
tissue markers, to isolate cognate ligands or receptors, to
identify agents that modulate their interactions, in addition to
its use as a nutritional supplement. Protein, as well as,
antibodies directed against the protein may show utility as a tumor
marker and/or immunotherapy targets for the above listed
tissues.
[0320] Many polynucleotide sequences, such as EST sequences, are
publicly available and accessible through sequence databases. Some
of these sequences are related to SEQ ID NO:56 and may have been
publicly available prior to conception of the present invention.
Preferably, such related polynucleotides are specifically excluded
from the scope of the present invention. To list every related
sequence is cumbersome. Accordingly, preferably excluded from the
present invention are one or more polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence described by the general formula of a-b, where
a is any integer between 1 to 4188 of SEQ ID NO:56, b is an integer
of 15 to 4202, where both a and b correspond to the positions of
nucleotide residues shown in SEQ ID NO:56, and where b is greater
than or equal to a+14.
FEATURES OF PROTEIN ENCODED BY GENE NO: 47
[0321] Preferred polypeptides of the invention comprise the
following amino acid sequence:
20 KLLLTKVEQKLELARLQVDTSGSKEFGTSGIPAKCRFPKIFVNTDDTYEEL
HLIVYKVTTVFLPAL (SEQ ID NO: 166).
[0322] Polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides are also
encompassed by the invention.
[0323] This gene is expressed primarily in brain and lymph node of
breast cancer.
[0324] Therefore, polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention
are useful as reagents for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s) present in a biological sample and for
diagnosis of diseases and conditions which include, but are not
limited to, breast cancer and neural disorders, particular
neurodegenerative, neurological, or psycholigical disorders.
Similarly, polypeptides and antibodies directed to these
polypeptides are useful in providing immunological probes for
differential identification of the tissue(s) or cell type(s). For a
number of disorders of the above tissues or cells, particularly of
the nervous system, expression of this gene at significantly higher
or lower levels may be routinely detected in certain tissues or
cell types (e.g., neural, cancerous and wounded tissues) or bodily
fluids (e.g.,lymph, serum, plasma, urine, synovial fluid and spinal
fluid) or another tissue or cell sample taken from an individual
having such a disorder, relative to the standard gene expression
level, i.e., the expression level in healthy tissue or bodily fluid
from an individual not having the disorder.
[0325] The tissue distribution in brain indicates that
polynucleotides and polypeptides corresponding to this gene are
useful for diagnosis and treatment of neurological and
psychological disorders, including but not limited to: trauma,
congenital malformations, spinal cord injuries, ischemia and
infarction, aneurysms, hemorrhages, toxic neuropathies induced by
neurotoxins, inflammatory diseases such as meningitis and
encephalitis, demyelinating diseases, neurodegenrative diseases
such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's
disease, peripheral neuropathies, multiple sclerosis, neoplasia of
neuroectodermal origin, etc. In addition, the secreted protein can
be used to determine biological activity, to raise antibodies, as
tissue markers, to isolate cognate ligands or receptors, to
identify agents that modulate their interactions and as nutritional
supplements. It may also have a very wide range of biological
activities although no evidence for any is provided in the
specification. Typical of these are cytokine, cell
proliferation/differentiation modulating activity or induction of
other cytokines; immunostimulating/immunosuppressant activities
(e.g., for treating human immunodeficiency virus infection, cancer,
autoimmune diseases and allergy); regulation of haematopoiesis
(e.g., for treating anaemia or as adjunct to chemotherapy);
stimulation of growth of bone, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and/or
nerves (e.g., for treating wounds, periodontal disease,
neurological diseases stroke, fibrosis); inhibition or stimulation
of follicle stimulating hormone (for control of fertility);
chemotactic and chemokinetic activities (e.g., for treating,
infections, tumours); haemostatic or thrombolytic activity (e.g.,
for treating haemophilia, cardiac infarction etc.);
anti-inflammatory activity (e.g., for treating septic shock,
Crohn's disease); as antimicrobials; for treating psoriasis or
other hyperproliferative disease; for regulation of metabolism,
behaviour, and many others. Also contemplated is the use of the
corresponding nucleic acid in gene therapy procedures.
[0326] The tissue distribution in cancerous breast tissue indicates
polynucleotides and polypeptides corresponding to this gene are
useful for the detection, treatment, and/or prevention of breast
cancer, and cancer in general. Furthermore, the protein may also be
used to determine biological activity, to raise antibodies, as
tissue markers, to isolate cognate ligands or receptors, to
identify agents that modulate their interactions, in addition to
its use as a nutritional supplement. Protein, as well as,
antibodies directed against the protein may show utility as a tumor
marker and/or immunotherapy targets for the above listed
tissues.
[0327] Many polynucleotide sequences, such as EST sequences, are
publicly available and accessible through sequence databases. Some
of these sequences are related to SEQ ID NO:57 and may have been
publicly available prior to conception of the present invention.
Preferably, such related polynucleotides are specifically excluded
from the scope of the present invention. To list every related
sequence is cumbersome. Accordingly, preferably excluded from the
present invention are one or more polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence described by the general formula of a-b, where
a is any integer between 1 to 840 of SEQ ID NO:57, b is an integer
of 15 to 854, where both a and b correspond to the positions of
nucleotide residues shown in SEQ ID NO:57, and where b is greater
than or equal to a+14.
FEATURES OF PROTEIN ENCODED BY GENE NO: 48
[0328] A preferred polypeptide fragment of the invention comprises
the following amino acid sequence:
21 MEPQLGPEAAALRPGWLALLLWVSALSCSFSLPASSLSSLVPQVRT
SYNFGRTFLGLDKCNACIGTSICKKFFKERNKI (SEQ ID NO: 167).
[0329] Polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides are also
provided.
[0330] In another embodiment, polypeptides comprising the amino
acid sequence of the open reading frame upstream of the predicted
signal peptide are contemplated by the present invention.
Specifically, polypeptides of the invention comprise the following
amino acid sequence:
22 QLPLWPSPASVQPRVDSQRARGSPEPKMEPQLGPEAAALRPGWLALLLW
VSALSCSFSLPASSLSSLVPQVRTSYNFGRTFLGLDKCNACIGTSICKKF
FKEEIRSDNWLASHLGLPPDSLLSYPANYSDDSKJWRPVEIFRLVSKYQN
EISDRKICASASAPKTCSTERVLRKTERFQKWLQAKRLTPDLVQDCHQGQ RELKFLCMLR (SEQ
ID NO: 168).
[0331] Polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides are also
provided.
[0332] A preferred polypeptide variant of the invention comprises
the following amino acid sequence:
23 MEPQLGPEAAALRPGWLALLLWVSALSCSFSLPASSLSSLVPQVRT
SYNFGRTFLGLDKCNACIGTSICKKFFKEEIRSDNWLASHLGTASR
FPLXSYPCKLLQMIXKIWXPCGXLLTGQQXSNBISKQEJXCLLHPP PKNLHIDV (SEQ ID NO:
169).
[0333] Polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides are also
provided.
[0334] This gene is expressed primarily in endothelial cells, and
to a lesser extent, in the adult pulmonary system.
[0335] Therefore, polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention
are useful as reagents for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s) present in a biological sample and for
diagnosis of diseases and conditions which include, but are not
limited to, vascular and pulmonary diseases and/or disorders,
particularly atherosclerosis, and microvascular disease. Similarly,
polypeptides and antibodies directed to these polypeptides are
useful in providing immunological probes for differential
identification of the tissue(s) or cell type(s). For a number of
disorders of the above tissues or cells, particularly of the
pulmonary and vascular systems, expression of this gene at
significantly higher or lower levels may be routinely detected in
certain tissues or cell types (e.g.,endothelial, pulmonary,
cardiovascular, and cancerous and wounded tissues) or bodily fluids
(e.g.,lymph, pulmonary surfactant, serum, plasma, urine, synovial
fluid and spinal fluid) or another tissue or cell sample taken from
an individual having such a disorder, relative to the standard gene
expression level, i.e., the expression level in healthy tissue or
bodily fluid from an individual not having the disorder. Preferred
polypeptides of the present invention comprise immunogenic epitopes
shown in SEQ ID NO: 114 as residues: Arg-45 to Gly-51, Glu-75 to
Asn-81, Ala-99 to Ile-107, Lys-119 to Asp-126, Leu-145 to Gln-152.
Polynucleotides encoding said polypeptides are also provided.
[0336] The tissue distribution of this gene in the pulmonary
system, and in particular endothelial cells, indicates that it
could play a role in the treatment/detection of lung lymphoma or
sarcoma formation, pulmonary edema and embolism, bronchitis and
cystic fibrosis. Expression in endothelial cells suggest a role in
the treatment and/or detection of vascular disorders including
vasculitis, cardiovascular disorders such as myocardial infarction,
myocarditis, ischemia and stroke. Furthermore, the protein may also
be used to determine biological activity, to raise antibodies, as
tissue markers, to isolate cognate ligands or receptors, to
identify agents that modulate their interactions, in addition to
its use as a nutritional supplement. Protein, as well as,
antibodies directed against the protein may show utility as a tumor
marker and/or immunotherapy targets for the above listed
tissues.
[0337] Many polynucleotide sequences, such as EST sequences, are
publicly available and accessible through sequence databases. Some
of these sequences are related to SEQ ID NO:58 and may have been
publicly available prior to conception of the present invention.
Preferably, such related polynucleotides are specifically excluded
from the scope of the present invention. To list every related
sequence is cumbersome. Accordingly, preferably excluded from the
present invention are one or more polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence described by the general formula of a-b, where
a is any integer between 1 to 1441 of SEQ ID NO:58, b is an integer
of 15 to 1455, where both a and b correspond to the positions of
nucleotide residues shown in SEQ ID NO:58, and where b is greater
than or equal to a+14.
FEATURES OF PROTEIN ENCODED BY GENE NO: 49
[0338] In another embodiment, polypeptides comprising the amino
acid sequence of the open reading frame upstream of the predicted
signal peptide are contemplated by the present invention.
Specifically, polypeptides of the invention comprise the following
amino acid sequence:
24 GPRARVQGESGADIYKFMALGSMYLVLTLIVAKVLRGAEPCCG
PLKNRVLRPCPLPVHCPLPIPSPAEGIPWVAYLPIRWFISCCP GHCIQIPMCTS (SEQ ID
NO:170).
[0339] Polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides are also
provided.
[0340] This gene is expressed primarily in kidney, and to a lesser
extent, in a wide variety of human tissues.
[0341] Therefore, polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention
are useful as reagents for differential identification of the
tissue(s) or cell type(s) present in a biological sample and for
diagnosis of diseases and conditions which include, but are not
limited to, renal or urogenital diseases and/or disorders,
particularly kidney cancer or nephritis. Similarly, polypeptides
and antibodies directed to these polypeptides are useful in
providing immunological probes for differential identification of
the tissue(s) or cell type(s). For a number of disorders of the
above tissues or cells, particularly of the urological or renal
system, expression of this gene at significantly higher or lower
levels may be routinely detected in certain tissues or cell types
(e.g., renal, urogenital, and cancerous and wounded tissues) or
bodily fluids (e.g., lymph, serum, plasma, urine, synovial fluid
and spinal fluid) or another tissue or cell sample taken from an
individual having such a disorder, relative to the standard gene
expression level, i.e., the expression level in healthy tissue or
bodily fluid from an individual not having the disorder.
[0342] The tissue distribution in kidney indicates that this gene
or gene product could be used in the treatment and/or detection of
kidney diseases including renal failure, nephritus, renal tubular
acidosis, proteinuria, pyuria, edema, pyelonephritis,
hydronephritis, nephrotic syndrome, crush syndrome,
glomerulonephritis, hematuria, renal colic and kidney stones, in
addition to Wilms Tumor Disease, and congenital kidney
abnormalities such as horseshoe kidney, polycystic kidney, and
Falconi's syndrome. Representative uses are described here and
elsewhere herein. Furthermore, the protein may also be used to
determine biological activity, raise antibodies, as tissue markers,
to isolate cognate ligands or receptors, to identify agents that
modulate their interactions, in addition to its use as a
nutritional supplement. Protein, as well as, antibodies directed
against the protein may show utility as a tumor marker and/or
immunotherapy targets for the above listed tissues.
[0343] Many polynucleotide sequences, such as EST sequences, are
publicly available and accessible through sequence databases. Some
of these sequences are related to SEQ ID NO:59 and may have been
publicly available prior to conception of the present invention.
Preferably, such related polynucleotides are specifically excluded
from the scope of the present invention. To list every related
sequence is cumbersome. Accordingly, preferably excluded from the
present invention are one or more polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence described by the general formula of a-b, where
a is any integer between 1 to 579 of SEQ ID NO:59, b is an integer
of 15 to 593, where both a and b correspond to the positions of
nucleotide residues shown in SEQ ID NO:59, and where b is greater
than or equal to a+14.
25TABLE 1 5' NT NT of AA First Last ATCC SEQ 5' NT 3' NT 5' NT
First SEQ AA AA First Last Deposit ID Total of of of AA of ID of of
AA of AA Gene cDNA No: Z NO: NT Clone Clone Start Signal NO: Sig
Sig Secreted of No. Clone ID and Date Vector X Seq. Seq. Seq. Codon
Pep Y Pep Pep Portion ORF 1 HKGCN17 203105 pSport1 11 3289 1 3289
218 218 67 1 23 24 155 08/13/98 2 HETAD68 203081 Uni-ZAP XR 12 2342
1 2342 84 84 68 1 32 33 69 07/30/98 3 HPIAT78 203081 Uni-ZAP XR 13
1666 1 1666 30 30 69 1 29 30 501 07/30/98 4 HMWGY65 203105 Uni-ZAP
XR 14 2027 1 1976 42 42 70 1 21 22 188 08/13/98 5 HDTAB58 203081
pCMVSport 15 2334 1874 2334 133 133 71 1 33 34 486 07/30/98 2.0 5
HDTAB58 203081 pCMVSport 60 496 159 496 223 223 116 1 37 38 48
07/30/98 2.0 6 HEOMQ62 203105 pSport1 16 2608 1 2608 130 130 72 1
24 25 87 08/13/98 7 HWLJQ88 203081 pSport1 17 1291 1 1291 114 114
73 1 30 31 299 07/30/98 7 HWLJQ88 203081 pSport1 61 1292 1 1292 403
403 117 1 25 26 203 07/30/98 8 HMICP03 203105 Uni-ZAP XR 18 3129 1
3129 86 86 74 1 34 35 47 08/13/98 9 HAJAB01 203105 pCMVSport 19
3629 1 3629 147 147 75 1 15 16 43 08/13/98 3.0 10 HE2AT09 203105
Uni-ZAP XR 20 1144 437 1144 435 435 76 1 17 18 140 08/13/98 11
HSDJA15 203081 Uni-ZAP XR 21 1443 1 1443 247 247 77 1 20 21 152
07/30/98 12 HAMGW29 203105 pCMVSport 22 1053 12 1053 25 25 78 1 27
28 179 08/13/98 3.0 13 HAPSR85 203081 Uni-ZAP XR 23 741 1 741 428
428 79 1 21 22 69 07/30/98 14 HTOHD42 203081 Uni-ZAP XR 24 946 1
946 155 155 80 1 24 25 190 07/30/98 15 HWLIH65 203081 pSport1 25
831 1 831 129 129 81 1 18 19 165 07/30/98 16 HTOJA73 203105 Uni-ZAP
XR 26 1294 1 1294 100 100 82 1 21 22 41 08/13/98 17 HPMGJ45 203105
Uni-ZAP XR 27 1656 1 1656 119 119 83 1 25 26 48 08/13/98 18 HFVIC62
203105 pBluescript 28 1350 1 1350 114 114 84 1 31 32 56 08/13/98 19
HHENW77 203105 pCMVSport 29 1766 1 1714 205 205 85 1 19 20 42
08/13/98 3.0 20 HMSIV91 203105 Uni-ZAP XR 30 2790 1 2790 95 95 86 1
19 20 40 08/13/98 21 HMSKC04 203105 Uni-ZAP XR 31 1417 1 1417 133
133 87 1 22 23 73 08/13/98 22 HSAZG33 203105 Uni-ZAP XR 32 1906 1
1906 122 122 88 1 23 24 46 08/13/98 23 HTEBC92 203081 Uni-ZAP XR 33
543 1 543 63 63 89 1 22 23 62 07/30/98 23 HTEBC92 209215 Uni-ZAP XR
62 398 241 398 156 118 1 13 14 18 08/21/97 24 HTXEL29 203081
Uni-ZAP XR 34 1452 1 1452 322 322 90 1 25 26 69 07/30/98 24 HTXEL29
209090 Uni-ZAP XR 63 1202 1 1202 294 119 1 12 06/05/97 25 HDPAW44
203105 pCMVSport 35 2908 1 2908 40 40 91 1 30 31 56 08/13/98 3.0 26
HMACS20 203105 Uni-ZAP XR 36 953 1 953 227 227 92 1 43 44 67
08/13/98 27 HAJAY88 203105 pCMVSport 37 3864 1 3864 201 201 93 1 25
26 44 08/13/98 3.0 28 HBOEG69 203081 pSport1 38 1411 1 1411 302 302
94 1 19 20 54 07/30/98 29 HWLEQ37 203081 pSport1 39 1182 1 1182 110
110 95 1 19 20 40 07/30/98 30 HE9CS37 203105 Uni-ZAP XR 40 2457 65
2454 183 183 96 1 22 23 40 08/13/98 31 HNGEI34 203105 Uni-ZAP XR 41
1847 1 1847 70 70 97 1 18 19 49 08/13/98 32 HTOAT76 203105 Uni-ZAP
XR 42 2597 1 2597 100 100 98 1 41 42 57 08/13/98 33 HDPVH60 203105
pCMVSport 43 3116 1 3100 8 8 99 1 45 46 51 08/13/98 3.0 34 HLYCR65
203105 pSport1 44 3460 1 3460 28 28 100 1 19 20 44 08/13/98 35
HARAY91 203105 pBluescript 45 2622 1 2622 214 214 101 1 46 47 57
08/13/98 SK- 36 HCHNT03 203105 pSport1 46 1984 133 1984 228 228 102
1 17 18 40 08/13/98 37 HCUBW95 203105 ZAP Express 47 1987 1 1987
131 131 103 1 20 21 142 08/13/98 38 HDPLV95 203105 pCMVSport 48
2113 1 2113 12 12 104 1 18 19 43 08/13/98 3.0 39 HEMGB12 203105
Uni-ZAP XR 49 3465 1 3438 78 78 105 1 48 49 62 08/13/98 40 HHENP27
203105 pCMVSport 50 1237 1 1237 12 12 106 1 22 23 282 08/13/98 3.0
41 HSPBF70 203105 pSport1 51 1397 288 1397 429 429 107 1 19 20 97
08/13/98 42 HTXKB57 203105 Uni-ZAP XR 52 2271 1 2271 290 290 108 1
16 17 61 08/13/98 43 HUKAA55 203105 Lambda ZAP 53 2769 129 2769 263
263 109 1 32 33 46 08/13/98 II 44 HFXGT58 203105 Lambda ZAP 54 1389
12 1389 238 238 110 1 28 29 46 08/13/98 II 45 HROAS46 203081
Uni-ZAP XR 55 748 1 748 123 123 111 1 19 20 41 07/30/98 46 HUSFF19
203081 pBluescript 56 4202 863 2447 1080 1080 112 1 20 21 41
07/30/98 47 HBWBX21 203105 ZAP Express 57 854 1 854 201 201 113 1
17 18 43 08/13/98 48 HUVDJ43 203081 Uni-ZAP XR 58 1455 103 1455 128
128 114 1 31 32 182 07/30/98 48 HUVDJ43 203081 Uni-ZAP XR 64 1517 1
1517 133 133 120 1 31 32 79 07/30/98 48 HUVDJ43 203027 Uni-ZAP XR
65 526 69 526 89 89 121 1 31 32 146 06/26/97 49 HTLCU49 203081
Uni-ZAP XR 59 593 1 593 170 170 115 1 20 21 80 07/30/98 49 HTLCU49
203027 Uni-ZAP XR 66 664 1 664 249 249 122 1 20 21 80 06/26/97
[0344] Table 1 summarizes the information corresponding to each
"Gene No." described above. The nucleotide sequence identified as
"NT SEQ ID NO:X" was assembled from partially homologous
("overlapping") sequences obtained from the "cDNA clone ID"
identified in Table 1 and, in some cases, from additional related
DNA clones. The overlapping sequences were assembled into a single
contiguous sequence of high redundancy (usually three to five
overlapping sequences at each nucleotide position), resulting in a
final sequence identified as SEQ ID NO:X.
[0345] The cDNA Clone ID was deposited on the date and given the
corresponding deposit number listed in "ATCC Deposit No:Z and
Date." Some of the deposits contain multiple different clones
corresponding to the same gene. "Vector" refers to the type of
vector contained in the cDNA Clone ID.
[0346] "Total NT Seq." refers to the total number of nucleotides in
the contig identified by "Gene No." The deposited clone may contain
all or most of these sequences, reflected by the nucleotide
position indicated as "5' NT of Clone Seq." and the "3' NT of Clone
Seq." of SEQ ID NO:X. The nucleotide position of SEQ ID NO:X of the
putative start codon (methionine) is identified as "5' NT of Start
Codon." Similarly, the nucleotide position of SEQ ID NO:X of the
predicted signal sequence is identified as "5' NT of First AA of
Signal Pep."
[0347] The translated amino acid sequence, beginning with the
methionine, is identified as "AA SEQ ID NO:Y," although other
reading frames can also be easily translated using known molecular
biology techniques. The polypeptides produced by these alternative
open reading frames are specifically contemplated by the present
invention.
[0348] The first and last amino acid position of SEQ ID NO:Y of the
predicted signal peptide is identified as "First AA of Sig Pep" and
"Last AA of Sig Pep." The predicted first amino acid position of
SEQ ID NO:Y of the secreted portion is identified as "Predicted
First AA of Secreted Portion." Finally, the amino acid position of
SEQ ID NO:Y of the last amino acid in the open reading frame is
identified as "Last AA of ORF."
[0349] SEQ ID NO:X (where X may be any of the polynucleotide
sequences disclosed in the sequence listing) and the translated SEQ
ID NO:Y (where Y may be any of the polypeptide sequences disclosed
in the sequence listing) are sufficiently accurate and otherwise
suitable for a variety of uses well known in the art and described
further below. For instance, SEQ ID NO:X is useful for designing
nucleic acid hybridization probes that will detect nucleic acid
sequences contained in SEQ ID NO:X or the cDNA contained in the
deposited clone. These probes will also hybridize to nucleic acid
molecules in biological samples, thereby enabling a variety of
forensic and diagnostic methods of the invention. Similarly,
polypeptides identified from SEQ ID NO:Y may be used, for example,
to generate antibodies which bind specifically to proteins
containing the polypeptides and the secreted proteins encoded by
the cDNA clones identified in Table 1.
[0350] Nevertheless, DNA sequences generated by sequencing
reactions can contain sequencing errors. The errors exist as
misidentified nucleotides, or as insertions or deletions of
nucleotides in the generated DNA sequence. The erroneously inserted
or deleted nucleotides cause frame shifts in the reading frames of
the predicted amino acid sequence. In these cases, the predicted
amino acid sequence diverges from the actual amino acid sequence,
even though the generated DNA sequence may be greater than 99.9%
identical to the actual DNA sequence (for example, one base
insertion or deletion in an open reading frame of over 1000
bases).
[0351] Accordingly, for those applications requiring precision in
the nucleotide sequence or the amino acid sequence, the present
invention provides not only the generated nucleotide sequence
identified as SEQ ID NO:X and the predicted translated amino acid
sequence identified as SEQ ID NO:Y, but also a sample of plasmid
DNA containing a human cDNA of the invention deposited with the
ATCC, as set forth in Table 1. The nucleotide sequence of each
deposited clone can readily be determined by sequencing the
deposited clone in accordance with known methods. The predicted
amino acid sequence can then be verified from such deposits.
Moreover, the amino acid sequence of the protein encoded by a
particular clone can also be directly determined by peptide
sequencing or by expressing the protein in a suitable host cell
containing the deposited human cDNA, collecting the protein, and
determining its sequence.
[0352] The present invention also relates to the genes
corresponding to SEQ ID NO:X, SEQ ID NO:Y, or the deposited clone.
The corresponding gene can be isolated in accordance with known
methods using the sequence information disclosed herein. Such
methods include preparing probes or primers from the disclosed
sequence and identifying or amplifying the corresponding gene from
appropriate sources of genomic material.
[0353] Also provided in the present invention are allelic variants,
orthologs, and/or species homologs. Procedures known in the art can
be used to obtain full-length genes, allelic variants, splice
variants, full-length coding portions, orthologs, and/or species
homologs of genes corresponding to SEQ ID NO:X, SEQ ID NO:Y, or a
deposited clone, using information from the sequences disclosed
herein or the clones deposited with the ATCC. For example, allelic
variants and/or species homologs may be isolated and identified by
making suitable probes or primers from the sequences provided
herein and screening a suitable nucleic acid source for allelic
variants and/or the desired homologue.
[0354] The polypeptides of the invention can be prepared in any
suitable manner. Such polypeptides include isolated naturally
occurring polypeptides, recombinantly produced polypeptides,
synthetically produced polypeptides, or polypeptides produced by a
combination of these methods. Means for preparing such polypeptides
are well understood in the art.
[0355] The polypeptides may be in the form of the secreted protein,
including the mature form, or may be a part of a larger protein,
such as a fusion protein (see below). It is often advantageous to
include an additional amino acid sequence which contains secretory
or leader sequences, pro-sequences, sequences which aid in
purification, such as multiple histidine residues, or an additional
sequence for stability during recombinant production.
[0356] The polypeptides of the present invention are preferably
provided in an isolated form, and preferably are substantially
purified. A recombinantly produced version of a polypeptide,
including the secreted polypeptide, can be substantially purified
using techniques described herein or otherwise known in the art,
such as, for example, by the one-step method described in Smith and
Johnson, Gene 67:31-40 (1988). Polypeptides of the invention also
can be purified from natural, synthetic or recombinant sources
using techniques described herein or otherwise known in the art,
such as, for example, antibodies of the invention raised against
the secreted protein.
[0357] The present invention provides a polynucleotide comprising,
or alternatively consisting of, the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID
NO:X, and/or a cDNA contained in ATCC deposit Z. The present
invention also provides a polypeptide comprising, or alternatively,
consisting of, the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO:Y and/or a
polypeptide encoded by the cDNA contained in ATCC deposit Z.
Polynucleotides encoding a polypeptide comprising, or alternatively
consisting of the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO:Y and/or a
polypeptide sequence encoded by the cDNA contained in ATCC deposit
Z are also encompassed by the invention.
[0358] Signal Sequences
[0359] The present invention also encompasses mature forms of the
polypeptide having the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO:Y and/or
the polypeptide sequence encoded by the cDNA in a deposited clone.
Polynucleotides encoding the mature forms (such as, for example,
the polynucleotide sequence in SEQ ID NO:X and/or the
polynucleotide sequence contained in the cDNA of a deposited clone)
are also encompassed by the invention. According to the signal
hypothesis, proteins secreted by mammalian cells have a signal or
secretary leader sequence which is cleaved from the mature protein
once export of the growing protein chain across the rough
endoplasmic reticulum has been initiated. Most mammalian cells and
even insect cells cleave secreted proteins with the same
specificity. However, in some cases, cleavage of a secreted protein
is not entirely uniform, which results in two or more mature
species of the protein. Further, it has long been known that
cleavage specificity of a secreted protein is ultimately determined
by the primary structure of the complete protein, that is, it is
inherent in the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide.
[0360] Methods for predicting whether a protein has a signal
sequence, as well as the cleavage point for that sequence, are
available. For instance, the method of McGeoch, Virus Res.
3:271-286 (1985), uses the information from a short N-terminal
charged region and a subsequent uncharged region of the complete
(uncleaved) protein. The method of von Heinje, Nucleic Acids Res.
14:4683-4690 (1986) uses the information from the residues
surrounding the cleavage site, typically residues -13 to +2, where
+1 indicates the amino terminus of the secreted protein. The
accuracy of predicting the cleavage points of known mammalian
secretory proteins for each of these methods is in the range of
75-80%. (von Heinje, supra.) However, the two methods do not always
produce the same predicted cleavage point(s) for a given
protein.
[0361] In the present case, the deduced amino acid sequence of the
secreted polypeptide was analyzed by a computer program called
SignalP (Henrik Nielsen et al., Protein Engineering 10:1-6 (1997)),
which predicts the cellular location of a protein based on the
amino acid sequence. As part of this computational prediction of
localization, the methods of McGeoch and von Heinje are
incorporated. The analysis of the amino acid sequences of the
secreted proteins described herein by this program provided the
results shown in Table 1.
[0362] As one of ordinary skill would appreciate, however, cleavage
sites sometimes vary from organism to organism and cannot be
predicted with absolute certainty. Accordingly, the present
invention provides secreted polypeptides having a sequence shown in
SEQ ID NO:Y which have an N-terminus beginning within 5 residues
(i.e., + or -5 residues) of the predicted cleavage point.
Similarly, it is also recognized that in some cases, cleavage of
the signal sequence from a secreted protein is not entirely
uniform, resulting in more than one secreted species. These
polypeptides, and the polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides,
are contemplated by the present invention.
[0363] Moreover, the signal sequence identified by the above
analysis may not necessarily predict the naturally occurring signal
sequence. For example, the naturally occurring signal sequence may
be further upstream from the predicted signal sequence. However, it
is likely that the predicted signal sequence will be capable of
directing the secreted protein to the ER. Nonetheless, the present
invention provides the mature protein produced by expression of the
polynucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:X and/or the polynucleotide
sequence contained in the cDNA of a deposited clone, in a mammalian
cell (e.g., COS cells, as desribed below). These polypeptides, and
the polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides, are contemplated by
the present invention.
[0364] Polynucleotide and Polypeptide Variants
[0365] The present invention is directed to variants of the
polynucleotide sequence disclosed in SEQ ID NO:X, the complementary
strand thereto, and/or the cDNA sequence contained in a deposited
clone.
[0366] The present invention also encompasses variants of the
polypeptide sequence disclosed in SEQ ID NO:Y and/or encoded by a
deposited clone.
[0367] "Variant" refers to a polynucleotide or polypeptide
differing from the polynucleotide or polypeptide of the present
invention, but retaining essential properties thereof. Generally,
variants are overall closely similar, and, in many regions,
identical to the polynucleotide or polypeptide of the present
invention.
[0368] The present invention is also directed to nucleic acid
molecules which comprise, or alternatively consist of, a nucleotide
sequence which is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99%
identical to, for example, the nucleotide coding sequence in SEQ ID
NO:X or the complementary strand thereto, the nucleotide coding
sequence contained in a deposited cDNA clone or the complementary
strand thereto, a nucleotide sequence encoding the polypeptide of
SEQ ID NO:Y, a nucleotide sequence encoding the polypeptide encoded
by the cDNA contained in a deposited clone, and/or polynucleotide
fragments of any of these nucleic acid molecules (e.g., those
fragments described herein). Polynucleotides which hybridize to
these nucleic acid molecules under stringent hybridization
conditions or lower stringency conditions are also encompassed by
the invention, as are polypeptides encoded by these
polynucleotides.
[0369] The present invention is also directed to polypeptides which
comprise, or alternatively consist of, an amino acid sequence which
is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% identical to,
for example, the polypeptide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:Y, the
polypeptide sequence encoded by the cDNA contained in a deposited
clone, and/or polypeptide fragments of any of these polypeptides
(e.g., those fragments described herein).
[0370] By a nucleic acid having a nucleotide sequence at least, for
example, 95% "identical" to a reference nucleotide sequence of the
present invention, it is intended that the nucleotide sequence of
the nucleic acid is identical to the reference sequence except that
the nucleotide sequence may include up to five point mutations per
each 100 nucleotides of the reference nucleotide sequence encoding
the polypeptide. In other words, to obtain a nucleic acid having a
nucleotide sequence at least 95% identical to a reference
nucleotide sequence, up to 5% of the nucleotides in the reference
sequence may be deleted or substituted with another nucleotide, or
a number of nucleotides up to 5% of the total nucleotides in the
reference sequence may be inserted into the reference sequence. The
query sequence may be an entire sequence shown in Table 1, the ORF
(open reading frame), or any fragment specified as described
herein.
[0371] As a practical matter, whether any particular nucleic acid
molecule or polypeptide is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%,
98% or 99% identical to a nucleotide sequence of the presence
invention can be determined conventionally using known computer
programs. A preferred method for determining the best overall match
between a query sequence (a sequence of the present invention) and
a subject sequence, also referred to as a global sequence
alignment, can be determined using the FASTDB computer program
based on the algorithm of Brutlag et al. (Comp. App. Biosci.
6:237-245(1990)). In a sequence alignment the query and subject
sequences are both DNA sequences. An RNA sequence can be compared
by converting U's to T's. The result of said global sequence
alignment is in percent identity. Preferred parameters used in a
FASTDB alignment of DNA sequences to calculate percent identiy are:
Matrix=Unitary, k-tuple=4, Mismatch Penalty=1, Joining Penalty=30,
Randomization Group Length=0, Cutoff Score=1, Gap Penalty=5, Gap
Size Penalty 0.05, Window Size=500 or the lenght of the subject
nucleotide sequence, whichever is shorter.
[0372] If the subject sequence is shorter than the query sequence
because of 5' or 3' deletions, not because of internal deletions, a
manual correction must be made to the results. This is because the
FASTDB program does not account for 5' and 3' truncations of the
subject sequence when calculating percent identity. For subject
sequences truncated at the 5' or 3' ends, relative to the query
sequence, the percent identity is corrected by calculating the
number of bases of the query sequence that are 5' and 3' of the
subject sequence, which are not matched/aligned, as a percent of
the total bases of the query sequence. Whether a nucleotide is
matched/aligned is determined by results of the FASTDB sequence
alignment. This percentage is then subtracted from the percent
identity, calculated by the above FASTDB program using the
specified parameters, to arrive at a final percent identity score.
This corrected score is what is used for the purposes of the
present invention. Only bases outside the 5' and 3' bases of the
subject sequence, as displayed by the FASTDB alignment, which are
not matched/aligned with the query sequence, are calculated for the
purposes of manually adjusting the percent identity score.
[0373] For example, a 90 base subject sequence is aligned to a 100
base query sequence to determine percent identity. The deletions
occur at the 5' end of the subject sequence and therefore, the
FASTDB alignment does not show a matched/alignment of the first 10
bases at 5' end. The 10 unpaired bases represent 10% of the
sequence (number of bases at the 5' and 3' ends not matched/total
number of bases in the query sequence) so 10% is subtracted from
the percent identity score calculated by the FASTDB program. If the
remaining 90 bases were perfectly matched the final percent
identity would be 90%. In another example, a 90 base subject
sequence is compared with a 100 base query sequence. This time the
deletions are internal deletions so that there are no bases on the
5' or 3' of the subject sequence which are not matched/aligned with
the query. In this case the percent identity calculated by FASTDB
is not manually corrected. Once again, only bases 5' and 3' of the
subject sequence which are not matched/aligned with the query
sequence are manually corrected for. No other manual corrections
are to made for the purposes of the present invention.
[0374] By a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence at least, for
example, 95% "identical" to a query amino acid sequence of the
present invention, it is intended that the amino acid sequence of
the subject polypeptide is identical to the query sequence except
that the subject polypeptide sequence may include up to five amino
acid alterations per each 100 amino acids of the query amino acid
sequence. In other words, to obtain a polypeptide having an amino
acid sequence at least 95% identical to a query amino acid
sequence, up to 5% of the amino acid residues in the subject
sequence may be inserted, deleted, (indels) or substituted with
another amino acid. These alterations of the reference sequence may
occur at the amino or carboxy terminal positions of the reference
amino acid sequence or anywhere between those terminal positions,
interspersed either individually among residues in the reference
sequence or in one or more contiguous groups within the reference
sequence.
[0375] As a practical matter, whether any particular polypeptide is
at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical to, for
instance, an amino acid sequences shown in Table 1 (SEQ ID NO:Y) or
to the amino acid sequence encoded by cDNA contained in a deposited
clone can be determined conventionally using known computer
programs. A preferred method for determing the best overall match
between a query sequence (a sequence of the present invention) and
a subject sequence, also referred to as a global sequence
alignment, can be determined using the FASTDB computer program
based on the algorithm of Brutlag et al. (Comp. App. Biosci.
6:237-245(1990)). In a sequence alignment the query and subject
sequences are either both nucleotide sequences or both amino acid
sequences. The result of said global sequence alignment is in
percent identity. Preferred parameters used in a FASTDB amino acid
alignment are: Matrix=PAM 0, k-tuple=2, Mismatch Penalty=1, Joining
Penalty=20, Randomization Group Length=0, Cutoff Score=1, Window
Size=sequence length, Gap Penalty=5, Gap Size Penalty=0.05, Window
Size=500 or the length of the subject amino acid sequence,
whichever is shorter.
[0376] If the subject sequence is shorter than the query sequence
due to N- or C-terminal deletions, not because of internal
deletions, a manual correction must be made to the results. This is
because the FASTDB program does not account for N- and C-terminal
truncations of the subject sequence when calculating global percent
identity. For subject sequences truncated at the N- and C-termini,
relative to the query sequence, the percent identity is corrected
by calculating the number of residues of the query sequence that
are N- and C-terminal of the subject sequence, which are not
matched/aligned with a corresponding subject residue, as a percent
of the total bases of the query sequence. Whether a residue is
matched/aligned is determined by results of the FASTDB sequence
alignment. This percentage is then subtracted from the percent
identity, calculated by the above FASTDB program using the
specified parameters, to arrive at a final percent identity score.
This final percent identity score is what is used for the purposes
of the present invention. Only residues to the N- and C-termini of
the subject sequence, which are not matched/aligned with the query
sequence, are considered for the purposes of manually adjusting the
percent identity score. That is, only query residue positions
outside the farthest N- and C-terminal residues of the subject
sequence.
[0377] For example, a 90 amino acid residue subject sequence is
aligned with a 100 residue query sequence to determine percent
identity. The deletion occurs at the N-terminus of the subject
sequence and therefore, the FASTDB alignment does not show a
matching/alignment of the first 10 residues at the N-terminus. The
10 unpaired residues represent 10% of the sequence (number of
residues at the N- and C-termini not matched/total number of
residues in the query sequence) so 10% is subtracted from the
percent identity score calculated by the FASTDB program. If the
remaining 90 residues were perfectly matched the final percent
identity would be 90%. In another example, a 90 residue subject
sequence is compared with a 100 residue query sequence. This time
the deletions are internal deletions so there are no residues at
the N- or C-termini of the subject sequence which are not
matched/aligned with the query. In this case the percent identity
calculated by FASTDB is not manually corrected. Once again, only
residue positions outside the N- and C-terminal ends of the subject
sequence, as displayed in the FASTDB alignment, which are not
matched/aligned with the query sequnce are manually corrected for.
No other manual corrections are to made for the purposes of the
present invention.
[0378] The variants may contain alterations in the coding regions,
non-coding regions, or both. Especially preferred are
polynucleotide variants containing alterations which produce silent
substitutions, additions, or deletions, but do not alter the
properties or activities of the encoded polypeptide. Nucleotide
variants produced by silent substitutions due to the degeneracy of
the genetic code are preferred. Moreover, variants in which 5-10,
1-5, or 1-2 amino acids are substituted, deleted, or added in any
combination are also preferred. Polynucleotide variants can be
produced for a variety of reasons, e.g., to optimize codon
expression for a particular host (change codons in the human mRNA
to those preferred by a bacterial host such as E. coli).
[0379] Naturally occurring variants are called "allelic variants,"
and refer to one of several alternate forms of a gene occupying a
given locus on a chromosome of an organism. (Genes II, Lewin, B.,
ed., John Wiley & Sons, New York (1985).) These allelic
variants can vary at either the polynucleotide and/or polypeptide
level and are included in the present invention. Alternatively,
non-naturally occurring variants may be produced by mutagenesis
techniques or by direct synthesis.
[0380] Using known methods of protein engineering and recombinant
DNA technology, variants may be generated to improve or alter the
characteristics of the polypeptides of the present invention. For
instance, one or more amino acids can be deleted from the
N-terminus or C-terminus of the secreted protein without
substantial loss of biological function. The authors of Ron et al.,
J. Biol. Chem. 268: 2984-2988 (1993), reported variant KGF proteins
having heparin binding activity even after deleting 3, 8, or 27
amino-terminal amino acid residues. Similarly, Interferon gamma
exhibited up to ten times higher activity after deleting 8-10 amino
acid residues from the carboxy terminus of this protein. (Dobeli et
al., J. Biotechnology 7:199-216 (1988).)
[0381] Moreover, ample evidence demonstrates that variants often
retain a biological activity similar to that of the naturally
occurring protein. For example, Gayle and coworkers (J. Biol. Chem
268:22105-22111 (1993)) conducted extensive mutational analysis of
human cytokine IL-1a. They used random mutagenesis to generate over
3,500 individual IL-1a mutants that averaged 2.5 amino acid changes
per variant over the entire length of the molecule. Multiple
mutations were examined at every possible amino acid position. The
investigators found that "[m]ost of the molecule could be altered
with little effect on either [binding or biological activity]."
(See, Abstract.) In fact, only 23 unique amino acid sequences, out
of more than 3,500 nucleotide sequences examined, produced a
protein that significantly differed in activity from wild-type.
[0382] Furthermore, even if deleting one or more amino acids from
the N-terminus or C-terminus of a polypeptide results in
modification or loss of one or more biological functions, other
biological activities may still be retained. For example, the
ability of a deletion variant to induce and/or to bind antibodies
which recognize the secreted form will likely be retained when less
than the majority of the residues of the secreted form are removed
from the N-terminus or C-terminus. Whether a particular polypeptide
lacking N- or C-terminal residues of a protein retains such
immunogenic activities can readily be determined by routine methods
described herein and otherwise known in the art.
[0383] Thus, the invention further includes polypeptide variants
which show substantial biological activity. Such variants include
deletions, insertions, inversions, repeats, and substitutions
selected according to general rules known in the art so as have
little effect on activity. For example, guidance concerning how to
make phenotypically silent amino acid substitutions is provided in
Bowie et al., Science 247:1306-1310 (1990), wherein the authors
indicate that there are two main strategies for studying the
tolerance of an amino acid sequence to change.
[0384] The first strategy exploits the tolerance of amino acid
substitutions by natural selection during the process of evolution.
By comparing amino acid sequences in different species, conserved
amino acids can be identified. These conserved amino acids are
likely important for protein function. In contrast, the amino acid
positions where substitutions have been tolerated by natural
selection indicates that these positions are not critical for
protein function. Thus, positions tolerating amino acid
substitution could be modified while still maintaining biological
activity of the protein.
[0385] The second strategy uses genetic engineering to introduce
amino acid changes at specific positions of a cloned gene to
identify regions critical for protein function. For example, site
directed mutagenesis or alanine-scanning mutagenesis (introduction
of single alanine mutations at every residue in the molecule) can
be used. (Cunningham and Wells, Science 244:1081-1085 (1989).) The
resulting mutant molecules can then be tested for biological
activity.
[0386] As the authors state, these two strategies have revealed
that proteins are surprisingly tolerant of amino acid
substitutions. The authors further indicate which amino acid
changes are likely to be permissive at certain amino acid positions
in the protein. For example, most buried (within the tertiary
structure of the protein) amino acid residues require nonpolar side
chains, whereas few features of surface side chains are generally
conserved. Moreover, tolerated conservative amino acid
substitutions involve replacement of the aliphatic or hydrophobic
amino acids Ala, Val, Leu and Ile; replacement of the hydroxyl
residues Ser and Thr; replacement of the acidic residues Asp and
Glu; replacement of the amide residues Asn and Gln, replacement of
the basic residues Lys, Arg, and His; replacement of the aromatic
residues Phe, Tyr, and Trp, and replacement of the small-sized
amino acids Ala, Ser, Thr, Met, and Gly.
[0387] Besides conservative amino acid substitution, variants of
the present invention include (i) substitutions with one or more of
the non-conserved amino acid residues, where the substituted amino
acid residues may or may not be one encoded by the genetic code, or
(ii) substitution with one or more of amino acid residues having a
substituent group, or (iii) fusion of the mature polypeptide with
another compound, such as a compound to increase the stability
and/or solubility of the polypeptide (for example, polyethylene
glycol), or (iv) fusion of the polypeptide with additional amino
acids, such as, for example, an IgG Fc fusion region peptide, or
leader or secretory sequence, or a sequence facilitating
purification. Such variant polypeptides are deemed to be within the
scope of those skilled in the art from the teachings herein.
[0388] For example, polypeptide variants containing amino acid
substitutions of charged amino acids with other charged or neutral
amino acids may produce proteins with improved characteristics,
such as less aggregation. Aggregation of pharmaceutical
formulations both reduces activity and increases clearance due to
the aggregate's immunogenic activity. (Pinckard et al., Clin. Exp.
Immunol. 2:331-340 (1967); Robbins et al., Diabetes 36: 838-845
(1987); Cleland et al., Crit. Rev. Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems
10:307-377 (1993).)
[0389] A further embodiment of the invention relates to a
polypeptide which comprises the amino acid sequence of the present
invention having an amino acid sequence which contains at least one
amino acid substitution, but not more than 50 amino acid
substitutions, even more preferably, not more than 40 amino acid
substitutions, still more preferably, not more than 30 amino acid
substitutions, and still even more preferably, not more than 20
amino acid substitutions. Of course, in order of ever-increasing
preference, it is highly preferable for a peptide or polypeptide to
have an amino acid sequence which comprises the amino acid sequence
of the present invention, which contains at least one, but not more
than 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 amino acid substitutions. In
specific embodiments, the number of additions, substitutions,
and/or deletions in the amino acid sequence of the present
invention or fragments thereof (e.g., the mature form and/or other
fragments described herein), is 1-5, 5-10, 5-25, 5-50, 10-50 or
50-150, conservative amino acid substitutions are preferable.
[0390] Polynucleotide and Polypeptide Fragments
[0391] The present invention is also directed to polynucleotide
fragments of the polynucleotides of the invention.
[0392] In the present invention, a "polynucleotide fragment" refers
to a short polynucleotide having a nucleic acid sequence which: is
a portion of that contained in a deposited clone, or encoding the
polypeptide encoded by the cDNA in a deposited clone; is a portion
of that shown in SEQ ID NO:X or the complementary strand thereto,
or is a portion of a polynucleotide sequence encoding the
polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:Y. The nucleotide fragments of the
invention are preferably at least about 15 nt, and more preferably
at least about 20 nt, still more preferably at least about 30 nt,
and even more preferably, at least about 40 nt, at least about 50
nt, at least about 75 nt, or at least about 150 nt in length. A
fragment "at least 20 nt in length," for example, is intended to
include 20 or more contiguous bases from the cDNA sequence
contained in a deposited clone or the nucleotide sequence shown in
SEQ ID NO:X. In this context "about" includes the particularly
recited value, a value larger or smaller by several (5, 4, 3, 2, or
1) nucleotides, at either terminus or at both termini. These
nucleotide fragments have uses that include, but are not limited
to, as diagnostic probes and primers as discussed herein. Of
course, larger fragments (e.g., 50, 150, 500, 600, 2000
nucleotides) are preferred.
[0393] Moreover, representative examples of polynucleotide
fragments of the invention, include, for example, fragments
comprising, or alternatively consisting of, a sequence from about
nucleotide number 1-50, 51-100, 101-150, 151-200, 201-250, 251-300,
301-350, 351-400, 401-450, 451-500, 501-550, 551-600, 651-700,
701-750, 751-800, 800-850, 851-900, 901-950, 951-1000, 1001-1050,
1051-1100, 1101-1150, 1151-1200, 1201-1250, 1251-1300, 1301-1350,
1351-1400, 1401-1450, 1451-1500, 1501-1550, 1551-1600, 1601-1650,
1651-1700, 1701-1750, 1751-1800, 1801-1850, 1851-1900, 1901-1950,
1951-2000, or 2001 to the end of SEQ ID NO:X, or the complementary
strand thereto, or the cDNA contained in a deposited clone. In this
context "about" includes the particularly recited ranges, and
ranges larger or smaller by several (5, 4, 3, 2, or 1) nucleotides,
at either terminus or at both termini. Preferably, these fragments
encode a polypeptide which has biological activity. More
preferably, these polynucleotides can be used as probes or primers
as discussed herein. Polynucleotides which hybridize to these
nucleic acid molecules under stringent hybridization conditions or
lower stringency conditions are also encompassed by the invention,
as are polypeptides encoded by these polynucleotides.
[0394] In the present invention, a "polypeptide fragment" refers to
an amino acid sequence which is a portion of that contained in SEQ
ID NO:Y or encoded by the cDNA contained in a deposited clone.
Protein (polypeptide) fragments may be "free-standing," or
comprised within a larger polypeptide of which the fragment forms a
part or region, most preferably as a single continuous region.
Representative examples of polypeptide fragments of the invention,
include, for example, fragments comprising, or alternatively
consisting of, from about amino acid number 1-20, 21-40, 41-60,
61-80, 81-100, 102-120, 121-140, 141-160, or 161 to the end of the
coding region. Moreover, polypeptide fragments can be about 20, 30,
40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, or 150 amino acids
in length. In this context "about" includes the particularly
recited ranges or values, and ranges or values larger or smaller by
several (5, 4, 3, 2, or 1) amino acids, at either extreme or at
both extremes. Polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides are also
encompassed by the invention.
[0395] Preferred polypeptide fragments include the secreted protein
as well as the mature form. Further preferred polypeptide fragments
include the secreted protein or the mature form having a continuous
series of deleted residues from the amino or the carboxy terminus,
or both. For example, any number of amino acids, ranging from 1-60,
can be deleted from the amino terminus of either the secreted
polypeptide or the mature form. Similarly, any number of amino
acids, ranging from 1-30, can be deleted from the carboxy terminus
of the secreted protein or mature form. Furthermore, any
combination of the above amino and carboxy terminus deletions are
preferred. Similarly, polynucleotides encoding these polypeptide
fragments are also preferred.
[0396] Also preferred are polypeptide and polynucleotide fragments
characterized by structural or functional domains, such as
fragments that comprise alpha-helix and alpha-helix forming
regions, beta-sheet and beta-sheet-forming regions, turn and
turn-forming regions, coil and coil-forming regions, hydrophilic
regions, hydrophobic regions, alpha amphipathic regions, beta
amphipathic regions, flexible regions, surface-forming regions,
substrate binding region, and high antigenic index regions.
Polypeptide fragments of SEQ ID NO:Y falling within conserved
domains are specifically contemplated by the present invention.
Moreover, polynucleotides encoding these domains are also
contemplated.
[0397] Other preferred polypeptide fragments are biologically
active fragments. Biologically active fragments are those
exhibiting activity similar, but not necessarily identical, to an
activity of the polypeptide of the present invention. The
biological activity of the fragments may include an improved
desired activity, or a decreased undesirable activity.
Polynucleotides encoding these polypeptide fragments are also
encompassed by the invention.
[0398] Preferably, the polynucleotide fragments of the invention
encode a polypeptide which demonstrates a functional activity. By a
polypeptide demonstrating a "functional activity" is meant, a
polypeptide capable of displaying one or more known functional
activities associated with a full-length (complete) polypeptide of
invention protein. Such functional activities include, but are not
limited to, biological activity, antigenicity [ability to bind (or
compete with a polypeptide of the invention for binding) to an
antibody to the polypeptide of the invention], immunogenicity
(ability to generate antibody which binds to a polypeptide of the
invention), ability to form multimers with polypeptides of the
invention, and ability to bind to a receptor or ligand for a
polypeptide of the invention.
[0399] The functional activity of polypeptides of the invention,
and fragments, variants derivatives, and analogs thereof, can be
assayed by various methods.
[0400] For example, in one embodiment where one is assaying for the
ability to bind or compete with full-length polypeptide of the
invention for binding to an antibody of the polypeptide of the
invention, various immunoassays known in the art can be used,
including but not limited to, competitive and non-competitive assay
systems using techniques such as radioimmunoassays, ELISA (enzyme
linked immunosorbent assay), "sandwich" immunoassays,
immunoradiometric assays, gel diffusion precipitation reactions,
immunodiffusion assays, in situ immunoassays (using colloidal gold,
enzyme or radioisotope labels, for example), western blots,
precipitation reactions, agglutination assays (e.g., gel
agglutination assays, hemagglutination assays), complement fixation
assays, immunofluorescence assays, protein A assays, and
immunoelectrophoresis assays, etc. In one embodiment, antibody
binding is detected by detecting a label on the primary antibody.
In another embodiment, the primary antibody is detected by
detecting binding of a secondary antibody or reagent to the primary
antibody. In a further embodiment, the secondary antibody is
labeled. Many means are known in the art for detecting binding in
an immunoassay and are within the scope of the present
invention.
[0401] In another embodiment, where a ligand for a polypeptide of
the invention identified, or the ability of a polypeptide fragment,
variant or derivative of the invention to multimerize is being
evaluated, binding can be assayed, e.g., by means well-known in the
art, such as, for example, reducing and non-reducing gel
chromatography, protein affinity chromatography, and affinity
blotting. See generally, Phizicky, E., et al., 1995, Microbiol.
Rev. 59:94-123. In another embodiment, physiological correlates of
binding of a polypeptide of the invention to its substrates (signal
transduction) can be assayed.
[0402] In addition, assays described herein (see Examples) and
otherwise known in the art may routinely be applied to measure the
ability of polypeptides of the invention and fragments, variants
derivatives and analogs thereof to elicit related biological
activity related to that of the polypeptide of the invention
(either in vitro or in vivo). Other methods will be known to the
skilled artisan and are within the scope of the invention.
Epitopes and Antibodies
[0403] The present invention encompasses polypeptides comprising,
or alternatively consisting of, an epitope of the polypeptide
having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:Y, or an epitope of the
polypeptide sequence encoded by a polynucleotide sequence contained
in ATCC deposit No. Z or encoded by a polynucleotide that
hybridizes to the complement of the sequence of SEQ ID NO:X or
contained in ATCC deposit No. Z under stringent hybridization
conditions or lower stringency hybridization conditions as defined
supra. The present invention further encompasses polynucleotide
sequences encoding an epitope of a polypeptide sequence of the
invention (such as, for example, the sequence disclosed in SEQ ID
NO:X), polynucleotide sequences of the complementary strand of a
polynucleotide sequence encoding an epitope of the invention, and
polynucleotide sequences which hybridize to the complementary
strand under stringent hybridization conditions or lower stringency
hybridization conditions defined supra.
[0404] The term "epitopes," as used herein, refers to portions of a
polypeptide having antigenic or immunogenic activity in an animal,
preferably a mammal, and most preferably in a human. In a preferred
embodiment, the present invention encompasses a polypeptide
comprising an epitope, as well as the polynucleotide encoding this
polypeptide. An "immunogenic epitope," as used herein, is defined
as a portion of a protein that elicits an antibody response in an
animal, as determined by any method known in the art, for example,
by the methods for generating antibodies described infra. (See, for
example, Geysen et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 81:3998-4002
(1983)). The term "antigenic epitope," as used herein, is defined
as a portion of a protein to which an antibody can
immunospecifically bind its antigen as determined by any method
well known in the art, for example, by the immunoassays described
herein. Immunospecific binding excludes non-specific binding but
does not necessarily exclude cross- reactivity with other antigens.
Antigenic epitopes need not necessarily be immunogenic.
[0405] Fragments which function as epitopes may be produced by any
conventional means. (See, e.g., Houghten, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.
USA 82:5131-5135 (1985), further described in U.S. Pat. No.
4,631,211).
[0406] In the present invention, antigenic epitopes preferably
contain a sequence of at least 4, at least 5, at least 6, at least
7, more preferably at least 8, at least 9, at least 10, at least
11, at least 12, at least 13, at least 14, at least 15, at least
20, at least 25, at least 30, at least 40, at least 50, and, most
preferably, between about 15 to about 30 amino acids. Preferred
polypeptides comprising immunogenic or antigenic epitopes are at
least 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80,
85, 90, 95, or 100 amino acid residues in length. Additional
non-exclusive preferred antigenic epitopes include the antigenic
epitopes disclosed herein, as well as portions thereof. Antigenic
epitopes are useful, for example, to raise antibodies, including
monoclonal antibodies, that specifically bind the epitope.
Preferred antigenic epitopes include the antigenic epitopes
disclosed herein, as well as any combination of two, three, four,
five or more of these antigenic epitopes. Antigenic epitopes can be
used as the target molecules in immunoassays. (See, for instance,
Wilson et al., Cell 37:767-778 (1984); Sutcliffe et al., Science
219:660-666 (1983)).
[0407] Similarly, immunogenic epitopes can be used, for example, to
induce antibodies according to methods well known in the art. (See,
for instance, Sutcliffe et al., supra; Wilson et al., supra; Chow
et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 82:910-914; and Bittle et al.,
J. Gen. Virol. 66:2347-2354 (1985). Preferred immunogenic epitopes
include the immunogenic epitopes disclosed herein, as well as any
combination of two, three, four, five or more of these immunogenic
epitopes. The polypeptides comprising one or more immunogenic
epitopes may be presented for eliciting an antibody response
together with a carrier protein, such as an albumin, to an animal
system (such as rabbit or mouse), or, if the polypeptide is of
sufficient length (at least about 25 amino acids), the polypeptide
may be presented without a carrier. However, immunogenic epitopes
comprising as few as 8 to 10 amino acids have been shown to be
sufficient to raise antibodies capable of binding to, at the very
least, linear epitopes in a denatured polypeptide (e.g., in Western
blotting).
[0408] Epitope-bearing polypeptides of the present invention may be
used to induce antibodies according to methods well known in the
art including, but not limited to, in vivo immunization, in vitro
immunization, and phage display methods. See, e.g., Sutcliffe et
al., supra; Wilson et al., supra, and Bittle et al., J. Gen.
Virol., 66:2347-2354 (1985). If in vivo immunization is used,
animals may be immunized with free peptide; however, anti-peptide
antibody titer may be boosted by coupling the peptide to a
macromolecular carrier, such as keyhole limpet hemacyanin (KLH) or
tetanus toxoid. For instance, peptides containing cysteine residues
may be coupled to a carrier using a linker such as
maleimidobenzoyl-N-hydroxysuccinirnide ester (MBS), while other
peptides may be coupled to carriers using a more general linking
agent such as glutaraldehyde. Animals such as rabbits, rats and
mice are immunized with either free or carrier-coupled peptides,
for instance, by intraperitoneal and/or intradermal injection of
emulsions containing about 100 .mu.g of peptide or carrier protein
and Freund's adjuvant or any other adjuvant known for stimulating
an immune response. Several booster injections may be needed, for
instance, at intervals of about two weeks, to provide a useful
titer of anti-peptide antibody which can be detected, for example,
by ELISA assay using free peptide adsorbed to a solid surface. The
titer of anti-peptide antibodies in serum from an immunized animal
may be increased by selection of anti-peptide antibodies, for
instance, by adsorption to the peptide on a solid support and
elution of the selected antibodies according to methods well known
in the art.
[0409] As one of skill in the art will appreciate, and as discussed
above, the polypeptides of the present invention comprising an
immunogenic or antigenic epitope can be fused to other polypeptide
sequences. For example, the polypeptides of the present invention
may be fused with the constant domain of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgE,
IgG, IgM), or portions thereof (CH1, CH2, CH3, or any combination
thereof and portions thereof) resulting in chimeric polypeptides.
Such fusion proteins may facilitate purification and may increase
half-life in vivo. This has been shown for chimeric proteins
consisting of the first two domains of the human CD4-polypeptide
and various domains of the constant regions of the heavy or light
chains of mammalian immunoglobulins. See, e.g., EP 394,827;
Traunecker et al., Nature, 331:84-86 (1988). Enhanced delivery of
an antigen across the epithelial barrier to the immune system has
been demonstrated for antigens (e.g., insulin) conjugated to an
FcRn binding partner such as IgG or Fc fragments (see, e.g., PCT
Publications WO 96/22024 and WO 99/04813). IgG Fusion proteins that
have a disulfide-linked dimeric structure due to the IgG portion
desulfide bonds have also been found to be more efficient in
binding and neutralizing other molecules than monomeric
polypeptides or fragments thereof alone. See, e.g., Fountoulakis et
al., J. Biochem., 270:3958-3964 (1995). Nucleic acids encoding the
above epitopes can also be recombined with a gene of interest as an
epitope tag (e.g., the hemagglutinin ("HA") tag or flag tag) to aid
in detection and purification of the expressed polypeptide. For
example, a system described by Janknecht et al. allows for the
ready purification of non-denatured fusion proteins expressed in
human cell lines (Janknecht et al., 1991, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.
USA 88:8972-897). In this system, the gene of interest is subcloned
into a vaccinia recombination plasmid such that the open reading
frame of the gene is translationally fused to an amino-terminal tag
consisting of six histidine residues. The tag serves as a matrix
binding domain for the fusion protein. Extracts from cells infected
with the recombinant vaccinia virus are loaded onto Ni2+
nitriloacetic acid-agarose column and histidine-tagged proteins can
be selectively eluted with imidazole-containing buffers.
[0410] Additional fusion proteins of the invention may be generated
through the techniques of gene-shuffling, motif-shuffling,
exon-shuffling, and/or codon-shuffling (collectively referred to as
"DNA shuffling"). DNA shuffling may be employed to modulate the
activities of polypeptides of the invention, such methods can be
used to generate polypeptides with altered activity, as well as
agonists and antagonists of the polypeptides. See, generally, U.S.
Pat. Nos. 5,605,793; 5,811,238; 5,830,721; 5,834,252; and
5,837,458, and Patten et al., Curr. Opinion Biotechnol. 8:724-33
(1997); Harayama, Trends Biotechnol. 16(2):76-82 (1998); Hansson,
et al., J. Mol. Biol. 287:265-76 (1999); and Lorenzo and Blasco,
Biotechniques 24(2):308-13 (1998) (each of these patents and
publications are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety).
In one embodiment, alteration of polynucleotides corresponding to
SEQ ID NO:X and the polypeptides encoded by these polynucleotides
may be achieved by DNA shuffling. DNA shuffling involves the
assembly of two or more DNA segments by homologous or site-specific
recombination to generate variation in the polynucleotide sequence.
In another embodiment, polynucleotides of the invention, or the
encoded polypeptides, may be altered by being subjected to random
mutagenesis by error-prone PCR, random nucleotide insertion or
other methods prior to recombination. In another embodiment, one or
more components, motifs, sections, parts, domains, fragments, etc.,
of a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide of the invention may be
recombined with one or more components, motifs, sections, parts,
domains, fragments, etc. of one or more heterologous molecules.
[0411] Antibodies
[0412] Further polypeptides of the invention relate to antibodies
and T-cell antigen receptors (TCR) which immunospecifically bind a
polypeptide, polypeptide fragment, or variant of SEQ ID NO:Y,
and/or an epitope, of the present invention (as determined by
immunoassays well known in the art for assaying specific
antibody-antigen binding). Antibodies of the invention include, but
are not limited to, polyclonal, monoclonal, multispecific, human,
humanized or chimeric antibodies, single chain antibodies, Fab
fragments, F(ab') fragments, fragments produced by a Fab expression
library, anti-idiotypic (anti-Id) antibodies (including, e.g.,
anti-Id antibodies to antibodies of the invention), and
epitope-binding fragments of any of the above. The term "antibody,"
as used herein, refers to immunoglobulin molecules and
immunologically active portions of immunoglobulin molecules, i.e.,
molecules that contain an antigen binding site that
immunospecifically binds an antigen. The immunoglobulin molecules
of the invention can be of any type (e.g., IgG, IgE, IgM, IgD, IgA
and IgY), class (e.g., IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgA1 and IgA2) or
subclass of immunoglobulin molecule.
[0413] Most preferably the antibodies are human antigen-binding
antibody fragments of the present invention and include, but are
not limited to, Fab, Fab' and F(ab')2, Fd, single-chain Fvs (scFv),
single-chain antibodies, disulfide-linked Fvs (sdFv) and fragments
comprising either a VL or VH domain. Antigen-binding antibody
fragments, including single-chain antibodies, may comprise the
variable region(s) alone or in combination with the entirety or a
portion of the following: hinge region, CH1, CH2, and CH3 domains.
Also included in the invention are antigen-binding fragments also
comprising any combination of variable region(s) with a hinge
region, CH1, CH2, and CH3 domains. The antibodies of the invention
may be from any animal origin including birds and mammals.
Preferably, the antibodies are human, murine (e.g., mouse and rat),
donkey, ship rabbit, goat, guinea pig, camel, horse, or chicken. As
used herein, "human" antibodies include antibodies having the amino
acid sequence of a human immunoglobulin and include antibodies
isolated from human immunoglobulin libraries or from animals
transgenic for one or more human immunoglobulin and that do not
express endogenous immunoglobulins, as described infra and, for
example in, U.S. Pat. No. 5,939,598 by Kucherlapati et al.
[0414] The antibodies of the present invention may be monospecific,
bispecific, trispecific or of greater multispecificity.
Multispecific antibodies may be specific for different epitopes of
a polypeptide of the present invention or may be specific for both
a polypeptide of the present invention as well as for a
heterologous epitope, such as a heterologous polypeptide or solid
support material. See, e.g., PCT publications WO 93/17715; WO
92/08802; WO 91/00360; WO 92/05793; Tutt, et al., J. Immunol.
147:60-69 (1991); U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,474,893; 4,714,681; 4,925,648;
5,573,920; 5,601,819; Kostelny et al., J. Immunol. 148:1547-1553
(1992).
[0415] Antibodies of the present invention may be described or
specified in terms of the epitope(s) or portion(s) of a polypeptide
of the present invention which they recognize or specifically bind.
The epitope(s) or polypeptide portion(s) may be specified as
described herein, e.g., by N-terminal and C-terminal positions, by
size in contiguous amino acid residues, or listed in the Tables and
Figures. Antibodies which specifically bind any epitope or
polypeptide of the present invention may also be excluded.
Therefore, the present invention includes antibodies that
specifically bind polypeptides of the present invention, and allows
for the exclusion of the same.
[0416] Antibodies of the present invention may also be described or
specified in terms of their cross-reactivity. Antibodies that do
not bind any other analog, ortholog, or homolog of a polypeptide of
the present invention are included. Antibodies that bind
polypeptides with at least 95%, at least 90%, at least 85%, at
least 80%, at least 75%, at least 70%, at least 65%, at least 60%,
at least 55%, and at least 50% identity (as calculated using
methods known in the art and described herein) to a polypeptide of
the present invention are also included in the present invention.
In specific embodiments, antibodies of the present invention
cross-react with murine, rat and/or rabbit homologs of human
proteins and the corresponding epitopes thereof. Antibodies that do
not bind polypeptides with less than 95%, less than 90%, less than
85%, less than 80%, less than 75%, less than 70%, less than 65%,
less than 60%, less than 55%, and less than 50% identity (as
calculated using methods known in the art and described herein) to
a polypeptide of the present invention are also included in the
present invention. In a specific embodiment, the above-described
cross-reactivity is with respect to any single specific antigenic
or immunogenic polypeptide, or combination(s) of 2, 3, 4, 5, or
more of the specific antigenic and/or immunogenic polypeptides
disclosed herein. Further included in the present invention are
antibodies which bind polypeptides encoded by polynucleotides which
hybridize to a polynucleotide of the present invention under
stringent hybridization conditions (as described herein).
Antibodies of the present invention may also be described or
specified in terms of their binding affinity to a polypeptide of
the invention. Preferred binding affinities include those with a
dissociation constant or Kd less than 5.times.10.sup.-2 M,
10.sup.-2 M, 5.times.10.sup.-3 M, 10.sup.-3 M, 5.times.10.sup.-4M,
10.sup.-4 M, 5.times.10.sup.-5 M, 10.sup.-5 M, 5.times.10.sup.-6M,
10.sup.-6M, 5.times.10.sup.-7 M, 10.sup.7 M, 5.times.10.sup.-8 M,
10.sup.-8M, 5.times.10.sup.-9 M, 10.sup.-9 M, 5.times.10.sup.-10 M,
10.sup.-10 M, 5.times.10.sup.-11 M, 10.sup.-11 M,
5.times.10.sup.-12 M, 10.sup.-12 M,5.times.10.sup.-13 M, 10.sup.-13
M, 5.times.10.sup.-14 M, 10.sup.-14 M, 5.times.10.sup.-15 M, or
10.sup.-15 M.
[0417] The invention also provides antibodies that competitively
inhibit binding of an antibody to an epitope of the invention as
determined by any method known in the art for determining
competitive binding, for example, the immunoassays described
herein. In preferred embodiments, the antibody competitively
inhibits binding to the epitope by at least 95%, at least 90%, at
least 85%, at least 80%, at least 75%, at least 70%, at least 60%,
or at least 50%.
[0418] Antibodies of the present invention may act as agonists or
antagonists of the polypeptides of the present invention. For
example, the present invention includes antibodies which disrupt
the receptor/ligand interactions with the polypeptides of the
invention either partially or fully. Preferrably, antibodies of the
present invention bind an antigenic epitope disclosed herein, or a
portion thereof. The invention features both receptor-specific
antibodies and ligand-specific antibodies. The invention also
features receptor-specific antibodies which do not prevent ligand
binding but prevent receptor activation. Receptor activation (i.e.,
signaling) may be determined by techniques described herein or
otherwise known in the art. For example, receptor activation can be
determined by detecting the phosphorylation (e.g., tyrosine or
serine/threonine) of the receptor or its substrate by
immunoprecipitation followed by western blot analysis (for example,
as described supra). In specific embodiments, antibodies are
provided that inhibit ligand activity or receptor activity by at
least 95%, at least 90%, at least 85%, at least 80%, at least 75%,
at least 70%, at least 60%, or at least 50% of the activity in
absence of the antibody.
[0419] The invention also features receptor-specific antibodies
which both prevent ligand binding and receptor activation as well
as antibodies that recognize the receptor-ligand complex, and,
preferably, do not specifically recognize the unbound receptor or
the unbound ligand. Likewise, included in the invention are
neutralizing antibodies which bind the ligand and prevent binding
of the ligand to the receptor, as well as antibodies which bind the
ligand, thereby preventing receptor activation, but do not prevent
the ligand from binding the receptor. Further included in the
invention are antibodies which activate the receptor. These
antibodies may act as receptor agonists, i.e., potentiate or
activate either all or a subset of the biological activities of the
ligand-mediated receptor activation, for example, by inducing
dimerization of the receptor. The antibodies may be specified as
agonists, antagonists or inverse agonists for biological activities
comprising the specific biological activities of the peptides of
the invention disclosed herein. The above antibody agonists can be
made using methods known in the art. See, e.g., PCT publication WO
96/40281; U.S. Pat. No. 5,811,097; Deng et al., Blood
92(6):1981-1988 (1998); Chen et al., Cancer Res. 58(16):3668-3678
(1998); Harrop et al., J. Immunol. 161(4):1786-1794 (1998); Zhu et
al., Cancer Res. 58(15):3209-3214 (1998); Yoon et al., J. Immunol.
160(7):3170-3179 (1998); Prat et al., J. Cell. Sci. 1
11(Pt2):237-247 (1998); Pitard et al., J. Immunol. Methods
205(2):177-190 (1997); Liautard et al., Cytokine 9(4):233-241
(1997); Carlson et al., J. Biol. Chem. 272(17): 11295-11301 (1997);
Taryman et al., Neuron 14(4):755-762 (1995); Muller et al.,
Structure 6(9): 1153-1167 (1998); Bartunek et al., Cytokine
8(1):14-20 (1996) (which are all incorporated by reference herein
in their entireties).
[0420] Antibodies of the present invention may be used, for
example, but not limited to, to purify, detect, and target the
polypeptides of the present invention, including both in vitro and
in vivo diagnostic and therapeutic methods. For example, the
antibodies have use in immunoassays for qualitatively and
quantitatively measuring levels of the polypeptides of the present
invention in biological samples. See, e.g., Harlow et al.,
Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Press, 2nd ed. 1988) (incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety).
[0421] As discussed in more detail below, the antibodies of the
present invention may be used either alone or in combination with
other compositions. The antibodies may further be recombinantly
fused to a heterologous polypeptide at the N- or C-terminus or
chemically conjugated (including covalently and non-covalently
conjugations) to polypeptides or other compositions. For example,
antibodies of the present invention may be recombinantly fused or
conjugated to molecules useful as labels in detection assays and
effector molecules such as heterologous polypeptides, drugs,
radionuclides, or toxins. See, e.g., PCT publications WO 92/08495;
WO 91/14438; WO 89/12624; U.S. Pat. No. 5,314,995; and EP
396,387.
[0422] The antibodies of the invention include derivatives that are
modified, i.e, by the covalent attachment of any type of molecule
to the antibody such that covalent attachment does not prevent the
antibody from generating an anti-idiotypic response. For example,
but not by way of limitation, the antibody derivatives include
antibodies that have been modified, e.g., by glycosylation,
acetylation, pegylation, phosphylation, amidation, derivatization
by known protecting/blocking groups, proteolytic cleavage, linkage
to a cellular ligand or other protein, etc. Any of numerous
chemical modifications may be carried out by known techniques,
including, but not limited to specific chemical cleavage,
acetylation, formylation, metabolic synthesis of tunicamycin, etc.
Additionally, the derivative may contain one or more non-classical
amino acids.
[0423] The antibodies of the present invention may be generated by
any suitable method known in the art. Polyclonal antibodies to an
antigen-of-interest can be produced by various procedures well
known in the art. For example, a polypeptide of the invention can
be administered to various host animals including, but not limited
to, rabbits, mice, rats, etc. to induce the production of sera
containing polyclonal antibodies specific for the antigen. Various
adjuvants may be used to increase the immunological response,
depending on the host species, and include but are not limited to,
Freund's (complete and incomplete), mineral gels such as aluminum
hydroxide, surface active substances such as lysolecithin, pluronic
polyols, polyanions, peptides, oil emulsions, keyhole limpet
hemocyanins, dinitrophenol, and potentially useful human adjuvants
such as BCG (bacille Calmette-Guerin) and corynebacterium parvum.
Such adjuvants are also well known in the art.
[0424] Monoclonal antibodies can be prepared using a wide variety
of techniques known in the art including the use of hybridoma,
recombinant, and phage display technologies, or a combination
thereof. For example, monoclonal antibodies can be produced using
hybridoma techniques including those known in the art and taught,
for example, in Harlow et al., Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual,
(Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 2nd ed. 1988); Hammerling, et
al., in: Monoclonal Antibodies and T-Cell Hybridomas 563-681
(Elsevier, N.Y., 1981) (said references incorporated by reference
in their entireties). The term "monoclonal antibody" as used herein
is not limited to antibodies produced through hybridoma technology.
The term "monoclonal antibody" refers to an antibody that is
derived from a single clone, including any eukaryotic, prokaryotic,
or phage clone, and not the method by which it is produced.
[0425] Methods for producing and screening for specific antibodies
using hybridoma technology are routine and well known in the art
and are discussed in detail in the Examples (e.g., Example 16). In
a non-limiting example, mice can be immunized with a polypeptide of
the invention or a cell expressing such peptide. Once an immune
response is detected, e.g., antibodies specific for the antigen are
detected in the mouse serum, the mouse spleen is harvested and
splenocytes isolated. The splenocytes are then fused by well known
techniques to any suitable myeloma cells, for example cells from
cell line SP20 available from the ATCC. Hybridomas are selected and
cloned by limited dilution. The hybridoma clones are then assayed
by methods known in the art for cells that secrete antibodies
capable of binding a polypeptide of the invention. Ascites fluid,
which generally contains high levels of antibodies, can be
generated by immunizing mice with positive hybridoma clones.
[0426] Accordingly, the present invention provides methods of
generating monoclonal antibodies as well as antibodies produced by
the method comprising culturing a hybridoma cell secreting an
antibody of the invention wherein, preferably, the hybridoma is
generated by fusing splenocytes isolated from a mouse immunized
with an antigen of the invention with myeloma cells and then
screening the hybridomas resulting from the fusion for hybridoma
clones that secrete an antibody able to bind a polypeptide of the
invention.
[0427] Antibody fragments which recognize specific epitopes may be
generated by known techniques. For example, Fab and F(ab')2
fragments of the invention may be produced by proteolytic cleavage
of immunoglobulin molecules, using enzymes such as papain (to
produce Fab fragments) or pepsin (to produce F(ab')2 fragments).
F(ab')2 fragments contain the variable region, the light chain
constant region and the CH1 domain of the heavy chain.
[0428] For example, the antibodies of the present invention can
also be generated using various phage display methods known in the
art. In phage display methods, functional antibody domains are
displayed on the surface of phage particles which carry the
polynucleotide sequences encoding them. In a particular embodiment,
such phage can be utilized to display antigen binding domains
expressed from a repertoire or combinatorial antibody library
(e.g., human or murine). Phage expressing an antigen binding domain
that binds the antigen of interest can be selected or identified
with antigen, e.g., using labeled antigen or antigen bound or
captured to a solid surface or bead. Phage used in these methods
are typically filamentous phage including fd and M13 binding
domains expressed from phage with Fab, Fv or disulfide stabilized
Fv antibody domains recombinantly fused to either the phage gene
III or gene VIII protein. Examples of phage display methods that
can be used to make the antibodies of the present invention include
those disclosed in Brinkman et al., J. Immunol. Methods 182:41-50
(1995); Ames et al., J. Immunol. Methods 184:177-186 (1995);
Kettleborough et al., Eur. J. Immunol. 24:952-958 (1994); Persic et
al., Gene 187 9-18 (1997); Burton et al., Advances in Immunology
57:191-280 (1994); PCT application No. PCT/GB91/01134; PCT
publications WO 90/02809; WO 91/10737; WO 92/01047; WO 92/18619; WO
93/11236; WO 95/15982; WO 95/20401; and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,698,426;
5,223,409; 5,403,484; 5,580,717; 5,427,908; 5,750,753; 5,821,047;
5,571,698; 5,427,908; 5,516,637; 5,780,225; 5,658,727; 5,733,743
and 5,969,108; each of which is incorporated herein by reference in
its entirety.
[0429] As described in the above references, after phage selection,
the antibody coding regions from the phage can be isolated and used
to generate whole antibodies, including human antibodies, or any
other desired antigen binding fragment, and expressed in any
desired host, including mammalian cells, insect cells, plant cells,
yeast, and bacteria, e.g., as described in detail below. For
example, techniques to recombinantly produce Fab, Fab' and F(ab')2
fragments can also be employed using methods known in the art such
as those disclosed in PCT publication WO 92/22324; Mullinax et al.,
BioTechniques 12(6):864-869 (1992); and Sawai et al., AJRI 34:26-34
(1995); and Better et al., Science 240:1041-1043 (1988) (said
references incorporated by reference in their entireties).
[0430] Examples of techniques which can be used to produce
single-chain Fvs and antibodies include those described in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 4,946,778 and 5,258,498; Huston et al., Methods in
Enzymology 203:46-88 (1991); Shu et al., PNAS 90:7995-7999 (1993);
and Skerra et al., Science 240:1038-1040 (1988). For some uses,
including in vivo use of antibodies in humans and in vitro
detection assays, it may be preferable to use chimeric, humanized,
or human antibodies. A chimeric antibody is a molecule in which
different portions of the antibody are derived from different
animal species, such as antibodies having a variable region derived
from a murine monoclonal antibody and a human immunoglobulin
constant region. Methods for producing chimeric antibodies are
known in the art. See e.g., Morrison, Science 229:1202 (1985); Oi
et al., BioTechniques 4:214 (1986); Gillies et al., (1989) J.
Immunol. Methods 125:191-202; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,807,715; 4,816,567;
and 4,816,397, which are incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety. Humanized antibodies are antibody molecules from
non-human species antibody that binds the desired antigen having
one or more complementarity determining regions (CDRs) from the
non-human species and a framework regions from a human
immunoglobulin molecule. Often, framework residues in the human
framework regions will be substituted with the corresponding
residue from the CDR donor antibody to alter, preferably improve,
antigen binding. These framework substitutions are identified by
methods well known in the art, e.g., by modeling of the
interactions of the CDR and framework residues to identify
framework residues important for antigen binding and sequence
comparison to identify unusual framework residues at particular
positions. (See, e.g., Queen et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,585,089;
Riechmann et al., Nature 332:323 (1988), which are incorporated
herein by reference in their entireties.) Antibodies can be
humanized using a variety of techniques known in the art including,
for example, CDR-grafting (EP 239,400; PCT publication WO 91/09967;
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,225,539; 5,530,101; and 5,585,089), veneering or
resurfacing (EP 592,106; EP 519,596; Padlan, Molecular Immunology
28(4/5):489-498 (1991); Studnicka et al., Protein Engineering
7(6):805-814 (1994); Roguska. et al., PNAS 91:969-973 (1994)), and
chain shuffling (U.S. Pat. No. 5,565,332).
[0431] Completely human antibodies are particularly desirable for
therapeutic treatment of human patients. Human antibodies can be
made by a variety of methods known in the art including phage
display methods described above using antibody libraries derived
from human immunoglobulin sequences. See also, U.S. Pat. Nos.
4,444,887 and 4,716,111; and PCT publications WO 98/46645, WO
98/50433, WO 98/24893, WO 98/16654, WO 96/34096, WO 96/33735, and
WO 91/10741; each of which is incorporated herein by reference in
its entirety.
[0432] Human antibodies can also be produced using transgenic mice
which are incapable of expressing functional endogenous
immunoglobulins, but which can express human immunoglobulin genes.
For example, the human heavy and light chain immunoglobulin gene
complexes may be introduced randomly or by homologous recombination
into mouse embryonic stem cells. Alternatively, the human variable
region, constant region, and diversity region may be introduced
into mouse embryonic stem cells in addition to the human heavy and
light chain genes. The mouse heavy and light chain immunoglobulin
genes may be rendered non-functional separately or simultaneously
with the introduction of human immunoglobulin loci by homologous
recombination. In particular, homozygous deletion of the JH region
prevents endogenous antibody production. The modified embryonic
stem cells are expanded and microinjected into blastocysts to
produce chimeric mice. The chimeric mice are then bred to produce
homozygous offspring which express human antibodies. The transgenic
mice are immunized in the normal fashion with a selected antigen,
e.g., all or a portion of a polypeptide of the invention.
Monoclonal antibodies directed against the antigen can be obtained
from the immunized, transgenic mice using conventional hybridoma
technology. The human immunoglobulin transgenes harbored by the
transgenic mice rearrange during B cell differentiation, and
subsequently undergo class switching and somatic mutation. Thus,
using such a technique, it is possible to produce therapeutically
useful IgG, IgA, IgM and IgE antibodies. For an overview of this
technology for producing human antibodies, see Lonberg and Huszar,
Int. Rev. Immunol. 13:65-93 (1995). For a detailed discussion of
this technology for producing human antibodies and human monoclonal
antibodies and protocols for producing such antibodies, see, e.g.,
PCT publications WO 98/24893; WO 92/01047; WO 96/34096; WO
96/33735; European Patent No. 0 598 877; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,413,923;
5,625,126; 5,633,425; 5,569,825; 5,661,016; 5,545,806; 5,814,318;
5,885,793; 5,916,771; and 5,939,598, which are incorporated by
reference herein in their entirety. In addition, companies such as
Abgenix, Inc. (Freemont, Calif.) and Genpharm (San Jose, Calif.)
can be engaged to provide human antibodies directed against a
selected antigen using technology similar to that described
above.
[0433] Completely human antibodies which recognize a selected
epitope can be generated using a technique referred to as "guided
selection." In this approach a selected non-human monoclonal
antibody, e.g., a mouse antibody, is used to guide the selection of
a completely human antibody recognizing the same epitope. (Jespers
et al., Bio/technology 12:899-903 (1988)).
[0434] Further, antibodies to the polypeptides of the invention
can, in turn, be utilized to generate anti-idiotype antibodies that
"mimic" polypeptides of the invention using techniques well known
to those skilled in the art. (See, e.g., Greenspan & Bona,
FASEB J. 7(5):437-444; (1989) and Nissinoff, J. Immunol.
147(8):2429-2438 (1991)). For example, antibodies which bind to and
competitively inhibit polypeptide multimerization and/or binding of
a polypeptide of the invention to a ligand can be used to generate
anti-idiotypes that "mimic" the polypeptide multimerization and/or
binding domain and, as a consequence, bind to and neutralize
polypeptide and/or its ligand. Such neutralizing anti-idiotypes or
Fab fragments of such anti-idiotypes can be used in therapeutic
regimens to neutralize polypeptide ligand. For example, such
anti-idiotypic antibodies can be used to bind a polypeptide of the
invention and/or to bind its ligands/receptors, and thereby block
its biological activity.
[0435] Polynucleotides Encoding Antibodies
[0436] The invention further provides polynucleotides comprising a
nucleotide sequence encoding an antibody of the invention and
fragments thereof. The invention also encompasses polynucleotides
that hybridize under stringent or lower stringency hybridization
conditions, e.g., as defined supra, to polynucleotides that encode
an antibody, preferably, that specifically binds to a polypeptide
of the invention, preferably, an antibody that binds to a
polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:Y.
[0437] The polynucleotides may be obtained, and the nucleotide
sequence of the polynucleotides determined, by any method known in
the art. For example, if the nucleotide sequence of the antibody is
known, a polynucleotide encoding the antibody may be assembled from
chemically synthesized oligonucleotides (e.g., as described in
Kutmeier et al., BioTechniques 17:242 (1994)), which, briefly,
involves the synthesis of overlapping oligonucleotides containing
portions of the sequence encoding the antibody, annealing and
ligating of those oligonucleotides, and then amplification of the
ligated oligonucleotides by PCR.
[0438] Alternatively, a polynucleotide encoding an antibody may be
generated from nucleic acid from a suitable source. If a clone
containing a nucleic acid encoding a particular antibody is not
available, but the sequence of the antibody molecule is known, a
nucleic acid encoding the immunoglobulin may be chemically
synthesized or obtained from a suitable source (e.g., an antibody
cDNA library, or a cDNA library generated from, or nucleic acid,
preferably poly A+ RNA, isolated from, any tissue or cells
expressing the antibody, such as hybridoma cells selected to
express an antibody of the invention) by PCR amplification using
synthetic primers hybridizable to the 3' and 5' ends of the
sequence or by cloning using an oligonucleotide probe specific for
the particular gene sequence to identify, e.g., a cDNA clone from a
cDNA library that encodes the antibody. Amplified nucleic acids
generated by PCR may then be cloned into replicable cloning vectors
using any method well known in the art.
[0439] Once the nucleotide sequence and corresponding amino acid
sequence of the antibody is determined, the nucleotide sequence of
the antibody may be manipulated using methods well known in the art
for the manipulation of nucleotide sequences, e.g., recombinant DNA
techniques, site directed mutagenesis, PCR, etc. (see, for example,
the techniques described in Sambrook et al., 1990, Molecular
Cloning, A Labbratory Manual, 2d Ed., Cold Spring Harbor
Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. and Ausubel et al., eds.,
1998, Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley &
Sons, NY, which are both incorporated by reference herein in their
entireties), to generate antibodies having a different amino acid
sequence, for example to create amino acid substitutions,
deletions, and/or insertions.
[0440] In a specific embodiment, the amino acid sequence of the
heavy and/or light chain variable domains may be inspected to
identify the sequences of the complementarity determining regions
(CDRs) by methods that are well know in the art, e.g., by
comparison to known amino acid sequences of other heavy and light
chain variable regions to determine the regions of sequence
hypervariability. Using routine recombinant DNA techniques, one or
more of the CDRs may be inserted within framework regions, e.g.,
into human framework regions to humanize a non-human antibody, as
described supra. The framework regions may be naturally occurring
or consensus framework regions, and preferably human framework
regions (see, e.g., Chothia et al., J. Mol. Biol. 278: 457-479
(1998) for a listing of human framework regions). Preferably, the
polynucleotide generated by the combination of the framework
regions and CDRs encodes an antibody that specifically binds a
polypeptide of the invention. Preferably, as discussed supra, one
or more amino acid substitutions may be made within the framework
regions, and, preferably, the amino acid substitutions improve
binding of the antibody to its antigen. Additionally, such methods
may be used to make amino acid substitutions or deletions of one or
more variable region cysteine residues participating in an
intrachain disulfide bond to generate antibody molecules lacking
one or more intrachain disulfide bonds. Other alterations to the
polynucleotide are encompassed by the present invention and within
the skill of the art.
[0441] In addition, techniques developed for the production of
"chimeric antibodies" (Morrison et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.
81:851-855 (1984); Neuberger et al., Nature 312:604-608 (1984);
Takeda et al., Nature 314:452-454 (1985)) by splicing genes from a
mouse antibody molecule of appropriate antigen specificity together
with genes from a human antibody molecule of appropriate biological
activity can be used. As described supra, a chimeric antibody is a
molecule in which different portions are derived from different
animal species, such as those having a variable region derived from
a murine mAb and a human immunoglobulin constant region, e.g.,
humanized antibodies.
[0442] Alternatively, techniques described for the production of
single chain antibodies (U.S. Pat. No. 4,946,778; Bird, Science
242:423-42 (1988); Huston et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA
85:5879-5883 (1988); and Ward et al., Nature 334:544-54 (1989)) can
be adapted to produce single chain antibodies. Single chain
antibodies are formed by linking the heavy and light chain
fragments of the Fv region via an amino acid bridge, resulting in a
single chain polypeptide. Techniques for the assembly of functional
Fv fragments in E. coli may also be used (Skerra et al., Science
242:1038-1041 (1988)).
[0443] Methods of Producing Antibodies
[0444] The antibodies of the invention can be produced by any
method known in the art for the synthesis of antibodies, in
particular, by chemical synthesis or preferably, by recombinant
expression techniques.
[0445] Recombinant expression of an antibody of the invention, or
fragment, derivative or analog thereof, (e.g., a heavy or light
chain of an antibody of the invention or a single chain antibody of
the invention), requires construction of an expression vector
containing a polynucleotide that encodes the antibody. Once a
polynucleotide encoding an antibody molecule or a heavy or light
chain of an antibody, or portion thereof (preferably containing the
heavy or light chain variable domain), of the invention has been
obtained, the vector for the production of the antibody molecule
may be produced by recombinant DNA technology using techniques well
known in the art. Thus, methods for preparing a protein by
expressing a polynucleotide containing an antibody encoding
nucleotide sequence are described herein. Methods which are well
known to those skilled in the art can be used to construct
expression vectors containing antibody coding sequences and
appropriate transcriptional and translational control signals.
These methods include, for example, in vitro recombinant DNA
techniques, synthetic techniques, and in vivo genetic
recombination. The invention, thus, provides replicable vectors
comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding an antibody molecule of
the invention, or a heavy or light chain thereof, or a heavy or
light chain variable domain, operably linked to a promoter. Such
vectors may include the nucleotide sequence encoding the constant
region of the antibody molecule (see, e.g., PCT Publication WO
86/05807; PCT Publication WO 89/01036; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,122,464)
and the variable domain of the antibody may be cloned into such a
vector for expression of the entire heavy or light chain.
[0446] The expression vector is transferred to a host cell by
conventional techniques and the transfected cells are then cultured
by conventional techniques to produce an antibody of the invention.
Thus, the invention includes host cells containing a polynucleotide
encoding an antibody of the invention, or a heavy or light chain
thereof, or a single chain antibody of the invention, operably
linked to a heterologous promoter. In preferred embodiments for the
expression of double-chained antibodies, vectors encoding both the
heavy and light chains may be co-expressed in the host cell for
expression of the entire immunoglobulin molecule, as detailed
below.
[0447] A variety of host-expression vector systems may be utilized
to express the antibody molecules of the invention. Such
host-expression systems represent vehicles by which the coding
sequences of interest may be produced and subsequently purified,
but also represent cells which may, when transformed or transfected
with the appropriate nucleotide coding sequences, express an
antibody molecule of the invention in situ. These include but are
not limited to microorganisms such as bacteria (e.g., E. coli, B.
subtilis) transformed with recombinant bacteriophage DNA, plasmid
DNA or cosmid DNA expression vectors containing antibody coding
sequences; yeast (e.g., Saccharomyces, Pichia) transformed with
recombinant yeast expression vectors containing antibody coding
sequences; insect cell systems infected with recombinant virus
expression vectors (e.g., baculovirus) containing antibody coding
sequences; plant cell systems infected with recombinant virus
expression vectors (e.g., cauliflower mosaic virus, CaMV; tobacco
mosaic virus, TMV) or transformed with recombinant plasmid
expression vectors (e.g., Ti plasmid) containing antibody coding
sequences; or mammalian cell systems (e.g., COS, CHO, BHK, 293, 3T3
cells) harboring recombinant expression constructs containing
promoters derived from the genome of mammalian cells (e.g.,
metallothionein promoter) or from mammalian viruses (e.g., the
adenovirus late promoter; the vaccinia virus 7.5K promoter).
Preferably, bacterial cells such as Escherichia coli, and more
preferably, eukaryotic cells, especially for the expression of
whole recombinant antibody molecule, are used for the expression of
a recombinant antibody molecule. For example, mammalian cells such
as Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO), in conjunction with a vector
such as the major intermediate early gene promoter element from
human cytomegalovirus is an effective expression system for
antibodies (Foecking et al., Gene 45:101 (1986); Cockett et al.,
Bio/Technology 8:2 (1990)).
[0448] In bacterial systems, a number of expression vectors may be
advantageously selected depending upon the use intended for the
antibody molecule being expressed. For example, when a large
quantity of such a protein is to be produced, for the generation of
pharmaceutical compositions of an antibody molecule, vectors which
direct the expression of high levels of fusion protein products
that are readily purified may be desirable. Such vectors include,
but are not limited, to the E. coli expression vector pUR278
(Ruther et al., EMBO J. 2:1791 (1983)), in which the antibody
coding sequence may be ligated individually into the vector in
frame with the lac Z coding region so that a fusion protein is
produced; pIN vectors (Inouye & Inouye, Nucleic Acids Res.
13:3101-3109 (1985); Van Heeke & Schuster, J. Biol. Chem.
24:5503-5509 (1989)); and the like. pGEX vectors may also be used
to express foreign polypeptides as fusion proteins with glutathione
S-transferase (GST). In general, such fusion proteins are soluble
and can easily be purified from lysed cells by adsorption and
binding to matrix glutathione-agarose beads followed by elution in
the presence of free glutathione. The pGEX vectors are designed to
include thrombin or factor Xa protease cleavage sites so that the
cloned target gene product can be released from the GST moiety.
[0449] In an insect system, Autographa californica nuclear
polyhedrosis virus (AcNPV) is used as a vector to express foreign
genes. The virus grows in Spodoptera frugiperda cells. The antibody
coding sequence may be cloned individually into non-essential
regions (for example the polyhedrin gene) of the virus and placed
under control of an AcNPV promoter (for example the polyhedrin
promoter).
[0450] In mammalian host cells, a number of viral-based expression
systems may be utilized. In cases where an adenovirus is used as an
expression vector, the antibody coding sequence of interest may be
ligated to an adenovirus transcription/translation control complex,
e.g., the late promoter and tripartite leader sequence. This
chimeric gene may then be inserted in the adenovirus genome by in
vitro or in vivo recombination. Insertion in a non- essential
region of the viral genome (e.g., region E1 or E3) will result in a
recombinant virus that is viable and capable of expressing the
antibody molecule in infected hosts. (e.g., see Logan & Shenk,
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 81:355-359 (1984)). Specific initiation
signals may also be required for efficient translation of inserted
antibody coding sequences. These signals include the ATG initiation
codon and adjacent sequences. Furthermore, the initiation codon
must be in phase with the reading frame of the desired coding
sequence to ensure translation of the entire insert. These
exogenous translational control signals and initiation codons can
be of a variety of origins, both natural and synthetic. The
efficiency of expression may be enhanced by the inclusion of
appropriate transcription enhancer elements, transcription
terminators, etc. (see Bittner et al., Methods in Enzymol.
153:51-544 (1987)).
[0451] In addition, a host cell strain may be chosen which
modulates the expression of the inserted sequences, or modifies and
processes the gene product in the specific fashion desired. Such
modifications (e.g., glycosylation) and processing (e.g., cleavage)
of protein products may be important for the function of the
protein. Different host cells have characteristic and specific
mechanisms for the post-translational processing and modification
of proteins and gene products. Appropriate cell lines or host
systems can be chosen to ensure the correct modification and
processing of the foreign protein expressed. To this end,
eukaryotic host cells which possess the cellular machinery for
proper processing of the primary transcript, glycosylation, and
phosphorylation of the gene product may be used. Such mammalian
host cells include but are not limited to CHO, VERY, BHK, Hela,
COS, MDCK, 293, 3T3, WI38, and in particular, breast cancer cell
lines such as, for example, BT483, Hs578T, HTB2, BT20 and T47D, and
normal mammary gland cell line such as, for example, CRL7030 and
Hs578Bst.
[0452] For long-term, high-yield production of recombinant
proteins, stable expression is preferred. For example, cell lines
which stably express the antibody molecule may be engineered.
Rather than using expression vectors which contain viral origins of
replication, host cells can be transformed with DNA controlled by
appropriate expression control elements (e.g., promoter, enhancer,
sequences, transcription terminators, polyadenylation sites, etc.),
and a selectable marker. Following the introduction of the foreign
DNA, engineered cells may be allowed to grow for 1-2 days in an
enriched media, and then are switched to a selective media. The
selectable marker in the recombinant plasmid confers resistance to
the selection and allows cells to stably integrate the plasmid into
their chromosomes and grow to form foci which in turn can be cloned
and expanded into cell lines. This method may advantageously be
used to engineer cell lines which express the antibody molecule.
Such engineered cell lines may be particularly useful in screening
and evaluation of compounds that interact directly or indirectly
with the antibody molecule.
[0453] A number of selection systems may be used, including but not
limited to the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (Wigler et
al., Cell 11:223 (1977)), hypoxanthine-guanine
phosphoribosyltransferase (Szybalska & Szybalski, Proc. Natl.
Acad. Sci. USA 48:202 (1992)), and adenine
phosphoribosyltransferase (Lowy et al., Cell 22:817 (1980)) genes
can be employed in tk-, hgprt- or aprt- cells, respectively. Also,
antimetabolite resistance can be used as the basis of selection for
the following genes: dhfr, which confers resistance to methotrexate
(Wigler et al., Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 77:357 (1980); O'Hare et al.,
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 78:1527 (1981)); gpt, which confers
resistance to mycophenolic acid (Mulligan & Berg, Proc. Natl.
Acad. Sci. USA 78:2072 (1981)); neo, which confers resistance to
the aminoglycoside G-418 Clinical Pharmacy 12:488-505; Wu and Wu,
Biotherapy 3:87-95 (1991); Tolstoshev, Ann. Rev. Pharmacol.
Toxicol. 32:573-596 (1993); Mulligan, Science 260:926-932 (1993);
and Morgan and Anderson, Ann. Rev. Biochem. 62:191-217 (1993); May,
1993, TIB TECH 11(5):155-215); and hygro, which confers resistance
to hygromycin (Santerre et al., Gene 30:147 (1984)). Methods
commonly known in the art of recombinant DNA technology may be
routinely applied to select the desired recombinant clone, and such
methods are described, for example, in Ausubel et al. (eds.),
Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley & Sons, NY
(1993); Kriegler, Gene Transfer and Expression, A Laboratory
Manual, Stockton Press, NY (1990); and in Chapters 12 and 13,
Dracopoli et al. (eds), Current Protocols in Human Genetics, John
Wiley & Sons, NY (1994); Colberre-Garapin et al., J. Mol. Biol.
150:1 (1981), which are incorporated by reference herein in their
entireties.
[0454] The expression levels of an antibody molecule can be
increased by vector amplification (for a review, see Bebbington and
Hentschel, The use of vectors based on gene amplification for the
expression of cloned genes in mammalian cells in DNA cloning,
Vol.3. (Academic Press, New York, 1987)). When a marker in the
vector system expressing antibody is amplifiable, increase in the
level of inhibitor present in culture of host cell will increase
the number of copies of the marker gene. Since the amplified region
is associated with the antibody gene, production of the antibody
will also increase (Crouse et al., Mol. Cell. Biol. 3:257
(1983)).
[0455] The host cell may be co-transfected with two expression
vectors of the invention, the first vector encoding a heavy chain
derived polypeptide and the second vector encoding a light chain
derived polypeptide. The two vectors may contain identical
selectable markers which enable equal expression of heavy and light
chain polypeptides. Alternatively, a single vector may be used
which encodes, and is capable of expressing, both heavy and light
chain polypeptides. In such situations, the light chain should be
placed before the heavy chain to avoid an excess of toxic free
heavy chain (Proudfoot, Nature 322:52 (1986); Kohler, Proc. Natl.
Acad. Sci. USA 77:2197 (1980)). The coding sequences for the heavy
and light chains may comprise cDNA or genomic DNA.
[0456] Once an antibody molecule of the invention has been produced
by an animal, chemically synthesized, or recombinantly expressed,
it may be purified by any method known in the art for purification
of an immunoglobulin molecule, for example, by chromatography
(e.g., ion exchange, affinity, particularly by affinity for the
specific antigen after Protein A, and sizing column
chromatography), centrifugation, differential solubility, or by any
other standard technique for the purification of proteins. In
addition, the antibodies of the present invention or fragments
thereof can be fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences
described herein or otherwise known in the art, to facilitate
purification.
[0457] The present invention encompasses antibodies recombinantly
fused or chemically conjugated (including both covalently and
non-covalently conjugations) to a polypeptide (or portion thereof,
preferably at least 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100 amino
acids of the polypeptide) of the present invention to generate
fusion proteins. The fusion does not necessarily need to be direct,
but may occur through linker sequences. The antibodies may be
specific for antigens other than polypeptides (or portion thereof,
preferably at least 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100 amino
acids of the polypeptide) of the present invention. For example,
antibodies may be used to target the polypeptides of the present
invention to particular cell types, either in vitro or in vivo, by
fusing or conjugating the polypeptides of the present invention to
antibodies specific for particular cell surface receptors.
Antibodies fused or conjugated to the polypeptides of the present
invention may also be used in in vitro immunoassays and
purification methods using methods known in the art. See e.g.,
Harbor et al., supra, and PCT publication WO 93/21232; EP 439,095;
Naramura et al., Immunol. Lett. 39:91-99 (1994); U.S. Pat. No.
5,474,981; Gillies et al., PNAS 89:1428-1432 (1992); Fell et al.,
J. Immunol. 146:2446-2452(1991), which are incorporated by
reference in their entireties.
[0458] The present invention further includes compositions
comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused or
conjugated to antibody domains other than the variable regions. For
example, the polypeptides of the present invention may be fused or
conjugated to an antibody Fc region, or portion thereof. The
antibody portion fused to a polypeptide of the present invention
may comprise the constant region, hinge region, CH1 domain, CH2
domain, and CH3 domain or any combination of whole domains or
portions thereof. The polypeptides may also be fused or conjugated
to the above antibody portions to form multimers. For example, Fc
portions fused to the polypeptides of the present invention can
form dimers through disulfide bonding between the Fc portions.
Higher multimeric forms can be made by fusing the polypeptides to
portions of IgA and IgM. Methods for fusing or conjugating the
polypeptides of the present invention to antibody portions are
known in the art. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,336,603; 5,622,929;
5,359,046; 5,349,053; 5,447,851; 5,112,946; EP 307,434; EP 367,166;
PCT publications WO 96/04388; WO 91/06570; Ashkenazi et al., Proc.
Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 88:10535-10539 (1991); Zheng et al., J.
Immunol. 154:5590-5600 (1995); and Vil et al., Proc. Natl. Acad.
Sci. USA 89:11337-11341(1992) (said references incorporated by
reference in their entireties).
[0459] As discussed, supra, the polypeptides corresponding to a
polypeptide, polypeptide fragment, or a variant of SEQ ID NO:Y may
be fused or conjugated to the above antibody portions to increase
the in vivo half life of the polypeptides or for use in
immunoassays using methods known in the art. Further, the
polypeptides corresponding to SEQ ID NO:Y may be fused or
conjugated to the above antibody portions to facilitate
purification. One reported example describes chimeric proteins
consisting of the first two domains of the human CD4-polypeptide
and various domains of the constant regions of the heavy or light
chains of mammalian immunoglobulins. (EP 394,827; Traunecker et
al., Nature 331:84-86 (1988). The polypeptides of the present
invention fused or conjugated to an antibody having
disulfide-linked dimeric structures (due to the IgG) may also be
more efficient in binding and neutralizing other molecules, than
the monomeric secreted protein or protein fragment alone.
(Fountoulakis et al., J. Biochem. 270:3958-3964 (1995)). In many
cases, the Fc part in a fusion protein is beneficial in therapy and
diagnosis, and thus can result in, for example, improved
pharmacokinetic properties. (EP A 232,262). Alternatively, deleting
the Fc part after the fusion protein has been expressed, detected,
and purified, would be desired. For example, the Fc portion may
hinder therapy and diagnosis if the fusion protein is used as an
antigen for immunizations. In drug discovery, for example, human
proteins, such as hIL-5, have been fused with Fc portions for the
purpose of high-throughput screening assays to identify antagonists
of hIL-5. (See, Bennett et al., J. Molecular Recognition 8:52-58
(1995); Johanson et al., J. Biol. Chem. 270:9459-9471 (1995).
[0460] Moreover, the antibodies or fragments thereof of the present
invention can be fused to marker sequences, such as a peptide to
facilitate purification. In preferred embodiments, the marker amino
acid sequence is a hexa-histidine peptide, such as the tag provided
in a pQE vector (QIAGEN, Inc., 9259 Eton Avenue, Chatsworth,
Calif., 91311), among others, many of which are commercially
available. As described in Gentz et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA
86:821-824 (1989), for instance, hexa-histidine provides for
convenient purification of the fusion protein. Other peptide tags
useful for purification include, but are not limited to, the "HA"
tag, which corresponds to an epitope derived from the influenza
hemagglutinin protein (Wilson et al., Cell 37:767 (1984)) and the
"flag" tag.
[0461] The present invention further encompasses antibodies or
fragments thereof conjugated to a diagnostic or therapeutic agent.
The antibodies can be used diagnostically to, for example, monitor
the development or progression of a tumor as part of a clinical
testing procedure to, e.g., determine the efficacy of a given
treatment regimen. Detection can be facilitated by coupling the
antibody to a detectable substance. Examples of detectable
substances include various enzymes, prosthetic groups, fluorescent
materials, luminescent materials, bioluminescent materials,
radioactive materials, positron emitting metals using various
positron emission tomographies, and nonradioactive paramagnetic
metal ions. The detectable substance may be coupled or conjugated
either directly to the antibody (or fragment thereof) or
indirectly, through an intermediate (such as, for example, a linker
known in the art) using techniques known in the art. See, for
example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,741,900 for metal ions which can be
conjugated to antibodies for use as diagnostics according to the
present invention. Examples of suitable enzymes include horseradish
peroxidase, alkaline phosphatase, beta-galactosidase, or
acetylcholinesterase; examples of suitable prosthetic group
complexes include streptavidin/biotin and avidin/biotin; examples
of suitable fluorescent materials include umbelliferone,
fluorescein, fluorescein isothiocyanate, rhodamine,
dichiorotriazinylamine fluorescein, dansyl chloride or
phycoerythrin; an example of a luminescent material includes
luminol; examples of bioluminescent materials include luciferase,
luciferin, and aequorin; and examples of suitable radioactive
material include 125I, 131I , 111In or 99Tc.
[0462] Further, an antibody or fragment thereof may be conjugated
to a therapeutic moiety such as a cytotoxin, e.g., a cytostatic or
cytocidal agent, a therapeutic agent or a radioactive metal ion,
e.g., alpha-emitters such as, for example, 213Bi. A cytotoxin or
cytotoxic agent includes any agent that is detrimental to cells.
Examples include paclitaxol, cytochalasin B, gramicidin D, ethidium
bromide, emetine, mitomycin, etoposide, tenoposide, vincristine,
vinblastine, colchicin, doxorubicin, daunorubicin, dihydroxy
anthracin dione, mitoxantrone, mithramycin, actinomycin D,
1-dehydrotestosterone, glucocorticoids, procaine, tetracaine,
lidocaine, propranolol, and puromycin and analogs or homologs
thereof. Therapeutic agents include, but are not limited to,
antimetabolites (e.g., methotrexate, 6-mercaptopurine,
6-thioguanine, cytarabine, 5-fluorouracil decarbazine), alkylating
agents (e.g., mechlorethamine, thioepa chlorambucil, melphalan,
carmustine (BSNU) and lomustine (CCNU), cyclothosphamide, busulfan,
dibromomannitol, streptozotocin, mitomycin C, and
cis-dichlorodiamine platinum (II) (DDP) cisplatin), anthracyclines
(e.g., daunorubicin (formerly daunomycin) and doxorubicin),
antibiotics (e.g., dactinomycin (formerly actinomycin), bleomycin,
mithramycin, and anthramycin (AMC)), and anti-mitotic agents (e.g.,
vincristine and vinblastine).
[0463] The conjugates of the invention can be used for modifying a
given biological response, the therapeutic agent or drug moiety is
not to be construed as limited to classical chemical therapeutic
agents. For example, the drug moiety may be a protein or
polypeptide possessing a desired biological activity. Such proteins
may include, for example, a toxin such as abrin, ricin A,
pseudomonas exotoxin, or diphtheria toxin; a protein such as tumor
necrosis factor, a-interferon, .beta.-interferon, nerve growth
factor, platelet derived growth factor, tissue plasminogen
activator, an apoptotic agent, e.g., TNF-alpha, TNF-beta, AIM I
(See, International Publication No. WO 97/33899), AIM II (See,
International Publication No. WO 97/34911), Fas Ligand (Takahashi
et al., Int. Immunol., 6:1567-1574 (1994)), VEGI (See,
International Publication No. WO 99/23105), a thrombotic agent or
an anti-angiogenic agent, e.g., angiostatin or endostatin; or,
biological response modifiers such as, for example, lymphokines,
interleukin-1 ("IL-1"), interleukin-2 ("IL-2"), interleukin-6
("IL-6"), granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor
("GM-CSF"), granulocyte colony stimulating factor ("G-CSF"), or
other growth factors.
[0464] Antibodies may also be attached to solid supports, which are
particularly useful for immunoassays or purification of the target
antigen. Such solid supports include, but are not limited to,
glass, cellulose, polyacrylamide, nylon, polystyrene, polyvinyl
chloride or polypropylene.
[0465] Techniques for conjugating such therapeutic moiety to
antibodies are well known, see, e.g., Arnon et al., "Monoclonal
Antibodies For Immunotargeting Of Drugs In Cancer Therapy", in
Monoclonal Antibodies And Cancer Therapy, Reisfeld et al. (eds.),
pp. 243-56 (Alan R. Liss, Inc. 1985); Hellstrom et al., "Antibodies
For Drug Delivery", in Controlled Drug Delivery (2nd Ed.), Robinson
et al. (eds.), pp. 623-53 (Marcel Dekker, Inc. 1987); Thorpe,
"Antibody Carriers Of Cytotoxic Agents In Cancer Therapy: A
Review", in Monoclonal Antibodies '84: Biological And Clinical
Applications, Pinchera et al. (eds.), pp. 475-506 (1985);
"Analysis, Results, And Future Prospective Of The Therapeutic Use
Of Radiolabeled Antibody In Cancer Therapy", in Monoclonal
Antibodies For Cancer Detection And Therapy, Baldwin et al. (eds.),
pp. 303-16 (Academic Press 1985), and Thorpe et al., "The
Preparation And Cytotoxic Properties Of Antibody-Toxin Conjugates",
Immunol. Rev. 62:119-58 (1982).
[0466] Alternatively, an antibody can be conjugated to a second
antibody to form an antibody heteroconjugate as described by Segal
in U.S. Pat. No. 4,676,980, which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
[0467] An antibody, with or without a therapeutic moiety conjugated
to it, administered alone or in combination with cytotoxic
factor(s) and/or cytokine(s) can be used as a therapeutic.
[0468] Immunophenotyping
[0469] The antibodies of the invention may be utilized for
immunophenotyping of cell lines and biological samples. The
translation product of the gene of the present invention may be
useful as a cell specific marker, or more specifically as a
cellular marker that is differentially expressed at various stages
of differentiation and/or maturation of particular cell types.
Monoclonal antibodies directed against a specific epitope, or
combination of epitopes, will allow for the screening of cellular
populations expressing the marker. Various techniques can be
utilized using monoclonal antibodies to screen for cellular
populations expressing the marker(s), and include magnetic
separation using antibody-coated magnetic beads, "panning" with
antibody attached to a solid matrix (i.e., plate), and flow
cytometry (See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,985,660; and Morrison et al.,
Cell, 96:73749 (1999)).
[0470] These techniques allow for the screening of particular
populations of cells, such as might be found with hematological
malignancies (i.e. minimal residual disease (MRD) in acute leukemic
patients) and "non-self" cells in transplantations to prevent
Graft-versus-Host Disease (GVHD). Alternatively, these techniques
allow for the screening of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells
capable of undergoing proliferation and/or differentiation, as
might be found in human umbilical cord blood.
[0471] Assays For Antibody Binding
[0472] The antibodies of the invention may be assayed for
immunospecific binding by any method known in the art. The
immunoassays which can be used include but are not limited to
competitive and non-competitive assay systems using techniques such
as western blots, radioimmunoassays, ELISA (enzyme linked
immunosorbent assay), "sandwich" immunoassays, immunoprecipitation
assays, precipitin reactions, gel diffusion precipitin reactions,
immunodiffusion assays, agglutination assays, complement-fixation
assays, immunoradiometric assays, fluorescent immunoassays, protein
A immunoassays, to name but a few. Such assays are routine and well
known in the art (see, e.g., Ausubel et al, eds, 1994, Current
Protocols in Molecular Biology, Vol. 1, John Wiley & Sons,
Inc., New York, which is incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety). Exemplary immunoassays are described briefly below (but
are not intended by way of limitation).
[0473] Immunoprecipitation protocols generally comprise lysing a
population of cells in a lysis buffer such as RIPA buffer (1% NP-40
or Triton X-100, 1% sodium deoxycholate, 0.1% SDS, 0.15 M NaCl,
0.01 M sodium phosphate at pH 7.2, 1% Trasylol) supplemented with
protein phosphatase and/or protease inhibitors (e.g., EDTA, PMSF,
aprotinin, sodium vanadate), adding the antibody of interest to the
cell lysate, incubating for a period of time (e.g., 1-4 hours) at
4.degree. C., adding protein A and/or protein G sepharose beads to
the cell lysate, incubating for about an hour or more at 4.degree.
C., washing the beads in lysis buffer and resuspending the beads in
SDS/sample buffer. The ability of the antibody of interest to
immunoprecipitate a particular antigen can be assessed by, e.g.,
western blot analysis. One of skill in the art would be
knowledgeable as to the parameters that can be modified to increase
the binding of the antibody to an antigen and decrease the
background (e.g., pre-clearing the cell lysate with sepharose
beads). For further discussion regarding immunoprecipitation
protocols see, e.g., Ausubel et al, eds, 1994, Current Protocols in
Molecular Biology, Vol. 1, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York at
10.16.1.
[0474] Western blot analysis generally comprises preparing protein
samples, electrophoresis of the protein samples in a polyacrylamide
gel (e.g., 8%-20% SDS-PAGE depending on the molecular weight of the
antigen), transferring the protein sample from the polyacrylamide
gel to a membrane such as nitrocellulose, PVDF or nylon, blocking
the membrane in blocking solution (e.g., PBS with 3% BSA or non-fat
milk), washing the membrane in washing buffer (e.g., PBS-Tween 20),
blocking the membrane with primary antibody (the antibody of
interest) diluted in blocking buffer, washing the membrane in
washing buffer, blocking the membrane with a secondary antibody
(which recognizes the primary antibody, e.g., an anti-human
antibody) conjugated to an enzymatic substrate (e.g., horseradish
peroxidase or alkaline phosphatase) or radioactive molecule (e.g.,
32P or 125I) diluted in blocking buffer, washing the membrane in
wash buffer, and detecting the presence of the antigen. One of
skill in the art would be knowledgeable as to the parameters that
can be modified to increase the signal detected and to reduce the
background noise. For further discussion regarding western blot
protocols see, e.g., Ausubel et al, eds, 1994, Current Protocols in
Molecular Biology, Vol. 1, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York at
10.8.1.
[0475] ELISAs comprise preparing antigen, coating the well of a 96
well microtiter plate with the antigen, adding the antibody of
interest conjugated to a detectable compound such as an enzymatic
substrate (e.g., horseradish peroxidase or alkaline phosphatase) to
the well and incubating for a period of time, and detecting the
presence of the antigen. In ELISAs the antibody of interest does
not have to be conjugated to a detectable compound; instead, a
second antibody (which recognizes the antibody of interest)
conjugated to a detectable compound may be added to the well.
Further, instead of coating the well with the antigen, the antibody
may be coated to the well. In this case, a second antibody
conjugated to a detectable compound may be added following the
addition of the antigen of interest to the coated well. One of
skill in the art would be knowledgeable as to the parameters that
can be modified to increase the signal detected as well as other
variations of ELISAs known in the art. For further discussion
regarding ELISAs see, e.g., Ausubel et al, eds, 1994, Current
Protocols in Molecular Biology, Vol. 1, John Wiley & Sons,
Inc., New York at 11.2.1.
[0476] The binding affinity of an antibody to an antigen and the
off-rate of an antibody-antigen interaction can be determined by
competitive binding assays. One example of a competitive binding
assay is a radioimmunoassay comprising the incubation of labeled
antigen (e.g., 3H or 125I) with the antibody of interest in the
presence of increasing amounts of unlabeled antigen, and the
detection of the antibody bound to the labeled antigen. The
affinity of the antibody of interest for a particular antigen and
the binding off-rates can be determined from the data by scatchard
plot analysis. Competition with a second antibody can also be
determined using radioimmunoassays. In this case, the antigen is
incubated with antibody of interest conjugated to a labeled
compound (e.g., 3H or 125I) in the presence of increasing amounts
of an unlabeled second antibody.
[0477] Therapeutic Uses
[0478] The present invention is further directed to antibody-based
therapies which involve administering antibodies of the invention
to an animal, preferably a mammal, and most preferably a human,
patient for treating one or more of the disclosed diseases,
disorders, or conditions. Therapeutic compounds of the invention
include, but are not limited to, antibodies of the invention
(including fragments, analogs and derivatives thereof as described
herein) and nucleic acids encoding antibodies of the invention
(including fragments, analogs and derivatives thereof and
anti-idiotypic antibodies as described herein). The antibodies of
the invention can be used to treat, inhibit or prevent diseases,
disorders or conditions associated with aberrant expression and/or
activity of a polypeptide of the invention, including, but not
limited to, any one or more of the diseases, disorders, or
conditions described herein. The treatment and/or prevention of
diseases, disorders, or conditions associated with aberrant
expression and/or activity of a polypeptide of the invention
includes, but is not limited to, alleviating symptoms associated
with those diseases, disorders or conditions. Antibodies of the
invention may be provided in pharmaceutically acceptable
compositions as known in the art or as described herein.
[0479] A summary of the ways in which the antibodies of the present
invention may be used therapeutically includes binding
polynucleotides or polypeptides of the present invention locally or
systemically in the body or by direct cytotoxicity of the antibody,
e.g. as mediated by complement (CDC) or by effector cells (ADCC).
Some of these approaches are described in more detail below. Armed
with the teachings provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the
art will know how to use the antibodies of the present invention
for diagnostic, monitoring or therapeutic purposes without undue
experimentation.
[0480] The antibodies of this invention may be advantageously
utilized in combination with other monoclonal or chimeric
antibodies, or with lymphokines or hematopoietic growth factors
(such as, e.g., IL-2, IL-3 and IL-7), for example, which serve to
increase the number or activity of effector cells which interact
with the antibodies.
[0481] The antibodies of the invention may be administered alone or
in combination with other types of treatments (e.g., radiation
therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, immunotherapy and
anti-tumor agents). Generally, administration of products of a
species origin or species reactivity (in the case of antibodies)
that is the same species as that of the patient is preferred. Thus,
in a preferred embodiment, human antibodies, fragments derivatives,
analogs, or nucleic acids, are administered to a human patient for
therapy or prophylaxis.
[0482] It is preferred to use high affinity and/or potent in vivo
inhibiting and/or neutralizing antibodies against polypeptides or
polynucleotides of the present invention, fragments or regions
thereof, for both immunoassays directed to and therapy of disorders
related to polynucleotides or polypeptides, including fragments
thereof, of the present invention. Such antibodies, fragments, or
regions, will preferably have an affinity for polynucleotides or
polypeptides of the invention, including fragments thereof.
Preferred binding affinities include those with a dissociation
constant or Kd less than 5.times.10.sup.-2 M, 10.sup.-2 M,
5.times.10.sup.-3 M, 10.sup.-3 M, 5.times.10.sup.-4 M, 10.sup.-4 M,
5.times.10.sup.-5 M, 10.sup.-5 M, 5.times.10.sup.-6 M, 10.sup.-6 M,
5.times.10.sup.-7 M, 10.sup.-7 M, 5.times.10.sup.-8 M, 10.sup.-8 M,
5.times.10.sup.-9 M, 10.sup.-9 M, 5.times.10.sup.-10 M, 10.sup.-10
M, 5.times.10.sup.-11 M, 10.sup.-11 M, 5.times.10.sup.-12 M,
10.sup.-12 M, 5.times.10.sup.-13 M, 10.sup.-13 M,
5.times.10.sup.-14 M, 10.sup.-14 M, 5.times.10.sup.-15 M, and
10.sup.-15 M.
[0483] Gene Therapy
[0484] In a specific embodiment, nucleic acids comprising sequences
encoding antibodies or functional derivatives thereof, are
administered to treat, inhibit or prevent a disease or disorder
associated with aberrant expression and/or activity of a
polypeptide of the invention, by way of gene therapy. Gene therapy
refers to therapy performed by the administration to a subject of
an expressed or expressible nucleic acid. In this embodiment of the
invention, the nucleic acids produce their encoded protein that
mediates a therapeutic effect.
[0485] Any of the methods for gene therapy available in the art can
be used according to the present invention. Exemplary methods are
described below.
[0486] For general reviews of the methods of gene therapy, see
Goldspiel et al., Clinical Pharmacy 12:488-505 (1993); Wu and Wu,
Biotherapy 3:87-95 (1991); Tolstoshev, Ann. Rev. Pharmacol.
Toxicol. 32:573-596 (1993); Mulligan, Science 260:926-932 (1993);
and Morgan and Anderson, Ann. Rev. Biochem. 62:191-217 (1993); May,
TIBTECH 11(5):155-215 (1993). Methods commonly known in the art of
recombinant DNA technology which can be used are described in
Ausubel et al. (eds.), Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, John
Wiley & Sons, NY (1993); and Kriegler, Gene Transfer and
Expression, A Laboratory Manual, Stockton Press, NY (1990).
[0487] In a preferred aspect, the compound comprises nucleic acid
sequences encoding an antibody, said nucleic acid sequences being
part of expression vectors that express the antibody or fragments
or chimeric proteins or heavy or light chains thereof in a suitable
host. In particular, such nucleic acid sequences have promoters
operably linked to the antibody coding region, said promoter being
inducible or constitutive, and, optionally, tissue-specific. In
another particular embodiment, nucleic acid molecules are used in
which the antibody coding sequences and any other desired sequences
are flanked by regions that promote homologous recombination at a
desired site in the genome, thus providing for intrachromosomal
expression of the antibody encoding nucleic acids (Koller and
Smithies, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 86:8932-8935 (1989); Zijlstra
et al., Nature 342:435-438 (1989). In specific embodiments, the
expressed antibody molecule is a single chain antibody;
alternatively, the nucleic acid sequences include sequences
encoding both the heavy and light chains, or fragments thereof, of
the antibody.
[0488] Delivery of the nucleic acids into a patient may be either
direct, in which case the patient is directly exposed to the
nucleic acid or nucleic acid-carrying vectors, or indirect, in
which case, cells are first transformed with the nucleic acids in
vitro, then transplanted into the patient. These two approaches are
known, respectively, as in vivo or ex vivo gene therapy.
[0489] In a specific embodiment, the nucleic acid sequences are
directly administered in vivo, where it is expressed to produce the
encoded product. This can be accomplished by any of numerous
methods known in the art, e.g., by constructing them as part of an
appropriate nucleic acid expression vector and administering it so
that they become intracellular, e.g., by infection using defective
or attenuated retrovirals or other viral vectors (see U.S. Pat. No.
4,980,286), or by direct injection of naked DNA, or by use of
microparticle bombardment (e.g., a gene gun; Biolistic, Dupont), or
coating with lipids or cell-surface receptors or transfecting
agents, encapsulation in liposomes, microparticles, or
microcapsules, or by administering them in linkage to a peptide
which is known to enter the nucleus, by administering it in linkage
to a ligand subject to receptor-mediated endocytosis (see, e.g., Wu
and Wu, J. Biol. Chem. 262:4429-4432 (1987)) (which can be used to
target cell types specifically expressing the receptors), etc. In
another embodiment, nucleic acid-ligand complexes can be formed in
which the ligand comprises a fusogenic viral peptide to disrupt
endosomes, allowing the nucleic acid to avoid lysosomal
degradation. In yet another embodiment, the nucleic acid can be
targeted in vivo for cell specific uptake and expression, by
targeting a specific receptor (see, e.g., PCT Publications WO
92/06180; WO 92/22635; WO 92/20316; WO 93/14188, WO 93/20221).
Alternatively, the nucleic acid can be introduced intracellularly
and incorporated within host cell DNA for expression, by homologous
recombination (Koller and Smithies, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA
86:8932-8935 (1989); Zijlstra et al., Nature 342:435-438
(1989)).
[0490] In a specific embodiment, viral vectors that contains
nucleic acid sequences encoding an antibody of the invention are
used. For example, a retroviral vector can be used (see Miller et
al., Meth. Enzymol. 217:581-599 (1993)). These retroviral vectors
contain the components necessary for the correct packaging of the
viral genome and integration into the host cell DNA. The nucleic
acid sequences encoding the antibody to be used in gene therapy are
cloned into one or more vectors, which facilitates delivery of the
gene into a patient. More detail about retroviral vectors can be
found in Boesen et al., Biotherapy 6:291-302 (1994), which
describes the use of a retroviral vector to deliver the mdr1 gene
to hematopoietic stem cells in order to make the stem cells more
resistant to chemotherapy. Other references illustrating the use of
retroviral vectors in gene therapy are: Clowes et al., J. Clin.
Invest. 93:644-651 (1994); Kiem et al., Blood 83:1467-1473 (1994);
Salmons and Gunzberg, Human Gene Therapy 4:129-141 (1993); and
Grossman and Wilson, Curr. Opin. in Genetics and Devel. 3:110-114
(1993).
[0491] Adenoviruses are other viral vectors that can be used in
gene therapy. Adenoviruses are especially attractive vehicles for
delivering genes to respiratory epithelia. Adenoviruses naturally
infect respiratory epithelia where they cause a mild disease. Other
targets for adenovirus-based delivery systems are liver, the
central nervous system, endothelial cells, and muscle. Adenoviruses
have the advantage of being capable of infecting non-dividing
cells. Kozarsky and Wilson, Current Opinion in Genetics and
Development 3:499-503 (1993) present a review of adenovirus-based
gene therapy. Bout et al., Human Gene Therapy 5:3-10 (1994)
demonstrated the use of adenovirus vectors to transfer genes to the
respiratory epithelia of rhesus monkeys. Other instances of the use
of adenoviruses in gene therapy can be found in Rosenfeld et al.,
Science 252:431-434 (1991); Rosenfeld et al., Cell 68:143-155
(1992); Mastrangeli et al., J. Clin. Invest. 91:225-234 (1993); PCT
Publication WO 94/12649; and Wang, et al., Gene Therapy 2:775-783
(1995). In a preferred embodiment, adenovirus vectors are used.
[0492] Adeno-associated virus (AAV) has also been proposed for use
in gene therapy (Walsh et al., Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med.
204:289-300 (1993); U.S. Pat. No. 5,436,146).
[0493] Another approach to gene therapy involves transferring a
gene to cells in tissue culture by such methods as electroporation,
lipofection, calcium phosphate mediated transfection, or viral
infection. Usually, the method of transfer includes the transfer of
a selectable marker to the cells. The cells are then placed under
selection to isolate those cells that have taken up and are
expressing the transferred gene. Those cells are then delivered to
a patient.
[0494] In this embodiment, the nucleic acid is introduced into a
cell prior to administration in vivo of the resulting recombinant
cell. Such introduction can be carried out by any method known in
the art, including but not limited to transfection,
electroporation, microinjection, infection with a viral or
bacteriophage vector containing the nucleic acid sequences, cell
fusion, chromosome-mediated gene transfer, microcell-mediated gene
transfer, spheroplast fusion, etc. Numerous techniques are known in
the art for the introduction of foreign genes into cells (see,
e.g., Loeffler and Behr, Meth. Enzymol. 217:599-618 (1993); Cohen
et al., Meth. Enzymol. 217:618-644 (1993); Cline, Pharmac. Ther.
29:69-92m (1985) and may be used in accordance with the present
invention, provided that the necessary developmental and
physiological functions of the recipient cells are not disrupted.
The technique should provide for the stable transfer of the nucleic
acid to the cell, so that the nucleic acid is expressible by the
cell and preferably heritable and expressible by its cell
progeny.
[0495] The resulting recombinant cells can be delivered to a
patient by various methods known in the art. Recombinant blood
cells (e.g., hematopoietic stem or progenitor cells) are preferably
administered intravenously. The amount of cells envisioned for use
depends on the desired effect, patient state, etc., and can be
determined by one skilled in the art.
[0496] Cells into which a nucleic acid can be introduced for
purposes of gene therapy encompass any desired, available cell
type, and include but are not limited to epithelial cells,
endothelial cells, keratinocytes, fibroblasts, muscle cells,
hepatocytes; blood cells such as Tlymphocytes, Blymphocytes,
monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, eosinophils, megakaryocytes,
granulocytes; various stem or progenitor cells, in particular
hematopoietic stem or progenitor cells, e.g., as obtained from bone
marrow, umbilical cord blood, peripheral blood, fetal liver,
etc.
[0497] In a preferred embodiment, the cell used for gene therapy is
autologous to the patient.
[0498] In an embodiment in which recombinant cells are used in gene
therapy, nucleic acid sequences encoding an antibody are introduced
into the cells such that they are expressible by the cells or their
progeny, and the recombinant cells are then administered in vivo
for therapeutic effect. In a specific embodiment, stem or
progenitor cells are used. Any stem and/or progenitor cells which
can be isolated and maintained in vitro can potentially be used in
accordance with this embodiment of the present invention (see e.g.
PCT Publication WO 94/08598; Stemple and Anderson, Cell 71:973-985
(1992); Rheinwald, Meth. Cell Bio. 21A:229 (1980); and Pittelkow
and Scott, Mayo Clinic Proc. 61:771 (1986)).
[0499] In a specific embodiment, the nucleic acid to be introduced
for purposes of gene therapy comprises an inducible promoter
operably linked to the coding region, such that expression of the
nucleic acid is controllable by controlling the presence or absence
of the appropriate inducer of transcription. Demonstration of
Therapeutic or
[0500] Prophylactic Activity
[0501] The compounds or pharmaceutical compositions of the
invention are preferably tested in vitro, and then in vivo for the
desired therapeutic or prophylactic activity, prior to use in
humans. For example, in vitro assays to demonstrate the therapeutic
or prophylactic utility of a compound or pharmaceutical composition
include, the effect of a compound on a cell line or a patient
tissue sample. The effect of the compound or composition on the
cell line and/or tissue sample can be determined utilizing
techniques known to those of skill in the art including, but not
limited to, rosette formation assays and cell lysis assays. In
accordance with the invention, in vitro assays which can be used to
determine whether administration of a specific compound is
indicated, include in vitro cell culture assays in which a patient
tissue sample is grown in culture, and exposed to or otherwise
administered a compound, and the effect of such compound upon the
tissue sample is observed.
[0502] Therapeutic/Prophylactic Administration and Composition
[0503] The invention provides methods of treatment, inhibition and
prophylaxis by administration to a subject of an effective amount
of a compound or pharmaceutical composition of the invention,
preferably an antibody of the invention. In a preferred aspect, the
compound is substantially purified (e.g., substantially free from
substances that limit its effect or produce undesired
side-effects). The subject is preferably an animal, including but
not limited to animals such as cows, pigs, horses, chickens, cats,
dogs, etc., and is preferably a mammal, and most preferably
human.
[0504] Formulations and methods of administration that can be
employed when the compound comprises a nucleic acid or an
immunoglobulin are described above; additional appropriate
formulations and routes of administration can be selected from
among those described herein below.
[0505] Various delivery systems are known and can be used to
administer a compound of the invention, e.g., encapsulation in
liposomes, microparticles, microcapsules, recombinant cells capable
of expressing the compound, receptor-mediated endocytosis (see,
e.g,., Wu and Wu, J. Biol. Chem. 262:4429-4432 (1987)),
construction of a nucleic acid as part of a retroviral or other
vector, etc. Methods of introduction include but are not limited to
intradermal, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intravenous,
subcutaneous, intranasal, epidural, and oral routes. The compounds
or compositions may be administered by any convenient route, for
example by infusion or bolus injection, by absorption through
epithelial or mucocutaneous linings (e.g., oral mucosa, rectal and
intestinal mucosa, etc.) and may be administered together with
other biologically active agents. Administration can be systemic or
local. In addition, it may be desirable to introduce the
pharmaceutical compounds or compositions of the invention into the
central nervous system by any suitable route, including
intraventricular and intrathecal injection; intraventricular
injection may be facilitated by an intraventricular catheter, for
example, attached to a reservoir, such as an Ommaya reservoir.
Pulmonary administration can also be employed, e.g., by use of an
inhaler or nebulizer, and formulation with an aerosolizing
agent.
[0506] In a specific embodiment, it may be desirable to administer
the pharmaceutical compounds or compositions of the invention
locally to the area in need of treatment; this may be achieved by,
for example, and not by way of limitation, local infusion during
surgery, topical application, e.g., in conjunction with a wound
dressing after surgery, by injection, by means of a catheter, by
means of a suppository, or by means of an implant, said implant
being of a porous, non-porous, or gelatinous material, including
membranes, such as sialastic membranes, or fibers. Preferably, when
administering a protein, including an antibody, of the invention,
care must be taken to use materials to which the protein does not
absorb.
[0507] In another embodiment, the compound or composition can be
delivered in a vesicle, in particular a liposome (see Langer,
Science 249:1527-1533 (1990); Treat et al., in Liposomes in the
Therapy of Infectious Disease and Cancer, Lopez-Berestein and
Fidler (eds.), Liss, New York, pp. 3.sup.53-3.sup.65 (1989);
Lopez-Berestein, ibid., pp. 317-327; see generally ibid.)
[0508] In yet another embodiment, the compound or composition can
be delivered in a controlled release system. In one embodiment, a
pump may be used (see Langer, supra; Sefton, CRC Crit. Ref. Biomed.
Eng. 14:201 (1987); Buchwald et al., Surgery 88:507 (1980); Saudek
et al., N. Engl. J. Med. 321:574 (1989)). In another embodiment,
polymeric materials can be used (see Medical Applications of
Controlled Release, Langer and Wise (eds.), CRC Pres., Boca Raton,
Fla. (1974); Controlled Drug Bioavailability, Drug Product Design
and Performance, Smolen and Ball (eds.), Wiley, New York (1984);
Ranger and Peppas, J., Macromol. Sci. Rev. Macromol. Chem. 23:61
(1983); see also Levy et al., Science 228:190 (1985); During et
al., Ann. Neurol. 25:351 (1989); Howard et al., J.Neurosurg. 71:105
(1989)). In yet another embodiment, a controlled release system can
be placed in proximity of the therapeutic target, i.e., the brain,
thus requiring only a fraction of the systemic dose (see, e.g.,
Goodson, in Medical Applications of Controlled Release, supra, vol.
2, pp. 115-138 (1984)).
[0509] Other controlled release systems are discussed in the review
by Langer (Science 249:1527-1533 (1990)).
[0510] In a specific embodiment where the compound of the invention
is a nucleic acid encoding a protein, the nucleic acid can be
administered in vivo to promote expression of its encoded protein,
by constructing it as part of an appropriate nucleic acid
expression vector and administering it so that it becomes
intracellular, e.g., by use of a retroviral vector (see U.S. Pat.
No. 4,980,286), or by direct injection, or by use of microparticle
bombardment (e.g., a gene gun; Biolistic, Dupont), or coating with
lipids or cell-surface receptors or transfecting agents, or by
administering it in linkage to a homeobox-like peptide which is
known to enter the nucleus (see e.g., Joliot et al., Proc. Natl.
Acad. Sci. USA 88: 1864-1868 (1991)), etc. Alternatively, a nucleic
acid can be introduced intracellularly and incorporated within host
cell DNA for expression, by homologous recombination.
[0511] The present invention also provides pharmaceutical
compositions. Such compositions comprise a therapeutically
effective amount of a compound, and a pharmaceutically acceptable
carrier. In a specific embodiment, the term "pharmaceutically
acceptable" means approved by a regulatory agency of the Federal or
a state government or listed in the U.S. Pharmacopeia or other
generally recognized pharmacopeia for use in animals, and more
particularly in humans. The term "carrier" refers to a diluent,
adjuvant, excipient, or vehicle with which the therapeutic is
administered. Such pharmaceutical carriers can be sterile liquids,
such as water and oils, including those of petroleum, animal,
vegetable or synthetic origin, such as peanut oil, soybean oil,
mineral oil, sesame oil and the like. Water is a preferred carrier
when the pharmaceutical composition is administered intravenously.
Saline solutions and aqueous dextrose and glycerol solutions can
also be employed as liquid carriers, particularly for injectable
solutions. Suitable pharmaceutical excipients include starch,
glucose, lactose, sucrose, gelatin, malt, rice, flour, chalk,
silica gel, sodium stearate, glycerol monostearate, talc, sodium
chloride, dried skim milk, glycerol, propylene, glycol, water,
ethanol and the like. The composition, if desired, can also contain
minor amounts of wetting or emulsifying agents, or pH buffering
agents. These compositions can take the form of solutions,
suspensions, emulsion, tablets, pills, capsules, powders,
sustained-release formulations and the like. The composition can be
formulated as a suppository, with traditional binders and carriers
such as triglycerides. Oral formulation can include standard
carriers such as pharmaceutical grades of mannitol, lactose,
starch, magnesium stearate, sodium saccharine, cellulose, magnesium
carbonate, etc. Examples of suitable pharmaceutical carriers are
described in "Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences" by E. W. Martin.
Such compositions will contain a therapeutically effective amount
of the compound, preferably in purified form, together with a
suitable amount of carrier so. as to provide the form for proper
administration to the patient. The formulation should suit the mode
of administration.
[0512] In a preferred embodiment, the composition is formulated in
accordance with routine procedures as a pharmaceutical composition
adapted for intravenous administration to human beings. Typically,
compositions for intravenous administration are solutions in
sterile isotonic aqueous buffer. Where necessary, the composition
may also include a solubilizing agent and a local anesthetic such
as lignocaine to ease pain at the site of the injection. Generally,
the ingredients are supplied either separately or mixed together in
unit dosage form, for example, as a dry lyophilized powder or water
free concentrate in a hermetically sealed container such as an
ampoule or sachette indicating the quantity of active agent. Where
the composition is to be administered by infusion, it can be
dispensed with an infusion bottle containing sterile pharmaceutical
grade water or saline. Where the composition is administered by
injection, an ampoule of sterile water for injection or saline can
be provided so that the ingredients may be mixed prior to
administration.
[0513] The compounds of the invention can be formulated as neutral
or salt forms. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts include those
formed with anions such as those derived from hydrochloric,
phosphoric, acetic, oxalic, tartaric acids, etc., and those formed
with cations such as those derived from sodium, potassium,
ammonium, calcium, ferric hydroxides, isopropylamine,
triethylamine, 2-ethylamino ethanol, histidine, procaine, etc.
[0514] The amount of the compound of the invention which will be
effective in the treatment, inhibition and prevention of a disease
or disorder associated with aberrant expression and/or activity of
a polypeptide of the invention can be determined by standard
clinical techniques. In addition, in vitro assays may optionally be
employed to help identify optimal dosage ranges. The precise dose
to be employed in the formulation will also depend on the route of
administration, and the seriousness of the disease or disorder, and
should be decided according to the judgment of the practitioner and
each patient's circumstances. Effective doses may be extrapolated
from dose-response curves derived from in vitro or animal model
test systems.
[0515] For antibodies, the dosage administered to a patient is
typically 0.1 mg/kg to 100 mg/kg of the patient's body weight.
Preferably, the dosage administered to a patient is between 0.1
mg/kg and 20 mg/kg of the patient's body weight, more preferably 1
mg/kg to 10 mg/kg of the patient's body weight. Generally, human
antibodies have a longer half-life within the human body than
antibodies from other species due to the immune response to the
foreign polypeptides. Thus, lower dosages of human antibodies and
less frequent administration is often possible. Further, the dosage
and frequency of administration of antibodies of the invention may
be reduced by enhancing uptake and tissue penetration (e.g., into
the brain) of the antibodies by modifications such as, for example,
lipidation.
[0516] The invention also provides a pharmaceutical pack or kit
comprising one or more containers filled with one or more of the
ingredients of the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention.
Optionally associated with such container(s) can be a notice in the
form prescribed by a governmental agency regulating the
manufacture, use or sale of pharmaceuticals or biological products,
which notice reflects approval by the agency of manufacture, use or
sale for human administration.
[0517] Diagnosis and Imaging
[0518] Labeled antibodies, and derivatives and analogs thereof,
which specifically bind to a polypeptide of interest can be used
for diagnostic purposes to detect, diagnose, or monitor diseases,
disorders, and/or conditions associated with the aberrant
expression and/or activity of a polypeptide of the invention. The
invention provides for the detection of aberrant expression of a
polypeptide of interest, comprising (a) assaying the expression of
the polypeptide of interest in cells or body fluid of an individual
using one or more antibodies specific to the polypeptide interest
and (b) comparing the level of gene expression with a standard gene
expression level, whereby an increase or decrease in the assayed
polypeptide gene expression level compared to the standard
expression level is indicative of aberrant expression.
[0519] The invention provides a diagnostic assay for diagnosing a
disorder, comprising (a) assaying the expression of the polypeptide
of interest in cells or body fluid of an individual using one or
more antibodies specific to the polypeptide interest and (b)
comparing the level of gene expression with a standard gene
expression level, whereby an increase or decrease in the assayed
polypeptide gene expression level compared to the standard
expression level is indicative of a particular disorder. With
respect to cancer, the presence of a relatively high amount of
transcript in biopsied tissue from an individual may indicate a
predisposition for the development of the disease, or may provide a
means for detecting the disease prior to the appearance of actual
clinical symptoms. A more definitive diagnosis of this type may
allow health professionals to employ preventative measures or
aggressive treatment earlier thereby preventing the development or
further progression of the cancer.
[0520] Antibodies of the invention can be used to assay protein
levels in a biological sample using classical immunohistological
methods known to those of skill in the art (e.g., see Jalkanen, et
al., J. Cell. Biol. 101:976-985 (1985); Jalkanen, et al., J. Cell.
Biol. 105:3087-3096 (1987)). Other antibody-based methods useful
for detecting protein gene expression include immunoassays, such as
the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the
radioimmunoassay (RIA). Suitable antibody assay labels are known in
the art and include enzyme labels, such as, glucose oxidase;
radioisotopes, such as iodine (125I, 121I), carbon (14C), sulfur
(35S), tritium (3H), indium (112In), and technetium (99Tc);
luminescent labels, such as luminol; and fluorescent labels, such
as fluorescein and rhodamine, and biotin.
[0521] One aspect of the invention is the detection and diagnosis
of a disease or disorder associated with aberrant expression of a
polypeptide of interest in an animal, preferably a mammal and most
preferably a human. In one embodiment, diagnosis comprises: a)
administering (for example, parenterally, subcutaneously, or
intraperitoneally) to a subject an effective amount of a labeled
molecule which specifically binds to the polypeptide of interest;
b) waiting for a time interval following the administering for
permitting the labeled molecule to preferentially concentrate at
sites in the subject where the polypeptide is expressed (and for
unbound labeled molecule to be cleared to background level); c)
determining background level; and d) detecting the labeled molecule
in the subject, such that detection of labeled molecule above the
background level indicates that the subject has a particular
disease or disorder associated with aberrant expression of the
polypeptide of interest. Background level can be determined by
various methods including, comparing the amount of labeled molecule
detected to a standard value previously determined for a particular
system.
[0522] It will be understood in the art that the size of the
subject and the imaging system used will determine the quantity of
imaging moiety needed to produce diagnostic images. In the case of
a radioisotope moiety, for a human subject, the quantity of
radioactivity injected will normally range from about 5 to 20
millicuries of 99mTc. The labeled antibody or antibody fragment
will then preferentially accumulate at the location of cells which
contain the specific protein. In vivo tumor imaging is described in
S. W. Burchiel et al., "Immunopharmacokinetics of Radiolabeled
Antibodies and Their Fragments." (Chapter 13 in Tumor Imaging: The
Radiochemical Detection of Cancer, S. W. Burchiel and B. A. Rhodes,
eds., Masson Publishing Inc. (1982).
[0523] Depending on several variables, including the type of label
used and the mode of administration, the time interval following
the administration for permitting the labeled molecule to
preferentially concentrate at sites in the subject and for unbound
labeled molecule to be cleared to background level is 6 to 48 hours
or 6 to 24 hours or 6 to 12 hours. In another embodiment the time
interval following administration is 5 to 20 days or 5 to 10
days.
[0524] In an embodiment, monitoring of the disease or disorder is
carried out by repeating the method for diagnosing the disease or
disease, for example, one month after initial diagnosis, six months
after initial diagnosis, one year after initial diagnosis, etc.
[0525] Presence of the labeled molecule can be detected in the
patient using methods known in the art for in vivo scanning. These
methods depend upon the type of label used. Skilled artisans will
be able to determine the appropriate method for detecting a
particular label. Methods and devices that may be used in the
diagnostic methods of the invention include, but are not limited
to, computed tomography (CT), whole body scan such as position
emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and
sonography.
[0526] In a specific embodiment, the molecule is labeled with a
radioisotope and is detected in the patient using a radiation
responsive surgical instrument (Thurston et al., U.S. Pat. No.
5,441,050). In another embodiment, the molecule is labeled with a
fluorescent compound and is detected in the patient using a
fluorescence responsive scanning instrument. In another embodiment,
the molecule is labeled with a positron emitting metal and is
detected in the patent using positron emission-tomography. In yet
another embodiment, the molecule is labeled with a paramagnetic
label and is detected in a patient using magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI).
[0527] Kits
[0528] The present invention provides kits that can be used in the
above methods. In one embodiment, a kit comprises an antibody of
the invention, preferably a purified antibody, in one or more
containers. In a specific embodiment, the kits of the present
invention contain a substantially isolated polypeptide comprising
an epitope which is specifically immunoreactive with an antibody
included in the kit. Preferably, the kits of the present invention
further comprise a control antibody which does not react with the
polypeptide of interest. In another specific embodiment, the kits
of the present invention contain a means for detecting the binding
of an antibody to a polypeptide of interest (e.g., the antibody may
be conjugated to a detectable substrate such as a fluorescent
compound, an enzymatic substrate, a radioactive compound or a
luminescent compound, or a second antibody which recognizes the
first antibody may be conjugated to a detectable substrate).
[0529] In another specific embodiment of the present invention, the
kit is a diagnostic kit for use in screening serum containing
antibodies specific against proliferative and/or cancerous
polynucleotides and polypeptides. Such a kit may include a control
antibody that does not react with the polypeptide of interest. Such
a kit may include a substantially isolated polypeptide antigen
comprising an epitope which is specifically immunoreactive with at
least one anti-polypeptide antigen antibody. Further, such a kit
includes means for detecting the binding of said antibody to the
antigen (e.g., the antibody may be conjugated to a fluorescent
compound such as fluorescein or rhodamine which can be detected by
flow cytometry). In specific embodiments, the kit may include a
recombinantly produced or chemically synthesized polypeptide
antigen. The polypeptide antigen of the kit may also be attached to
a solid support.
[0530] In a more specific embodiment the detecting means of the
above-described kit includes a solid support to which said
polypeptide antigen is attached. Such a kit may also include a
non-attached reporter-labeled anti-human antibody. In this
embodiment, binding of the antibody to the polypeptide antigen can
be detected by binding of the said reporter-labeled antibody.
[0531] In an additional embodiment, the invention includes a
diagnostic kit for use in screening serum containing antigens of
the polypeptide of the invention. The diagnostic kit includes a
substantially isolated antibody specifically inmmunoreactive with
polypeptide or polynucleotide antigens, and means for detecting the
binding of the polynucleotide or polypeptide antigen to the
antibody. In one embodiment, the antibody is attached to a solid
support. In a specific embodiment, the antibody may be a monoclonal
antibody. The detecting means of the kit may include a second,
labeled monoclonal antibody. Alternatively, or in addition, the
detecting means may include a labeled, competing antigen.
[0532] In one diagnostic configuration, test serum is reacted with
a solid phase reagent having a surface-bound antigen obtained by
the methods of the present invention. After binding with specific
antigen antibody to the reagent and removing unbound serum
components by washing, the reagent is reacted with reporter-labeled
anti-human antibody to bind reporter to the reagent in proportion
to the amount of bound anti-antigen antibody on the solid support.
The reagent is again washed to remove unbound labeled antibody, and
the amount of reporter associated with the reagent is determined.
Typically, the reporter is an enzyme which is detected by
incubating the solid phase in the presence of a suitable
fluorometric, luminescent or calorimetric substrate (Sigma, St.
Louis, Mo.).
[0533] The solid surface reagent in the above assay is prepared by
known techniques for attaching protein material to solid support
material, such as polymeric beads, dip sticks, 96-well plate or
filter material. These attachment methods generally include
non-specific adsorption of the protein to the support or covalent
attachment of the protein, typically through a free amine group, to
a chemically reactive group on the solid support, such as an
activated carboxyl, hydroxyl, or aldehyde group. Alternatively,
streptavidin coated plates can be used in conjunction with
biotinylated antigen(s).
[0534] Thus, the invention provides an assay system or kit for
carrying out this diagnostic method. The kit generally includes a
support with surface- bound recombinant antigens, and a
reporter-labeled anti-human antibody for detecting surface-bound
anti-antigen antibody.
[0535] Fusion Proteins
[0536] Any polypeptide of the present invention can be used to
generate fusion proteins. For example, the polypeptide of the
present invention, when fused to a second protein, can be used as
an antigenic tag. Antibodies raised against the polypeptide of the
present invention can be used to indirectly detect the second
protein by binding to the polypeptide. Moreover, because secreted
proteins target cellular locations based on trafficking signals,
the polypeptides of the present invention can be used as targeting
molecules once fused to other proteins.
[0537] Examples of domains that can be fused to polypeptides of the
present invention include not only heterologous signal sequences,
but also other heterologous functional regions. The fusion does not
necessarily need to be direct, but may occur through linker
sequences.
[0538] Moreover, fusion proteins may also be engineered to improve
characteristics of the polypeptide of the present invention. For
instance, a region of additional amino acids, particularly charged
amino acids, may be added to the N-terminus of the polypeptide to
improve stability and persistence during purification from the host
cell or subsequent handling and storage. Also, peptide moieties may
be added to the polypeptide to facilitate purification. Such
regions may be removed prior to final preparation of the
polypeptide. The addition of peptide moieties to facilitate
handling of polypeptides are familiar and routine techniques in the
art.
[0539] Moreover, polypeptides of the present invention, including
fragments, and specifically epitopes, can be combined with parts of
the constant domain of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgE, IgG, IgM) or
portions thereof (CH1, CH2, CH3, and any combination thereof,
including both entire domains and portions thereof), resulting in
chimeric polypeptides. These fusion proteins facilitate
purification and show an increased half-life in vivo. One reported
example describes chimeric proteins consisting of the first two
domains of the human CD4-polypeptide and various domains of the
constant regions of the heavy or light chains of mammalian
immunoglobulins. (EP A 394,827; Traunecker et al., Nature 331:84-86
(1988).) Fusion proteins having disulfide-linked dimeric structures
(due to the IgG) can also be more efficient in binding and
neutralizing other molecules, than the monomeric secreted protein
or protein fragment alone. (Fountoulakis et al., J. Biochem.
270:3958-3964 (1995).)
[0540] Similarly, EP-A-O 464 533 (Canadian counterpart 2045869)
discloses fusion proteins comprising various portions of constant
region of immunoglobulin molecules together with another human
protein or part thereof. In many cases, the Fc part in a fusion
protein is beneficial in therapy and diagnosis, and thus can result
in, for example, improved pharmacokinetic properties. (EP-A 0232
262.) Alternatively, deleting the Fc part after the fusion protein
has been expressed, detected, and purified, would be desired. For
example, the Fc portion may hinder therapy and diagnosis if the
fusion protein is used as an antigen for immunizations. In drug
discovery, for example, human proteins, such as hIL-5, have been
fused with Fc portions for the purpose of high-throughput screening
assays to identify antagonists of hIL-5. (See, D. Bennett et al.,
J. Molecular Recognition 8:52-58 (1995); K. Johanson et al., J.
Biol. Chem. 270:9459-9471 (1995).)
[0541] Moreover, the polypeptides of the present invention can be
fused to marker sequences, such as a peptide which facilitates
purification of the fused polypeptide. In preferred embodiments,
the marker amino acid sequence is a hexa-histidine peptide, such as
the tag provided in a pQE vector (QIAGEN, Inc., 9259 Eton Avenue,
Chatsworth, Calif., 91311), among others, many of which are
commercially available. As described in Gentz et al., Proc. Natl.
Acad. Sci. USA 86:821-824 (1989), for instance, hexa-histidine
provides for convenient purification of the fusion protein. Another
peptide tag useful for purification, the "HA" tag, corresponds to
an epitope derived from the influenza hemagglutinin protein.
(Wilson et al., Cell 37:767 (1984).)
[0542] Thus, any of these above fusions can be engineered using the
polynucleotides or the polypeptides of the present invention.
[0543] Vectors, Host Cells, and Protein Production
[0544] The present invention also relates to vectors containing the
polynucleotide of the present invention, host cells, and the
production of polypeptides by recombinant techniques. The vector
may be, for example, a phage, plasmid, viral, or retroviral vector.
Retroviral vectors may be replication competent or replication
defective. In the latter case, viral propagation generally will
occur only in complementing host cells.
[0545] The polynucleotides may be joined to a vector containing a
selectable marker for propagation in a host. Generally, a plasmid
vector is introduced in a precipitate, such as a calcium phosphate
precipitate, or in a complex with a charged lipid. If the vector is
a virus, it may be packaged in vitro using an appropriate packaging
cell line and then transduced into host cells.
[0546] The polynucleotide insert should be operatively linked to an
appropriate promoter, such as the phage lambda PL promoter, the E.
coli lac, trp, phoA and tac promoters, the SV40 early and late
promoters and promoters of retroviral LTRs, to name a few. Other
suitable promoters will be known to the skilled artisan. The
expression constructs will further contain sites for transcription
initiation, termination, and, in the transcribed region, a ribosome
binding site for translation. The coding portion of the transcripts
expressed by the constructs will preferably include a translation
initiating codon at the beginning and a termination codon (UAA, UGA
or UAG) appropriately positioned at the end of the polypeptide to
be translated.
[0547] As indicated, the expression vectors will preferably include
at least one selectable marker. Such markers include dihydrofolate
reductase, G418 or neomycin resistance for eukaryotic cell culture
and tetracycline, kanamycin or ampicillin resistance genes for
culturing in E. coli and other bacteria. Representative examples of
appropriate hosts include, but are not limited to, bacterial cells,
such as E. coli, Streptomyces and Salmonella typhimurium cells;
fungal cells, such as yeast cells (e.g., Saccharomyces cerevisiae
or Pichia pastoris (ATCC Accession No. 201178)); insect cells such
as Drosophila S2 and Spodoptera Sf9 cells; animal cells such as
CHO, COS, 293, and Bowes melanoma cells; and plant cells.
Appropriate culture mediums and conditions for the above-described
host cells are known in the art.
[0548] Among vectors preferred for use in bacteria include pQE70,
pQE60 and pQE-9, available from QIAGEN, Inc.; pBluescript vectors,
Phagescript vectors, pNH8A, pNH16a, pNH18A, pNH46A, available from
Stratagene Cloning Systems, Inc.; and ptrc99a, pKK223-3, pKK233-3,
pDR540, pRIT5 available from Pharmacia Biotech, Inc. Among
preferred eukaryotic vectors are pWLNEO, pSV2CAT, pOG44, pXT1 and
pSG available from Stratagene; and pSVK3, pBPV, pMSG and pSVL
available from Pharmacia. Preferred expression vectors for use in
yeast systems include, but are not limited to pYES2, pYD1,
pTEF1/Zeo, pYES2/GS, pPICZ,pGAPZ, pGAPZalph, pPIC9, pPIC3.5,
pHIL-D2, pHIL-S1, pPIC3.5K, pPIC9K, and PA0815 (all available from
Invitrogen, Carlbad, Calif.). Other suitable vectors will be
readily apparent to the skilled artisan.
[0549] Introduction of the construct into the host cell can be
effected by calcium phosphate transfection, DEAE-dextran mediated
transfection, cationic lipid-mediated transfection,
electroporation, transduction, infection, or other methods. Such
methods are described in many standard laboratory manuals, such as
Davis et al., Basic Methods In Molecular Biology (1986). It is
specifically contemplated that the polypeptides of the present
invention may in fact be expressed by a host cell lacking a
recombinant vector.
[0550] A polypeptide of this invention can be recovered and
purified from recombinant cell cultures by well-known methods
including ammonium sulfate or ethanol precipitation, acid
extraction, anion or cation exchange chromatography,
phosphocellulose chromatography, hydrophobic interaction
chromatography, affinity chromatography, hydroxylapatite
chromatography and lectin chromatography. Most preferably, high
performance liquid chromatography ("HPLC") is employed for
purification.
[0551] Polypeptides of the present invention, and preferably the
secreted form, can also be recovered from: products purified from
natural sources, including bodily fluids, tissues and cells,
whether directly isolated or cultured; products of chemical
synthetic procedures; and products produced by recombinant
techniques from a prokaryotic or eukaryotic host, including, for
example, bacterial, yeast, higher plant, insect, and mammalian
cells. Depending upon the host employed in a recombinant production
procedure, the polypeptides of the present invention may be
glycosylated or may be non-glycosylated. In addition, polypeptides
of the invention may also include an initial modified methionine
residue, in some cases as a result of host-mediated processes.
Thus, it is well known in the art that the N-terminal methionine
encoded by the translation initiation codon generally is removed
with high efficiency from any protein after translation in all
eukaryotic cells. While the N-terminal methionine on most proteins
also is efficiently removed in most prokaryotes, for some proteins,
this prokaryotic removal process is inefficient, depending on the
nature of the amino acid to which the N-terminal methionine is
covalently linked.
[0552] In one embodiment, the yeast Pichia pastoris is used to
express the polypeptide of the present invention in a eukaryotic
system. Pichia pastoris is a methylotrophic yeast which can
metabolize methanol as its sole carbon source. A main step in the
methanol metabolization pathway is the oxidation of methanol to
formaldehyde using O.sub.2. This reaction is catalyzed by the
enzyme alcohol oxidase. In order to metabolize methanol as its sole
carbon source, Pichia pastoris must generate high levels of alcohol
oxidase due, in part, to the relatively low affinity of alcohol
oxidase for O.sub.2. Consequently, in a growth medium depending on
methanol as a main carbon source, the promoter region of one of the
two alcohol oxidase genes (AOX1) is highly active. In the presence
of methanol, alcohol oxidase produced from the AOX1 gene comprises
up to approximately 30% of the total soluble protein in Pichia
pastoris. See, Ellis, S. B., et al., Mol. Cell. Biol. 5:1111-21
(1985); Koutz, P. J, et al., Yeast 5:167-77 (1989); Tschopp, J. F.,
et al., Nucl. Acids Res. 15:3859-76 (1987). Thus, a heterologous
coding sequence, such as, for example, a polynucleotide of the
present invention, under the transcriptional regulation of all or
part of the AOX1 regulatory sequence is expressed at exceptionally
high levels in Pichia yeast grown in the presence of methanol.
[0553] In one example, the plasmid vector pPIC9K is used to express
DNA encoding a polypeptide of the invention, as set forth herein,
in a Pichea yeast system essentially as described in "Pichia
Protocols: Methods in Molecular Biology," D. R. Higgins and J.
Cregg, eds. The Humana Press, Totowa, N.J., 1998. This expression
vector allows expression and secretion of a protein of the
invention by virtue of the strong AOX1 promoter linked to the
Pichia pastoris alkaline phosphatase (PHO) secretory signal peptide
(i.e., leader) located upstream of a multiple cloning site.
[0554] Many other yeast vectors could be used in place of pPIC9K,
such as, pYES2, pYD1, pTEF1/Zeo, pYES2/GS, pPICZ, pGAPZ,
pGAPZalpha, pPIC9, pPIC3.5, pHIL-D2, pHIL-S 1, pPIC3.5K, and
PA0815, as one skilled in the art would readily appreciate, as long
as the proposed expression construct provides appropriately located
signals for transcription, translation, secretion (if desired), and
the like, including an in-frame AUG as required.
[0555] In another embodiment, high-level expression of a
heterologous coding sequence, such as, for example, a
polynucleotide of the present invention, may be achieved by cloning
the heterologous polynucleotide of the invention into an expression
vector such as, for example, pGAPZ or pGAPZalpha, and growing the
yeast culture in the absence of methanol.
[0556] In addition to encompassing host cells containing the vector
constructs discussed herein, the invention also encompasses
primary, secondary, and immortalized host cells of vertebrate
origin, particularly mammalian origin, that have been engineered to
delete or replace endogenous genetic material (e.g., coding
sequence), and/or to include genetic material (e.g., heterologous
polynucleotide sequences) that is operably associated with the
polynucleotides of the invention, and which activates, alters,
and/or amplifies endogenous polynucleotides. For example,
techniques known in the art may be used to operably associate
heterologous control regions (e.g., promoter and/or enhancer) and
endogenous polynucleotide sequences via homologous recombination,
resulting in the formation of a new transcription unit (see, e.g.,
U.S. Pat. No. 5,641,670, issued Jun. 24, 1997; U.S. Pat. No.
5,733,761, issued Mar. 31, 1998; International Publication No. WO
96/29411, published Sep. 26, 1996; International Publication No. WO
94/12650, published Aug. 4, 1994; Koller et al., Proc. Natl. Acad.
Sci. USA 86:8932-8935 (1989); and Zijlstra et al., Nature
342:435-438 (1989), the disclosures of each of which are
incorporated by reference in their entireties).
[0557] In addition, polypeptides of the invention can be chemically
synthesized using techniques known in the art (e.g., see Creighton,
1983, Proteins: Structures and Molecular Principles, W. H. Freeman
& Co., N.Y., and Hunkapiller et al., Nature, 310:105-111
(1984)). For example, a polypeptide corresponding to a fragment of
a polypeptide sequence of the invention can be synthesized by use
of a peptide synthesizer. Furthermore, if desired, nonclassical
amino acids or chemical amino acid analogs can be introduced as a
substitution or addition into the polypeptide sequence.
Non-classical amino acids include, but are not limited to, to the
D-isomers of the common amino acids, 2,4-diaminobutyric acid,
a-amino isobutyric acid, 4-aminobutyric acid, Abu, 2-amino butyric
acid, g-Abu, e-Ahx, 6amino hexanoic acid, Aib, 2-amino isobutyric
acid, 3-amino propionic acid, ornithine, norleucine, norvaline,
hydroxyproline, sarcosine, citrulline, homocitrulline, cysteic
acid, t-butylglycine, t-butylalanine, phenylglycine,
cyclohexylalanine, b-alanine, fluoroamino acids, designer amino
acids such as b-methyl amino acids, Ca-methyl amino acids,
Na-methyl amino acids, and amino acid analogs in general.
Furthermore, the amino acid can be D (dextrorotary) or L
(levorotary).
[0558] The invention encompasses polypeptides which are
differentially modified during or after translation, e.g., by
glycosylation, acetylation, phosphorylation, amidation,
derivatization by known protecting/blocking groups, proteolytic
cleavage, linkage to an antibody molecule or other cellular ligand,
etc. Any of numerous chemical modifications may be carried out by
known techniques, including but not limited, to specific chemical
cleavage by cyanogen bromide, trypsin, chymotrypsin, papain, V8
protease, NABH.sub.4; acetylation, formylation, oxidation,
reduction; metabolic synthesis in the presence of tunicamycin;
etc.
[0559] Additional post-translational modifications encompassed by
the invention include, for example, e.g., N-linked or O-linked
carbohydrate chains, processing of N-terminal or C-terminal ends),
attachment of chemical moieties to the amino acid backbone,
chemical modifications of N-linked or O-linked carbohydrate chains,
and addition or deletion of an N-terminal methionine residue as a
result of procaryotic host cell expression. The polypeptides may
also be modified with a detectable label, such as an enzymatic,
fluorescent, isotopic or affinity label to allow for detection and
isolation of the protein.
[0560] Also provided by the invention are chemically modified
derivatives of the polypeptides of the invention which may provide
additional advantages such as increased solubility, stability and
circulating time of the polypeptide, or decreased immunogenicity
(see U.S. Pat. No. 4,179,337). The chemical moieties for
derivitization may be selected from water soluble polymers such as
polyethylene glycol, ethylene glycol/propylene glycol copolymers,
carboxymethylcellulose, dextran, polyvinyl alcohol and the like.
The polypeptides may be modified at random positions within the
molecule, or at predetermined positions within the molecule and may
include one, two, three or more attached chemical moieties.
[0561] The polymer may be of any molecular weight, and may be
branched or unbranched. For polyethylene glycol, the preferred
molecular weight is between about 1 kDa and about 100 kDa (the term
"about" indicating that in preparations of polyethylene glycol,
some molecules will weigh more, some less, than the stated
molecular weight) for ease in handling and manufacturing. Other
sizes may be used, depending on the desired therapeutic profile
(e.g., the duration of sustained release desired, the effects, if
any on biological activity, the ease in handling, the degree or
lack of antigenicity and other known effects of the polyethylene
glycol to a therapeutic protein or analog).
[0562] The polyethylene glycol molecules (or other chemical
moieties) should be attached to the protein with consideration of
effects on functional or antigenic domains of the protein. There
are a number of attachment methods available to those skilled in
the art, e.g., EP 0 401 384, herein incorporated by reference
(coupling PEG to G-CSF), see also Malik et al., Exp. Hematol.
20:1028-1035 (1992) (reporting pegylation of GM-CSF using tresyl
chloride). For example, polyethylene glycol may be covalently bound
through amino acid residues via a reactive group, such as, a free
amino or carboxyl group. Reactive groups are those to which an
activated polyethylene glycol molecule may be bound. The amino acid
residues having a free amino group may include lysine residues and
the N-terminal amino acid residues; those having a free carboxyl
group may include aspartic acid residues glutamic acid residues and
the C-terminal amino acid residue. Sulfhydryl groups may also be
used as a reactive group for attaching the polyethylene glycol
molecules. Preferred for therapeutic purposes is attachment at an
amino group, such as attachment at the N-terminus or lysine
group.
[0563] One may specifically desire proteins chemically modified at
the N-terminus. Using polyethylene glycol as an illustration of the
present composition, one may select from a variety of polyethylene
glycol molecules (by molecular weight, branching, etc.), the
proportion of polyethylene glycol molecules to protein
(polypeptide) molecules in the reaction mix, the type of pegylation
reaction to be performed, and the method of obtaining the selected
N-terminally pegylated protein. The method of obtaining the
N-terminally pegylated preparation (i.e., separating this moiety
from other monopegylated moieties if necessary) may be by
purification of the N-terminally pegylated material from a
population of pegylated protein molecules. Selective proteins
chemically modified at the N-terminus modification may be
accomplished by reductive alkylation which exploits differential
reactivity of different types of primary amino groups (lysine
versus the N-terminal) available for derivatization in a particular
protein. Under the appropriate reaction conditions, substantially
selective derivatization of the protein at the N-terminus with a
carbonyl group containing polymer is achieved.
[0564] The polypeptides of the invention may be in monomers or
multimers (i.e., dimers, trimers, tetramers and higher multimers).
Accordingly, the present invention relates to monomers and
multimers of the polypeptides of the invention, their preparation,
and compositions (preferably, Therapeutics) containing them. In
specific embodiments, the polypeptides of the invention are
monomers, dimers, trimers or tetramers. In additional embodiments,
the multimers of the invention are at least dimers, at least
trimers, or at least tetramers.
[0565] Multimers encompassed by the invention may be homomers or
heteromers. As used herein, the term homomer, refers to a multimer
containing only polypeptides corresponding to the amino acid
sequence of SEQ ID NO:Y or encoded by the cDNA contained in a
deposited clone (including fragments, variants, splice variants,
and fusion proteins, corresponding to these polypeptides as
described herein). These homomers may contain polypeptides having
identical or different amino acid sequences. In a specific
embodiment, a homomer of the invention is a multimer containing
only polypeptides having an identical amino acid sequence. In
another specific embodiment, a homomer of the invention is a
multimer containing polypeptides having different amino acid
sequences. In specific embodiments, the multimer of the invention
is a homodimer (e.g., containing polypeptides having identical or
different amino acid sequences) or a homotrimer (e.g., containing
polypeptides having identical and/or different amino acid
sequences). In additional embodiments, the homomeric multimer of
the invention is at least a homodimer, at least a homotrimer, or at
least a homotetramer.
[0566] As used herein, the term heteromer refers to a multimer
containing one or more heterologous polypeptides (i.e.,
polypeptides of different proteins) in addition to the polypeptides
of the invention. In a specific embodiment, the multimer of the
invention is a heterodimer, a heterotrimer, or a heterotetramer. In
additional embodiments, the heteromeric multimer of the invention
is at least a heterodimer, at least a heterotrimer, or at least a
heterotetramer.
[0567] Multimers of the invention may be the result of hydrophobic,
hydrophilic, ionic and/or covalent associations and/or may be
indirectly linked, by for example, liposome formation. Thus, in one
embodiment, multimers of the invention, such as, for example,
homodimers or homotrimers, are formed when polypeptides of the
invention contact one another in solution. In another embodiment,
heteromultimers of the invention, such as, for example,
heterotrimers or heterotetramers, are formed when polypeptides of
the invention contact antibodies to the polypeptides of the
invention (including antibodies to the heterologous polypeptide
sequence in a fusion protein of the invention) in solution. In
other embodiments, multimers of the invention are formed by
covalent associations with and/or between the polypeptides of the
invention. Such covalent associations may involve one or more amino
acid residues contained in the polypeptide sequence (e.g., that
recited in the sequence listing, or contained in the polypeptide
encoded by a deposited clone). In one instance, the covalent
associations are cross-linking between cysteine residues located
within the polypeptide sequences which interact in the native
(i.e., naturally occurring) polypeptide. In another instance, the
covalent associations are the consequence of chemical or
recombinant manipulation. Alternatively, such covalent associations
may involve one or more amino acid residues contained in the
heterologous polypeptide sequence in a fusion protein of the
invention.
[0568] In one example, covalent associations are between the
heterologous sequence contained in a fusion protein of the
invention (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,478,925). In a specific
example, the covalent associations are between the heterologous
sequence contained in an Fc fusion protein of the invention (as
described herein). In another specific example, covalent
associations of fusion proteins of the invention are between
heterologous polypeptide sequence from another protein that is
capable of forming covalently associated multimers, such as for
example, oseteoprotegerin (see, e.g., International Publication NO:
WO 98/49305, the contents of which are herein incorporated by
reference in its entirety). In another embodiment, two or more
polypeptides of the invention are joined through peptide linkers.
Examples include those peptide linkers described in U.S. Pat. No.
5,073,627 (hereby incorporated by reference). Proteins comprising
multiple polypeptides of the invention separated by peptide linkers
may be produced using conventional recombinant DNA technology.
[0569] Another method for preparing multimer polypeptides of the
invention involves use of polypeptides of the invention fused to a
leucine zipper or isoleucine zipper polypeptide sequence. Leucine
zipper and isoleucine zipper domains are polypeptides that promote
multimerization of the proteins in which they are found. Leucine
zippers were originally identified in several DNA-binding proteins
(Landschulz et al., Science 240:1759, (1988)), and have since been
found in a variety of different proteins. Among the known leucine
zippers are naturally occurring peptides and derivatives thereof
that dimerize or trimerize. Examples of leucine zipper domains
suitable for producing soluble multimeric proteins of the invention
are those described in PCT application WO 94/10308, hereby
incorporated by reference. Recombinant fusion proteins comprising a
polypeptide of the invention fused to a polypeptide sequence that
dimerizes or trimerizes in solution are expressed in suitable host
cells, and the resulting soluble multimeric fusion protein is
recovered from the culture supernatant using techniques known in
the art.
[0570] Trimeric polypeptides of the invention may offer the
advantage of enhanced biological activity. Preferred leucine zipper
moieties and isoleucine moieties are those that preferentially form
trimers. One example is a leucine zipper derived from lung
surfactant protein D (SPD), as described in Hoppe et al. (FEBS
Letters 344:191, (1994)) and in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
08/446,922, hereby incorporated by reference. Other peptides
derived from naturally occurring trimeric proteins may be employed
in preparing trimeric polypeptides of the invention.
[0571] In another example, proteins of the invention are associated
by interactions between Flag.RTM. polypeptide sequence contained in
fusion proteins of the invention containing Flag.RTM. polypeptide
seuqence. In a further embodiment, associations proteins of the
invention are associated by interactions between heterologous
polypeptide sequence contained in Flag.RTM. fusion proteins of the
invention and anti-Flag.RTM. antibody.
[0572] The multimers of the invention may be generated using
chemical techniques known in the art. For example, polypeptides
desired to be contained in the multimers of the invention may be
chemically cross-linked using linker molecules and linker molecule
length optimization techniques known in the art (see, e.g., U.S.
Pat. No. 5,478,925, which is herein incorporated by reference in
its entirety). Additionally, multimers of the invention may be
generated using techniques known in the art to form one or more
inter-molecule cross-links between the cysteine residues located
within the sequence of the polypeptides desired to be contained in
the multimer (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,478,925, which is herein
incorporated by reference in its entirety). Further, polypeptides
of the invention may be routinely modified by the addition of
cysteine or biotin to the C terminus or N-terminus of the
polypeptide and techniques known in the art may be applied to
generate multimers containing one or more of these modified
polypeptides (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No 5,478,925, which is herein
incorporated by reference in its entirety). Additionally,
techniques known in the art may be applied to generate liposomes
containing the polypeptide components desired to be contained in
the multimer of the invention (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,478,925,
which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety).
[0573] Alternatively, multimers of the invention may be generated
using genetic engineering techniques known in the art. In one
embodiment, polypeptides contained in multimers of the invention
are produced recombinantly using fusion protein technology
described herein or otherwise known in the art (see, e.g., U.S.
Pat. No. 5,478,925, which is herein incorporated by reference in
its entirety). In a specific embodiment, polynucleotides coding for
a homodimer of the invention are generated by ligating a
polynucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide of the invention to
a sequence encoding a linker polypeptide and then further to a
synthetic polynucleotide encoding the translated product of the
polypeptide in the reverse orientation from the original C-terminus
to the N-terminus (lacking the leader sequence) (see, e.g., U.S.
Pat. No. 5,478,925, which is herein incorporated by reference in
its entirety). In another embodiment, recombinant techniques
described herein or otherwise known in the art are applied to
generate recombinant polypeptides of the invention which contain a
transmembrane domain (or hyrophobic or signal peptide) and which
can be incorporated by membrane reconstitution techniques into
liposomes (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,478,925, which is herein
incorporated by reference in its entirety).
[0574] Uses of the Polynucleotides
[0575] Each of the polynucleotides identified herein can be used in
numerous ways as reagents. The following description should be
considered exemplary and utilizes known techniques.
[0576] The polynucleotides of the present invention are useful for
chromosome identification. There exists an ongoing need to identify
new chromosome markers, since few chromosome marking reagents,
based on actual sequence data (repeat polymorphisms), are presently
available. Each polynucleotide of the present invention can be used
as a chromosome marker.
[0577] Briefly, sequences can be mapped to chromosomes by preparing
PCR primers (preferably 15-25 bp) from the sequences shown in SEQ
ID NO:X. Primers can be selected using computer analysis so that
primers do not span more than one predicted exon in the genomic
DNA. These primers are then used for PCR screening of somatic cell
hybrids containing individual human chromosomes. Only those hybrids
containing the human gene corresponding to the SEQ ID NO:X will
yield an amplified fragment.
[0578] Similarly, somatic hybrids provide a rapid method of PCR
mapping the polynucleotides to particular chromosomes. Three or
more clones can be assigned per day using a single thermal cycler.
Moreover, sublocalization of the polynucleotides can be achieved
with panels of specific chromosome fragments. Other gene mapping
strategies that can be used include in situ hybridization,
prescreening with labeled flow-sorted chromosomes, and preselection
by hybridization to construct chromosome specific-cDNA
libraries.
[0579] Precise chromosomal location of the polynucleotides can also
be achieved using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) of a
metaphase chromosomal spread. This technique uses polynucleotides
as short as 500 or 600 bases; however, polynucleotides 2,000-4,000
bp are preferred. For a review of this technique, see Verma et al.,
"Human Chromosomes: a Manual of Basic Techniques," Pergamon Press,
New York (1988).
[0580] For chromosome mapping, the polynucleotides can be used
individually (to mark a single chromosome or a single site on that
chromosome) or in panels (for marking multiple sites and/or
multiple chromosomes). Preferred polynucleotides correspond to the
noncoding regions of the cDNAs because the coding sequences are
more likely conserved within gene families, thus increasing the
chance of cross hybridization during chromosomal mapping.
[0581] Once a polynucleotide has been mapped to a precise
chromosomal location, the physical position of the polynucleotide
can be used in linkage analysis. Linkage analysis establishes
coinheritance between a chromosomal location and presentation of a
particular disease. (Disease mapping data are found, for example,
in V. McKusick, Mendelian Inheritance in Man (available on line
through Johns Hopkins University Welch Medical Library).) Assuming
1 megabase mapping resolution and one gene per 20 kb, a cDNA
precisely localized to a chromosomal region associated with the
disease could be one of 50-500 potential causative genes.
[0582] Thus, once coinheritance is established, differences in the
polynucleotide and the corresponding gene between affected and
unaffected individuals can be examined. First, visible structural
alterations in the chromosomes, such as deletions or
translocations, are examined in chromosome spreads or by PCR. If no
structural alterations exist, the presence of point mutations are
ascertained. Mutations observed in some or all affected
individuals, but not in normal individuals, indicates that the
mutation may cause the disease. However, complete sequencing of the
polypeptide and the corresponding gene from several normal
individuals is required to distinguish the mutation from a
polymorphism. If a new polymorphism is identified, this polymorphic
polypeptide can be used for further linkage analysis.
[0583] Furthermore, increased or decreased expression of the gene
in affected individuals as compared to unaffected individuals can
be assessed using polynucleotides of the present invention. Any of
these alterations (altered expression, chromosomal rearrangement,
or mutation) can be used as a diagnostic or prognostic marker.
[0584] Thus, the invention also provides a diagnostic method useful
during diagnosis of a disorder, involving measuring the expression
level of polynucleotides of the present invention in cells or body
fluid from an individual and comparing the measured gene expression
level with a standard level of polynucleotide expression level,
whereby an increase or decrease in the gene expression level
compared to the standard is indicative of a disorder.
[0585] In still another embodiment, the invention includes a kit
for analyzing samples for the presence of proliferative and/or
cancerous polynucleotides derived from a test subject. In a general
embodiment, the kit includes at least one polynucleotide probe
containing a nucleotide sequence that will specifically hybridize
with a polynucleotide of the present invention and a suitable
container. In a specific embodiment, the kit includes two
polynucleotide probes defining an internal region of the
polynucleotide of the present invention, where each probe has one
strand containing a 31'mer-end internal to the region. In a further
embodiment, the probes may be useful as primers for polymerase
chain reaction amplification.
[0586] Where a diagnosis of a disorder, has already been made
according to conventional methods, the present invention is useful
as a prognostic indicator, whereby patients exhibiting enhanced or
depressed polynucleotide of the present invention expression will
experience a worse clinical outcome relative to patients expressing
the gene at a level nearer the standard level.
[0587] By "measuring the expression level of polynucleotide of the
present invention" is intended qualitatively or quantitatively
measuring or estimating the level of the polypeptide of the present
invention or the level of the mRNA encoding the polypeptide in a
first biological sample either directly (e.g., by determining or
estimating absolute protein level or mRNA level) or relatively
(e.g., by comparing to the polypeptide level or mRNA level in a
second biological sample). Preferably, the polypeptide level or
mRNA level in the first biological sample is measured or estimated
and compared to a standard polypeptide level or mRNA level, the
standard being taken from a second biological sample obtained from
an individual not having the disorder or being determined by
averaging levels from a population of individuals not having a
disorder. As will be appreciated in the art, once a standard
polypeptide level or mRNA level is known, it can be used repeatedly
as a standard for comparison.
[0588] By "biological sample" is intended any biological sample
obtained from an individual, body fluid, cell line, tissue culture,
or other source which contains the polypeptide of the present
invention or mRNA. As indicated, biological samples include body
fluids (such as semen, lymph, sera, plasma, urine, synovial fluid
and spinal fluid) which contain the polypeptide of the present
invention, and other tissue sources found to express the
polypeptide of the present invention. Methods for obtaining tissue
biopsies and body fluids from mammals are well known in the art.
Where the biological sample is to include mRNA, a tissue biopsy is
the preferred source.
[0589] The method(s) provided above may preferrably be applied in a
diagnostic method and/or kits in which polynucleotides and/or
polypeptides are attached to a solid support. In one exemplary
method, the support may be a "gene chip" or a "biological chip" as
described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,837,832, 5,874,219, and 5,856,174.
Further, such a gene chip with polynucleotides of the present
invention attached may be used to identify polymorphisms between
the polynucleotide sequences, with polynucleotides isolated from a
test subject. The knowledge of such polymorphisms (i.e. their
location, as well as, their existence) would be beneficial in
identifying disease loci for many disorders, including cancerous
diseases and conditions. Such a method is described in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 5,858,659 and 5,856,104. The U.S. patents referenced supra are
hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.
[0590] The present invention encompasses polynucleotides of the
present invention that are chemically synthesized, or reproduced as
peptide nucleic acids (PNA), or according to other methods known in
the art. The use of PNAs would serve as the preferred form if the
polynucleotides are incorporated onto a solid support, or gene
chip. For the purposes of the present invention, a peptide nucleic
acid (PNA) is a polyamide type of DNA analog and the monomeric
units for adenine, guanine, thymine and cytosine are available
commercially (Perceptive Biosystems). Certain components of DNA,
such as phosphorus, phosphorus oxides, or deoxyribose derivatives,
are not present in PNAs. As disclosed by P. E. Nielsen, M. Egholm,
R. H. Berg and O. Buchardt, Science 254, 1497 (1991); and M.
Egholm, O. Buchardt, L. Christensen, C. Behrens, S. M. Freier, D.
A. Driver, R. H. Berg, S. K. Kim, B. Norden, and P. E. Nielsen,
Nature 365, 666 (1993), PNAs bind specifically and tightly to
complementary DNA strands and are not degraded by nucleases. In
fact, PNA binds more strongly to DNA than DNA itself does. This is
probably because there is no electrostatic repulsion between the
two strands, and also the polyamide backbone is more flexible.
Because of this, PNA/DNA duplexes bind under a wider range of
stringency conditions than DNA/DNA duplexes, making it easier to
perform multiplex hybridization. Smaller probes can be used than
with DNA due to the strong binding. In addition, it is more likely
that single base mismatches can be determined with PNA/DNA
hybridization because a single mismatch in a PNA/DNA 15-mer lowers
the melting point (T.sub.m) by 8.degree.-20.degree. C., vs.
4.degree.-16.degree. C. for the DNA/DNA 15-mer duplex. Also, the
absence of charge groups in PNA means that hybridization can be
done at low ionic strengths and reduce possible interference by
salt during the analysis.
[0591] The present invention is useful for detecting cancer in
mammals. In particular the invention is useful during diagnosis of
pathological cell proliferative neoplasias which include, but are
not limited to: acute myelogenous leukemias including acute
monocytic leukemia, acute myeloblastic leukemia, acute
promyelocytic leukemia, acute myelomonocytic leukemia, acute
erythroleukemia, acute megakaryocytic leukemia, and acute
undifferentiated leukemia, etc.; and chronic myelogenous leukemias
including chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, chronic granulocytic
leukemia, etc. Preferred mammals include monkeys, apes, cats, dogs,
cows, pigs, horses, rabbits and humans. Particularly preferred are
humans.
[0592] Pathological cell proliferative diseases, disorders, and/or
conditions are often associated with inappropriate activation of
proto-oncogenes. (Gelmann, E. P. et al., "The Etiology of Acute
Leukemia: Molecular Genetics and Viral Oncology," in Neoplastic
Diseases of the Blood, Vol 1., Wiemik, P. H. et al. eds., 161-182
(1985)). Neoplasias are now believed to result from the qualitative
alteration of a normal cellular gene product, or from the
quantitative modification of gene expression by insertion into the
chromosome of a viral sequence, by chromosomal translocation of a
gene to a more actively transcribed region, or by some other
mechanism. (Gelmann et al., supra) It is likely that mutated or
altered expression of specific genes is involved in the
pathogenesis of some leukemias, among other tissues and cell types.
(Gelmann et al., supra) Indeed, the human counterparts of the
oncogenes involved in some animal neoplasias have been amplified or
translocated in some cases of human leukemia and carcinoma.
(Gelmann et al., supra)
[0593] For example, c-myc expression is highly amplified in the
non-lymphocytic leukemia cell line HL-60. When HL-60 cells are
chemically induced to stop proliferation, the level of c-myc is
found to be downregulated. (International Publication Number WO
91/15580) However, it has been shown that exposure of HL-60 cells
to a DNA construct that is complementary to the 5' end of c-myc or
c-myb blocks translation of the corresponding mRNAs which
downregulates expression of the c-myc or c-myb proteins and causes
arrest of cell proliferation and differentiation of the treated
cells. (International Publication Number WO 91/15580; Wickstrom et
al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 85:1028 (1988); Anfossi et al., Proc.
Natl. Acad. Sci. 86:3379 (1989)). However, the skilled artisan
would appreciate the present invention's usefulness would not be
limited to treatment of proliferative diseases, disorders, and/or
conditions of hematopoietic cells and tissues, in light of the
numerous cells and cell types of varying origins which are known to
exhibit proliferative phenotypes.
[0594] In addition to the foregoing, a polynucleotide can be used
to control gene expression through triple helix formation or
antisense DNA or RNA. Antisense techniques are discussed, for
example, in Okano, J. Neurochem. 56: 560 (1991);
"Oligodeoxynucleotides as Antisense Inhibitors of Gene
Expression,CRCPress, Boca Raton, Fla. (1988). Triple helix
formation is discussed in, for instance Lee et al., Nucleic Acids
Research 6: 3073 (1979); Cooney et al., Science 241: 456 (1988);
and Dervan et al., Science 251: 1360 (1991). Both methods rely on
binding of the polynucleotide to a complementary DNA or RNA. For
these techniques, preferred polynucleotides are usually
oligonucleotides 20 to 40 bases in length and complementary to
either the region of the gene involved in transcription (triple
helix--see Lee et al., Nucl. Acids Res. 6:3073 (1979); Cooney et
al., Science 241:456 (1988); and Dervan et al., Science 251:1360
(1991)) or to the mRNA itself (antisense-Okano, J. Neurochem.
56:560 (1991); Oligodeoxy-nucleotides as Antisense Inhibitors of
Gene Expression, CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fla. (1988).) Triple helix
formation optimally results in a shut-off of RNA transcription from
DNA, while antisense RNA hybridization blocks translation of an
mRNA molecule into polypeptide. Both techniques are effective in
model systems, and the information disclosed herein can be used to
design antisense or triple helix polynucleotides in an effort to
treat or prevent disease.
[0595] Polynucleotides of the present invention are also useful in
gene therapy. One goal of gene therapy is to insert a normal gene
into an organism having a defective gene, in an effort to correct
the genetic defect. The polynucleotides disclosed in the present
invention offer a means of targeting such genetic defects in a
highly accurate manner. Another goal is to insert a new gene that
was not present in the host genome, thereby producing a new trait
in the host cell.
[0596] The polynucleotides are also useful for identifying
individuals from minute biological samples. The United States
military, for example, is considering the use of restriction
fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) for identification of its
personnel. In this technique, an individual's genomic DNA is
digested with one or more restriction enzymes, and probed on a
Southern blot to yield unique bands for identifying personnel. This
method does not suffer from the current limitations of "Dog Tags"
which can be lost, switched, or stolen, making positive
identification difficult. The polynucleotides of the present
invention can be used as additional DNA markers for RFLP.
[0597] The polynucleotides of the present invention can also be
used as an alternative to RFLP, by determining the actual
base-by-base DNA sequence of selected portions of an individual's
genome. These sequences can be used to prepare PCR primers for
amplifying and isolating such selected DNA, which can then be
sequenced. Using this technique, individuals can be identified
because each individual will have a unique set of DNA sequences.
Once an unique ID database is established for an individual,
positive identification of that individual, living or dead, can be
made from extremely small tissue samples.
[0598] Forensic biology also benefits from using DNA-based
identification techniques as disclosed herein. DNA sequences taken
from very small biological samples such as tissues, e.g., hair or
skin, or body fluids, e.g., blood, saliva, semen, synovial fluid,
amniotic fluid, breast milk, lymph, pulmonary sputum or
surfactant,urine,fecal matter, etc., can be amplified using PCR. In
one prior art technique, gene sequences amplified from polymorphic
loci, such as DQa class II HLA gene, are used in forensic biology
to identify individuals. (Erlich, H., PCR Technology, Freeman and
Co. (1992).) Once these specific polymorphic loci are amplified,
they are digested with one or more restriction enzymes, yielding an
identifying set of bands on a Southern blot probed with DNA
corresponding to the DQa class II HLA gene. Similarly,
polynucleotides of the present invention can be used as polymorphic
markers for forensic purposes.
[0599] There is also a need for reagents capable of identifying the
source of a particular tissue. Such need arises, for example, in
forensics when presented with tissue of unknown origin. Appropriate
reagents can comprise, for example, DNA probes or primers specific
to particular tissue prepared from the sequences of the present
invention. Panels of such reagents can identify tissue by species
and/or by organ type. In a similar fashion, these reagents can be
used to screen tissue cultures for contamination.
[0600] In the very least, the polynucleotides of the present
invention can be used as molecular weight markers on Southern gels,
as diagnostic probes for the presence of a specific mRNA in a
particular cell type, as a probe to "subtract-out" known sequences
in the process of discovering novel polynucleotides, for selecting
and making oligomers for attachment to a "gene chip" or other
support, to raise anti-DNA antibodies using DNA immunization
techniques, and as an antigen to elicit an immune response.
[0601] Uses of the Polypeptides
[0602] Each of the polypeptides identified herein can be used in
numerous ways. The following description should be considered
exemplary and utilizes known techniques.
[0603] A polypeptide of the present invention can be used to assay
protein levels in a biological sample using antibody-based
techniques. For example, protein expression in tissues can be
studied with classical immunohistological methods. (Jalkanen, M.,
et al., J. Cell. Biol. 101:976-985 (1985); Jalkanen, M., et al., J.
Cell . Biol. 105:3087-3096 (1987).) Other antibody-based methods
useful for detecting protein gene expression include immunoassays,
such as the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the
radioimmunoassay (RIA). Suitable antibody assay labels are known in
the art and include enzyme labels, such as, glucose oxidase, and
radioisotopes, such as iodine (125I, 121I), carbon (14C), sulfur
(35S), tritium (3H), indium (112In), and technetium (99mTc), and
fluorescent labels, such as fluorescein and rhodamine, and
biotin.
[0604] In addition to assaying secreted protein levels in a
biological sample, proteins can also be detected in vivo by
imaging. Antibody labels or markers for in vivo imaging of protein
include those detectable by X-radiography, NMR or ESR. For
X-radiography, suitable labels include radioisotopes such as barium
or cesium, which emit detectable radiation but are not overtly
harmful to the subject. Suitable markers for NMR and ESR include
those with a detectable characteristic spin, such as deuterium,
which may be incorporated into the antibody by labeling of
nutrients for the relevant hybridoma.
[0605] A protein-specific antibody or antibody fragment which has
been labeled with an appropriate detectable imaging moiety, such as
a radioisotope (for example, 131I, 112In, 99mTc), a radio-opaque
substance, or a material detectable by nuclear magnetic resonance,
is introduced (for example, parenterally, subcutaneously, or
intraperitoneally) into the mammal. It will be understood in the
art that the size of the subject and the imaging system used will
determine the quantity of imaging moiety needed to produce
diagnostic images. In the case of a radioisotope moiety, for a
human subject, the quantity of radioactivity injected will normally
range from about 5 to 20 millicuries of 99mTc. The labeled antibody
or antibody fragment will then preferentially accumulate at the
location of cells which contain the specific protein. In vivo tumor
imaging is described in S. W. Burchiel et al.,
"Immunopharmacokinetics of Radiolabeled Antibodies and Their
Fragments." (Chapter 13 in Tumor Imaging: The Radiochemical
Detection of Cancer, S. W. Burchiel and B. A. Rhodes, eds., Masson
Publishing Inc. (1982).)
[0606] Thus, the invention provides a diagnostic method of a
disorder, which involves (a) assaying the expression of a
polypeptide of the present invention in cells or body fluid of an
individual; (b) comparing the level of gene expression with a
standard gene expression level, whereby an increase or decrease in
the assayed polypeptide gene expression level compared to the
standard expression level is indicative of a disorder. With respect
to cancer, the presence of a relatively high amount of transcript
in biopsied tissue from an individual may indicate a predisposition
for the development of the disease, or may provide a means for
detecting the disease prior to the appearance of actual clinical
symptoms. A more definitive diagnosis of this type may allow health
professionals to employ preventative measures or aggressive
treatment earlier thereby preventing the development or further
progression of the cancer.
[0607] Moreover, polypeptides of the present invention can be used
to treat, prevent, and/or diagnose disease. For example, patients
can be administered a polypeptide of the present invention in an
effort to replace absent or decreased levels of the polypeptide
(e.g., insulin), to supplement absent or decreased levels of a
different polypeptide (e.g., hemoglobin S for hemoglobin B, SOD,
catalase, DNA repair proteins), to inhibit the activity of a
polypeptide (e.g., an oncogene or tumor supressor), to activate the
activity of a polypeptide (e.g., by binding to a receptor), to
reduce the activity of a membrane bound receptor by competing with
it for free ligand (e.g., soluble TNF receptors used in reducing
inflammation), or to bring about a desired response (e.g., blood
vessel growth inhibition, enhancement of the immune response to
proliferative cells or tissues).
[0608] Similarly, antibodies directed to a polypeptide of the
present invention can also be used to treat, prevent, and/or
diagnose disease. For example, administration of an antibody
directed to a polypeptide of the present invention can bind and
reduce overproduction of the polypeptide. Similarly, administration
of an antibody can activate the polypeptide, such as by binding to
a polypeptide bound to a membrane (receptor).
[0609] At the very least, the polypeptides of the present invention
can be used as molecular weight markers on SDS-PAGE gels or on
molecular sieve gel filtration columns using methods well known to
those of skill in the art. Polypeptides can also be used to raise
antibodies, which in turn are used to measure protein expression
from a recombinant cell, as a way of assessing transformation of
the host cell. Moreover, the polypeptides of the present invention
can be used to test the following biological activities.
[0610] Gene Therapy Methods
[0611] Another aspect of the present invention is to gene therapy
methods for treating or preventing disorders, diseases and
conditions. The gene therapy methods relate to the introduction of
nucleic acid (DNA, RNA and antisense DNA or RNA) sequences into an
animal to achieve expression of a polypeptide of the present
invention. This method requires a polynucleotide which codes for a
polypeptide of the invention that operatively linked to a promoter
and any other genetic elements necessary for the expression of the
polypeptide by the target tissue. Such gene therapy and delivery
techniques are known in the art, see, for example, WO90/11092,
which is herein incorporated by reference.
[0612] Thus, for example, cells from a patient may be engineered
with a polynucleotide (DNA or RNA) comprising a promoter operably
linked to a polynucleotide of the invention ex vivo, with the
engineered cells then being provided to a patient to be treated
with the polypeptide. Such methods are well-known in the art. For
example, see Belldegrun et al., J. Natl. Cancer Inst., 85:207-216
(1993); Ferrantini et al., Cancer Research, 53:107-1112 (1993);
Ferrantini et al., J. Immunology 153: 4604-4615 (1994); Kaido, T.,
et al., Int. J. Cancer 60: 221-229 (1995); Ogura et al., Cancer
Research 50: 5102-5106 (1990); Santodonato, et al., Human Gene
Therapy 7:1-10 (1996); Santodonato, et al., Gene Therapy
4:1246-1255 (1997); and Zhang, et al., Cancer Gene Therapy 3: 31-38
(1996)), which are herein incorporated by reference. In one
embodiment, the cells which are engineered are arterial cells. The
arterial cells may be reintroduced into the patient through direct
injection to the artery, the tissues surrounding the artery, or
through catheter injection.
[0613] As discussed in more detail below, the polynucleotide
constructs can be delivered by any method that delivers injectable
materials to the cells of an animal, such as, injection into the
interstitial space of tissues (heart, muscle, skin, lung, liver,
and the like). The polynucleotide constructs may be delivered in a
pharmaceutically acceptable liquid or aqueous carrier.
[0614] In one embodiment, the polynucleotide of the invention is
delivered as a naked polynucleotide. The term "naked"
polynucleotide, DNA or RNA refers to sequences that are free from
any delivery vehicle that acts to assist, promote or facilitate
entry into the cell, including viral sequences, viral particles,
liposome formulations, lipofectin or precipitating agents and the
like. However, the polynucleotides of the invention can also be
delivered in liposome formulations and lipofectin formulations and
the like can be prepared by methods well known to those skilled in
the art. Such methods are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,593,972, 5,589,466, and 5,580,859, which are herein incorporated
by reference.
[0615] The polynucleotide vector constructs of the invention used
in the gene therapy method are preferably constructs that will not
integrate into the host genome nor will they contain sequences that
allow for replication. Appropriate vectors include pWLNEO, pSV2CAT,
pOG44, pXT1 and pSG available from Stratagene; pSVK3, pBPV, pMSG
and pSVL available from Pharmacia; and pEFlNV5, pcDNA3.1, and
pRc/CMV2 available from Invitrogen. Other suitable vectors will be
readily apparent to the skilled artisan.
[0616] Any strong promoter known to those skilled in the art can be
used for driving the expression of polynucleotide sequence of the
invention. Suitable promoters include adenoviral promoters, such as
the adenoviral major late promoter; or heterologous promoters, such
as the cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter; the respiratory syncytial
virus (RSV) promoter; inducible promoters, such as the MMT
promoter, the metallothionein promoter; heat shock promoters; the
albumin promoter; the ApoAI promoter; human globin promoters; viral
thymidine kinase promoters, such as the Herpes Simplex thymidine
kinase promoter; retroviral LTRs; the b-actin promoter; and human
growth hormone promoters. The promoter also may be the native
promoter for the polynucleotides of the invention.
[0617] Unlike other gene therapy techniques, one major advantage of
introducing naked nucleic acid sequences into target cells is the
transitory nature of the polynucleotide synthesis in the cells.
Studies have shown that non-replicating DNA sequences can be
introduced into cells to provide production of the desired
polypeptide for periods of up to six months.
[0618] The polynucleotide construct of the invention can be
delivered to the interstitial space of tissues within the an
animal, including of muscle, skin, brain, lung, liver, spleen, bone
marrow, thymus, heart, lymph, blood, bone, cartilage, pancreas,
kidney, gall bladder, stomach, intestine, testis, ovary, uterus,
rectum, nervous system, eye, gland, and connective tissue.
Interstitial space of the tissues comprises the intercellular,
fluid, mucopolysaccharide matrix among the reticular fibers of
organ tissues, elastic fibers in the walls of vessels or chambers,
collagen fibers of fibrous tissues, or that same matrix within
connective tissue ensheathing muscle cells or in the lacunae of
bone. It is similarly the space occupied by the plasma of the
circulation and the lymph fluid of the lymphatic channels. Delivery
to the interstitial space of muscle tissue is preferred for the
reasons discussed below. They may be conveniently delivered by
injection into the tissues comprising these cells. They are
preferably delivered to and expressed in persistent, non-dividing
cells which are differentiated, although delivery and expression
may be achieved in non-differentiated or less completely
differentiated cells, such as, for example, stem cells of blood or
skin fibroblasts. In vivo muscle cells are particularly competent
in their ability to take up and express polynucleotides.
[0619] For the naked nucleic acid sequence injection, an effective
dosage amount of DNA or RNA will be in the range of from about 0.05
mg/kg body weight to about 50 mg/kg body weight. Preferably the
dosage will be from about 0.005 mg/kg to about 20 mg/kg and more
preferably from about 0.05 mg/kg to about 5 mg/kg. Of course, as
the artisan of ordinary skill will appreciate, this dosage will
vary according to the tissue site of injection. The appropriate and
effective dosage of nucleic acid sequence can readily be determined
by those of ordinary skill in the art and may depend on the
condition being treated and the route of administration.
[0620] The preferred route of administration is by the parenteral
route of injection into the interstitial space of tissues. However,
other parenteral routes may also be used, such as, inhalation of an
aerosol formulation particularly for delivery to lungs or bronchial
tissues, throat or mucous membranes of the nose. In addition, naked
DNA constructs can be delivered to arteries during angioplasty by
the catheter used in the procedure.
[0621] The naked polynucleotides are delivered by any method known
in the art, including, but not limited to, direct needle injection
at the delivery site, intravenous injection, topical
administration, catheter infusion, and so-called "gene guns". These
delivery methods are known in the art.
[0622] The constructs may also be delivered with delivery vehicles
such as viral sequences, viral particles, liposome formulations,
lipofectin, precipitating agents, etc. Such methods of delivery are
known in the art.
[0623] In certain embodiments, the polynucleotide constructs of the
invention are complexed in a liposome preparation. Liposomal
preparations for use in the instant invention include cationic
(positively charged), anionic (negatively charged) and neutral
preparations. However, cationic liposomes are particularly
preferred because a tight charge complex can be formed between the
cationic liposome and the polyanionic nucleic acid. Cationic
liposomes have been shown to mediate intracellular delivery of
plasmid DNA (Felgner et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA,
84:7413-7416 (1987), which is herein incorporated by reference);
mRNA (Malone et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 86:6077-6081
(1989), which is herein incorporated by reference); and purified
transcription factors (Debs et al., J. Biol. Chem., 265:10189-10192
(1990), which is herein incorporated by reference), in functional
form.
[0624] Cationic liposomes are readily available. For example,
N[1-2,3-dioleyloxy)propyl]-N,N,N-triethylammonium (DOTMA) liposomes
are particularly useful and are available under the trademark
Lipofectin, from GEBCO BRL, Grand Island, N.Y. (See, also, Felgner
et al., Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA, 84:7413-7416 (1987), which is
herein incorporated by reference). Other commercially available
liposomes include transfectace (DDAB/DOPE) and DOTAP/DOPE
(Boehringer).
[0625] Other cationic liposomes can be prepared from readily
available materials using techniques well known in the art. See,
e.g. PCT Publication NO: WO 90/11092 (which is herein incorporated
by reference) for a description of the synthesis of DOTAP
(1,2-bis(oleoyloxy)-3-(trimet- hylammonio)propane) liposomes.
Preparation of DOTMA liposomes is explained in the literature, see,
e.g., Felgner et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 84:7413-7417,
which is herein incorporated by reference. Similar methods can be
used to prepare liposomes from other cationic lipid materials.
[0626] Similarly, anionic and neutral liposomes are readily
available, such as from Avanti Polar Lipids (Birmingham, Ala.), or
can be easily prepared using readily available materials. Such
materials include phosphatidyl, choline, cholesterol, phosphatidyl
ethanolamine, dioleoylphosphatidyl choline (DOPC),
dioleoylphosphatidyl glycerol (DOPG), dioleoylphoshatidyl
ethanolamine (DOPE), among others. These materials can also be
mixed with the DOTMA and DOTAP starting materials in appropriate
ratios. Methods for making liposomes using these materials are well
known in the art.
[0627] For example, commercially dioleoylphosphatidyl choline
(DOPC), dioleoylphosphatidyl glycerol (DOPG), and
dioleoylphosphatidyl ethanolamine (DOPE) can be used in various
combinations to make conventional liposomes, with or without the
addition of cholesterol. Thus, for example, DOPG/DOPC vesicles can
be prepared by drying 50 mg each of DOPG and DOPC under a stream of
nitrogen gas into a sonication vial. The sample is placed under a
vacuum pump overnight and is hydrated the following day with
deionized water. The sample is then sonicated for 2 hours in a
capped vial, using a Heat Systems model 350 sonicator equipped with
an inverted cup (bath type) probe at the maximum setting while the
bath is circulated at 15EC. Alternatively, negatively charged
vesicles can be prepared without sonication to produce
multilamellar vesicles or by extrusion through nucleopore membranes
to produce unilamellar vesicles of discrete size. Other methods are
known and available to those of skill in the art.
[0628] The liposomes can comprise multilamellar vesicles (MLVs),
small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs), or large unilamellar vesicles
(LUVs), with SUVs being preferred. The various liposome-nucleic
acid complexes are prepared using methods well known in the art.
See, e.g., Straubinger et al., Methods of Immunology, 101:512-527
(1983), which is herein incorporated by reference. For example,
MLVs containing nucleic acid can be prepared by depositing a thin
film of phospholipid on the walls of a glass tube and subsequently
hydrating with a solution of the material to be encapsulated. SUVs
are prepared by extended sonication of MLVs to produce a
homogeneous population of unilamellar liposomes. The material to be
entrapped is added to a suspension of preformed MLVs and then
sonicated. When using liposomes containing cationic lipids, the
dried lipid film is resuspended in an appropriate solution such as
sterile water or an isotonic buffer solution such as 10 mM
Tris/NaCl, sonicated, and then the preformed liposomes are mixed
directly with the DNA. The liposome and DNA form a very stable
complex due to binding of the positively charged liposomes to the
cationic DNA. SUVs find use with small nucleic acid fragments. LUVs
are prepared by a number of methods, well known in the art.
Commonly used methods include Ca.sup.2+-EDTA chelation
(Papahadjopoulos et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta, 394:483 (1975);
Wilson et al., Cell, 17:77 (1979)); ether injection (Deamer et al.,
Biochim. Biophys. Acta, 443:629 (1976); Ostro et al., Biochem.
Biophys. Res. Commun., 76:836 (1977); Fraley et al., Proc. Natl.
Acad. Sci. USA, 76:3348 (1979)); detergent dialysis (Enoch et al.,
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 76:145 (1979)); and reverse-phase
evaporation (REV) (Fraley et al., J. Biol. Chem., 255:10431 (1980);
Szoka et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 75:145 (1978);
Schaefer-Ridderet al., Science, 215:166 (1982)), which are herein
incorporated by reference.
[0629] Generally, the ratio of DNA to liposomes will be from about
10:1 to about 1:10. Preferably, the ration will be from about 5:1
to about 1:5. More preferably, the ration will be about 3:1 to
about 1:3. Still more preferably, the ratio will be about 1:1.
[0630] U.S. Pat. No. 5,676,954 (which is herein incorporated by
reference) reports on the injection of genetic material, complexed
with cationic liposomes carriers, into mice. U.S. Pat. Nos.
4,897,355, 4,946,787, 5,049,386, 5,459,127, 5,589,466, 5,693,622,
5,580,859, 5,703,055, and international publication NO: WO 94/9469
(which are herein incorporated by reference) provide cationic
lipids for use in transfecting DNA into cells and mammals. U.S.
Pat. Nos. 5,589,466, 5,693,622, 5,580,859, 5,703,055, and
international publication NO: WO 94/9469 (which are herein
incorporated by reference) provide methods for delivering
DNA-cationic lipid complexes to mammals.
[0631] In certain embodiments, cells are engineered, ex vivo or in
vivo, using a retroviral particle containing RNA which comprises a
sequence encoding polypeptides of the invention. Retroviruses from
which the retroviral plasmid vectors may be derived include, but
are not limited to, Moloney Murine Leukemia Virus, spleen necrosis
virus, Rous sarcoma Virus, Harvey Sarcoma Virus, avian leukosis
virus, gibbon ape leukemia virus, human immunodeficiency virus,
Myeloproliferative Sarcoma Virus, and mammary tumor virus.
[0632] The retroviral plasmid vector is employed to transduce
packaging cell lines to form producer cell lines. Examples of
packaging cells which may be transfected include, but are not
limited to, the PE501, PA317, R-2, R-AM, PA12, T19-14X,
VT-19-17-H2, RCRE, RCRIP, GP+E-86, GP+envAm12, and DAN cell lines
as described in Miller, Human Gene Therapy, 1:5-14 (1990), which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The vector may
transduce the packaging cells through any means known in the art.
Such means include, but are not limited to, electroporation, the
use of liposomes, and CaPO.sub.4 precipitation. In one alternative,
the retroviral plasmid vector may be encapsulated into a liposome,
or coupled to a lipid, and then administered to a host.
[0633] The producer cell line generates infectious retroviral
vector particles which include polynucleotide encoding polypeptides
of the invention. Such retroviral vector particles then may be
employed, to transduce eukaryotic cells, either in vitro or in
vivo. The transduced eukaryotic cells will express polypeptides of
the invention.
[0634] In certain other embodiments, cells are engineered, ex vivo
or in vivo, with polynucleotides of the invention contained in an
adenovirus vector. Adenovirus can be manipulated such that it
encodes and expresses polypeptides of the invention, and at the
same time is inactivated in terms of its ability to replicate in a
normal lytic viral life cycle. Adenovirus expression is achieved
without integration of the viral DNA into the host cell chromosome,
thereby alleviating concerns about insertional mutagenesis.
Furthermore, adenoviruses have been used as live enteric vaccines
for many years with an excellent safety profile (Schwartzet al.,
Am. Rev. Respir. Dis., 109:233-238 (1974)). Finally, adenovirus
mediated gene transfer has been demonstrated in a number of
instances including transfer of alpha-1-antitrypsin and CFTR to the
lungs of cotton rats (Rosenfeld et al.,Science, 252:431434 (1991);
Rosenfeld et al., Cell, 68:143-155 (1992)). Furthermore, extensive
studies to attempt to establish adenovirus as a causative agent in
human cancer were uniformly negative (Green et al. Proc. Natl.
Acad. Sci. USA, 76:6606 (1979)).
[0635] Suitable adenoviral vectors useful in the present invention
are described, for example, in Kozarsky and Wilson, Curr. Opin.
Genet. Devel., 3:499-503 (1993); Rosenfeld et al., Cell, 68:143-155
(1992); Engelhardt et al., Human Genet. Ther., 4:759-769 (1993);
Yang et al., Nature Genet., 7:362-369 (1994); Wilson et al.,
Nature, 365:691-692 (1993); and U.S. Pat. No. 5,652,224, which are
herein incorporated by reference. For example, the adenovirus
vector Ad2 is useful and can be grown in human 293 cells. These
cells contain the E1 region of adenovirus and constitutively
express E1a and E1b, which complement the defective adenoviruses by
providing the products of the genes deleted from the vector. In
addition to Ad2, other varieties of adenovirus (e.g., Ad3, Ad5, and
Ad7) are also useful in the present invention.
[0636] Preferably, the adenoviruses used in the present invention
are replication deficient. Replication deficient adenoviruses
require the aid of a helper virus and/or packaging cell line to
form infectious particles. The resulting virus is capable of
infecting cells and can express a polynucleotide of interest which
is operably linked to a promoter, but cannot replicate in most
cells. Replication deficient adenoviruses may be deleted in one or
more of all or a portion of the following genes: E1a, E1b, E3, E4,
E2a, or L1 through L5.
[0637] In certain other embodiments, the cells are engineered, ex
vivo or in vivo, using an adeno-associated virus (AAV). AAVs are
naturally occurring defective viruses that require helper viruses
to produce infectious particles (Muzyczka, Curr. Topics in
Microbiol. Immunol., 158:97 (1992)). It is also one of the few
viruses that may integrate its DNA into non-dividing cells. Vectors
containing as little as 300 base pairs of AAV can be packaged and
can integrate, but space for exogenous DNA is limited to about 4.5
kb. Methods for producing and using such AAVs are known in the art.
See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,139,941, 5,173,414, 5,354,678,
5,436,146, 5,474,935, 5,478,745, and 5,589,377.
[0638] For example, an appropriate AAV vector for use in the
present invention will include all the sequences necessary for DNA
replication, encapsidation, and host-cell integration. The
polynucleotide construct containing polynucleotides of the
invention is inserted into the AAV vector using standard cloning
methods, such as those found in Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning:
A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Press (1989). The
recombinant AAV vector is then transfected into packaging cells
which are infected with a helper virus, using any standard
technique, including lipofection, electroporation, calcium
phosphate precipitation, etc. Appropriate helper viruses include
adenoviruses, cytomegaloviruses, vaccinia viruses, or herpes
viruses. Once the packaging cells are transfected and infected,
they will produce infectious AAV viral particles which contain the
polynucleotide construct of the invention. These viral particles
are then used to transduce eukaryotic cells, either ex vivo or in
vivo. The transduced cells will contain the polynucleotide
construct integrated into its genome, and will express the desired
gene product.
[0639] Another method of gene therapy involves operably associating
heterologous control regions and endogenous polynucleotide
sequences (e.g. encoding the polypeptide sequence of interest) via
homologous recombination (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,641,670,
issued Jun. 24, 1997; International Publication NO: WO 96/29411,
published Sep. 26, 1996; International Publication NO: WO 94/12650,
published Aug. 4, 1994; Koller et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA,
86:8932-8935 (1989); and Zijlstra et al., Nature, 342:435-438
(1989). This method involves the activation of a gene which is
present in the target cells, but which is not normally expressed in
the cells, or is expressed at a lower level than desired.
[0640] Polynucleotide constructs are made, using standard
techniques known in the art, which contain the promoter with
targeting sequences flanking the promoter. Suitable promoters are
described herein. The targeting sequence is sufficiently
complementary to an endogenous sequence to permit homologous
recombination of the promoter-targeting sequence with the
endogenous sequence. The targeting sequence will be sufficiently
near the 5' end of the desired endogenous polynucleotide sequence
so the promoter will be operably linked to the endogenous sequence
upon homologous recombination.
[0641] The promoter and the targeting sequences can be amplified
using PCR. Preferably, the amplified promoter contains distinct
restriction enzyme sites on the 5' and 3' ends. Preferably, the 3'
end of the first targeting sequence contains the same restriction
enzyme site as the 5' end of the amplified promoter and the 5' end
of the second targeting sequence contains the same restriction site
as the 3' end of the amplified promoter. The amplified promoter and
targeting sequences are digested and ligated together.
[0642] The promoter-targeting sequence construct is delivered to
the cells, either as naked polynucleotide, or in conjunction with
transfection-facilitating agents, such as liposomes, viral
sequences, viral particles, whole viruses, lipofection,
precipitating agents, etc., described in more detail above. The P
promoter-targeting sequence can be delivered by any method,
included direct needle injection, intravenous injection, topical
administration, catheter infusion, particle accelerators, etc. The
methods are described in more detail below.
[0643] The promoter-targeting sequence construct is taken up by
cells. Homologous recombination between the construct and the
endogenous sequence takes place, such that an endogenous sequence
is placed under the control of the promoter. The promoter then
drives the expression of the endogenous sequence.
[0644] The polynucleotides encoding polypeptides of the present
invention may be administered along with other polynucleotides
encoding other angiongenic proteins. Angiogenic proteins include,
but are not limited to, acidic and basic fibroblast growth factors,
VEGF-1, VEGF-2 (VEGF-C), VEGF-3 (VEGF-B), epidermal growth factor
alpha and beta, platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor,
platelet-derived growth factor, tumor necrosis factor alpha,
hepatocyte growth factor, insulin like growth factor, colony
stimulating factor, macrophage colony stimulating factor,
granulocytelmacrophage colony stimulating factor, and nitric oxide
synthase.
[0645] Preferably, the polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide of the
invention contains a secretory signal sequence that facilitates
secretion of the protein. Typically, the signal sequence is
positioned in the coding region of the polynucleotide to be
expressed towards or at the 5' end of the coding region. The signal
sequence may be homologous or heterologous to the polynucleotide of
interest and may be homologous or heterologous to the cells to be
transfected. Additionally, the signal sequence may be chemically
synthesized using methods known in the art.
[0646] Any mode of administration of any of the above-described
polynucleotides constructs can be used so long as the mode results
in the expression of one or more molecules in an amount sufficient
to provide a therapeutic effect. This includes direct needle
injection, systemic injection, catheter infusion, biolistic
injectors, particle accelerators (i.e., "gene guns"), gelfoam
sponge depots, other commercially available depot materials,
osmotic pumps (e.g., Alza minipumps), oral or suppositorial solid
(tablet or pill) pharmaceutical formulations, and decanting or
topical applications during surgery. For example, direct injection
of naked calcium phosphate-precipitated plasmid into rat liver and
rat spleen or a protein-coated plasmid into the portal vein has
resulted in gene expression of the foreign gene in the rat livers.
(Kaneda et al., Science, 243:375 (1989)).
[0647] A preferred method of local administration is by direct
injection. Preferably, a recombinant molecule of the present
invention complexed with a delivery vehicle is administered by
direct injection into or locally within the area of arteries.
Administration of a composition locally within the area of arteries
refers to injecting the composition centimeters and preferably,
millimeters within arteries.
[0648] Another method of local administration is to contact a
polynucleotide construct of the present invention in or around a
surgical wound. For example, a patient can undergo surgery and the
polynucleotide construct can be coated on the surface of tissue
inside the wound or the construct can be injected into areas of
tissue inside the wound.
[0649] Therapeutic compositions useful in systemic administration,
include recombinant molecules of the present invention complexed to
a targeted delivery vehicle of the present invention. Suitable
delivery vehicles for use with systemic administration comprise
liposomes comprising ligands for targeting the vehicle to a
particular site.
[0650] Preferred methods of systemic administration, include
intravenous injection, aerosol, oral and percutaneous (topical)
delivery. Intravenous injections can be performed using methods
standard in the art. Aerosol delivery can also be performed using
methods standard in the art (see, for example, Stribling et al.,
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 189:11277-11281 (1992), which is
incorporated herein by reference). Oral delivery can be performed
by complexing a polynucleotide construct of the present invention
to a carrier capable of withstanding degradation by digestive
enzymes in the gut of an animal. Examples of such carriers, include
plastic capsules or tablets, such as those known in the art.
Topical delivery can be performed by mixing a polynucleotide
construct of the present invention with a lipophilic reagent (e.g.,
DMSO) that is capable of passing into the skin.
[0651] Determining an effective amount of substance to be delivered
can depend upon a number of factors including, for example, the
chemical structure and biological activity of the substance, the
age and weight of the animal, the precise condition requiring
treatment and its severity, and the route of administration. The
frequency of treatments depends upon a number of factors, such as
the amount of polynucleotide constructs administered per dose, as
well as the health and history of the subject. The precise amount,
number of doses, and timing of doses will be determined by the
attending physician or veterinarian. Therapeutic compositions of
the present invention can be administered to any animal, preferably
to mammals and birds. Preferred mammals include humans, dogs, cats,
mice, rats, rabbits sheep, cattle, horses and pigs, with humans
being particularly
[0652] Biological Activities
[0653] The polynucleotides or polypeptides, or agonists or
antagonists of the present invention can be used in assays to test
for one or more biological activities. If these polynucleotides and
polypeptides do exhibit activity in a particular assay, it is
likely that these molecules may be involved in the diseases
associated with the biological activity. Thus, the polynucleotides
or polypeptides, or agonists or antagonists could be used to treat
the associated disease.
[0654] Immune Activity
[0655] The polynucleotides or polypeptides, or agonists or
antagonists of the present invention may be useful in treating,
preventing, and/or diagnosing diseases, disorders, and/or
conditions of the immune system, by activating or inhibiting the
proliferation, differentiation, or mobilization (chemotaxis) of
immune cells. Immune cells develop through a process called
hematopoiesis, producing myeloid (platelets, red blood cells,
neutrophils, and macrophages) and lymphoid (B and T lymphocytes)
cells from pluripotent stem cells. The etiology of these immune
diseases, disorders, and/or conditions may be genetic, somatic,
such as cancer or some autoimmune diseases, disorders, and/or
conditions, acquired (e.g., by chemotherapy or toxins), or
infectious. Moreover, a polynucleotides or polypeptides, or
agonists or antagonists of the present invention can be used as a
marker or detector of a particular immune system disease or
disorder.
[0656] A polynucleotides or polypeptides, or agonists or
antagonists of the present invention may be useful in treating,
preventing, and/or diagnosing diseases, disorders, and/or
conditions of hematopoietic cells. A polynucleotides or
polypeptides, or agonists or antagonists of the present invention
could be used to increase differentiation and proliferation of
hematopoietic cells, including the pluripotent stem cells, in an
effort to treat or prevent those diseases, disorders, and/or
conditions associated with a decrease in certain (or many) types
hematopoietic cells. Examples of immunologic deficiency syndromes
include, but are not limited to: blood protein diseases, disorders,
and/or conditions (e.g. agammaglobulinemia, dysgammaglobulinemia),
ataxia telangiectasia, common variable immunodeficiency, Digeorge
Syndrome, HIV infection, HTLV-BLV infection, leukocyte adhesion
deficiency syndrome, lymphopenia, phagocyte bactericidal
dysfunction, severe combined immunodeficiency (SCIDs),
Wiskott-Aldrich Disorder, anemia, thrombocytopenia, or
hemoglobinuria.
[0657] Moreover, a polynucleotides or polypeptides, or agonists or
antagonists of the present invention could also be used to modulate
hemostatic (the stopping of bleeding) or thrombolytic activity
(clot formation). For example, by increasing hemostatic or
thrombolytic activity, a polynucleotides or polypeptides, or
agonists or antagonists of the present invention could be used to
treat or prevent blood coagulation diseases, disorders, and/or
conditions (e.g., afibrinogenemia, factor deficiencies), blood
platelet diseases, disorders, and/or conditions (e.g.
thrombocytopenia), or wounds resulting from trauma, surgery, or
other causes. Alternatively, a polynucleotides or polypeptides, or
agonists or antagonists of the present invention that can decrease
hemostatic or thrombolytic activity could be used to inhibit or
dissolve clotting. These molecules could be important in the
treatment or prevention of heart attacks (infarction), strokes, or
scarring.
[0658] A polynucleotides or polypeptides, or agonists or
antagonists of the present invention may also be useful in
treating, preventing, and/or diagnosing autoimmune diseases,
disorders, and/or conditions. Many autoimmune diseases, disorders,
and/or conditions result from inappropriate recognition of self as
foreign material by immune cells. This inappropriate recognition
results in an immune response leading to the destruction of the
host tissue. Therefore, the administration of a polynucleotides or
polypeptides, or agonists or antagonists of the present invention
that inhibits an immune response, particularly the proliferation,
differentiation, or chemotaxis of T-cells, may be an effective
therapy in preventing autoimmune diseases, disorders, and/or
conditions.
[0659] Examples of autoimmune diseases, disorders, and/or
conditions that can be treated, prevented, and/or diagnosed or
detected by the present invention include, but are not limited to:
Addison's Disease, hemolytic anemia, antiphospholipid syndrome,
rheumatoid arthritis, dermatitis, allergic encephalomyelitis,
glomerulonephritis, Goodpasture's Syndrome, Graves' Disease,
Multiple Sclerosis, Myasthenia Gravis, Neuritis, Ophthalmia,
Bullous Pemphigoid, Pemphigus, Polyendocrinopathies, Purpura,
Reiter's Disease, Stiff-Man Syndrome, Autoimmune Thyroiditis,
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Autoimmune Pulmonary Inflammation,
Guillain-Barre Syndrome, insulin dependent diabetes mellitis, and
autoimmune inflammatory eye disease.
[0660] Similarly, allergic reactions and conditions, such as asthma
(particularly allergic asthma) or other respiratory problems, may
also be treated, prevented, and/or diagnosed by polynucleotides or
polypeptides, or agonists or antagonists of the present invention.
Moreover, these molecules can be used to treat anaphylaxis,
hypersensitivity to an antigenic molecule, or blood group
incompatibility.
[0661] A polynucleotides or polypeptides, or agonists or
antagonists of the present invention may also be used to treat,
prevent, and/or diagnose organ rejection or graft-versus-host
disease (GVHD). Organ rejection occurs by host immune cell
destruction of the transplanted tissue through an immune response.
Similarly, an immune response is also involved in GVHD, but, in
this case, the foreign transplanted immune cells destroy the host
tissues. The administration of a polynucleotides or polypeptides,
or agonists or antagonists of the present invention that inhibits
an immune response, particularly the proliferation,
differentiation, or chemotaxis of T-cells, may be an effective
therapy in preventing organ rejection or GVHD.
[0662] Similarly, a polynucleotides or polypeptides, or agonists or
antagonists of the present invention may also be used to modulate
inflammation. For example, the polypeptide or polynucleotide or
agonists or antagonist may inhibit the proliferation and
differentiation of cells involved in an inflammatory response.
These molecules can be used to treat, prevent, and/or diagnose
inflammatory conditions, both chronic and acute conditions,
including chronic prostatitis, granulomatous prostatitis and
malacoplakia, inflammation associated with infection (e.g., septic
shock, sepsis, or systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS)),
ischemia-reperfusion injury, endotoxin lethality, arthritis,
complement-mediated hyperacute rejection, nephritis, cytokine or
chemokine induced lung injury, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's
disease, or resulting from over production of cytokines (e.g., TNF
or IL-1.)
[0663] Hyperproliferative Disorders
[0664] A polynucleotides or polypeptides, or agonists or
antagonists of the invention can be used to treat, prevent, and/or
diagnose hyperproliferative diseases, disorders, and/or conditions,
including neoplasms. A polynucleotides or polypeptides, or agonists
or antagonists of the present invention may inhibit the
proliferation of the disorder through direct or indirect
interactions. Alternatively, a polynucleotides or polypeptides, or
agonists or antagonists of the present invention may proliferate
other cells which can inhibit the hyperproliferative disorder.
[0665] For example, by increasing an immune response, particularly
increasing antigenic qualities of the hyperproliferative disorder
or by proliferating, differentiating, or mobilizing T-cells,
hyperproliferative diseases, disorders, and/or conditions can be
treated, prevented, and/or diagnosed. This immune response may be
increased by either enhancing an existing immune response, or by
initiating a new immune response. Alternatively, decreasing an
immune response may also be a method of treating, preventing,
and/or diagnosing hyperproliferative diseases, disorders, and/or
conditions, such as a chemotherapeutic agent.
[0666] Examples of hyperproliferative diseases, disorders, and/or
conditions that can be treated, prevented, and/or diagnosed by
polynucleotides or polypeptides, or agonists or antagonists of the
present invention include, but are not limited to neoplasms located
in the: colon, abdomen, bone, breast, digestive system, liver,
pancreas, peritoneum, endocrine glands (adrenal, parathyroid,
pituitary, testicles, ovary, thymus, thyroid), eye, head and neck,
nervous (central and peripheral), lymphatic system, pelvic, skin,
soft tissue, spleen, thoracic, and urogenital.
[0667] Similarly, other hyperproliferative diseases, disorders,
and/or conditions can also be treated, prevented, and/or diagnosed
by a polynucleotides or polypeptides, or agonists or antagonists of
the present invention. Examples of such hyperproliferative
diseases, disorders, and/or conditions include, but are not limited
to: hypergammaglobulinemia, lymphoproliferative diseases,
disorders, and/or conditions, paraproteinemias, purpura,
sarcoidosis, Sezary Syndrome, Waldenstron's Macroglobulinemia,
Gaucher's Disease, histiocytosis, and any other hyperproliferative
disease, besides neoplasia, located in an organ system listed
above.
[0668] One preferred embodiment utilizes polynucleotides of the
present invention to inhibit aberrant cellular division, by gene
therapy using the present invention, and/or protein fusions or
fragments thereof.
[0669] Thus, the present invention provides a method for treating
or preventing cell proliferative diseases, disorders, and/or
conditions by inserting into an abnormally proliferating cell a
polynucleotide of the present invention, wherein said
polynucleotide represses said expression.
[0670] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a
method of treating or preventing cell-proliferative diseases,
disorders, and/or conditions in individuals comprising
administration of one or more active gene copies of the present
invention to an abnormally proliferating cell or cells. In a
preferred embodiment, polynucleotides of the present invention is a
DNA construct comprising a recombinant expression vector effective
in expressing a DNA sequence encoding said polynucleotides. In
another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the DNA
construct encoding the poynucleotides of the present invention is
inserted into cells to be treated utilizing a retrovirus, or more
preferrably an adenoviral vector (See G J. Nabel, et. al., PNAS
1999 96: 324-326, which is hereby incorporated by reference). In a
most preferred embodiment, the viral vector is defective and will
not transform non-proliferating cells, only proliferating cells.
Moreover, in a preferred embodiment, the polynucleotides of the
present invention inserted into proliferating cells either alone,
or in combination with or fused to other polynucleotides, can then
be modulated via an external stimulus (i.e. magnetic, specific
small molecule, chemical, or drug administration, etc.), which acts
upon the promoter upstream of said polynucleotides to induce
expression of the encoded protein product. As such the beneficial
therapeutic affect of the present invention may be expressly
modulated (i.e. to increase, decrease, or inhibit expression of the
present invention) based upon said external stimulus.
[0671] Polynucleotides of the present invention may be useful in
repressing expression of oncogenic genes or antigens. By
"repressing expression of the oncogenic genes" is intended the
suppression of the transcription of the gene, the degradation of
the gene transcript (pre-message RNA), the inhibition of splicing,
the destruction of the messenger RNA, the prevention of the
post-translational modifications of the protein, the destruction of
the protein, or the inhibition of the normal function of the
protein.
[0672] For local administration to abnormally proliferating cells,
polynucleotides of the present invention may be administered by any
method known to those of skill in the art including, but not
limited to transfection, electroporation, microinjection of cells,
or in vehicles such as liposomes, lipofectin, or as naked
polynucleotides, or any other method described throughout the
specification. The polynucleotide of the present invention may be
delivered by known gene delivery systems such as, but not limited
to, retroviral vectors (Gilboa, J. Virology 44:845 (1982); Hocke,
Nature 320:275 (1986); Wilson, et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.
U.S.A. 85:3014), vaccinia virus system (Chakrabarty et al., Mol.
Cell Biol. 5:3403 (1985) or other efficient DNA delivery systems
(Yates et al., Nature 313:812 (1985)) known to those skilled in the
art. These references are exemplary only and are hereby
incorporated by reference. In order to specifically deliver or
transfect cells which are abnormally proliferating and spare
non-dividing cells, it is preferable to utilize a retrovirus, or
adenoviral (as described in the art and elsewhere herein) delivery
system known to those of skill in the art. Since host DNA
replication is required for retroviral DNA to integrate and the
retrovirus will be unable to self replicate due to the lack of the
retrovirus genes needed for its life cycle. Utilizing such a
retroviral delivery system for polynucleotides of the present
invention will target said gene and constructs to abnormally
proliferating cells and will spare the non-dividing normal
cells.
[0673] The polynucleotides of the present invention may be
delivered directly to cell proliferative disorder/disease sites in
internal organs, body cavities and the like by use of imaging
devices used to guide an injecting needle directly to the disease
site. The polynucleotides of the present invention may also be
administered to disease sites at the time of surgical
intervention.
[0674] By "cell proliferative disease" is meant any human or animal
disease or disorder, affecting any one or any combination of
organs, cavities, or body parts, which is characterized by single
or multiple local abnormal proliferations of cells, groups of
cells, or tissues, whether benign or malignant.
[0675] Any amount of the polynucleotides of the present invention
may be administered as long as it has a biologically inhibiting
effect on the proliferation of the treated cells. Moreover, it is
possible to administer more than one of the polynucleotide of the
present invention simultaneously to the same site. By "biologically
inhibiting" is meant partial or total growth inhibition as well as
decreases in the rate of proliferation or growth of the cells. The
biologically inhibitory dose may be determined by assessing the
effects of the polynucleotides of the present invention on target
malignant or abnormally proliferating cell growth in tissue
culture, tumor growth in animals and cell cultures, or any other
method known to one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0676] The present invention is further directed to antibody-based
therapies which involve administering of anti-polypeptides and
anti-polynucleotide antibodies to a mammalian, preferably human,
patient for treating, preventing, and/or diagnosing one or more of
the described diseases, disorders, and/or conditions. Methods for
producing anti-polypeptides and anti-polynucleotide antibodies
polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies are described in detail
elsewhere herein. Such antibodies may be provided in
pharmaceutically acceptable compositions as known in the art or as
described herein.
[0677] A summary of the ways in which the antibodies of the present
invention may be used therapeutically includes binding
polynucleotides or polypeptides of the present invention locally or
systemically in the body or by direct cytotoxicity of the antibody,
e.g. as mediated by complement (CDC) or by effector cells (ADCC).
Some of these approaches are described in more detail below. Armed
with the teachings provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the
art will know how to use the antibodies of the present invention
for diagnostic, monitoring or therapeutic purposes without undue
experimentation.
[0678] In particular, the antibodies, fragments and derivatives of
the present invention are useful for treating, preventing, and/or
diagnosing a subject having or developing cell proliferative and/or
differentiation diseases, disorders, and/or conditions as described
herein. Such treatment comprises administering a single or multiple
doses of the antibody, or a fragment, derivative, or a conjugate
thereof.
[0679] The antibodies of this invention may be advantageously
utilized in combination with other monoclonal or chimeric
antibodies, or with lymphokines or hematopoietic growth factors,
for example, which serve to increase the number or activity of
effector cells which interact with the antibodies.
[0680] It is preferred to use high affinity and/or potent in vivo
inhibiting and/or neutralizing antibodies against polypeptides or
polynucleotides of the present invention, fragments or regions
thereof, for both immunoassays directed to and therapy of diseases,
disorders, and/or conditions related to polynucleotides or
polypeptides, including fragements thereof, of the present
invention. Such antibodies, fragments, or regions, will preferably
have an affinity for polynucleotides or polypeptides, including
fragements thereof. Preferred binding affinities include those with
a dissociation constant or Kd less than 5.times.10.sup.-6M,
10.sup.-6M, 5.times.10.sup.-7M, 10.sup.-7M, 5.times.10.sup.-8M,
10.sup.-8M, 5.times.10.sup.-9M, 10.sup.-9M, 5.times.10.sup.-10M,
10.sup.-10M, 5.times.10.sup.-11M, 10.sup.-11M, 5.times.10.sup.-12M,
10.sup.-12M, 5.times.10.sup.-13M, 10.sup.-13M, 5.times.10.sup.-14M,
10.sup.-14M, 5.times.10.sup.-15M, or 10.sup.-15M.
[0681] Moreover, polypeptides of the present invention are useful
in inhibiting the angiogenesis of proliferative cells or tissues,
either alone, as a protein fusion, or in combination with other
polypeptides directly or indirectly, as described elsewhere herein.
In a most preferred embodiment, said anti-angiogenesis effect may
be achieved indirectly, for example, through the inhibition of
hematopoietic, tumor-specific cells, such as tumor-associated
macrophages (See Joseph I B, et al. J Natl Cancer Inst,
90(21):1648-53 (1998), which is hereby incorporated by reference).
Antibodies directed to polypeptides or polynucleotides of the
present invention may also result in inhibition of angiogenesis
directly, or indirectly (See Witte L, et al., Cancer Metastasis
Rev. 17(2):155-61 (1998), which is hereby incorporated by
reference)).
[0682] Polypeptides, including protein fusions, of the present
invention, or fragments thereof may be useful in inhibiting
proliferative cells or tissues through the induction of apoptosis.
Said polypeptides may act either directly, or indirectly to induce
apoptosis of proliferative cells and tissues, for example in the
activation of a death-domain receptor, such as tumor necrosis
factor (TNF) receptor-1, CD95 (Fas/APO-1), TNF-receptor-related
apoptosis-mediated protein (TRAMP) and TNF-related
apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) receptor-1 and -2 (See
Schulze-Osthoff K, et.al., Eur J Biochem 254(3):439-59 (1998),
which is hereby incorporated by reference). Moreover, in another
preferred embodiment of the present invention, said polypeptides
may induce apoptosis through other mechanisms, such as in the
activation of other proteins which will activate apoptosis, or
through stimulating the expression of said proteins, either alone
or in combination with small molecule drugs or adjuviants, such as
apoptonin, galectins, thioredoxins, antiinflammatory proteins (See
for example, Mutat Res 400(1-2):447-55 (1998), Med
Hypotheses.50(5):423-33 (1998), Chem Biol Interact. Apr
24;111-112:23-34 (1998), J Mol Med.76(6):402-12 (1998), Int J
Tissue React;20(1):3-15 (1998), which are all hereby incorporated
by reference).
[0683] Polypeptides, including protein fusions to, or fragments
thereof, of the present invention are useful in inhibiting the
metastasis of proliferative cells or tissues. Inhibition may occur
as a direct result of administering polypeptides, or antibodies
directed to said polypeptides as described elsewere herein, or
indirectly, such as activating the expression of proteins known to
inhibit metastasis, for example alpha 4 integrins, (See, e.g., Curr
Top Microbiol Immunol 1998;231:125-41, which is hereby incorporated
by reference). Such thereapeutic affects of the present invention
may be achieved either alone, or in combination with small molecule
drugs or adjuvants.
[0684] In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of
delivering compositions containing the polypeptides of the
invention (e.g., compositions containing polypeptides or
polypeptide antibodes associated with heterologous polypeptides,
heterologous nucleic acids, toxins, or prodrugs) to targeted cells
expressing the polypeptide of the present invention. Polypeptides
or polypeptide antibodes of the invention may be associated with
with heterologous polypeptides, heterologous nucleic acids, toxins,
or prodrugs via hydrophobic, hydrophilic, ionic and/or covalent
interactions. Polypeptides, protein fusions to, or fragments
thereof, of the present invention are useful in enhancing the
immunogenicity and/or antigenicity of proliferating cells or
tissues, either directly, such as would occur if the polypeptides
of the present invention `vaccinated` the immune response to
respond to proliferative antigens and immunogens, or indirectly,
such as in activating the expression of proteins known to enhance
the immune response (e.g. chemokines), to said antigens and
immunogens.
[0685] Cardiovascular Disorders
[0686] Polynucleotides or polypeptides, or agonists or antagonists
of the invention may be used to treat, prevent, and/or diagnose
cardiovascular diseases, disorders, and/or conditions, including
peripheral artery disease, such as limb ischemia.
[0687] Cardiovascular diseases, disorders, and/or conditions
include cardiovascular abnormalities, such as arterio-arterial
fistula, arteriovenous fistula, cerebral arteriovenous
malformations, congenital heart defects, pulmonary atresia, and
Scimitar Syndrome. Congenital heart defects include aortic
coarctation, cor triatriatum, coronary vessel anomalies, crisscross
heart, dextrocardia, patent ductus arteriosus, Ebstein's anomaly,
Eisenmenger complex, hypoplastic left heart syndrome, levocardia,
tetralogy of fallot, transposition of great vessels, double outlet
right ventricle, tricuspid atresia, persistent truncus arteriosus,
and heart septal defects, such as aortopulmonary septal defect,
endocardial cushion defects, Lutembacher's Syndrome, trilogy of
Fallot, ventricular heart septal defects.
[0688] Cardiovascular diseases, disorders, and/or conditions also
include heart disease, such as arrhythmias, carcinoid heart
disease, high cardiac output, low cardiac output, cardiac
tamponade, endocarditis (including bacterial), heart aneurysm,
cardiac arrest, congestive heart failure, congestive
cardiomyopathy, paroxysmal dyspnea, cardiac edema, heart
hypertrophy, congestive cardiomyopathy, left ventricular
hypertrophy, right ventricular hypertrophy, post-infarction heart
rupture, ventricular septal rupture, heart valve diseases,
myocardial diseases, myocardial ischemia, pericardial effusion,
pericarditis (including constrictive and tuberculous),
pneumopericardium, postpericardiotomy syndrome, pulmonary heart
disease, rheumatic heart disease, ventricular dysfunction,
hyperemia, cardiovascular pregnancy complications, Scimitar
Syndrome, cardiovascular syphilis, and cardiovascular
tuberculosis.
[0689] Arrhythmias include sinus arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation,
atrial flutter, bradycardia, extrasystole, Adams-Stokes Syndrome,
bundle-branch block, sinoatrial block, long QT syndrome,
parasystole, Lown-Ganong-Levine Syndrome, Mahaim-type
pre-excitation syndrome, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, sick sinus
syndrome, tachycardias, and ventricular fibrillation. Tachycardias
include paroxysmal tachycardia, supraventricular tachycardia,
accelerated idioventricular rhythm, atrioventricular nodal reentry
tachycardia, ectopic atrial tachycardia, ectopic junctional
tachycardia, sinoatrial nodal reentry tachycardia, sinus
tachycardia, Torsades de Pointes, and ventricular tachycardia.
[0690] Heart valve disease include aortic valve insufficiency,
aortic valve stenosis, hear murmurs, aortic valve prolapse, mitral
valve prolapse, tricuspid valve prolapse, mitral valve
insufficiency, mitral valve stenosis, pulmonary atresia, pulmonary
valve insufficiency, pulmonary valve stenosis, tricuspid atresia,
tricuspid valve insufficiency, and tricuspid valve stenosis.
[0691] Myocardial diseases include alcoholic cardiomyopathy,
congestive cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, aortic
subvalvular stenosis, pulmonary subvalvular stenosis, restrictive
cardiomyopathy, Chagas cardiomyopathy, endocardial fibroelastosis,
endomyocardial fibrosis, Kearns Syndrome, myocardial reperfusion
injury, and myocarditis.
[0692] Myocardial ischemias include coronary disease, such as
angina pectoris, coronary aneurysm, coronary arteriosclerosis,
coronary thrombosis, coronary vasospasm, myocardial infarction and
myocardial stunning.
[0693] Cardiovascular diseases also include vascular diseases such
as aneurysms, angiodysplasia, angiomatosis, bacillary angiomatosis,
Hippel-Lindau Disease, Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber Syndrome,
Sturge-Weber Syndrome, angioneurotic edema, aortic diseases,
Takayasu's Arteritis, aortitis, Leriche's Syndrome, arterial
occlusive diseases, arteritis, enarteritis, polyarteritis nodosa,
cerebrovascular diseases, disorders, and/or conditions, diabetic
angiopathies, diabetic retinopathy, embolisms, thrombosis,
erythromelalgia, hemorrhoids, hepatic veno-occlusive disease,
hypertension, hypotension, ischemia, peripheral vascular diseases,
phlebitis, pulmonary veno-occlusive disease, Raynaud's disease,
CREST syndrome, retinal vein occlusion, Scimitar syndrome, superior
vena cava syndrome, telangiectasia, atacia telangiectasia,
hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, varicocele, varicose veins,
varicose ulcer, vasculitis, and venous insufficiency.
[0694] Aneurysms include dissecting aneurysms, false aneurysms,
infected aneurysms, ruptured aneurysms, aortic aneurysms, cerebral
aneurysms, coronary aneurysms, heart aneurysms, and iliac
aneurysms.
[0695] Arterial occlusive diseases include arteriosclerosis,
intermittent claudication, carotid stenosis, fibromuscular
dysplasias, mesenteric vascular occlusion, Moyamoya disease, renal
artery obstruction, retinal artery occlusion, and thromboangiitis
obliterans.
[0696] Cerebrovascular diseases, disorders, and/or conditions
include carotid artery diseases, cerebral amyloid angiopathy,
cerebral aneurysm, cerebral anoxia, cerebral arteriosclerosis,
cerebral arteriovenous malformation, cerebral artery diseases,
cerebral embolism and thrombosis, carotid artery thrombosis, sinus
thrombosis, Wallenberg's syndrome, cerebral hemorrhage, epidural
hematoma, subdural hematoma, subaraxhnoid hemorrhage, cerebral
infarction, cerebral ischemia (including transient), subclavian
steal syndrome, periventricular leukomalacia, vascular headache,
cluster headache, migraine, and vertebrobasilar insufficiency.
[0697] Embolisms include air embolisms, amniotic fluid embolisms,
cholesterol embolisms, blue toe syndrome, fat embolisms, pulmonary
embolisms, and thromoboembolisms. Thrombosis include coronary
thrombosis, hepatic vein thrombosis, retinal vein occlusion,
carotid artery thrombosis, sinus thrombosis, Wallenberg's syndrome,
and thrombophlebitis.
[0698] Ischemia includes cerebral ischemia, ischemic colitis,
compartment syndromes, anterior compartment syndrome, myocardial
ischemia, reperfusion injuries, and peripheral limb ischemia.
Vasculitis includes aortitis, arteritis, Behcet's Syndrome,
Churg-Strauss Syndrome, mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome,
thromboangiitis obliterans, hypersensitivity vasculitis,
Schoenlein-Henoch purpura, allergic cutaneous vasculitis, and
Wegener's granulomatosis.
[0699] Polynucleotides or polypeptides, or agonists or antagonists
of the invention, are especially effective for the treatment of
critical limb ischemia and coronary disease.
[0700] Polypeptides may be administered using any method known in
the art, including, but not limited to, direct needle injection at
the delivery site, intravenous injection, topical administration,
catheter infusion, biolistic injectors, particle accelerators,
gelfoam sponge depots, other commercially available depot
materials, osmotic pumps, oral or suppositorial solid
pharmaceutical formulations, decanting or topical applications
during surgery, aerosol delivery. Such methods are known in the
art. Polypeptides of the invention may be administered as part of a
Therapeutic, described in more detail below. Methods of delivering
polynucleotides of the invention are described in more detail
herein.
[0701] Anti-Angiogenesis Activity
[0702] The naturally occurring balance between endogenous
stimulators and inhibitors of angiogenesis is one in which
inhibitory influences predominate. Rastinejad et al., Cell
56:345-355 (1989). In those rare instances in which
neovascularization occurs under normal physiological conditions,
such as wound healing, organ regeneration, embryonic development,
and female reproductive processes, angiogenesis is stringently
regulated and spatially and temporally delimited. Under conditions
of pathological angiogenesis such as that characterizing solid
tumor growth, these regulatory controls fail. Unregulated
angiogenesis becomes pathologic and sustains progression of many
neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases. A number of serious
diseases are dominated by abnormal neovascularization including
solid tumor growth and metastases, arthritis, some types of eye
diseases, disorders, and/or conditions, and psoriasis. See, e.g.,
reviews by Moses et al., Biotech. 9:630-634 (1991); Folkman et al.,
N. Engl. J. Med., 333:1757-1763 (1995); Auerbach et al., J.
Microvasc. Res. 29:401-411 (1985); Folkman, Advances in Cancer
Research, eds. Klein and Weinhouse, Academic Press, New York, pp.
175-203 (1985); Patz, Am. J. Opthalmol. 94:715-743 (1982); and
Folkman et al., Science 221:719-725 (1983). In a number of
pathological conditions, the process of angiogenesis contributes to
the disease state. For example, significant data have accumulated
which suggest that the growth of solid tumors is dependent on
angiogenesis. Folkman and Klagsbrun, Science 235:442-447
(1987).
[0703] The present invention provides for treatment of diseases,
disorders, and/or conditions associated with neovascularization by
administration of the polynucleotides and/or polypeptides of the
invention, as well as agonists or antagonists of the present
invention. Malignant and metastatic conditions which can be treated
with the polynucleotides and polypeptides, or agonists or
antagonists of the invention include, but are not limited to,
malignancies, solid tumors, and cancers described herein and
otherwise known in the art (for a review of such disorders, see
Fishman et al., Medicine, 2d Ed., J. B. Lippincott Co.,
Philadelphia (1985)).Thus, the present invention provides a method
of treating, preventing, and/or diagnosing an angiogenesis-related
disease and/or disorder, comprising administering to an individual
in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a
polynucleotide, polypeptide, antagonist and/or agonist of the
invention. For example, polynucleotides, polypeptides, antagonists
and/or agonists may be utilized in a variety of additional methods
in order to therapeutically treator prevent a cancer or tumor.
Cancers which may be treated, prevented, and/or diagnosed with
polynucleotides, polypeptides, antagonists and/or agonists include,
but are not limited to solid tumors, including prostate, lung,
breast, ovarian, stomach, pancreas, larynx, esophagus, testes,
liver, parotid, biliary tract, colon, rectum, cervix, uterus,
endometrium, kidney, bladder, thyroid cancer; primary tumors and
metastases; melanomas; glioblastoma; Kaposi's sarcoma;
leiomyosarcoma; non-small cell lung cancer; colorectal cancer;
advanced malignancies; and blood born tumors such as leukemias. For
example, polynucleotides, polypeptides, antagonists and/or agonists
may be delivered topically, in order to treat or prevent cancers
such as skin cancer, head and neck tumors, breast tumors, and
Kaposi's sarcoma.
[0704] Within yet other aspects, polynucleotides, polypeptides,
antagonists and/or agonists may be utilized to treat superficial
forms of bladder cancer by, for example, intravesical
administration. Polynucleotides, polypeptides, antagonists and/or
agonists may be delivered directly into the tumor, or near the
tumor site, via injection or a catheter. Of course, as the artisan
of ordinary skill will appreciate, the appropriate mode of
administration will vary according to the cancer to be treated.
Other modes of delivery are discussed herein.
[0705] Polynucleotides, polypeptides, antagonists and/or agonists
may be useful in treating, preventing, and/or diagnosing other
diseases, disorders, and/or conditions, besides cancers, which
involve angiogenesis. These diseases, disorders, and/or conditions
include, but are not limited to: benign tumors, for example
hemangiomas, acoustic neuromas, neurofibromas, trachomas, and
pyogenic granulomas; artheroscleric plaques; ocular angiogenic
diseases, for example, diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of
prematurity, macular degeneration, corneal graft rejection,
neovascular glaucoma, retrolental fibroplasia, rubeosis,
retinoblastoma, uvietis and Pterygia (abnormal blood vessel growth)
of the eye; rheumatoid arthritis; psoriasis; delayed wound healing;
endometriosis; vasculogenesis; granulations; hypertrophic scars
(keloids); nonunion fractures; scleroderma; trachoma; vascular
adhesions; myocardial angiogenesis; coronary collaterals; cerebral
collaterals; arteriovenous malformations; ischemic limb
angiogenesis; Osler-Webber Syndrome; plaque neovascularization;
telangiectasia; hemophiliac joints; angiofibroma; fibromuscular
dysplasia; wound granulation; Crohn's disease; and
atherosclerosis.
[0706] For example, within one aspect of the present invention
methods are provided for treating, preventing, and/or diagnosing
hypertrophic scars and keloids, comprising the step of
administering a polynucleotide, polypeptide, antagonist and/or
agonist of the invention to a hypertrophic scar or keloid.
[0707] Within one embodiment of the present invention
polynucleotides, polypeptides, antagonists and/or agonists are
directly injected into a hypertrophic scar or keloid, in order to
prevent the progression of these lesions. This therapy is of
particular value in the prophylactic treatment of conditions which
are known to result in the development of hypertrophic scars and
keloids (e.g., burns), and is preferably initiated after the
proliferative phase has had time to progress (approximately 14 days
after the initial injury), but before hypertrophic scar or keloid
development. As noted above, the present invention also provides
methods for treating, preventing, and/or diagnosing neovascular
diseases of the eye, including for example, corneal
neovascularization, neovascular glaucoma, proliferative diabetic
retinopathy, retrolental fibroplasia and macular degeneration.
[0708] Moreover, Ocular diseases, disorders, and/or conditions
associated with neovascularization which can be treated, prevented,
and/or diagnosed with the polynucleotides and polypeptides of the
present invention (including agonists and/or antagonists) include,
but are not limited to: neovascular glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy,
retinoblastoma, retrolental fibroplasia, uveitis, retinopathy of
prematurity macular degeneration, corneal graft neovascularization,
as well as other eye inflammatory diseases, ocular tumors and
diseases associated with choroidal or iris neovascularization. See,
e.g., reviews by Waltman et al., Am. J. Ophthal. 85:704-710 (1978)
and Gartner et al., Surv. Ophthal. 22:291-312 (1978).
[0709] Thus, within one aspect of the present invention methods are
provided for treating or preventing neovascular diseases of the eye
such as corneal neovascularization (including corneal graft
neovascularization), comprising the step of administering to a
patient a therapeutically effective amount of a compound (as
described above) to the cornea, such that the formation of blood
vessels is inhibited. Briefly, the cornea is a tissue which
normally lacks blood vessels. In certain pathological conditions
however, capillaries may extend into the cornea from the
pericorneal vascular plexus of the limbus. When the cornea becomes
vascularized, it also becomes clouded, resulting in a decline in
the patient's visual acuity. Visual loss may become complete if the
cornea completely opacitates. A wide variety of diseases,
disorders, and/or conditions can result in corneal
neovascularization, including for example, corneal infections
(e.g., trachoma, herpes simplex keratitis, leishmaniasis and
onchocerciasis), immunological processes (e.g., graft rejection and
Stevens-Johnson's syndrome), alkali burns, trauma, inflammation (of
any cause), toxic and nutritional deficiency states, and as a
complication of wearing contact lenses.
[0710] Within particularly preferred embodiments of the invention,
may be prepared for topical administration in saline (combined with
any of the preservatives and antimicrobial agents commonly used in
ocular preparations), and administered in eyedrop form. The
solution or suspension may be prepared in its pure form and
administered several times daily. Alternatively, anti-angiogenic
compositions, prepared as described above, may also be administered
directly to the cornea. Within preferred embodiments, the
anti-angiogenic composition is prepared with a muco-adhesive
polymer which binds to cornea. Within further embodiments, the
anti-angiogenic factors or anti-angiogenic compositions may be
utilized as an adjunct to conventional steroid therapy. Topical
therapy may also be useful prophylactically in corneal lesions
which are known to have a high probability of inducing an
angiogenic response (such as chemical burns). In these instances
the treatment, likely in combination with steroids, may be
instituted immediately to help prevent subsequent
complications.
[0711] Within other embodiments, the compounds described above may
be injected directly into the corneal stroma by an ophthalmologist
under microscopic guidance. The preferred site of injection may
vary with the morphology of the individual lesion, but the goal of
the administration would be to place the composition at the
advancing front of the vasculature (i.e., interspersed between the
blood vessels and the normal cornea). In most cases this would
involve perilimbic corneal injection to "protect" the cornea from
the advancing blood vessels. This method may also be utilized
shortly after a corneal insult in order to prophylactically prevent
corneal neovascularization. In this situation the material could be
injected in the perilimbic cornea interspersed between the corneal
lesion and its undesired potential limbic blood supply. Such
methods may also be utilized in a similar fashion to prevent
capillary invasion of transplanted corneas. In a sustained-release
form injections might only be required 2-3 times per year. A
steroid could also be added to the injection solution to reduce
inflammation resulting from the injection itself.
[0712] Within another aspect of the present invention, methods are
provided for treating or preventing neovascular glaucoma,
comprising the step of administering to a patient a therapeutically
effective amount of a polynucleotide, polypeptide, antagonist
and/or agonist to the eye, such that the formation of blood vessels
is inhibited. In one embodiment, the compound may be administered
topically to the eye in order to treat or prevent early forms of
neovascular glaucoma. Within other embodiments, the compound may be
implanted by injection into the region of the anterior chamber
angle. Within other embodiments, the compound may also be placed in
any location such that the compound is continuously released into
the aqueous humor. Within another aspect of the present invention,
methods are provided for treating or preventing proliferative
diabetic retinopathy, comprising the step of administering to a
patient a therapeutically effective amount of a polynucleotide,
polypeptide, antagonist and/or agonist to the eyes, such that the
formation of blood vessels is inhibited.
[0713] Within particularly preferred embodiments of the invention,
proliferative diabetic retinopathy may be treated by injection into
the aqueous humor or the vitreous, in order to increase the local
concentration of the polynucleotide, polypeptide, antagonist and/or
agonist in the retina. Preferably, this treatment should be
initiated prior to the acquisition of severe disease requiring
photocoagulation.
[0714] Within another aspect of the present invention, methods are
provided for treating or preventing retrolental fibroplasia,
comprising the step of administering to a patient a therapeutically
effective amount of a polynucleotide, polypeptide, antagonist
and/or agonist to the eye, such that the formation of blood vessels
is inhibited. The compound may be administered topically, via
intravitreous injection and/or via intraocular implants.
[0715] Additionally, diseases, disorders, and/or conditions which
can be treated, prevented, and/or diagnosed with the
polynucleotides, polypeptides, agonists and/or agonists include,
but are not limited to, hemangioma, arthritis, psoriasis,
angiofibroma, atherosclerotic plaques, delayed wound healing,
granulations, hemophilic joints, hypertrophic scars, nonunion
fractures, Osler-Weber syndrome, pyogenic granuloma, scleroderma,
trachoma, and vascular adhesions.
[0716] Moreover, diseases, disorders, and/or conditions and/or
states, which can be treated, prevented, and/or diagnosed with the
the polynucleotides, polypeptides, agonists and/or agonists
include, but are not limited to, solid tumors, blood born tumors
such as leukemias, tumor metastasis, Kaposi's sarcoma, benign
tumors, for example hemangiomas, acoustic neuromas, neurofibromas,
trachomas, and pyogenic granulomas, rheumatoid arthritis,
psoriasis, ocular angiogenic diseases, for example, diabetic
retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity, macular degeneration,
corneal graft rejection, neovascular glaucoma, retrolental
fibroplasia, rubeosis, retinoblastoma, and uvietis, delayed wound
healing, endometriosis, vascluogenesis, granulations, hypertrophic
scars (keloids), nonunion fractures, scleroderma, trachoma,
vascular adhesions, myocardial angiogenesis, coronary collaterals,
cerebral collaterals, arteriovenous malformations, ischemic limb
angiogenesis, Osler-Webber Syndrome, plaque neovascularization,
telangiectasia, hemophiliac joints, angiofibroma fibromuscular
dysplasia, wound granulation, Crohn's disease, atherosclerosis,
birth control agent by preventing vascularization required for
embryo implantation controlling menstruation, diseases that have
angiogenesis as a pathologic consequence such as cat scratch
disease (Rochele minalia quintosa), ulcers (Helicobacter pylori),
Bartonellosis and bacillary angiomatosis.
[0717] In one aspect of the birth control method, an amount of the
compound sufficient to block embryo implantation is administered
before or after intercourse and fertilization have occurred, thus
providing an effective method of birth control, possibly a "morning
after" method. Polynucleotides, polypeptides, agonists and/or
agonists may also be used in controlling menstruation or
administered as either a peritoneal lavage fluid or for peritoneal
implantation in the treatment of endometriosis.
[0718] Polynucleotides, polypeptides, agonists and/or agonists of
the present invention may be incorporated into surgical sutures in
order to prevent stitch granulomas.
[0719] Polynucleotides, polypeptides, agonists and/or agonists may
be utilized in a wide variety of surgical procedures. For example,
within one aspect of the present invention a compositions (in the
form of, for example, a spray or film) may be utilized to coat or
spray an area prior to removal of a tumor, in order to isolate
normal surrounding tissues from malignant tissue, and/or to prevent
the spread of disease to surrounding tissues. Within other aspects
of the present invention, compositions (e.g., in the form of a
spray) may be delivered via endoscopic procedures in order to coat
tumors, or inhibit angiogenesis in a desired locale. Within yet
other aspects of the present invention, surgical meshes which have
been coated with anti-angiogenic compositions of the present
invention may be utilized in any procedure wherein a surgical mesh
might be utilized. For example, within one embodiment of the
invention a surgical mesh laden with an anti-angiogenic composition
may be utilized during abdominal cancer resection surgery (e.g.,
subsequent to colon resection) in order to provide support to the
structure, and to release an amount of the anti-angiogenic
factor.
[0720] Within further aspects of the present invention, methods are
provided for treating tumor excision sites, comprising
administering a polynucleotide, polypeptide, agonist and/or agonist
to the resection margins of a tumor subsequent to excision, such
that the local recurrence of cancer and the formation of new blood
vessels at the site is inhibited. Within one embodiment of the
invention, the anti-angiogenic compound is administered directly to
the tumor excision site (e.g., applied by swabbing, brushing or
otherwise coating the resection margins of the tumor with the
anti-angiogenic compound). Alternatively, the anti-angiogenic
compounds may be incorporated into known surgical pastes prior to
administration. Within particularly preferred embodiments of the
invention, the anti-angiogenic compounds are applied after hepatic
resections for malignancy, and after neurosurgical operations.
[0721] Within one aspect of the present invention, polynucleotides,
polypeptides, agonists and/or agonists may be administered to the
resection margin of a wide variety of tumors, including for
example, breast, colon, brain and hepatic tumors. For example,
within one embodiment of the invention, anti-angiogenic compounds
may be administered to the site of a neurological tumor subsequent
to excision, such that the formation of new blood vessels at the
site are inhibited.
[0722] The polynucleotides, polypeptides, agonists and/or agonists
of the present invention may also be administered along with other
anti-angiogenic factors. Representative examples of other
anti-angiogenic factors include: Anti-Invasive Factor, retinoic
acid and derivatives thereof, paclitaxel, Suramin, Tissue Inhibitor
of Metalloproteinase-1, Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2,
Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1, Plasminogen Activator
Inhibitor-2, and various forms of the lighter "d group" transition
metals.
[0723] Lighter "d group" transition metals include, for example,
vanadium, molybdenum, tungsten, titanium, niobium, and tantalum
species. Such transition metal species may form transition metal
complexes. Suitable complexes of the above-mentioned transition
metal species include oxo transition metal complexes.
[0724] Representative examples of vanadium complexes include oxo
vanadium complexes such as vanadate and vanadyl complexes. Suitable
vanadate complexes include metavanadate and orthovanadate complexes
such as, for example, ammonium metavanadate, sodium metavanadate,
and sodium orthovanadate. Suitable vanadyl complexes include, for
example, vanadyl acetylacetonate and vanadyl sulfate including
vanadyl sulfate hydrates such as vanadyl sulfate mono- and
trihydrates.
[0725] Representative examples of tungsten and molybdenum complexes
also include oxo complexes. Suitable oxo tungsten complexes include
tungstate and tungsten oxide complexes. Suitable tungstate
complexes include ammonium tungstate, calcium tungstate, sodium
tungstate dihydrate, and tungstic acid. Suitable tungsten oxides
include tungsten (IV) oxide and tungsten (VI) oxide. Suitable oxo
molybdenum complexes include molybdate, molybdenum oxide, and
molybdenyl complexes. Suitable molybdate complexes include ammonium
molybdate and its hydrates, sodium molybdate and its hydrates, and
potassium molybdate and its hydrates. Suitable molybdenum oxides
include molybdenum (VI) oxide, molybdenum (VI) oxide, and molybdic
acid. Suitable molybdenyl complexes include, for example,
molybdenyl acetylacetonate. Other suitable tungsten and molybdenum
complexes include hydroxo derivatives derived from, for example,
glycerol, tartaric acid, and sugars.
[0726] A wide variety of other anti-angiogenic factors may also be
utilized within the context of the present invention.
Representative examples include platelet factor 4; protamine
sulphate; sulphated chitin derivatives (prepared from queen crab
shells), (Murata et al., Cancer Res. 51:22-26, 1991); Sulphated
Polysaccharide Peptidoglycan Complex (SP-PG) (the function of this
compound may be enhanced by the presence of steroids such as
estrogen, and tamoxifen citrate); Staurosporine; modulators of
matrix metabolism, including for example, proline analogs,
cishydroxyproline, d,L-3,4-dehydroproline, Thiaproline,
alpha,alpha-dipyridyl, aminopropionitrile fumarate;
4-propyl-5-(4-pyridinyl)-2(3H)-oxazolone; Methotrexate;
Mitoxantrone; Heparin; Interferons; 2 Macroglobulin-serum; ChIMP-3
(Pavloff et al., J. Bio. Chem. 267:17321-17326, 1992); Chymostatin
(Tomkinson et al., Biochem J. 286:475-480, 1992); Cyclodextrin
Tetradecasulfate; Eponemycin; Camptothecin; Fumagillin (Ingber et
al., Nature 348:555-557, 1990); Gold Sodium Thiomalate ("GST";
Matsubara and Ziff, J. Clin. Invest. 79:1440-1446, 1987);
anticollagenase-serum; alpha2-antiplasmin (Holmes et al., J. Biol.
Chem. 262(4):1659-1664, 1987); Bisantrene (National Cancer
Institute); Lobenzarit disodium
(N-(2)-carboxyphenyl-4-chloroanthronilic acid disodium or "CCA";
Takeuchi et al., Agents Actions 36:312-316, 1992); Thalidomide;
Angostatic steroid; AGM-1470; carboxynaminolmidazole; and
metalloproteinase inhibitors such as BB94.
[0727] Diseases at the Cellular Level
[0728] Diseases associated with increased cell survival or the
inhibition of apoptosis that could be treated, prevented, and/or
diagnosed by the polynucleotides or polypeptides and/or antagonists
or agonists of the invention, include cancers (such as follicular
lymphomas, carcinomas with p53 mutations, and hormone-dependent
tumors, including, but not limited to colon cancer, cardiac tumors,
pancreatic cancer, melanoma, retinoblastoma, glioblastoma, lung
cancer, intestinal cancer, testicular cancer, stomach cancer,
neuroblastoma, myxoma, myoma, lymphoma, endothelioma,
osteoblastoma, osteoclastoma, osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma,
adenoma, breast cancer, prostate cancer, Kaposi's sarcoma and
ovarian cancer); autoimmune diseases, disorders, and/or conditions
(such as, multiple sclerosis, Sjogren's syndrome, Hashimoto's
thyroiditis, biliary cirrhosis, Behcet's disease, Crohn's disease,
polymyositis, systemic lupus erythematosus and immune-related
glomerulonephritis and rheumatoid arthritis) and viral infections
(such as herpes viruses, pox viruses and adenoviruses),
inflammation, graft v. host disease, acute graft rejection, and
chronic graft rejection. In preferred embodiments, the
polynucleotides or polypeptides, and/or agonists or antagonists of
the invention are used to inhibit growth, progression, and/or
metasis of cancers, in particular those listed above.
[0729] Additional diseases or conditions associated with increased
cell survival that could be treated, prevented or diagnosed by the
polynucleotides or polypeptides, or agonists or antagonists of the
invention, include, but are not limited to, progression, and/or
metastases of malignancies and related disorders such as leukemia
(including acute leukemias (e.g., acute lymphocytic leukemia, acute
myelocytic leukemia (including myeloblastic, promyelocytic,
myelomonocytic, monocytic, and erythroleukemia)) and chronic
leukemias (e.g., chronic myelocytic (granulocytic) leukemia and
chronic lymphocytic leukemia)), polycythemia vera, lymphomas (e.g.,
Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's disease), multiple myeloma,
Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia, heavy chain disease, and solid
tumors including, but not limited to, sarcomas and carcinomas such
as fibrosarcoma, myxosarcoma, liposarcoma, chondrosarcoma,
osteogenic sarcoma, chordoma, angiosarcoma, endotheliosarcoma,
lymphangiosarcoma, lymphangioendotheliosarcoma, synovioma,
mesothelioma, Ewing's tumor, leiomyosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma,
colon carcinoma, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer,
prostate cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma,
adenocarcinoma, sweat gland carcinoma, sebaceous gland carcinoma,
papillary carcinoma, papillary adenocarcinomas, cystadenocarcinoma,
medullary carcinoma, bronchogenic carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma,
hepatoma, bile duct carcinoma, choriocarcinoma, seminoma, embryonal
carcinoma, Wilm's tumor, cervical cancer, testicular tumor, lung
carcinoma, small cell lung carcinoma, bladder carcinoma, epithelial
carcinoma, glioma, astrocytoma, medulloblastoma, craniopharyngioma,
ependymoma, pinealoma, hemangioblastoma, acoustic neuroma,
oligodendroglioma, menangioma, melanoma, neuroblastoma, and
retinoblastoma.
[0730] Diseases associated with increased apoptosis that could be
treated, prevented, and/or diagnosed by the polynucleotides or
polypeptides, and/or agonists or antagonists of the invention,
include AIDS; neurodegenerative diseases, disorders, and/or
conditions (such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease,
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Retinitis pigmentosa, Cerebellar
degeneration and brain tumor or prior associated disease);
autoimmune diseases, disorders, and/or conditions (such as,
multiple sclerosis, Sjogren's syndrome, Hashimoto's thyroiditis,
biliary cirrhosis, Behcet's disease, Crohn's disease, polymyositis,
systemic lupus erythematosus and immune-related glomerulonephritis
and rheumatoid arthritis) myelodysplastic syndromes (such as
aplastic anemia), graft v. host disease, ischemic injury (such as
that caused by myocardial infarction, stroke and reperfusion
injury), liver injury (e.g., hepatitis related liver injury,
ischemia/reperfusion injury, cholestosis (bile duct injury) and
liver cancer); toxin-induced liver disease (such as that caused by
alcohol), septic shock, cachexia and anorexia.
[0731] Wound Healing and Epithelial Cell Proliferation
[0732] In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a process for utilizing the
polynucleotides or polypeptides, and/or agonists or antagonists of
the invention, for therapeutic purposes, for example, to stimulate
epithelial cell proliferation and basal keratinocytes for the
purpose of wound healing, and to stimulate hair follicle production
and healing of dermal wounds. Polynucleotides or polypeptides, as
well as agonists or antagonists of the invention, may be clinically
useful in stimulating wound healing including surgical wounds,
excisional wounds, deep wounds involving damage of the dermis and
epidermis, eye tissue wounds, dental tissue wounds, oral cavity
wounds, diabetic ulcers, dermal ulcers, cubitus ulcers, arterial
ulcers, venous stasis ulcers, burns resulting from heat exposure or
chemicals, and other abnormal wound healing conditions such as
uremia, malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies and complications
associted with systemic treatment with steroids, radiation therapy
and antineoplastic drugs and antimetabolites. Polynucleotides or
polypeptides, and/or agonists or antagonists of the invention,
could be used to promote dermal reestablishment subsequent to
dermal loss
[0733] The polynucleotides or polypeptides, and/or agonists or
antagonists of the invention, could be used to increase the
adherence of skin grafts to a wound bed and to stimulate
re-epithelialization from the wound bed. The following are a
non-exhaustive list of grafts that polynucleotides or polypeptides,
agonists or antagonists of the invention, could be used to increase
adherence to a wound bed: autografts, artificial skin, allografts,
autodermic graft, autoepdermic grafts, avacular grafts, Blair-Brown
grafts, bone graft, brephoplastic grafts, cutis graft, delayed
graft, dermic graft, epidermic graft, fascia graft, full thickness
graft, heterologous graft, xenograft, homologous graft,
hyperplastic graft, lamellar graft, mesh graft, mucosal graft,
Ollier-Thiersch graft, omenpal graft, patch graft, pedicle graft,
penetrating graft, split skin graft, thick split graft. The
polynucleotides or polypeptides, and/or agonists or antagonists of
the invention, can be used to promote skin strength and to improve
the appearance of aged skin.
[0734] It is believed that the polynucleotides or polypeptides,
and/or agonists or antagonists of the invention, will also produce
changes in hepatocyte proliferation, and epithelial cell
proliferation in the lung, breast, pancreas, stomach, small
intesting, and large intestine. The polynucleotides or
polypeptides, and/or agonists or antagonists of the invention,
could promote proliferation of epithelial cells such as sebocytes,
hair follicles, hepatocytes, type II pneumocytes, mucin-producing
goblet cells, and other epithelial cells and their progenitors
contained within the skin, lung, liver, and gastrointestinal tract.
The polynucleotides or polypeptides, and/or agonists or antagonists
of the invention, may promote proliferation of endothelial cells,
keratinocytes, and basal keratinocytes.
[0735] The polynucleotides or polypeptides, and/or agonists or
antagonists of the invention, could also be used to reduce the side
effects of gut toxicity that result from radiation, chemotherapy
treatments or viral infections. The polynucleotides or
polypeptides, and/or agonists or antagonists of the invention, may
have a cytoprotective effect on the small intestine mucosa. The
polynucleotides or polypeptides, and/or agonists or antagonists of
the invention, may also stimulate healing of mucositis (mouth
ulcers) that result from chemotherapy and viral infections.
[0736] The polynucleotides or polypeptides, and/or agonists or
antagonists of the invention, could further be used in full
regeneration of skin in full and partial thickness skin defects,
including burns, (i.e., repopulation of hair follicles, sweat
glands, and sebaceous glands), treatment of other skin defects such
as psoriasis. The polynucleotides or polypeptides, and/or agonists
or antagonists of the invention, could be used to treat
epidermolysis bullosa, a defect in adherence of the epidermis to
the underlying dermis which results in frequent, open and painful
blisters by accelerating reepithelialization of these lesions. The
polynucleotides or polypeptides, and/or agonists or antagonists of
the invention, could also be used to treat gastric and doudenal
ulcers and help heal by scar formation of the mucosal lining and
regeneration of glandular mucosa and duodenal mucosal lining more
rapidly. Inflamamatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease and
ulcerative colitis, are diseases which result in destruction of the
mucosal surface of the small or large intestine, respectively.
Thus, the polynucleotides or polypeptides, and/or agonists or
antagonists of the invention, could be used to promote the
resurfacing of the mucosal surface to aid more rapid healing and to
prevent progression of inflammatory bowel disease. Treatment with
the polynucleotides or polypeptides, and/or agonists or antagonists
of the invention, is expected to have a significant effect on the
production of mucus throughout the gastrointestinal tract and could
be used to protect the intestinal mucosa from injurious substances
that are ingested or following surgery. The polynucleotides or
polypeptides, and/or agonists or antagonists of the invention,
could be used to treat diseases associate with the under expression
of the polynucleotides of the invention.
[0737] Moreover, the polynucleotides or polypeptides, and/or
agonists or antagonists of the invention, could be used to prevent
and heal damage to the lungs due to various pathological states. A
growth factor such as the polynucleotides or polypeptides, and/or
agonists or antagonists of the invention, which could stimulate
proliferation and differentiation and promote the repair of alveoli
and brochiolar epithelium to prevent or treat acute or chronic lung
damage. For example, emphysema, which results in the progressive
loss of aveoli, and inhalation injuries, i.e., resulting from smoke
inhalation and burns, that cause necrosis of the bronchiolar
epithelium and alveoli could be effectively treated, prevented,
and/or diagnosed using the polynucleotides or polypeptides, and/or
agonists or antagonists of the invention. Also, the polynucleotides
or polypeptides, and/or agonists or antagonists of the invention,
could be used to stimulate the proliferation of and differentiation
of type II pneumocytes, which may help treat or prevent disease
such as hyaline membrane diseases, such as infant respiratory
distress syndrome and bronchopulmonary displasia, in premature
infants.
[0738] The polynucleotides or polypeptides, and/or agonists or
antagonists of the invention, could stimulate the proliferation and
differentiation of hepatocytes and, thus, could be used to
alleviate or treat liver diseases and pathologies such as fulminant
liver failure caused by cirrhosis, liver damage caused by viral
hepatitis and toxic substances (i.e., acetaminophen, carbon
tetraholoride and other hepatotoxins known in the art).
[0739] In addition, the polynucleotides or polypeptides, and/or
agonists or antagonists of the invention, could be used treat or
prevent the onset of diabetes mellitus. In patients with newly
diagnosed Types I and II diabetes, where some islet cell function
remains, the polynucleotides or polypeptides, and/or agonists or
antagonists of the invention, could be used to maintain the islet
function so as to alleviate, delay or prevent permanent
manifestation of the disease. Also, the polynucleotides or
polypeptides, and/or agonists or antagonists of the invention,
could be used as an auxiliary in islet cell transplantation to
improve or promote islet cell function.
[0740] Neurological Diseases
[0741] Nervous system diseases, disorders, and/or conditions, which
can be treated, prevented, and/or diagnosed with the compositions
of the invention (e.g., polypeptides, polynucleotides, and/or
agonists or antagonists), include, but are not limited to, nervous
system injuries, and diseases, disorders, and/or conditions which
result in either a disconnection of axons, a diminution or
degeneration of neurons, or demyelination. Nervous system lesions
which may be treated, prevented, and/or diagnosed in a patient
(including human and non-human mammalian patients) according to the
invention, include but are not limited to, the following lesions of
either the central (including spinal cord, brain) or peripheral
nervous systems: (1) ischemic lesions, in which a lack of oxygen in
a portion of the nervous system results in neuronal injury or
death, including cerebral infarction or ischemia, or spinal cord
infarction or ischemia; (2) traumatic lesions, including lesions
caused by physical injury or associated with surgery, for example,
lesions which sever a portion of the nervous system, or compression
injuries; (3) malignant lesions, in which a portion of the nervous
system is destroyed or injured by malignant tissue which is either
a nervous system associated malignancy or a malignancy derived from
non-nervous system tissue; (4) infectious lesions, in which a
portion of the nervous system is destroyed or injured as a result
of infection, for example, by an abscess or associated with
infection by human immunodeficiency virus, herpes zoster, or herpes
simplex virus or with Lyme disease, tuberculosis, syphilis; (5)
degenerative lesions, in which a portion of the nervous system is
destroyed or injured as a result of a degenerative process
including but not limited to degeneration associated with
Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's chorea, or
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS); (6) lesions associated with
nutritional diseases, disorders, and/or conditions, in which a
portion of the nervous system is destroyed or injured by a
nutritional disorder or disorder of metabolism including but not
limited to, vitamin B12 deficiency, folic acid deficiency, Wemicke
disease, tobacco-alcohol amblyopia, Marchiafava-Bignami disease
(primary degeneration of the corpus callosum), and alcoholic
cerebellar degeneration; (7) neurological lesions associated with
systemic diseases including, but not limited to, diabetes (diabetic
neuropathy, Bell's palsy), systemic lupus erythematosus, carcinoma,
or sarcoidosis; (8) lesions caused by toxic substances including
alcohol, lead, or particular neurotoxins; and (9) demyelinated
lesions in which a portion of the nervous system is destroyed or
injured by a demyelinating disease including, but not limited to,
multiple sclerosis, human immunodeficiency virus-associated
myelopathy, transverse myelopathy or various etiologies,
progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, and central pontine
myelinolysis.
[0742] In a preferred embodiment, the polypeptides,
polynucleotides, or agonists or antagonists of the invention are
used to protect neural cells from the damaging effects of cerebral
hypoxia. According to this embodiment, the compositions of the
invention are used to treat, prevent, and/or diagnose neural cell
injury associated with cerebral hypoxia. In one aspect of this
embodiment, the polypeptides, polynucleotides, or agonists or
antagonists of the invention are used to treat, prevent, and/or
diagnose neural cell injury associated with cerebral ischemia. In
another aspect of this embodiment, the polypeptides,
polynucleotides, or agonists or antagonists of the invention are
used to treat, prevent, and/or diagnose neural cell injury
associated with cerebral infarction. In another aspect of this
embodiment, the polypeptides, polynucleotides, or agonists or
antagonists of the invention are used to treat, prevent, and/or
diagnose or prevent neural cell injury associated with a stroke. In
a further aspect of this embodiment, the polypeptides,
polynucleotides, or agonists or antagonists of the invention are
used to treat, prevent, and/or diagnose neural cell injury
associated with a heart attack.
[0743] The compositions of the invention which are useful for
treating or preventing a nervous system disorder may be selected by
testing for biological activity in promoting the survival or
differentiation of neurons. For example, and not by way of
limitation, compositions of the invention which elicit any of the
following effects may be useful according to the invention: (1)
increased survival time of neurons in culture; (2) increased
sprouting of neurons in culture or in vivo; (3) increased
production of a neuron-associated molecule in culture or in vivo,
e.g., choline acetyltransferase or acetylcholinesterase with
respect to motor neurons; or (4) decreased symptoms of neuron
dysfunction in vivo. Such effects may be measured by any method
known in the art. In preferred, non-limiting embodiments, increased
survival of neurons may routinely be measured using a method set
forth herein or otherwise known in the art, such as, for example,
the method set forth in Arakawa et al. (J. Neurosci. 10:3507-3515
(1990)); increased sprouting of neurons may be detected by methods
known in the art, such as, for example, the methods set forth in
Pestronk et al. (Exp. Neurol. 70:65-82 (1980)) or Brown et al.
(Ann. Rev. Neurosci. 4:17-42 (1981)); increased production of
neuron-associated molecules may be measured by bioassay, enzymatic
assay, antibody binding, Northern blot assay, etc., using
techniques known in the art and depending on the molecule to be
measured; and motor neuron dysfunction may be measured by assessing
the physical manifestation of motor neuron disorder, e.g.,
weakness, motor neuron conduction velocity, or functional
disability.
[0744] In specific embodiments, motor neuron diseases, disorders,
and/or conditions that may be treated, prevented, and/or diagnosed
according to the invention include, but are not limited to,
diseases, disorders, and/or conditions such as infarction,
infection, exposure to toxin, trauma, surgical damage, degenerative
disease or malignancy that may affect motor neurons as well as
other components of the nervous system, as well as diseases,
disorders, and/or conditions that selectively affect neurons such
as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and including, but not limited
to, progressive spinal muscular atrophy, progressive bulbar palsy,
primary lateral sclerosis, infantile and juvenile muscular atrophy,
progressive bulbar paralysis of childhood (Fazio-Londe syndrome),
poliomyelitis and the post polio syndrome, and Hereditary
Motorsensory Neuropathy (Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease).
[0745] Infectious Disease
[0746] A polypeptide or polynucleotide and/or agonist or antagonist
of the present invention can be used to treat, prevent, and/or
diagnose infectious agents. For example, by increasing the immune
response, particularly increasing the proliferation and
differentiation of B and/or T cells, infectious diseases may be
treated, prevented, and/or diagnosed. The immune response may be
increased by either enhancing an existing immune response, or by
initiating a new immune response. Alternatively, polypeptide or
polynucleotide and/or agonist or antagonist of the present
invention may also directly inhibit the infectious agent, without
necessarily eliciting an immune response.
[0747] Viruses are one example of an infectious agent that can
cause disease or symptoms that can be treated, prevented, and/or
diagnosed by a polynucleotide or polypeptide and/or agonist or
antagonist of the present invention. Examples of viruses, include,
but are not limited to Examples of viruses, include, but are not
limited to the following DNA and RNA viruses and viral families:
Arbovirus, Adenoviridae, Arenaviridae, Arterivirus, Birnaviridae,
Bunyaviridae, Caliciviridae, Circoviridae, Coronaviridae, Dengue,
EBV, HIV, Flaviviridae, Hepadnaviridae (Hepatitis), Herpesviridae
(such as, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes Simplex, Herpes Zoster),
Mononegavirus (e.g., Paramyxoviridae, Morbillivirus,
Rhabdoviridae), Orthomyxoviridae (e.g., Influenza A, Influenza B,
and parainfluenza), Papiloma virus, Papovaviridae, Parvoviridae,
Picomaviridae, Poxviridae (such as Smallpox or Vaccinia),
Reoviridae (e.g., Rotavirus), Retroviridae (HTLV-I, HTLV-II,
Lentivirus), and Togaviridae (e.g., Rubivirus). Viruses falling
within these families can cause a variety of diseases or symptoms,
including, but not limited to: arthritis, bronchiollitis,
respiratory syncytial virus, encephalitis, eye infections (e.g.,
conjunctivitis, keratitis), chronic fatigue syndrome, hepatitis (A,
B, C, E, Chronic Active, Delta), Japanese B encephalitis, Junin,
Chikungunya, Rift Valley fever, yellow fever, meningitis,
opportunistic infections (e.g., AIDS), pneumonia, Burkitt's
Lymphoma, chickenpox, hemorrhagic fever, Measles, Mumps,
Parainfluenza, Rabies, the common cold, Polio, leukemia, Rubella,
sexually transmitted diseases, skin diseases (e.g., Kaposi's,
warts), and viremia. polynucleotides or polypeptides, or agonists
or antagonists of the invention, can be used to treat, prevent,
and/or diagnose any of these symptoms or diseases. In specific
embodiments, polynucleotides, polypeptides, or agonists or
antagonists of the invention are used to treat, prevent, and/or
diagnose: meningitis, Dengue, EBV, and/or hepatitis (e.g.,
hepatitis B). In an additional specific embodiment polynucleotides,
polypeptides, or agonists or antagonists of the invention are used
to treat patients nonresponsive to one or more other commercially
available hepatitis vaccines. In a further specific embodiment
polynucleotides, polypeptides, or agonists or antagonists of the
invention are used to treat, prevent, and/or diagnose AIDS.
[0748] Similarly, bacterial or fungal agents that can cause disease
or symptoms and that can be treated, prevented, and/or diagnosed by
a polynucleotide or polypeptide and/or agonist or antagonist of the
present invention include, but not limited to, include, but not
limited to, the following Gram-Negative and Gram-positive bacteria
and bacterial families and fungi: Actinomycetales (e.g.,
Corynebacterium, Mycobacterium, Norcardia), Cryptococcus
neoformans, Aspergillosis, Bacillaceae (e.g., Anthrax,
Clostridium), Bacteroidaceae, Blastomycosis, Bordetella, Borrelia
(e.g., Borrelia burgdorferi), Brucellosis, Candidiasis,
Campylobacter, Coccidioidomycosis, Cryptococcosis, Dermatocycoses,
E. coli (e.g., Enterotoxigenic E. coli and Enterohemorrhagic E.
coli), Enterobacteriaceae (Klebsiella, Salmonella (e.g., Salmonella
typhi, and Salmonella paratyphi), Serratia, Yersinia),
Erysipelothrix, Helicobacter, Legionellosis, Leptospirosis,
Listeria, Mycoplasmatales, Mycobacterium leprae, Vibrio cholerae,
Neisseriaceae (e.g., Acinetobacter, Gonorrhea, Menigococcal),
Meisseria meningitidis, Pasteurellacea Infections (e.g.,
Actinobacillus, Heamophilus (e.g., Heamophilus influenza type B),
Pasteurella), Pseudomonas, Rickettsiaceae, Chlamydiaceae, Syphilis,
Shigella spp., Staphylococcal, Meningiococcal, Pneumococcal and
Streptococcal (e.g., Streptococcus pneumoniae and Group B
Streptococcus). These bacterial or fungal families can cause the
following diseases or symptoms, including, but not limited to:
bacteremia, endocarditis, eye infections (conjunctivitis,
tuberculosis, uveitis), gingivitis, opportunistic infections (e.g.,
AIDS related infections), paronychia, prosthesis-related
infections, Reiter's Disease, respiratory tract infections, such as
Whooping Cough or Empyema, sepsis, Lyme Disease, Cat-Scratch
Disease, Dysentery, Paratyphoid Fever, food poisoning, Typhoid,
pneumonia, Gonorrhea, meningitis (e.g., mengitis types A and B),
Chlamydia, Syphilis, Diphtheria, Leprosy, Paratuberculosis,
Tuberculosis, Lupus, Botulism, gangrene, tetanus, impetigo,
Rheumatic Fever, Scarlet Fever, sexually transmitted diseases, skin
diseases (e.g., cellulitis, dermatocycoses), toxemia, urinary tract
infections, wound infections. Polynucleotides or polypeptides,
agonists or antagonists of the invention, can be used to treat,
prevent, and/or diagnose any of these symptoms or diseases. In
specific embodiments, polynucleotides, polypeptides, agonists or
antagonists of the invention are used to treat, prevent, and/or
diagnose: tetanus, Diptheria, botulism, and/or meningitis type
B.
[0749] Moreover, parasitic agents causing disease or symptoms that
can be treated, prevented, and/or diagnosed by a polynucleotide or
polypeptide and/or agonist or antagonist of the present invention
include, but not limited to, the following families or class:
Amebiasis, Babesiosis, Coccidiosis, Cryptosporidiosis,
Dientamoebiasis, Dourine, Ectoparasitic, Giardiasis, Helminthiasis,
Leishmaniasis, Theileriasis, Toxoplasmosis, Trypanosomiasis, and
Trichomonas and Sporozoans (e.g., Plasmodium virax, Plasmodium
falciparium, Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium ovale). These
parasites can cause a variety of diseases or symptoms, including,
but not limited to: Scabies, Trombiculiasis, eye infections,
intestinal disease (e.g., dysentery, giardiasis), liver disease,
lung disease, opportunistic infections (e.g., AIDS related),
malaria, pregnancy complications, and toxoplasmosis.
polynucleotides or polypeptides, or agonists or antagonists of the
invention, can be used totreat, prevent, and/or diagnose any of
these symptoms or diseases. In specific embodiments,
polynucleotides, polypeptides, or agonists or antagonists of the
invention are used to treat, prevent, and/or diagnose malaria.
[0750] Preferably, treatment or prevention using a polypeptide or
polynucleotide and/or agonist or antagonist of the present
invention could either be by administering an effective amount of a
polypeptide to the patient, or by removing cells from the patient,
supplying the cells with a polynucleotide of the present invention,
and returning the engineered cells to the patient (ex vivo
therapy). Moreover, the polypeptide or polynucleotide of the
present invention can be used as an antigen in a vaccine to raise
an immune response against infectious disease.
[0751] Regeneration
[0752] A polynucleotide or polypeptide and/or agonist or antagonist
of the present invention can be used to differentiate, proliferate,
and attract cells, leading to the regeneration of tissues. (See,
Science 276:59-87 (1997).) The regeneration of tissues could be
used to repair, replace, or protect tissue damaged by congenital
defects, trauma (wounds, burns, incisions, or ulcers), age, disease
(e.g. osteoporosis, osteocarthritis, periodontal disease, liver
failure), surgery, including cosmetic plastic surgery, fibrosis,
reperfusion injury, or systemic cytokine damage.
[0753] Tissues that could be regenerated using the present
invention include organs (e.g., pancreas, liver, intestine, kidney,
skin, endothelium), muscle (smooth, skeletal or cardiac),
vasculature (including vascular and lymphatics), nervous,
hematopoietic, and skeletal (bone, cartilage, tendon, and ligament)
tissue. Preferably, regeneration occurs without or decreased
scarring. Regeneration also may include angiogenesis.
[0754] Moreover, a polynucleotide or polypeptide and/or agonist or
antagonist of the present invention may increase regeneration of
tissues difficult to heal. For example, increased tendon/ligament
regeneration would quicken recovery time after damage. A
polynucleotide or polypeptide and/or agonist or antagonist of the
present invention could also be used prophylactically in an effort
to avoid damage. Specific diseases that could be treated,
prevented, and/or diagnosed include of tendinitis, carpal tunnel
syndrome, and other tendon or ligament defects. A further example
of tissue regeneration of non-healing wounds includes pressure
ulcers, ulcers associated with vascular insufficiency, surgical,
and traumatic wounds.
[0755] Similarly, nerve and brain tissue could also be regenerated
by using a polynucleotide or polypeptide and/or agonist or
antagonist of the present invention to proliferate and
differentiate nerve cells. Diseases that could be treated,
prevented, and/or diagnosed using this method include central and
peripheral nervous system diseases, neuropathies, or mechanical and
traumatic diseases, disorders, and/or conditions (e.g., spinal cord
disorders, head trauma, cerebrovascular disease, and stoke).
Specifically, diseases associated with peripheral nerve injuries,
peripheral neuropathy (e.g., resulting from chemotherapy or other
medical therapies), localized neuropathies, and central nervous
system diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease,
Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Shy-Drager
syndrome), could all be treated, prevented, and/or diagnosed using
the polynucleotide or polypeptide and/or agonist or antagonist of
the present invention.
[0756] Chemotaxis
[0757] A polynucleotide or polypeptide and/or agonist or antagonist
of the present invention may have chemotaxis activity. A chemotaxic
molecule attracts or mobilizes cells (e.g., monocytes, fibroblasts,
neutrophils, T-cells, mast cells, eosinophils, epithelial and/or
endothelial cells) to a particular site in the body, such as
inflammation, infection, or site of hyperproliferation. The
mobilized cells can then fight off and/or heal the particular
trauma or abnormality.
[0758] A polynucleotide or polypeptide and/or agonist or antagonist
of the present invention may increase chemotaxic activity of
particular cells. These chemotactic molecules can then be used to
treat, prevent, and/or diagnose inflammation, infection,
hyperproliferative diseases, disorders, and/or conditions, or any
immune system disorder by increasing the number of cells targeted
to a particular location in the body. For example, chemotaxic
molecules can be used to treat, prevent, and/or diagnose wounds and
other trauma to tissues by attracting immune cells to the injured
location. Chemotactic molecules of the present invention can also
attract fibroblasts, which can be used to treat, prevent, and/or
diagnose wounds.
[0759] It is also contemplated that a polynucleotide or polypeptide
and/or agonist or antagonist of the present invention may inhibit
chemotactic activity. These molecules could also be used totreat,
prevent, and/or diagnose diseases, disorders, and/or conditions.
Thus, a polynucleotide or polypeptide and/or agonist or antagonist
of the present invention could be used as an inhibitor of
chemotaxis.
[0760] Binding Activity
[0761] A polypeptide of the present invention may be used to screen
for molecules that bind to the polypeptide or for molecules to
which the polypeptide binds. The binding of the polypeptide and the
molecule may activate (agonist), increase, inhibit (antagonist), or
decrease activity of the polypeptide or the molecule bound.
Examples of such molecules include antibodies, oligonucleotides,
proteins (e.g., receptors), or small molecules.
[0762] Preferably, the molecule is closely related to the natural
ligand of the polypeptide, e.g., a fragment of the ligand, or a
natural substrate, a ligand, a structural or functional mimetic.
(See, Coligan et al., Current Protocols in Immunology 1(2):Chapter
5 (1991).) Similarly, the molecule can be closely related to the
natural receptor to which the polypeptide binds, or at least, a
fragment of the receptor capable of being bound by the polypeptide
(e.g., active site). In either case, the molecule can be rationally
designed using known techniques.
[0763] Preferably, the screening for these molecules involves
producing appropriate cells which express the polypeptide, either
as a secreted protein or on the cell membrane. Preferred cells
include cells from mammals, yeast, Drosophila, or E. coli. Cells
expressing the polypeptide (or cell membrane containing the
expressed polypeptide) are then preferably contacted with a test
compound potentially containing the molecule to observe binding,
stimulation, or inhibition of activity of either the polypeptide or
the molecule.
[0764] The assay may simply test binding of a candidate compound to
the polypeptide, wherein binding is detected by a label, or in an
assay involving competition with a labeled competitor. Further, the
assay may test whether the candidate compound results in a signal
generated by binding to the polypeptide.
[0765] Alternatively, the assay can be carried out using cell-free
preparations, polypeptide/molecule affixed to a solid support,
chemical libraries, or natural product mixtures. The assay may also
simply comprise the steps of mixing a candidate compound with a
solution containing a polypeptide, measuring polypeptide/molecule
activity or binding, and comparing the polypeptide/molecule
activity or binding to a standard.
[0766] Preferably, an ELISA assay can measure polypeptide level or
activity in a sample (e.g., biological sample) using a monoclonal
or polyclonal antibody. The antibody can measure polypeptide level
or activity by either binding, directly or indirectly, to the
polypeptide or by competing with the polypeptide for a
substrate.
[0767] Additionally, the receptor to which a polypeptide of the
invention binds can be identified by numerous methods known to
those of skill in the art, for example, ligand panning and FACS
sorting (Coligan, et al., Current Protocols in Immun., 1(2),
Chapter 5, (1991)). For example, expression cloning is employed
wherein polyadenylated RNA is prepared from a cell responsive to
the polypeptides, for example, NIH3T3 cells which are known to
contain multiple receptors for the FGF family proteins, and SC-3
cells, and a cDNA library created from this RNA is divided into
pools and used to transfect COS cells or other cells that are not
responsive to the polypeptides. Transfected cells which are grown
on glass slides are exposed to the polypeptide of the present
invention, after they have been labelled. The polypeptides can be
labeled by a variety of means including iodination or inclusion of
a recognition site for a site-specific protein kinase.
[0768] Following fixation and incubation, the slides are subjected
to autoradiographic analysis. Positive pools are identified and
sub-pools are prepared and re-transfected using an iterative
sub-pooling and re-screening process, eventually yielding a single
clones that encodes the putative receptor.
[0769] As an alternative approach for receptor identification, the
labeled polypeptides can be photoaffinity linked with cell membrane
or extract preparations that express the receptor molecule.
Cross-linked material is resolved by PAGE analysis and exposed to
X-ray film. The labeled complex containing the receptors of the
polypeptides can be excised, resolved into peptide fragments, and
subjected to protein microsequencing. The amino acid sequence
obtained from microsequencing would be used to design a set of
degenerate oligonucleotide probes to screen a cDNA library to
identify the genes encoding the putative receptors.
[0770] Moreover, the techniques of gene-shuffling, motif-shuffling,
exon-shuffling, and/or codon-shuffling (collectively referred to as
"DNA shuffling") may be employed to modulate the activities of
polypeptides of the invention thereby effectively generating
agonists and antagonists of polypeptides of the invention. See
generally, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,605,793, 5,811,238, 5,830,721,
5,834,252, and 5,837,458, and Patten, P. A., et al., Curr. Opinion
Biotechnol. 8:724-33 (1997); Harayama, S. Trends Biotechnol.
16(2):76-82 (1998); Hansson, L. O., et al., J. Mol. Biol.
287:265-76 (1999); and Lorenzo, M. M. and Blasco, R. Biotechniques
24(2):308-13 (1998) (each of these patents and publications are
hereby incorporated by reference). In one embodiment, alteration of
polynucleotides and corresponding polypeptides of the invention may
be achieved by DNA shuffling. DNA shuffling involves the assembly
of two or more DNA segments into a desired polynucleotide sequence
of the invention molecule by homologous, or site-specific,
recombination. In another embodiment, polynucleotides and
corresponding polypeptides of the invention may be alterred by
being subjected to random mutagenesis by error-prone PCR, random
nucleotide insertion or other methods prior to recombination. In
another embodiment, one or more components, motifs, sections,
parts, domains, fragments, etc., of the polypeptides of the
invention may be recombined with one or more components, motifs,
sections, parts, domains, fragments, etc. of one or more
heterologous molecules. In preferred embodiments, the heterologous
molecules are family members. In further preferred embodiments, the
heterologous molecule is a growth factor such as, for example,
platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), insulin-like growth factor
(IGF-I), transforming growth factor (TGF)-alpha, epidermal growth
factor (EGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), TGF-beta, bone
morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2, BMP-4, BMP-5, BMP-6, BMP-7, activins
A and B, decapentaplegic(dpp), 60A, OP-2, dorsalin, growth
differentiation factors (GDFs), nodal, MIS, inhibin-alpha,
TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, TGF-beta3, TGF-beta5, and glial-derived
neurotrophic factor (GDNF).
[0771] Other preferred fragments are biologically active fragments
of the polypeptides of the invention. Biologically active fragments
are those exhibiting activity similar, but not necessarily
identical, to an activity of the polypeptide. The biological
activity of the fragments may include an improved desired activity,
or a decreased undesirable activity.
[0772] Additionally, this invention provides a method of screening
compounds to identify those which modulate the action of the
polypeptide of the present invention. An example of such an assay
comprises combining a mammalian fibroblast cell, a the polypeptide
of the present invention, the compound to be screened and 3[H]
thymidine under cell culture conditions where the fibroblast cell
would normally proliferate. A control assay may be performed in the
absence of the compound to be screened and compared to the amount
of fibroblast proliferation in the presence of the compound to
determine if the compound stimulates proliferation by determining
the uptake of 3[H] thymidine in each case. The amount of fibroblast
cell proliferation is measured by liquid scintillation
chromatography which measures the incorporation of 3[H] thymidine.
Both agonist and antagonist compounds may be identified by this
procedure.
[0773] In another method, a mammalian cell or membrane preparation
expressing a receptor for a polypeptide of the present invention is
incubated with a labeled polypeptide of the present invention in
the presence of the compound. The ability of the compound to
enhance or block this interaction could then be measured.
Alternatively, the response of a known second messenger system
following interaction of a compound to be screened and the receptor
is measured and the ability of the compound to bind to the receptor
and elicit a second messenger response is measured to determine if
the compound is a potential agonist or antagonist. Such second
messenger systems include but are not limited to, cAMP guanylate
cyclase, ion channels or phosphoinositide hydrolysis.
[0774] All of these above assays can be used as diagnostic or
prognostic markers. The molecules discovered using these assays can
be used to treat, prevent, and/or diagnose disease or to bring
about a particular result in a patient (e.g., blood vessel growth)
by activating or inhibiting the polypeptide/molecule. Moreover, the
assays can discover agents which may inhibit or enhance the
production of the polypeptides of the invention from suitably
manipulated cells or tissues. Therefore, the invention includes a
method of identifying compounds which bind to the polypeptides of
the invention comprising the steps of: (a) incubating a candidate
binding compound with the polypeptide; and (b) determining if
binding has occurred. Moreover, the invention includes a method of
identifying agonists/antagonists comprising the steps of: (a)
incubating a candidate compound with the polypeptide, (b) assaying
a biological activity, and (b) determining if a biological activity
of the polypeptide has been altered.
[0775] Also, one could identify molecules bind a polypeptide of the
invention experimentally by using the beta-pleated sheet regions
contained in the polypeptide sequence of the protein. Accordingly,
specific embodiments of the invention are directed to
polynucleotides encoding polypeptides which comprise, or
alternatively consist of, the amino acid sequence of each beta
pleated sheet regions in a disclosed polypeptide sequence.
Additional embodiments of the invention are directed to
polynucleotides encoding polypeptides which comprise, or
alternatively consist of, any combination or all of contained in
the polypeptide sequences of the invention. Additional preferred
embodiments of the invention are directed to polypeptides which
comprise, or alternatively consist of, the amino acid sequence of
each of the beta pleated sheet regions in one of the polypeptide
sequences of the invention. Additional embodiments of the invention
are directed to polypeptides which comprise, or alternatively
consist of, any combination or all of the beta pleated sheet
regions in one of the polypeptide sequences of the invention.
[0776] Targeted Delivery
[0777] In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of
delivering compositions to targeted cells expressing a receptor for
a polypeptide of the invention, or cells expressing a cell bound
form of a polypeptide of the invention.
[0778] As discussed herein, polypeptides or antibodies of the
invention may be associated with heterologous polypeptides,
heterologous nucleic acids, toxins, or prodrugs via hydrophobic,
hydrophilic, ionic and/or covalent interactions. In one embodiment,
the invention provides a method for the specific delivery of
compositions of the invention to cells by administering
polypeptides of the invention (including antibodies) that are
associated with heterologous polypeptides or nucleic acids. In one
example, the invention provides a method for delivering a
therapeutic protein into the targeted cell. In another example, the
invention provides a method for delivering a single stranded
nucleic acid (e.g., antisense or ribozymes) or double stranded
nucleic acid (e.g., DNA that can integrate into the cell's genome
or replicate episomally and that can be transcribed) into the
targeted cell.
[0779] In another embodiment, the invention provides a method for
the specific destruction of cells (e.g., the destruction of tumor
cells) by administering polypeptides of the invention (e.g.,
polypeptides of the invention or antibodies of the invention) in
association with toxins or cytotoxic prodrugs.
[0780] By "toxin" is meant compounds that bind and activate
endogenous cytotoxic effector systems, radioisotopes, holotoxins,
modified toxins, catalytic subunits of toxins, or any molecules or
enzymes not normally present in or on the surface of a cell that
under defined conditions cause the cell's death. Toxins that may be
used according to the methods of the invention include, but are not
limited to, radioisotopes known in the art, compounds such as, for
example, antibodies (or complement fixing containing portions
thereof) that bind an inherent or induced endogenous cytotoxic
effector system, thymidine kinase, endonuclease, RNAse, alpha
toxin, ricin, abrin, Pseudomonas exotoxin A, diphtheria toxin,
saporin, momordin, gelonin, pokeweed antiviral protein,
alpha-sarcin and cholera toxin. By "cytotoxic prodrug" is meant a
non-toxic compound that is converted by an enzyme, normally present
in the cell, into a cytotoxic compound. Cytotoxic prodrugs that may
be used according to the methods of the invention include, but are
not limited to, glutamyl derivatives of benzoic acid mustard
alkylating agent, phosphate derivatives of etoposide or mitomycin
C, cytosine arabinoside, daunorubisin, and phenoxyacetamide
derivatives of doxorubicin.
[0781] Drug Screening
[0782] Further contemplated is the use of the polypeptides of the
present invention, or the polynucleotides encoding these
polypeptides, to screen for molecules which modify the activities
of the polypeptides of the present invention. Such a method would
include contacting the polypeptide of the present invention with a
selected compound(s) suspected of having antagonist or agonist
activity, and assaying the activity of these polypeptides following
binding.
[0783] This invention is particularly useful for screening
therapeutic compounds by using the polypeptides of the present
invention, or binding fragments thereof, in any of a variety of
drug screening techniques. The polypeptide or fragment employed in
such a test may be affixed to a solid support, expressed on a cell
surface, free in solution, or located intracellularly. One method
of drug screening utilizes eukaryotic or prokaryotic host cells
which are stably transformed with recombinant nucleic acids
expressing the polypeptide or fragment. Drugs are screened against
such transformed cells in competitive binding assays. One may
measure, for example, the formulation of complexes between the
agent being tested and a polypeptide of the present invention.
[0784] Thus, the present invention provides methods of screening
for drugs or any other agents which affect activities mediated by
the polypeptides of the present invention. These methods comprise
contacting such an agent with a polypeptide of the present
invention or a fragment thereof and assaying for the presence of a
complex between the agent and the polypeptide or a fragment
thereof, by methods well known in the art. In such a competitive
binding assay, the agents to screen are typically labeled.
Following incubation, free agent is separated from that present in
bound form, and the amount of free or uncomplexed label is a
measure of the ability of a particular agent to bind to the
polypeptides of the present invention.
[0785] Another technique for drug screening provides high
throughput screening for compounds having suitable binding affinity
to the polypeptides of the present invention, and is described in
great detail in European Patent Application 84/03564, published on
Sep. 13, 1984, which is incorporated herein by reference herein.
Briefly stated, large numbers of different small peptide test
compounds are synthesized on a solid substrate, such as plastic
pins or some other surface. The peptide test compounds are reacted
with polypeptides of the present invention and washed. Bound
polypeptides are then detected by methods well known in the art.
Purified polypeptides are coated directly onto plates for use in
the aforementioned drug screening techniques. In addition,
non-neutralizing antibodies may be used to capture the peptide and
immobilize it on the solid support.
[0786] This invention also contemplates the use of competitive drug
screening assays in which neutralizing antibodies capable of
binding polypeptides of the present invention specifically compete
with a test compound for binding to the polypeptides or fragments
thereof. In this manner, the antibodies are used to detect the
presence of any peptide which shares one or more antigenic epitopes
with a polypeptide of the invention.
[0787] Antisense And Ribozyme (Antagonists)
[0788] In specific embodiments, antagonists according to the
present invention are nucleic acids corresponding to the sequences
contained in SEQ ID NO:X, or the complementary strand thereof,
and/or to nucleotide sequences contained a deposited clone. In one
embodiment, antisense sequence is generated internally by the
organism, in another embodiment, the antisense sequence is
separately administered (see, for example, O'Connor, Neurochem.,
56:560 (1991). Oligodeoxynucleotides as Anitsense Inhibitors of
Gene Expression, CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fla. (1988). Antisense
technology can be used to control gene expression through antisense
DNA or RNA, or through triple-helix formation. Antisense techniques
are discussed for example, in Okano, Neurochem., 56:560 (1991);
Oligodeoxynucleotides as Antisense Inhibitors of Gene Expression,
CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fla. (1988). Triple helix formation is
discussed in, for instance, Lee et al., Nucleic Acids Research,
6:3073 (1979); Cooney et al., Science, 241:456 (1988); and Dervan
et al., Science, 251:1300 (1991). The methods are based on binding
of a polynucleotide to a complementary DNA or RNA.
[0789] For example, the use of c-myc and c-myb antisense RNA
constructs to inhibit the growth of the non-lymphocytic leukemia
cell line HL-60 and other cell lines was previously described.
(Wickstrom et al. (1988); Anfossi et al. (1989)). These experiments
were performed in vitro by incubating cells with the
oligoribonucleotide. A similar procedure for in vivo use is
described in WO 91/15580. Briefly, a pair of oligonucleotides for a
given antisense RNA is produced as follows: A sequence
complimentary to the first 15 bases of the open reading frame is
flanked by an EcoR1 site on the 5 end and a HindIII site on the 3
end. Next, the pair of oligonucleotides is heated at 90.degree. C.
for one minute and then annealed in 2.times.ligation buffer (20 mM
TRIS HCl pH 7.5, 10 mM MgCl2, 10 MM dithiothreitol (DTT) and 0.2 mM
ATP) and then ligated to the EcoR1/Hind III site of the retroviral
vector PMV7 (WO 91/15580).
[0790] For example, the 5' coding portion of a polynucleotide that
encodes the mature polypeptide of the present invention may be used
to design an antisense RNA oligonucleotide of from about 10 to 40
base pairs in length. A DNA oligonucleotide is designed to be
complementary to a region of the gene involved in transcription
thereby preventing transcription and the production of the
receptor. The antisense RNA oligonucleotide hybridizes to the mRNA
in vivo and blocks translation of the mRNA molecule into receptor
polypeptide.
[0791] In one embodiment, the antisense nucleic acid of the
invention is produced intracellularly by transcription from an
exogenous sequence. For example, a vector or a portion thereof, is
transcribed, producing an antisense nucleic acid (RNA) of the
invention. Such a vector would contain a sequence encoding the
antisense nucleic acid of the invention. Such a vector can remain
episomal or become chromosomally integrated, as long as it can be
transcribed to produce the desired antisense RNA. Such vectors can
be constructed by recombinant DNA technology methods standard in
the art. Vectors can be plasmid, viral, or others known in the art,
used for replication and expression in vertebrate cells. Expression
of the sequence encoding a polypeptide of the invention, or
fragments thereof, can be by any promoter known in the art to act
in vertebrate, preferably human cells. Such promoters can be
inducible or constitutive. Such promoters include, but are not
limited to, the SV40 early promoter region (Bernoist and Chambon,
Nature, 29:304-310 (1981), the promoter contained in the 3' long
terminal repeat of Rous sarcoma virus (Yamamoto et al., Cell,
22:787-797 (1980), the herpes thymidine promoter (Wagner et al.,
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 78:1441-1445 (1981), the regulatory
sequences of the metallothionein gene (Brinster et al., Nature,
296:39-42 (1982)), etc.
[0792] The antisense nucleic acids of the invention comprise a
sequence complementary to at least a portion of an RNA transcript
of a gene of interest. However, absolute complementarity, although
preferred, is not required. A sequence "complementary to at least a
portion of an RNA," referred to herein, means a sequence having
sufficient complementarity to be able to hybridize with the RNA,
forming a stable duplex; in the case of double stranded antisense
nucleic acids of the invention, a single strand of the duplex DNA
may thus be tested, or triplex formation may be assayed. The
ability to hybridize will depend on both the degree of
complementarity and the length of the antisense nucleic acid
Generally, the larger the hybridizing nucleic acid, the more base
mismatches with a RNA sequence of the invention it may contain and
still form a stable duplex (or triplex as the case may be). One
skilled in the art can ascertain a tolerable degree of mismatch by
use of standard procedures to determine the melting point of the
hybridized complex.
[0793] Oligonucleotides that are complementary to the 5' end of the
message, e.g., the 5' untranslated sequence up to and including the
AUG initiation codon, should work most efficiently at inhibiting
translation. However, sequences complementary to the 3'
untranslated sequences of mRNAs have been shown to be effective at
inhibiting translation of mRNAs as well. See generally, Wagner, R.,
Nature, 372:333-335 (1994). Thus, oligonucleotides complementary to
either the 5' - or 3' - non-translated, non-coding regions of a
polynucleotide sequence of the invention could be used in an
antisense approach to inhibit translation of endogenous mRNA.
Oligonucleotides complementary to the 5' untranslated region of the
mRNA should include the complement of the AUG start codon.
Antisense oligonucleotides complementary to mRNA coding regions are
less efficient inhibitors of translation but could be used in
accordance with the invention. Whether designed to hybridize to the
5' -, 3' - or coding region of mRNA, antisense nucleic acids should
be at least six nucleotides in length, and are preferably
oligonucleotides ranging from 6 to about 50 nucleotides in length.
In specific aspects the oligonucleotide is at least 10 nucleotides,
at least 17 nucleotides, at least 25 nucleotides or at least 50
nucleotides.
[0794] The polynucleotides of the invention can be DNA or RNA or
chimeric mixtures or derivatives or modified versions thereof,
single-stranded or double-stranded. The oligonucleotide can be
modified at the base moiety, sugar moiety, or phosphate backbone,
for example, to improve stability of the molecule, hybridization,
etc. The oligonucleotide may include other appended groups such as
peptides (e.g., for targeting host cell receptors in vivo), or
agents facilitating transport across the cell membrane (see, e.g.,
Letsinger et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 86:6553-6556
(1989); Lemaitre et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 84:648-652 (1987);
PCT Publication NO: WO88/09810, published Dec. 15, 1988) or the
blood-brain barrier (see, e.g., PCT Publication NO: WO89/10134,
published Apr. 25, 1988), hybridization-triggered cleavage agents.
(See, e.g., Krol et al., BioTechniques, 6:958-976 (1988)) or
intercalating agents. (See, e.g., Zon, Pharm. Res., 5:539-549
(1988)). To this end, the oligonucleotide may be conjugated to
another molecule, e.g., a peptide, hybridization triggered
cross-linking agent, transport agent, hybridization-triggered
cleavage agent, etc.
[0795] The antisense oligonucleotide may comprise at least one
modified base moiety which is selected from the group including,
but not limited to, 5-fluorouracil, 5-bromouracil, 5-chlorouracil,
5-iodouracil, hypoxanthine, xantine, 4-acetylcytosine,
5-(carboxyhydroxylmethyl) uracil,
5-carboxymethylaminomethyl-2-thiouridine, 5-carboxymethylaminomet-
hyluracil, dihydrouracil, beta-D-galactosylqueosine, inosine,
N6-isopentenyladenine, 1-methylguanine, 1-methylinosine,
2,2-dimethylguanine, 2-methyladenine, 2-methylguanine,
3-methylcytosine, 5-methylcytosine, N6-adenine, 7-methylguanine,
5-methylaminomethyluracil, 5-methoxyaminomethyl-2-thiouracil,
beta-D-mannosylqueosine, 5'-methoxycarboxymethyluracil,
5-methoxyuracil, 2-methylthio-N6-isopenten- yladenine,
uracil-5-oxyacetic acid (v), wybutoxosine, pseudouracil, queosine,
2-thiocytosine, 5-methyl-2-thiouracil, 2-thiouracil, 4-thiouracil,
5-methyluracil, uracil-5-oxyacetic acid methylester,
uracil-5-oxyacetic acid (v), 5-methyl-2-thiouracil,
3-(3-amino-3-N-2-carboxypropyl) uracil, (acp3)w, and
2,6-diaminopurine.
[0796] The antisense oligonucleotide may also comprise at least one
modified sugar moiety selected from the group including, but not
limited to, arabinose, 2-fluoroarabinose, xylulose, and hexose.
[0797] In yet another embodiment, the antisense oligonucleotide
comprises at least one modified phosphate backbone selected from
the group including, but not limited to, a phosphorothioate, a
phosphorodithioate, a phosphoramidothioate, a phosphoramidate, a
phosphordiamidate, a methylphosphonate, an alkyl phosphotriester,
and a formacetal or analog thereof.
[0798] In yet another embodiment, the antisense oligonucleotide is
an a-anomeric oligonucleotide. An a-anomeric oligonucleotide forms
specific double-stranded hybrids with complementary RNA in which,
contrary to the usual b-units, the strands run parallel to each
other (Gautier et al., Nucl. Acids Res., 15:6625-6641 (1987)). The
oligonucleotide is a 2-0-methylribonucleotide (Inoue et al., Nucl.
Acids Res., 15:6131-6148 (1987)), or a chimeric RNA-DNA analogue
(Inoue et al., FEBS Lett. 215:327-330 (1987)).
[0799] Polynucleotides of the invention may be synthesized by
standard methods known in the art, e.g. by use of an automated DNA
synthesizer (such as are commercially available from Biosearch,
Applied Biosystems, etc.). As examples, phosphorothioate
oligonucleotides may be synthesized by the method of Stein et al.
(Nucl. Acids Res., 16:3209 (1988)), methylphosphonate
oligonucleotides can be prepared by use of controlled pore glass
polymer supports (Sarin et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.,
85:7448-7451 (1988)), etc.
[0800] While antisense nucleotides complementary to the coding
region sequence of the invention could be used, those complementary
to the transcribed untranslated region are most preferred.
[0801] Potential antagonists according to the invention also
include catalytic RNA, or a ribozyme (See, e.g., PCT International
Publication WO 90/11364, published Oct. 4, 1990; Sarver et al,
Science, 247:1222-1225 (1990). While ribozymes that cleave mRNA at
site specific recognition sequences can be used to destroy mRNAs
corresponding to the polynucleotides of the invention, the use of
hammerhead ribozymes is preferred. Hammerhead ribozymes cleave
mRNAs at locations dictated by flanking regions that form
complementary base pairs with the target mRNA. The sole requirement
is that the target mRNA have the following sequence of two bases:
5' -UG-3'. The construction and production of hammerhead ribozymes
is well known in the art and is described more fully in Haseloff
and Gerlach, Nature, 334:585-591 (1988). There are numerous
potential hammerhead ribozyme cleavage sites within each nucleotide
sequence disclosed in the sequence listing. Preferably, the
ribozyme is engineered so that the cleavage recognition site is
located near the 5' end of the mRNA corresponding to the
polynucleotides of the invention; i.e., to increase efficiency and
minimize the intracellular accumulation of non-functional mRNA
transcripts.
[0802] As in the antisense approach, the ribozymes of the invention
can be composed of modified oligonucleotides (e.g. for improved
stability, targeting, etc.) and should be delivered to cells which
express the polynucleotides of the invention in vivo. DNA
constructs encoding the ribozyme may be introduced into the cell in
the same manner as described above for the introduction of
antisense encoding DNA. A preferred method of delivery involves
using a DNA construct "encoding" the ribozyme under the control of
a strong constitutive promoter, such as, for example, pol III or
pol II promoter, so that transfected cells will produce sufficient
quantities of the ribozyme to destroy endogenous messages and
inhibit translation. Since ribozymes unlike antisense molecules,
are catalytic, a lower intracellular concentration is required for
efficiency.
[0803] Antagonist/agonist compounds may be employed to inhibit the
cell growth and proliferation effects of the polypeptides of the
present invention on neoplastic cells and tissues, i.e. stimulation
of angiogenesis of tumors, and, therefore, retard or prevent
abnormal cellular growth and proliferation, for example, in tumor
formation or growth.
[0804] The antagonist/agonist may also be employed to prevent
hyper-vascular diseases, and prevent the proliferation of
epithelial lens cells after extracapsular cataract surgery.
Prevention of the mitogenic activity of the polypeptides of the
present invention may also be desirous in cases such as restenosis
after balloon angioplasty.
[0805] The antagonist/agonist may also be employed to prevent the
growth of scar tissue during wound healing.
[0806] The antagonist/agonist may also be employed to treat,
prevent, and/or diagnose the diseases described herein.
[0807] Thus, the invention provides a method of treating or
preventing diseases, disorders, and/or conditions, including but
not limited to the diseases, disorders, and/or conditions listed
throughout this application, associated with overexpression of a
polynucleotide of the present invention by administering to a
patient (a) an antisense molecule directed to the polynucleotide of
the present invention, and/or (b) a ribozyme directed to the
polynucleotide of the present invention. invention, and/or (b) a
ribozyme directed to the polynucleotide of the present
invention
[0808] Other Activities
[0809] The polypeptide of the present invention, as a result of the
ability to stimulate vascular endothelial cell growth, may be
employed in treatment for stimulating re-vascularization of
ischemic tissues due to various disease conditions such as
thrombosis, arteriosclerosis, and other cardiovascular conditions.
These polypeptide may also be employed to stimulate angiogenesis
and limb regeneration, as discussed above.
[0810] The polypeptide may also be employed for treating wounds due
to injuries, burns, post-operative tissue repair, and ulcers since
they are mitogenic to various cells of different origins, such as
fibroblast cells and skeletal muscle cells, and therefore,
facilitate the repair or replacement of damaged or diseased
tissue.
[0811] The polypeptide of the present invention may also be
employed stimulate neuronal growth and to treat, prevent, and/or
diagnose neuronal damage which occurs in certain neuronal disorders
or neuro-degenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease,
Parkinson's disease, and AIDS-related complex. The polypeptide of
the invention may have the ability to stimulate chondrocyte growth,
therefore, they may be employed to enhance bone and periodontal
regeneration and aid in tissue transplants or bone grafts.
[0812] The polypeptide of the present invention may be also be
employed to prevent skin aging due to sunburn by stimulating
keratinocyte growth.
[0813] The polypeptide of the invention may also be employed for
preventing hair loss, since FGF family members activate
hair-forming cells and promotes melanocyte growth. Along the same
lines, the polypeptides of the present invention may be employed to
stimulate growth and differentiation of hematopoietic cells and
bone marrow cells when used in combination with other
cytokines.
[0814] The polypeptide of the invention may also be employed to
maintain organs before transplantation or for supporting cell
culture of primary tissues.
[0815] The polypeptide of the present invention may also be
employed for inducing tissue of mesodermal origin to differentiate
in early embryos.
[0816] The polypeptide or polynucleotides and/or agonist or
antagonists of the present invention may also increase or decrease
the differentiation or proliferation of embryonic stem cells,
besides, as discussed above, hematopoietic lineage.
[0817] The polypeptide or polynucleotides and/or agonist or
antagonists of the present invention may also be used to modulate
mammalian characteristics, such as body height, weight, hair color,
eye color, skin, percentage of adipose tissue, pigmentation, size,
and shape (e.g., cosmetic surgery). Similarly, polypeptides or
polynucleotides and/or agonist or antagonists of the present
invention may be used to modulate mammalian metabolism affecting
catabolism, anabolism, processing, utilization, and storage of
energy.
[0818] Polypeptide or polynucleotides and/or agonist or antagonists
of the present invention may be used to change a mammal's mental
state or physical state by influencing biorhythms, caricadic
rhythms, depression (including depressive diseases, disorders,
and/or conditions), tendency for violence, tolerance for pain,
reproductive capabilities (preferably by Activin or Inhibin-like
activity), hormonal or endocrine levels, appetite, libido, memory,
stress, or other cognitive qualities.
[0819] Polypeptide or polynucleotides and/or agonist or antagonists
of the present invention may also be used as a food additive or
preservative, such as to increase or decrease storage capabilities,
fat content, lipid, protein, carbohydrate, vitamins, minerals,
cofactors or other nutritional components.
[0820] Other Preferred Embodiments
[0821] Other preferred embodiments of the claimed invention include
an isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence
which is at least 95% identical to a sequence of at least about 50
contiguous nucleotides in the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:X
wherein X is any integer as defined in Table 1.
[0822] Also preferred is a nucleic acid molecule wherein said
sequence of contiguous nucleotides is included in the nucleotide
sequence of SEQ ID NO:X in the range of positions beginning with
the nucleotide at about the position of the 5' Nucleotide of the
Clone Sequence and ending with the nucleotide at about the position
of the 3' Nucleotide of the Clone Sequence as defined for SEQ ID
NO:X in Table 1.
[0823] Also preferred is a nucleic acid molecule wherein said
sequence of contiguous nucleotides is included in the nucleotide
sequence of SEQ ID NO:X in the range of positions beginning with
the nucleotide at about the position of the 5' Nucleotide of the
Start Codon and ending with the nucleotide at about the position of
the 3' Nucleotide of the Clone Sequence as defined for SEQ ID NO:X
in Table 1.
[0824] Similarly preferred is a nucleic acid molecule wherein said
sequence of contiguous nucleotides is included in the nucleotide
sequence of SEQ ID NO:X in the range of positions beginning with
the nucleotide at about the position of the 5' Nucleotide of the
First Amino Acid of the Signal Peptide and ending with the
nucleotide at about the position of the 3' Nucleotide of the Clone
Sequence as defined for SEQ ID NO:X in Table 1.
[0825] Also preferred is an isolated nucleic acid molecule
comprising a nucleotide sequence which is at least 95% identical to
a sequence of at least about 150 contiguous nucleotides in the
nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:X.
[0826] Further preferred is an isolated nucleic acid molecule
comprising a nucleotide sequence which is at least 95% identical to
a sequence of at least about 500 contiguous nucleotides in the
nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:X.
[0827] A further preferred embodiment is a nucleic acid molecule
comprising a nucleotide sequence which is at least 95% identical to
the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:X beginning with the
nucleotide at about the position of the 5' Nucleotide of the First
Amino Acid of the Signal Peptide and ending with the nucleotide at
about the position of the 3, Nucleotide of the Clone Sequence as
defined for SEQ ID NO:X in Table 1.
[0828] A further preferred embodiment is an isolated nucleic acid
molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence which is at least 95%
identical to the complete nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:X.
[0829] Also preferred is an isolated nucleic acid molecule which
hybridizes under stringent hybridization conditions to a nucleic
acid molecule, wherein said nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes
does not hybridize under stringent hybridization conditions to a
nucleic acid molecule having a nucleotide sequence consisting of
only A residues or of only T residues.
[0830] Also preferred is a composition of matter comprising a DNA
molecule which comprises a human cDNA clone identified by a cDNA
Clone Identifier in Table 1, which DNA molecule is contained in the
material deposited with the American Type Culture Collection and
given the ATCC Deposit Number shown in Table 1 for said cDNA Clone
Identifier.
[0831] Also preferred is an isolated nucleic acid molecule
comprising a nucleotide sequence which is at least 95% identical to
a sequence of at least 50 contiguous nucleotides in the nucleotide
sequence of a human cDNA clone identified by a cDNA Clone
Identifier in Table 1, which DNA molecule is contained in the
deposit given the ATCC Deposit Number shown in Table 1.
[0832] Also preferred is an isolated nucleic acid molecule, wherein
said sequence of at least 50 contiguous nucleotides is included in
the nucleotide sequence of the complete open reading frame sequence
encoded by said human cDNA clone.
[0833] Also preferred is an isolated nucleic acid molecule
comprising a nucleotide sequence which is at least 95% identical to
sequence of at least 150 contiguous nucleotides in the nucleotide
sequence encoded by said human cDNA clone.
[0834] A further preferred embodiment is an isolated nucleic acid
molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence which is at least 95%
identical to sequence of at least 500 contiguous nucleotides in the
nucleotide sequence encoded by said human cDNA clone.
[0835] A further preferred embodiment is an isolated nucleic acid
molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence which is at least 95%
identical to the complete nucleotide sequence encoded by said human
cDNA clone.
[0836] A further preferred embodiment is a method for detecting in
a biological sample a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide
sequence which is at least 95% identical to a sequence of at least
50 contiguous nucleotides in a sequence selected from the group
consisting of: a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:X wherein X is
any integer as defined in Table 1; and a nucleotide sequence
encoded by a human cDNA clone identified by a cDNA Clone Identifier
in Table 1 and contained in the deposit with the ATCC Deposit
Number shown for said cDNA clone in Table 1; which method comprises
a step of comparing a nucleotide sequence of at least one nucleic
acid molecule in said sample with a sequence selected from said
group and determining whether the sequence of said nucleic acid
molecule in said sample is at least 95% identical to said selected
sequence.
[0837] Also preferred is the above method wherein said step of
comparing sequences comprises determining the extent of nucleic
acid hybridization between nucleic acid molecules in said sample
and a nucleic acid molecule comprising said sequence selected from
said group. Similarly, also preferred is the above method wherein
said step of comparing sequences is performed by comparing the
nucleotide sequence determined from a nucleic acid molecule in said
sample with said sequence selected from said group. The nucleic
acid molecules can comprise DNA molecules or RNA molecules.
[0838] A further preferred embodiment is a method for identifying
the species, tissue or cell type of a biological sample which
method comprises a step of detecting nucleic acid molecules in said
sample, if any, comprising a nucleotide sequence that is at least
95% identical to a sequence of at least 50 contiguous nucleotides
in a sequence selected from the group consisting of: a nucleotide
sequence of SEQ ID NO:X wherein X is any integer as defined in
Table 1; and a nucleotide sequence encoded by a human cDNA clone
identified by a cDNA Clone Identifier in Table 1 and contained in
the deposit with the ATCC Deposit Number shown for said cDNA clone
in Table 1.
[0839] The method for identifying the species, tissue or cell type
of a biological sample can comprise a step of detecting nucleic
acid molecules comprising a nucleotide sequence in a panel of at
least two nucleotide sequences, wherein at least one sequence in
said panel is at least 95% identical to a sequence of at least 50
contiguous nucleotides in a sequence selected from said group.
[0840] Also preferred is a method for diagnosing in a subject a
pathological condition associated with abnormal structure or
expression of a gene encoding a secreted protein identified in
Table 1, which method comprises a step of detecting in a biological
sample obtained from said subject nucleic acid molecules, if any,
comprising a nucleotide sequence that is at least 95% identical to
a sequence of at least 50 contiguous nucleotides in a sequence
selected from the group consisting of: a nucleotide sequence of SEQ
ID NO:X wherein X is any integer as defined in Table 1; and a
nucleotide sequence encoded by a human cDNA clone identified by a
cDNA Clone Identifier in Table 1 and contained in the deposit with
the ATCC Deposit Number shown for said cDNA clone in Table 1.
[0841] The method for diagnosing a pathological condition can
comprise a step of detecting nucleic acid molecules comprising a
nucleotide sequence in a panel of at least two nucleotide
sequences, wherein at least one sequence in said panel is at least
95% identical to a sequence of at least 50 contiguous nucleotides
in a sequence selected from said group.
[0842] Also preferred is a composition of matter comprising
isolated nucleic acid molecules wherein the nucleotide sequences of
said nucleic acid molecules comprise a panel of at least two
nucleotide sequences, wherein at least one sequence in said panel
is at least 95% identical to a sequence of at least 50 contiguous
nucleotides in a sequence selected from the group consisting of: a
nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:X wherein X is any integer as
defined in Table 1; and a nucleotide sequence encoded by a human
cDNA clone identified by a cDNA Clone Identifier in Table 1 and
contained in the deposit with the ATCC Deposit Number shown for
said cDNA clone in Table 1. The nucleic acid molecules can comprise
DNA molecules or RNA molecules.
[0843] Also preferred is an isolated polypeptide comprising an
amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to a sequence of at
least about 10 contiguous amino acids in the amino acid sequence of
SEQ ID NO:Y wherein Y is any integer as defined in Table 1.
[0844] Also preferred is a polypeptide, wherein said sequence of
contiguous amino acids is included in the amino acid sequence of
SEQ ID NO:Y in the range of positions beginning with the residue at
about the position of the First Amino Acid of the Secreted Portion
and ending with the residue at about the Last Amino Acid of the
Open Reading Frame as set forth for SEQ ID NO:Y in Table 1.
[0845] Also preferred is an isolated polypeptide comprising an
amino acid sequence at least 95% identical to a sequence of at
least about 30 contiguous amino acids in the amino acid sequence of
SEQ ID NO:Y.
[0846] Further preferred is an isolated polypeptide comprising an
amino acid sequence at least 95% identical to a sequence of at
least about 100 contiguous amino acids in the amino acid sequence
of SEQ ID NO:Y.
[0847] Further preferred is an isolated polypeptide comprising an
amino acid sequence at least 95% identical to the complete amino
acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:Y.
[0848] Further preferred is an isolated polypeptide comprising an
amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to a sequence of at
least about 10 contiguous amino acids in the complete amino acid
sequence of a secreted protein encoded by a human cDNA clone
identified by a cDNA Clone Identifier in Table 1 and contained in
the deposit with the ATCC Deposit Number shown for said cDNA clone
in Table 1.
[0849] Also preferred is a polypeptide wherein said sequence of
contiguous amino acids is included in the amino acid sequence of a
secreted portion of the secreted protein encoded by a human cDNA
clone identified by a cDNA Clone Identifier in Table 1 and
contained in the deposit with the ATCC Deposit Number shown for
said cDNA clone in Table 1.
[0850] Also preferred is an isolated polypeptide comprising an
amino acid sequence at least 95% identical to a sequence of at
least about 30 contiguous amino acids in the amino acid sequence of
the secreted portion of the protein encoded by a human cDNA clone
identified by a cDNA Clone Identifier in Table 1 and contained in
the deposit with the ATCC Deposit Number shown for said cDNA clone
in Table 1.
[0851] Also preferred is an isolated polypeptide comprising an
amino acid sequence at least 95% identical to a sequence of at
least about 100 contiguous amino acids in the amino acid sequence
of the secreted portion of the protein encoded by a human cDNA
clone identified by a cDNA Clone Identifier in Table 1 and
contained in the deposit with the ATCC Deposit Number shown for
said cDNA clone in Table 1.
[0852] Also preferred is an isolated polypeptide comprising an
amino acid sequence at least 95% identical to the amino acid
sequence of the secreted portion of the protein encoded by a human
cDNA clone identified by a cDNA Clone Identifier in Table 1 and
contained in the deposit with the ATCC Deposit Number shown for
said cDNA clone in Table 1.
[0853] Further preferred is an isolated antibody which binds
specifically to a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence
that is at least 90% identical to a sequence of at least 10
contiguous amino acids in a sequence selected from the group
consisting of: an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:Y wherein Y is
any integer as defined in Table 1; and a complete amino acid
sequence of a protein encoded by a human cDNA clone identified by a
cDNA Clone Identifier in Table 1 and contained in the deposit with
the ATCC Deposit Number shown for said cDNA clone in Table 1.
[0854] Further preferred is a method for detecting in a biological
sample a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence which is at
least 90% identical to a sequence of at least 10 contiguous amino
acids in a sequence selected from the group consisting of: an amino
acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:Y wherein Y is any integer as defined in
Table 1; and a complete amino acid sequence of a protein encoded by
a human cDNA clone identified by a cDNA Clone Identifier in Table 1
and contained in the deposit with the ATCC Deposit Number shown for
said cDNA clone in Table 1; which method comprises a step of
comparing an amino acid sequence of at least one polypeptide
molecule in said sample with a sequence selected from said group
and determining whether the sequence of said polypeptide molecule
in said sample is at least 90% identical to said sequence of at
least 10 contiguous amino acids.
[0855] Also preferred is the above method wherein said step of
comparing an amino acid sequence of at least one polypeptide
molecule in said sample with a sequence selected from said group
comprises determining the extent of specific binding of
polypeptides in said sample to an antibody which binds specifically
to a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least
90% identical to a sequence of at least 10 contiguous amino acids
in a sequence selected from the group consisting of: an amino acid
sequence of SEQ ID NO:Y wherein Y is any integer as defined in
Table 1; and a complete amino acid sequence of a protein encoded by
a human cDNA clone identified by a cDNA Clone Identifier in Table 1
and contained in the deposit with the ATCC Deposit Number shown for
said cDNA clone in Table 1.
[0856] Also preferred is the above method wherein said step of
comparing sequences is performed by comparing the amino acid
sequence determined from a polypeptide molecule in said sample with
said sequence selected from said group.
[0857] Also preferred is a method for identifying the species,
tissue or cell type of a biological sample which method comprises a
step of detecting polypeptide molecules in said sample, if any,
comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 90% identical to
a sequence of at least 10 contiguous amino acids in a sequence
selected from the group consisting of: an amino acid sequence of
SEQ ID NO:Y wherein Y is any integer as defined in Table 1; and a
complete amino acid sequence of a secreted protein encoded by a
human cDNA clone identified by a cDNA Clone Identifier in Table 1
and contained in the deposit with the ATCC Deposit Number shown for
said cDNA clone in Table 1.
[0858] Also preferred is the above method for identifying the
species, tissue or cell type of a biological sample, which method
comprises a step of detecting polypeptide molecules comprising an
amino acid sequence in a panel of at least two amino acid
sequences, wherein at least one sequence in said panel is at least
90% identical to a sequence of at least 10 contiguous amino acids
in a sequence selected from the above group.
[0859] Also preferred is a method for diagnosing in a subject a
pathological condition associated with abnormal structure or
expression of a gene encoding a secreted protein identified in
Table 1, which method comprises a step of detecting in a biological
sample obtained from said subject polypeptide molecules comprising
an amino acid sequence in a panel of at least two amino acid
sequences, wherein at least one sequence in said panel is at least
90% identical to a sequence of at least 10 contiguous amino acids
in a sequence selected from the group consisting of: an amino acid
sequence of SEQ ID NO:Y wherein Y is any integer as defined in
Table 1; and a complete amino acid sequence of a secreted protein
encoded by a human cDNA clone identified by a cDNA Clone Identifier
in Table 1 and contained in the deposit with the ATCC Deposit
Number shown for said cDNA clone in Table 1.
[0860] In any of these methods, the step of detecting said
polypeptide molecules includes using an antibody.
[0861] Also preferred is an isolated nucleic acid molecule
comprising a nucleotide sequence which is at least 95% identical to
a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide wherein said
polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence that is at least 90%
identical to a sequence of at least 10 contiguous amino acids in a
sequence selected from the group consisting of: an amino acid
sequence of SEQ ID NO:Y wherein Y is any integer as defined in
Table 1; and a complete amino acid sequence of a secreted protein
encoded by a human cDNA clone identified by a cDNA Clone Identifier
in Table 1 and contained in the deposit with the ATCC Deposit
Number shown for said cDNA clone in Table 1.
[0862] Also preferred is an isolated nucleic acid molecule, wherein
said nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide has been optimized
for expression of said polypeptide in a prokaryotic host.
[0863] Also preferred is an isolated nucleic acid molecule, wherein
said polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence selected from the
group consisting of: an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:Y wherein
Y is any integer as defined in Table 1; and a complete amino acid
sequence of a secreted protein encoded by a human cDNA clone
identified by a cDNA Clone Identifier in Table 1 and contained in
the deposit with the ATCC Deposit Number shown for said cDNA clone
in Table 1.
[0864] Further preferred is a method of making a recombinant vector
comprising inserting any of the above isolated nucleic acid
molecule into a vector. Also preferred is the recombinant vector
produced by this method. Also preferred is a method of making a
recombinant host cell comprising introducing the vector into a host
cell, as well as the recombinant host cell produced by this
method.
[0865] Also preferred is a method of making an isolated polypeptide
comprising culturing this recombinant host cell under conditions
such that said polypeptide is expressed and recovering said
polypeptide. Also preferred is this method of making an isolated
polypeptide, wherein said recombinant host cell is a eukaryotic
cell and said polypeptide is a secreted portion of a human secreted
protein comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group
consisting of: an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:Y beginning with
the residue at the position of the First Amino Acid of the Secreted
Portion of SEQ ID NO:Y wherein Y is an integer set forth in Table 1
and said position of the First Amino Acid of the Secreted Portion
of SEQ ID NO:Y is defined in Table 1; and an amino acid sequence of
a secreted portion of a protein encoded by a human cDNA clone
identified by a cDNA Clone Identifier in Table 1 and contained in
the deposit with the ATCC Deposit Number shown for said cDNA clone
in Table 1. The isolated polypeptide produced by this method is
also preferred.
[0866] Also preferred is a method of treatment of an individual in
need of an increased level of a secreted protein activity, which
method comprises administering to such an individual a
pharmaceutical composition comprising an amount of an isolated
polypeptide, polynucleotide, or antibody of the claimed invention
effective to increase the level of said protein activity in said
individual.
[0867] The above-recited applications have uses in a wide variety
of hosts. Such hosts include, but are not limited to, human,
murine, rabbit, goat, guinea pig, camel, horse, mouse, rat,
hamster, pig, micro-pig, chicken, goat, cow, sheep, dog, cat,
non-human primate, and human. In specific embodiments, the host is
a mouse, rabbit, goat, guinea pig, chicken, rat, hamster, pig,
sheep, dog or cat. In preferred embodiments, the host is a mammal.
In most preferred embodiments, the host is a human.
[0868] In specific embodiments of the invention, for each "Contig
ID" listed in the fourth column of Table 2, preferably excluded are
one or more polynucleotides comprising, or alternatively consisting
of, a nucleotide sequence referenced in the fifth column of Table 2
and described by the general formula of a-b, whereas a and b are
uniquely determined for the corresponding SEQ ID NO:X referred to
in column 3 of Table 2. Further specific embodiments are directed
to polynucleotide sequences excluding one, two, three, four, or
more of the specific polynucleotide sequences referred to in the
fifth column of Table 2. In no way is this listing meant to
encompass all of the sequences which may be excluded by the general
formula, it is just a representative example. All references
available through these accessions are hereby incorporated by
reference in their entirety.
26TABLE 2 NT SEQ ID cDNA Clone NO: Gene No. ID X Contig ID Public
Accession Numbers 1 HKGCN17 11 798098 None 2 HETAD68 12 793860
R74475, H18234, H18272, H25658, H26245, N33532, N41513, N93486,
W02757, W16473, W16474, W21189, W24767 3 HPIAT78 13 790205 T91507,
T91536, R11612, T83549, T83719, R19402, AA058765, AA088847,
AA099882, AA115449, AA115448, AA235247 4 HMWGY65 14 794987 R14788,
R40100, R51562, R51653, H46612, AA004670 5 HDTAB58 15 800678
R13499, R18648, R20620, R41610, R41610, R78726, H10829, H10870 5
HDTAB58 60 793685 R44548, R44548, H42753, H98068, N24692, N32182,
AA463629 10 HE2ATO9 20 710408 T58287, T58241, R51009, H47150,
H66260, H69720, H70386, H70698, H72155, H91380, N38922, N46494,
N58822, N72645, N75027, N75160, N93947, N94250, W05627, W07723,
W19532, W39201, W40446, W80561, N90260, AA022870, AA026818,
AA026877, AA036917, AA055012, AA055436, AA057027, AA136969,
AA460271, AA463838 11 HSDJA15 21 795252 T87220, R41971, R45396,
R41971, R45396, R55771, H11649 12 HAMGW29 22 799448 H44706, W69343,
AA085550, AA148240 19 HHENW77 29 797475 T74074, T77194, T87227,
R39444, H43568 23 HTEBC92 62 495967 T78329, R70701 25 HDPAW44 35
790193 R27595, R27693, N39440, N48553, AA036790, AA036733,
AA169377, AA186377, AA233190 28 HBOEG69 38 793786 R27740, R95913,
H80936, W74158 30 HE9CS37 40 797496 R34404, R48942, H17123, H17230,
H25265, H41988, H41987, N20900, AA040195, AA128254, AA256865,
AA255468, AA461458, AA426036 33 HDPVH60 43 796865 T61473, AA005022,
AA005023, AA227825, AA227999 36 HCHNT03 46 797709 H87265, W19728,
N89985, AA459996, AA460090 41 HSPBF70 51 793744 R39978, R39978,
AA128437, AA129952, AA136304, AA136410 46 HUSFF19 56 797713 T60523,
T61826, T64314, T64701, T64884, T89070, T98251, R18180, R25532,
R25699, R34919, R45591, R45670, R49311, R49311, R45670, R62578,
R62579, R66150, R67772, H17920, H27973, H29126, H40149, H40159,
H54660, H54661, H66579, H70677, H80692, H80693, H94982, W02716,
W21368, W25735, W67720, W68179, W72502, W76059, AA004905, AA004999,
AA009733, AA009449, AA034233, AA043665, AA043790, AA053925,
AA134987, AA135085, AA210761, AA213510, AA214529 49 HTLCU49 66
695847 N51554, AA057753, AA458613
[0869] Having generally described the invention, the same will be
more readily understood by reference to the following examples,
which are provided by way of illustration and are not intended as
limiting.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
Isolation of a Selected cDNA Clone From the Deposited Sample
[0870] Each cDNA clone in a cited ATCC deposit is contained in a
plasmid vector. Table 1 identifies the vectors used to construct
the cDNA library from which each clone was isolated. In many cases,
the vector used to construct the library is a phage vector from
which a plasmid has been excised. The table immediately below
correlates the related plasmid for each phage vector used in
constructing the cDNA library. For example, where a particular
clone is identified in Table 1 as being isolated in the vector
"Lambda Zap," the corresponding deposited clone is in
"pBluescript."
27 Vector Used to Construct Library Plasmid Corresponding Deposited
Lambda Zap pBluescript (pBS) Uni-Zap XR pBluescript (pBS) Zap
Express pBK lafmid BA plafmid BA pSport 1 pSport 1 pCMVSport 2.0
pCMVSport 2.0 pCMVSport 3.0 pCMVSport 3.0 pCR .RTM.2.1 pCR
.RTM.2.1
[0871] Vectors Lambda Zap (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,128,256 and 5,286,636),
Uni-Zap XR (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,128,256 and 5,286,636), Zap Express
(U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,128,256 and 5,286,636), pBluescript (pBS) (Short,
J. M. et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 16:7583-7600 (1988); Alting-Mees,
M. A. and Short, J. M., Nucleic Acids Res. 17:9494 (1989)) and pBK
(Alting-Mees, M. A. et al., Strategies 5:58-61 (1992)) are
commercially available from Stratagene Cloning Systems, Inc., 11011
N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, Calif., 92037. pBS contains an
ampicillin resistance gene and pBK contains a neomycin resistance
gene. Both can be transformed into E. coli strain XL-1 Blue, also
available from Stratagene. pBS comes in 4 forms SK+, SK-, KS+ and
KS. The S and K refers to the orientation of the polylinker to the
T7 and T3 primer sequences which flank the polylinker region ("S"
is for Sacd and "K" is for KpnI which are the first sites on each
respective end of the linker). "+" or "-" refer to the orientation
of the f1 origin of replication ("ori"), such that in one
orientation, single stranded rescue initiated from the f1 ori
generates sense strand DNA and in the other, antisense.
[0872] Vectors pSport1, pCMVSport 2.0 and pCMVSport 3.0, were
obtained from Life Technologies, Inc., P.O. Box 6009, Gaithersburg,
Md. 20897. All Sport vectors contain an ampicillin resistance gene
and may be transformed into E. coli strain DH10B, also available
from Life Technologies. (See, for instance, Gruber, C. E., et al.,
Focus 15:59 (1993).) Vector lafmid BA (Bento Soares, Columbia
University, N.Y.) contains an ampicillin resistance gene and can be
transformed into E. coli strain XL-1 Blue. Vector pCR.RTM.2.1,
which is available from Invitrogen, 1600 Faraday Avenue, Carlsbad,
Calif. 92008, contains an ampicillin resistance gene and may be
transformed into E. coli strain DH10B, available from Life
Technologies. (See, for instance, Clark, J. M., Nuc. Acids Res.
16:9677-9686 (1988) and Mead, D. et al., Bio/Technology 9: (1991).)
Preferably, a polynucleotide of the present invention does not
comprise the phage vector sequences identified for the particular
clone in Table 1, as well as the corresponding plasmid vector
sequences designated above.
[0873] The deposited material in the sample assigned the ATCC
Deposit Number cited in Table 1 for any given cDNA clone also may
contain one or more additional plasmids, each comprising a cDNA
clone different from that given clone. Thus, deposits sharing the
same ATCC Deposit Number contain at least a plasmid for each cDNA
clone identified in Table 1. Typically, each ATCC deposit sample
cited in Table 1 comprises a mixture of approximately equal amounts
(by weight) of about 50 plasmid DNAs, each containing a different
cDNA clone; but such a deposit sample may include plasmids for more
or less than 50 cDNA clones, up to about 500 cDNA clones.
[0874] Two approaches can be used to isolate a particular clone
from the deposited sample of plasmid DNAs cited for that clone in
Table 1. First, a plasmid is directly isolated by screening the
clones using a polynucleotide probe corresponding to SEQ ID
NO:X.
[0875] Particularly, a specific polynucleotide with 30-40
nucleotides is synthesized using an Applied Biosystems DNA
synthesizer according to the sequence reported. The oligonucleotide
is labeled, for instance, with .sup.32P-.gamma.-ATP using T4
polynucleotide kinase and purified according to routine methods.
(E.g., Maniatis et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual,
Cold Spring Harbor Press, Cold Spring, N.Y. (1982).) The plasmid
mixture is transformed into a suitable host, as indicated above
(such as XL-1 Blue (Stratagene)) using techniques known to those of
skill in the art, such as those provided by the vector supplier or
in related publications or patents cited above. The transformants
are plated on 1.5% agar plates (containing the appropriate
selection agent, e.g., ampicillin) to a density of about 150
transformants (colonies) per plate. These plates are screened using
Nylon membranes according to routine methods for bacterial colony
screening (e.g., Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory
Manual, 2nd Edit., (1989), Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press,
pages 1.93 to 1.104), or other techniques known to those of skill
in the art.
[0876] Alternatively, two primers of 17-20 nucleotides derived from
both ends of the SEQ ID NO:X (i.e., within the region of SEQ ID
NO:X bounded by the 5' NT and the 3' NT of the clone defined in
Table 1) are synthesized and used to amplify the desired cDNA using
the deposited cDNA plasmid as a template. The polymerase chain
reaction is carried out under routine conditions, for instance, in
25 ul of reaction mixture with 0.5 ug of the above cDNA template. A
convenient reaction mixture is 1.5-5 mM MgCl.sub.2, 0.01% (w/v)
gelatin, 20 uM each of dATP, dCTP, dGTP, dTTP, 25 pmol of each
primer and 0.25 Unit of Taq polymerase. Thirty five cycles of PCR
(denaturation at 94 degree C. for 1 min; annealing at 55 degree C.
for 1 min; elongation at 72 degree C. for 1 min) are performed with
a Perkin-Elmer Cetus automated thermal cycler. The amplified
product is analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis and the DNA band
with expected molecular weight is excised and purified. The PCR
product is verified to be the selected sequence by subcloning and
sequencing the DNA product.
[0877] Several methods are available for the identification of the
5' or 3' non-coding portions of a gene which may not be present in
the deposited clone. These methods include but are not limited to,
filter probing, clone enrichment using specific probes, and
protocols similar or identical to 5' and 3' "RACE" protocols which
are well known in the art. For instance, a method similar to 5'
RACE is available for generating the missing 5' end of a desired
full-length transcript. (Fromont-Racine et al., Nucleic Acids Res.
21(7):1683-1684 (1993).) Briefly, a specific RNA oligonucleotide is
ligated to the 5' ends of a population of RNA presumably containing
full-length gene RNA transcripts. A primer set containing a primer
specific to the ligated RNA oligonucleotide and a primer specific
to a known sequence of the gene of interest is used to PCR amplify
the 5' portion of the desired full-length gene. This amplified
product may then be sequenced and used to generate the full length
gene.
[0878] This above method starts with total RNA isolated from the
desired source, although poly-A+ RNA can be used. The RNA
preparation can then be treated with phosphatase if necessary to
eliminate 5' phosphate groups on degraded or damaged RNA which may
interfere with the later RNA ligase step. The phosphatase should
then be inactivated and the RNA treated with tobacco acid
pyrophosphatase in order to remove the cap structure present at the
5' ends of messenger RNAs. This reaction leaves a 5' phosphate
group at the 5' end of the cap cleaved RNA which can then be
ligated to an RNA oligonucleotide using T4 RNA ligase.
[0879] This modified RNA preparation is used as a template for
first strand cDNA synthesis using a gene specific oligonucleotide.
The first strand synthesis reaction is used as a template for PCR
amplification of the desired 5' end using a primer specific to the
ligated RNA oligonucleotide and a primer specific to the known
sequence of the gene of interest. The resultant product is then
sequenced and analyzed to confirm that the 5' end sequence belongs
to the desired gene.
Example 2
Isolation of Genomic Clones Corresponding to a Polynucleotide
[0880] A human genomic P1 library (Genomic Systems, Inc.) is
screened by PCR using primers selected for the cDNA sequence
corresponding to SEQ ID NO:X., according to the method described in
Example 1. (See also, Sambrook.)
Example 3
Tissue Distribution of Polypeptide
[0881] Tissue distribution of mRNA expression of polynucleotides of
the present invention is determined using protocols for Northern
blot analysis, described by, among others, Sambrook et al. For
example, a cDNA probe produced by the method described in Example 1
is labeled with P.sup.32 using the rediprime.TM. DNA labeling
system (Amersham Life Science), according to manufacturer's
instructions. After labeling, the probe is purified using CHROMA
SPIN-100.TM. column (Clontech Laboratories, Inc.), according to
manufacturer's protocol number PT1200-1. The purified labeled probe
is then used to examine various human tissues for mRNA
expression.
[0882] Multiple Tissue Northern (MTN) blots containing various
human tissues (H) or human immune system tissues (IM) (Clontech)
are examined with the labeled probe using ExpressHyb.TM.
hybridization solution (Clontech) according to manufacturer's
protocol number PT1190-1. Following hybridization and washing, the
blots are mounted and exposed to film at -70 degree C. overnight,
and the films developed according to standard procedures.
Example 4
Chromosomal Mapping of the Polynucleotides
[0883] An oligonucleotide primer set is designed according to the
sequence at the 5' end of SEQ ID NO:X. This primer preferably spans
about 100 nucleotides. This primer set is then used in a polymerase
chain reaction under the following set of conditions: 30 seconds,
95 degree C.; 1 minute, 56 degree C.; 1 minute, 70 degree C. This
cycle is repeated 32 times followed by one 5 minute cycle at 70
degree C. Human, mouse, and hamster DNA is used as template in
addition to a somatic cell hybrid panel containing individual
chromosomes or chromosome fragments (Bios, Inc). The reactions is
analyzed on either 8% polyacrylamide gels or 3.5% agarose gels.
Chromosome mapping is determined by the presence of an
approximately 100 bp PCR fragment in the particular somatic cell
hybrid.
Example 5
Bacterial Expression of a Polypeptide
[0884] A polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide of the present
invention is amplified using PCR oligonucleotide primers
corresponding to the 5' and 3' ends of the DNA sequence, as
outlined in Example 1, to synthesize insertion fragments. The
primers used to amplify the cDNA insert should preferably contain
restriction sites, such as BamHI and XbaI, at the 5' end of the
primers in order to clone the amplified product into the expression
vector. For example, Banish and XbaI correspond to the restriction
enzyme sites on the bacterial expression vector pQE-9. (Qiagen,
Inc., Chatsworth, Calif.). This plasmid vector encodes antibiotic
resistance (Amp.sup.r), a bacterial origin of replication (ori), an
IPTG-regulatable promoter/operator (P/O), a ribosome binding site
(RBS), a 6-histidine tag (6-His), and restriction enzyme cloning
sites.
[0885] The pQE-9 vector is digested with BamHI and XbaI and the
amplified fragment is ligated into the pQE-9 vector maintaining the
reading frame initiated at the bacterial RBS. The ligation mixture
is then used to transform the E. coli strain M15/rep4 (Qiagen,
Inc.) which contains multiple copies of the plasmid pREP4, which
expresses the lacI repressor and also confers kanamycin resistance
(Kan.sup.r). Transformants are identified by their ability to grow
on LB plates and ampicillin/kanamycin resistant colonies are
selected. Plasmid DNA is isolated and confirmed by restriction
analysis.
[0886] Clones containing the desired constructs are grown overnight
(O/N) in liquid culture in LB media supplemented with both Amp (100
ug/ml) and Kan (25 ug/ml). The O/N culture is used to inoculate a
large culture at a ratio of 1:100 to 1:250. The cells are grown to
an optical density 600 (O.D..sup.600) of between 0.4 and 0.6. IPTG
(Isopropyl-B-D-thiogalacto pyranoside) is then added to a final
concentration of 1 mM. IPTG induces by inactivating the lacd
repressor, clearing the P/O leading to increased gene
expression.
[0887] Cells are grown for an extra 3 to 4 hours. Cells are then
harvested by centrifugation (20 mins at 6000.times.g). The cell
pellet is solubilized in the chaotropic agent 6 Molar Guanidine HCl
by stirring for 3-4 hours at 4 degree C. The cell debris is removed
by centrifugation, and the supernatant containing the polypeptide
is loaded onto a nickel-nitrilo-tri-acetic acid ("Ni-NTA") affinity
resin column (available from QIAGEN, Inc., supra). Proteins with a
6.times.His tag bind to the Ni-NTA resin with high affinity and can
be purified in a simple one-step procedure (for details see: The
QIAexpressionist (1995) QIAGEN, Inc., supra).
[0888] Briefly, the supernatant is loaded onto the column in 6 M
guanidine-HCl, pH 8, the column is first washed with 10 volumes of
6 M guanidine-HCl, pH 8, then washed with 10 volumes of 6 M
guanidine-HCl pH 6, and finally the polypeptide is eluted with 6 M
guanidine-HCl, pH 5.
[0889] The purified protein is then renatured by dialyzing it
against phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or 50 mM Na-acetate, pH 6
buffer plus 200 MM NaCl. Alternatively, the protein can be
successfully refolded while immobilized on the Ni-NTA column. The
recommended conditions are as follows: renature using a linear
6M-1M urea gradient in 500 mM NaCl, 20% glycerol, 20 mM Tris/HCl pH
7.4, containing protease inhibitors. The renaturation should be
performed over a period of 1.5 hours or more. After renaturation
the proteins are eluted by the addition of 250 mM immidazole.
Immidazole is removed by a final dialyzing step against PBS or 50
mM sodium acetate pH 6 buffer plus 200 mM NaCl. The purified
protein is stored at 4 degree C. or frozen at -80 degree C.
[0890] In addition to the above expression vector, the present
invention further includes an expression vector comprising phage
operator and promoter elements operatively linked to a
polynucleotide of the present invention, called pHE4a. (ATCC
Accession Number 209645, deposited on Feb. 25, 1998.) This vector
contains: 1) a neomycinphosphotransferase gene as a selection
marker, 2) an E. coli origin of replication, 3) a T5 phage promoter
sequence, 4) two lac operator sequences, 5) a Shine-Delgarno
sequence, and 6) the lactose operon repressor gene (lacIq). The
origin of replication (oriC) is derived from pUC19 (LTI,
Gaithersburg, Md.). The promoter sequence and operator sequences
are made synthetically.
[0891] DNA can be inserted into the pHEa by restricting the vector
with NdeI and XbaI, BamHI, XhoI, or Asp718, running the restricted
product on a gel, and isolating the larger fragment (the stuffer
fragment should be about 310 base pairs). The DNA insert is
generated according to the PCR protocol described in Example 1,
using PCR primers having restriction sites for NdeI (5' primer) and
XbaI, BamHI, XhoI, or Asp718 (3' primer). The PCR insert is gel
purified and restricted with compatible enzymes. The insert and
vector are ligated according to standard protocols.
[0892] The engineered vector could easily be substituted in the
above protocol to express protein in a bacterial system.
Example 6
Purification of a Polypeptide from an Inclusion Body
[0893] The following alternative method can be used to purify a
polypeptide expressed in E coli when it is present in the form of
inclusion bodies. Unless otherwise specified, all of the following
steps are conducted at 4-10 degree C.
[0894] Upon completion of the production phase of the E. coli
fermentation, the cell culture is cooled to 4-10 degree C. and the
cells harvested by continuous centrifugation at 15,000 rpm (Heraeus
Sepatech). On the basis of the expected yield of protein per unit
weight of cell paste and the amount of purified protein required,
an appropriate amount of cell paste, by weight, is suspended in a
buffer solution containing 100 mM Tris, 50 mM EDTA, pH 7.4. The
cells are dispersed to a homogeneous suspension using a high shear
mixer.
[0895] The cells are then lysed by passing the solution through a
microfluidizer (Microfuidics, Corp. or APV Gaulin, Inc.) twice at
4000-6000 psi. The homogenate is then mixed with NaCl solution to a
final concentration of 0.5 M NaCl, followed by centrifugation at
7000.times.g for 15 min. The resultant pellet is washed again using
0.5M NaCl, 100 mM Tris, 50 mM EDTA, pH 7.4.
[0896] The resulting washed inclusion bodies are solubilized with
1.5 M guanidine hydrochloride (GuHCl) for 2-4 hours. After
7000.times.g centrifugation for 15 min., the pellet is discarded
and the polypeptide containing supernatant is incubated at 4 degree
C. overnight to allow further GuHCl extraction.
[0897] Following high speed centrifugation (30,000.times.g) to
remove insoluble particles, the GuHCl solubilized protein is
refolded by quickly mixing the GuHCl extract with 20 volumes of
buffer containing 50 mM sodium, pH 4.5, 150 mM NaCl, 2 mM EDTA by
vigorous stirring. The refolded diluted protein solution is kept at
4 degree C. without mixing for 12 hours prior to further
purification steps.
[0898] To clarify the refolded polypeptide solution, a previously
prepared tangential filtration unit equipped with 0.16 um membrane
filter with appropriate surface area (e.g., Filtron), equilibrated
with 40 mM sodium acetate, pH 6.0 is employed. The filtered sample
is loaded onto a cation exchange resin (e.g., Poros HS-50,
Perseptive Biosystems). The column is washed with 40 mM sodium
acetate, pH 6.0 and eluted with 250 mM, 500 mM, 1000 mM, and 1500
mM NaCl in the same buffer, in a stepwise manner. The absorbance at
280 nm of the effluent is continuously monitored. Fractions are
collected and further analyzed by SDS-PAGE.
[0899] Fractions containing the polypeptide are then pooled and
mixed with 4 volumes of water. The diluted sample is then loaded
onto a previously prepared set of tandem columns of strong anion
(Poros HQ-50, Perseptive Biosystems) and weak anion (Poros CM-20,
Perseptive Biosystems) exchange resins. The columns are
equilibrated with 40 mM sodium acetate, pH 6.0. Both columns are
washed with 40 mM sodium acetate, pH 6.0, 200 mM NaCl. The CM-20
column is then eluted using a 10 column volume linear gradient
ranging from 0.2 M NaCl, 50 mM sodium acetate, pH 6.0 to 1.0 M
NaCl, 50 mM sodium acetate, pH 6.5. Fractions are collected under
constant A.sub.280 monitoring of the effluent. Fractions containing
the polypeptide (determined, for instance, by 16% SDS-PAGE) are
then pooled.
[0900] The resultant polypeptide should exhibit greater than 95%
purity after the above refolding and purification steps. No major
contaminant bands should be observed from Commassie blue stained
16% SDS-PAGE gel when 5 ug of purified protein is loaded. The
purified protein can also be tested for endotoxin/LPS
contamination, and typically the LPS content is less than 0.1 ng/ml
according to LAL assays.
Example 7
Cloning and Expression of a Polypeptide in a Baculovirus Expression
System
[0901] In this example, the plasmid shuttle vector pA2 is used to
insert a polynucleotide into a baculovirus to express a
polypeptide. This expression vector contains the strong polyhedrin
promoter of the Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus
(AcMNPV) followed by convenient restriction sites such as BamHI,
Xba I and Asp718. The polyadenylation site of the simian virus 40
("SV40") is used for efficient polyadenylation. For easy selection
of recombinant virus, the plasmid contains the beta-galactosidase
gene from E. coli under control of a weak Drosophila promoter in
the same orientation, followed by the polyadenylation signal of the
polyhedrin gene. The inserted genes are flanked on both sides by
viral sequences for cell-mediated homologous recombination with
wild-type viral DNA to generate a viable virus that express the
cloned polynucleotide.
[0902] Many other baculovirus vectors can be used in place of the
vector above, such as pAc373, pVL941, and pAcIM1, as one skilled in
the art would readily appreciate, as long as the construct provides
appropriately located signals for transcription, translation,
secretion and the like, including a signal peptide and an in-frame
AUG as required. Such vectors are described, for instance, in
Luckow et al., Virology 170:31-39 (1989).
[0903] Specifically, the cDNA sequence contained in the deposited
clone, including the AUG initiation codon and the naturally
associated leader sequence identified in Table 1, is amplified
using the PCR protocol described in Example 1. If the naturally
occurring signal sequence is used to produce the secreted protein,
the pA2 vector does not need a second signal peptide.
Alternatively, the vector can be modified (pA2 GP) to include a
baculovirus leader sequence, using the standard methods described
in Summers et al., "A Manual of Methods for Baculovirus Vectors and
Insect Cell Culture Procedures," Texas Agricultural Experimental
Station Bulletin No. 1555 (1987).
[0904] The amplified fragment is isolated from a 1% agarose gel
using a commercially available kit ("Geneclean," BIO 101 Inc., La
Jolla, Calif.). The fragment then is digested with appropriate
restriction enzymes and again purified on a 1% agarose gel.
[0905] The plasmid is digested with the corresponding restriction
enzymes and optionally, can be dephosphorylated using calf
intestinal phosphatase, using routine procedures known in the art.
The DNA is then isolated from a 1% agarose gel using a commercially
available kit ("Geneclean" BIO 101 Inc., La Jolla, Calif.).
[0906] The fragment and the dephosphorylated plasmid are ligated
together with T4 DNA ligase. E. coli HB101 or other suitable E.
coli hosts such as XL-1 Blue (Stratagene Cloning Systems, La Jolla,
Calif.) cells are transformed with the ligation mixture and spread
on culture plates. Bacteria containing the plasmid are identified
by digesting DNA from individual colonies and analyzing the
digestion product by gel electrophoresis. The sequence of the
cloned fragment is confirmed by DNA sequencing.
[0907] Five ug of a plasmid containing the polynucleotide is
co-transfected with 1.0 ug of a commercially available linearized
baculovirus DNA ("BaculoGold.TM. baculovirus DNA", Pharmingen, San
Diego, Calif.), using the lipofection method described by Felgner
et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 84:7413-7417 (1987). One ug of
BaculoGold.TM. virus DNA and 5 ug of the plasmid are mixed in a
sterile well of a microtiter plate containing 50 ul of serum-free
Grace's medium (Life Technologies Inc., Gaithersburg, Md.).
Afterwards, 10 ul Lipofectin plus 90 ul Grace's medium are added,
mixed and incubated for 15 minutes at room temperature. Then the
transfection mixture is added drop-wise to Sf9 insect cells (ATCC
CRL 1711) seeded in a 35 mm tissue culture plate with 1 ml Grace's
medium without serum. The plate is then incubated for 5 hours at 27
degrees C. The transfection solution is then removed from the plate
and 1 ml of Grace's insect medium supplemented with 10% fetal calf
serum is added. Cultivation is then continued at 27 degrees C. for
four days.
[0908] After four days the supernatant is collected and a plaque
assay is performed, as described by Summers and Smith, supra. An
agarose gel with "Blue Gal" (Life Technologies Inc., Gaithersburg)
is used to allow easy identification and isolation of
gal-expressing clones, which produce blue-stained plaques. (A
detailed description of a "plaque assay" of this type can also be
found in the user's guide for insect cell culture and
baculovirology distributed by Life Technologies Inc., Gaithersburg,
page 9-10.) After appropriate incubation, blue stained plaques are
picked with the tip of a micropipettor (e.g., Eppendorf). The agar
containing the recombinant viruses is then resuspended in a
microcentrifuge tube containing 200 ul of Grace's medium and the
suspension containing the recombinant baculovirus is used to infect
Sf9 cells seeded in 35 mm dishes. Four days later the supernatants
of these culture dishes are harvested and then they are stored at 4
degree C.
[0909] To verify the expression of the polypeptide, Sf9 cells are
grown in Grace's medium supplemented with 10% heat-inactivated FBS.
The cells are infected with the recombinant baculovirus containing
the polynucleotide at a multiplicity of infection ("MOI") of about
2. If radiolabeled proteins are desired, 6 hours later the medium
is removed and is replaced with SF900 II medium minus methionine
and cysteine (available from Life Technologies Inc., Rockville,
Md.). After 42 hours, 5 uCi of .sup.35S-methionine and 5 uCi
.sup.35S-cysteine (available from Amersham) are added. The cells
are further incubated for 16 hours and then are harvested by
centrifugation. The proteins in the supernatant as well as the
intracellular proteins are analyzed by SDS-PAGE followed by
autoradiography (if radiolabeled).
[0910] Microsequencing of the amino acid sequence of the amino
terminus of purified protein may be used to determine the amino
terminal sequence of the produced protein.
Example 8
Expression of a Polypeptide in Mammalian Cells
[0911] The polypeptide of the present invention can be expressed in
a mammalian cell. A typical mammalian expression vector contains a
promoter element, which mediates the initiation of transcription of
mRNA, a protein coding sequence, and signals required for the
termination of transcription and polyadenylation of the transcript.
Additional elements include enhancers, Kozak sequences and
intervening sequences flanked by donor and acceptor sites for RNA
splicing. Highly efficient transcription is achieved with the early
and late promoters from SV40, the long terminal repeats (LTRs) from
Retroviruses, e.g., RSV, HTLVI, HIVI and the early promoter of the
cytomegalovirus (CMV). However, cellular elements can also be used
(e.g., the human actin promoter).
[0912] Suitable expression vectors for use in practicing the
present invention include, for example, vectors such as pSVL and
pMSG (Pharmacia, Uppsala, Sweden), pRSVcat (ATCC 37152), pSV2dhfr
(ATCC 37146), pBC12MI (ATCC 67109), pCMVSport 2.0, and pCMVSport
3.0. Mammalian host cells that could be used include, human Hela,
293, H9 and Jurkat cells, mouse NIH3T3 and C127 cells, Cos 1, Cos 7
and CV1, quail QC1-3 cells, mouse L cells and Chinese hamster ovary
(CHO) cells.
[0913] Alternatively, the polypeptide can be expressed in stable
cell lines containing the polynucleotide integrated into a
chromosome. The co-transfection with a selectable marker such as
dhfr, gpt, neomycin, hygromycin allows the identification and
isolation of the transfected cells.
[0914] The transfected gene can also be amplified to express large
amounts of the encoded protein. The DHFR (dihydrofolate reductase)
marker is useful in developing cell lines that carry several
hundred or even several thousand copies of the gene of interest.
(See, e.g., Alt, F. W., et al., J. Biol. Chem. 253:1357-1370
(1978); Hamlin, J. L. and Ma, C., Biochem. et Biophys. Acta,
1097:107-143 (1990); Page, M. J. and Sydenham, M. A., Biotechnology
9:64-68 (1991).) Another useful selection marker is the enzyme
glutamine synthase (GS) (Murphy et al., Biochem J. 227:277-279
(1991); Bebbington et al., Bio/Technology 10:169-175 (1992). Using
these markers, the mammalian cells are grown in selective medium
and the cells with the highest resistance are selected. These cell
lines contain the amplified gene(s) integrated into a chromosome.
Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) and NSO cells are often used for the
production of proteins.
[0915] Derivatives of the plasmid pSV2-dhfr (ATCC Accession No.
37146), the expression vectors pC4 (ATCC Accession No. 209646) and
pC6 (ATCC Accession No.209647) contain the strong promoter (LTR) of
the Rous Sarcoma Virus (Cullen et al., Molecular and Cellular
Biology, 438-447 (March, 1985)) plus a fragment of the CMV-enhancer
(Boshart et al., Cell 41:521-530 (1985).) Multiple cloning sites,
e.g., with the restriction enzyme cleavage sites BamHI, XbaI and
Asp718, facilitate the cloning of the gene of interest. The vectors
also contain the 3' intron, the polyadenylation and termination
signal of the rat preproinsulin gene, and the mouse DHFR gene under
control of the SV40 early promoter.
[0916] Specifically, the plasmid pC6, for example, is digested with
appropriate restriction enzymes and then dephosphorylated using
calf intestinal phosphates by procedures known in the art. The
vector is then isolated from a 1% agarose gel.
[0917] A polynucleotide of the present invention is amplified
according to the protocol outlined in Example 1. If the naturally
occurring signal sequence is used to produce the secreted protein,
the vector does not need a second signal peptide. Alternatively, if
the naturally occurring signal sequence is not used, the vector can
be modified to include a heterologous signal sequence. (See, e.g.,
WO 96/34891.)
[0918] The amplified fragment is isolated from a 1% agarose gel
using a commercially available kit ("Geneclean," BIO 101 Inc., La
Jolla, Calif.). The fragment then is digested with appropriate
restriction enzymes and again purified on a 1% agarose gel.
[0919] The amplified fragment is then digested with the same
restriction enzyme and purified on a 1% agarose gel. The isolated
fragment and the dephosphorylated vector are then ligated with T4
DNA ligase. E. coli HB 101 or XL-1 Blue cells are then transformed
and bacteria are identified that contain the fragment inserted into
plasmid pC6 using, for instance, restriction enzyme analysis.
[0920] Chinese hamster ovary cells lacking an active DHFR gene is
used for transfection. Five .mu.g of the expression plasmid pC6 a
pC4 is cotransfected with 0.5 ug of the plasmid pSVneo using
lipofectin (Felgner et al., supra). The plasmid pSV2-neo contains a
dominant selectable marker, the neo gene from Tn5 encoding an
enzyme that confers resistance to a group of antibiotics including
G418. The cells are seeded in alpha minus MEM supplemented with 1
mg/ml G418. After 2 days, the cells are trypsinized and seeded in
hybridoma cloning plates (Greiner, Germany) in alpha minus MEM
supplemented with 10, 25, or 50 ng/ml of metothrexate plus 1 mg/ml
G418. After about 10-14 days single clones are trypsinized and then
seeded in 6-well petri dishes or 10 ml flasks using different
concentrations of methotrexate (50 nM, 100 nM, 200 nM, 400 nM, 800
nM). Clones growing at the highest concentrations of methotrexate
are then transferred to new 6-well plates containing even higher
concentrations of methotrexate (1 uM, 2 uM, 5 uM, 10 mM, 20 mM).
The same procedure is repeated until clones are obtained which grow
at a concentration of 100 -200 uM. Expression of the desired gene
product is analyzed, for instance, by SDS-PAGE and Western blot or
by reversed phase HPLC analysis.
Example 9
Protein Fusions
[0921] The polypeptides of the present invention are preferably
fused to other proteins. These fusion proteins can be used for a
variety of applications. For example, fusion of the present
polypeptides to His-tag, HA-tag, protein A, IgG domains, and
maltose binding protein facilitates purification. (See Example 5;
see also EP A 394,827; Traunecker, et al., Nature 331:84-86
(1988).) Similarly, fusion to IgG-1, IgG-3, and albumin increases
the halflife time in vivo. Nuclear localization signals fused to
the polypeptides of the present invention can target the protein to
a specific subcellular localization, while covalent heterodimer or
homodimers can increase or decrease the activity of a fusion
protein. Fusion proteins can also create chimeric molecules having
more than one function. Finally, fusion proteins can increase
solubility and/or stability of the fused protein compared to the
non-fused protein. All of the types of fusion proteins described
above can be made by modifying the following protocol, which
outlines the fusion of a polypeptide to an IgG molecule, or the
protocol described in Example 5.
[0922] Briefly, the human Fc portion of the IgG molecule can be PCR
amplified, using primers that span the 5' and 3' ends of the
sequence described below. These primers also should have convenient
restriction enzyme sites that will facilitate cloning into an
expression vector, preferably a mammalian expression vector.
[0923] For example, if pC4 (Accession No. 209646) is used, the
human Fc portion can be ligated into the BamHI cloning site. Note
that the 3' BamHI site should be destroyed. Next, the vector
containing the human Fc portion is re-restricted with BamHI,
linearizing the vector, and a polynucleotide of the present
invention, isolated by the PCR protocol described in Example 1, is
ligated into this BamHI site. Note that the polynucleotide is
cloned without a stop codon, otherwise a fusion protein will not be
produced.
[0924] If the naturally occurring signal sequence is used to
produce the secreted protein, pC4 does not need a second signal
peptide. Alternatively, if the naturally occurring signal sequence
is not used, the vector can be modified to include a heterologous
signal sequence. (See, e.g., WO 96/34891.)
[0925] Human IgG Fc region:
28 GGGATCCGGAGCCCAAATCTTCTGACAAAACTCACACATGCCCACCGTGC
CCAGCACCTGAATTCGAGGGTGCACCGTCAGTCTTCCTCTTCCCCCCAAA
ACCCAAGGACACCCTCATGATCTCCCGGACTCCTGAGGTCACATGCGTGG
TGGTGGACGTAAGCCACGAAGACCCTGAGGTCAAGTTCAACTGGTACGTG
GACGGCGTGGAGGTGCATAATGCCAAGACAAAGCCGCGGGAGGAGCAGTA
CAACAGCACGTACCGTGTGGTCAGCGTCCTCACCGTCCTGCACCAGGACT
GGCTGAATGGCAAGGAGTACAAGTGCAAGGTCTCCAACAAAGCCCTCCCA
ACCCCCATCGAGAAAACCATCTCCAAAGCCAAAGGGCAGCCCCGAGAACC
ACAGGTGTACACCCTGCCCCCATCCCGGGATGAGCTGACCAAGAACCAGG
TCAGCCTGACCTGCCTGGTCAAAGGCTTCTATCCAAGCGACATCGCCGTG
GAGTGGGAGAGCAATGGGCAGCCGGAGAACAACTACAAGACCACGCCTCC
CGTGCTGGACTCCGACGGCTCCTTCTTCCTCTACAGCAAGCTCACCGTGG
ACAAGAGCAGGTGGCAGCAGGGGAACGTCTTCTCATGCTCCGTGATGCAT
GAGGCTCTGCACAACCACTACACGCAGAAGAGCCTCTCCCTGTCTCCGGG
TAAATGAGTGCGACGGCCGCGACTCTAGAGGAT (SEQ ID NO:1)
Example 10
Production of an Antibody from a Polypeptide
[0926] The antibodies of the present invention can be prepared by a
variety of methods. (See, Current Protocols, Chapter 2.) As one
example of such methods, cells expressing a polypeptide of the
present invention is administered to an animal to induce the
production of sera containing polyclonal antibodies. In a preferred
method, a preparation of the secreted protein is prepared and
purified to render it substantially free of natural contaminants.
Such a preparation is then introduced into an animal in order to
produce polyclonal antisera of greater specific activity.
[0927] In the most preferred method, the antibodies of the present
invention are monoclonal antibodies (or protein binding fragments
thereof). Such monoclonal antibodies can be prepared using
hybridoma technology. (Kohler et al., Nature 256:495 (1975); Kohler
et al., Eur. J. Immunol. 6:511 (1976); Kohler et al., Eur. J.
Immunol. 6:292 (1976); Hammerling et al., in: Monoclonal Antibodies
and T-Cell Hybridomas, Elsevier, N.Y., pp. 563-681 (1981).) In
general, such procedures involve immunizing an animal (preferably a
mouse) with polypeptide or, more preferably, with a secreted
polypeptide-expressing cell. Such cells may be cultured in any
suitable tissue culture medium; however, it is preferable to
culture cells in Earle's modified Eagle's medium supplemented with
10% fetal bovine serum (inactivated at about 56 degrees C.), and
supplemented with about 10 g/l of nonessential amino acids, about
1,000 U/ml of penicillin, and about 100 ug/ml of streptomycin.
[0928] The splenocytes of such mice are extracted and fused with a
suitable myeloma cell line. Any suitable myeloma cell line may be
employed in accordance with the present invention; however, it is
preferable to employ the parent myeloma cell line (SP2O), available
from the ATCC. After fusion, the resulting hybridoma cells are
selectively maintained in HAT medium, and then cloned by limiting
dilution as described by Wands et al. (Gastroenterology 80:225-232
(1981).) The hybridoma cells obtained through such a selection are
then assayed to identify clones which secrete antibodies capable of
binding the polypeptide.
[0929] Alternatively, additional antibodies capable of binding to
the polypeptide can be produced in a two-step procedure using
anti-idiotypic antibodies. Such a method makes use of the fact that
antibodies are themselves antigens, and therefore, it is possible
to obtain an antibody which binds to a second antibody. In
accordance with this method, protein specific antibodies are used
to immunize an animal, preferably a mouse. The splenocytes of such
an animal are then used to produce hybridoma cells, and the
hybridoma cells are screened to identify clones which produce an
antibody whose ability to bind to the protein-specific antibody can
be blocked by the polypeptide. Such antibodies comprise
anti-idiotypic antibodies to the protein-specific antibody and can
be used to immunize an animal to induce formation of further
protein-specific antibodies.
[0930] It will be appreciated that Fab and F(ab')2 and other
fragments of the antibodies of the present invention may be used
according to the methods disclosed herein. Such fragments are
typically produced by proteolytic cleavage, using enzymes such as
papain (to produce Fab fragments) or pepsin (to produce F(ab')2
fragments). Alternatively, secreted protein-binding fragments can
be produced through the application of recombinant DNA technology
or through synthetic chemistry.
[0931] For in vivo use of antibodies in humans, it may be
preferable to use "humanized" chimeric monoclonal antibodies. Such
antibodies can be produced using genetic constructs derived from
hybridoma cells producing the monoclonal antibodies described
above. Methods for producing chimeric antibodies are known in the
art. (See, for review, Morrison, Science 229:1202 (1985); Oi et
al., BioTechniques 4:214 (1986); Cabilly et al., U.S. Pat. No.
4,816,567; Taniguchi et al., EP 171496; Morrison et al., EP 173494;
Neuberger et al., WO 8601533; Robinson et al., WO 8702671;
Boulianne et al., Nature 312:643 (1984); Neuberger et al., Nature
314:268 (1985).)
Example 11
Production Of Secreted Protein For High-Throughput Screening
Assays
[0932] The following protocol produces a supernatant containing a
polypeptide to be tested. This supernatant can then be used in the
Screening Assays described in Examples 13-20.
[0933] First, dilute Poly-D-Lysine (644 587 Boehringer-Mannheim)
stock solution (1 mg/ml in PBS) 1:20 in PBS (w/o calcium or
magnesium 17-516F Biowhittaker) for a working solution of 50 ug/ml.
Add 200 ul of this solution to each well (24 well plates) and
incubate at RT for 20 minutes. Be sure to distribute the solution
over each well (note: a 12-channel pipetter may be used with tips
on every other channel). Aspirate off the Poly-D-Lysine solution
and rinse with 1 ml PBS (Phosphate Buffered Saline). The PBS should
remain in the well until just prior to plating the cells and plates
may be poly-lysine coated in advance for up to two weeks.
[0934] Plate 293T cells (do not carry cells past P+20) at
2.times.10.sup.5 cells/well in 0.5 ml DMEM(Dulbecco's Modified
Eagle Medium)(with 4.5 G/L glucose and L-glutamine (12-604F
Biowhittaker))/10% heat inactivated FBS(14-503F
Biowhittaker)/1.times. Penstrep(17-602E Biowhittaker). Let the
cells grow overnight.
[0935] The next day, mix together in a sterile solution basin: 300
ul Lipofectamine (18324-012 Gibco/BRL) and 5 ml Optimem I (31985070
Gibco/BRL)/96-well plate. With a small volume multi-channel
pipetter, aliquot approximately 2 ug of an expression vector
containing a polynucleotide insert, produced by the methods
described in Examples 8 or 9, into an appropriately labeled 96-well
round bottom plate. With a multi-channel pipetter, add 50 ul of the
Lipofectamine/Optimem I mixture to each well. Pipette up and down
gently to mix. Incubate at RT 15-45 minutes. After about 20
minutes, use a multi-channel pipetter to add 150 ul Optimem I to
each well. As a control, one plate of vector DNA lacking an insert
should be transfected with each set of transfections.
[0936] Preferably, the transfection should be performed by
tag-teaming the following tasks. By tag-teaming, hands on time is
cut in half, and the cells do not spend too much time on PBS.
First, person A aspirates off the media from four 24-well plates of
cells, and then person B rinses each well with 0.5-1 ml PBS. Person
A then aspirates off PBS rinse, and person B, using a12-channel
pipetter with tips on every other channel, adds the 200 ul of
DNA/Lipofectamine/Optimem I complex to the odd wells first, then to
the even wells, to each row on the 24-well plates. Incubate at 37
degrees C. for 6 hours.
[0937] While cells are incubating, prepare appropriate media,
either 1% BSA in DMEM with 1.times. penstrep, or CHO-5 media (116.6
mg/L of CaC12 (anhyd); 0.00130 mg/L CuSO.sub.4-5H.sub.2O; 0.050
mg/L of Fe(NO.sub.3).sub.3-9H.sub.2O; 0.417 mg/L of
FeSO.sub.4-7H.sub.2O; 311.80 mg/L of Kcl; 28.64 mg/L of MgCl.sub.2;
48.84 mg/L of MgSO.sub.4; 6995.50 mg/L of NaCl; 2400.0 mg/L of
NaHCO.sub.3; 62.50 mg/L of NaH.sub.2PO.sub.4-H.sub.2O; 71.02 mg/L
of Na.sub.2HPO4; .4320 mg/L of ZnSO.sub.4-7H.sub.2O; 0.002 mg/L of
Arachidonic Acid; 1.022 mg/L of Cholesterol; 0.070 mg/L of
DL-alpha-Tocopherol-Acetate; 0.0520 mg/L of Linoleic Acid; 0.010
mg/L of Linolenic Acid; 0.010 mg/L of Myristic Acid; 0.010 mg/L of
Oleic Acid; 0.010 mg/L of Palmitric Acid; 0.010 mg/L of Palmitic
Acid; 100 mg/L of Pluronic F-68; 0.010 mg/L of Stearic Acid; 2.20
mg/L of Tween 80; 4551 mg/L of D-Glucose; 130.85 mg/ml of
L-Alanine; 147.50 mg/ml of L-Arginine-HCL; 7.50 mg/ml of
L-Asparagine-H.sub.2O; 6.65 mg/ml of L-Aspartic Acid; 29.56 mg/ml
of L-Cystine-2HCL-H.sub.2O; 31.29 mg/ml of L-Cystine-2HCL; 7.35
mg/ml of L-Glutamic Acid; 365.0 mg/ml of L-Glutamine; 18.75 mg/ml
of Glycine; 52.48 mg/ml of L-Histidine-HCL-H.sub.2O; 106.97 mg/ml
of L-Isoleucine; 111.45 mg/ml of L-Leucine; 163.75 mg/ml of
L-Lysine HCL; 32.34 mg/ml of L-Methionine; 68.48 mg/ml of
L-Phenylalainine; 40.0 mg/mil of L-Proline; 26.25 mg/ml of
L-Serine; 101.05 mg/ml of L-Threonine; 19.22 mg/ml of L-Tryptophan;
91.79 mg/ml of L-Tryrosine-2Na-2H.sub.2O; 99.65 mg/ml of L-Valine;
0.0035 mg/L of Biotin; 3.24 mg/L of D-Ca Pantothenate; 11.78 mg/L
of Choline Chloride; 4.65 mg/L of Folic Acid; 15.60 mg/L of
i-Inositol; 3.02 mg/L of Niacinamide; 3.00 mg/L of Pyridoxal HCL;
0.031 mg/L of Pyridoxine HCL; 0.319 mg/L of Riboflavin; 3.17 mg/L
of Thiamine HCL; 0.365 mg/L of Thymidine; and 0.680 mg/L of Vitamin
B.sub.12; 25 mM of HEPES Buffer; 2.39 mg/L of Na Hypoxanthine;
0.105 mg/L of Lipoic Acid; 0.081 mg/L of Sodium Putrescine-2HCL;
55.0 mg/L of Sodium Pyruvate; 0.0067 mg/L of Sodium Selenite; 20 uM
of Ethanolamine; 0.122 mg/L of Ferric Citrate; 41.70 mg/L of
Methyl-B-Cyclodextrin complexed with Linoleic Acid; 33.33 mg/L of
Methyl-B-Cyclodextrin complexed with Oleic Acid; and 10 mg/L of
Methyl-B-Cyclodextrin complexed with Retinal) with 2 mm glutamine
and 1.times. penstrep. (BSA (81-068-3 Bayer) 100 gm dissolved in 1
L DMEM for a 10% BSA stock solution). Filter the media and collect
50 ul for endotoxin assay in 15 ml polystyrene conical.
[0938] The transfection reaction is terminated, preferably by
tag-teaming, at the end of the incubation period. Person A
aspirates off the transfection media, while person B adds 1.5 ml
appropriate media to each well. Incubate at 37 degrees C. for 45 or
72 hours depending on the media used: 1% BSA for 45 hours or CHO-5
for 72 hours.
[0939] On day four, using a 300 ul multichannel pipetter, aliquot
600 ul in one 1 ml deep well plate and the remaining supernatant
into a 2 ml deep well. The supernatants from each well can then be
used in the assays described in Examples 13-20.
[0940] It is specifically understood that when activity is obtained
in any of the assays described below using a supernatant, the
activity originates from either the polypeptide directly (e.g., as
a secreted protein) or by the polypeptide inducing expression of
other proteins, which are then secreted into the supernatant. Thus,
the invention further provides a method of identifying the protein
in the supernatant characterized by an activity in a particular
assay.
Example 12
Construction of GAS Reporter Construct
[0941] One signal transduction pathway involved in the
differentiation and proliferation of cells is called the Jaks-STATs
pathway. Activated proteins in the Jaks-STATs pathway bind to gamma
activation site "GAS" elements or interferon-sensitive responsive
element ("ISRE"), located in the promoter of many genes. The
binding of a protein to these elements alter the expression of the
associated gene.
[0942] GAS and ISRE elements are recognized by a class of
transcription factors called Signal Transducers and Activators of
Transcription, or "STATs." There are six members of the STATs
family. Stat1 and Stat3 are present in many cell types, as is Stat2
(as response to IFN-alpha is widespread). Stat4 is more restricted
and is not in many cell types though it has been found in T helper
class I, cells after treatment with IL-12. Stat5 was originally
called mammary growth factor, but has been found at higher
concentrations in other cells including myeloid cells. It can be
activated in tissue culture cells by many cytokines.
[0943] The STATs are activated to translocate from the cytoplasm to
the nucleus upon tyrosine phosphorylation by a set of kinases known
as the Janus Kinase ("Jaks") family. Jaks represent a distinct
family of soluble tyrosine kinases and include Tyk2, Jak1, Jak2,
and Jak3. These kinases display significant sequence similarity and
are generally catalytically inactive in resting cells.
[0944] The Jaks are activated by a wide range of receptors
summarized in the Table below. (Adapted from review by Schidler and
Darnell, Ann. Rev. Biochem. 64:621-51 (1995).) A cytokine receptor
family, capable of activating Jaks, is divided into two groups: (a)
Class 1 includes receptors for IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-6, EL-7, IL-9,
IL-11, IL-12, IL-15, Epo, PRL, GH, G-CSF, GM-CSF, LIF, CNTF, and
thrombopoietin; and (b) Class 2 includes IFN-a, IFN-g, and IL-10.
The Class 1 receptors share a conserved cysteine motif (a set of
four conserved cysteines and one tryptophan) and a WSXWS motif (a
membrane proximal region encoding Trp-Ser-Xxx-Trp-Ser (SEQ ID
NO:2)).
[0945] Thus, on binding of a ligand to a receptor, Jaks are
activated, which in turn activate STATs, which then translocate and
bind to GAS elements. This entire process is encompassed in the
Jaks-STATs signal transduction pathway.
[0946] Therefore, activation of the Jaks-STATs pathway, reflected
by the binding of the GAS or the ISRE element, can be used to
indicate-proteins involved in the proliferation and differentiation
of cells. For example, growth factors and cytokines are known to
activate the Jaks-STATs pathway. (See Table below.) Thus, by using
GAS elements linked to reporter molecules, activators of the
Jaks-STATs pathway can be identified.
29 JAKs Ligand tyk2 Jak1 Jak2 Jak3 STATS GAS(elements) or ISRE IFN
family IFN-a/B + + - - 1,2,3 ISRE IFN-g + + - 1 GAS (IRF1 > Lys6
> IFP) II-10 + ? ? - 1,3 gp130 family IL-6 (Pleiotrophic) + + +
? 1,3 GAS (IRF1 > Lys6 > IFP) II-11(Pleiotrophic) ? + ? ? 1,3
OnM(Pleiotrophic) ? + + ? 1,3 LIF(Pleiotrophic) ? + + ? 1,3
CNTF(Pleiotrophic) -/+ + + ? 1,3 G-CSF(Pleiotrophic) ? + ? ? 1,3
IL-12(Pleiotrophic) + - + + 1,3 g-C family IL-2 (lymphocytes) - + -
+ 1,3,5 GAS IL-4 (lymph/myeloid) - + - + 6 GAS (IRF1 = IFP >>
Ly6)(IgH) IL-7 (lymphocytes) - + - + 5 GAS IL-9 (lymphocytes) - + -
+ 5 GAS IL-13 (lymphocyte) - + ? ? 6 GAS IL-15 ? + ? + 5 GAS gp140
family IL-3 (myeloid) - - + - 5 GAS (IRF1 > IFP >> Ly6)
IL-5 (myeloid) - - + - 5 GAS GM-CSF (myeloid) - - + - 5 GAS Growth
hormone family GH ? - + - 5 PRL ? +/- + - 1,3,5 EPO ? - + - 5 GAS
(B - CAS > IRF1 = IFP >> Ly6) Receptor Tyrosine Kinases
EGF ? + + - 1,3 GAS (IRF1) PDGF ? + + - 1,3 CSF-1 ? + + - 1,3 GAS
(not IRF1)
[0947] To construct a synthetic GAS containing promoter element,
which is used in the Biological Assays described in Examples 13-14,
a PCR based strategy is employed to generate a GAS-SV40 promoter
sequence. The 5' primer contains four tandem copies of the GAS
binding site found in the IRF1 promoter and previously demonstrated
to bind STATs upon induction with a range of cytokines (Rothman et
al., Immunity 1:457-468 (1994).), although other GAS or ISRE
elements can be used instead. The 5' primer also contains 18bp of
sequence complementary to the SV40 early promoter sequence and is
flanked with an XhoI site. The sequence of the 5' primer is:
30 5':GCGCCTCGAGATTTCCCCGAAATCTAGATTTCCCCGAAATGA
TTTCCCCGAAATGATTTCCCCGAAATATCTGCCATCTCAATTAG3' (SEQ ID NO:3)
[0948] The downstream primer is complementary to the SV40 promoter
and is flanked with a Hind mi site:
31 5':GCGGCAAGCTTTTTGCAAAGCCTAGGC:3' (SEQ ID NO:4)
[0949] PCR amplification is performed using the SV40 promoter
template present in the B-gal:promoter plasmid obtained from
Clontech. The resulting PCR fragment is digested with XhoI/Hind III
and subcloned into BLSK2-. (Stratagene.) Sequencing with forward
and reverse primers confirms that the insert contains the following
sequence:
32 5':+E,uns CTCGAGATTTCCCCGAAATCTAGATTTCCCCGAAATGATTT
CCCCGAAATGATTTCCCCGAAATATCTGCCATCTCAATTAGTCAGCAACC
ATAGTCCCGCCCCTAACTCCGCCCATCCCGCCCCTAACTCCGCCCAGTTC
CGCCCATTCTCCGCCCCATGGCTGACTAATTTTTTTTATTTATGCAGAGG
CCGAGGCCGCCTCGGCCTCTGAGCTATTCCAGAAGTAGTGAGGAGGCTTT
TTTGGAGGCCTAGGCTTTTGCAAA+E,uns AAGCTT:3' (SEQ ID NO:5)
[0950] With this GAS promoter element linked to the SV40 promoter,
a GAS:SEAP2 reporter construct is next engineered. Here, the
reporter molecule is a secreted alkaline phosphatase, or "SEAP."
Clearly, however, any reporter molecule can be instead of SEAP, in
this or in any of the other Examples. Well known reporter molecules
that can be used instead of SEAP include chloramphenicol
acetyltransferase (CAT), luciferase, alkaline phosphatase,
B-galactosidase, green fluorescent protein (GFP), or any protein
detectable by an antibody.
[0951] The above sequence confirmed synthetic GAS-SV40 promoter
element is subcloned into the pSEAP-Promoter vector obtained from
Clontech using HindIII and XhoI, effectively replacing the SV40
promoter with the amplified GAS:SV40 promoter element, to create
the GAS-SEAP vector. However, this vector does not contain a
neomycin resistance gene, and therefore, is not preferred for
mammalian expression systems.
[0952] Thus, in order to generate mammalian stable cell lines
expressing the GAS-SEAP reporter, the GAS-SEAP cassette is removed
from the GAS-SEAP vector using SalI and NotI, and inserted into a
backbone vector containing the neomycin resistance gene, such as
pGFP-1 (Clontech), using these restriction sites in the multiple
cloning site, to create the GAS-SEAP/Neo vector. Once this vector
is transfected into mammalian cells, this vector can then be used
as a reporter molecule for GAS binding as described in Examples
13-14.
[0953] Other constructs can be made using the above description and
replacing GAS with a different promoter sequence. For example,
construction of reporter molecules containing NFK-B and EGR
promoter sequences are described in Examples 15 and 16. However,
many other promoters can be substituted using the protocols
described in these Examples. For instance, SRE, IL-2, NFAT, or
Osteocaicin promoters can be substituted, alone or in combination
(e.g., GAS/NF-KB/EGR, GAS/NF-KB, Il-2/NFAT, or NF-KB/GAS).
Similarly, other cell lines can be used to test reporter construct
activity, such as HELA (epithelial), HUVEC (endothelial), Reh
(B-cell), Saos-2 (osteoblast), HUVAC (aortic), or
Cardiomyocyte.
Example 13
High-Throughput Screening Assay for T-cell Activity
[0954] The following protocol is used to assess T-cell activity by
identifying factors, and determining whether supernate containing a
polypeptide of the invention proliferates and/or differentiates
T-cells. T-cell activity is assessed using the GAS/SEAP/Neo
construct produced in Example 12. Thus, factors that increase SEAP
activity indicate the ability to activate the Jaks-STATS signal
transduction pathway. The T-cell used in this assay is Jurkat
T-cells (ATCC Accession No. TIB-152), although Molt-3 cells (ATCC
Accession No. CRL-1552) and Molt-4 cells (ATCC Accession No.
CRL-1582) cells can also be used.
[0955] Jurkat T-cells are lymphoblastic CD4+ Th1 helper cells. In
order to generate stable cell lines, approximately 2 million Jurkat
cells are transfected with the GAS-SEAP/neo vector using DMRIE-C
(Life Technologies)(transfection procedure described below). The
transfected cells are seeded to a density of approximately 20,000
cells per well and transfectants resistant to 1 mg/ml genticin
selected. Resistant colonies are expanded and then tested for their
response to increasing concentrations of interferon gamma. The dose
response of a selected clone is demonstrated.
[0956] Specifically, the following protocol will yield sufficient
cells for 75 wells containing 200 ul of cells. Thus, it is either
scaled up, or performed in multiple to generate sufficient cells
for multiple 96 well plates. Jurkat cells are maintained in
RPMI+10% serum with 1% Pen-Strep. Combine 2.5 mls of OPTI-MEM (Life
Technologies) with 10 ug of plasmid DNA in a T25 flask. Add 2.5 ml
OPTI-MEM containing 50 ul of DMRIE-C and incubate at room
temperature for 15-45 mins.
[0957] During the incubation period, count cell concentration, spin
down the required number of cells (107 per transfection), and
resuspend in OPTI-MEM to a final concentration of 10.sup.7
cells/ml. Then add 1 ml of 1.times.10.sup.7 cells in OPTI-MEM to
T25 flask and incubate at 37 degrees C. for 6 hrs. After the
incubation, add 10 ml of RPMI+15% serum.
[0958] The Jurkat:GAS-SEAP stable reporter lines are maintained in
RPMI+10% serum, 1 mg/ml Genticin, and 1% Pen-Strep. These cells are
treated with supernatants containing polypeptides of the invention
and/or induced polypeptides of the invention as produced by the
protocol described in Example 11.
[0959] On the day of treatment with the supernatant, the cells
should be washed and resuspended in fresh RPMI+10% serum to a
density of 500,000 cells per ml. The exact number of cells required
will depend on the number of supernatants being screened. For one
96 well plate, approximately 10 million cells (for 10 plates, 100
million cells) are required.
[0960] Transfer the cells to a triangular reservoir boat, in order
to dispense the cells into a 96 well dish, using a 12 channel
pipette. Using a 12 channel pipette, transfer 200 ul of cells into
each well (therefore adding 100,000 cells per well).
[0961] After all the plates have been seeded, 50 ul of the
supernatants are transferred directly from the 96 well plate
containing the supernatants into each well using a 12 channel
pipette. In addition, a dose of exogenous interferon gamma (0.1,
1.0, 10 ng) is added to wells H9, H10, and H11 to serve as
additional positive controls for the assay.
[0962] The 96 well dishes containing Jurkat cells treated with
supernatants are placed in an incubator for 48 hrs (note: this time
is variable between 48-72 hrs). 35 ul samples from each well are
then transferred to an opaque 96 well plate using a 12 channel
pipette. The opaque plates should be covered (using sellophene
covers) and stored at -20 degrees C. until SEAP assays are
performed according to Example 17. The plates containing the
remaining treated cells are placed at 4 degrees C. and serve as a
source of material for repeating the assay on a specific well if
desired.
[0963] As a positive control, 100 Unit/ml interferon gamma can be
used which is known to activate Jurkat T cells. Over 30 fold
induction is typically observed in the positive control wells.
[0964] The above protocol may be used in the generation of both
transient, as well as, stable transfected cells, which would be
apparent to those of skill in the art.
Example 14
High-Throughput Screening Assay Identifying Myeloid Activity
[0965] The following protocol is used to assess myeloid activity by
determining whether polypeptides of the invention proliferates
and/or differentiates myeloid cells. Myeloid cell activity is
assessed using the GAS/SEAP/Neo construct produced in Example 12.
Thus, factors that increase SEAP activity indicate the ability to
activate the Jaks-STATS signal transduction pathway. The myeloid
cell used in this assay is U937, a pre-monocyte cell line, although
TF-1, HL60, or KG1 can be used.
[0966] To transiently transfect U937 cells with the GAS/SEAP/Neo
construct produced in Example 12, a DEAE-Dextran method (Kharbanda
et. al., 1994, Cell Growth & Differentiation, 5:259-265) is
used. First, harvest 2.times.10e.sup.7 U937 cells and wash with
PBS. The U937 cells are usually grown in RPMI 1640 medium
containing 10% heat-inactivated fetal bovine serum (FBS)
supplemented with 100 units/ml penicillin and 100 mg/ml
streptomycin.
[0967] Next, suspend the cells in 1 ml of 20 mM Tris-HCl (pH 7.4)
buffer containing 0.5 mg/ml DEAE-Dextran, 8 ug GAS-SEAP2 plasmid
DNA, 140 mM NaCl, 5 mM KCl, 375 uM Na.sub.2HPO.sub.4.7H.sub.2O, 1
mM MgCl.sub.2, and 675 uM CaCl.sub.2. Incubate at 37 degrees C. for
45 min.
[0968] Wash the cells with RPMI 1640 medium containing 10% FBS and
then resuspend in 10 ml complete medium and incubate at 37 degrees
C. for 36 hr.
[0969] The GAS-SEAP/U937 stable cells are obtained by growing the
cells in 400 ug/ml G418. The G418-free medium is used for routine
growth but every one to two months, the cells should be re-grown in
400 ug/ml G418 for couple of passages.
[0970] These cells are tested by harvesting 1.times.10.sup.8 cells
(this is enough for ten 96-well plates assay) and wash with PBS.
Suspend the cells in 200 ml above described growth medium, with a
final density of 5.times.10.sup.5 cells/ml. Plate 200 ul cells per
well in the 96-well plate (or 1.times.10.sup.5 cells/well).
[0971] Add 50 ul of the supernatant prepared by the protocol
described in Example 11. Incubate at 37 degrees C. for 48 to 72 hr.
As a positive control, 100 Unit/ml interferon gamma can be used
which is known to activate U937 cells. Over 30 fold induction is
typically observed in the positive control wells. SEAP assay the
supernatant according to the protocol described in Example 17.
Example 15
High-Throughput Screening Assay Identifying Neuronal Activity
[0972] When cells undergo differentiation and proliferation, a
group of genes are activated through many different signal
transduction pathways. One of these genes, EGR1 (early growth
response gene 1), is induced in various tissues and cell types upon
activation. The promoter of EGR1 is responsible for such induction.
Using the EGR1 promoter linked to reporter molecules, activation of
cells can be assessed.
[0973] Particularly, the following protocol is used to assess
neuronal activity in PC12 cell lines. PC12 cells (rat
phenochromocytoma cells) are known to proliferate and/or
differentiate by activation with a number of mitogens, such as TPA
(tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate), NGF (nerve growth factor), and EGF
(epidermal growth factor). The EGR1 gene expression is activated
during this treatment. Thus, by stably transfecting PC12 cells with
a construct containing an EGR promoter linked to SEAP reporter,
activation of PC12 cells can be assessed.
[0974] The EGR/SEAP reporter construct can be assembled by the
following protocol. The EGR-1 promoter sequence (-633 to
+1)(Sakamoto K et al., Oncogene 6:867-871 (1991)) can be PCR
amplified from human genomic DNA using the following primers:
33 5' GCGCTCGAGGGATGACAGCGATAGAACCCCGG-3' (SEQ ID NO:6) 5'
GCGAAGCTTCGCGACTCCCCGGATCCGCCTC-3' (SEQ ID NO:7)
[0975] Using the GAS:SEAP/Neo vector produced in Example 12, EGR1
amplified product can then be inserted into this vector. Linearize
the GAS:SEAP/Neo vector using restriction enzymes XhoI/HindIII,
removing the GAS/SV40 stuffer. Restrict the EGR1 amplified product
with these same enzymes. Ligate the vector and the EGR1
promoter.
[0976] To prepare 96 well-plates for cell culture, two mls of a
coating solution (1:30 dilution of collagen type I (Upstate Biotech
Inc. Cat#08-115) in 30% ethanol (filter sterilized)) is added per
one 10 cm plate or 50 ml per well of the 96-well plate, and allowed
to air dry for 2 hr.
[0977] PC12 cells are routinely grown in RPMI-1640 medium (Bio
Whittaker) containing 10% horse serum (JRH BIOSCIENCES, Cat. #
12449-78P), 5% heat-inactivated fetal bovine serum (FBS)
supplemented with 100 units/ml penicillin and 100 ug/ml
streptomycin on a precoated 10 cm tissue culture dish. One to four
split is done every three to four days. Cells are removed from the
plates by scraping and resuspended with pipetting up and down for
more than 15 times.
[0978] Transfect the EGR/SEAP/Neo construct into PC12 using the
Lipofectamine protocol described in Example 11. EGR-SEAP/PC12
stable cells are obtained by growing the cells in 300 ug/ml G418.
The G418-free medium is used for routine growth but every one to
two months, the cells should be re-grown in 300 ug/ml G418 for
couple of passages.
[0979] To assay for neuronal activity, a 10 cm plate with cells
around 70 to 80% confluent is screened by removing the old medium.
Wash the cells once with PBS (Phosphate buffered saline). Then
starve the cells in low serum medium (RPMI-1640 containing 1% horse
serum and 0.5% FBS with antibiotics) overnight.
[0980] The next morning, remove the medium and wash the cells with
PBS. Scrape off the cells from the plate, suspend the cells well in
2 ml low serum medium. Count the cell number and add more low serum
medium to reach final cell density as 5.times.10.sup.5
cells/ml.
[0981] Add 200 ul of the cell suspension to each well of 96-well
plate (equivalent to 1.times.10.sup.5 cells/well). Add 50 ul
supernatant produced by Example 11, 37.degree. C. for 48 to 72 hr.
As a positive control, a growth factor known to activate PC12 cells
through EGR can be used, such as 50 ng/ul of Neuronal Growth Factor
(NGF). Over fifty-fold induction of SEAP is typically seen in the
positive control wells. SEAP assay the supernatant according to
Example 17.
Example 16
High-Throughput Screening Assay for T-cell Activity
[0982] NF-KB (Nuclear Factor KB) is a transcription factor
activated by a wide variety of agents including the inflammatory
cytokines IL-1 and TNF, CD30 and CD40, lymphotoxin-alpha and
lymphotoxin-beta, by exposure to LPS or thrombin, and by expression
of certain viral gene products. As a transcription factor, NF-KB
regulates the expression of genes involved in immune cell
activation, control of apoptosis (NF- KB appears to shield cells
from apoptosis), B and T-cell development, anti-viral and
antimicrobial responses, and multiple stress responses.
[0983] In non-stimulated conditions, NF-KB is retained in the
cytoplasm with I-KB (Inhibitor KB). However, upon stimulation, I-KB
is phosphorylated and degraded, causing NF-KB to shuttle to the
nucleus, thereby activating transcription of target genes. Target
genes activated by NF-KB include IL-2, IL-6, GM-CSF, ICAM-1 and
class 1 MHC.
[0984] Due to its central role and ability to respond to a range of
stimuli, reporter constructs utilizing the NF-KB promoter element
are used to screen the supernatants produced in Example 11.
Activators or inhibitors of NF-KB would be useful in treating
diseases. For example, inhibitors of NF-KB could be used to treat
those diseases related to the acute or chronic activation of NF-KB,
such as rheumatoid arthritis.
[0985] To construct a vector containing the NF-KB promoter element,
a PCR based strategy is employed. The upstream primer contains four
tandem copies of the NF-KB binding site (GGGGACTTTCCC) (SEQ ID
NO:8), 18 bp of sequence complementary to the 5' end of the SV40
early promoter sequence, and is flanked with an XhoI site:
34 5':GCGGCCTCGAGGGGACTTTCCCGGGGACTTTCCGGGGACTTTCC
GGGACTTTCCATCCTGCCATCTCAATTAG:3' (SEQ ID NO:9)
[0986] The downstream primer is complementary to the 3' end of the
SV40 promoter and is flanked with a Hind III site:
35 5':GCGGCAAGCTTTTTGCAAAGCCTAGGC3' (SEQ ID NO:4)
[0987] PCR amplification is performed using the SV40 promoter
template present in the pB-gal:promoter plasmid obtained from
Clontech. The resulting PCR fragment is digested with XhoI and Hind
III and subcloned into BLSK2-. (Stratagene) Sequencing with the T7
and T3 primers confirms the insert contains the following
sequence:
36 5':CTCGAGGGGACTTTCCCGGGGACTTTCCGGGGACTTTCCGGGA
CTTTCCATCTGCCATCTCAATTAGTCAGCAACCATAGTCCCGCCCCTAA
CTCCGCCCATCCCGCCCCTAACTCCGCCCAGTTCCGCCCATTCTCCGCC
CCATGGCTGACTAATTTTTTTTATTTATGCAGAGGCCGAGGCCGCCTCG
GCCTCTGAGCTATTCCAGAAGTAGTGAGGAGGCTTTTTTGGAGGCCTAG
GCTTTTGCAAAAAGCTT:3' (SEQ ID NO:10)
[0988] Next, replace the SV40 minimal promoter element present in
the pSEAP2-promoter plasmid (Clontech) with this NF-KB/SV40
fragment using XhoI and HindIII. However, this vector does not
contain a neomycin resistance gene, and therefore, is not preferred
for mammalian expression systems.
[0989] In order to generate stable mammalian cell lines, the
NF-KB/SV40/SEAP cassette is removed from the above NF-KB/SEAP
vector using restriction enzymes SalI and NotI, and inserted into a
vector containing neomycin resistance. Particularly, the
NF-KB/SV40/SEAP cassette was inserted into pGFP-1 (Clontech),
replacing the GFP gene, after restricting pGFP-1 with SalI and
NotI.
[0990] Once NF-KB/SV40/SEAP/Neo vector is created, stable Jurkat
T-cells are created and maintained according to the protocol
described in Example 13. Similarly, the method for assaying
supernatants with these stable Jurkat T-cells is also described in
Example 13. As a positive control, exogenous TNF alpha (0.1,1, 10
ng) is added to wells H9, H10, and H11, with a 5-10 fold activation
typically observed.
Example 17
Assay for SEAP Activity
[0991] As a reporter molecule for the assays described in Examples
13-16, SEAP activity is assayed using the Tropix Phospho-light Kit
(Cat. BP-400) according to the following general procedure. The
Tropix Phospho-light Kit supplies the Dilution, Assay, and Reaction
Buffers used below.
[0992] Prime a dispenser with the 2.5x Dilution Buffer and dispense
15 ul of 2.5.times. dilution buffer into Optiplates containing 35
ul of a supernatant. Seal the plates with a plastic sealer and
incubate at 65 degree C. for 30 min. Separate the Optiplates to
avoid uneven heating.
[0993] Cool the samples to room temperature for 15 minutes. Empty
the dispenser and prime with the Assay Buffer. Add 50 ml Assay
Buffer and incubate at room temperature 5 min. Empty the dispenser
and prime with the Reaction Buffer (see the table below). Add 50 ul
Reaction Buffer and incubate at room temperature for 20 minutes.
Since the intensity of the chemiluminescent signal is time
dependent, and it takes about 10 minutes to read 5 plates on
luminometer, one should treat 5 plates at each time and start the
second set 10 minutes later.
[0994] Read the relative light unit in the luminometer. Set H12 as
blank, and print the results. An increase in chemiluminescence
indicates reporter activity.
37 Reaction Buffer Formulation: # of plates Rxn buffer diluent (ml)
CSPD (ml) 10 60 3 11 65 3.25 12 70 3.5 13 75 3.75 14 80 4 15 85
4.25 16 90 4.5 17 95 4.75 18 100 5 19 105 5.25 20 110 5.5 21 115
5.75 22 120 6 23 125 6.25 24 130 6.5 25 135 6.75 26 140 7 27 145
7.25 28 150 7.5 29 155 7.75 30 160 8 31 165 8.25 32 170 8.5 33 175
8.75 34 180 9 35 185 9.25 36 190 9.5 37 195 9.75 38 200 10 39 205
10.25 40 210 10.5 41 215 10.75 42 220 11 43 225 11.25 44 230 11.5
45 235 11.75 46 240 12 47 245 12.25 48 250 12.5 49 255 12.75 50 260
13
Example 18
High-Throughput Screening Assay Identifying Changes in Small
Molecule Concentration and Membrane Permeability
[0995] Binding of a ligand to a receptor is known to alter
intracellular levels of small molecules, such as calcium,
potassium, sodium, and pH, as well as alter membrane potential.
These alterations can be measured in an assay to identify
supernatants which bind to receptors of a particular cell. Although
the following protocol describes an assay for calcium, this
protocol can easily be modified to detect changes in potassium,
sodium, pH, membrane potential, or any other small molecule which
is detectable by a fluorescent probe.
[0996] The following assay uses Fluorometric Imaging Plate Reader
("FLIPR") to measure changes in fluorescent molecules (Molecular
Probes) that bind small molecules. Clearly, any fluorescent
molecule detecting a small molecule can be used instead of the
calcium fluorescent molecule, fluo-4 (Molecular Probes, Inc.;
catalog no. F-14202), used here.
[0997] For adherent cells, seed the cells at 10,000 -20,000
cells/well in a Co-star black 96-well plate with clear bottom. The
plate is incubated in a CO.sub.2 incubator for 20 hours. The
adherent cells are washed two times in Biotek washer with 200 ul of
HBSS (Hank's Balanced Salt Solution) leaving 100 ul of buffer after
the final wash.
[0998] A stock solution of 1 mg/ml fluo-4 is made in 10% pluronic
acid DMSO. To load the cells with fluo-4, 50 ul of 12 ug/ml fluo-4
is added to each well. The plate is incubated at 37 degrees C. in a
CO.sub.2 incubator for 60 min. The plate is washed four times in
the Biotek washer with HBSS leaving 100 ul of buffer.
[0999] For non-adherent cells, the cells are spun down from culture
media. Cells are re-suspended to 2-5.times.10.sup.6 cells/ml with
HBSS in a 50-ml conical tube. 4 ul of 1 mg/ml fluo-4 solution in
10% pluronic acid DMSO is added to each ml of cell suspension. The
tube is then placed in a 37 degrees C. water bath for 30-60 min.
The cells are washed twice with HBSS, resuspended to
1.times.10.sup.6 cells/ml, and dispensed into a microplate, 100
ul/well. The plate is centrifuged at 1000 rpm for 5 min. The plate
is then washed once in Denley CellWash with 200 ul, followed by an
aspiration step to 100 ul final volume.
[1000] For a non-cell based assay, each well contains a fluorescent
molecule, such as fluo-4. The supernatant is added to the well, and
a change in fluorescence is detected.
[1001] To measure the fluorescence of intracellular calcium, the
FLIPR is set for the following parameters: (1) System gain is
300-800 mW; (2) Exposure time is 0.4 second; (3) Camera F/stop is
F/2; (4) Excitation is 488 nm; (5) Emission is 530 nm; and (6)
Sample addition is 50 ul. Increased emission at 530 nm indicates an
extracellular signaling event which has resulted in an increase in
the intracellular Ca.sup.++ concentration.
Example 19
High-Throughput Screening Assay Identifying Tyrosine Kinase
Activity
[1002] The Protein Tyrosine Kinases (PTK) represent a diverse group
of transmembrane and cytoplasmic kinases. Within the Receptor
Protein Tyrosine Kinase RPTK) group are receptors for a range of
mitogenic and metabolic growth factors including the PDGF, FGF,
EGF, NGF, HGF and Insulin receptor subfamilies. In addition there
are a large family of RPTKs for which the corresponding ligand is
unknown. Ligands for RPTKs include mainly secreted small proteins,
but also membrane-bound and extracellular matrix proteins.
[1003] Activation of RPTK by ligands involves ligand-mediated
receptor dimerization, resulting in transphosphorylation of the
receptor subunits and activation of the cytoplasmic tyrosine
kinases. The cytoplasmic tyrosine kinases include receptor
associated tyrosine kinases of the src-family (e.g., src, yes, lck,
lyn, fyn) and non-receptor linked and cytosolic protein tyrosine
kinases, such as the Jak family, members of which mediate signal
transduction triggered by the cytokine superfamily of receptors
(e.g., the Interleukins, Interferons, GM-CSF, and Leptin).
[1004] Because of the wide range of known factors capable of
stimulating tyrosine kinase activity, the identification of novel
human secreted proteins capable of activating tyrosine kinase
signal transduction pathways are of interest. Therefore, the
following protocol is designed to identify those novel human
secreted proteins capable of activating the tyrosine kinase signal
transduction pathways.
[1005] Seed target cells (e.g., primary keratinocytes) at a density
of approximately 25,000 cells per well in a 96 well Loprodyne
Silent Screen Plates purchased from Nalge Nunc (Naperville, Ill.).
The plates are sterilized with two 30 minute rinses with 100%
ethanol, rinsed with water and dried overnight. Some plates are
coated for 2 hr with 100 ml of cell culture grade type I collagen
(50 mg/ml), gelatin (2%) or polylysine (50 mg/ml), all of which can
be purchased from Sigma Chemicals (St. Louis, Mo.) or 10% Matrigel
purchased from Becton Dickinson (Bedford, Mass.), or calf serum,
rinsed with PBS and stored at 4 degree C. Cell growth on these
plates is assayed by seeding 5,000 cells/well in growth medium and
indirect quantitation of cell number through use of alamarBlue as
described by the manufacturer Alamar Biosciences, Inc. (Sacramento,
Calif.) after 48 hr. Falcon plate covers #3071 from Becton
Dickinson (Bedford, Mass.) are used to cover the Loprodyne Silent
Screen Plates. Falcon Microtest III cell culture plates can also be
used in some proliferation experiments.
[1006] To prepare extracts, A431 cells are seeded onto the nylon
membranes of Loprodyne plates (20,000/200 ml/well) and cultured
overnight in complete medium. Cells are quiesced by incubation in
serum-free basal medium for 24 hr. After 5-20 minutes treatment
with EGF (60 ng/ml) or 50 ul of the supernatant produced in Example
11, the medium was removed and 100 ml of extraction buffer ((20 mM
HEPES pH 7.5, 0.15 M NaCl, 1% Triton X-100, 0.1% SDS, 2 mM Na3VO4,
2 mM Na4P2O7 and a cocktail of protease inhibitors (# 1836170)
obtained from Boeheringer Mannheim (Indianapolis, Ind.) is added to
each well and the plate is shaken on a rotating shaker for 5
minutes at 4 degrees C. The plate is then placed in a vacuum
transfer manifold and the extract filtered through the 0.45 mm
membrane bottoms of each well using house vacuum. Extracts are
collected in a 96-well catch/assay plate in the bottom of the
vacuum manifold and immediately placed on ice. To obtain extracts
clarified by centrifugation, the content of each well, after
detergent solubilization for 5 minutes, is removed and centrifuged
for 15 minutes at 4 degrees C. at 16,000.times.g.
[1007] Test the filtered extracts for levels of tyrosine kinase
activity. Although many methods of detecting tyrosine kinase
activity are known, one method is described here.
[1008] Generally, the tyrosine kinase activity of a supernatant is
evaluated by determining its ability to phosphorylate a tyrosine
residue on a specific substrate (a biotinylated peptide).
Biotinylated peptides that can be used for this purpose include
PSK1 (corresponding to amino acids 6-20 of the cell division kinase
cdc2-p34) and PSK2 (corresponding to amino acids 1-17 of gastrin).
Both peptides are substrates for a range of tyrosine kinases and
are available from Boehringer Mannheim.
[1009] The tyrosine kinase reaction is set up by adding the
following components in order. First, add 10 ul of 5 uM
Biotinylated Peptide, then 10 ul ATP/Mg.sub.2+(5 mM ATP/50 mM
MgCl.sub.2), then 10 ul of 5.times. Assay Buffer (40 mM imidazole
hydrochloride, pH7.3, 40 mM beta-glycerophosphate, 1 mM EGTA, 100
mM MgCl.sub.2, 5 mM MnCl.sub.2, 0.5 mg/ml BSA), then 5 ul of Sodium
Vanadate(1 mM), and then 5 ul of water. Mix the components gently
and preincubate the reaction mix at 30 degrees C. for 2 min.
Initial the reaction by adding 10 ul of the control enzyme or the
filtered supernatant.
[1010] The tyrosine kinase assay reaction is then terminated by
adding 10 ul of 120 mm EDTA and place the reactions on ice.
[1011] Tyrosine kinase activity is determined by transferring 50 ul
aliquot of reaction mixture to a microtiter plate (MTP) module and
incubating at 37 degrees C. for 20 min. This allows the
streptavadin coated 96 well plate to associate with the
biotinylated peptide. Wash the MTP module with 300ul/well of PBS
four times. Next add 75 ul of anti-phospotyrosine antibody
conjugated to horse radish peroxidase(anti-P-Tyr-POD(0.5 u/ml)) to
each well and incubate at 37 degrees C. for one hour. Wash the well
as above.
[1012] Next add 100 ul of peroxidase substrate solution (Boehringer
Mannheim) and incubate at room temperature for at least 5 mins (up
to 30 min). Measure the absorbance of the sample at 405 nm by using
ELISA reader. The level of bound peroxidase activity is quantitated
using an ELISA reader and reflects the level of tyrosine kinase
activity.
Example 20
High-Throughput Screening Assay Identifying Phosphorylation
Activity
[1013] As a potential alternative and/or compliment to the assay of
protein tyrosine kinase activity described in Example 19, an assay
which detects activation (phosphorylation) of major intracellular
signal transduction intermediates can also be used. For example, as
described below one particular assay can detect tyrosine
phosphorylation of the Erk-1 and Erk-2 kinases. However,
phosphorylation of other molecules, such as Raf, JNK, p38 MAP, Map
kinase kinase (MEK), MEK kinase, Src, Muscle specific kinase
(MuSK), IRAK, Tec, and Janus, as well as any other phosphoserine,
phosphotyrosine, or phosphothreonine molecule, can be detected by
substituting these molecules for Erk-1 or Erk-2 in the following
assay.
[1014] Specifically, assay plates are made by coating the wells of
a 96-well ELISA plate with 0.1 ml of protein G (1 ug/ml) for 2 hr
at room temp, (RT). The plates are then rinsed with PBS and blocked
with 3% BSA/PBS for 1 hr at RT. The protein G plates are then
treated with 2 commercial monoclonal antibodies (100 ng/well)
against Erk-1 and Erk-2 (1 hr at RT) (Santa Cruz Biotechnology).
(To detect other molecules, this step can easily be modified by
substituting a monoclonal antibody detecting any of the above
described molecules.) After 3-5 rinses with PBS, the plates are
stored at 4 degrees C. until use.
[1015] A431 cells are seeded at 20,000/well in a 96-well Loprodyne
filterplate and cultured overnight in growth medium. The cells are
then starved for 48 hr in basal medium (DMEM) and then treated with
EGF (6 ng/well) or 50 ul of the supernatants obtained in Example 11
for 5-20 minutes. The cells are then solubilized and extracts
filtered directly into the assay plate.
[1016] After incubation with the extract for 1 hr at RT, the wells
are again rinsed. As a positive control, a commercial preparation
of MAP kinase (10 ng/well) is used in place of A431 extract. Plates
are then treated with a commercial polyclonal (rabbit) antibody (1
ug/ml) which specifically recognizes the phosphorylated epitope of
the Erk-1 and Erk-2 kinases (1 hr at RT). This antibody is
biotinylated by standard procedures. The bound polyclonal antibody
is then quantitated by successive incubations with
Europium-streptavidin and Europium fluorescence enhancing reagent
in the Wallac DELFIA instrument (time-resolved fluorescence). An
increased fluorescent signal over background indicates a
phosphorylation.
Example 21
Method of Determining Alterations in a Gene Corresponding to a
Polynucleotide
[1017] RNA isolated from entire families or individual patients
presenting with a phenotype of interest (such as a disease) is be
isolated. cDNA is then generated from these RNA samples using
protocols known in the art. (See, Sambrook.) The cDNA is then used
as a template for PCR, employing primers surrounding regions of
interest in SEQ ID NO:X. Suggested PCR conditions consist of 35
cycles at 95 degrees C. for 30 seconds; 60-120 seconds at 52-58
degrees C; and 60-120 seconds at 70 degrees C., using buffer
solutions described in Sidransky et al., Science 252:706
(1991).
[1018] PCR products are then sequenced using primers labeled at
their 5' end with T4 polynucleotide kinase, employing SequiTherm
Polymerase. (Epicentre Technologies). The intron-exon borders of
selected exons is also determined and genomic PCR products analyzed
to confirm the results. PCR products harboring suspected mutations
is then cloned and sequenced to validate the results of the direct
sequencing.
[1019] PCR products is cloned into T-tailed vectors as described in
Holton et al., Nucleic Acids Research, 19:1156 (1991) and sequenced
with T7 polymerase (United States Biochemical). Affected
individuals are identified by mutations not present in unaffected
individuals.
[1020] Genomic rearrangements are also observed as a method of
determining alterations in a gene corresponding to a
polynucleotide. Genomic clones isolated according to Example 2 are
nick-translated with digoxigenindeoxy-uridine 5'-triphosphate
(Boehringer Manheim), and FISH performed as described in Johnson et
al., Methods Cell Biol. 35:73-99 (1991). Hybridization with the
labeled probe is carried out using a vast excess of human cot-1 DNA
for specific hybridization to the corresponding genomic locus.
[1021] Chromosomes are counterstained with
4,6-diamino-2-phenylidole and propidium iodide, producing a
combination of C- and R-bands. Aligned images for precise mapping
are obtained using a triple-band filter set (Chroma Technology,
Brattleboro, Vt.) in combination with a cooled charge-coupled
device camera (Photometrics, Tucson, Ariz.) and variable excitation
wavelength filters. (Johnson et al., Genet. Anal. Tech. Appl., 8:75
(1991).) Image collection, analysis and chromosomal fractional
length measurements are performed using the ISee Graphical Program
System. (Inovision Corporation, Durham, N.C.) Chromosome
alterations of the genomic region hybridized by the probe are
identified as insertions, deletions, and translocations. These
alterations are used as a diagnostic marker for an associated
disease.
Example 22
Method of Detecting Abnormal Levels of a Polypeptide in a
Biological Sample
[1022] A polypeptide of the present invention can be detected in a
biological sample, and if an increased or decreased level of the
polypeptide is detected, this polypeptide is a marker for a
particular phenotype. Methods of detection are numerous, and thus,
it is understood that one skilled in the art can modify the
following assay to fit their particular needs.
[1023] For example, antibody-sandwich ELISAs are used to detect
polypeptides in a sample, preferably a biological sample. Wells of
a microtiter plate are coated with specific antibodies, at a final
concentration of 0.2 to 10 ug/ml. The antibodies are either
monoclonal or polyclonal and are produced by the method described
in Example 10. The wells are blocked so that non-specific binding
of the polypeptide to the well is reduced.
[1024] The coated wells are then incubated for >2 hours at RT
with a sample containing the polypeptide. Preferably, serial
dilutions of the sample should be used to validate results. The
plates are then washed three times with deionized or distilled
water to remove unbounded polypeptide.
[1025] Next, 50 ul of specific antibody-alkaline phosphatase
conjugate, at a concentration of 25-400 ng, is added and incubated
for 2 hours at room temperature. The plates are again washed three
times with deionized or distilled water to remove unbounded
conjugate.
[1026] Add 75 ul of 4-methylumbelliferyl phosphate (MUP) or
p-nitrophenyl phosphate (NPP) substrate solution to each well and
incubate 1 hour at room temperature. Measure the reaction by a
microtiter plate reader. Prepare a standard curve, using serial
dilutions of a control sample, and plot polypeptide concentration
on the X-axis (log scale) and fluorescence or absorbance of the
Y-axis (linear scale). Interpolate the concentration of the
polypeptide in the sample using the standard curve.
Example 23
Formulation
[1027] The invention also provides methods of treatment and/or
prevention diseases, disorders, and/or conditions (such as, for
example, any one or more of the diseases or disorders disclosed
herein) by administration to a subject of an effective amount of a
Therapeutic. By therapeutic is meant a polynucleotides or
polypeptides of the invention (including fragments and variants),
agonists or antagonists thereof, and/or antibodies thereto, in
combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier type (e.g.,
a sterile carrier).
[1028] The Therapeutic will be formulated and dosed in a fashion
consistent with good medical practice, taking into account the
clinical condition of the individual patient (especially the side
effects of treatment with the Therapeutic alone), the site of
delivery, the method of administration, the scheduling of
administration, and other factors known to practitioners. The
"effective amount" for purposes herein is thus determined by such
considerations.
[1029] As a general proposition, the total pharmaceutically
effective amount of the Therapeutic administered parenterally per
dose will be in the range of about 1 ug/kg/day to 10 mg/kg/day of
patient body weight, although, as noted above, this will be subject
to therapeutic discretion. More preferably, this dose is at least
0.01 mg/kg/day, and most preferably for humans between about 0.01
and 1 mg/kg/day for the hormone. If given continuously, the
Therapeutic is typically administered at a dose rate of about 1
ug/kg/hour to about 50 ug/kg/hour, either by 1-4 injections per day
or by continuous subcutaneous infusions, for example, using a
mini-pump. An intravenous bag solution may also be employed. The
length of treatment needed to observe changes and the interval
following treatment for responses to occur appears to vary
depending on the desired effect.
[1030] Therapeutics can be are administered orally, rectally,
parenterally, intracistemally, intravaginally, intraperitoneally,
topically (as by powders, ointments, gels, drops or transdermal
patch), bucally, or as an oral or nasal spray. "Pharmaceutically
acceptable carrier" refers to a non-toxic solid, semisolid or
liquid filler, diluent, encapsulating material or formulation
auxiliary of any. The term "parenteral" as used herein refers to
modes of administration which include intravenous, intramuscular,
intraperitoneal, intrasternal, subcutaneous and intraarticular
injection and infusion.
[1031] Therapeutics of the invention are also suitably administered
by sustained-release systems. Suitable examples of
sustained-release Therapeutics are administered orally, rectally,
parenterally, intracistemally, intravaginally, intraperitoneally,
topically (as by powders, ointments, gels, drops or transdermal
patch), bucally, or as an oral or nasal spray. "Pharmaceutically
acceptable carrier" refers to a non-toxic solid, semisolid or
liquid filler, diluent, encapsulating material or formulation
auxiliary of any type. The term "parenteral" as used herein refers
to modes of administration which include intravenous,
intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intrasternal, subcutaneous and
intraarticular injection and infusion.
[1032] Therapeutics of the invention are also suitably administered
by sustained-release systems. Suitable examples of
sustained-release Therapeutics include suitable polymeric materials
(such as, for example, semi-permeable polymer matrices in the form
of shaped articles, e.g., films, or mirocapsules), suitable
hydrophobic materials (for example as an emulsion in an acceptable
oil) or ion exchange resins, and sparingly soluble derivatives
(such as, for example, a sparingly soluble salt).
[1033] Sustained-release matrices include polylactides (U.S. Pat.
No. 3,773,919, EP 58,481), copolymers of L-glutamic acid and
gamma-ethyl-L-glutamate (Sidman et al., Biopolymers 22:547-556
(1983)), poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (Langer et al., J.
Biomed. Mater. Res. 15:167-277 (1981), and Langer, Chem. Tech.
12:98-105 (1982)), ethylene vinyl acetate (Langer et al., Id.) or
poly-D-(-)-3-hydroxybutyric acid (EP 133,988).
[1034] Sustained-release Therapeutics also include liposomally
entrapped Therapeutics of the invention (see generally, Langer,
Science 249:1527-1533 (1990); Treat et al., in Liposomes in the
Therapy of Infectious Disease and Cancer, Lopez-Berestein and
Fidler (eds.), Liss, N.Y., pp. 317-327 and 353-365 (1989)).
Liposomes containing the Therapeutic are prepared by methods known
per se: DE 3,218,121; Epstein et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (USA)
82:3688-3692 (1985); Hwang et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.(USA)
77:4030-4034 (1980); EP 52,322; EP 36,676; EP 88,046; EP 143,949;
EP 142,641; Japanese Pat. Appl. 83-118008; U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,485,045
and 4,544,545; and EP 102,324. Ordinarily, the liposomes are of the
small (about 200-800 Angstroms) unilamellar type in which the lipid
content is greater than about 30 mol. percent cholesterol, the
selected proportion being adjusted for the optimal Therapeutic.
[1035] In yet an additional embodiment, the Therapeutics of the
invention are delivered by way of a pump (see Langer, supra;
Sefton, CRC Crit. Ref. Biomed. Eng. 14:201 (1987); Buchwald et al.,
Surgery 88:507 (1980); Saudek et al., N. Engl. J. Med. 321:574
(1989)).
[1036] Other controlled release systems are discussed in the review
by Langer (Science 249:1527-1533 (1990)).
[1037] For parenteral administration, in one embodiment, the
Therapeutic is formulated generally by mixing it at the desired
degree of purity, in a unit dosage injectable form (solution,
suspension, or emulsion), with a pharmaceutically acceptable
carrier, i.e., one that is non-toxic to recipients at the dosages
and concentrations employed and is compatible with other
ingredients of the formulation. For example, the formulation
preferably does not include oxidizing agents and other compounds
that are known to be deleterious to the Therapeutic.
[1038] Generally, the formulations are prepared by contacting the
Therapeutic uniformly and intimately with liquid carriers or finely
divided solid carriers or both. Then, if necessary, the product is
shaped into the desired formulation. Preferably the carrier is a
parenteral carrier, more preferably a solution that is isotonic
with the blood of the recipient. Examples of such carrier vehicles
include water, saline, Ringer's solution, and dextrose solution.
Non-aqueous vehicles such as fixed oils and ethyl oleate are also
useful herein, as well as liposomes.
[1039] The carrier suitably contains minor amounts of additives
such as substances that enhance isotonicity and chemical stability.
Such materials are non-toxic to recipients at the dosages and
concentrations employed, and include buffers such as phosphate,
citrate, succinate, acetic acid, and other organic acids or their
salts; antioxidants such as ascorbic acid; low molecular weight
(less than about ten residues) polypeptides, e.g., polyarginine or
tripeptides; proteins, such as serum albumin, gelatin, or
immunoglobulins; hydrophilic polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone;
amino acids, such as glycine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, or
arginine; monosaccharides, disaccharides, and other carbohydrates
including cellulose or its derivatives, glucose, manose, or
dextrins; chelating agents such as EDTA; sugar alcohols such as
mannitol or sorbitol; counterions such as sodium; and/or nonionic
surfactants such as polysorbates, poloxamers, or PEG.
[1040] The Therapeutic is typically formulated in such vehicles at
a concentration of about 0.1 mg/ml to 100 mg/ml, preferably 1-10
mg/ml, at a pH of about 3 to 8. It will be understood that the use
of certain of the foregoing excipients, carriers, or stabilizers
will result in the formation of polypeptide salts.
[1041] Any pharmaceutical used for therapeutic administration can
be sterile. Sterility is readily accomplished by filtration through
sterile filtration membranes (e.g., 0.2 micron membranes).
Therapeutics generally are placed into a container having a sterile
access port, for example, an intravenous solution bag or vial
having a stopper pierceable by a hypodermic injection needle.
[1042] Therapeutics ordinarily will be stored in unit or multi-dose
containers, for example, sealed ampoules or vials, as an aqueous
solution or as a lyophilized formulation for reconstitution. As an
example of a lyophilized formulation, 10-ml vials are filled with 5
ml of sterile-filtered I% (w/v) aqueous Therapeutic solution, and
the resulting mixture is lyophilized. The infusion solution is
prepared by reconstituting the lyophilized Therapeutic using
bacteriostatic Water-for-Injection.
[1043] The invention also provides a pharmaceutical pack or kit
comprising one or more containers filled with one or more of the
ingredients of the Therapeutics of the invention. Associated with
such container(s) can be a notice in the form prescribed by a
governmental agency regulating the manufacture, use or sale of
pharmaceuticals or biological products, which notice reflects
approval by the agency of manufacture, use or sale for human
administration. In addition, the Therapeutics may be employed in
conjunction with other therapeutic compounds.
[1044] The Therapeutics of the invention may be administered alone
or in combination with adjuvants. Adjuvants that may be
administered with the Therapeutics of the invention include, but
are not limited to, alum, alum plus deoxycholate (ImmunoAg), MTP-PE
(Biocine Corp.), QS21 (Genentech, Inc.), BCG, and MPL. In a
specific embodiment, Therapeutics of the invention are administered
in combination with alum. In another specific embodiment,
Therapeutics of the invention are administered in combination with
QS-21. Further adjuvants that may be administered with the
Therapeutics of the invention include, but are not limited to,
Monophosphoryl lipid immunomodulator, AdjuVax 100a, QS-21, QS-18,
CRL1005, Aluminum salts, MF-59, and Virosomal adjuvant technology.
Vaccines that may be administered with the Therapeutics of the
invention include, but are not limited to, vaccines directed toward
protection against MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), polio, varicella,
tetanus/diptheria, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, haemophilus influenzae
B, whooping cough, pneumonia, influenza, Lyme's Disease, rotavirus,
cholera, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, poliomyelitis,
rabies, typhoid fever, and pertussis. Combinations may be
administered either concomitantly, e.g., as an admixture,
separately but simultaneously or concurrently; or sequentially.
This includes presentations in which the combined agents are
administered together as a therapeutic mixture, and also procedures
in which the combined agents are administered separately but
simultaneously, e.g., as through separate intravenous lines into
the same individual. Administration "in combination" further
includes the separate administration of one of the compounds or
agents given first, followed by the second.
[1045] The Therapeutics of the invention may be administered alone
or in combination with other therapeutic agents. Therapeutic agents
that may be administered in combination with the Therapeutics of
the invention, include but not limited to, other members of the TNF
family, chemotherapeutic agents, antibiotics, steroidal and
non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, conventional immunotherapeutic
agents, cytokines and/or growth factors. Combinations may be
administered either concomitantly, e.g., as an admixture,
separately but simultaneously or concurrently; or sequentially.
This includes presentations in which the combined agents are
administered together as a therapeutic mixture, and also procedures
in which the combined agents are administered separately but
simultaneously, e.g., as through separate intravenous lines into
the same individual. Administration "in combination" further
includes the separate administration of one of the compounds or
agents given first, followed by the second.
[1046] In one embodiment, the Therapeutics of the invention are
administered in combination with members of the TNF family. TNF,
TNF-related or TNF-like molecules that may be administered with the
Therapeutics of the invention include, but are not limited to,
soluble forms of TNF-alpha, lymphotoxin-alpha (LT-alpha, also known
as TNF-beta), LT-beta (found in complex heterotrimer
LT-alpha2-beta), OPGL, FasL, CD27L, CD30L, CD40L, 4-1BBL, DcR3,
OX40L, TNF-gamma (International Publication No. WO 96/14328), AIM-I
(International Publication No. WO 97/33899), endokine-alpha
(International Publication No. WO 98/07880), TR6 (International
Publication No. WO 98/30694), OPG, and neutrokine-alpha
(International Publication No. WO 98/18921, OX40, and nerve growth
factor (NGF), and soluble forms of Fas, CD30, CD27, CD40 and 4-IBB,
TR2 (International Publication No. WO 96/34095), DR3 (International
Publication No. WO 97/33904), DR4 (International Publication No. WO
98/32856), TR5 (International Publication No. WO 98/30693), TR6
(International Publication No. WO 98/30694), TR7 (International
Publication No. WO 98/41629), TRANK, TR9 (International Publication
No. WO 98/56892),TR10 (International Publication No. WO 98/54202),
312C2 (International Publication No. WO 98/06842), and TR12, and
soluble forms CD154, CD70, and CD153.
[1047] In certain embodiments, Therapeutics of the invention are
administered in combination with antiretroviral agents, nucleoside
reverse transcriptase inhibitors, non-nucleoside reverse
transcriptase inhibitors, and/or protease inhibitors. Nucleoside
reverse transcriptase inhibitors that may be administered in
combination with the Therapeutics of the invention, include, but
are not limited to, RETROVIR.TM. (zidovudine/AZT), VIDEX.TM.
(didanosine/ddI), HIVID.TM. (zalcitabine/ddC), ZERI.TM.
(stavudine/d4T), EPIVIR.TM. (lamivudine/3TC), and COMBIVIR.TM.
(zidovudine/lamivudine). Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase
inhibitors that may be administered in combination with the
Therapeutics of the invention, include, but are not limited to,
VIRAMUNE.TM. (nevirapine), RESCRIPTOR.TM. (delavirdine), and
SUSTIVA.TM. (efavirenz). Protease inhibitors that may be
administered in combination with the Therapeutics of the invention,
include, but are not limited to, CRIXIVAN.TM. (indinavir),
NORVIR.TM. (ritonavir), INVIRASE.TM. (saquinavir), and VIRACEPT.TM.
(nelfinavir). In a specific embodiment, antiretroviral agents,
nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, non-nucleoside reverse
transcriptase inhibitors, and/or protease inhibitors may be used in
any combination with Therapeutics of the invention to treat AIDS
and/or to prevent or treat HIV infection.
[1048] In other embodiments, Therapeutics of the invention may be
administered in combination with anti-opportunistic infection
agents. Anti-opportunistic agents that may be administered in
combination with the Therapeutics of the invention, include, but
are not limited to, TRIMETHOPRIM-SULFAMETHOXAZOLE.TM., DAPSONE.TM.,
PENTAMIDINE.TM., ATOVAQUONE.TM., ISONIAZID.TM., RIFAMPIN.TM.,
PYRAZINAMIDE.TM., ETHAMBUTOL.TM., RIFABUTIN.TM.,
CLARITHROMYCIN.TM., AZITHROMYCIN.TM., GANCICLOVIR.TM.,
FOSCARNET.TM., CIDOFOVIR.TM., FLUCONAZOLE.TM., ITRACONAZOLE.TM.,
KETOCONAZOLE.TM., ACYCLOVIR.TM., FAMCICOLVIR.TM.,
PYRIMETHAMINE.TM., LEUCOVORIN.TM., NEUPOGEN.TM. (filgrastim/G-CSF),
and LEUKINE.TM. (sargramostim/GM-CSF). In a specific embodiment,
Therapeutics of the invention are used in any combination with
TRIMETHOPRIM-SULFAMETHO- XAZOLE.TM., DAPSONE.TM., PENTAMIDINE.TM.,
and/or ATOVAQUONE.TM. to prophylactically treat or prevent an
opportunistic Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia infection. In another
specific embodiment, Therapeutics of the invention are used in any
combination with ISONIAZID.TM., RIFAMPIN.TM., PYRAZINAMIDE.TM.,
and/or ETHAMBUTOL.TM. to prophylactically treat or prevent an
opportunistic Mycobacterium avium complex infection. In another
specific embodiment, Therapeutics of the invention are used in any
combination with RIFABUTIN.TM., CLARITHROMYCIN.TM., and/or
AZITHROMYCIN.TM. to prophylactically treat or prevent an
opportunistic Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. In another
specific embodiment, Therapeutics of the invention are used in any
combination with GANCICLOVIR.TM., FOSCARNET.TM., and/or
CIDOFOVIR.TM. to prophylactically treat or prevent an opportunistic
cytomegalovirus infection. In another specific embodiment,
Therapeutics of the invention are used in any combination with
FLUCONAZOLE.TM., ITRACONAZOLE.TM., and/or KETOCONAZOLE.TM. to
prophylactically treat or prevent an opportunistic fungal
infection. In another specific embodiment, Therapeutics of the
invention are used in any combination with ACYCLOVIR.TM. and/or
FAMCICOLVIR.TM. to prophylactically treat or prevent an
opportunistic herpes simplex virus type I and/or type II infection.
In another specific embodiment, Therapeutics of the invention are
used in any combination with PYRIMETHAMINE.TM. and/or
LEUCOVORIN.TM. to prophylactically treat or prevent an
opportunistic Toxoplasma gondii infection. In another specific
embodiment, Therapeutics of the invention are used in any
combination with LEUCOVORIN.TM. and/or NEUPOGEN.TM. to
prophylactically treat or prevent an opportunistic bacterial
infection.
[1049] In a further embodiment, the Therapeutics of the invention
are administered in combination with an antiviral agent. Antiviral
agents that may be administered with the Therapeutics of the
invention include, but are not limited to, acyclovir, ribavirin,
amantadine, and remantidine.
[1050] In a further embodiment, the Therapeutics of the invention
are administered in combination with an antibiotic agent.
Antibiotic agents that may be administered with the Therapeutics of
the invention include, but are not limited to, amoxicillin,
beta-lactamases, aminoglycosides, beta-lactam (glycopeptide),
beta-lactamases, Clindamycin, chloramphenicol, cephalosporins,
ciprofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, fluoroquinolones,
macrolides, metronidazole, penicillins, quinolones, rifampin,
streptomycin, sulfonamide, tetracyclines, trimethoprim,
trimethoprim-sulfamthoxazole, and vancomycin.
[1051] Conventional nonspecific immunosuppressive agents, that may
be administered in combination with the Therapeutics of the
invention include, but are not limited to, steroids, cyclosporine,
cyclosporine analogs, cyclophosphamide methylprednisone,
prednisone, azathioprine, FK-506, 15-deoxyspergualin, and other
immunosuppressive agents that act by suppressing the function of
responding T cells.
[1052] In specific embodiments, Therapeutics of the invention are
administered in combination with immunosuppressants.
Immunosuppressants preparations that may be administered with the
Therapeutics of the invention include, but are not limited to,
ORTHOCLONE.TM. (OKT 3), SANDIMMUNE.TM./NEORAL.TM./SANGDYA.TM.
(cyclosporin), PROGRAF.TM. (tacrolimus), CELLCEPT.TM.
(mycophenolate), Azathioprine, glucorticosteroids, and RAPAMUNE.TM.
(sirolimus). In a specific embodiment, immunosuppressants may be
used to prevent rejection of organ or bone marrow
transplantation.
[1053] In an additional embodiment, Therapeutics of the invention
are administered alone or in combination with one or more
intravenous immune globulin preparations. Intravenous immune
globulin preparations that may be administered with the
Therapeutics of the invention include, but not limited to,
GAMMAR.TM., IVEEGAM.TM., SANDOGLOBULIN.TM., GAMMAGARD S/D.TM., and
GAMIMUNE.TM.. In a specific embodiment, Therapeutics of the
invention are administered in combination with intravenous immune
globulin preparations in transplantation therapy (e.g., bone marrow
transplant).
[1054] In an additional embodiment, the Therapeutics of the
invention are administered alone or in combination with an
anti-inflammatory agent. Anti-inflammatory agents that may be
administered with the Therapeutics of the invention include, but
are not limited to, glucocorticoids and the nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatories, aminoarylcarboxylic acid derivatives,
arylacetic acid derivatives, arylbutyric acid derivatives,
arylcarboxylic acids, arylpropionic acid derivatives, pyrazoles,
pyrazolones, salicylic acid derivatives, thiazinecarboxamides,
e-acetamidocaproic acid, S-adenosylmethionine,
3-amino-4-hydroxybutyric acid, amixetrine, bendazac, benzydamine,
bucolome, difenpiramide, ditazol, emorfazone, guaiazulene,
nabumetone, nimesulide, orgotein, oxaceprol, paranyline, perisoxal,
pifoxime, proquazone, proxazole, and tenidap.
[1055] In another embodiment, compostions of the invention are
administered in combination with a chemotherapeutic agent.
Chemotherapeutic agents that may be administered with the
Therapeutics of the invention include, but are not limited to,
antibiotic derivatives (e.g., doxorubicin, bleomycin, daunorubicin,
and dactinomycin); antiestrogens (e.g., tamoxifen); antimetabolites
(e.g., fluorouracil, 5-FU, methotrexate, floxuridine, interferon
alpha-2b, glutamic acid, plicamycin, mercaptopurine, and
6-thioguanine); cytotoxic agents (e.g., carmustine, BCNU,
lomustine, CCNU, cytosine arabinoside, cyclophosphamide,
estramustine, hydroxyurea, procarbazine, mitomycin, busulfan,
cis-platin, and vincristine sulfate); hormones (e.g.,
medroxyprogesterone, estramustine phosphate sodium, ethinyl
estradiol, estradiol, megestrol acetate, methyltestosterone,
diethylstilbestrol diphosphate, chlorotrianisene, and
testolactone); nitrogen mustard derivatives (e.g., mephalen,
chorambucil, mechlorethamine (nitrogen mustard) and thiotepa);
steroids and combinations (e.g., bethamethasone sodium phosphate);
and others (e.g., dicarbazine, asparaginase, mitotane, vincristine
sulfate, vinblastine sulfate, and etoposide).
[1056] In a specific embodiment, Therapeutics of the invention are
administered in combination with CHOP (cyclophosphamide,
doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) or any combination of the
components of CHOP. In another embodiment, Therapeutics of the
invention are administered in combination with Rituximab. In a
further embodiment, Therapeutics of the invention are administered
with Rituxmab and CHOP, or Rituxmab and any combination of the
components of CHOP.
[1057] In an additional embodiment, the Therapeutics of the
invention are administered in combination with cytokines. Cytokines
that may be administered with the Therapeutics of the invention
include, but are not limited to, IL2, IL3, IL4, IL5, IL6, IL7,
IL10, IL12, IL13, IL15, anti-CD40, CD40L, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha.
In another embodiment, Therapeutics of the invention may be
administered with any interleukin, including, but not limited to,
IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8,
IL-9, IL-10, IL-l1, IL-12, IL-13, IL-14, IL-15, IL-16, IL-17,
IL-18, IL-19, IL-20, and IL-21.
[1058] In an additional embodiment, the Therapeutics of the
invention are administered in combination with angiogenic proteins.
Angiogenic proteins that may be administered with the Therapeutics
of the invention include, but are not limited to, Glioma Derived
Growth Factor (GDGF), as disclosed in European Patent Number
EP-399816; Platelet Derived Growth Factor-A (PDGF-A), as disclosed
in European Patent Number EP-682 110; Platelet Derived Growth
Factor-B (PDGF-B), as disclosed in European Patent Number
EP-282317; Placental Growth Factor (PlGF), as disclosed in
International Publication Number WO 92/06194; Placental Growth
Factor-2 (PlGF-2), as disclosed in Hauser et al., Gorwth Factors,
4:259-268 (1993); Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), as
disclosed in International Publication Number WO 90/13649; Vascular
Endothelial Growth Factor-A (VEGF-A), as disclosed in European
Patent Number EP-506477; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-2
(VEGF-2), as disclosed in International Publication Number WO
96/39515; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor B (VEGF-3); Vascular
Endothelial Growth Factor B-186 (VEGF-B186), as disclosed in
International Publication Number WO 96/26736; Vascular Endothelial
Growth Factor-D (VEGF-D), as disclosed in International Publication
Number WO 98/02543; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-D (VEGF-D),
as disclosed in International Publication Number WO 98/07832; and
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-E (VEGF-E), as disclosed in
German Patent Number DE19639601. The above mentioned references are
incorporated herein by reference herein.
[1059] In an additional embodiment, the Therapeutics of the
invention are administered in combination with hematopoietic growth
factors. Hematopoietic growth factors that may be administered with
the Therapeutics of the invention include, but are not limited to,
LEUKINE.TM. (SARGRAMOSTIM.TM.) and NEUPOGEN.TM.
(FILGRASTIM.TM.).
[1060] In an additional embodiment, the Therapeutics of the
invention are administered in combination with Fibroblast Growth
Factors. Fibroblast Growth Factors that may be administered with
the Therapeutics of the invention include, but are not limited to,
FGF-1, FGF-2, FGF-3, FGF-4, FGF-5, FGF-6, FGF-7, FGF-8, FGF-9,
FGF-10, FGF-11, FGF-12, FGF-13, FGF-14, and FGF-15.
[1061] In additional embodiments, the Therapeutics of the invention
are administered in combination with other therapeutic or
prophylactic regimens, such as, for example, radiation therapy.
Example 24
Method of Treating Decreased Levels of the Polypeptide
[1062] The present invention relates to a method for treating an
individual in need of an increased level of a polypeptide of the
invention in the body comprising administering to such an
individual a composition comprising a therapeutically effective
amount of an agonist of the invention (including polypeptides of
the invention). Moreover, it will be appreciated that conditions
caused by a decrease in the standard or normal expression level of
a secreted protein in an individual can be treated by administering
the polypeptide of the present invention, preferably in the
secreted form. Thus, the invention also provides a method of
treatment of an individual in need of an increased level of the
polypeptide comprising administering to such an individual a
Therapeutic comprising an amount of the polypeptide to increase the
activity level of the polypeptide in such an individual.
[1063] For example, a patient with decreased levels of a
polypeptide receives a daily dose 0.1-100 ug/kg of the polypeptide
for six consecutive days. Preferably, the polypeptide is in the
secreted form. The exact details of the dosing scheme, based on
administration and formulation, are provided in Example 23.
Example 25
Method of Treating Increased Levels of the Polypeptide
[1064] The present invention also relates to a method of treating
an individual in need of a decreased level of a polypeptide of the
invention in the body comprising administering to such an
individual a composition comprising a therapeutically effective
amount of an antagonist of the invention (including polypeptides
and antibodies of the invention).
[1065] In one example, antisense technology is used to inhibit
production of a polypeptide of the present invention. This
technology is one example of a method of decreasing levels of a
polypeptide, preferably a secreted form, due to a variety of
etiologies, such as cancer. For example, a patient diagnosed with
abnormally increased levels of a polypeptide is administered
intravenously antisense polynucleotides at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and
3.0 mg/kg day for 21 days. This treatment is repeated after a 7-day
rest period if the treatment was well tolerated. The formulation of
the antisense polynucleotide is provided in Example 23.
Example 26
Method of Treatment Using Gene Therapy-Ex Vivo
[1066] One method of gene therapy transplants fibroblasts, which
are capable of expressing a polypeptide, onto a patient. Generally,
fibroblasts are obtained from a subject by skin biopsy. The
resulting tissue is placed in tissue-culture medium and separated
into small pieces. Small chunks of the tissue are placed on a wet
surface of a tissue culture flask, approximately ten pieces are
placed in each flask. The flask is turned upside down, closed tight
and left at room temperature over night. After 24 hours at room
temperature, the flask is inverted and the chunks of tissue remain
fixed to the bottom of the flask and fresh media (e.g., Ham's F12
media, with 10% FBS, penicillin and streptomycin) is added. The
flasks are then incubated at 37 degree C. for approximately one
week.
[1067] At this time, fresh media is added and subsequently changed
every several days. After an additional two weeks in culture, a
monolayer of fibroblasts emerge. The monolayer is trypsinized and
scaled into larger flasks.
[1068] pMV-7 (Kirschmeier, P. T. et al., DNA, 7:219-25 (1988)),
flanked by the long terminal repeats of the Moloney murine sarcoma
virus, is digested with EcoRI and HindIII and subsequently treated
with calf intestinal phosphatase. The linear vector is fractionated
on agarose gel and purified, using glass beads.
[1069] The cDNA encoding a polypeptide of the present invention can
be amplified using PCR primers which correspond to the 5' and 3'
end sequences respectively as set forth in Example 1 using primers
and having appropriate restriction sites and initiation/stop
codons, if necessary. Preferably, the 5' primer contains an EcoRI
site and the 3' primer includes a HindIII site. Equal quantities of
the Moloney murine sarcoma virus linear backbone and the amplified
EcoRI and HindIII fragment are added together, in the presence of
T4 DNA ligase. The resulting mixture is maintained under conditions
appropriate for ligation of the two fragments. The ligation mixture
is then used to transform bacteria HB101, which are then plated
onto agar containing kanamycin for the purpose of confirming that
the vector has the gene of interest properly inserted.
[1070] The amphotropic pA317 or GP+am12 packaging cells are grown
in tissue culture to confluent density in Dulbecco's Modified
Eagles Medium (DMEM) with 10% calf serum (CS), penicillin and
streptomycin. The MSV vector containing the gene is then added to
the media and the packaging cells transduced with the vector. The
packaging cells now produce infectious viral particles containing
the gene (the packaging cells are now referred to as producer
cells).
[1071] Fresh media is added to the transduced producer cells, and
subsequently, the media is harvested from a 10 cm plate of
confluent producer cells. The spent media, containing the
infectious viral particles, is filtered through a millipore filter
to remove detached producer cells and this media is then used to
infect fibroblast cells. Media is removed from a sub-confluent
plate of fibroblasts and quickly replaced with the media from the
producer cells. This media is removed and replaced with fresh
media. If the titer of virus is high, then virtually all
fibroblasts will be infected and no selection is required. If the
titer is very low, then it is necessary to use a retroviral vector
that has a selectable marker, such as neo or his. Once the
fibroblasts have been efficiently infected, the fibroblasts are
analyzed to determine whether protein is produced.
[1072] The engineered fibroblasts are then transplanted onto the
host, either alone or after having been grown to confluence on
cytodex 3 microcarrier beads.
Example 27
Gene Therapy Using Endogenous Genes Corresponding To
Polynucleotides of the Invention
[1073] Another method of gene therapy according to the present
invention involves operably associating the endogenous
polynucleotide sequence of the invention with a promoter via
homologous recombination as described, for example, in U.S. Pat.
No. 5,641,670, issued Jun. 24, 1997; International Publication NO:
WO 96/29411, published Sep. 26, 1996; International Publication NO:
WO 94/12650, published Aug. 4, 1994; Koller et al., Proc. Natl.
Acad. Sci. USA, 86:8932-8935 (1989); and Zijlstra et al., Nature,
342:435-438 (1989). This method involves the activation of a gene
which is present in the target cells, but which is not expressed in
the cells, or is expressed at a lower level than desired.
[1074] Polynucleotide constructs are made which contain a promoter
and targeting sequences, which are homologous to the 5' non-coding
sequence of endogenous polynucleotide sequence, flanking the
promoter. The targeting sequence will be sufficiently near the 5'
end of the polynucleotide sequence so the promoter will be operably
linked to the endogenous sequence upon homologous recombination.
The promoter and the targeting sequences can be amplified using
PCR. Preferably, the amplified promoter contains distinct
restriction enzyme sites on the 5' and 3' ends. Preferably, the 3'
end of the first targeting sequence contains the same restriction
enzyme site as the 5' end of the amplified promoter and the 5' end
of the second targeting sequence contains the same restriction site
as the 3' end of the amplified promoter.
[1075] The amplified promoter and the amplified targeting sequences
are digested with the appropriate restriction enzymes and
subsequently treated with calf intestinal phosphatase. The digested
promoter and digested targeting sequences are added together in the
presence of T4 DNA ligase. The resulting mixture is maintained
under conditions appropriate for ligation of the two fragments. The
construct is size fractionated on an agarose gel then purified by
phenol extraction and ethanol precipitation.
[1076] In this Example, the polynucleotide constructs are
administered as naked polynucleotides via electroporation. However,
the polynucleotide constructs may also be administered with
transfection-facilitating agents, such as liposomes, viral
sequences, viral particles, precipitating agents, etc. Such methods
of delivery are known in the art.
[1077] Once the cells are transfected, homologous recombination
will take place which results in the promoter being operably linked
to the endogenous polynucleotide sequence. This results in the
expression of polynucleotide corresponding to the polynucleotide in
the cell. Expression may be detected by immunological staining, or
any other method known in the art.
[1078] Fibroblasts are obtained from a subject by skin biopsy. The
resulting tissue is placed in DMEM+10% fetal calf serum.
Exponentially growing or early stationary phase fibroblasts are
trypsinized and rinsed from the plastic surface with nutrient
medium. An aliquot of the cell suspension is removed for counting,
and the remaining cells are subjected to centrifugation. The
supernatant is aspirated and the pellet is resuspended in 5 ml of
electroporation buffer (20 mM HEPES pH 7.3, 137 mM NaCl, 5 mM KCl,
0.7 mM Na.sub.2 HPO.sub.4, 6 mM dextrose). The cells are
recentrifuged, the supernatant aspirated, and the cells resuspended
in electroporation buffer containing 1 mg/ml acetylated bovine
serum albumin. The final cell suspension contains approximately
3.times.10.sup.6 cells/ml. Electroporation should be performed
immediately following resuspension.
[1079] Plasmid DNA is prepared according to standard techniques.
For example, to construct a plasmid for targeting to the locus
corresponding to the polynucleotide of the invention, plasmid pUC18
(MBI Fermentas, Amherst, N.Y.) is digested with HindIII. The CMV
promoter is amplified by PCR with an XbaI site on the 5' end and a
BamHI site on the 3' end. Two non-coding sequences are amplified
via PCR: one non-coding sequence (fragment 1) is amplified with a
HindIII site at the 5' end and an Xba site at the 3'end; the other
non-coding sequence (fragment 2) is amplified with a BamHI site at
the 5'end and a HindIII site at the 3'end. The CMV promoter and the
fragments (1 and 2) are digested with the appropriate enzymes (CMV
promoter--XbaI and BamHI; fragment 1--XbaI; fragment 2--BamHI) and
ligated together. The resulting ligation product is digested with
HindIII, and ligated with the HindIII-digested pUC 18 plasmid.
[1080] Plasmid DNA is added to a sterile cuvette with a 0.4 cm
electrode gap (Bio-Rad). The final DNA concentration is generally
at least 120 .mu.g/ml. 0.5 ml of the cell suspension (containing
approximately 1.5.times.10.sup.6 cells) is then added to the
cuvette, and the cell suspension and DNA solutions are gently
mixed. Electroporation is performed with a Gene-Pulser apparatus
(Bio-Rad). Capacitance and voltage are set at 960 .mu.F and 250-300
V, respectively. As voltage increases, cell survival decreases, but
the percentage of surviving cells that stably incorporate the
introduced DNA into their genome increases dramatically. Given
these parameters, a pulse time of approximately 14-20 mSec should
be observed.
[1081] Electroporated cells are maintained at room temperature for
approximately 5 min, and the contents of the cuvette are then
gently removed with a sterile transfer pipette. The cells are added
directly to 10 ml of prewarmed nutrient media (DMEM with 15% calf
serum) in a 10 cm dish and incubated at 37 degree C. The following
day, the media is aspirated and replaced with 10 ml of fresh media
and incubated for a further 16-24 hours.
[1082] The engineered fibroblasts are then injected into the host,
either alone or after having been grown to confluence on cytodex 3
microcarrier beads. The fibroblasts now produce the protein
product. The fibroblasts can then be introduced into a patient as
described above.
Example 28
Method of Treatment Using Gene Therapy--In Vivo
[1083] Another aspect of the present invention is using in vivo
gene therapy methods to treat disorders, diseases and conditions.
The gene therapy method relates to the introduction of naked
nucleic acid (DNA, RNA, and antisense DNA or RNA) sequences into an
animal to increase or decrease the expression of the polypeptide.
The polynucleotide of the present invention may be operatively
linked to a promoter or any other genetic elements necessary for
the expression of the polypeptide by the target tissue. Such gene
therapy and delivery techniques and methods are known in the art,
see, for example, WO90/11092, WO98/11779; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,693,622,
5,705,151, 5,580,859; Tabata et al., Cardiovasc. Res. 35(3):470-479
(1997); Chao et al., Pharmacol. Res. 35(6):517-522 (1997); Wolff,
Neuromuscul. Disord. 7(5):314-318 (1997); Schwartz et al., Gene
Ther. 3(5):405-411 (1996); Tsurumi et al., Circulation
94(12):3281-3290 (1996) (incorporated herein by reference).
[1084] The polynucleotide constructs may be delivered by any method
that delivers injectable materials to the cells of an animal, such
as, injection into the interstitial space of tissues (heart,
muscle, skin, lung, liver, intestine and the like). The
polynucleotide constructs can be delivered in a pharmaceutically
acceptable liquid or aqueous carrier.
[1085] The term "naked" polynucleotide, DNA or RNA, refers to
sequences that are free from any delivery vehicle that acts to
assist, promote, or facilitate entry into the cell, including viral
sequences, viral particles, liposome formulations, lipofectin or
precipitating agents and the like. However, the polynucleotides of
the present invention may also be delivered in liposome
formulations (such as those taught in Felgner P. L. et al. (1995)
Ann. NY Acad. Sci. 772:126-139 and Abdallah B. et al. (1995) Biol.
Cell 85(1):1-7) which can be prepared by methods well known to
those skilled in the art.
[1086] The polynucleotide vector constructs used in the gene
therapy method are preferably constructs that will not integrate
into the host genome nor will they contain sequences that allow for
replication. Any strong promoter known to those skilled in the art
can be used for driving the expression of DNA. Unlike other gene
therapies techniques, one major advantage of introducing naked
nucleic acid sequences into target cells is the transitory nature
of the polynucleotide synthesis in the cells. Studies have shown
that non-replicating DNA sequences can be introduced into cells to
provide production of the desired polypeptide for periods of up to
six months.
[1087] The polynucleotide construct can be delivered to the
interstitial space of tissues within the an animal, including of
muscle, skin, brain, lung, liver, spleen, bone marrow, thymus,
heart, lymph, blood, bone, cartilage, pancreas, kidney, gall
bladder, stomach, intestine, testis, ovary, uterus, rectum, nervous
system, eye, gland, and connective tissue. Interstitial space of
the tissues comprises the intercellular fluid, mucopolysaccharide
matrix among the reticular fibers of organ tissues, elastic fibers
in the walls of vessels or chambers, collagen fibers of fibrous
tissues, or that same matrix within connective tissue ensheathing
muscle cells or in the lacunae of bone. It is similarly the space
occupied by the plasma of the circulation and the lymph fluid of
the lymphatic channels. Delivery to the interstitial space of
muscle tissue is preferred for the reasons discussed below. They
may be conveniently delivered by injection into the tissues
comprising these cells. They are preferably delivered to and
expressed in persistent, non-dividing cells which are
differentiated, although delivery and expression may be achieved in
non-differentiated or less completely differentiated cells, such
as, for example, stem cells of blood or skin fibroblasts. In vivo
muscle cells are particularly competent in their ability to take up
and express polynucleotides.
[1088] For the naked polynucleotide injection, an effective dosage
amount of DNA or RNA will be in the range of from about 0.05 g/kg
body weight to about 50 mg/kg body weight. Preferably the dosage
will be from about 0.005 mg/kg to about 20 mg/kg and more
preferably from about 0.05 mg/kg to about 5 mg/kg. Of course, as
the artisan of ordinary skill will appreciate, this dosage will
vary according to the tissue site of injection. The appropriate and
effective dosage of nucleic acid sequence can readily be determined
by those of ordinary skill in the art and may depend on the
condition being treated and the route of administration. The
preferred route of administration is by the parenteral route of
injection into the interstitial space of tissues. However, other
parenteral routes may also be used, such as, inhalation of an
aerosol formulation particularly for delivery to lungs or bronchial
tissues, throat or mucous membranes of the nose. In addition, naked
polynucleotide constructs can be delivered to arteries during
angioplasty by the catheter used in the procedure.
[1089] The dose response effects of injected polynucleotide in
muscle in vivo is determined as follows. Suitable template DNA for
production of mRNA coding for polypeptide of the present invention
is prepared in accordance with a standard recombinant DNA
methodology. The template DNA, which may be either circular or
linear, is either used as naked DNA or complexed with liposomes.
The quadriceps muscles of mice are then injected with various
amounts of the template DNA.
[1090] Five to six week old female and male Balb/C mice are
anesthetized by intraperitoneal injection with 0.3 ml of 2.5%
Avertin. A 1.5 cm incision is made on the anterior thigh, and the
quadriceps muscle is directly visualized. The template DNA is
injected in 0.1 ml of carrier in a 1 cc syringe through a 27 gauge
needle over one minute, approximately 0.5 cm from the distal
insertion site of the muscle into the knee and about 0.2 cm deep. A
suture is placed over the injection site for future localization,
and the skin is closed with stainless steel clips.
[1091] After an appropriate incubation time (e.g., 7 days) muscle
extracts are prepared by excising the entire quadriceps. Every
fifth 15 um cross-section of the individual quadriceps muscles is
histochemically stained for protein expression. A time course for
protein expression may be done in a similar fashion except that
quadriceps from different mice are harvested at different times.
Persistence of DNA in muscle following injection may be determined
by Southern blot analysis after preparing total cellular DNA and
HIRT supernatants from injected and control mice. The results of
the above experimentation in mice can be use to extrapolate proper
dosages and other treatment parameters in humans and other animals
using naked DNA.
Example 29
Transgenic Animals
[1092] The polypeptides of the invention can also be expressed in
transgenic animals. Animals of any species, including, but not
limited to, mice, rats, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, pigs,
micro-pigs, goats, sheep, cows and non-human primates, e.g.,
baboons, monkeys, and chimpanzees may be used to generate
transgenic animals. In a specific embodiment, techniques described
herein or otherwise known in the art, are used to express
polypeptides of the invention in humans, as part of a gene therapy
protocol.
[1093] Any technique known in the art may be used to introduce the
transgene (i.e., polynucleotides of the invention) into animals to
produce the founder lines of transgenic animals. Such techniques
include, but are not limited to, pronuclear microinjection
(Paterson et al., Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 40:691-698 (1994);
Carver et al., Biotechnology (NY) 11:1263-1270 (1993); Wright et
al., Biotechnology (NY) 9:830-834 (1991); and Hoppe et al., U.S.
Pat. No. 4,873,191 (1989)); retrovirus mediated gene transfer into
germ lines (Van der Putten et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., USA
82:6148-6152 (1985)), blastocysts or embryos; gene targeting in
embryonic stem cells (Thompson et al., Cell 56:313-321 (1989));
electroporation of cells or embryos (Lo, 1983, Mol Cell. Biol.
3:1803-1814 (1983)); introduction of the polynucleotides of the
invention using a gene gun (see, e.g., Ulmer et al., Science
259:1745 (1993); introducing nucleic acid constructs into embryonic
pleuripotent stem cells and transferring the stem cells back into
the blastocyst; and sperm-mediated gene transfer (Lavitrano et al.,
Cell 57:717-723 (1989); etc. For a review of such techniques, see
Gordon, "Transgenic Animals," Intl. Rev. Cytol. 115:171-229 (1989),
which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
[1094] Any technique known in the art may be used to produce
transgenic clones containing polynucleotides of the invention, for
example, nuclear transfer into enucleated oocytes of nuclei from
cultured embryonic, fetal, or adult cells induced to quiescence
(Campell et al., Nature 380:64-66 (1996); Wilmut et al., Nature
385:810-813 (1997)).
[1095] The present invention provides for transgenic animals that
carry the transgene in all their cells, as well as animals which
carry the transgene in some, but not all their cells, i.e., mosaic
animals or chimeric. The transgene may be integrated as a single
transgene or as multiple copies such as in concatamers, e.g.,
head-to-head tandems or head-to-tail tandems. The transgene may
also be selectively introduced into and activated in a particular
cell type by following, for example, the teaching of Lasko et al.
(Lasko et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:6232-6236 (1992)). The
regulatory sequences required for such a cell-type specific
activation will depend upon the particular cell type of interest,
and will be apparent to those of skill in the art. When it is
desired that the polynucleotide transgene be integrated into the
chromosomal site of the endogenous gene, gene targeting is
preferred. Briefly, when such a technique is to be utilized,
vectors containing some nucleotide sequences homologous to the
endogenous gene are designed for the purpose of integrating, via
homologous recombination with chromosomal sequences, into and
disrupting the function of the nucleotide sequence of the
endogenous gene. The transgene may also be selectively introduced
into a particular cell type, thus inactivating the endogenous gene
in only that cell type, by following, for example, the teaching of
Gu et al. (Gu et al., Science 265:103-106 (1994)). The regulatory
sequences required for such a cell-type specific inactivation will
depend upon the particular cell type of interest, and will be
apparent to those of skill in the art.
[1096] Once transgenic animals have been generated, the expression
of the recombinant gene may be assayed utilizing standard
techniques. Initial screening may be accomplished by Southern blot
analysis or PCR techniques to analyze animal tissues to verify that
integration of the transgene has taken place. The level of mRNA
expression of the transgene in the tissues of the transgenic
animals may also be assessed using techniques which include, but
are not limited to, Northern blot analysis of tissue samples
obtained from the animal, in situ hybridization analysis, and
reverse transcriptase-PCR (rt-PCR). Samples of transgenic
gene-expressing tissue may also be evaluated immunocytochemically
or immunohistochemically using antibodies specific for the
transgene product.
[1097] Once the founder animals are produced, they may be bred,
inbred, outbred, or crossbred to produce colonies of the particular
animal. Examples of such breeding strategies include, but are not
limited to: outbreeding of founder animals with more than one
integration site in order to establish separate lines; inbreeding
of separate lines in order to produce compound transgenics that
express the transgene at higher levels because of the effects of
additive expression of each transgene; crossing of heterozygous
transgenic animals to produce animals homozygous for a given
integration site in order to both augment expression and eliminate
the need for screening of animals by DNA analysis; crossing of
separate homozygous lines to produce compound heterozygous or
homozygous lines; and breeding to place the transgene on a distinct
background that is appropriate for an experimental model of
interest.
[1098] Transgenic animals of the invention have uses which include,
but are not limited to, animal model systems useful in elaborating
the biological function of polypeptides of the present invention,
studying diseases, disorders, and/or conditions associated with
aberrant expression, and in screening for compounds effective in
ameliorating such diseases, disorders, and/or conditions.
Example 30
Knock-Out Animals
[1099] Endogenous gene expression can also be reduced by
inactivating or "knocking out" the gene and/or its promoter using
targeted homologous recombination. (E.g., see Smithies et al.,
Nature 317:230-234 (1985); Thomas & Capecchi, Cell 51:503-512
(1987); Thompson et al., Cell 5:313-321 (1989); each of which is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety). For example, a
mutant, non-functional polynucleotide of the invention (or a
completely unrelated DNA sequence) flanked by DNA homologous to the
endogenous polynucleotide sequence (either the coding regions or
regulatory regions of the gene) can be used, with or without a
selectable marker and/or a negative selectable marker, to transfect
cells that express polypeptides of the invention in vivo. In
another embodiment, techniques known in the art are used to
generate knockouts in cells that contain, but do not express the
gene of interest. Insertion of the DNA construct, via targeted
homologous recombination, results in inactivation of the targeted
gene. Such approaches are particularly suited in research and
agricultural fields where modifications to embryonic stem cells can
be used to generate animal offspring with an inactive targeted gene
(e.g., see Thomas & Capecchi 1987 and Thompson 1989, supra).
However this approach can be routinely adapted for use in humans
provided the recombinant DNA constructs are directly administered
or targeted to the required site in vivo using appropriate viral
vectors that will be apparent to those of skill in the art.
[1100] In further embodiments of the invention, cells that are
genetically engineered to express the polypeptides of the
invention, or alternatively, that are genetically engineered not to
express the polypeptides of the invention (e.g., knockouts) are
administered to a patient in vivo. Such cells may be obtained from
the patient (i.e., animal, including human) or an MHC compatible
donor and can include, but are not limited to fibroblasts, bone
marrow cells, blood cells (e.g., lymphocytes), adipocytes, muscle
cells, endothelial cells etc. The cells are genetically engineered
in vitro using recombinant DNA techniques to introduce the coding
sequence of polypeptides of the invention into the cells, or
alternatively, to disrupt the coding sequence and/or endogenous
regulatory sequence associated with the polypeptides of the
invention, e.g., by transduction (using viral vectors, and
preferably vectors that integrate the transgene into the cell
genome) or transfection procedures, including, but not limited to,
the use of plasmids, cosmids, YACs, naked DNA, electroporation,
liposomes, etc. The coding sequence of the polypeptides of the
invention can be placed under the control of a strong constitutive
or inducible promoter or promoter/enhancer to achieve expression,
and preferably secretion, of the polypeptides of the invention. The
engineered cells which express and preferably secrete the
polypeptides of the invention can be introduced into the patient
systemically, e.g., in the circulation, or intraperitoneally.
[1101] Alternatively, the cells can be incorporated into a matrix
and implanted in the body, e.g., genetically engineered fibroblasts
can be implanted as part of a skin graft; genetically engineered
endothelial cells can be implanted as part of a lymphatic or
vascular graft. (See, for example, Anderson et al. U.S. Pat. No.
5,399,349; and Mulligan & Wilson, U.S. Pat. No. 5,460,959 each
of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety).
[1102] When the cells to be administered are non-autologous or
non-MHC compatible cells, they can be administered using well known
techniques which prevent the development of a host immune response
against the introduced cells. For example, the cells may be
introduced in an encapsulated form which, while allowing for an
exchange of components with the immediate extracellular
environment, does not allow the introduced cells to be recognized
by the host immune system.
[1103] Transgenic and "knock-out" animals of the invention have
uses which include, but are not limited to, animal model systems
useful in elaborating the biological function of polypeptides of
the present invention, studying diseases, disorders, and/or
conditions associated with aberrant expression, and in screening
for compounds effective in ameliorating such diseases, disorders,
and/or conditions.
Example 31
Production of an Antibody
[1104] a) Hybridoma Technology
[1105] The antibodies of the present invention can be prepared by a
variety of methods. (See, Current Protocols, Chapter 2.) As one
example of such methods, cells expressing XXX are administered to
an animal to induce the production of sera containing polyclonal
antibodies. In a preferred method, a preparation of XXX protein is
prepared and purified to render it substantially free of natural
contaminants. Such a preparation is then introduced into an animal
in order to produce polyclonal antisera of greater specific
activity.
[1106] Monoclonal antibodies specific for protein XXX are prepared
using hybridoma technology. (Kohler et al., Nature 256:495 (1975);
Kohler et al., Eur. J. Immunol. 6:511 (1976); Kohler et al., Eur.
J. Immunol. 6:292 (1976); Hammerling et al., in: Monoclonal
Antibodies and T-Cell Hybridomas, Elsevier, N.Y., pp. 563-681
(1981)). In general, an animal (preferably a mouse) is immunized
with XXX polypeptide or, more preferably, with a secreted XXX
polypeptide-expressing cell. Such polypeptide-expressing cells are
cultured in any suitable tissue culture medium, preferably in
Earle's modified Eagle's medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine
serum (inactivated at about 56.degree. C.), and supplemented with
about 10 g/l of nonessential amino acids, about 1,000 U/ml of
penicillin, and about 100 .mu.g/ml of streptomycin.
[1107] The splenocytes of such mice are extracted and fused with a
suitable myeloma cell line. Any suitable myeloma cell line may be
employed in accordance with the present invention; however, it is
preferable to employ the parent myeloma cell line (SP2O), available
from the ATCC. After fusion, the resulting hybridoma cells are
selectively maintained in HAT medium, and then cloned by limiting
dilution as described by Wands et al. (Gastroenterology 80:225-232
(1981)). The hybridoma cells obtained through such a selection are
then assayed to identify clones which secrete antibodies capable of
binding the XXX polypeptide.
[1108] Alternatively, additional antibodies capable of binding to
XXX polypeptide can be produced in a two-step procedure using
anti-idiotypic antibodies. Such a method makes use of the fact that
antibodies are themselves antigens, and therefore, it is possible
to obtain an antibody which binds to a second antibody. In
accordance with this method, protein specific antibodies are used
to immunize an animal, preferably a mouse. The splenocytes of such
an animal are then used to produce hybridoma cells, and the
hybridoma cells are screened to identify clones which produce an
antibody whose ability to bind to the XXX protein-specific antibody
can be blocked by XXX. Such antibodies comprise anti-idiotypic
antibodies to the XXX protein-specific antibody and are used to
immunize an animal to induce formation of further XXX
protein-specific antibodies.
[1109] For in vivo use of antibodies in humans, an antibody is
"humanized". Such antibodies can be produced using genetic
constructs derived from hybridoma cells producing the monoclonal
antibodies described above. Methods for producing chimeric and
humanized antibodies are known in the art and are discussed herein.
(See, for review, Morrison, Science 229:1202 (1985); Oi et al.,
BioTechniques 4:214 (1986); Cabilly et al., U.S. Pat. No.
4,816,567; Taniguchi et al., EP 171496; Morrison et al., EP 173494;
Neuberger et al., WO 8601533; Robinson et al., WO 8702671;
Boulianne et al., Nature 312:643 (1984); Neuberger et al., Nature
314:268 (1985).)
[1110] b) Isolation Of Antibody Fragments Directed
[1111] Against XXX From A Library Of scFvs
[1112] Naturally occurring V-genes isolated from human PBLs are
constructed into a library of antibody fragments which contain
reactivities against XXX to which the donor may or may not have
been exposed (see e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,885,793 incorporated herein
by reference in its entirety).
[1113] Rescue of the Library. A library of scFvs is constructed
from the RNA of human PBLs as described in PCT publication WO
92101047. To rescue phage displaying antibody fragments,
approximately 109 E. coli harboring the phagemid are used to
inoculate 50 ml of 2.times.TY containing 1% glucose and 100
.mu.l/ml of ampicillin (2.times.TY-AMP-GLU) and grown to an O.D. of
0.8 with shaking. Five ml of this culture is used to innoculate 50
ml of 2.times.TY-AMP-GLU, 2.times.108 TU of delta gene 3 helper
(M13 delta gene III, see PCT publication WO 92/01047) are added and
the culture incubated at 37.degree. C. for 45 minutes without
shaking and then at 37.degree. C. for 45 minutes with shaking. The
culture is centrifuged at 4000 r.p.m. for 10 min. and the pellet
resuspended in 2 liters of 2.times.TY containing 100 .mu.g/ml
ampicillin and 50 ug/ml kanamycin and grown overnight. Phage are
prepared as described in PCT publication WO 92/01047.
[1114] M13 delta gene III is prepared as follows: M13 delta gene
III helper phage does not encode gene III protein, hence the
phage(mid) displaying antibody fragments have a greater avidity of
binding to antigen. Infectious M13 delta gene III particles are
made by growing the helper phage in cells harboring a pUC19
derivative supplying the wild type gene III protein during phage
morphogenesis. The culture is incubated for 1 hour at 37.degree. C.
without shaking and then for a further hour at 37.degree. C. with
shaking. Cells are spun down (IEC-Centra 8,400 r.p.m. for 10 min),
resuspended in 300 ml 2.times.TY broth containing 100 .mu.g
ampicillin/ml and 25 .mu.g kanamycin/ml (2.times.TY-AMP-KAN) and
grown overnight, shaking at 37.degree. C. Phage particles are
purified and concentrated from the culture medium by two
PEG-precipitations (Sambrook et al., 1990), resuspended in 2 ml PBS
and passed through a 0.45 .mu.m filter (Minisart NML; Sartorius) to
give a final concentration of approximately 1013 transducing
units/ml (ampicillin-resistant clones).
[1115] Panning of the Library. Immunotubes (Nunc) are coated
overnight in PBS with 4 ml of either 100 .mu.g/ml or 10 .mu.g/ml of
a polypeptide of the present invention. Tubes are blocked with 2%
Marvel-PBS for 2 hours at 37.degree. C. and then washed 3 times in
PBS. Approximately 1013 TU of phage is applied to the tube and
incubated for 30 minutes at room temperature tumbling on an over
and under turntable and then left to stand for another 1.5 hours.
Tubes are washed 10 times with PBS 0.1% Tween-20 and 10 times with
PBS. Phage are eluted by adding 1 ml of 100 mM trimethylamine and
rotating 15 minutes on an under and over turntable after which the
solution is immediately neutralized with 0.5 ml of 1.OM Tris-HCl,
pH 7.4. Phage are then used to infect 10 ml of mid-log E. coli TG1
by incubating eluted phage with bacteria for 30 minutes at
37.degree. C. The E. coli are then plated on TYE plates containing
1% glucose and 100 .mu.g/ml ampicillin. The resulting bacterial
library is then rescued with delta gene 3 helper phage as described
above to prepare phage for a subsequent round of selection. This
process is then repeated for a total of 4 rounds of affinity
purification with tube-washing increased to 20 times with PBS, 0.1%
Tween-20 and 20 times with PBS for rounds 3 and 4.
[1116] Characterization of Binders. Eluted phage from the 3rd and
4th rounds of selection are used to infect E. coli HB 2151 and
soluble scFv is produced (Marks, et al., 1991) from single colonies
for assay. ELISAs are performed with microtitre plates coated with
either 10 pg/ml of the polypeptide of the present invention in 50
mM bicarbonate pH 9.6. Clones positive in ELISA are further
characterized by PCR fingerprinting (see, e.g., PCT publication WO
92/01047) and then by sequencing. These ELISA positive clones may
also be further characterized by techniques known in the art, such
as, for example, epitope mapping, binding affinity, receptor signal
transduction, ability to block or competitively inhibit
antibody/antigen binding, and competitive agonistic or antagonistic
activity.
Example 32
Assays Detecting Stimulation or Inhibition of B cell Proliferation
and Differentiation
[1117] Generation of functional humoral immune responses requires
both soluble and cognate signaling between B-lineage cells and
their microenvironment. Signals may impart a positive stimulus that
allows a B-lineage cell to continue its programmed development, or
a negative stimulus that instructs the cell to arrest its current
developmental pathway. To date, numerous stimulatory and inhibitory
signals have been found to influence B cell responsiveness
including IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL10, IL-13, IL-14 and
IL-15. Interestingly, these signals are by themselves weak
effectors but can, in combination with various co-stimulatory
proteins, induce activation, proliferation, differentiation,
homing, tolerance and death among B cell populations.
[1118] One of the best studied classes of B-cell co-stimulatory
proteins is the TNF-superfamily. Within this family CD40, CD27, and
CD30 along with their respective ligands CD154, CD70, and CD153
have been found to regulate a variety of immune responses. Assays
which allow for the detection and/or observation of the
proliferation and differentiation of these B-cell populations and
their precursors are valuable tools in determining the effects
various proteins may have on these B-cell populations in terms of
proliferation and differentiation. Listed below are two assays
designed to allow for the detection of the differentiation,
proliferation, or inhibition of B-cell populations and their
precursors.
[1119] In Vitro Assay--Purified polypeptides of the invention, or
truncated forms thereof, is assessed for its ability to induce
activation, proliferation, differentiation or inhibition and/or
death in B-cell populations and their precursors. The activity of
the polypeptides of the invention on purified human tonsillar B
cells, measured qualitatively over the dose range from 0.1 to
10,000 ng/mL, is assessed in a standard B-lymphocyte co-stimulation
assay in which purified tonsillar B cells are cultured in the
presence of either formalin-fixed Staphylococcus aureus Cowan I
(SAC) or immobilized anti-human IgM antibody as the priming agent.
Second signals such as IL-2 and IL-15 synergize with SAC and IgM
crosslinking to elicit B cell proliferation as measured by
tritiated-thymidine incorporation. Novel synergizing agents can be
readily identified using this assay. The assay involves isolating
human tonsillar B cells by magnetic bead (MACS) depletion of
CD3-positive cells. The resulting cell population is greater than
95% B cells as assessed by expression of CD45R(B220).
[1120] Various dilutions of each sample are placed into individual
wells of a 96-well plate to which are added 10.sup.5 B-cells
suspended in culture medium (RPMI 1640 containing 10% FBS,
5.times.10.sup.-5M 2ME, 100 U/ml penicillin, 10 ug/ml streptomycin,
and 10.sup.-5 dilution of SAC) in a total volume of 150 ul.
Proliferation or inhibition is quantitated by a 20 h pulse (1
uCi/well) with 3H-thymidine (6.7 Ci/mM) beginning 72 h post factor
addition. The positive and negative controls are IL2 and medium
respectively.
[1121] In Vivo Assay--BALB/c mice are injected (i.p.) twice per day
with buffer only, or 2 mg/Kg of a polypeptide of the invention, or
truncated forms thereof. Mice receive this treatment for 4
consecutive days, at which time they are sacrificed and various
tissues and serum collected for analyses. Comparison of H&E
sections from normal spleens and spleens treated with polypeptides
of the invention identify the results of the activity of the
polypeptides on spleen cells, such as the diffusion of
peri-arterial lymphatic sheaths, and/or significant increases in
the nucleated cellularity of the red pulp regions, which may
indicate the activation of the differentiation and proliferation of
B-cell populations. Immunohistochemical studies using a B cell
marker, anti-CD45R(B220), are used to determine whether any
physiological changes to splenic cells, such as splenic
disorganization, are due to increased B-cell representation within
loosely defined B-cell zones that infiltrate established T-cell
regions.
[1122] Flow cytometric analyses of the spleens from mice treated
with polypeptide is used to indicate whether the polypeptide
specifically increases the proportion of ThB+, CD45R(B220)dull B
cells over that which is observed in control mice.
[1123] Likewise, a predicted consequence of increased mature B-cell
representation in vivo is a relative increase in serum Ig titers.
Accordingly, serum IgM and IgA levels are compared between buffer
and polypeptide-treated mice.
[1124] The studies described in this example tested activity of a
polypeptide of the invention. However, one skilled in the art could
easily modify the exemplified studies to test the activity of
polynucleotides of the invention (e.g., gene therapy), agonists,
and/or antagonists of polynucleotides or polypeptides of the
invention.
Example 33
T Cell Proliferation Assay
[1125] A CD3-induced proliferation assay is performed on PBMCs and
is measured by the uptake of .sup.3H-thymidine. The assay is
performed as follows. Ninety-six well plates are coated with 100
.mu.l/well of mAb to CD3 (HIT3a, Pharmingen) or isotype-matched
control mAb (B33.1) overnight at 4 degrees C. (1 .mu.g/ml in 0.05M
bicarbonate buffer, pH 9.5), then washed three times with PBS. PBMC
are isolated by F/H gradient centrifugation from human peripheral
blood and added to quadruplicate wells (5.times.10.sup.4/well) of
mAb coated plates in RPMI containing 10% FCS and P/S in the
presence of varying concentrations of polypeptides of the invention
(total volume 200 ul). Relevant protein buffer and medium alone are
controls. After 48 hr. culture at 37 degrees C., plates are spun
for 2 min. at 1000 rpm and 100 .mu.l of supernatant is removed and
stored -20 degrees C. for measurement of IL-2 (or other cytokines)
if effect on proliferation is observed. Wells are supplemented with
100 ul of medium containing 0.5 uCi of .sup.3H-thymidine and
cultured at 37 degrees C. for 18-24 hr. Wells are harvested and
incorporation of .sup.3H-thymidine used as a measure of
proliferation. Anti-CD3 alone is the positive control for
proliferation. IL-2 (100 U/ml) is also used as a control which
enhances proliferation. Control antibody which does not induce
proliferation of T cells is used as the negative controls for the
effects of polypeptides of the invention.
[1126] The studies described in this example tested activity of
polypeptides of the invention. However, one skilled in the art
could easily modify the exemplified studies to test the activity of
polynucleotides of the invention (e.g., gene therapy), agonists,
and/or antagonists of polynucleotides or polypeptides of the
invention.
Example 34
Effect of Polypeptides of the Invention on the Expression of MHC
Class II, Costimulatory and Adhesion Molecules and Cell
Differentiation of Monocytes and Monocyte-Derived Human Dendritic
Cells
[1127] Dendritic cells are generated by the expansion of
proliferating precursors found in the peripheral blood: adherent
PBMC or elutriated monocytic fractions are cultured for 7-10 days
with GM-CSF (50 ng/ml) and IL-4 (20 ng/ml). These dendritic cells
have the characteristic phenotype of immature cells (expression of
CD1, CD80, CD86, CD40 and MHC class II antigens). Treatment with
activating factors, such as TNF-.alpha., causes a rapid change in
surface phenotype (increased expression of MHC class I and II,
costimulatory and adhesion molecules, downregulation of
FC.gamma.RII, upregulation of CD83). These changes correlate with
increased antigen-presenting capacity and with functional
maturation of the dendritic cells.
[1128] FACS analysis of surface antigens is performed as follows.
Cells are treated 1-3 days with increasing concentrations of
polypeptides of the invention or LPS (positive control), washed
with PBS containing 1% BSA and 0.02 mM sodium azide, and then
incubated with 1:20 dilution of appropriate FITC- or PE-labeled
monoclonal antibodies for 30 minutes at 4 degrees C. After an
additional wash, the labeled cells are analyzed by flow cytometry
on a FACScan (Becton Dickinson).
[1129] Effect on the production of cytokines. Cytokines generated
by dendritic cells, in particular IL-12, are important in the
initiation of T-cell dependent immune responses. IL-12 strongly
influences the development of Th1 helper T-cell immune response,
and induces cytotoxic T and NK cell function. An ELISA is used to
measure the IL-12 release as follows. Dendritic cells (10.sup.6/ml)
are treated with increasing concentrations of polypeptides of the
invention for 24 hours. LPS (100 ng/ml) is added to the cell
culture as positive control. Supernatants from the cell cultures
are then collected and analyzed for IL-12 content using commercial
ELISA kit (e..g, R & D Systems (Minneapolis, Minn.)). The
standard protocols provided with the kits are used.
[1130] Effect on the expression of MHC Class II, costimulatory and
adhesion molecules. Three major families of cell surface antigens
can be identified on monocytes: adhesion molecules, molecules
involved in antigen presentation, and Fc receptor. Modulation of
the expression of MHC class II antigens and other costimulatory
molecules, such as B7 and ICAM-1, may result in changes in the
antigen presenting capacity of monocytes and ability to induce T
cell activation. Increase expression of Fc receptors may correlate
with improved monocyte cytotoxic activity, cytokine release and
phagocytosis.
[1131] FACS analysis is used to examine the surface antigens as
follows. Monocytes are treated 1-5 days with increasing
concentrations of polypeptides of the invention or LPS (positive
control), washed with PBS containing 1% BSA and 0.02 mM sodium
azide, and then incubated with 1:20 dilution of appropriate FITC-
or PE-labeled monoclonal antibodies for 30 minutes at 4 degrees C.
After an additional wash, the labeled cells are analyzed by flow
cytometry on a FACScan (Becton Dickinson).
[1132] Monocyte activation and/or increased survival. Assays for
molecules that activate (or alternatively, inactivate) monocytes
and/or increase monocyte survival (or alternatively, decrease
monocyte survival) are known in the art and may routinely be
applied to determine whether a molecule of the invention functions
as an inhibitor or activator of monocytes. Polypeptides, agonists,
or antagonists of the invention can be screened using the three
assays described below. For each of these assays, Peripheral blood
mononuclear cells (PBMC) are purified from single donor leukopacks
(American Red Cross, Baltimore, Md.) by centrifugation through a
Histopaque gradient (Sigma). Monocytes are isolated from PBMC by
counterflow centrifugal elutriation.
[1133] Monocyte Survival Assay. Human peripheral blood monocytes
progressively lose viability when cultured in absence of serum or
other stimuli. Their death results from internally regulated
process (apoptosis). Addition to the culture of activating factors,
such as TNF-alpha dramatically improves cell survival and prevents
DNA fragmentation. Propidium iodide (PI) staining is used to
measure apoptosis as follows. Monocytes are cultured for 48 hours
in polypropylene tubes in serum-free medium (positive control), in
the presence of 100 ng/ml TNF-alpha (negative control), and in the
presence of varying concentrations of the compound to be tested.
Cells are suspended at a concentration of 2.times.10.sup.6/ml in
PBS containing PI at a final concentration of 5 .mu.g/ml, and then
incubaed at room temperature for 5 minutes before FACScan analysis.
PI uptake has been demonstrated to correlate with DNA fragmentation
in this experimental paradigm.
[1134] Effect on cytokine release. An important function of
monocytes/macrophages is their regulatory activity on other
cellular populations of the immune system through the release of
cytokines after stimulation. An ELISA to measure cytokine release
is performed as follows. Human monocytes are incubated at a density
of 5.times.10.sup.5 cells/ml with increasing concentrations of the
a polypeptide of the invention and under the same conditions, but
in the absence of the polypeptide. For IL-12 production, the cells
are primed overnight with IFN (100 U/ml) in presence of a
polypeptide of the invention. LPS (10 ng/ml) is then added.
Conditioned media are collected after 24 h and kept frozen until
use. Measurement of TNF-alpha, IL-10, MCP-1 and IL-8 is then
performed using a commercially available ELISA kit (e..g, R & D
Systems (Minneapolis, Minn.)) and applying the standard protocols
provided with the kit.
[1135] Oxidative burst. Purified monocytes are plated in 96-w plate
at 2-1.times.10.sup.5 cell/well. Increasing concentrations of
polypeptides of the invention are added to the wells in a total
volume of 0.2 ml culture medium (RPMI 1640+10% FCS, glutamine and
antibiotics). After 3 days incubation, the plates are centrifuged
and the medium is removed from the wells. To the macrophage
monolayers, 0.2 ml per well of phenol red solution (140 mM NaCl, 10
mM potassium phosphate buffer pH 7.0, 5.5 mM dextrose, 0.56 mM
phenol red and 19 U/ml of HRPO) is added, together with the
stimulant (200 nM PMA). The plates are incubated at 37.degree. C.
for 2 hours and the reaction is stopped by adding 20 .mu.l 1N NaOH
per well. The absorbance is read at 610 nm. To calculate the amount
of H.sub.2O.sub.2 produced by the macrophages, a standard curve of
a H.sub.2O.sub.2 solution of known molarity is performed for each
experiment.
[1136] The studies described in this example tested activity of a
polypeptide of the invention. However, one skilled in the art could
easily modify the exemplified studies to test the activity of
polypeptides, polynucleotides (e.g., gene therapy), agonists,
and/or antagonists of the invention.
Example 35
Biological Effects of Polypeptides of the Invention
[1137] Astrocyte and Neuronal Assays
[1138] Recombinant polypeptides of the invention, expressed in
Escherichia coli and purified as described above, can be tested for
activity in promoting the survival, neurite outgrowth, or
phenotypic differentiation of cortical neuronal cells and for
inducing the proliferation of glial fibrillary acidic protein
immunopositive cells, astrocytes. The selection of cortical cells
for the bioassay is based on the prevalent expression of FGF-1 and
FGF-2 in cortical structures and on the previously reported
enhancement of cortical neuronal survival resulting from FGF-2
treatment. A thymidine incorporation assay, for example, can be
used to elucidate a polypeptide of the invention's activity on
these cells.
[1139] Moreover, previous reports describing the biological effects
of FGF-2 (basic FGF) on cortical or hippocampal neurons in vitro
have demonstrated increases in both neuron survival and neurite
outgrowth (Walicke et al., "Fibroblast growth factor promotes
survival of dissociated hippocampal neurons and enhances neurite
extension." Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 83:3012-3016. (1986), assay
herein incorporated by reference in its entirety). However, reports
from experiments done on PC-12 cells suggest that these two
responses are not necessarily synonymous and may depend on not only
which FGF is being tested but also on which receptor(s) are
expressed on the target cells. Using the primary cortical neuronal
culture paradigm, the ability of a polypeptide of the invention to
induce neurite outgrowth can be compared to the response achieved
with FGF-2 using, for example, a thymidine incorporation assay.
[1140] Fibroblast and endothelial cell assays
[1141] Human lung fibroblasts are obtained from Clonetics (San
Diego, Calif.) and maintained in growth media from Clonetics.
Dermal microvascular endothelial cells are obtained from Cell
Applications (San Diego, Calif.). For proliferation assays, the
human lung fibroblasts and dermal microvascular endothelial cells
can be cultured at 5,000 cells/well in a 96-well plate for one day
in growth medium. The cells are then incubated for one day in 0.1%
BSA basal medium. After replacing the medium with fresh 0.1% BSA
medium, the cells are incubated with the test proteins for 3 days.
Alamar Blue (Alamar Biosciences, Sacramento, Calif.) is added to
each well to a final concentration of 10%. The cells are incubated
for 4 hr. Cell viability is measured by reading in a CytoFluor
fluorescence reader. For the PGE2 assays, the human lung
fibroblasts are cultured at 5,000 cells/well in a 96-well plate for
one day. After a medium change to 0.1% BSA basal medium, the cells
are incubated with FGF-2 or polypeptides of the invention with or
without IL-1.alpha. for 24 hours. The supernatants are collected
and assayed for PGE.sub.2 by EIA kit (Cayman, Ann Arbor, Mich.).
For the IL-6 assays, the human lung fibroblasts are cultured at
5,000 cells/well in a 96-well plate for one day. After a medium
change to 0.1% BSA basal medium, the cells are incubated with FGF-2
or with or without polypeptides of the invention IL-1.alpha. for 24
hours. The supernatants are collected and assayed for IL-6 by ELISA
kit (Endogen, Cambridge, Mass.).
[1142] Human lung fibroblasts are cultured with FGF-2 or
polypeptides of the invention for 3 days in basal medium before the
addition of Alamar Blue to assess effects on growth of the
fibroblasts. PGF-2 should show a stimulation at 10 -2500 ng/ml
which can be used to compare stimulation with polypeptides of the
invention.
[1143] Parkinson Models
[1144] The loss of motor function in Parkinson's disease is
attributed to a deficiency of striatal dopamine resulting from the
degeneration of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic projection neurons.
An animal model for Parkinson's that has been extensively
characterized involves the systemic administration of 1-methyl-4
phenyl 1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). In the CNS, MPTP is
taken-up by astrocytes and catabolized by monoamine oxidase B to
1-methyl-4-phenyl pyridine (MPP.sup.+) and released. Subsequently,
MPP.sup.+ is actively accumulated in dopaminergic neurons by the
high-affinity reuptake transporter for dopamine. MPP.sup.+ is then
concentrated in mitochondria by the electrochemical gradient and
selectively inhibits nicotidamide adenine disphosphate: ubiquinone
oxidoreductionase (complex I), thereby interfering with electron
transport and eventually generating oxygen radicals.
[1145] It has been demonstrated in tissue culture paradigms that
FGF-2 (basic FGF) has trophic activity towards nigral dopaminergic
neurons (Ferrari et al., Dev. Biol. 1989). Recently, Dr. Unsicker's
group has demonstrated that administering FGF-2 in gel foam
implants in the striatum results in the near complete protection of
nigral dopaminergic neurons from the toxicity associated with MPTP
exposure (Otto and Unsicker, J. Neuroscience, 1990).
[1146] Based on the data with FGF-2, polypeptides of the invention
can be evaluated to determine whether it has an action similar to
that of FGF-2 in enhancing dopalninergic neuronal survival in vitro
and it can also be tested in vivo for protection of dopaminergic
neurons in the striatum from the damage associated with MPTP
treatment. The potential effect of a polypeptide of the invention
is first examined in vitro in a dopaminergic neuronal cell culture
paradigm. The cultures are prepared by dissecting the midbrain
floor plate from gestation day 14 Wistar rat embryos. The tissue is
dissociated with trypsin and seeded at a density of 200,000
cells/cm.sup.2 on polyorthinine-laminin coated glass coverslips.
The cells are maintained in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's medium and
F12 medium containing hormonal supplements (N1). The cultures are
fixed with paraformaldehyde after 8 days in vitro and are processed
for tyrosine hydroxylase, a specific marker for dopminergic
neurons, immunohistochemical staining. Dissociated cell cultures
are prepared from embryonic rats. The culture medium is changed
every third day and the factors are also added at that time.
[1147] Since the dopaminergic neurons are isolated from animals at
gestation day 14, a developmental time which is past the stage when
the dopaminergic precursor cells are proliferating, an increase in
the number of tyrosine hydroxylase immunopositive neurons would
represent an increase in the number of dopaminergic neurons
surviving in vitro. Therefore, if a polypeptide of the invention
acts to prolong the survival of dopaminergic neurons, it would
suggest that the polypeptide may be involved in Parkinson's
Disease.
[1148] The studies described in this example tested activity of a
polypeptide of the invention. However, one skilled in the art could
easily modify the exemplified studies to test the activity of
polynucleotides (e.g., gene therapy), agonists, and/or antagonists
of the invention.
Example 36
The Effect of Polypeptides of the Invention on the Growth of
Vascular Endothelial Cells
[1149] On day 1, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) are
seeded at 2-5.times.10.sup.4 cells/35 mm dish density in M199
medium containing 4% fetal bovine serum (FBS), 16 units/ml heparin,
and 50 units/ml endothelial cell growth supplements (ECGS,
Biotechnique, Inc.). On day 2, the medium is replaced with M199
containing 10% FBS, 8 units/ml heparin. A polypeptide having the
amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:Y, and positive controls, such as
VEGF and basic FGF (bFGF) are added, at varying concentrations. On
days 4 and 6, the medium is replaced. On day 8, cell number is
determined with a Coulter Counter.
[1150] An increase in the number of HUVEC cells indicates that the
polypeptide of the invention may proliferate vascular endothelial
cells.
[1151] The studies described in this example tested activity of a
polypeptide of the invention. However, one skilled in the art could
easily modify the exemplified studies to test the activity of
polynucleotides (e.g., gene therapy), agonists, and/or antagonists
of the invention.
Example 37
Stimulatory Effect of Polypeptides of the Invention on the
Proliferation of Vascular Endothelial Cells
[1152] For evaluation of mitogenic activity of growth factors, the
calorimetric MTS
(3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-
-2-(4-sulfophenyl)2H-tetrazolium) assay with the electron coupling
reagent PMS (phenazine methosulfate) was performed (CellTiter 96
AQ, Promega). Cells are seeded in a 96-well plate (5,000
cells/well) in 0.1 mL serum-supplemented medium and are allowed to
attach overnight. After serum-starvation for 12 hours in 0.5% FBS,
conditions (bFGF, VEGF.sub.165 or a polypeptide of the invention in
0.5% FBS) with or without Heparin (8 U/ml) are added to wells for
48 hours. 20 mg of MTS/PMS mixture (1:0.05) are added per well and
allowed to incubate for 1 hour at 37.degree. C. before measuring
the absorbance at 490 nm in an ELISA plate reader. Background
absorbance from control wells (some media, no cells) is subtracted,
and seven wells are performed in parallel for each condition. See,
Leak et al. In Vitro Cell. Dev. Biol. 30A:512-518 (1994).
[1153] The studies described in this example tested activity of a
polypeptide of the invention. However, one skilled in the art could
easily modify the exemplified studies to test the activity of
polynucleotides (e.g., gene therapy), agonists, and/or antagonists
of the invention.
Example 38
Inhibition of PDGF-induced Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell
Proliferation Stimulatory Effect
[1154] HAoSMC proliferation can be measured, for example, by BrdUrd
incorporation. Briefly, subconfluent, quiescent cells grown on the
4-chamber slides are transfected with CRP or FHTC-labeled AT2-3LP.
Then, the cells are pulsed with 10% calf serum and 6 mg/ml BrdUrd.
After 24 h, immunocytochemistry is performed by using BrdUrd
Staining Kit (Zymed Laboratories). In brief, the cells are
incubated with the biotinylated mouse anti-BrdUrd antibody at 4
degrees C. for 2 h after being exposed to denaturing solution and
then incubated with the streptavidin-peroxidase and
diaminobenzidine. After counterstaining with hematoxylin, the cells
are mounted for microscopic examination, and the BrdUrd-positive
cells are counted. The BrdUrd index is calculated as a percent of
the BrdUrd-positive cells to the total cell number. In addition,
the simultaneous detection of the BrdUrd staining (nucleus) and the
FITC uptake (cytoplasm) is performed for individual cells by the
concomitant use of bright field illumination and dark field-UV
fluorescent illumination. See, Hayashida et al., J. Biol. Chem.
6:271(36):21985-21992 (1996).
[1155] The studies described in this example tested activity of a
polypeptide of the invention. However, one skilled in the art could
easily modify the exemplified studies to test the activity of
polynucleotides (e.g., gene therapy), agonists, and/or antagonists
of the invention.
Example 39
Stimulation of Endothelial Migration
[1156] This example will be used to explore the possibility that a
polypeptide of the invention may stimulate lymphatic endothelial
cell migration.
[1157] Endothelial cell migration assays are performed using a 48
well microchemotaxis chamber (Neuroprobe Inc., Cabin John, MD;
Falk, W., et al., J. Immunological Methods 1980;33:239-247).
Polyvinylpyrrolidone-free polycarbonate filters with a pore size of
8 um (Nucleopore Corp. Cambridge, Mass.) are coated with 0.1%
gelatin for at least 6 hours at room temperature and dried under
sterile air. Test substances are diluted to appropriate
concentrations in M199 supplemented with 0.25% bovine serum albumin
(BSA), and 25 ul of the final dilution is placed in the lower
chamber of the modified Boyden apparatus. Subconfluent, early
passage (2-6) HUVEC or BMEC cultures are washed and trypsinized for
the minimum time required to achieve cell detachment. After placing
the filter between lower and upper chamber, 2.5.times.10.sup.5
cells suspended in 50 ul M199 containing 1% FBS are seeded in the
upper compartment. The apparatus is then incubated for 5 hours at
37.degree. C. in a humidified chamber with 5% CO2 to allow cell
migration. After the incubation period, the filter is removed and
the upper side of the filter with the non-migrated cells is scraped
with a rubber policeman. The filters are fixed with methanol and
stained with a Giemsa solution (Diff-Quick, Baxter, McGraw Park,
Ill.). Migration is quantified by counting cells of three random
high-power fields (40.times.) in each well, and all groups are
performed in quadruplicate.
[1158] The studies described in this example tested activity of a
polypeptide of the invention. However, one skilled in the art could
easily modify the exemplified studies to test the activity of
polynucleotides (e.g., gene therapy), agonists, and/or antagonists
of the invention.
Example 40
Stimulation of Nitric Oxide Production by Endothelial Cells
[1159] Nitric oxide released by the vascular endothelium is
believed to be a mediator of vascular endothelium relaxation. Thus,
activity of a polypeptide of the invention can be assayed by
determining nitric oxide production by endothelial cells in
response to the polypeptide.
[1160] Nitric oxide is measured in 96-well plates of confluent
microvascular endothelial cells after 24 hours starvation and a
subsequent 4 hr exposure to various levels of a positive control
(such as VEGF-1) and the polypeptide of the invention. Nitric oxide
in the medium is determined by use of the Griess reagent to measure
total nitrite after reduction of nitric oxide-derived nitrate by
nitrate reductase. The effect of the polypeptide of the invention
on nitric oxide release is examined on HUVEC.
[1161] Briefly, NO release from cultured HUVEC monolayer is
measured with a NO-specific polarographic electrode connected to a
NO meter (Iso-NO, World Precision Instruments Inc.) (1049).
Calibration of the NO elements is performed according to the
following equation:
2 KNO.sub.2+2 KI+2 H.sub.2SO.sub.46
2NO+I.sub.2+2H.sub.2O+2K.sub.2SO.sub.4
[1162] The standard calibration curve is obtained by adding graded
concentrations of KNO.sub.2 (0, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 250, and 500
nmol/L) into the calibration solution containing KI and
H.sub.2SO.sub.4. The specificity of the Iso-NO electrode to NO is
previously determined by measurement of NO from authentic NO gas
(1050). The culture medium is removed and HUVECs are washed twice
with Dulbecco's phosphate buffered saline. The cells are then
bathed in 5 ml of filtered Krebs-Henseleit solution in 6-well
plates, and the cell plates are kept on a slide warmer (Lab Line
Instruments Inc.) To maintain the temperature at 37.degree. C. The
NO sensor probe is inserted vertically into the wells, keeping the
tip of the electrode 2 mm under the surface of the solution, before
addition of the different conditions. S-nitroso acetyl penicillamin
(SNAP) is used as a positive control. The amount of released NO is
expressed as picomoles per 1.times.10.sup.6 endothelial cells. All
values reported are means of four to six measurements in each group
(number of cell culture wells). See, Leak et al. Biochem. and
Biophys. Res. Comm. 217:96-105 (1995).
[1163] The studies described in this example tested activity of
polypeptides of the invention. However, one skilled in the art
could easily modify the exemplified studies to test the activity of
polynucleotides (e.g., gene therapy), agonists, and/or antagonists
of the invention.
Example 41
Effect of Polypepides of the Invention on Cord Formation in
Angiogenesis
[1164] Another step in angiogenesis is cord formation, marked by
differentiation of endothelial cells. This bioassay measures the
ability of microvascular endothelial cells to form capillary-like
structures (hollow structures) when cultured in vitro.
[1165] CADMEC (microvascular endothelial cells) are purchased from
Cell Applications, Inc. as proliferating (passage 2) cells and are
cultured in Cell Applications' CADMEC Growth Medium and used at
passage 5. For the in vitro angiogenesis assay, the wells of a
48-well cell culture plate are coated with Cell Applications'
Attachment Factor Medium (200 ml/well) for 30 min. at 37.degree. C.
CADMEC are seeded onto the coated wells at 7,500 cells/well and
cultured overnight in Growth Medium. The Growth Medium is then
replaced with 300 mg Cell Applications' Chord Formation Medium
containing control buffer or a polypeptide of the invention (0.1 to
100 ng/ml) and the cells are cultured for an additional 48 hr. The
numbers and lengths of the capillary-like chords are quantitated
through use of the Boeckeler VIA-170 video image analyzer. All
assays are done in triplicate.
[1166] Commercial (R&D) VEGF (50 ng/ml) is used as a positive
control. b-esteradiol (1 ng/ml) is used as a negative control. The
appropriate buffer (without protein) is also utilized as a
control.
[1167] The studies described in this example tested activity of a
polypeptide of the invention. However, one skilled in the art could
easily modify the exemplified studies to test the activity of
polynucleotides (e.g., gene therapy), agonists, and/or antagonists
of the invention.
Example 42
Angiogenic Effect on Chick Chorioallantoic Membrane
[1168] Chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) is a well-established
system to examine angiogenesis. Blood vessel formation on CAM is
easily visible and quantifiable. The ability of polypeptides of the
invention to stimulate angiogenesis in CAM can be examined.
[1169] Fertilized eggs of the White Leghorn chick (Gallus gallus)
and the Japanese qual (Coturnix coturnix) are incubated at
37.8.degree. C. and 80% humidity. Differentiated CAM of 16-day-old
chick and 13-day-old qual embryos is studied with the following
methods.
[1170] On Day 4 of development, a window is made into the egg shell
of chick eggs. The embryos are checked for normal development and
the eggs sealed with cellotape. They are further incubated until
Day 13. Thermanox coverslips (Nunc, Naperville, Ill.) are cut into
disks of about 5 mm in diameter. Sterile and salt-free growth
factors are dissolved in distilled water and about 3.3 mg/5 ml are
pipetted on the disks. After air-drying, the inverted disks are
applied on CAM. After 3 days, the specimens are fixed in 3%
glutaraldehyde and 2% formaldehyde and rinsed in 0.12 M sodium
cacodylate buffer. They are photographed with a stereo microscope
[Wild M8] and embedded for semi- and ultrathin sectioning as
described above. Controls are performed with carrier disks
alone.
[1171] The studies described in this example tested activity of a
polypeptide of the invention. However, one skilled in the art could
easily modify the exemplified studies to test the activity of
polynucleotides (e.g., gene therapy), agonists, and/or antagonists
of the invention.
Example 43
Angiogenesis Assay Using a Matrigel Implant in Mouse
[1172] In vivo angiogenesis assay of a polypeptide of the invention
measures the ability of an existing capillary network to form new
vessels in an implanted capsule of murine extracellular matrix
material (Matrigel). The protein is mixed with the liquid Matrigel
at 4 degree C. and the mixture is then injected subcutaneously in
mice where it solidifies. After 7 days, the solid "plug" of
Matrigel is removed and examined for the presence of new blood
vessels. Matrigel is purchased from Becton Dickinson
Labware/Collaborative Biomedical Products.
[1173] When thawed at 4 degree C. the Matrigel material is a
liquid. The Matrigel is mixed with a polypeptide of the invention
at 150 ng/ml at 4 degrees C. and drawn into cold 3 ml syringes.
Female C57B1/6 mice approximately 8 weeks old are injected with the
mixture of Matrigel and experimental protein at 2 sites at the
midventral aspect of the abdomen (0.5 ml/site). After 7 days, the
mice are sacrificed by cervical dislocation, the Matrigel plugs are
removed and cleaned (i.e., all clinging membranes and fibrous
tissue is removed). Replicate whole plugs are fixed in neutral
buffered 10% formaldehyde, embedded in paraffin and used to produce
sections for histological examination after staining with Masson's
Trichrome. Cross sections from 3 different regions of each plug are
processed. Selected sections are stained for the presence of vWF.
The positive control for this assay is bovine basic FGF (150
ng/ml). Matrigel alone is used to determine basal levels of
angiogenesis.
[1174] The studies described in this example tested activity of a
polypeptide of the invention. However, one skilled in the art could
easily modify the exemplified studies to test the activity of
polynucleotides (e.g., gene therapy), agonists, and/or antagonists
of the invention.
Example 44
Rescue of Ischemia in Rabbit Lower Limb Model
[1175] To study the in vivo effects of polynucleotides and
polypeptides of the invention on ischemia, a rabbit hindlimb
ischemia model is created by surgical removal of one femoral
arteries as described previously (Takeshita et al., Am J. Pathol
147:1649-1660 (1995)). The excision of the femoral artery results
in retrograde propagation of thrombus and occlusion of the external
iliac artery. Consequently, blood flow to the ischemic limb is
dependent upon collateral vessels originating from the internal
iliac artery (Takeshitaet al. Am J. Pathol 147:1649-1660 (1995)).
An interval of 10 days is allowed for post-operative recovery of
rabbits and development of endogenous collateral vessels. At 10 day
post-operatively (day 0), after performing a baseline angiogram,
the internal iliac artery of the ischemic limb is transfected with
500 mg naked expression plasmid containing a polynucleotide of the
invention by arterial gene transfer technology using a
hydrogel-coated balloon catheter as described (Riessen et al. Hum
Gene Ther. 4:749-758 (1993); Leclerc et al. J. Clin. Invest. 90:
936-944 (1992)). When a polypeptide of the invention is used in the
treatment, a single bolus of 500 mg polypeptide of the invention or
control is delivered into the internal iliac artery of the ischemic
limb over a period of 1 min. through an infusion catheter. On day
30, various parameters are measured in these rabbits: (a) BP
ratio--The blood pressure ratio of systolic pressure of the
ischemic limb to that of normal limb; (b) Blood Flow and Flow
Reserve--Resting FL: the blood flow during undilated condition and
Max FL: the blood flow during fully dilated condition (also an
indirect measure of the blood vessel amount) and Flow Reserve is
reflected by the ratio of max FL: resting FL; (c) Angiographic
Score--This is measured by the angiogram of collateral vessels. A
score is determined by the percentage of circles in an overlaying
grid that with crossing opacified arteries divided by the total
number m the rabbit thigh; (d) Capillary density--The number of
collateral capillaries determined in light microscopic sections
taken from hindlimbs.
[1176] The studies described in this example tested activity of
polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention. However, one
skilled in the art could easily modify the exemplified studies to
test the agonists, and/or antagonists of the invention.
Example 45
Effect of Polypeptides of the Invention on Vasodilation
[1177] Since dilation of vascular endothelium is important in
reducing blood pressure, the ability of polypeptides of the
invention to affect the blood pressure in spontaneously
hypertensive rats (SHR) is examined. Increasing doses (0, 10, 30,
100, 300, and 900 mg/kg) of the polypeptides of the invention are
administered to 13-14 week old spontaneously hypertensive rats
(SHR). Data are expressed as the mean .+-.SEM. Statistical analysis
are performed with a paired t-test and statistical significance is
defined as p<0.05 vs. the response to buffer alone.
[1178] The studies described in this example tested activity of a
polypeptide of the invention. However, one skilled in the art could
easily modify the exemplified studies to test the activity of
polynucleotides (e.g., gene therapy), agonists, and/or antagonists
of the invention.
Example 46
Rat Ischemic Skin Flap Model
[1179] The evaluation parameters include skin blood flow, skin
temperature, and factor VIII immunohistochemistry or endothelial
alkaline phosphatase reaction. Expression of polypeptides of the
invention, during the skin ischemia, is studied using in situ
hybridization.
[1180] The study in this model is divided into three parts as
follows:
[1181] a) Ischemic skin
[1182] b) Ischemic skin wounds
[1183] c) Normal wounds
[1184] The experimental protocol includes:
[1185] a) Raising a 3.times.4 cm, single pedicle full-thickness
random skin flap (myocutaneous flap over the lower back of the
animal).
[1186] b) An excisional wounding (4-6 mm in diameter) in the
ischemic skin (skin-flap).
[1187] c) Topical treatment with a polypeptide of the invention of
the excisional wounds (day 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 post-wounding) at the
following various dosage ranges: 1 mg to 100 mg.
[1188] d) Harvesting the wound tissues at day 3, 5, 7, 10, 14 and
21 post-wounding for histological, immunohistochemical, and in situ
studies.
[1189] The studies described in this example tested activity of a
polypeptide of the invention. However, one skilled in the art could
easily modify the exemplified studies to test the activity of
polynucleotides (e.g., gene therapy), agonists, and/or antagonists
of the invention.
Example 47
Peripheral Arterial Disease Model
[1190] Angiogenic therapy using a polypeptide of the invention is a
novel therapeutic strategy to obtain restoration of blood flow
around the ischemia in case of peripheral arterial diseases. The
experimental protocol includes:
[1191] a) One side of the femoral artery is ligated to create
ischemic muscle of the hindlimb, the other side of hindlimb serves
as a control.
[1192] b) a polypeptide of the invention, in a dosage range of 20
mg-500 mg, is delivered intravenously and/or intramuscularly 3
times (perhaps more) per week for 2-3 weeks.
[1193] c) The ischemic muscle tissue is collected after ligation of
the femoral artery at 1, 2, and 3 weeks for the analysis of
expression of a polypeptide of the invention and histology. Biopsy
is also performed on the other side of normal muscle of the
contralateral hindlimb.
[1194] The studies described in this example tested activity of a
polypeptide of the invention. However, one skilled in the art could
easily modify the exemplified studies to test the activity of
polynucleotides (e.g., gene therapy), agonists, and/or antagonists
of the invention.
Example 48
Ischemic Myocardial Disease Model
[1195] A polypeptide of the invention is evaluated as a potent
mitogen capable of stimulating the development of collateral
vessels, and restructuring new vessels after coronary artery
occlusion. Alteration of expression of the polypeptide is
investigated in situ. The experimental protocol includes:
[1196] a) The heart is exposed through a left-side thoracotomy in
the rat. Immediately, the left coronary artery is occluded with a
thin suture (6-0) and the thorax is closed.
[1197] b) a polypeptide of the invention, in a dosage range of 20
mg-500 mg, is delivered intravenously and/or intramuscularly 3
times (perhaps more) per week for 2-4 weeks.
[1198] c) Thirty days after the surgery, the heart is removed and
cross-sectioned for morphometric and in situ analyzes.
[1199] The studies described in this example tested activity of a
polypeptide of the invention. However, one skilled in the art could
easily modify the exemplified studies to test the activity of
polynucleotides (e.g., gene therapy), agonists, and/or antagonists
of the invention.
Example 49
Rat Corneal Wound Healing Model
[1200] This animal model shows the effect of a polypeptide of the
invention on neovascularization. The experimental protocol
includes:
[1201] a) Making a 1-1.5 mm long incision from the center of cornea
into the stromal layer.
[1202] b) Inserting a spatula below the lip of the incision facing
the outer corner of the eye.
[1203] c) Making a pocket (its base is 1-1.5 mm form the edge of
the eye).
[1204] d) Positioning a pellet, containing 50 ng-5 ug of a
polypeptide of the invention, within the pocket.
[1205] e) Treatment with a polypeptide of the invention can also be
applied topically to the corneal wounds in a dosage range of 20
mg-500 mg (daily treatment for five days).
[1206] The studies described in this example tested activity of a
polypeptide of the invention. However, one skilled in the art could
easily modify the exemplified studies to test the activity of
polynucleotides (e.g., gene therapy), agonists, and/or antagonists
of the invention.
Example 50
Diabetic Mouse and Glucocorticoid-Impaired Wound Healing Models
[1207] A. Diabetic db+/db+ Mouse Model
[1208] To demonstrate that a polypeptide of the invention
accelerates the healing process, the genetically diabetic mouse
model of wound healing is used. The full thickness wound healing
model in the db+/db+ mouse is a well characterized, clinically
relevant and reproducible model of impaired wound healing. Healing
of the diabetic wound is dependent on formation of granulation
tissue and re-epithelialization rather than contraction (Gartner,
M. H. et al., J. Surg. Res. 52:389 (1992); Greenhalgh, D. G. et
al., Am. J. Pathol. 136:1235 (1990)).
[1209] The diabetic animals have many of the characteristic
features observed in Type II diabetes mellitus. Homozygous
(db+/db+) mice are obese in comparison to their normal heterozygous
(db+/+m) littermates. Mutant diabetic (db+/db+) mice have a single
autosomal recessive mutation on chromosome 4 (db+) (Coleman et al.
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 77:283-293 (1982)). Animals show
polyphagia, polydipsia and polyuria. Mutant diabetic mice (db+/db+)
have elevated blood glucose, increased or normal insulin levels,
and suppressed cell-mediated immunity (Mandel et al., J. Immunol.
120:1375 (1978); Debray-Sachs, M. et al., Clin. Exp. Immunol.
51(1):1-7 (1983); Leiter et al., Am. J. of Pathol. 114:46-55
(1985)). Peripheral neuropathy, myocardial complications, and
microvascular lesions, basement membrane thickening and glomerular
filtration abnormalities have been described in these animals
(Norido, F. et al., Exp. Neurol. 83(2):221-232 (1984); Robertson et
al., Diabetes 29(1):60-67 (1980); Giacomelli et al., Lab Invest.
40(4):460473 (1979); Coleman, D. L., Diabetes 31 (Suppl):1-6
(1982)). These homozygous diabetic mice develop hyperglycemia that
is resistant to insulin analogous to human type II diabetes (Mandel
et al., J. Immunol. 120:1375-1377 (1978)).
[1210] The characteristics observed in these animals suggests that
healing in this model may be similar to the healing observed in
human diabetes (Greenhalgh, et al., Am. J. of Pathol. 136:1235-1246
(1990)).
[1211] Genetically diabetic female C57BL/KsJ (db+/db+) mice and
their non-diabetic (db+/+m) heterozygous littermates are used in
this study (Jackson Laboratories). The animals are purchased at 6
weeks of age and are 8 weeks old at the beginning of the study.
Animals are individually housed and received food and water ad
libitum. All manipulations are performed using aseptic techniques.
The experiments are conducted according to the rules and guidelines
of Human Genome Sciences, Inc. Institutional Animal Care and Use
Committee and the Guidelines for the Care and Use of Laboratory
Animals.
[1212] Wounding protocol is performed according to previously
reported methods (Tsuboi, R. and Rifkin, D. B., J. Exp. Med.
172:245-251 (1990)). Briefly, on the day of wounding, animals are
anesthetized with an intraperitoneal injection of Avertin (0.01
mg/mL), 2,2,2-tribromoethanol and 2-methyl-2-butanol dissolved in
deionized water. The dorsal region of the animal is shaved and the
skin washed with 70% ethanol solution and iodine. The surgical area
is dried with sterile gauze prior to wounding. An 8 mm
full-thickness wound is then created using a Keyes tissue punch.
Immediately following wounding, the surrounding skin is gently
stretched to eliminate wound expansion. The wounds are left open
for the duration of the experiment. Application of the treatment is
given topically for 5 consecutive days commencing on the day of
wounding. Prior to treatment, wounds are gently cleansed with
sterile saline and gauze sponges.
[1213] Wounds are visually examined and photographed at a fixed
distance at the day of surgery and at two day intervals thereafter.
Wound closure is determined by daily measurement on days 1-5 and on
day 8. Wounds are measured horizontally and vertically using a
calibrated Jameson caliper. Wounds are considered healed if
granulation tissue is no longer visible and the wound is covered by
a continuous epithelium.
[1214] A polypeptide of the invention is administered using at a
range different doses, from 4 mg to 500 mg per wound per day for 8
days in vehicle. Vehicle control groups received 50 mL of vehicle
solution.
[1215] Animals are euthanized on day 8 with an intraperitoneal
injection of sodium pentobarbital (300 mg/kg). The wounds and
surrounding skin are then harvested for histology and
immunohistochemistry. Tissue specimens are placed in 10% neutral
buffered formalin in tissue cassettes between biopsy sponges for
further processing.
[1216] Three groups of 10 animals each (5 diabetic and 5
non-diabetic controls) are evaluated: 1) Vehicle placebo control,
2) untreated group, and 3) treated group.
[1217] Wound closure is analyzed by measuring the area in the
vertical and horizontal axis and obtaining the total square area of
the wound. Contraction is then estimated by establishing the
differences between the initial wound area (day 0) and that of post
treatment (day 8). The wound area on day 1 is 64 mm.sup.2, the
corresponding size of the dermal punch. Calculations are made using
the following formula:
[Open area on day 8]-[Open area on day 1]/[Open area on day 1]
[1218] Specimens are fixed in 10% buffered formalin and paraffin
embedded blocks are sectioned perpendicular to the wound surface (5
mm) and cut using a Reichert-Jung microtome. Routine
hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining is performed on cross-sections
of bisected wounds. Histologic examination of the wounds are used
to assess whether the healing process and the morphologic
appearance of the repaired skin is altered by treatment with a
polypeptide of the invention. This assessment included verification
of the presence of cell accumulation, inflammatory cells,
capillaries, fibroblasts, re-epithelialization and epidermal
maturity (Greenhalgh, D. G. et al., Am. J. Pathol. 136:1235
(1990)). A calibrated lens micrometer is used by a blinded
observer.
[1219] Tissue sections are also stained immunohistochemically with
a polyclonal rabbit anti-human keratin antibody using ABC Elite
detection system. Human skin is used as a positive tissue control
while non-immune IgG is used as a negative control. Keratinocyte
growth is determined by evaluating the extent of
reepithelialization of the wound using a calibrated lens
micrometer.
[1220] Proliferating cell nuclear antigen/cyclin (PCNA) in skin
specimens is demonstrated by using anti-PCNA antibody (1:50) with
an ABC Elite detection system. Human colon cancer can serve as a
positive tissue control and human brain tissue can be used as a
negative tissue control. Each specimen includes a section with
omission of the primary antibody and substitution with non-immune
mouse IgG. Ranking of these sections is based on the extent of
proliferation on a scale of 0-8, the lower side of the scale
reflecting slight proliferation to the higher side reflecting
intense proliferation.
[1221] Experimental data are analyzed using an unpaired t test. A p
value of <0.05 is considered significant.
[1222] B. Steroid Impaired Rat Model
[1223] The inhibition of wound healing by steroids has been well
documented in various in vitro and in vivo systems (Wahl,
Glucocorticoids and Wound healing. In: Anti-Inflammatory Steroid
Action: Basic and Clinical Aspects. 280-302 (1989); Wahlet al., J.
Immunol. 115: 476-481 (1975); Werb et al., J. Exp. Med.
147:1684-1694 (1978)). Glucocorticoids retard wound healing by
inhibiting angiogenesis, decreasing vascular permeability (Ebert et
al., An. Intern. Med. 37:701-705 (1952)), fibroblast proliferation,
and collagen synthesis (Beck et al., Growth Factors. 5: 295-304
(1991); Haynes et al., J. Clin. Invest. 61: 703-797 (1978)) and
producing a transient reduction of circulating monocytes (Haynes et
al., J. Clin. Invest. 61: 703-797 (1978); Wahl, "Glucocorticoids
and wound healing", In: Antiinflammatory Steroid Action: Basic and
Clinical Aspects, Academic Press, New York, pp. 280-302 (1989)).
The systemic administration of steroids to impaired wound healing
is a well establish phenomenon in rats (Beck et al., Growth
Factors. 5: 295-304 (1991); Haynes et al., J. Clin. Invest. 61:
703-797 (1978); Wahl, "Glucocorticoids and wound healing", In:
Antiinflammatory Steroid Action: Basic and Clinical Aspects,
Academic Press, New York, pp. 280-302 (1989); Pierce et al., Proc.
Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 86: 2229-2233 (1989)).
[1224] To demonstrate that a polypeptide of the invention can
accelerate the healing process, the effects of multiple topical
applications of the polypeptide on full thickness excisional skin
wounds in rats in which healing has been impaired by the systemic
administration of methylprednisolone is assessed.
[1225] Young adult male Sprague Dawley rats weighing 250-300 g
(Charles River Laboratories) are used in this example. The animals
are purchased at 8 weeks of age and are 9 weeks old at the
beginning of the study. The healing response of rats is impaired by
the systemic administration of methylprednisolone (17 mg/kg/rat
intramuscularly) at the time of wounding. Animals are individually
housed and received food and water ad libitum. All manipulations
are performed using aseptic techniques. This study is conducted
according to the rules and guidelines of Human Genome Sciences,
Inc. Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee and the Guidelines
for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.
[1226] The wounding protocol is followed according to section A,
above. On the day of wounding, animals are anesthetized with an
intramuscular injection of ketamine (50 mg/kg) and xylazine (5
mg/kg). The dorsal region of the animal is shaved and the skin
washed with 70% ethanol and iodine solutions. The surgical area is
dried with sterile gauze prior to wounding. An 8 mm full-thickness
wound is created using a Keyes tissue punch. The wounds are left
open for the duration of the experiment. Applications of the
testing materials are given topically once a day for 7 consecutive
days commencing on the day of wounding and subsequent to
methylprednisolone administration. Prior to treatment, wounds are
gently cleansed with sterile saline and gauze sponges.
[1227] Wounds are visually examined and photographed at a fixed
distance at the day of wounding and at the end of treatment. Wound
closure is determined by daily measurement on days 1-5 and on day
8. Wounds are measured horizontally and vertically using a
calibrated Jameson caliper. Wounds are considered healed if
granulation tissue is no longer visible and the wound is covered by
a continuous epithelium.
[1228] The polypeptide of the invention is administered using at a
range different doses, from 4 mg to 500 mg per wound per day for 8
days in vehicle. Vehicle control groups received 50 mL of vehicle
solution.
[1229] Animals are euthanized on day 8 with an intraperitoneal
injection of sodium pentobarbital (300 mg/kg). The wounds and
surrounding skin are then harvested for histology. Tissue specimens
are placed in 10% neutral buffered formalin in tissue cassettes
between biopsy sponges for further processing.
[1230] Four groups of 10 animals each (5 with methylprednisolone
and 5 without glucocorticoid) are evaluated: 1) Untreated group 2)
Vehicle placebo control 3) treated groups.
[1231] Wound closure is analyzed by measuring the area in the
vertical and horizontal axis and obtaining the total area of the
wound. Closure is then estimated by establishing the differences
between the initial wound area (day 0) and that of post treatment
(day 8). The wound area on day 1 is 64 mm.sup.2, the corresponding
size of the dermal punch. Calculations are made using the following
formula:
[Open area on day 8]-[Open area on day 1]/[Open area on day 1]
[1232] Specimens are fixed in 10% buffered formalin and paraffin
embedded blocks are sectioned perpendicular to the wound surface (5
mm) and cut using an Olympus microtome. Routine hematoxylin-eosin
(H&E) staining is performed on cross-sections of bisected
wounds. Histologic examination of the wounds allows assessment of
whether the healing process and the morphologic appearance of the
repaired skin is improved by treatment with a polypeptide of the
invention. A calibrated lens micrometer is used by a blinded
observer to determine the distance of the wound gap.
[1233] Experimental data are analyzed using an unpaired t test. A p
value of <0.05 is considered significant.
[1234] The studies described in this example tested activity of a
polypeptide of the invention. However, one skilled in the art could
easily modify the exemplified studies to test the activity of
polynucleotides (e.g., gene therapy), agonists, and/or antagonists
of the invention.
Example 51
Lymphadema Animal Model
[1235] or The purpose of this experimental approach is to create an
appropriate and consistent lymphedema model for testing the
therapeutic effects of a polypeptide of the invention in
lymphangiogenesis and re-establishment of the lymphatic circulatory
system in the rat hind limb. Effectiveness is measured by swelling
volume of the affected limb, quantification of the amount of
lymphatic vasculature, total blood plasma protein, and
histopathology. Acute lymphedema is observed for 7-10 days. Perhaps
more importantly, the chronic progress of the edema is followed for
up to 3-4 weeks.
[1236] Prior to beginning surgery, blood sample is drawn for
protein concentration analysis. Male rats weighing approximately
.about.350 g are dosed with Pentobarbital. Subsequently, the right
legs are shaved from knee to hip. The shaved area is swabbed with
gauze soaked in 70% EtOH. Blood is drawn for serum total protein
testing. Circumference and volumetric measurements are made prior
to injecting dye into paws after marking 2 measurement levels (0.5
cm above heel, at mid-pt of dorsal paw). The intradermal dorsum of
both right and left paws are injected with 0.05 ml of 1% Evan's
Blue. Circumference and volumetric measurements are then made
following injection of dye into paws.
[1237] Using the knee joint as a landmark, a mid-leg inguinal
incision is made circumferentially allowing the femoral vessels to
be located. Forceps and hemostats are used to dissect and separate
the skin flaps. After locating the femoral vessels, the lymphatic
vessel that runs along side and underneath the vessel(s) is
located. The main lymphatic vessels in this area are then
electrically coagulated suture ligated.
[1238] Using a microscope, muscles in back of the leg (near the
semitendinosis and adductors) are bluntly dissected. The popliteal
lymph node is then located. The 2 proximal and 2 distal lymphatic
vessels and distal blood supply of the popliteal node are then and
ligated by suturing. The popliteal lymph node, and any accompanying
adipose tissue, is then removed by cutting connective tissues.
[1239] Care is taken to control any mild bleeding resulting from
this procedure. After lymphatics are occluded, the skin flaps are
sealed by using liquid skin (Vetbond) (A J Buck). The separated
skin edges are sealed to the underlying muscle tissue while leaving
a gap of .about.0.5 cm around the leg. Skin also may be anchored by
suturing to underlying muscle when necessary.
[1240] To avoid infection, animals are housed individually with
mesh (no bedding). Recovering animals are checked daily through the
optimal edematous peak, which typically occurred by day 5-7. The
plateau edematous peak are then observed. To evaluate the intensity
of the lymphedema, the circumference and volumes of 2 designated
places on each paw before operation and daily for 7 days are
measured. The effect plasma proteins on lymphedema is determined
and whether protein analysis is a useful testing perimeter is also
investigated. The weights of both control and edematous limbs are
evaluated at 2 places. Analysis is performed in a blind manner.
[1241] Circumference Measurements: Under brief gas anesthetic to
prevent limb movement, a cloth tape is used to measure limb
circumference. Measurements are done at the ankle bone and dorsal
paw by 2 different people then those 2 readings are averaged.
Readings are taken from both control and edematous limbs.
[1242] Volumetric Measurements: On the day of surgery, animals are
anesthetized with Pentobarbital and are tested prior to surgery.
For daily volumetrics animals are under brief halothane anesthetic
(rapid irnmobilization and quick recovery), both legs are shaved
and equally marked using waterproof marker on legs. Legs are first
dipped in water, then dipped into instrument to each marked level
then measured by Buxco edema software(Chen/Victor). Data is
recorded by one person, while the other is dipping the limb to
marked area.
[1243] Blood-plasma protein measurements: Blood is drawn, spun, and
serum separated prior to surgery and then at conclusion for total
protein and Ca2+ comparison.
[1244] Limb Weight Comparison: After drawing blood, the animal is
prepared for tissue collection. The limbs are amputated using a
quillitine, then both experimental and control legs are cut at the
ligature and weighed. A second weighing is done as the
tibio-cacaneal joint is disarticulated and the foot is weighed.
[1245] Histological Preparations: The transverse muscle located
behind the knee (popliteal) area is dissected and arranged in a
metal mold, filled with freezeGel, dipped into cold methylbutane,
placed into labeled sample bags at -80EC until sectioning. Upon
sectioning, the muscle is observed under fluorescent microscopy for
lymphatics.
[1246] The studies described in this example tested activity of a
polypeptide of the invention. However, one skilled in the art could
easily modify the exemplified studies to test the activity of
polynucleotides (e.g., gene therapy), agonists, and/or antagonists
of the invention.
Example 52
Suppression of TNF alpha-induced adhesion molecule expression by a
Polypeptide of the Invention
[1247] The recruitment of lymphocytes to areas of inflammation and
angiogenesis involves specific receptor-ligand interactions between
cell surface adhesion molecules (CAMs) on lymphocytes and the
vascular endothelium. The adhesion process, in both normal and
pathological settings, follows a multi-step cascade that involves
intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion
molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1
(E-selectin) expression on endothelial cells (EC). The expression
of these molecules and others on the vascular endothelium
determines the efficiency with which leukocytes may adhere to the
local vasculature and extravasate into the local tissue during the
development of an inflammatory response. The local concentration of
cytokines and growth factor participate in the modulation of the
expression of these CAMs.
[1248] Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a), a potent
proinflammatory cytokine, is a stimulator of all three CAMs on
endothelial cells and may be involved in a wide variety of
inflammatory responses, often resulting in a pathological
outcome.
[1249] The potential of a polypeptide of the invention to mediate a
suppression of TNF-a induced CAM expression can be examined. A
modified ELISA assay which uses ECs as a solid phase absorbent is
employed to measure the amount of CAM expression on TNF-a treated
ECs when co-stimulated with a member of the FGF family of
proteins.
[1250] To perform the experiment, human umbilical vein endothelial
cell (HUVEC) cultures are obtained from pooled cord harvests and
maintained in growth medium (EGM-2; Clonetics, San Diego, Calif.)
supplemented with 10% FCS and 1% penicillin/streptomycin in a 37
degree C. humidified incubator containing 5% CO.sub.2. HUVECs are
seeded in 96-well plates at concentrations of 1.times.10.sup.4
cells/well in EGM medium at 37 degree C. for 18-24 hrs or until
confluent. The monolayers are subsequently washed 3 times with a
serum-free solution of RPMI-1640 supplemented with 100 U/ml
penicillin and 100 mg/ml streptomycin, and treated with a given
cytokine and/or growth factor(s) for 24 h at 37 degree C. Following
incubation, the cells are then evaluated for CAM expression.
[1251] Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial cells (HUVECs) are grown in
a standard 96 well plate to confluence. Growth medium is removed
from the cells and replaced with 90 ul of 199 Medium (10% FBS).
Samples for testing and positive or negative controls are added to
the plate in triplicate (in 10 ul volumes). Plates are incubated at
37 degree C. for either 5 h (selectin and integrin expression) or
24 h (integrin expression only). Plates are aspirated to remove
medium and 100 .mu.l of 0.1% paraformaldehyde-PBS(with Ca++ and
Mg++) is added to each well. Plates are held at 4.degree. C. for 30
min.
[1252] Fixative is then removed from the wells and wells are washed
1.times. with PBS(+Ca,Mg)+0.5% BSA and drained. Do not allow the
wells to dry. Add 10 .mu.l of diluted primary antibody to the test
and control wells. Anti-ICAM-1-Biotin, Anti-VCAM-1-Biotin and
Anti-E-selectin-Biotin are used at a concentration of 10 .mu.g/ml
(1:10 dilution of 0.1 mg/ml stock antibody). Cells are incubated at
37.degree. C. for 30 min. in a humidified environment. Wells are
washed X3 with PBS(+Ca,Mg)+0.5% BSA.
[1253] Then add 20 .mu.l of diluted ExtrAvidin-Alkaline Phosphotase
(1:5,000 dilution) to each well and incubated at 37.degree. C. for
30 min. Wells are washed X3 with PBS(+Ca,Mg)+0.5% BSA. 1 tablet of
p-Nitrophenol Phosphate pNPP is dissolved in 5 ml of glycine buffer
(pH 10.4). 100 .mu.l of pNPP substrate in glycine buffer is added
to each test well. Standard wells in triplicate are prepared from
the working dilution of the ExtrAvidin-Alkaline Phosphotase in
glycine buffer: 1:5,000 (10.sup.0)
>10.sup.-0.5>10.sup.-1>10.sup.-1.50.5 .mu.l of each
dilution is added to triplicate wells and the resulting AP content
in each well is 5.50 ng, 1.74 ng, 0.55 ng, 0.18 ng. 100 .mu.l of
pNNP reagent must then be added to each of the standard wells. The
plate must be incubated at 37.degree. C. for 4 h. A volume of 50
.mu.l of 3M NaOH is added to all wells. The results are quantified
on a plate reader at 405 nm. The background subtraction option is
used on blank wells filled with glycine buffer only. The template
is set up to indicate the concentration of AP-conjugate in each
standard well [5.50 ng; 1.74 ng; 0.55 ng; 0.18 ng]. Results are
indicated as amount of bound AP-conjugate in each sample.
[1254] The studies described in this example tested activity of a
polypeptide of the invention. However, one skilled in the art could
easily modify the exemplified studies to test the activity of
polynucleotides (e.g., gene therapy), agonists, and/or antagonists
of the invention.
Example 53
Assay for the Stimulation of Bone Marrow CD34+ Cell
Proliferation
[1255] This assay is based on the ability of human CD34+ to
proliferate in the presence of hematopoietic growth factors and
evaluates the ability of isolated polypeptides expressed in
mammalian cells to stimulate proliferation of CD34+ cells.
[1256] It has been previously shown that most mature precursors
will respond to only a single signal. More immature precursors
require at least two signals to respond. Therefore, to test the
effect of polypeptides on hematopoietic activity of a wide range of
progenitor cells, the assay contains a given polypeptide in the
presence or absence of other hematopoietic growth factors. Isolated
cells are cultured for 5 days in the presence of Stem Cell Factor
(SCF) in combination with tested sample. SCF alone has a very
limited effect on the proliferation of bone marrow (BM) cells,
acting in such conditions only as a "survival" factor. However,
combined with any factor exhibiting stimulatory effect on these
cells (e.g., IL-3), SCF will cause a synergistic effect. Therefore,
if the tested polypeptide has a stimulatory effect on a
hematopoietic progenitors, such activity can be easily detected.
Since normal BM cells have a low level of cycling cells, it is
likely that any inhibitory effect of a given polypeptide, or
agonists or antagonists thereof, might not be detected.
Accordingly, assays for an inhibitory effect on progenitors is
preferably tested in cells that are first subjected to in vitro
stimulation with SCF+IL+3, and then contacted with the compound
that is being evaluated for inhibition of such induced
proliferation.
[1257] Briefly, CD34+ cells are isolated using methods known in the
art. The cells are thawed and resuspended in medium (QBSF 60
serum-free medium with 1% L-glutamine (500 ml) Quality Biological,
Inc., Gaithersburg, Md. Cat# 160-204-101). After several gentle
centrifugation steps at 200.times.g, cells are allowed to rest for
one hour. The cell count is adjusted to 2.5.times.10.sup.5
cells/ml. During this time, 100 .mu.l of sterile water is added to
the peripheral wells of a 96-well plate. The cytokines that can be
tested with a given polypeptide in this assay is rhSCF (R&D
Systems, Minneapolis, Minn., Cat# 255-SC) at 50 ng/ml alone and in
combination with rhSCF and rhIL-3 (R&D Systems, Minneapolis,
Minn., Cat# 203-ML) at 30 ng/ml. After one hour, 10 .mu.l of
prepared cytokines, 50 .mu.l SID (supernatants at 1:2 dilution=50
.mu.l) and 20 .mu.l of diluted cells are added to the media which
is already present in the wells to allow for a final total volume
of 100 .mu.l. The plates are then placed in a 37.degree. C./5%
CO.sub.2 incubator for five days.
[1258] Eighteen hours before the assay is harvested, 0.5
.mu.Ci/well of [3H] Thymidine is added in a 10 .mu.l volume to each
well to determine the proliferation rate. The experiment is
terminated by harvesting the cells from each 96-well plate to a
filtermat using the Tomtec Harvester 96. After harvesting, the
filtermats are dried, trimmed and placed into OmniFilter assemblies
consisting of one OmniFilter plate and one OmniFilter Tray. 60
.mu.l Microscint is added to each well and the plate sealed with
TopSeal-A press-on sealing film A bar code 15 sticker is affixed to
the first plate for counting. The sealed plates is then loaded and
the level of radioactivity determined via the Packard Top Count and
the printed data collected for analysis. The level of radioactivity
reflects the amount of cell proliferation.
[1259] The studies described in this example test the activity of a
given polypeptide to stimulate bone marrow CD34+ cell
proliferation. One skilled in the art could easily modify the
exemplified studies to test the activity of polynucleotides (e.g.,
gene therapy), antibodies, agonists, and/or antagonists and
fragments and variants thereof. As a nonlimiting example, potential
antagonists tested in this assay would be expected to inhibit cell
proliferation in the presence of cytokines and/or to increase the
inhibition of cell proliferation in the presence of cytokines and a
given polypeptide. In contrast, potential agonists tested in this
assay would be expected to enhance cell proliferation and/or to
decrease the inhibition of cell proliferation in the presence of
cytokines and a given polypeptide.
[1260] The ability of a gene to stimulate the proliferation of bone
marrow CD34+ cells indicates that polynucleotides and polypeptides
corresponding to the gene are useful for the diagnosis and
treatment of disorders affecting the immune system and
hematopoiesis. Representative uses are described in the "Immune
Activity" and "Infectious Disease" sections above, and elsewhere
herein.
Example 54
Assay for Extracellular Matrix Enhanced Cell Response (EMECR)
[1261] The objective of the Extracellular Matrix Enhanced Cell
Response (EMECR) assay is to identify gene products (e.g., isolated
polypeptides) that act on the hematopoietic stem cells in the
context of the extracellular matrix (ECM) induced signal.
[1262] Cells respond to the regulatory factors in the context of
signal(s) received from the surrounding microenvironment. For
example, fibroblasts, and endothelial and epithelial stem cells
fail to replicate in the absence of signals from the ECM.
Hematopoietic stem cells can undergo self-renewal in the bone
marrow, but not in in vitro suspension culture. The ability of stem
cells to undergo self-renewal in vitro is dependent upon their
interaction with the stromal cells and the ECM protein fibronectin
(fn). Adhesion of cells to fn is mediated by the
.alpha..sub.5..beta..sub.1 and .alpha..sub.4..beta..sub.1 integrin
receptors, which are expressed by human and mouse hematopoietic
stem cells. The factor(s) which integrate with the ECM environment
and responsible for stimulating stem cell self-renewal has not yet
been identified. Discovery of such factors should be of great
interest in gene therapy and bone marrow transplant
applications
[1263] Briefly, polystyrene, non tissue culture treated, 96-well
plates are coated with fn fragment at a coating concentration of
0.2 .mu.g/cm.sup.2. Mouse bone marrow cells are plated (1,000
cells/well) in 0.2 ml of serum-free medium. Cells cultured in the
presence of IL-3 (5 ng/ml) +SCF (50 ng/ml) would serve as the
positive control, conditions under which little self-renewal but
pronounced differentiation of the stem cells is to be expected.
Gene products are tested with appropriate negative controls in the
presence and absence of SCF(5.0 ng/ml), where test factor
supernates represent 10% of the total assay volume. The plated
cells are then allowed to grow by incubating in a low oxygen
environment (5% CO.sub.2, 7% O.sub.2, and 88% N.sub.2) tissue
culture incubator for 7 days. The number of proliferating cells
within the wells is then quantitated by measuring thymidine
incorporation into cellular DNA. Verification of the positive hits
in the assay will require phenotypic characterization of the cells,
which can be accomplished by scaling up of the culture system and
using appropriate antibody reagents against cell surface antigens
and FACScan.
[1264] One skilled in the art could easily modify the exemplified
studies to test the activity of polynucleotides (e.g., gene
therapy), antibodies, agonists, and/or antagonists and fragments
and variants thereof.
[1265] If a particular gene product is found to be a stimulator of
hematopoietic progenitors, polynucleotides and polypeptides
corresponding to the gene may be useful for the diagnosis and
treatment of disorders affecting the immune system and
hematopoiesis. Representative uses are described in the "Immune
Activity" and "Infectious Disease" sections above, and elsewhere
herein. The gene product may also be useful in the expansion of
stem cells and committed progenitors of various blood lineages, and
in the differentiation and/or proliferation of various cell
types.
[1266] Additionally, the polynucleotides and/or polypeptides of the
gene of interest and/or agonists and/or antagonists thereof, may
also be employed to inhibit the proliferation and differentiation
of hematopoietic cells and therefore may be employed to protect
bone marrow stem cells from chemotherapeutic agents during
chemotherapy. This antiproliferative effect may allow
administration of higher doses of chemotherapeutic agents and,
therefore, more effective chemotherapeutic treatment.
[1267] Moreover, polynucleotides and polypeptides corresponding to
the gene of interest may also be useful for the treatment and
diagnosis of hematopoietic related disorders such as, for example,
anemia, pancytopenia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia or leukemia
since stromal cells are important in the production of cells of
hematopoietic lineages. The uses include bone marrow cell ex-vivo
culture, bone marrow transplantation, bone marrow reconstitution,
radiotherapy or chemotherapy of neoplasia.
Example 55
Human Dermal Fibroblast and Aortic Smooth Muscle Cell
Proliferation
[1268] The polypeptide of interest is added to cultures of normal
human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) and human aortic smooth muscle
cells (AoSMC) and two co-assays are performed with each sample. The
first assay examines the effect of the polypeptide of interest on
the proliferation of normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) or
aortic smooth muscle cells (AoSMC). Aberrant growth of fibroblasts
or smooth muscle cells is a part of several pathological processes,
including fibrosis, and restenosis. The second assay examines IL6
production by both NHDF and SMC. IL6 production is an indication of
functional activation. Activated cells will have increased
production of a number of cytokines and other factors, which can
result in a proinflammatory or immunomodulatory outcome. Assays are
run with and without co-TNFa stimulation, in order to check for
costimulatory or inhibitory activity.
[1269] Briefly, on day 1, 96-well black plates are set up with 1000
cells/well (NHDF) or 2000 cells/well (AoSMC) in 100 .mu.l culture
media. NHDF culture media contains: Clonetics FB basal media, 1
mg/ml hFGF, 5 mg/ml insulin, 50 mg/ml gentamycin, 2% FBS, while
AoSMC culture media contains Clonetics SM basal media, 0.5 .mu.g/ml
hEGF, 5 mg/ml insulin, 1 .mu.g/ml hFGF, 50 mg/ml gentamycin, 50
.mu.g/ml Amphotericin B, 5% FBS. After incubation @ 37.degree. C.
for at least 4-5 hours culture media is aspirated and replaced with
growth arrest media. Growth arrest media for NHDF contains
fibroblast basal media, 50 mg/ml gentamycin, 2% FBS, while growth
arrest media for AoSMC contains SM basal media, 50 mg/ml
gentamycin, 50 .mu.g/ml Amphotericin B, 0.4% FBS. Incubate at 37C.
until day 2.
[1270] On day 2, serial dilutions and templates of the polypeptide
of interest are designed which should always include media controls
and known-protein controls. For both stimulation and inhibition
experiments, proteins are diluted in growth arrest media. For
inhibition experiments, TNFa is added to a final concentration of 2
ng/ml (NHDF) or 5 ng/ml (AoSMC). Then add 1/3 vol media containing
controls or supernatants and incubate at 37C./5% CO.sub.2 until day
5.
[1271] Transfer 60 .mu.l from each well to another labeled 96-well
plate, cover with a plate-sealer, and store at 4C. until Day 6 (for
IL6 ELISA). To the remaining 100 .mu.l in the cell culture plate,
aseptically add Alamar Blue in an amount equal to 10% of the
culture volume (10 .mu.l). Return plates to incubator for 3 to 4
hours. Then measure fluorescence with excitation at 530 nm and
emission at 590 nm using the CytoFluor. This yields the growth
stimulation/inhibition data.
[1272] On day 5, the IL6 ELISA is performed by coating a 96 well
plate with 50-100 ul/well of Anti-Human IL6 Monoclonal antibody
diluted in PBS, pH 7.4, incubate ON at room temperature.
[1273] On day 6, empty the plates into the sink and blot on paper
towels. Prepare Assay Buffer containing PBS with 4% BSA. Block the
plates with 200 .mu.l/well of Pierce Super Block blocking buffer in
PBS for 1-2 hr and then wash plates with wash buffer (PBS, 0.05%
Tween-20). Blot plates on paper towels. Then add 50 .mu.l/well of
diluted Anti-Human IL-6 Monoclonal, Biotin-labeled antibody at 0.50
mg/ml. Make dilutions of IL-6 stock in media (30, 10, 3, 1, 0.3, 0
ng/mil). Add duplicate samples to top row of plate. Cover the
plates and incubate for 2 hours at RT on shaker.
[1274] Wash plates with wash buffer and blot on paper towels.
Dilute EU-labeled Streptavidin 1:1000 in Assay buffer, and add 100
gl/well. Cover the plate and incubate 1 h at RT. Wash plates with
wash buffer. Blot on paper towels.
[1275] Add 100 .mu.l/well of Enhancement Solution. Shake for 5
minutes. Read the plate on the Wallac DELFIA Fluorometer. Readings
from triplicate samples in each assay were tabulated and
averaged.
[1276] A positive result in this assay suggests AoSMC cell
proliferation and that the gene product of interest may be involved
in dermal fibroblast proliferation and/or smooth muscle cell
proliferation. A positive result also suggests many potential uses
of polypeptides, polynucleotides, agonists and/or antagonists of
the gene/gene product of interest. For example, inflammation and
immune responses, wound healing, and angiogenesis, as detailed
throughout this specification. Particularly, polypeptides of the
gene product and polynucleotides of the gene may be used in wound
healing and dermal regeneration, as well as the promotion of
vasculargenesis, both of the blood vessels and lymphatics. The
growth of vessels can be used in the treatment of, for example,
cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, antagonists of polypeptides
of the gene product and polynucleotides of the gene may be useful
in treating diseases, disorders, and/or conditions which involve
angiogenesis by acting as an anti-vascular (e.g.,
anti-angiogenesis). These diseases, disorders, and/or conditions
are known in the art and/or are described herein, such as, for
example, malignancies, solid tumors, benign tumors, for example
hemangiomas, acoustic neuromas, neurofibromas, trachomas, and
pyogenic granulomas; artheroscleric plaques; ocular angiogenic
diseases, for example, diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of
prematurity, macular degeneration, corneal graft rejection,
neovascular glaucoma, retrolental fibroplasia, rubeosis,
retinoblastoma, uvietis and Pterygia (abnormal blood vessel growth)
of the eye; rheumatoid arthritis; psoriasis; delayed wound healing;
endometriosis; vasculogenesis; granulations; hypertrophic scars
(keloids); nonunion fractures; scleroderma; trachoma; vascular
adhesions; myocardial angiogenesis; coronary collaterals; cerebral
collaterals; arteriovenous malformations; ischemic limb
angiogenesis; Osler-Webber Syndrome; plaque neovascularization;
telangiectasia; hemophiliac joints; angiofibroma; fibromuscular
dysplasia; wound granulation; Crohn's disease; and atherosclerosis.
Moreover, antagonists of polypeptides of the gene product and
polynucleotides of the gene may be useful in treating
anti-hyperproliferative diseases and/or anti-inflammatory known in
the art and/or described herein.
[1277] One skilled in the art could easily modify the exemplified
studies to test the activity of polynucleotides (e.g., gene
therapy), antibodies, agonists, and/or antagonists and fragments
and variants thereof.
Example 56
Cellular Adhesion Molecule (CAM) Expression on Endothelial
Cells
[1278] The recruitment of lymphocytes to areas of inflammation and
angiogenesis involves specific receptor-ligand interactions between
cell surface adhesion molecules (CAMs) on lymphocytes and the
vascular endothelium. The adhesion process, in both normal and
pathological settings, follows a multi-step cascade that involves
intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion
molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1
(E-selectin) expression on endothelial cells (EC). The expression
of these molecules and others on the vascular endothelium
determines the efficiency with which leukocytes may adhere to the
local vasculature and extravasate into the local tissue during the
development of an inflammatory response. The local concentration of
cytokines and growth factor participate in the modulation of the
expression of these CAMs.
[1279] Briefly, endothelial cells (e.g., Human Umbilical Vein
Endothelial cells (HUVECs)) are grown in a standard 96 well plate
to confluence, growth medium is removed from the cells and replaced
with 100 .mu.l of 199 Medium (10% fetal bovine serum (FBS)).
Samples for testing and positive or negative controls are added to
the plate in triplicate (in 10 .mu.l volumes). Plates are then
incubated at 37.degree. C. for either 5 h (selectin and integrin
expression) or 24 h (integrin expression only). Plates are
aspirated to remove medium and 100 .mu.l of 0.1%
paraformaldehyde-PBS(with Ca++ and Mg++) is added to each well.
Plates are held at 4.degree. C. for 30 min. Fixative is removed
from the wells and wells are washed 1.times. with PBS(+Ca,Mg) +0.5%
BSA and drained. 10 .mu.l of diluted primary antibody is added to
the test and control wells. Anti-ICAM-1-Biotin, Anti-VCAM-1-Biotin
and Anti-E-selectin-Biotin are used at a concentration of 10
.mu.g/ml (1:10 dilution of 0.1 mg/ml stock antibody). Cells are
incubated at 37.degree. C. for 30 min. in a humidified environment.
Wells are washed three times with PBS(+Ca,Mg) +0.5% BSA. 20 .mu.l
of diluted ExtrAvidin-Alkaline Phosphotase (1:5,000 dilution,
refered to herein as the working dilution) are added to each well
and incubated at 37.degree. C. for 30 min. Wells are washed three
times with PBS(+Ca,Mg)+0.5% BSA. Dissolve 1 tablet of p-Nitrophenol
Phosphate pNPP per 5 ml of glycine buffer (pH 10.4). 100 .mu.l of
pNPP substrate in glycine buffer is added to each test well.
Standard wells in triplicate are prepared from the working dilution
of the ExtrAvidin-Alkaline Phosphotase in glycine buffer: 1:5,000
(10.sup.0)>10.sup.-0.5>10.sup.-1>10.sup.-1.50.5 .mu.l of
each dilution is added to triplicate wells and the resulting AP
content in each well is 5.50 ng, 1.74 ng, 0.55 ng, 0.18 ng. 100
.mu.l of pNNP reagent is then added to each of the standard wells.
The plate is incubated at 37.degree. C. for 4 h. A volume of 50
.mu.l of 3M NaOH is added to all wells. The plate is read on a
plate reader at 405 nm using the background subtraction option on
blank wells filled with glycine buffer only. Additionally, the
template is set up to indicate the concentration of AP-conjugate in
each standard well [5.50 ng; 1.74 ng; 0.55 ng; 0.18 ng]. Results
are indicated as amount of bound AP-conjugate in each sample.
Example 57
Alamar Blue Endothelial Cells Proliferation Assay
[1280] This assay may be used to quantitatively determine protein
mediated inhibition of bFGF-induced proliferation of Bovine
Lymphatic Endothelial Cells (LECs), Bovine Aortic Endothelial Cells
(BAECs) or Human Microvascular Uterine Myometrial Cells (UTMECs).
This assay incorporates a fluorometric growth indicator based on
detection of metabolic activity. A standard Alamar Blue
Proliferation Assay is prepared in EGM-2MV with 10 ng/ml of bFGF
added as a source of endothelial cell stimulation. This assay may
be used with a variety of endothelial cells with slight changes in
growth medium and cell concentration. Dilutions of the protein
batches to be tested are diluted as appropriate. Serum-free medium
(GIBCO SFM) without bFGF is used as a non-stimulated control and
Angiostatin or TSP-1 are included as a known inhibitory
controls.
[1281] Briefly, LEC, BAECs or UTMECs are seeded in growth media at
a density of 5000 to 2000 cells/well in a 96 well plate and placed
at 37-C. overnight. After the overnight incubation of the cells,
the growth media is removed and replaced with GIBCO EC-SFM. The
cells are treated with the appropriate dilutions of the protein of
interest or control protein sample(s) (prepared in SFM) in
triplicate wells with additional bFGF to a concentration of 10
ng/ml. Once the cells have been treated with the samples, the
plate(s) is/are placed back in the 37.degree. C. incubator for
three days. After three days 10 ml of stock alamar blue (Biosource
Cat# DAL1100) is added to each well and the plate(s) is/are placed
back in the 37.degree. C. incubator for four hours. The plate(s)
are then read at 530 nm excitation and 590 nm emission using the
CytoFluor fluorescence reader. Direct output is recorded in
relative fluorescence units.
[1282] Alamar blue is an oxidation-reduction indicator that both
fluoresces and changes color in response to chemical reduction of
growth medium resulting from cell growth. As cells grow in culture,
innate metabolic activity results in a chemical reduction of the
immediate surrounding environment. Reduction related to growth
causes the indicator to change from oxidized (non-fluorescent blue)
form to reduced (fluorescent red) form. i.e. stimulated
proliferation will produce a stronger signal and inhibited
proliferation will produce a weaker signal and the total signal is
proportional to the total number of cells as well as their
metabolic activity. The background level of activity is observed
with the starvation medium alone. This is compared to the output
observed from the positive control samples (bFGF in growth medium)
and protein dilutions.
Example 58
Detection of Inhibition of a Mixed Lymphocyte Reaction
[1283] This assay can be used to detect and evaluate inhibition of
a Mixed Lymphocyte Reaction (MLR) by gene products (e.g., isolated
polypeptides). Inhibition of a MLR may be due to a direct effect on
cell proliferation and viability, modulation of costimulatory
molecules on interacting cells, modulation of adhesiveness between
lymphocytes and accessory cells, or modulation of cytokine
production by accessory cells. Multiple cells may be targeted by
these polypeptides since the peripheral blood mononuclear fraction
used in this assay includes T, B and natural killer lymphocytes, as
well as monocytes and dendritic cells.
[1284] Polypeptides of interest found to inhibit the MLR may find
application in diseases associated with lymphocyte and monocyte
activation or proliferation. These include, but are not limited to,
diseases such as asthma, arthritis, diabetes, inflammatory skin
conditions, psoriasis, eczema, systemic lupus erythematosus,
multiple sclerosis, glomerulonephritis, inflammatory bowel disease,
crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, arteriosclerosis, cirrhosis,
graft vs. host disease, host vs. graft disease, hepatitis, leukemia
and lymphoma.
[1285] Briefly, PBMCs from human donors are purified by density
gradient centrifugation using Lymphocyte Separation Medium
(LSM.RTM., density 1.0770 g/ml, Organon Teknika Corporation, West
Chester, Pa.). PBMCs from two donors are adjusted to
2.times.10.sup.6 cells/ml in RPMI-1640 (Life Technologies, Grand
Island, N.Y.) supplemented with 10% FCS and 2 mM glutamine. PBMCs
from a third donor is adjusted to 2.times.10.sup.5 cells/ml. Fifty
microliters of PBMCs from each donor is added to wells of a 96-well
round bottom microtiter plate. Dilutions of test materials (50
.mu.l) is added in triplicate to microtiter wells. Test samples (of
the protein of interest) are added for final dilution of 1:4;
rhuIL-2 (R&D Systems, Minneapolis, Minn., catalog number
202-IL) is added to a final concentration of 1 .mu.g/ml; anti-CD4
mAb (R&D Systems, clone 34930.11, catalog number MAB379) is
added to a final concentration of 10 .mu.g/ml. Cells are cultured
for 7-8 days at 37.degree. C. in 5% CO.sub.2, and 1 .mu.C of
[.sup.3H] thymidine is added to wells for the last 16 hrs of
culture. Cells are harvested and thymidine incorporation determined
using a Packard TopCount. Data is expressed as the mean and
standard deviation of triplicate determinations.
[1286] Samples of the protein of interest are screened in separate
experiments and compared to the negative control treatment,
anti-CD4 mAb, which inhibits proliferation of lymphocytes and the
positive control treatment, IL-2 (either as recombinant material or
supernatant), which enhances proliferation of lymphocytes.
[1287] One skilled in the art could easily modify the exemplified
studies to test the activity of polynucleotides (e.g., gene
therapy), antibodies, agonists, and/or antagonists and fragments
and variants thereof.
[1288] It will be clear that the invention may be practiced
otherwise than as particularly described in the foregoing
description and examples. Numerous modifications and variations of
the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings
and, therefore, are within the scope of the appended claims.
[1289] The entire disclosure of each document cited (including
patents, patent applications, journal articles, abstracts,
laboratory manuals, books, or other disclosures) in the Background
of the Invention, Detailed Description, and Examples is hereby
incorporated herein by reference. Further, the hard copy of the
sequence listing submitted herewith and the corresponding computer
readable form are both incorporated herein by reference in their
entireties.
* * * * *