U.S. patent application number 10/192022 was filed with the patent office on 2003-09-04 for receptor polypeptides and their production and uses.
This patent application is currently assigned to Genentech, Inc.. Invention is credited to Cox, Edward T., Mather, Jennie P., Sliwkowski, Mary B., Woodruff, Teresa K..
Application Number | 20030166020 10/192022 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24879602 |
Filed Date | 2003-09-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030166020 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cox, Edward T. ; et
al. |
September 4, 2003 |
Receptor polypeptides and their production and uses
Abstract
An isolated TGF-.beta. supergene family (TSF) receptor
polypeptide is provided. This polypeptide preferably is an
inhibin/activin receptor polypeptide and has at least 75% sequence
identity with the mature human inhibin/activin receptor sequence.
Also provided is a method for purifying TGF-.beta. supergene family
members such as inhibin or activin using the polypeptide, and a
method for screening for compounds with TGF-.beta. supergene family
member activity by contacting the compound with the polypeptide and
detecting if binding has occurred and the compound is active.
Inventors: |
Cox, Edward T.; (Foster
City, CA) ; Mather, Jennie P.; (Millbrae, CA)
; Sliwkowski, Mary B.; (San Carlos, CA) ;
Woodruff, Teresa K.; (Millbrae, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GENENTECH, INC.
1 DNA WAY
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
CA
94080
US
|
Assignee: |
Genentech, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
24879602 |
Appl. No.: |
10/192022 |
Filed: |
July 10, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
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Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10192022 |
Jul 10, 2002 |
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08125065 |
Sep 21, 1993 |
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6455262 |
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08125065 |
Sep 21, 1993 |
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08012711 |
Feb 3, 1993 |
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5286654 |
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08012711 |
Feb 3, 1993 |
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07716826 |
Jun 19, 1991 |
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5216126 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
435/7.21 ;
435/320.1; 435/325; 435/69.1; 514/19.3; 514/8.9; 530/350;
530/388.22; 536/23.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C07K 14/51 20130101;
C07K 14/575 20130101; C07K 14/71 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
435/7.21 ;
435/69.1; 435/320.1; 435/325; 530/388.22; 530/350; 514/12;
536/23.5 |
International
Class: |
G01N 033/53; G01N
033/567; C07H 021/04; C12P 021/02; C12N 005/06; C07K 014/705 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An isolated TSF receptor polypeptide.
2. The polypeptide of claim 1 that is antigenically active.
3. The polypeptide of claim 1 that is biologically active.
4. An isolated inhibin/activin receptor polypeptide.
5. The polypeptide of claim 4 sharing at least 80% sequence
identity with the mature human inhibin/activin receptor polypeptide
sequence.
6. The polypeptide of claim 4 that is mature human or bovine
inhibin/activin receptor.
7. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a biologically active
polypeptide of claim 4 in a pharmaceutically acceptable
carrier.
8. An isolated antibody capable of binding to the polypeptide of
claim 1.
9. An isolated antibody capable of binding to the polypeptide of
claim 4.
10. A method for detecting a TSF receptor polypeptide in vitro or
in vivo comprising contacting the antibody of claim 8 with a sample
or cell suspected of containing receptor polypeptide and detecting
if binding has occurred.
11. A method of determining the presence in a test sample of a
molecule that binds to a TSF receptor polypeptide comprising
contacting the test sample with the polypeptide of claim 1 and
determining if binding has occurred.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein the molecule that binds to the
receptor polypeptide is inhibin or activin.
13. The method of claim 11 additionally comprising the step of
determining whether the bound molecule has TSF biological
activity.
14. A method for purifying molecules that bind to a TSF receptor
polypeptide comprising contacting a sample containing the molecules
to be purified with the polypeptide of claim 1 immobilized on a
support under conditions whereby the molecules to be purified are
selectively adsorbed onto the immobilized receptor polypeptide,
washing the immobilized support to remove non-adsorbed material,
and separating the molecules to be purified from the immobilized
receptor polypeptide to which they are adsorbed.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein the molecules to be purified are
inhibin or activin.
16. An isolated TSF receptor nucleic acid molecule.
17. The molecule of claim 16 that is an inhibin/activin receptor
nucleic acid molecule.
18. The nucleic acid molecule of claim 17 that is DNA.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to the cloning and expression of the
cellular receptor molecules that are capable of binding the
TGF-.beta. supergene family of proteins. The invention further
relates to methods of production of the isolated receptor molecules
and their uses.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Following the initial purification and characterization of
transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-.beta.) as a homodimeric,
25-Kd peptide (Frolik et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 80:
3676-3680 [1983]; Assoian et al., J. Biol. Chem., 258: 7155-7160
[1983]; Roberts et al., Biochemistry, 22: 5692-5698 (1983)), there
has been an exponential increase in knowledge relating to this
molecule. The cloning of TGF-.beta.1 and the resultant elucidation
of its precursor structure (Derynck et al., Nature, 316: 701-705
[1985]) have led to the identification of at least four other forms
of TGF-.beta. and the definition of a larger gene family comprising
many other structurally related, but functionally distinct,
regulatory proteins.
[0005] There are now many polypeptides that belong to the
TGF-.beta. supergene family by virtue of amino acid homologies,
particularly with respect to the conservation of seven of the nine
cysteine residues of TGF-.beta. among all known family members.
These include the mammalian inhibins (Mason et al., Nature, 318:
659-663 [1985]) and activins (Ling et al., Nature, 321: 779-782
[1986]), and Mullerian inhibitory substance (MIS; Cate et al.,
Cell, 45: 685-698 [1986]), as well as the predicted products of
both a pattern gene in Drosophila (the decapentaplegic gene
complex, DPP-C; Padgett et al., Nature, 325: 81-84 [1987]), and an
amphibian gene expressed in frog oocytes (Vg1; Weeks and Melton,
Cell, 51: 861-867 [1987]). Most recently, three new proteins,
called bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), have been added to the
family. One subset of these proteins, BMP-2A and 2B, shares about
75% sequence identity with DPP-C and may represent the mammalian
equivalent of that protein. Wozney et al., Science, 242: 1528-1534
(1988); Wang et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 85: 9484-9488
(1988).
[0006] In every case where the information is available, all
polypeptides belonging to this family are encoded as larger
precursors. The family resemblance is limited to the C-terminus of
the precursor corresponding to the processed mature TGF-.beta.
(Padgett et al., supra). With the exception of MIS, the C-terminal
region is cleaved from the precursor at a pair of arginine
residues. Although the position of this cleavage site varies among
the family members, the C-terminus of all of the peptides is in the
identical position, ending in the sequence where a cysteine residue
is linked to the N-terminus of X-Cys-X (X being any amino acid),
but differing in every case from the TGF-.beta. consensus
C-terminal sequence where Cys is connected to the N-terminus of
Lys-Cys-Ser.
[0007] A unifying feature of the biology of these polypeptides is
their ability to regulate developmental processes. MIS induces
regression of the female rudiments of the developing male
reproductive system. The inhibins and activins, as discussed
further below, regulate reproductive functions and erythropoietic
activity. The BMPs are thought to play a role in the formation of
cartilage and bone in vivo. DPP-C directs dorsal-ventral patterning
in the developing fly embryo. Vg1 is postulated to be involved in
the process of induction of mesoderm from ectoderm during
gastrulation in the amphibian embryo. In amphibians, TGF-.beta.
itself (Kimelman and Kirschner, Cell, 51: 869-877 [1987]) has been
shown to augment the ability of fibroblast growth factor to induce
mesoderm and plays a pivotal role in morphogenesis and
organogenesis in mammalian embryos. In addition, like activin,
TGF-.beta. is reported to possess follicle-stimulating-hormone
(FSH)-releasing activity. Ying et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res.
Commun., 135: 950-956 (1986).
[0008] Inhibin is a glycoprotein produced by diverse tissues,
including the gonads, pituitary, brain, bone marrow, placenta, and
adrenal gland. It was initially identified by its ability to
inhibit the secretion of FSH by the pituitary. De Jong and Sharpe,
Nature, 263: 71-72 (1976); Schwartz and Channing, Proc. Natl. Acad.
Sci. USA, 74: 5721-5724 (1977). Such preferential regulation of the
gonadotropin secretion has generated a great deal of interest and
prompted many laboratories in the past fifty years to attempt to
isolate and characterize this substance from extracts of testis,
spermatozoa, rete testis fluid, seminal plasma, and ovarian
follicular fluid using various bioassays. Rivier et al., Biochem.
Biophys. Res. Commun., 133: 120 (1985); Ling et al., Proc. Natl.
Acad. Sci. USA, 82: 7217 (1985); Fukuda et al., Mol. Cell
Endocrinol., 44: 55 (1985). The structure of inhibin, characterized
from several species, consists of two disulfide-linked subunits: an
a and either a .beta.A or a .beta.B chain, designated "inhibin A"
and "inhibin B," respectively.
[0009] After the identification of inhibin, activin was shown to
exist in follicular fluid as a naturally occurring substance.
Activin was found to be capable of stimulating FSH release by rat
anterior pituitary cells. Vale et al., Nature, 321: 776-779 (1986);
Ling et al., Nature, (1986), supra. Activin consists of a homodimer
or heterodimer of inhibin .beta. subunits, which may be
.beta..sub.A or .beta..sub.B subunits. Vale et al., Recent Prog.
Horm. Res., 41: 1-34 (1988). There is 95-100% amino acid
conservation of .beta. subunits among human, porcine, bovine, and
rat activins. The .beta..sub.A and .beta..sub.B subunits within a
given species are about 64-70% homologous. The activin .beta..sub.A
and .beta..sub.B homodimers ("activin A" and "activin B,"
respectively) have been identified in follicular fluid, and both
molecules have been cloned and their genes expressed. Mason et al.,
Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun., 135: 957 (1986); U.S. Pat. No.
4,798,885 issued Jan. 17, 1989; Mason et al., Molecular
Endocrinol., 3: 1352-1358 (1989). The complete sequence of the
.beta..sub.B subunit is published in Serono Symposium Publications,
Inhibin-Non-Steroidal Regulation of Follicle Stimulating Hormone
Secretion, eds. H. G. Burger et al., abstract by A. J. Mason et
al., vol. 42, pp. 77-88 (Raven Press: New York, 1987), entitled
"Human Inhibin and Activin: Structure and Recombinant Expression in
Mammalian Cells."
[0010] Both activin A and activin AB (the .beta..sub.A.beta..sub.B
heterodimer), but thus far not activin B, have been isolated from
natural sources. Activin mRNA (.beta..sub.A and .beta..sub.B
subunits), bioactivity, and immunoactivity have been reported to be
produced by testicular Leydig cells from immature rat and pig. Lee
et al., Science, 243: 396-398 (1989); Lee et al., in Serono
Symposium Publications, The Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology of
the Testis, eds. Cooke and Sharpe, vol. 50, pp. 21-27 (Raven Press:
New York, 1988). Activin A has been found recently to have
erythropoietic-stimulating activity as well as FSH-releasing
activity. EP Publ. No. 210,461 published Feb. 4, 1987 (where the
protein is called BUF-3); Eto et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res.
Commun., 142: 1095-1103 (1987); Murata et al., Proc. Natl. Acad.
Sci. U.S.A., 85: 2434-2438 (1988) (where the activin is called
EDF); Yu et al., Nature, 330: 765-767 (1987) (where the activin is
called FRP). In these systems, inhibin antagonized the actions of
activin.
[0011] Recently, the expression of inhibin subunits, each encoded
by a separate gene, was demonstrated in several tissues in addition
to ovary and testis. Inhibin .alpha., .beta..sub.A, and
.beta..sub.B mRNAs were detected in placental, pituitary, adrenal,
bone marrow, and brain tissues. Meunier et al., Proc. Natl. Acad.
Sci. USA, 85: 247-251 (1988). The expression of the inhibin subunit
mRNAs varied by several-fold in a tissue-specific manner,
suggesting different functions for these proteins depending on
their pattern of association and their site of production.
[0012] In the human, growing preovulatory follicles and corpus
luteum secrete inhibin into the circulation in response to FSH
stimulation. Lee and Gibson, Aust. J. Biol. Sci., 38: 115-120
(1985); McLachlan et al., Fertil. Steril., 48: 1001 (1987). Thus,
inhibin-related peptides play important roles in the modulation of
gonadal functions via a pituitary feedback loop. In rat primary
cultures of testis cells and ovarian thecal-interstitial cells,
inhibin has been reported to enhance androgen biosynthesis
stimulated by leutinizing hormone (LH), whereas activin suppresses
androgen production. Hsueh et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 84:
5082-5086 (1987). Other workers have been unable to repeat these
observations. deKretser and Robertson, Biology of Reproduction, 40:
33-47 (1989). Human ovarian theca were also shown to have a
decrease in androgen production. It has now been shown that inhibin
increases female fertility and activin decreases follicular size
when they are administered locally to the ovaries. Woodruff et al.,
Endocrinol., 127: 3196-3205 (1990). On the other hand, activin was
found to stimulate spermatogonial proliferation in germ-sertoli
cell cocultures from immature rat testis. Mather et al.,
Endocrinology, 127: 3206-3214 (1990).
[0013] It appears that each of the polypeptides in the TGF-.beta.
supergene family has at least one unique receptor. Thus, although
TGF-.beta.1 and TGF-.beta.2 compete for receptor binding (Cheifetz
et al., Cell, 48: 409-415 [1987]; Segarini et al., J. Biol. Chem.,
262: 14655-14662 [1987]), neither inhibin nor activin can compete
for binding of TGF-.beta.1 to a variety of cell types, including
pituitary cells (Cheifetz et al., J. Biol. Chem., 263: 16984-16991
[1988]), in which both TGF-.beta. and the activins elicit secretion
of FSH, while inhibin antagonizes that activity. Ying et al.,
supra; Ying et al., Biochim. Biophys. Res. Commun., 136: 969-975
[1986].
[0014] TGF-.beta. has been found to bind to nearly 150 different
cell types and cell lines, and with only a few exceptions the cells
bind TGF-.beta. with affinities in the picomolar range. Frolik et
al., J. Biol. Chem., 259: 10995-11000 (1984); Tucker et al., Proc.
Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 81: 6757-6761 (1984); Massague and Like, J.
Biol. Chem., 260: 2636-2645 (1985); Wakefield et al., J. Cell.
Biol., 105: 965-975 (1987).
[0015] Crosslinking of labeled TGF-.beta. to membrane receptors
with disuccinimidyl suberate has revealed three distinct classes of
integral cell membrane components that bind TGF-.beta. specifically
and with high affinity. Massague, J. Biol. Chem., 260: 7059-7066
[1985]; Massague and Like, J. Biol. Chem., 260: 2636-2645 (1985);
Cheifetz et al., J. Biol. Chem., 261: 9972-9978 (1986); Segarini
and Seyedin, J. Biol. Chem., 263: 8366-8370 (1988); Cheifetz et
al., J. Biol. Chem., supra; Cheifetz et al., J. Biol. Chem., 263:
10783-10789 (1988). Class I components are 65 Kd in all species,
whereas class II components range from 85 Kd in rodent cells to 95
Kd in monkey and human cells to 110 Kd in chicken cells. The
binding of the various forms of TGF-.beta. to both class I and II
receptors is in the order
TGF-.beta.1>TGF-.beta.1.2>TGF-.beta.2. Cheifetz et al., J.
Biol. Chem., supra. In contrast, all three forms of TGF-.beta. bind
equivalently to class III receptors, which represent the most
abundant cross-linked species. This form is generally considered to
be dimeric (Massague, J. Biol. Chem., 260: 7059-7066, supra) and to
be composed of proteoglycan subunits of 250-350 Kd (Segarini and
Seyedin, supra; Cheifetz et al., J. Biol. Chem., 16984-16991,
supra). Another subset of this high-molecular-weight component has
also been described that preferentially binds TGF-.beta.2. Segarini
et al., J. Biol. Chem., 262: 14655-14662 (1987). Most frequently,
all three classes of these binding proteins coexist on cells.
[0016] Class I and II TGF-.beta. receptor components, like most
growth factor receptors, are glycoproteins. Most of the
carbohydrate is N-linked and contributes approximately 5 Kd and
15-20 Kd to the mass of components I and II, respectively. Cheifetz
et al., J. Biol. Chem., 16984-16991, supra. In contrast to all
other known polypeptide receptors, the class III protein is a
proteoglycan consisting predominantly of heparin sulfate
glycosaminoglycan chains with a smaller amount of chondroitin or
dermatan sulfate attached to a core protein of about 100-140 Kd.
The binding site for TGF-.beta. resides in this core protein.
Segarini and Seyedin, supra; Cheifetz et al., J. Biol. Chem.,
16984-16991, supra.
[0017] There is considerable controversy concerning the roles of
the various classes of proteins that cross-link to TGF-.beta..
Cheifetz and coworkers have proposed that class III receptors
mediate all functions of TGF-.beta. in which TGF-.beta.1 and
TGF-.beta.2 have been shown to be equipotent; this includes
regulation of extracellular matrix as well as most effects on
growth and differentiation. Cheifetz et al., 1987 and 1988, supra.
Moreover, they suggest that biological activities specific to
TGF-.beta.1 are mediated through the class I and II receptors;
these would include the reported selective inhibitory activity of
TGF-.beta.1 on growth of either B6SUt-A multipotential
hematopoietic progenitor cells (Cheifetz et al., J. Biol. Chem.,
10783-10789, supra) or endothelial cells. Jennings et al., J. Cell
Physiol., 137: 167-172 (1988). In contrast, it has been shown that
class III binding is not exhibited by primary epithelial,
endothelial, and lymphoid cells and may not be necessary for many
biological activities of TGF-.beta.. Segarini et al., Mol.
Endocrin., 3: 261-272 (1989). Thus, cells such as L-6 myoblasts
(Segarini et al., 1987, supra) and primary lymphocytes (Kehrl et
al., J. Immunol., 143: 1868-1874 [1989]), which respond equally
well to TGF-.beta.1 and TGF-.beta.2, have only class I and II
receptors. In addition, preliminary data demonstrate that selection
of cell mutants resistant to the action of TGF-.beta. results in
the isolation of cell lines that have selectively lost the type I
TGF-.beta. binding.
[0018] Although their occurrence is rather rare, several neoplastic
cells appear to lack these putative TGF-.beta. receptors. These
include the PC12 rat pheochromocytoma, human retinoblastoma cells,
and several leukemic cell lines. Kimchi et al., Science, 240:
196-198 (1988); Keller et al., J. Cell. Biochem., 39: 175-184
(1989). In each-of these cases, the lack of receptor proteins
correlates with resistance of the cells to the inhibitory effects
of TGF-.beta., and it has been proposed that loss of TGF-.beta.
receptors might be a mechanism whereby pre-neoplastic cells could
progress to tumor cells by escaping from negative growth. Sporn and
Roberts, Nature, 313: 745-747 (1985).
[0019] Yet another anomaly of TGF-.beta. binding in tumor cells has
been reported. Although the binding of TGF-.beta. to cells has been
shown to be specific, a novel 70-74 Kd complex has been reported on
GH.sub.3 rat pituitary tumor cells that binds not only TGF-.beta.1,
but also TGF-.beta.2, activin AB, and inhibin with lower affinity.
Cheifetz et al., J. Biol. Chem., 263: 17225-17228 (1988). The
biological function of this complex is not known.
[0020] Although it has long been known or suspected that the
biological effects of inhibin and activin are mediated via
interaction with a cellular receptor molecule present on the
surface of target cells, to date such receptor(s) have never been
isolated or identified. While a protein designated as an "activin
receptor" has been expression cloned (Mathews and Vale, Cell, 65:
1-20 [1991]), it does not appear to be a mammalian receptor in that
it is a serine kinase (not found in mammalian cells), and it is
most closely related to the C. elegans daf-1 gene product (found in
nematodes).
[0021] It is an object of the present invention to isolate and
specifically identify and purify the cellular receptors to which
the TGF-.beta. supergene family is capable of binding in vivo.
[0022] A more specific object of the present invention is to
identify and isolate the cellular receptors to which inhibin and/or
activin binds in vivo.
[0023] It is another object to provide nucleic acid molecules
encoding such receptors.
[0024] It is yet another object to provide derivatives and modified
forms of the TGF-.beta. supergene family of receptors, including
amino acid sequence variants and covalent derivatives thereof.
[0025] These and other objects of the invention will be apparent to
the ordinary artisan upon consideration of the specification as a
whole.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0026] Accordingly, this invention provides an isolated TGF-.beta.
supergene family (TSF) receptor polypeptide, which may be
antigenically or biologically active. Preferably this receptor
polypeptide is the inhibin/activin receptor polypeptide.
[0027] In another aspect, this invention provides an isolated
antibody capable of binding to the polypeptide. In a still further
embodiment, the invention provides a method for detecting the TSF
receptor polypeptide in vitro or in vivo comprising contacting the
antibody with a sample or cell suspected of containing the receptor
polypeptide and detecting if binding has occurred.
[0028] In still another aspect, a method is provided for purifying
molecules that bind to a TSF receptor polypeptide comprising
contacting a sample containing the molecules to be purified with
the receptor polypeptide immobilized on a support under conditions
whereby the molecules to be purified are selectively adsorbed onto
the immobilized receptor, washing the immobilized support to remove
non-adsorbed material, and separating the molecules to be purified
from the immobilized receptor polypeptide to which they are
adsorbed.
[0029] In yet another aspect, this invention provides a method of
determining the presence in a test sample of a molecule that binds
to TSF receptor polypeptide (and preferably also has TSF biological
activity) comprising contacting the test sample with the receptor
polypeptide and determining if binding has occurred. In still
further embodiments, the invention provides an isolated TSF
receptor nucleic acid molecule.
[0030] In a still further aspect, the invention provides a
pharmaceutical composition comprising the TSF receptor polypeptide
in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a method for blocking
an excess amount of a TSF member in a mammal comprising
administering to the mammal an effective amount of the receptor
polypeptide.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] FIG. 1 depicts the schematic diagram for isolation of
inhibin/activin receptor from bovine pituitaries.
[0032] FIG. 2A shows analysis of inhibin-FITC using size-exclusion
chromatography, with the insert showing hormone conjugate following
reduction, and FIG. 2B shows analysis of activin-FITC using
size-exclusion chromatography, with the insert showing hormone
conjugate following reduction.
[0033] FIG. 3 shows competition of inhibin A (FIG. 3A), activin A
(FIG. 3B), and activin B (FIG. 3C) for heterologous receptors,
where the inhibin and activins are conjugated to FITC and bound to
cells from a 31-day germ cell co-culture. Competition was in the
presence of 1000-times excess of the respective hormone. Total mean
fluorescence for the population minus background was calculated in
each case.
[0034] FIG. 4 shows slot blots of inhibin/activin receptor RNA in
various mouse and bovine cell lines.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0035] 1. Terms Employed
[0036] In accordance with the present invention, a "TGF-.beta.
supergene family (or TSF) receptor polypeptide" is defined herein
to be any polypeptide that possesses a biological property of a
mature receptor to which at least one member of the TGF-.beta.
supergene family binds. Members of this family include inhibins,
activins, MIS, DPP-C, Vg1, and BMPs.
[0037] In accordance with the present invention, an
"inhibin/activin receptor polypeptide" is defined herein to be any
polypeptide that possesses a biological property of the mature
human inhibin/activin receptor described herein.
[0038] "Biological property" for the purposes herein means an in
vivo effector or antigenic function or activity that is directly or
indirectly performed by the mature receptor (whether in its native
or denatured conformation). Effector functions include ligand
binding, any carrier binding activity, or any structural role.
However, effector functions do not include possession of an epitope
or antigenic site that is capable of cross-reacting with antibodies
raised against the particular mature receptor polypeptide. An
antigenic function means possession of an epitope or antigenic site
that is capable of cross-reacting with antibodies raised against
the mature receptor.
[0039] Biologically active TSF receptor polypeptide is defined
herein as a polypeptide that shares an effector function of the
mature receptor and that also may (but need not) possess an
antigenic function. A principal known effect or function of the
receptor polypeptide herein is binding to at least one TSF member.
For example, the inhibin/activin receptor polypeptide binds to
inhibin A, inhibin B, activin A, activin AB, and/or activin B,
depending on whether the receptor polypeptide is one for activin or
inhibin.
[0040] Antigenically active TSF receptor polypeptide is defined as
a polypeptide that possesses an antigenic function of the mature
TSF receptor and that also may (but need not) possess an effector
function.
[0041] In preferred embodiments, antigenically active TSF receptor
polypeptide is a polypeptide that binds with an affinity of at
least about 10.sup.6 l/mole to an antibody raised against the
mature human TSF receptor. Ordinarily, the polypeptide binds with
an affinity of at least about 10.sup.7 l/mole. Most preferably, the
antigenically active TSF receptor polypeptide is a polypeptide that
binds to an antibody raised against the mature human TSF receptor
sequence in its native conformation. The mature human TSF receptor
sequence in its native conformation is the human receptor as found
in nature that has not been denatured by chaotropic agents, heat,
or other treatment that substantially modifies the
three-dimensional structure of the human TSF receptor as
determined, for example, by migration on non-reducing,
non-denaturing sizing gels. Antibody used in this determination is
rabbit polyclonal antibody raised by formulating native human TSF
receptor in Freund's complete adjuvant, subcutaneously injecting
the formulation, and boosting the immune response by
intraperitoneal injection of the formulation until the titer of
anti-TSF receptor antibody plateaus.
[0042] Ordinarily, biologically or antigenically active TSF
receptor polypeptide will have an amino acid sequence having at
least 70% amino acid sequence identity with the native mature human
inhibin/activin receptor sequence, more preferably at least 75%,
more preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, more
preferably at least 90%, and most preferably at least 95%. Identity
or homology with respect to the native mature human inhibin/activin
sequence is defined herein as the percentage of amino acid residues
in the candidate sequence that are identical with the residues in
the mature human inhibin/activin receptor sequence after aligning
the sequences and introducing gaps, if necessary, to achieve the
maximum percent sequence identity, and not considering any
conservative substitutions as part of the sequence identity. None
of N-terminal, C-terminal, or internal extensions, deletions, or
insertions into the mature human inhibin/activin receptor sequence
shall be construed as affecting sequence identity or homology.
[0043] Thus, the biologically active and antigenically active TSF
receptor polypeptides that are the subject of this invention
include prepro-inhibin/activin receptor; pro-inhibin/activin
receptor; mature inhibin/activin receptor; fragments thereof having
a consecutive sequence of at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, or 40
amino acid residues from any of the above sequences; amino acid
sequence variants of any of the above sequences wherein an amino
acid residue has been inserted N- or C-terminal to, or within, the
prepro-, pro-, pre-, or mature human inhibin/activin receptor amino
acid sequence or its fragment as defined above; amino acid sequence
variants of the prepro-, pro-, pre-, or mature human
inhibin/activin receptor amino acid sequence or its fragment as
defined above wherein an amino acid residue of any of these
sequences or fragment thereof has been substituted by another
residue, including predetermined mutations by, e.g., site-directed
or PCR mutagenesis, and other mammalian species of the
inhibin/activin receptor such as human, rabbit, rat, porcine,
non-human primate, equine, murine, and ovine inhibin/activin
receptor and alleles or other naturally occurring variants of the
foregoing and human sequences; derivatives of the inhibin/activin
receptor or its fragments as defined above wherein the
inhibin/activin receptor or its fragments have been covalent
modified, by substitution, chemical, enzymatic, or other
appropriate means, with a moiety other than a naturally occurring
amino acid; glycosylation variants of inhibin/activin receptor
polypeptide (insertion of a glycosylation site or deletion of any
glycosylation site by deletion, insertion, or substitution of
suitable residues); and soluble forms of the inhibin/activin
receptor such as those that lack a functional transmembrane domain.
Such fragments and variants exclude any polypeptide heretofore
identified, including any known TSF receptors of any animal species
or any known polypeptide fragment that are anticipatory under 35
USC .sctn.102 as well as polypeptides obvious thereover under 35
USC .sctn.103. The preferred TSF receptor polypeptide is the
inhibin/activin receptor polypeptide, more preferably, the bovine
or human mature inhibin/activin receptor.
[0044] "Isolated" TSF receptor polypeptide means a TSF receptor
polypeptide that has been purified (1) to a degree sufficient to
obtain at least 15 residues of N-terminal or internal amino acid
sequence by use of a spinning cup sequenator, or (2) to homogeneity
by SDS-PAGE under non-reducing or reducing conditions using
Coomassie blue or, preferably, silver stain.
[0045] In accordance with this invention, a TSF receptor nucleic
acid molecule is RNA or DNA containing greater than ten bases that
encodes a biologically active or antigenically active TSF receptor
polypeptide, is complementary to nucleic acid sequence encoding
such TSF receptor polypeptide, or hybridizes to nucleic acid
sequence encoding such TSF receptor polypeptide and remains stably
bound to it under stringent conditions.
[0046] Preferably, the TSF receptor nucleic acid molecule encodes a
polypeptide sharing at least 70% sequence identity, more preferably
at least 80%, still more preferably at least 85%, even more
preferably at least 90%, and most preferably 95%, with the sequence
of mature human inhibin/activin receptor polypeptide. Preferably,
the TSF receptor nucleic acid molecule that hybridizes to the
mature human inhibin/activin receptor nucleic acid sequence
contains at least 20, more preferably 40, and most preferably 90
bases. Such hybridizing or complementary nucleic acid molecule,
however, is further defined as being novel under 35 USC .sctn.102
and unobvious under 35 USC .sctn.103 over any prior art nucleic
acid molecules, including those that encode, hybridize under
stringent conditions, or are complementary to nucleic acid
molecules encoding a known TSF receptor polypeptide.
[0047] Stringent conditions are those that (1) employ low ionic
strength and high temperature for washing, for example, 0.015 M
NaCl/0.0015 M sodium citrate/0.1% NaDodSO.sub.4 at 50.degree. C.;
(2) employ during hybridization a denaturing agent such as
formamide, for example, 50% (vol/vol) formamide with 0.1% bovine
serum albumin/0.1% Ficoll/0.1% polyvinylpyrrolidone/50 mM sodium
phosphate buffer at pH 6.5 with 750 mM NaCl, 75 mM sodium citrate
at 42.degree. C.; or (3) employ 50% formamide, 5.times.SSC (0.75 M
NaCl, 0.075 M sodium citrate), 50 mM sodium phosphate (pH 6.8),
0.1% sodium pyrophosphate, 5.times. Denhardt's solution, sonicated
salmon sperm DNA (50 .mu.g/ml), 0.1% SDS, and 10% dextran sulfate
at 42.degree. C., with washes at 42.degree. C. in 0.2.times.SSC and
0.1% SDS.
[0048] An isolated TSF receptor nucleic acid molecule is a nucleic
acid molecule that is identified and separated from at least one
contaminant nucleic acid molecule with which it is ordinarily
associated in the natural source of the TSF receptor nucleic acid.
An isolated TSF receptor nucleic acid molecule is other than in the
form or setting in which it is found in nature. Isolated TSF
receptor nucleic acid molecules therefore are distinguished from
the TSF receptor nucleic acid molecule as it exists in natural
cells. However, an isolated TSF receptor nucleic acid molecule
includes TSF receptor nucleic acid molecules contained in cells
that ordinarily express TSF receptor polypeptide where, for
example, the nucleic acid molecule is in a chromosomal location
different from that of natural cells.
[0049] The isolated TSF receptor polypeptide or TSF receptor
nucleic acid may be labeled for diagnostic and probe purposes,
using a label as described and defined further below in the
discussion of diagnostic assays.
[0050] Isolated antibody capable of binding to TSF receptor
polypeptide is an antibody that binds to the polypeptide with an
affinity of at least about 10.sup.6 l/mole, preferably at least
about 10.sup.7, l/mole, and is identified and separated and/or
recovered from a component of any natural environment in which it
may be present.
[0051] Molecules that bind to TSF receptor polypeptide and have TSF
biological activity are those organic molecules and polypeptides
that will bind to TSF receptor polypeptide under both in vitro and
in vivo conditions. TSF biological activity means at least one
inherent biological property (excluding any immunological
properties) of a TSF member in its native conformation. For
example, inhibin biological activity includes such properties as
FSH-inhibitory activity, increase in female fertility when
administered locally to the ovary, effects on K562 cell hemoglobin
production (inhibition of activin-stimulated production), and fetal
hemoglobin switching activity.
[0052] The expression "control sequences" refers to DNA sequences
necessary for the expression of an operably linked coding sequence
in a particular host organism. The control sequences that are
suitable for prokaryotes, for example, include a promoter,
optionally an operator sequence, a ribosome binding site, and
possibly, other as yet poorly understood sequences. Eukaryotic
cells are known to utilize promoters, polyadenylation signals, and
enhancers.
[0053] Nucleic acid is "operably linked" when it is placed into a
functional relationship with another nucleic acid sequence. For
example, DNA for a presequence or secretory leader is operably
linked to DNA for a polypeptide if it is expressed as a preprotein
that participates in the secretion of the polypeptide; a promoter
or enhancer is operably linked to a coding sequence if it affects
the transcription of the sequence; or a ribosome binding site is
operably linked to a coding sequence if it is positioned so as to
facilitate translation. Generally, "operably linked" means that the
DNA sequences being linked are contiguous and, in the case of a
secretory leader, contiguous and in reading phase. However,
enhancers do not have to be contiguous. Linking is accomplished by
ligation at convenient restriction sites. If such sites do not
exist, the synthetic oligonucleotide adaptors or linkers are used
in accord with conventional practice.
[0054] An "exogenous" element is defined herein to mean nucleic
acid sequence that is foreign to the cell, or homologous to the
cell but in a position within the host cell nucleic acid in which
the element is ordinarily not found.
[0055] As used herein, the expressions "cell," "cell line," and
"cell culture" are used interchangeably and all such designations
include progeny. Thus, the words "transformants" and "transformed
cells" include the primary subject cell and cultures derived
therefrom without regard for the number of transfers. It is also
understood that all progeny may not be precisely identical in DNA
content, due to deliberate or inadvertent mutations. Mutant progeny
that have the same function or biological activity as screened for
in the originally transformed cell are included. Where distinct
designations are intended, it will be clear from the context.
[0056] "Plasmids" are designated by a lower case p preceded and/or
followed by capital letters and/or numbers. The starting plasmids
herein are commercially available, are publicly available on an
unrestricted basis, or can be constructed from such available
plasmids in accord with published procedures. In addition, other
equivalent plasmids are known in the art and will be apparent to
the ordinary artisan.
[0057] "Restriction enzyme digestion" of DNA refers to catalytic
cleavage of the DNA with an enzyme that acts only at certain
locations in the DNA. Such enzymes are called restriction
endonucleases, and the site for which each is specific is called a
restriction site. The various restriction enzymes used herein are
commercially available and their reaction conditions, cofactors,
and other requirements as established by the enzyme suppliers are
used. Restriction enzymes commonly are designated by abbreviations
composed of a capital letter followed by other letters representing
the microorganism from which each restriction enzyme originally was
obtained and then a number designating the particular enzyme. In
general, about 1 .mu.g of plasmid or DNA fragment is used with
about 1-2 units of enzyme in about 20 .mu.l of buffer solution.
Appropriate buffers and substrate amounts for particular
restriction enzymes are specified by the manufacturer. Incubation
of about 1 hour at 37.degree. C. is ordinarily used, but may vary
in accordance with the supplier's instructions. After incubation,
protein or polypeptide is removed by extraction with phenol and
chloroform, and the digested nucleic acid is recovered from the
aqueous fraction by precipitation with ethanol. Digestion with a
restriction enzyme may be followed with bacterial alkaline
phosphatase hydrolysis of the terminal 5' phosphates to prevent the
two restriction-cleaved ends of a DNA fragment from "circularizing"
or forming a closed loop that would impede insertion of another DNA
fragment at the restriction site. Unless otherwise stated,
digestion of plasmids is not followed by 5' terminal
dephosphorylation. Procedures and reagents for dephosphorylation
are conventional as described in sections 1.56-1.61 of Sambrook et
al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual [New York: Cold Spring
Harbor Laboratory Press, 1989].
[0058] "Recovery" or "isolation" of a given fragment of DNA from a
restriction digest means separation of the digest on polyacrylamide
or agarose gel by electrophoresis, identification of the fragment
of interest by comparison of its mobility versus that of marker DNA
fragments of known molecular weight, removal of the gel section
containing the desired fragment, and separation of the gel from
DNA. This procedure is known generally. For example, see Lawn et
al., Nucleic Acids Res., 9: 6103-6114 (1981), and Goeddel et al.,
Nucleic Acids Res. 8: 4057 (1980).
[0059] "Southern analysis" is a method by which the presence of DNA
sequences in a restriction endonuclease digest of DNA or
DNA-containing composition is confirmed by hybridization to a
known, labeled oligonucleotide or DNA fragment. Southern analysis
typically involves electrophoretic separation of DNA digests on
agarose gels, denaturation of the DNA after electrophoretic
separation, and transfer of the DNA to nitrocellulose, nylon, or
another suitable membrane support for analysis with a radiolabeled,
biotinylated, or enzyme-labeled probe as described in sections
9.37-9.52 of Sambrook et al., supra.
[0060] "Northern analysis" is a method used to identify RNA
sequences that hybridize to a known probe such as an
oligonucleotide, DNA fragment, cDNA or fragment thereof, or RNA
fragment. The probe is labeled with a radioisotope such as 32-P, or
by biotinylation, or with an enzyme. The RNA to be analyzed is
usually electrophoretically separated on an agarose or
polyacrylamide gel, transferred to nitrocellulose, nylon, or other
suitable membrane, and hybridized with the probe, using standard
techniques well known in the art such as those described in
sections 7.39-7.52 of Sambrook et al., supra.
[0061] "Ligation" refers to the process of forming phosphodiester
bonds between two nucleic acid fragments. For ligation of the two
fragments, the ends of the fragments must be compatible with each
other. In some cases, the ends will be directly compatible after
endonuclease digestion. However, it may be necessary first to
convert the staggered ends commonly produced after endonuclease
digestion to blunt ends to make them compatible for ligation. For
blunting the ends, the DNA is treated in a suitable buffer for at
least 15 minutes at 15.degree. C. with about 10 units of the Klenow
fragment of DNA polymerase I or T4 DNA polymerase in the presence
of the four deoxyribonucleotide triphosphates. The DNA is then
purified by phenol-chloroform extraction and ethanol precipitation.
The DNA fragments that are to be ligated together are put in
solution in about equimolar amounts. The solution will also contain
ATP, ligase buffer, and a ligase such as T4 DNA ligase at about 10
units per 0.5 .mu.g of DNA. If the DNA is to be ligated into a
vector, the vector is first linearized by digestion with the
appropriate restriction endonuclease(s). The linearized fragment is
then treated with bacterial alkaline phosphatase or calf intestinal
phosphatase to prevent self-ligation during the ligation step.
[0062] "Preparation" of DNA from cells means isolating the plasmid
DNA from a culture of the host cells. Commonly used methods for DNA
preparation are the large- and small-scale plasmid preparations
described in sections 1.25-1.33 of Sambrook et al., supra. After
preparation of the DNA, it can be purified by methods well known in
the art such as that described in section 1.40 of Sambrook et al.,
supra.
[0063] "Oligonucleotides" are short-length, single- or
double-stranded polydeoxynucleotides that are chemically
synthesized by known methods (such as phosphotriester, phosphite,
or phosphoramidite chemistry, using solid-phase techniques such as
described in EP 266,032 published May 4, 1988, or via
deoxynucleoside H-phosphonate intermediates as described by
Froehler et al., Nucl. Acids Res., 14: 5399-5407 [1986]. Further
methods include the polymerase chain reaction defined below and
other autoprimer methods and oligonucleotide syntheses on solid
supports. All of these methods are described in Engels et al.,
Agnew. Chem. Int. Ed. Enal., 28: 716-734 [1989]). These methods are
used if the entire nucleic acid sequence of the gene is known, or
the sequence of the nucleic acid complementary to the coding strand
is available. Alternatively, if the target amino acid sequence is
known, one may infer potential nucleic acid sequences using known
and preferred coding residues for each amino acid residue. The
oligonucleotides are then purified on polyacrylamide gels.
[0064] The technique of "polymerase chain reaction," or "PCR," as
used herein generally refers to a procedure wherein minute amounts
of a specific piece of nucleic acid, RNA and/or DNA, are amplified
as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,683,195 issued Jul. 28, 1987.
Generally, sequence information from the ends of the region of
interest or beyond needs to be available, such that oligonucleotide
primers can be designed; these primers will be identical or similar
in sequence to opposite strands of the template to be amplified.
The 5' terminal nucleotides of the two primers may coincide with
the ends of the amplified material. PCR can be used to amplify
specific RNA sequences, specific DNA sequences from total genomic
DNA, and cDNA transcribed from total cellular RNA, bacteriophage or
plasmid sequences, etc. See generally Mullis et al., Cold Spring
Harbor Symp. Quant. Biol., 51: 263 (1987); Erlich, ed., PCR
Technology, (Stockton Press, NY, 1989). As used herein, PCR is
considered to be one, but not the only, example of a nucleic acid
polymerase reaction method for amplifying a nucleic acid test
sample comprising the use of a known nucleic acid as a primer and a
nucleic acid polymerase to amplify or generate a specific piece of
nucleic acid.
[0065] 2. Preparation of Natural Sequence TSF Receptor
Polypeptide
[0066] Most of the discussion below pertains to production of the
TSF receptor polypeptide by culturing cells transfected to express
TSF receptor nucleic acid (typically by transforming with an
expression vector) and recovering the polypeptide from the cells.
It is further envisioned that the TSP receptor polypeptide of this
invention may be produced by homologous recombination, or with
recombinant production methods utilizing control elements
introduced into cells already containing DNA encoding the TSF
receptor currently in use in the field. For example, a powerful
promoter/enhancer element, a suppressor, or an exogenous
transcription modulatory element is inserted in the genome of the
intended host cell in proximity and orientation sufficient to
influence the transcription of DNA encoding the desired receptor
polypeptide. The control element does not encode the receptor
polypeptide of this invention, but the DNA is present in the host
cell genome. One next screens for cells making the receptor
polypeptide of this invention, or for increased or decreased levels
of expression, as desired.
[0067] Thus, the invention contemplates a method for producing TSF
receptor polypeptide comprising inserting into the genome of a cell
containing the TSF receptor nucleic acid molecule a transcription
modulatory element in sufficient proximity and orientation to the
nucleic acid molecule to influence transcription thereof, with an
optional further step comprising culturing the cell containing the
transcription modulatory element and the nucleic acid molecule. The
invention also contemplates a host cell containing the TSF receptor
nucleic acid molecule operably linked to exogenous control
sequences recognized by the host cell. In addition, the invention
relates to a method for obtaining cells having increased or
decreased transcription of the TSF receptor nucleic acid molecule
comprising:
[0068] (a) providing cells containing the nucleic acid
molecule;
[0069] (b) introducing into the cells a transcription modulating
element; and
[0070] (c) screening the cells for a cell in which the
transcription of the nucleic acid molecule is increased or
decreased.
[0071] A. Isolation of DNA Encoding TSF Receptor Polypeptide
[0072] The DNA encoding TSF receptor polypeptide may be obtained
from any cDNA library prepared from tissue believed to possess the
TSF receptor mRNA and to express it at a detectable level. The TSF
receptor gene may also be obtained from a genomic library or by in
vitro oligonucleotide synthesis as defined above assuming the
complete nucleotide or amino acid sequence is known.
[0073] Libraries are screened with probes designed to identify the
gene of interest or the protein encoded by it. For cDNA expression
libraries, suitable probes include monoclonal or polyclonal
antibodies that recognize and specifically bind to the TSF
receptor; oligonucleotides of about 20-80 bases in length that
encode known or suspected portions of the TSF receptor cDNA from
the same or different species; and/or complementary or homologous
cDNAs or fragments thereof that encode the same or a similar gene.
Appropriate probes for screening genomic DNA libraries include, but
are not limited to, oligonucleotides, cDNAs, or fragments thereof
that encode the same or a similar gene, and/or homologous genomic
DNAs or fragments thereof. Screening the cDNA or genomic library
with the selected probe may be conducted using standard procedures
as described in chapters 10-12 of Sambrook et al. supra.
[0074] An alternative means to isolate the gene encoding TSF
receptor is to use PCR methodology as described in section 14 of
Sambrook et al., supra. This method requires the use of
oligonucleotide probes that will hybridize to the TSF receptor
polypeptide. Strategies for selection of oligonucleotides are
described below.
[0075] A preferred method of practicing this invention is to use
carefully selected oligonucleotide sequences to screen cDNA
libraries from various tissues, preferably mammalian pituitary cell
lines. More preferably, human pituitary cell line cDNA libraries
are screened with the oligonucleotide probes.
[0076] The oligonucleotide sequences selected as probes should be
of sufficient length and sufficiently unambiguous that false
positives are minimized. The actual nucleotide sequence(s) is
usually based on conserved or highly homologous nucleotide
sequences or regions of the TSF receptor molecule. The
oligonucleotides may be degenerate at one or more positions. The
use of degenerate oligonucleotides may be of particular importance
where a library is screened from a species in which preferential
codon usage is not known.
[0077] The oligonucleotide must be labeled such that it can be
detected upon hybridization to DNA in the library being screened.
The preferred method of labeling is to use 32-P labeled ATP with
polynucleotide kinase, as is well known in the art, to radiolabel
the oligonucleotide. However, other methods may be used to label
the oligonucleotide, including, but not limited to, biotinylation
or enzyme labeling.
[0078] Of particular interest is the TSF receptor nucleic acid that
encodes a full-length polypeptide. In some preferred embodiments,
the nucleic acid sequence includes the native TSF receptor signal
sequence. Nucleic acid having all the protein coding sequence is
obtained by screening selected cDNA or genomic libraries using the
deduced amino acid sequence disclosed herein for the first time,
and, if necessary, using conventional primer extension procedures
as described in section 7.79 of Sambrook et al., supra, to detect
precursors and processing intermediates of mRNA that may not have
been reverse-transcribed into cDNA.
[0079] B. Amino Acid Sequence Variants of Native TSF Receptor
[0080] Amino acid sequence variants of TSF receptor are prepared by
introducing appropriate nucleotide changes into the TSF receptor
DNA, or by in vitro synthesis of the desired TSF receptor
polypeptide. Such variants include, for example, deletions from, or
insertions or substitutions of, residues within the amino acid
sequence shown for the human inhibin/activin receptor in FIG. 1.
Any combination of deletion, insertion, and substitution is made to
arrive at the final construct, provided that the final construct
possesses the desired characteristics. The amino acid changes also
may alter post-translational processes of the TSF receptor, such as
changing the number or position of glycosylation sites, altering
the membrane anchoring characteristics, and/or altering the
intracellular location of the TSF receptor by inserting, deleting,
or otherwise affecting the leader sequence of the TSF receptor.
[0081] For the design of amino acid sequence variants of the TSF
receptor, the location of the mutation site and the nature of the
mutation will depend on the TSF receptor characteristic(s) to be
modified. The sites for mutation can be modified individually or in
series, e.g., by (1) substituting first with conservative amino
acid choices and then with more radical selections depending upon
the results achieved, (2) deleting the target residue, or (3)
inserting residues of the same or a different class adjacent to the
located site, or combinations of options 1-3.
[0082] A useful method for identification of certain residues or
regions of the TSF receptor polypeptide that are preferred
locations for mutagenesis is called "alanine scanning mutagenesis,"
as described by Cunningham and Wells, Science, 244: 1081-1085
(1989). Here, a residue or group of target residues are identified
(e.g., charged residues such as arg, asp, his, lys, and glu) and
replaced by a neutral or negatively charged amino acid (most
preferably alanine or polyalanine) to affect the interaction of the
amino acids with the surrounding aqueous environment in or outside
the cell. Those domains demonstrating functional sensitivity to the
substitutions then are refined by introducing further or other
variants at or for the sites of substitution. Thus, while the site
for introducing an amino acid sequence variation is predetermined,
the nature of the mutation per se need not be predetermined. For
example, to optimize the performance of a mutation at a given site,
ala scanning or random mutagenesis is conducted at the target codon
or region and the expressed TSF receptor variants are screened for
the optimal combination of desired activity.
[0083] There are two principal variables in the construction of
amino acid sequence variants: the location of the mutation site and
the nature of the mutation. For example, variants of the
inhibin/activin receptor polypeptide include variants from the FIG.
1 sequence, and may represent naturally occurring alleles (which
will not require manipulation of the inhibin/activin receptor DNA)
or predetermined mutant forms made by mutating the DNA, either to
arrive at an allele or a variant not found in nature. In general,
the location and nature of the mutation chosen will depend upon the
TSF receptor characteristic to be modified. Obviously, such
variations that, for example, convert TSF receptor into a known
polypeptide such as inhibin, activin, a BMP, or TGF-.beta. are not
included within the scope of this invention, nor are any other TSF
receptor variants or polypeptide sequences that are not novel and
unobvious over the prior art.
[0084] Amino acid sequence deletions generally range from about 1
to 30 residues, more preferably about 1 to 10 residues, and
typically are contiguous. Contiguous deletions ordinarily are made
in even numbers of residues, but single or odd numbers of deletions
are within the scope hereof. Deletions may be introduced into
regions of low homology among the TSF receptors that share the most
sequence identity to modify the activity of the TSF receptor. Or
deletions may be introduced into regions of low homology among
human inhibin/activin receptor and other mamalian inhibin/activin
receptor polypeptides that share the most sequence identity to the
human inhibin/activin receptor. Deletions from a mammalian TSF
receptor polypeptide in areas of substantial homology with other
mammalian TSF receptors will be more likely to modify the
biological activity of the TSF receptor more significantly. The
number of consecutive deletions will be selected so as to preserve
the tertiary structure of TSF receptors in the affected domain,
e.g., beta-pleated sheet or alpha helix.
[0085] Amino acid sequence insertions include amino- and/or
carboxyl-terminal fusions ranging in length from one residue to
polypeptides containing a hundred or more residues, as well as
intrasequence insertions of single or multiple amino acid residues.
Intrasequence insertions (i.e., insertions within the mature TSF
receptor sequence) may range generally from about 1 to 10 residues,
more preferably 1 to 5, most preferably 1 to 3. Insertions are
preferably made in even numbers of residues, but this is not
required. Examples of terminal insertions include mature TSF
receptor with an N-terminal methionyl residue, an artifact of the
direct expression of mature TSF receptor in recombinant cell
culture, and fusion of a heterologous N-terminal signal sequence to
the N-terminus of the mature TSF receptor molecule to facilitate
the secretion of mature TSF receptor from recombinant hosts. Such
signal sequences generally will be obtained from, and thus
homologous to, the intended host cell species. Suitable sequences
include STII or lpp for E. coli, alpha factor for yeast, and viral
signals such as herpes gD for mammalian cells.
[0086] Other insertional variants of the TSF receptor molecule
include the fusion to the N- or C-terminus of TSF receptor of
immunogenic polypeptides (i.e., not endogenous to the host to which
the fusion is administered), e.g., bacterial polypeptides such as
beta-lactamase or an enzyme encoded by the E. coli trp locus, or
yeast protein, and C-terminal fusions with proteins having a long
half-life such as immunoglobulin constant regions (or other
immunoglobulin regions), albumin, or ferritin, as described in WO
89/02922 published Apr. 6, 1989.
[0087] A third group of variants are amino acid substitution
variants. These variants have at least one amino acid residue in
the TSF receptor molecule removed and a different residue inserted
in its place. The sites of greatest interest for substitutional
mutagenesis include sites identified as the active site(s) of TSF
receptor and sites where the amino acids found in the known
analogues are substantially different in terms of side-chain bulk,
charge, or hydrophobicity, but where there is also a high degree of
sequence identity at the selected site among various TSF receptor
species and/or within the various animal analogues of one TSF
member.
[0088] Other sites of interest are those in which particular
residues of the TSF receptor obtained from various family members
and/or animal species within one member are identical. These sites,
especially those falling within a sequence of at least three other
identically conserved sites, are substituted in a relatively
conservative manner. Such conservative substitutions are shown in
Table 1 under the heading of preferred substitutions. If such
substitutions result in a change in biological activity, then more
substantial changes, denominated exemplary substitutions in Table
1, or as further described below in reference to amino acid
classes, are introduced and the products screened.
1TABLE 1 Original Exemplary Preferred Residue Substitutions
Substitutions Ala (A) val; leu; ile val Arg (R) lys; gln; asn lys
Asn (N) gln; his; lys; arg gln Asp (D) glu glu Cys (C) ser ser Gln
(Q) asn asn Glu (E) asp asp Gly (G) pro pro His (H) asn; gln; lys;
arg arg Ile (I) leu; val; met; ala; phe; norleucine leu Leu (L)
norleucine; ile; val; met; ala; phe ile Lys (K) arg; gln; asn arg
Met (M) leu; phe; ile leu Phe (F) leu; val; ile; ala leu Pro (P)
gly gly Ser (S) thr thr Thr (T) ser ser Trp (W) tyr tyr Tyr (Y)
trp; phe; thr; ser phe Val (V) ile; leu; met; phe; ala; norleucine
leu
[0089] Substantial modifications in function or immunological
identity of the TSF receptor are accomplished by selecting
substitutions that differ significantly in their effect on
maintaining (a) the structure of the polypeptide backbone in the
area of the substitution, for example, as a sheet or helical
conformation, (b) the charge or hydrophobicity of the molecule at
the target site, or (c) the bulk of the side chain. Naturally
occurring residues are divided into groups based on common
side-chain properties:
[0090] (1) hydrophobic: norleucine, met, ala, val, leu, ile;
[0091] (2) neutral hydrophilic: cys, ser, thr;
[0092] (3) acidic: asp, glu;
[0093] (4) basic: asn, gln, his, lys, arg;
[0094] (5) residues that influence chain orientation: gly, pro;
and
[0095] (6) aromatic: trp, tyr, phe.
[0096] Non-conservative substitutions will entail exchanging a
member of one of these classes for another. Such substituted
residues also may be introduced into the conservative substitution
sites or, more preferably, into the remaining (non-conserved)
sites.
[0097] In one embodiment of the invention, it is desirable to
inactivate one or more protease cleavage sites that are present in
the molecule. These sites are identified by inspection of the
encoded amino acid sequence, in the case of trypsin, e.g., for an
arginyl or lysinyl residue. When protease cleavage sites are
identified, they are rendered inactive to proteolytic cleavage by
substituting the targeted residue with another residue, preferably
a basic residue such as glutamine or a hydrophobic residue such as
serine; by deleting the residue; or by inserting a prolyl residue
immediately after the residue.
[0098] In another embodiment, any methionyl residues other than the
starting methionyl residue of the signal sequence, or any residue
located within about three residues N- or C-terminal to each such
methionyl residue, is substituted by another residue (preferably in
accord with Table 1) or deleted. Alternatively, about 1-3 residues
are inserted adjacent to such sites.
[0099] Any cysteine residues not involved in maintaining the proper
conformation of the TSF receptor also may be substituted, generally
with serine, to improve the oxidative stability of the molecule and
prevent aberrant crosslinking.
[0100] Nucleic acid molecules encoding amino acid sequence variants
of TSF receptor are prepared by a variety of methods known in the
art. These methods include, but are not limited to, isolation from
a natural source (in the case of naturally occurring amino acid
sequence variants) or preparation by oligonucleotide-mediated (or
site-directed) nutagenesis, PCR mutagenesis, and cassette
mutagenesis of an earlier prepared variant or a non-variant version
of TSF receptor polypeptide.
[0101] Oligonucleotide-mediated mutagenesis is a preferred method
for preparing substitution, deletion, and insertion variants of TSF
receptor DNA. This technique is well known in the art as described
by Adelman et al., DNA, 2: 183 (1983). Briefly, TSF receptor DNA is
altered by hybridizing an oligonucleotide encoding the desired
mutation to a DNA template, where the template is the
single-stranded form of a plasmid or bacteriophage containing the
unaltered or native DNA sequence of TSF receptor. After
hybridization, a DNA polymerase is used to synthesize an entire
second complementary strand of the template that will thus
incorporate the oligonucleotide primer, and will code for the
selected alteration in the TSF receptor DNA.
[0102] Generally, oligonucleotides of at least 25 nucleotides in
length are used. An optimal oligonucleotide will have 12 to 15
nucleotides that are completely complementary to the template on
either side of the nucleotide(s) coding for the mutation. This
ensures that the oligonucleotide will hybridize properly to the
single-stranded DNA template molecule. The oligonucleotides are
readily synthesized using techniques known in the art such as that
described by Crea et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 75: 5765
(1978).
[0103] The DNA template can be generated by those vectors that are
either derived from bacteriophage M13 vectors (the commercially
available M13 mp18 and M13 mp19 vectors are suitable), or those
vectors that contain a single-stranded phage origin of replication
as described by Viera et al. Meth. Enzymol., 153: 3 (1987). Thus,
the DNA that is to be mutated may be inserted into one of these
vectors to generate single-stranded template. Production of the
single-stranded template is described in Sections 4.21-4.41 of
Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual (Cold
Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, NY 1989).
[0104] Alternatively, single-stranded DNA template may be generated
by denaturing double-stranded plasmid (or other) DNA using standard
techniques.
[0105] For alteration of the native DNA sequence (to generate amino
acid sequence variants, for example), the oligonucleotide is
hybridized to the single-stranded template under suitable
hybridization conditions. A DNA polymerizing enzyme, usually the
Klenow fragment of DNA polymerase I, is then added to synthesize
the complementary strand of the template using the oligonucleotide
as a primer for synthesis. A heteroduplex molecule is thus formed
such that one strand of DNA encodes the mutated form of the TSF
receptor, and the other strand (the original template) encodes the
native, unaltered sequence of the TSF receptor. This heteroduplex
molecule is then transformed into a suitable host cell, usually a
prokaryote such as E. coli JM101. After the cells are grown, they
are plated onto agarose plates and screened using the
oligonucleotide primer radiolabeled with 32-phosphate to identify
the bacterial colonies that contain the mutated DNA. The mutated
region is then removed and placed in an appropriate vector for
protein production, generally an expression vector of the type
typically employed for transformation of an appropriate host.
[0106] The method described immediately above may be modified such
that a homoduplex molecule is created wherein both strands of the
plasmid contain the mutation(s). The modifications are as follows:
The single-stranded oligonucleotide is annealed to the
single-stranded template as described above. A mixture of three
deoxyribonucleotides, deoxyriboadenosine (dATP), deoxyriboguanosine
(dGTP), and deoxyribothymidine (dTTP), is combined with a modified
thio-deoxyribocytosine called dCTP-(aS) (which can be obtained from
the Amersham Corporation). This mixture is added to the
template-oligonucleotide complex. Upon addition of DNA polymerase
to this mixture, a strand of DNA identical to the template except
for the mutated bases is generated. In addition, this new strand of
DNA will contain dCTP-(aS) instead of dCTP, which serves to protect
it from restriction endonuclease digestion.
[0107] After the template strand of the double-stranded
heteroduplex is nicked with an appropriate restriction enzyme, the
template strand can be digested with ExoIII nuclease or another
appropriate nuclease past the region that contains the site(s) to
be nutagenized. The reaction is then stopped to leave a molecule
that is only partially single-stranded. A complete double-stranded
DNA homoduplex is then formed using DNA polymerase in the presence
of all four deoxyribonucleotide triphosphates, ATP, and DNA ligase.
This homoduplex molecule can then be transformed into a suitable
host cell such as E. coli JM101, as described above.
[0108] DNA encoding TSF receptor mutants with more than one amino
acid to be substituted may be generated in one of several ways. If
the amino acids are located close together in the polypeptide
chain, they may be mutated simultaneously using one oligonucleotide
that codes for all of the desired amino acid substitutions. If,
however, the amino acids are located some distance from each other
(separated by more than about ten amino acids), it is more
difficult to generate a single oligonucleotide that encodes all of
the desired changes. Instead, one of two alternative methods may be
employed.
[0109] In the first method, a separate oligonucleotide is generated
for each amino acid to be substituted. The oligonucleotides are
then annealed to the single-stranded template DNA simultaneously,
and the second strand of DNA that is synthesized from the template
will encode all of the desired amino acid substitutions.
[0110] The alternative method involves two or more rounds of
mutagenesis to produce the desired mutant. The first round is as
described for the single mutants: wild-type DNA is used for the
template, an oligonucleotide encoding the first desired amino acid
substitution(s) is annealed to this template, and the heteroduplex
DNA molecule is then generated. The second round of mutagenesis
utilizes the mutated DNA produced in the first round of mutagenesis
as the template. Thus, this template already contains one or more
mutations. The oligonucleotide encoding the additional desired
amino acid substitution(s) is then annealed to this template, and
the resulting strand of DNA now encodes mutations from both the
first and second rounds of mutagenesis. This resultant DNA can be
used as a template in a third round of mutagenesis, and so on.
[0111] PCR mutagenesis is also suitable for making amino acid
variants of TSF receptor polypeptide. While the following
discussion refers to DNA, it is understood that the technique also
finds application with RNA. The PCR technique generally refers to
the following procedure (see Erlich, supra, the chapter by R.
Higuchi, p. 61-70): When small amounts of template DNA are used as
starting material in a PCR, primers that differ slightly in
sequence from the corresponding region in a template DNA can be
used to generate relatively large quantities of a specific DNA
fragment that differs from the template sequence only at the
positions where the primers differ from the template. For
introduction of a mutation into a plasmid DNA, one of the primers
is designed to overlap the position of the mutation and to contain
the mutation; the sequence of the other primer must be identical to
a stretch of sequence of the opposite strand of the plasmid, but
this sequence can be located anywhere along the plasmid DNA. It is
preferred, however, that the sequence of the second primer is
located within 200 nucleotides from that of the first, such that in
the end the entire amplified region of DNA bounded by the primers
can be easily sequenced. PCR amplification using a primer pair like
the one just described results in a population of DNA fragments
that differ at the position of the mutation specified by the
primer, and possibly at other positions, as template copying is
somewhat error-prone.
[0112] If the ratio of template to product material is extremely
low, the vast majority of product DNA fragments incorporate the
desired mutation(s). This product material is used to replace the
corresponding region in the plasmid that served as PCR template
using standard DNA technology. Mutations at separate positions can
be introduced simultaneously by either using a mutant second
primer, or performing a second PCR with different mutant primers
and ligating the two resulting PCR fragments simultaneously to the
vector fragment in a three (or more)-part ligation.
[0113] In a specific example of PCR mutagenesis, template plasmid
DNA (1 .mu.g) is linearized by digestion with a restriction
endonuclease that has a unique recognition site in the plasmid DNA
outside of the region to be amplified. Of this material, 100 ng is
added to a PCR mixture containing PCR buffer, which contains the
four deoxynucleotide triphosphates and is included in the
GeneAmp.RTM. kits (obtained from Perkin-Elmer Cetus, Norwalk, Conn.
and Emeryville, Calif.), and 25 pmole of each oligonucleotide
primer, to a final volume of 50 .mu.l. The reaction mixture is
overlayed with 35 .mu.l mineral oil. The reaction mixture is
denatured for five minutes at 100.degree. C., placed briefly on
ice, and then 1 .mu.l Thermus aquaticus (Taq) DNA polymerase (5
units/.mu.l, purchased from Perkin-Elmer Cetus) is added below the
mineral oil layer. The reaction mixture is then inserted into a DNA
Thermal Cycler (purchased from Perkin-Elmer Cetus) programmed as
follows:
[0114] 2 min. 55.degree. C.
[0115] 30 sec. 72.degree. C., then 19 cycles of the following:
[0116] 30 sec. 94.degree. C.
[0117] 30 sec. 55.degree. C., and
[0118] 30 sec. 72.degree. C.
[0119] At the end of the program, the reaction vial is removed from
the thermal cycler and the aqueous phase transferred to a new vial,
extracted with phenol/chloroform (50:50 vol), and ethanol
precipitated, and the DNA is recovered by standard procedures. This
material is subsequently subjected to the appropriate treatments
for insertion into a vector.
[0120] Another method for preparing variants, cassette mutagenesis,
is based on the technique described by Wells et al., Gene, 34: 315
(1985). The starting material is the plasmid (or other vector)
comprising the TSF receptor DNA to be mutated. The codon(s) in the
TSF receptor DNA to be mutated are identified. There must be a
unique restriction endonuclease site on each side of the identified
mutation site(s). If no such restriction sites exist, they may be
generated using the above-described oligonucleotide-mediated
mutagenesis method to introduce them at appropriate locations in
the TSF receptor DNA. After the restriction sites have been
introduced into the plasmid, the plasmid is cut at these sites to
linearize it. A double-stranded oligonucleotide encoding the
sequence of the DNA between the restriction sites but containing
the desired mutation(s) is synthesized using standard procedures.
The two strands are synthesized separately and then hybridized
together using standard techniques. This double-stranded
oligonucleotide is referred to as the cassette. This cassette is
designed to have 3' and 5' ends that are compatible with the ends
of the linearized plasmid, such that it can be directly ligated to
the plasmid. This plasmid now contains the mutated TSF receptor DNA
sequence.
[0121] C. Insertion of Nucleic Acid into a Replicable Vector
[0122] The nucleic acid (e.g., cDNA or genomic DNA) encoding native
or variant TSF receptor polypeptide is inserted into a replicable
vector for further cloning (amplification of the DNA) or for
expression. Many vectors are available, and selection of the
appropriate vector will depend on 1) whether it is to be used for
DNA amplification or for DNA expression, 2) the size of the nucleic
acid to be inserted into the vector, and 3) the host cell to be
transformed with the vector. Each vector contains various
components depending on its function (amplification of DNA or
expression of DNA) and the host cell with which it is compatible.
The vector components generally include, but are not limited to,
one or more of the following: a signal sequence, an origin of
replication, one or more marker genes, an enhancer element, a
promoter, and a transcription termination sequence.
[0123] (i) Signal Sequence Component
[0124] The TSF receptor of this invention may be expressed not only
directly, but also as a fusion with a heterologous polypeptide,
preferably a signal sequence or other polypeptide having a specific
cleavage site at the N-terminus of the mature protein or
polypeptide. In general, the signal sequence may be a component of
the vector, or it may be a part of the TSF receptor DNA that is
inserted into the vector. The heterologous signal sequence selected
should be one that is recognized and processed (i.e., cleaved by a
signal peptidase) by the host cell. For prokaryotic host cells that
do not recognize and process the native TSF receptor signal
sequence, the signal sequence is substituted by a prokaryotic
signal sequence selected, for example, from the group of the
alkaline phosphatase, penicillinase, lpp, or heat-stable
enterotoxin II leaders. For yeast secretion the native signal
sequence may be substituted by, e.g., the yeast invertase, alpha
factor, or acid phosphatase leaders, the C. albicans glucoamylase
leader (EP 362,179 published Apr. 4, 1990), or the signal described
in WO 90/13646 published Nov. 15, 1990. In mammalian cell
expression the native signal sequence (i.e., the TSF receptor
presequence that normally directs secretion of TSF receptor from
its naitve mammalian cells in vivo) is satisfactory, although other
mammalian signal sequences may be suitable, such as signal
sequences from other TSF receptor polypeptides or from the same TSF
receptor from a different animal species, signal sequences from a
TSF member, including inhibin or activin, and signal sequences from
secreted polypeptides of the same or related species, as well as
viral secretory leaders, for example, the herpes simplex gD
signal.
[0125] (ii) Origin of Replication Component
[0126] Both expression and cloning vectors contain a nucleic acid
sequence that enables the vector to replicate in one or more
selected host cells. Generally, in cloning vectors this sequence is
one that enables the vector to replicate independently of the host
chromosomal DNA, and includes origins of replication or
autonomously replicating sequences. Such sequences are well known
for a variety of bacteria, yeast, and viruses. The origin of
replication from the plasmid pBR322 is suitable for most
Gram-negative bacteria, the 2.mu. plasmid origin is suitable for
yeast, and various viral origins (SV40, polyoma, adenovirus, VSV or
BPV) are useful for cloning vectors in mammalian cells. Generally,
the origin of replication component is not needed for mammalian
expression vectors (the SV40 origin may typically be used only
because it contains the early promoter).
[0127] Most expression vectors are "shuttle" vectors, i.e., they
are capable of replication in at least one class of organisms but
can be transfected into another organism for expression. For
example, a vector is cloned in E. coli and then the same vector is
transfected into yeast or mammalian cells for expression even
though it is not capable of replicating independently of the host
cell chromosome.
[0128] DNA may also be amplified by insertion into the host genome.
This is readily accomplished using Bacillus species as hosts, for
example, by including in the vector a DNA sequence that is
complementary to a sequence found in Bacillus genomic DNA.
Transfection of Bacillus with this vector results in homologous
recombination with the genome and insertion of TSF receptor DNA.
However, the recovery of genomic DNA encoding TSF receptor is more
complex than that of an exogenously replicated vector because
restriction enzyme digestion is required to excise the TSF receptor
DNA.
[0129] (iii) Selection Gene Component
[0130] Expression and cloning vectors should contain a selection
gene, also termed a selectable marker. This gene encodes a protein
necessary for the survival or growth of transformed host cells
grown in a selective culture medium. Host cells not transformed
with the vector containing the selection gene will not survive in
the culture medium. Typical selection genes encode proteins that
(a) confer resistance to antibiotics or other toxins, e.g.,
ampicillin, neomycin, methotrexate, or tetracycline, (b) complement
auxotrophic deficiencies, or (c) supply critical nutrients not
available from complex media, e.g., the gene encoding D-alanine
racemase for Bacilli.
[0131] One example of a selection scheme utilizes a drug to arrest
growth of a host cell. Those cells that are successfully
transformed with a heterologous gene express a protein conferring
drug resistance and thus survive the selection regimen. Examples of
such dominant selection use the drugs neomycin (Southern et al., J.
Molec. Appl. Genet., 1: 327 [1982]), mycophenolic acid (Mulligan et
al., Science, 209: 1422 [1980]) or hygromycin (Sugden et al., Mol.
Cell. Biol., 5: 410-413 [1985]). The three examples given above
employ bacterial genes under eukaryotic control to convey
resistance to the appropriate drug G418 or neomycin (geneticin),
xgpt (mycophenolic acid), or hygromycin, respectively.
[0132] Another example of suitable selectable markers for mammalian
cells are those that enable the identification of cells competent
to take up the TSF receptor nucleic acid, such as dihydrofolate
reductase (DHFR) or thymidine kinase. The mammalian cell
transformants are placed under selection pressure that only the
transformants are uniquely adapted to survive by virtue of having
taken up the marker. Selection pressure is imposed by culturing the
transformants under conditions in which the concentration of
selection agent in the medium is successively changed, thereby
leading to amplification of both the selection gene and the DNA
that encodes TSF receptor polypeptide. Amplification is the process
by which genes in greater demand for the production of a protein
critical for growth are reiterated in tandem within the chromosomes
of successive generations of recombinant cells. Increased
quantities of TSF receptor are synthesized from the amplified
DNA.
[0133] For example, cells transformed with the DHFR selection gene
are first identified by culturing all of the transformants in a
culture medium that contains methotrexate (Mtx), a competitive
antagonist of DHFR. An appropriate host cell when wild-type DHFR is
employed is the Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line deficient in
DHFR activity, prepared and propagated as described by Urlaub and
Chasin, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 77: 4216 [1980]. The
transformed cells are then exposed to increased levels of Mtx. This
leads to the synthesis of multiple copies of the DHFR gene, and,
concomitantly, multiple copies of other DNA comprising the
expression vectors, such as the DNA encoding TSF receptor. This
amplification technique can be used with any otherwise suitable
host, e.g., ATCC No. CCL61 CHO-K1, notwithstanding the presence of
endogenous DHFR if, for example, a mutant DHFR gene that is highly
resistant to Mtx is employed (EP 117,060). Alternatively, host
cells [particularly wild-type hosts that contain endogenous DHFR]
transformed or co-transformed with DNA sequences encoding TSF
receptor, wild-type DHFR protein, and another selectable marker
such as aminoglycoside 3' phosphotransferase (APH) can be selected
by cell growth in medium containing a selection agent for the
selectable marker such as an aminoglycosidic antibiotic, e.g.,
kanamycin, neomycin, or G418. See U.S. Pat. No. 4,965,199.
[0134] A suitable selection gene for use in yeast is the trp1 gene
present in the yeast plasmid YRp7 (Stinchcomb et al., Nature, 282:
39 [1979]; Kingsman et al., Gene, 7: 141 [1979]; or Tschemper et
al., Gene, 10: 157 [1980]). The trp1 gene provides a selection
marker for a mutant strain of yeast lacking the ability to grow in
tryptophan, for example, ATCC No. 44076 or PEP4-1 (Jones, Genetics,
85: 12 [1977]). The presence of the trp1 lesion in the yeast host
cell genome then provides an effective environment for detecting
transformation by growth in the absence of tryptophan. Similarly,
Leu2-deficient yeast strains (ATCC 20,622 or 38,626) are
complemented by known plasmids bearing the Leu2 gene.
[0135] (iv) Promoter Component
[0136] Expression and cloning vectors usually contain a promoter
that is recognized by the host organism and is operably linked to
the TSF receptor nucleic acid. Promoters are untranslated sequences
located upstream (5') to the start codon of a structural gene
(generally within about 100 to 1000 bp) that control the
transcription and translation of particular nucleic acid sequence,
such as the TSF receptor nucleic acid sequence, to which they are
operably linked. Such promoters typically fall into two classes,
inducible and constitutive. Inducible promoters are promoters that
initiate increased levels of transcription from DNA under their
control in response to some change in culture conditions, e.g., the
presence or absence of a nutrient or a change in temperature. At
this time a large number of promoters recognized by a variety of
potential host cells are well known. These promoters are operably
linked to TSF-receptor-encoding DNA by removing the promoter from
the source DNA by restriction enzyme digestion and inserting the
isolated promoter sequence into the vector. Both the native TSF
receptor promoter sequence and many heterologous promoters may be
used to direct amplification and/or expression of the TSF receptor
DNA. However, heterologous promoters are preferred, as they
generally permit greater transcription and higher yields of
expressed TSF receptor as compared to the native TSF receptor
promoter.
[0137] Promoters suitable for use with prokaryotic hosts include
the .beta.-lactamase and lactose promoter systems (Chang et al.,
Nature, 275: 615 [1978]; and Goeddel et al., Nature, 281: 544
[1979]), alkaline phosphatase, a tryptophan (trp) promoter system
(Goeddel, Nucleic Acids Res., 8: 4057 [1980] and EP 36,776) and
hybrid promoters such as the tac promoter (deBoer et al., Proc.
Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 80: 21-25 [1983]). However, other known
bacterial promoters are suitable. Their nucleotide sequences have
been published, thereby enabling a skilled worker operably to
ligate them to DNA encoding TSF receptor (Siebenlist et al., Cell,
20: 269 [1980]) using linkers or adaptors to supply any required
restriction sites. Promoters for use in bacterial systems also will
contain a Shine-Dalgarno (S.D.) sequence operably linked to the DNA
encoding TSF receptor polypeptide.
[0138] Promoter sequences are known for eukaryotes. Virtually all
eukaryotic genes have an AT-rich region located approximately 25 to
30 bases upstream from the site where transcription is initiated.
Another sequence found 70 to 80 bases upstream from the start of
transcription of many genes is a CXCAAT region where X may be any
nucleotide. At the 3' end of most eukaryotic genes is an AATAAA
sequence that may be the signal for addition of the poly A tail to
the 3' end of the coding sequence. All of these sequences are
suitably inserted into eukaryotic expression vectors.
[0139] Examples of suitable promoting sequences for use with yeast
hosts include the promoters for 3-phosphoglycerate kinase (Hitzeman
et al., J. Biol. Chem., 255: 2073 [1980]) or other glycolytic
enzymes (Hess et al., J. Adv. Enzyme Reg., 7: 149 [1968]; and
Holland, Biochemistry, 17: 4900 [1978]), such as enolase,
glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, hexokinase, pyruvate
decarboxylase, phosphofructokinase, glucose-6-phosphate isomerase,
3-phosphoglycerate mutase, pyruvate kinase, triosephosphate
isomerase, phosphoglucose isomerase, and glucokinase.
[0140] Other yeast promoters, which are inducible promoters having
the additional advantage of transcription controlled by growth
conditions, are the promoter regions for alcohol dehydrogenase 2,
isocytochrome C, acid phosphatase, degradative enzymes associated
with nitrogen metabolism, metallothionein,
glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and enzymes responsible
for maltose and galactose utilization. Suitable vectors and
promoters for use in yeast expression are further described in
Hitzeman et al., EP 73,657A. Yeast enhancers also are
advantageously used with yeast promoters.
[0141] TSF receptor transcription from vectors in mammalian host
cells is controlled, for example, by promoters obtained from the
genomes of viruses such as polyoma virus, fowlpox virus (UK
2,211,504 published Jul. 5, 1989), adenovirus (such as Adenovirus
2), bovine papilloma virus, avian sarcoma virus, cytomegalovirus, a
retrovirus, hepatitis-B virus and most preferably Simian Virus 40
(SV40), from heterologous mammalian promoters, e.g., the actin
promoter or an immunoglobulin promoter, from heat-shock promoters,
and from the promoter normally associated with the TSF receptor
sequence, provided such promoters are compatible with the host cell
systems.
[0142] The early and late promoters of the SV40 virus are
conveniently obtained as an SV40 restriction fragment that also
contains the SV40 viral origin of replication. Fiers et al.,
Nature, 273:113 (1978); Mulligan and Berg, Science, 209: 1422-1427
(1980); Pavlakis et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 78: 7398-7402
(1981). The immediate early promoter of the human cytomegalovirus
is conveniently obtained as a HindIII E restriction fragment.
Greenaway et al., Gene, 18: 355-360 (1982). A system for expressing
DNA in mammalian hosts using the bovine papilloma virus as a vector
is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,419,446. A modification of this
system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,601,978. See also Gray et
al., Nature, 295: 503-508 (1982) on expressing cDNA encoding immune
interferon in monkey cells; Reyes et al., Nature, 297: 598-601
(1982) on expression of human .beta.-interferon cDNA in mouse cells
under the control of a thymidine kinase promoter from herpes
simplex virus; Canaani and Berg, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 79:
5166-5170 (1982) on expression of the human interferon .beta.1 gene
in cultured mouse and rabbit cells; and Gorman et al., Proc. Natl.
Acad. Sci. USA, 79: 6777-6781 (1982) on expression of bacterial CAT
sequences in CV-1 monkey kidney cells, chicken embryo fibroblasts,
Chinese hamster ovary cells, HeLa cells, and mouse NIH-3T3 cells
using the Rous sarcoma virus long terminal repeat as a
promoter.
[0143] (v) Enhancer Element Component
[0144] Transcription of a DNA encoding the TSF receptor of this
invention by higher eukaryotes is often increased by inserting an
enhancer sequence into the vector. Enhancers are cis-acting
elements of DNA, usually about from 10 to 300 bp, that act on a
promoter to increase its transcription. Enhancers are relatively
orientation and position independent, having been found 5' (Laimins
et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 78: 993 [1981]) and 3' (Lusky
et al., Mol. Cell Bio., 3: 1108 [1983]) to the transcription unit,
within an intron (Banerji et al., Cell, 33: 729 [1983]), as well as
within the coding sequence itself (Osborne et al., Mol. Cell Bio.,
4: 1293 [1984]). Many enhancer sequences are now known from
mammalian genes (globin, elastase, albumin, .alpha.-fetoprotein,
and insulin). Typically, however, one will use an enhancer from a
eukaryotic cell virus. Examples include the SV40 enhancer on the
late side of the replication origin (bp 100-270), the
cytomegalovirus early promoter enhancer, the polyoma enhancer on
the late side of the replication origin, and adenovirus enhancers.
See also Yaniv, Nature, 297: 17-18 (1982) on enhancing elements for
activation of eukaryotic promoters. The enhancer may be spliced
into the vector at a position 5' or 3' to the TSF-receptor-encoding
sequence, but is preferably located at a site 5' from the
promoter.
[0145] (vi) Transcription Termination Component
[0146] Expression vectors used in eukaryotic host cells (yeast,
fungi, insect, plant, animal, human, or nucleated cells from other
multicellular organisms) will also contain sequences necessary for
the termination of transcription and for stabilizing the mRNA. Such
sequences are commonly available from the 5' and, occasionally 3'
untranslated regions of eukaryotic or viral DNAs or cDNAs. These
regions contain nucleotide segments transcribed as polyadenylated
fragments in the untranslated portion of the mRNA encoding TSF
receptor.
[0147] (vii) Construction and Analysis of Vectors
[0148] Construction of suitable vectors containing one or more of
the above listed components employs standard ligation techniques.
Isolated plasmids or DNA fragments are cleaved, tailored, and
religated in the form desired to generate the plasmids
required.
[0149] For analysis to confirm correct sequences in plasmids
constructed, the ligation mixtures are used to transform E. coli
K12 strain 294 (ATCC 31,446) and successful transformants selected
by ampicillin or tetracycline resistance where appropriate.
Plasmids from the transformants are prepared, analyzed by
restriction endonuclease digestion, and/or sequenced by the method
of Messing et al., Nucleic Acids Res., 9: 309 (1981) or by the
method of Maxam et al., Methods in Enzymology, 65: 499 (1980).
[0150] (viii) Transient Expression Vectors
[0151] Particularly useful in the practice of this invention are
expression vectors that provide for the transient expression in
mammalian cells of DNA encoding the TSF receptor polypeptide. In
general, transient expression involves the use of an expression
vector that is able to replicate efficiently in a host cell, such
that the host cell accumulates many copies of the expression vector
and, in turn, synthesizes high levels of a desired polypeptide
encoded by the expression vector. Sambrook et al., supra, pp.
16.17-16.22. Transient expression systems, comprising a suitable
expression vector and a host cell, allow for the convenient
positive identification of polypeptides encoded by cloned DNAs, as
well as for the rapid screening of such polypeptides for desired
biological or physiological properties. Thus, transient expression
systems are particularly useful in the invention for purposes of
identifying analogs and variants of TSF receptor polypeptide that
have TSF receptor polypeptide biological activity.
[0152] (ix) Suitable Exemplary Vertebrate Cell Vectors
[0153] Other methods, vectors, and host cells suitable for
adaptation to the synthesis of TSF receptor in recombinant
vertebrate cell culture are described in Gething et al., Nature,
293: 620-625 [1981]; Mantei et al., Nature, 281: 40-46 [1979];
Levinson et al.; EP 117,060; and EP 117,058. A particularly useful
plasmid for mammalian cell culture expression of TSF receptor is
pRK5 (EP pub. no. 307,247) or pSVI6B (U.S. Ser. No. 07/441,574
filed Nov. 22, 1989, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein
by reference).
[0154] D. Selection and Transformation of Host Cells
[0155] Suitable host cells for cloning or expressing the vectors
herein are the prokaryote, yeast, or higher eukaryotic cells
described above. Suitable prokaryotes include eubacteria, such as
Gram-negative or Gram-positive organisms, for example, E. coli,
Bacilli such as B. subtilis, Pseudomonas species such as P.
aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium, or Serratia marcescans. One
preferred E. coli cloning host is E. coli 294 (ATCC 31,446),
although other strains such as E. coli B, E. coli X1776 (ATCC
31,537), and E. coli W3110 (ATCC 27,325) are suitable. These
examples are illustrative rather than limiting. Preferably the host
cell should secrete minimal amounts of proteolytic enzymes.
Alternatively, in vitro methods of cloning, e.g., PCR or other
nucleic acid polymerase reactions, are suitable.
[0156] In addition to prokaryotes, eukaryotic microbes such as
filamentous fungi or yeast are suitable hosts for
TSF-receptor-encoding vectors. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, or common
baker's yeast, is the most commonly used among lower eukaryotic
host microorganisms. However, a number of other genera, species,
and strains are commonly available and useful herein, such as
Schizosaccharomyces pombe [Beach and Nurse, Nature, 290: 140
(1981); EP 139,383 published May 2, 1985], Kluyveromyces hosts
(U.S. Pat. No. 4,943,529) such as, e.g., K. lactis [Louvencourt et
al., J. Bacteriol., 737 (1983)], K. fragilis, K. bulgaricus, K.
thermotolerans, and K. marxianus, yarrowia [EP 402,226], Pichia
pastoris [EP 183,070; Sreekrishna et al., J. Basic Microbiol., 28:
265-278 (1988)], Candida, Trichoderma reesia [EP 244,234],
Neurospora crassa [Case et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 76:
5259-5263 (1979)], and filamentous fungi such as, e.g, Neurospora,
Penicillium, Tolypocladium [WO 91/00357 published Jan. 10, 1991],
and Aspergillus hosts such as A. nidulans [Ballance et al.,
Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun., 112: 284-289 (1983); Tilburn et
al., Gene, 26: 205-221 (1983); Yelton et al., Proc. Natl. Acad.
Sci. USA, 81: 1470-1474 (1984)] and A. niger [Kelly and Hynes, EMBO
J., 4: 475-479 (1985)].
[0157] Suitable host cells for the expression of glycosylated TSF
receptor are derived from multicellular organisms. Such host cells
are capable of complex processing and glycosylation activities. In
principle, any higher eukaryotic cell culture is workable, whether
from vertebrate or invertebrate culture. Examples of invertebrate
cells include plant and insect cells. Numerous baculoviral strains
and variants and corresponding permissive insect host cells from
hosts such as Spodoptera frugiperda (caterpillar), Aedes aegypti
(mosquito), Aedes albopictus (mosquito), Drosophila melanogaster
(fruitfly), and Bombyx mori have been identified. See, e.g., Luckow
et al., Bio/Technology, 6: 47-55 (1988); Miller et al., in Genetic
Engineering, Setlow, J. K. et al., eds., Vol. 8 (Plenum Publishing,
1986), pp. 277-279; and Maeda et al., Nature, 315: 592-594 (1985).
A variety of viral strains for transfection are publicly available,
e.g., the L-1 variant of Autographa californica NPV and the Bm-5
strain of Bombyx mori NPV, and such viruses may be used as the
virus herein according to the present invention, particularly for
transfection of Spodoptera frugiperda cells.
[0158] Plant cell cultures of cotton, corn, potato, soybean,
petunia, tomato, and tobacco can be utilized as hosts. Typically,
plant cells are transfected by incubation with certain strains of
the bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens, which has been previously
manipulated to contain the TSF receptor DNA. During incubation of
the plant cell culture with A. tumefaciens, the DNA encoding the
TSF receptor is transferred to the plant cell host such that it is
transfected, and will, under appropriate conditions, express the
TSF receptor DNA. In addition, regulatory and signal sequences
compatible with plant cells are available, such as the nopaline
synthase promoter and polyadenylation signal sequences. Depicker et
al., J. Mol. Appl. Gen., 1: 561 (1982). In addition, DNA segments
isolated from the upstream region of the T-DNA 780 gene are capable
of activating or increasing transcription levels of
plant-expressible genes in recombinant DNA-containing plant tissue.
EP 321,196 published Jun. 21, 1989.
[0159] However, interest has been greatest in vertebrate cells, and
propagation of vertebrate cells in culture (tissue culture) has
become a routine procedure in recent years [Tissue Culture,
Academic Press, Kruse and Patterson, editors (1973)]. Examples of
useful mammalian host cell lines are monkey kidney CV1 line
transformed by SV40 (COS-7, ATCC CRL 1651); human embryonic kidney
line (293 or 293 cells subcloned for growth in suspension culture,
Graham et al., J. Gen Virol., 36: 59 [1977]); baby hamster kidney
cells (BHK, ATCC CCL 10); Chinese hamster ovary cells/-DHFR (CHO,
Urlaub and Chasin, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 77: 4216 [1980]);
mouse sertoli cells (TM4, Mather, Biol. Reprod., 23: 243-251
[1980]); monkey kidney cells (CV1 ATCC CCL 70); African green
monkey kidney cells (VERO-76, ATCC CRL-1587); human cervical
carcinoma cells (HELA, ATCC CCL 2); canine kidney cells (MDCK, ATCC
CCL 34); buffalo rat liver cells (BRL 3A, ATCC CRL 1442); human
lung cells (W138, ATCC CCL 75); human liver cells (Hep G2, HB
8065); mouse mammary tumor (MMT 060562, ATCC CCL51); TRI cells
(Mather et al., Annals N.Y. Acad. Sci., 383: 44-68 [1982]); MRC 5
cells; FS4 cells; and a human hepatoma line (Hep G2).
[0160] Host cells are transfected and preferably transformed with
the above-described expression or cloning vectors of this invention
and cultured in conventional nutrient media modified as appropriate
for inducing promoters, selecting transformants, or amplifying the
genes encoding the desired sequences.
[0161] Transfection refers to the taking up of an expression vector
by a host cell whether or not any coding sequences are in fact
expressed. Numerous methods of transfection are known to the
ordinarily skilled artisan, for example, CaPO.sub.4 and
electroporation. Successful transfection is generally recognized
when any indication of the operation of this vector occurs within
the host cell.
[0162] Transformation means introducing DNA into an organism so
that the DNA is replicable, either as an extrachromosomal element
or by chromosomal integrant. Depending on the host cell used,
transformation is done using standard techniques appropriate to
such cells. The calcium treatment employing calcium chloride, as
described in section 1.82 of Sambrook et al., supra, is generally
used for prokaryotes or other cells that contain substantial
cell-wall barriers. Infection with Agrobacterium tumefaciens is
used for transformation of certain plant cells, as described by
Shaw et al., Gene, 23: 315 (1983) and WO 89/05859 published Jun.
29, 1989. In addition, plants may be transfected using ultrasound
treatment as described in WO 91/00358 published Jan. 10, 1991. For
mammalian cells without such cell walls, the calcium phosphate
precipitation method of Graham and van der Eb, Virology, 52:
456-457 (1978) is preferred. General aspects of mammalian cell host
system transformations have been described by Axel in U.S. Pat. No.
4,399,216 issued Aug. 16, 1983. Transformations into yeast are
typically carried out according to the method of Van Solingen et
al., J. Bact., 130: 946 (1977) and Hsiao et al., Proc. Natl. Acad.
Sci. (USA), 76: 3829 (1979). However, other methods for introducing
DNA into cells such as by nuclear injection, electroporation, or
protoplast fusion may also be used.
[0163] E. Culturing the Host Cells
[0164] Prokaryotic cells used to produce the TSF receptor
polypeptide of this invention are cultured in suitable media as
described generally in Sambrook et al., supra.
[0165] The mammalian host cells used to produce the TSF receptor of
this invention may be cultured in a variety of media. Commercially
available media such as Ham's F10 (Sigma), Minimal Essential Medium
([MEM], Sigma), RPMI-1640 (Sigma), and Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's
Medium ([DMEM], Sigma) are suitable for culturing the host cells.
In addition, any of the media described in Ham and Wallace, Meth.
Enz., 58: 44 (1979), Barnes and Sato, Anal. Biochem., 102: 255
(1980), U.S. Pat. No. 4,767,704; 4,657,866; 4,927,762; or
4,560,655; WO 90/03430; WO 87/00195; U.S. Pat. No. Re. 30,985; or
copending U.S. Ser. No. 07/592,107 or 07/592,141, both filed in
Oct. 3, 1990, the disclosures of all of which are incorporated
herein by reference, may be used as culture media for the host
cells. Any of these media may be supplemented as necessary with
hormones and/or other growth factors (such as insulin, transferrin,
or epidermal growth factor), salts (such as sodium chloride,
calcium, magnesium, and phosphate), buffers (such as HEPES),
nucleosides (such as adenosine and thymidine), antibiotics (such as
Gentamycin.TM. drug), trace elements (defined as inorganic
compounds usually present at final concentrations in the micromolar
range), and glucose or an equivalent energy source. Any other
necessary supplements may also be included at appropriate
concentrations that would be known to those skilled in the art. The
culture conditions, such as temperature, pH, and the like, are
those previously used with the host cell selected for expression,
and will be apparent to the ordinarily skilled artisan.
[0166] The host cells referred to in this disclosure encompass
cells in in vitro culture as well as cells that are within a host
animal.
[0167] F. Detecting Gene Amplification/Expression
[0168] Gene amplification and/or expression may be measured in a
sample directly, for example, by conventional Southern blotting,
northern blotting to quantitate the transcription of mRNA (Thomas,
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 77: 5201-5205 [1980]), dot blotting
(DNA analysis), or in situ hybridization, using an appropriately
labeled probe, based on the sequences provided herein. Various
labels may be employed, most commonly radioisotopes, particularly
.sup.32P. However, other techniques may also be employed, such as
using biotin-modified nucleotides for introduction into a
polynucleotide. The biotin then serves as the site for binding to
avidin or antibodies, which may be labeled with a wide variety of
labels, such as radionuclides, fluorescers, enzymes, or the like.
Alternatively, antibodies may be employed that can recognize
specific duplexes, including DNA duplexes, RNA duplexes, and
DNA-RNA hybrid duplexes or DNA-protein duplexes. The antibodies in
turn may be labeled and the assay may be carried out where the
duplex is bound to a surface, so that upon the formation of duplex
on the surface, the presence of antibody bound to the duplex can be
detected.
[0169] Gene expression, alternatively, may be measured by
immunological methods, such as immunohistochemical staining of
tissue sections and assay of cell culture or body fluids, to
quantitate directly the expression of gene product. With
immunohistochemical staining techniques, a cell sample is prepared,
typically by dehydration and fixation, followed by reaction with
labeled antibodies specific for the gene product coupled, where the
labels are usually visually detectable, such as enzymatic labels,
fluorescent labels, luminescent labels, and the like. A
particularly sensitive staining technique suitable for use in the
present invention is described by Hsu et al., Am. J. Clin. Path.,
75: 734-738 (1980).
[0170] Antibodies useful for immunohistochemical staining and/or
assay of sample fluids may be either monoclonal or polyclonal, and
may be prepared in any mammal. Conveniently, the antibodies may be
prepared against a native TSF receptor polypeptide or against a
synthetic peptide based on the DNA sequences provided herein as
described further in Section 3 below.
[0171] G. Purification of TSF Receptor Polypeptide
[0172] TSF receptor preferably is recovered from the culture medium
as a secreted polypeptide, although it also may be recovered from
host cell lysates when directly expressed without a secretory
signal.
[0173] When TSF receptor is expressed in a recombinant cell other
than one of human origin, the TSF receptor is completely free of
proteins or polypeptides of human origin. However, it is necessary
to purify TSF receptor from recombinant cell proteins or
polypeptides to obtain preparations that are substantially
homogeneous as to TSF receptor. As a first step, the culture medium
or lysate is centrifuged to remove particulate cell debris. The
membrane and soluble protein fractions are then separated. The TSF
receptor may then be purified from the soluble protein fraction and
from the membrane fraction of the culture lysate, depending on
whether the TSF receptor is membrane bound. TSF receptor thereafter
is purified from contaminant soluble proteins and polypeptides,
with the following procedures being exemplary of suitable
purification procedures: by fractionation on immunoaffinity or
ion-exchange columns; ethanol precipitation; reverse phase HPLC;
chromatography on silica or on a cation-exchange resin such as
DEAE; chromatofocusing; SDS-PAGE; ammonium sulfate precipitation;
gel filtration using, for example, Sephadex G-75; ligand affinity
chromatography, using, e.g., a TSF member as ligand, and protein A
Sepharose columns to remove contaminants such as IgG.
[0174] TSF receptor variants in which residues have been deleted,
inserted, or substituted are recovered in the same fashion as
native TSF receptor, taking account of any substantial changes in
properties occasioned by the variation. For example, preparation of
a TSF receptor fusion with another protein or polypeptide, e.g., a
bacterial or viral antigen, facilitates purification; an
immunoaffinity column containing antibody to the antigen can be
used to adsorb the fusion polypeptide. Immunoaffinity columns such
as a rabbit polyclonal anti-TSF-receptor column can be employed to
absorb the TSF receptor variant by binding it to at least one
remaining immune epitope. Alternatively, the receptor molecule may
be purified by affinity chromatography using a purified TSF member
such as inhibin or activin as a ligand coupled to a (preferably)
immobilized resin such as Affi-Gel 10 (Bio-Rad, Richmond, Calif.)
or the like, by means well known in the art. A protease inhibitor
such as phenyl methyl sulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) also may be useful
to inhibit proteolytic degradation during purification, and
antibiotics may be included to prevent the growth of adventitious
contaminants. One skilled in the art will appreciate that
purification methods suitable for native TSF receptor may require
modification to account for changes in the character of TSF
receptor or its variants upon expression in recombinant cell
culture.
[0175] H. Covalent Modifications of TSF Receptor Polypeptide
[0176] Covalent modifications of TSF receptor polypeptides are
included within the scope of this invention. Both native TSF
receptor and amino acid sequence variants of the TSF receptor may
be covalently modified. One type of covalent modification included
within the scope of this invention is a TSF receptor fragment.
Variant TSF receptor fragments having up to about 40 amino acid
residues may be conveniently prepared by chemical synthesis or by
enzymatic or chemical cleavage of the full-length or variant TSF
receptor polypeptide. Other types of covalent modifications of the
TSF receptor or fragments thereof are introduced into the molecule
by reacting targeted amino acid residues of the TSF receptor or
fragments thereof with an organic derivatizing agent that is
capable of reacting with selected side chains or the N- or
C-terminal residues.
[0177] Cysteinyl residues most commonly are reacted with
.alpha.-haloacetates (and corresponding amines), such as
chloroacetic acid or chloroacetamide, to give carboxymethyl or
carboxyamidomethyl derivatives. Cysteinyl residues also are
derivatized by reaction with bromotrifluoroacetone,
.alpha.-bromo-.beta.-(5-imidozoyl)propionic acid, chloroacetyl
phosphate, N-alkylmaleimides, 3-nitro-2-pyridyl disulfide, methyl
2-pyridyl disulfide, p-chloromercuribenzoate,
2-chloromercuri-4-nitrophenol, or
chloro-7-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole.
[0178] Histidyl residues are derivatized by reaction with
diethyl-pyrocarbonate at pH 5.5-7.0 because this agent is
relatively specific for the histidyl side chain. Para-bromophenacyl
bromide also is useful; the reaction is preferably performed in
0.1M sodium cacodylate at pH 6.0.
[0179] Lysinyl and amino terminal residues are reacted with
succinic or other carboxylic acid anhydrides. Derivatization with
these agents has the effect of reversing the charge of the lysinyl
residues. Other suitable reagents for derivatizing
.alpha.-amino-containing residues include imidoesters such as
methyl picolinimidate; pyridoxal phosphate; pyridoxal;
chloroborohydride; trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid; O-methylisourea;
2,4-pentanedione; and transaminase-catalyzed reaction with
glyoxylate.
[0180] Arginyl residues are modified by reaction with one or
several conventional reagents, among them phenylglyoxal,
2,3-butanedione, 1,2-cyclohexanedione, and ninhydrin.
Derivatization of arginine residues requires that the reaction be
performed in alkaline conditions because of the high pK.sub.a of
the guanidine functional group. Furthermore, these reagents may
react with the groups of lysine as well as the arginine
epsilon-amino group.
[0181] The specific modification of tyrosyl residues may be made,
with particular interest in introducing spectral labels into
tyrosyl residues by reaction with aromatic diazonium compounds or
tetranitromethane. Most commonly, N-acetylimidizole and
tetranitromethane are used to form O-acetyl tyrosyl species and
3-nitro derivatives, respectively. Tyrosyl residues are iodinated
using .sup.125I or .sup.131I to prepare labeled proteins for use in
radioimmunoassay, the chloramine T method described above being
suitable.
[0182] Carboxyl side groups (aspartyl or glutamyl) are selectively
modified by reaction with carbodiimides (R--N.dbd.C.dbd.N--R'),
where R and R' are different alkyl groups, such as
1-cyclohexyl-3-(2-morpholinyl-- 4-ethyl) carbodiimide or
1-ethyl-3-(4-azonia-4,4-dimethylpentyl) carbodiimide. Furthermore,
aspartyl and glutamyl residues are converted to asparaginyl and
glutaminyl residues by reaction with ammonium ions.
[0183] Derivatization with bifunctional agents is useful for
crosslinking TSF receptor to a water-insoluble support matrix or
surface for use in the method for purifying a TSP member such as
activin or inhibin or anti-TSF-receptor antibodies, and vice-versa.
Commonly used crosslinking agents include, e.g.,
1,.sub.1-bis(diazo-acetyl)-2-phenylethane, glutaraldehyde,
N-hydroxysuccinimide esters, for example, esters with
4-azidosalicylic acid, homobifunctional imidoesters, including
disuccinimidyl esters such as
3,3'-dithiobis(succinimidylpropionate), and bifunctional male
imides such as bis-N-maleimido-1,8-octane. Derivatizing agents such
as methyl-3-[(p-azidophenyl)dithio]propioimidate yield
photoactivatable intermediates that are capable of forming
crosslinks in the presence of light. Alternatively, reactive
water-insoluble matrices such as cyanogen bromide-activated
carbohydrates and the reactive substrates described in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 3,969,287; 3,691,016; 4,195,128; 4,247,642; 4,229,537; and
4,330,440 are employed for protein immobilization.
[0184] Glutaminyl and asparaginyl residues are frequently
deamidated to the corresponding glutamyl and aspartyl residues,
respectively. These residues are deamidated under neutral or basic
conditions. The deamidated form of these residues falls within the
scope of this invention.
[0185] Other modifications include hydroxylation of proline and
lysine, phosphorylation of hydroxyl groups of seryl or threonyl
residues, methylation of the .alpha.-amino groups of lysine,
arginine, and histidine side chains (T. E. Creighton, Proteins:
Structure and Molecular Properties, W. H. Freeman & Co., San
Francisco, pp. 79-86 [1983]), acetylation of the N-terminal amine,
and amidation of any C-terminal carboxyl group.
[0186] Another type of covalent modification of the TSF receptor
polypeptide included within the scope of this invention comprises
altering the native glycosylation pattern of the polypeptide. By
altering is meant deleting one or more carbohydrate moieties found
in native TSF receptor, and/or adding one or more glycosylation
sites that are not present in the native TSF receptor.
[0187] Glycosylation of polypeptides is typically either N-linked
or O-linked. N-linked refers to the attachment of the carbohydrate
moiety to the side chain of an asparagine residue. The tripeptide
sequences asparagine-X-serine and asparagine-X-threonine, where X
is any amino acid except proline, are the recognition sequences for
enzymatic attachment of the carbohydrate moiety to the asparagine
side chain. Thus, the presence of either of these tripeptide
sequences in a polypeptide creates a potential glycosylation site.
O-linked glycosylation refers to the attachment of one of the
sugars N-aceylgalactosamine, galactose, or xylose to a hydroxyamino
acid, most commonly serine or threonine, although 5-hydroxyproline
or 5-hydroxylysine may also be used.
[0188] Addition of glycosylation sites to the TSF receptor
polypeptide is conveniently accomplished by altering the amino acid
sequence such that it contains one or more of the above-described
tripeptide sequences (for N-linked glycosylation sites). The
alteration may also be made by the addition of, or substitution by,
one or more serine or threonine residues to the native TSF receptor
sequence (for O-linked glycosylation sites). For ease, the TSF
receptor amino acid sequence is preferably altered through changes
at the DNA level, particularly by mutating the DNA encoding the TSF
receptor polypeptide at preselected bases such that codons are
generated that will translate into the desired amino acids. The DNA
mutation(s) may be made using methods described above under the
heading of "Amino Acid Sequence Variants of TSF Receptor
Polypeptide."
[0189] Another means of increasing the number of carbohydrate
moieties on the TSF receptor polypeptide is by chemical or
enzymatic coupling of glycosides to the polypeptide. These
procedures are advantageous in that they do not require production
of the polypeptide in a host cell that has glycosylation
capabilities for N- or O-linked glycosylation. Depending on the
coupling mode used, the sugar(s) may be attached to (a) arginine
and histidine, (b) free carboxyl groups, (c) free sulfhydryl groups
such as those of cysteine, (d) free hydroxyl groups such as those
of serine, threonine, or hydroxyproline, (e) aromatic residues such
as those of phenylalanine, tyrosine, or tryptophan, or (f) the
amide group of glutamine. These methods are described in WO
87/05330 published Sep. 11, 1987, and in Aplin and Wriston, CRC
Crit. Rev. Biochem., pp. 259-306 (1981).
[0190] Removal of carbohydrate moieties present on the TSF receptor
polypeptide may be accomplished chemically or enzymatically.
Chemical deglycosylation requires exposure of the polypeptide to
the compound trifluoromethanesulfonic acid, or an equivalent
compound. This treatment results in the cleavage of most or all
sugars except the linking sugar (N-acetylglucosamine or
N-acetylgalactosamine), while leaving the polypeptide intact.
Chemical deglycosylation is described by Hakimuddin, et al., Arch.
Biochem. Biophys., 259: 52 (1987) and by Edge et al., Anal.
Biochem., 118: 131 (1981). Enzymatic cleavage of carbohydrate
moieties on polypeptides can be achieved by the use of a variety of
endo- and exo-glycosidases as described by Thotakura et al., Meth.
Enzymol., 138: 350 (1987).
[0191] Glycosylation at potential glycosylation sites may be
prevented by the use of the compound tunicamycin as described by
Duskin et al., J. Biol. Chem., 257: 3105 (1982). Tunicamycin blocks
the formation of protein-N-glycoside linkages.
[0192] Another type of covalent modification of TSF receptor
comprises linking the TSF receptor polypeptide to one of a variety
of nonproteinaceous polymers, e.g., polyethylene glycol,
polypropylene glycol, or polyoxyalkylenes, in the manner set forth
in U.S. Pat. No. 4,640,835; 4,496,689; 4,301,144; 4,670,417;
4,791,192 or 4,179,337.
[0193] It will be appreciated that some screening of the recovered
TSF receptor variant will be needed to select the optimal variant
for binding to a TSF member and having the immunological and/or
biological activity defined above. One can screen for stability in
recombinant cell culture or in plasma (e.g., against proteolytic
cleavage), high affinity to a TSF member, oxidative stability,
ability to be secreted in elevated yields, and the like. For
example, a change in the immunological character of the TSF
receptor polypeptide, such as affinity for a given antibody, is
measured by a competitive-type immunoassay. Other potential
modifications of protein or polypeptide properties such as redox or
thermal stability, hydrophobicity, or susceptibility to proteolytic
degradation are assayed by methods well known in the art.
[0194] 3. Uses of TSF Receptor Nucleic Acid, Polypeptide, and
Antibodies Thereto
[0195] Nucleic acid encoding TSF receptor may be used as a
diagnostic to determine the extent and rate of the expression of
the TSF receptor in the cells of a patient. To accomplish such an
assay, a sample of a patient's cells is treated, via in situ
hybridization, or by other suitable means, and analyzed to
determine whether the sample contains mRNA molecules capable of
hybridizing with the nucleic acid molecule. Also, the TSF receptor
nucleic acid can be used to detect nucleic acid encoding other TSF
receptors. For example, such procedures as in situ hybridization,
northern and Southern blotting, and PCR analysis may be used to
determine whether DNA and/or RNA encoding a different TSF receptor
is present in the cell type(s) being evaluated.
[0196] TSF receptor polypeptides are useful in radioreceptor assays
to measure all bindable (presumably also active) forms of a TSF
member such as inhibin or activin. If the TSF receptor is an
inhibin receptor, such an assay would be specific for inhibin
(i.e., activin would not be detected), and if the TSF receptor is
an activin receptor, such an assay would be specific for activin
(i.e., inhibin would not be detected). Such a radioreceptor assay
would be conducted as described in the literature using the
naturally purified or recombinant TSF receptor as the receptor
element.
[0197] In addition, TSF receptor polypeptides are useful for
screening for compounds that bind to them and have TSF biological
activity as defined above. Preferably, these compounds are small
molecules such as organic or peptide molecules that exhibit one or
more of the desired activities of a TSF member such as inhibin or
activin. Screening assays of this kind are conventional in the art,
and any such screening procedure may be employed, whereby the test
sample is contacted with the TSF receptor herein and the extent of
binding and biological activity of the bound molecule are
determined.
[0198] TSF receptor polypeptides are additionally useful in
affinity purification of a TSF member or TSF-like molecules that
bind to receptor (such as, for example, inhibin or activin or
inhibin-like or activin-like molecules) and in purifying antibodies
thereto. The receptor is typically coupled to an immobilized resin
such as Affi-Gel 10 (Bio-Rad, Richmond, Calif.) or other such
resins (support matrices) by means well known in the art. The resin
is equilibrated in a buffer (such as one containing 25 mM TRIS, pH
7.5, 150 mM NaCl, and 0.1% O.beta.G) and the preparation to be
purified is placed in contact with the resin, whereby the molecules
are selectively adsorbed to the receptor on the resin.
[0199] The resin is then sequentially washed with suitable buffers
to remove non-adsorbed material, including unwanted contaminants,
from the mixture to be purified, using, for an inhibin or activin
mixture, e.g., 100 mM glycine, pH 3, and 0.1% octyl .beta.
glucoside. The resin is then treated so as to elute the TSF member
compound using a buffer that will break the bond between the TSF
member compound and TSF receptor (using, e.g., 100 mM glycine, pH
3, and 0.1% octyl .beta. glucoside).
[0200] Therapeutic formulations of the receptor polypeptide for
counteracting an excess amount of a TSF member are prepared for
storage by mixing the receptor having the desired degree of purity
with optional physiologically acceptable carriers, excipients, or
stabilizers (Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, supra), in the
form of lyophilized cake or aqueous solutions. Acceptable carriers,
excipients or stabilizers are nontoxic to recipients at the dosages
and concentrations employed, and include buffers such as phosphate,
citrate, and other organic acids; antioxidants including ascorbic
acid; low molecular weight (less than about 10 residues)
polypeptides; proteins, such as serum albumin, gelatin, or
immunoglobulins; hydrophilic polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone;
amino acids such as glycine, glutamine, asparagine, arginine or
lysine; monosaccharides, disaccharides, and other carbohydrates
including glucose, mannose, or dextrins; chelating agents such as
EDTA; sugar alcohols such as mannitol or sorbitol; salt-forming
counterions such as sodium; and/or nonionic surfactants such as
Tween, Pluronics or polyethylene glycol (PEG).
[0201] The receptor polypeptide to be used for in vivo
administration must be sterile. This is readily accomplished by
filtration through sterile filtration membranes, prior to or
following lyophilization and reconstitution. The receptor
polypeptide ordinarily will be stored in lyophilized form or in
solution.
[0202] Therapeutic TSF receptor polypeptide compositions 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.
[0203] The route of TSF receptor or receptor antibody
administration is in accord with known methods, e.g., injection or
infusion by intravenous, intraperitoneal, intracerebral,
intramuscular, intraocular, intraarterial, or intralesional routes,
or by sustained release systems as noted below. TSF receptor is
administered continuously by infusion or by bolus injection. TSF
receptor antibody is administered in the same fashion, or by
administration into the blood stream or lymph.
[0204] Suitable examples of sustained-release preparations include
semipermeable matrices of solid hydrophobic polymers containing the
polypeptide, which matrices are in the form of shaped articles,
e.g., films, or microcapsules. Examples of sustained-release
matrices include polyesters, hydrogels [e.g.,
poly(2-hydroxyethyl-methacrylate) as described by Langer et al., J.
Biomed. Mater. Res., 15: 167-277 [1981] and Langer, Chem. Tech.,
12: 98-105 [1982] or poly(vinylalcohol)], 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]),
non-degradable ethylene-vinyl acetate (Langer et al., supra),
degradable lactic acid-glycolic acid copolymers such as the Lupron
Depot.TM. (injectable microspheres composed of lactic acid-glycolic
acid copolymer and leuprolide acetate), and
poly-D-(-)-3-hydroxybutyric acid (EP 133,988).
[0205] While polymers such as ethylene-vinyl acetate and lactic
acid-glycolic acid enable release of molecules for over 100 days,
certain hydrogels release proteins for shorter time periods. When
encapsulated proteins remain in the body for a long time, they may
denature or aggregate as a result of exposure to moisture at
37.degree. C., resulting in a loss of biological activity and
possible changes in immunogenicity. Rational strategies can be
devised for protein stabilization depending on the mechanism
involved. For example, if the aggregation mechanism is discovered
to be intermolecular S-S bond formation through thio-disulfide
interchange, stabilization may be achieved by modifying sulfhydryl
residues, lyophilizing from acidic solutions, controlling moisture
content, using appropriate additives, and developing specific
polymer matrix compositions.
[0206] Sustained-release TSF receptor compositions also include
liposomally entrapped receptor. Liposomes containing receptor 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 patent
application 83-118008; U.S. Pat. No. 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. % cholesterol, the selected proportion
being adjusted for the optimal receptor therapy.
[0207] An effective amount of TSF receptor to be employed
therapeutically will depend, for example, upon the therapeutic
objectives, the route of administration, and the condition of the
patient. Accordingly, it will be necessary for the therapist to
titer the dosage and modify the route of administration as required
to obtain the optimal therapeutic effect. A typical daily human
dosage might range from about 1 .mu.g/kg to up to 100 mg/kg or
more, preferably 0.01 mg/kg to 1 mg/kg, depending on the factors
mentioned above. Typically, the clinician will administer the
receptor polypeptide until a dosage is reached that achieves the
desired effect in blocking excess TSF member. The progress of this
therapy is easily monitored by conventional assays.
[0208] The TSF receptor molecules of the present invention may also
be used to induce the formation of anti-TSF-receptor antibodies,
which are identified by routine screening. Such antibodies may
either be polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies, or antigen binding
fragments of such antibodies (such as, for example, F(ab) or
F(ab).sub.2 fragments). Of particular significance to the invention
are antibodies (and antigen-binding fragments of antibodies) that
bind to any extracellular domain of the TSF receptor molecule. The
most preferred anti-TSF-receptor antibodies (and antigen-binding
fragments thereof) are those capable of preventing or inhibiting
the binding of a TSF member to its receptor.
[0209] Polyclonal antibodies to the TSF receptor polypeptide
generally are raised in animals by multiple subcutaneous (sc) or
intraperitoneal (ip) injections of the TSF receptor polypeptide and
an adjuvant. It may be useful to conjugate the TSF receptor
polypeptide (including fragments containing the target amino acid
sequence) to a protein that is immunogenic in the species to be
immunized, e.g., keyhole limpet hemocyanin, serum albumin, bovine
thyroglobulin, or soybean trypsin inhibitor using a bifunctional or
derivatizing agent, for example, maleimidobenzoyl sulfosuccinimide
ester (conjugation through cysteine residues), N-hydroxysuccinimide
(through lysine residues), glutaraldehyde, succinic anhydride,
SOCl.sub.2, or R.sup.1N.dbd.C.dbd.NR, where R and R.sup.1 are
different alkyl groups.
[0210] The route and schedule of the host animal or cultured
antibody-producing cells therefrom are generally in keeping with
established and conventional techniques for antibody stimulation
and production. While mice are frequently employed as the test
model, it is contemplated that any mammalian subject including
human subjects or antibody-producing cells obtained therefrom can
be manipulated according to the processes of this invention to
serve as the basis for production of mammalian, including human,
hybrid cell lines.
[0211] Animals are typically immunized against the immunogenic
conjugates or derivatives by combining 1 mg or 1 .mu.g of conjugate
(for rabbits or mice, respectively) with 3 volumes of Freund's
complete adjuvant and injecting the solution intradermally at
multiple sites. One month later the animals are boosted with
{fraction (1/5)} to {fraction (1/10)} the original amount of
conjugate in Freund's complete adjuvant (or other suitable
adjuvant) by subcutaneous injection at multiple sites. Seven to 14
days later animals are bled and the serum is assayed for anti-TSF
receptor polypeptide titer. Animals are boosted until the titer
plateaus. Preferably, the animal is boosted with the conjugate of
the same TSF receptor polypeptide, but conjugated to a different
protein and/or through a different cross-linking agent. Conjugates
also can be made in recombinant cell culture as protein fusions.
Also, aggregating agents such as alum are used to enhance the
immune response.
[0212] Monoclonal antibodies are prepared by recovering immune
cells--typically spleen cells or lymphocytes from lymph node
tissue--from immunized animals and immortalizing the cells in
conventional fashion, e.g., by fusion with myeloma cells or by
Epstein-Barr (EB)-virus transformation and screening for clones
expressing the desired antibody. The hybridoma technique described
originally by Kohler and Milstein, Eur. J. Immunol., 6: 511 (1976)
and also described by Hammerling et al., In: Monoclonal Antibodies
and T-Cell Hybridomas, Elsevier, N.Y., pp. 563-681 (1981) has been
widely applied to produce hybrid cell lines that secrete high
levels of monoclonal antibodies against many specific antigens.
[0213] It is possible to fuse cells of one species with another.
However, it is preferable that the source of the immunized
antibody-producing cells and the myeloma be from the same
species.
[0214] The hybrid cell lines can be maintained in culture in vitro
in cell culture media. The cell lines of this invention can be
selected and/or maintained in a composition comprising the
continuous cell line in hypoxanthine-aminopterin thymidine (HAT)
medium. In fact, once the hybridoma cell line is established, it
can be maintained on a variety of nutritionally adequate media.
Moreover, the hybrid cell lines can be stored and preserved in any
number of conventional ways, including freezing and storage under
liquid nitrogen. Frozen cell lines can be revived and cultured
indefinitely with resumed synthesis and secretion of monoclonal
antibody.
[0215] The secreted antibody is recovered from tissue culture
supernatant by conventional methods such as precipitation, ion
exchange chromatography, affinity chromatography, or the like. The
antibodies described herein are also recovered from hybridoma cell
cultures by conventional methods for purification of IgG or IgM, as
the case may be, that heretofore have been used to purify these
immunoglobulins from pooled plasma, e.g., ethanol or polyethylene
glycol precipitation procedures. The purified antibodies are
sterile filtered, and optionally are conjugated to a detectable
marker such as an enzyme or spin label for use in diagnostic assays
of the TSF receptor in test samples.
[0216] While routinely mouse monoclonal antibodies are used, the
invention is not so limited; in fact, human antibodies may be used
and may prove to be preferable. Such antibodies can be obtained by
using human hybridomas (Cote et al., Monoclonal Antibodies and
Cancer Therapy, Alan R. Liss, p. 77 [1985]). In fact, according to
the invention, techniques developed for the production of chimeric
antibodies (Morrison et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 81: 6851
[1984]; Neuberger et al., Nature, 312: 604 [1984]; Takeda et al.,
Nature, 314: 452 [1985]; EP 184,187; EP 171,496; EP 173,494; PCT WO
86/01533; Shaw et al., J. Nat. Canc. Inst., 80: 1553-1559 [1988];
Morrison, Science, 229: 1202-1207 [1985]; and Oi et al.,
BioTechniques, 4: 214 [1986]) by splicing the genes from a mouse
antibody molecule of appropriate antigen specificity together with
genes from a human antibody molecule of appropriate biological
activity (such as ability to activate human complement and mediate
ADCC) can be used; such antibodies are within the scope of this
invention.
[0217] Techniques for creating recombinant DNA versions of the
antigen-binding regions of antibody molecules (known as Fab
fragments), which bypass the generation of monoclonal antibodies,
are encompassed within the practice of this invention. One extracts
antibody-specific messenger RNA molecules from immune system cells
taken from an immunized animal, transcribes these into
complementary DNA (cDNA), and clones the cDNA into a bacterial
expression system. One example of such a technique suitable for the
practice of this invention was developed by researchers at
Scripps/Stratagene, and incorporates a proprietary bacteriophage
lambda vector system that contains a leader sequence that causes
the expressed Fab protein to migrate to the periplasmic space
(between the bacterial cell membrane and the cell wall) or to be
secreted. One can rapidly generate and screen great numbers of
functional Fab fragments for those that bind the antigen. Such
TSF-receptor-binding molecules (Fab fragments with specificity for
the TSF receptor polypeptide) are specifically encompassed within
the term "antibody" as it is defined, discussed, and claimed
herein.
[0218] In addition to their uses above, the TSF receptor
polypeptides of the present invention are useful as the basis for
assays of TSF member activity. Importantly, since such an assay
measures a physiologically significant binding event, i.e., that of
a hormone to its receptor, triggering a detectable change (such as
phosphorylation, cleavage, chemical modification, etc.), it is
likely to be both more sensitive and more accurate than
immunoassays, which detect the physiologically non-significant
binding of a TSF member to anti-TSF antibody. Moreover, the TSF
receptor is capable of distinguishing its corresponding TSF member
from other hormones with greater specificity than antibodies, which
may cross-react with structurally similar molecules.
[0219] Although more sensitive and accurate than antibodies, the
receptor molecules of the invention can be used to assay hormone
levels in a sample in the same ways in which antibodies are
used.
[0220] The anti-receptor antibodies of the present invention may
also be used for diagnostic purposes, such as to measure the
expression and function of a patient's TSF receptors. The
anti-receptor antibodies also can be used in imaging to
characterize tissue, or to define the presence and site of
receptor-expressing cells.
[0221] For diagnostic purposes, the receptors and anti-receptor
antibodies can be used in accordance with immunoassay technology.
Examples of immunoassays are provided by Wide at pages 199-206 of
Radioimmune Assay Method, Kirkham and Huner, ed., E & S.
Livingstone, Edinburgh, 1970.
[0222] Thus, in one embodiment, TSF receptor molecules can be
detectably labeled and incubated with a test sample containing
TSF-member-like molecules (such as biological fluids, e.g., serum,
sputum, urine, etc.), and the amount of receptor molecule bound to
the sample is ascertained. In a second embodiment, antibody to the
receptor, or to a TSF member, can be used to create a
"pseudo-sandwich immunoassay." In one such assay (a "forward"
assay) a sample suspected of containing a TSF member can be
incubated in the presence of an immobilized anti-TSF antibody.
Solubilized, detectably labeled TSF receptor molecules are added to
the reaction mixture, and the amount of TSF member is determined by
measuring the amount of bound receptor.
[0223] As will be evident to those of ordinary skill, various
alternative assays can also be devised. The assay may be a simple
"yes/no" assay to determine whether a TSF member is present or may
be made quantitative by comparing the measure of labeled molecule
with that obtained for a standard sample containing known
quantities of the TSF member.
[0224] In another diagnostic test suitable for the receptor herein,
"simultaneous" and "reverse" assays are used. A simultaneous assay
involves a single incubation step as the antibody (or receptor)
bound to the solid support and labeled receptor (or antibody) are
both added to the sample being tested at the same time. After the
incubation is completed, the solid support is washed to remove the
residue of fluid sample and uncomplexed labeled antibody. The
presence of labeled molecules associated with the solid support is
then determined as it would be in a conventional sandwich
assay.
[0225] In the "reverse" assay, stepwise addition first of a
solution of labeled molecule (either receptor or antibody) to the
fluid sample followed by the addition of unlabeled molecule (either
antibody or receptor) bound to a solid support after a suitable
incubation period is utilized. After a second incubation, the solid
phase is washed in conventional fashion to free it of the residue
of the sample being tested and the solution of unreacted labeled
antibody. The determination of labeled antibody associated with a
solid support is then determined as in the simultaneous forward
assays.
[0226] The assay of this type requires that at least one binding
partner be labeled with a reporter molecule. Examples of types of
labels that can be used in the present invention include, but are
not limited to, enzyme labels, radioisotopic labels,
non-radioactive isotopic labels, fluorescent labels, toxin labels,
and chemiluminescent labels.
[0227] Examples of suitable enzyme labels include malate
dehydrogenase, staphylococcal nuclease, delta-5-steroid isomerase,
yeast-alcohol dehydrogenase, alpha-glycerol phosphate
dehydrogenase, triose phosphate isomerase, peroxidase, e.g.,
horseradish peroxidase, alkaline phosphatase, asparaginase, glucose
oxidase, beta-galactosidase, ribonuclease, urease, catalase,
glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, glucoamylase, acetylcholine
esterase, etc.
[0228] Examples of suitable radioisotopic labels include
.sup.111In, .sup.32P, .sup.14C, .sup.125I, .sup.3H, .sup.131I,
.sup.35S, .sup.51Cr, .sup.57To, .sup.58Co, .sup.59Fe, .sup.75Se,
.sup.152Eu, .sup.90Y, .sup.67Cu, .sup.217Ci, .sup.211At,
.sup.212Pb, .sup.47Sc, .sup.109Pd, and the like. Examples of
suitable non-radioisotopic labels include .sup.157Gd, 55Mn,
.sup.52Tr, .sup.56Fe, etc.
[0229] Examples of suitable fluorescent labels include an
.sup.152Eu label, a fluorescein label, an isothiocyanate label, a
rhodamine label, a phycoerythrin label, a phycocyanin label, an
allophycocyanin label, an o-phthaladehyde label, a fluorescamine
label, etc.
[0230] Examples of suitable toxin labels include diphtheria toxin,
ricin, and cholera toxin. Examples of chemiluminscent labels
include a luminal label, an isoluminal label, an aromatic
acridinium ester label, an imidazole label, an acridinium salt
label, an oxalate ester label, a luciferin label, a luciferase
label, an aequorin label, and the like.
[0231] Those of ordinary skill in the art will know of other
suitable labels that may be employed in accordance with the present
invention. The binding of these labels to receptors, antibodies, or
fragments thereof can be accomplished using standard techniques
commonly known to those of ordinary skill in the art. For instance,
coupling agents such as dialdehydes, carbodiimides, dimaleimides,
bis-imidates, bis-diazotized benzidine, and the like may be used to
tag the polypeptide with the above-described fluorescent,
chemiluminescent, and enzyme labels. See, for example, U.S. Pat.
Nos. 3,940,475 (fluorimetry) and 3,645,090 (enzymes); Hunter et
al., Nature, 144: 945 (1962); David et al., Biochemistry, 13:
1014-1021 (1974); Pain et al., J. Immunol. Methods, 40: 219-230
(1981); Nygren, J. Histochem. and Cytochem., 30: 407-412 (1982);
O'Sullivan et al., "Methods for the Preparation of Enzyme-antibody
Conjugates for Use in Enzyme Immunoassay," in Methods in
Enzymology, ed. J. J. Langone and H. Van Vunakis, Vol. 73 (Academic
Press, New York, N.Y., 1981), pp. 147-166; Kennedy et al., Clin.
Chim. Acta, 70: 1-31 (1976); and Schurs et al., Clin. Chim. Acta,
81: 1-40 (1977). Coupling techniques mentioned in the lattermost
reference are the glutaraldehyde method, the periodate method, the
dimaleimide method, and the m-maleimidobenzyl-N-hydroxysuccinimide
ester method.
[0232] In the practice of the present invention, enzyme labels are
a preferred embodiment. No single enzyme is ideal for use as a
label in every conceivable assay. Instead, one must determine which
enzyme is suitable for a particular assay system. Criteria
important for the choice of enzymes are turnover number of the pure
enzyme (the number of substrate molecules converted to product per
enzyme site per unit of time), purity of the enzyme preparation,
sensitivity of detection of its product, ease and speed of
detection of the enzyme reaction, absence of interfering factors or
of enzyme-like activity in the test fluid, stability of the enzyme
and its conjugate, availability and cost of the enzyme and its
conjugate, and the like. Included among the enzymes used as
preferred labels in the assays of the present invention are
alkaline phosphatase, horseradish peroxidase, beta-galactosidase,
urease, glucose oxidase, glucoamylase, malate dehydrogenase, and
glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. Urease is among the more
preferred enzyme labels, particularly because of chromogenic pH
indicators that make its activity readily visible to the naked
eye.
[0233] Immobilization of reagents is required for certain assay
methods. Immobilization entails separating the TSF receptor from
any analyte that remains free in solution. This conventionally is
accomplished by either insolubilizing the receptor before the assay
procedure, as by adsorption to a water-insoluble matrix or surface
(Bennich et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,720,760), by covalent coupling
(for example, using glutaraldehyde cross-linking), or by
insolubilizing the molecule afterward, e.g., by
immunoprecipitation.
[0234] The foregoing are merely exemplary diagnostic assays for TSF
members. Other methods now or hereafter developed for the
determination of these analytes are included within the scope
hereof.
[0235] The following examples are offered by way of illustration
and not by way of limitation. The disclosures of all literature
references cited in the specification are expressly incorporated
herein by reference.
EXAMPLE I
Purification of Bovine Inhibin/Activin Receptor
[0236] A. General Membrane Extract (ME) Procedure
[0237] Bovine pituitaries (in an amount of 200 g unless otherwise
indicated) were suspended in 150 mM NaCl (latter ME had protease
inhibitor cocktail added, which comprised 1 mM EDTA, 25 g/ml
aprotinin, 0.5 .mu.g/ml leupeptin, and 0.7 .mu.g/ml pepstatin),
disrupted in a blender, and subsequently mixed with a stir bar at
5.degree. C. for one hour. The mixture was then sedimented at
10,000.times.g to remove particulate matter. The resulting
supernatant was centrifuged at 105,000.times.g for 3 hours. The
ultracentrifugation pellet was resuspended in 85 mM TRIS, pH 7.8,
0.1% octyl .beta. glucoside (O.beta.G), 30 mM NaCl, 1 mM EDTA, and
25 .mu.g/ml aprotinin.
[0238] Several MEs were prepared separately by this procedure,
numbered in the order of their preparation from ME1 to ME9. For ME
preparations 3-9, the supernatant was treated with DNase
(Boehringer Mannheim) overnight at 1 unit/.mu.g DNA to reduce
viscosity and improve sedimentation of particulate matter during
ultracentrifugation. DNase-treated samples were sedimented at
105,000.times.g for 3 hours and clear red supernatants were found.
For ME preparations 4-9, 0.5 .mu.g/ml leupeptin and 0.7 .mu.g/ml
pepstatin were also added. The resulting suspension was sedimented
at 105,000.times.g.
[0239] B. FITC-Conjugated Inhibin
[0240] The pH of recombinant human inhibin (Mason, U.S. Pat. No.
4,798,885, supra) was adjusted to 8.0 with 1 M Na.sub.2CO.sub.3, pH
9.3. A total of 7 mg of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC, Sigma)
was added to 140 .mu.l dimethyl formamide (DMF) and subsequently
diluted in water to a final concentration of 1 .mu.g/.mu.l. A total
of 2 .mu.g of this FITC solution was added to 10 .mu.g of the
inhibin to give a total volume of 100 .mu.l. After exactly one hour
of end-over-end mixing, the sample was sedimented in a
microcentrifuge to remove particulate matter (14,000 rpm for 15
min.). Free FITC was removed from the sample by diafiltration using
a 10-Kd molecular weight cut-off ultrafiltration (UF) membrane
(Ultrafree-MC Filter Unit, Millipore). Conjugated inhibin was used
on the day of preparation. If the analysis was to be carried over
to the following day, the conjugated hormone was stored at
-70.degree. C.
[0241] C. Size-Exclusion Chromatography of ME Incubated With
FITC-Conjugated Inhibin
[0242] A Perkin-Elmer fluorescence detector was connected to a
Hewlett Packard HP 1090 HPLC (excitation 480 nm, emission 525 nm).
A chart recorder or an integrator was used to monitor the
fluorescent peaks. 50 .mu.l of ME1 was added to 140 .mu.l of
elution buffer (100 mM P04, pH 6.0.+-.0.1, and 0.1% O.beta.G) with
5-10 .mu.l of inhibin-FITC (assuming 100% recovery of FITC-labeled
inhibin; [hormone]=0.7 .mu.g/.mu.l). After a 30-min. incubation at
ambient temperature, 50 .mu.l of sample was loaded. The TSK 3000
SWXL size-exclusion column with guard column was eluted with the
elution buffer described above using a flow rate of 1 ml/min.
[0243] Inhibin-FITC eluted at a molecular weight less than expected
(27 Kd vs. 32 Kd) relative to the gel filtration standards (Sigma),
suggesting some interaction with the TSK gel. This observation was
also seen with unlabeled inhibin, indicating that the FITC tag was
not responsible for the delay in retention time. A fluorescent peak
was observed at a molecular weight greater than 200 Kd (i.e., near
the void), suggesting that there was a protein(s) in the ME that
bound to inhibin-FITC. Fluorescent peaks were collected and
analyzed using SDS-PAGE. Many proteins co-eluted in the 200
Kd+peak. Furthermore, there was no detectable inhibin-FITC band
observed on the gels (maximum recoverable inhibin-FITC=0.7
.mu.g/.mu.l.times.10 .mu.l=7 .mu.g).
[0244] D. SDS-PAGE Analysis
[0245] For all SDS-PAGE analyses conducted the following conditions
were employed unless otherwise indicated. Ten percent acrylamide
SDS-PAGE was used. If the PAGE was reduced, the reducing agent was
5% .beta.-mercaptoethanol. The percent SDS of the sample buffer was
2%. The molecular weight markers employed were myosin (200,000), E.
coli p-galactosidase (116,250), rabbit muscle phosphorylase b
(97,400), bovine serum albumin (66,200), and hen egg white
ovalbumin (42,699). The molecular weights were determined by
plotting log molecular weight versus molecular weight marker
migration. Silver staining was employed except when indicated
otherwise.
[0246] E. Ligand Affinity Chromatography Columns in General
[0247] Four support matrices were utilized to immobilize a
biologically active (in the rat pituitary FSH-release assay) form
of recombinant inhibin A (as described by Mason, U.S. Pat. No.
4,798,885, supra) that was proteolytically clipped at amino acid 14
to 18 during production and/or isolation. All resins utilized a
spacer arm to prevent steric hindrance from interfering with the
isolation of receptor. Inhibin A in .sup..about.30% acetonitrile,
0.1% trifluoroacetic acid, pH .sup..about.3, was concentrated from
.sup..about.0.1 to 1 mg/ml using a stirred cell with YM 10 UF
membrane (Amicon). The pH was rapidly increased to 5 or 8,
depending on the support resin, with 1 M citrate, pH 5 or 1 M TRIS,
pH 8, respectively. Subsequently, inhibin A was buffer exchanged
into coupling buffer (0.1 M citrate buffer, pH 5, or 0.1 M sodium
bicarbonate, pH 8) according to manufacturer's protocol using gel
filtration PD 10 columns (Pharmacia).
[0248] 1. Affi Prep 10 Support Matrix
[0249] About 9 mg inhibin A was immobilized to 3 ml of Affi Prep 10
support matrix as recommended by its manufacturer, BioRad. This
resin was used once before switching to Affi Gel 10. Affi Prep 10
(hydrophilic polymer) and Affi Gel 10 (crosslinked agarose) share
the same spacer arm (10 atoms) and coupling chemistry
(N-hydroxysuccinimide displaced>stable amide bond formed)
through the free amino groups of the inhibin.
[0250] 2. Affi Gel 10
[0251] Two batches of inhibin A coupled to Affi Gel 10 were
prepared as directed by BioRad (9 mg inhibin coupled to 3 ml Affi
Gel per batch, carbonate coupling buffer). TRIS was also
immobilized to Affi Gel to prepare precolumns for reducing
non-specific adsorption to the affinity column support. Five mg of
human recombinant activin A (Mason, U.S. Pat. No. 4,798,885,
supra,) was also immobilized to .sup..about.3 ml of Affi Gel
10.
[0252] 3. Affi Gel HZ
[0253] Affi Gel HZ was used to immobilize inhibin A through the
carbohydrate groups of the alpha chain. The procedure described by
BioRad was used to couple the ligand to the support.
[0254] 4. HiPAC
[0255] A silica-based support with activated aldehyde groups was
used to immobilize inhibin A through the primary amino groups
(ChromatoChem).
[0256] F. Isolation of Inhibin/Activin Receptor Using Ligand
Affinity Chromatography
[0257] 1. Ligand Affinity Chromatography 1
[0258] ME2 (cloudy) was loaded on an Affi Prep/inhibin column. The
affinity column was extensively washed with 10 mM TRIS, pH 7.5, and
0.1% O.beta.G. After a stable A.sub.280 baseline was achieved,
proteins were eluted from the affinity column with 100 mM acetic
acid, pH 3, and 0.1% O.beta.G. Eluent was immediately neutralized
with 3 M TRIS, pH 8.5, and stored at 5.degree. C.
[0259] SDS-PAGE Analysis
[0260] SDS-PAGE analysis revealed that the eluent contained ligand
as well as many other proteins. Consequently, direct sequencing of
the eluent was difficult.
[0261] N-Terminal Sequence Analysis
[0262] The strongest amino acid sequence signal found for a protein
bound to a 2-cm, 15-.mu.m in diameter C4 reverse phase column was
that of the .beta. chain of hemoglobin.
[0263] Three significant changes were subsequently made in the
ligand affinity column procedures. Further recoveries used Affi Gel
10 as the support gel (a frequently used resin in several papers
describing the isolation of receptors). In addition, a more
stringent wash buffer with 150 mM NaCl as well as a precolumn were
incorporated into the procedure to reduce non-specific protein
binding.
[0264] 2. Ligand Affinity Chromatography 2
[0265] ME3 was loaded on an Affi Gel-Tris precolumn (BV=1 ml) and
subsequently through an Affi Gel-inhibin affinity column (BV=3 ml,
3 mg inhibin/ml resin, run in series after the precolumn). The
affinity column was extensively washed with 25 mM TRIS, pH 7.5, 150
mM NaCl, and 0.1% O.beta.G. The putative receptor was then eluted
with 100 mM glycine, pH 3, and 0.1% O.beta.G. Eluent (.about.5 ml)
was immediately neutralized with 1 M NaOH and stored at -20.degree.
C. Incubation of FITC-labeled inhibin with the flow-through ME
fraction and subsequent size-exclusion chromatography analysis
indicated that there was potentially more receptor remaining. As a
result, the flow-through fraction was diluted {fraction (1/4)} with
100 MM PO.sub.4, pH 6, and 0.1% O.beta.G (final volume=9.5 ml),
filtered and recirculated for 45 min. (flow rate=3 ml/min.) over
the inhibin column. After a 40-min. wash, the column was eluted
(.sup..about.5 ml). SDS-PAGE indicated that the proteins found in
the initial purification were identical to those recovered from the
flow-through.
[0266] SDS-PAGE Analysis of Flow-Through Fraction Eluent
[0267] The eluent contained three major proteins as determined by a
non-reduced SDS-PAGE gel. The molecular weights of the three
proteins were approximately 32 Kd (inhibin from ligand affinity
column), 60 Kd, and over 200 Kd. Upon reduction with
.beta.-mercaptoethanol, the 200 Kd+ protein band migrated to
.sup..about.150 Kd.
[0268] N-Terminal Sequence Analysis
[0269] Flow-through fraction eluent was loaded on a C4 reverse
phase HPLC column (15 .mu.m bead diameter, column height 20 mm,
n-propanol/TFA linear gradient). Peaks at approximately 11, 19, and
23 min. were determined to be an artifact, inhibin, and the
potential receptor, respectively, by reduced SDS-PAGE. No
detectable amino acids were found in the sequencing of the material
remaining on the C4 column, suggesting that all of the proteins had
been eluted. The background of the sequencing chromatograms was
stable with successive cycles, suggesting that there were no
N-terminal blocked proteins on the C4 column. The C4-isolated
potential receptor did not yield an amino acid sequence, suggesting
that there was insufficient protein for detection.
[0270] 3. Ligand Affinity Chromatography 3
[0271] To recover more receptor, 500 instead of 200 g of bovine
pituitaries was prepared for ME4. (Unless noted otherwise, all
subsequent MEs were derived from 500 g of pituitaries.) ME4 was
loaded on an Affi Gel-10.TRIS column (bed volume (BV)=1 ml), an
inhibin A column immobilized through the carbohydrate groups (Affi
Gel-HZ, 3-ml BV, 9 mg inhibin), and finally through an inhibin A
column immobilized through the free amino groups (Affi Gel-10, 3-ml
BV, 9 mg inhibin). The affinity columns were extensively washed
with 25 mM TRIS, pH 7.5, 150 mM NaCl, and 0.1% O.beta.G. The
putative receptor was then eluted with 100 mM glycine, pH 3, and
0.1% O.beta.G from both inhibin columns separately. The eluents
(.sup..about.5 ml) were immediately neutralized with 3 M TRIS, pH
8. Only .sup..about.25 of the 45 ml of ME4 was passed through the
columns because of particulate matter fouling the precolumn. Upon
further investigation, it was found that ME4 was viscous due to DNA
that retarded the sedimentation of particles. The remaining 20 ml
was treated with DNase according to manufacturer's instructions at
5.degree. C. (Boehringer Mannheim). The solution was diluted with
wash buffer to 35 ml, centrifuged at 105,000.times.g for 1.5 hours,
and then loaded on the columns (new precolumn). No plugging of the
precolumn was observed. [There were large pellets at the bottom of
the ultracentrifugation tubes after DNase treatment.] The 35-ml
sample was recirculated through the columns for 30 minutes. After a
60-minute wash, the columns were eluted separately. The eluents
were immediately neutralized and stored at -20.degree. C.
[0272] SDS-PAGE Analysis
[0273] Using reduced SDS-PAGE, it was determined that the 150-Kd
protein thought to be the inhibin receptor was present in the Affi
Gel-10 inhibin eluent, but it was absent in the Affi Gel HZ-inhibin
eluent. This result suggests that the orientation of inhibin
immobilized through the carbohydrate group prevented the binding of
the putative receptor to the ligand. The high-molecular-weight
protein thought to be the inhibin receptor apparently did not elute
from the reverse phase C4 column at the same retention time as was
observed with ME3. This might be the result of the additional
protease inhibitors added to ME4, the use of a different batch of
bovine pituitaries, or the storage of the sample at -20.degree. C.
immediately after elution.
[0274] N-Terminal Sequence Analysis
[0275] The N-terminal sequence of a protein bound to the C4 column
was valine connected to leucine connected to serine, histidine, or
cysteine, followed by glutamic acid. This sequence was observed for
both the DNase-treated and untreated ME. Over fifty proteins were
found in the Dayhoff protein database for each of the three
potential 4-amino-acid N-terminal sequences (i.e., 4 amino acids
are insufficient for protein identification).
[0276] 4. Ligand Affinity Chromatography 4
[0277] ME5 was passed through an Affi Gel-10-TRIS column (BV=2 ml),
and two inhibin columns connected in series (3-ml BV/each, started
at 9 mg inhibin/each). Columns were extensively washed with 25 mM
TRIS, pH 7.5, 150 mM NaCl, and 0.1% O.beta.G. The putative receptor
was then eluted with 100 mM glycine, pH 3, and 0.1% O.beta.G. The
flow-through fraction as well as the residual supernatant that was
remaining after the final ultracentrifugation (.sup..about.5 ml of
sample that was cloudy in appearance, so it was not incorporated
into the first ME sample) was reprocessed over the columns. A final
third reprocessing recovery was also performed. All eluents were
immediately neutralized with 3 M TRIS, pH 8, and stored at
-20.degree. C.
[0278] SDS-PAGE and N-Terminal Sequence Analysis
[0279] Using RP-HPLC (15-.mu.m bead diameter C4 resin in a 2-cm
column, 0-70% n-propanol/TFA gradient) the receptor was
concentrated and purified to homogeneity. The receptor-enriched RP
fractions were run on reduced 10% SDS-PAGE, transferred to PVDF,
and stained with Coomassie blue.
[0280] The single protein band at about 150 Kd believed to be the
inhibin receptor was cut out of the transblot and sequenced. The
N-terminal sequence was found to be:
[0281]
ValLeuThrGluGluThrGluIleIleMetProThrProLysProGluLeuXaaAlaXaaXaaAsn
(Sequence Identity No. 1).
[0282] There is a proteolytic clip site between the initial
ValLeuThr and the remainder of the sequence. The Xaa residues
indicate unknown amino acids. The clip site provided conformation
of the amino acids in the sequence (i.e., the same amino acid came
up three cycles later).
[0283] 5. Ligand Affinity Chromatography 5
[0284] ME6 was passed through a TRIS column (Affi Gel-10, BV=1 ml)
and an inhibin column (Affi Gel-10, 6-ml BV, started at 18 mg
inhibin). The affinity column was thoroughly washed (45 BV) using a
wash buffer of 25 mM TRIS, pH 7.5, 150 mM NaCl, and 0.1% O.beta.G.
The putative receptor was acid eluted with 100 mM glycine, pH 3,
and 0.1% O.beta.G. The flow-through fraction was reprocessed over
the column. All eluents were immediately neutralized with 1 M TRIS,
pH 8, and stored at -20.degree. C.
[0285] SDS-PAGE and N-Terminal Sequence Analysis
[0286] Ten percent of the eluents were used to determine the
recovery yield of RP-HPLC (.sup..about.40% recovery). Seventy
percent was used to confirm the sequence of the 150-Kd protein by
running on reduced SDS-PAGE, transferring to PVDF, and staining
with Coomassie blue. The sequence for dimerized bovine serum
albumin was found at .sup..about.150 Kd on the transblot from the
reduced SDS gel. Unlike before, there was no RP-HPLC step to enrich
for the putative receptor. Instead, the eluent sample was dialyzed
against 10 mM TRIS, pH 7.5 and 0.1% O.beta.G, dried down, run on
SDS-PAGE, and transblotted to PVDF. This suggests that the
N-terminus of the inhibin receptor was blocked, that the RP-HPLC
step is required to obtain sequence, or that the wrong band was cut
out of the PVDF (there did appear to be another faint band just
above the one that was cut out).
[0287] 6. Ligand Affinity Chromatography 6
[0288] 150 g of bovine pituitaries were used in preparing ME7. The
25 ml of ME was diluted to 40 ml with wash buffer. The diluted ME
was divided into 4.times.10-ml samples. Ten ml of ME was loaded on
the affinity column (BV=6 ml). The column was washed for 1.5 hours
with 25 mM TRIS, pH 7.5, 150 mM NaCl, and 0.1% O.beta.G (flow
rate=3 ml/min). The putative receptor was then eluted with 100 mM
glycine, pH 3, and 0.1% O.beta.G. The eluent was immediately
neutralized with 3 M TRIS. The flow-through fraction was also
reloaded, and treated as above. The TRIS precolumn from this
procedure was also washed and eluted for gel analysis.
[0289] A 50-ml sample of 0.1 mg/ml inhibin was concentrated to
.sup..about.2 ml using a YM-10 ultrafiltration membrane in an
Amicon stirred cell. The concentrated sample was neutralized with 1
M TRIS, pH 8 (.sup..about.100 .mu.l) and added to 10 ml of ME.
After a 3-hour incubation, the ME was loaded on the affinity
column. The wash and elution conditions were identical to what was
described above (new TRIS precolumn was used). The flow-through
fraction was also loaded, and treated as above.
[0290] Ten ml of ME7 was extensively dialyzed against the wash
buffer and then acidified to pH 3. Subsequently, the ME7 was
filtered through a 100-Kd MWCO membrane (Ultrafree-MC Filter Unit,
Millipore). The filtrate was assayed for inhibin and activin in the
respective ELISAs.
[0291] Observations
[0292] The addition of free inhibin into the ME prior to loading on
the immobilized inhibin column greatly reduced the recovery of the
putative receptor.
[0293] No detectable inhibin (<0.7 ng/ml) or activin (<0.5
ng/ml) was measured in the acid-treated ME passed through a 100-Kd
ultrafiltration membrane, suggesting that the inhibin observed in
the eluent results from the affinity column and not from the
ME.
[0294] 7. Ligand Affinity Chromatography 7
[0295] ME8 (125-g preparation from bovine pituitaries) was loaded
on a TRIS column (BV=1 ml), an inhibin column (Affi Gel-10, 6-ml
BV, started at 18 mg inhibin), and finally an activin column (Affi
Gel-10, 3-ml BV, 5 mg activin). Affinity columns were extensively
washed for 90 minutes at a flow rate of 3 ml/min with 25 mM TRIS,
pH 7.5, 150 mM NaCl, and 0.1% O.beta.G. Columns were individually
eluted with 100 mM glycine, pH 3, and 0.1% O.beta.G. The
flow-through fraction was reprocessed. All eluents were immediately
neutralized with 1 M TRIS, pH 7.5, and stored at -20.degree. C.
[0296] The remaining ME8 (125-g preparation of bovine pituitaries)
was used to evaluate inhibin immobilized to a silica-based HPLC
column (ChromatoChem).
2 HPLC Time Table Time (min.) % A % B Flow Rate (ml/min.) 0 100 0 2
25 0 100 2 25.01 100 0 2 35 100 0 2
[0297] Buffer A: 10 mM PO.sub.4, pH 6.8, 100 mM Na.sub.2SO.sub.4
and 0.1% O.beta.G.
[0298] Buffer B: 10 mM PO.sub.4, pH 2.5, 100 mM Na.sub.2SO.sub.4
and 0.1% O.beta.G.
[0299] 2 ml of ME8 was loaded onto the 0.83-ml BV column per run
(n=2).
[0300] 1-ml fractions were collected throughout the isolation
procedure.
[0301] Fractions that had a pH<5 were characterized by
SDS-PAGE.
[0302] SDS-PAGE Analysis
[0303] The eluents from the immobilized activin and inhibin columns
both had a single protein band at 135-150 Kd, depending on the size
of the gel, by silver stain on reduced SDS-PAGE. The molecular
weight was 135 Kd using a 8.times.10 cm gel and was 148 Kd using a
12.times.15 cm gel.
[0304] N-Terminal Sequence Analysis
[0305] For the Affi Gel columns, more putative receptor protein was
found in the activin eluent that in the inhibin column eluent.
N-terminal sequencing of the 135-150-Kd band on transblots revealed
that the first 15-20 amino acids were identical for the inhibin and
activin column eluents. These data also confirmed the previous
sequence observed from Ligand Affinity Chromatography 4. Twenty
percent of the inhibin eluent was clipped at the
valine-leucine-threonine and glutamic acid-glutamic acid juncture
and 50% of the activin column eluent was clipped at the same
position. The RP-HPLC profiles for the inhibin and activin column
eluents were also similar.
[0306] In addition to the Dayhoff protein database that suggested
that the 135-150-Kd band was an unknown protein, a larger Genbank
DNA database also indicated a novel sequence. Another major protein
band at 80 Kd (reduced SDS-PAGE) was found to have the
sequence:
[0307]
AlaValAsnProThrGlyArgAspAlaValGluProValAlaValXaa(Ala)LeuAspLeuIleAs-
nLys (Sequence Identity No. 2),
[0308] where Xaa is an unknown amino acid and the Ala in
parenthesis is believed to be correct. This sequence was found also
to be absent from the databases. The protein was not affected in
the competition studies, suggesting some non-specific interaction
with columns.
[0309] The activin column eluent that had been transferred to PVDF
and sequenced for .sup..about.20 cycles was digested with cyanogen
bromide. The resulting digest was sequenced and 3-5 peptide
sequences were observed, suggesting either that the number of
methionines was low or that the protein was highly glycosylated.
The sequence occurring after the methionine at position 10 was not
found, indicating that the N-terminus for the activin receptor was
not blocked.
[0310] The inhibin-HiPAC column was found to improve greatly the
receptor recovery yield based on SDS-PAGE while reducing
purification time from -2.5 hours to 35 mins. The 80-Kd protein was
also observed in the inhibin-HiPAC eluent. The eluent fractions
from the HPLC column were those used to confirm the N-terminal
sequence of the inhibin receptor (no RP-HPLC step prior to
sequencing).
[0311] 8. Ligand Affinity Chromatography 8
[0312] ME9 (equivalent to 125 g of bovine pituitaries) was passed
through a TRIS column and an activin column. Columns were
extensively washed (45 BV) with 25 mM TRIS, pH 7.5, 150 mM NaCl,
and 0.1% O.beta.G. Putative activin receptor was then eluted with
100 mM glycine, pH 3, and 0.1% O.beta.G. The flow-through fraction
was reprocessed over the column. All eluents were immediately
neutralized with 1 M TRIS, pH 7.5, and stored at -20.degree. C.
[0313] The remaining ME (125 g bovine pituitaries) was divided into
four fractions: a control, a 60-70.degree. C. heat denaturation
(not examined since protein precipitation formed in .sup..about.15
min.), a 2-mg inhibin spike-back, and a 100-Kd
ultrafiltration/diafiltration fraction (i.e., 5 ml of ME diluted
into 250 ml of low-pressure wash buffer and concentrated to
.sup..about.5 ml with 100 Kd Amicon UF membrane). These so-treated
ME mixtures were purified using the inhibin-HiPAC HPLC system.
3 HPLC Time Table Time (min.) % A % B Flow Rate (mi/min.) 0 100 0 1
at 5 min. 2 ml/min. 20 100 0 2 25 0 100 2 25.01 100 0 2 35 100 0 2
Buffer A: 10 mM P0.sub.4, pH 6.8, 100 mM Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and 0.1%
O.beta.G. Buffer B: 10 mM P0.sub.4, pH 2.5, 100 mM Na.sub.2SO.sub.4
and 0.1% O.beta.G. 5 ml of ME9 was loaded onto the 0.83-ml BV
column. 2 ml column fractions were collected throughout the
run.
[0314] Analysis
[0315] Activin-Affi Gel Column
[0316] Most of the activin column eluents, both initial and
reprocessed, were used to determine internal sequence.
[0317] Inhibin-HiPAC Column
[0318] There were few proteins in the wash buffer just prior to the
elution of putative inhibin receptor. A majority of the putative
receptor was eluted in the first 5 BV of elution buffer.
Reprocessing the flow-through fraction in this system yielded less
receptor than what had been observed using the inhibin-Affi Gel
column. That is, the HiPAC column even with less ligand bound was
more efficient in recovering the alleged receptor than the Affi Gel
column. The UF/DF procedure to reduce the number of contaminating
proteins in the eluent was not effective and in fact reduced the
recovery of the inhibin receptor. The addition of 2 mg inhibin to
the ME greatly reduced the recovery of the 135-150-Kd protein
(reduced SDS-PAGE).
[0319] G. Cyanogen Bromide Digestion of Activin Receptor for
Determining Internal Sequence
[0320] The activin column eluent from ligand affinity
chromatography 8 described above was subjected to analysis by
reduced SDS-PAGE under the conditions described above. The gel
results were that the major protein in the eluent was the
135-150-Kd protein, which is the putative receptor. As a result,
the major sequence observed after the cyanogen bromide digest
should be that of the receptor. The activin column eluent was
treated with dithiothreitol for one hour at 40.degree. C. to reduce
oxidized methionine (oxidized methionine is not cleaved by cyanogen
bromide). The reduced sample was then incubated with cyanogen
bromide overnight at room temperature using standard procedures as
described, e.g., in Spande et al., Adv. Protein Chem., 24: 97
(1970) and Gross and Witkop, J. Biol. Chem., 237: 1856 (1962). The
peptides resulting from the digest were separated using RP-HPLC
(2-cm C4 column) with a propanol/TFA linear gradient (0-70%). The
amino acid sequence of the peptides in the RP-HPLC fractions was
determined.
[0321] Two potential internal sequences were identified:
[0322] 1) MetTyrAlaProGluTyr (Sequence Identity No. 3)
[0323] 2) MetIlePheAlaLeuLeuPhePheGly (Sequence Identity No. 4)
[0324] H. Rat Germ Cell Competition Assay
[0325] Inhibin A and activin A as described above with and without
FITC label were diluted in an elution buffer of 100 mM phosphate,
pH 6.0, 0.1% (w/v) SDS in the presence and absence of 21 mM
dithiothreitol, and subsequently heated to 10.degree. C. for 5 min.
Approximately 100 ng of denatured hormone was injected on a TSK
3000 SWXL column using an HP 1090 high-performance liquid
chromatography system (Hewlett Packard). The column was eluted with
the same elution buffer using a flow rate of 0.5 ml/min. Peaks were
monitored with a fluorescence detector (excitation 480 nm, emission
525 nm). Molecular weights were determined for the hormones by
plotting log molecular weight for the gel filtration standards
(Sigma): albumin (66 Kd), carbonic anhydrase (29 Kd), and
cytochrome C (12.4 Kd) as a function of elution volume/void volume
(Ve/Vo).
[0326] The size-exclusion chromatography is shown in FIG. 2. No
autofluorescence was observed for the unlabeled proteins. For the
FITC-conjugated proteins, only mature inhibin and activin peaks
were present, indicating the absence of protein contaminants,
hormone precursors, and SDS-stable aggregates. Calculated molecular
weights for inhibin A and activin A were 27 Kd (actual 32 Kd) and
28 Kd (actual 28 Kd), respectively. Upon reduction with
dithiothreitol (DTT), the elution of the inhibin .alpha. chain (18
Kd) was found to be retarded relative to the .beta..sub.A chain (14
Kd), suggesting that the discrepancy in the actual and calculated
molecular weights for inhibin resulted from the .alpha. chain
adsorbing to the size-exclusion gel. Peak areas for the .alpha. and
.beta. chains of inhibin suggest a FITC conjugation ratio of 1:2
(maximum theoretical ratio 2:9).
[0327] FITC-labeling of inhibin, activin, and ovalbumin
(background) was performed as described by Woodruff et al., in
Methods in Enzymology: Growth Factors, part C, Barnes, D., Mather,
J., Sato, G. (eds), Academic Press, San Diego, Calif., 198: 347-356
(1991), with the modifications as described by Chatelier et al.,
EMBO J., 5: 1181-1186 (1986). Briefly, 10 .mu.g of inhibin A,
activin A, activin B, or ovalbumin was mixed with 1 .mu.g FITC and
allowed to react for one hour at room temperature. Unconjugated
FITC was removed from the reaction by diafiltration. Conjugated
hormone was analyzed by size-exclusion chromatography. Bioactivity
was measured using a rat pituitary bioassay.
[0328] Thirty-one-day-old male Sprague-Dawley rats (Charles Rivers
Laboratories, Wilmington, Mass.) were sacrificed by carbon dioxide
asphyxiation. The testes of these rats were removed and placed
directly into DMEM:F12 (1:1) medium with HEPES and gentamycin (50
.mu.g/ml). The testes were decapsulated and the interstitial tissue
was lysed with solution A [1 M glycine, 2 mM EDTA, 20 IU/ml DNase I
(Boehringer-Mannheim) and 0.01% soy trypsin inhibitor (STI) (Gibco)
in Ca.sup.+2Mg.sup.+2-free PBS, pH 7.2] and the tissue was exposed
briefly (5-10 min) to collagenase-dispase [in Dulbecco's Modified
Eagle's/Ham's F12 nutrient mixture (1:1 v/v) (Gibco) supplemented
with 1.2 g/l sodium bicarbonate, 10 mM HEPES buffer, 20 mg/l
gentamycin sulfate, and 1 mg/ml bovine serum albumin]. Tubules were
minced with scissors to 1-3 mm pieces and passed 3-4 times through
an 18-gauge needle using a sterile syringe. The suspension was
washed by centrifugation and resuspended in fresh medium. Clumps of
Sertoli cells were trapped in a 20-.mu.M Nytex.TM. nylon mesh with
the single cells (germ cells) passing through. Germ cells were
freed of debris by repeated washing (4-6 times) in medium. The
enriched germ cell preparation was cultured overnight in primary
testes cell medium [15 mM Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's/Ham's F12
nutrient mixture (1:1 v/v) (Gibco) supplemented with 1.2 g/l sodium
bicarbonate, 10 mM HEPES buffer, 20 mg/l gentamycin sulfate, 5
.mu.g/ml insulin (Sigma, St. Louis, Mo.), 5 ng/ml human transferrin
(Sigma), 5 ng/ml epidermal growth factor (Sigma), 5 ng/ml
.alpha.-tocopherol (Sigma), and 25 .mu.g/ml aprotinin (Miles
Laboratories, Naperville, Ill.)] plus Sertoli cell-conditioned
medium (2:1, v/v), prepared by collecting the conditioned media
from Sertoli and germ co-cultures of 10-, 15-, 20-, and 26-day-old
rat testes decapsulated and processed as described by Mather and
Philips, in Methods in Molecular and Cell Biology, Barnes et al.,
eds., Alan R. Liss, Inc. (New York, 1984), pp. 29-45, followed by
48 hours of culture in the primary testes cell medium described
above.
[0329] Binding was performed using 1.times.10.sup.5 of the
above-described rat germ cells suspended in binding medium
[Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's/Ham's F12 nutrient mixture (1:1 v/v)
(Gibco) supplemented with 1.2 g/l sodium bicarbonate, 10 mM HEPES
buffer, 20 mg/l gentamycin sulfate, and 1 mg/ml bovine serum
albumin] with FITC-labeled inhibin A, FITC-labeled activin A, or
FITC-labeled activin B (as in Mason, U.S. Pat. No. 4,798,885,
supra). Following incubation at 4.degree. C. for 30 minutes the
cells plus bound ligand were washed twice with PBS-BSA.
Non-specific binding was determined in the presence of 1000-fold
excess unconjugated ligand. Binding is reported as fluorescent
intensity per cell population minus background fluorescence divided
by the percent number of cells per population and corrected for
percent competition. Within each experiment duplicate or triplicate
analysis of binding was performed. Many independent binding
experiments were completed.
[0330] FIG. 3 shows the percent competition based on relative
fluorescence generated by co-incubations with 1000-fold excess of
non-labeled hormone. Surface binding by inhibin A-FITC was competed
by unlabeled inhibin A, but not by activin A or activin B. Activin
B demonstrated a similar pattern of complete competition in the
presence of unlabeled activin B. Activin A was partially competed
by activin B and activin A when analyzed for the total germ cell
population. Inhibin A did not bind to either of the activin
receptors. Inhibin B and activin AB were not tested; it is possible
that independent receptors for these species also exist. TGF-.beta.
did not compete with inhibin or activin binding. When binding was
assessed for individual germ cell stages, similar binding by
inhibin A and activin A was found with one exception: activin A did
not bind leptotene/zygotene primary spermatocytes.
[0331] I. Conclusions
[0332] There are two separate receptors for activin(s) and
inhibin(s) based on the following experimental data obtained:
[0333] 1) No cross-competition in binding of FITC-activin A by
inhibin A and vice-versa in rat germ cell assay.
[0334] 2) Immobilized inhibin A binds a protein that is competed
with free inhibin A added to the O.beta.G soluble pituitary
membrane extract.
[0335] 3) Immobilized activin A binds a protein that is competed by
activin A but not inhibin A.
[0336] 4) Early pachytene spermatocytes bind inhibin but not
activin. Most cells bind both.
[0337] The activin and inhibin receptors are related, as indicated
by the fact that they have the same N-terminal amino acid sequence
(ValLeuThrGluGluThrGluIleIleMetProThrProLysProGluLeuXaaAlaXaaXaaAsn,
which is Sequence Identity No. 1) and they are similar in size
(135-150-Kd single band on reduced 10% SDS-PAGE).
[0338] Summarizing the data for the competition studies is the
following table:
4 Immobilized Ligand Hormone Spike-Back Receptor Band Inhibin A
None +* Inhibin A Inhibin A -** Inhibin A Activin A not done
Activin A None + Activin A Inhibin A + Activin A Activin A - *"+"
receptor band on SDS-PAGE **"-" receptor band on SDS-PAGE
competed.
EXAMPLE II
Inhibin/Activin Receptor RNA Probes
[0339] A consensus N-terminal oligonucleotide was synthesized using
standard DNA synthesis techniques to probe RNA slot blots. The
sequence of this oligomer, which is based on the N-terminal
sequence of the inhibin/activin receptor and uses
mammalian-preferred codons, is as follows:
[0340]
5'-TAATTCAGGTTTAGGAGTAGGAGTAGGCATAATAATTTCAGTTTCTTCAGTTAAAAC-3'
(Sequence Identity No. 5)
[0341] An analysis of mRNA expression of the receptor sequence was
done using Northern analysis. RNA was prepared from the tissues
following homogenization in guanidine isothiocyanate, as described
by Chomczynski and Sacchi, Anal. Biochem., 162: 156-159 (1987).
Poly(A)+ RNA was prepared from all sources by chromatography on an
oligo(dT)-cellulose column. RNAs were electrophoresed on denaturing
formaldehyde-agarose gels and the gels were stained with acridine
orange to check for equivalent loading of RNA samples. RNA was
transferred to nitrocellulose and hybridized using standard
conditions for kinasing oligomers. Slot blots were made by dotting
the various RNAs directly onto nitrocellulose and hybridizing
directly. These methods are more fully described in Woodruff et
al., Molecular Endocrinol., 1: 561-568 (1987) and Woodruff et al.,
Endocrinol., 128: 1647-1654 (1991).
[0342] The N-terminal consensus oligomer hybridized most intensely
to bovine pituitary RNA and S6BC RNA (a mouse melanoma-derived cell
line). It did not hybridize to TM4+/- cAMP mRNA (mouse
sertoli-derived cell line) or RL65 mRNA (mouse lung-cell derived
cell line), as is clear from FIG. 4.
[0343] By Northern analysis, the mRNA species corresponding to the
oligonucleotide is about 6.8 kb in size.
Sequence CWU 1
1
* * * * *