U.S. patent application number 10/290438 was filed with the patent office on 2003-10-02 for down syndrome critical region 1-like protein.
This patent application is currently assigned to Incyte Genomics, Inc.. Invention is credited to Edwards, Carla M., Loring, Jeanne F., Streeter, David G., Tingley, Debora W..
Application Number | 20030186333 10/290438 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24461401 |
Filed Date | 2003-10-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030186333 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Loring, Jeanne F. ; et
al. |
October 2, 2003 |
Down syndrome critical region 1-like protein
Abstract
The invention provides a Down syndrome critical region 1-like 1
protein, its encoding cDNAs, and antibodies that specifically bind
the protein. The invention also provides for the use of these
compositions in the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and evaluation
of progression and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.
Inventors: |
Loring, Jeanne F.; (Foster
City, CA) ; Tingley, Debora W.; (San Francisco,
CA) ; Edwards, Carla M.; (Half Moon Bay, CA) ;
Streeter, David G.; (Boulder Creek, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
INCYTE CORPORATION (formerly known as Incyte
Genomics, Inc.)
3160 PORTER DRIVE
PALO ALTO
CA
94304
US
|
Assignee: |
Incyte Genomics, Inc.
Palo Alto
CA
|
Family ID: |
24461401 |
Appl. No.: |
10/290438 |
Filed: |
November 6, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10290438 |
Nov 6, 2002 |
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09614474 |
Jul 11, 2000 |
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6524819 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
435/7.2 ;
435/226; 435/320.1; 435/325; 435/69.1; 435/7.92; 530/350;
530/388.22; 536/23.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C12Q 2600/158 20130101;
A61K 38/00 20130101; C12Q 1/6883 20130101; C07K 14/47 20130101;
A61P 25/28 20180101; A61K 48/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
435/7.2 ;
435/69.1; 435/226; 435/320.1; 435/325; 530/350; 530/388.22;
536/23.2; 435/7.92 |
International
Class: |
G01N 033/53; G01N
033/567; G01N 033/537; G01N 033/543; C07H 021/04; C12N 009/64; C12P
021/02; C12N 005/06; C07K 014/705; C07K 016/28 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A purified protein comprising a polypeptide having the amino
acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1.
2. A biologically active portion of the protein of claim 1 wherein
the portion extends from residue M1 to residue S70 or residue 129
to residue 199 of SEQ ID NO:1.
3. An antigenic epitope extending from residue M1 to residue S70 of
SEQ ID NO:1.
4. A variant having at least 92% homology to the protein having the
amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1.
5. A composition comprising the protein of claim 1 and a labeling
moiety.
6. A composition comprising the protein of claim 1 and a
pharmaceutical carrier.
7. A substrate upon which the protein of claim 1 is
immobilized.
8. An array element comprising the protein of claim 1.
9. A method for detecting expression of a protein in a sample, the
method comprising: a) performing an assay to determine the amount
of the protein of claim 1 in the sample; and b) comparing the
amount of protein to standards, thereby detecting expression of the
protein having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 in the
sample.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein the assay is selected from
antibody or protein arrays, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays,
fluorescence-activated cell sorting, spatial immobilization such as
2D-PAGE and scintillation counting, high performance liquid
chromatography, or mass spectrophotometry, radioimmunoassays and
western analysis.
11. The method of claim 9 wherein the sample is from brain.
12. The method of claim 9 wherein the protein is differentially
expressed when compared with at least one standard and is
diagnostic of Alzheimer's disease.
13. A method for using a protein to screen a plurality of molecules
and compounds to identify at least one ligand, the method
comprising: a) combining the protein of claim 1 with a plurality of
molecules and compounds under conditions to allow specific binding;
and b) detecting specific binding, thereby identifying a ligand
that specifically binds the protein.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein the molecules and compounds are
selected from agonists, antagonists, antibodies, small drug
molecules, multispecific molecules, peptides, and proteins.
15. A method for using a protein to identify an antibody that
specifically binds the protein comprising: a) contacting a
plurality of antibodies with the protein of claim 1 under
conditions to allow specific binding, and b) detecting specific
binding between an antibody and the protein, thereby identifying an
antibody that specifically binds the protein having the amino acid
sequence of SEQ ID NO:1.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein the plurality of antibodies are
selected from a polyclonal antibody, a monoclonal antibody, a
chimeric antibody, a recombinant antibody, a humanized antibody, a
single chain antibody, a Fab fragment, an F(ab').sub.2 fragment, an
Fv fragment; and an antibody-peptide fusion protein.
17. A method of using a protein to prepare and purify a polyclonal
antibody comprising: a) immunizing a animal with a protein of claim
1 under conditions to elicit an antibody response; b) isolating
animal antibodies; c) attaching the protein to a substrate; d)
contacting the substrate with isolated antibodies under conditions
to allow specific binding to the protein; and e) dissociating the
antibodies from the protein, thereby obtaining purified polyclonal
antibodies.
18. A method of using a protein to prepare a monoclonal antibody
comprising: a) immunizing a animal with a protein of claim 1 under
conditions to elicit an antibody response; b) isolating
antibody-producing cells from the animal; c) fusing the
antibody-producing cells with immortalized cells in culture to form
monoclonal antibody producing hybridoma cells; d) culturing the
hybridoma cells; and e) isolating from culture monoclonal antibody
that specifically binds the protein having the amino acid sequence
of SEQ ID NO:1.
19. A method for using a protein to diagnose Alzheimer's disease
comprising: a) performing an assay to quantify the expression of
the protein of claim 1 in a sample; and b) comparing the expression
of the protein to standards, thereby diagnosing Alzheimer's
disease.
20. The method of claim 19 wherein the sample is from brain.
21. A method for treating Alzheimer's disease comprising
administering to a subject in need of therapeutic intervention the
protein of claim 1.
22. A method for testing a molecule or compound for effectiveness
as an agonist comprising: a) exposing a sample comprising the
protein of claim 1 to the molecule or compound; and b) detecting
agonist activity in the sample.
23. An isolated antibody that specifically binds a protein having
the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1.
24. A polyclonal antibody produced by the method of claim 17.
25. A monoclonal antibody produced by the method of claim 18.
26. A method for using an antibody to detect expression of a
protein in a sample, the method comprising: a) combining the
antibody of claim 23 with a sample under conditions which allow the
formation of antibody:protein complexes; and b) detecting complex
formation wherein complex formation indicates expression of the
protein in the sample.
27. The method of claim 26 wherein the sample is from brain.
28. The method of claim 26 wherein complex formation is compared
with standards and is diagnostic of Alzheimer's disease.
29. A method for using an antibody to immunopurify a protein
comprising: a) attaching the antibody of claim 23 to a substrate;
b) exposing the antibody to a sample containing protein under
conditions to allow antibody:protein complexes to form; c)
dissociating the protein from the complex; and d) collecting the
purified protein.
30. A composition comprising an antibody of claim 23 and a labeling
moiety.
31. A kit comprising the composition of claim 30.
32. An array element comprising the antibody of claim 23.
33. A substrate upon which the antibody of claim 23 is
immobilized.
34. A composition comprising an antibody of claim 23 and a
pharmaceutical agent.
35. The composition of claim 34 wherein the composition is
lyophilized.
36. A method for using a composition to assess efficacy of a
molecule or compound, the method comprising: a) treating a sample
containing protein with a molecule or compound; b) contacting the
protein in the sample with the composition of claim 30 under
conditions for complex formation; c) determining the amount of
complex formation; and d) comparing the amount of complex formation
in the treated sample with the amount of complex formation in an
untreated sample wherein a difference in complex formation
indicates efficacy of the molecule or compound.
37. A method for using a composition to assess toxicity of a
molecule or compound, the method comprising: a) treating a sample
containing protein with a molecule or compound; b) contacting the
protein in the sample with the composition of claim 30 under
conditions for complex formation; c) determining the amount of
complex formation; and d) comparing the amount of complex formation
in the treated sample with the amount of complex formation in an
untreated sample wherein a difference in complex formation
indicates toxicity of the molecule or compound.
38. A method for treating Alzheimer's disease comprising
administering to a subject in need of therapeutic intervention the
composition of claim 34.
39. A method for delivering a therapeutic agent to a cell
comprising: a) attaching the therapeutic agent to a multispecific
molecule identified by the method of claim 13; and b) administering
the multispecific molecule to a subject in need of therapeutic
intervention wherein the multispecific molecule specifically binds
the protein having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 thereby
delivering the therapeutic agent to the cell.
40. The method of claim 39 wherein the cell is from brain.
41. An agonist that specifically binds the protein of claim 1.
42. A method for treating Alzheimer's disease comprising
administering to a subject in need of therapeutic intervention the
agonist of claim 41.
43. A composition comprising an agonist of claim 41 and a
pharmaceutical carrier.
44. A method for treating Alzheimer's disease comprising
administering to a subject in need of therapeutic intervention the
composition of claim 43.
45. A small drug molecule that specifically binds and extends the
lifespan of the protein of claim 1.
46. A method for treating Alzheimer's disease comprising
administering to a subject in need of therapeutic intervention the
small drug molecule of claim 45.
47. A composition comprising the small drug molecule of claim 45
and a pharmaceutical carrier.
48. A method for treating Alzheimer's disease comprising
administering to a subject in need of therapeutic intervention the
composition of claim 47.
49. An antisense molecule of from 15 to 30 nucleotides in length
that specifically binds a portion of a polynucleotide having a
nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 wherein the antisense molecule
inhibits expression of the protein encoded by the
polynucleotide.
50. The antisense molecule of claim 49 wherein the antisense
molecule comprises at least one modified internucleoside
linkage.
51. The antisense molecule of claim 50 wherein the modified
internucleoside linkage is a phosphorothioate linkage.
52. The antisense molecule of claim 49 wherein the antisense
molecule contains at least one nucleotide analog.
53. The antisense molecule of claim 52 wherein the nucleotide
analog is a 5-methylcytosine.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No.
09/614,474 filed Jul. 11, 2000.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to Down syndrome critical region
1-like 1 protein, its encoding cDNA, and an antibody that
specifically bind the protein and their use in the diagnosis,
prognosis, treatment and evaluation of the progression and
treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, and in particular,
Alzheimer's disease.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative
disorder that is characterized by the formation of senile plaques
and neurofibrillary tangles containing amyloid beta peptide. These
plaques are found in limbic and association cortices of the brain,
including hippocampus, temporal cortices, cingulate cortex,
amygdala, nucleus basalis and locus caeruleus. Early in Alzheimer's
pathology, physiological changes are visible in the cingulate
cortex (Minoshima et al. (1997) Annals of Neurology 42:85-94). In
subjects with advanced Alzheimer's disease, accumulating plaques
damage the neuronal architecture in limbic areas and eventually
cripple the memory process.
[0004] Approximately twenty million people worldwide suffer with
dementia that results from Alzheimer's disease. The disease can be
early onset affecting individuals as young as 30 years of age, or
it can be familial or sporadic. Familial Alzheimer's disease was
once thought to be inherited strictly as an autosomal dominant
trait; however, this view is changing as more genetic determinants
are isolated. For example, some normal allelic variants of
apolipoprotein E (ApoE), which is found in senile plaques, can
either protect against or increase the risk of developing the
disease (Strittmatter et al. (1993) Proc Natl Acad Sci
90:1977-1981).
[0005] Mutations in four genes are known to predispose an
individual to Alzheimer's disease: ApoE, amyloid precursor protein
(APP), presenilin-1, and presenilin-2 (Selkoe (1999) Nature
399:A23-A31). The e4 allele of the ApoE gene confers increased risk
for late onset Alzheimer's disease. .beta.-amyloid protein
(A.beta.) is the major component of senile plaques, and it is
normally formed when .beta.- and .gamma.-secretases cleave APP. In
Alzheimer's disease patients, large quantities of A.beta. are
generated and accumulate extracelluarly in these neuropathological
plaques.
[0006] Associations between Alzheimer's disease and many other
genes and proteins have been reported. Fetal Alzheimer antigen and
synuclein .alpha. are found in brain plaques and tangles.
Inheritance of some gene polymorphisms is also linked to increased
risk of developing the disease. For example, a polymorphism in the
gene encoding .beta.2-macroglobulin, a protein that can act as a
protease inhibitor, is associated with increased risk for
developing a late-onset form of Alzheimer's disease.
[0007] Experiments using microarray technology have provided
additional evidence for changes in expression of specific genes in
tissues from subjects with Alzheimer's disease. One such gene, Down
syndrome critical region 1-like 1 (Mazowiecki et al. (1996) J Biol
Chem 271:14567-14571) also named DSCR1L1 (g1435040), was found to
be down-regulated more than two-fold in Alzheimer's tissue. DSCR1L1
encodes a thyroid hormone responsive protein and is a member of a
gene family that includes DSCR1 (g7657042) and DSCR1L2 (g6017918).
The first member of the family cloned, DSCR1, was named based on
its proximity to the Down syndrome region of chromosome 21, but the
function of the encoded protein and its role in Down syndrome, if
any, remains unclear. The defining motifs of this family of
proteins include an N-terminal RNA-binding domain, which is similar
to those found in many RNA-binding proteins and in some
single-stranded DNA-binding proteins, and a central short, unique
serine-proline motif that includes an ISPPXSPP box that may be a
target for phosphorylation (Fuentes et al. (1995) Hum Mol Genet
4:1935-1944).
[0008] Based on general features of the amino acid sequences, these
DSCR1 genes likely encode proteins involved in transcriptional
regulation and signal transduction (Strippoli et al. (2000)
Genomics 64:252-263). The three genes appear to be differentially
expressed: DSCR1 is highly expressed in fetal brain and heart,
DSCR1L1 is evident in heart, brain, liver and skeletal muscle, and
DSCR1L2 is expressed in most tissues including blood.
[0009] There are several connections between Alzheimer's disease
and Down syndrome, such as the appearance of enhanced
.beta.-amyloid deposits in middle-aged Down syndrome patients. The
thyroid hormone responsive properties of DSCR1L1 may be relevant to
the role for this gene in Alzheimer's disease and/or Down syndrome:
both Alzheimer's and Down's patients have been shown to have
disturbances in thyroid hormone metabolism including elevated
antithyroglobulin antibodies and reduced levels of prealbumin in
the cerebrospinal fluid of Alzheimer's patients and pronounced
subclinical hypothyroidism in Down's patients who have clinical
manifestations of Alzheimer's disease (Sutherland et al. (1992)
Neurobiol Aging 13:301-312). Conversely, hypothyroid patients
display some of the same neurologic symptoms seen in Alzheimer's
patients and a history of thyroid dysfunction is considered to be a
risk factor for developing Alzheimer's disease. One possible
connection is the discovery that thyroid hormone negatively
regulates the transcriptional activity of the APP gene (Belandia et
al. (1998) J Biol Chem 273:30366-30371); overexpression of APP has
been hypothesized to cause neuronal degeneration by a mechanism
involving increased production of .beta.-amyloid protein. The
down-regulation of the thyroid responsive DSCR1L1 gene and possibly
other DSCR1 genes in Alzheimer's patients also provides a link
between Alzheimer's and thyroid hormone function.
[0010] The discovery of Down syndrome critical region 1-like 1
protein, its encoding cDNA, and an antibody that specifically binds
the proteins satisfies a need in the art by providing compositions
that can be used in the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and
evaluation of the progression and treatment of neurodegenerative
disorders, and in particular, Alzheimer's disease.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The invention presents Down syndrome critical region I-like
1 protein (DSCR1L1.alpha.), its encoding cDNA and an antibody that
specifically binds DSCR1L1.alpha. which can be used in the
diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and evaluation of treatment of
neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.
[0012] The invention provides an isolated cDNA comprising a
polynucleotide encoding the protein having the amino acid sequence
of SEQ ID NO:1. The invention also provides isolated cDNAs
comprising a polynucleotide having the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ
ID NO:2 or a variant selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID
NOs:3-9 and having at least 86% identity to the nucleic acid
sequence of SEQ ID NO:2. The invention further provides a probe
that hybridizes to the transcript encoding DSCR1L1.alpha..
[0013] The invention provides a cell transformed with the cDNA
encoding DSCR1L1.alpha., a composition comprising the cDNA encoding
DSCR1L1.alpha. and a labeling moiety; a probe comprising the cDNA
encoding DSCR1L1.alpha., an oligonucleotide extending from about
nucleotide 1 to about nucleotide 400 of SEQ ID NO:2, an array
element comprising the cDNA encoding DSCR1L1.alpha., an
oligonucleotide, and a substrate upon which the cDNA encoding
DSCR1L1.alpha. or a fragment thereof is immobilized. The
composition, probe, fragment, array element, oligonucleotide or
substrate can be used in methods of detection, screening, and
purification. In one aspect, the probe is a single-stranded
complementary RNA or DNA molecule.
[0014] The invention provides a vector containing the cDNA encoding
DSCR1L1.alpha., a host cell containing the vector, and a method for
using the host cell to make DSCR1L1.alpha., the method comprising
culturing the host cell under conditions for expression of the
protein and recovering the protein so produced from host cell
culture. The invention also provides a transgenic cell line or
organism comprising the vector containing the cDNA encoding
DSCR1L1.alpha..
[0015] The invention provides a method for using a cDNA encoding
DSCR1L1.alpha. to detect the differential expression of a nucleic
acid in a sample comprising hybridizing a probe to the nucleic
acids, thereby forming hybridization complexes and comparing
hybridization complex formation with a standard, wherein the
comparison indicates the differential expression of the cDNA in the
sample. In one aspect, the method of detection further comprises
amplifying the nucleic acids of the sample prior to hybridization.
In a second aspect, the sample is from brain. In a third aspect,
comparison to standards is diagnostic of a neurodegenerative
disorder.
[0016] The invention provides a method for using a cDNA to screen a
library or plurality of molecules or compounds to identify at least
one ligand which specifically binds the cDNA, the method comprising
combining the cDNA with the molecules or compounds under conditions
to allow specific binding and detecting specific binding to the
cDNA, thereby identifying a ligand which specifically binds the
cDNA. In one aspect, the molecules or compounds are selected from
antisense molecules, branched nucleic acids, DNA molecules,
peptides, proteins, RNA molecules, and transcription factors. The
invention also provides a method for using a cDNA to purify a
ligand which specifically binds the cDNA, the method comprising
attaching the cDNA to a substrate, contacting the cDNA with a
sample under conditions to allow specific binding, and dissociating
the ligand from the cDNA, thereby obtaining purified ligand. The
invention further provides a method for assessing efficacy or
toxicity of a molecule or compound comprising treating a sample
containing nucleic acids with the molecule or compound; hybridizing
the nucleic acids with the cDNA encoding DSCR1L1.alpha. under
conditions for hybridization complex formation; determining the
amount of complex formation; and comparing the amount of complex
formation in the treated sample with the amount of complex
formation in an untreated sample, wherein a difference in complex
formation indicates the efficacy or toxicity of the molecule or
compound.
[0017] The invention provides a purified protein comprising a
polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1. The
invention also provides an antigenic epitope extending from residue
M1 to about residue S70 of SEQ ID NO:1. The invention additionally
provides biologically active peptides extending from residue M1 to
about residue S70, from about residue 129 to about residue 199, or
from about residue 169 to about residue 176 of SEQ ID NO:1. The
invention further provides a variant having at least 92% homology
to the protein having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1. The
invention still further provides a composition comprising the
purified protein and a pharmaceutical carrier, a composition
comprising the protein and a labeling moiety, a substrate upon
which the protein is immobilized, and an array element comprising
the protein. The invention yet further provides a method for
detecting expression of a protein having the amino acid sequence of
SEQ ID NO:1 in a sample, the method comprising performing an assay
to determine the amount of the protein in a sample; and comparing
the amount of protein to standards, thereby detecting expression of
the protein in the sample. The invention yet still further provides
a method for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease comprising performing
an assay to quantify the amount of the protein expressed in a
sample and comparing the amount of protein expressed to standards,
thereby diagnosing a neurodegenerative disorder, and in particular,
Alzheimer's disease. In a one aspect, the assay is selected from
antibody or protein arrays, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays,
fluorescence-activated cell sorting, spatial immobilization such as
2D-PAGE and scintillation counting, high performance liquid
chromatography or mass spectrophotometry, radioimmunoassays, and
western analysis. In a second aspect, the sample is from brain.
[0018] The invention provides a method for using a protein to
screen a library or a plurality of molecules or compounds to
identify at least one ligand, the method comprising combining the
protein with the molecules or compounds under conditions to allow
specific binding and detecting specific binding, thereby
identifying a ligand which specifically binds the protein. In one
aspect, the molecules or compounds are selected from agonists,
antagonists, antibodies, DNA molecules, small drug molecules,
immunoglobulins, inhibitors, mimetics, multispecific molecules,
peptides, pharmaceutical agents, proteins, and RNA molecules. In
another aspect, the ligand is used to treat a subject with a
neurodegenerative disorder. The invention also provides an
therapeutic antibody that specifically binds the protein having the
amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1. The invention further provides
an antagonist which specifically binds the protein having the amino
acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1. The invention yet further provides a
small drug molecule which specifically binds the protein having the
amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1. The invention also provides a
method for testing a ligand for effectiveness as an agonist or
antagonist comprising exposing a sample comprising the protein to
the molecule or compound, and detecting agonist or antagonist
activity in the sample.
[0019] The invention provides a method for using a protein to
screen a plurality of antibodies to identify an antibody that
specifically binds the protein comprising contacting a plurality of
antibodies with the protein under conditions to form an
antibody:protein complex, and dissociating the antibody from the
antibody:protein complex, thereby obtaining antibody that
specifically binds the protein. In one aspect the antibodies are
selected from intact immunoglobulin molecule, a polyclonal
antibody, a monoclonal antibody, a multispecific molecule, a
chimeric antibody, a recombinant antibody, a humanized antibody,
single chain antibodies, a Fab fragment, an F(ab).sub.2 fragment,
an Fv fragment, and an antibody-peptide fusion protein. The
invention provides purified antibodies that specifically bind
DSCR1L1.alpha..
[0020] The invention also provides methods for using a protein to
prepare and purify polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies which
specifically bind the protein. The method for preparing a
polyclonal antibody comprises immunizing a animal with protein
under conditions to elicit an antibody response, isolating animal
antibodies, attaching the protein to a substrate, contacting the
substrate with isolated antibodies under conditions to allow
specific binding to the protein, dissociating the antibodies from
the protein, thereby obtaining purified polyclonal antibodies. The
method for preparing a monoclonal antibodies comprises immunizing a
animal with a protein under conditions to elicit an antibody
response, isolating antibody producing cells from the animal,
fusing the antibody producing cells with immortalized cells in
culture to form monoclonal antibody producing hybridoma cells,
culturing the hybridoma cells, and isolating monoclonal antibodies
from culture.
[0021] The invention also provides a method for using an antibody
to detect expression of a protein in a sample, the method
comprising combining the antibody with a sample under conditions
for formation of antibody:protein complexes, and detecting complex
formation, wherein complex formation indicates expression of the
protein in the sample. In one aspect, the sample is from brain. In
a second aspect, complex formation is compared to standards and is
diagnostic of a neurodegenerative disorder.
[0022] The invention provides a method for immunopurification of a
protein comprising attaching an antibody to a substrate, exposing
the antibody to a sample containing the protein under conditions to
allow antibody:protein complexes to form, dissociating the protein
from the complex, and collecting purified protein. The invention
also provides a composition comprising an antibody that
specifically binds the protein and a labeling moiety or
pharmaceutical agent; a kit comprising the composition; an array
element comprising the antibody; and a substrate upon which the
antibody is immobilized. The invention further provides a method
for using a antibody to assess efficacy of a molecule or compound,
the method comprising treating a sample containing protein with a
molecule or compound; contacting the protein in the sample with the
antibody under conditions for complex formation; determining the
amount of complex formation; and comparing the amount of complex
formation in the treated sample with the amount of complex
formation in an untreated sample, wherein a difference in complex
formation indicates efficacy of the molecule or compound.
[0023] The invention provides a method for treating a
neurodegenerative disorder comprising administering to a subject in
need of therapeutic intervention a therapeutic antibody that
specifically binds the protein, and a multispecific molecule that
specifically binds the protein, or a composition comprising an
antibody that specifically binds the protein and a pharmaceutical
agent. The invention also provides a method for delivering a
pharmaceutical or therapeutic agent to a cell comprising attaching
the pharmaceutical or therapeutic agent to a multispecific molecule
that specifically binds the protein and administering the
multispecific molecule to a subject in need of therapeutic
intervention, wherein the multispecific molecule delivers the
pharmaceutical or therapeutic agent to the cell. In one aspect, the
protein is active in a neurodegenerative disorder.
[0024] The invention provides an agonist that specifically binds
the protein, and a composition comprising the agonist and a
pharmaceutical carrier. The invention also provides an antagonist
that specifically binds the protein, and a composition comprising
the antagonist and a pharmaceutical carrier. The invention further
provides a pharmaceutical agent or a small drug molecule that
specifically binds the protein.
[0025] The invention provides an antisense molecule of at least 15
nucleotides in length that specifically binds a portion of a
polynucleotide having a nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2
wherein the antisense molecule inhibits expression of the protein
encoded by the polynucleotide. The invention also provides an
antisense molecule with at least one modified internucleoside
linkage or at least one nucleotide analog. The invention further
provides that the modified internucleoside linkage is a
phosphorothioate linkage and that the modified nucleotide analog is
a 5-methylcytosine.
[0026] The invention provides a method for inserting a heterologous
marker gene into the genomic DNA of a mammal to disrupt the
expression of the endogenous polynucleotide. The invention also
provides a method for using a cDNA to produce a mammalian model
system, the method comprising constructing a vector containing the
cDNA selected from SEQ ID NOs:2-9, transforming the vector into an
embryonic stem cell, selecting a transformed embryonic stem cell,
microinjecting the transformed embryonic stem cell into a mammalian
blastocyst, thereby forming a chimeric blastocyst, transferring the
chimeric blastocyst into a pseudopregnant dam, wherein the dam
gives birth to a chimeric offspring containing the cDNA in its germ
line, and breeding the chimeric mammal to produce a homozygous,
mammalian model system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0027] FIGS. 1A-1C show the Down syndrome critical region 1-like 1
protein having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 as encoded by
the cDNA having the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 (produced
using MACDNASIS PRO software (Hitachi Software Engineering, South
San Francisco Calif.).
[0028] FIGS. 2A and 2B demonstrate the chemical and structural
similarity among the human DSCR1L1.alpha. (SEQ ID NO:1), human
DSCR1L1 (g1435040; SEQ ID NO:10), and human DCSR1L2 (g6017919; SEQ
ID NO:11). The alignment was produced using the MEGALIGN program
(DNASTAR, Madison Wis.).
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] It is understood that this invention is not limited to the
particular machines, materials and methods described. It is also to
be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose
of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to limit
the scope of the present invention which will be limited only by
the appended claims. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an",
and "the" include plural reference unless the context clearly
dictates otherwise. For example, a reference to "a host cell"
includes a plurality of such host cells known to those skilled in
the art.
[0030] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. All
publications mentioned herein are cited for the purpose of
describing and disclosing the cell lines, protocols, reagents and
vectors which are reported in the publications and which might be
used in connection with the invention. Nothing herein is to be
construed as an admission that the invention is not entitled to
antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention.
[0031] Definitions
[0032] "Antibody" refers to intact immunoglobulin molecule, a
polyclonal antibody, a monoclonal antibody, a chimeric antibody, a
recombinant antibody, a humanized antibody, single chain
antibodies, a Fab fragment, an F(ab).sub.2 fragment, an Fv
fragment, and an antibody-peptide fusion protein.
[0033] "Antigenic determinant" refers to an antigenic or
immunogenic epitope, structural feature, or region of an
oligopeptide, peptide, or protein which is capable of inducing
formation of an antibody that specifically binds the protein.
Biological activity is not a prerequisite for immunogenicity.
[0034] "Array" refers to an ordered arrangement of at least two
cDNAs, proteins, or antibodies on a substrate. At least one of the
cDNAs, proteins, or antibodies represents a control or standard,
and the other cDNA, protein, or antibody is of diagnostic or
therapeutic interest. The arrangement of at least two and up to
about 40,000 cDNAs, proteins, or antibodies on the substrate
assures that the size and signal intensity of each labeled complex,
formed between each cDNA and at least one nucleic acid, each
protein and at least one ligand or antibody, or each antibody and
at least one protein to which the antibody specifically binds, is
individually distinguishable.
[0035] A "cancer" refers to an adenocarcinoma, leukemia, lymphoma,
melanoma, myeloma, sarcoma, teratocarcinoma, and tumors of the
adrenal gland, bladder, bone, bone marrow, brain, breast, cervix,
colon, esophagus, gall bladder, ganglia, heart, kidney, liver,
lung, muscle, ovary, pancreas, parathyroid, penis, pituitary gland,
prostate, salivary glands, skin, small intestine, spleen, stomach,
testis, thymus, thyroid, and uterus.
[0036] The "complement" of a cDNA of the Sequence Listing refers to
a nucleic acid molecule which is completely complementary over its
full length and which will hybridize to a nucleic acid molecule
under conditions of high stringency.
[0037] "cDNA" refers to an isolated polynucleotide, nucleic acid
molecule, or any fragment thereof that contains from about 400 to
about 12,000 nucleotides. It may have originated recombinantly or
synthetically, may be double-stranded or single-stranded, may
represent coding and noncoding 3' or 5' sequence, and generally
lacks introns.
[0038] The phrase "cDNA encoding a protein" refers to a nucleic
acid whose sequence closely aligns with sequences that encode
conserved regions, motifs or domains identified by employing
analyses well known in the art. These analyses include BLAST (Basic
Local Alignment Search Tool; Altschul (1993) J Mol Evol 36:290-300;
Altschul et al. (1990) J Mol Biol 215:403-410) and BLAST2 (Altschul
et al. (1997) Nucleic Acids Res 25:3389-3402) which provide
identity within the conserved region. Brenner et al. (1998; Proc
Natl Acad Sci 95:6073-6078) who analyzed BLAST for its ability to
identify structural homologs by sequence identity found 30%
identity is a reliable threshold for sequence alignments of at
least 150 residues and 40% is a reasonable threshold for alignments
of at least 70 residues (Brenner, supra, page 6076, column 2).
[0039] A "composition" refers to the polynucleotide and a labeling
moiety; a purified protein and a pharmaceutical carrier or a
heterologous, labeling or purification moiety; an antibody and a
labeling moiety or pharmaceutical agent; and the like.
[0040] "Derivative" refers to a cDNA or a protein that has been
subjected to a chemical modification. Derivatization of a cDNA can
involve substitution of a nontraditional base such as queosine or
of an analog such as hypoxanthine. These substitutions are well
known in the art. Derivatization of a cDNA or a protein can also
involve the replacement of a hydrogen by an acetyl, acyl, alkyl,
amino, formyl, or morpholino group (for example, 5-methylcytosine).
Derivative molecules retain the biological activities of the
naturally occurring molecules but may confer longer lifespan or
enhanced activity.
[0041] "Differential expression" refers to an increased or
upregulated or a decreased or downregulated expression as detected
by absence, presence, or at least two-fold change in the amount of
messenger RNA or protein in a sample.
[0042] "DSCR1L1.alpha." refers to a purified protein obtained from
any mammalian species, including bovine, canine, murine, ovine,
porcine, rodent, simian, and preferably the human species, and from
any source, whether natural, synthetic, semi-synthetic, or
recombinant.
[0043] An "expression profile" is a representation of gene
expression in a sample. A nucleic acid expression profile is
produced using sequencing, hybridization, or amplification
(quantitative PCR) technologies and mRNAs or cDNAs from a sample. A
protein expression profile, although time delayed, mirrors the
nucleic acid expression profile and may use antibody or protein
arrays, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, fluorescence-activated
cell sorting, spatial immobilization such as 2D-PAGE in conjunction
with a scintillation counter, mass spectrophotometry, or western
analysis or affinity chromatography, to detect protein expression
in a sample. The nucleic acids, proteins, or antibodies may be used
in solution or attached to a substrate, and their detection is
based on methods and labeling moieties well known in the art.
Expression profiles may also be evaluated by methods such as
electronic northern analysis, guilt-by-association, and transcript
imaging. Expression profiles produced using any of the above
methods may be compared with expression profiles produced using
normal or diseased tissues. The correspondence between mRNA and
protein expression has been discussed by Zweiger (2001, Transducing
the Genome. McGraw-Hill, San Francisco, Calif.) and Glavas et al.
(2001; T cell activation upregulates cyclic nucleotide
phosphodiesterases 8A1 and 7A3, Proc Natl Acad Sci 98:6319-6342)
among others.
[0044] "Fragment" refers to a chain of consecutive nucleotides from
about 50 to about 5000 base pairs in length. Fragments may be used
in PCR or hybridization technologies to identify related nucleic
acid molecules and in binding assays to screen for a ligand. Such
ligands are useful pharmaceutically to regulate replication,
transcription or translation.
[0045] "Guilt-by-association" (GBA) is a method for identifying
cDNAs or proteins that are associated with a specific disease,
regulatory pathway, subcellular compartment, cell type, tissue
type, or species by their highly significant co-expression with
known markers or therapeutics.
[0046] A "hybridization complex" is formed between a cDNA and a
nucleic acid of a sample when the purines of one molecule hydrogen
bond with the pyrimidines of the complementary molecule, e.g.,
5'-A-G-T-C-3' base pairs with 3'-T-C-A-G-5'. Hybridization
conditions, degree of complementarity and the use of nucleotide
analogs affect the efficiency and stringency of hybridization
reactions.
[0047] "Identity" as applied to sequences, refers to the
quantification (usually percentage) of nucleotide or residue
matches between at least two sequences aligned using a standardized
algorithm such as Smith-Waterman alignment (Smith and Waterman
(1981) J Mol Biol 147:195-197), CLUSTALW (Thompson et al. (1994)
Nucleic Acids Res 22:4673-4680), or BLAST2 (Altschul (1997, supra).
BLAST2 may be used in a standardized and reproducible way to insert
gaps in one of the sequences in order to optimize alignment and to
achieve a more meaningful comparison between them. "Similarity"
uses the same algorithms but takes conservative substitution of
residues into account. In proteins, similarity exceeds identity in
that substitution of a valine for a leucine or isoleucine, is
counted in calculating the reported percentage. Substitutions which
are considered to be conservative are well known in the art.
[0048] "Isolated or "purified" refers to any molecule or compound
that is separated from its natural environment and is from about
60% free to about 90% free from other components with which it is
naturally associated.
[0049] "Labeling moiety" refers to any reporter molecule including
radionuclides, enzymes, fluorescent, chemiluminescent, or
chromogenic agents, substrates, cofactors, inhibitors, or magnetic
particles than can be attached to or incorporated into a
polynucleotide, protein, or antibody. Visible labels and dyes
include but are not limited to anthocyanins, .beta. glucuronidase,
biotin, BIODIPY, Coomassie blue, Cy3 and Cy5,
4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI), digoxigenin, fluorescein,
FITC, gold, green fluorescent protein, lissamine, luciferase,
phycoerythrin, rhodamine, spyro red, silver, streptavidin, and the
like. Radioactive markers include radioactive forms of hydrogen,
iodine, phosphorous, sulfur, and the like.
[0050] "Ligand" refers to any agent, molecule, or compound which
will bind specifically to a polynucleotide or to an epitope of a
protein. Such ligands stabilize or modulate the activity of
polynucleotides or proteins and may be composed of inorganic and/or
organic substances including minerals, cofactors, nucleic acids,
proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and lipids.
[0051] A "multispecific molecule" has multiple binding
specificities, can bind at least two distinct epitopes or
molecules, one of which may be a molecule on the surface of a cell.
Antibodies can perform as or be a part of a multispecific
molecule.
[0052] "Neurodegenerative disorder" refers to conditions, diseases
or syndromes in which DSCR1L1.alpha. and its encoding
polynucleotides are differentially expressed and include
Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, dementia, Down
syndrome, epilepsy, Huntington's disease, Pick's disease and
schizophrenia.
[0053] "Oligonucleotide" refers a single-stranded molecule from
about 15 to about 60 nucleotides in length which may be used in
hybridization or amplification technologies or in regulation of
replication, transcription or translation. Equivalent terms are
amplicon, amplimer, primer, and oligomer.
[0054] A "pharmaceutical agent" or "therapeutic agent" may be an
antibody, an antisense or RNAi molecule, a multispecific molecule,
a peptide, a protein, a radionuclide, a small drug molecule, a
cytospecific or cytotoxic drug such as abrin, actinomyosin D,
cisplatin, crotin, doxorubicin, 5-fluorouracil, methotrexate,
ricin, vincristine, vinblastine, or any combination of these
elements.
[0055] "Post-translational modification" of a protein can involve
lipidation, glycosylation, phosphorylation, acetylation,
racemization, proteolytic cleavage, and the like. These processes
may occur synthetically or biochemically. Biochemical modifications
will vary by cellular location, cell type, pH, enzymatic milieu,
and the like.
[0056] "Probe" refers to a cDNA that hybridizes to at least one
nucleic acid in a sample. Where targets are single-stranded, probes
are complementary single strands. Probes can be labeled with
reporter molecules for use in hybridization reactions including
Southern, northern, in situ, dot blot, array, and like technologies
or in screening assays.
[0057] "Protein" refers to a polypeptide or any portion thereof. A
"portion" of a protein refers to that length of amino acid sequence
which would retain at least one biological activity, a domain
identified by PFAM or PRINTS analysis or an antigenic determinant
of the protein identified using Kyte-Doolittle algorithms of the
PROTEAN program (DNASTAR, Madison Wis.). An "oligopeptide" is an
amino acid sequence from about five residues to about 25 residues
that is used as part of a fusion protein to produce an
antibody.
[0058] "Sample" is used in its broadest sense and may comprise a
bodily fluid such as ascites, blood, cerebrospinal fluid, lymph,
semen, sputum, urine and the like; the soluble fraction of a cell
preparation, or an aliquot of media in which cells were grown; a
chromosome, an organelle, or membrane isolated or extracted from a
cell; genomic DNA, RNA, or cDNA in solution or bound to a
substrate; a cell; a tissue, a tissue biopsy, or a tissue print;
buccal cells, skin, hair, a hair follicle; and the like.
[0059] "Specific binding" refers to a precise interaction between
two molecules which is dependent upon their structure, particularly
their molecular side groups. For example, the intercalation of a
regulatory protein into the major groove of a DNA molecule or the
binding between an epitope of a protein and an agonist, antagonist,
or antibody.
[0060] "Substrate" refers to any rigid or semi-rigid support to
which polynucleotides, proteins, or antibodies are bound and
includes magnetic or nonmagnetic beads, capillaries or other
tubing, chips, fibers, filters, gels, membranes, plates, polymers,
slides, wafers, and microparticles with a variety of surface forms
including channels, columns, pins, pores, trenches, and wells.
[0061] A "transcript image" (TI) is a profile of gene transcription
activity in a particular tissue at a particular time. TI provides
assessment of the relative abundance of expressed polynucleotides
in the cDNA libraries of an EST database as described in U.S. Pat.
No. 5,840,484, incorporated herein by reference.
[0062] "Variant" refers to molecules that are recognized variations
of a protein or the polynucleotides that encode it. Splice variants
may be determined by BLAST score, wherein the score is at least
100, and most preferably at least 400. Allelic variants have a high
percent identity to the cDNAs and may differ by about three bases
per hundred bases. "Single nucleotide polymorphism" (SNP) refers to
a change in a single base as a result of a substitution, insertion
or deletion. The change may be conservative (purine for purine) or
non-conservative (purine to pyrimidine) and may or may not result
in a change in an encoded amino acid or its secondary, tertiary, or
quaternary structure.
THE INVENTION
[0063] The invention is based on the discovery of Down syndrome
critical region 1-like 1 protein, its encoding cDNA, and antibodies
that specifically bind DSCR1L1.alpha.. These compositions can be
used in the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and evaluation of
progression and treatment of a neurodegenerative disorder, and in
particular, Alzheimer's disease. U.S. Ser. No. 09/614,474 filed
Jul. 1, 2000 is incorporated in its entirety by reference
herein.
[0064] In one embodiment, the invention encompasses a polypeptide
comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 as shown in FIGS.
1A-1C. DSCR1L1.alpha. has a biologically active, single-stranded
nucleic acid-binding domain characterized by positively charged and
aromatic amino acids from about residue 129 to about residue 199.
This domain is similar to known RNA recognition motifs. In
addition, DSCR1L1(X contains the ISPPXSPP box characteristic of
DSCR1 proteins from about residue 169 to about residue 176 of SEQ
ID NO:1. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, DSCR1L1.alpha. shares
chemical and structural homology with human DSCR1L1 (g1435040; SEQ
ID NO:10), and human DCSR1L2 (g6017919; SEQ ID NO:11). In
particular, DSCR1L1.alpha. shares 90.3% identity with DSCR1L1 and
57.3% identity with DSCR1L2. All three proteins share the
single-stranded nucleic acid-binding; domain and the ISPPXSPP box.
SEQ ID NO:1 differs from other DSCR1 family proteins by the first
70 amino acids encoded by the open reading frame, M1 to about
residue S70 of SEQ ID NO:1. An antigenic epitope from the region of
DSCR1L1.alpha. from residue M1 to about amino acid residue S70
would be useful for the production of antibodies to DSCR1L1.alpha.
which would distinguish between DSCR1L1.alpha. and similar
proteins.
[0065] Electronic northern analysis shows the expression of
DSCR1L1.alpha. in various libraries, with the highest abundance in
tissues from the nervous system, including tissues associated with
schizophrenia, Huntington's disease, epilepsy, and amyotrophic
lateral sclerosis. Consistent with its observed 2-fold
downregulation on microarrays hybridized from subjects with
diagnosed Alzheimer's disease (U.S. Ser. No. 09/534,846, filed May
5, 2000, incorporated in its entirety by reference herein), is the
absence of DSCR1L1.alpha. expression in 7 of 8 libraries from
subjects with Alzheimer's disease.
[0066] Transcript images for DSCR1L1.alpha. were produced using SEQ
ID NO:2 and the LIFESEQ GOLD database (Incyte Genomics, Palo Alto)
as described in EXAMPLE IX. The differential expression of
DSCR1L1.alpha. at the category level is shown in the table below.
The first column of the table shows the categories; the second
column, the number of cDNAs in the category; the third column, the
number of libraries in that category in which at least one
transcript was expressed; the fourth column, the abundance or
absolute number of transcripts expressed in the libraries; and the
fifth column, percent abundance of transcripts expressed.
1 Abun- Category cDNAs Libraries dance % Abundance Cardiovascular
278621 17/78 30 0.0108 Connective Tissue 151680 3/54 5 0.0033
Digestive 572415 14/164 15 0.0026 Embryonic Structures 134983 0/30
0 0 Endocrine 245132 6/73 9 0.0037 Exocrine Glands 298121 6/73 11
0.0037 Female Reproductive 486361 8/123 9 0.0019 Male Reproductive
489837 12/129 20 0.0041 Germ Cells 48479 1/5 1 0.0021 Hemic and
Immune 764592 1/191 1 0.0001 Liver 142156 1/42 1 0.0007
Musculoskeletal 177848 6/54 6 0.0034 Nervous 1051758 44/239 84
0.008 Pancreas 115806 3/27 3 0.0026 Respiratory 442179 11/101 14
0.0032 Sense Organs 31671 0/12 0 0 Skin 85255 0/19 0 0
Stomatognathic 14930 1/20 1 0.0067 Unclassified/Mixed 200857 3/27 3
0.0015 Urinary Tract 321635 10/77 18 0.0056
[0067] As can be seen above, SEQ ID NO:2 is most highly expressed
in the cardiovascular and nervous system categories. The TI
expression profiles for cardiovascular and brain tissues are shown
below. In these TIs, the first column shows Library; the second
column, cDNAs; the third column, description of the tissue from
which the library was made; the fourth column, abundance,; and the
fifth column, percent abundance.
2 CARDIOVASCULAR % Library* cDNAs Description Abund Abund LVENNOT02
473 left ventricle, 39 M 2 0.4228 HEARNOT01 1332 heart, 56 M 3
0.2252 CARDNOT01 2433 heart, 65 M 5 0.2055 LVENNOT01 2188 heart,
left ventricle, 51 F 4 0.1828 RATRNOT01 1050 heart, right atrium,
51 F 1 0.0952 HEARNOT06 3679 heart, 44 M 3 0.0815 HEALDIT02 4167
left ventricle, mw/ 3 0.072 myocardial infarction, 56 M CARDFEP01
1880 heart, fetal, 8-10 w, 1 0.0532 pool, BI HEARNON03 4901 heart,
44 M, NORM 2 0.0408 LVENNOT03 2777 heart, left ventricle, 31 M 1
0.036 LATRNOT01 3677 heart, left atrium, 51 F 1 0.0272 RATRNOT02
4170 heart, right atrium, 39 M 1 0.024 *No libraries were removed
prior to analysis, but additional normal libraries showing less
than 1/20 maximum expression = 0.42 percent abundance and
represented by only one transcript are not shown.
[0068] The cardiovascular expression profile show significant
expression in normal heart tissues; expression was not significant
in any libraries made from tissues from subjects diagnosed with
myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, or Pompe's
syndrome.
3 BRAIN Library cDNAs Description Abund % Abund BRATNOT06 938
temporal cortex, schizophrenia, aw/COPD, 55 M 1 0.1066 BRAUNOT01
8012 caudate/putamen/nucleus accumbens, aw/CHF, 35 M 6 0.0749
BRAINOM04 3172 brain, frontal cortex, schizophrenic, 34 M, RP,
WM/WN 2 0.0631 BRAINOT19 8264 brain, frontal, gliosis, mw/epilepsy,
cerebral palsy, 27 M 5 0.0605 BRAMDIT02 1855 medulla, ALS, 74 F 1
0.0539 BRAINOT23 3736 brain, temporal, mw/neuroepithelial tumor,
epilepsy, 45M 2 0.0535 HYPONOB01 1995 hypothalamus, 16-75 M/F 1
0.0501 BRATNOT03 4346 temporal cortex, aw/CHF, 35 M 2 0.046
BRAXDIC01 2400 brain, mixed tissues, gliosis, 27,35 M, pool, Ig
cDNA 1 0.0417 BRAINOT04 2767 brain, choroid plexus, hemorrhage, 44
M 1 0.0361 BRAZDIT04 2803 brain, striatum/globus pallidus, AD,
aw/mets adenoCA, 70 F 1 0.0357 BRAINOT03 5620 brain,
mw/oligoastrocytoma, epilepsy, 26 M 2 0.0356 BRAPNOT04 3041 pons,
aw/CHF, 35 M 1 0.0329 BRAINON01 12317 brain, mw/oligoastrocytoma,
epilepsy, 26 M, NORM 4 0.0325 BRAINOT21 3227 brain, frontal,
gliosis, 46 M 1 0.031 BRAINOT12 3305 brain, frontal,
polymicrogyria, gliosis, 5 M 1 0.0303 BRAFNOT01 3364 amygdala,
aw/CHF, 35 M 1 0.0297 BRAITUP02 17684 brain tumor, glioblastoma,
pool, NORM, CGAP 5 0.0283 BRAENOT02 14627 parietal cortex, aw/CHF,
35 M 4 0.0273 BRAINOC01 3856 brain, mixed tissues, aw/CHF, 35 M,
pool, lg cDNA 1 0.0259 BRAIHCT01 3899 brain, occipital,
Huntington's, mw/CVA, 57 M 1 0.0256 BRADDIT02 4054 choroid plexus,
Huntington's, mw/CVA, 57 M 1 0.0247 BRAFNON02 8663 frontal cortex,
aw/CHF, 35 M, NORM 2 0.0231 BRAINOM03 4474 brain, 55 M, NORM, WM 1
0.0224 BSTMNON02 9264 brain stem, aw/DMt1, 72 M, NORM 2 0.0216
BRAXTDR15 4945 brain, neocortex, parietal, aw/cholangioCA, 55 F, RP
1 0.0202 BRAINOT14 5189 brain, frontal, mw/astrocytoma, 40 F,
m/BRAITUT12 1 0.0193 BRAMNOT01 5193 medulla, aw/CHF, 35 M 1 0.0193
BRATDIC01 5258 brain, temporal, gliosis, mw/epilepsy, 27 M, lg cDNA
1 0.019 BRAHNOT01 5823 hippocampus, aw/CHF, 35 M 1 0.0172 BRAXNOT01
5815 cerebellum, aw/COPD, left ventricular failure, 70 M 1 0.0172
HIPONON02 6050 hippocampus, mw/intracranial hemorrhage, 72 F, NORM
1 0.0165 BRALNOT01 6345 thalamus, aw/CHF, 35 M 1 0.0158 BRAZNOT01
6643 brain, mixed tissues, aw/aortic aneurysm, 45 F 1 0.0151
BRADDIR01 9450 brain, choroid plexus, Huntington's, mw/CVA, 57 M,
RP 1 0.0106 BRAXNOT03 9435 brain, sensory-motor cortex, aw/CHF, 35
M 1 0.0106 BRAINOM01 24449 brain, infant, 10wF, NORM, WM 1
0.0041
[0069] The brain expression profile shows expression of SEQ ID NO:2
in various brain tissues with various diagnosed diseases. With a
single exception, none of the libraries was made from tissues from
a patient diagnosed with AD. In addition, SEQ ID NO:2 was not
expressed in the BRABDIK02, BRAHDIT03, BRAHDIT04, BRAHDIT10,
BRAINOT10, BRANDIN01, CORPNOT02, or HIPOAZT01 libraries, which
include cerebellum, corpus callosum, hippocampus, and pineal gland
affected by or associated with the diagnosis of AD. This TI is
entirely consistent with and reconfirms the microarray data
presented in U.S. Ser. No. 09/534,846, that SEQ ID NO:2 is
differentially expressed in and diagnostic of AD.
[0070] A probe from about nucleotide 1 to about nucleotide 400 of
SEQ ID NO:2 are useful for identifying naturally occurring
molecules encoding DSCR1L1.alpha. and its allelic variants. SEQ ID
NOs:3-9 represent mammalian variants of the polynucleotide having
the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 as identified using
BLAST2, with default parameters, against the ZOOSEQ databases
(Incyte Genomics). These preferred variants have from about 86% to
about 94% identity over the length of the nucleotide alignment and
are shown in the table below. The first column of the table shows
the SEQ ID NO; the second column, the Incyte ID (clone or template
number); the third column, the species; the fourth column, the
percent identity to SEQ ID NO:2; and the fifth column, the
nucleotide alignment between each sequence fragment and SEQ ID NO:2
using that latter as the reference sequence.
4 SEQ ID Incyte ID Species % Identity Nt Alignment 3 219435.1 rat
86, 87 443-954, 1040-1212 4 271176.1 rat 91 1323-1461 5 291862.1
rat 94, 86 2419-2517, 2158-2299 6 299263.1 rat 86, 89 668-794,
884-954 7 219652.1 rat 89, 90 1683-1765, 1593-1644 8 206751.1 rat
82 734-837 9 702110167H1 monkey 94 218-274
[0071] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that as a
result of the degeneracy of the genetic code, a multitude of cDNAs
encoding DSCR1L1.alpha., some bearing minimal similarity to the
cDNAs of any known and naturally occurring gene, may be produced.
Thus, the invention contemplates each and every possible variation
of cDNA that could be made by selecting combinations based on
possible codon choices. These combinations are made in accordance
with the standard triplet genetic code as applied to the
polynucleotides encoding naturally occurring DSCR1L1.alpha., and
all such variations are to be considered as being specifically
disclosed.
[0072] Characterization and Use of the Invention
[0073] cDNA Libraries
[0074] In a particular embodiment disclosed herein, mRNA is
isolated from mammalian cells and tissues using methods which are
well known to those skilled in the art and used to prepare the cDNA
libraries. The Incyte cDNAs were isolated from mammalian cDNA
libraries prepared as described in the EXAMPLES I-III. The
consensus sequence is present in a single clone insert, or
chemically assembled, based on the electronic assembly from
sequenced fragments including Incyte cDNAs and extension and/or
shotgun sequences. Computer programs, such as PHRAP (Green, supra)
and the AUTOASSEMBLER application (Applied Biosystems (ABI), Foster
City Calif.) are used in sequence assembly and are described in
EXAMPLE VI. After verification of the 5' and 3' sequence, at least
one representative cDNA which encodes DSCR1L1.alpha. is designated
a reagent for research and development.
[0075] Sequencing
[0076] Methods for sequencing nucleic acids are well known in the
art and may be used to practice any of the embodiments of the
invention. These methods employ enzymes such as the Klenow fragment
of DNA polymerase I, SEQUENASE, Taq DNA polymerase and thermostable
T7 DNA polymerase (Amersham Biosciences (APB), Piscataway N.J.), or
combinations of polymerases and proofreading exonucleases
(Invitrogen, Carlsbad Calif.). Sequence preparation is automated
with machines such as the MICROLAB 2200 system (Hamilton, Reno
Nev.) and the DNA ENGINE thermal cycler (MJ Research, Watertown
Mass.) and sequencing, with the PRISM 3700, 377 or 373 DNA
sequencing systems (ABI) or the MEGABACE 1000 DNA sequencing system
(APB).
[0077] After sequencing, sequence fragments are assembled to obtain
and verify the sequence of the full length cDNA. The full length
sequence usually resides in a single clone insert which may contain
up to 5000 bases. Since sequencing reactions generally reveal no
more than 700 bases per reaction, it is more often than not
necessary to carry out several sequencing reactions, and procedures
such as shotgun sequencing or PCR extension, in order to obtain the
full length sequence.
[0078] Shotgun sequencing involves randomly breaking the original
insert into segments of various sizes and cloning these fragments
into vectors. The fragments are sequenced and reassembled using
overlapping ends until the entire sequence of the original insert
is known. Shotgun sequencing methods are well known in the art and
use thermostable DNA polymerases, heat-labile DNA polymerases, and
primers chosen from representative regions flanking the cDNAs of
interest. Incomplete assembled sequences are inspected for identity
using various algorithms or programs such as CONSED (Gordon (1998)
Genome Res 8:195-202) which are well known in the art.
[0079] PCR-based methods may be used to extend the sequences of the
invention. PCR extension is described in EXAMPLE IV.
[0080] The nucleic acid sequences of the cDNAs presented in the
Sequence Listing were prepared by automated methods and may contain
occasional sequencing errors and unidentified nucleotides,
designated with an N, that reflect state-of-the-art technology at
the time the cDNA was sequenced. Vector, linker, and polyA
sequences were masked using algorithms and programs based on BLAST,
dynamic programming, and dinucleotide nearest neighbor analysis. Ns
and SNPs can be verified either by resequencing the cDNA or using
algorithms to compare multiple sequences that overlap the area in
which the Ns or SNP occur. Both of these techniques are well known
to and used by those skilled in the art. The sequences may be
analyzed using a variety of algorithms described in Ausubel et al.
(1997; Short Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley & Sons,
New York N.Y., unit 7.7) and in Meyers (1995; Molecular Biology and
Biotechnology, Wiley VCH, New York N.Y., pp. 856-853).
[0081] Hybridization
[0082] The cDNA and fragments thereof can be used in hybridization
technologies for various purposes. A probe may be designed or
derived from unique regions such as the 5' regulatory region or
from a nonconserved region (i.e., 5' or 3' of the nucleotides
encoding the conserved catalytic domain of the protein) and used in
protocols to identify naturally occurring molecules encoding
DSCR1L1.alpha., allelic variants, or related molecules. The probe
may be DNA or RNA, may be single-stranded, and should have at least
50% sequence identity to any of the nucleic acid sequences, SEQ ID
NOs:1-29. Hybridization probes may be produced using oligolabeling,
nick-translation, end-labeling, or PCR amplification in the
presence of a reporter molecule. A vector containing the cDNA or a
fragment thereof may be used to produce an mRNA probe in vitro by
addition of an RNA polymerase and labeled nucleotides. These
procedures may be conducted using kits such as those provided by
APB.
[0083] The stringency of hybridization is determined by G+C content
of the probe, salt concentration, and temperature. In particular,
stringency can be increased by reducing the concentration of salt
or raising the hybridization temperature. Hybridization techniques
are well known in the art, have been described in Example VII, and
are reviewed in Ausubel (sura) and Sambrook et al. (1989) Molecular
Cloning, A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Press, Plainview
N.Y.
[0084] Arrays may be prepared and analyzed using methods well known
in the art. Oligonucleotides or cDNAs may be used as hybridization
probes or targets to monitor the expression level of large numbers
of genes simultaneously or to identify genetic variants, mutations,
and single nucleotide polymorphisms. Arrays may be used to
determine gene function; to understand the genetic basis of or to
diagnose a condition, disease, or disorder; and to develop and
monitor the activities of therapeutic agents. See, e.g., U.S. Pat.
No. 5,474,796; Schena et al. (1996) Proc Natl Acad Sci
93:10614-10619; Heller et al. (1997) Proc Natl Acad Sci
94:2150-2155; U.S. Pat. No. 5,605,662.
[0085] Hybridization probes are also useful in mapping the
naturally occurring genomic sequence. The probes may be hybridized
to a particular chromosome, a specific region of a chromosome, or
an artificial chromosome construction. Such constructions include
human artificial chromosomes, yeast artificial chromosomes,
bacterial artificial chromosomes, bacterial P1 constructions, or
the cDNAs of libraries made from single chromosomes.
[0086] QPCR
[0087] QPCR is a method for quantifying a nucleic acid molecule
based on detection of a fluorescent signal produced during PCR
amplification (Gibson et al. (1996) Genome Res 6:995-1001; Heid et
al. (1996) Genome Res 6:986-994). Amplification is carried out on
machines such as the PRISM 7700 detection system (ABI) which
consists of a 96-well thermal cycler connected to a laser and
charge-coupled device (CCD) optics system. To perform QPCR, a PCR
reaction is carried out in the presence of a doubly labeled probe.
The probe, which is designed to anneal between the standard forward
and reverse PCR primers, is labeled at the 5' end by a fluorogenic
reporter dye such as 6-carboxyfluorescein (6-FAM) and at the 3' end
by a quencher molecule such as 6-carboxy-tetramethyl-rhodamine
(TAMRA). As long as the probe is intact, the 3' quencher
extinguishes fluorescence by the 5' reporter. However, during each
primer extension cycle, the annealed probe is degraded as a result
of the intrinsic 5' to 3' nuclease activity of Taq polymerase
(Holland et al. (1991) Proc Natl Acad Sci 88:7276-7280). This
degradation separates the reporter from the quencher, and
fluorescence is detected every few seconds by the CCD. The higher
the starting copy number of the nucleic acid, the sooner an
increase in fluorescence is observed. A cycle threshold (CT) value,
representing the cycle number at which the PCR product crosses a
fixed threshold of detection is determined by the instrument
software. The CT is inversely proportional to the copy number of
the template and can therefore be used to calculate either the
relative or absolute initial concentration of the nucleic acid
molecule in the sample. The relative concentration of two different
molecules can be calculated by determining their respective CT
values (comparative CT method). Alternatively, the absolute
concentration of the nucleic acid molecule can be calculated by
constructing a standard curve using a housekeeping molecule of
known concentration. The process of calculating CT values,
preparing a standard curve, and determining starting copy number is
performed using SEQUENCE DETECTOR 1.7 software (ABI).
[0088] Expression
[0089] Any one of a multitude of cDNAs encoding DSCR1L1.alpha. may
be cloned into a vector and used to express the protein, or
portions thereof, in host cells. The nucleic acid sequence can be
engineered by such methods as DNA shuffling (U.S. Pat. No.
5,830,721) and site-directed mutagenesis to create new restriction
sites, alter glycosylation patterns, change codon preference to
increase expression in a particular host, produce splice variants,
extend half-life, and the like. The expression vector may contain
transcriptional and translational control elements (promoters,
enhancers, specific initiation signals, and polyadenylated 3'
sequence) from various sources which have been selected for their
efficiency in a particular host. The vector, cDNA, and regulatory
elements are combined using in vitro recombinant DNA techniques,
synthetic techniques, and/or in vivo genetic recombination
techniques well known in the art and described in Sambrook (sura,
ch. 4, 8, 16 and 17).
[0090] A variety of host systems may be transformed with an
expression vector. These include, but are not limited to, bacteria
transformed with recombinant bacteriophage, plasmid, or cosmid DNA
expression vectors; yeast transformed with yeast expression
vectors; insect cell systems transformed with baculovirus
expression vectors or plant cell systems transformed with
expression vectors containing viral and/or bacterial elements
(Ausubel supra, unit 16). In mammalian cell systems, an adenovirus
transcriptional/translational complex may be utilized. After
sequences are ligated into the E1 or E3 region of the viral genome,
the infective virus is used to transform and express the protein in
host cells. The Rous sarcoma virus enhancer or SV40 or EBV-based
vectors may also be used for high-level protein expression.
[0091] Routine cloning, subcloning, and propagation of nucleic acid
sequences can be achieved using the multifunctional pBLUESCRIPT
vector (Stratagene, La Jolla Calif.) or pSPORTl plasmid
(Invitrogen). Introduction of a nucleic acid sequence into the
multiple cloning site of these vectors disrupts the lacZ gene and
allows colorimetric screening for transformed bacteria. In
addition, these vectors may be useful for in vitro transcription,
dideoxy sequencing, single strand rescue with helper phage, and
creation of nested deletions in the cloned sequence.
[0092] For long term production of recombinant proteins, the vector
can be stably transformed into cell lines along with a selectable
or visible marker gene on the same or on a separate vector. After
transformation, cells are allowed to grow for about 1 to 2 days in
enriched media and then are transferred to selective media.
Selectable markers, antimetabolite, antibiotic, or herbicide
resistance genes, confer resistance to the relevant selective agent
and allow growth and recovery of cells which successfully express
the introduced sequences. Resistant clones identified either by
survival on selective media or by the expression of visible markers
may be propagated using culture techniques. Visible markers are
also used to estimate the amount of protein expressed by the
introduced genes. Verification that the host cell contains the
desired cDNA is based on DNA-DNA or DNA-RNA hybridizations or PCR
amplification.
[0093] The host cell may be chosen for its ability to modify a
recombinant protein in a desired fashion. Such modifications
include acetylation, carboxylation, glycosylation, phosphorylation,
lipidation, acylation and the like. Post-translational processing
which cleaves a "prepro" form may also be used to specify protein
targeting, folding, and/or activity. Different host cells which
have specific cellular machinery and characteristic mechanisms for
post-translational activities may be chosen to ensure the correct
modification and processing of the recombinant protein.
[0094] Recovery of Proteins from Cell Culture
[0095] Heterologous moieties engineered into a vector for ease of
purification include glutathione S-transferase (GST), 6.times.His,
FLAG, MYC, and the like. GST and 6-His are purified using affinity
matrices such as immobilized glutathione and metal-chelate resins,
respectively. FLAG and MYC are purified using monoclonal and
polyclonal antibodies. For ease of separation following
purification, a sequence encoding a proteolytic cleavage site may
be part of the vector located between the protein and the
heterologous moiety. Methods for recombinant protein expression and
purification are discussed in Ausubel (supra, unit 16).
[0096] Protein Identification
[0097] Several techniques have been developed which permit rapid
identification of proteins using high performance liquid
chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS). Beginning with a
sample containing proteins, the method is: 1) proteins are
separated using electrophoresis, 2) selected proteins are excised
from the gel and digested with a protease to produce a set of
peptides; and 3) the peptides are subjected to HPLC to analyze
amino acid content or MS to derive peptide ion mass and spectral
pattern information. The MS information is used to identify the
protein by comparing it with information in a protein database
(Shevenko et al. (1996) Proc Natl Acad Sci 93:14440-14445).
[0098] Proteins are separated using isoelectric focusing (IEF) in
the first dimension followed by SDS-PAGE in the second dimension.
For IEF, an immobilized pH gradient strip is useful to increase
reproducibility and resolution of the separation. Alternative
techniques may be used to improve resolution of very basic,
hydrophobic, or high molecular weight proteins. The separated
proteins are detected using a stain or dye such as silver stain,
Coomassie blue, or spyro red (Molecular Probes, Eugene Oreg.) that
is compatible with MS. Gels may be blotted onto a PVDF membrane for
western analysis and optically scanned using a STORM scanner (APB)
to produce a computer-readable output which is analyzed by pattern
recognition software such as MELANIE (GeneBio, Geneva,
Switzerland). The software annotates individual spots by assigning
a unique identifier and calculating their respective x,y
coordinates, molecular masses, isoelectric points, and signal
intensity. Individual spots of interest, such as those representing
differentially expressed proteins, are excised and proteolytically
digested with a site-specific protease such as trypsin or
chymotrypsin, singly or in combination, to generate a set of small
peptides, preferably in the range of 1-2 kDa. Prior to digestion,
samples may be treated with reducing and alkylating agents, and
following digestion, the peptides are then separated by liquid
chromatography or capillary electrophoresis and analyzed using
MS.
[0099] MS converts components of a sample into gaseous ions,
separates the ions based on their mass-to-charge ratio, and
determines relative abundance. For peptide mass fingerprinting
analysis, a MALDI-TOF (Matrix Assisted Laser
Desorption/Ionization-Time of Flight), ESI (Electrospray
Ionization), and TOF-TOF (Time of Flight/Time of Flight) machines
are used to determine a set of highly accurate peptide masses.
Using analytical programs, such as TURBOSEQUEST software (Finnigan,
San Jose Calif.), the MS data is compared against a database of
theoretical MS data derived from known or predicted proteins. A
minimum match of three peptide masses is used for reliable protein
identification. If additional information is needed for
identification, Tandem-MS may be used to derive information about
individual peptides. In tandem-MS, a first stage of MS is performed
to determine individual peptide masses. Then selected peptide ions
are subjected to fragmentation using a technique such as collision
induced dissociation (CID) to produce an ion series. The resulting
fragmentation ions are analyzed in a second round of MS, and their
spectral pattern may be used to determine a short stretch of amino
acid sequence (Dancik et al. (1999) J Comput Biol 6:327-342).
Assuming the, protein is represented in the database, a combination
of peptide mass and fragmentation data, together with the
calculated MW and pI of the protein, will usually yield an
unambiguous identification. If no match is found, protein sequence
can be obtained using direct chemical sequencing procedures well
known in the art (cf. Creighton (1984) Proteins, Structures and
Molecular Properties, W H Freeman, New York N.Y.).
[0100] Chemical Synthesis of Peptides
[0101] Proteins or portions thereof may be produced not only by
recombinant methods, but also by using chemical methods well known
in the art. Solid phase peptide synthesis may be carried out in a
batchwise or continuous flow process which sequentially adds
a-amino- and side chain-protected amino acid residues to an
insoluble polymeric support via a linker group. A linker group such
as methylamine-derivatized polyethylene glycol is attached to
poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzene) to form the support resin. The
amino acid residues are N-a-protected by acid labile Boc
(t-butyloxycarbonyl) or base-labile Fmoc
(9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl). The carboxyl group of the protected
amino acid is coupled to the amine of the linker group to anchor
the residue to the solid phase support resin. Trifluoroacetic acid
or piperidine are used to remove the protecting group in the case
of Boc or Fmoc, respectively. Each additional amino acid is added
to the anchored residue using a coupling agent or pre-activated
amino acid derivative, and the resin is washed. The full length
peptide is synthesized by sequential deprotection, coupling of
derivitized amino acids, and washing with dichloromethane and/or
N,N-dimethylformamide. The peptide is cleaved between the peptide
carboxy terminus and the linker group to yield a peptide acid or
amide. (Novabiochem 1997/98 Catalog and Peptide Synthesis Handbook,
San Diego Calif. pp. S1-S20). Automated synthesis may also be
carried out on machines such as the 431A peptide synthesizer (ABI).
A protein or portion thereof may be purified by preparative HPLC
and its composition confirmed by amino acid analysis or by
sequencing (Creighton, supra)
[0102] Antibodies
[0103] Antibodies, or immunoglobulins (Ig), are components of
immune response expressed on the surface of or secreted into the
circulation by B cells. The prototypical antibody is a tetramer
composed of two identical heavy polypeptide chains (H-chains) and
two identical light polypeptide chains (L-chains) interlinked by
disulfide bonds which binds and neutralizes foreign antigens. Based
on their H-chain, antibodies are classified as IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG
or IgM. The most common class, IgG, is tetrameric while other
classes are variants or multimers of the basic structure.
[0104] Antibodies are described in terms of their two functional
domains. Antigen recognition is mediated by the Fab (antigen
binding fragment) region of the antibody, while effector functions
are mediated by the Fc (crystallizable fragment) region. The
binding of antibody to antigen triggers destruction of the antigen
by phagocytic white blood cells such as macrophages and
neutrophils. These cells express surface Fc receptors that
specifically bind to the Fc region of the antibody and allow the
phagocytic cells to destroy antibody-bound antigen. Fc receptors
are single-pass transmembrane glycoproteins' containing about 350
amino acids whose extracellular portion typically contains two or
three Ig domains (Sears et al. (1990) J Immunol 144:371-378).
[0105] Preparation and Screening of Antibodies
[0106] Various hosts including mice, rats, rabbits, goats, llamas,
camels, and human cell lines may be immunized by injection with an
antigenic determinant. Adjuvants such as Freund's, mineral gels,
and surface active substances such as lysolecithin, pluronic
polyols, polyanions, peptides, oil emulsions, keyhole limpet
hemacyanin (KLH; Sigma-Aldrich, St Louis Mo.), and dinitrophenol
may be used to increase immunological response. In humans, BCG
(bacilli Calmette-Guerin) and Corynebacterium parvum increase
response. The antigenic determinant may be an oligopeptide,
peptide, or protein. When the amount of antigenic determinant
allows immunization to be repeated, specific polyclonal antibody
with high affinity can be obtained (Klinman and Press (1975)
Transplant Rev 24:41-83). Oligopepetides which may contain between
about five and about fifteen amino acids identical to a portion of
the endogenous protein may be fused with proteins such as KLH in
order to produce antibodies to the chimeric molecule.
[0107] Monoclonal antibodies may be prepared using any technique
which provides for the production of antibodies by continuous cell
lines in culture. These include the hybridoma technique, the human
B-cell hybridoma technique, and the EBV-hybridoma technique (Kohler
et al. (1975) Nature 256:495-497; Kozbor et al. (1985) J Immunol
Methods 81:31-42; Cote et al. (1983) Proc Natl Acad Sci
80:2026-2030; and Cole et al. (1984) Mol Cell Biol 62:109-120).
[0108] Chimeric antibodies may be produced by techniques such as
splicing of mouse antibody genes to human antibody genes to obtain
a molecule with appropriate antigen specificity and biological
activity (Morrison et al. (1984) Proc Natl Acad Sci 81:6851-6855;
Neuberger et al. (1984) Nature 312:604-608; and Takeda et al.
(1985) Nature 314:452-454). Alternatively, techniques described for
antibody production may be adapted, using methods known in the art,
to produce specific, single chain antibodies. Antibodies with
related specificity, but of distinct idiotypic composition, may be
generated by chain shuffling from random combinatorial
immunoglobulin libraries (Burton (1991) Proc Natl Acad Sci
88:10134-10137). Antibody fragments which contain specific binding
sites for an antigenic determinant may also be produced. For
example, such fragments include, but are not limited to,
F(ab).sub.2 fragments produced by pepsin digestion of the antibody
molecule and Fab fragments generated by reducing the disulfide
bridges of the F(ab').sub.2 fragments. Alternatively, Fab
expression libraries may be constructed to allow rapid and easy
identification of monoclonal Fab fragments with the desired
specificity (Huse et al. (1989) Science 246:1275-1281).
[0109] Antibodies may also be produced by inducing production in
the lymphocyte population or by screening immunoglobulin libraries
or panels of highly specific binding reagents as disclosed in
Orlandi et al. (1989; Proc Natl Acad Sci 86:3833-3837) or Winter et
al. (1991; Nature 349:293-299). A protein may be used in screening
assays of phagemid or B-lymphocyte immunoglobulin libraries to
identify antibodies having a desired specificity. Numerous
protocols for competitive binding or immunoassays using either
polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies with established specificities
are well known in the art.
[0110] Antibody Specificity
[0111] Various methods such as Scatchard analysis combined with
radioimmunoassay techniques may be used to assess the affinity of
particular antibodies for a protein. Affinity is expressed as an
association constant, K.sub.a, which is defined as the molar
concentration of protein-antibody complex divided by the molar
concentrations of free antigen and free antibody under equilibrium
conditions. The K.sub.a determined for a preparation of polyclonal
antibodies, which are heterogeneous in their affinities for
multiple antigenic determinants, represents the average affinity,
or avidity, of the antibodies. The K.sub.a determined for a
preparation of monoclonal antibodies, which are specific for a
particular antigenic determinant, represents a true measure of
affinity. High-affinity antibody preparations with K.sub.a ranging
from about 10.sup.9 to 10.sup.12 L/mole are commonly used in
immunoassays in which the protein-antibody complex must withstand
rigorous manipulations. Low-affinity antibody preparations with
K.sub.a ranging from about 10.sup.6 to 10.sup.7 L/mole are
preferred for use in immunopurification and similar procedures
which ultimately require dissociation of the protein, preferably in
active form, from the antibody (Catty. (1988) Antibodies, Volume I:
A Practical Approach, IRL Press, Washington D.C.; Liddell and Cryer
(1991) A Practical Guide to Monoclonal Antibodies, John Wiley &
Sons, New York N.Y.).
[0112] The titer and avidity of polyclonal antibody preparations
may be further evaluated to determine the quality and suitability
of such preparations for certain downstream applications. For
example, a polyclonal antibody preparation containing about 5-10 mg
specific antibody/ml, is generally employed in procedures requiring
precipitation of protein-antibody complexes. Procedures for making
antibodies, evaluating antibody specificity, titer, and avidity,
and guidelines for antibody quality and usage in various
applications, are discussed in Catty (supra) and Ausubel (supra)
pp. 11.1-11.31.
[0113] Diagnostics
[0114] Differential expression of DSCR1L1.alpha. or its encoding
polynucleotides and at least one of the assays below can be used to
diagnose neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease or
to monitor mRNA or protein levels during therapeutic intervention.
Antibodies which specifically bind DSCR1L1.alpha. can also be used
to diagnose these disorders.
[0115] Expression Profiles
[0116] An expression profile comprises the expression of a
plurality of cDNAs or proteins as measured using standard assays
with a sample. The cDNAs, proteins or antibodies of the invention
may be used as elements in the assay to produce the expression
profile. In one embodiment, an array upon which the elements are
immobilized is used to diagnose, stage or monitor the progression
or treatment of a disorder.
[0117] For example, the cDNAs, proteins or antibodies may be
labeled using standard methods and added to a biological sample
from a patient under conditions for the complex formation. After an
incubation period, the sample is washed, and the amount of label
(or signal) associated with each complexes is quantified and
compared with a standard value. If the amount of complex formation
in the patient sample is altered in comparison to normal or disease
standards, then complex formation can be used to indicate the
presence of a disorder.
[0118] In order to provide standards for establishing differential
expression, normal and disease profiles are established. This is
accomplished by combining a sample taken from a normal subject,
either animal or human, with a cDNA under conditions for complex
formation to occur. Standard complex formation may be quantified by
comparing the values obtained using samples from normal subjects
with values from an experiment in which a known amount of a
purified control is used. Standard values obtained in this manner
may be compared with values obtained from samples from patients who
were diagnosed with a particular disorder. Deviation from standard
values toward those associated with a particular disorder is used
to diagnose or stage that disorder.
[0119] By analyzing changes in patterns of gene expression, a
disorder can be diagnosed earlier, sometimes even before the
patient is symptomatic. The invention can be used to formulate a
prognosis and to design a treatment regimen. The invention can also
be used to monitor the efficacy of treatment or to establish a
dosage that causes a change in the expression profile indicative of
successful treatment. For treatments with known side effects, the
expression profile is employed to improve the treatment regimen so
that expression patterns associated with the onset of undesirable
side effects are avoided. This approach may be more sensitive and
rapid than waiting for the patient to show inadequate improvement,
or to manifest side effects, before altering the course of
treatment.
[0120] In another embodiment, animal models which mimic a human
disease can be used to create expression profiles associated with
an active condition, disease, or disorder or treatment of the
condition, disease, or disorder. Novel treatment regimens may be
tested in these animal models using an expression profile over
time. In addition, an expression profile may be used with cell
cultures or tissues removed from animal models to rapidly screen
large numbers of candidate drug molecules, looking for ones that
produce an expression profile similar to those of known therapeutic
drugs, with the expectation that molecules with the same expression
profile will likely have similar therapeutic effects. Thus, the
invention provides the means to rapidly determine the molecular
mode of action of a drug.
[0121] Such expression profiles may also be used to evaluate the
efficacy of a particular therapeutic treatment regimen in animal
studies or in clinical trials or to monitor the treatment of an
individual patient. Once the presence of a condition is established
and a treatment protocol is initiated, expression may be analyzed
on a regular basis to determine if the level of expression in the
patient begins to approximate that which is observed in a normal
subject. The results obtained from successive assays may be used to
show the efficacy of treatment over a period ranging from several
days to years.
[0122] Nucleic Acid Assays
[0123] The cDNAs, fragments, oligonucleotides, complementary RNAs,
and peptide nucleic acids (PNA) may be used to detect and quantify
differential gene expression for diagnosis of a disorder. Similarly
antibodies which specifically bind the protein may be used to
quantitate the protein. Breast cancer is associated with such
differential expression. The diagnostic assay may use hybridization
or amplification technology to compare gene expression in a
biological sample from a patient to standard samples in order to
detect differential gene expression. Qualitative or quantitative
methods for this comparison are well known in the art.
[0124] Protein and Antibody Assays
[0125] Immunological methods for detecting and measuring complex
formation as a measure of protein expression using either specific
polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies are known in the art. Examples
of such techniques include antibody or protein arrays, ELISA, FACS,
spatial immobilization such as 2D-PAGE and SC, HPLC or MS, RIAs and
western analysis. Such immunoassays typically involve the
measurement of complex formation between the protein and its
specific antibody. These assays and their quantitation against
purified, labeled standards are well known in the art (Ausubel,
supra, unit 10.1-10.6). A two-site, monoclonal-based immunoassay
utilizing antibodies reactive to two non-interfering epitopes is
preferred, but a competitive binding assay may be employed (Pound
(1998) Immunochemical Protocols, Humana Press, Totowa N.J.).
[0126] These methods are also useful for diagnosing diseases that
show differential protein expression. Normal or standard values for
protein expression are established by combining body fluids or cell
extracts taken from a normal mammalian or human subject with
specific antibodies to a protein under conditions for complex
formation. Standard values for complex formation in normal and
diseased tissues are established by various methods, often
photometric means. Then complex formation as it is expressed in a
subject sample is compared with the standard values. Deviation from
the normal standard and toward the diseased standard provides
parameters for disease diagnosis or prognosis while deviation away
from the diseased and toward the normal standard may be used to
evaluate treatment efficacy.
[0127] Recently, antibody arrays have allowed the development of
techniques for high-throughput screening of recombinant antibodies.
Such methods use robots to pick and grid bacteria containing
antibody genes, and a filter-based ELISA to screen and identify
clones that express antibody fragments. Because liquid handling is
eliminated and the clones are arrayed from master stocks, the same
antibodies can be spotted multiple times and screened against
multiple antigens simultaneously. Antibody arrays are highly useful
in the identification of differentially expressed proteins. See de
Wildt et al. (2000) Nature Biotechnol 18:989-94.
[0128] Therapeutics
[0129] Chemical and structural similarity, e.g., in the context of
the RNA-binding domain and the conserved serine/proline motif,
exist between regions of the SEQ ID NO:2 and other DSCR1 family
proteins such as human DSCR1, human DSCR1L1 (g1435040), and human
DSCR1L2 (g6017919). In addition, gene expression is closely
associated with nervous system tissues and appears to play a role
in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease,
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, dementia, Down syndrome, epilepsy,
Huntington's disease, Pick's disease and schizophrenia. In the
treatment of conditions associated with increased expression or
activity, it is desirable to decrease expression or protein
activity. In the treatment of conditions associated with decreased
expression or activity, it is desirable to increase expression or
protein activity.
[0130] In one embodiment, DSCR1L1.alpha., or a portion or
derivative thereof, may be administered to a subject in need of
such treatment. Treatment and the monitoring of such treatment is
associated with the differential expression or activity of the
protein in a subject with a neurodegenerative condition including,
but are not limited to, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, Down
syndrome, Huntington's disease and Pick's disease.
[0131] In the treatment of the above disorders in which it is
desirable to increase expression or activity, a pharmaceutical
agent such as an agonist, transcription factor or a small drug
molecule that increases the expression or activity of the protein
may be administered to the subject. In another embodiment, a
pharmaceutical composition comprising an agonist, transcription
factor or a small drug molecule and a pharmaceutical carrier may be
administered to a subject to treat decreased expression or activity
associated with the endogenous protein. In one aspect, an antibody
that specifically binds DSCR1L1.alpha. can act as a carrier to
effect delivery of the pharmaceutical agent or composition. In an
additional embodiment, a vector expressing the encoding cDNA, or
fragments thereof, may be administered to a subject to treat the
disorder. Any of the cDNAs, complementary molecules, or fragments
thereof, proteins or portions thereof, vectors delivering these
nucleic acid molecules or expressing the proteins, antibodies, and
ligands binding the cDNA or protein may be administered in
combination with other therapeutic agents. Selection of the agents
for use in combination therapy may be made by one of ordinary skill
in the art according to conventional pharmaceutical principles. A
combination of therapeutic agents may act synergistically to affect
treatment of a particular disorder at a lower dosage of each
agent.
[0132] Modification of Gene Expression Using Nucleic Acids
[0133] Gene expression may be modified by designing complementary
or antisense molecules (DNA, RNA, or PNA) to the control, 5', 3',
or other regulatory regions of the gene encoding DSCR1L1.alpha..
Oligonucleotides designed to inhibit transcription initiation are
preferred. Similarly, inhibition can be achieved using triple helix
base-pairing which inhibits the binding of polymerases,
transcription factors, or regulatory molecules (Gee et al. In:
Huber and Carr (1994) Molecular and Immunologic Approaches, Futura
Publishing, Mt. Kisco N.Y., pp. 163-177). A complementary molecule
may also be designed to block translation by preventing binding
between ribosomes and mRNA. In one alternative, a library or
plurality of cDNAs may be screened to identify those which
specifically bind a regulatory, nontranslated sequence.
[0134] Ribozymes, enzymatic RNA molecules, may also be used to
catalyze the specific cleavage of RNA. The mechanism of ribozyme
action involves sequence-specific hybridization of the ribozyme
molecule to complementary target RNA followed by endonucleolytic
cleavage at sites such as GUA, GUU, and GUC. Once such sites are
identified, an oligonucleotide with the same sequence may be
evaluated for secondary structural features which would render the
oligonucleotide inoperable. The suitability of candidate targets
may also be evaluated by testing their hybridization with
complementary oligonucleotides using ribonuclease protection
assays.
[0135] Complementary nucleic acids and ribozymes of the invention
may be prepared via recombinant expression, in vitro or in vivo, or
using solid phase phosphoramidite chemical synthesis. In addition,
RNA molecules may be modified to increase intracellular stability
and half-life by addition of flanking sequences at the 5' and/or 3'
ends of the molecule or by the use of phosphorothioate or 2'
O-methyl rather than phosphodiesterase linkages within the backbone
of the molecule. Modification is inherent in the production of PNAs
and can be extended to other nucleic acid molecules. Either the
inclusion of nontraditional bases such as inosine, queosine, and
wybutosine, or the modification of adenine, cytidine, guanine,
thymine, and uridine with acetyl-, methyl-, thio-groups renders the
molecule more resistant to endogenous endonucleases.
[0136] RNA Interference
[0137] RNA interference (RNAi), also known as double-stranded RNA
(dsRNA)-induced gene silencing, is a method of interfering with the
transcription of specific mRNAs through the production of small
RNAs (siRNAs) and short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs). These RNAs are
naturally formed in a multicomponent nuclease complex (RISC) in the
presence of an RNAse III family nuclease (Dicer), and they serve as
a guide to identify and destroy complementary transcripts.
Transient infection of cells with RNAs capable of interference can
bypass the need for Dicer and result in silencing of a gene for the
lifespan of the introduced RNAs, usually from about 2 to about 7
days. See Paddison and Hannon (2002) Cancer Cell 2:17-23.
[0138] The RNAi pathway is believed to have evolved in early
eukaryotes as a cell-based immunity against viral and genetic
parasites. It is considered, however, to have great potential as a
method for identifying gene function, particularly in
neurodegenerative disorders, and for providing a highly specific
means for treating such disorders.
[0139] Nucleic Acid-Based Therapeutics
[0140] The nucleic acids of the invention can be used in gene
therapy. cDNAs can be delivered ex vivo to target cells, such as
cells of bone marrow. Once stable integration and transcription and
or translation are confirmed, the bone marrow may be reintroduced
into the subject. Expression of the protein encoded by the nucleic
acid may correct a disorder associated with mutation of a normal
sequence, reduction or loss of an endogenous target protein, or
overepression of an endogenous or mutant protein. Alternatively,
cDNAs may be delivered in vivo using vectors such as retrovirus,
adenovirus, adeno-associated virus, herpes simplex virus, and
bacterial plasmids. Non-viral methods of gene delivery include
cationic liposomes, polylysine conjugates, artificial viral
envelopes, and direct injection of DNA (Anderson (1998) Nature
392:25-30; Dachs et al. (1997) Oncol Res 9:313-325; Chu et al.
(1998) J Mol Med 76(3-4):184-192; Weiss et al. (1999) Cell Mol Life
Sci 55(3):334-358; Agrawal (1996) Antisense Therapeutics, Humana
Press, Totowa N.J.; and August et al. (1997) Gene Therapy (Advances
in Pharmacology, Vol. 40), Academic Press, San Diego Calif.).
[0141] Monoclonal Antibody Therapeutics
[0142] Antibodies, and in particular monoclonal antibodies, that
specifically bind a particular protein, enzyme, or receptor and
block its overexpression are now being used therapeutically. The
first widely accepted therapeutic antibody was HERCEPTIN
(Trastuzumab, Genentech, S. San Francisco Calif.). HERCEPTIN is a
humanized antibody approved for the treatment of HER2 positive
metastatic breast cancer. It is designed to bind and block the
function of overexpressed HER2 protein. Other monoclonal antibodies
are in various stages of clinical trials for indications such as
prostate cancer, lymphoma, melanoma, pneumococcal infections,
rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and
the like.
[0143] Screening and Purification Assays
[0144] A cDNA encoding DSCR1L1.alpha. may be used to screen a
library or a plurality of molecules or compounds for specific
binding affinity. The libraries may be antisense molecules,
artificial chromosome constructions, branched nucleic acid
molecules, DNA molecules, peptides, peptide nucleic acid, proteins
such as transcription factors, enhancers, or repressors, RNA
molecules, ribozymes, and other ligands which regulate the
activity, replication, transcription, or translation of the
endogenous gene. The assay involves combining a polynucleotide with
a library or plurality of molecules or compounds under conditions
allowing specific binding, and detecting specific binding to
identify at least one molecule which specifically binds the
cDNA.
[0145] In one embodiment, the cDNA of the invention may be
incubated with a plurality of purified molecules or compounds and
binding activity determined by methods well known in the art, e.g.,
a gel-retardation assay (U.S. Pat. No. 6,010,849) or a reticulocyte
lysate transcriptional assay. In another embodiment, the cDNA may
be incubated with nuclear extracts from biopsied and/or cultured
cells and tissues. Specific binding between the cDNA and a molecule
or compound in the nuclear extract is initially determined by gel
shift assay and may be later confirmed by recovering and raising
antibodies against that molecule or compound. When these antibodies
are added into the assay, they cause a supershift in the
gel-retardation assay.
[0146] In another embodiment, the cDNA may be used to purify a
molecule or compound using affinity chromatography methods well
known in the art. In one embodiment, the cDNA is chemically reacted
with cyanogen bromide groups on a polymeric resin or gel. Then a
sample is passed over and reacts with or binds to the cDNA. The
molecule or compound which is bound to the cDNA may be released
from the cDNA by increasing the salt concentration of the
flow-through medium and collected.
[0147] In a further embodiment, the protein or a portion thereof
may be used to purify a ligand from a sample. A method for using a
protein to purify a ligand would involve combining the protein with
a sample under conditions to allow specific binding, detecting
specific binding between the protein and ligand, recovering the
bound protein, and using a chaotropic agent to separate the protein
from the purified ligand.
[0148] In a preferred embodiment, DSCR1L1.alpha. may be used to
screen a plurality of molecules or compounds in any of a variety of
screening assays. The portion of the protein employed in such
screening may be free in solution, affixed to an abiotic or biotic
substrate (e.g. borne on a cell surface), or located
intracellularly. For example, in one method, viable or fixed
prokaryotic host cells that are stably transformed with recombinant
nucleic acids that have expressed and positioned a peptide on their
cell surface can be used in screening assays. The cells are
screened against a plurality or libraries of ligands, and the
specificity of binding or formation of complexes between the
expressed protein and the ligand can be measured. Depending on the
particular kind of molecules or compounds being screened, the assay
may be used to identify agonists, antagonists, antibodies, DNA
molecules, small drug molecules, immunoglobulins, inhibitors,
mimetics, peptides, peptide nucleic acids, proteins, and RNA
molecules or any other ligand, which specifically binds the
protein.
[0149] In one aspect, this invention contemplates a method for high
throughput screening using very small assay volumes and very small
amounts of test compound as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,876,946,
incorporated herein by reference. This method is used to screen
large numbers of molecules and compounds via specific binding. In
another aspect, this invention also contemplates the use of
competitive drug screening assays in which neutralizing antibodies
capable of binding the protein specifically compete with a test
compound capable of binding to the protein. Molecules or compounds
identified by screening may be used in a mammalian model system to
evaluate their toxicity or therapeutic potential.
[0150] Pharmaceutical Compositions
[0151] Pharmaceutical compositions may be formulated and
administered, to a subject in need of such treatment, to attain a
therapeutic effect. Such compositions contain the instant protein,
agonists, antagonists, small drug molecules, immunoglobulins,
inhibitors, mimetics, multispecific molecules, peptides, peptide
nucleic acids, pharmaceutical agent, proteins, and RNA molecules.
Compositions may be manufactured by conventional means such as
mixing, dissolving, granulating, dragee-making, levigating,
emulsifying, encapsulating, entrapping, or lyophilizing. The
composition may be provided as a salt, formed with acids such as
hydrochloric, sulfuric, acetic, lactic, tartaric, malic, and
succinic, or as a lyophilized powder which may be combined with a
sterile buffer. such as saline, dextrose, or water. These
compositions may include auxiliaries or excipients which facilitate
processing of the active compounds.
[0152] Auxiliaries and excipients may include coatings, fillers or
binders including sugars such as lactose, sucrose, mannitol,
glycerol, or sorbitol; starches from corn, wheat, rice, or potato;
proteins such as albumin, gelatin and collagen; cellulose in the
form of hydroxypropylmethyl-cellulose, methyl cellulose, or sodium
carboxymethylcellulose; gums including arabic and tragacanth;
lubricants such as magnesium stearate or talc; disintegrating or
solubilizing agents such as the, agar, alginic acid, sodium
alginate or cross-linked polyvinyl pyrrolidone; stabilizers such as
carbopol gel, polyethylene glycol, or titanium dioxide; and
dyestuffs or pigments added for identify the product or to
characterize the quantity of active compound or dosage.
[0153] These compositions may be administered by any number of
routes including oral, intravenous, intramuscular, intra-arterial,
intramedullary, intrathecal, intraventricular, transdermal,
subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, intranasal, enteral, topical,
sublingual, or rectal.
[0154] The route of administration and dosage will determine
formulation; for example, oral administration may be accomplished
using tablets, pills, dragees, capsules, liquids, gels, syrups,
slurries, or suspensions; parenteral administration may be
formulated in aqueous, physiologically compatible buffers such as
Hanks' solution, Ringer's solution, or physiologically buffered
saline. Suspensions for injection may be aqueous, containing
viscous additives such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose or dextran
to increase the viscosity, or oily, containing lipophilic solvents
such as sesame oil or synthetic fatty acid esters such as ethyl
oleate or triglycerides, or liposomes. Penetrants well known in the
art are used for topical or nasal administration.
[0155] Toxicity and Therapeutic Efficacy
[0156] A therapeutically effective dose refers to the amount of
active ingredient which ameliorates symptoms or condition. For any
compound, a therapeutically effective dose can be estimated from
cell culture assays using normal and neoplastic cells or in animal
models. Therapeutic efficacy, toxicity, concentration range, and
route of administration may be determined by standard
pharmaceutical procedures using experimental animals.
[0157] The therapeutic index is the dose ratio between therapeutic
and toxic effects--LD50 (the dose lethal to 50% of the
population)/ED50 (the dose therapeutically effective in 50% of the
population)--and large therapeutic indices are preferred. Dosage is
within a range of circulating concentrations, includes an ED50 with
little or no toxicity, and varies depending upon the composition,
method of delivery, sensitivity of the patient, and route of
administration. Exact dosage will be determined by the practitioner
in light of factors related to the subject in need of the
treatment.
[0158] Dosage and administration are adjusted to provide active
moiety that maintains therapeutic effect. Factors for adjustment
include the severity of the disease state, general health of the
subject, age, weight, and gender of the subject, diet, time and
frequency of administration, drug combination(s), reaction
sensitivities, and tolerance/response to therapy. Long-acting
pharmaceutical compositions may be administered every 3 to 4 days,
every week, or once every two weeks depending on half-life and
clearance rate of the particular composition.
[0159] Normal dosage amounts may vary from 0.1 .mu.g, up to a total
dose of about 1 g, depending upon the route of administration. The
dosage of a particular composition may be lower when administered
to a patient in combination with other agents, drugs, or hormones.
Guidance as to particular dosages and methods of delivery is
provided in the pharmaceutical literature. Further details on
techniques for formulation and administration may be found in the
latest edition of Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences (Mack
Publishing, Easton Pa.).
[0160] Model Systems
[0161] Animal models may be used as bioassays where they exhibit a
phenotypic response similar to that of humans and where exposure
conditions are relevant to human exposures. Mammals are the most
common models, and most infectious agent, cancer, drug, and
toxicity studies are performed on rodents such as rats or mice
because of low cost, availability, lifespan, gestation period,
numbers of progeny, and abundant reference literature. Inbred and
outbred rodent strains provide a convenient model for investigation
of the physiological consequences of under- or over-expression of
genes of interest and for the development of methods for diagnosis
and treatment of diseases. A mammal inbred to over-express a
particular gene (for example, secreted in milk) may also serve as a
convenient source of the protein expressed by that gene.
[0162] Toxicology
[0163] Toxicology is the study of the effects of agents on living
systems. The majority of toxicity studies are performed on rats or
mice. Observation of qualitative and quantitative changes in
physiology, behavior, homeostatic processes, and lethality in the
rats or mice are used to generate a toxicity profile and to assess
consequences on human health following exposure to the agent.
[0164] Genetic toxicology identifies and analyzes the effect of an
agent on the rate of endogenous, spontaneous, and induced genetic
mutations. Genotoxic agents usually have common chemical or
physical properties that facilitate interaction with nucleic acids
and are most harmful when chromosomal aberrations are transmitted
to progeny. Toxicological studies may identify agents that increase
the frequency of structural or functional abnormalities in the
tissues of the progeny if administered to either parent before
conception, to the mother during pregnancy, or to the developing
organism. Mice and rats are most frequently used in these tests
because their short reproductive cycle allows the production of the
numbers of organisms needed to satisfy statistical
requirements.
[0165] Acute toxicity tests are based on a single administration of
an agent to the subject to determine the symptomology or lethality
of the agent. Three experiments are conducted: 1) an initial
dose-range-finding experiment, 2) an experiment to narrow the range
of effective doses, and 3) a final experiment for establishing the
dose-response curve.
[0166] Subchronic toxicity tests are based on the repeated
administration of an agent. Rat and dog are commonly used in these
studies to provide data from species in different families. With
the exception of carcinogenesis, there is considerable evidence
that daily administration of an agent at high-dose concentrations
for periods of three to four months will reveal most forms of
toxicity in adult animals.
[0167] Chronic toxicity tests, with a duration of a year or more,
are used to test whether long term administration may elicit
toxicity, teratogenesis, or carcinogenesis. When studies are
conducted on rats, a minimum of three test groups plus one control
group are used, and animals are examined and monitored at the
outset and at intervals throughout the experiment.
[0168] Transgenic Animal Models
[0169] Transgenic rodents that over-express or under-express a gene
of interest may be inbred and used to model human diseases or to
test therapeutic or toxic agents. (See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No.
5,175,383 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,767,337.) In some cases, the
introduced gene may be activated at a specific time in a specific
tissue type during fetal or postnatal development. Expression of
the transgene is monitored by analysis of phenotype, of
tissue-specific mRNA expression, or of serum and tissue protein
levels in transgenic animals before, during, and after challenge
with experimental drug therapies.
[0170] Embryonic Stem Cells
[0171] Embryonic (ES) stem cells isolated from rodent embryos
retain the ability to form embryonic tissues. When ES cells are
placed inside a carrier embryo, they resume normal development and
contribute to tissues of the live-born animal. ES cells are the
preferred cells used in the creation of experimental knockout and
knockin rodent strains. Mouse ES cells, such as the mouse 129/SvJ
cell line, are derived from the early mouse embryo and are grown
under culture conditions well known in the art. Vectors used to
produce a transgenic strain contain a disease gene candidate and a
marker gene, the latter serves to identify the presence of the
introduced disease gene. The vector is transformed into ES cells by
methods well known in the art, and transformed ES cells are
identified and microinjected into mouse cell blastocysts such as
those from the C57BL/6 mouse strain. The blastocysts are surgically
transferred to pseudopregnant dams, and the resulting chimeric
progeny are genotyped and bred to produce heterozygous or
homozygous strains.
[0172] ES cells derived from human blastocysts may be manipulated
in vitro to differentiate into at least eight separate cell
lineages. These lineages are used to study the differentiation of
various cell types and tissues in vitro, and they include endoderm,
mesoderm, and ectodermal cell types which differentiate into, for
example, neural cells, hematopoietic lineages, and
cardiomyocytes.
[0173] Knockout Analysis
[0174] In gene knockout analysis, a region of a gene is
enzymatically modified to include a non-mammalian gene such as the
neomycin phosphotransferase gene (neo; Capecchi (1989) Science
244:1288-1292). The modified gene is transformed into cultured ES
cells and integrates into the endogenous genome by homologous
recombination. The inserted sequence disrupts transcription and
translation of the endogenous gene. Transformed cells are injected
into rodent blastulae, and the blastulae are implanted into
pseudopregnant dams. Transgenic progeny are crossbred to obtain
homozygous inbred lines which lack a functional copy of the
mammalian gene. In one example, the mammalian gene is a human
gene.
[0175] Knockin Analysis
[0176] ES cells can be used to create knockin humanized animals
(pigs) or transgenic animal models (mice or rats) of human
diseases. With knockin technology, a region of a human gene is
injected into animal ES cells, and the human sequence integrates
into the animal cell genome. Transformed cells are injected into
blastulae and the blastulae are implanted as described above.
Transgenic progeny or inbred lines are studied and treated with
pharmaceutical agents to obtain information on treatment of the
analogous human condition. These methods have been used to model
several human diseases.
[0177] Non-Human Primate Model
[0178] The field of animal testing deals with data and methodology
from basic sciences such as physiology, genetics, chemistry,
pharmacology and statistics. These data are paramount in evaluating
the effects of therapeutic agents on non-human primates as they can
be related to human health. Monkeys are used as human surrogates in
vaccine and drug evaluations, and their responses are relevant to
human exposures under similar conditions. Cynomolgus and Rhesus
monkeys (Macaca fascicularis and Macaca mulatta, respectively) and
Common Marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) are the most common non-human
primates (NHPs) used in these investigations. Since great cost is
associated with developing and maintaining a colony of NHPs, early
research and toxicological studies are usually carried out in
rodent models. In studies using behavioral measures such as drug
addiction, NHPs are the first choice test animal. In addition, NHPs
and individual humans exhibit differential sensitivities to many
drugs and toxins and can be classified as a range of phenotypes
from "extensive metabolizers" to "poor metabolizers" of these
agents.
[0179] In additional embodiments, the cDNAs which encode
DSCR1L1.alpha. may be used in any molecular biology techniques that
have yet to be developed, provided the new techniques rely on
properties of cDNAs that are currently known, including, but not
limited to, such properties as the triplet genetic code and
specific base pair interactions.
EXAMPLES
[0180] The examples below are provided to illustrate the subject
invention and are not included for the purpose of limiting the
invention. For purposes of example, the preparation of the human
hippocampal cDNA libraries, HIPONOT01, and a normalized library,
HIPONON02, prepared from HIPONOT01 are described.
[0181] I Representative cDNA Preparation
[0182] HIPONOT01 cDNA Library
[0183] The human hippocampal cDNA library, HIPONOT01, was
constructed from tissue obtained from the hippocampus of a
72-year-old Caucasian female who died from an intracranial
hemorrhage. The frozen tissue was homogenized and lysed in TRIZOL
reagent (1 g tissue/10 ml reagent; Invitrogen), using a POLYTRON
homogenizer (Brinkmann Instruments, Westbury N.Y.). Following
homogenization, chloroform was added (1:5 v/v), and the lysate was
centrifuged. The aqueous layer was removed, and the RNA was
precipitated with isopropanol. The RNA was resuspended in
DEPC-treated water and digested with DNAse I (Invitrogen) for 25
min at 37C. The RNA was re-extracted with acid phenol-chloroform,
pH 4.7, and precipitated using 0.3M sodium acetate and 2.5 volumes
ethanol.
[0184] Messenger RNA (mRNA) was isolated using the OLIGOTEX kit
(Qiagen, Valencia Calif.) and used to construct the cDNA library.
The mRNA was handled according to the recommended protocols in the
SUPERSCRIPT plasmid system (Invitrogen) which contains a NotI
primer-adaptor designed to prime the first strand cDNA synthesis at
the poly(A) tail of mRNAs. Double stranded cDNA was blunted,
ligated to EcoRI adaptors, and digested with NotI (New England
Biolabs, Beverly Mass.). The cDNAs were fractionated on a SEPHAROSE
CL-2B column (APB), and those cDNAs exceeding 800 bp were ligated
into the NotI and EcoRI sites of the pSPORT1 plasmid (Invitrogen).
The plasmid was transformed into competent DH5.alpha. cells (Life
Technologies) or ELECTROMAX DH10B cells (Invitrogen).
[0185] HIPONOT02 cDNA Library
[0186] For purposes of example, the normalization of a hippocampal
library, HIPONON02, is described. About 1.13.times.10.sup.6
independent clones of the HIPONOT01 plasmid library in E. coli
strain DH12S competent cells (Invitrogen) were grown in liquid
culture under carbenicillin (25 mg/l) and methicillin (1 mg/ml)
selection following transformation by electroporation. To reduce
the number of excess cDNA copies according to their abundance
levels in the library, the cDNA library was then normalized in a
single round according to the procedure of Soares et al. (1994,
Proc Natl Acad Sci 91:9228-9232), with the following modifications.
The primer to template ratio in the primer extension reaction was
increased from 2:1 to 10:1. The ddNTP concentration in the reaction
was reduced to 150 .mu.M for each ddNTP to allow the generation of
longer (400-1000 bases) primer extension products, and the
reannealing hybridization was extended from 13 to 48 hr. The single
stranded DNA circles of the normalized library were purified by
hydroxyapatite chromatography and converted to partially
double-stranded by random priming, followed by electroporation into
E. coli strain DH10B competent cells (Invitrogen).
[0187] II Construction of pINCY Plasmid
[0188] The plasmid was constructed by digesting the pSPORT1 plasmid
(Invitrogen) with EcoRI restriction enzyme (New England Biolabs,
Beverly Mass.) and filling the overhanging ends using Klenow enzyme
(New England Biolabs) and 2'-deoxynucleotide 5'-triphosphates
(dNTPs). The plasmid was self-ligated and transformed into the
bacterial host, E. coli strain JM109.
[0189] An intermediate plasmid produced by the bacteria (pSPORT
1-.DELTA.RI), which showed no digestion with EcoRI, was digested
with Hind III (New England Biolabs) and the overhanging ends were
filled in with Klenow and dNTPs. A linker sequence was
phosphorylated, ligated onto the 5' blunt end, digested with EcoRI,
and self-ligated. Following transformation into JM109 host cells,
plasmids were isolated and tested for preferential digestibility
with EcoRI, but not with Hind III. A single colony that met this
criteria was designated pINCY plasmid.
[0190] After testing the plasmid for its ability to incorporate
cDNAs from a library prepared using NotI and EcoRI restriction
enzymes, several clones were sequenced; and a single clone
containing an insert of approximately 0.8 kb was selected from
which to prepare a large quantity of the plasmid. After digestion
with NotI and EcoRI, the plasmid was isolated on an agarose gel and
purified using a QIAQUICK column (Qiagen) for use in library
construction.
[0191] III Isolation and Sequencing of cDNA Clones
[0192] Plasmid DNA was released from the cells and purified using
either the MINIPREP kit (Edge Biosystems, Gaithersburg Md.) or the
REAL PREP 96 plasmid kit (Qiagen). This kit enabled the
simultaneous purification of 960 samples in a 96-well block using
multi-channel reagent dispensers. The recommended protocol was
employed except for the following changes: 1) the bacteria were
cultured in 1 ml of sterile TERRIFIC BROTH (BD Biosciences, San
Jose Calif.) with carbenicillin at 25 mg/L and glycerol at 0.4% for
19 hours; 2) the cells were lysed with 0.3 ml of lysis buffer; and
3) following isopropanol precipitation, the plasmid DNA pellet was
resuspended in 0.1 ml of distilled water. After the last step in
the protocol, samples were transferred to a 96-well block for
storage at 4C.
[0193] The cDNAs were prepared for sequencing using a MICROLAB 2200
system (Hamilton) in combination with DNA ENGINE thermal cyclers
(MJ Research). The cDNAs were sequenced by the method of Sanger and
Coulson (1975; J Mol Biol 94:441-448) using PRISM 373 or 377
sequencing systems (ABI) or the MEGABACE 1000 DNA sequencing system
(APB). Most of the isolates were sequenced using standard ABI
protocols and kits with solution volumes of
0.25.times.-1.0.times.concentrations. In the alternative, cDNAs
were sequenced using APB solutions and dyes. Reading frames were
determined using standard methods, and some of the cDNA sequences
were selected for extension using the techniques disclosed
below.
[0194] IV Extension of cDNA Sequences
[0195] The cDNAs were extended using the cDNA clone and
oligonucleotide primers. One primer was synthesized to initiate 5'
extension of the known fragment, and the other, to initiate 3'
extension of the known fragment. The initial primers were designed
LASERGENE software (DNASTAR) to be about 22 to 30 nucleotides in
length, to have a GC content of about 50% or more, and to anneal to
the target sequence at temperatures of about 68C to about 72C. Any
stretch of nucleotides that would result in hairpin structures and
primer-primer dimerizations was avoided.
[0196] Selected cDNA libraries were used as templates to extend the
sequence. If more than one extension was necessary, additional or
nested sets of primers were designed. Preferred libraries have been
size-selected to include larger cDNAs and random primed to contain
more sequences with 5' or upstream regions of genes. Genomic
libraries are used to obtain regulatory elements, especially
extension into the 5' promoter binding region.
[0197] High fidelity amplification was obtained by PCR using
methods such as that taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,932,451. PCR was
performed in 96-well plates using the DNA ENGINE thermal cycler (MJ
Research). The reaction mix contained DNA template, 200 mmol of
each primer, reaction buffer containing Mg.sup.2+,
(NH.sub.4).sub.2SO.sub.4, and .beta.-mercaptoethanol, Taq DNA
polymerase (APB), ELONGASE enzyme (Invitrogen), and Pfu DNA
polymerase (Stratagene), with the following parameters for primer
pair PCI A and PCI B (Incyte Genomics): Step 1: 94C, three min;
Step 2: 94C, 15 sec; Step 3: 60C, one min; Step 4: 68C, two min;
Step 5: Steps 2, 3, and 4 repeated 20 times; Step 6: 68C, five min;
Step 7: storage at 4C. In the alternative, the parameters for
primer pair T7 and SK+ (Stratagene) were as follows: Step 1: 94C,
three min; Step 2: 94C, 15 sec; Step 3: 57C, one min; Step 4: 68C,
two min; Step 5: Steps 2, 3, and 4 repeated 20 times; Step 6: 68C,
five min; Step 7: storage at 4C.
[0198] The concentration of DNA in each well was determined by
dispensing 100 .mu.l PICOGREEN quantitation reagent (0.25% reagent
in 1.times.TE, v/v; Molecular Probes) and 0.5 .mu.l of undiluted
PCR product into each well of an opaque fluorimeter plate (Corning
Life Sciences, Acton Mass.) and allowing the DNA to bind to the
reagent. The plate was scanned in a Fluoroskan II (Labsystems Oy)
to measure the fluorescence of the sample and to quantify the
concentration of DNA. A 5 .mu.l to 10 .mu.l aliquot of the reaction
mixture was analyzed by electrophoresis on a 1% agarose mini-gel to
determine which reactions were successful in extending the
sequence.
[0199] The extended clones were desalted, concentrated, transferred
to 384-well plates, digested with CviJI cholera virus endonuclease
(Molecular Biology Research, Madison Wis.), and sonicated or
sheared prior to religation into pUC18 vector (APB). For shotgun
sequences, the digested nucleotide sequences were separated on low
concentration (0.6 to 0.8%) agarose gels, fragments were excised,
and the agar was digested with AGARACE enzyme (Promega). Extended
clones were religated using T4 DNA ligase (New England Biolabs)
into pUC18 vector (APB), treated with Pfu DNA polymerase
(Stratagene) to fill-in restriction site overhangs, and transfected
into E. coli competent cells. Transformed cells were selected on
antibiotic-containing media, and individual colonies were picked
and cultured overnight at 37C in 384-well plates in
LB/2.times.carbenicillin liquid media.
[0200] The cells were lysed, and DNA was amplified using primers,
Taq DNA polymerase (APB) and Pfu DNA polymerase (Stratagene) with
the following parameters: Step 1: 94C, three min; Step 2: 94C, 15
sec; Step 3: 60C, one min; Step 4: 72C, two min; Step 5: steps 2,
3, and 4 repeated 29 times; Step 6: 72C, five min; Step 7: storage
at 4C. DNA was quantified using PICOGREEN quantitative reagent
(Molecular Probes) as described above. Samples with low DNA
recoveries were reamplified using the conditions described above.
Samples were diluted with 20% dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO; 1:2, v/v),
and sequenced using DYENAMIC energy transfer sequencing primers and
the DYENAMIC DIRECT cycle sequencing kit (APB) or the PRISM BIGDYE
terminator cycle sequencing kit (ABI).
[0201] V Homology Searching of cDNA Clones and Their Deduced
Proteins
[0202] The cDNAs of the Sequence Listing or their deduced amino
acid sequences were used to query databases such as GenBank,
SwissProt, BLOCKS, and the like. These databases that contain
previously identified and annotated sequences or domains were
searched using BLAST or BLAST 2 (Altschul et al. supra; Altschul,
supra) to produce alignments and to determine which sequences were
exact matches or homologs. The alignments were to sequences of
prokaryotic (bacterial) or eukaryotic (animal, fungal, or plant)
origin. Alternatively, algorithms such as the one described in
Smith and Smith (1992, Protein Engineering 5:35-51) could have been
used to deal with primary sequence patterns and secondary structure
gap penalties. All of the sequences disclosed in this application
have lengths of at least 49 nucleotides, and no more than 12%
uncalled bases (where N is recorded rather than A, C, G, or T).
[0203] As detailed in Karlin (supra), BLAST matches between a query
sequence and a database sequence were evaluated statistically and
only reported when they satisfied the threshold of 10.sup.-25 for
nucleotides and 10.sup.-14 for peptides. Homology was also
evaluated by product score calculated as follows: the % nucleotide
or amino acid identity [between the query and reference sequences]
in BLAST is multiplied by the % maximum possible BLAST score [based
on the lengths of query and reference sequences] and then divided
by 100. In comparison with hybridization procedures used in the
laboratory, the electronic stringency for an exact match was set at
70, and the conservative lower limit for an exact match was set at
approximately 40 (with 1-2% error due to uncalled bases).
[0204] The BLAST software suite, freely available sequence
comparison algorithms (NCBI, Bethesda Md.), includes various
sequence analysis programs including "blastn" that is used to align
nucleic acid molecules and BLAST 2 that is used for direct pairwise
comparison of either nucleic or amino acid molecules. BLAST
programs are commonly used with gap and other parameters set to
default settings, e.g.: Matrix: BLOSUM62; Reward for match: 1;
Penalty for mismatch: -2; Open Gap: 5 and Extension Gap: 2
penalties; Gap x drop-off: 50; Expect: 10; Word Size: 11; and
Filter: on. Identity is measured over the entire length of a
sequence or some smaller portion thereof. Brenner et al. (1998;
Proc Natl Acad Sci 95:6073-6078, incorporated herein by reference)
analyzed the BLAST for its ability to identify structural homologs
by sequence identity and found 30% identity is a reliable threshold
for sequence alignments of at least 150 residues and 40%, for
alignments of at least 70 residues.
[0205] The mammalian cDNAs of this application were compared with
assembled consensus sequences or templates found in the LIFESEQ
GOLD database. Component sequences from cDNA, extension, full
length, and shotgun sequencing projects were subjected to PHRED
analysis and assigned a quality score. All sequences with an
acceptable quality score were subjected to various pre-processing
and editing pathways to remove low quality 3' ends, vector and
linker sequences, polyA tails, Alu repeats, mitochondrial and
ribosomal sequences, and bacterial sequences. Edited sequences had
to be at least 50 bp in length, and low-information sequences and
repetitive elements such as dinucleotide repeats, Alu repeats, and
the like, were replaced by "Ns" or masked.
[0206] Edited sequences were subjected to assembly procedures in
which the sequences were assigned to gene bins. Each sequence could
only belong to one bin, and sequences in each bin were assembled to
produce a template. Newly sequenced components were added to
existing bins using BLAST and CROSSMATCH. To be added to a bin, the
component sequences had to have a BLAST quality score greater than
or equal to 150 and an alignment of at least 82% local identity.
The sequences in each bin were assembled using PHRAP. Bins with
several overlapping component sequences were assembled using DEEP
PHRAP. The orientation of each template was determined based on the
number and orientation of its component sequences.
[0207] Bins were compared to one another and those having local
similarity of at least 82% were combined and reassembled. Bins
having templates with less than 95% local identity were split.
Templates were subjected to analysis by STITCHER/EXON MAPPER
algorithms that analyze the probabilities of the presence of splice
variants, alternatively spliced exons, splice junctions,
differential expression of alternative spliced genes across tissue
types or disease states, and the like. Assembly procedures were
repeated periodically, and templates were annotated using BLAST
against GenBank databases such as GBpri. An exact match was defined
as having from 95% local identity over 200 base pairs through 100%
local identity over 100 base pairs and a homolog match as having an
E-value (or probability score) of .ltoreq.1.times.10.sup.-8. The
templates were also subjected to frameshift FASTx against GENPEPT,
and homolog match was defined as having an E-value of
.ltoreq.1.times.10.sup.-8. Template analysis and assembly was
described in U.S. Ser. No. 09/276,534, filed Mar. 25, 1999.
[0208] Following assembly, templates were subjected to BLAST,
motif, and other functional analyses and categorized in protein
hierarchies using methods described in U.S. Ser. No. 08/812,290 and
U.S. Ser. No. 08/811,758, both filed Mar. 6, 1997; in U.S. Ser. No.
08/947,845, filed Oct. 9, 1997; and in U.S. Ser. No. 09/034,807,
filed Mar. 4, 1998. Then templates were analyzed by translating
each template in all three forward reading frames and searching
each translation against the PFAM database of hidden Markov
model-based protein families and domains using the HMMER software
package (Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis
Mo.).
[0209] The cDNA was further analyzed using MACDNASIS PRO software
(Hitachi Software Engineering), and LASERGENE software (DNASTAR)
and queried against public databases such as the GenBank rodent,
mammalian, vertebrate, prokaryote, and eukaryote databases,
SwissProt, BLOCKS, PRINTS, PFAM, and Prosite.
[0210] VI Chromosome Mapping
[0211] Radiation hybrid and genetic mapping data available from
public resources such as the Stanford Human Genome Center (SHGC),
Whitehead Institute for Genome Research (WIGR), and Genethon are
used to determine if any of the cDNAs presented in the Sequence
Listing have been mapped. Any of the fragments of the cDNA encoding
DSCR1L1.alpha. that have been mapped result in the assignment of
all related regulatory and coding sequences mapping to the same
location. The genetic map locations are described as ranges, or
intervals, of human chromosomes. The map position of an interval,
in cM (which is roughly equivalent to 1 megabase of human DNA), is
measured relative to the terminus of the chromosomal p-arm.
[0212] VII Complementary Molecules
[0213] Molecules complementary to the cDNA, from about 5 to about
5000 bp, are used to detect or inhibit gene expression. These
molecules are selected using LASERGENE software (DNASTAR).
Detection is described in Example VII. To inhibit transcription by
preventing promoter binding, the complementary molecule is designed
to bind to the most unique 5' sequence and includes nucleotides of
the 5' UTR upstream of the initiation codon of the open reading
frame. Complementary molecules include genomic sequences (such as
enhancers or introns) and are used in "triple helix" base pairing
to compromise the ability of the double helix to open sufficiently
for the binding of polymerases, transcription factors, or
regulatory molecules. To inhibit translation, a complementary
molecule is designed to prevent ribosomal binding to the mRNA
encoding the mammalian protein.
[0214] Complementary molecules are placed in expression vectors and
used to transform a cell line to test efficacy; into an organ,
tumor, synovial cavity, or the vascular system for transient or
short term therapy; or into a stem cell, zygote, or other
reproducing lineage for long term or stable gene therapy. Transient
expression lasts for a month or more with a non-replicating vector
and for three months or more if appropriate elements for inducing
vector replication are used in the transformation/expression
system.
[0215] Stable transformation of appropriate dividing cells with a
vector encoding the complementary molecule produces a transgenic
cell line, tissue, or organism (U.S. Pat. No. 4,736,866). Those
cells that assimilate and replicate sufficient quantities of the
vector to allow stable integration also produce enough
complementary molecules to compromise or entirely eliminate
activity of the cDNA encoding the mammalian protein.
[0216] VIII Hybridization Technologies and Analyses
[0217] Immobilization of cDNAs on a Substrate
[0218] The cDNAs are applied to a substrate by one of the following
methods. A mixture of cDNAs is fractionated by gel electrophoresis
and transferred to a nylon membrane by capillary transfer.
Alternatively, the cDNAs are individually ligated to a vector and
inserted into bacterial host cells to form a library. The cDNAs are
then arranged on a substrate by one of the following methods. In
the first method, bacterial cells containing individual clones are
robotically picked and arranged on a nylon membrane. The membrane
is placed on LB agar containing selective agent (carbenicillin,
kanamycin, ampicillin, or chloramphenicol depending on the vector
used) and incubated at 37C for 16 hr. The membrane is removed from
the agar and consecutively placed colony side up in 10% SDS,
denaturing solution (1.5 M NaCl, 0.5 M NaOH), neutralizing solution
(1.5 M NaCl, 1 M Tris, pH 8.0), and twice in 2.times.SSC for 10 min
each. The membrane is then UV irradiated in a STRATALINKER
UV-crosslinker (Stratagene).
[0219] In the second method, cDNAs are amplified from bacterial
vectors by thirty cycles of PCR using primers complementary to
vector sequences flanking the insert. PCR amplification increases a
starting concentration of 1-2 ng nucleic acid to a final quantity
greater than 5 .mu.g. Amplified nucleic acids from about 400 bp to
about 5000 bp in length are purified using SEPHACRYL-400 beads
(APB). Purified nucleic acids are arranged on a nylon membrane
manually or using a dot/slot blotting manifold and suction device
and are immobilized by denaturation, neutralization, and UV
irradiation as described above. Purified nucleic acids are
robotically arranged and immobilized on polymer-coated glass slides
using the procedure described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,807,522.
Polymer-coated slides are prepared by cleaning glass microscope
slides (Corning Life Sciences) by ultrasound in 0.1% SDS and
acetone, etching in 4% hydrofluoric acid (VWR Scientific Products,
West Chester Pa.), coating with 0.05% aminopropyl silane
(Sigma-Aldrich) in 95% ethanol, and curing in a 1.degree. C. oven.
The slides are washed extensively with distilled water between and
after treatments. The nucleic acids are arranged on the slide and
then immobilized by exposing the array to UV irradiation using a
STRATALINKER UV-crosslinker (Stratagene). Arrays are then washed at
room temperature in 0.2% SDS and rinsed three times in distilled
water. Non-specific binding sites are blocked by incubation of
arrays in 0.2% casein in phosphate buffered saline (PBS; Tropix,
Bedford Mass.) for 30 min at 60C; then the arrays are washed in
0.2% SDS and rinsed in distilled water as before.
[0220] Probe Preparation for Membrane Hybridization
[0221] Hybridization probes derived from the cDNAs of the Sequence
Listing are employed for screening cDNAs, mRNAs, or genomic DNA in
membrane-based hybridizations. Probes are prepared by diluting the
cDNAs to a concentration of 40-50 ng in 45 .mu.l TE buffer,
denaturing by heating to 100C for five min, and briefly
centrifuging. The denatured cDNA is then added to a REDIPRIME tube
(APB), gently mixed until blue color is evenly distributed, and
briefly centrifuged. Five .mu.l of [.sup.32P]dCTP is added to the
tube, and the contents are incubated at 37C for 10 min. The
labeling reaction is stopped by adding 5 .mu.l of 0.2M EDTA, and
probe is purified from unincorporated nucleotides using a
PROBEQUANT G-50 microcolumn (APB). The purified probe is heated to
100C for five min, snap cooled for two min on ice, and used in
membrane-based hybridizations as described below.
[0222] Probe Preparation for Polymer Coated Slide Hybridization
[0223] Hybridization probes derived from mRNA isolated from samples
are employed for screening cDNAs of the Sequence Listing in
array-based hybridizations. Probe is prepared using the GEMbright
kit (Incyte Genomics) by diluting mRNA to a concentration of 200 ng
in 9 .mu.l TE buffer and adding 5 .mu.l 5.times.buffer, 1 .mu.l 0.1
M DTT, 3 .mu.l Cy3 or Cy5 labeling mix, 1 .mu.l RNAse inhibitor, 1
.mu.l reverse transcriptase, and 5 .mu.l 1.times.yeast control
mRNAs. Yeast control mRNAs are synthesized by in vitro
transcription from noncoding yeast genomic DNA (W Lei,
unpublished). As quantitative controls, one set of control mRNAs at
0.002 ng, 0.02 ng, 0.2 ng, and 2 ng are diluted into reverse
transcription reaction mixture at ratios of 1:100,000, 1:10,000,
1:1000, and 1:100 (w/w) to sample mRNA respectively. To examine
mRNA differential expression patterns, a second set of control
mRNAs are diluted into reverse transcription reaction mixture at
ratios of 1:3, 3:1, 1:10, 10:1, 1:25, and 25:1 (w/w). The reaction
mixture is mixed and incubated at 37C for two hr. The reaction
mixture is then incubated for 20 min at 85C, and probes are
purified using two successive CHROMA SPIN+TE 30 columns (BD
Bisociences Clontech, Palo Alto Calif.). Purified probe is ethanol
precipitated by diluting probe to 90 .mu.l in DEPC-treated water,
adding 2 .mu.l 1 mg/ml glycogen, 60 .mu.l 5 M sodium acetate, and
300 .mu.l 100% ethanol. The probe is centrifuged for 20 min at
20,800.times.g, and the pellet is resuspended in 12 .mu.l
resuspension buffer, heated to 65C for five min, and mixed
thoroughly. The probe is heated and mixed as before and then stored
on ice. Probe is used in high density array-based hybridizations as
described below.
[0224] Membrane-Based Hybridization
[0225] Membranes are pre-hybridized in hybridization solution
containing 1% Sarkosyl and 1.times.high phosphate buffer (0.5 M
NaCl, 0.1 M Na.sub.2HPO.sub.4, 5 mM EDTA, pH 7) at 55C for two hr.
The probe, diluted in 15 ml fresh hybridization solution, is then
added to the membrane. The membrane is hybridized with the probe at
55C for 16 hr. Following hybridization, the membrane is washed for
15 min at 25C in 1 mM Tris (pH 8.0), 1% Sarkosyl, and four times
for 15 min each at 25C in 1 mM Tris (pH 8.0). To detect
hybridization complexes, XOMAT-AR film (Eastman Kodak, Rochester
N.Y.) is exposed to the membrane overnight at -70C, developed, and
examined.
[0226] Polymer Coated Slide-Based Hybridization
[0227] Probe is heated to 65C for five min, centrifuged five min at
9400 rpm in a 5415C microcentrifuge (Eppendorf Scientific, Westbury
N.Y.), and then 18 .mu.l is aliquoted onto the array surface and
covered with a coverslip. The arrays are transferred to a
waterproof chamber having a cavity just slightly larger than a
microscope slide. The chamber is kept at 100% humidity internally
by the addition of 140 .mu.l of 5.times.SSC in a corner of the
chamber. The chamber containing the arrays is incubated for about
6.5 hr at 60C. The arrays are washed for 10 min at 45C in
1.times.SSC, 0.1% SDS, and three times for 10 min each at 45C in
0.1.times., and dried.
[0228] Hybridization reactions are performed in absolute or
differential hybridization formats. In the absolute hybridization
format, probe from one sample is hybridized to array elements, and
signals are detected after hybridization complexes form. Signal
strength correlates with probe mRNA levels in the sample. In the
differential hybridization format, differential expression of a set
of genes in two biological samples is analyzed. Probes from the two
samples are prepared and labeled with different labeling moieties.
A mixture of the two labeled probes is hybridized to the array
elements, and signals are examined under conditions in which the
emissions from the two different labels are individually
detectable. Elements on the array that are hybridized to
substantially equal numbers of probes derived from both biological
samples give a distinct combined fluorescence (Shalon
WO95/35505).
[0229] Hybridization complexes are detected with a microscope
equipped with an Innova 70 mixed gas 10 W laser (Coherent, Santa
Clara Calif.) capable of generating spectral lines at 488 nm for
excitation of Cy3 and at 632 nm for excitation of Cy5. The
excitation laser light is focused on the array using a
20.times.microscope objective (Nikon, Melville N.Y.). The slide
containing the array is placed on a computer-controlled X-Y stage
on the microscope and raster-scanned past the objective with a
resolution of 20 micrometers. In the differential hybridization
format, the two fluorophores are sequentially excited by the laser.
Emitted light is split, based on wavelength, into two
photomultiplier tube detectors (PMT R1477, Hamamatsu Photonics
Systems, Bridgewater N.J.) corresponding to the two fluorophores.
Appropriate filters positioned between the array and the
photomultiplier tubes are used to filter the signals. The emission
maxima of the fluorophores used are 565 nm for Cy3 and 650 nm for
Cy5. The sensitivity of the scans is calibrated using the signal
intensity generated by the yeast control mRNAs added to the probe
mix. A specific location on the array contains a complementary DNA
sequence, allowing the intensity of the signal at that location to
be correlated with a weight ratio of hybridizing species of
1:100,000.
[0230] The output of the photomultiplier tube is digitized using a
12-bit RTI-835H analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion board (Analog
Devices, Norwood Mass.) installed in an IBM-compatible PC computer.
The digitized data are displayed as an image where the signal
intensity is mapped using a linear 20-color transformation to a
pseudocolor scale ranging from blue (low signal) to red (high
signal). The data is also analyzed quantitatively. Where two
different fluorophores are excited and measured simultaneously, the
data are first corrected for optical crosstalk (due to overlapping
emission spectra) between the fluorophores using the emission
spectrum for each fluorophore. A grid is superimposed over the
fluorescence signal image such that the signal from each spot is
centered in each element of the grid. The fluorescence signal
within each element is then integrated to obtain a numerical value
corresponding to the average intensity of the signal. The software
used for signal analysis was the GEMTOOLS program (Incyte
Genomics).
[0231] IX Northern Analysis, Transcript Imaging, and
Guilt-By-Association
[0232] Northern Analysis
[0233] Northern analysis is a laboratory technique used to detect
the presence of a transcript of a gene and involves the
hybridization of a labeled nucleotide sequence to a membrane on
which RNAs from a particular cell type or tissue have been bound.
The technique is described in Ausubel, supra, units 4.1-4.9)
[0234] Analogous computer techniques applying BLAST are used to
search for identical or related molecules in nucleotide databases
such as GenBank or the LIFESEQ database (Incyte Genomics). This
analysis is faster than multiple membrane-based hybridizations. In
addition, the sensitivity of the computer search can be modified to
determine whether any particular match is categorized as exact or
homologous. The basis of the search is the product score which was
described above.
[0235] Transcript Imaging
[0236] A transcript image was performed for DSCR1L1.alpha. using
the LIFESEQ GOLD database (Incyte Genomics). This process assessed
the relative abundance of the expressed polynucleotides in all of
the cDNA libraries and was described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,840,484,
incorporated herein by reference. All sequences and cDNA libraries
in the LIFESEQ database are categorized by system, organ/tissue and
cell type. The categories include cardiovascular system, connective
tissue, digestive system, embryonic structures, endocrine system,
exocrine glands, female and male genitalia, germ cells,
hemic/immune system, liver, musculoskeletal system, nervous system,
pancreas, respiratory system, sense organs, skin, stomatognathic
system, unclassified/mixed, and the urinary tract. Criteria for
transcript imaging are selected from category, number of cDNAs per
library, library description, disease indication, clinical
relevance of sample, and the like.
[0237] For each category, the number of libraries in which the
sequence was expressed were counted and shown over the total number
of libraries in that category. For each library, the number of
cDNAs were counted and shown over the total number of cDNAs in that
library. In some transcript images, all enriched, normalized (NORM)
or subtracted (SUB) libraries, which have high copy number
sequences can be removed prior to processing, and all mixed or
pooled tissues, which are considered non-specific in that they
contain more than one tissue type or more than one subject's
tissue, can be excluded from the analysis. Treated and untreated
cell lines and/or fetal tissue data can also be excluded where
clinical relevance is emphasized. Conversely, fetal tissue can be
emphasized wherever elucidation of inherited disorders or
differentiation of particular adult or embryonic stem cells into
tissues or organs (such as heart, kidney, nerves or pancreas) would
be aided by removing clinical samples from the analysis.
[0238] Guilt-By-Association
[0239] GBA identifies cDNAs that are expressed in a plurality of
cDNA libraries relating to a specific disease process, subcellular
compartment, cell type, tissue type, or species. The expression
patterns of cDNAs with unknown function are compared with the
expression patterns of genes having well documented function to
determine whether a specified co-expression probability threshold
is met. Through this comparison, a subset of the cDNAs having a
highly significant co-expression probability with the known genes
are identified.
[0240] The cDNAs originate from human cDNA libraries from any cell
or cell line, tissue, or organ and may be selected from a variety
of sequence types including, but not limited to, expressed sequence
tags (ESTs), assembled polynucleotides, full length gene coding
regions, promoters, introns, enhancers, 5' untranslated regions,
and 3' untranslated regions. To have statistically significant
analytical results, the cDNAs need to be expressed in at least five
cDNA libraries. The number of cDNA libraries whose sequences are
analyzed can range from as few as 500 to greater than 10,000.
[0241] The method for identifying cDNAs that exhibit a
statistically significant co-expression pattern is as follows.
First, the presence or absence of a gene in a cDNA library is
defined: a gene is present in a library when at least one fragment
of its sequence is detected in a sample taken from the library, and
a gene is absent from a library when no corresponding fragment is
detected in the sample.
[0242] Second, the significance of co-expression is evaluated using
a probability method to measure a due-to-chance probability of the
co-expression. The probability method can be the Fisher exact test,
the chi-squared test, or the kappa test. These tests and examples
of their applications are well known in the art and can be found in
standard statistics texts (Agresti (1990) Categorical Data
Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, New York N.Y.; Rice (1988)
Mathematical Statistics and Data Analysis, Duxbury Press, Pacific
Grove Calif.). A Bonferroni correction (Rice, supra, p. 384) can
also be applied in combination with one of the probability methods
for correcting statistical results of one gene versus multiple
other genes. In a preferred embodiment, the due-to-chance
probability is measured by a Fisher exact test, and the threshold
of the due-to-chance probability is set preferably to less than
0.001.
[0243] This method of estimating the probability for co-expression
of two genes assumes that the libraries are independent and are
identically sampled. However, in practical situations, the selected
cDNA libraries are not entirely independent because: 1) more than
one library may be obtained from a single subject or tissue, and 2)
different numbers of cDNAs, typically ranging from 5,000 to 10,000,
may be sequenced from each library. In addition, since a Fisher
exact co-expression probability is calculated for each gene versus
every other gene that occurs in at least five libraries, a
Bonferroni correction for multiple statistical tests is used (See
Walker et al. (1999; Genome Res 9:1198-203; expressly incorporated
herein by reference).
[0244] X Complementary Molecules
[0245] Molecules complementary to the cDNA, from about 5 (PNA) to
about 5000 bp (complement of a cDNA insert), are used to detect or
inhibit gene expression. These molecules are selected using
LASERGENE software (DNASTAR). Detection is described in Example
VII. To inhibit transcription by preventing promoter binding, the
complementary molecule is designed to bind to the most unique 5'
sequence and includes nucleotides of the 5' UTR upstream of the
initiation codon of the open reading frame. Complementary molecules
include genomic sequences (such as enhancers or introns) and are
used in "triple helix" base pairing to compromise the ability of
the double helix to open sufficiently for the binding of
polymerases, transcription factors, or regulatory molecules. To
inhibit translation, a complementary molecule is designed to
prevent ribosomal binding to the mRNA encoding the mammalian
protein.
[0246] Complementary molecules are placed in expression vectors and
used to transform a cell line to test efficacy; into an organ,
tumor, synovial cavity, or the vascular system for transient or
short term therapy; or into a stem cell, zygote, or other
reproducing lineage for long term or stable gene therapy. Transient
expression lasts for a month or more with a non-replicating vector
and for three months or more if appropriate elements for inducing
vector replication are used in the transformation/expression
system.
[0247] Stable transformation of appropriate dividing cells with a
vector encoding the complementary molecule produces a transgenic
cell line, tissue, or organism (U.S. Pat. No. 4,736,866). Those
cells that assimilate and replicate sufficient quantities of the
vector to allow stable integration also produce enough
complementary molecules to compromise or entirely eliminate
activity of the cDNA encoding the mammalian protein.
[0248] XI Expression of DSCR1L1.alpha.
[0249] Expression and purification of the mammalian protein are
achieved using either a mammalian cell expression system or an
insect cell expression system. The pUB6/V5-His vector system
(Invitrogen) is used to express DSCR1L1.alpha. in CHO cells. The
vector contains the selectable bsd gene, multiple cloning sites,
the promoter/enhancer sequence from the human ubiquitin C gene, a
C-terminal V5 epitope for antibody detection with anti-V5
antibodies, and a C-terminal polyhistidine (6.times.His) sequence
for rapid purification on PROBOND resin (Invitrogen). Transformed
cells are selected on media containing blasticidin.
[0250] Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) insect cells are infected with
recombinant Autographica californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus
(baculovirus). The polyhedrin gene is replaced with the mammalian
cDNA by homologous recombination and the polyhedrin promoter drives
cDNA transcription. The protein is synthesized as a fusion protein
with 6.times.his which enables purification as described above.
Purified protein is used in the following activity and to make
antibodies.
[0251] XII Production of Antibodies
[0252] DSCR1L1.alpha. are purified using polyacrylamide gel
electrophoresis and used to immunize mice or rabbits. Antibodies
are produced using the protocols below. Alternatively, the amino
acid sequences of DSCR1L1.alpha. are analyzed using LASERGENE
software (DNASTAR) to determine regions of high antigenicity. An
antigenic epitope, usually found near the C-terminus or in a
hydrophilic region is selected, synthesized, and used to raise
antibodies. Typically, epitopes of about 15 residues in length are
produced using a 431A peptide synthesizer (ABI) using
Fmoc-chemistry and coupled to KLH (Sigma-Aldrich) by reaction with
N-maleimidobenzoyl-N-hydroxysuccinimide ester to increase
antigenicity.
[0253] Rabbits are immunized with the epitope-KLH complex in
complete Freund's adjuvant. Immunizations are repeated at intervals
thereafter in incomplete Freund's adjuvant. After a minimum of
seven weeks for mouse or twelve weeks for rabbit, antisera are
drawn and tested for antipeptide activity. Testing involves binding
the peptide to plastic, blocking with 1% bovine serum albumin,
reacting with rabbit antisera, washing, and reacting with
radio-iodinated goat anti-rabbit IgG. Methods well known in the art
are used to determine antibody titer and the amount of complex
formation.
[0254] XIII Immunopurification of Naturally Occurring Protein Using
Antibodies
[0255] Naturally occurring or recombinant protein is purified by
immunoaffinity chromatography using antibodies which specifically
bind the protein. An immunoaffinity column is constructed by
covalently coupling the antibody to CNBr-activated SEPHAROSE resin
(APB). Media containing the protein is passed over the
immunoaffinity column, and the column is washed using high ionic
strength buffers in the presence of detergent to allow preferential
absorbance of the protein. After coupling, the protein is eluted
from the column using a buffer of pH 2-3 or a high concentration of
urea or thiocyanate ion to disrupt antibody/protein binding, and
the protein is collected.
[0256] XIV Western Analysis
[0257] Electrophoresis and Blotting
[0258] Samples containing protein are mixed in 2.times.loading
buffer, heated to 95 C for 3-5 min, and loaded on 4-12% NUPAGE
Bis-Tris precast gel (Invitrogen). Unless indicated, equal amounts
of total protein are loaded into each well. The gel is
electrophoresced in 1.times.MES or MOPS running buffer (Invitrogen)
at 200 V for approximately 45 min on an Xcell II apparatus
(Invitrogen) until the RAINBOW marker (APB) has resolved, and dye
front approaches the bottom of the gel. The gel and its supports
are removed from the apparatus and soaked in 1.times.transfer
buffer (Invitrogen) with 10% methanol for a few minutes; and the
PVDF membrane is soaked in 100% methanol for a few seconds to
activate it. The membrane, gel, and supports are placed on the
TRANSBLOT SD transfer apparatus (Biorad, Hercules Calif.) and a
constant current of 350 mAmps is applied for 90 min.
[0259] Conjugation With Antibody and Visualization
[0260] After the proteins are transferred to the membrane, it is
blocked in 5% (w/v) non-fat dry milk in 1.times.phosphate buffered
saline (PBS) with 0.1% Tween 20 detergent (blocking buffer) on a
rotary shaker for at least 1 hr at room temperature or at 4C
overnight. After blocking, the buffer is removed, and 10 ml of
primary antibody in blocking buffer is added. The membrane is
incubated on the rotary shaker for 1 hr at room temperature or
overnight at 4C. The membrane is washed 3.times.for 10 min each
with PBS-Tween (PBST), and secondary antibody, conjugated to
horseradish peroxidase, is added at a 1:3000 dilution in 10 ml
blocking buffer. The membrane and solution are shaken for 30 min at
room temperature and then washed three times for 10 min each with
PBST.
[0261] The wash solution is carefully removed, and the membrane is
moistened with ECL+ chemilum-inescent detection system (APB) and
incubated for approximately 5 min. The membrane, protein side down,
is placed on BIOMAX M film (Eastman Kodak) and developed for
approximately 30 seconds.
[0262] XV Antibody Arrays
[0263] Protein:Protein Interactions
[0264] In an alternative to yeast two hybrid system analysis of
proteins, an antibody array can be used to study protein-protein
interactions and phosphorylation. A variety of protein ligands are
immobilized on a membrane using methods well known in the art. The
array is incubated in the presence of cell lysate until
protein:antibody complexes are formed. Proteins of interest are
identified by exposing the membrane to an antibody specific to the
protein of interest. In the alternative, a protein of interest is
labeled with digoxigenin (DIG) and exposed to the membrane; then
the membrane is exposed to anti-DIG antibody which reveals where
the protein of interest forms a complex. The identity of the
proteins with which the protein of interest interacts is determined
by the position of the protein of interest on the membrane.
[0265] Proteomic Profiles
[0266] Antibody arrays can also be used for high-throughput
screening of recombinant antibodies. Bacteria containing antibody
genes are robotically-picked and gridded at high density (up to
18,342 different double-spotted clones) on a filter. Up to 15
antigens at a time are used to screen for clones to identify those
that express binding antibody fragments. These antibody arrays can
also be used to identify proteins which are differentially
expressed in samples (de Wildt, supra)
[0267] XVI Screening Molecules for Specific Binding with the cDNA
or Protein
[0268] The cDNA, or fragments thereof, or the protein, or portions
thereof, are labeled with .sup.32P-dCTP, Cy3-dCTP, or Cy5-dCTP
(APB), or with BIODIPY or FITC (Molecular Probes, Eugene Oreg.),
respectively. Libraries of candidate molecules or compounds
previously arranged on a substrate are incubated in the presence of
labeled cDNA or protein. After incubation under conditions for
either a nucleic acid or amino acid sequence, the substrate is
washed, and any position on the substrate retaining label, which
indicates specific binding or complex formation, is assayed, and
the ligand is identified. Data obtained using different
concentrations of the nucleic acid or protein are used to calculate
affinity between the labeled nucleic acid or protein and the bound
molecule.
[0269] XVII Two-Hybrid Screen
[0270] A yeast two-hybrid system, MATCHMAKER LexA Two-Hybrid system
(BD Biosciences Clontech), is used to screen for peptides that bind
the mammalian protein of the invention. A cDNA encoding the protein
is inserted into the multiple cloning site of a pLexA vector,
ligated, and transformed into E. coli. cDNA, prepared from mRNA, is
inserted into the multiple cloning site of a pB42AD vector,
ligated, and transformed into E. coli to construct a cDNA library.
The pLexA plasmid and pB42AD-cDNA library constructs are isolated
from E. coli and used in a 2:1 ratio to co-transform competent
yeast EGY48[p8op-lacZ] cells using a polyethylene glycol/lithium
acetate protocol. Transformed yeast cells are plated on synthetic
dropout (SD) media lacking histidine (-His), tryptophan (-Trp), and
uracil (-Ura), and incubated at 30C until the colonies have grown
up and are counted. The colonies are pooled in a minimal volume of
1.times.TE (pH 7.5), replated on SD/-His/-Leu/-Trp/-Ura media
supplemented with 2% galactose (Gal), 1% raffinose (Raf), and 80
mg/ml 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl .beta.-d-galactopyranoside
(X-Gal), and subsequently examined for growth of blue colonies.
Interaction between expressed protein and cDNA fusion proteins
activates expression of a LEU2 reporter gene in EGY48 and produces
colony growth on media lacking leucine (-Leu). Interaction also
activates expression of 1-galactosidase from the p8op-lacZ reporter
construct that produces blue color in colonies grown on X-Gal.
[0271] Positive interactions between expressed protein and cDNA
fusion proteins are verified by isolating individual positive
colonies and growing them in SD/-Trp/-Ura liquid medium for 1 to 2
days at 30C. A sample of the culture is plated on SD/-Trp/-Ura
media and incubated at 30C until colonies appear. The sample is
replica-plated on SD/-Trp/-Ura and SD/-His/-Trp/-Ura plates.
Colonies that grow on SD containing histidine but not on media
lacking histidine have lost the pLexA plasmid. Histidine-requiring
colonies are grown on SD/Gal/Raf/X-Gal/-Trp/-Ura, and white
colonies are isolated and propagated. The pB42AD-cDNA plasmid,
which contains a cDNA encoding a protein that physically interacts
with the mammalian protein, is isolated from the yeast cells and
characterized.
[0272] XVIII Demonstration of Protein Activity
[0273] DSCR1L1.alpha., or biologically active fragments thereof,
are labeled with .sup.125I Bolton-Hunter reagent (Bolton et al.
(1973) Biochem J 133:529-539). Candidate ligand molecules
previously arrayed in the wells of a multi-well plate are incubated
with the labeled DSCR1L1.alpha., washed, and any wells with labeled
DSCR1L1.alpha. complex are assayed. Data obtained using different
concentrations of DSCR1L1.alpha. are used to calculate values for
the number, affinity, and association of DSCR1L1.alpha. with the
candidate ligand molecules.
[0274] All patents and publications mentioned in the specification
are incorporated by reference herein. Various modifications and
variations of the described method and system of the invention will
be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the
scope and spirit of the invention. Although the invention has been
described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it
should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be
unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various
modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention
that are obvious to those skilled in the field of molecular biology
or related fields are intended to be within the scope of the
following claims.
Sequence CWU 1
1
11 1 3159 DNA Homo sapiens misc_feature Incyte ID No 247500.5 1
ccagctatta gggagactcc agccccttgc caggcgagag agtggatggt caccctccat
60 ggaggaagtg tttcccaagg gtgtctgctg gggaaggaaa gcatgatgca
gtgcagatta 120 atcagagaga agagccaacg tctcgtctac ctttttttgt
tgaaaacaaa caaaacgtga 180 ttgtatgtca actttggaaa aaaacaacgt
agtgtnggga atgaggggag aatcatactt 240 catcggaatg aggagcccag
ggcagcaggg acacgtccct gaagatggag gacttttctt 300 actgtgctgc
atagacaggg actgggctgt cactcgttgt tttgcagaag aagcctttca 360
agcaatcact gacttcaatg acctccccaa ctcgttgttt gcgtgcaatg ttcaccagtc
420 agtgtttgaa ggagaagaga gcaaggaaaa atttgaggga ctgtttcgga
cttatgatga 480 ctgtgtgacg ttccagctat ttaagagttt cagacgtgtc
cgtataaact tcagcaatcc 540 taaatctgca gcccgagcta ggatagagct
tcatgaaacc caattcagag ggaaaaaatt 600 aaagctctac tttgcacagg
ttcagactcc agagacagat ggagacaaac tgcacttggc 660 tccaccccag
cctgccaaac agtttctcat ctcgccccct tcctccccac ctgttggctg 720
gcagcccatc aacgatgcca cgccagtcct caactatgac ctcctctatg ctgtggccaa
780 actaggacca ggagagaagt atgagctcca tgcagggact gagtccaccc
caagtgtcgt 840 cgtgcacgtg tgcgacagtg acatagagga agaagaggac
ccaaagactt ccccaaagcc 900 aaaaatcatc caaactcggc gtcctggcct
gccaccctcc gtgtccaact gagctgcctg 960 ctccttctcg ataatagccg
tctcctcttt atcatgcttt ttccccctgt tgtttgtcaa 1020 aaaaaattgc
ctttaaattc ctgggtgttt ggttgtttga gattccttcc ttgttatcaa 1080
gcctctcgga caaaagggct aggaaaaggt gatatgtctc ctgatcatat catacccatt
1140 aagtataacc cattatttag aaggttctag ggaaaaaagt agtattttct
tattaaacaa 1200 tcagcacagc ctatatcttt gttctctcat gttgatccaa
gccagagaca tcagtaacaa 1260 atagcacctg tgttgtttgt gagctgtttc
agtcccagtc ctgatgtgtg tgcgttgttc 1320 tctcctggcc acttaaatag
gaccatatgt aaacttgact ttgactgcat gagatatccc 1380 tatctggtct
cactcagtcc tctgcatccc aacattccca ggacatgcat gatcaccagc 1440
atttattttc attatttgag gatatcttat aactcacaga ttgtcagcat ccagccatgt
1500 cctatctaga ttaggaaaat gatcagaata ttccagctca acaagtctgg
gtatattcac 1560 tattgtgagt caatacacca tagctctgtt gaaattcctg
gaggcaaaat tgaccttggc 1620 cccaaagata ttcctcaata gatttcaaac
accactcccc tgtagaactc tcccagcctc 1680 gttggggagg cttgtccagg
gtgatagaga ctgatttcag acaaacctat ttattacaaa 1740 agtttcatgg
tgtctgaatg attgttttct ctctttgtat atttgtacaa atgtttcagc 1800
tgtgctttta aaaaatctgg atgtttttta tttagtgatt gttcgacaat tagctgcttc
1860 aaaacataat gtgcattgct tatgaatgcc ttcatatact aatacagata
ctctgataat 1920 attacactct aataaggata atgctgaatt ttgaaaggac
acaaaacatc taatgccaat 1980 atatacatga ttagccaaca tctttgctat
caagaccact tgtttttaaa taaagatgca 2040 agtgtcagtt gtagattatt
gggatgaagc taaatcccca gaatggcagc agcagctgag 2100 catgttaaaa
tggggaagga tgatagctac atgtatgccg gtcctactca cgcgacaccc 2160
gtgtgctcaa aaaagttatt tgtttttgtt acgtgtgatt tttctatttc tctagcccaa
2220 agtgcattac agaagataca cctatagaac cattaccttc tgctatgtgt
gccaggcctc 2280 atctactcct gtacattaat gaattacttt agatgcaaac
gcagattaca atggagtggg 2340 gaagtacttt cattacccaa gcctcagaaa
aacacacaag aacaataaca cagcaaacag 2400 attgagggat tgttgtggtt
tttgactaag gtgtatgtta gtttcatcag aaacttaaaa 2460 catagactga
tcactcagaa attaaagtcc gttttactgt gaatatagca atatagtact 2520
ggacacagta ctggtgaaac tgaggagagc attgcttgta aaatcctgag tttccataag
2580 gaaaatgaaa actcctttta aaaataaaat ctgaggagtg tacaataagc
atatgctttg 2640 actttccttt gctgtggagg tttttggttt ttcattgatg
ataaacgact acagacttag 2700 tagtggagaa atggtgtcct ctagtggaag
aaatagtagg ctccgctatt cagatgcaga 2760 gcactgcagc atccagcctt
tcaaagctga ctcttctcaa tcatctgtgg gtcatttgac 2820 ttgatttttt
aagctaccct gaatttccag aatgcaggtt ctaaagaaat ctagatgaga 2880
gaaagtattt gaaaatgatt tttaaatgtt ttttaaaaga cacatctgac atttttaaca
2940 acttagtaaa agttgaaatg accattctgt gtagtcataa aagaaacaca
atgaagtgta 3000 tggcctctgg agttagtctt agtaaaactt attgctctgt
gtcaatgtta acctgtctca 3060 gatcaagtaa ttctttcact aggttgggtt
ncngaggggg ganaagaggg gctttcctag 3120 gagaacgata agaaatggaa
agactccttg aagtgttgc 3159 2 255 PRT Homo sapiens misc_feature
Incyte ID No 247500.5 2 Met Ser Thr Leu Glu Lys Asn Asn Val Val Xaa
Gly Met Arg Gly 1 5 10 15 Glu Ser Tyr Phe Ile Gly Met Arg Ser Pro
Gly Gln Gln Gly His 20 25 30 Val Pro Glu Asp Gly Gly Leu Phe Leu
Leu Cys Cys Ile Asp Arg 35 40 45 Asp Trp Ala Val Thr Arg Cys Phe
Ala Glu Glu Ala Phe Gln Ala 50 55 60 Ile Thr Asp Phe Asn Asp Leu
Pro Asn Ser Leu Phe Ala Cys Asn 65 70 75 Val His Gln Ser Val Phe
Glu Gly Glu Glu Ser Lys Glu Lys Phe 80 85 90 Glu Gly Leu Phe Arg
Thr Tyr Asp Asp Cys Val Thr Phe Gln Leu 95 100 105 Phe Lys Ser Phe
Arg Arg Val Arg Ile Asn Phe Ser Asn Pro Lys 110 115 120 Ser Ala Ala
Arg Ala Arg Ile Glu Leu His Glu Thr Gln Phe Arg 125 130 135 Gly Lys
Lys Leu Lys Leu Tyr Phe Ala Gln Val Gln Thr Pro Glu 140 145 150 Thr
Asp Gly Asp Lys Leu His Leu Ala Pro Pro Gln Pro Ala Lys 155 160 165
Gln Phe Leu Ile Ser Pro Pro Ser Ser Pro Pro Val Gly Trp Gln 170 175
180 Pro Ile Asn Asp Ala Thr Pro Val Leu Asn Tyr Asp Leu Leu Tyr 185
190 195 Ala Val Ala Lys Leu Gly Pro Gly Glu Lys Tyr Glu Leu His Ala
200 205 210 Gly Thr Glu Ser Thr Pro Ser Val Val Val His Val Cys Asp
Ser 215 220 225 Asp Ile Glu Glu Glu Glu Asp Pro Lys Thr Ser Pro Lys
Pro Lys 230 235 240 Ile Ile Gln Thr Arg Arg Pro Gly Leu Pro Pro Ser
Val Ser Asn 245 250 255 3 1021 DNA Rattus norvegicus misc_feature
Incyte ID No 219435_Rn.1 3 aggctgtact gattgtttaa taagaaaata
ctaccctttg tctagaactt tctaaataat 60 ggactctggt taatgggtat
gagttgactg ggagacatat caccttttcc tagccctttt 120 gtccgagagg
cttaagttac aaggaaggat tctcaaacaa ccaaataccc aggtgacttc 180
aaggcaatta atttttggac gaacaaggga gaaaaagcat gataagagga gatgcatgtt
240 atcatggacg tgctcagttg gacacggagg gtggcaggcc aggacgccgg
gtctggatga 300 tttttggctt tggggaagtc tttggatcct cctcctcctc
caagtcgctg tcacacacgt 360 gcacgacaac gctcggtgta gactcagttc
ccgcatgcag ctcatatttc tctcctggtc 420 ctagtttggc cacggcataa
aggaggtcgt acgttgagga ctggtgtggc atcgctgata 480 ggcttccagc
caacgggagg agatgaaggg ggtgagatga ggaactgttt ggcaggctgt 540
gggggtgcca aactgcagtt tgtctaccat ctgtctctgg ggtctggacc tgtgcaaagt
600 agagtttcag cttcttccct catgaactgg gtccacatga agctcctatc
cgggcaccgg 660 gctgcagctt tggggtggct gaaatttatt ccgaacccgt
cggaaactct taaacagctg 720 aaacgtcaca cattcgtcat aggtccggaa
cagtccctca aatttttcct taacctcctg 780 attggtaaag acctccacat
ccaccacaca ggcgaccaga gtggaaacat cacagtccat 840 gctaggggct
ggcattcccc tcttcggaat tctcagcgaa gagttaggca gcctcagagt 900
tgggagtgaa gagactcctc tggatggata ctgtcctggt actgccctgc ttctgggggg
960 gaggtggggt gcggtgcggt gctggttgga gactcagcca cctggagcct
gctgccgctg 1020 c 1021 4 193 DNA Rattus norvegicus misc_feature
Incyte ID No 271176_Rn.1 4 5 1348 DNA Rattus norvegicus
misc_feature Incyte ID No 291862_Rn.1 5 ggctacagca atgtctcatg
ccaatagata aacgactagc taatttcttt gctgtcaaga 60 tcacctgttt
gcaaacaaag atccaagtat cagttgtaag caacttgggt ggcgcttaat 120
ccaagatcgt atacagctga gcatttccga acacaaagga tgatgggtaa acggacggcc
180 cctcccattc atccagtgcc cgtgtgctca aaagttcctt gttttcgtta
cctgtgattt 240 tgtatttctc tagcccaaag tgcattacag aagatacacc
tgcagaacca tactttctgc 300 tccatgtgtc aagcctcatc tattcctgtt
cattaactag taactttgga tgcaaatact 360 atttaccaca caacgggcaa
ggacttcaat gacctaagcc tccgaattaa ccaaacaaag 420 aacactaaca
cagccacctg atggggggat tatgtggttt tttgactaag gtgtatgtta 480
gtttcagcag aaacttcaaa cctagactga tcactcagaa aattaaagtc cgttctactg
540 tgaaatatag caatatagtg gccggacacg gtacacgtac gcgttgagac
cgaggccagc 600 attgcttgtg gaatcctgag tttccacggg gataacaagt
ctccttttca aactcagatc 660 tgaggagtgt acagcaaagg ctttgacttt
ccttttgtgg tggaaggatt tggttttttc 720 attggccacg gaacgactac
aaatagtggc gagatgctgc cctctggtgg ccgaaacgtt 780 gaactcggtt
gtataggtgg attgattaca acagtcaact cccagggtct gactttctaa 840
tccgcgttaa ctttcaggat gcaggttctg agaaagagag aaaaatgaac agtctaaatg
900 agattaaagc cttggaaata atttgtgctt ccaaacaatg atagcagaga
tttccagttt 960 agtaaaagtt gatgtgacta ccctctgggt aggcattaag
aactcagtgt tacagatggc 1020 ccaggtgatt agtcttagta aactgtattg
ccatatgtcg atgttaacct gctgcagagc 1080 aagggattct cgcactaggt
tgagcacgga gaggggagaa ggggagcttt ccccagaaag 1140 aatagggaag
ccatgggacc tcccagcacc gagaaagtcg cctctacact tccttccatg 1200
atgctcatta ctgcaaacct cttgtagcgc tcgtttttaa gtctgcaaac gttttaaatg
1260 gaggggaagg ggaaggtttc caccaactga atcatttgtg cacgtgtaca
gctcaaagag 1320 cttagagttc aaatatatct ggtgaatg 1348 6 531 DNA
Rattus norvegicus misc_feature Incyte ID No 299263_Rn.1 6
gttgactggt gagacatatc actcttatcc tagccctttt gtccgagagg cttaatttac
60 tatggaatgg attctcaaac aatccaaaca cccaggtact tcaatggtca
attaattttt 120 ggacgaacaa gggagaaaaa gcatgataag aggagatgca
tgttatacat ggacgtgctc 180 agttggacac ggagaggtgg caggccagga
cgccgggtta ctggatagat ttataaggct 240 ttggggaagt cttatggatc
ctacctacct cctccaagtc gctgtcacac acgtagcacg 300 acaacgctcg
gtagtagact acagtatccc gcataacagc tcatatatta cactcctggt 360
cctagtttgg ccacggcata aaggaggtcg tagttgagga ctggtagtgg catcgctgat
420 aggcttccag ccaacgggag gagatagaag ggggtgagat gaggaactgt
atggcacgct 480 gtggagggtg ccaagatgca gtttagtctc catctgacta
caggggtctg g 531 7 233 DNA Rattus norvegicus misc_feature Incyte ID
No 219652_Rn.1 7 aattcctgga ggtaaaattg agcgtggccc caaagagatt
cctcagtaga ttctaaacat 60 cactatcaca taggactacc cagtgctact
ggggaggctt gcccgagtga cagagaccga 120 tttcagacaa acctatttat
tataaaagtc tcacagtgtc tgaatgattg tcgtcccccc 180 ccaccccttt
gtatatttgt acagatgttt gagctgtgct tttaaaatct gga 233 8 615 DNA
Rattus norvegicus misc_feature Incyte ID No 206751_Rn.1 8
gaagatgcta cgagacagcc tgaaatcttg tgaatgacag ccagtcagac ctctgtagca
60 gcgaccagga agatggaaga ggagatggtc ttcggtgaaa atgaagacga
tttggaagag 120 atgatggacc tcagcgacct gcccacctcc ctctttgctt
gcagtgtcca tgaagcggtg 180 tttgaggtcc aagagcagaa ggagaggttc
gaagccctgt tcaccctcta tgatgaccag 240 gtcacattcc agctgttcaa
gagctttcgc agagtgagga tcaacttcag caagcctgag 300 gctgcggcga
gagcacggat cgagctccac gagagtgaat tccatggccg gaagctgaag 360
ctttacttcg cacaggtgca ggtgtccggg gaggctcggg acaagtccta cttactgcca
420 ccacagccca ccaagcagtt cctcatctcc cctcccgcct caccccccgt
ggggtggaag 480 cagagtgaag atgccacgcc agtgatcaac tatgacctcc
tctgtgccgt ctccaagctg 540 gggccagggg agaaatacga actgcacgca
ggaaccgagt ccacccccag tgtgctggtg 600 cacgtctgtg agagc 615 9 297 DNA
Macaca fascicularis misc_feature Incyte ID No 702110167H1 9
cagcagcccc cgggtcgtgc tgggggaccg cggcggggct ctggccgcgg gacgggtctg
60 ggtgcagggc gggggcggcg gcgggggtgg ggtttgtctc cagatctgtg
gtcagtccgg 120 gctgcggccg tggggacgga gatctcccgc gacccccctc
tagggggcgc gggtcccaag 180 gagccccttc cccactgctc gtggcccggg
ggttcgcctt cctggaagca gcagcaggaa 240 tgaggggaga atcatacttc
atcggaatga ggagcccggg acagcagtga cacatcc 297 10 192 PRT Homo
sapiens misc_feature Incyte ID No g1435040 10 Met Asp Cys Asp Val
Ser Thr Leu Val Ala Cys Val Val Asp Val 1 5 10 15 Glu Val Phe Thr
Asn Gln Glu Val Lys Glu Lys Phe Gly Gly Leu 20 25 30 Phe Arg Thr
Tyr Asp Asp Cys Val Thr Phe Gln Leu Phe Lys Ser 35 40 45 Phe Arg
Arg Val Arg Ile Asn Phe Ser Asn Pro Lys Ser Ala Ala 50 55 60 Arg
Ala Arg Ile Glu Leu His Glu Thr Gln Phe Arg Gly Lys Lys 65 70 75
Leu Lys Leu Tyr Phe Ala Gln Val Gln Thr Pro Glu Thr Asp Gly 80 85
90 Asp Lys Leu His Leu Ala Pro Pro Gln Pro Ala Lys Gln Phe Leu 95
100 105 Ile Ser Pro Pro Ser Ser Pro Pro Val Ser Trp Gln Pro Ile Asn
110 115 120 Asp Ala Thr Pro Val Leu Asn Tyr Asp Leu Leu Tyr Ala Val
Ala 125 130 135 Lys Leu Gly Pro Gly Glu Lys Tyr Glu Leu His Ala Gly
Thr Glu 140 145 150 Ser Thr Pro Ser Val Val Val His Val Cys Asp Ser
Asp Ile Glu 155 160 165 Glu Glu Glu Asp Pro Lys Thr Ser Pro Lys Pro
Lys Ile Ile Gln 170 175 180 Thr Arg Arg Pro Gly Leu Pro Pro Ser Val
Ser Asn 185 190 11 241 PRT Homo sapiens misc_feature Incyte ID No
g6017919 11 Met Leu Arg Asp Thr Met Lys Ser Trp Asn Asp Ser Gln Ser
Asp 1 5 10 15 Leu Cys Ser Thr Asp Gln Glu Glu Glu Glu Glu Met Ile
Phe Gly 20 25 30 Glu Asn Glu Asp Asp Leu Asp Glu Met Met Asp Leu
Ser Asp Leu 35 40 45 Pro Thr Ser Leu Phe Ala Cys Ser Val His Glu
Ala Val Phe Glu 50 55 60 Ala Arg Glu Gln Lys Glu Arg Phe Glu Ala
Leu Phe Thr Ile Tyr 65 70 75 Asp Asp Gln Val Thr Phe Gln Leu Phe
Lys Ser Phe Arg Arg Val 80 85 90 Arg Ile Asn Phe Ser Lys Pro Glu
Ala Ala Ala Arg Ala Arg Ile 95 100 105 Glu Leu His Glu Thr Asp Phe
Asn Gly Gln Lys Leu Lys Leu Tyr 110 115 120 Phe Ala Gln Val Gln Met
Ser Gly Glu Val Arg Asp Lys Ser Tyr 125 130 135 Leu Leu Pro Pro Gln
Pro Val Lys Gln Phe Leu Ile Ser Pro Pro 140 145 150 Ala Ser Pro Pro
Val Gly Trp Lys Gln Ser Glu Asp Ala Met Pro 155 160 165 Val Ile Asn
Tyr Asp Leu Leu Cys Ala Val Ser Lys Leu Gly Pro 170 175 180 Gly Glu
Lys Tyr Glu Leu His Ala Gly Thr Glu Ser Thr Pro Ser 185 190 195 Val
Val Val His Val Cys Glu Ser Glu Thr Glu Glu Glu Glu Glu 200 205 210
Thr Lys Asn Pro Lys Gln Lys Ile Ala Gln Thr Arg Arg Pro Asp 215 220
225 Pro Pro Thr Ala Ala Leu Asn Glu Pro Gln Thr Phe Asp Cys Ala 230
235 240 Leu
* * * * *