Artemin, a neurotrophic factor
OwnerJeffrey D. Milbrandt, Robert H. Balohinventors
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Abstract
A novel growth factor, artemin, which belongs to the GDNF/neurturin/persephin family of growth factors, is disclosed. The human and mouse amino sequences have been identified. Human and mouse artemin genomic DNA sequences have been cloned and sequenced and the respective cDNA sequences identified. In addition, methods for treating degenerative conditions using artemin, methods for detecting artemin gene alterations and methods for detecting and monitoring patient levels of artemin are provided.
Claims38
An isolated and purified growth factor comprising an artemin amino acid sequence or a conservatively substituted variant thereof or a fragment thereof of at least 8 contiguous amino acids.
An isolated and purified polypeptide comprising:
- (a) a pre- region of human artemin as set forth in SEQ ID NO:48 or a pre-region of mouse artemin as set forth in SEQ ID NO:49,
- (b) a pro- region of human artemin as set forth in SEQ ID NO:50 or a pro-region of mouse artemin as set forth in SEQ ID NO:51,
- (c) a pre-pro- region of human artemin as set forth in SEQ ID NO:52 or a pre-pro- region of mouse artemin as set forth in SEQ ID NO:53, or
- (d) a conservatively substituted variant of (a), (b) or (c).
A recombinant nucleic acid molecule comprising an artemin nucleotide sequence or complement thereto wherein the artemin nucleotide sequence encodes an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of a pre-pro-artemin polypeptide, a pro-artemin polypeptide, a mature artemin polypeptide, a conservatively substituted variant thereof and a fragment thereof having at least 8 contiguous amino acids.
An isolated and purified nucleic acid molecule comprising a polynucleotide encoding:
- (a) a pre- region of artemin as set forth in SEQ ID NO:54 or SEQ ID NO:55;
- (b) a pro- region of artemin as set forth in SEQ ID NO:56 or SEQ ID NO:57;
- (c) a pre-pro- region of artemin as set forth in SEQ ID NO:58 or SEQ ID NO:59;
- or
- (d) a conservatively substituted variant of (a), (b) or (c).
A method for detecting expression of an artemin mRNA in a sample which comprises detecting a polynucleotide in the sample that specifically hybridizes to a polynucleotide consisting of SEQ ID NO:9.
A method for providing trophic support to and/or for producing differentiation of a cell comprising treating the cell with an effective amount of an artemin polypeptide or fragment thereof.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.