MAP4Ks as modifiers of branching morphogenesis and methods of use
OwnerFelix D. Karim, Linda Nolan Keyes +1inventors
InventorsFelix D. Karim, Linda Nolan Keyes, Gregory D. Plowman
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Abstract
Human MAP4K genes are identified as modulators of branching morphogenesis, and thus are therapeutic targets for disorders associated with defective branching morphogenesis function. Methods for identifying modulators of branching morphogenesis, comprising screening for agents that modulate the activity of MAP4K are provided.
Claims33
A method of identifying a candidate branching morphogenesis modulating agent, said method comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing an assay system comprising a MAP4K polypeptide or nucleic acid;
- (b) contacting the assay system with a test agent under conditions whereby, but for the presence of the test agent, the system provides a reference activity;
- and
- (c) detecting a test agent-biased activity of the assay system, wherein a difference between the test agent-biased activity and the reference activity identifies the test agent as a candidate branching morphogenesis modulating agent.
A method of modulating branching morphogenesis in a mammalian cell comprising contacting the cell with an agent that specifically binds a MAP4K polypeptide or nucleic acid.
A method for diagnosing a disease in a patient comprising:
- (a) obtaining a biological sample from the patient;
- (b) contacting the sample with a probe for MAP4K expression;
- (c) comparing results from step (b) with a control;
- and
- (d) determining whether step (c) indicates a likelihood of disease.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.