Novel germ cell-specific contraceptive target
OwnerMartin M. Matzuk, Aleksander Rajkovic +2inventors
InventorsMartin M. Matzuk, Aleksander Rajkovic, Nobuhiro Suzumori, Kathleen H. Burns
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Abstract
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for modulating conception in animals. More particularly, the composition modulates protein degradation during gametogenesis and early development.
Claims127
An isolated polynucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence of SEQ.ID.NO:
- 3 or complement thereof.
An isolated polynucleotide sequence comprising a nucleic acid sequence of SEQ.ID.NO:
- 1.
An isolated polynucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence of SEQ.ID.NO:
- 4 or complement thereof.
An isolated polynucleotide sequence comprising a nucleic acid sequence of SEQ.ID.NO:
- 2.
An isolated polynucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence of SEQ.ID.NO:
- 5 or complement thereof.
An isolated polynucleotide sequence comprising a nucleic acid sequence of SEQ.ID.NO:
- 6.
An isolated polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence of SEQ.ID.NO:
- 3.
An isolated polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence of SEQ.ID.NO:
- 4.
An isolated polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence of SEQ.ID.NO:
- 5.
A monoclonal antibody that binds immunologically to a polypeptide comprising SEQ.ID.NO:
- 3, or an antigenic fragment thereof
A monoclonal antibody that binds immunologically to a polypeptide comprising SEQ.ID.NO:
- 4, or an antigenic fragment thereof.
A monoclonal antibody that binds immunologically to a polypeptide comprising SEQ.ID.NO:
- 5, or an antigenic fragment thereof.
A polyclonal antisera, antibodies of which bind immunologically to a polypeptide comprising SEQ.ID.NO:
- 3, or an antigenic fragment thereof
A polyclonal antisera, antibodies of which bind immunologically to a polypeptide comprising SEQ.ID.NO:
- 4, or an antigenic fragment thereof.
An expression vector comprising a polynucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence of SEQ.ID.NO:
- 3, wherein said polynucleotide is under control of a promoter operable in cells.
An expression vector comprising a polynucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence of SEQ.ID.NO:
- 4, wherein said polynucleotide is under control of a promoter operable in cells.
A pharmaceutical composition comprising a modulator of RFPL4 expression dispersed in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
A pharmaceutical composition comprising a modulator of RFPL4 activity dispersed in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
A method of identifying compounds that modulate the activity of RFPL4 comprising the steps of:
- obtaining an isolated RFPL4 polypeptide or functional equivalent thereof;
- admixing the RFPL4 polypeptide or functional equivalent thereof with a candidate compound;
- and measuring an effect of said candidate compound on the activity of RFPL4.
A method of screening for a modulator of RFPL4 activity comprising the steps of:
- providing a cell expressing an RFPL4 polypeptide
- contacting said cell with a candidate compound;
- measuring RFPL4 expression;
- and
- comparing said RFPL4 expression in the presence of said candidate compound with the expression of RFPL4 expression in the absence of said candidate compound;
- wherein a difference in the expression of RFPL4 in the presence of said candidate compound, as compared with the expression of RFPL4 in the absence of said candidate compound, identifies said candidate modulator as a modulator of RFPL4 expression.
A method of producing a modulator of RFPL4 activity comprising the steps of:
- providing a cell expressing an RFPL4 polypeptide
- contacting said cell with a candidate compound;
- measuring RFPL4 expression;
- comparing said RFPL4 expression in the presence of said candidate compound with the expression of RFPL4 expression in the absence of said candidate compound;
- wherein a difference in the expression of RFPL4 in the presence of said candidate compound, as compared with the expression of RFPL4 in the absence of said candidate compound, identifies said candidate compound as a modulator of RFPL4 expression;
- and
- producing the modulator.
A method of modulating protein degradation in a germ cell or early embryo of an animal comprising the step of administering to the animal an inhibitor of RFPL4 activity.
A method of contraception comprising administering to an animal an effective amount of an inhibitor of RFPL4 activity dispersed in a pharmacologically acceptable carrier, wherein said amount is capable of decreasing conception.
A method of contraception comprising administering to an animal an effective amount of a stimulator of RFPL4 activity dispersed in a pharmacologically acceptable carrier, wherein said amount is capable of decreasing conception.
A method of modulating protein degradation in a germ cell or early embryo of an animal comprising the step of administering to the animal a stimulator of RFPL4 activity.
A method of enhancing fertility comprising administering to an animal an effective amount of an inhibitor of RFPL4 activity dispersed in a pharmacologically acceptable carrier, wherein said amount is capable of decreasing conception.
A method of enhancing fertility comprising administering to an animal an effective amount of a stimulator of RFPL4 activity dispersed in a pharmacologically acceptable carrier, wherein said amount is capable of decreasing conception.
A method of diagnosing infertility comprising identifying a mutation in an RFPL4 polypeptide or polynucleotide.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.