Aldos as modifiers of the igf pathway and methods of use
AssigneeExelixis, Inc.
InventorsMark E. Maxwell, Michael Martin Ollmann, Timothy S. Heuer, Benjamin C. Hitz
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Abstract
Human ALDO genes are identified as modulators of the IGF pathway, and thus are therapeutic targets for disorders associated with defective IGF function. Methods for identifying modulators of IGF, comprising screening for agents that modulate the activity of ALDO are provided.
Claims25
A method of identifying a candidate IGF pathway modulating agent, said method comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing an assay system comprising an ALDO 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 IGF pathway modulating agent.
A method for modulating a IGF pathway of a cell comprising contacting a cell defective in IGF function with a candidate modulator that specifically binds to an ALDO polypeptide, whereby IGF function is restored.
A method of modulating IGF pathway in a mammalian cell comprising contacting the cell with an agent that specifically binds an ALDO polypeptide or nucleic acid.
A method for diagnosing a disease in a patient comprising:
- obtaining a biological sample from the patient;
- contacting the sample with a probe for ALDO expression;
- comparing results from step (b) with a control;
- determining whether step (c) indicates a likelihood of disease.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.