Neurotrophic factor
AssigneePresident and Fellows of Harvard College
InventorsGerald D. Fischbach, Douglas L. Falls, Kenneth M. Rosen, Gabriel Corfas
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Abstract
The invention pertains to isolated neurotrophic factors, designated as ARIA, which are able to induce the formation of ion channels in a surface membrane of a cell. The amino acid sequence of the neurotrophic factors includes an EGF-like domain, and a second amino acid sequence encoded by at least a portion of an exon of the neurotrophic factor gene normally expressed in a neuronal cell, especially a nerve cell. The neurotrophic factor is distinct from, and essentially unrelated to, the chicken prion-like protein previously identified.
Claims12
An isolated neurotrophic polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID Nos. 4, 33, 35, and 36, which neurotrophic factor induces the formation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in a surface membrane of a cell.
An isolated neurotrophic polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID. No. 2, which neurotrophic polypeptide induces the formation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in a surface membrane of a cell, and includes less than 20% by dry weight of chicken prion-like protein.
An isolated neurotrophic polypeptide comprising amino acid residues Cys141-Cys180 of SEQ ID. No. 2, which neurotrophic polypeptide induces the formation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in a surface membrane of a cell, and includes less than 20% by dry weight of chicken prion-like protein.
An isolated neurotrophic polypeptide comprising an EGF-like domain comprising amino acids 143-187 of SEQ ID NO:
- 4.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.