Mammalian mesoderm induction early response (MIER) gene family

Abstract

The invention relates to a family of mammalian genes that are transcribed in the immediate early phase following exposure to Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGF) during mesoderm induction, termed Mesoderm Induction Immediate Early Response (MIER) genes. Defining features of the members of this family include that these genes are a) transcribed in response to fibroblast growth factors (FGF); b) are expressed within 40 minutes of FGF treatment; and c) do not require protein synthesis for transcription. There are at least eleven members within this family. The invention relates generally to compositions of and diagnostic methods relating to the M-MIER gene family, cDNA, nucleotide fragments, polypeptides coded thereby, recombinant host cells and vectors containing M-MIER encoding polynucleotide sequences, recombinant M-MIER polypeptides, and antibodies. By way of example, the invention discloses the cloning and functional expression of different M-MIER polypeptides. The invention also includes methods for using the isolated, recombinant polynucleotides, polypeptides, and antibodies directed thereto in assays designed to select substances which interact with M-MIER polypeptides for use diagnostic and therapeutic applications in addition to drug design and DNA vaccination methodologies.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.