Classifications

• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
  • C07K—PEPTIDES
  • C07K14/00—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof
  • C07K14/435—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof from animals; from humans
  • C07K14/705—Receptors; Cell surface antigens; Cell surface determinants
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P1/00—Drugs for disorders of the alimentary tract or the digestive system
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P25/00—Drugs for disorders of the nervous system
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P25/00—Drugs for disorders of the nervous system
  • A61P25/04—Centrally acting analgesics, e.g. opioids
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P27/00—Drugs for disorders of the senses
  • A61P27/16—Otologicals
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P43/00—Drugs for specific purposes, not provided for in groups A61P1/00-A61P41/00
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P5/00—Drugs for disorders of the endocrine system
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
  • A61K38/00—Medicinal preparations containing peptides

Definitions

• the invention relates generally to receptor proteins and to DNA and RNA molecules encoding therefor.
• the invention relates to a nucleic acid sequence that encodes a human receptor P2X 2 .
• the invention also relates to methods of using the receptor encoded thereby to identify compounds that interact with it.
• This invention further relates to compounds which act as antagonists and agonists to compounds which have reactivity with the P2X 2 receptor and methods utilized in determining said reactivity.
• the invention also involves therapeutic uses involving aspects of this receptor.
• P2 receptors have been generally categorized as either metabotropic nucleotide receptors or ionotropic receptors for extracellular nucleotides.
• Metabotropic nucleotide receptors (usually designated P2Y or P2Y n , where "n" is a subscript integer indicating subtype) are believed to differ from ionotropic receptors (usually designated P2X or P2X n ) in that they are based on a different fundamental means of transmembrane signal transduction: P2Y receptors operate through a G protein-coupled system, while P2X receptors are ligand-gated ion channels.
• P2X 1 cDNA was cloned from the smooth muscle of the rat vas deferens (Valera et al. (1994) Nature 371 :516-519) and P2X 2 cDNA was cloned from PC12 cells (Brake et al. (1994) Nature 371 :519-523).
• P2X 3 Lewis et al. (1995) Nature 377:432-435, Chen ef al. (1995) Nature 377:428- 431 ; P2X 4 : Buell ef al. (1996) EMBO J. 15:55-62, Seguela et al. (1996) J. Neurosci. 16:448-455, Bo et al. (1995) FEBS Lett. 375:129-133, Soto et al. (1996) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93:3684-3688, Wang et al. (1996) Biochem.
• Native P2X receptors form rapidly activated, nonselective cationic channels that are activated by ATP.
• Rat P2X ! and rat P2X 2 have equal permeability to Na + and K + but significantly less to Cs + .
• the channels formed by the P2X receptors generally have high Ca 2+ permeability (P Ca /P Na ⁇ 4).
• the cloned rat P2X 1 t P2X 2 and P2X 4 receptors exhibit the same permeability for Ca 2+ observed with native receptors.
• the mechanism by which P2X receptors form an ionic pore or bind ATP is not known.
• a variety of tissues and cell types, including epithelial, immune, muscle and neuronal, express at least one form of P2X receptor.
• P2X 4 receptors The widespread distribution of P2X 4 receptors in the rat central nervous system suggests a role for P2X 4 -mediated events in the central nervous system.
• study of the role of individual P2X receptors is hampered by the lack of receptor subtype-specific agonists and antagonists.
• one agonist useful for studying ATP-gated channels is ⁇ , ⁇ - methylene-ATP ( ⁇ . ⁇ meATP).
• the P2X receptors display differential sensitivity to the agonist with P2X ⁇ and P2X 2 being ⁇ . ⁇ meATP-sensitive and insensitive, respectively.
• binding of ⁇ . ⁇ meATP to P2X receptors does not always result in channel opening.
• P2X receptors in the rat brain cannot be blocked by suramin or PPADS. These two forms of the P2X receptor are also not activated by ⁇ . ⁇ meATP and are, thus, intractable to study with currently available pharmacological tools.
• the present invention relates to a human P2X 2 receptor.
• a DNA molecule or fragments thereof is provided, wherein the DNA molecule encodes a human P2X 2 receptor or subunit thereof.
• a recombinant vector comprising such a DNA molecule, or fragments thereof, is provided.
• the subject invention is directed to a human P2X 2 receptor polypeptide, either alone or in multimeric form.
• the invention is directed to messenger RNA encoded by the DNA, recombinant host cells transformed or transfected with vectors comprising the DNA or fragments thereof, and methods of producing recombinant P2X 2 polypeptides using such cells.
• the invention is directed to a method of expressing a human P2X 2 receptor, or a subunit thereof, in a cell to produce the resultant P2X 2 - containing receptor.
• the invention is directed to a method of using such cells to identify potentially therapeutic compounds that modulate or otherwise interact with the above P2X 2 -containing receptors.
• therapeutic uses involving a P2X 2 modulator such as an ATP agonist or antagonist are contemplated.
• FIGURE 1 depicts the partial sequence of a cDNA clone (SEQ ID NO:1) derived from human fetal colon tissue which encodes a polypeptide with homology to a region of the rat P2X 2 receptor;
• FIGURE 2 depicts the full sequence of the cDNA clone (SEQ ID NO:2), the underlined sequences sequence denotes overlap with the sequence of Figure 1 ;
• FIGURE 3 a-e depicts primers designed to the cDNA of Figure 2 and commercial RACE primers: 3a depicts GSP 1 (SEQ ID NO:3); 3b depicts GSP 2 (SEQ ID NO:4); 3c depicts GSP 3 (SEQ ID NO:5); 3d depicts the anchor primer (SEQ ID NO:6); and 3e depicts the universal amplification primer (SEQ ID NO:7);
• FIGURE 4 depicts the approximately 600 bp product (SEQ ID NO:8) produced by 5' RACE reactions using poly A RNA from human pituitary tissue;
• FIGURE 5 depicts genomic primers (SEQ ID NO:9 and SEQ ID NO: 10);
• FIGURE 6 depicts hP2X 2 RT-PCR primers (SEQ ID NO:11 and SEQ ID NO:12);
• FIGURE 7 a-d depicts four species of cDNAs (SEQ ID NO:13; SEQ ID NO:14; SEQ ID NO: 15; and SEQ ID NO: 16, respectively) containing intact open reading frames from the predicted initiation to termination sites;
• FIGURE 8 a-d depicts the predicted amino acid sequences (SEQ ID NO: 17; SEQ ID NO.18; SEQ ID NO:19; and SEQ ID NO:20) encoded by the nucleotides of Figure 7;
• FIGURE 9 depicts an alignment of the predicted amino acid sequences (SEQ ID NO:17; SEQ ID NO:18; SEQ ID NO:19; and SEQ ID NO:20); and
• FIGURE 10 depicts electrophysiological characterization of hP2X 2 channels.
• P2 receptor intends a purinergic receptor for the ligand ATP and/or other purine or pyrimidine nucleotides, whether natural or synthetic.
• P2 receptors are broadly subclassified as “P2X” or “P2Y” receptors. These types differ in their pharmacology, structure, and signal transduction mechanisms.
• the P2X receptors are generally ligand-gated ion channels, while the P2Y receptors operate generally through a G protein-coupled system.
• P2X receptors comprise multimers of receptor polypeptides, which multimers may be of either the same or different subtypes. Consequently, the term “P2X receptor” refers, as appropriate, to the individual receptor subunit or subunits, as well as to the homomeric and heteromeric receptors comprised thereby.
• P2X n intends a P2X receptor subtype wherein n is an integer of at least 1. At the time of the invention, at least 7 P2X n receptor subtypes have been isolated and/or characterized.
• a "P2X 2 receptor agonist” is a compound that binds to and activates a P2X 2 receptor. By “activates” is intended the elicitation of one or more pharmacological, physiological, or electrophysiological responses. Such responses may include, but are not limited to, an increase in receptor-specific cellular depolarization.
• a "P2X 2 receptor antagonist” is a substance that binds to a P2X 2 receptor and prevents agonists from activating the receptor. Pure antagonists do not activate the receptor, but some substances may have mixed agonist and antagonist properties.
• polynucleotide as used herein means a polymeric form of nucleotides of any length, either ribonucleotides or deoxyribonucleotides. This term refers only to the primary structure of the molecule. Thus, the term includes double- and single-stranded DNA, as well as double- and single-stranded RNA. It also includes modifications, such as by methylation and/or by capping, and unmodified forms of the polynucleotide.
• variant is used to refer to an oligonucleotide sequence which differs from the related wild-type sequence in the insertion, deletion or substitution of one or more nucleotides.
• a variant oligonucleotide is expressed as a "protein variant" which, as used herein, indicates a polypeptide sequence that differs from the wild-type polypeptide in the insertion, deletion or substitution of one or more amino acids.
• the protein variant differs in primary structure (amino acid sequence), but may or may not differ significantly in secondary or tertiary structure or in function relative to the wild- type.
• mutant generally refers to an organism or a cell displaying a new genetic character or phenotype as the result of change in its gene or chromosome. In some instances, however, “mutant” may be used in reference to a variant protein or oligonucleotide and “mutation” may refer to the change underlying the variant.
• Polypeptide and “protein” are used interchangeably herein and indicate a molecular chain of amino acids linked through peptide bonds. The terms do not refer to a specific length of the product. Thus, peptides, oligopeptides, and proteins are included within the definition of polypeptide. The terms include post-translational modifications of the polypeptide, for example, glycosylations, acetylations, phosphorylations and the like. In addition, protein fragments, analogs, mutated or variant proteins, fusion proteins and the like are included within the meaning of polypeptide, provided that such fragments, etc. retain the binding or other characteristics necessary for their intended use.
• a “functionally conservative mutation” as used herein intends a change in a polynucleotide encoding a derivative polypeptide in which the activity is not substantially altered compared to that of the polypeptide from which the derivative is made.
• Such derivatives may have, for example, amino acid insertions, deletions, or substitutions in the relevant molecule that do not substantially affect its properties.
• the derivative can include conservative amino acid substitutions, such as substitutions which preserve the general charge, hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity, side chain moiety, and/or steric bulk of the amino acid substituted, for example, Gly/Ala, Val/lle/Leu, Asp/Glu, Lys/Arg, Asn/Gln, Thr/Ser, and Phe/Trp/Tyr.
• conservative amino acid substitutions such as substitutions which preserve the general charge, hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity, side chain moiety, and/or steric bulk of the amino acid substituted, for example, Gly/Ala, Val/lle/Leu, Asp/Glu, Lys/Arg, Asn/Gln, Thr/Ser, and Phe/Trp/Tyr.
• structural conservative mutant is intended a polynucleotide containing changes in the nucleic acid sequence but encoding a polypeptide having the same amino acid sequence as the polypeptide encoded by the polynucleo
• Recombinant host cells refer to cells which can be, or have been, used as recipients for recombinant vectors or other transfer DNA, immaterial of the method by which the DNA is introduced into the cell or the subsequent disposition of the cell.
• the terms include the progeny of the original cell which has been transfected. Cells in primary culture as well as cells such as oocytes also can be used as recipients.
• a "vector” is a replicon in which another polynucleotide segment is attached, such as to bring about the replication and/or expression of the attached segment.
• the term includes expression vectors, cloning vectors, and the like.
• a "coding sequence” is a polynucleotide sequence that is transcribed into mRNA and/or translated into a polypeptide. The boundaries of the coding sequence are determined by a translation start codon at the ⁇ '-terminus and a translation stop codon at the 3'-terminus.
• a coding sequence can include, but is not limited to, mRNA, cDNA, and recombinant polynucleotide sequences. Variants or analogs may be prepared by the deletion of a portion of the coding sequence, by insertion of a sequence, and/or by substitution of one or more nucleotides within the sequence. Techniques for modifying nucleotide sequences, such as site-directed mutagenesis, are well known to those skilled in the art. See, for example, Sambrook et al, supra; DNA Cloning, Vols. I and II, supra; Nucleic Acid Hybridization, supra.
• operably linked refers to a situation wherein the components described are in a relationship permitting them to function in their intended manner.
• a control sequence "operably linked" to a coding sequence is ligated in such a manner that expression of the coding sequence is achieved under conditions compatible with the control sequences.
• a coding sequence may be operably linked to control sequences that direct the transcription of the polynucleotide whereby said polynucleotide is expressed in a host cell.
• transfection refers to the insertion of an exogenous polynucleotide into a host cell, irrespective of the method used for the insertion, or the molecular form of the polynucleotide that is inserted.
• the insertion of a polynucleotide per se and the insertion of a plasmid or vector comprised of the exogenous polynucleotide are included.
• the exogenous polynucleotide may be directly transcribed and translated by the cell, maintained as a nonintegrated vector, for example, a plasmid, or alternatively, may be stably integrated into the host genome.
• Transfection generally is used in reference to a eukaryotic cell while the term “transformation” is used to refer to the insertion of a polynucleotide into a prokaryotic cell. "Transformation” of a eukaryotic cell also may refer to the formation of a cancerous or tumorigenic state.
• isolated when referring to a polynucleotide or a polypeptide, intends that the indicated molecule is present in the substantial absence of other similar biological macromolecules.
• isolated as used herein means that at least 75 wt.%, more preferably at least 85 wt.%, more preferably still at least 95 wt.%, and most preferably at least 98 wt.% of a composition is the isolated polynucleotide or polypeptide.
• isolated polynucleotide that encodes a particular polypeptide refers to a polynucleotide that is substantially free of other nucleic acid molecules that do not encode the subject polypeptide; however, the molecule may include functionally and/or structurally conservative mutations as defined herein.
• test sample intends a component of an individual's body which is a source of a P2X 2 receptor.
• test samples include biological samples which can be evaluated by the methods of the present invention described herein and include body fluids such as whole blood, tissues and cell preparations.
• a human P2X 2 receptor, a polynucleotide encoding the variant receptor or polypeptide subunits thereof, and methods of making the receptor are provided herein.
• the invention includes not only the P2X 2 receptor but also methods for screening compounds using the receptor and cells expressing the receptor. Further, polynucleotides and antibodies which can be used in methods for detection of the receptor, as well as the reagents useful in these methods, are provided. Compounds and polynucleotides useful in regulating the receptor and its expression also are provided as disclosed hereinbelow.
• the polynucleotide encodes a human P2X 2 receptor polypeptide or a protein variant thereof containing conservative amino acid substitutions.
• DNA encoding the human P2X 2 receptor can be derived from genomic or cDNA, prepared by synthesis, or by a combination of techniques.
• the DNA can then be used to express the human P2X 2 receptor or as a template for the preparation of RNA using methods well known in the art (see, Sambrook et al, supra), or as a molecular probe capable of selectively hybridizing to, and therefore detecting the presence of, other P2X 2 -encoding nucleotide sequences.
• cDNA encoding the P2X 2 receptor may be obtained from an appropriate DNA library. cDNA libraries may be probed using the procedure described by Grunstein et al. (1975) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 73:3961. The cDNA thus obtained can then be modified and amplified using the polymerase chain reaction ("PCR") and primer sequences to obtain the DNA encoding the human P2X 2 receptor.
• PCR polymerase chain reaction
• PCR employs short oligonucleotide primers (generally 10-20 nucleotides in length) that match opposite ends of a desired sequence within the DNA molecule.
• the sequence between the primers need not be known.
• the initial template can be either RNA or DNA. If RNA is used, it is first reverse transcribed to cDNA. The cDNA is then denatured, using well-known techniques such as heat, and appropriate oligonucleotide primers are added in molar excess.
• Primer extension is effected using DNA polymerase in the presence of deoxynucleotide triphosphates or nucleotide analogs.
• the resulting product includes the respective primers at their ⁇ '-termini, covalentiy linked to the newly synthesized complements of the original strands.
• the replicated molecule is again denatured, hybridized with primers, and so on, until the product is sufficiently amplified.
• Such PCR methods are described in for example, U.S. Patent Nos. 4,965,188; 4,800,159; 4,683,202; 4,683,195; incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
• the product of the PCR is cloned and the clones containing the P2X 2 receptor DNA, derived by segregation of the primer extended strand, selected. Selection can be accomplished using a primer as a hybridization probe.
• the P2X 2 receptor DNA could be generated using an RT-PCR (reverse transcriptase - polymerase chain reaction) approach starting with human RNA.
• Human RNA may be obtained from cells or tissue in which the P2X 2 receptor is expressed, for example, brain, spinal cord, uterus or lung, using conventional methods.
• single-stranded cDNA is synthesized from human RNA as the template using standard reverse transcriptase procedures and the cDNA is amplified using PCR. This is but one example of the generation of P2X 2 receptor variant from a human tissue RNA template.
• Synthetic oligonucleotides may be prepared using an automated oligonucleotide synthesizer such as that described by Warner (1984) DNA 3:401.
• the synthetic strands may be labeled with 32 P by treatment with polynucleotide kinase in the presence of 32 P-ATP, using standard conditions for the reaction.
• DNA sequences including those isolated from genomic or cDNA libraries, may be modified by known methods which include site-directed mutagenesis as described by Zoller (1982) Nucleic Acids Res. 10:6487. Briefly, the DNA to be modified is packaged into phage as a single stranded sequence, and converted to a double stranded DNA with DNA polymerase using, as a primer, a synthetic oligonucleotide complementary to the portion of the DNA to be modified, and having the desired modification included in its own sequence.
• DNA encoding the P2X 2 receptor may then be incorporated into a cloning vector or an expression vector for replication in a suitable host cell.
• Vector construction employs methods known in the art. Generally, site-specific DNA cleavage is performed by treating with suitable restriction enzymes under conditions that generally are specified by the manufacturer of these commercially available enzymes. After incubation with the restriction enzyme, protein is removed by extraction and the DNA recovered by precipitation. The cleaved fragments may be separated using, for example, polyacrylamide or agarose gel electrophoresis methods, according to methods known by those of skill in the art.
• Sticky end cleavage fragments may be blunt ended using E. coli DNA polymerase 1 (Klenow) in the presence of the appropriate deoxynucleotide triphosphates (dNTPs) present in the mixture. Treatment with S1 nuclease also may be used, resulting in the hydrolysis of any single stranded DNA portions.
• E. coli DNA polymerase 1 Klenow
• dNTPs deoxynucleotide triphosphates
• Ligations are performed using standard buffer and temperature conditions using T4 DNA ligase and ATP. Alternatively, restriction enzyme digestion of unwanted fragments can be used to prevent ligation.
• Standard vector constructions generally include specific antibiotic resistance elements. Ligation mixtures are transformed into a suitable host, and successful transformants selected by antibiotic resistance or other markers. Plasmids from the transformants can then be prepared according to methods known to those in the art usually following a chloramphenicol amplification as reported by Clewell et al. (1972) J. Bacteriol. 110:667. The DNA is isolated and analyzed usually by restriction enzyme analysis and/or sequencing. Sequencing may be by the well-known dideoxy method of Sanger et al. (1977) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 74:5463) as further described by Messing et al. (1981) Nucleic Acid Res. 9:309, or by the method reported by Maxam et al.
• Host cells are genetically engineered with the vectors of this invention, which may be a cloning vector or an expression vector.
• the vector may be in the form of a plasmid, a viral particle, a phage, etc.
• the engineered host cells can be cultured in conventional nutrient media modified as appropriate for activating promoters, selecting transformants/transfectants or amplifying the subunit-encoding polynucleotide.
• the culture conditions such as temperature, pH and the like, generally are similar to those previously used with the host cell selected for expression, and will be apparent to those of skill in the art.
• Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic host cells may be used for expression of desired coding sequences when appropriate control sequences that are compatible with the designated host are used.
• appropriate control sequences that are compatible with the designated host are used.
• Escherichia coli is frequently used.
• expression control sequences for prokaryotes include but are not limited to promoters, optionally containing operator portions, and ribosome binding sites.
• Transfer vectors compatible with prokaryotic hosts can be derived from, for example, the plasmid pBR322 that contains operons conferring ampicillin and tetracycline resistance, and the various pUC vectors, that also contain sequences conferring antibiotic resistance markers. These markers may be used to obtain successful transformants by selection.
• prokaryotic control sequences include but are not limited to the lactose operon system (Chang et al. (1977) Nature 198:1056), the tryptophan operon system (reported by Goeddel et al. (1980) Nucleic Acid Res. 8:4057) and the lambda-derived PI promoter and N gene ribosome binding site (Shimatake et al. (1981) Nature 292:128), the hybrid Tac promoter (De Boer et al. (1983) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 292:128) derived from sequences of the trp and lac UV5 promoters.
• lactose operon system Chang et al. (1977) Nature 198:1056
• tryptophan operon system Reported by Goeddel et al. (1980) Nucleic Acid Res. 8:4057
• the lambda-derived PI promoter and N gene ribosome binding site (Shim
• Eukaryotic hosts include yeast and mammalian cells in culture systems. Pichia pasto s, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and S. carlsbergensis are commonly used yeast hosts.
• Yeast-compatible vectors carry markers that permit selection of successful transformants by conferring protrophy to auxotrophic mutants or resistance to heavy metals on wild-type strains. Yeast-compatible vectors may employ the 2- ⁇ origin of replication (Broach et al. (1983) Meth. Enzymol. 101:307), the combination of CEN3 and ARS1 or other means for assuring replication, such as sequences that will result in incorporation of an appropriate fragment into the host cell genome.
• Control sequences for yeast vectors include but are not limited to promoters for the synthesis of glycolytic enzymes, including the promoter for 3- phosphoglycerate kinase. See, for example, Hess et al. (1968) J. Adv. Enzyme Reg. 7:149, Holland et al. (1978) Biochemistry 17:4900 and Hitzeman (1980) J. Biol. Chem. 255:2073.
• some useful control systems are those that comprise the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) promoter or alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) regulatable promoter, or the hybrid yeast promoter ADH2/GAPDH described in Cousens et al. Gene (1987) 61 :265-275, terminators also derived from GAPDH, and, if secretion is desired, leader sequences from yeast alpha factor.
• GAPDH glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase
• ADH alcohol dehydrogenase
• the transcriptional regulatory region and the transcriptional initiation region which are operably linked may be such that they are not naturally associated in the wild-type organism.
• Mammalian cell lines available as hosts for expression are known in the art and are available from depositories such as the American Type Culture Collection. These include but are not limited to HeLa cells, human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells, and others. Suitable promoters for mammalian cells also are known in the art and include viral promoters such as that from Simian Virus 40 (SV40), Rous sarcoma virus (RSV), adenovirus (ADV), bovine papilloma virus (BPV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV).
• Simian Virus 40 SV40
• Rous sarcoma virus RSV
• ADV adenovirus
• BCV bovine papilloma virus
• CMV cytomegalovirus
• Mammalian cells also may require terminator sequences and poly A addition sequences; enhancer sequences which increase expression also may be included, and sequences which cause amplification of the gene also may be desirable. These sequences are known in the art.
• Vectors suitable for replication in mammalian cells may include viral replicons, or sequences which ensure integration of the appropriate sequences encoding the P2X 2 receptor into the host genome.
• An example of such a mammalian expression system is described in Gopalakrishnan et al. (1995), Eur. J. Pharmacol.-Mol. Pharmacol. 290: 237-246.
• eukaryotic systems are also known, as are methods for introducing polynucleotides into such systems, such as amphibian cells, using standard methods such as described in Briggs et al. (1995) Neuropharmacol. 34:583-590 or St ⁇ hmer (1992) Meth. Enzymol. 207:319-345, insect cells using methods described in Summers and Smith, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin No. 1555 (1987), and the like.
• the baculovirus expression system can be used to generate high levels of recombinant proteins in insect host cells. This system allows for high level of protein expression, while post-translationally processing the protein in a manner similar to mammalian cells.
• Transfection may be by any known method for introducing polynucleotides into a host cell, including packaging the polynucleotide in a virus and transducing a host cell with the virus, by direct uptake of the polynucleotide by the host cell, and the like, which methods are known to those skilled in the art. The transfection procedures selected depend upon the host to be transfected and are determined by the rountineer.
• the expression of the receptor may be detected by use of a radioligand selective for the receptor.
• a radioligand selective for the receptor any radioligand binding technique known in the art may be used to detect the receptor (see, for example, Winzor et al. (1995) Quantitative Characterization of Ligand Binding, Wiley-Liss, Inc., NY; Michel et al. (1997) Mol. Pharmacol. 51 :524-532).
• expression can be detected by utilizing antibodies or functional measurements, i.e., ATP-stimulated cellular depolarization using methods that are well known to those skilled in the art.
• agonist-stimulated Ca 2+ influx can be measured in mammalian cells transfected with the recombinant P2X 2 receptor cDNA, such as COS, CHO or HEK cells.
• P2X 2 receptor cDNA such as COS, CHO or HEK cells.
• Ca 2+ influx can be measured in cells that do not naturally express P2 receptors, for example, the 1321 N1 human astrocytoma cell line, have been prepared using recombinant technology to transiently or stably express the P2X 2 receptor.
• the P2X 2 polypeptide is recovered and purified from recombinant host cell cultures expressing the same by known methods including ammonium sulfate or ethanol precipitation, acid extraction, anion or cation exchange chromatography, phosphocellulose chromatography, hydrophobic interaction chromatography, hydroxyapatite chromatography or lectin chromatography. Protein refolding steps can be used, as necessary, in completing configuration of the protein. Finally, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) can be employed for final purification steps.
• HPLC high performance liquid chromatography
• the human P2X 2 receptor polypeptide, or fragments thereof, of the present invention also may be synthesized by conventional techniques known in the art, for example, by chemical synthesis such as solid phase peptide synthesis. In general, these methods employ either solid or solution phase synthesis methods. See, for example, J. M. Stewart and J. D. Young, Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis, 2nd Ed., Pierce Chemical Co., Rockford, IL (1984) and G. Barany and R. B. Merrifield, The Peptides: Analysis, Synthesis, Biology, editors E. Gross and J. Meienhofer, Vol. 2, Academic Press, New York, (1980), pp. 3-254, for solid phase peptide synthesis techniques; and M.
• either the DNA or the RNA derived therefrom, each of which encode the human P2X 2 receptor may be expressed by direct injection into a cell, such as a Xenopus laevis oocyte.
• a cell such as a Xenopus laevis oocyte.
• the functionality of the human P2X 2 receptor encoded by the DNA or the mRNA can be evaluated as follows.
• a receptor-encoding polynucleotide is injected into an oocyte for translation into a functional receptor subunit.
• the function of the expressed variant human P2X 2 receptor can be assessed in the oocyte by a variety of techniques including electrophysiological techniques such as voltage-clamping, and the like.
• Receptors expressed in a recombinant host cell may be used to identify compounds that modulate P2X 2 activity.
• the specificity of the binding of a compound showing affinity for the receptor is demonstrated by measuring the affinity of the compound for cells expressing the receptor or membranes from these cells. This may be done by measuring specific binding of labeled (for example, radioactive) compound to the cells, cell membranes or isolated receptor, or by measuring the ability of the compound to displace the specific binding of a standard labeled ligand. See, Michel et al, supra. Expression of variant receptors and screening for compounds that bind to, or inhibit the binding of labeled ligand to these cells or membranes, provide a method for rapid selection of compounds with high affinity for the receptor. These compounds may be agonists, antagonists or modulators of the receptor.
• Expressed receptors also may be used to screen for compounds that modulate P2X 2 receptor activity.
• One method for identifying compounds that modulate P2X 2 activity comprises providing a cell that expresses a human P2X 2 receptor polypeptide, combining a test compound with the cell and measuring the effect of the test compound on the P2X 2 receptor activity.
• the cell may be a bacterial cell, a mammalian cell, a yeast cell, an amphibian cell, an insect or any other cell expressing the receptor.
• the cell is a mammalian cell or an amphibian cell.
• a test compound is evaluated for its ability to elicit an appropriate response, for example, the stimulation of cellular depolarization, or for its ability to modulate the response to an agonist or antagonist.
• compounds capable of modulating P2X 2 receptors are considered potential therapeutic agents in several disorders including, without limitation, central nervous system or peripheral nervous system conditions, for example, epilepsy, pain, depression, neurodegenerative diseases, and the like, and in disorders of skeletal muscle such as neuromuscular diseases.
• the DNA, or RNA derived therefrom can be used to design oligonucleotide probes for DNAs that express P2X 2 receptors.
• probe refers to a structure comprised of a polynucleotide, as defined above, which contains a nucleic acid sequence complementary to a nucleic acid sequence present in a target polynucleotide.
• the polynucleotide regions of probes may be composed of DNA, and/or RNA, and/or synthetic nucleotide analogs.
• Such probes could be useful in in vitro hybridization assays to distinguish P2X 2 variant from wild- type message, with the proviso that it may be difficult to design a method capable of making such a distinction given the small differences that may exist between sequences coding the wild-type and a variant P2X 2 receptor.
• a PCR- based assay could be used to amplify the sample RNA or DNA for sequence analysis.
• the P2X 2 polypeptide or fragment(s) thereof can be used to prepare monoclonal antibodies using techniques that are well known in the art.
• the P2X 2 receptor or relevant fragments can be obtained using the recombinant technology outlined below, i.e., a recombinant cell that expresses the receptor or fragments can be cultured to produce quantities of the receptor or fragment that can be recovered and isolated.
• the P2X 2 polypeptide or fragment(s) thereof can be synthesized using conventional polypeptide synthetic techniques as known in the art.
• Monoclonal antibodies that display specificity and selectivity for the P2X 2 polypeptide can be labeled with a measurable and detectable moiety, for example, a fluorescent moiety, radiolabels, enzymes, chemiluminescent labels and the like, and used in in vitro assays.
• antibodies could be used to identify wild-type or variant P2X 2 receptor polypeptides for immuno-diagnostic purposes.
• antibodies have been generated to detect amyloid b1-40 v. 1-42 in brain tissue (Wisniewski et al. (1996) Biochem. J. 313:575-580; also see, Suzuki et al. (1994) Science 264:1336-1340; Gravina et al. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270:7013- 7016; and Turnet et al. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271 :8966-8970).
• the rat P2X 2 receptor is expressed in the spinal cord, and in the nodose and dorsal root ganglia (Brake et al, Nature 371 :519-523 (1994)), a distribution consistent with a role in pain transmission.
• the P2X 2 receptor subunit forms functional channels when expressed alone, and it can also form a functional heteromultimeric channel that has properties similar to currents seen in native sensory channels when co-expressed with the P2X 3 receptor, another P2X receptor which is expressed in sensory neurons (Lewis et al., Nature 377:432-435 (1995)).
• ATP which activates P2X 2 and P2X 2 /P2X 3 receptors, functions as an excitatory neurotransmitter in the spinal cord dorsal horn and in primary afferents from sensory ganglia (Holton and Holton, J. Physiol. (Lond) 126:124-140 (1954)).
• ATP-induced activation of P2X receptors on dorsal root ganglion nerve terminals in the spinal cord stimulates the release of glutamate, a key neurotransmitter involved in nociceptive signaling (Gu and MacDermott, Nature 389:749-753 (1997)).
• glutamate a key neurotransmitter involved in nociceptive signaling
• ATP released from damaged cells evokes pain by activating P2X 2 or P2X 2 /P2X 3 receptors on nociceptive nerve endings or sensory nerves. This is consistent with the induction of pain by intradermally applied ATP in the human blister-base model (Bleehen, Br J.
• P2X receptor antagonists are analgesic in animal models (Driessen and Starke, Naunyn Schmiederbergs Arch Pharmacol 350:618-625 (1994)). This evidence clearly suggests that P2X 2 functions in nociception, and that modulators of the human P2X 2 receptor are useful as analgesics.
• Extracellular ATP induces secretion of hormones, including prolactin and leuteinizing hormone, from cells of the pituitary gland (Chen et al, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 92:5219-5223 (1995); Nunez et al, Am J. Physiol 272 ⁇ 1117-E1123 (1997)). (Carew et al, Cell Calcium 16:227-235 (1994)) (Villalobos et al, Am J Physiol 273:C1963-C1971 (1997)).
• ATP is co-released with hormones such as insulin, prolactin, and leuteinizing hormone, as well as with catecholamines from adrenal chromaffin cells, it may act as a paracrine regulator of hormone release in these tissues (Chen et al, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 92:5219:5223 (1995); Tomic et al, J Biol Chem 271 :21200-21208 (1996); Nunez et al, Am J Physiol 272:E1117-E1123 (1997)) (Leitner et al, Endocrinology 96:662-677 (1975)); Hollins and Ikeda, J Neurophysiol 78:3069-3076 (1997)).
• the human P2X 2 receptor has been found in neuroendocrine tissue and, specifically, the human P2X 2 receptor cDNAs was cloned from pituitary tissue RNA.
• the P2X 2 receptor RNA and protein have been detected in rat pituitary tissue (Brake et al, Nature 371 :519-523 (1994)) (Housley et al, Biochem Biophys Res Commun 212:501-508 (1995); Tomic et al, J Biol Chem 271 :21200-21208 (1996); Vulchanova et al, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 93:8063-8067 (1996)).
• the P2X 2 receptor is involved in hormone secretion via activation by ATP.
• an agonist or antagonist to ATP would be effective in modulating hormone release.
• pharmaceutical agents that act on the P2X 2 receptor may be useful to modulate hormonal secretion from this gland.
• Extracellular ATP acts as a stimulus for neurons and epithelial cells of the inner ear (Housley, Mol Neurobial 16:21-48 (1998)). Perfusion of ATP into the guinea pig cochlear perilymphatic compartment inhibits auditory parameters such as auditory- nerve compound action potential and sound tranduction current across the apical surface of sensory hair cells. (Bobbin and Thompson, Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 87:185-190 (1978)).
• ATP Perfusion of ATP into the cochlear endolymph also inhibits sensory current transduction and endocochlear potential, and these effects are blocked by the P2 receptor antagonists suramin and reactive blue 2 (Munoz et al, Hear Res 90:119-125 (1995)). Suramin also blocks the decline in quadratic electrophysiological and mechanical coupling of the organ of Corti which occurs during continuous sound stimulation, suggesting that P2 activation plays a role in this event (Kujawa et al, Hear Res 78:181-188 (1994); (Housley, Mol Neurogiol 16:21-48 (1998)). ATP also affects vestibular system function.
• ATP stimulates vestibular afferent nerve discharge, and these responses are blocked by the P2 antagonist suramin and reactive blue 2 (Aubert et al, Neuroscience 62-963-974 (1994); Aubert et al, Neuroscience 64:1153-1160 (1995)).
• Autoradiographic binding studies using ATP analogs indicate the presence of P2 receptors on auditory tissues (Mockett et al, Hear Res 84:177-193 (1995)).
• P2X 2 receptor messenger RNA has been localized in tissues of the rat auditory system.
• P2X 2 receptors in those tissues of the auditory and vestibular systems which are functionally modulated by ATP indicates a role for this receptor in auditory and vestibular function.
• Altered function of P2 receptors in the ear have pathological implications, as exposure to noise has been shown to alter the response of outer hair cells to ATP (Chen et al, Hear Res 88:215- 221 (1995)), and P2X 2 receptor modulators may have utility in disorders of auditory and vestibular function.
• ATP agonists and antagonists have effects on modulation of the P2X 2 receptor, in auditory and vestibular functions.
• ATP is a potent neurotransmitter in neurons of the gastrointestinal tract, and ATP-mediated signals from enteric neurons appears to be characteristic of P2X 2 receptors (Zhou and Galligan, J Physiol (Lond) 496 (Pt 3):719-729 (1996)). Additionally, the discovery of the human P2X 2 EST from a library derived from colon tissue suggests that this receptor plays a role in gastrointestinal function. P2X 2 is also expressed in vascular smooth muscle tissue, where ATP has been shown to influence vascular tone (Nori et al, J. Vase Res 35:179-185 (1998)) (Kennedy et al, Eur J Pharmacol 107:161-168 (1985)).
• the predicted amino acid sequence of the rat P2X 2 receptor was used to search for human DNA sequences which would code for similar polypeptides.
• the TBLASTN database search tool (Altschul (1993) J. Mol. Evol. 36:290-300) was used, which allows querying nucleotide databases with a protein sequence by dynamically translating the DNA sequences into all 6 possible reading frames.
• a search of the Lifeseq database (Incyte Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Palo Alto California, CA) revealed a partial sequence of cDNA clone derived from human fetal colon tissue which encoded a polypeptide having a high degree of homology to a region of the rat P2X 2 receptor.
• Primers were designed to the non-coding sequence of this cDNA to enable 5' RACE procedures in an attempt to identify the missing coding sequence, shown in Figure 3 and SEQ. ID. NOS:3-7.
• 5' RACE reactions were performed using a commercially available system (GibcoBRL, Gaithersburg, MD).
• a product of approximately 600 bp was cloned and sequenced, shown in Figure 4 and SEQ ID NO:8. This product was found to contain additional sequence information for an open reading frame with homology to the P2X receptors, but did not extend to what would be the predicted initiation codon of an intact receptor cDNA.
• a pair of primers were designed and synthesized based on the sequence compiled from Incyte clone 1310493 and the RACE product, and are shown in Figure 5. These primers were sent to Genome Systems (St. Louis, MO) and used in PCR reactions to probe a P1 bacteriophage library of human genomic DNA. Two clones were identified and obtained from Genome systems. The human P2X 2 gene contained in clone 18860 was sequenced both directly and after subcloning into the vector pBluescript II SK+.
• oligonucleotide primers were designed and synthesized to enable RT-PCR of the intact open reading frame of the mRNA.
• the primers were used to amplify the open reading frames of human P2X 2 receptors in reverse transcription- PCR reactions as follows: Poly A+ RNA (1 microgram) derived from pituitary gland tissue (Clontech, Inc. Palo Alto, CA) and 10 picomoles oligo dT primer were combined in a final volume of 12 ⁇ l dH 2 O.
• the reaction mixture consisted of: 2 ⁇ l cDNA, 5 ⁇ l 10x cloned Pfu polymerase reaction buffer (200 mM Tris-HCI (pH 8.8), lOOmMKCI, 100mM(NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 ,
• reaction 39 ⁇ l dH 2 O.
• the reaction was heated to 95°C for 1 min., then held at 80°C for 2 min., during which 1 ⁇ l (2.5 units) cloned Pfu polymerase was added.
• the reaction was cycled 35 times under these conditions; 94°C for 15 sec, 60°C for 20 sec, and 72°C for 5 minutes. After cycling, the reaction was incubated for 10 minutes at 70°C.
• the reaction products were separated on a 0.8 % agarose gel and products of approximately 1.5 kilobases were excised and purified via the Qiaquick gel purification system (Qiagen, Inc., Chatsworth, CA).
• the DNA was eluted with 50 ⁇ l dH 2 O, lyophilized and resuspended in 10 ⁇ l dH 2 O.
• the DNA was eluted with 50 ⁇ l dH 2 O, lyophilized and resuspended in 15 ⁇ l dH 2 O.
• Three microliters of the purified PCR product was used in a ligation reaction using the pCRscript cloning system
• RNA RNA was injected per cell. Oocytes were used for recording 1-2 days after injection and were maintained at 16-19°C in normal Barth's solution (incubation medium in mM): 90 NaCI, 1.0 KCI, 0.66 NaNO 3 , 0.74 CaCI 2 , 0.82 MgCI 2 , 2.4 NaHCO 3 , 2.5 Na-pyruvate, 10 Na-HEPES (pH 7.4) plus 100 ⁇ g/ml gentamicin.
• incubation medium in mM 90 NaCI, 1.0 KCI, 0.66 NaNO 3 , 0.74 CaCI 2 , 0.82 MgCI 2 , 2.4 NaHCO 3 , 2.5 Na-pyruvate, 10 Na-HEPES (pH 7.4) plus 100 ⁇ g/ml gentamicin.
• the standard recording solution contained (in mM): 96 NaCI, 2.0 KCI, 1.8 BaCI 2 , 1.0 MgCI 2 , 5.0 Na-pyruvate, and 5.0 Na-HEPES (pH 7.4).
• BaCI 2 was replaced with CaCI 2 (1 mM) in some experiments without significant effects on the pharmacological properties of the receptors.
• All oocyte solutions were diluted in distilled H 2 0 from 10X stock solutions. Concentrated stocks of agonists and antagonists were made in distilled H 2 0 and then serially diluted in recording solution to desired final concentrations. All chemicals and agonists (ATP and ⁇ , ⁇ me-ATP) were obtained from Sigma Chemical Company. 3. Electrophysiological recordings
• Transmembrane currents were recorded using two-electrode voltage-clamp techniques with an Axoclamp-2A amplifier, and were collected and analyzed using pCLAMP software (Axon Instruments). Electrodes (1.5 - 2.0 M' ⁇ ) were filled with 120 mM KCI. Responses to ATP and ⁇ , ⁇ me-ATP were routinely recorded at room temperature while the oocyte membrane was voltage-clamped at -60 mV. Agonists were applied using a computer-controlled small diameter drug application pipette positioned close to the oocyte in the perfusion chamber. Application duration typically lasted 5-10 sec. The peak amplitude of the ATP-activated inward current was used for determining EC 50 values.
• Concentration-response curves for three hP2X 2b cells revealed a mean ATP EC 50 of 20 ⁇ M, and a n H of 1.5. Both receptor subtypes exhibited reversible non-desensitizing response kinetics.
• ⁇ Methylene-ATP (c Me-ATP) had no effect on hP2X 2a or hP2X 2b receptors at a concentration of 100 ⁇ M.

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