EP1238078A2 - Proteine transmembranaire clasp-4 - Google Patents

Proteine transmembranaire clasp-4

Info

Publication number
EP1238078A2
EP1238078A2 EP00986460A EP00986460A EP1238078A2 EP 1238078 A2 EP1238078 A2 EP 1238078A2 EP 00986460 A EP00986460 A EP 00986460A EP 00986460 A EP00986460 A EP 00986460A EP 1238078 A2 EP1238078 A2 EP 1238078A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
clasp
polypeptide
sequence
cell
polynucleotide
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP00986460A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Peter Lu
Jonathan David Garman
Albert Frederick Candia, Iii
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Arbor Vita Corp
Original Assignee
Arbor Vita Corp
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Arbor Vita Corp filed Critical Arbor Vita Corp
Priority claimed from PCT/US2000/034151 external-priority patent/WO2001042294A2/fr
Publication of EP1238078A2 publication Critical patent/EP1238078A2/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K38/00—Medicinal preparations containing peptides
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K39/00—Medicinal preparations containing antigens or antibodies
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K48/00—Medicinal preparations containing genetic material which is inserted into cells of the living body to treat genetic diseases; Gene therapy
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K2319/00—Fusion polypeptide

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to molecules expressed in cells of the immune system.
  • the invention relates to a transmembrane protein that contains certain classical cadherin characteristics.
  • T H The helper T cell
  • APC antigen-presenting cell
  • TCR T-cell antigen receptor
  • Costimulatory molecules such as CD4, ICAM- 1 , LFA- 1 , CD28, CD2 have been proposed to stabilize the cell-cell contact (Dustin, et al, 1999, Science 283: 649). However, since these molecules are recruited to the synapse after activation they cannot account for the high specificity and avidity during the early phases of T-cell antigen recognition. Recent work demonstrated that a portion ofthe T cell surface at the leading edge is specialized to mediate the early phases of synapse formation (Negulescu, et al, 1996, Immunity 4: 421-430).
  • Such a specialization must be a pre-formed structure containing cell surface adhesion proteins (ectodomains) to augment TCR engagement and corresponding cytoplasmic portions (endodomains) to transduce signals and bind cytoskeleton to maintain structural/functional polarity.
  • ectodomains cell surface adhesion proteins
  • endodomains endodomains
  • CLASP- 1 In addition to cadherin motifs, CLASP- 1 also contains a CRK-SH3 binding domain, tyrosine phosphorylation sites, and coiled/coil domains suggesting direct interaction with cytoskeleton and regulation by adaptor molecules such as CRK.
  • the CLASP- 1 transcript is present in lymphoid organs and neural tissue, and the protein is expressed by T and B lymphocytes and macrophages in the MOMA-1 subregion of the marginal zone of the spleen, an area known to be important in T: B cell interaction.
  • CLASP- 1 staining of individual T and B cells exhibits a preactivation structural polarity, being organized as a "ball” or “cap” structure in B cells, and forming a "ring", "ball” or “cap” structure in T cells. The placement of these structures is adjacent to the microtubule-organizing center ("MTOC").
  • MTOC microtubule-organizing center
  • CLASP- 1 antibody staining indicates that CLASP- 1 is at the interface of T-B cell conjugates that are fully committed to differentiation. Antibodies to the extracellular domain of CLASP- 1 also block T-B cell conjugate formation and T cell activation.
  • the present invention relates to a cell surface molecule, a member of a new multigene family designated cadherin-like asymmetry protein(s) ("CLASP(s)").
  • CLASP(s) cadherin-like asymmetry protein
  • a polynucleotide comprising a coding sequence for CLASP-4, a polynucleotide that selectively hybridizes to the complement of a CLASP-4 coding sequence, expression vectors containing such polynucleotides, genetically-engineered host cells containing such polynucleotides, CLASP-4 polypeptides, CLASP-4 fusion proteins, therapeutic compositions, CLASP-4 domain mutants, antibodies specific for CLASP-4 polypeptides, methods for detecting the expression of CLASP-4, and methods of inhibiting an immune response by interfering with CLASP-4 function.
  • a wide variety of uses are encompassed by the invention, including but not limited to, treatment of autoimmune diseases and hypersensitivities, prevention of transplantation rejection responses,
  • the invention provides an isolated CLASP-4 polynucleotide that is: (a) a polynucleotide that has the sequence of SEQ ID NO:l (b) a polynucleotide that hybridizes under stringent hybridization conditions to (a) and encodes a polypeptide having the sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 or an allelic variant or homologue of a polypeptide having the sequence of SEQ ID NO:2; or (c) a polynucleotide that hybridizes under stringent hybridization conditions to (a) and encodes a polypeptide with at least 25 contiguous residues of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:2; or (d) a polynucleotide that hybridizes under stringent hybridization conditions to (a) and has at least 12 contiguous bases identical to or exactly complementary to SEQ ID NO: 1.
  • the invention provides a CLASP-4 polynucleotide that encodes a polypeptide having the full-length sequence of SEQ ID NO:2.
  • the invention provides a CLASP-4 polynucleotide having the full-length sequence of SEQ ID NO:l of fragment thereof.
  • the cDNA sequence (or protein coding sequence) is encoded by the inserts of ATCC Deposit Nos.
  • the invention further provides an isolated CLASP-4 polynucleotide comprising a nucleotide sequence that has at least 90% percent identity to
  • SEQ ID NO:l as calculated using FASTA wherein said sequences are aligned so that highest order match between said sequences is obtained.
  • the invention further provides an isolated polypeptide comprising a nucleotide sequence that has at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:2 and is immunologically crossreactive with SEQ ID NO:2 or shares a biological function with native CLASP-4.
  • the invention also provides vectors, such as expression vectors, comprising a polynucleotide sequence of the invention.
  • the invention provides host cells or progeny of the host cells comprising a vector of the invention.
  • the host cell is a eukaryote.
  • the expression vector comprises a CLASP-4 polynucleotide in which the nucleotide sequence of the polynucleotide is operatively linked with a regulatory sequence that controls expression of the polynucleotide in a host cell.
  • the invention provides a host cell comprising a CLASP-4 polynucleotide, wherein the nucleotide sequence of the polynucleotide is operatively linked with a regulatory sequence that controls expression of the polynucleotide in a host cell, or progeny of the cell.
  • the invention further provides a CLASP-4 polynucleotide that is an antisense polynucleotide.
  • the antisense polynucleotide is less than about 200 bases in length.
  • the invention provides an antisense oligonucleotide complementary to a messenger RNA comprising SEQ ID NO:l and encoding CLASP-4, wherein the oligonucleotide inhibits the expression of CLASP-4.
  • the invention provides an isolated DNA that encodes a CLASP-4 protein as shown in SEQ ID NO:2.
  • the CLASP-4 polynucleotide is RNA.
  • the invention provides a method for producing a polypeptide comprising: (a) culturing the host cell containing a CLASP-4 polynucleotide under conditions such that the polypeptide is expressed; and (b) recovering the polypeptide from the cultured host cell or its cultured medium.
  • the invention further provides an isolated CLASP-4 polypeptide encoded by a CLASP-4 polynucleotide.
  • the CLASP-4 polypeptide has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, or a fragment thereof.
  • the isolated CLASP-4 polypeptide is cell-membrane associated.
  • the isolated CLASP-4 polypeptide is soluble.
  • the soluble CLASP-4 polypeptide is fused with a heterologous polypeptide.
  • the invention further provides an isolated CLASP-4 protein having the sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO:2.
  • the invention provides a
  • CLASP-4 protein comprising the sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO:l and variants thereof that are at least 95% identical to SEQ ID. NO:2 and specifically binds a cytoskeletal protein.
  • the cytoskeletal protein is spectrin.
  • the invention further provides an isolated antibody that specifically binds to a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO:2, or a binding fragment thereof.
  • the antibody is monoclonal.
  • the invention provides a hybridoma capable of secreting the antibody.
  • the invention further provides a method of identifying a compound or agent that binds a CLASP-4 polypeptide comprising: i) contacting a CLASP-4 polypeptide with the compound or agent under conditions which allow binding of the compound to the CLASP-4 polypeptide to form a complex and ii) detecting the presence ofthe complex.
  • the invention further provides a method of detecting a CLASP-4 polypeptide in a sample, comprising: (a) contacting the sample with a CLASP-4 antibody or binding fragment and (b) determining whether a complex has been formed between the antibody and with CLASP-4 polypeptide.
  • the invention further provides a method of detecting a CLASP-4 polypeptide in a sample, comprising: (a) contacting the sample with a CLASP-4 polynucleotide or a polynucleotide that comprises a sequence of at least 12 nucleotides and is complementary to a contiguous sequence of the CLASP-4 polynucleotide and (b) determining whether a hybridization complex has been formed.
  • the invention further provides a method of detecting a CLASP-4 nucleotide in a sample, comprising: (a) using a polynucleotide that comprises a sequence of at least 12 nucleotides and is complementary to a contiguous sequence of a CLASP-4 polynucleotide in an amplification process; and (b) determining whether a specific amplification product has been formed.
  • the invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a CLASP-4 polynucleotide, a CLASP-4 polypeptide, or a CLASP-4 antibody and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
  • the invention provides a method of inhibiting an immune response in a cell comprising: (a) interfering with the expression of a CLASP-4 gene in the cell; (b) interfering with the ability of a CLASP-4 protein to mediate cell-cell interaction (e.g., interfering with a heterotypic and/or homotypic interaction) between CLASP-4 and an extracellular protein; (c) interfering with the ability of a CLASP-4 protein to bind to another protein.
  • the cell is a T cell or a B cell. Some such methods comprise contacting the cell with an effective amount of a polypeptide which comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 or a fragment thereof.
  • the invention provides a method of inhibiting an immune response in a subject, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody which specifically binds a polypeptide having the sequence of SEQ ID NO:2.
  • the invention provides a method of preventing or treating a CLASP-4-mediated disease comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a CLASP-4 pharmaceutical composition.
  • the CLASP-4-mediated disease is an autoimmune disease.
  • the invention further provides a method of treating an autoimmune disease in a subject caused or exacerbated by increased activity of THI cells consisting of administering a therapeutically effective amount of a CLASP-4 pharmaceutical composition to the subject.
  • CLASP-4 polynucleotides and polypeptides are those encoded by the sequences provided in FIG. 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9A and 9B, and fragments thereof, but excluding the specific sequences shown in FIG. 10A-D.
  • the CLASP-4 polynucleotides of the invention comprise at least 1, at least 5, at least 24, or at least 51 contiguous nucleotides of at least one of exon 1A-J of FIG. 5 A and/or bases -94 to 2887 of FIG. 5 A.
  • the CLASP-4 polypeptides of the invention comprise at least 1, at least 5, at least 10 or at least 25 amino acid residues encoded by an aforementioned polynucleotide.
  • the aforementioned polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention can include additional nucleotides or amino acid residues as shown in FIG. 5A.
  • CLASP-4 encoding polynucleotides of the invention comprise the sequence GCAGCCATGCCTAATTCT. In other embodiments, CLASP-4 encoding polynucleotides of the invention comprise the sequence GCAGCCATGCCTAATTCTGCATTC. In other embodiments, CLASP-4 encoding polynucleotides of the invention comprise the sequence
  • CLASP-4 polypeptides of the invention comprise the sequence AAMPNS. In other embodiments, CLASP-4 polypeptides of the invention comprise the sequence AAMPNS AS. In other embodiments, CLASP-4 polypeptides of the invention comprise the sequence AAMPNSASRDE.
  • CLASP-4 encoding polynucleotides of the invention comprise the sequence TCACCTGCCAATAGA. In other embodiments, CLASP-4 encoding polynucleotides of the invention comprise the sequence TTTACTTCACCTGCCAATAGAGGG. In other embodiments, CLASP-4 encoding polynucleotides of the invention comprise the sequence
  • CLASP-4 polypeptides of the invention comprise the sequence SPANR. In other embodiments, CLASP-4 polypeptides of the invention comprise the sequence FTSPANRG. In other embodiments, CLASP-4 polypeptides ofthe invention comprise the sequence GFTSPANRGS.
  • a polynucleotide or polypeptide of FIG. 10A-D finds use in a method or application described herein, as also described for the CLASP-4 polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention.
  • Figure 1 Nucleotide and predicted amino acid sequence of a CLASP- 4 cDNA. Notable protein motifs are labeled above the nucleotide sequence.
  • FIG. 1 Expression of CLASP-4 in human cell lines and human tissues as determined by Northern hybridization.
  • a CLASP-4-specif ⁇ c DNA fragment (HC4.3) was generated by PCR from a CLASP-4 cDNA clone, using primersl29333F2 and 12933R3 (spanning nucleotides 2987-3660 of the cDNA). The fragment was labeled by incorporation of radioactive 32P dCTP.
  • PBL peirpheral blood lymphocytes
  • FIG. 3 A. Amino acid sequence of human and rat CLASP proteins. Sequences were aligned using ClustalW. One letter amino acid abbreviation used. Protein motifs are found within the labeled boxes. A “-” indicates gaps that are placed to acquire a best overall alignment. Other abbreviations: “HC2A” Human CLASP-2 sequence, “KIAA” KIAA1058 sequence (Genbank Accession No. AB028981), “rat” TRG gene (Genbank Accession No. X68101), “HC4" Human CLASP-4 sequence, “HCl” Human CLASP- 1 sequence, “HC3” Human CLASP-3 sequence, "HC5" Human CLASP-5 sequence. B. Alignment of DOCK motifs found within the human CLASPs and compared to canonical DOCK motifs. Consensus amino acids found within all DOCK motifs are also indicated.
  • HC4.1 CLASP-4-specific DNA fragment
  • Probe HC4.1 is 606 bp long (spanning nucleotides 353-958 of the cDNA sequence shown in FIG. 1 and nucleotides 2319-2924 of the cDNA sequence shown in FIG.
  • Figure 5 A) Full length cDNA sequence (SEQ ID NO:l) and predicted amino acid translation (SEQ ID NO:2) of the human CLASP-4 gene. Predicted initiator methionine starts at nucleotide +1. In-frame stop codons upstream ofthe initiator methionine support the fact that this sequence represents the full length coding region of CLASP-4. Ten independent 1st exons (indicated as IA through 1J) were discovered and all splice into the second exon starting at nucleotide -94. These different first exons were discovered as RT-PCR products ("P2"), 5' RACE products (“GR”) or as expressed sequence tags (“EST”) from Genbank.
  • P2 RT-PCR products
  • GR 5' RACE products
  • EST expressed sequence tags
  • the methionine encoded at nucleotide 2380 in FIG. 5 is equivalent to the first methionine predicted to be encoded at nucleotide 414 as shown in FIG. 1 above.
  • the sequence presented in FIG. 1 corresponds to nucleotides 2380 to 6360 of FIG. 5. Numerous nucleotide differences exist between the regions in FIG. 1 and FIG. 5 around these methionines due to polymorphisms and the presence of sequences from a pseudogene encoded on chromosome 14.
  • line (ii) represents the full length CLASP-4 isoforms, where there are ten CLASP- 4 full length cDNA isoforms (A + Z, B + Z, C + Z, and so on). Each ofthe isoforms uses a first exon (A, B, C, and so on) that splices into the rest of the cDNA from exon 2 onwards represented by Z (see FIG. 5 A).
  • Line (iii) represents the additional 5' sequence and overlap between nucleotides 1966 to 2737 shown in FIG. 5 A and nucleotides 1-772 of FIG.1.
  • FIG. 6 Sequence of human CLASP-4 exons and introns.
  • A. Sequence of human CLASP-4 exons and intron borders.
  • a contigous genomic sequence from the Human Genome Project (GENBANK entry-gi5836219) was aligned using the human CLASP-4 cDNA as a template and Sequencher sequence analysis software. Due to the incompleteness ofthe Human Genome Project, only partial genomic sequence from human CLASP-4 was obtained. The ten independent 1st exons are presented in order (5' to 3') as they appear in genomic DNA. Exons 2-16 representing approximately the 5' 30% of the human CLASP-4 cDNA sequence are presented in predicted 5' to 3' order. Exon sequences are underlined and are flanked by intron sequence.
  • FIG. 8 Expression of CLASP-4 upon T-cell activation as assayed by Northern analysis.
  • Jurkat cells were activated using PMA, Ionomycin, and anti-CD28 antibody.
  • RNA was prepared from cell culture aliquots at 0 , 1, 2, 4, 8, 14 hours post activation and Northern analysis was performed (A).
  • Hybridization signals obtained with a CLASP-4 specific probe or the beta actin-specific probe, respectively were quantified using a phosphor imager system. Relative signal intensities, including signals obtained from hybridization with CLASP- 1 specific probe (refering to total signal of the specific probe used), are shown in the bar graph (B).
  • the ethidium staining of the Northern gel (A) demonstrates even RNA loading.
  • FIG. 9A shows a polynucleotide fragment
  • FIG. 9B shows a conceptual polypeptide.
  • FIG. 10A shows a polynucleotide fragment
  • Fig. 10B and C show a conceptual polypeptide
  • Fig. 10D shows a polypeptide alignment.
  • patient or “subject” are used interchangeably and refer to mammals such as human patients and non-human primates, as well as experimental animals such as rabbits, rats, and mice, and other animals.
  • biological sample is a sample of biological tissue, fluid, or cells that contains hCLASP-4 or nucleic acid encoding hCLASP-4 protein. Such samples include, but are not limited to, tissue isolated from humans. Biological samples may also include sections of tissues such as frozen sections taken for histologic purposes.
  • a biological sample is typically obtained from a eukaryotic organism, preferably eukaryotes such as fungi, plants, insects, protozoa, birds, fish, reptiles, and preferably a mammal such as rat, mice, cow, dog, guinea pig, or rabbit, and most preferably a primate such as chimpanzees or humans.
  • treating includes the administration of the compounds or agents of the present invention to prevent or delay the onset of the symptoms, complications, or biochemical indicia of a disease, alleviating the symptoms or arresting or inhibiting further development ofthe disease, condition, or disorder (e.g., autoimmune disease).
  • Treatment may be prophylactic (to prevent or delay the onset ofthe disease, or to prevent the manifestation of clinical or subclinical symptoms thereof) or therapeutic suppression or alleviation of symptoms after the manifestation ofthe disease.
  • lymphocyte as used herein has the normal meaning in the art, and refers to any of the mononuclear, nonphagocytic leukocytes, found in the blood, lymph, and lymphoid tissues, i.e., B and T lymphocytes.
  • isolated or “purified,” refer to material that is substantially free from components that normally accompany it as found in its native state (e.g., recombinantly produced or purified away from other cell components with which it is naturally associated). Purity and homogeneity are typically determined using analytical chemistry techniques such as polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis or high performance liquid chromatography.
  • nucleic acid or protein gives rise to essentially one band in an electrophoretic gel. Particularly, it means that the nucleic acid or protein is at least 85% pure, more preferably at least 95% pure, and most preferably at least 99% pure.
  • nucleic acid and polynucleotide are used interchangeably" and refer to refers to DNA, RNA and nucleic acid polymers containing known nucleotide analogs or modified backbone residues or linkages, which are synthetic, naturally occurring, and non-naturally occurring, which have similar binding properties as the reference nucleic acid, and which are metabolized in a manner similar to the reference nucleotides.
  • Examples of such analogs include, without limitation, phosphorothioates, phosphoramidates, methyl phosphonates, chiral-methyl phosphonates, 2-O-methyl ribonucleotides, peptide-nucleic acids (PNAs).
  • polypeptide peptide
  • protein protein
  • amino acids may be natural amino acids, or include an artificial chemical mimetic of a corresponding naturally occurring amino acid.
  • nucleic acid probe is defined as a nucleic acid capable of specifically binding to a target nucleic acid of complementary sequence (e.g., through complementary base pairing).
  • a probe may include natural (i.e., A, G, C, or T) or modified bases (7-deazaguanosine, inosine, and the like).
  • the bases in a probe may be joined by a linkage other than a phosphodiester bond, so long as it does not interfere with hybridization (e.g., probes may be peptide nucleic acids).
  • the probes can be directly labeled as with isotopes, chromophores, lumiphores, chromogens, or indirectly labeled such as with biotin to which a streptavidin complex may later bind.
  • recombinant cells express genes that are not found within the native (non-recombinant) form of the cell or express native genes that are otherwise abnormally expressed, under expressed or not expressed at all.
  • heterologous when used with reference to portions of a nucleic acid indicates that the nucleic acid comprises two or more subsequences that are not found in the same relationship to each other in nature.
  • the nucleic acid is typically recombinantly produced, having two or more sequences from unrelated genes arranged to make a new functional nucleic acid, e.g., a promoter from one source and a coding region from another source.
  • a heterologous protein indicates that the protein comprises two or more subsequences that are not found in the same relationship to each other in nature (e.g. , a fusion protein).
  • sequence identity refers to a measure of similarity between amino acid or nucleotide sequences, and can be measured using methods known in the art, such as those described below:
  • nucleic acids or polypeptide sequences refer to two or more sequences or subsequences that are the same or have a specified percentage of amino acid residues or nucleotides that are the same (i.e., 60% identity, preferably 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% identity over a specified region (see, e.g., SEQ ID NO:l ), when compared and aligned for maximum correspondence over a comparison window, or designated region as measured using one of the following sequence comparison algorithms or by manual alignment and visual inspection.
  • substantially identical in the context of two nucleic acids or polypeptides, refers to two or more sequences or subsequences that have at least of at least 60%, often at least 70%, preferably at least 80%, most preferably at least 90% or at least 95% nucleotide or amino acid residue identity, when compared and aligned for maximum correspondence, as measured using one of the following sequence comparison algorithms or by visual inspection.
  • the substantial identity exists over a region of the sequences that is at least about 50 bases or residues in length, more preferably over a region of at least about 100 bases or residues, and most preferably the sequences are substantially identical over at least about 150 bases or residues.
  • the sequences are substantially identical over the entire length of the coding regions.
  • sequence similarity in the context of two nucleic acids or polypeptides, refers to two or more sequences that are identitical or in the case of amino acids, have homologous amino acid substitutions at either 50%, often at least 60%, often at least 70%, preferably at least 80%, most preferably at least 90% or at least 95% ofthe indicated positions.
  • sequence comparison typically one sequence acts as a reference sequence, to which test sequences are compared.
  • test and reference sequences are entered into a computer, subsequence coordinates are designated, if necessary, and sequence algorithm program parameters are designated. Default program parameters can be used, or alternative parameters can be designated.
  • sequence comparison algorithm then calculates the percent sequence identities for the test sequences relative to the reference sequence, based on the program parameters.
  • sequence comparison of nucleic acids and proteins to CLASP-4 nucleic acids and proteins the BLAST and BLAST 2.0 algorithms and the default parameters discussed below are used.
  • a “comparison window”, as used herein, includes reference to a segment of any one of the number of contiguous positions selected from the group consisting of from 20 to 600, usually about 50 to about 200, more usually about 100 to about 150 in which a sequence may be compared to a reference sequence of the same number of contiguous positions after the two sequences are optimally aligned.
  • Methods of alignment of sequences for comparison are well-known in the art. Optimal alignment of sequences for comparison can be conducted, e.g., by the local homology algorithm of Smith & Waterman, 1981, Adv. Appl. Math. 2: 482), by the homology alignment algorithm of Needleman & Wunsch, 1970, J. Mol. Biol.
  • BLAST and BLAST 2.0 are used, with the parameters described herein, to determine percent sequence identity for the nucleic acids and proteins of the invention.
  • Software for performing BLAST analyses is publicly available through the National Center for Biotechnology Information (http: //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/).
  • This algorithm involves first identifying high scoring sequence pairs (HSPs) by identifying short words of length W in the query sequence, which either match or satisfy some positive-valued threshold score T when aligned with a word of the same length in a database sequence.
  • T is referred to as the neighborhood word score threshold (Altschul et al. , supra).
  • a scoring matrix is used to calculate the cumulative score. Extension of the word hits in each direction are halted when: the cumulative alignment score falls off by the quantity X from its maximum achieved value; the cumulative score goes to zero or below, due to the accumulation of one or more negative-scoring residue alignments; or the end of either sequence is reached.
  • the BLAST algorithm parameters W, T, and X determine the sensitivity and speed ofthe alignment.
  • the BLAST algorithm also performs a statistical analysis of the similarity between two sequences (see, e.g., Karlin & Altschul, 1993, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 90: 5873-5787).
  • One measure of similarity provided by the BLAST algorithm is the smallest sum probability (P(N)), which provides an indication ofthe probability by which a match between two nucleotide or amino acid sequences would occur by chance.
  • P(N) the smallest sum probability
  • a nucleic acid is considered similar to a reference sequence if the smallest sum probability in a comparison of the test nucleic acid to the reference nucleic acid is less than about 0.2, more preferably less than about 0.01, and most preferably less than about 0.001.
  • PILEUP creates a multiple sequence alignment from a group of related sequences using progressive, pairwise alignments to show relationship and percent sequence identity. It also plots a tree or dendogram showing the clustering relationships used to create the alignment.
  • PILEUP uses a simplification of the progressive alignment method of Feng & Doolittle, 1987, J. Mol. Evol. 35: 351-360. The method used is similar to the method described by Higgins & Sharp, 1989, CABIOS 5: 151-153.
  • the program can align up to 300 sequences, each of a maximum length of 5,000 nucleotides or amino acids.
  • the multiple alignment procedure begins with the pairwise alignment of the two most similar sequences, producing a cluster of two aligned sequences.
  • This cluster is then aligned to the next most related sequence or cluster of aligned sequences.
  • Two clusters of sequences are aligned by a simple extension of the pairwise alignment of two individual sequences.
  • the final alignment is achieved by a series of progressive, pairwise alignments.
  • the program is run by designating specific sequences and their amino acid or nucleotide coordinates for regions of sequence comparison and by designating the program parameters.
  • PILEUP a reference sequence is compared to other test sequences to determine the percent sequence identity relationship using the following parameters: default gap weight (3.00), default gap length weight (0.10), and weighted end gaps.
  • PILEUP can be obtained from the GCG sequence analysis software package, e.g., version 7.0 (Devereaux et al. , 1984, Nuc. Acids Res. 12: 387-395.
  • ClustalW performs multiple pairwise comparisons between groups of sequences and assembles them into a multiple alignment based on homology. Gap open and Gap extension penalties were 10 and 0.05 respectively.
  • BLOSUM algorithm can be used as a protein weight matrix (Henikoff and Henikoff, 1992, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 89: 10915- 10919).
  • a “label” is a composition detectable by spectroscopic, photochemical, biochemical, immunochemical, or chemical means.
  • useful labels include 32P, fluorescent dyes, electron-dense reagents, enzymes (e.g., as commonly used in an ELISA), biotin, digoxigenin, or haptens and proteins for which antisera or monoclonal antibodies are available (e.g., the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:l can be made detectable, e.g., by inco ⁇ orating a radiolabel into the peptide, and used to detect antibodies specifically reactive with the peptide).
  • sorting in the context of cells as used herein to refers to both physical sorting of the cells, as can be accomplished using, e.g., a fluorescence activated cell sorter, as well as to analysis of cells based on expression of cell surface markers, e.g., FACS analysis in the absence of sorting.
  • the phrase "selectively (or specifically) hybridizes to” refers to the binding, duplexing, or hybridizing of a molecule only to a particular nucleotide sequence under stringent hybridization conditions when that sequence is present in a complex mixture (e.g. , total cellular or library DNA or RNA).
  • the phrase "specifically (or selectively) binds" to an antibody refers to a binding reaction that is determinative of the presence of the protein in a heterogeneous population of proteins and other biologies.
  • the specified antibodies bind to a particular protein at least two times the background and do not substantially bind in a significant amount to other proteins present in the sample.
  • the phrase "specifically bind(s)" or “bind(s) specifically” when referring to a peptide refers to a peptide molecule which has intermediate or high binding affinity, exclusively or predominately, to a target molecule.
  • the phrases “specifically binds to” refers to a binding reaction which is determinative of the presence of a target protein in the presence of a heterogeneous population of proteins and other biologies.
  • the specified binding moieties bind preferentially to a particular target protein and do not bind in a significant amount to other components present in a test sample. Specific binding to a target protein under such conditions may require a binding moiety that is selected for its specificity for a particular target antigen.
  • a variety of assay formats may be used to select ligands that are specifically reactive with a particular protein.
  • solid-phase ELISA immunoassays, immunoprecipitation, Biacore and Western blot are used to identify peptides that specifically react with PDZ domain-containing proteins.
  • a specific or selective reaction will be at least twice background signal or noise and more typically more than 10 times background.
  • Specific binding between a monovalent peptide and a PDZ-containing protein means a binding affinity of at least 10 4 M "1 , and preferably 10 5 or 10 6 M "1 .
  • homotypic interaction refers to the binding of a given protein to another molecule of the same protein (e.g., the binding of hCLASP-4 to hCLASP-4).
  • heterotypic interaction refers to the binding of a given protein to a different protein or other molecule (e.g., a transcription factor to DNA).
  • immune cell response refers to the response of immune system cells to external or internal stimuli (e.g., antigen, cytokines, chemokines, and other cells) producing biochemical changes in the immune cells that result in immune cell migration, killing of target cells, phagocytosis, production of antibodies, other soluble effectors ofthe immune response, and the like.
  • external or internal stimuli e.g., antigen, cytokines, chemokines, and other cells
  • B lymphocyte response and “B lymphocyte activity” are used interchangeably to refer to the component of immune response carried out by B lymphocytes (i.e. the proliferation and maturation of B lymphocytes, the binding of antigen to cell surface immunogobulin, the internalization of antigen and presentation of that antigen via MHC molecules to T lymphocytes, and the synthesis and secretion of antibodies).
  • T lymphocyte response and "T lymphocyte activity” are used here interchangeably to refer to the component of immune response dependent on T lymphocytes (i.e., the proliferation and/or differentiation of T lymphocytes into helper, cytotoxic killer, or suppressor T lymphocytes, the provision of signals by helper T lymphocytes to B lymphocytes that cause or prevent antibody production, the killing of specific target cells by cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and the release of soluble factors such as cytokines that modulate the function of other immune cells).
  • T lymphocyte response i.e., the proliferation and/or differentiation of T lymphocytes into helper, cytotoxic killer, or suppressor T lymphocytes, the provision of signals by helper T lymphocytes to B lymphocytes that cause or prevent antibody production, the killing of specific target cells by cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and the release of soluble factors such as cytokines that modulate the function of other immune cells).
  • immune response refers to the concerted action of lymphocytes, antigen presenting cells, phagocytic cells, granulocytes, and soluble macromolecules produced by the above cells or the liver (including antibodies, cytokines, and complement) that results in selective damage to, destruction of, or elimination from the human body of invading pathogens, cells or tissues infected with pathogens, cancerous cells, or, in cases of autoimmunity or pathological inflammation, normal human cells or tissues.
  • Components of an immune response may be detected in vitro by various methods that are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, (1) cytotoxic T lymphocytes can be incubated with radioactively labeled target cells and the lysis of these target cells detected by the release of radioactivity, (2) helper T lymphocytes can be incubated with antigens and antigen presenting cells and the synthesis and secretion of cytokines measured by standard methods (Windhagen A; et al, 1995, Immunity 2(4): 373-80), (3) antigen presenting cells can be incubated with whole protein antigen and the presentation of that antigen on MHC detected by either T lymphocyte activation assays or biophysical methods (Harding et al, 1989, Proc. Natl.
  • mast cells can be incubated with reagents that cross-link their Fc-epsilon receptors and histamine release measured by enzyme immunoassay (Siraganian, et al, 1983, TIPS 4: 432-437).
  • products of an immune response in either a model organism (e.g., mouse) or a human patient can also be detected by various methods that are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
  • a model organism e.g., mouse
  • a human patient can also be detected by various methods that are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
  • the production of antibodies in response to vaccination can be readily detected by standard methods currently used in clinical laboratories, e.g., an ELISA
  • the migration of immune cells to sites of inflammation can be detected by scratching the surface of skin and placing a sterile container to capture the migrating cells over scratch site (Peters et al, 1988, Blood 72: 1310-5)
  • the proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in response to mitogens or mixed lymphocyte reaction can be measured using 3H-thymidine
  • the phagocitic capacity of granulocytes, macrophages, and other phagocytes in PBMCs can be measured by placing PMBCs in wells together with
  • signal transduction pathway or “signal transduction event” refers to at least one biochemical reaction, but more commonly a series of biochemical reactions, which result from interaction of a cell with a stimulatory compound or agent.
  • the interaction of a stimulatory compound with a cell generates a "signal” that is transmitted through the signal transduction pathway, ultimately resulting in a cellular response, e.g. , an immune response described above.
  • a signal transduction pathway refers to the biochemical relationship between a variety of signal transduction molecules that play a role in the transmission of a signal from one portion of a cell to another portion of a cell.
  • Signal transduction molecules of the present invention include, for example, extracellular and intracellular domains of CLASP-4.
  • the phrase "cell surface receptor” includes molecules and complexes of molecules capable of receiving a signal and the transmission of such a signal across the plasma membrane of a cell.
  • An example of a "cell surface receptor" ofthe present invention is the T cell receptor (TCR).
  • intracellular signal transduction molecule includes those molecules or complexes of molecules involved in transmitting a signal from the plasma membrane of a cell through the cytoplasm of the cell, and in some instances, into the cell's nucleus.
  • CLASP-4 can be referred to as an "intracellular signal transduction molecule", but can also be referred to as a “signal transduction molecule”.
  • a signal transduction pathway in a cell can be initiated by interaction of a cell with a stimulator that is inside or outside ofthe cell.
  • an exterior stimulator e.g., an MHC-antigen complex on an antigen presenting cell
  • a cell surface receptor e.g., a T cell receptor
  • a signal transduction pathway can transmit a signal across the cell's membrane, through the cytoplasm of the cell, and in some instances into the nucleus.
  • an interior stimulator e.g., inside the cell
  • a signal transduction pathway can result in transmission of a signal through the cell's cytoplasm, and in some instances into the cell's nucleus.
  • Signal transduction can occur through, e.g., the phosphorylation of a molecule; non-covalent allosteric interactions; complexing of molecules; the conformational change of a molecule; calcium release; inositol phosphate production; proteolytic cleavage; cyclic nucleotide production and diacylglyceride production.
  • signal transduction occurs through phosphorylating a signal transduction molecule.
  • a CLASP-4 signal transduction pathway refers generally to a pathway in which CLASP-4 protein regulates a pathway that includes engaged-receptors, PKC-substrates, G proteins, and other molecules.
  • the present invention relates to a novel transmembrane protein, CLASP-4, a new member of the CLASP family that contains an endodomain that displays the appropriate properties to organize the cytoskeleton and signal transduction apparatus of the immune gateway.
  • CLASP-4 functions in cells of the immune system, e.g., T cells and B cells, as well as non-immune cells.
  • the CLASP-4 protein functions in a variety of cellular processes, particularly related to immune function, regulation of T cell and B cell interactions, T cell activation, and in the organization, establishment and maintenance of the "immunological synapse" (see Dustin et al, 1999, Science 283: 680-682; Paul et al, 1994, Cell 76: 241-251; Dustin et al, 1996, J. Immunol. 157: 2014; Dustin et al, 1998, Cell 94: 667), including signal transduction, cytoskeletal interactions, and membrane organization.
  • the CLASP-4 protein is believed to be a component of the lymphocyte organelle called the "immune gateway" that creates a docking site or portal for cell-cell contact during antigen-presentation. It is believed the cytoplasmic domains of CLASP-4 proteins organize it into a patch at the leading edge of T cells.
  • the carboxy-terminus encoded sequences mediate interaction with cytoskeletal proteins (e.g., spectrin or a kyrin) to connect CLASP-4 to the microtubule network and hold the receptors at a polarized configuration just above the microtubule-organizing center (“MTOC").
  • cytoskeletal proteins e.g., spectrin or a kyrin
  • Modulating the expression ofthe CLASP-4 protein, and interference with, or enhancement of, CLASP-4 protein interactions with other proteins has a number of beneficial physiological effects, e.g., altered signaling in response to antigen, altered T and B cell response to antigen, and modulation of T cell activation.
  • the CLASP-4 extracellular domain is targeted (e.g., using anti-CLASP-4 antibody, soluble CLASP-4 fragments, and the like) to regulate T cell activation (and thus regulate immune responses).
  • disorders that can be treated by disrupting CLASP-4 function include without limitation, multiple sclerosis, juvenile diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, pemphigus, pemphigoid, epidermolysis bullosa acquista, lupus, endometriosis, toxemia or pregnancy induced hypertension, pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP), herpes gestationis, impetigo herpetiformis, pruritus gravidarum, placenta-related disorders, and Rh incompatibility.
  • multiple sclerosis juvenile diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, pemphigus, pemphigoid, epidermolysis bullosa acquista, lupus, endometriosis, toxemia or pregnancy induced hypertension, pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP), herpes gestationis, impetigo herpetiformis, pruritus grav
  • the present invention provides methods and reagents for detection of CLASP-4 expression and CLASP-4-expressing cells.
  • Abnormal expression patterns or expression levels are diagnostic for immune and other disorders. For example, diseases characterized by overproduction or depletion of lymphocytes in blood or other organs may be detected or monitored by monitoring the level of CLASP-4 polypeptide or mRNA in a biological sample (e.g., peripheral blood), e.g., the number or percentage of CLASP-4 expressing cells.
  • T cells Diseases characterized by overproduction of T cells include, e.g., leukemia (both ALL and CLL), lymphoma (including non-Hodgkins lymphoma, Burkitt's lymphoma, mycosis fungoides, and sezary syndrome), EBV, CMV, toxoplasmosis, syphilis, typhoid, brucellosis, tuberculosis, influenza, hepatitis, serum sickness, and thyrotoxicosis.
  • Diseases associated with the depletion of T cells include, e.g., HIV and myelodysplasia.
  • B cells Diseases associated with the overproduction of B cells include, e.g., leukemia (both ALL and CLL), non-Hodgkins lymphoma, Burkitt's lymphoma, myeloma, EBV, CMV, toxoplasmosis, syphilis, typhoid, brucellosis, tuberculosis, influenze, hepatitis, serum sickness, and thyrotoxicosis.
  • diseases associated with the depletion of B cells include, e.g. , myelodysplasia.
  • FIG. 6 shows the nucleotide sequence and conceptual translation of human CLASP-4 polypeptide: hCLASP-4 cDNA (SEQ ID NO:l) and hCLASP-4 polypeptide (SEQ ID NO:
  • KIAA is KIAA1058 sequence (Genbank Accession No. AB028981), which was described by Kikuno et al, 1999, DNA Res. 6, 197-205 as a cDNA from brain encoding a protein of unknown function.
  • CLASP-4 polypeptides typically include a cadherin proteolytic cleavage signal RXXR, a transmembrane domain (amino acids 1570-1588 in FIG. 7) and an intracellular domain. Immediately adjacent to the transmembrane domain is an extracellular portion of CLASP-4. However, there are additional hydrophobic regions in the region encompassing amino acids 1-1569 that may be potential membrane spanning regions. CLASP-4 therefore contains at least 1 but possibly more transmembrane domains. Standard techniques are available to determine the topology of a protein including cysteine accessibility analysis (see, e.g., Wakabayashi S. et al, 2000, J. Biol. Chem.
  • the present invention provides a polynucleotide having the sequence of SEQ. ID. NO:l, or a fragment thereof, and a polypeptide having the sequence of SEQ. ID NO:2, or a fragment thereof.
  • the invention provides polynucleotides comprising hCLASP-4 genomic sequences, CLASP-4 homologs from other species, naturally occurring alleles of hCLASP-4, and hCLASP-4 variants as described herein, and methods for using CLASP-4 polynucleotide, polypeptides, antibodies and other reagents.
  • CLASP-4 cDNA encodes a polypeptide characterized by several structural and functional domains and defined sequence motifs.
  • the structural features are described infra.
  • the present invention is not limited to polypeptides that include all, or any particular one of these domains or motifs.
  • a CLASP-4 fusion protein of the invention contains only the extracellular domain of CLASP-4.
  • the CLASP-4 polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:2 does not have the IT AM motifs (discussed infra) found in the other CLASP family polypeptides.
  • CLASP-4 polypeptides and the corresponding region of the mRNA are of interest, in part, because they may be separately targeted or modified (e.g., deleted or mutated) to affect the activity or expression of a CLASP-4 gene product (in order to, for example, modulate an immune response).
  • the extracellular domain of a CLASP-4 protein can be targeted (e.g., using an anti-CLASP monoclonal antibody to (a) block the interaction of a CLASP-4-expressing cell (e.g., a T cell) and a second cell (e.g., a B cell) displaying a protein that is bound by CLASP-4 (i.e., a CLASP-4 ligand).
  • a CLASP-4-expressing cell e.g., a T cell
  • a second cell e.g., a B cell
  • an intracellular domain e.g., DOCK, see infra
  • DOCK see infra
  • inhibiting CLASP-4 expression or CLASP-4 polypeptide function will result in modulation of immune function including, for example, changing the threshold for T cell activation by affecting formation of the immune synapse.
  • Modulation of immune function can be screened and quantitated by a number of assays known in the art and described herein (see also "Biological Activities of CLASP-4" subsection below).
  • the human CLASP-4 sequence presented in FIG. 1 shows a potential start site for translation.
  • the predicted methionine appears at nucleotide 414 (ATG). It is an acceptable consensus sequence for a translational start (A GxxATGG; Kozak, M., 1996, Mamm. Genome 7(8): 563-74).
  • a second possibility for a translational start is that the cDNA listed in FIG. 1 is incomplete and another methionine is encoded in frame and upstream of the sequence shown in FIG.l.
  • Additional CLASP-4 cDNA sequence is shown in FIG. 5 and contains an initiator methionine at nucleotide +1. Sequences 5' to the ATG at nucleotide 414 in FIG. 1 were obtained by sequencing a genomic BAC clone and could represent either upstream intron sequence or an exon not normally found in expressed cDNAs.
  • the CLASP-4 extracellular domain is characterized by one cadherin EC- like motif (Pigott, R. and Power, C, 1993, The Adhesion Molecule Factbook. Academic Press, pg. 6; Jackson, R. M. and Russell, R. B., 2000, J. Mol. Biol. 296: 325-34).
  • Several highly conserved cysteines are found in the extracellular domain, as well as various glycosylation signals.
  • CLASP-4 may interact with ligands in a homotypic and/or heterotypic manner to establish the immunological synapse in conjunction with molecules such as TCR, MHC class I, MHC class II, CD3 complex and accessory molecules such as CD4, CD3, ICAM-1, LFA-1, and others.
  • Many cadherins contain a pro-domain of approximately 50 to 150 amino acids that is removed before localization to the plasma membrane. This cleavage is presumed to be carried out by Furin (Posthaus, H. et al, 1998, FEBS Let 438: 306-1010) at a consensus sequence of RKQR.
  • Furin is a protease that is at least partially responsible for the maturation of certain cadherins.
  • CLASP-4 has the sequence HGQR at nucleotides 795 through 806 as shown in FIG. 1 (nucleotides 2761 through 2772 that encodes the sequence RGQR as shown in FIG. 5). By homology, this region is around 120 amino acids into the predicted protein start site for hCLASP-4. This region may be a pro-domain and cleavage may be required for CLASP-4 function, or aspects of CLASP-4 function.
  • Antibodies raised against the extracellular domain can be added to cells expressing CLASP-4. These antibodies can either block the interaction of CLASP-4 with potential ligands or stabilize these interactions. Any immunoassay known in the art, e.g., listed and described herein, may be used to assess the modulation of immune function brought about by this approach.
  • portions of the extracellular domain of CLASP-4 can be expressed as soluble protein. This soluble protein can then be added to cells expressing CLASP-4. These proteins may interact with potential ligands to competitively inhibit their binding to endogenous CLASP-4. This could modulate CLASP-4 function via the immunoassays described herein. Recombinant proteins could interfere in a positive or negative fashion with CLASP-4 interactions.
  • CLASP-4 predicted amino acid sequence was analyzed using the PHDhtm analysis software for prediction of transmembrane helices (Rost, B., et al, 1996, Prot. Science 7: 1704-1718). Using the PPHDhtm analysis software, it was determined that the a transmembrane domain is located from nucleotides 2739-2795 (as shown in FIG. 1; nucleotides 4708 to 4764 as shown in FIG. 5 Other potential transmembrane domains located in the amino terminal 1569 amino acids (as shown in FIG. 5) are possible.
  • the CLASP intracellular domains contain motifs corresponding to several types of protein domains. Depending on the specific CLASP (i.e., specific family member or splice variant) all or only some of the domains can be present. Listed from amino terminus to carboxy terminus, the domains include: (1) ITAM (Chan et al. 1994, Annual Review of Immunology 12: 555-592), (2) a newly discovered DOCK/CLASP-4 motif, (3) a coiled-coil motif, and (4) a C-terminal PDZ binding motif (PBM) (also referred to as PDZ ligand or "PL").
  • ITAM Choan et al. 1994, Annual Review of Immunology 12: 555-592
  • DOCK/CLASP-4 motif a newly discovered DOCK/CLASP-4 motif
  • a coiled-coil motif a C-terminal PDZ binding motif
  • PL C-terminal PDZ binding motif
  • Immunoreceptor Tyrosine-based Activation Motifs are motifs contained within antigen receptors for T and B cells, and Fc receptors on other leukocytes, and are necessary for proper activation and signal transduction in these cells. They are characterized by the consensus sequence YXXL/I - X7/8- YXXL/I (Grucza et al, 1999, Biochemistry 38: 5024-5033), usually separated by 6-8 amino acids (Watson et al, 1998, Immunol. Today 19: 260-264; Isakov, J. Leukoc. Biol. 61 : 6-16).
  • ITAM is used as an intracellular regulatory motif through its ability to be tyrosine phosphorylated by src- family tyrosine kinases such as Lyn that are involved in leukocyte signal transduction. Once phosphorylated, the ITAM acts as a high affinity binding site for SH2 containing proteins. Signal transduction components including ZAP-70, Syk, Lyn, She, PI3 kinase, and Grb2 contain SH2 domains and have been shown to bind ITAMs (Clements et al, 1999, Annu. Rev. Immunol. 17: 89-108). This places ITAM-containing molecules in a central role of intracellular signal regulation in leukocytes.
  • ITAM motifs in leukocyte signaling can facilitate signal transduction (e.g., tyrosine kinase signaling) by acting as temporal scaffolds where other transduction components could bind and be properly positioned to mediate transduction.
  • ITAM motifs often appear in multiples in a protein, however, it is known that one set of YXXL/I alone can transduce signals of the PTK pathway, though weakly.
  • CLASP-4 proteins typically have ITAM YXXL/I motifs (where X is any amino acid) separated by 3 or 13 amino acids.
  • the CLASP-4 polypeptide of the invention is characterized by one or more ofthe motifs shown in Table 1.
  • ITAM motifs in CLASP proteins indicate that they may be engaged by multiple signal transduction components (e.g., ZAP-70/Syk, She, PI3 kinase, and Grb2).
  • the ITAM motif in CLASP proteins match identically to the canonical ITAM motif with some motifs containing a conservative amino acid change (i.e. valine instead of isoleucine or leucine).
  • the ITAMs within CLASPs can bind SH2-containing proteins including ZAP-70, Syk, She, PI3 kinase, and Grb2. Since CLASPs have an extracellular domain, CLASPs protein can independently initiate a signal transduction cascade through engagement of its extracellular domain.
  • CLASPs may cooperate with an antigen receptor signaling complex (e.g., with CD3/TCR, BCR, FcR), to facilitate tyrosine kinase signal transduction
  • an antigen receptor signaling complex e.g., with CD3/TCR, BCR, FcR
  • the ITAMs have demonstrated different binding specificity and affinities for SH2 domains (Clements, et al, 1999, Ann. Rev. Immunol. 17: 89-108). For example, She, PI3 kinase, and Grb2 bind to dual and mono phosphorylated ITAMs with different affinities.
  • ITAMs in CLASPs are believed to provide quantitative as well as qualitative differences in signal transduction depending up their phosphorylation state, as well as to inhibit or augment specific protein interactions and hence specific tyrosine kinase-mediated signaling pathways in leukocytes.
  • Antagonizing the PTK-CLASP-4 interaction (e.g., phosphorylation of CLASP-4) will thus inhibit immune function.
  • interactions between ITAM-bearing human CLASPs and their binding partners are believed to be antagonized by the alpha subtype (SIRPalpha) of signal regulatory proteins that has been shown to negatively regulate ITAM-dependent lymphocyte activation (Lienard H; 1999, J Biol Chem 274: 32493-9).
  • SIRPalpha alpha subtype of signal regulatory proteins that has been shown to negatively regulate ITAM-dependent lymphocyte activation
  • ITIM immunoreceptor tyrosine- based inhibition motif
  • DOCK CLASP-4 polypeptides contain a new "DOCK” motif, not previously described in the scientific literature.
  • the CLASP DOCK motif includes a series of five tyrosines surrounded by conserved sequences in regions A, B, C, D, and G (see FIG. 3B).
  • the cytoplasmic region of CLASP-4 immediately following the ITAM domains exhibits sequence similarity to the C-terminal third of the so-called "DOCK” proteins.
  • the DOCK gene family includes three molecules that are the human homologues of the C. elegans CED proteins known to be involved in apoptosis.
  • CED-5 (DOCK180), a major CRK-binding protein, alters cell morphology upon translocation to the membrane ( mediates the membrane motion that scavenger cells exhibit as they surround and engulf dying cells; its function can be partially rescued by the human DOCK180 (Wu et al, 1998, Nature 392: 501-504).
  • MSC Drosophila
  • DOCK1 when transfected into spindle cells, can make them flattened and polygonal (Takai, et al, 1996, Genomics 35: 403-303). DOCK1 expression is ubiquitous except in hematopoetic cells. DOCK2 is expressed in hematopoetic cells and when transfected into spindle cells can make them round up (Nishihara, H., 1999, Hokkaido Igaku Zasshi 74: 157-66). DOCK2 is expressed in peripheral blood lymphocytes, thymus, spleen, and liver.
  • COILED-COIL CLASP-4s have the two coiled-coil domains (Lupas et al, 1991, Science
  • Coiled-coil domains are known to interact directly with cytoskeleton, indicating that that CLASP-4 proteins interact directly with the cytoskeleton.
  • CLASP-4 binds cytoskeletal proteins, e.g., spectrin, ankyrin, hsp70, talin, ezrin, tropomyosin, myosin, plectin, syndecans, paralemmin, Band 3 protein, Cytoskeletal protein 4.1, Tyrosine phosphatase PTP36 and other molecules.
  • CLASP proteins comprise a PDZ-binding motif ("PBM” or "PL”) at the C-terminus ofthe protein.
  • PBM PDZ-binding motif
  • PL PDZ-binding motif
  • This short (3 - 8 amino acid) motif mediates the binding of proteins terminating at their carboxyl terminus in the motif (most commonly S/T - X - V - free carboxyl-terminus) to other proteins containing one or more specific PDZ domains (See Songyang et al, 1997, Science 275: 72 and Doyle et al, 1996, Cell 85: 1067 for a discussion of PDZ-ligand structures).
  • PDZ domain-containing proteins are involved in the organization of ion channels and receptors at the neurological synapse and in establishing and maintaining polarity in epithelial cells via their binding to the C-termini of transmembrane receptors. It has been shown that PDZ-domain containing proteins can mediate protein-protein interactions in immune system cells (e.g., DLG1 binds to the lymphocyte potassium channel KV1.3 in human T lymphocytes, (Hanada et al, 1997, J. Biol. Chem. 272: 26899).
  • CLASP-4 proteins modulate immune function in a variety of ways and through a variety of mechanisms (i.e., changing the threshold for T cell activation) by affecting formation of the immunological synapse.
  • Establishment and maintenance ofthe immunological synapse can involve: (A) signal transduction, (B) cell- cell interactions, and (C) membrane organization.
  • Human CLASP proteins as discussed above, contain SH3 domains and tyrosine phosphorylation sites. These regions have been shown to be involved in signal transduction in a variety of cells including lymphocytes. Thus, human CLASP proteins are believed to interact with these regions during signal transduction events which lead to modulation of immune responses.
  • CLASP proteins can interact with Tec sub-family of nonreceptor tyrosine kinases.
  • the Tec sub-family of nonreceptor tyrosine kinases consists of Tec, Btk, Tsk/Itk/Emt Itk, and Bmx, and is defined by the presence of SH3 and SH2 domains adjacent to the catalytic domain and an amino-terminal region containing a pleckstrin homology (PH) domain, a Tec homology (TH) domain, and a proline-rich region (Mano, H.; 1999, Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 10: 267-80).
  • PH pleckstrin homology
  • TH Tec homology
  • T cell specific Tsk Itk/Emt, and Btk expressed in most hematopoietic cells other than T cells are important components of antigen receptor signaling pathways in hematopoietic cells.
  • Btk has been identified as the gene defective in murine X-linked immunodeficiency (xid) and human X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) (Nisitani, S., 2000, Proc Natl Acad Sci U.S.A. 97: 2737-42).
  • xid mice B cell numbers are reduced to one-half of normal and the titers of specific immunoglobulin isotypes are significantly reduced; in addition, xid B cells are insensitive to a number of mitogenic stimuli.
  • Btk kinase activity and tyrosine phosphorylation are increased after cross-linking either the B cell receptor on B cells or the high affinity IgE receptor, FcRI, on mast cells.
  • Interleukin-5 and interleukin-6 treatment have also been shown to lead to the activation of Btk.
  • Itk like Btk, is tyrosine-phosphorylated upon antigen receptor cross- linking (Mano, H., 1999, Cytokine Growth Factor Rev, 10: 267-80).
  • peripheral T cells from mice lacking functional Itk are refractory to stimulation by antibodies to CD3 plus antigen presenting cells.
  • These Itk-deficient T cells can be stimulated by phorbol ester and calcium ionophore, demonstrating that Itk acts in signaling pathways proximal to the TCR.
  • the Tec family kinases lack the amino-terminal myristylation site crucial for the membrane localization of Src family kinases, suggesting that some adaptor proteins are required for the their membrane localization (Mano, H., 1999, Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 10: 267-80). Since all the Tec family kinases contain a proline-rich region which could be bound by a SH3 domain, and since all the human CLASPs contain a SH3 domain, it is believed that human CLASPs could serve as adaptors for the members in the Tec family in different hematopoietic cells.
  • GTP-binding proteins play an important role in immune response (Mach, B., 1999, Science 285: 1367).
  • a number of biochemical events triggered by TCR/CD3- induced T cell activation are ablated by agents that modulate the action of G proteins. Pertinent to this is the ability of cholera toxin to inhibit the cellular proliferation and intracellular Ca2+ mobilization that is mediated by anti-CD3 antibody treatment of T cells.
  • the G protein competitive inhibitor GDPS can impede the extent of inositol phosphates generated upon stimulation in peripheral T lymphocytes.
  • Nonhydrolyzable analogs of GTP such as GTPS, or other agents such as ALF that activate G proteins by circumventing the need for receptor engagement, can result in T cell activation.
  • adaptor proteins such as NCK, CBL (Bachmaier, K., 2000, Nature 403: 211-6), SHC, LAT, LNK, SLP-76 (Krause M et al, 2000, J Cell Biol 149: 181-94), HSl, SIT, VAV, GrB2 (Zhang W. and Samelson, L.E., 2000, Semin Immunol 12: 35-41), and BRDG1, kinases such as SYK and LCK, and tyrosine phosphatases such as SHP-1 and SHP-2.
  • adaptor proteins such as NCK, CBL (Bachmaier, K., 2000, Nature 403: 211-6), SHC, LAT, LNK, SLP-76 (Krause M et al, 2000, J Cell Biol 149: 181-94), HSl, SIT, VAV, GrB2 (Zhang W. and Samelson, L.E., 2000, Semin Immunol 12: 35-41),
  • interactions can be defined by a number of different biochemical or cell biological methods including in vitro binding assays, co- immunoprecipitation assays, co-immunostaining (Harlow, E. and Lane, D., 1999, Using Antibodies: A laboratory Manual. Cold Spring Harbor Press) or genetic assays such as yeast the yeast two hybrid system, in which a CLASP-4 protein or fragment can be used as "bait” (Zervos et al, 1993, Cell 72: 223-232; Madura et al, 1993, J. Biol. Chem 268: 12046-12054).
  • assays include in vitro binding assays, co-immunoprecipitation assays, co-immunostaining assays, and yeast two hybrid system screening assays in which a CLASP-4 domain or fragment can be used as "bait” or "trap” protein (Zervos et al. (1993), Cell 72: 223-232; Madura et al (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268: 12046-12054).
  • CLASP polypeptides are transfected into lymphocytes.
  • a variety of standard assays can be used to evaluate, for example, CLASP modulation of T cell activation. These assays include calcium influx assays, NF-AT nuclear translocation assays (e.g., Cell, 1998, 93: 851-61), NF- AT/luciferase reporter assays (e.g., MCB 1996 16: 7151-7160), tyrosine phosphorylation of early response proteins such as HSl, PLC- ⁇ , ZAP-76, and Vav (e.g., J. Biol. Chem. 1997, 272: 14562-14570).
  • NF-AT nuclear translocation assays e.g., Cell, 1998, 93: 851-61
  • NF- AT/luciferase reporter assays e.g., MCB 1996 16: 7151-7160
  • tyrosine phosphorylation of early response proteins such as HSl, PLC
  • human CLASP proteins are homologues of E- cadherin.
  • CLASP-4 contains a cadherin ectodomain. Therefore CLASP-4 proteins may interact with cadherins through this domain.
  • the cadherins constitute a family of cell surface adhesion molecules that are involved in calcium- dependent cell to cell adhesion.
  • Human cadherins, E-, P- N- and VE-cadherin have a restricted tissue distribution: E- and P-cadherin are expressed in epithelial tissues, N- cadherin is found mainly on neural cells, and VE-cadherin is found on vascular endothelium.
  • E-cadherin is required for the formation of adherens junctions between mature epithelial cells and is involved in Langerhans cell adhesion to keratinocytes
  • VE-cadherin is needed for the maintenance of lateral association between endothelial cells.
  • the extracellular regions of mature mammalian cadherins are comprised of five "CAD" modules of approximately 1110 amino acids. Crystallographic and biochemical studies indicate that cadherins can form dimers on the cell surface, and that interaction with dimeric cadherins on opposing cell surfaces can lead to the formation of "zipper-like" cell junctions.
  • the integrins are a second family of transmembrane adhesion molecules that are involved in both cell to cell and cell to matrix interactions. At least 15 chains associate with 8 chains to form a large number of heterodimeric integrins that can be classified into several major subfamilies based on their shared use of a particular chain. Members of three subfamilies, the 1, 2, and 7 integrins, are commonly found on leukocytes. The expression of 1 integrins is widespread (for example, 51, CD49e/CD29, is found on T cells, granulocytes, platelets, fibroblasts, endothelium, and epithelium), whereas the 2 and 7 integrins have a restricted pattern of expression.
  • E-cadherin on human epithelial cells has been found to be a ligand for the mucosal lymphocyte integrin, E7, and a similar interaction has been indicated in the mouse.
  • Monoclonal antibodies to E-cadherin or to E7 block IEL adherence to epithelial cells, and transfection of cells with E7 confers upon them the ability to adhere to cells transfected with E-cadherin.
  • L929 cells can be transfected with CLASP-4 and Neomycin.
  • G418- resistant clones can be screened for CLASP-expression with anti-CLASP peptide-specific antibodies.
  • CLASP-expressing clones can be used to test for homotypic and or heterotypic calcium dependent cell adhesion using the "cell aggregation assay" described for cadherin molecules (Murphy-Erdosh, C. et al, 1995, J. Cell Biol. 129: 1379-1390).
  • Soluble fusion molecules e.g., EC12-IgG, ECC-IgG, ECM-IgG, and GST-EC 12
  • peptides e.g., peptide-specific anti-CLASP antibodies
  • Transfectants generated by site- directed mutagenesis can also be used.
  • WASP a GTPase- binding protein
  • N-WASP Another WASP family protein, N-WASP, has also been shown to play important roles in filopodium formation.
  • WASP mainly localizes at perinuclear areas and causes actin clustering, but most N-WASP is present at plasma membranes and induces filopodium formation (Miki, H.; 1998, Nature 391: 93-6). Both WASP and N-WASP, contain a proline-rich domain which could interact with the SH3 domain present in all the human
  • CLASP-4 may interact with F-actin filament through CLASP-4 binding to WASP or WASP-like proteins.
  • Standard assays can be used for detecting CLASP protein interaction with cytoskeletal proteins. These assays include co-sedimentation assays, far western blot analysis (Ohba, T., 1998, Anal. Biochem. 262: 185-192), surface pasman resonance, F- actin staining with phalloidin in CLASP-transfected lymphocytes (e.g., Small, J. et al 1999, Microsc. Res. Tech.
  • Alternative splicing is likely to represent a regulatory switch that governs different functions of CLASP-2 in immune responses
  • alternative splice variants affecting the untranslated regions of an RNA can be a way of regulating RNA stability.
  • CLASP-4 gene expression is characterized by alternative exon usage. Intron/exon structure can be predicted by computer analysis of genomic DNA, however, splice junctions and alternative splicing can only be elucidated by comparison of genomic clones to cDNA clones.
  • Alternative splicing and RNA editing are mechanisms generate a variety of proteins from the same gene.
  • Numerous diseases are caused or are thought to be caused by splice site mutations that can cause exon skipping or otherwise result in a truncated protein product
  • Some of these diseases include, e.g., Marfan Syndrome (Liu W, et al, 1997, Nat. Genet. 16: 328-9), Hunter disease (Bonucelli G, et al, 2000, Hum. Mutat. (Online) 2000 15(4): 389, Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Wibawa T, et al, 2000, Brain Dev. 22(2): 107-112), Myelomonocytic leukemia (Wutz D, et al, 1999, Leuk.
  • CLASP-4 genes composed of many exons
  • the genomic sequence around CLASP-4 exon intron boundaries is useful for diagnostic approaches towards the identification of diseases caused by splice site mutationsT
  • the abundance or presence of CLASP-4 isoforms in cell populations e.g., hematopoietic cells, lymphocytes
  • CLASP introns are included in "minigenes" for improved expression ofthe CLASP proteins in eukaryotic cells.
  • CLASP-4 alternative transcript has been found that inserts 98 nucleotides between nucleotides 3951 and 3952 of FIG 5 that results in a premature stop codon.
  • the protein produced from this transcript could be a soluble form of CLASP-4.
  • This soluble form of CLASP-2 could act as a natural antagonist or agonist of CLASP-2 function.
  • the soluble form of CLASP-2 could similarly affect the function of other CLASP family members since there is a high degree of amino acid sequence similarity among the CLASP family.
  • the soluble form of CLASP-2 could have a unique function.
  • BAC encoding an intronless copy of human CLASP-4 was identified that is thought to be an unexpressed pseudogene. Sequence of this BAC genomic region using primers encoded by the nCLASP-4 cDNA sequence revealed no intron/exon boundaries; however, several point mutations were observed in the genomic region. Some of these point mutations resulted in nonsense codons in the first 100 amino acides of the cDNA sequence, indicating that any protein encoded by this copy of the gene would not be expressed as a polypeptide containing the major functional regions of CLASP family members. It may also produce a soluble, truncated form of CLASP-4 if translated.
  • CLASP-3 is a member of a superfamily of immune-cell associated proteins with similar motifs (e.g., CLASP-1, 2/6, 3, 4, 5, 7).
  • CLASP- 1 is described in WO 00/20434.
  • CLASP-1 uniquely among the known CLASPs contains SH3 binding domain motifs.
  • CLASP-2 is described in WO 00/61747.
  • CLASP-2 polypeptides have no adaptor binding sites or SH3 binding domains found in CLASP-1.
  • Related polynucleotides are described in U.S. provisional application 60/162,498.
  • CLASP-4 mRNA expression was assayed in tissues and cell lines by Northern analysis. The results are shown in FIG. 2A and B. The results of Northern Analysis of CLASP-4 expression and expression of other members of the CLASP family are summarized in Table 2.
  • Jurkat human T cell line
  • MV4-11 B myelomonocyte
  • 9D10 B cell line
  • THP-1 monocyte
  • 3A9 mouse T cell
  • CH27 mouse B cell line
  • HL60 human promyelocyte
  • 293 embryonic kidney epithelial cells (293)
  • a CLASP-2 EST (EST 815795) was identified from a bone marrow cDNA library.
  • the probe used (HC4.3) encompasses nucleotides 2987 to 3660 sequence as shown in FIG. 1 (nucleotides 4956 to 5629 from the CLASP-4 cDNA sequence as shown in FIG. 5).
  • CLASP-2 is expressed most strongly in placenta followed by lung, kidney and heart
  • CLASP-3 is expressed strongly in kidney and heart, and less strongly in placenta and skeletal muscle
  • CLASP-4 is expressed exclusively in peripheral blood lymphocytes
  • CLASP-5 is expressed strongly in peripheral blood leukocytes, present in placenta, kidney, spleen and thymus, and weakly in lung, small intestine and liver. It is not expressed in brain, heart, skeletal muscle and large intestine
  • CLASP-7 is expressed strongly in lung, heart, liver and kidney, but not in PBL, brain or thymus.
  • the present invention provides a variety of CLASP-4 polynucleotides and methods for using them.
  • the polynucleotide of the invention encodes a polypeptide comprising at least a fragment (e.g., an immunogenic fragment) of a CLASP- 4 protein (e.g., at least a fragment of SEQ. ID. NO:2) or variant thereof.
  • the molecules that comprise a CLASP-4 polynucleotide that, while not necessarily encoding a CLASP-4 protein or fragment is useful as a probe or primer for detecting CLASP-4 expression, for inhibition of CLASP-4 expression (e.g., antisense or ribozyme- mediated inhibition), for gene knockout, and the like.
  • the invention also provides isolated or purified nucleic acids having at least 8 nucleotides (i.e., a hybridizable portion) of a CLASP-4 sequence or its complement; in other embodiments, the nucleic acids consist of at least about 25 (continuous) nucleotides, about 50 nucleotides, about 100 nucleotides, about 150 nucleotides, about 200 nucleotides, about 250 nucleotides, about 500 nucleotides, about 550 nucleotides, about 600 nucleotides, or about 650 nucleotides or more of a CLASP-4 sequence, or a full-length CLASP-4 coding sequence. In another embodiment, the nucleic acids are smaller than about 35, about 200 or about 500 nucleotides in length.
  • Polynucleotides can be single or double stranded, and may be DNA, RNA, PNA or a hybrid molecule.
  • nucleic acids are provided which comprise a sequence complementary to at least about 10, 25, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 500, 550, 600, or 650 nucleotides or the entire coding region of a CLASP-4 coding sequence.
  • the isolated polynucleotide is less than about 100 kbp, generally less than about 50 kbp, and often less than about 20 kbp, less than about 10 kbp, less than about 5 kbp, or less than about 1000 nucleotides in length.
  • a nucleic acid that is hybridizable to a CLASP-4 nucleic acid or its complement, or to a nucleic acid encoding a CLASP-4 derivative, under conditions of low stringency is provided.
  • Derivatives of CLASP-4 contemplated include, but are not limited to, splice variants of a gene encoding a CLASP-4, other members of a CLASP-4 gene family which differ from one ofthe CLASP-4 nucleotide or amino acid sequences disclosed herein by the insertion or deletion of one or several domains, and the like.
  • the CLASP-4 polynucleotide is identical or exactly complementary to SEQ. ID NO: lor selectively hybridizes to an aforementioned sequence.
  • the polynucleotide is identical or exactly complementary to, or selectively hybridizes to, the nucleotide sequence encoding a particular protein domain or region, or a particular gene exon of the CLASP-4 mRNA or genomic sequence.
  • Such polynucleotides are particularly useful as probes, because they can be selected to identify a defined species of CLASP-4.
  • the invention contemplates CLASP-4 homologues from other species, allelic and splice variants, and other variants disclosed herein.
  • the CLASP-4 polynucleotides of the invention are substantially identical to SEQ ID NOs: 1 or to a fragment thereof.
  • An indication that two nucleic acid sequences are substantially identical is that the two polynucleotides have a specified percentage sequence identity e.g., usually at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or at least about 98 identity over a specified region when optimally aligned.
  • nucleic acid sequences are substantially identical is that a polypeptide encoded by the first nucleic acid is immunologically cross reactive with the antibodies raised against the polypeptide encoded by the second nucleic acid, as described below.
  • a polypeptide is typically substantially identical to a second polypeptide, for example, where the two peptides differ only by conservative substitutions.
  • Another indication that two nucleic acid sequences are substantially identical is that the two molecules or their complements hybridize to each other under stringent conditions, as described below.
  • CLASP-4 polynucleotides can be PCR amplified from cDNA derived from human lymphocytes using the primer pairs shown in Table 3.
  • the primers of Table 3 are also useful for amplification of CLASP-4 splice variants. Another indication that two nucleic acid sequences are substantially identical is that they selective hybridize under stringent conditions (i.e., one sequence hybridizes to the complement ofthe second sequence), as described infra.
  • the invention also relates to nucleic acids that selectively hybridize to exemplified CLASP-4 sequences (including hybridizing to the exact complements of these sequences). Selective hybridization can occur under conditions of high stringency (also called “stringent hybridization conditions"), moderate stringency, or low stringency.
  • Stringent hybridization conditions are conditions under which a probe will hybridize to its target subsequence, typically in a complex mixture of nucleic acid, but not to other sequences. Stringent conditions are sequence-dependent and will be different in different circumstances. Longer sequences hybridize specifically at higher temperatures. An extensive guide to the hybridization of nucleic acids is found in Tijssen, Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology—Hybridization with Nucleic Probes, "Overview of principles of hybridization and the strategy of nucleic acid assays” (1993). Generally, stringent conditions are selected to be about 5-10°C lower than the thermal melting point (Tm) for the specific sequence at a defined ionic strength pH.
  • Tm thermal melting point
  • the Tm is the temperature (under defined ionic strength, pH, and nucleic concentration) at which 50% of the probes complementary to the target hybridize to the target sequence at equilibrium (as the target sequences are present in excess, at Tm, 50% of the probes are occupied at equilibrium).
  • Stringent conditions will be those in which the salt concentration is less than about 1.0 M sodium ion, typically about 0.01 to 1.0 M sodium ion concentration (or other salts) at pH 7.0 to 8.3 and the temperature is at least about 30oC for short probes (e.g., 10 to 50 nucleotides) and at least about 60°C for long probes (e.g., greater than 50 nucleotides).
  • Stringent conditions may also be achieved with the addition of destabilizing agents such as formamide.
  • a positive signal is at least two times background, preferably 10 times background hybridization.
  • Exemplary high stringency or stringent hybridization conditions include: 50% formamide, 5x SSC and 1% SDS incubated at 42° C or 5x SSC and 1% SDS incubated at 65° C, with a wash in 0.2x SSC and 0.1% SDS at 65° C.
  • a nucleic acid which is hybridizable to a CLASP-4 nucleic acid under the following conditions of high stringency is provided: Prehybridization of filters containing DNA is carried out for 8 h to overnight at 65°C in buffer composed of 6X SSC, 50 mM Tris-HCl (pH 7.5), 1 mM EDTA, 0.02% PVP, 0.02% Ficoll, 0.02% BSA, and 500 ⁇ g/ml denatured salmon sperm DNA. Filters are hybridized for 8-16 h at 65°C in prehybridization mixture containing 100 ⁇ g/ml denatured salmon sperm DNA and 5-20 X 10° cpm of 32 P-labeled probe.
  • a nucleic acid which is hybridizable to a CLASP-4 nucleic acid under conditions of moderate stringency.
  • procedures using such conditions of moderate stringency are as follows: Filters containing DNA are pretreated for 6 h at 55°C in a solution containing 6X SSC, 5X Denhart's solution, 0.5% SDS and 100 ⁇ g/ml denatured salmon sperm DNA. Hybridizations are carried out in the same solution and 5-20 X 10 6 cpm 32 P-labeled probe is used. Filters are incubated in hybridization mixture for 12-16 h at 55°C, and then washed twice for 30 minutes at 50°C in a solution containing IX SSC and 0.1% SDS.
  • Filters are blotted dry and exposed for autoradiography. Other conditions of moderate stringency which can be used are well-known in the art. Washing of filters is done at 45°C for 1 h in a solution containing 0.2X SSC and 0.1% SDS.
  • Hybridizations are carried out in the same solution with the following modifications: 0.02% PVP, 0.02% Ficoll, 0.2% BSA, 100 g/ml salmon sperm DNA, 10% (wt/vol) dextran sulfate, and 5-20 X 106 cpm 32P-labeled probe is used. Filters are incubated in hybridization mixture for 18-20 h at 40°C, and then washed for 1.5 h at 55°C in a solution containing 2X SSC and 0.1% SDS. The wash solution is replaced with fresh solution and incubated an additional 30 minutes at 50-55°C. Filters are blotted dry and exposed for autoradiography. If necessary, filters are washed for a third time at 60-65°C and reexposed to film. Other conditions of low stringency that can be used are well known in the art (e.g., as employed for cross-species hybridizations).
  • the CLASP-4 variants of the invention can contain alterations in the coding regions, non-coding regions, or both. Especially preferred are polynucleotide variants containing alterations which produce silent substitutions, additions, or deletions, but do not alter the properties or activities of the encoded polypeptide. Nucleotide variants produced by silent substitutions due to the degeneracy of the genetic code are preferred. CLASP-4 polynucleotide variants can be produced for a variety of reasons, e.g., to optimize codon expression for a particular host (change codons in the human mRNA to those prefened by a bacterial host such as E. coli).
  • Exemplary CLASP-4 polynucleotide fragments are preferably at least about 15 nucleotides, and more preferably at least about 20 nucleotides, still more preferably at least about 30 nucleotides, and even more preferably, at least about 40 nucleotides in length, or larger, e.g., at least about 50, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600, 650 nucleotides.
  • Exemplary fragments include fragments having at least a sequence from about nucleotide number 1-50, 51-100, 101-150, 151-200, 201-250, 251- 300, 301-350, 351-400, 401-450, 451-500, 501-550, 551-600 to the end of the CLASP-3 polynucleotide sequence shown in FIG. 5 or comprising the cDNA coding sequence in a deposited clone.
  • “about” includes the particularly recited ranges, larger or smaller by several (5, 4, 3, 2, or 1) nucleotides, at either terminus or at both termini.
  • these fragments encode a polypeptide which has biological activity. More preferably, these polynucleotides can be used as probes or primers as discussed herein.
  • the CLASP-4 variants differ from SEQ ID NO:l by virtue of incorporating a different combination of exons than found in the exemplified sequences.
  • variants can be generated to improve or alter the characteristics of the CLASP-4 polypeptides. For instance, one or more amino acids can be deleted from the N- terminus or C-terminus of the CLASP-4 protein without substantial loss of biological function.
  • the invention further includes CLASP-4 polypeptide variants which show biological activity.
  • variants include deletions, insertions, inversions, repeats, and substitutions selected according to general rules known in the art so as have little effect on activity.
  • guidance concerning how to make phenotypically silent amino acid substitutions is provided in Bowie, J. U. et al, Science 247: 1306-1310 (1990), wherein the authors indicate that there are two main strategies for studying the tolerance of an amino acid sequence to change. The first strategy exploits the tolerance of amino acid substitutions by natural selection during the process of evolution. By comparing amino acid sequences in different species, conserved amino acids can be identified. These conserved amino acids are likely important for protein function. In contrast, the amino acid positions where substitutions have been tolerated by natural selection indicates that these positions are not critical for protein function. Thus, positions tolerating amino acid substitution could be modified while still maintaining biological activity ofthe protein.
  • the second strategy uses genetic engineering to introduce amino acid changes at 30 specific positions of a cloned gene to identify regions critical for protein function. For example., site directed mutagenesis or alanine-scanning mutagenesis
  • CLASP-4 polynucleotide fragments include coding regions for, or regions hybridizable to, the CLASP-4 structural or functional domains described supra. As set out in the Figures, such preferred regions include the following domains/motifs: ITAM, DOCK, COILED/COILED, and PBM. Thus, for example, polypeptide fragments of SEQ ID NO:2 falling within conserved domains are specifically contemplated by the present invention (see FIG. 3). Moreover, polynucleotide fragments encoding these domains are also contemplated. Such polypeptide fragments find use, for example, as inhibitors of CLASP-4 function in CLASP-4-expressing cells.
  • CLASP-4 Polynucleotides of the invention are useful in a variety of applications.
  • the polypeptide-encoding CLASP-4 polynucleotides of the invention are used to express CLASP-4 polypeptides (e.g., as described herein) for example to produce anti-CLASP-antibodies or for use as therapeutic polypeptides.
  • the CLASP-4 polynucleotide or fragments thereof can be used for diagnostic purposes (e.g., as probes for CLASP-4 expression).
  • a CLASP-4 polynucleotide can be used to detect the expression of CLASP-4 as a lymphocyte marker.
  • a CLASP-4 polynucleotide can be used to detect CLASP-4 gene expression or aberrant CLASP-4 gene expression in disease states.
  • the CLASP-4 polynucleotide or fragments are used for therapeutic purposes.
  • included in the scope of the invention are methods for inhibiting CLASP-4 expression, e.g., using oligonucleotide sequences, such as antisense RNA and DNA molecules and ribozymes, that function to inhibit expression of CLASP-4.
  • CLASP-4 polynucleotides can be used to construct transgenic and knockout animals, e.g., for screening of CLASP-4 agonists and antagonists. In another aspect, CLASP-4 polynucleotides can be used for screening of CLASP-4 agonists and antagonists.
  • reporter genes are operably linked to CLASP upstream sequences containing promoter elements.
  • the resulting vectors have numerous uses, including identification of cis and trans transcriptional regulatory factors in vivo and for screening of agents capable of modulating (e.g., activating or inhibiting) CLASP expression (e.g., drug screening).
  • a modulator of CLASP expression can be identified by detecting the effect ofthe modulator on expression of a reporter gene whose expression is regulated, in whole or part, by a naturally occurring CLASP regulatory element (e.g., promoter or enhancer).
  • a number of reporters may be used (e.g., firefly luciferase, ⁇ - glucuronidase, ⁇ -galactosidase, chloramphenicol acetyl transferase, SEAP, GFP).
  • a CLASP coding sequence is used in place of a reporter and changes in CLASP protein expression (or activity) is detected using the methods disclosed herein.
  • the ability of a test compound to bind to a CLASP gene regulatory sequence is assayed.
  • Changes in CLASP activity or expression can be measured by any suitable method (e.g., monitoring levels of CLASP gene products (e.g., protein and RNAs) by hybridization immunoassays, RNAse protection assays, amplification assays, or any other suitable detection means described herein or known in the art. Quantitating amounts of nucleic acid in a sample (e.g., evaluating levels of RNA) is also useful in evaluating cis- or trans- transcriptional regulators. Assay formats for identification of compounds that affect expression and activity of proteins are well known in the biotechnological and pharmaceutical industries, and numerous additional assays and variations of the illustrative assays provided herein will be apparent to those of skill.
  • the promoter sequences of the invention can also be used in the preparation of gene "knock-out vectors" discussed herein.
  • CLASP-4 polynucleotides of the invention are useful for detection of CLASP-4 expression in cells and in the diagnosis of diseases or disorders (e.g., immunodeficient states) resulting from aberrant expression of CLASP-4.
  • Aberrant expression of CLASP-4 mRNA or protein means expression in lymphocytes (e.g., T lymphocytes or B lymphocytes) or other CLASP-4 expressing cells of at least 2-fold, preferably at least 5-fold greater or less than expression in control lymphocytes obtained from a healthy subject.
  • CLASP-4 polypeptide expression is easily measured by ELISA ⁇ sing ⁇ anti-CLASP-4 ⁇ antibodies ofthe invention: " CLASP-4 mRNA " expression ⁇ (including expression of specific species or splice variants of CLASP-4) can be measured by quantitative Northern analysis or quantitative PCR, LCR, or other methods, using the probes and primers ofthe invention.
  • the assays of the present invention are amplification- based assays for detection of an CLASP-4 gene product. In an amplification based assay, all or part of a CLASP-4 mRNA or cDNA (hereinafter also referred to as "target”) is amplified, and the amplification product is then detected directly or indirectly.
  • amplification product When there is no underlying gene product to act as a template, no amplification product is produced (e.g., of the expected size), or amplification is non-specific and typically there is no single amplification product. In contrast, when the underlying gene or gene product is present, the target sequence is amplified, providing an indication ofthe presence and/or quantity of the underlying gene or mRNA.
  • Target amplification-based assays are well known to those of skill in the art.
  • the present invention provides a wide variety of primers and probes for detecting CLASP-4 genes and gene products. Such primers and probes are sufficiently complementary to the CLASP-4 gene or gene product to hybridize to the target nucleic acid.
  • Primers are typically at least 6 bases in length, usually between about 10 and about 100 bases, typically between about 12 and about 50 bases, and often between about 14 and about 25 bases in length, often PCR primers of 15-30 (e.g., 18-22 nucleotides) are used. However, the length of primers can be adjusted by one skilled in the art. One of skill, having reviewed the present disclosure, will be able, using routine methods, to select primers to amplify all, or any portion, of the CLASP-4 gene or gene product, or to distinguish between variant gene products, CLASP-4 alleles, and the like. Single oligomers (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,545,522), nested sets of oligomers, or even a degenerate pool of oligomers can be employed for amplification.
  • probes and primers can be selected to distinguish between species and splice variants based on the guidance of this disclosure, by targeting primers or probes to differentially used exons (or exon-exon junctions that differ between variants).
  • Methods can include the steps of collecting a sample of cells from a patient, isolating nucleic acid (e.g., genomic, mRNA or both) from the cells of the sample, contacting the nucleic acid sample with one or more primers which specifically hybridize to an CLASP-4 gene under conditions such that hybridization and amplification of the CLASP-4-gene (if present) occurs, and detecting the presence or absence of an amplification product, or detecting the size of the amplification product and comparing the length to a control sample.
  • nucleic acid e.g., genomic, mRNA or both
  • CLASP-4 gene products are expressed in the immune system (e.g., T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes and macrophages), expression will be typically assayed in these cells.
  • Methods which are well known to those skilled in the art can be used to isolate lymphocytes, macrophages, and alike (See, e.g., Coligan, J. E., et al. (eds.), 1991, Cunent Protocols in Immunology, John Wiley & Sons, NY; this reference is inco ⁇ orated by reference for all purposes).
  • assays are carried out on biopsy or autopsy-derived tissue.
  • CLASP-4 gene expression is detected by hybridization of a detectable probe to mRNA or cDNA obtained from cells (e.g., lymphocytes).
  • mRNA or cDNA obtained from cells (e.g., lymphocytes).
  • hybridization based assays refer to assays in which a probe nucleic acid is hybridized to a target nucleic acid, forming a hybridization complex.
  • nucleic acid hybridization probes of the invention are entirely or substantially identical to a contiguous sequence of the CLASP-4 gene or RNA sequence.
  • nucleic acid probes are at least about 50 bases, often at least about 20 bases, and sometimes at least about 200 bases, at least about 300-500 nucleotides or more in length.
  • Various hybridization techniques are well known in the art, and are in fact the basis of many commercially available diagnostic kits.
  • nucleic acid probe sequences for use in nucleic acid hybridization are discussed in Sambrook et al, supra.
  • at least one ofthe target and probe is immobilized.
  • the immobilized nucleic acid can be DNA, RNA, or another oligo- or poly-nucleotide, and can comprise natural or non-naturally occurring nucleotides, nucleotide analogs, or backbones.
  • Such assays can be in any of several formats including: Southern, Northern, dot and slot blots, high-density polynucleotide or oligonucleotide arrays (e.g., GeneChipsTM Affymetrix), dip sticks, pins, chips, or beads.
  • Hybridization techniques are generally described in Hames et al, ed., 1985, Nucleic Acid Hybridization, A Practical Approach IRL Press; Gall and Pardue, 1969, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 63: 378-383; and John et al, 1969, Nature, 223: 582-587.
  • nucleic acid hybridization formats are known to those skilled in the art.
  • one common format is direct hybridization, in which a target nucleic acid is hybridized to a labeled, complementary probe.
  • labeled nucleic acids are used for hybridization, with the label providing the detectable signal.
  • One method for evaluating the presence, absence, or quantity of CLASP-4 mRNA is carrying out a Northern transfer of RNA from a sample and hybridization of a labeled CLASP-4 specific nucleic acid probe.
  • a useful method for evaluating the presence, absence, or quantity of DNA encoding CLASP-4 proteins in a sample involves a Southern transfer of
  • Sandwich assays are commercially useful hybridization assays for detecting or isolating nucleic acid sequences. Such assays utilize a "capture" nucleic acid covalently immobilized to a solid support and a labeled "signal" nucleic acid in solution. The biological or clinical sample will provide the target nucleic acid. The "capture” nucleic acid and “signal” nucleic acid probe hybridize with the target nucleic acid to form a "sandwich” hybridization complex. To be effective, the signal nucleic acid cannot hybridize with the capture nucleic acid.
  • CLASP-4 polypeptides or polynucleotides are useful in treating deficiencies or disorders ofthe immune system, by activating or inhibiting the activation, differentiation of immune cells.
  • Immune cells develop through a process called hematopoiesis, producing myeloid (platelets, red blood cells, neutrophils, and macrophages) and lymphoid (B and T lymphocytes) cells from pluripotent stem cells.
  • myeloid platelets, red blood cells, neutrophils, and macrophages
  • lymphoid cells lymphoid cells from pluripotent stem cells.
  • the etiology of these immune deficiencies or disorders can be genetic, somatic, such as cancer or some autoimmune disorders, acquired (e.g., by chemotherapy or toxins), or infectious.
  • CLASP-4 polynucleotides or polypeptides are useful in treating or detecting deficiencies or disorders of hematopoietic cells.
  • CLASP-4 polypeptides or polynucleotides could be used to increase differentiation and proliferation of hematopoietic cells, including the pluripotent stem cells, in an effort to treat those disorders associated with a decrease in certain (or many) types hematopoietic cells.
  • immunologic deficiency syndromes include, but are not limited to: blood protein disorders (e.g., agammaglobulinemia, dysgammaglobulinemia), ataxia telangiectasia, common variable immunodeficiency, Digeorge Syndrome, HIV infection, HTLV-BLV infection, leukocyte adhesion deficiency syndrome, lymphopenia, phagocyte bactericidal dysfunction, severe combined immunodeficiency (SCIDs), Wiskott-Aldrich Disorder, anemia, thrombocytopenia, or hemoglobinuria.
  • CLASP-4 polynucleotides or polypeptides are useful in treating or detecting autoimmune diseases.
  • autoimmune disease as used herein has the normal meaning in the art and refers to a spontaneous or induced malfunction of the immune system of mammals in which the immune system fails to distinguish between foreign immunogenic substances within the mammal and or autologous ("self) substances and, as a result, treats autologous ("self) tissues and substances as if they were foreign and mounts an immune response against them.
  • Autoimmune disease is characterized by production of either antibodies that react with self tissue, and/or the activation of immune effector T cells that are autoreactive to endogenous self antigens.
  • autoantibodies are directed against functional cellular receptors or other cell surface molecules, and either stimulate or inhibit specialized cellular function with or without destruction of cells or tissues; 2) autoantigen—autoantibody immune complexes form in intercellular fluids or in the general circulation and ultimately mediate tissue damage; and 3) lymphocytes produce tissue lesions by release of cytokines or by attracting other destructive inflammatory cell types to the lesions. These inflammatory cells in turn lead to production of lipid mediators and cytokines with associated inflammatory disease.
  • CLASP-4 polypeptides or polynucleotides that can inhibit an immune response, particularly the proliferation, or differentiation of T-cells, can be an effective therapy in preventing autoimmune disorders.
  • autoimmune disorders that can be treated or detected by CLASP-4 include, but are not limited to: Addison's Disease, hemolytic anemia, antiphospholipid syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, dermatitis, allergic encephalomyelitis, glomerulonephritis, Goodpasture's Syndrome, Graves' Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Myasthenia Gravis, Neuritis, Ophthalmia, Bullous Pemphigoid, Pemphigus, P ⁇ lyendocrinopathies, " Pu ura, Reiter's " Disease7 ⁇ Stiff-Mah " ⁇ Synclfome7 " Autoimmune Thyroiditis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Autoimmune Pulmonary Inflammation, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, insulin dependent diabetes mellitis, and autoimmune inflammatory eye disease.
  • ⁇ can also be treated by CLASP-4 polypeptides or polynucleotides.
  • CLASP-4 can be used to treat anaphylaxis or hypersensitivity to an antigenic molecules.
  • CLASP-4 polynucleotides or polypeptides are used to treat and/or prevent organ rejection or graft- versus-host disease (GVHD).
  • Organ rejection occurs by host immune cell destruction of the transplanted tissue through an immune response.
  • an immune response is also involved in GVHD, but, in this case, the foreign transplanted immune cells destroy the host tissues.
  • the administration of CLASP- 4 polypeptides or polynucleotides that inhibits an immune response, particularly the proliferation, differentiation of T-cells, can be an effective therapy in preventing organ rejection or GVHD.
  • CLASP-4 polypeptides or polynucleotides are used to modulate inflammation.
  • inflammation refers to both acute responses (i.e., responses in which the inflammatory processes are active) and chronic responses (i.e., responses marked by slow progression and formation of new connective tissue).
  • Acute and chronic inflammation can be distinguished by the cell types involved. Acute inflammation often involves polymorphonuclear neutrophils; whereas chronic inflammation is normally characterized by a lymphohistiocytic and/or granulomatous response.
  • Inflammation includes reactions of both the specific and non- specific defense systems.
  • a specific defense system reaction is a specific immune system reaction response to an antigen (possibly including an autoantigen).
  • a non-specific defense system reaction is an inflammatory response mediated by leukocytes incapable of immunological memory.
  • leukocytes incapable of immunological memory.
  • Such cells include granulocytes, macrophages, neutrophils and eosinophils.
  • CLASP-4 polypeptides or polynucleotides can inhibit the proliferation and differentiation of cells involved in an inflammatory response.
  • These molecules can be used to treat inflammatory conditions, both chronic and acute conditions, including inflammation associated with infection (e.g., septic shock, sepsis, or systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS)), ischemia-reperfusion injury, endotoxin lethality, arthritis, complement-mediated hyperacute rejection, nephritis, cytokine or chemokine induced lung injury, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, or resulting from over production of cytokines (e.g., TNF or IL-1.).
  • cytokines e.g., TNF or IL-1.
  • Examples of specific types of inflammation are diffuse inflammation, focal inflammation, croupous inflammation, interstitial inflammation, obliterative inflammation, parenchymatous inflammation, reactive inflammation, specific inflammation, toxic inflammation and traumatic inflammation.
  • CLASP-4 polypeptides or polynucleotides are used to treat or detect infectious agents.
  • infectious diseases can be treated.
  • the immune response can be increased by either enhancing an existing immune response, or by initiating a new immune response.
  • CLASP-4 polypeptides or polynucleotides can be used to treat or detect any of these symptoms or diseases.
  • hCLASP-4 is expressed at high levels in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBMCs). Therefore, in one embodiment, hCLASP-4-based diagnostics involves screening assays for the detection hCLASP-4 nucleotide and amino acid sequences in PBMCs.
  • Detection can be achieved by standard assays known to one of skill in the art including quantitative RT-PCR, Northern analysis, Western analysis, flow cytometry/fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), ELISA, immunoflourescence and immunoperoxidase staining using anti- hCLASP-4 antibodies (Sambrook, Fritsch and Maniatas, 1989, Molecular Cloning, 2nd Ed, Cold Spring Harbor Lab. Press; Harlow et. al. ,1988, Antibodies, a laboratory manual, Cold Spring Harbor Lab. Press).
  • FACS flow cytometry/fluorescence-activated cell sorting
  • ELISA immunoflourescence and immunoperoxidase staining using anti- hCLASP-4 antibodies
  • hCLASP-4-based diagnostics involves screening assays for the diagnosis of infections of the urinary system.
  • hCLASP-4-based diagnostics involves screening assays to determine the presence or absence of leukocyte esterase in urine (Fauci et al Eds., Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 14th Ed. McGraw Hill, 1998, pp. 817-22). Detection of the presence or absence of elevated numbers of leukocytes in urine is useful for the diagnosis of infections ofthe urinary system. Current diagnostics routinely test urine for the presence of leukocyte esterase (Fauci et al., (eds.), Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 14th Ed. McGraw Hill, 1998, pp. 817-22). Detection of hCLASP-4 would provide a viable alternative to current methods.
  • hCLASP-4-based diagnostics involves screening assays for the detection of elevated numbers of leukocytes in cerebrospinal fluid for the diagnosis of meningitis and similar disorders.
  • hCLASP-4-based diagnostics involves screening assays for detecting autoimmune disorders of the central nervous system (e.g., multiple sclerosis) (Fauci et al Eds., Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 14th Ed. McGraw Hill, 1998, pp. 2409-39). Detection of elevated levels of hCLASP-4 nucleic acid or amino acid sequence in cerebrospinal fluid can indicate the presence of these disorders.
  • Synovial fluid which contains elevated numbers of leukocytes during joint infection and autoimmune arthritis (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosis) could also be screened using hCLASP-4-based diagnostics.
  • hCLASP-4-based diagnostics involve screening assays for identifying disorders of cells of hematopoietic lineage.
  • hCLASP-4 is expressed in human T cells, B cell lines and in myelomonocytic cells but not monocytic or myelocytic cells.
  • FAB French-American-British
  • M4 acute myelomonocytic leukemia
  • M4eo subset of prognosis
  • hCLASP-4 may help to further subdivide M4 and permit a better forecast of prognosis.
  • Precise identification of hematopoietic cell types is vital to guide chemotherapy and radiation therapy therapy of patients with leukemia and lymphoma (Fauci et al., (eds.), 1998, Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 14th Ed., McGraw Hill, pp. 695-712).
  • hCLASP-4 expression differences can be detected, for example, by using FACS, immunofluorescence, immunoperoxidase staining, RT-PCR, in situ hybridization or RNA blot analysis (Sambrook, Fritsch and Maniatas, 1989, Molecular Cloning, 2nd Ed., Cold Spring Harbor Lab.
  • hCLASP-4-based diagnostics involve screening assays for identifying activated immune system cells by FACS. Although hCLASP-4 is generally expressed at high levels in PBMCs, it is known that the surface expression of the closely related mouse CLASP-1 protein is altered during the process of lymphocyte activation. An analogous change in expression is expected for the hCLASP-4 protein.
  • Subtyping lymphocytes specific for a particular antigen for example, using MHC-based multimeric staining reagents (Airman et. al., 1996, Science 274: 94-6), for separating cell populations into hCLASP-4 high and hCLASP-4 low populations, can aid in determining the nature ofthe immune response against that antigen.
  • MHC-based multimeric staining reagents Airman et. al., 1996, Science 274: 94-6
  • Such understanding is critical, for example, in predicting the course of chronic viral infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV, and to designing appropriate treatment regimens for patients suffering from these infections.
  • CLASP-4 Antisense, Ribozyme and Triplex Polynucleotides and Methods of Use Oligonucleotide sequences, that include anti-sense RNA and DNA molecules and ribozymes that function to inhibit the translation of a CLASP-4 mRNA are within the scope of the invention. Such molecules are useful in cases where downregulation of CLASP-4 expression is desired.
  • Anti-sense RNA and DNA molecules act to directly block the translation of mRNA by binding to targeted mRNA and preventing protein translation.
  • the invention provides methods and antisense oligonucleotide or polynucleotide reagents which can be used to reduce expression of CLASP-4 gene products in vitro or in vivo.
  • antisense Without intending to be limited to any particular mechanism, it is believed that antisense oligonucleotides bind to, and interfere with the translation of, the sense CLASP-4 mRNA. Alternatively, the antisense molecule can render the CLASP-4 mRNA susceptible to nuclease digestion, interfere with transcription, interfere with processing, localization or otherwise with RNA precursors ("pre-mRNA"), repress transcription of mRNA from the CLASP-4 gene, or act through some other mechanism. However, the particular mechanism by which the antisense molecule reduces CLASP-4 expression is not critical.
  • the antisense polynucleotides of the invention comprise an antisense sequence of at least 7 to 10 to typically 20 or more nucleotides that specifically hybridize to a sequence from mRNA encoding CLASP-4 or mRNA transcribed from the CLASP-4 gene-More often, the antisense-polynucleotide of the invention is-from-about-10 to about 50 nucleotides in length or from about 14 to about 35 nucleotides in length. In other embodiments, antisense polynucleotides are polynucleotides of less than about 100 nucleotides or less than about 200 nucleotides.
  • the antisense polynucleotide should be long enough to form a stable duplex but short enough, depending on the mode of delivery, to administer in vivo, if desired.
  • the minimum length of a polynucleotide required for specific hybridization to a target sequence depends on several factors, such as G/C content, positioning of mismatched bases (if any), degree of uniqueness of the sequence as compared to the population of target polynucleotides, and chemical nature of the polynucleotide (e.g., methylphosphonate backbone, peptide nucleic acid, phosphorothioate), among other factors.
  • the antisense sequence is substantially complementary to the target CLASP-4 mRNA sequence.
  • the antisense sequence is exactly complementary to the target sequence.
  • the antisense polynucleotides can also include, however, nucleotide substitutions, additions, deletions, transitions, transpositions, or modifications, or other nucleic acid sequences or non-nucleic acid moieties so long as specific binding to the relevant target sequence corresponding to CLASP-4 RNA or its gene is retained as a functional property ofthe polynucleotide.
  • CLASP-4 polynucleotides and oligonucleotides of the invention can be made using nonstandard bases (e.g., other than adenine, cytidine, guanine, thymine, and uridine) or nonstandard backbone structures to provides desirable properties (e.g., increased nuclease-resistance, tighter-binding, stability or a desired TM).
  • nonstandard bases e.g., other than adenine, cytidine, guanine, thymine, and uridine
  • nonstandard backbone structures e.g., other than adenine, cytidine, guanine, thymine, and uridine
  • desirable properties e.g., increased nuclease-resistance, tighter-binding, stability or a desired TM.
  • Techniques for rendering oligonucleotides nuclease-resistant include those described in PCT publication WO 94/12633
  • oligonucleotides having a peptide-nucleic acid (PNA) backbone (Nielsen et al, 1991, Science 254: 1497) or inco ⁇ orating 2'-O- methyl ribonucleotides, phosphorothioate nucleotides, methyl phosphonate nucleotides, phosphotriester nucleotides, phosphorothioate nucleotides, phosphoramidates.
  • PNA peptide-nucleic acid
  • Still other useful oligonucleotides may contain alkyl and halogen-substituted sugar moieties comprising one of the following at the 2' position: OH, SH, SCH3, F, OCN, OCH3OCH3, OCH3O(CH2)nCH3, O(CH2)nNH2 or O(CH2)nCH3, where n is from 1 to about 10; CI to CIO lower alkyl, substituted lower alkyl, alkaryl or aralkyl; CI; Br; CN; CF3; OCF3; O-, S-, or N-alkyl; O-, S-, or N-alkenyl; SOCH3 ; SO2CH3; ONO2; NO2; N3; NH2; heterocycloalkyl; heterocycloalkaryl; aminoalkylamino; polyalkylamino; substituted silyl; an RNA cleaving group; a cholesteryl group; a folate group; a reporter group; an inter
  • Folate, cholesterol or other groups that facilitate oligonucleotide uptake may be conjugated directly or via a linker at the 2' position of any nucleoside or at the 3' or 5' position of the 3 '-terminal or 5 '-terminal nucleoside, respectively.
  • One or more such conjugates may be used.
  • Oligonucleotides may also have sugar mimetics such as cyclobutyls in place of the pentofuranosyl group.
  • inventions may include at least one modified base form or "universal base” such as inosine, or inclusion of other nonstandard bases such as queosine and wybutosine as well as acetyl-, methyl-, thio- and similarly modified forms of adenine, cytidine, guanine, thymine, and uridine which are not as easily recognized by endogenous endonucleases.
  • modified base form or "universal base” such as inosine, or inclusion of other nonstandard bases such as queosine and wybutosine as well as acetyl-, methyl-, thio- and similarly modified forms of adenine, cytidine, guanine, thymine, and uridine which are not as easily recognized by endogenous endonucleases.
  • the antisense oligonucleotide can comprise at least one modified base moiety which is selected from the group including, but not limited to, 5-fluorouracil, 5-bromouracil, 5-chlorouracil, 5-iodouracil, hypoxanthine, xanthine, 4-acetylcytosine, 5-(carboxyhydroxylmethyl) uracil, 5- carboxymethylaminomethyl-2-thiouridine, 5-carboxymethylaminomethyluracil, dihydrouracil, beta-D-galactosylqueosine, inosine, N6-isopentenyladenine, 1- methylguanine, 1-methylinosine, 2,2-dimethylguanine, 2-methyladenine, 2- methylguanine, 3-methylcytosine, 5-methylcytosine, N6-adenine, 7-methylguanine, 5- methylaminomethyluracil, 5-methoxyaminomethyl-2-thiouracil, beta-D- mannos
  • the invention further provides oligonucleotides having backbone analogues such as phosphodiester, phosphorothioate, phosphorodithioate, methylphosphonate, phosphoramidate, alkyl phosphotriester, sulfamate, 3'-thioacetal, methylene(methylimino), 3'-N-carbamate, mo ⁇ holino carbamate, chiral-methyl phosphonates, nucleotides with short chain alkyl or cycloalkyl intersugar linkages, short chain heteroatomic or heterocyclic intersugar ("backbone") linkages, or CH2-NH-O-CH2, CH2-N(CH3)-OCH2, CH2-O-N(CH3)-CH2, CH2-N(CH3)-N(CH3)-CH2 and O- N(CH3)-CH2-CH2 backbones (where phosphodiester is O-P-O-CH2), or mixtures of the same. Also useful are oligonucleotides having mo ⁇
  • the antisense sequence is complementary to relatively accessible sequences of the CLASP-4 mRNA (e.g., relatively devoid of secondary structure). This can be determined by analyzing predicted RNA secondary structures using, for example, the MFOLD program (Genetics Computer Group, Madison WI) and testing in vitro or in vivo as is known in the art.
  • Another useful method for identifying effective antisense compositions uses combinatorial arrays of oligonucleotides (see, e.g. , Milner et al., 1997, Nature Biotechnology 15: 537). Examples of oligonucleotides that can be tested in cells for antisense suppression of CLASP-4 function are those capable of hybridizing to (i.e., substantially complementary to) CLASP-4 at the following positions:
  • administration of antisense oligonucleotides can result in reduction of hCLASP-mRNA expression by at least about 50%, as assessed by Northern analysis after administration of an antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotide at a concentration of 1 ⁇ M, 5 ⁇ M, 10- ⁇ M or 20 ⁇ M.-
  • the invention also provides an antisense polynucleotide that has sequences in addition to the antisense sequence (i.e., in addition to anti-CLASP-4-sense sequence).
  • the antisense sequence is contained within a polynucleotide of longer sequence.
  • the sequence ofthe polynucleotide consists essentially of, or is, the antisense sequence.
  • antisense nucleic acids can be made using any suitable method for producing a nucleic acid, such as the chemical synthesis and recombinant methods disclosed herein.
  • antisense RNA molecules ofthe invention can be prepared by de novo chemical synthesis or by cloning.
  • an antisense RNA that hybridizes to CLASP-4 mRNA can be made by inserting (ligating) an CLASP-4 DNA sequence (e.g., SEQUENCE ID No: 1, or fragment thereof) in reverse orientation operably linked to a promoter in a vector (e.g., plasmid).
  • operably linked refers to a functional linkage between a nucleic acid expression control sequence (such as a promoter or enhancer) and a second nucleic acid sequence, wherein the expression control sequence directs transcription of the nucleic acid corresponding to the second sequence.
  • antisense DNA oligodeoxyribonucleotides derived from the translation initiation site e.g., between -10 and +10 regions of a CLASP-4 nucleotide sequence
  • antisense polynucleotides see ANTISENSE RNA AND DNA, 1988, D.A. Melton, Ed., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY). See also, Dagle et al, 1991, Nucleic Acids Research, 19: 1805.
  • antisense therapy see, e.g., Uhlmann et al, 1990, Chem. Reviews, 90: 543-584.
  • Ribozymes are enzymatic RNA molecules capable of catalyzing the specific cleavage of RNA.
  • the mechanism of ribozyme action involves sequence specific hybridization of the ribozyme molecule to complementary target RNA, followed by endonucleolytic cleavage.
  • engineered hammerhead motif ribozyme molecules that specifically and efficiently catalyze endonucleolytic cleavage of CLASP-4 RNA sequences.
  • ribozyme cleavage sites within any potential RNA target are initially identified by scanning the target molecule for ribozyme cleavage sites which include the following sequences, GUA, GUU and GUC. Once identified, short RNA sequences of between 15 and 20 ribonucleotides conesponding to the region of the target gene containing the cleavage site can be evaluated for predicted structural features such as secondary structure that can render the oligo-nucleotide sequence unsuitable. The suitability of candidate targets can also be evaluated by testing their accessibility to hybridization with complemen-tary oligonucleotides, using ribonuclease protection assays.
  • endogenous target gene expression can be reduced by targeting deoxyribonucleotide sequences complementary to the regulatory region of the target gene (i.e., the target gene promoter and/or enhancers) to form triple helical structures that prevent transcription of the target gene in target cells in the body.
  • deoxyribonucleotide sequences complementary to the regulatory region of the target gene i.e., the target gene promoter and/or enhancers
  • triple helical structures that prevent transcription of the target gene in target cells in the body.
  • Nucleic acid molecules to be used in triplex helix formation for the inhibition of transcription should be single stranded and composed of deoxynucleotides.
  • the base composition of these oligonucleotides must be designed to promote triple helix formation via Hoogsteen base pairing rules, which generally require sizable stretches of either purines or pyrimidines to be present on one strand of a duplex.
  • Nucleotide sequences can be pyrimidine-based, which will result in TAT and CGC+ triplets across the three associated strands of the resulting triple helix.
  • the pyrimidine-rich molecules provide base complementarily to a purine-rich region of a single strand ofthe duplex in a parallel orientation to that strand.
  • nucleic acid molecules can be chosen that are purine-rich, for example, contain a stretch of G residues. These molecules will form a triple helix with a DNA duplex that is rich in GC pairs, in which the majority of the purine residues are located on a single strand of the targeted duplex, resulting in GGC triplets across the three strands in the triplex.
  • Switchback molecules are synthesized in an alternating 5 '-3', 3 '-5' manner, such that they base pair with first one strand of a duplex and then the other, eliminating the necessity for a sizable stretch of either purines or pyrimidines to be present on one strand of a duplex.
  • RNA molecules can be generated by in vitro and in vivo transcription of DNA sequences encoding the antisense RNA molecule. Such DNA sequences can be inco ⁇ orated into a wide variety of vectors which contain suitable RNA polymerase promoters such as the T7 or SP6 polymerase promoters.
  • antisense cDNA constructs that synthesize antisense RNA constitutively or inducibly, depending on the promoter used, can be introduced stably into cell lines.
  • DNA molecules can be introduced as a means of increasing intracellular stability and half-life. Possible modifications include, but are not limited to, the addition of flanking sequences of ribo- or deoxy- nucleotides to the 5' and/or 3' ends of the molecule or the use of phosphorothioate or 2' O-methyl rather than phosphodiesterase linkages within the oligodeoxyribonucleotide backbone.
  • Methods for introducing polynucleotides into such cells or tissue include methods for in vitro introduction of polynucleotides such as the insertion of naked polynucleotide, i.e., by injection into tissue, the introduction of a CLASP-4 polynucleotide in a cell ex vivo, the use of a vector such as a virus, (e.g., a retrovirus, adenovirus, adeno-associated virus, and the like), phage or plasmid, and the like or techniques such as electroporation or calcium phosphate precipitation.
  • a virus e.g., a retrovirus, adenovirus, adeno-associated virus, and the like
  • phage or plasmid e.g., a retrovirus, adenovirus, adeno-associated virus, and the like
  • techniques such as electroporation or calcium phosphate precipitation.
  • Gene Therapy By introducing gene sequences into cells, gene therapy can be used to treat conditions in which the cells do not express normal CLASP-4 or express abnormal/inactive CLASP-4.
  • the polynucleotide encoding a CLASP-4 is intended to replace or act in the place of a functionally deficient endogenous gene.
  • abnormal conditions characterized by overexpression can be treated using the gene therapy techniques described below.
  • nucleic acids comprising a sequence encoding a
  • CLASP-4 protein or functional derivative thereof are administered to promote CLASP-4 function, by way of gene therapy.
  • Gene therapy refers to therapy performed by the administration of a nucleic acid to a subject.
  • the nucleic acid produces its encoded protein that mediates a therapeutic effect by promoting CLASP-4 function.
  • the therapeutic composition comprises a CLASP-4 nucleic acid that is part of an expression vector that encodes a CLASP-4 protein or fragment or chimeric protein thereof in a suitable host.
  • a nucleic acid has a promoter operably linked to the CLASP-4 coding region, said promoter being inducible or constitutive, and, optionally, tissue-specific.
  • a nucleic acid molecule is used in which the CLASP-4 coding sequences and any other desired sequences are flanked by regions that promote homologous recombination at a desired site in the genome, thus providing for intrachromosomal expression of the CLASP-4 nucleic acid (Koller and Smithies, 1989, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.
  • nucleic acid Delivery of the nucleic acid into a patient can be either direct, in which case the patient is directly exposed to the nucleic acid or nucleic acid-carrying vector, or indirect, in which case, cells are first transformed with the nucleic acid in vitro, then transplanted into the patient. These two approaches are known, respectively, as in vivo or ex vivo gene therapy.
  • the nucleic acid is directly administered in vivo, where it is expressed to produce the encoded product.
  • Patent No. 4,980,286 or by direct injection of naked DNA, or by use of microparticle bombardment (e.g., a gene gun; Biolistic, Dupont), or coating with lipids or cell-surface receptors or transfecting agents, encapsulation in liposomes, microparticles, or microcapsules, or by administering it in linkage to a peptide which is known to enter the nucleus, by administering it in linkage to a ligand subject to receptor-mediated endocytosis (see, e.g., Wu and Wu, 1987, J. Biol. Chem. 262: 4429-4432) (which can be used to target cell types specifically expressing the receptors), and the like.
  • microparticle bombardment e.g., a gene gun; Biolistic, Dupont
  • coating with lipids or cell-surface receptors or transfecting agents encapsulation in liposomes, microparticles, or microcapsules, or by administering it in link
  • a nucleic acid-ligand complex can be formed in which the ligand comprises a fusogenic viral peptide to disrupt endosomes, allowing the nucleic acid to avoid lysosomal degradation.
  • the nucleic acid can be targeted in vivo for cell specific uptake and expression, by targeting a specific receptor (see, e.g., PCT Publications WO 92/06180 dated April 16, 1992; WO 92/22635 dated December 23, 1992; WO 92/20316 dated November 26, 1992; WO 93/14188 dated July 22, 1993; WO 93/20221 dated October 14, 1993).
  • the nucleic acid can be introduced intracellularly and inco ⁇ orated within host cell DNA for expression, by homologous recombination (Koller and Smithies, 1989, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 86: 8932-8935; Zijlstra et al, 1989, Nature 342: 435-438).
  • a viral vector that contains the CLASP-4 nucleic acid is used.
  • a retroviral vector can be used (see, Miller et al, 1993, Meth. Enzymol. 217: 581-599). These retroviral vectors have been modified to delete retroviral sequences that are not necessary for packaging of the viral genome and integration into host cell DNA.
  • the CLASP-4 nucleic acid to be used in gene therapy is cloned into the vector, which facilitates delivery of the gene into a patient.
  • retroviral vectors More detail about retroviral vectors can be found in Boesen et al, 1994, Biotherapy 6: 291-302, which describes the use of a retroviral vector to deliver the mdrl gene to hematopoietic stem cells in order to make the stem cells more resistant to chemotherapy.
  • Other references illustrating the use of retroviral vectors in gene therapy are: Clowes et al, 1994, J. Clin. Invest. 93: 644-651; Kiem et al, 1994, Blood 83: 1467-1473; Salmons and Gunzberg, 1993, Human Gene Therapy 4: 129-141; and Grossman and Wilson, 1993, Curr. Opin. in Genetics and Devel. 3: 110-114.
  • Adenoviruses are other viral vectors that can be used in gene therapy. Adenoviruses are especially attractive vehicles for delivering genes to respiratory epithelia. Adenoviruses naturally infect respiratory epithelia where they cause a mild — disease; Other targets-for adenovirus-based delivery systems are liver; the central nervous system, endothelial cells, and muscle. Adenoviruses have the advantage of being capable of infecting non-dividing cells. Kozarsky and Wilson 1993, Cunent Opinion in Genetics and Development 3: 499-503) present a review of adenovirus-based gene therapy.
  • Adeno-associated virus has also been proposed for use in gene therapy (Walsh et al. , 1993, Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 204: 289-300.
  • Another approach to gene therapy involves transferring a gene to cells in tissue culture by such methods as electroporation, lipofection, calcium phosphate mediated transfection, or viral infection.
  • the method of transfer includes the transfer of a selectable marker to the cells. The cells are then placed under selection to isolate those cells that have taken up and are expressing the transferred gene. Those cells are then delivered to a patient.
  • the nucleic acid is introduced into a cell prior to administration in vivo ofthe resulting recombinant cell.
  • introduction can be carried out by any method known in the art, including but not limited to transfection, electroporation, microinjection, infection with a viral or bacteriophage vector containing the nucleic acid sequences, cell fusion, chromosome-mediated gene transfer, microcell- mediated gene transfer, spheroplast fusion, and the like.
  • Numerous techniques are known in the art for the introduction of foreign genes into cells (see, e.g., Loeffler and Behr, 1993, Meth. Enzymol. 217: 599-618; Cohen et al, 1993, Meth. Enzymol.
  • the technique should provide for the stable transfer of the nucleic acid to the cell, so that the nucleic acid is expressible by the cell and preferably heritable and expressible by its cell progeny.
  • the resulting recombinant cells can be delivered to a patient by various methods known in the art. In a prefened embodiment, epithelial cells are injected, e.g., subcutaneously. In another embodiment, recombinant skin cells can be applied as a skin graft onto the patient.
  • Recombinant blood cells e.g., hematopoietic stem or progenitor cells
  • Recombinant blood cells are preferably administered intravenously.
  • the amount of cells envisioned for use depends on the desired effect, patient state, and the like., and can be determined by one skilled in the art.
  • Cells into which a nucleic acid can be introduced for pu ⁇ oses of gene therapy encompass any desired, available cell type, and include but are not limited to epithelial cells, endothelial cells, keratinocytes, fibroblasts, muscle cells, hepatocytes; blood cells such as T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, eosinophils, megakaryocytes, granulocytes; various stem or progenitor cells, in particular hematopoietic stem or progenitor cells, e.g., as obtained from bone marrow, umbilical cord blood, peripheral blood, fetal liver, and the like.
  • the cell used for gene therapy is autologous to the patient.
  • the nucleic acid to be introduced for pu ⁇ oses of gene therapy comprises an inducible promoter operably linked to the coding region, such that expression of the nucleic acid is controllable by controlling the presence or absence ofthe appropriate inducer of transcription.
  • endogenous target gene expression can also be reduced by inactivating or "knocking out” the target gene or its promoter using targeted homologous recombination (see, e.g., Smithies et al, 1985, Nature 317: 230-234; Thomas and Capecchi, 1987, Cell 51: 503-512; Thompson et al, 1989, Cell 5: 313-321; each of which is inco ⁇ orated by reference herein in its entirety).
  • targeted homologous recombination see, e.g., Smithies et al, 1985, Nature 317: 230-234; Thomas and Capecchi, 1987, Cell 51: 503-512; Thompson et al, 1989, Cell 5: 313-321; each of which is inco ⁇ orated by reference herein in its entirety).
  • a mutant, non-functional target gene flanked by DNA homologous to the endogenous target gene (either the coding regions or regulatory regions of the target gene) can be used, with or without a selectable marker and/or a negative selectable marker, to transfect cells that express the target gene in vivo. Insertion of the DNA construct, via targeted homologous recombination, results in inactivation ofthe target gene.
  • ES embryonic stem
  • Such approaches are particularly suited in the agricultural field where modifications to ES (embryonic stem) cells can be used to generate animal offspring with an inactive target gene (see, e.g., Thomas and Capecchi, 1987 and Thompson, 1989, supra).
  • this approach can be adapted for use in humans provided the recombinant DNA constructs are directly administered or targeted to the required site in vivo using appropriate viral vectors.
  • Animals of any species including, but not limited to, mice, rats, rabbits, guinea pigs, pigs, micro-pigs, goats, sheep, and non-human primates, e.g., baboons, monkeys, and chimpanzees can be used to generate CLASP-4 transgenic animals.
  • transgenic refers to animals expressing CLASP-4 gene sequences from a different species (e.g., mice expressing human CLASP-4 gene sequences), as well as animals that have been genetically engineered to overexpress endogenous (i.e., same species) CLASP-4 sequences or animals that have been genetically engineered to no longer express endogenous CLASP-4 gene sequences (i.e., "knock-out” animals), and their progeny.
  • Any technique known in the art can be used to introduce a CLASP-4 transgene into animals to produce the founder lines of transgenic animals. Such techniques include, but are not limited to pronuclear microinjection (Hoppe and Wagner, 1989, U.S. Pat. No.
  • transgenic animal clones containing a CLASP-4 transgene for example, nuclear transfer into enucleated oocytes of nuclei from cultured embryonic, fetal or adult cells induced to quiescence (Campbell et al, 1996, Nature 380: 64-66; Wilmut et al, Nature 385: 810-813).
  • the present invention provides for transgenic animals that carry a CLASP- 4 transgene in all their cells, as well as animals that carry the transgene in some, but not all their cells, i.e., mosaic animals.
  • the transgene can be integrated as a single transgene or in concatamers, e.g., head-to-head tandems or head-to-tail tandems.
  • the transgene can also be selectively introduced into and activated in a particular cell type by following, for example, the teaching of Lasko et al. (1992, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 89: 6232- 6236).
  • the regulatory sequences required for such a cell-type specific activation will depend upon the particular cell type of interest, and will be apparent to those of skill in the art.
  • gene targeting is preferred.
  • vectors containing some nucleotide sequences homologous to the endogenous CLASP-4 gene are designed for the pu ⁇ ose of integrating, via homologous recombination with chromosomal sequences, into and disrupting the function of the nucleotide sequence of the endogenous CLASP-4 gene.
  • the transgene can also be selectively introduced into a particular cell type, thus inactivating the endogenous CLASP-4 gene in only that cell type, by following, for example, the teaching of Gu et al. (1994, Science 265: 103-106).
  • the regulatory sequences required for such a cell-type specific inactivation will depend upon the particular cell type of interest, and will be apparent to those of skill in the art.
  • the expression of the recombinant CLASP-4 gene can be assayed utilizing standard techniques. Initial screening can be accomplished by Southern blot analysis or PCR techniques to analyze animal tissues to assay whether integration ofthe transgene has taken place. The level of mRNA expression of the transgene in the tissues of the transgenic animals can also be assessed using techniques that include, but are not limited to, Northern blot analysis of tissue samples obtained from the animal, in situ hybridization analysis, and RT-PCR (reverse transcriptase PCR). Samples of CLASP-4 gene-expressing tissue, can also be evaluated immunocytochemically using antibodies specific for the CLASP-4 transgene product.
  • Sequences can be mapped to chromosomes by preparing PCR primers from SEQ ID NO:l. These primers can be can be less than 50 nucleotides in length, generally less than 46 nucleotides, more generally less than 41 nucleotides, most generally less than 36 nucleotides, preferably less than 31 nucleotides, more preferably less than 26 nucleotides, and most preferably less than 21 nucleotides in length.
  • the probes can also be less than 16 nucleotides, less than 13 nucleotides in length, less than 9 nucleotides in length and less than 7 nucleotides in length.
  • Primers can be selected so that the primers do not span more than one predicted exon in the genomic DNA. These primers are then used for PCR screening of somatic cell hybrids containing individual human chromosomes (i.e., chromosome 13). Only those hybrids containing the human CLASP-4 gene corresponding to SEQ ID NO:l will yield an amplified fragment.
  • somatic hybrids provide a rapid method of PCR mapping the polynucleotides to particular chromosomes. Precise chromosomal location of the CLASP-4 polynucleotides can also be achieved using fluorescence in situ hybridization
  • FISH Fluorescence Inheritance hybridization
  • the CLASP-4 polynucleotides can be used for identifying individuals from minute biological samples as DNA markers for restriction fragment length polymo ⁇ hism (RFLP).
  • RFLP restriction fragment length polymo ⁇ hism
  • SNPs single nucleotide polymo ⁇ hisms
  • small deletion possibly due to RNA editing
  • FIG 5B The SNPs represent mis-sense alterations.
  • the small deletion of nucleotides 2556-2560 causes a frame shift that leads to a premature stop codon. Protein translated from this transcript could generate a truncated form of CLASP-4 protein that could have unique friction or act as an agonist or antagonist for CLASP-4 function.
  • SNPs could be used as a diagnostic tool through SNP mapping or direct sequencing ofthe SNP region to determine which isoform is expressed. Additionally, the SNPs could be used as a general SNP marker for chromosomal defects such as rearrangement and translocations.
  • CLASP-4 polynucleotides can be also be used as polymo ⁇ hic markers for forensic analysis. See generally National Research Council, The Evaluation of Forensic DNA Evidence (Eds.), 1996, Pollard et al, National Academy Press, Washington D.C). The capacity to identify a distinguishing or unique set of forensic markers in an individual is useful for forensic analysis.
  • ⁇ e DNA from the suspect is consistent with ha found at the cnme scene. If frequencies of the polymo ⁇ hic forms at the loci tested have been determined (e.g., by analysis of a suitable population of individuals), one can perform a statistical analysis to determine the probability that a match of suspect and crime scene sample would occur by chance. To make such an identification, PCR technology can be used to amplify
  • DNA sequences taken from very small biological samples such as tissues, e.g., hair or skin, or body fluids, e.g., blood, saliva, or semen found at a crime scene.
  • the amplified sequence can then be compared to a standard, thereby allowing identification ofthe origin ofthe biological sample.
  • the CLASP-4 polynucleotide sequences ofthe present invention can be used to provide polynucleotide reagents, e.g., PCR primers, targeted to specific loci in the human genome, which can enhance the reliability of DNA-based forensic identifications by, for example, providing another "identification marker" (i.e. another DNA sequence that is unique to a particular individual).
  • polynucleotide reagents include the CLASP-4 nucleotide sequences or portions thereof, e.g., fragments derived from the noncoding regions of SEQ ID NO:l having a length of at least 20 bases, preferably at least 25 bases, and more preferably at least 30 bases.
  • CLASP-4 polynucleotides can also be used as reagents for paternity testing.
  • the object of paternity testing is usually to determine whether a male is the father of a child. In most cases, the mother of the child is known and thus, the mother's contribution to the child's genotype can be traced. Paternity testing investigates whether the part ofthe child's genotype not attributable to the mother is consistent with that ofthe putative father. Paternity testing can be performed by analyzing sets of polymo ⁇ hisms in the putative father and the child.
  • the present invention can be expanded to the use of this procedure to determine if one individual is related to another. Even more broadly, the present invention can be employed to determine how related one individual is to another, for example, between races or species.
  • the present invention provides new antibacterial agents.
  • Certain CLASP- 4 DNA sequences were difficult to clone and subclone (see Example 1). Bacteria harboring certain pieces of CLASP cDNA products were unable to be isolated, indicating that introduction of CLASP sequencescompromised bacterial viability. There can be at least two possible reasons why the CLASP cDNA were unable to be cloned, which can reflect a variation of the well-established Modification and Restriction systems found in bacteria (reviewed in Wilson and Murray. (1991) Annu. Rev. Genet. 25:585-627; Bickle and Kruger (1993) Microbiol. Rev. 57:29-67). This well-described system is used by bacteria to prevent deleterious effects caused by the introduction of foreign DNA.
  • Bacteria can recognize foreign DNA since it does not have the same modifications (e.g. methylation) as the native DNA. After recognition, the bacteria then digest and eliminate the foreign DNA (restriction).
  • the CLASP cDNA can be recognized as foreign DNA, and digested and eliminated as in the Modification and Restriction system. However, this would be unique for CLASP cDNA since the bacteria used for cloning cDNA are compromised in the Modification and Restriction system, which makes cloning of cDNA into bacteria a practice common in the art. If this is the case, the bacterial apparatus that specifically recognizes or eliminates CLASP cDNA can provide a novel target to develop antimicrobial agents.
  • CLASP DNA sequence would be useful in targeting the apparatus as well as an entry point for designing screens to identify potential targets.
  • the second possibility is that CLASP cDNA behaves as an antimicrobial agent (i.e., antibiotic), and prevents bacterial growth. This, in effect, would create a new type of antibiotic mediated by the presence of foreign DNA (i.e. CLASP cDNA).
  • the bacteria can recognize the DNA but instead of digesting and eliminating the DNA, the CLASP cDNA can cause a variation of the restriction and prevent the bacteria from growing, imposing a bacteriacidal effect upon the bacteria.
  • DNA as an antimicrobial agent has significant advantages over currently available agents. First, it is structurally unrelated to any existing antibiotics, and can overcome the present growing drug-resistance problem to structurally common agents. Second, since DNA antimicrobials composed of naturally-occurring human DNA, are expected to have minimal side effects and immune rejection. Third, DNA sequences can be tailored with sequence variation and numerous chemical modifications to circumvent the problem of resistance. Fourth, the antimicrobial DNA can be delivered specifically to bacterial cells through the use of bacteriophages (i.e., bacterial virus) which specifically infect bacteria and do not infect human cells. Further specificity can be generated to infect certain bacteria and bacterial subpopulations. Finally, this system can be economically robust since the generation of DNA and delivery vehicles are inexpensive.
  • bacteriophages i.e., bacterial virus
  • CLASP-4 polypeptides Encoded by the CLASP-4 Gene Coding Sequence
  • a CLASP-4 polynucleotide which encodes the CLASP-4 polypeptides, mutant polypeptides, peptide fragments, CLASP-4 fusion proteins or functional equivalents thereof, can be used to express CLASP-4 proteins in appropriate host cells.
  • the CLASP-4 polypeptides expressed will be identical or substantially similar to SEQ ID NOs: 2 or a fragment thereof.
  • altered DNA sequences which can be .used in accordance with the invention include deletions, additions or substitutions of different nucleotide residues resulting in a sequence that encodes the same or a functionally equivalent gene product.
  • nucleic acid variations are "silent variations," which are one species of conservatively modified variations.
  • each codon in a nucleic acid sequence such SEQ ID NO:l can be modified to yield a functionally identical molecule. Accordingly, each silent variation of a nucleic acid which encodes a polypeptide is implicit in each described sequence. Thus, for example, due to the degeneracy of the genetic code, a polypeptide having the sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 or a fragment thereof, can be encoded by numerous polynucleotides other than SEQ ID NO:l.
  • the degenerate sequence will hybridize with SEQ ID NO:l under high or moderate stringency conditions, but this is not strictly required (e.g., when a copy of a nucleic acid is created using the maximum codon degeneracy permitted by the genetic code. In such cased, the nucleic acids typically hybridize under moderately stringent hybridization conditions.)
  • the gene product itself can contain deletions, additions or substitutions of amino acid residues within a CLASP-4 sequence, which result in a silent change thus producing a functionally equivalent CLASP-4 protein. Such conservative amino acid substitutions can be made on the basis of similarity in polarity, charge, solubility, hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity, and/or the amphipathic nature of the residues involved.
  • negatively charged amino acids include aspartic acid and glutamic acid; positively charged amino acids include lysine, histidine and arginine; amino acids with uncharged polar head groups having similar hydrophilicity values include the following: glycine, asparagine, glutamine, serine, threonine, tyrosine; and amino acids with nonpolar head groups include alanine, valine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, proline, methionine, tryptophan.
  • the DNA sequences of the invention can be engineered in order to alter a CLASP-4 coding sequence for a variety of ends, including but not limited to, alterations which modify processing and expression of the gene product.
  • mutations can be introduced using techniques which are well known in the art, e.g., site-directed mutagenesis, to insert new restriction sites, to alter glycosylation patterns, phosphorylation, and the like.
  • a large number of CLASP-4 mutant polypeptides can be constructed by modifying or reananging the nucleotide sequences that encode the CLASP-4 extracellular, transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains.
  • the present invention provides homologues of the
  • CLASP-4 polypeptides which function as either an CLASP-4 agonists or an CLASP-4 antagonist.
  • the CLASP-4 agonists and antagonists stimulate or inhibit, respectively, a subset ofthe biological activities ofthe naturally occurring form ofthe CLASP-4 polypeptide.
  • specific biological effects can be elicited by treatment with a homologue of limited function.
  • treatment of a subject with a homologue having a subset of the biological activities of the naturally occurring form of the polypeptide has fewer side effects in a subject relative to treatment with the naturally occurring form ofthe CLASP-4 polypeptide.
  • the invention contemplates both full-length CLASP-4 polypeptides and fragments, e.g., fragments having a length of at least about 10, often 20, frequently 50 or 100 residues substantially identical to the exemplified CLASP-4 polypeptide sequences of the invention.
  • Protein fragments can be "free-standing," or comprised within a larger polypeptide of which the fragment forms a part or region, most preferably as a single continuous region.
  • Representative examples of polypeptide fragments of the invention include, for example, fragments from about amino acid number 1-20, 2 1-40, 4 1-60, 61- 80, 81-100, 102-120, 121-140, 141-160, 161-180, 181-200, or 201 to the end of the coding region.
  • polypeptide fragments can be about 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 200 amino acids in length.
  • “about” includes the particularly recited ranges, larger or smaller by several (5, 4, 3, 2, or 1) amino acids, at either extreme or at both extremes.
  • Prefened polypeptide fragments include the CLASP-4 protein.
  • Further preferred polypeptide fragments include the CLASP-4 protein having a continuous series of deleted residues from the amino or the carboxy terminus, or both. For example, any number of amino acids, ranging from 1-X, can be deleted from the amino terminus of either the CLASP-4 polypeptide. Furthermore, any combination of the above amino and carboxy terminus deletions are preferred.
  • polynucleotide fragments encoding these CLASP-4 polypeptide fragments are also preferred. Even if deletion of one or more amino acids from the N-terminus of a protein results in modification of loss of one or more biological functions of the protein, other biological activities can still be retained.
  • the ability of shortened CLASP-4 muteins to induce and or bind to antibodies which recognize the complete or mature forms of the polypeptides generally will be retained when less than the majority of the residues of-the-complete or mature polypeptide are removed from the N-terminus. Whether a particular polypeptide lacking N-terminal residues of a complete polypeptide retains such immunologic activities can readily be determined by routine methods described herein and otherwise known in the art. It is not unlikely that a CLASP-4 mutein with a large number of deleted N-terminal amino acid residues can retain some biological or immunogenic activities. In fact, peptides composed of as few as four CLASP-4 amino acid residues can often evoke an immune response.
  • Homologues of the CLASP-4 polypeptide can be generated by mutagenesis, e.g., discrete point mutation or truncation of the CLASP-4 polypeptide.
  • the term "homologue” refers to a variant form of the CLASP-4 polypeptide which acts as an agonist or antagonist of the activity of the CLASP-4 polypeptide.
  • An agonist of the CLASP-4 polypeptide can retain substantially the same, or a subset, of the biological activities of the CLASP-4 polypeptide.
  • An antagonist of the CLASP-4 polypeptide can inhibit one or more ofthe activities ofthe naturally occurring form ofthe CLASP-4 polypeptide, by, for example, competitively binding to a downstream or upstream member of the CLASP-4 molecular pathway which includes the CLASP-4 polypeptide.
  • Modulation can be assayed by determining any parameter that is indirectly or directly affected by the expression of the target gene.
  • parameters include, e.g., changes in RNA or protein levels, changes in protein activity, changes in product levels, changes in downstream gene expression, changes in reporter gene transcription (luciferase, CAT, ⁇ -galactosidase, ⁇ -glucuronidase, GFP (see, e.g., Mistili & Spector, 1997, Nature Biotechnology 15: 961-964); changes in signal transduction, phosphorylation and dephosphorylation, receptor-ligand interactions, second messenger concentrations (e.g., cGMP, cAMP, IP3, and Ca2+), and cell growth.
  • cGMP e.g., cGMP, cAMP, IP3, and Ca2+
  • RNA or protein levels can be measured by any means known to those skilled in the art, e.g., measurement of RNA or protein levels, measurement of RNA stability, identification of downstream or reporter gene expression, e.g., via chemiluminescence, fluorescence, colorimetric reactions, antibody binding, inducible markers, ligand binding assays; changes in intracellular second messengers such as cGMP and inositol triphosphate (IP3); changes in intracellular calcium levels; cytokine release, and the like.
  • chemiluminescence, fluorescence, colorimetric reactions e.g., via chemiluminescence, fluorescence, colorimetric reactions, antibody binding, inducible markers, ligand binding assays
  • changes in intracellular second messengers such as cGMP and inositol triphosphate (IP3)
  • changes in intracellular calcium levels cytokine release, and the like.
  • CLASP-4 the nucleotide sequence coding for CLASP-4, or a functional equivalent, is inserted into an appropriate expression vector.
  • the CLASP-4 gene product as well as host cells or cell lines transfected or transformed with recombinant CLASP-4 expression vectors can be used for a variety of pu ⁇ oses. These include, but are not limited to, generating antibodies (i.e., monoclonal or polyclonal) that competitively inhibit activity of CLASP-4 protein and neutralize its activity; antibodies that activate CLASP-4 function and antibodies that detect its presence on the cell surface or in solution.
  • Anti-CLASP-4 antibodies can be used in detecting and quantifying expression of CLASP-4 levels in cells and tissues such as lymphocytes and macrophages, as well as isolating CLASP-4-positive cells from a cell mixture.
  • Methods which are well known to those skilled in the art can be used to construct recombinant expression vectors containing the CLASP-4 coding sequence and appropriate transcriptional/translational control signals. These methods include in vitro recombinant DNA techniques, synthetic techniques and in vivo recombination/genetic recombination. (See, e.g., the techniques described in Sambrook et al, 1989, Molecular Cloning A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, N.Y. and Ausubel et al, supra).
  • the recombinant expression vectors of the invention comprise a nucleic acid of the invention in a form suitable for expression of the nucleic acid in a host cell, which means that the recombinant expression vectors include one or more regulatory sequences, selected on the basis of the host cells to be used for expression, which is operatively linked to the nucleic acid sequence to be expressed. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the design ofthe expression vector can depend on such factors as the choice of the host cell to be transformed, the level of expression of polypeptide desired, and the like.
  • the expression vectors of the invention can be introduced into host cells to thereby produce polypeptides or peptides, including fusion polypeptides or peptides, encoded by nucleic acids as described herein (e.g., CLASP-4 polypeptides, mutant forms of CLASP-4, fusion polypeptides, and the like).
  • a variety of host-expression vector systems can be utilized to express a CLASP-4 coding sequence. These include, but are not limited to, microorganisms such as bacteria transformed with recombinant bacteriophage DNA, plasmid DNA, or cosmid DNA expression vectors containing the CLASP-4 coding sequence; yeast transformed with recombinant yeast expression vectors containing the CLASP-4 coding sequence; insect cell systems infected with recombinant virus expression vectors (e.g., baculovirus) containing the CLASP-4 coding sequence; plant cell systems infected with recombinant virus expression vectors (e.g., cauliflower mosaic virus, CaMV; tobacco- mosaic virus, TMV) or transformed with recombinant plasmid expression vectors (e.g., Ti plasmid) containing the CLASP-4 coding sequence; or animal cell systems.
  • microorganisms such as bacteria transformed with recombinant bacteriophage DNA, plasmid DNA, or cosmid DNA expression vectors
  • any of a number of suitable transcription and translation elements can be used in the expression vector.
  • inducible promoters such as pL of bacteriophage ⁇ , plac, pt ⁇ , ptac (pt ⁇ -lac hybrid promoter; cytomegalovirus promoter) and the like can be used;
  • promoters such as the baculovirus polyhedron promoter can be used;
  • promoters derived from the genome of plant cells e.g., heat shock promoters; the promoter for the small subunit of RUBISCO; the promoter for the chlorophyll ⁇ / ⁇ binding binding protein
  • plant viruses e.g., the 35S RNA promoter of CaMV; the coat protein promoter of TMV
  • a number of expression vectors can be advantageously selected depending upon the use intended for the expressed CLASP-4 product.
  • vectors which direct the expression of high levels of fusion protein products that are readily purified can be desirable.
  • Such vectors include, but are not limited to, the E. coli expression vector pUR278 (Ruther et al, 1983, EMBO J. 2: 1791), in which the CLASP-4 coding sequence can be ligated into the vector in frame with the lacZ coding region so that a hybrid protein is produced; pIN vectors (Inouye & Inouye, 1985, Nucleic acids Res.
  • pGEX vectors may also be used to express foreign polypeptides as fusion proteins with glutathione S-transferase (GST).
  • GST glutathione S-transferase
  • fusion proteins are soluble and can easily be purified from lysed cells by adso ⁇ tion to glutathione-agarose beads followed by elution in the presence of free glutathione.
  • Proteins made in such systems may be designed to include heparin, thrombin, or factor XA protease cleavage sites so that the cloned polypeptide of interest can be released from the GST moiety at will.
  • yeast a number of vectors containing constitutive or inducible promoters can be used.
  • the expression of the CLASP-4 coding sequence can be driven by any of a number of promoters.
  • viral promoters such as the 35 S RNA and 19S RNA promoters of CaMV (Brisson et al, 1984, Nature 310: 511-514), or the coat protein promoter of TMV (Takamatsu et al, 1987, EMBO J. 6: 307-311) can be used; alternatively, plant promoters such as the small subunit of RUBISCO (Coruzzi et al, 1984, EMBO J.
  • An alternative expression system which could be used to express CLASP- 4 is an insect system.
  • Autographa califomica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcNPV) is used as a vector to express foreign genes.
  • the virus grows in Spodoptera frugiperda cells.
  • the CLASP-4 coding sequence can be cloned into non- essential regions (e.g., the polyhedron gene) of the virus and placed under control of an AcNPV promoter (e.g., the polyhedron promoter).
  • Successful insertion of the CLASP-4 coding sequence will result in inactivation ofthe polyhedron gene and production of non- occluded recombinant virus (i.e., virus lacking the proteinaceous coat coded for by the polyhedron gene).
  • the CLASP-4 coding sequence can be ligated to an adenovirus transcription/translation control complex, e.g., the late promoter and tripartite leader sequence.
  • This chimeric gene can then be inserted in the adenovirus genome by in vitro or in vivo recombination. Insertion in a non-essential region of the viral genome (e.g., region El or E3) will result in a recombinant virus that is viable and capable of expressing CLASP-4 in infected hosts.
  • a non-essential region of the viral genome e.g., region El or E3
  • the vaccinia 7.5K promoter can be used.
  • Regulatable expression vectors such as the tetracycline repressible vectors can also be used to express a coding sequence in a controlled fashion.
  • Specific initiation signals can also be required for efficient translation of inserted CLASP-4 coding sequences. These signals include the ATG initiation codon and adjacent sequences. In cases where the entire CLASP-4 gene, including its own initiation codon and adjacent sequences, is inserted into the appropriate expression vector, no additional translational control signals can be needed. However, in cases where only a portion of the CLASP-4 coding sequence is inserted, exogenous translational control signals, including the ATG imtiation codon, must be provided. Furthermore, the initiation codon must be in phase with the reading frame of the CLASP-4 coding sequence to ensure translation of the entire insert. These exogenous translational control signals and initiation codons can be of a variety of origins, both natural and synthetic. The efficiency of expression can be enhanced by the inclusion of appropriate transcription enhancer elements, transcription terminators, and the like, (see Bittner et al, 1987, Methods in Enzymol. 153: 516-544).
  • a host cell strain can be chosen which modulates the expression of the inserted sequences, or modifies and processes the gene product in a specific fashion desired. Such modifications (e.g., glycosylation) and processing (e.g., cleavage) of protein products can be important for the function of the protein.
  • modifications e.g., glycosylation
  • processing e.g., cleavage
  • Different host cells have characteristic and specific mechanisms for the post-translational processing and modification of proteins. Appropriate cell lines or host systems can be chosen to ensure the correct modification and processing ofthe foreign protein expressed.
  • eukaryotic host cells which possess the cellular machinery for proper processing of the primary transcript, glycosylation, and phosphorylation of the gene product can be used.
  • mammalian host cells include, but are not limited to, CHO, VERO, BHK, HeLa, COS, MDCK, 293, WI38, and the like.
  • Host cells transformed with nucleotide sequences encoding CLASP-4 may be cultured under conditions suitable for the expression and recovery of the soluble protein from cell culture.
  • the protein produced by a transformed cell may be secreted or contained intracellularly depending on the sequence and/or the vector used.
  • expression vectors containing polynucleotides which encode CLASP-4 may be designed to contain signal sequences which direct secretion of CLASP-4 through a prokaryotic or eukaryotic cell membrane.
  • Other constructions may be used to join sequences encoding CLASP-4 to nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide domain which will facilitate purification of soluble proteins.
  • purification facilitating domains include, but are not limited to, metal chelating peptides such as histidine-tryptophan modules that allow purification on immobilized metals, protein A domains that allow purification on immobilized immunoglobulin,
  • cell lines which stably express CLASP-4 proteins can be engineered.
  • host cells can be transformed with the CLASP-4 DNA controlled by appropriate expression control elements (e.g., promoter, enhancer, sequences, transcription terminators, polyadenylation sites, and the like.), and a selectable marker.
  • expression control elements e.g., promoter, enhancer, sequences, transcription terminators, polyadenylation sites, and the like.
  • engineered cells can be allowed to grow for 1-2 days in an enriched medium, and then switched to a selective medium.
  • the selectable marker in the recombinant plasmid confers resistance to the selection and allows cells to stably integrate the plasmid into their chromosomes and grow to form foci which in turn can be cloned and expanded into cell lines.
  • This method can advantageously be used to engineer cell lines which express the CLASP-4 protein(s) on the cell surface. Such engineered cell lines are particularly useful in screening for molecules or drugs that affect CLASP-4 function.
  • a number of selection systems can be used, including but not limited to, the he ⁇ es simplex virus thymidine kinase (Wigler et al, 1977, Cell 11 : 223), hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (Szybalska & Szybalski, 1962, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 48: 2026), and adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (Lowy et al, 1980, Cell 22: 817) genes which can be employed in tk-, hgprt- or aprt- cells, respectively.
  • antimetabolite resistance can be used as the basis of selection for dhfr, which confers resistance to methotrexate (Wigler et al, 1980, Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 77: 3567; O'Hare et al, 1981, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 78: 1527); gpt, which confers resistance to mycophenolic acid (Mulligan & Berg, 1981), Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 78: 2072); neo, which confers resistance to the aminoglycoside G-418 (Colberre-Garapin et al, 1981, J. Mol. Biol.
  • hygro which confers resistance to hygromycin
  • Additional selectable genes have been described, namely t ⁇ B, which allows cells to utilize indole in place of tryptophan; hisD, which allows cells to utilize histinol in place of histidine (Hartman & Mulligan, 1988, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.
  • ODC ornithine decarboxylase
  • DFMO McConlogue L., 1987, In: Current Communications in Molecular Biology, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory ed.
  • glutamine synthetase Bebbington et al, 1992, Biotech 10: 169.
  • the coding sequence of CLASP-4 could be synthesized in whole or in part, using chemical methods well known in the art.
  • chemical methods See, e.g., Caruthers et al, 1980, Nuc. Acids Res. Symp. Ser. 7: 215-233; Crea and Horn, 180, Nuc. Acids Res. 9(10): 2331; Matteucci and Caruthers, 1980, Tetrahedron Letter 21 : 719; and Chow and Kempe, 1981, Nuc. Acids Res. 9(12): 2807-2817.
  • the protein itself could be produced using chemical methods to synthesize a CLASP-4 amino acid sequence in whole or in part.
  • peptides can be synthesized by solid phase techniques, cleaved from the resin, and purified by preparative high perform-ance liquid chromatography. (See Creighton, 1983, Proteins Structures And Molecular Principles, W.H. Freeman and Co., N.Y. pp. 50-60). The composition of the synthetic polypeptides can be confirmed by amino acid analysis or sequencing (e.g. , the Edman degradation procedure; see Creighton, 1983, Proteins, Structures and Molecular Principles, W.H. Freeman and Co., N.Y., pp. 34-49).
  • the CLASP-4 polypeptide contains non-naturally occurring amino acids or amino acid analogs (i.e., compounds that have the same basic chemical structure as a naturally occurring amino acid, i.e., an ⁇ carbon that is bound to a hydrogen, a carboxyl group, an amino group, and an R group, e.g., homoserine, norleucine, methionine sulfoxide, methionine methyl sulfonium).
  • non-naturally occurring amino acids or amino acid analogs i.e., compounds that have the same basic chemical structure as a naturally occurring amino acid, i.e., an ⁇ carbon that is bound to a hydrogen, a carboxyl group, an amino group, and an R group, e.g., homoserine, norleucine, methionine sulfoxide, methionine methyl sulfonium).
  • the recombinant host cells which contain the coding sequence and which express a CLASP-4 gene product or fragments thereof can be identified by at least four general approaches; (a) DNA-DNA or DNA-RNA hybridization; (b) the presence or absence of "marker" gene functions; (c) assessing the level of transcription as measured by the expression of CLASP-4 mRNA transcripts in the host cell; and (d) detection ofthe gene product as measured by immunoassay or by its biological activity.
  • the host cells Prior to the identification of gene expression, the host cells can be first mutagenized in an effort to increase the level of expression of CLASP-4, especially in cell lines that produce low amounts of CLASP-4.
  • the presence of the CLASP-4 coding sequence inserted in the expression vector can be detected by DNA-DNA or DNA-RNA hybridization using probes comprising nucleotide sequences that are homologous to the CLASP-4 coding sequence, respectively, or portions or derivatives thereof.
  • the recombinant expression vector/host system can be identified and selected based upon the presence or absence of certain "marker" gene functions (e.g., thymidine kinase activity, resistance to antibiotics, resistance to methotrexate, transformation phenotype, occlusion body formation in baculovirus, and the like).
  • the CLASP-4 coding sequence is inserted within a marker gene sequence of the vector, recombinants containing the CLASP-4 coding sequence can be identified by the absence of the marker gene function.
  • a marker gene can be placed in tandem with the CLASP-4 sequence under the control of the same or different promoter used to control the expression of the CLASP-4 coding sequence. Expression ofthe marker in response to induction or selection indicates expression ofthe CLASP-4 coding sequence.
  • transcriptional activity for the CLASP-4 coding region can be assessed by hybridization assays.
  • RNA can be isolated and analyzed by Northern blot using a probe homologous to the CLASP-4 coding sequence or particular portions thereof.
  • total nucleic acids of the host cell can be extracted and assayed for hybridization to such probes.
  • reverse transcription-polymerase chain reactions can be used to detect low levels of gene expression.
  • the expression ofthe CLASP-4 protein product can be assessed immunologically, for example by Western blots, immunoassays such as radioimmuno-precipitation, enzyme-linked immunoassays, fluorescent activated cell sorting ("FACS"), and the like. This can be achieved by using an anti-CLASP-4 antibody.
  • CLASP-4 protein can be expressed as a fusion protein with green- fluorescent protein to facilitate its detection in cells (United States Patent Nos. 5,491,084; 5,804,387; 5,777,079).
  • Identification of cells or tissues expressing CLASP protein or mRNA, especially CLASP-4 isoforms, can be useful for determining normal and abnormal CLASP expression in a given cell or tissue.
  • CLASP-4 isoforms a number of CLASP-4 isoforms have been identified, e.g., in Jurkat cells, peripheral blood, and brain.
  • the identification of mRNA or protein expression in various cell types and tissues can allow for identification of isoforms improperly expressed in either a spatial or temporal manner.
  • the CLASP-4 protein and/or cell lines that express CLASP-4 can be used to screen for antibodies, peptides, small molecules, natural and synthetic compounds or other cell bound or soluble molecules that bind to the CLASP-4 protein resulting in stimulation or inhibition of CLASP-4 function.
  • anti- CLASP-4 antibodies can be used to inhibit or stimulate CLASP-4 function and to detect its presence.
  • screening of peptide libraries with recombinantly expressed soluble CLASP-4 protein or cell lines expressing CLASP-4 protein can be useful for identification of therapeutic molecules that function by inhibiting or stimulating the biological activity of CLASP-4.
  • the uses of the CLASP-4 protein and engineered cell lines, described in the subsections below, can be employed equally well for homologous CLASP-4 genes in various species.
  • cell lines may be engineered to express the extracellular or intracellular domain of CLASP fused to another molecule such as GST.
  • CLASP its extracellular domain or its intracellular domain may be fused to an immunoglobulin constant region (Hollenbaugh and Aruffo, 1992, Current Protocols in Immunology, Unit 10.19; Aruffo et al, 1990, Cell 61: 1303) to produce a soluble molecule with increased half life.
  • the soluble protein or fusion protein can be used in binding assays, affinity chromatography, immunoprecipitation, Western blot, and the like. Synthetic compounds, natural products, and other sources of potentially biologically active materials can be screened in assays that are well known in the art.
  • Random peptide libraries consisting of all possible combinations of amino acids attached to a solid phase support can be used to identify peptides that are able to bind to a specific domain of CLASP-4 (Lam, K.S. et al, 1991, Nature 354: 82-84).
  • the screening of peptide libraries can have therapeutic value in the discovery of pharmaceutical agents that stimulate or inhibit the biological activity of CLASP-4.
  • Identification of molecules that are able to bind to the CLASP-4 protein can be accomplished by screening a peptide library with recombinant soluble CLASP-4 protein. Methods for expression and purification of CLASP-4 are described in Section 5.7, supra, and can be used to express recombinant full length CLASP-4 or fragments of CLASP-4 depending on the functional domains of interest.
  • Such domains include CLASP-4 extracellular domain, transmembrane domain, CLASP-4 intracellular domain, ITAM containing domain, tyrosine phosphorylation site containing domain, cysteine cluster containing domain, cadherin motif containing domain, and coil/coil domain.
  • CLASP-4 protein can be conjugated to enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase or horseradish peroxidase or to other reagents such as fluorescent labels which can include fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), phycoerythrin (PE) or rhodamine. Conjugation of any given label to CLASP-4 can be performed using techniques that are well known in the art.
  • CLASP-4 expression vectors can be engineered to express a chimeric CLASP-4 protein containing an epitope for which a commercially available antibody exist. The epitope-specific antibody can be tagged with a detectable label using methods well known in the art including an enzyme, a fluorescent dye or colored or magnetic beads.
  • the "tagged" CLASP-4 conjugate is incubated with the random peptide library for 30 minutes to one hour at 22°C to allow complex formation between CLASP-4 and peptide species within the library. The library is then washed to remove any unbound protein. If CLASP-4 has been conjugated to alkaline phosphatase or horseradish peroxidase the whole library is poured into a petri dish containing substrates for either alkaline phosphatase or peroxidase, for example, 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indoyl phosphate (BCIP) or 3,3',4,4"-diaminobenzidine (DAB), respectively.
  • BCIP 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indoyl phosphate
  • DAB 3,3',4,4"-diaminobenzidine
  • the peptide/solid phase- CLASP-4 complex changes color, and can be easily identified and isolated physically under a dissecting microscope with a micromanipulator. If a fluorescent tagged CLASP-4 molecule has been used, complexes can be isolated by fluorescence activated sorting. If a chimeric CLASP-4 protein expressing a heterologous epitope has been used, detection of the peptide/CLASP-4 complex can be accomplished by using a labeled epitope-specific antibody. Once isolated, the identity of the peptide attached to the solid phase support can be determined by peptide sequencing.
  • soluble CLASP-4 molecules in another embodiment, it is possible to detect peptides that bind to cell-associated CLASP-4 using intact cells.
  • the use of intact cells is preferred for use with cell surface molecules.
  • Methods for generating cell lines expressing CLASP-4 are described in Section 5.8.
  • the cells used in this technique can be either live or fixed cells.
  • the cells can be incubated with the random peptide library and bind to certain peptides in the library to form a "rosette" between the target cells and the relevant solid phase support/peptide.
  • the rosette can thereafter be isolated by differential centrifugation or removed physically under a dissecting microscope. Techniques for screening combinatorial libraries are known in the art (Gallop et al, 1994, J. Med.
  • CLASP-4 molecules can be reconstituted into liposomes where label or "tag" can be attached.
  • CLASP-4 Fusion Proteins in another embodiment of the invention, a CLASP-4 or a modified CLASP-4 sequence can be ligated to a heterologous sequence to encode a fusion protein.
  • a CLASP-4 or a modified CLASP-4 sequence can be ligated to a heterologous sequence to encode a fusion protein.
  • a fusion protein can also be engineered to contain a cleavage site located between a CLASP-4 sequence and the heterologous protein sequence, so that the CLASP-4 can be cleaved away from the heterologous moiety.
  • fusion proteins ofthe invention can contain the CLASP-4 putative extracellular domain comprising at least about residues 1 through 1569 or fragments thereof. In another embodiment, fusion proteins can contain the CLASP-4 intracellular domain comprising at least about residue 843 of FIG. 1 (amino acid residue 1589 of FIG. 7) through the end ofthe CLASP-4 sequence or fragment thereof.
  • labeled DNA probes made from nucleic acid fragments corresponding to any partial cDNA disclosed herein can be used to screen a cDNA library derived from lymphoid cells or brain cells. More specifically, oligonucleotides corresponding to either the 5' or 3' terminus of the cDNA sequence can be used to obtain longer nucleotide sequences. Briefly, the library can be plated out to yield a maximum of 30,000 pfu for each 150 mm plate.
  • Nylon filters are placed onto the soft top agarose and after 60 seconds, the filters are peeled off and floated on a DNA denaturing solution consisting of 0.4N sodium hydroxide. The filters are then immersed in neutralizing solution consisting of IM Tris-HCl, pH 7.5, before being allowed to air dry.
  • the filters are prehybridized in hybridization buffer such as casein buffer containing 10% dextran sulfate, 0.5M NaCl, 50mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.5, 0.1% sodium pyrophosphate, 1% casein, 1% SDS, and denatured salmon sperm DNA at 0.5 mg/ml for 6 hours at 60°C
  • hybridization buffer such as casein buffer containing 10% dextran sulfate, 0.5M NaCl, 50mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.5, 0.1% sodium pyrophosphate, 1% casein, 1% SDS, and denatured salmon sperm DNA at 0.5 mg/ml for 6 hours at 60°C
  • the radiolabeled probe is then denatured by heating to 95°C for 2 minutes and then added to the prehybridization solution containing the filters.
  • the filters are hybridized at 60°C for 16 hours.
  • the filters are then washed in IX wash mix (10X wash mix contains 3M NaCl, 0.6M Tris base, and 0.02M EDTA) twice for 5 minutes each at room temperature, then in IX wash mix containing 1% SDS at 60°C for 30 minutes, and finally in 0.3X wash mix containing 0.1% SDS at 60°C for 30 minutes.
  • IX wash mix 10X wash mix contains 3M NaCl, 0.6M Tris base, and 0.02M EDTA
  • the agar plug containing the plaques will be removed and placed in lambda dilution buffer containing 0.1M NaCl, 0.01M magnesium sulfate, 0.035M Tris HCl, pH 7.5, 0.01% gelatin.
  • the phage can then be replated and rescreened to obtain single, well isolated positive plaques.
  • Positive plaques can be isolated and the cDNA clones sequenced using primers based on the known cDNA sequence. This step can be repeated until a full length cDNA is obtained. It can be necessary to screen multiple cDNA libraries from different tissues to obtain a full length cDNA.
  • RACE Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends
  • RACE Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends
  • 5'-RACE-Ready RNA synthesized from human tissues containing a unique anchor sequence is commercially available (Clontech).
  • PCR is canied out on 5'-RACE-Ready cDNA using the provided anchor primer and the 3' primer.
  • a secondary PCR reaction is then carried out using the anchored primer and a nested 3' primer according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  • the full length cDNA sequence can be translated into amino acid sequence and examined for certain landmarks such as a continuous open reading frame flanked by translation initiation and termination sites, a cadherin-like domain, an ITAM domain, a tyrosine phosphorylation site, a cysteine cluster, a transmembrane domain, and finally overall structural similarity to the CLASP-4 genes disclosed herein.
  • landmarks such as a continuous open reading frame flanked by translation initiation and termination sites, a cadherin-like domain, an ITAM domain, a tyrosine phosphorylation site, a cysteine cluster, a transmembrane domain, and finally overall structural similarity to the CLASP-4 genes disclosed herein.
  • an endogenous CLASP-4 gene within a cell population can be modified by inserting a heterologous DNA regulatory element into the genome of the cell line such that the inserted regulatory element is operatively linked with the endogenous CLASP-4 gene.
  • a heterologous DNA regulatory element for example, an endogenous CLASP-4 gene which is normally "transcriptionally silent", i.e., an CLASP-4 gene which is normally not expressed, or is expressed only at very low levels in a cell population, can be activated by inserting a regulatory element which is capable of promoting the expression of a normally expressed gene product in the cells.
  • a transcriptionally silent, endogenous CLASP-4 gene can be activated by insertion of a promiscuous regulatory element that works across cell types.
  • a heterologous regulatory element can be inserted into a cell line population, such that it is operatively linked with an endogenous CLASP-4 gene, using techniques, such as targeted homologous recombination, which are well known to those of skill in the art, (see e.g., in Chappel, U.S. Patent No. 5,272,071; PCT publication No. WO 91/06667, published Jan 16, 1991).
  • Such antibodies include, but are not limited to, polyclonal, monoclonal, chimeric, single chain, human or humanized, IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD or IgE, a complementarity determining region, Fab fragments, F(ab')2 and fragments produced by an Fab expression library as well as anti-idiotypic antibodies.
  • Antibodies which compete for CLASP-4 binding are especially prefened for diagnos-tics and therapeutics.
  • Monoclonal antibodies that bind CLASP-4 can be radioactively labeled allowing one to follow their location and distribution in the body after injection. Radioisotope tagged antibodies can be used as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for imaging de novo lymphoid tumors and metastases that express CLASP-4. Immunotoxins can also be designed which target cytotoxic agents to specific sites in the body. For example, high affinity CLASP-4 specific monoclonal antibodies can be covalently complexed to bacterial or plant toxins, such as diphtheria toxin or ricin.
  • a general method of preparation of antibody/hybrid molecules can involve use of thiol-crosslinking reagents such as SPDP, which attack the primary amino groups on the antibody and by disulfide exchange, attach the toxin to the antibody.
  • SPDP thiol-crosslinking reagents
  • the hybrid antibodies can be used to specifically eliminate CLASP-4 expressing lymphocytes.
  • various host animals can be immunized by injection with the recombinant or naturally purified CLASP-4 protein, fusion protein or peptides, including but not limited to goats, rabbits, mice, rats, hamsters, and the like
  • Various adjuvants can be used to increase the immuno-logical response, depending on the host species, including but not limited to Freund's (complete and incomplete), mineral gels such as aluminum hydroxide, surface active substances such as lysolecithin, pluronic polyols, polyanions, peptides, oil emulsions, keyhole limpet hemocyanin, dinitrophenol, and poten-tially useful human adjuvants such as BCG (bacilli Calmette-Guerin) and Corynebacterium parvum.
  • BCG Bacilli Calmette-Guerin
  • Corynebacterium parvum bacilli Calmette-Guerin
  • Monoclonal antibodies to CLASP-4 can be prepared by using any technique which provides for the production of antibody molecules by continuous cell lines in culture. These include, but are not limited to, the hybridoma technique originally described by Kohler and Milstein, (Nature, 1975, 256: 495-497), the human B-cell hybridoma technique (Kosbor et al, 1983, Immunology Today, 4: 72; Cote et al, 1983, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 80: 2026-2030) and the EBV-hybridoma tech-nique (Cole et al, 1985, Monoclonal Antibodies and Cancer Therapy, Alan R. Liss, Inc., pp. 77-96).
  • phage display technology is used to identify antibodies and heteromeric Fab fragments that specifically bind to selected antigens (see, e.g., McCafferty et al, Nature 348: 552-554 (1990); Marks et al, Biotechnology 10: 779-783 (1992)).
  • Hybridomas can be screened using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays
  • ELISA in order to detect cultures secreting antibodies specific for refolded recombinant CLASP-4.
  • Cultures can also be screened by ELISA to identify those cultures secreting antibodies specific for mammalian-produced CLASP-4. Confirmation of antibody specificity can be obtained by western blot using the same antigens.
  • Subsequent ELISA testing can use recombinant CLASP-4 fragments to identify the specific portion of the CLASP-4 molecule with which a monoclonal antibody binds. Additional testing can be used to identify monoclonal antibodies with desired functional characteristics such as staining of histological sections, immunoprecipitation of CLASP-4, inhibition of CLASP- 4 binding or stimulation of CLASP-4 to transmit an intracellular signal. Determination of the monoclonal antibody isotype can be accomplished by ELISA, thus providing additional information concerning purification or function.
  • Some anti-CLASP-4 monoclonal antibodies of the present invention are humanized, human or chimeric, in order to reduce their potential antigenicity, without reducing their affinity for their target.
  • Humanized antibodies have been described in the art. See, e.g., Queen, et al, 1989, Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 86: 10029; U.S. Patent Nos. 5,563,762; 5,693,761; 5,585,089 and 5,530,101.
  • the human antibody sequences used for humanization can be the sequences of naturally occurring human antibodies or can be consensus sequences of several human antibodies. See Kettleborough et al, 1991, Protein Engineering 4: 773; Kolbinger et al, 1993, Protein Engineering 6: 971.
  • Humanized monoclonal antibodies against CLASP-4 peptides can also be produced using transgenic animals having elements of a human immune system (see, e.g., U.S. Patent Nos. 5,569,825; 5,545,806; 5,693,762; 5,693,761; and 5,7124,350).
  • an anti-CLASP-4 polypeptide monoclonal or polyclonal antiserum is produced that is specifically immunoreactive with a particular CLASP-4 polypeptide and is selected to have low cross-reactivity against other molecules (e.g., other CLASP polypeptides) and any such cross-reactivity is removed by immunoabsorbtion prior to use in the immunoassay.
  • Methods for screening and characterizing monoclonal antibodies for specificity are well known in the art and are described generally in Harlow and Lane, supra.
  • polyclonal antibodies raised to hCLASP-4 can be selected to obtain only those polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies that are specifically immunoreactive with the target protein not with other proteins. This selection may be achieved by subtracting out antibodies that cross-react with molecules.
  • a variety of immunoassay formats may be used to select antibodies specifically immunoreactive with a particular protein.
  • solid-phase ELISA immunoassays are routinely used to select antibodies specifically immunoreactive with a protein (see, e.g., Harlow & Lane, Antibodies, A Laboratory Manual (1988) for a description of immunoassay formats and conditions that can be used to determine specific immunoreactivity).
  • a specific or selective reaction will be at least twice background signal or noise and more typically more than 10 to 100 times background.
  • antibodies that cross-react with a selected set of polypeptides may be prepared.
  • Antibody fragments which contain specific binding sites of V can be generated by known techniques.
  • fragments include, but are not limited to, the F(ab')2 fragments which can be produced by pepsin digestion of the antibody molecule and the Fab fragments which can be generated by reducing the disulfide bridges of the F(ab')2 fragments.
  • Fab expression libraries can be constructed (Huse et al, 1989, Science, 246: 1275-1281) to allow rapid and easy identification of monoclonal Fab fragments with the desired specificity to CLASP-4.
  • Anti-CLASP-4 antibodies can also be used to identify, isolate, inhibit or eliminate CLASP-4-expressing cells.
  • the present invention includes a method of identifying an abnormal T cell profile of an immunocompromised subject relative to the T cell profile of a non-immunocompromised subject.
  • the method includes (i) sorting a sample of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) isolated from the immunocompromised subject into sets of T cell types, (ii) determining the ratio of CLASP-4+ cells relative to the total number of cells (CLASP-4+: total) in each set, and identifying an abnormal T cell profile in the immunocompromised subject by comparing the CLASP-4+: total ratios of sets from the immunocompromised subject with the CLASP-4+: total ratios of analogous sets from a non-immunocompromised subject.
  • PBMC peripheral blood mononuclear cells
  • anti-CLASP-4 antibodies can be used for detection of hCLASP-4 protein in assays such as fluorescent activated cell sorting (FACS), ELISA, fluorescent or electron immunomicroscopy, Western blots, gel shift analyses.
  • FACS fluorescent activated cell sorting
  • ELISA ELISA
  • fluorescent or electron immunomicroscopy Western blots
  • gel shift analyses Western blots
  • CLASP-4 expression in various cells, localization within cells, interactions with other proteins, and differentiation between CLASP-4 isoform expression can be determined by use of the techniques listed herein.
  • the invention provides methods for identifying compounds or agents that modulate (i.e., inhibit or enhance) CLASP-4 expression or activity.
  • CLASP-4 expression or activity modulators are useful for treatment of disorders characterized by (or associated with) aberrant or abnormal CLASP-4 expression or activity. Aberrant expression of
  • CLASP-4 mRNA or protein means expression in lymphocytes (e.g., T lymphocytes or B lymphocytes) or other CLASP-4 expressing cells of at least 2-fold, preferably at least 5- fold greater than expression in control lymphocytes obtained from a healthy subject.
  • the CLASP-4 expression assays can include the steps of contacting a cell expressing CLASP-4 with a compound or agent and assaying CLASP-4 expression.
  • CLASP-4 polypeptide expression is easily measured by ELISA using anti-CLASP-4 antibodies of the invention.
  • CLASP-4 mRNA expression (including expression of specific species or splice variants of CLASP-4) can be measured by quantitative Northern analysis or quantitative PCR.
  • CLASP-4 activities include, for exampler, the CLASP-4 polypeptide CLASP-4 polypeptide involvement in signal transduction (e.g., leading to T cell activation).
  • Compounds or agents that modulate the interaction of a CLASP-4 polypeptide and a target molecule, modulate CLASP-4 nucleic acid expression, or modulate CLASP-4 polypeptide activity are all contemplated by the methods of the present invention.
  • Test compounds include, for example, 1) peptides (e.g., soluble peptides, including Ig-tailed fusion peptides and members of random peptide libraries (see, e.g., Lam, K. S. et al, 1991, Nature 354: 82-84; Houghten, R. et al, 1991, Nature 354: 84-86) and combinatorial chemistry-derived molecular libraries made of D- and/or L- configuration amino acids; 2) phosphopeptides (e.g., members of random and partially degenerate, directed phosphopeptide libraries, see, e.g., Songyang, Z.
  • peptides e.g., soluble peptides, including Ig-tailed fusion peptides and members of random peptide libraries (see, e.g., Lam, K. S. et al, 1991, Nature 354: 82-84; Houghten, R. et al, 1991, Nature 354:
  • the CLASP modulators can be any of a large variety of compounds, both naturally occurring and synthetic, organic and inorganic, and including polymers (e.g., oligopeptides, polypeptides, oligonucleotides, and polynucleotides), small molecules, antibodies, sugars, fatty acids, nucleotides and nucleotide analogs, analogs of naturally occurring structures (e.g., peptide mimetics, nucleic acid analogs, and the like), and numerous other compounds.
  • polymers e.g., oligopeptides, polypeptides, oligonucleotides, and polynucleotides
  • small molecules e.g., antibodies, sugars, fatty acids, nucleotides and nucleotide analogs, analogs of naturally occurring structures (e.g., peptide mimetics, nucleic acid analogs, and the like), and numerous other compounds.
  • the invention provides assays for screening test compounds which bind to CLASP-4 polypeptides.
  • the assays can be recombinant cell based or cell-free assays. These assays can include the steps of combining a cell expressing a CLASP-4 polypeptide or a binding fragment thereof, and a compound or agent under conditions which allow binding of the compound or agent to the CLASP-4 polypeptide to form a complex. Complex formation can then be determined. The ability of the candidate compound or agent to bind to the CLASP-4 polypeptide or fragment thereof is indicated by the presence ofthe candidate compound in the complex. Formation of complexes between the CLASP-4 polypeptide and the candidate compound can be quantitated, for example, using standard immunoassays.
  • the invention provides screening assays to identify test compounds which modulate the interaction (and most likely CLASP-4 activity as well) between a CLASP-4 polypeptide and a molecule (target molecule with which the CLASP-4 polypeptide normally interacts.
  • these CLASP-4 target molecules can be tyrosine kinases (e.g., lyn, lck, fyn, ZAP-70m SyK, and CSK).
  • these CLASP-4 target molecules can be tyrosine phosphatases (e.g. , EZRIN, SHP- 1 , SHP-2 and PTP36).
  • these CLASP-4 target molecules can be adaptor proteins (e.g., NCK, CBL, SHC, LNK, SLP-76, HSl, SIT, VAV, GrB2, and BRDG1).
  • CLASP-4 target molecules can be cytoskeletal associated proteins such as ankyrin, spectrin, talin, ezrin, tropomyosin, myosin, plectin, syndecans, paralemmin, Band 3 protein, cytoskeletal protein 4.1, and PTP36.
  • CLASP-4 target molecules can be members ofthe integrin family.
  • the assays are recombinant cell based or cell-free assay. These assays can include the steps of combining a cell expressing a CLASP-4 polypeptide or a binding fragment thereof, a CLASP-4 target molecule (e.g., a CLASP-4 ligand) and a test compound, under conditions where but for the presence of the candidate compound, the CLASP-4 polypeptide or biologically active portion thereof binds to the target molecule. Detecting complex formation between the CLASP-4 polypeptide or the binding fragment thereof, the CLASP-4 target molecule and a test compound detecting the formation of a complex which includes the CLASP-4 polypeptide and the target molecule can be accomplished.
  • a CLASP-4 target molecule e.g., a CLASP-4 ligand
  • Detection of complex formation can include direct quantitation of the complex by, for example, measuring inductive effects, such as T cell activation, of the CLASP-4 polypeptide.
  • a significant change, such as a decrease, in the interaction of the CLASP-4 and target molecule (e.g., in the formation of a complex between the CLASP-4 and the target molecule) in the presence of a candidate compound (relative to what is detected in the absence of the candidate compound) is indicative of a modulation of the interaction between the CLASP-4 polypeptide and the target molecule.
  • Modulation ofthe formation of complexes between the CLASP-4 polypeptide and the target molecule can be quantitated using, for example, an immunoassay.
  • an immunoassay To perform cell free drug screening assays, it is desirable to immobilize either CLASP-4 or its target molecule to facilitate separation of complexes from uncomplexed forms of one or both of the polypeptides, as well as to accommodate automation of the assay.
  • CLASP-4 binding to a target molecule, in the presence and absence of a candidate compound can be accomplished in any vessel suitable for containing the reactants. Examples of such vessels include microtitre plates, test tubes, and microcentrifuge tubes.
  • a fusion polypeptide can be provided which adds a domain that allows the polypeptide to be bound to a matrix.
  • the complexes can be dissociated from the matrix, separated by SDS-PAGE, and the level of CLASP-4- binding polypeptide found in the bead fraction quantitated from the gel using standard electrophoretic techniques.
  • CLASP-4 or its target molecule can be immobilized utilizing conjugation of biotin and streptavidin.
  • Biotinylated CLASP-4 molecules can be prepared from biotin-NHS (N-hydroxy- succinimide) using techniques well known in the art (e.g., biotinylation kit, Pierce Chemicals, Rockford, 111.), and immobilized in the wells of streptavidin-coated 96 well plates (Pierce Chemical).
  • antibodies reactive with CLASP-4 but which do not interfere with binding of the polypeptide to its target molecule can be derivatized to the wells of the plate, and CLASP-4 trapped in the wells by antibody conjugation.
  • preparations of a CLASP-4 -binding polypeptide and a candidate compound are incubated in the CLASP-4 -presenting wells of the plate, and the amount of complex trapped in the well can be quantitated.
  • Methods for detecting such complexes include immunodetection of complexes using antibodies reactive with the CLASP-4 target molecule, or which are reactive with CLASP-4 polypeptide and compete with the target molecule; as well as enzyme-linked assays which rely on detecting an enzymatic activity associated with the target molecule.
  • One method of drug screening utilizes eukaryotic or prokaryotic host cells which are stably transformed with recombinant DNA molecules expressing the CLASP-4, e.g., the protein having the sequence of SEQ ID NO:2.
  • Such cells can be used for standard ligand/receptor binding assays (see, e.g., Parce et al (1989) Science 246: 243-247; and Owicki et al. (1990) Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 87: 4007-4011, which describe sensitive methods to detect cellular responses.
  • a test compound, often labeled can be assayed for binding or for competition with another ligand for binding.
  • Viable cells could also be used to screen for the effects of drugs on CLASP-4 mediated functions, e.g., T cell activation, second messenger levels, and others).
  • the invention provides a method for identifying a compound (e.g., a screening assay) capable of use in the treatment of a disorder characterized by (or associated with) abenant or abnormal CLASP-4 nucleic acid expression or CLASP-4 polypeptide activity.
  • This method typically includes the step of assaying the ability ofthe compound or agent to modulate the expression ofthe CLASP-4 nucleic acid or the activity of the CLASP-4 polypeptide thereby identifying a compound for treating a disorder characterized by abenant or abnormal CLASP-4 nucleic acid expression or CLASP-4 polypeptide activity.
  • Methods for assaying the ability ofthe compound or agent to modulate the expression of the CLASP-4 nucleic acid or activity of the CLASP-4 polypeptide are typically cell-based assays. For example, cells which are sensitive to ligands which transduce signals via a pathway involving CLASP-4 can be induced to overexpress a CLASP-4 polypeptide in the presence and absence of a candidate compound. Candidate compounds which produce a change in CLASP-4-dependent responses can be identified. In one embodiment, expression of the CLASP-4 nucleic acid or activity of a CLASP-4 polypeptide is modulated in cells and the effects of candidate compounds on the readout of interest (such as T cell activation) are measured. For example, the expression of genes which are up- or down-regulated in response to a CLASP-4-dependent signal cascade can be assayed.
  • modulators of CLASP-4 expression can be identified in a method where a cell is contacted with a candidate compound and the expression of CLASP-4 mRNA or polypeptide in the cell is determined. The level of expression of CLASP-4 mRNA or polypeptide in the presence of the candidate compound is compared to the level of expression of CLASP-4 mRNA or polypeptide in the absence of the candidate compound. The candidate compound can then be identified as a modulator of CLASP-4 nucleic acid expression based on this comparison. For example, when expression of CLASP-4 mRNA or polypeptide is greater in the presence of the candidate compound than in its absence, the candidate compound is identified as a stimulator of CLASP-4 nucleic acid expression.
  • the candidate compound when CLASP-4 nucleic acid expression is less in the presence of the candidate compound than in its absence, the candidate compound is identified as an inhibitor of CLASP-4 nucleic acid expression.
  • the level of CLASP-4 nucleic acid expression in the cells can be determined by methods described herein for detecting CLASP-4 mRNA or polypeptide.
  • Modulators of CLASP-4 polypeptide activity and CLASP-4 nucleic acid expression identified according to these drug screening assays can be used to treat, for example, immune disorders. These methods of treatment include the steps of administering the modulators of CLASP-4 polypeptide activity or nucleic acid expression, e.g., in a pharmaceutical composition as described in ⁇ 5.10.1 below, to a subject in need of such treatment, e.g., a subject with a disorder described herein.
  • CLASP-4 protein is expressed in lymphocytes and, as noted supra, play a role in regulating T cell and B cell interactions, thus making CLASP-4 activity
  • a target for diagnostic and treatment of immune disorders and for modulation of immune function e.g., T cell activation.
  • CLASP-4 contains domains capable of transducing an intracellular signal
  • cell surface CLASP-4 can be triggered by an anti- CLASP-4 antibody or soluble CLASP-4 or a fragment thereof in order to enhance the activation state of a lymphocyte.
  • a CLASP-4 polypeptide, a fragment thereof, anti-CLASP-4 antibody, CLASP-4 polynucleotide (e.g., antisense or ribozyme), or small molecule agonists or antagonists can be administered to a subject per se or in the form of a pharmaceutical or therapeutic composition.
  • Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the proteins of the invention can be manufactured by means of conventional mixing, dissolving, granulating, dragee-making, levigating, emulsifying, encapsulating, entrapping or lyophilizing processes.
  • compositions can be formulated in conventional manner using one or more physiologically acceptable carriers, diluents, excipients or auxiliaries which facilitate processing of the protein or active peptides into preparations which can be used pharmaceutically. Proper formulation is dependent upon the route of administration chosen.
  • the CLASP-4 protein or fragment (encoding a functional domain of CLASP-4) can be introduced into the cell as a fusion protein tied to a transporter protein derived from homeoprotein transcription factors such as ANTP.
  • the CLASP-4 protein or fragment (encoding a functional domain of CLASP-4) can be introduced into the cell as a fusion protein tied to other transcription factors such as the HIV Tat protein and the he ⁇ es simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) VP22 protein. Members in this family have been widely used in different cellular and animal systems (Schwarze, S.; et al; 2000, Trends Pharmacol Sci. 21: 45-48).
  • the CLASP-4 protein or fragment (encoding a functional domain of CLASP-4) can be introduced into the cell as a fusion protein tied to peptides derived from signal-sequences present in several proteins such as HIV-1 gp41.
  • the proteins of the invention can be formulated as solutions, gels, ointments, creams, suspensions, and the like, as are well-known in the art.
  • Systemic formulations include those designed for administration by injection, e.g., subcutaneous, intravenous, intramuscular, intrathecal or intraperitoneal injection, as well as those designed for transdermal, transmucosal, oral or pulmonary administration.
  • the proteins of the invention can be formulated in aqueous solutions, preferably in physiologically compatible buffers such as Hanks 's solution, Ringer's solution, or physiological saline buffer.
  • physiologically compatible buffers such as Hanks 's solution, Ringer's solution, or physiological saline buffer.
  • the solution can contain formulatory agents such as suspending, stabilizing and/or dispersing agents.
  • the proteins can be in powder form for constitution with a suitable vehicle, e.g., sterile pyrogen-free water, before use.
  • penetrants appropriate to the barrier to be permeated are used in the formulation.
  • penetrants are generally known in the art.
  • compositions can be readily formulated by combining the proteins with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers well known in the art.
  • pharmaceutically acceptable carriers well known in the art.
  • Such carriers enable the proteins to be formulated as tablets, pills, dragees, capsules, liquids, gels, syrups, slurries, suspensions and the like, for oral ingestion by a patient to be treated.
  • suitable excipients include fillers such as sugars, such as lactose, sucrose, mannitol and sorbitol; cellulose preparations such as maize starch, wheat starch, rice starch, potato starch, gelatin, gum tragacanth, methyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl-cellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, and/or polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP); granulating agents; and binding agents.
  • disintegrating agents can be added, such as the cross-linked polyvinylpynolidone, agar, or alginic acid or a salt thereof such as sodium alginate.
  • solid dosage forms can be sugar-coated or enteric-coated using standard techniques.
  • suitable carriers, excipients or diluents include water, glycols, oils, alcohols, and the like. Additionally, flavoring agents, preservatives, coloring agents and the like can be added.
  • the proteins can take the form of tablets, lozenges, and the like, formulated in conventional manner.
  • the proteins for use according to the present invention are conveniently delivered in the form of an aerosol spray from pressurized packs or a nebulizer, with the use of a suitable propellant, e.g., dichlorodifluoromethane, trichlorofluoromethane, dichlorotetrafluoroethane, carbon dioxide or other suitable gas.
  • a suitable propellant e.g., dichlorodifluoromethane, trichlorofluoromethane, dichlorotetrafluoroethane, carbon dioxide or other suitable gas.
  • a pressurized aerosol the dosage unit can be determined by providing a valve to deliver a metered amount.
  • Capsules and cartridges of, e.g., gelatin for use in an inhaler or insufflator can be formulated containing a powder mix ofthe compound and a suitable powder base such as
  • the proteins can also be formulated in rectal or vaginal compositions such as suppositories or retention enemas, e.g., containing conventional suppository bases such as cocoa butter or other glycerides.
  • the proteins can also be formulated as a depot preparation. Such long acting formulations can be administered by implantation (for example subcutaneously or intramuscularly) or by intramuscular injection.
  • the proteins can be formulated with suitable polymeric or hydrophobic materials (for example as an emulsion in an acceptable oil) or ion exchange resins, or as sparingly soluble derivatives, for example, as a sparingly soluble salt.
  • Liposomes and emulsions are well known examples of delivery vehicles that can be used to deliver the proteins or peptides of the invention.
  • Certain organic solvents such as dimethylsulfoxide also can be employed, although usually at the cost of greater toxicity.
  • the proteins can be delivered using a sustained-release system, such as semipermeable matrices of solid polymers containing the therapeutic agent.
  • sustained-release materials have been established and are well known by those skilled in the art. Sustained-release capsules can, depending on their chemical nature, release the proteins for a few weeks up to over 100 days. Depending on the chemical nature and the biological stability ofthe therapeutic reagent, additional strategies for protein stabilization can be employed.
  • proteins and peptides of the invention can contain charged side chains or termini, they can be included in any of the above-described formulations as the free acids or bases or as pharmaceutically acceptable salts.
  • Pharmaceutically acceptable salts are those salts which substantially retain the biologic activity of the free bases and which are prepared by reaction with inorganic acids. Pharmaceutical salts tend to be more soluble in aqueous and other protic solvents than are the corresponding free base forms.
  • CLASP-4 polypeptides, CLASP-4 fragments and anti-CLASP-4 antibodies will generally be used in an amount effective to achieve the intended pu ⁇ ose.
  • the proteins of the invention, or pharmaceutical compositions thereof, are administered or applied in a therapeutically effective amount.
  • therapeutically effective amount is meant an amount effective ameliorate or prevent the symptoms, or prolong the survival of, the patient being treated. Determination of a therapeutically effective amount is well within the capabilities of those skilled in the art, especially in light ofthe detailed disclosure provided herein.
  • a therapeutically effective dose can be estimated initially from in vitro assays.
  • a dose can be formulated in animal models to achieve a circulating concentration range that includes the IC50 as determined in cell culture (i.e., the concentration of test compound that inhibits 50% of CLASP-4 binding interactions). Such information can be used to more accurately determine useful doses in humans.
  • Initial dosages can also be estimated from in vivo data, e.g., animal models, using techniques that are well known in the art. One having ordinary skill in the art could readily optimize administration to humans based on animal data.
  • Dosage amount and interval can be adjusted individually to provide plasma levels of the proteins which are sufficient to maintain therapeutic effect.
  • Usual patient dosages for administration by injection range from about 0.1 to 5 mg/kg/day, preferably from about 0.5 to 1 mg/kg/day.
  • Therapeutically effective serum levels can be achieved by administering multiple doses each day.
  • the effective local concentration ofthe proteins can not be related to plasma concentration.
  • One having skill in the art will be able to optimize therapeutically effective local dosages without undue experimentation.
  • the amount of CLASP-4 administered will, of course, be dependent on the subject being treated, on the subject's weight, the severity ofthe affliction, the manner of administration and the judgment ofthe prescribing physician.
  • the therapy can be repeated intermittently while symptoms detectable or even when they are not detectable.
  • the therapy can be provided alone or in combination with other drugs.
  • the drugs that can be used in combination with CLASP-4 or fragments thereof include, but are not limited to, steroid and non-steroid immunosuppressive agents.
  • Toxicity Preferably, a therapeutically effective dose ofthe proteins described herein will provide therapeutic benefit without causing substantial toxicity.
  • Toxicity of the proteins described herein can be determined by standard pharmaceutical procedures in cell cultures or experimental animals, e.g., by determining the LD50 (the dose lethal to 50% of the population) or the LD100 (the dose lethal to 100% of the population). The dose ratio between toxic and therapeutic effect is the therapeutic index.
  • the data obtained from these cell culture assays and animal studies can be used in formulating a dosage range that is not toxic for use in human.
  • the dosage of the proteins described herein lies preferably within a range of circulating concentrations that include the effective dose with little or no toxicity. The dosage can vary within this range depending upon the dosage form employed and the route of administration utilized. The exact formulation, route of administration and dosage can be chosen by the individual physician in view of the patient's condition. (See, e.g., Fingl et al, 1975, In: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Ch.l, p.l).
  • CLASP-4 polypeptides can be used to screen for molecules that bind to
  • CLASP-4 or for molecules to which CLASP-4 binds.
  • the binding of CLASP-4 by the molecule can activate (agonist), increase, inhibit (antagonist), or decrease activity of the CLASP-4 or the molecule bound.
  • Examples of such molecules include antibodies, oligonucleotides, proteins (e.g., receptors), or small molecules.
  • the molecule is closely related to the natural ligand of CLASP-4, e.g., a fragment of the ligand, or a natural substrate, a ligand, a structural or functional mimetic.
  • the molecule can be closely-related to the natural receptor to which CLASP-4 binds, or at least, a fragment of the receptor capable of being bound by CLASP-4 (e.g., active site). In either case, the molecule can be rationally designed using known techniques.
  • the screening for these molecules involves producing appropriate cells which express CLASP-4, either as a secreted protein or on the cell membrane.
  • Preferred cells include cells from mammals, yeast, Drosophila, or E. coli.
  • Cells expressing CLASP-4 (or cell membrane containing the expressed polypeptide) are then preferably contacted with a test compound potentially containing the molecule to observe binding, stimulation, or inhibition of activity of either CLASP-4 or the molecule.
  • the assay can simply test binding of a candidate compound to CLASP-4, where binding is detected by a label, or in an assay involving competition with a labeled competitor. Further, the assay can test whether the candidate compound results in a signal generated by binding to CLASP-4.
  • the assay can be carried out using cell-free preparations, polypeptide affixed to a solid support, chemical libraries, or natural product mixtures.
  • the assay can also simply comprise the steps of mixing a candidate compound with a solution containing CLASP-4, measuring CLASP-4 activity or binding, and comparing the CLASP-4 activity or binding to a standard.
  • an ELISA assay can measure CLASP-4 level or activity in a sample (e.g., biological sample) using a monoclonal or polyclonal antibody.
  • the antibody can measure CLASP-4 level or activity by either binding, directly or indirectly, to CLASP-4 or by competing with CLASP-4 for a substrate.
  • the CLASP-4 polypeptides, or fragments thereof can be used as "bait proteins" in a two-hybrid assay (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,283,317; Zervos et al, 1993, Cell 72: 223-232; Madura et al, 1993, J. Biol. Chem.
  • CLASP-4-binding proteins or "CLASP-4- bp"
  • CLASP-4-binding proteins are also likely to be involved in the propagation of signals by the CLASP-4 polypeptides as, for example, upstream or downstream elements ofthe CLASP-4 pathway.
  • All of these above assays can be used as diagnostic or prognostic markers.
  • the molecules discovered using these assays can be used to treat disease or to bring about a particular result in a patient by activating or inhibiting the CLASP-4 molecule.
  • the assays can discover agents which can inhibit or enhance the production of CLASP-4 from suitably manipulated cells or tissues.
  • the invention includes a method of identifying compounds or agents that bind to CLASP-4 polypeptides comprising the steps of: (a) contacting a CLASP-4 polypeptide with a compound or agent under conditions which allow binding of the compound to the CLASP-4 polypeptide to form a complex and (b) determining if binding has occurred.
  • the invention includes a method of identifying agonists or antagonists comprising the steps of: (a) incubating a candidate compound with CLASP-4, (b) assaying a biological activity, and (b) determining if a biological activity of CLASP-4 has been altered.
  • the polynucleotides, polypeptides, polypeptide homologues, modulators, and antibodies described herein can be used in one or more of the following methods: a) drug screening assays; b) diagnostic assays particularly in disease identification, allelic screening and pharmocogenetic testing; and c) pharmacogenomics.
  • a CLASP-4 polypeptide of the invention has one or more of the activities described herein and can thus be used to, for example, modulate an immune response in an immune cell, for example by binding to a CLASP-4 binding partner making it unavailable for binding to the naturally present CLASP-4 polypeptide.
  • these CLASP-4 binding partners can be tyrosine kinases (e.g., lyn, lck, fyn, ZAP-70m SyK, and CSK).
  • these CLASP-4 binding partners can be tyrosine phosphatases (e.g., EZRIN, SHP-1, SHP-2 and PTP36).
  • these CLASP-4 target molecules can be adaptor proteins (e.g., NCK, CBL, SHC, LNK, SLP-76, HSl, SIT, VAV, GrB2, and BRDG1.
  • CLASP-4 binding partners can be cytoskeletal associated proteins such as ankyrin, spectrin, talin, ezrin, tropomyosin, myosin, plectin, syndecans, paralemmin, Band 3 protein, cytoskeletal protein 4.1, and PTP36.
  • CLASP-4 binding partners can be members ofthe integrin family.
  • the isolated nucleic acid molecules ofthe invention can be used to express CLASP-4 polypeptide (e.g., via a recombinant expression vector in a host cell or in gene therapy applications), to detect CLASP-4 mRNA (e.g., in a biological sample) or a naturally occurring or recombinantly generated genetic mutation in an CLASP-4 gene, and to modulate CLASP-4 activity, as described further below.
  • the CLASP-4 polypeptides can be used to screen drugs or compounds which modulate CLASP-4 polypeptide activity as well as to treat disorders characterized by insufficient production of CLASP-4 polypeptide or production of CLASP-4 polypeptide forms which have decreased activity compared to wild type CLASP-4.
  • the anti-CLASP-4 antibodies of the invention can be used to detect and isolate an CLASP-4 polypeptide, particularly fragments of CLASP-4 present in a biological sample, and to modulate CLASP-4 polypeptide activity.
  • the invention further provides a method for detecting the presence of CLASP-4, or fragment thereof, in a biological sample.
  • the biological sample contains lymphocytes (e.g., from blood).
  • the method involves contacting the biological sample with a compound or an agent capable of detecting CLASP-4 polypeptide or mRNA such that the presence of CLASP-4 is detected in the biological sample.
  • a prefened agent for detecting CLASP-4 mRNA is a directly or indirectly labeled nucleic acid probe capable of hybridizing to CLASP-4 mRNA.
  • the nucleic acid probe can be, for example, the full-length CLASP-4 cDNA of SEQ ID NO:l, or a portion thereof, such as an oligonucleotide of at least 15, 30, 50, 100, 250 or 500 nucleotides in length and sufficient to specifically hybridize under stringent conditions to CLASP-4 mRNA.
  • a prefened agent for detecting CLASP-4 polypeptide is a directly or indirectly labeled antibody capable of binding to a CLASP-4 polypeptide.
  • Antibodies can be polyclonal, or more preferably, monoclonal. An intact antibody, or a fragment thereof (e.g., Fab or F(ab)2) can be used.
  • the term "directly or indirectly", with regard to the probe or antibody, is intended to encompass direct labeling of the probe or antibody by coupling (i.e., physically linking) a detectable substance to the probe or antibody, as well as indirect labeling of the probe or antibody by reactivity with another reagent that is directly labeled.
  • Examples of indirect labeling include detection of a primary antibody using a fluorescently labeled secondary antibody and end-labeling of a DNA probe with biotin such that it can be detected with fluorescently labeled streptavidin.
  • the detection method of the invention can be used to detect CLASP-4 mRNA or polypeptide in a biological sample in vitro as well as in vivo.
  • in vitro techniques for detection of CLASP-4 mRNA include Northern hybridizations and in situ hybridizations.
  • In vitro techniques for detection of CLASP-4 polypeptide include enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), Western blots, immunoprecipitations and immunofluorescence.
  • CLASP-4 polypeptide can be detected in vivo in a subject by introducing into the subject a labeled anti-CLASP-4 antibody.
  • the antibody can be labeled with a radioactive marker whose presence and location in a subject can be detected by standard imaging techniques.
  • Particularly useful are methods which detect the allelic variant of CLASP-4 expressed in a subject and methods which detect fragments of an CLASP-4 polypeptide in a sample.
  • kits for detecting the presence of CLASP- 4 in a biological sample can comprise a directly or indirectly labeled compound or agent capable of detecting CLASP-4 polypeptide or mRNA in a biological sample; means for determining the amount of CLASP-4 in the sample; and means for comparing the amount of CLASP-4 in the sample with a standard.
  • the compound or agent can be packaged in a suitable container.
  • the kit can further comprise instructions for using the kit to detect CLASP-4 mRNA or polypeptide.
  • the methods ofthe invention can also be used to detect naturally occurring genetic mutations in an CLASP-4 gene, thereby determining if a subject with the mutated gene is at risk for a disorder characterized by aberrant or abnormal CLASP-4 nucleic acid expression or CLASP-4 polypeptide activity as described herein.
  • the methods include detecting, in a sample of cells from the subject, the presence or absence of a genetic mutation characterized by at least one of an alteration affecting the integrity of a gene encoding an CLASP-4 polypeptide, or the misexpression ofthe CLASP-4 gene.
  • CLASP-4 mediates a variety of cell functions in lymphocytes and other cells.
  • assays are useful for detecting or quantitating CLASP-4 activity, or for identifying agents (including polynucleotides, polypeptides, and antibodies of the invention) that modulate CLASP-4 activity (i.e., biological activity, e.g., binding) or expression.
  • agents include polynucleotides, polypeptides, and antibodies of the invention
  • Such agents are useful for treatment of diseases and conditions associated with aberrant CLASP-4 expression or activity.
  • other CLASP-4-mediated activities can be identified by those of skill using routine assays, such as those described below.
  • Exemplary assays for CLASP-4 function include assays for modulation of an in vitro or in vivo cell response (e.g., an immune response such as lymphocyte activation, antibody production, inflammation) by detecting a change in an activity (e.g., cytokine production, calcium flux, tyrosine phosphorylation, regulation of early activation markers, cell metabolism, proliferation, and the like, as described below) of cells in vitro or in vivo.
  • the cells are lymphocytes.
  • recombinant CLASP-4 protein, peptides, or antibodies conespdndi g to the CLASPS extracellular " domain can be mixed directly with T and B cells.
  • Cytokine production by these cells can then be measured and the degree of modulation of the immune response quantitated.
  • antigen-presenting B cells are mixed with untransfected T cells or T cells that have been transfected with CLASP-4 isoforms. Cytokine production (or calcium flux or other assays described below) is be measured at the appropriate time to determine the effect of CLASP-4 on such an immune response.
  • B cells transfected with CLASP-4 constructs are tested for their ability to stimulate a T cell to generate an immune response.
  • Transfected constructs in any of these cases could encode, for example, full or partial length CLASP-4 sequences, or antisense constructs to inhibit translation of endogenous CLASP-4 gene. Any of the examples described herein can be used to stimulate an immune response in the presence or absence of CLASP-4 isoforms or antibodies and assay the resulting effects on immune response by the methods listed below.
  • an effect of an agent on immune cells is detected using an in vitro assay.
  • the degree of an immune response can be measured or quantitated by a number of standard assays including those described below.
  • human peripheral blood mononuclear cells PBMC
  • human T cell clones e.g., Jurkat E6, ATCC TIB- 152
  • EBV-transformed B cell clones e.g., 9D10, ATCC CRL-8752
  • antigen-specific T cell clones or lines can be used to examine immune responses in vitro. Activation, enhanced activation or inhibition of activation of these cells or cell lines can be used for the evaluation of potential CLASP therapeutics. Standard methods by which hematopoietic cells are stimulated to undergo activation characteristic of an immune response are, for example:
  • MBP-specific antigen-specific T cell clones and hybridomas
  • B-cells can be mixed with specific T-cells in the presence of antigen to generate an immune response. This can be performed in the presence or absence of CLASP-4 to assay whether CLASP- 4 modulates the immune response as measured
  • TCR cross-linking T cell " receptor
  • receptor activation molecules e.g., TCR, CD3, or CD2
  • co-stimulator molecules for example anti-CD28
  • activation molecules e.g., TCR, CD3, or CD2
  • co-stimulator molecules for example anti-CD28
  • PHA phytohemagglutinin
  • pharmacological agents that activate protein kinase C e.g., phorbol esters
  • increase cytoplasmic Ca2+ e.g., ionomycin
  • Non-specific B cell activation 1) application of antibodies against cell surface molecules such as IgM, CD20, or CD21. 2) Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), phorbol esters, calcium ionophores and ionomycin can also be used to by-pass receptor triggering.
  • LPS Lipopolysaccharide
  • a standard approach is to generate tetanus toxin-specific T cells from a donor that has recently been boosted with tetanus toxin.
  • Major histocompatability complex- (MHC-) matched antigen presenting cells and a source of tetanus toxin are used to maintain antigen specificity of the cell line or T cell clone (Lanzavecchia, A., et al, 1983, Eur. J. Immun. 13: 733-738).
  • CLASP-4 polypeptide or polynucleotide should define the appropriate assay to use to investigate its potential enhancement or inhibition of lymphocyte activation.
  • soluble proteins containing the CLASP extracellular domain may interfere with the interaction between T cells and antigen presenting cells. Such interaction plays a role in the MLR and in antigen-specific T cell activation, but not in non-specific T or B cell activation.
  • the assays described above have the advantage of several possible detection methods for quantitation.
  • an effect of an agent on immune cells is detected using an in vivo assay.
  • the degree of an immune response can be measured or quantitated by a number of standard assays including those described below.
  • a standard animal model for graft versus host rejection is ectopic heart transplantation (Fulmer et al, 1963, Am. J. Anat. 113: 273-281).
  • This method involves using BALB/C mice (either sex, and range from 1-9 months) for transplanting cardiac tissue into a surgically-created pocket on the dorsum for both ears made by slitting the skin over the auricular artery at the base of the ear. Small curved forceps are forced into the slit, bluntly dissecting between the skin and the cartilage plate. Donor tissue is eased into the base of the pocket near the distal edge of the ear. The auricular artery is used to seal off the opening of the pocket.
  • CIA Collagen Induced Arthritis
  • DBA/a mice can be used as an assay for the in vivo relevance of CLASP-4 in vitro testing potential immune therapeutics. In vivo experiments will be performed to examine the ability of potential therapeutics to prevent CIA. We will use 3-5 mice per group to statistically justify our results.
  • mice will be immunized with three different concentrations of CII 50, 200, and 400 ⁇ g per animal (Nabozny et al, 1996, J. Exp. Med., 183: 27-37).
  • animals can be immunized with an appropriate concentration of CII, determined as described above.
  • One half of a 1 :1 ratio of antigen:CFA can be injected at the base of the tail and the remainder equally divided in each hind footpad.
  • Mice can be carefully monitored every day for the onset and progression of CIA thoughout the experiment until its termination 12 weeks post- immunization with CII.
  • the pieces of heart transplanted can be approximately 3 X 3 mm in size. The severity of arthritis can be assessed following standard procedures known to one of skill in the art.
  • Tyrosine phosphorylation of early response proteins such as HSl, PLC-r, ZAP-76, and Vav is an early biochemical event following T cell activation.
  • the tyrosine phosphorylated proteins can be detected by Western blot using antibodies against phosphorylated tyrosine residues. Tyrosine phosphorylation of these early response proteins can be used as a standard assay for T cell activation (J. Biol. Chem., 1997, 272(23): 14562-14570). Any change in the phosphorylation pattern of these or related proteins when immune responses are generated in the presence of CLASP-4 is indicative of a CLASP-4 modulation of this response.
  • lymphocyte activation marker levels such as CD69, IL-2R, MHC class II, B7, and TCR are commonly measured with fluorescently labeled antibodies using flow cytometry. All antibodies are commercially available. Any change in the expression levels of lymphocyte activation markers when immune responses are generated in the presence of CLASP-4 is indicative of a CLASP-4 modulation of this response.
  • MTS [5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl)-3(4- sulfophenyl)tetrazolium, inner salt] is a colorimetric method for determining the number of viable cells in proliferation or cytotoxicity assays (Barltrop, J.A. et al, 1991, Bioorg. & Med. Chem. Lett. 1: 611). 1-5 days after lymphocyte activation, MTS tetrazolium compound, Owen's reagent, is bioreduced by cells into a colored forrriazan product that is soluble in tissue culture media. Color intensity is read at 490 nm minus 650 nm using a microplate reader.
  • BrdU-pulsed cells are labeled with an enzyme-conjugated anti-BrdU antibody (Gratzner, H.G., 1982, Science 218: 474-475.).
  • a colorimetric, soluble substrate is used to visualize proliferating cells that have inco ⁇ orated BrdU. Reaction is stopped with sulfuric acid and plate is read at 450 nm using a microplate reader. Any statistically significant increase or decrease in color intensity of CLASP-4-treated sample, as compared to control sample (no treatment), suggest an effect of CLASP-4 on biological function.
  • F Apoptosis by Annexin V
  • Programmed cell death or apoptosis is an early event in a cascade of catabolic reactions leading to cell death. A lose in the integrity of the cell membrane allows for the binding of fluorescently conjugated phosphatidylserine. Stained cells can be measured by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry (Vermes, I., 1995, J.
  • assays for evaluating cell death in tissue samples can also be used in vivo studies.
  • cytokine assays can be performed on each sample.
  • IL-2, IL-3, IFN- ⁇ and other cytokine ELISA Assays are available for mouse, rat, and human (Endogen, Inc. and BioSource). Cytokine production is measured using a standard two-antibody sandwich ELISA protocol as described by the manufacturer. The presence of horseradish peroxidase is detected with 3, 3 '5, 5' tertamethyl benziidine (TMB) substrate and the reaction is stopped with sulfuric acid. The absorbency at 450 nm is measured using a microplate reader. Any statistically significant increase or decrease in color intensity of CLASP-4-treated sample, as compared to control sample (no treatment), suggest an effect of CLASP-4 on biological function.
  • T cell activation requires the import of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) to the nucleus.
  • NFAT nuclear factor of activated T cells
  • This translocation of NF-AT can be visualized by immunostaining with anti-NF-AT antibody (Cell 1998, 93: 851-861). Therefore, NF-AT nuclear translocation has been used to assay T cell activation.
  • NF-AT/luciferase reporter assays have been used as a standard measurement of T cell activation (MCB 1996, 12: 7151-7160).
  • I ELISA for collagen type II (C ⁇ I)-specific antibodies (see above for related in vivo assay)
  • C(II) titers from serum of animals immunized with CLASP-4 can be measured and compared.
  • Both TH1 -dependent IgG2a and TH2-dependent IgGl and IgE Cll-specific antibody isotypes will be measured by ELISA.
  • Mouse blood will be obtained by orbital bleed one and two months post-immunization with CII. Samples will be allowed to coagulate and centrifuge to obtain sera, and stored at -8O0C until assayed by ELISA. Coat ELISA plates with CII and dilute sera. HRP conjugated goat, isotype specific antibody.
  • FC ⁇ Rl is the high affinity receptor for IgE complexes, which when coupled to biotin can be cross-linked with avidin to induce degranulation and histamine release of lymphocytes.
  • Histamine is quantified with an enzyme immunoassay competition assay (Immunotech). Histamine release.
  • Immunotech enzyme immunoassay competition assay
  • L Cellular phenotyping of lymphocytes by flow cytometry and Immunocytochemistry Determining the tissue distribution of lymphocytes following a pathological disorder can aid in identifying specific organ, tissue and lymphocyte involved in an immune response. Cellular phenotyping of lymphocyte trafficking is generally performed with by flow cytometry and Immunocytochemistry.
  • CD cluster determination
  • L929 cells can ⁇ be " transfected with CLASP-4 and Neomycin. G418- resistant clones can be screened for CLASP-expression with anti-CLASP peptide-specific antibodies. These CLASP-expressing clones can then be used to test for homotypic and/or heterotypic calcium dependent cell adhesion using the "cell aggregation assay" described for cadherin molecules (Mu ⁇ hy-Erdosh, C et al, 1995, J. Cell Biol. 129: 1379-1390). Any change in the levels of cellular aggregation when immune responses are generated in the presence of CLASP-4 is indicative of a CLASP-4 modulation of this response.
  • CLASP-4 The cloning of the CLASP gene family has not been a straghtforward process. The cloning of each CLASP family member required the use of multiple techniques and resources.
  • CLASP-4 ⁇ was cloned in the following manner: ah expressed sequence tag or EST clone (IMAGE clone 968931, derived from 12 week human embryo) was identified based on a BLAST search of human GenBank human EST database using CLASP-1 sequences. IMAGE clone 968931 was sequenced completely.
  • a polynucleotide probe prepared from 968931 sequence was labeled with P-dCTP and used to screen human cDNA libraries including Jurkat (Stratagene) and Ramos B cell cDNA library (James Boulter, UCLA). The screening methods employed were as described in Maniatis et al, 1989, Molecular Cloning A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York. Two clones were identified, cloned, sequenced (ABI dye- sequencing system, PE Applied Biosystems; Perkin-Elmer Co ⁇ oration, 761 Main Avenue, Norwalk, CT, U.S.A.) and were aligned to generate a contiguous cDNA sequence with 3477 base pairs, which was incomplete.
  • a genomic BAC library was screened (Genome Systems, St. Louis, MO) and a BAC containing sequence homologous to the 5' portion of our sequence identified at that point was found (BAC human release 1 filters, filter 1, section 1, well 2d, plate 1). This turned out to encode an intronless pseudogene copy of hCLASP-4 with multiple mutations in the coding region that resulted in predicted nonsense, missense and frameshift mutations. Primers were designed from this sequence and used to amplify expressed hCLASP-4 cDNAs using RT-PCR. These were distinct from the genomic pseudogene sequence and represented a hCLASP-4 gene that must be expressed from an independent locus.
  • an RTPCR product of approximately 2.7 kb was generated, sequenced (dideoxytnucleotide termination sequencing, Beckman Coulter CEQ2000) and shown to be additional human CLASP-4 5' sequence from a locus other than the pseudogene. Further complicating the cloning full-length CLASP cDNA products was the difficulty to clone (and subclone) certain CLASP cDNA products. Standard isolation of some of the CLASP cDNAs from a pure phage population following screening of commercially available cDNA libraries ("ZAP-out" procedure, Stratagene) resulted in no bacterial colonies. Similarly, certain RT-PCR products could not be cloned into standard plasmid vectors.
  • RACE was carried out using Invitrogen' s Generacer kit according to manufacturers specifications with polyA selected mRNA from 9D10 and MV411 B cell tissue culture lines.
  • the sequence of the oligonucleotides presented is the reverse complement (i.e. antisense) of the the CLASP-4 cDNA at the indicated position based upon numbering in FIG. 5.
  • Many RACE clones were isolated and completely sequenced resulting in the identification of 10 potential start sites for transcription. These were used to search genbank for additional genomic information resulting in the identification of gi5836219, a genomic clone of 122674 bp that contains the promoter region and exons 2 through 17 (FIG. 6A).
  • IMDM IMDM medium supplemented with 2 mM glutamine, 100 U/mL penicillin, 100 ⁇ g/mL streptomycin, 0.1 mM nonessential amino acids, 1 mM sodium pyruvate (Gibco BRL), 50 ⁇ M beta mercaptoethanol (Sigma), and 10% fetal calf serum
  • DMEM DMEM medium supplemented with 2 mM glutamine, 10 mM
  • HEPES 100 U/mL penicillin, 100 ⁇ g/mL streptomycin, and 10% fetal calf serum.
  • CH27 mouse B cell lymphoma and 2B4 mouse T cell hybrid were maintained and tested in complete RPMI (RPMI 1640 medium supplemented with 2 mM glutamine, 100 U/mL penicillin, 100 ⁇ g/mL streptomycin, 0.1 mM nonessential amino acids, 1 mM sodium pyruvate, 10 mM HEPES, 50 ⁇ M beta mercaptoethanol, and 10% fetal calf serum).
  • the lymphocytic cell lines (Jurkat E6, CH27, and 2B4) cells were transfected by electroporation and tested for protein expression on day 1 and 2 post- transfection.
  • the BTX ECM830 generator was used to transfect the Jurkat E6 cells as follows: two cuvettes, with a 4 mm electrode gap, containing 5 x 10 6 cells in 0.5 ml serum free-IMDM and 5-30 ⁇ g of DNA, were electroporated with a single pulse at 260 volts for 50 msec. Cuvettes were immediately placed on ice for 10-15 minutes before being transferred to 10 ml of complete medium. CH27, and 2B4 cells were transfected in cuvettes with a 4 mm electrode gap, using the BioRad Gene pulser.
  • the protocol using the BioRad Gene pulser is the same as for the BTX ECM830 generator except that they were electroporated in serum free-RPMI @ 0.45kV, 960 ⁇ F, and unlimited resistance.
  • the time constant using the BioRad electroporator ranged from 38-44.
  • a red fluorescent protein (RFP) vector DsRED (Clonetech), was used to generate HC4-RFP-fusion proteins.
  • the specific constructs made and tested for RFP expression contained the following CLASP regions: 42-1 HC4 (tm-D), 43-2 HC4 (tm-CC), 44-1 HC4 (tm-3'), 46-1 HC4 (D-CC), 47-1 HC4 (D-3'), and 49-1 HC4 (CC-3').
  • HC4 (CC-3) plasmid did not contain RFP and was therefore used as a negative control.
  • the lymphocytic cell lines Jurkat E6, CH27, and 2B4 cells
  • HC4-RFP-fusion proteins were tested using a Coulter EPICS XL flow cytometer and an inverted Nikon Diaphot fluorescent microscope. RFP-tagged expression by flow cytometry and fluorescent microscopy
  • Fluorescent microscopy revealed different expression patterns for each construct expressed in 293 cells on day 2 post-transfection.
  • the RFP expression from the control DsRED construct was evenly diffused in the cell varying from weak to very bright fluorescence.
  • the 42-1 HC4 (tm-D) staining pattern was polarized and globular, whereas 43-2 HC4 (tm-CC) and 44-1 HC4 (tm-3') had occasional rings and were both more tightly polarized (than 42-1).
  • 46-1 HC4 (D-CC) was differentially speckled and 49-1 HC4 (CC-3) was diffuse and punctated. There was no fluorescent RFP detected in 293 cells transfected with 47-1 HC4 (D-3').
  • RNA concentration of each preparation was determined by the abso ⁇ tion at 260 nm using a spectrophotometer and concentrations of the different RNA preparations were adjusted such that equal quantities of each RNA preparation could be subjected to Northern analysis. Even gel loading was monitored by ethidium bromide staining of the formaldehyde-agarose gel.
  • Jurkat E6 cells were maintained and tested in complete IMDM medium supplemented with 2 mM glutamine, 10 mM HEPES, 100 u mL penicillin, 100 ⁇ g/mL streptomycin, 0.1 mM nonessential amino acids, 1 mM sodium pyruvate (Gibco/BRL), 50 ⁇ M beta mercaptoethanol (Sigma), and 10% fetal calf serum (Gemini).
  • T cells were activated as described per Fraser et. al., using 0.1 ⁇ g/mL mouse anti-human CD28 monoclonal antibody (PharMingen International catalog number 33741A), 50 ng/mL PMA (Sigma), and 1 ⁇ M ionomycin (Calbiochem).
  • RNA extraction Following incubation at 37°C and 5.0% v/v CO 2 , 0.5 xlO 6 cells were harvested by centrifugation at 500 x g for 10 minutes (min) at room temperature at 0, 1, 2, 4, 8 and 14 hours post activation and subjected to RNA extraction.
  • probe labelling and Northern analysis protocols see methods and procedures described in Example 2 above.
  • Primers 129333R3(S) and 129333F2(AS) were used to generate the probe spanning from N 4958 to N 5634 of CLASP-4.
  • Blots were washed twice in 2x SSC 0.1% SDS for 10 min each at 60°C and then twice in 0.2x SSC 0.1% SDS for 10 min each at 60°C, followed by a 5' wash in 2xSSC at 60°C Exposure to KODAK BIOMAX MS film was carried out at minus 80°C using amplifying screens. Typically, exposure times were 10 to 36 hours.
  • CLASP-4 expression as determined by Northern analysis decreases at 4 hours post activation. Minimum expression is detected at 8 hours post activation. A slight increase in CLASP-4-specific RNA is seen at 14 hours post activation. Intensities of CLASP-4-specific signals were quantified by phosphor imager analysis. Rectangles were drawn around the areas of CLASP-4-specific signal and total quantity of signal was determined by the "volume report" mode.
  • Clones (G 5836219) have previously been mapped to the chromosomal location Xq22.3.
  • the literature research reports that the mutations, deletions, rearrangements, disomies and/or breakpoints (in general: chromosomal aberations) in below listed genes make the genes strong candidates for the onset of the listed disease/disorders.
  • the CLASP-4 gene is localized in the chromosome location Xq22.3, abnormal CLASP-4 gene regulation or deletion, rearrangement and/or mutations in CLASP-4 locus might be directly or indirectly associated with the onset of the listed diseases.
  • CLASP-4 gene can be used as a genetic probe to detect the abnormality in regions of these below listed genes and as a diagnostic marker for the related disease/disorders.
  • RNA samples were run over night on a 1.1% agarose gel containing 1.5% formaldehyde (both gel and running buffer were 20 mM sodium phosphate, pH 7.5). To visualize RNA after gel migration, approx. 0.5 ⁇ g ethidium bromide was added to each sample prior to the run together with RNA loading buffer. RNA in the gel was then visualized by 260nm wavelength light.
  • RNA was transfened onto Amersham Hybond-N plus membrane by capillary blotting in 20 x SSC buffer for 5 hours. Subsequent to blotting, the membrane was washed in 5 x SSC for 3' and RNA was crosslinked to the membrane by UV light (Stratagene Stratalinker).
  • a CLASP-4-specific DNA fragment (HC4.3) was generated by PCR from a CLASP-4 cDNA clone, using primersl29333F2 and 12933R3 (spanning nucleotides 2987-3660 of the cDNA presented in FIG. 1).
  • the HC4.3 probe was prepared using standard labeling kits and desalted using pasteur pipette G-50 Sephadex column in TEN (10 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8.0, 1 mM EDTA, and 100 mM NaCl).
  • Hybridizations of 32P dCTP labeled DNA probes to the membrane bound RNAs were carried out in CLONTECH EXPRESSHYB solution, at 68 °C and for 1-2 hours. Blots were washed 2 times in 2x SSC 0.1% SDS for 10' each at 50 °C and then twice in 0.2 x SSC 0.1% SDS for 10' each at 50 °C, followed by a 5' wash in 2xSSC at 50 °C. Exposure to KODAK BIOMAX MS film was carried out at minus 80 °C using amplifying screens. Typical exposure times were 10 to 36 hours.
  • a single band is clearly detected migrating at approximately 7.5kb with strong expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL). Slight expression is detected in lung, placenta, small intestine, liver, kidney, spleen, thymus, and heart (FIG. 2). A similarly migrating band is detected in Jurkat (T-cell derived), MV4-11 (myelomonocytic), 9D10 (B-cell derived) and 293 (human kidney derived) cell lines.
  • PBL peripheral blood lymphocytes
  • BAC DNA was prepared from E. coli over night cultures using the QIAGEN DNA preparation system. All preps were performed according to the manufacturer's procedures, including the modifications for low copy number DNA constructs. Genomic DNA was prepared from HeLa cells (ATCC #CCL-17) using the methods described by Sambrook, Fritsch and Maniatis (1989); DNA concentrations were determined by the 260nm light abso ⁇ tion of the DNA solution, and aliquots conesponding to 20 microgram ( ⁇ g) genomic DNA or 2 ⁇ g for BAC DNA were used for restriction enzyme digests with Eco Rl or HinD III (genomic DNA) or Eco Rl and Pst I (BAC DNA).
  • Digests were carried out in 150 microliter volume for 4 hours at 37 °C Digested DNA was ethanol precipitated and the pellet was resuspended in 20 microliter deionized water prior to migration over a 1.2 % agarose gel at 35 V over night.
  • Running buffer was TAE, and the gel contained 0.1 ⁇ g ethidium bromide/ml to visualize DNA. Subsequent to gel separation, DNA was visualized by 260 nm wavelength light. The gel was then washed twice for 20' in denaturing buffer (0.5M NaCl, 0.4 N NaOH) and twice in neutralization buffer (1.5 M NaCl, 0.5 M TRIS pH 8.0). DNA was transfened from the gel onto AMERSHAM HYBOND N membrane by capillary blotting in 20 x SSC for 5 hours. The DNA was crosslinked to the membrane by UV light using a Stratagene Stratalinker.
  • HC4.1 CLASP-4-specific DNA fragment
  • HC4.1 was generated by PCR from a CLASP-4 cDNA , using primers HC4S5' and HC4AS10. The fragment was labeled by inco ⁇ oration of radioactive 32P dCTP and desalted using pasteur pipette G-50 Sephadex column in TEN (10 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8.0, 1 mM EDTA, and 100 mM Nacl).
  • Probe HC4.1 is 606 bp long (spanning nucleotides 353-958 of the cDNA sequence shown in FIG. 1 and nucleotides 2319-2924 of the cDNA sequence shown in FIG. 5).
  • Hybridizations of 32P dCTP labeled DNA against DNA immobilized onto the membrane were carried out at 65 °C overnight in modified CHURCH hybridization solution (7% SDS, 0.5 M sodiumphosphate, ImM EDTA). Membranes were then exposed to KODAK BIOMAX MS film at minus 80 °C Typical exposure times were 12 hours for genomic DNA southern analysis and 3 hours for BAC DNA Southern analysis.
  • the genomic DNA southern analysis revealed that the hCLASP-4 probe recognizes four fragments (approximately sized at 1.3kb, 2.8kb, 4.1kb and 5.5kb) on Hindlll digested DNA and three fragments (approximately sized at 1.6kb, 1 lkb and 13kb) on EcoRI digested DNA (FIG. 4).

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Abstract

La présente invention concerne une molécule de surface de cellule, appelée protéine-4 d'asymétrie similaire à la cadhérine ('CLASP-4'). Notamment, cette invention a trait à des anticorps, des protéines hybrides, des polypeptides et des polynucléotides CLASP-4, ainsi qu'à des méthodes de modulation d'une réponse immunitaire par interférence avec la fonction CLASP-4.
EP00986460A 1999-12-13 2000-12-13 Proteine transmembranaire clasp-4 Withdrawn EP1238078A2 (fr)

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AU2107601A (en) 2001-06-18
AU2107401A (en) 2001-06-18
WO2001042296A2 (fr) 2001-06-14
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WO2001042297A9 (fr) 2002-07-25

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