JP2006519771A - Secreted polypeptide species (fragments derived from chitotriosidase) that decrease with cardiovascular disorders - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a novel human secreted polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 3-4. The polypeptides of the invention circulate at reduced levels in cardiovascular disorder plasma. The present invention also provides compositions comprising polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding them, and antibodies specific for these polypeptides. Also provided are methods for making such compositions and uses of the compositions of the present invention in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of cardiovascular disorders.

Description

  The present invention relates to polypeptide species that are not present in plasma from individuals with cardiovascular disorders, but are present in the plasma of individuals who do not have this disease, isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and polymorphic variants thereof And the use of the nucleic acids and polypeptides or compositions thereof in detection assays for cardiovascular disorder diagnosis, cardiovascular disorder treatment and drug development.

  Cardiovascular disease is a major health risk among the industrialized world. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is characterized by atherosclerosis or arteriosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is common among cardiovascular diseases and is a leading cause of heart attacks, strokes, and limb necrosis, and thus a leading cause of death in the United States. Atherosclerosis is a complex disease involving many cell types and molecular factors (see, for example, Ross, 1993, Nature 362: 801-809). In normal circumstances, protective responses to arterial wall endothelium and smooth muscle cell (SMC) damage include the formation of fibrotic fat and fibrous lesions or plaques that precede or involve inflammation. Advanced lesions of atherosclerosis can occlude related arteries and result from an excessive inflammatory-fibroproliferative response to many different forms of injury. Vascular endothelial injury or dysfunction is a common property of many conditions that accelerate the onset of cardiovascular disease in an individual.

  Atherosclerotic plaques block the blood vessels involved, restrict blood flow, and cause ischemia. Ischemia is a condition characterized by a lack of oxygen supply in tissues in the organ caused by inadequate perfusion. Such inappropriate perfusion can have many natural causes, including atherosclerotic or restenotic lesions, anemia or stroke. The most common cause of cardiac ischemia is atherosclerotic disease of the epicardial coronary artery. Due to the decrease in lumen of these vessels, atherosclerosis results in an absolute decrease in basal myocardial perfusion or limits the increase in proper perfusion when increased blood flow is required. Coronary blood flow may also be restricted by arterial thrombosis, convulsions and, rarely, by coronary embolism and by portal stenosis due to syphilitic aortitis. Congenital abnormalities, such as the abnormal origin of the left anterior descending coronary artery from the pulmonary artery, can lead to myocardial ischemia and infarction in infants, but this cause is very rare in adults.

  Myocardial ischemia can also occur when myocardial oxygen demand is abnormally increased, as in severe ventricular hypertrophy due to hypertension or aortic stenosis. The latter can occur with angina, indistinguishable from that caused by coronary atherosclerosis. Severe anemia or decreased blood oxygen carrying capacity, such as in the presence of carboxy-hemoglobin, is rare as a cause of myocardial ischemia. Although not often, there may be two or more causes of ischemia, such as increased oxygen demand due to decreased secondary oxygen supply in left ventricular hypertrophy and coronary atherosclerosis. is there.

  Extensive clinical trials have identified factors that increase the risk of cardiovascular disorders. Some of these risk factors, such as age, gender and family history, cannot be changed. Other risk factors include: smoking, high blood pressure, high fat and high cholesterol diet, diabetes, lack of exercise, obesity and stress.

  Fortunately, many related factors can be controlled by changing lifestyles. The risk of cardiovascular injury for smokers is twice that of nonsmokers. When a person quits smoking, the risk of developing the disease decreases rapidly, regardless of how much he or she has smoked in the past. Serum cholesterol levels are directly related to the prevalence of cardiovascular disorders, and hypertension or high blood pressure is an important risk factor. Physical activity has been postulated to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disorders through various mechanisms: increase myocardial oxygen supply, decrease oxygen demand, and myocardial contraction and its electrical stimulation stability To improve. Decreased oxygen demand and myocardial work are reflected in lowering heart rate and blood pressure at rest. Physical activity also increases coronary artery diameter and dilatability, increases collateral arteriogenesis, and reduces the rate of progression of coronary atherosclerosis. Obesity and serum fatty acids are reduced by activity.

  Although resting cardiovascular disorders may not have noticeable symptoms, symptoms such as chest tightness can occur with increased activity and stress. Other first signs that may appear are heartburn, nausea, vomiting, paralysis, shortness of breath, severe cold sweat, unexplained fatigue and anxiety. More severe symptoms of cardiovascular disorders are chest pain (angina), rhythm disturbance (arrhythmia), stroke or heart attack (myocardial infarction). Strokes and heart attacks result from blockage of arteries in the brain and heart tissue, respectively. Because of the variety of symptoms, the tests and treatments chosen can vary greatly from patient to patient.

  Diagnostic tests useful for measuring the extent and severity of cardiovascular disorders include the following: electrocardiogram (EKG), stress test, nuclear medicine examination, coronary angiography, resting EKG, EKG multiphase information diagnosis EKG Multiphase Information Diagnosis Indexes, Holter monitor, delayed potential, EKG mapping, echocardiogram, thallium scan, PET, MRI, CT, angiogram and IVUS. Additional risk factor measurements and useful diagnoses are common and most commonly applied by those skilled in the medical arts. Many therapeutic approaches exist and depend on the severity of the disease. For many humans, cardiovascular disorders are controlled by lifestyle changes and medications. More severe diagnoses may indicate the need for surgery.

  Surgical approaches for ischemic atherosclerosis include bypass grafting, coronary angioplasty, laser angioplasty, atherectomy, endarterectomy and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PCTA) . After these approaches, the rate of failure due to restenosis, where obstruction recurs and often worsens, is unusually high (30-50%). Most of the restenosis appears to be due to further inflammation, smooth muscle accumulation and thrombosis. Further therapeutic approaches to cardiovascular disease include treatments that promote angiogenesis and tissue remodeling in conditions such as ischemic heart and limb disease.

  The non-specific nature of most CAD and cardiovascular disorder symptoms makes definitive diagnosis difficult. More quantitative diagnostic methods are disturbed by variations between individuals and between individual readings. Therefore, diagnostic measurements must be standardized and applied to individuals with a well-documented and comprehensive medical history. Furthermore, current diagnostic methods often do not reveal the root cause of a given regulatory observation or record. Thus, treatment strategies based on specific positive results do not appear to be close to the causative problem and may even be dangerous for the individual.

  Diagnostic methods that rely on nucleotide detection include genetic approaches and expression profiling. For example, genes known to be involved in cardiovascular disorders can be screened for mutations using sequencing, hybridization-based techniques, or general genotyping methods such as PCR. In other examples, expression from known genes can be followed by standard techniques, including RTPCR, various hybridization-based techniques and sequencing. These strategies often do not allow practitioners to detect differences in mRNA processing and splicing, translation rate, mRNA stability, and post-translational modifications such as proteolytic processing, phosphorylation, glycosylation and amidation.

  To address current weaknesses in the diagnostic state of the field of cardiovascular disorders, the present invention provides polypeptides related to cardiovascular disorders. The present invention provides identification of polypeptide species that are not detectable in plasma from individuals with coronary artery disease but are present in control plasma. By providing the actual polypeptide species, differences in mRNA processing and splicing, translation rates, mRNA stability and post-translational modifications such as proteolytic processing, phosphorylation, glycosylation and amidation are shown. The polypeptides of the present invention are therefore referred to as “cardiovascular disorder plasma polypeptides” or CPPs. These polypeptide sequences are set forth as SEQ ID NOs: 3-4 and comprise at least one amino acid sequence selected from the tryptic peptides of Table 1.

  The present invention describes “translationally modified species of“ cardiovascular disorder plasma polypeptides ”(CPP), fragments, CPPs that are reduced in plasma obtained from individuals with coronary artery disease (CAD). Preferred fragments of the invention are those set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 3-4. Thus, the CPPs of the present invention are at risk for CAD, coronary heart disease (CHD), peripheral vascular disorders, cerebral ischemia (stroke), congestive heart failure, atherosclerosis, hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. It is an important diagnostic tool for measurement. CPP is a secreted factor and as such is an ideal candidate for protein-based therapy. With regard to dose control in clinical applications, protein therapy is preferred for gene therapy that is impaired by the lack of finely controllable expression. Furthermore, because it is a secreted factor, the polypeptide species of the invention are amenable to targeting, for example, small molecules or protein modulators. Thus, the polypeptide species of the present invention are useful in the design of drug development and therapeutic strategies for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

  The present invention relates to secreted and active polypeptide species that are present in normal human serum but are not detected in plasma from individuals with cardiovascular disorders. These polypeptide species are referred to herein as “cardiovascular disorder plasma polypeptides” or CPPs. In particular, preferred CPPs of the present invention are those described as SEQ ID NOs: 3-4 and named in the present invention as CPP6 and CPP7. The compositions include CPP precursors, antibodies specific for CPP, including monoclonal antibodies, and other binding compositions derived therefrom. Also included are methods for making and using these compositions. Precursors of the present invention include unmodified precursors, proteolytic precursors of SEQ ID NOs: 1-5, and intermediates derived from other proteolytic sites in the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 1-5.

  Preferred embodiments of the invention include CPPs having phosphorylation, glycosylation, acetylation, amidation or post-translational modifications such as C-, N- or O-bridged carbohydrate groups. Even more preferred are CPPs having intermolecular or intramolecular interactions that result in higher order structures such as disulfides and hydrogen bonds. Also preferred are CPPs derived from different mRNA processing or splicing. Preferably, the CPP represents a post-translationally modified species, structural variant, or splice variant that is specifically reduced in plasma from an individual having or at risk of developing a cardiovascular disorder.

  In another aspect, the invention includes a CPP consisting of a sequence that is at least 95% identical to SEQ ID NOs: 3-5. Preferably, the invention comprises a polypeptide that is at least 97%, and more preferably at least 98%, and even more preferably at least 99% identical to any one of the sequences selected from SEQ ID NOs: 3-5. Most preferably, the invention comprises a polypeptide consisting of a sequence that is at least 99% identical to SEQ ID NOs: 3-5.

  In other aspects, the invention includes natural variants of CPP that have a frequency of at least 2% in a selected population. More preferably, such natural variants have a frequency of at least 5% and even more preferably at least 10% in the selected population. Most preferably, such natural variants have a frequency of at least 20% in the selected population. This selected population may be any recognized research population in the field of population genetics. Preferably, the selected population is Caucasian, Negroid or Asian. More preferably, the selected group is French, German, British, Spanish, Swiss, Japanese, Chinese, Irish, Korean, Singaporean, Icelandic, North American, Israeli, Arab Turkish, Greek, Italian, Polish, Pacific Islander, Finnish, Norwegian, Swedish, Estonian, Australian or Indian. More preferably, the selected population is Icelandic, Saami, Finnish, Caucasian French, Swiss, Chinese Singaporean, Korean, Japanese, Quebec, North American Pima Indian, Pennsylvanian Amish and Amish believers, Newfoundlandians or Polynesians.

  A preferred aspect of the present invention provides a composition comprising an isolated CPP, ie, a CPP that is free of proteins or protein isoforms having an isoelectric point significantly different from or significantly different from the CPP. The isoelectric point and molecular weight of CPP can be shown by separation chromatography based on affinity and size, two-dimensional gel analysis and mass spectrometry.

  In a preferred aspect, the present invention provides specific polypeptide species comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 3-5. Preferably, this particular polypeptide species further comprises flanking amino acid sequences derived from a suitable full length sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 2. Preferred species include i) an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 3-5; ii) expressed at high levels in plasma from control individuals not having cardiovascular disorders; and iii) SEQ ID NO: 1 And a polypeptide derived from proteolytic processing of a full-length polypeptide sequence selected from the group consisting of 2; Particularly preferred polypeptides are CPP6 (SEQ ID NO: 3) and CPP7 (SEQ ID NO: 4).

In a further aspect, the present invention includes a modified CPP. Such modifications include group protection / blocking, binding to antibody molecules or other cellular ligands, and enzymes, fluorescence, radiation or affinity labels to allow detection and isolation of proteins. Contains a detectable label. Chemical modifications include cyanogen bromide, trypsin, chymotrypsin, papain, V8 protease, NaBH ₄ , specific chemical cleavage by acetylation, formylation, oxidation, reduction, or metabolic synthesis in the presence of tunicamycin. It can be performed by known methods without limitation.

  Also provided by the present invention are chemical modifications of the polypeptides of the present invention that can provide additional benefits such as increased solubility, stability and circulation time of the polypeptide, or decreased immunogenicity. Derivatives (eg, water-soluble polymers such as polyethylene glycol, ethylene glycol / propylene glycol copolymers, carboxymethyl cellulose, dextran, polyvinyl alcohol). The CPP may be modified at a random position within the molecule or at a predetermined position within the molecule and may contain one, two, three or more attached chemical moieties.

  In another aspect, the invention is a method of identifying at least one modulator of CPP biological activity: i) selected from the group consisting of a test modulator of CPP biological activity and SEQ ID NOs: 1-5 Contacting a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence; ii) measuring the level of CPP biological activity; and iii) comparing the level of CPP biological activity with that of a control sample lacking the test modulator A method is provided, including steps. When the difference in CPP protein biological activity is reduced, the test modulator is at least one inhibitor of CPP biological activity. When the difference in the level of CPP biological activity is an increase, the test substance is an activator of at least one CPP biological activity.

  In another aspect, the present invention provides a polynucleotide encoding a CPP of the present invention, a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1-5, and complementary to such a sequence. Antisense oligonucleotides, oligonucleotides complementary to CPP gene sequences for diagnostic and analytical assays (eg, PCR, hybridization techniques), and vectors for expressing CPPs.

  In another aspect, the present invention provides a vector comprising DNA encoding CPP. The invention also includes host cells and transgenic non-human animals containing such vectors. Also provided is a method of making a CPP or CPP precursor. One preferred method provides (a) a host cell comprising an expression vector as described above; (b) culturing the host cell under conditions under which the DNA segment is expressed; and (c) the DNA Recovering the protein encoded by the segment. Other preferred methods are: (a) providing a host cell capable of expressing CPP; (b) culturing the host cell under conditions capable of expressing the CPP; and (c) recovering the CPP Including the steps of: In one embodiment, the expression vector further comprises a secretory signal sequence operably linked to the DNA segment, the cell secretes the protein into the culture medium, and the protein is recovered from the medium. Particularly preferred methods for producing CPP include chemical synthesis using standard peptide synthesis techniques, as described in the section entitled “Chemical Production of CPP Compositions” and in Example 3.

  In other aspects, the invention includes an isolated antibody specific for any of the polypeptides, peptide fragments or peptides described above. Preferably, the antibody of the present invention is a monoclonal antibody. Further preferred are antibodies that bind exclusively to CPP, ie antibodies that do not recognize a polypeptide that is not derived from another polypeptide, eg, a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1-5. Anti-CPP antibodies have purification, diagnostic and therapeutic applications, in particular in the treatment of CPP-related diseases. Preferred anti-CPP antibodies for purification and diagnosis are conjugated to a labeling group. Preferred CPP-related diseases for diagnosis are coronary artery disease (CAD), coronary heart disease (CHD), peripheral vascular injury, cerebral ischemia (stroke), congestive heart failure, atherosclerosis, hypertension and Includes other cardiovascular diseases. Treatment and diagnostic methods use antibodies specific for CPP antigens or antibody-derived compositions. Diagnostic methods for detecting CPP in specific tissue samples and body fluids (preferably plasma) and for detecting expression of CPP in tissues are also part of the present invention. One or more of the above antibodies together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is also within the scope of the invention.

  The present invention is further a method for diagnosing cardiovascular disorders, comprising detecting the presence or level of at least one CPP described herein or any combination thereof in a sample of body fluid, preferably plasma. Provide a way. These methods are also suitable for clinical screening, prognosis, therapeutic outcome monitoring, identification of patients most likely to respond to a particular therapeutic treatment, drug screening and development, and identification of new targets for drug treatment .

  The present invention can be used in the above methods and includes single or multiple preparations or antibodies, if necessary, with other reagents, labeling groups, substrates, and instructions for use. Provide kits. The kit can be used to diagnose a disease or can be an assay for the identification of new diagnostic and / or therapeutic agents.

  In one embodiment, coronary artery disease (CAD) is defined by the appearance of at least one symptom. Such symptoms become more severe as the disease progresses. CAD is often accompanied by reduced left ventricular function or stroke volume. Early CAD symptoms include elevated plasma levels of cholesterol and low density lipoproteins (especially oxidized), as well as platelet-rich plasma aggregation. Vascular endothelial response to inflammation, ie plaque formation, and levels of inflammatory and fibrinogenic factors are increased. In addition, CAD or atherosclerosis is characterized by vascular calcification and arteriosclerosis. The resulting partial occlusion of the blood vessels leads to hypertension and ischemic heart disease. Ultimate complete vascular occlusion leads to myocardial infarction, stroke or gangrene.

  In a preferred embodiment, detection of reduced plasma levels of at least one CPP of the present invention indicates that the individual is at increased risk of developing CAD. Preferably, the detection indicates that the individual has an increased likelihood of developing CAD of at least 1.05 times, 1.1 times, 1.15 times, and more preferably at least 1.2 times. Alternatively, detection of reduced plasma levels of at least one CPP of the present invention indicates that the individual has CAD. The decreased amount of CPP compared to the control sample observed in the individual's plasma sample correlates with the certainty of CAD prediction or diagnosis. Since the individual's plasma CPP levels vary depending on family history and other risk factors, each is preferably tested individually. In a preferred embodiment, CPP is detected in a human plasma sample by the method of the present invention. Particularly preferred techniques are mass spectrometry and immunodetection. Preferably, CAD predicts or diagnoses that the tested CPP level is at least 1.1 fold, 1.15 fold, 1.2 fold, 1.25 fold, and more preferably 1.5 fold compared to the control. Based on the decline.

  The present invention further includes the use of a CPP composition for treating a disease associated with aberrant expression or processing of the CPP of SEQ ID NOs: 3-4 in an individual. Preferred CPP-related diseases are coronary artery disease (CAD), coronary heart disease (CHD), peripheral vascular disorders, cerebral ischemia (stroke), congestive heart failure, atherosclerosis, hypertension and other cardiovascular Including disease. Further included is the use of a primer complementary to the CPP gene and / or a CPP composition comprising messenger RNA and an anti-CPP antibody for the detection and measurement of the amount of CPP in tissues and body fluids, preferably plasma. is there. The invention further includes methods of screening for compounds that increase CPP expression, and methods of screening for compounds that interact with and / or increase activity of CPP. The present invention further includes methods for screening for compounds that inhibit CPP expression, and methods for screening for compounds that interact with and / or inhibit activity of CPP. The invention further encompasses the compounds thus identified, as well as compositions thereof.

  In yet another aspect, the present invention includes pharmaceutical compositions and formulations comprising a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1-5, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier compound.

  Additional aspects of the invention are also described in the specification and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION SEQ ID NO: 1 shows the amino acid sequence of full-length Tito trio mannosidase (SwissProt Q13231).
SEQ ID NO: 2 shows the amino acid sequence of the mature cytotriosidase polypeptide.
SEQ ID NOs: 3 and 4 show the amino acid sequences of plasma proteins that are absent or reduced in the plasma of individuals with coronary artery disease, and are referred to herein as CPP6 and CPP7, respectively.
SEQ ID NO: 5 shows the amino acid sequence of a trypsin digested peptide found by MS-MS and / or MS-MALDI mass spectrometry in a plasma sample of an individual without coronary artery disease.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE TABLES Table 1 lists tryptic peptides that are found in fractionated plasma of control individuals without coronary artery disease (CAD) and are not present in the plasma of patients with CAD. The title CEX column shows the number of tryptic peptides digested out of the 18 cation exchange fractions, and the title salt column shows the elution of these fractions according to the protocol described in step 3 of Example 1 herein. The NaCl concentration for RP1 indicates the reverse phase fraction (fractions 1-30) and% B indicates the percentage of elution buffer for these fractions according to the protocol described in step 4 of Example 1 herein. The second reversed phase fraction (fractions 1-24) is shown as the last two numbers in the test number.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES FIG. 1 shows human cytotriosidase preprotein (SEQ ID NO: 1); mature cytotriosidase polypeptide (SEQ ID NO: 2); and cardiovascular disorder plasma polypeptide 6-7 (SEQ ID NO: 3-4). ). The tryptic peptide digested in the control plasma sample by tandem mass spectrometry is bold and is shown as SEQ ID NO: 5. The signal sequence is underlined. Dibasic proteolytic cleavage sites are italicized and underlined letters. The amino acid sequence of CPP6-7 (SEQ ID NO: 3-4), which is the obtained processed peptide, is listed below. The putative active site of this protein is shown in bold and underlined (Boot, RG et al., J. Biol. Chem., (1995), 270, p. 26252-56).

Detailed Description of the Invention The present invention, described in detail below, is directed to screening, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disorders in mammalian individuals; for identification of patients most likely to respond to a particular therapeutic treatment; Methods, compositions and kits useful for monitoring results; for screening CPP modulators; and for drug development are provided. When the present invention is used for drug development, for example, to measure the ability of a CPP modulator or drug candidate to elicit an anti-cardiovascular disorder response, a body fluid for analyzing the level of at least one CPP is preferably Is from a non-human mammal. Non-human mammals are preferably those in which the induction of an anti-cardiovascular disorder response by endogenous and / or exogenous motives is predictive of such a response in humans. Rodents (mouse, rat, etc.) and primates are particularly suitable for use in this aspect of the invention. The invention also encompasses administration of a therapeutic composition to a mammalian individual to treat or prevent cardiovascular disorders. The mammalian individual may be a non-human mammal, but is preferably a human, more preferably an adult. For clarity of illustration and not for purposes of limitation, the present invention will be described in connection with the analysis of plasma samples. However, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the assays and techniques described below may be useful for other biological samples (eg, cerebrospinal fluid, lymph, (Bile, serum, saliva or urine) or tissue samples. The methods and compositions of the present invention are useful for screening, diagnosis and prognosis of living individuals, but can also be used for post-mortem diagnosis of individuals for the identification of families at risk of developing the same disease.

Definitions As used herein, “nucleic acid” and “nucleic acid molecule” refers to DNA molecules (eg, cDNA or genomic DNA) and RNA molecules (eg, mRNA) and the DNA or RNA produced using nucleotide analogs. Intended to include analog. The nucleic acid molecule may be single-stranded or double-stranded, but preferably is double-stranded DNA. Throughout this specification, the expression “nucleotide sequence” may be used to indicate a polynucleotide or nucleic acid indiscriminately. More precisely, the expression “nucleotide sequence” encompasses the nucleic acid material itself, and thus sequence information that characterizes a biochemically specific DNA or RNA molecule (ie a sequence of letters selected from four base letters). ) Is not limited. In the present specification, the terms “nucleic acid”, “oligonucleotide” and “polynucleotide” are used interchangeably.

  An “isolated” nucleic acid molecule is one that is separated from other nucleic acid molecules that are present in the natural source of the nucleic acid. Preferably, an “isolated” nucleic acid does not have a sequence that is naturally located adjacent to the nucleic acid in the genomic DNA in the organism from which the nucleic acid is derived (ie, sequences located at the 5 ′ and 3 ′ ends of the nucleic acid). For example, in various embodiments, an isolated CPP nucleic acid molecule comprises about 5 kb, 4 kb, 3 kb, 2 kb, 1 kb, 0.5 kb of nucleotide sequence that is naturally adjacent to the nucleic acid molecule in the genomic DNA of the cell from which the nucleic acid is derived. Or it may contain less than 0.1 kb. In addition, an “isolated” nucleic acid molecule, such as a cDNA molecule, is substantially free of other cellular material or culture medium when produced by combinatorial techniques, or chemically synthesized when chemically synthesized or other It may be substantially free of chemical substances. The nucleic acid molecules of the invention can be isolated using standard molecular biology techniques and the sequence information provided herein. All or part of the nucleic acid can be used as a hybridization probe and CPP nucleic acid molecules can be isolated using standard hybridization and cloning techniques (e.g., Sambrook, J., Fritsh, EF, and Maniatis, T. Molecular Cloning. A Laboratory Manual. 2nd, ed., As described in Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 11989).

As used herein, the term “hybridizes” refers to moderate or high stringency hybridization, preferably at least 60% homologous nucleotide sequences to each other that hybridize to each other. It is intended to describe conditions that can remain soy. Preferably, conditions are such that sequences that are at least about 70%, more preferably at least about 80%, even more preferably at least about 85%, 90%, 95% or 98% homologous to each other typically remain hybridized to each other It's like it remains. Stringent conditions are known to those skilled in the art and can be found in Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley & Sons, NY (1989), 6.3.1-6.3.6. In a preferred, non-limiting example, stringent hybridization conditions for nucleic acid interaction are as follows: hybridization step is 65 ° C., 6 × SSC buffer, 5 × Denhardt's solution, 0.5% It is understood as reannealing in the presence of SDS and 100 μg / ml salmon sperm DNA. Hybridization consists of 4 washing steps:
-Two washes in 2x SSC and 0.1% SDS buffer for 5 minutes, preferably at 65 ° C;
-One wash in 2x SSC and 0.1% SDS buffer at -30 minutes, preferably at 65 ° C,
Following a single wash in 0.1 × SSC and 0.1% SDS buffer at −10 minutes, preferably at 65 ° C., these hybridization conditions are suitable for nucleic acid molecules about 20 nucleotides in length. The hybridization conditions described above should be varied according to the length of the desired nucleic acid, according to methods known to those skilled in the art, such as Hames BD and Higgins SJ (1985) Nucleic Acid Hybridization: A Practical Approach. Hames and Higgins. Ed., IRL Press, Oxford; and Current Protocols in Molecular Biology (supra).

  “% Homology” is used herein to refer to both nucleic acid and amino acid sequences. As used herein, amino acid or nucleic acid “identity” is equivalent to amino acid or nucleic acid “homology”. To determine the percent homology of two amino acid sequences or two nucleic acids, the sequences are aligned for optimal comparison purposes (e.g., a gap is inserted into the first amino acid or nucleic acid sequence and the second amino acid or nucleic acid sequence is The non-homologous sequence can be ignored for comparison purposes). The length of the reference sequence arranged for comparison purposes is at least 30%, preferably at least 40%, more preferably at least 50%, even more preferably at least 60%, and even more preferably at least 70% of the length of the reference sequence. %, 80%, 90% or 95%. The amino acid residues or nucleotides at corresponding amino acid positions or nucleotide positions are then compared. When a position in the first sequence is occupied by the same amino acid residue or nucleotide as the corresponding position in the second sequence, then the molecules are homologous at that position. The% homology between the two sequences is a function of the number of identical positions shared by the sequence (ie,% homology = number of identical positions / total number of positions 100).

  Comparison of sequences between two sequences and determination of% homology can be accomplished using a mathematical algorithm. A preferred, non-limiting example of a mathematical algorithm used for sequence comparison is Karlin and Altschul (1990), modified as Karlin and Altschul (1993) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90: 5873-77. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 87: 2264-68, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Such an algorithm is included in the NBLAST and XBLAST programs (version 2.0) of Altschul, et al. (1990) J. Mol. Biol. 215: 403-10. BLAST nucleotide searches can be performed with the NBLAST program, score = 100, character length = 12, in order to obtain nucleotide sequences homologous to the sequences of the present invention. A BLAST protein search can be performed with the XBLAST program, score = 50, character length = 3 to obtain an amino acid sequence homologous to the polypeptide sequence of the present invention. To obtain a gapped alignment for comparative purposes, Gapped BLAST can be used as described in Altschul et al., (1997) Nucleic Acids Research 25 (17): 3389-3402. When using BLAST and Gapped BLAST programs, the default parameters for each program (eg, XBLAST and NBLAST) can be used. See http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Another preferred non-limiting example of a mathematical algorithm used for sequence comparison is Myers and Miller, CABIOS (1989), the description of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Such an algorithm is included in the ALIGN program (version 2.0), which is part of the GCG sequence alignment software package. When using the ALIGN program for amino acid sequence comparisons, a PAM120 weight / residue table, a gap length penalty of 12, and a gap penalty of 4 can be used.

  The term “polypeptide” refers to a polymer of amino acids, regardless of the length of the polymer; thus, peptides, oligopeptides and proteins are included within the definition of polypeptide. The term also does not specify or exclude post-translational modifications of the polypeptide; for example, a polypeptide containing a covalent bond of a glycosyl, acetyl, phosphate, amide, lipid, carboxyl, acyl or carbohydrate group is Included in the term peptide. Also encompassed by this definition are polypeptides containing one or more analogs of amino acids (eg, non-naturally occurring amino acids, amino acids that are naturally occurring only in unrelated biological systems, modified amino acids from mammalian systems) Etc.), polypeptides having substituted cross-links, and other modifications known in the art, both naturally occurring and non-naturally occurring.

  As used herein, the term “protein” can be used interchangeably with “polypeptide” or, in addition, such a polypeptide that can bind by bonds other than peptide bonds, eg, form a protein. Can be a complex of two or more peptides, which can be cross-linked by disulfide bonds. The term “protein” can also encompass a family of polypeptides having the same amino acid sequence, but in particular with different post-translational modifications such as those added when such proteins are expressed in eukaryotic hosts.

  An “isolated” or “purified” protein or biologically active portion thereof refers to cellular material or contaminating protein from the cell or tissue source from which the protein of the invention (ie, CPP or biologically active fragment thereof) is derived. Is substantially free of, or, when chemically synthesized, substantially free of chemical precursors or other chemicals. The expression “substantially free of cellular material” includes a preparation of a protein of the invention that separates the protein from cellular components of the cell from which it was isolated or recombinantly produced. In one embodiment, the expression “substantially free of cellular material” means less than about 30% (by dry weight) of proteins other than the proteins of the invention (also referred to herein as “contaminating proteins”). More preferably less than about 20% of the protein other than the protein of the present invention, even more preferably less than about 10% of the protein other than the protein of the present invention, and most preferably about 5% of the protein other than the protein of the present invention. % Of the protein preparation of the present invention. When the protein of the invention or biologically active portion thereof is produced recombinantly, it is also preferably substantially free of culture medium, ie less than about 20% of the volume of the protein preparation, more preferably about By culture medium is meant less than 10% and most preferably about 5%.

  The expression “substantially free of chemical precursors or other chemicals” refers to the preparation of proteins of the invention that separate proteins from chemical precursors or other chemicals involved in the synthesis of the protein. Including things. In one embodiment, the term “substantially free of chemical precursors or other chemicals” is less than about 30% (by dry weight) of chemical precursors or non-protein chemicals, more preferably Less than about 20% chemical precursors or non-protein chemicals, even more preferably about 10% chemical precursors or non-protein chemicals, most preferably about 5% chemical precursors or non-protein chemicals Including fewer preparations of the protein of the invention.

  The term “recombinant polypeptide” as used herein refers to a polypeptide that contains or refers to a polypeptide that is artificially designed and contains at least two polypeptide sequences that are not found in succession in the original natural environment. Used to mean a polypeptide expressed from a nucleotide.

  The term “cardiovascular disorder plasma polypeptide” or “CPP” comprises a sequence as set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 3-5, preferably a polypeptide comprising the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 5. means. Such polypeptides may be post-translationally modified as described herein. CPPs can also include other structural or chemical modifications such as disulfide bonds, or amino acid side chain interactions such as hydrogen or amide bonds, resulting in complex two-dimensional or three-dimensional structures. The CPP may also be a mutant polypeptide, such as a deletion, addition, or exchange of a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 3-5, or a truncated variant, a fusion polypeptide comprising such a polypeptide, and at least 3, but preferably comprises polypeptide fragments of 8, 10, 12, 15 or 21 contiguous amino acids. Further included are CPP proteolytic precursors and intermediates of sequences selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1-5. The present invention relates to a CPP gene or CPP mRNA species, preferably human CPP gene and mRNA, comprising an isolated CPP consisting essentially of, consisting of, or comprising any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1-5 Includes polypeptides encoded by species. A preferred CPP comprises the sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 3-5. Preferred CPPs maintain at least one biological activity of the CPPs of SEQ ID NOs: 3-4.

  As used herein, the term “biological activity” refers to all functions performed by the CPP. These include, but are not limited to: (1) protection from cardiovascular disease; (2) circulation through the bloodstream; (3) binding to antigenic or anti-CPP specific antibodies. Ability; (4) immunogenicity, or ability to produce anti-CPP-specific antibodies; or (5) interaction with a CPP target molecule, preferably a protein.

  The term “CPP modulator” or “CPP6 modulator” or “CPP7 modulator” as used herein is a molecule that can modulate (ie, increase or decrease) either the expression or biological activity of the CPP of the invention. For example, polynucleotide, polypeptide, small molecule or antibody). CPP modulators that promote CPP expression or activity are referred to as CPP activators or agonists. Conversely, CPP modulators that suppress CPP expression or activity are referred to as CPP inhibitors or antagonists. Preferably, the CPP modulator increases / decreases expression or activity by at least 5, 10 or 20%. CPP inhibitors include anti-CPP antibodies, fragments thereof, antisense polynucleotides and molecules characterized by the screening assays described herein. CPP agonists include polynucleotide expression vectors and molecules characterized by the screening assays described herein.

  “CPP-related disorder” or “CPP-related disease” refers to a cardiovascular disorder. Preferred diseases include coronary artery disease (CAD), coronary heart disease (CHD), peripheral vascular disorders, cerebral ischemia (stroke), congestive heart failure, atherosclerosis, hypertension, and other cardiovascular diseases Including. Preferably, it is indicated by a decrease in the plasma level of at least one CPP that the individual is likely or already has such a disease.

Another aspect of the invention relates to anti-CPP antibodies. As used herein, the term “antibody” refers to an immunoglobulin molecule and an immunologically active portion of an immunoglobulin molecule, ie, an antigen binding site that specifically binds (immunoreacts with) an antigen such as CPP. Or a biologically active fragment or homologue thereof. Preferred antibodies bind exclusively to CPPs selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 3-4 and do not bind with high affinity to other polypeptide sequences. The immunologically active portion of an immunoglobulin molecule includes F (ab) and F (ab ′) ₂ fragments that can be produced by treating the antibody with an enzyme such as pepsin. The invention provides polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies that bind to CPP, or biologically active fragments or homologues thereof. As used herein, the term “monoclonal antibody” or “monoclonal antibody composition” is a population of antibody molecules comprising only one species of antigen binding site capable of immunoreacting with a particular epitope of CPP. Monoclonal antibody compositions therefore typically exhibit a single binding affinity for the particular affinity with which they immunoreact. Preferred CPP antibodies are conjugated to a labeling group.

As used herein, the term “labeling group” is any compound that, when attached to a polynucleotide or polypeptide (including antibodies), allows for detection or purification of the polynucleotide or polypeptide. The labeling group can be detected or purified directly or indirectly by secondary compounds, including antibodies specific for the labeling group. Useful labeling groups include radioisotopes (eg ³² P, ³⁵ S, ³ H, ¹²⁵ I), fluorescent compounds (eg 5-bromodesoxyuridine, umbelliferone, fluorescein, fluorescein isothiocyanate). , Rhodamine, dichlorotriazinylamine fluorescein, dansyl chloride, phycoerythrin acetylaminofluorene, dicoxygenin), luminescent compounds (e.g. luminol, GFP, luciferin, aequorin), enzymes or enzyme cofactor detectable labels (e.g. peroxidase) , Luciferase, alkaline phosphatase, galactosidase or acetylcholinesterase) or compounds recognized by secondary factors such as streptavidin, GST or biotin. Preferably, the labeling group is attached to the polynucleotide or polypeptide in such a way as not to interfere with the biological activity of the polynucleotide or polypeptide.

  The radioactive isotope can be detected, for example, by radio wave radiation, film exposure or scintillation counting. Enzymatic labels can be detected by measuring the conversion of an appropriate substrate into a product that usually undergoes a fluorescent reaction. Fluorescent and luminescent compounds and reactions can be detected, for example, by radio emission, fluorescence microscopy, fluorescence activated cell sorting or luminometer.

  When used in conjunction with an antibody, when the antibody recognizes and binds the target of interest but does not substantially recognize and bind other substances in the sample containing the target of interest, e.g., a biological sample, An antibody is said to “selectively bind” or “specifically bind” to a target.

  As used herein, the term “vector” refers to a nucleic acid molecule capable of transporting another nucleic acid nucleic acid to which it has been linked. One type of vector is a “plasmid”, which refers to a circular double stranded DNA loop into which additional DNA segments can be ligated. Another type of vector is a viral vector that can ligate additional DNA segments into the viral genome. Certain vectors are capable of self-replication in the host cell into which they are inserted (eg, bacterial vectors having a bacterial origin of replication and episomal mammalian vectors). Other vectors (eg, non-episomal mammalian vectors) integrate into the host cell genome upon insertion into the host cell, and thereby replicate with the host genome. In addition, certain vectors can direct the expression of genes to which they are operably linked. Such vectors are referred to herein as “expression vectors”. In general, expression vectors useful in recombinant DNA technology are often in the form of plasmids. In the present specification, “plasmid” and “vector” can be used interchangeably as the plasmid is the most commonly used form of vector. However, the present invention is intended to include such other forms of expression vectors that provide equivalent function, such as viral vectors (eg, replication defective retroviruses, adenoviruses and adeno-associated viruses).

  As used herein, “effective amount” refers to an amount of an agent, preferably a CPP or CPP modulator of the invention, sufficient to have a desired effect. For example, an anti-cardiovascular disorder effective amount is the amount of drug required to reduce the symptoms of cardiovascular disorder in an individual by at least 1, 2, 5, 10, 15 or preferably 25%. The term may also refer to the amount of drug required to reduce symptoms caused by cardiovascular disorders in an individual. Common symptoms of cardiovascular disorders include: chest tightness, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, paralysis, shortness of breath, severe cold sweat, unexplained fatigue and anxiety. More severe symptoms of cardiovascular disorder are chest pain (angina), rhythm disturbance (arrhythmia), stroke or heart attack. The effective amount for a particular patient can vary depending on such factors as the method of diagnosis of the measured condition, the condition of the disease being treated, the overall health of the patient, the mode of administration, and the severity of the side effects.

CPP of the present invention
The cardiovascular disorder plasma polypeptide (CPP) of the present invention is described in the sequence listing as SEQ ID NOs: 3-4. CPP having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 3-5 is secreted into the plasma and circulates. Preferably, such a CPP also includes additional amino acids from the full-length human protein of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2. Such additional amino acids are fused in frame with the selected sequence to form adjacent fragments of the full-length human protein.

  Interestingly, the level of CPP of the present invention is decreased in the plasma of individuals with cardiovascular disorders and is undetectable. As such, the CPP of the present invention provides a useful diagnostic tool where a decrease in the level of CPP is indicative of an increased risk or presence of cardiovascular disorders. In addition, CPPs are useful in the design of pharmaceuticals and therapeutic strategies for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disorders.

  The sequence from SEQ ID NO: 1 is that of the protein cytotriosidase from the chitinase family. Chitinase catalyzes the hydrolysis of the beta-1,4-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine bridge of chitin polymers. They have been found in a wide range of invertebrate species. Chitotriosidase, a human homologue of chitinase, has been identified. Cytotriosidase is a member of the glycosyl hydrolase family 18 and is characterized by a conserved glutamate involved in catalysis (Boot RG, et al., JBC, (1998); 273: 25680-25685). It is mainly expressed by activated macrophages.

  Cytotriosidase is secreted predominantly, but is partly processed into a 39 kDa form that accumulates in lysosomes. The C-terminal extension of the 50 kDa cytotriosidase contains sialic acid containing O-linked glycans. In macrophages, another splicing was observed to produce a different cytosolicase mRNA species, encoding a 40 kDa cytotriosidase with a C-terminal truncation. This enzyme is almost identical to the 39 kDa cytotriosidase formed from the 50 kDa precursor by proteolytic processing. The C-terminus present in the 50 kDa cytotriosidase but not in the 39 kDa isoform mediates tight binding to chitin. However, the 39 kDa cytotriosidase is still active against soluble substrates. While the secreted 50 kDa cytotriosidase is predominant in the bloodstream, the 39 kDa form is abundant in tissues.

  Cytotriosidase secreted from abnormal macrophages in Gaucher disease patients is markedly increased (Giraldo P, et al., Haematologica, Sep (2001); 86 (9): 977-984). Gaucher's disease is caused by an autosomal recessive genetic deficiency of lysosomal hydrolase beta-glucocerebrosidase, which results in lipid accumulation in lysosomes of tissue macrophages. This enzyme deficiency leads to the accumulation of lipid glucocerebroside in the liver, spleen and bone marrow. In some other genetic lysosomal storage diseases that involve the accumulation of other lipids, especially in sphingolipidosis such as Niemann-Pick disease, GM1-gangliosidosis and Krabbe disease, there is a lesser increase in plasma chitotriosidase. ing. In addition, macrophages present in atherosclerotic plaques express this enzyme at high levels. From these observations, it has been speculated that cytotriosidase is involved in tissue remodeling.

  We now describe a “cardiovascular disorder plasma polypeptide” of the present invention that circulates in normal human plasma. The polypeptide species of the present invention include coronary artery disease (CAD), coronary heart disease (CHD), peripheral vascular injury, cerebral ischemia (stroke), congestive heart failure, atherosclerosis, hypertension and other hearts Represents an important and accurate diagnostic tool for measuring the risk of vascular disease. The polypeptides of the present invention are small, secretory factors and as such are ideal candidates for protein-based therapy. With regard to dose control in clinical applications, protein therapy is preferred for gene therapy that is impaired by the lack of finely controllable expression. Furthermore, because it is a secreted factor, it is amenable to targeting by the polypeptide species of the invention, for example, small molecules or protein modulators. Thus, the polypeptide species of the present invention are useful in the design of drug development and therapeutic strategies for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

  The polypeptide species of the present invention contains the putative active site of cytotriosidase and is described as SEQ ID NOs: 3-5.

  The terms “cardiovascular disorder plasma polypeptide” and “CPP” are used herein to encompass any and all of the peptides, polypeptides and proteins of the invention. Also forming part of the invention are the polypeptides encoded by the polynucleotides of the invention, as well as fusion polypeptides comprising such polypeptides. The present invention embodies a human-derived CPP comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 3-5, consisting essentially of, or comprising an isolated or purified CPP comprising them. Further included are CPP proteolytic precursors and intermediates of sequences selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1-2.

  The present invention embodies isolated, purified and recombinant polypeptides consisting of at least 3 amino acids, preferably at least 8 to 10 amino acids, having CPP biological activity. In a preferred embodiment, the continuous extension of amino acids comprises a mutational site or functional variant comprising an amino acid deletion, addition, exchange or truncation in the CPP sequence. The invention also includes a polypeptide encoded by a CPP nucleotide sequence of the invention, or a complementary sequence thereof or a fragment thereof.

  One aspect of the invention relates to isolated CPPs suitable for use as immunogens to produce anti-CPP antibodies, and biologically active portions thereof, and polypeptide fragments. In one embodiment, the native CPP peptide can be isolated from plasma, cell or tissue sources by a suitable purification scheme using standard protein purification techniques. In other embodiments, the CPP is produced by recombinant DNA technology. Apart from recombinant expression, CPPs can be synthesized back-chemically using peptide synthesis techniques as described in the section entitled “Chemical production of CPP compositions” and in Example 3.

  Typically, the biologically active portion comprises at least one active domain or motif of CPP. A biologically active CPP comprises, for example, at least 1, 2, 3, or 5 amino acids altered from a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 3-5, or the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 3-5 The amino acids may vary by at least 1%, 2%, 3%, 5%, 8%, 10% or 15% from a sequence selected from

CPP Characterization CPP, a polypeptide of the present invention, is defined by the tryptic peptides of SEQ ID NO: 5 listed in Table 1. This peptide was identified by mass spectrometry analysis of species isolated from plasma of control individuals without coronary artery disease (CAD) as described in Example 1, and characterized by the MicroProt.TM method. It was. This species was not detectable in plasma from patients with CAD.

  The CPPs of the present invention first separate plasma samples based on molecular weight, all having a molecular weight of about 20 kD or less. Higher molecular weight polypeptide species are separated and characterized in different ways. As described in Example 1, the plasma sample is subjected to a number of chromatographic separations. Details of these chromatographic methods are described in Example 1.

  The first separation is a cation exchange chromatography column, which is eluted with increasing salt concentration. 18 fractions are collected. The CEX column in Table 1 lists which fractions contain tryptic peptides and their elution conditions. Separation by cation exchange provides an indication of the overall positive charge of the polypeptide species. Reverse phase HPLC separation is performed after cation exchange. The RP1 column of Table 1 lists in which of the 30 fractions the trypsin-digested peptide is eluted and the elution conditions. Separation by reverse phase provides an indication of the overall hydrophobicity of the polypeptide species. The last two numbers in the test number column indicate which of the 24 elution fractions contain trypsin digested peptides from the second reverse phase HPLC separation (see Example 1).

  The information provided in Table 1 confirms the number of polypeptide species present in the plasma of individuals who do not have CAD. For example, the same trypsin digested peptide is found in one unusual fraction in the RP1 separation. Since these RP1 fractions are widely separated, this suggests that trypsin digested peptides are derived from different circulating polypeptide species. Therefore, in Table 1, the appearance of the same peptide sequence in fraction 16 and fraction 20 of RP1 separation means that there are two polypeptide species from which trypsin digested peptides are derived and they have different overall hydrophobicity. To suggest.

  The observed trypsin digested peptide of SEQ ID NO: 5 is derived from trypsin digestion of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3-4 as described in Example 1. The polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3-4 arrives by removal of the predicted signal sequence onto the propeptide of SEQ ID NO: 1 and by sequential proteolysis at the dibasic site. Considering the separation according to the molecular weight of the species detected (described in Step 2 of Example 1), CPPs 6 and 7 (SEQ ID NO: 3 and 4 respectively) result in the tryptic peptide of SEQ ID NO: 5 and the RP1 fraction 16 And 20 (Table 1) show promising plasma polypeptides. As such, CPPs 6 and 7 are particularly effective for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular disorders.

CPP Nucleic Acid One aspect of the invention pertains to purified or isolated nucleic acid molecules, as well as nucleic acid fragments thereof, that encode a CPP or biologically active portion as further detailed herein. The nucleic acids can be used, for example, in therapeutic and diagnostic methods and drug screening assays as detailed further herein.

  The object of the present invention is a purified, isolated or recombinant nucleic acid encoding CPP, its complementary sequence and fragments thereof. The present invention also has at least 95% nucleotide identity with a polynucleotide encoding CPP, advantageously 99% nucleotide identity with a polynucleotide encoding CPP, preferably 99.5% nucleotide identity, and most Preferably, it relates to a purified or isolated nucleic acid, or its complementary sequence or biologically active fragment thereof, comprising a polynucleotide having 99.8% nucleotide identity. Another object of the invention is a purified, isolated or recombinant nucleic acid comprising a polynucleotide that hybridizes under stringent hybridization conditions as defined herein with a polynucleotide encoding CPP, or a complementary sequence thereof. Or a variant or biologically active fragment thereof.

  In another preferred aspect, the invention relates to a purified or isolated nucleic acid molecule that encodes a portion or variant of CPP, wherein the portion or variant exhibits the CPP biological activity of the invention. Preferably the part or variant is a part or variant of a naturally occurring CPP or precursor thereof.

  Another object of the present invention is a purified, isolated, or recombinant nucleic acid, or fragment thereof encoding a CPP comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 3-5, wherein the isolated nucleic acid The molecule encodes one or more motifs (eg CPP target binding region, secretory signal peptide or dibasic cleavage site).

  Nucleotide sequences determined from cloning of CPP-encoding genes can be used to identify probes and primers for use in the identification and / or cloning of other CPPs (eg, sharing a novel functional domain) and from other species. Allows production of CPP homologues.

  A nucleic acid fragment encoding "biologically active portion of CPP" isolates a portion of the nucleotide sequence encoding CPP that encodes a polypeptide having CPP biological activity and expresses the encoded portion of CPP (Eg, by recombinant expression in vitro or in vivo) and by evaluating the activity of the coding portion of the CPP.

  The invention further encompasses nucleic acid molecules that differ from the CPP nucleotide sequences of the invention due to the degeneracy of the genetic code and encode the same CPPs of the invention.

  In addition to the CPP nucleotide sequences described above, those skilled in the art will recognize that DNA sequence polymorphisms that result in changes in the amino acid sequence of CPP may exist in a population (eg, the human population). Such genetic polymorphisms may exist due to natural allelic variation in individuals in a population. Such natural allelic variation can typically result in 1-5% mismatch in the nucleotide or nucleic acid sequence of a CPP-encoding gene.

Nucleic acid molecules corresponding to natural allelic variants and homologues of the CPP nucleic acids of the invention are based on their homology to the CPP nucleic acids described herein based on the cDNA or portion thereof described herein. Can be used as a hybridization probe and can be isolated according to standard hybridization techniques under stringent hybridization conditions.
It will be appreciated that the present invention includes polypeptides having an amino acid sequence encoding any of the polynucleotides of the present invention.

Use of CPP Nucleic Acids Polynucleotide sequences encoding CPP (or its complement) have a variety of applications, including use in hybridization probes, chromosomal and gene mapping and production of antisense RNA and DNA. In addition, CPP-encoding nucleic acids, as described herein, can be used as targets for pharmaceutical intervention, eg, the development of DNA vaccines or antisense compositions, and for the production of CPPs by recombinant techniques. It is useful. Polynucleotides containing the sequence variants described herein can be used in diagnostic assays. Accordingly, diagnostic methods based on the detection of the presence of such polynucleotides in body fluids or tissue samples are a feature of the present invention. Examples of diagnostic assays utilizing nucleic acids according to the present invention include, but are not limited to, hybridization assays, such as in situ hybridization and PCR-based assays. As described herein, polynucleotides comprising extended length polynucleotides, sequence variants and fragments thereof can be used for the production of hybridization probes or PCR primers for use in such assays. Such probes and primers will be capable of detecting polynucleotide sequences, including genomic sequences similar to or complementary to the CPP polynucleotides described herein.

The present invention includes primer pairs for performing PCR to amplify a segment of the polynucleotide of the present invention. Each primer in the pair is
i) one primer of the pair forms a perfectly matched pair with one strand of the polynucleotide of the invention, and the other primer of the pair forms a fully matched duplex with the total assistant of the same polynucleotide 15 to 30 such as paired primers from such perfectly matched duplexes of sites on the polynucleotide that are formed and ii) separated by a distance between 10 and 2500 nucleotides An oligonucleotide having a nucleotide length. Preferably, the annealing temperature of each primer of the pair to its respective complementary sequence is substantially the same.

  Hybridization probes derived from the polynucleotides of the invention can be used by performing in situ hybridization on a tissue sample, such as, for example, a fixed or frozen tissue section prepared on a microscope slide or suspended cell. Briefly, a labeled DNA or RNA probe is bound to its DNA or RNA target sample in a prepared microscopic tissue section under controlled conditions. In general, dsDNA probes consisting of DNA of interest cloned into a plasmid or bacteriophage DNA vector can be used for this purpose, but ssDNA or ssRNA probes can also be used. A probe is generally an oligonucleotide about 15 to 40 nucleotides in length. Alternatively, the probe may be a polynucleotide probe produced by PCR random priming primer extension or by in vitro transcription of RNA from a plasmid (riboprobe). These latter probes are typically several hundred base pairs long. The probe can be labeled with any of a number of labeling groups, and the specific detection method corresponds to the type of label used for the probe (eg, autoradiography, X-ray detection, fluorescence or visible microscopy, respectively) analysis). This reaction can be further amplified in situ using immunohistochemical techniques for labeling of the detector molecule used, such as an antibody against the fluorescein moiety present on the fluorescently labeled probe. Specific labels and in situ detection methods can be found, for example, in Howard, GC, Ed., Methods in Nonradioactive Detection, Appleton & Lange, Norwalk, Conn., (1993), incorporated herein by reference.

  Hybridization probes and PCR primers may also be selected from genomic sequences corresponding to the full-length protein identified in the present invention, including promoters, enhancer elements and introns of genes encoding naturally occurring polypeptides. A nucleotide sequence encoding a CPP can also be used to construct hybridization probes for mapping the gene encoding that CPP and for genetic analysis of individuals. An individual carrying or having a mutation in the gene encoding the CPP of the present invention can be detected at various DNA levels by various methods. Nucleic acids for use in diagnosis can be obtained from patient cells, including, for example, tissue biopsy and autopsy material. Genomic DNA can be used directly for detection or can be amplified enzymatically using PCR (Saiki, et al. Nature 324: 163-166 (1986)) prior to analysis. RNA or cDNA can also be used for this same purpose. As an example, PCR primers complementary to the nucleic acids of the invention can be used to identify and analyze mutations in the genes of the invention. Deletions and insertions can be detected by a change in size when the amplified product is compared to the normal genotype. Point mutations can be identified by hybridizing amplified DNA to the radiolabeled RNA of the present invention, or alternatively, hybridizing to the radiolabeled antisense DNA sequence of the present invention. Sequences altered at specific positions may also be used in nuclease protection assays such as RNase and Sl protection, or chemical cleavage methods (eg Cotton, et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85: 4397-4401 (1985)). ) Or by a change in melting point. “Molecular beacons” (Kostrikis LG et al., Science 279: 1228-1229 (1998)), hairpin-shaped, single-stranded synthetic oligonucleotides containing probe sequences complementary to the nucleic acids of the invention are also point mutated or It can be used to detect other sequence changes, as well as to monitor CPP expression levels.

Oligonucleotides and antisense compounds Oligonucleotides of the invention comprising PCR primers and antisense compounds are commercially available automated DNA synthesizers, such as Applied Biosystems (Foster City, CA) model 380B, 392 or 394 DNA / RNA synthesizer or similar. Synthesize by conventional means on the apparatus. Preferably, phosphoramidite chemistry is used, for example, as described in the following literature: Beaucage and Iyer, Tetrahedron, 48: 2223-2311 (1992); Molko et al, US Pat. No. 4,980,460; Koster et al. al, US Pat. No. 4,725,677; Caruthers et al, US Pat. Nos. 4,415,732; 4,458,066; and 4,973,679; For therapeutic use, a nuclease resistant backbone is preferred. Many types of modified oligonucleotides involved in nuclease resistance are available, for example phosphorothioates such as phosphorothioates, phosphorodithioates, phosphoramidites, such as phosphorothioates: Stec et al, US Pat. No. 5,151, 510; Hirschbein, US Pat. No. 5,166,387; Bergot, US Pat. No. 5,183,885; Phosphoamidite: Froehler et al, International Application PCT / US90 / 03,138; and a review of further applicable chemical reactions For: As described in Uhlmann and Peyman (supra). The length of the antisense oligonucleotide is long enough to ensure that specific binding occurs only at the desired target polynucleotide and not at other accidental sites. The upper limit of length is determined by several factors, including inconvenience and cost in the synthesis and purification of oligomers longer than about 30-40 nucleotides, greater resistance to mismatches in longer oligonucleotides than short oligonucleotides, etc. To do. Preferably, the antisense oligonucleotides of the invention have a length in the range of about 15 to 40 nucleotides. More preferably, the oligonucleotide portion has a length in the range of about 18 to 25 nucleotides.

Primers and Probes The primers and probes of the present invention are described, for example, by cloning and restriction of appropriate sequences and the phosphodiester method of Narang SA et al (Methods Enzymol 1979; 68: 90-98), Brown EL et al (Methods Enzymol 1979 68: 109-151) direct chemical synthesis by methods such as the phosphodiester method of Beaucage et al (Tetrahedron Lett 1981, 22: 1859-1862) and the solid phase support method described in EP0707072. Which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

  The detection probes are generally nucleic acid sequences or non-peptides such as, for example, peptide nucleic acids described in International Patent Application WO 92/20702, morpholino analogs described in US Pat. Nos. 5,185,444; It is a charged nucleic acid analog. If desired, the probe can be “non-extendable” in that no further dNTPs can be added to the probe. Analogs are usually not extendable between themselves and others, and nucleic acid probes can be made unextendable by modifying the 3 ′ end of the probe so that the hydroxyl group can no longer participate in extension. . For example, the 3 ′ end of the probe can be functionalized with a capture label or a detection label so that it consumes or otherwise blocks a hydroxy group.

  All of the polynucleotides of the present invention can be labeled, if desired, by incorporating all labeling groups known in the art so that they can be detected by spectroscopic, photochemical, biochemical, immunochemical or chemical means. Further examples are as described in Urdea et al. (Nucreic Acids Research. 11: 4937-4957, 1988) or Sanchez-Pescador et al. (J. Clin. Microbiol. 26 (10): 1934-1938, 1988). It is a non-radioactive label for nucleic acid fragments. In addition, the probes of the present invention may also have structural characteristics that allow signal amplification, such as Urdea et al (Nucreic Acids Symp. Ser. 24: 197-200, 1991). Or characterized as a molecular DNA probe, as described by European Patent EP 0225807 (Chiron).

  The label can also be used to capture a primer to facilitate the immobilization of a primer extension product, such as a primer or amplified DNA, to a solid support. The capture label may be a specific binding member that binds to a primer or probe and forms a binding pair with a solid phase reagent specific binding member (eg, biotin and streptavidin). Thus, depending on the type of label carried by the polynucleotide or probe, it can be used for capture or detection of target DNA. Further, the polynucleotides, primers or probes described herein may themselves serve as capture labels. For example, if the solid phase reagent binding member is a nucleic acid sequence, it is secreted to bind to the complementary portion of the primer or probe, thereby immobilizing the primer or probe to the solid phase. If the polynucleotide probe itself serves as a binding member, those skilled in the art will recognize that the probe includes a sequence or “tail” that is not complementary to the target. When the polynucleotide primer itself is a capture label, at least a portion of the primer is free to hybridize with the nucleic acid on the solid phase. DNA labeling techniques are known to the expert.

  The probes of the present invention are useful for a number of purposes. They can be used especially for Southern hybridization to genomic DNA. The probe can also be used to detect PCR amplification products. They can also be used to detect mismatches in CPP-encoding genes or mRNA using other techniques.

  Any of the nucleic acids, polynucleotides, primers and probes of the present invention can be conveniently immobilized on a solid support. Solid supports are known to those skilled in the art and include reaction well walls, test tubes, polystyrene beads, magnetic beads, nitrocellulose strips, membranes, microparticles such as latex particles, sheep (or other animal) red blood cells , Including durable cells and others. The solid support is not critical and can be selected by one skilled in the art. Thus, latex particles, microparticles, magnetic or non-magnetic beads, membranes, plastic tubes, microtiter well walls, glass or silicon chips, sheep (or other suitable animal) red blood cells and durable cells are all suitable as examples. It is. Suitable methods for immobilizing nucleic acids on solid phases are ionic, hydrophobic, covalent interactions and the like. As used herein, a solid support means any substance that is insoluble or can be made insoluble by a subsequent reaction. The solid support can be selected for its inherent ability to attract and immobilize the capture reagent. Alternatively, the solid phase may hold additional receptors that can attract and immobilize the capture reagent. The additional receptor may comprise a charged substance that is oppositely charged to the capture reagent or oppositely charged to the charged substance associated with the capture reagent. As a further alternative, the receptor molecule can be any specific binding member bound to a solid support and has the ability to immobilize the capture reagent via a specific binding reaction. The receptor molecule allows indirect binding of the capture reagent to the solid support material prior to performing the assay or during the assay. This solid phase is therefore plastic, derivatized plastic, magnetic or non-magnetic metal, test tube glass or silicon surface, microtiter well, sheet, beads, microparticles, chips, sheep (or other suitable animal) red blood cells It may be cells, durable cells and other shapes known to those skilled in the art. The nucleic acids, polynucleotides, primers and probes of the invention may be individually or on groups of at least 2, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 20 or 25 separate polynucleotides of the invention on a solid support. Can be bound to or immobilized on a solid support. In addition, polynucleotides other than those of the present invention can be bound to the same solid support as one or more polynucleotides of the present invention.

  All polynucleotides described herein can be bound to overlapping regions on the solid support or at random locations. Alternatively, the polynucleotides of the invention may be bound to remote regions of the solid support in an ordered arrangement, where each polynucleotide does not overlap with the binding site of all other polynucleotides. Preferably, the ordered arrangement of such polynucleotides is designed to be “addressable” where well-defined positions are recorded and accessible as part of the assay process. Addressable polynucleotide arrays typically include many different oligonucleotide probes that can bind to the surface of the substrate at different known locations. The exact location knowledge of each polynucleotide location makes these “addressable” arrays particularly useful for hybridization assays. Any addressable array technology known in the art can be used with the polynucleotides of the invention. One particular embodiment of these polynucleotide arrays is known as Genechips, and is generally described in US Pat. No. 5,143,854; PCT Publications WO 90/15070 and 92/10092, The entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

Methods for Obtaining Variant Nucleic Acids and Polypeptides In addition to naturally occurring allelic variants of CPP sequences that may be present in a population, one of skill in the art can insert changes by mutations in the nucleotide sequence encoding CPP, It will be appreciated that thereby altering the amino acid sequence of the encoded CPP with or without changing the functional capacity of the CPP.

  Several types of variants are contemplated: 1) one or more of the amino acid residues are replaced by conservative or non-conservative amino acid residues (such a substituted amino acid residue is a genetic code) Or 2) one or more of the amino acid residues contain substituents, or 3) the mutant CPP is another compound such as poly Fused to a compound that increases the half-life of the peptide (eg, polyethylene glycol), or 4) additional amino acids, eg, leader, signal or anchor sequences, sequences used to purify the CPP, or precursor protein Includes those in which the derived sequence is fused to the CPP. Such variants are considered to be within the scope of those skilled in the art.

  For example, nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acid substitutions can be made to sequences that do not substantially alter the biological activity of the protein. Amino acid residues can be altered from the wild-type sequence encoding CPP, biologically active fragments or homologues thereof without altering biological activity. In general, amino acid residues shared by CPPs of the present invention are expected to be less susceptible to substitution.

  In other aspects, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding CPPs that include changes in amino acid residues that result in increased biological activity or modify biological activity. In another aspect, the invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule encoding CPP that contains changes in amino acid residues that are essential for CPP biological activity. Such CPPs differ in amino acid sequence from SEQ ID NOs: 3-4 and have reduced activity or essentially lack one or more CPP biological activities.

  Mutations, substitutions, additions or deletions can be inserted into SEQ ID NOs: 1-5 by standard techniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis. For example, conservative amino acid substitutions can be made at one or more predetermined non-essential amino acid residues. A “conservative amino acid substitution” is one in which the amino acid residue is replaced with an amino acid residue having a similar side chain. Families of amino acid residues having similar side chains have been defined in the art. These families include amino acids with basic side chains (e.g., lysine, arginine, histidine), amino acids with acidic side chains (e.g., aspartic acid, glutamic acid), amino acids with uncharged polar side chains (e.g., glycine, Asparagine, glutamine, serine, threonine, tyrosine, cysteine), amino acids with non-polar side chains (e.g., alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, proline, phenylalanine, methionine, tryptophan), amino acids with beta-branched side chains ( For example, threonine, valine, isoleucine) and amino acids having aromatic side chains (eg tyrosine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, histidine). Thus, a proposed nonessential amino acid residue in CPP, or a biologically active fragment or homologue thereof, can be replaced with other amino acid residues from the same side chain family. Alternatively, in other embodiments, mutations can be randomly inserted into all or part of the CPP coding sequence, eg, by saturation mutagenesis, and the resulting mutants can be compared to CPP biological activity. Screen and identify mutants that retain activity. Following mutagenesis of the nucleotide encoding one of SEQ ID NOs: 1-5, the protein can be expressed recombinantly and the activity of the protein can be measured in any suitable assay, eg, as described herein. .

  The present invention also provides a CPP chimera or fusion protein. As used herein, a CPP “chimeric protein” or “fusion protein” includes a CPP of the invention or fragment thereof operatively linked or fused to a non-CPP polypeptide sequence. In a preferred embodiment, the CPP fusion protein comprises at least one biologically active portion of CPP. In other preferred embodiments, the CPP fusion protein comprises at least two biologically active portions of CPP. For example, in one embodiment, the fusion protein is a GST-CPP fusion protein in which the CPP domain sequence is fused to the C-terminus of the GST sequence. Such fusion proteins can facilitate the purification of recombinant CPP. In other embodiments, the fusion protein is a CPP containing a heterologous signal sequence at its N-terminus, for example, to allow for desired cellular localization in certain host cells. In yet another aspect, the fusion is a CPP biologically active fragment and an immunoglobulin molecule. Such fusion proteins are useful, for example, to increase the valency of the CPP binding site. For example, a bivalent CPP binding site can be formed by fusing a biologically active CPP fragment to an IgG Fc protein.

  The CPP fusion proteins of the invention can be included in a pharmaceutical composition and can be administered to a subject in vivo. Furthermore, the CPP fusion proteins of the invention identify molecules that modulate the interaction of CPP and CPP target molecules, as an immunogen for producing anti-CPP antibodies in a subject, for purifying CPP or CPP ligands Can be used in screening assays.

  Moreover, isolated fragments of CPPs can also be obtained by screening peptides produced recombinantly from corresponding fragments of nucleic acids encoding such peptides. In addition, fragments can be chemically synthesized using techniques known in the art such as conventional Merrifield solid phase f-Moc or t-Boc chemistry. For example, the CPP of the present invention can be appropriately divided into fragments of a desired length without fragment duplication, or is preferably divided into overlapping fragments of a desired length. The fragments can be produced (recombinantly or by chemical synthesis) and tested to identify peptidyl fragments having CPP biological activity, for example, by microinjection assays or in vitro protein binding assays. In an illustrative embodiment, the peptidyl portion of CPP containing different fragments of CPP, such as the CPP target binding region, can be tested for CPP activity by expressing it as a thioredoxin fusion protein (eg, US Pat. No. 5,270,181). And 5,292,646; and PCT Publication W094 / 02502, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference).

  In addition, a library of CPP coding sequence fragments can be used to produce a diverse population of CPP fragments for screening and subsequent selection of CPP variants. In one embodiment, the library of coding sequence fragments comprises treating a double-stranded PCR fragment of a CPP coding sequence with a nuclease under conditions that cause nicking about once per molecule, denaturing the double-stranded DNA, Regenerate to form double stranded DNA that can contain sense / antisense pairs from different nicked products and remove the single stranded portion from the reshaped double stranded by treatment with S1 nuclease. And ligating the resulting fragment library into an expression vector. By this method, an expression library can be derived that encodes N-terminal, C-terminal and internal fragments of various sizes of CPP.

  Modified CPPs can be used for the purpose of enhancing therapeutic or prophylactic effects or stability (eg, ex vivo shelf life and resistance to proteolysis in vivo). Such modified peptides are considered functional equivalents of the CPPs described in more detail herein when designed to maintain activity of at least one naturally occurring form of the protein. Such modified peptides can be produced, for example, by amino acid substitution, deletion, or addition.

  Whether a change in the amino acid sequence of a peptide results in a functional CPP homologue can be readily determined by assessment of at least one CPP biological activity of the variant peptide. Peptides with one or more substitutions can be easily tested in the same way.

  The present invention further contemplates a method for producing a combination of CPP combinations as described herein, as well as sets of truncation and fragmentation variants, which are functional, particularly for binding to CPP target proteins. It is useful for identifying potential variant sequences that differ from wild-type proteins, for example, in efficacy, efficacy and / or intracellular half-life. The purpose of screening such combinatorial libraries is, for example, to isolate novel CPP homologs that have altered biological activity when compared to wild-type protein, or that together have novel activity. . For example, mutagenesis can generate CPP homologues having an intracellular half-life that is dramatically different from the corresponding wild-type protein. The altered protein can be more stable or less stable against cellular processes leading to proteolysis or CPP disruption or other inactivation. Such CPP homologues, and the genes that encode them, can be used to alter the expression envelope of a particular recombinant CPP by modulating the half-life of the recombinant protein. For example, a short half-life allows more transient biological expression associated with a particular recombinant CPP and, when part of an inducible expression system, severe levels of recombinant protein in cells and circulating plasma. Allows control. As described above, such proteins and their recombinant nucleic acid constructs can be used in gene therapy protocols.

  In an illustrative embodiment of this method, the amino acid sequences for a population of CPP homologues or other related proteins are aligned, preferably to increase the highest possible homology. Such a population of variants can include, for example, CPP homologues from one or more species, or from the same species but different due to mutations. Amino acids appearing at each position of the aligned sequences are selected to create a degenerate set of combined sequences. There are many ways in which a library of potential CPP homologues can be generated from a degenerate oligonucleotide sequence. Degenerate gene sequences are performed on an automated DNA synthesizer, and the synthetic gene can then be ligated with the appropriate gene for expression. The purpose of the degenerate set of genes is to provide all of the sequences that encode the desired set of potential CPP sequences in one mixture. The synthesis of degenerate oligonucleotides is known in the art (e.g. Narang, SA (1983) Tetrahedron 393; Itakura et al. (1981) Recombinant DNA, Proc 3rd Cleveland Sympos. Macromolecules, ed. AG Walton, Amsterdam: Elsevier pp. 273-289; Itakura et al. (1984) Annu. Rev. Biochem. 53: 323; Itakura et al. (1984) Science 198: 1056; Ike et al. (1983) Nucleic Acid Res. 11: 477 ). Such techniques have been used for directed evolution of other proteins (e.g., Scott et al. (1990) Science 249: 386-390; Roberts et al. (1992) PNAS 89: 2429 Devlin et al. (1990) Science 249: 404-406; Cwirla et al. (1990) PNAS 87: 6378-6382; and US Pat. Nos. 5,223,409, 5,198,346 and 5,096, 815). The above references are incorporated herein by reference.

  Alternatively, another form of mutagenesis can be used to produce a combinatorial library, particularly when other naturally occurring homologues have not yet been sequenced. For example, CPP homologues (both agonist and antagonist forms) can be screened using, for example, alanine scanning mutagenesis (Ruf et al. (1994) Biochemistry 33: 1565-1572; Wang et al. (1994 ) J Biol. Chem. 269: 3095-3099; Balint et al. (1993) Gene 137: 109-118; Grodberg et al. (1993) Eur. J Biochem. 218: 597-601; Nagashima et al. (1993) ) J Biol. Chem. 268: 2888-2892; Lowman et al. (1991) Biochemistry 30: 10832-10838; and Cunningham et al. (1989) Science 244: 1081-1085) by linker scanning mutagenesis ( Gustin et al. (1993) virology 193: 653-660; Brown et al. (1992) Mol. Cell Biol. 12: 2644 2652; McKnight et al. (1982) Science 232: 316); by saturation mutagenesis (Meyers et al. (1986) Science 232: 613); by PCR mutagenesis (Leung et al. (1989) Method Cell Mol Biol 1: 1-19); or by random mutagenesis (Miller et al. (1992) A Short Course in Bacterial Genetics, CSHL Press, Cold S pring Harbor, NY; and Greener et al. (1994) Strategies in Mol Biol 7: 32-34, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety), can produce libraries and be isolated .

  Another method utilizes automated protein design to produce a protein library for screening and optimizing the sequences of the proteins of the invention. See, for example, US Pat. No. 6,403,312, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Briefly, a primary library is produced using computer-based processing based on CPP sequence and structural characteristics. Generally speaking, the purpose of computer-aided processing is to determine a set of optimized protein sequences that results in the lowest structural energy of all possible sequences. However, many sequences that are not the global minimum can have low energy and are useful. Thus, a primary library of sequences is generally produced that includes the order of theoretical quantitative stability aspects. These sequences can be used to synthesize or express peptides that exhibit prolonged half-life or stable interaction with CPP binding compounds and proteins.

  A wide range of techniques are known in the art for screening gene products of combinatorial libraries produced by point mutations as well as for screening cDNA libraries of gene products with certain properties. Such techniques are generally applicable to rapid screening of gene libraries produced by combinatorial mutagenesis of CPP. The most widely used technique for screening large gene libraries involves cloning gene libraries into expression vectors, transforming appropriate cells with the resulting vector library, and combining genes, Detection of the desired activity involves expressing the product under conditions that aid in relatively easy isolation of the vector encoding the detected gene.

  Each of the illustrative assays described below can be analyzed with the high-throughput analysis required for screening a large number of degenerate CPP sequences created by combinatorial mutagenesis techniques. In one screening assay, a candidate gene product is displayed on the surface of a cell or viral particle, and the ability of a particular cell or virus to bind to a CPP target molecule (eg, a modified peptide substrate) through this gene product is “panned”. Detect with "assay". For example, the gene library can be cloned into a gene for a surface membrane protein of bacterial cells and the resulting fusion protein can be detected by panning (Ladner et al., WO 88/06630; Fuchs et al. (1991) BioTechnology 9 : 1370-1371 and Goward et al. (1992) TIBS 18: 136 140). In a similar manner, fluorescently labeled CPP targets can be used for scoring potential functional CPP homologues. Cells are visually inspected and separated under a fluorescence microscope or, if possible from cell morphology, separated with a fluorescence activated cell sorter.

  In another embodiment, the gene library is expressed as a fusion protein on the surface of the viral particle. For example, in a filamentous phage system, foreign peptide sequences can be expressed on the surface of the infecting phage, thereby providing two distinct advantages. First, because these phage can be applied to the affinity matrix at very high concentrations, many phage can be screened at once. Second, since each infecting phage presents a combined gene product on its surface, if a particular phage is recovered from the affinity matrix in low yield, the phage can be amplified by re-infecting the infection. A group of nearly identical E. coli filamentous phage M13, fd and fl can produce either a phage gIll or gVIII coat protein to produce a fusion protein without interfering with the final packaging of the viral particles. Because it can be used, it is most often used in phage display libraries (Ladner et al., PCT publication WO 90/02909; Garrard et al., PCT publication WO 92/09690; Marks et al. (1992) J Biol. Chem. 267: 16007-16010; Griffiths et al. (1993) EMBO J 12: 725-734; Clackson et al. (1991) Nature 352: 624-628; and Barbas et al. (1992) PNAS 89: 4457 4461 The contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety). In an illustrative embodiment, the present recombinant phage antibody system (RPAS, Pharmacia Catalog number 27-9400-01) can be easily modified for use in the expression of CPP combinatorial libraries to immobilize CPP phage libraries. Can be panned on the CPP target molecule (glutathione immobilized CPP target-GST fusion protein or immobilized DNA). Successive rounds of phage amplification and panning can be very enriched for CPP homologues, which retain the ability to bind to CPP targets, and subsequently biologically in automated assays to distinguish between agonists and antagonists. Can be screened for activity.

  The present invention also identifies and reduces the functional minimum size of a CPP functional domain in order to produce mimetics, such as peptides or non-peptide agents, that can interfere with the binding of a polypeptide of the present invention to a CPP target molecule. Provided to. Thus, such mutagenesis techniques as described above are also useful, for example, in mapping the determinants of CPPs involved in protein-protein interactions involved in binding to CPP target proteins. For illustration, CPP key residues involved in molecular recognition of CPP targets can be determined and used to produce CPP target-13P-derived peptide mimetics that can completely inhibit CPP binding to CPP targets. . For example, non-hydrolyzable peptide analogs of such residues can be obtained from retro-inverse peptides (eg, US Pat. Nos. 5,116,947 and 5,219,089; and Pallai et al. (1983) Int J Pept Protein Res 21: 84-92), benzodiazepines (see, for example, Freidinger et al. In Peptides: Chemistry and Biology, GR Marshall ed., ESCOM Publisher: Leiden, Netherlands, 1988), azepines (see, for example, Huffman et al. al. in Peptides. Chemistry and Biology, GR Marshall ed., ESCOM Publisher: Leiden, Netherlands, 1988), substituted gamma lactam rings (Garvey et al. in Peptides: Chemistry and Biology, GR Marshall ed., ESCOM Publisher: Leiden, Netherlands, 1988), keto-methylene. Pseudopeptide (Ewenson et al. (1986) J Med Chem 29: 295; and Ewenson et al. In Peptides: Structure and Function (Proceedings of the 9th American Peptide Symposium) Pierce Chemical Co. Rockland, IL, 1985), P- Turn dipeptide core (Nagai et al. (1985) Tetrahedron Left 26: 647; and Sato et al. (1986) J Chem Soc Perkin Trans 1: 123 1) and P-aminoalcohol (Gordon et al. (1985) Biochem Biophys Res Commun 126: 419; and Dann et al. (1986) Biochem Biophys Res Commun 134: 71, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Chemical Production of CPP Compositions Peptides of the invention are synthesized by standard techniques (eg Stewart and Young, Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis, 2nd Ed., Pierce Chemical Company, Rockford, IL, 1984). Preferably, a commercially available peptide synthesizer such as Applied Biosystems, Inc. (Foster City, Calif.) Model 430A is used and an intensive synthetic approach such as Kent et al, US Pat. No. 6,184,344 and Dawson and The polypeptides of the invention are constructed from multiple, separately synthesized and purified peptides in Kent, Annu. Rev. Biochem., 69: 923-960 (2000). The peptides of the present invention can be constructed by solid phase synthesis on a cross-linked polystyrene support starting from the carboxyl terminal residue and adding amino acids in a stepwise fashion until the complete peptide is formed. The following references are guides for chemical reactions used during synthesis: Schnolzer et al, Int. J. Peptide Protein Res., 40: 180-193 (1992); Merrifield, J. Amer. Chem. Soc., Vol. 85, pg. 2149 (1963); Kent et al., Pg 185, in Peptides 1984, Ragnarsson, Ed. (Almquist and Weksell, Stockholm, 1984); Kent et al., Pg. 217 in Peptide Chemistry 84, Izumiya , Ed. (Protein Research Foundation, BH Osaka, 1985); Merrifield, Science, Vol. 232, pgs. 341-347 (1986); Kent, Ann. Rev. Biochem, Vol. 57, pgs. 957-989 (1988) ), And the latter two references.

  Preferably, the chemical synthesis of the polypeptides of the invention is carried out as described in Dawson et al, Science, 266: 776-779 (1994) and Kent el al, US Pat. No. 6,184,344. This is done by constructing by ligation. Briefly, in this approach, the first peptide fragment is provided with an N-terminal cysteine having a non-oxidized sulfhydryl side chain and the second peptide fragment is provided with a C-terminal thioester. The non-oxidized sulfhydryl side chain of the N-terminal cysteine is condensed with a C-terminal thioester to provide an intermediate peptide fragment that connects the first and second peptide fragments with a β-aminothioester bond. This β-aminothioester bond of the intermediate peptide fragment is then subjected to intramolecular rearrangement to produce a peptide fragment product that connects the first and second peptide fragments with an amide bond. Preferably, the N-terminal cysteine of this internal fragment is protected from unwanted cyclization and / or condensation reactions with a cyclic thiazolidine protecting group, as described below. Preferably such a cyclic thiazolidine protecting group is a thioprolinyl group.

Peptide fragments having a C-terminal thioester can be prepared as described in the following references, which are hereby incorporated by reference: Kent et al, US Pat. No. 6,184,344; Tam et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 92: 12485-12489 (1995); Blake, Int. J. Peptide Protein Res., 17: 273 (1981); Canne et al, Tetrahedron Letters, 36: 1217-1220 (1995); Hackeng et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 94: 7845-7850 (1997); or Hackeng et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 96: 10068-10073 (1999). Preferably, the method described in Hackeng et al (1999) is used. Briefly, Schnolzer et al, Int. J. Peptide Protein Res., 40, which is incorporated herein by reference, on a solid support (below), typically on a 0.25 mmol scale. : 180-193 (1992) and synthesized using the in situ neutralization / HBTU activation method of Boc chemistry. (HBTU is 2- (1H-benzotriazol-1-yl) -1,1,3,3-tetramethyluronium hexafluorophosphoric acid and Boc is tert-butoxycarbonyl). Each synthesis cycle includes removal of N ^α -Boc by treatment with undiluted TFA for 1 to 2 minutes, 1 minute wash with running DMF, 10 to 20 minutes, 1.0 mmol of preactivated Boc. -Consists of binding time in the presence of DIEA with amino acids and a second wash with running DMF. (TFA is trifluoroacetic acid, DMF is N, N-dimethylformamide, and DIEA is N, N-diisopropylethylamine). N ^α -Boc-amino acid (1.1 mmol) is preactivated for 3 min with 1.0 mmol HBTU (0.5 M in DMF) in the presence of excess DIEA (3 mmol). After each coupling step, the yield is measured by measuring the remaining free amine in a conventional ninhydrin assay as described, for example, in Sarin et al, Anal. Biochem., 117: 147-157 (1981). After conjugation of Gln residues, a DCM running water wash is used before and after deprotection with TFA to prevent possible high temperature (TFA / DMF) -catalyzed pyrrolidone formation. After chain assembly is complete, the peptide fragment is deprotected and cleaved from the resin using 4% p-cresol as a scavenger by treatment with anhydrous HF for 1 hour at 0 ° C. The imidazole side chain 2,4-dinitrophenyl (dnp) protecting group remains on the His residue because the dnp-removal method is incompatible with the C-terminal thioester group. However, dnp is gradually removed by thiols during the ligation reaction. After cleavage, the peptide fragment is quenched with ice-cold diethyl ether, dissolved in aqueous acetonitrile and lyophilized.

The above thioester peptide fragment is preferably synthesized on a trityl-linked mercaptopropionic acid-leucine (TAMPAL) resin as described in Hackeng et al (1999) or prepared by an equivalent protocol. Briefly, in N α ^-Boc-Leu (4mmol) of 3.6mmol of HBTU, and the presence activated DIEA in 6 mmol, 16 minutes, 2mmol of p- methylbenzhydrylamine (MBHA) resin or equivalent Combined with. Next, 3 mmol of S-trityl mercaptopropionic acid is activated with 2.7 mmol of HBTU in the presence of 6 mmol of DIEA and coupled with Leu-MBHA resin for 16 minutes. The resulting TAMPAL resin was used twice as a starting resin for TFA polypeptide-chain construction after removing the trityl protecting group with 3.5% triisopropylsilane and 2.5% H ₂ O for 1 minute. it can. Thioester linkages can be formed with all desired amino acids using a standard in situ-neutralizing peptide linkage protocol for 1 hour as described in Schnolzer et al (supra). Treatment of the final peptide fragment with anhydrous HF produces a C-terminal activated mercaptopropionic acid-leucine (MPAL) thioester peptide fragment.

  Preferably, the thiazolidine-protected thioester peptide fragment intermediate is used for natural chemical ligation under the conditions described in Hackeng et al (1999) or similar conditions. Briefly, 0.1M phosphate buffer (pH 8.5) containing 6M guanidine, 4% (vol / vol) benzyl mercaptan and 4% (vol / vol) thiophenol is added to the ligated dry peptide. The final peptide concentration is 1-3 mM at about pH 7 and is reduced by addition of thiol and TFA from the lyophilized peptide. Preferably, the ligation reaction is vortexed in a heating block at 37 ° C. to equilibrate the thiol additive. The degree of completion of the reaction can be followed by MALDI-MS or HPLC and electrospray ionization MS.

  After the natural chemical ligation reaction is complete or stopped, the N-terminal thiazolidine ring of the product is treated with a cysteine deprotecting agent such as O-methylhydroxylamine (0.5M), pH 3.5-4.5. Ring opening by treatment at 37 ° C. for 2 hours, after which a 10-fold excess of Tris- (2-carboxyethyl) -phosphine is added to the reaction mixture to completely reduce all oxidation components, The product is purified by conventional preparative HPLC. Preferably, fractions containing ligation products are identified by electrospray MS, pooled and lyophilized.

  After synthesis is complete and the final product is purified, the final polypeptide product is purified by conventional methods such as Creighton, Meth. Enzymol., 107: 305-329 (1984); White, Meth.Enzymol., 11: 481-484. (1967); Wetlaufer, Meth. Enzymol., 107: 301-304 (1984); Preferably, the final product is refolded by air oxidation according to or in accordance with the following: Reduced lyophilized product in 100 mM Tris, 10 mM methionine-containing 1 M guanidine hydrochloride (or similar chaotropic agent) at pH 8. Dissolve in 6 (approximately 0.1 mg / mL). After gentle overnight stirring, the refolded product is isolated by reverse phase HPLC with a conventional protocol.

Recombinant expression vectors and host cells The polynucleotide sequences described herein can be used in recombinant DNA molecules that direct the expression of the corresponding polypeptide in a suitable host cell. Due to the degeneracy in the genetic code, other DNA sequences may encode equivalent amino acid sequences and may be used for CPP cloning and expression. Preferred codons for a particular host cell can be selected and substituted for naturally occurring nucleotide sequences to increase the rate and / or efficiency of expression. Nucleic acid (eg, cDNA or genomic DNA) encoding the desired CPP can be inserted into a replicable vector for cloning (amplification of DNA) or expression. The polypeptide can be expressed recombinantly in any of a number of expression systems according to methods known in the art (Ausubel, et al., Editors, Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1990). Suitable host cells include yeast, bacteria, archebacteria, fungi and primary cells including stem cells including but not limited to animal cells including insect and mammalian cells, such as bone marrow stem cells. More specifically, these include, but are not limited to, bacteria transformed with recombinant bacteriophage, plasmid or cosmid DNA expression vectors and yeast transformed with yeast expression vectors. Also included are insect cells infected with recombinant insect viruses (eg, baculovirus), and mammalian expression systems. The nucleic acid sequence to be expressed can be inserted into the vector in a variety of ways. In general, DNA is inserted into an appropriate restriction endonuclease site using methods known in the art. Vector components generally include, but are not limited to, one or more signal sequences, origins of replication, one or more marker genes, enhancer elements, promoters and transcription termination sequences. Construction of vectors containing one or more of these components uses standard ligation techniques known to those skilled in the art.

  The CPP of the present invention is produced by culturing host cells transformed with an expression vector containing a nucleic acid encoding CPP under appropriate conditions for inducing or causing expression of the protein. Appropriate conditions for CPP expression will vary with the choice of the expression vector and the host cell, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. For example, the use of constitutive promoters in expression vectors may require routine optimization of host cell growth and growth, while the use of inducible promoters requires appropriate growth conditions for induction. . In addition, in certain embodiments, the timing of recovery is important. For example, the baculovirus system used for insect cell expression is a lytic virus, and therefore the choice of recovery time may be important for product yield.

  The lower host cell can be selected for its ability to modulate the expression of the inserted sequence or process the expressed protein into the desired form. Such modifications of the protein include, but are not limited to, glycosyl, acetyl, phosphate, amide, lipid, carboxyl, acyl or carbohydrate groups. Post-translational processing that cleaves the “prepro” form of the protein may also be important for correct insertion, folding and / or function. For illustrative purposes, host cells such as CHO, HeLa, BHK, MDCK, 293, W138 have specific cellular and characteristic mechanisms for such post-translational activity and correct modification of inserted foreign proteins. And can be selected to ensure processing. Of particular interest are Drosophila melanogaster cells, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and other yeasts, E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, SF9 cells, Cl29 cells, 293 cells, Neurospora, BHK, CHO COS and HeLa cells, fibroblasts, Schwannoma cell lines, immortalized mammalian bone marrow and lymphoid cell lines, Jurkat cells, human cells and other primary cells.

  A nucleic acid encoding a CPP must be “operably linked” by placing it in a functional relationship with other nucleic acid sequences. For example, a DNA for a signal sequence (presequence) or secretory leader is operably linked to DNA if it is expressed as a preprotein involved in the secretion of the polypeptide; a promoter or enhancer If it affects transcription, it is operably linked to the coding sequence; or the ribosome binding site is operably linked to the coding sequence if it is positioned to facilitate translation. In general, “operably linked” DNA sequences are contiguous and, if they are secretory leaders or other polypeptide sequences, are contiguous and in the reading phase. However, enhancers do not have to be contiguous. Binding is achieved at a convenient restriction site by ligation. If such sites do not exist, synthetic oligonucleotide adapters or linkers are used according to convention. The promoter sequence encodes either a constitutive or inducible promoter. The promoter can be either a naturally occurring promoter or a hybrid promoter. Hybrid promoters that combine elements of one or more promoters are known in the art and are useful in the present invention. An expression vector may contain additional elements, for example, an expression vector may have two replication systems, thus for expression in two organisms, for example in mammals or insect cells, and for prokaryotic hosts. Can be maintained for cloning and amplification in. Both expression and cloning vectors contain a nucleic acid sequence that enables the vector to replicate in one or more selected host cells. Such sequences are known for a variety of bacteria, yeast and viruses. The origin of replication from plasmid pBR322 is suitable for most gram-negative bacteria, 2: the plasmid origin of replication is suitable for yeast, and various viral origins of replication (SV40, polyoma, adenovirus, VSV or BPV) Useful for cloning vectors in mammalian cells. Furthermore, to integrate the expression vector, the expression vector comprises at least one sequence homologous to the host cell genome, and preferably two homologous sequences, which flank the expression construct. The integrated vector can be directed to a specific locus in the host cell by selecting an appropriate homologous sequence for insertion into the vector. The construction of integrated vectors is known in the art. In a further embodiment, the heterologous expression control element is operably linked to an endogenous gene of the host cell by homologous recombination (described in US Pat. Nos. 6,410,266 and 6361972, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety). ) This technique allows control of expression to a desired level with selected control elements, while ensuring processing modification of CPP endogenously expressed by the host cell. Useful heterologous expression control elements include, but are not limited to, CMV immediate early promoter, HSV thymidine kinase promoter, early and late SV40 promoter, retroviral LTR promoter, such as the Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) and metallothionein promoters. .

  Preferably, the expression vector contains a selectable marker gene that allows selection of transformed host cells. Selection genes are known in the art and will vary with the host cell used. Expression and cloning vectors typically contain a selection gene, also termed a selectable marker. Typical selection genes confer resistance to (a) antibiotics or other toxins such as ampicillin, neomycin, methotrexate or tetracycline, (b) complement auxotrophy deficient, or (c) available from complex media It encodes a protein that supplies a gene that encodes an important nutrient that is not possible, such as D-alanine racemase for Bacilli.

  Host cells transformed with a nucleotide sequence encoding CPP can be cultured under conditions suitable for expression and recovery of the encoded protein from cell culture. The protein produced by the recombinant cell may be secreted, membrane bound, or contained within the cell, depending on the sequence and / or vector used. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, an expression vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding CPP can be designed to include a signal sequence that directs secretion of CPP through prokaryotic or eukaryotic cell membranes. The desired CPP can be produced not only directly, but also recombinantly with a fusion polypeptide with a heterologous polypeptide that is a signal sequence or other polypeptide having a specific cleavage site at the N-terminus of the mature protein or polypeptide. . In general, the signal sequence may be a component of the vector or may be part of the CPP-encoding DNA that has been inserted into the vector. The signal sequence may be, for example, a prokaryotic signal sequence selected from the group consisting of alkaline phosphatase, penicillinase, lpp or a thermostable enterotoxin II leader. For yeast secretion, signal sequences are described, for example, in yeast invertase leader, alpha factor leader (Saccharomyces and Kluyveromyces a-factor leader, the latter in US Pat. No. 5,010,182). Or an acid phosphatase leader, a C. albicans glucoamylase leader (EP362,179 published April 4, 1990) or a signal described in WO901113646 published November 15, 1990. obtain. For expression in mammalian cells, mammalian signal sequences, such as those derived from secreted polypeptides of the same or related species, as well as viral secretion leaders can be used to direct protein secretion. Depending on the chosen expression system, the coding sequence may be inserted into a suitable vector, which may require the presence of the following characteristic “control elements” or “control sequences”. Suitable constructs are generally known in the art (Ausubel, et al., 1990) and Invitrogen (San Diego, Calif.), Stratagene (La Jolla, Calif.), Gibco BRL (Rockville, Md. Or from commercial suppliers such as Clontech (Palo Alto, Calif.).

Expression in Bacterial Systems Transformation of bacterial cells can be accomplished using inducible promoters such as the hybrid 1acZ promoter of “BLUESCRIPT” phagemid (Stratagene) or “pSPORT1” (Gibco BRL). In addition, many expression vectors are readily detected and / or purified, including but not limited to “BLUESCRIPT” (a-galactosidase; Stratagene) or pGEX (glutathione S-transferase; Promega, Madison, Wis.). To produce a cleavable fusion protein that can be selected for use in bacterial cells. Suitable bacterial promoters are any nucleic acid sequence capable of binding bacterial RNA polymerase and initiating downstream (3 ') transcription of the CPP gene coding sequence into mRNA. A bacterial promoter has a transcription initiation region which is usually placed proximal to the 5 ′ end of the coding sequence. This transcription initiation region typically includes an RNA polymerase binding site and a transcription initiation site. Sequences encoding metabolic pathway enzymes provide particularly useful promoter sequences. Examples include promoter sequences derived from sugar metabolizing enzymes such as galactose, lactose and maltose and sequences derived from biosynthetic enzymes such as tryptophan. Bacteriophage derived promoters can also be used and are known in the art. In addition, synthetic and hybrid promoters are also useful; for example, the tat promoter is a hybrid of trp and lac promoter sequences. Moreover, bacterial promoters can include naturally occurring promoters of non-transplanted bacterial origin that have the ability to bind bacterial RNA polymerase and initiate transcription. Effective ribosome-binding sites are also desirable. The expression vector also includes a signal peptide sequence provided for secretion of CPP in bacteria. The signal sequence typically encodes a signal peptide containing hydrophobic amino acids that directs secretion of the protein from the cell, as is known in the art. The protein is secreted either into the growth medium (gram-positive bacteria) or into the periplasmic space located between the inner and outer membranes of cells (gram-negative bacteria). The bacterial expression vector also contains a selectable marker gene, allowing selection of transformed bacterial strains. Suitable selection genes include drug resistance genes such as ampicillin, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, kanamycin, neomycin and tetracycline. Selectable markers also include biosynthetic genes such as in the histidine, tryptophan and leucine biosynthetic pathways. For example, when large amounts of CPP are required for antibody induction, vectors that direct high level expression of easily purified fusion proteins may be desirable. Such vectors allow the CPP coding sequence of BLUESCRIPT (Stratagene) to be ligated in frame with the amino-terminal Met of beta-galactosidase followed by a 7-residue sequence so that a hybrid protein is produced. Such as multifunctional E. coli cloning and expression vectors; PIN vectors (Van Heeke & Schuster JBiol Chem 264: 5503-5509 1989)); PET vectors (Novagen, Madison Wis.); Expression vectors for bacteria include the various components shown above and are known in the art. Examples include, among others, vectors of Bacillus subtilis, E. coli, Streptococcus cremoris and Streptococcus lividans. Bacterial expression vectors are transformed into bacterial host cells using techniques known in the art such as calcium chloride mediated transfection, electroporation and the like.

Yeast expression Yeast expression systems are known in the art and include the budding yeasts Candida albicans and C. maltosa, Hansenula polymorpha, Kluyveromyces fragilis ) And K. lactis, Pichia guillermondii and P pastoris, Schizosaccharomyces pombe and Yarrowia lipolytica expression vectors. Examples of promoters suitable for use in yeast hosts include 3-phosphoglycerate kinase (Hitzeman et al., J. Biol. Chem. 255: 2073 (1980)) or other glycolytic enzymes (Hess et al. J. Adv. Enzyme Reg. 7: 149 (1968); Holland, Biochemistry 17: 4900 (1978)), e.g. enolase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, hexokinase, pyruvate decarboxylase, phosphofructokinase , Glucose-6-phosphate isomerase, 3-phosphoglycerase tomase, pyruvate kinase, triose phosphate isomerase, phosphoglucose isomerase, alpha factor, ADH2IGAPDH promoter, glucokinase alcohol oxidase and PGH promoter. See, for example, Ausubel, et al., 1990; Grant et al., Methods in Enzymology 153: 516-544, (1987). Other yeast promoters that are inducible have the additional advantage of transcriptional control by growth conditions, such as alcohol dehydrogenase 2, isocytochrome C, acid phosphatase, degrading enzymes related to nitrogen metabolism, metallothionein, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphorus It contains acid dehydrogenase and the promoter region of the enzyme responsible for maltose and galactose utilization. Suitable vectors and promoters for yeast expression are further described in EP 73,657. Yeast selectable markers are ADE2, HIS4, LEU2, TRP1 and ALG7 conferring resistance to tunicamycin; the neomycin phosphotransferase gene conferring resistance to G418; and CUP1 allowing growth of yeast in the presence of copper ions Contains genes. Yeast expression vectors can be constructed for intracellular production or secretion of CPP from DNA encoding the CPP of interest. For example, a selected signal peptide and an appropriate constitutive type or inducible promoter can be inserted into an appropriate restriction site of the selected plasmid to direct intracellular expression of CPP. For secretion of CPP, the DNA encoding CPP is combined with DNA encoding the promoter, yeast alpha-factor secretion signal / leader sequence, and linker sequence (if necessary) for expression of CPP, Can be cloned into a selected plasmid. Yeast cells can then be transformed with the expression plasmids described above and cultured in a suitable fermentation medium. Proteins produced in such transformed yeast are then precipitated with 10% trichloroacetic acid and analyzed after separation on SDS-PAGE and Coomassie blue staining. The recombinant CPP can then be isolated and purified from the fermentation medium by techniques known to those skilled in the art.

Expression in mammalian systems The CPP can be expressed in mammalian cells. Mammalian expression systems are known in the art and include retroviral vector-mediated expression systems. Mammalian host cells can be transformed with many different virus-based expression systems, such as adenoviruses, that can be ligated to an adenovirus transcription / translation complex whose coding region consists of the late promoter and tripartite leader sequence. Insertion of the viral genome into a non-essential El or E3 region allows expression of the polypeptide of interest in infected host cells. Preferred expression vector systems are retroviral vectors as generally described in PCT / US97 / 01019 and PCT / US97 / 101048. Suitable mammalian expression vectors include mammalian promoters, which are all DNA sequences capable of binding to mammalian RNA polymerase and initiating transcription into the downstream (3 ′) mRNA of the CPP coding sequence. A promoter usually includes a transcription initiation region proximal to the 5 ′ end of the coding sequence, and a TATA box located usually 25-30 base pairs upstream of the transcription start site. This TATA box is thought to direct RNA polymerase II to initiate RNA synthesis at the correct position. Mammalian promoters also contain an upstream promoter element (enhancer element), which is typically located 100 to 200 base pairs upstream of the TATA box. The upstream promoter element determines the rate at which transcription begins and can work in any orientation. A particular use as a mammalian promoter is a promoter from a mammalian viral gene since viral genes are often highly expressed and have a broad host range. Examples are polyoma virus, fowlpox virus (UK2,211,504 published July 5, 1989), adenovirus (eg adenovirus 2), bovine papilloma virus, avian sarcoma virus, cytomegalovirus, retro It includes promoters derived from viral genomes such as viruses, hepatitis B virus and simian virus 40 (SV40) promoters, from heterologous mammalian promoters such as actin promoters or immunoglobulin promoters, and heat shock promoters. However, such promoters are compatible with the host cell system. Transcription of CPP-encoding DNA by higher eukaryotes can be increased by inserting an enhancer sequence into the vector. An enhancer is a cis-acting element of DNA, usually about 10 to 300 bp, that acts to increase its transcription on a promoter. Many enhancer sequences are now known from mammalian genes (globin, elastase, albumin, a-fetoprotein and insulin). Typically, however, one will use an enhancer from a eukaryotic cell virus. Examples include SV40 enhancer, cytomegalovirus early promoter enhancer, late polyoma enhancer of origin of replication and adenovirus enhancer. The enhancer is preferably located 5 'from the promoter. In general, transcription termination and polyadenylation sequences recognized by mammalian cells are located in the control region located 3 'to the translation stop codon and thus together with the promoter element are adjacent to the coding sequence. The 3 ′ end of the mature mRNA is formed by site-specific post-translational cleavage and polyadenylation. Examples of transcription terminators and polyadenylation signals include those derived from SV40. Long-term, high-yield production of recombinant protein can be performed in a suitable expression system. Expression vectors containing a viral origin of replication or endogenous expression element and a selectable marker gene can be used for this purpose. Suitable vectors containing selectable markers for use in mammalian cells are readily available from commercial sources and are known to those skilled in the art. Examples of such selectable markers include, but are not limited to, herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase and adenine phosphoribosyltransferase for use in tk- or hprt-cells, respectively. Methods for inserting exogenous nucleic acids into mammalian hosts and into other hosts are known in the art and will vary with the host cell used. Methods include dextran-mediated transfection, calcium phosphate precipitation, polybrene-mediated transfection, protoplast fusion, electroporation, viral infection, encapsulation of polynucleotide (s) in liposomes, and direct DNA into the nucleus Includes microinjection.

CPP can be purified from the culture supernatant of mammalian cells transiently transfected or stably transformed with an expression vector carrying a CPP-coding sequence. Preferably, CPP is purified from the culture supernatant of COS7 cells transiently transfected with a pcD expression vector. Transfection of COS7 cells with pcD is carried out as follows: Approximately 10 ⁶ COS7 monkey cells are transferred to individual Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DME) containing 10% fetal calf serum and 2 mM glutamine in a 100 mm plate one day prior to transfection. ) Sowing on top. To perform transfection, the medium is aspirated from the nuclear plate and replaced with 4 ml DME containing 50 mM Tris.HCl pH 7.4, 400 mg / ml DEAE-dextran and 50 μg plasmid DNA. The plate is incubated for 4 hours at 37 ° C., then the DNA-containing medium is removed and the plate is washed twice with 5 ml serum-free DME. DME is returned to the plate and it is again incubated at 37 ° C. for an additional 3 hours. The plate is washed once with DME, and then DME containing 4% fetal calf serum, 2 mM glutamine, penicillin (100 U / L) and streptomycin (100 μg / L) at standard concentrations is added. The cells are then incubated for 72 hours at 37 ° C., after which the growth medium is collected for CPP purification. Plasmid DNA for transfection was inserted into E. coli MC1061, as described in Casadaban and Cohen, J. Mol. Biol., Vol. 138, pgs. 179-207 (1980), or similar organisms. Obtained by propagation of pcD (SRα) or similar expression vector containing the coding cDNA. The plasmid DNA is isolated from the culture by standard techniques such as Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Second Edition (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York, 1989) or Ausubel et al (1990, supra). To do.

Expression in insect cells CPPs can also be expressed in insect cells. Expression vectors, particularly baculovirus-based expression vectors, for transformation of insect cells are known in the art. In one such system, CPP-encoding DNA is fused upstream of an epitope tag of a baculovirus expression vector. Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcNPV) is used as a vector for expressing foreign genes in Spodoptera frugiperda Sf9 cells or Trichoplusia larvae. The CPP-coding sequence is cloned into a nonessential region of the virus, such as the polyhedrin gene, and placed under the control of the polyhedrin promoter. Full insertion of the CPP-coding sequence inactivates the polyhedrin gene and produces a recombinant virus that lacks a coat protein coat. This recombinant virus is then used for infection of Coleoptera or C. lucerus expressing CPP (Smith et al., J. Wol. 46: 584 (1994); Engelhard EK et al., Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. 91: 3224-3227 (1994)). Suitable epitope tags for fusing to CPP-encoding DNA are poly-his tags and immunoglobulin tags (such as the Fc region of IgG). A variety of plasmids can be used, including commercially available plasmids such as pVL1393 (Novagen). Briefly, the CPP-encoding DNA or the desired region of the CPP-encoding DNA is amplified by PCR with primers complementary to the 5 ′ and 3 ′ regions. A 5 ′ primer can be inserted adjacent to the restriction site. The PCR product is then digested with the selected restriction enzyme and subcloned into an expression vector. Recombinant baculovirus can be transferred to the above plasmid and BaculoGoldTM viral DNA (Pharmingen) into sweet potato ("Sf9") cells (ATCC CRL 1711), lipofectin (commercially available from GIBCO-BRL) or other methods known in the art. Produced by co-transfection, used. Virus is produced in Sf9 cells at 28 ° C. by 4-5 days of culture and used for further amplification. The method is performed as detailed in O'Reilley et al., BACULOVIRUS EXPRESSION VECTORS: A LABORATORY MANUAL, Oxford University Press (1994). Extracts can be prepared from recombinant virus-infected Sf9 cells as described in Rupert et al., Nature 362: 175-179 (1993). Alternatively, the expressed epitope-tagged CPP is purified by affinity chromatography or, for example, purification of IgG-tagged (or Fc-tagged) CPP includes protein A or protein G column chromatography Can be performed using chromatographic methods.

Assessing gene expression Gene expression can be performed directly in a sample, for example, by standard methods known to those skilled in the art, e.g., Northern blotting, dot blotting (DNA or RNA), or in situ high to determine transcription of mRNA. Hybridization can be evaluated based on the sequences provided herein using appropriately labeled probes. Alternatively, antibodies are assayed for the detection of specific duplexes, including polypeptides, nucleic acids such as DNA duplexes, RNA duplexes and DNA-RNA hybrid duplexes or DNA-protein duplexes. Can be used for Such antibodies can be labeled and where the duplex is bound to the surface so that the assay can detect the presence of an antibody that binds to the duplex by forming a duplex on the surface. Can be done. Gene expression can alternatively be measured by immunohistochemical staining of cells or tissue sections and cell culture or body fluid assays, and the expression of CPP polypeptides or polynucleotides is directly assessed. Antibodies useful for such immunological assays can be either monoclonal or polyclonal and can be raised against native sequence CPP. Protein levels can also be detected by mass spectrometry. A further method of protein detection uses a protein chip.

Purification of Expressed Protein Expressed CPP can be purified or isolated after expression using any of a variety of methods known to those skilled in the art. The appropriate technique will vary depending on what other components are present in the sample. Contaminating components to be removed by isolation or purification are substances that will typically interfere with the diagnostic or therapeutic use of the polypeptide and may include enzymes, hormones and other solutes. The purification step (s) selected will depend, for example, on the nature of the manufacturing process used and in particular on the nature of the CPP produced. If CPPs are secreted, they can be recovered from the culture medium. Alternatively, the CPP can be recovered from the host cell lysate. When membrane bound, it can be released from the membrane using a suitable surfactant (eg Triton-X 100) or by enzymatic cleavage. Alternatively, cells used for CPP expression can be disrupted by various physical or chemical means such as freeze-thaw cycling, sonication, mechanical disruption, or by the use of cytolytic agents. Examples of purification means are ion exchange column chromatography; chromatography using silica gel or a cation exchange resin such as DEAE; eg gel filtration using Sephadex G-75; to remove contaminants such as IgG Protein A Sepharose columns; chromatography using a chelating column to bind epitope-tagged adducts of CPP; ethanol precipitation; reverse phase HPLC; chromatographic fractionation; SDS-PAGE; It is not limited to. Usually, isolated CPP is produced by at least one purification step. For example, CPP can be purified using a standard anti-CPP antibody column. Ultrafiltration and dialysis techniques in conjunction with protein concentration are also useful (see, for example, Scopes, R., PROTEIN PURIFICATION, Springer-Verlag, New York, NY, 1982). The degree of purification required will vary depending on the use of CPP. In some cases no purification is necessary. Once expressed and purified as needed, the CPPs and nucleic acids of the invention are useful in many applications, as detailed herein.

Transgenic animals The host cells of the invention can also be used to produce non-human transgenic animals. For example, in one embodiment, the host cell of the invention is a fertilized oocyte or embryonic stem cell into which a CPP-coding sequence has been inserted. Such host cells can be used to produce non-human transgenic animals in which exogenous CPP sequences have been inserted into their genome, or homologous recombinant animals in which endogenous CPP sequences have been altered. Such animals are useful for studying the function and / or activity of CPP or fragments thereof and for identifying and / or evaluating modulators of CPP biological activity. As used herein, the term “transgenic animal” refers to a non-human animal, preferably a mammal, more preferably a rodent such as a rat or mouse, in which one or more animal cells contain a transgene. It is. Other examples of transgenic animals include non-human primates, sheep, dogs, cows, goats, chickens, amphibians and the like. The transgene is integrated into the genome of a cell from which the transgenic animal has developed and leaves the genome of the mature animal, thereby encoding in one or more cell forms or tissues of the transgenic animal An exogenous DN that directs the expression of a gene product. As used herein, a “homologous recombinant animal” refers to an endogenous gene between an endogenous gene and an exogenous DNA molecule inserted into an animal cell, eg, an animal embryo cell, prior to animal development. A non-human animal, preferably a mammal, more preferably a mouse, which has been altered by homologous recombination.

  The transgenic animals of the invention insert a CPP-encoding nucleic acid into the male pronucleus of a fertilized oocyte, for example, by microinjection or retroviral infection, and the oocyte is inserted into a pseudopregnant female rearing animal. Develop with. The CPP cDNA sequence or a fragment thereof can be inserted as a transgene into the genome of a non-human animal. Alternatively, a non-human homologue of a human CPP-encoding gene such as from mouse or rat can be used as a transgene. Intron sequences and polyadenylation signals can also be included in the transgene, increasing the efficiency of expression of the transgene. The tissue-specific control sequence (s) can be operably linked to the CPP transgene and direct the expression of CPP in specific cells. Methods for producing transgenic animals, particularly animals such as mice, via embryo manipulation and microinjection have become commonplace in the art, for example, both in US Patent 4,736,866 to Leder et al. And 4,870,009, Wagner et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,873,191 and Hogan, B., Manipulating the Mouse Embryo, (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 1986, Which is expressly incorporated herein in its entirety by reference). Similar methods are used for the production of other transgenic animals. A transgenic founder animal can be identified based on the presence of a CPP transgene in its genome and / or expression of CPP mRNA in a tissue or cell of the animal. The transgenic founder animal can then be used to breed additional animals carrying the transgene. In addition, transgenic animals carrying transgenes encoding CPP can be bred to other transgenic animals carrying other transgenes.

  To produce an animal in which the desired nucleic acid has been inserted into the genome via homologous recombination, this CPP-coding sequence is altered, eg, a deletion, addition or relaxation is inserted to functionally interfere. A vector is produced that comprises at least a portion of the rendered CPP-coding sequence. The CPP-coding sequence can be a human gene, but more preferably is a non-human homologue of the human CPP-coding sequence (eg, cDNA isolated by stringent hybridization with a nucleotide sequence encoding CPP). is there. For example, the mouse CPP-coding sequence is used to construct a homologous recombination vector suitable for altering an endogenous gene in the mouse genome. In a preferred embodiment, the vector is designed such that the endogenous CPP-coding sequence is functionally disrupted by homologous recombination (ie, no longer encodes a functional protein; also referred to as a “knockout” vector). Alternatively, the vector is designed to encode a protein that has been mutated or otherwise altered in the endogenous CPP-coding sequence by homologous recombination, but is still functional (e.g., The upstream control region can be altered, thereby altering the expression of the endogenous CPP-coding sequence). In the present homologous recombination vector, the altered portion of the present CPP-coding sequence is flanked at its 5 ′ and 3 ′ ends by additional nucleic acid sequences of the CPP gene, and the exogenous sequence carried by the vector is homologous recombination. And occur between endogenous genes in embryonic stem cells. The additional flanking nucleic acid sequence is long enough to allow successful homologous recombination with the endogenous gene. Typically, several kilobases of flanking DNA (both 5 'and 3' ends) are included in the vector (see, eg, Thomas, KR and Capecchi, MR (1987) Cell 51: 503, homologous recombination vectors). The description of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). The vector is inserted into an embryonic stem cell line (eg, by electroporation) and cells in which the inserted CPP-coding sequence is recombined homologously with the endogenous gene (eg, Li, E. et al.). al. (1992) Cell 69: 915, the description of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference). Selected cells are then injected into animal (e.g., mouse) blastocysts to form aggregate chimeras (e.g., Bradley, A. in Teratocarcinomas and Embryonic Stem Cells. A Practical Approach, EJ Robertson, ed. (IRL, Oxford, 1987) pp. 113-152, the description of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference. The chimeric embryo is then transferred into a suitable pseudopregnant female rearing animal and the embryo is born. Offspring that have homologously recombined DNA in their embryonic cells can be used to breed animals that contain DNA that is homologously recombined in all of the cells by germline transmission of the transgene. Methods for constructing homologous recombination vectors and homologous recombination animals are described in Bradley, A. (1991) Current Opinion in Biotechnology 2: 823-829 and PCT International Publication: Le Mouellec et al., WO 90/11354; Smithies et al., WO 91. Zijlstra et al., WO 92/0968; and Berns et al., WO 93/04169, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

  In other embodiments, transgenic non-human animals can be produced that contain selected systems that allow for controlled expression of the transgene. One example of such a system is the cre / loxP recombinase system of bacteriophage P1. For a description of the cre / loxP recombinase system, the description is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, see, eg, Lakso et al. (1992) PNAS 89: 6232-6236. Another example of the recombinase system is the FLP recombinase system of budding yeast (O'Gorman et al. (1991) Science 251: 1351-1355, the description of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety) . When the cre / loxP recombinase system is used to control the expression of the transgene, an animal containing a transgene encoding both the Cre recombinase and the selected protein is required. Such animals are “double” transgenic animals, for example two transgenic animals, one containing a transgene encoding the selected protein and the other containing a transgene encoding a recombinase. Can be provided through construction by mating.

Assessing CPP activity It will be appreciated that the present invention further provides methods for testing the activity of the resulting CPP and CPP sequences, or fragments and variants. Such methods include providing a mutant or modified CPP-encoding nucleic acid to assess whether the encoded polypeptide expresses CPP biological activity. Included are: (a) providing a CPP or biologically active fragment or homologue thereof; and (b) testing for the CPP biological activity of the CPP or biologically active fragment or homologue thereof. This is a method for evaluating the function of the CPP. All suitable forms can be used, including cell-free, cell-based and in vivo forms. For example, the assay may include expressing CPP nucleic acid in a host cell and observing CPP activity in the cell or other affected cell. In other examples, a CPP or biologically active fragment or homologue thereof is constructed in a cell and observed for CPP biological activity.

  CPP biological activity includes (1) protection from cardiovascular disease; (2) circulation through the bloodstream; (3) ability to bind antigenicity or anti-CPP specific antibodies; (4) immunogenicity. Or the ability to produce anti-CPP specific antibodies; or (5) any of the activities described herein, such as interaction with a CPP target molecule, preferably a protein.

  CPP biological activity can be assayed by any suitable method known in the art. Antigenicity and immunogenicity can be detected, for example, as described herein under “Anti-CPP antibodies” and “Use of CPP antibodies”. Circulation in plasma can be detected as described in “Diagnostic and Prognostic Use”. Interaction with a CPP target molecule can be detected according to all methods described herein, eg, in the “Drug Screening Assays” section.

  Cardiovascular disorders can be diagnosed by any method determined by those of skill in the art as appropriate for an individual. Further examples of symptom diagnosis can be found in the background section and are best determined by those skilled in the art as appropriate based on the patient's specific profile.

  Intramolecular interactions can be determined by sequence-based structural predictions. Such predictions are generally based on X-ray crystallography or NMR structural data of polypeptides of similar sequence. Detection of intramolecular interactions can also be achieved using SDS-PAGE. For the example of disulfide bonds, cross-linking between different parts of a protein results in a more compressed protein, thus reducing the apparent molecular weight. Disulfide bonds can be cleaved by reducing agents such as dithiothreitol (DTT). Protein samples that have been treated with reducing agents are therefore compared to untreated controls by SDS-PAGE to detect changes in apparent molecular weight. Such methods are conventional in the art.

  Amidation can be detected by comparing the amidated forms of the same peptide as the molecular weight of the sample peptide. This amidated form can be prepared, for example, by conventional methods as described in US Pat. No. 4,708,934. Molecular weights are easy to compare by any conventional method in the art, such as SDS-PAGE, gel chromatography, or mass spectrometry. Proteolysis can also be detected by comparing the molecular weight of the sample peptide with a peptide of known molecular weight. Preferably, the molecular weight of the test peptide is obtained by mass spectrometry and compared to a database containing the molecular weight of post-translationally modified peptides. Examples of databases include Genpept, SWISSPROT, EMBL, and protein sequence databases. Such techniques are described in further detail herein.

Anti-CPP Antibodies The present invention provides antibodies and binding compositions specific for CPP. Such antibodies and binding compositions include polyclonal antibodies, monoclonal antibodies, Fab and single chain Fv fragments thereof, bispecific antibodies, heteroconjugates, humanized antibodies, and the like. Such antibodies and binding compositions can be produced by a variety of methods, including hybridoma culture, recombinant expression in bacterial or mammalian cell culture, recombinant expression in transgenic animals, and the like. Extensive guidance for selecting specific methods exists in the literature, for example, in Chad and Chamow, Curr. Opin. Biotechnol., 12: 188-194 (2001).

  The choice of manufacturing method depends on several factors, including the desired antibody structure, the importance of the carbohydrate portion of the antibody, ease of culture and purification, cost, and the like. Many different antibody structures can be produced using standard expression techniques, including full-length antibodies, antibody fragments such as Fab and Fv fragments, and chimeric antibodies comprising components from different species. Small size antibody fragments, such as Fab and Fv fragments, that have no effector function and have limited pharmacokinetic activity can be produced in bacterial expression systems. Single chain Fv fragments are very selective for in vivo tumors, exhibit good tumor penetration and low immunogenicity, and are rapidly excreted from the blood, eg Freyre et al, J. Biotechnol., 76 : 157-163 (2000). Thus, such molecules are desirable for radioimmunodetection and in situ radiotherapy. In all cases where pharmacokinetic activity in the form of increased half-life is required for therapeutic purposes, full-length antibodies are preferred. For example, an immunoglobulin G (IgG) molecule can be one of four subclasses: γ1, γ2, γ3 or γ4. When a full-length antibody with effector function is required, IgG subclass γ1 or γ3 is preferred, and IgG subclass γ1 is most preferred. The present γ1 and γ3 subclasses exhibit potent effector function, complement activation and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity via interaction with specific Fc receptors, eg Raju et al, Glycobiology, 10: 477-486 (2000); Lund et al, J. Immunol., 147: 2657-2662 (1991).

Polyclonal antibody The anti-CPP antibody of the present invention may be a polyclonal antibody. Such polyclonal antibodies can be produced in mammals, for example, by one or more injections of an immunizing agent, and preferably an adjuvant. Typically, the immunizing agent and / or adjuvant is infused into the mammal by a series of subcutaneous or intraperitoneal injections. The immunizing agent can comprise CPP or a fusion protein thereof. It may be useful to bind the antigen to a protein known to be immunogenic in the immunizing mammal. Examples of such immunogenic proteins are keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), methylated bovine serum albumin (mBSA), bovine serum albumin (BSA), hepatitis B surface antigen, serum albumin, bovine thyroglobulin and soybean Including but not limited to trypsin inhibitors. Adjuvants are, for example, Freund's complete adjuvant and MPL-TDM adjuvant (monophosphoryl lipid A, synthetic trehalose dicoryno-mycolate). The immunization protocol can be determined by one skilled in the art based on standard protocols or by routine experimentation.

  Alternatively, crude protein preparations rich in CPP or parts thereof can be used for the production of antibodies. Such a protein, fragment or preparation is inserted into a non-human mammal in the presence of a suitable adjuvant. When the serum contains polyclonal antibodies against unwanted epitopes, the polyclonal antibodies are purified by immunoaffinity chromatography.

  The production of effective polyclonal antibodies is influenced by many factors that involve both the antigen and the host species. Also, the host animal's response varies with the site and volume of inoculation, and both inappropriate and excessive doses of antigen result in low antiserum titers. It seems most certain to administer small doses (ng level) of antigen to multiple intradermal sites. Methods for producing and processing polyclonal antisera are known in the art, see, eg, Mayer and Walker (1987), the description of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. An effective immunization protocol for rabbits is described in Vaitukaitis, J. et al. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 33: 988-991 (1971), the description of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Can be seen. Booster injections can be made at regular intervals and the antiserum is collected when its antibody titer begins to fall semi-quantitatively, eg, by double immunodiffusion in agar against a known concentration of antigen. See, for example, Ouchterlony, O. et al., Chap. 19 in: Handbook of Experimental Immunology D. Wier (ed) Blackwell (1973). The plateau concentration of the antibody is usually from 0.1 to 0.2 mg / ml of serum (about 12: M). The affinity of the antiserum for this antigen can be measured, for example, by Fisher, D., Chap. 42 in: Manual of Clinical Immunology, 2d Ed. (Rose and Friedman, Eds.) Amer. Soc. For Microbiol., Washington, DC ( 1980) by measuring competitive binding curves.

Monoclonal antibody Alternatively, the anti-CPP antibody may be a monoclonal antibody. Monoclonal antibodies can be produced by hybridomas in order to induce mice, hamsters or other suitable host animals to produce lymphocytes that have, or have the ability to produce, antibodies that specifically bind immunizing agents. Immunize with immunizing agents, eg, Kohler and Milstein, Nature 256: 495 (1975). The immunizing agent typically comprises CPP or a fusion protein thereof and optionally a carrier. Alternatively, the lymphocytes are immunized in vitro. In general, spleen cells or lymph node cells are used when a non-human mammalian source is desired, or peripheral blood lymphocytes ("PBL") are used when cells of human origin are desired. The lymphocytes are fused with an immortal cell line using a fusing agent such as polyethylene glycol to produce hybridoma cells, e.g. Goding, MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES: PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE, Academic Press, pp. 59-103 ( 1986); Liddell and Cryer, A Practical Guide to Monoclonal Antibodies (John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1991); Malik and Lillenoj, Editors, Antibody Techniques (Academic Press, New York, 1994). In general, the immortal cell line is a transformed mammalian cell, for example a myeloma cell of rat, mouse, bovine or human origin. The hybridoma cells are cultured in a suitable culture medium containing one or more substances that inhibit the growth or survival of the immortalized cells, preferably not fused. For example, when the parent cell lacks the enzyme hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT), the culture medium for hybridomas typically contains hypoxanthine, aminopterin and thymidine (HAT), substances that inhibit the growth of HGPRT-deficient cells. )including. Preferred immortal cell lines are those that are effectively fused, support stable high level production of antibodies, and are sensitive to a medium such as HAT medium. More preferred immortal cell lines are mouse or human myeloma lines, which can be obtained, for example, from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), Rockville, MD. Human myeloma and mouse-human heteromyeloma cell lines have also been described for the production of human monoclonal antibodies, e.g., Kozbor, J. Immunol. 133: 3001 (1984); Brodeur et al., Monoclonal Antibody Production Techniques and Applications, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, pp. 51-63 (1987).

  Culture medium (supernatant) in which hybridoma cells are cultured can be assayed for the presence of monoclonal antibodies against CPP. Preferably, the binding specificity of monoclonal antibodies present in the hybridoma supernatant can be measured by immunoprecipitation or in vitro binding assays such as radioimmunoassay (RIA) or enzyme immunoassay (ELISA). Suitable techniques and assays are known in the art. The binding affinity of the monoclonal antibody can be measured, for example, by the Scatchard analysis of Munson and Pollard, Anal. Biochem. 107: 220 (1980). After the desired antibody-producing hybridoma cells are identified, the cells are cloned by limiting dilution and grown by standard methods (Goding, 1986, supra). Suitable culture media for this purpose include, for example, Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium and RPMI-1640 medium. Alternatively, the hybridoma cells can be grown in vivo as mammalian ascites. The monoclonal antibody secreted by the selected clone is an immunoglobulin commonly used by those skilled in the art such as, for example, protein A-Sepharose, hydroxyl-apatite chromatography, gel electrophoresis, dialysis, or affinity chromatography. It can be isolated or purified from culture media or ascites fluid by purification methods.

  This monoclonal antibody can also be produced by recombinant DNA methods as described in US Pat. No. 4,816,567. DNA encoding the monoclonal antibody of the invention is isolated from CPP-specific hybridoma cells using, for example, oligonucleotide probes capable of specifically binding to the genes encoding the heavy and light chains of the murine antibody; Sequencing. Once isolated, the DNA is inserted into an expression vector which is subsequently transferred to a host cell such as a monkey COS cell, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell, or myeloma cell that does not otherwise produce immunoglobulin protein. Can be allowed to synthesize monoclonal antibodies in recombinant host cells. The DNA can also be used, for example, by replacing the coding sequences of the mouse heavy and light chain constant domains with homologous human sequences (Morrison et al., Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. 81: 6851-6855 (1984 ); Neuberger et al., Nature 312: 604-608 (1984); Takeda et al., Nature 314: 452-454 (1985)), or the coding sequence of the non-immunoglobulin polypeptide in the immunoglobulin coding sequence. It may be modified by covalently binding all or part of it. The non-immunoglobulin polypeptide is replaced with a constant domain of an antibody of the invention or with a variable domain of one antigen binding site of an antibody of the invention to produce a chimeric bivalent antibody. The antibody may also be a monovalent antibody. Methods for producing monovalent antibodies are known in the art. For example, in vitro methods are suitable for the production of monovalent antibodies. Digestion of the antibodies, particularly antibodies to produce Fab fragments, can be accomplished using techniques conventional in the art.

  Antibodies and antibody fragments characteristic of the hybridomas of the invention can also be produced by recombinant means by extracting messenger RNA, constructing a cDNA library, and selecting clones encoding segments of the antibody molecule. The following are examples of documents describing recombinant techniques for producing antibodies: Wall et al., Nucleic Acids Research, Vol. 5, pgs. 3113-3128 (1978); Zakut et al., Nucleic Acids Research , Vol. 8, pgs. 3591-3601 (1980); Cabilly et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., Vol. 81, pgs. 3273-3277 (1984); Boss et al., Nucleic Acids Research, Vol. 12, pgs. 3791-3806 (1984); Amster et al., Nucleic Acids Research, Vol. 8, pgs. 2055-2065 (1980); Moore et al., US Pat. No. 4,642,334; Skerra et al, Science, Vol. 240, pgs. 1038-1041 (1988); Huse et al, Science, Vol. 246, pgs. 1275-1281 (1989); and US Patents 6,054,297; 5,530,101 4,816,567; 5,750,105; and 5,648,237; these patents are hereby incorporated by reference. In particular, using such a technique, for the production of interspecies monoclonal antibodies where the binding region of one species is combined with the non-binding region of an antibody of another species to reduce immunogenicity. Possible, for example Liu et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., Vol. 84, pgs. 3439-3443 (1987), and patents 6,054,297 and 5,530,101. Preferably, recombinantly produced Fab and Fv fragments are expressed in bacterial host systems. Preferably, full-length antibodies are produced by mammalian cell culture techniques. More preferably, full-length antibodies are expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells or NSO cells.

Both polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies can be screened by ELISA. As with other solid phase immunoassays, this test is based on the tendency of macromolecules to adsorb nonspecifically to plastics. The reversibility of this reaction allows the formation of antigen-antibody complexes and simple separation of such complexes from unbound material without loss of immunological activity. To titer anti-peptide sera, peptides bound to a different carrier than that used for the face system are adsorbed to the wells of a 96-well microtiter plate. The adsorbed antigen is then reacted in a well with a dilution of anti-peptide serum. Unbound antibody is washed away and the remaining antigen-antibody complex is reacted with an antibody specific for IgG of the immunized animal. The secondary antibody is conjugated with an enzyme such as alkaline phosphatase. The visible color reaction produced when the enzyme substrate is added is an indication of which wells contain anti-peptide antibodies. The use of a spectrophotometer reading allows a good quantification of peptide-specific antibody binding. The anti-titer antiserum produces a linear titer curve between 10 ⁻³ and 10 ⁻⁵ dilutions.

CPP Peptide Carrier The present invention includes an immunogen derived from CPP and an immunogen comprising a conjugate between the carrier and the peptide of the present invention. As used herein, the term immunogen refers to a substance capable of producing an immune response. As used herein, the term carrier refers to any host cell that is immunized with the resulting conjugate, when it is chemically conjugated to a peptide of the invention, which can produce antibodies specific for the conjugated peptide. Means the substance. Carriers include red blood cells, bacteriophages, proteins or synthetic particles such as agarose beads. Preferably, the carrier is a protein such as serum albumin, gamma-globulin, keyhole limpet hemocyanin, thyroglobulin, ovalbumin, fibrinogen and the like.

  General techniques for conjugating synthetic peptides to carriers have been described in several literatures such as Walter and Doolittle, “Antibodies Against Synthetic Peptides”, in Setlow et al., Eds., Genetic Engineering, Vol. 5, pgs. (Plenum Press, NY, 1983); Green et al. Cell, Vol. 28, pgs. 477-487 (1982); Lerner et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., Vol. 78, pgs. 3403- 3407 (1981); Shimizu et al., US Pat. No. 4,474,754; and Ganfield et al., US Pat. No. 4,311,639. Accordingly, these documents are incorporated herein by reference. The technique used to bind the hapten to the carrier is essentially the same as that described in the above literature, for example, chapter 20 in Tijssen, Practice and Theory of Enzyme Immuno Assay (Elsevier, New York, 1985). The four most commonly used schemes for conjugating peptides to a carrier are (1) eg Kagan and Glick, in Jaffe and Behrman, eds. Methods of Hormone Radioimmunoassay, pgs. 328-329 (Academic Press, NY, 1979) and Walter et al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., Vol. 77, pgs. 5197-5200 (1980); (2) eg, Hoare et al , J. Biol. Chem., Vol. 242, pgs. 2447-2453 (1967), water-soluble carbodiimides for the attachment of carboxyl to amino; (3) For example, Bassiri et al., 46-47, in Jaffe and Behrman, eds. (supra) and Walter et al. (supra), bisdiazobenzidine (BDB) for binding tyrosine to the tyrosine side chain; and ( 4) Systems to amino groups as described, for example, by Kitagawa et al., J. Biochem. (Tokyo), Vol. 79, pgs. 233-239 (1976) and Lerner et al. (Supra). Maleimidobenzoyl-N-hydroxysuccinimide ester (MBS) for conjugation of in (or other sulfhydryls). The general rules for selecting an appropriate method for conjugating a peptide to a protein carrier can be stated as follows: the group involved in the conjugation is only once in the sequence, preferably the appropriate segment Should appear at the end. For example, BDB should not be used when a tyrosine residue appears twice in a sequence selected for its possible antigenic properties. Similarly, the centrally located lysine excludes the glutaraldehyde method and the appearance of aspartic acid and glutamic acid often excludes the carbodiimide method. On the other hand, appropriate residues can be placed as binding sites at either end of the selected sequence segment, whether or not they are present in the “native” protein sequence. The internal segment, unlike the amino and carboxy termini, is significantly different at the “unbound end” from the same sequence found in the native protein followed by the polypeptide backbone. By acetylating the α-amino group and subsequently linking the peptide in the direction of its carboxy terminus, the problem can be solved to some extent. The efficiency of binding to the carrier protein can be determined simply by using a radioactively labeled peptide prepared by using radioactive amino acids for one-step synthesis or by iodination of tyrosine residues of the finished peptide. Use and measure. The presence of tyrosine in the peptide also allows for a sensitive radioimmunoassay when desired. Thus, tyrosine can be inserted as a terminal residue when it is not part of the peptide sequence defined by the native polypeptide.

  Preferred carriers are proteins, and preferred protein carriers include bovine serum albumin, myoglobin, ovalbumin (OVA), keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), and the like. The peptide can be linked to KLH via cysteine by MBS as described in Liu et al., Biochemistry, Vol. 18, pgs. 690-697 (1979). The peptide is dissolved in phosphate buffered saline (pH 7.5), 0.1 M sodium borate buffer (pH 9.0) or 1.0 M sodium acetate buffer (pH 4.0). The pH for dissolving the peptide is selected to optimize peptide solubility. The free cysteine content of soluble peptides is measured by the Ellman method, Ellman, Arch. Biochem. Biophys., Vol. 82, pg. 7077 (1959). For each peptide, 4 mg KLH in 0.25 ml of 10 mM sodium phosphate buffer (pH 7.2) is reacted with 0.7 mg MBS (dissolved in dimethylformamide) and stirred for 30 minutes at room temperature. Since KLH is insoluble in> 30% formamide, MBS is added dropwise to confirm that the local concentration of formamide is not too high. The reaction product KLH-MBS was then passed through Sephadex G-25 equilibrated with 50 mM sodium phosphate buffer (pH 6.0) to remove free MBS, and KLH was recovered from the peak fraction of the column eluate ( OD280 monitor) is estimated to be about 80%. KLH-MBS is then reacted with 5 mg peptide dissolved in 1 ml of this selected buffer. The pH is adjusted to 7-7.5 and the reaction is stirred for 3 hours at room temperature. Binding efficiency is monitored with radioactive peptides by dialyzing a sample of this conjugate against phosphate-buffered saline and may range from 8% to 60%. Once the peptide-carrier conjugate is available, polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies can be obtained, for example, Campbell, Monoclonal Antibody Technology (Elsevier, New York, 1984); Hurrell, ed. Monoclonal Hybridoma Antibodies: Techniques and Applications (CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, 1982); Schreier et al. Hybridoma Techniques (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York, 1980); US Pat. No. 4,562,003; In particular, US Pat. No. 4,562,003 is hereby incorporated by reference.

Humanized antibodies The anti-CPP antibodies of the present invention may further comprise humanized antibodies or human antibodies. The term “humanized antibody” refers to a chimeric antibody, immunoglobulin chain or fragment thereof (eg, Fv, Fab, Fab ′, F (ab ′), or other antibody) that includes a portion of a sequence derived from a non-human antibody. A humanized form of a non-human (eg, murine) antibody that is an antigen-binding subsequence). Humanized antibodies have residues from CDRs of non-human species such as mice, rats or rabbits in which the complementarity-determining region (CDR) of the human immunoglobulin has the desired binding specificity, affinity and capacity. Includes human immunoglobulins that are substituted with groups. In general, the humanized antibody comprises substantially all of at least one and generally two variable domains, wherein all or substantially all of the CDR regions correspond to those of a non-human immunoglobulin. And all or substantially all of the FR region is of a human immunoglobulin consensus sequence. The humanized antibody optionally comprises at least a portion of an immunoglobulin constant region (Fc), which is typically that of a human immunoglobulin (Jones et al., Nature 321: 522-525 (1986) and Presta). , Curr. Op. Struct. Biol. 2: 593-596 (1992)). Methods for humanizing non-human antibodies are known in the art. In general, humanized antibodies have one or more amino acids from a non-human source inserted therein to more resemble human antibodies, but also maintain the antibody's original binding activity. Yes. Methods of antibody humanization are further described in Jones et al., Nature 321: 522-525 (1986); Riechmann et al., Nature 332: 323-327 (1988); and Verhoeyen et al., Science 239: 1534. -1536 (1988). Such “humanized” antibodies are chimeric antibodies in which substantially less than the entire human variable region has been replaced with the corresponding sequence from a non-human species.

Heteroconjugate antibodies Heteroconjugate antibodies comprising two covalently bound antibodies are also within the scope of the present invention. Heteroconjugate antibodies can be produced in vitro using known methods in synthetic protein chemistry, including those involving cross-linking agents. For example, immunotoxins can be produced using a disulfide exchange reaction or by formation of a thioether bond.

Bispecific antibodies Bispecific antibodies have binding specificity for at least two antigens. Such antibodies are monoclonal and are preferably human or humanized. One of the binding specificities of the bispecific antibodies of the invention is to CPP and the other is preferably to cell surface proteins or receptors or receptor subunits. Methods for producing bispecific antibodies are known in the art, and in general, recombinant production of bispecific antibodies is the simultaneous expression of two immunoglobulin heavy / light chain pairs in hybridoma cells, where The two heavy chains have different properties, for example Milstein and Cuello, Nature 305: 537-539 (1983). In view of the possibility that random classification of immunoglobulin heavy and light chains will result in the production of 10 different antibody molecules by hybridomas, purification of the correct molecule usually involves affinity purification, eg, affinity chromatography. Need some.

Use of CPP antibodies CPP antibodies can be used as functional antagonists. Preferably such antibodies are specific for CPP. More preferably, the antagonist of the present invention comprises a fragment or binding composition specific for CPP. As used herein, the term “heavy chain variable region” is (1) 110 to 125 amino acids long and (2) the amino acid sequence corresponds to the heavy chain of an antibody of the invention, By polypeptide starting from the N-terminal amino acid. Similarly, the “light chain variable region” is (1) 95 to 115 amino acids long and (2) its amino acid sequence corresponds to the light chain of an antibody of the invention and starts from the light chain N-terminal amino acid. Means a polypeptide. The term “monoclonal antibody” as used herein refers to a homogeneous population of immunoglobulins that can specifically bind to CPP. Preferably, the antagonist of the present invention is derived from a monoclonal antibody specific for CPP. Monoclonal antibodies that can block or neutralize CPP are selected for their ability to inhibit the biological activity of CPP.

  Antibody fragments, such as Fab fragments: Tijssen, Practice and Theory of Enzyme Immunoassay (Elsevier, Amsterdam, 1985); and Fv fragments: Hochman et al. Biochemistry, Vol. 12, pgs. 1130-1135 (1973), Sharon et al. , Biochemistry, Vol. 15, pgs. 1591-1594 (1976) and Ehrlich et al., US Pat. No. 4,355,023; and antibody half-molecules: Auditore-Hargreaves, US Pat. It is.

Preferably, the monoclonal antibody, Fv fragment, Fab fragment, or other binding composition derived from the monoclonal antibody of the present invention has a high affinity for CPP. The affinity of monoclonal antibodies and related molecules for CPP can be measured by conventional techniques including plasmon resonance, ELISA or equilibrium dialysis. Affinity measurements by plasmon resonance technology can be performed, for example, using a BIAcore 2000 instrument (Biacore AB, Uppsala, Sweden) according to the manufacturer's recommended protocol. Preferably, affinity is measured by ELISA, for example as described in US Pat. No. 6,235,883 or similar literature. Preferably, the dissociation constant between CPP and the monoclonal antibody of the present invention is less than 10 ⁻⁵ molar. More preferably, such dissociation constant of 10 ^-8 molar concentration less; preferably still, such a dissociation constant ^10-9 molar concentrations less; and most preferably, such dissociation constant 10 ^- It is in the range of ⁹ to 10 ⁻¹¹ molarity.

  In addition, the antibodies of the present invention are useful for the detection of CPP. Such a detection method is advantageously applied to the diagnosis of cardiovascular disorders, in particular coronary artery disease. The antibodies of the invention can be used in most assays involving an antigen-antibody reaction. The assay may be homogeneous or heterogeneous. In a homogeneous assay, a sample is a biological sample or body fluid, such as serum, urine, whole blood, lymph, plasma, saliva, cells, tissues, and substances secreted by cells or tissues cultured in vitro. possible. The sample may be pretreated when undesired material needs to be removed. An immunological response usually includes a specific antibody, a labeled analyte, and a sample suspected of containing an antigen. The antigen can be directly labeled with a labeling group as described herein. The signal generated from the label is modified directly or indirectly by binding of the antibody to the labeled analyte. Both immunological reactions and the extent of detection are performed in homogeneous solution. Immunochemical labels that can be used are free radicals, fluorescent dyes, enzymes, bacteriophages, coenzymes and the like.

  In heterogeneous assays, reagents typically include a sample, a specific antibody, and a means for producing a detectable signal. The specimen is generally placed on a support, such as a plate or slide, and contacted with the antibody in the liquid phase. The support is then separated from the liquid phase and either the support phase or the liquid phase is tested for a detectable signal using a means or signal generating system that generates such a signal. This signal is proportional to the presence of antigen in the sample. Methods for generating a detectable signal include the use of radioactive labels, fluorescent compounds, enzymes and the like. Examples of heterogeneous immunoassays are radioimmunoassays, fluorescent antibody methods, enzyme-linked immunoassays and the like.

  For further details on the above immunoassay techniques, see “Enzyme-Immunoassay” by Edward T. Maggio, CRC Press, Inc., Boca Raton, Fla., 1980. Also, for example, U.S. Patents 3,690,834; 3,791,932; 3,817,837; 3,850,578; 3,853,987; 3,867,517; 3,901,654; 935,074; 3,984,533; 3,966,345; and 4,098,876 (this list is not intended to be exhaustive). Methods for attaching labels to antibodies and antibody fragments are known in the art. Such methods can be found in US Pat. Nos. 4,220,450; 4,235,869; 3,935,974; and 3,966,345. An example of another technique in which the antibodies of the invention can be used is immunoperoxidase labeling (Sternberger, Immunocytochemistry (1979) pp. 104-169). Alternatively, the antibody may be conjugated to a radioactive substance or drug to form a radiopharmaceutical or drug, respectively (Carrasquillo, et al., Cancer Treatment Reports (1984) 68: 317-328).

  One embodiment of an assay using an antibody of the invention involves the use of a surface to which a monoclonal antibody of the invention is bound. The basic structure of the surface may take different forms, have different compositions, and may be a composition or a mixture of laminates, or a combination thereof. The surface can take various shapes and shapes and can have various dimensions, depending on the method of use and measurement. Examples of surfaces are pads, beads, discs or strips, which may be flat, concave or convex. The thickness is not critical and is generally about 0.1 to 2 mm thick, with any convenient diameter or other dimensions. The surface is typically supported by rods, tubes, capillaries, fibers, strips, discs, plates, cuvettes and is typically porous, allowing covalent attachment of antibodies and generating a detectable signal. It can be multifunctional or can be multifunctional to allow binding of other compounds that form part of the means for. A wide range of organic and inorganic polymers, both natural and synthetic, and combinations thereof, can be used as solid surface materials. Examples of polymers are polyethylene, polypropylene, poly (4-methylbutene), polystyrene, polymethacrylate, poly (ethylene terephthalate), rayon, nylon, poly (vinyl butyrate), silicon, polyformaldehyde, cellulose, cellulose acetate, nitrocellulose And latex. Other surfaces include paper, glass, ceramic, metal, metaloid, semiconductor products, cement, silicates and the like. Also included are substances that form gels, gelatin, lipopolysaccharides, silicates, agarose and polyacrylamide, or interfaces such as dextrans, polyalkylene glycols (alkylenes of 2 to 3 carbon atoms) or phospholipids. A polymer that forms several aqueous phases, such as active agents. Binding of the antibody to the surface can be accomplished by known techniques commonly available from the literature (eg, “Immobilized Enzymes,” Ichiro Chibata, Press, New York (1978) and Cuatrecasas, J. Bio. Chem. ., 245: 3059 (1970)). In performing the assay of this aspect of the invention, the sample is mixed with an aqueous medium and the medium is contacted with a surface having an antibody bound thereto. The label may be added to the aqueous medium simultaneously or sequentially to provide a detectable signal bound to the surface. The method of generating a detectable signal may involve the incorporation of a labeled analyte or may involve the use of a secondary monoclonal antibody having a labeled conjugate thereon. Perform separation and washing steps as needed. This detected signal is proportional to the presence of CPP in the sample. It is within the scope of the present invention to include calibration on the same support. Certain embodiments of the assay of the present invention include the use of a support, such as a slide or well of a petri dish, for purposes of illustration and not limitation. The technique involves immobilizing the sample to be analyzed on a support with an appropriate immobilizing material and incubating the sample on the slide with the monoclonal antibody. For example, after washing with a suitable buffer such as phosphate buffered saline, the support is contacted with a labeled specific binding partner of the antibody. After incubating as necessary, the slide is washed twice with aqueous buffer and the binding of labeled monoclonal antibody to the antigen is measured. When the label is fluorescent, the slide is covered with a fluorescent antibody mounting fluid on a cover glass and then examined with a fluorescent microscope to determine the extent of binding. On the other hand, the label can be an enzyme conjugated to a monoclonal antibody, and the extent of binding can be determined by examination of the slide for the presence of enzyme activity, which can be supported by the formation of precipitates, dyes, and the like. A particular example using the antibodies of the present invention is a dual deterministic ELISA assay. For example, a support such as glass or vinyl plate is coated with an antibody specific for CPP by conventional techniques. The support is contacted with a sample suspected of containing CPP, usually in an aqueous medium. After an incubation time of 30 seconds to 12 hours, the support is removed from the medium and washed with, for example, water or an aqueous buffered medium to remove unbound CPP, and an antibody specific for CPP, and Contact is usually in an aqueous medium. The antibody is directly or indirectly labeled with an enzyme such as horseradish peroxidase or alkaline phosphatase. After incubation, the support is removed from the media and washed as described above. The enzyme activity of the support or the aqueous medium is measured. This enzyme activity is proportional to the amount of CPP in the sample.

  The present invention also includes kits, eg, diagnostic assay kits, for performing the above methods. In one embodiment, the kit comprises a packaged combination of (a) a monoclonal antibody as specifically defined above and (b) a conjugate of a specific binding partner of the monoclonal antibody and a conjugate capable of generating a detectable signal. Consists of. The reagent may contain auxiliary agents such as buffering agents and protein stabilizing agents such as polysaccharides. The kit may further include other members of the signal generation system of which the label is a member, an agent for reducing the background in the test, a control reagent, an apparatus for performing the test, and the like, if necessary. . In other embodiments, the diagnostic kit comprises a conjugate of a monoclonal antibody of the invention and a label capable of generating a detectable signal. Adjuvants as described above may also be present.

  In addition, anti-CPP antibodies (eg, monoclonal antibodies) can be used to isolate CPP by standard techniques such as affinity chromatography or immunoprecipitation. For example, anti-CPP antibodies can facilitate the purification of natural CPP from cells and recombinantly produced CPP expressed in host cells. In addition, using anti-CPP antibodies to detect low concentrations of CPP (e.g., in plasma, cellular lysates or cell supernatants), or to assess CPP generation and expression patterns, CPP can be isolated. Anti-CPP antibodies can be used diagnostically to monitor protein levels in tissues, for example, as part of a clinical trial to determine the effect of a treatment regimen. Detection can be facilitated by coupling (ie, physical cross-linking) of the antibody to a label group.

Protein Array Detection, purification, and screening of the polypeptides of the present invention include retentate chromatography (as described in US Pat. No. 6,225,027 and US Pat. Appl. Preferably, this can be achieved using a protein array or chip). Briefly, retentate chromatography refers to a method in which polypeptides (and / or other sample components) are retained on an adsorbent (eg, an array or chip) and subsequently detected. Such a method involves (1) selectively adsorbing a polypeptide from a sample to a support under a number of different adsorbent / eluent conditions (“selectivity conditions”), and (2) adsorbed poly Peptide retention is detected by desorption spectroscopy (eg, mass spectrometry). In conventional chromatographic methods, the polypeptide is eluted from the adsorbent and released prior to detection. The combination of adsorption chromatography and detection by desorption spectrometry combines exceptional sensitivity, the ability to rapidly measure components retained under a variety of different selectivity conditions, and different sites on the array under different elution conditions ( That is, it provides an equilibrium treatment of the components adsorbed on “affinity sites” or “spots”).

  These methods include: combination of CPP, biochemical separation and purification; specific gene expression studies; detection of differences at the protein level (eg, for diagnostics); and detection of molecular recognition events (eg, screening and drugs) Useful for development). Thus, the present invention provides a molecular development and diagnostic device characterized by including both balanced and multiple polypeptide processing capabilities. The polypeptides and CPP-binding agents of the invention are preferably conjugated to a labeling group and are therefore detected directly and during the operation of one unit the same “circuit” (ie addressable “chip” location). ) Allows simultaneous transmission of two or more signals from

Detection of CPP by Mass Spectrometry According to the present invention, the identity and generation amount of a protein in a sample can be detected using any apparatus, method, process and the like. A preferred method for obtaining identity is by mass spectrometry, which ionizes protein molecules in a sample and then detects and determines the mass and charge of the resulting protein ions.

  In order to use mass spectrometry for protein analysis, it is preferred to displace the protein into the gas-ion phase. Various methods of protein ionization are useful, such as fast ion irradiation (FAB), plasma desorption, laser desorption, thermal desorption, preferably electrospray ionization (ESI) and matrix assisted laser desorption / ionization ( MALDI). Many different mass analyzers are available for peptide and protein analysis, including time of flight (TOF), ion trap (ITMS), Fourier transform ion cyclotron (FTMS), quadrupole ion trap and sector (electrical and / or (Or magnetic) spectrometer. For example, see US Pat. No. 5,572,025 for ion trap MS. The mass analyzer can be used alone or in combination with other mass analyzers in a tandem mass spectrometer. In the latter case, the first mass analyzer can be used to separate protein ions (precursor ions) from each other and determine the molecular weight of various protein components in the sample. A second mass analyzer can be used to analyze each separated component, eg, by fragmenting the precursor ions into product ions, eg, using an inert gas. Any desired combination of mass analyzers can be used, including, for example, triple quadrupole, tandem time of flight, ion trap, and / or combinations thereof.

  Different types of detectors can be used to detect protein ions. For example, destructive detectors such as ion electron multipliers or cryogenic detectors can be used (eg, US Pat. No. 5,640,010). In addition, non-destructive devices such as ion traps used as ion current pick-up devices in quadrupole ion trap mass analyzers or FTMS ion traps can be used.

  For MALDI-TOF, dry droplets (Karasand Hillenkamp, Anal. Chem., 60: 2299-2301, 1988), vacuum drying (Winberger et al., In Proceedings of the 41st ASMS Conference on Mass Spectrometry and Allied Topics, San Francisco, May 31-June 4, 1993, pp. 775a-b), crystal destruction (Xiang et al., Rapid Comm. Mass Spectrom., 8: 199-204, 1994), slow crystal growth (Xiang et al. , Org. Mass Spectrom, 28: 1424-1429, 1993); active films (Mock et al., Rapid Comm. Mass Spectrom., 6: 233-238, 1992; Bai et al., Anal. Chem., 66: 3423-3430, 1994), air spray (Kochling et al., Proceedings of the 43rd ASMS Conference on Mass Spectrometry and Allied Topics; Atlanta, GA, May 21-26, 1995, p1225); electrospray (Hensel et al., Proceedings of the 43rd ASMS Conference on Mass Spectrometry and Allied Topics; Atlanta, GA, May 21-26, 1995, p947); fast solvent evaporation (Vorm et al., Anal. Chem., 66: 3281-3287, 1994); Sandwich (Li et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 11 8: 11662-11 663, 1996); and two-layer methods (Dal et al., Anal. Chem., 71: 1087-1091, 1999) are available. See also, for example, Liang et al., Rapid Commun. Mass Spectrom., 10: 1219-1226, 1996; van Adrichem et al., Anal. Chem., 70: 923-930, 1998.

  For MALDI analysis, samples are mixed as solid state co-crystals or as thin films and mixed with energy absorbing compounds or colloids (matrix) in the liquid phase, and finally the solution is brought to a solid state on the surface of the inert probe. Prepare by drying. In some cases, energy absorbing molecules (EAM) are an essential component of the sample presenting surface. Regardless of the EAM application method, the probe content may be dried to a solid prior to insertion in a laser desorption / ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer (LDIMS).

  Ion detection in TOF mass spectrometry can typically be accomplished by the use of an electro-emissive detector, such as an electron multiplier (EMP) or microchannel plate (MCP). Both of these devices work by converting the primary projected charged particles into a cascade of electrons that are secondary, tertiary, or quaternary. The potential for secondary electricity produced by the impact of a single projected charged particle can be taken as the ion-to-electron conversion efficiency of this charge repair (or, more simply, conversion efficiency). The total electron yield for cascading events as compared to the total number of incident charged particles is typically described as the detector amplification factor. Since the overall reaction time of MCP is generally superior to EMP, MCP is a preferred electron emissive detector for enhanced mass / charge resolving power. However, EMP works well for the detection of kinetic energy ion populations that do not require fast reaction times and wide frequency bandwidths.

  In a preferred aspect, a liquid-chromatography tandem mass spectrometer (LC-TMS) is used for analysis of digested proteins. The system provides an additional stage of sample digestion through the use of liquid chromatography after tandem mass spectrometry.

  In a preferred aspect, proteins eluted from the column according to the system described in Example 1 are analyzed using both MS and MS-MS analysis. For example, a small amount of intact protein eluting from RP2 is used for on-line detection using LC-ESI MS. The protein is aliquoted for preparation of many plates with or without trypsin digestion, preparation for MALDI-MS and ESI-MS, preparation of MALDI plates with different matrices. The method thus allows analysis to be performed by both peptide mass fingerprinting and MS-MS techniques in addition to intact mass information.

  The methods of protein separation and fragmentation described herein provide individual proteins or fragments that contain small amounts of separate proteins. These proteins can be identified by mass spectrometric measurements of the protein and peptide molecules obtained by their fragmentation. By using the information available in the protein sequence database, a comparison can be made between the peptide mass pattern due to proteolysis produced in the computer and the peptide mass observed in the experiment. The “hit-list” is compiled and the candidate proteins in the database are ranked based on the number of matches of theoretical and experimental proteolytic fragments (among other criteria). Several web sites are available that provide online software for protein identification based on peptide mapping and sequence database search methods (eg http://www.expasy.ch). Methods for peptide mapping and sequencing using MS are described in WO95 / 252890, US Pat. No. 5,538,897, US Pat. No. 5,869,240, US Pat. No. 5,572,259 and US Pat. No. 5,696,376. Has been. See also Yates, J. Mass Spec., 33: 1 (1998).

  The data collected from the mass spectrometer typically provides the intensity and mass to charge ratio for each detection result. Spectral data can be recorded in either digital or analog form, for example, in a graph, in numbers, or in any suitable form including electronic form. The spectrum is preferably recorded on a storage medium including, for example, magnetic such as floppy disk, tape or hard disk; optical such as CD-ROM or laser disk; or ROM-CHIPS.

  The mass spectrum of a sample typically provides information on protein strength, mass to charge ratio, and molecular weight. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the molecular weight of the protein in the sample is used as a matching criterion for database queries. This molecular weight can be conveniently determined by, for example, subtracting the mass of the ionization moiety for monovalent charged protonated molecular ions, and multiplying the measured mass / charge ratio by the number of charges for multiply charged ions. Calculate by subtracting the number of.

  Various databases are useful in the present invention. Useful databases include databases that contain genomic sequences, expressed gene sequences, and / or expressed protein sequences. Preferred databases include molecular weights derived from nucleotide sequences of proteins present in known organisms, organs, tissues or cell types. There are many computational methods for identifying open reading frames (ORFs) and converting protein sequence and molecular weight information into many nucleotide sequences. Several publicly accessible databases are available, including the SwissPROT / TrEMBL database (http://www.expasy.ch).

  Typically, a mass spectrometer includes commercially available software that identifies peaks above a certain threshold level and calculates the intensity of the mass, charge and detected ions. Correlation between molecular weight and certain stroke volume peaks can be achieved from direct spectral data, ie when the charge on the ion is one and therefore the molecular weight is equal to the molecular value minus the mass of the ionized proton. . However, protein ions can be complicated by various counter ions and adducts such as N, C and K ′. In such cases, certain protein ions are expected to exhibit multiple peaks, such as triples, indicating different ionic states (or species) of the same protein. Thus, spectral data may need to be analyzed and processed to determine a family of peaks that originate from the same protein. This analysis can be conveniently performed as described, for example, in Mann et al., Anal. Chem., 61: 1702-1708 (1989).

  Post-translational processing may be performed on the coincidence of the molecular mass calculated from the mass spectrometer and the molecule predicted from a database such as a genomic or expressed gene database. There are a variety of processing events that modify protein structure, including proteolytic processing, removal of N-terminal methionine, acetylation, methylation, glycosylation, phosphorylation, and the like.

  A database can be queried for a range of proteins that match an unknown molecular mass. The range frame can be determined depending on the accuracy of the apparatus, the method of preparing the sample, and the like. Based on the number of hits in the spectrum (when the hit is a match), an unknown protein or peptide can be identified or classified.

  Methods for identifying one or more CPPs by mass spectrometry are useful for the diagnosis and prognosis of cardiovascular disorders. Preferably, such methods are used for the detection of one or more CPPs present in human plasma. Examples of techniques are described in US patent applications 02/0060290, 02/0137106, 02/0138208, 02/0142343, 02/0155509, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Diagnostic and Prognostic Uses The nucleic acid molecules, proteins, protein homologs and antibodies described herein can be used in one or more of the following methods: diagnostic assays as further detailed herein. , Prognostic assays, clinical trial monitoring, screening assays, and pharmacogenetics.

  The present invention provides diagnostic and prognostic assays for the detection of CPP nucleic acids and proteins, as further detailed. Also provided are diagnostic and prognostic assays for detecting interactions between CPP and CPP target molecules, particularly natural agonists and antagonists.

  The present invention provides methods for identifying polypeptides that are differentially expressed in two or more samples. The term “differently expressed” refers to differences in the amount or quality of a polypeptide between samples. Such differences can occur at all stages of protein expression from transcription to post-translational modification. For example, using protein array methods, two samples are bound to affinity spots on different sets of adsorbents (eg, chips) and the recognition maps are compared and held differently by the two sets of adsorbents. The polypeptide to be identified is identified. Different retention includes polypeptide retention and qualitative differences. For example, differences in post-translational modification of proteins can be detected in differences in recognition maps that are detectable as differences in binding properties (e.g., glycosylated proteins bind differently to lectin adsorbents) or in mass (e.g., post-translational cleavage products). ) Can make a difference. In certain embodiments, the adsorbent may have an array of affinity spots selected for a combination of diagnostic markers of disease or syndrome.

  Differences in polypeptide levels between samples (eg, CPPs that are differentially expressed in plasma samples) expose samples to various conditions for analysis by desorption spectrometry (eg, mass spectrometry) Unknown proteins can be identified by detection of physicochemical properties (eg, molecular mass), and this information can be used to search a database for proteins with similar properties.

  A preferred method for detection of CPP uses mass spectrometry techniques. Such methods provide information regarding the size and characteristics of a particular CPP isoform present in a sample, eg, a biological sample provided for diagnosis or prognosis. Mass spectrometry techniques are detailed in the section entitled “Detection of CPP by Mass Spectrometry”. Example 1 outlines a preferred detection scheme in which biological samples are chromatographically separated prior to characterization by mass spectrometry. The present invention involves the fractionation of biological samples (eg, plasma, serum, lymph, cerebrospinal fluid, cell lysates of specific tissues) by at least one chromatographic step; the fractions are subjected to mass spectrometry. And comparing the characteristics of the polypeptide species observed by mass spectrometry with the known characteristics of the CPP polypeptide (eg CPP6-7 as described in FIG. 1). Provides a method for detecting CPPs.

  The isolated nucleic acid molecules of the invention can be used, for example, to detect changes in CPP mRNA (eg, in a biological sample) or CPP-encoding gene and to modulate CPP activity, as detailed below. . The present CPP can be used for the treatment of diseases characterized by insufficient production of CPP or by excess production of CPP target molecules. In addition, the CPPs are used for screening naturally occurring CPP target molecules, for screening for drugs or compounds that modulate, preferably activate, CPP activity, and compared to insufficient production of CPP or wild-type CPP. Can be used to treat diseases characterized by the production of CPP forms with reduced and abnormal activity. Furthermore, the anti-CPP antibodies of the present invention can be used to detect and isolate CPPs, modulate CPP bioavailability, and modulate CPP activity.

  Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention provides a molecule of the present invention (eg, CPP, CPP nucleic acid or CPP inhibitor or activator) that diagnoses, prognoses and / or treats a disease in which any of the CPP activities described above are involved. To a method of use (eg, diagnostic assay, prognostic assay or prophylactic / therapeutic method of treatment). In other embodiments, the invention uses the molecules of the invention for, eg, diagnosis, prognosis and / or treatment of a subject, preferably a human subject, in which any of the aforementioned activities are pathologically disturbed. Certain uses (eg, diagnostic assays, prognostic assays or prophylactic / therapeutic methods of treatment). In a preferred embodiment, the method of use administers a molecule of the invention to a subject, preferably a human subject, for diagnostic, prognostic, and / or therapeutic treatment. In other embodiments, the method of use relates to administering a molecule of the invention to a human subject.

  For example, the present invention is a method for detecting whether CPP is expressed in a biological sample: a) with the biological sample: i) hybridizes with a CPP nucleic acid under stringent conditions. A polynucleotide; or ii) contacting a detectable polypeptide (eg, an antibody) that selectively binds to CPP; and b) detecting the presence or absence of hybridization between the polynucleotide and the RNA species in the sample. Or a method comprising detecting the presence or absence of binding of the detectable polypeptide to a polypeptide in the sample. Detection of the hybridization or the binding suggests that the CPP is expressed in the sample. Preferably, the polynucleotide is a primer and the hybridization is detected by the presence of an amplification product compared to the primer sequence, or the detectable polypeptide is an antibody.

  In certain embodiments, detection is performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) such as anchor PCR or RACE PCR (see, eg, US Pat. Nos. 4,683,195 and 4,683,202, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. , Or ligation chain reaction (LCR) (see, eg, Landegren et al. (1988) Science 241: 1077-1080; and Nakazawa et al. (1994) PNAS 91: 360-364, With regard to the use of probes / primers in these contents, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety, the latter may be particularly useful for the detection of point mutations in CPP-encoding genes (Abravaya et al (1995) Nucleic Acids Res. 23: 675-682, the description of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety).

  Also contemplated is a method of determining whether a mammal, preferably a human, has an elevated or decreased expression level of CPP: a) providing a biological sample from the mammal; and b) A method comprising comparing the amount of CPP or the amount of CPP RNA species encoding CPP in a biological sample to the level expressed or predicted in a control sample. An increased amount of the CPP or CPP RNA species in the biological sample compared to the level detected or predicted in the control sample indicates that the level of CPP expression in the mammal is increased. Suggests that the amount of the CPP or CPP RNA species decreased in the biological sample compared to the level detected or predicted in the control sample is reduced in the level of CPP expression in the mammal. Suggest that

  The present invention also relates to the field of predictive medicine, where diagnostic assays, prognostic assays, and clinical trial monitoring are thereby used for prognostic purposes to treat an individual prophylactically. Accordingly, one aspect of the invention is to determine CPP and / or nucleic acid expression and CPP activity in the context of a biological sample (eg, blood, plasma, cells, tissue), thereby causing an individual to be abnormal. It relates to a diagnostic assay for determining whether a disease or disorder associated with CPP expression or activity is at risk for developing the disease. The present invention also provides a prognostic (or predictive) assay for determining whether an individual is at risk for developing a disease associated with CPP, nucleic acid expression or activity. For example, mutations in the CPP-encoding gene can be assayed in a biological sample. Such assays can be used for prognostic or predictive purposes, thereby treating an individual prophylactically prior to the onset of a disease characterized by or associated with CPP expression or activity.

  The term “biological sample” is intended to include tissues, cells and fluids isolated from an individual and tissues, cells and fluids present within an individual. That is, the detection methods of the present invention can be used to detect CPP mRNA, protein or genomic DNA in biological samples in vitro and in vivo. Preferred biological samples are body fluids such as lymph, cerebrospinal fluid, blood, and especially plasma. For example, in vitro techniques for detection of CPP mRNA include Northern hybridization and in situ hybridization. In vitro methods for detection of CPP include mass spectrometry, enzyme immunoassays (ELISA, Western blot, immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence. In vitro techniques for detection of CPP-encoding genomic DNA include Southern -Including hybridization, and in vivo techniques for detection of CPP include introducing labeled anti-CPP antibodies into the individual.

  In preferred embodiments, the subject method comprises (i) mutation of a gene encoding one of the subject CPPs, or (ii) inappropriate expression of a CPP-encoding gene in a tissue sample of an individual (eg, a human patient) ( generally characterized by detecting the presence or absence of a genetic lesion characterized by at least one of mis-expression). For purposes of illustration, such genetic lesions include (i) a deletion of one or more nucleotides from the CPP-encoding gene, (ii) the addition of one or more nucleotides to the gene, ( iii) substitution of one or more nucleotides of the gene, (iv) global chromosomal rearrangement or amplification of the gene, (v) global changes in the messenger RNA transcript level of the gene, (vi) the gene. Abnormal alterations of, for example, methylation patterns of genomic DNA, (vii) presence of non-wild type splicing patterns of messenger RNA transcripts of the gene, and (viii) lesions in control elements of expression of CPP-encoding transcripts or It can be detected by confirmation of the presence of a reduced level of at least one suggesting a reduction in limiting.

  In yet another exemplary embodiment, the aberrant methylation pattern of the CPP nucleic acid is sensitive to methylation of genomic DNA from a patient sample and its recognition site is within the CPP-encoding gene (flanking sequences and intron sequences). Detection by digestion with one or more restriction endonucleases present in See, for example, Buiting et al. (1994) Human Mol Genet 3: 893-895. The digested DNA is separated by gel electrophoresis and hybridized with, for example, a probe derived from a genomic or cDNA sequence. The methylation status of the CPP-encoding gene can be determined by comparing the restriction pattern produced in the sample DNA with known methylation standards.

  In yet another aspect, a diagnostic assay is provided that detects the ability of a CPP to bind to a cell surface or extracellular protein. For example, it is a CPP that lacks binding of a CPP target protein (having either reduced or increased binding affinity for the target) while expressed at detectable levels in the cell. It would be desirable to detect mutants. Such variants may be produced from, for example, mutations, eg point variants, which may not be practical for detection by the diagnostic DNA sequencing techniques or immunoassays described above. The present invention thus clones one or more CPP-encoding genes from a sample tissue and expresses the cloned gene under conditions that allow detection of the interaction between the recombinant gene product and the target protein. Diagnostic screening assays are generally contemplated, including From the description of the various assays described herein under the “Drug Screening Assay” section, it will be apparent that a wide range of methods can be used to determine the ability of a CPP to bind to other molecules. These techniques can be used to detect mutations in CPP-encoding genes that generate protein variants that have higher or lower binding affinity for CPP target proteins compared to wild-type CPP. Conversely, by exchanging what the CPP target protein and CPP are “food” with those from the patient sample, the subject assay can also be directed against CPP as compared to the wild-type form of the CPP target protein. It can be used to detect CPP target protein variants with high or low binding affinity.

  In an example embodiment, the target protein can be provided as an immobilized protein (“target”), such as by use of a GST fusion protein and a glutathione treated microtiter plate as described herein.

  In another embodiment, the method further obtains a control biological sample from a control subject, wherein the control sample is a compound or agent capable of detecting CPP, mRNA or genomic DNA and the presence of CPP, mRNA or genomic DNA is an organism. Contact to be detectable in a biological sample and comparing the presence of CPP, mRNA or genomic DNA in a control sample with the presence of CPP, mRNA or genomic DNA in a test sample. The present invention also includes a kit for detecting the presence of CPP, mRNA or genomic DNA in a biological sample. For example, the kit includes: a labeled compound or agent capable of detecting CPP, mRNA or genomic DNA in a biological sample; a means for detecting the amount of CPP in the sample; and the amount and standard of CPP in the sample. Means for comparing may be included. The compound or agent can be packaged in a suitable container. The kit may further comprise instructions for using the kit to detect CPP or nucleic acid.

Drug screening assay. , Methods (also referred to herein as “screening assays”) for identifying candidate modulators (eg, small molecules, peptides, antibodies, peptidomimetics or other agents) are provided. In some embodiments, small molecules can be produced using combinatorial chemistry or can be obtained from natural product libraries. The assay may be a cell based or non-cell based assay. The drug screening assay may be a binding assay, or more preferably a functional assay as further detailed.

  When the present invention is used in drug development, for example, to determine the ability of a CPP polypeptide or candidate modulator to elicit an anti-cardiovascular disorder response, a body fluid for analyzing the level of at least one CPP is preferably Is from a non-human mammal. The non-human mammal is preferably one in which induction of an anti-cardiovascular disorder response by endogenous and / or exogenous motives is predictive of such a response in a human. Rodents (mouse, rat, etc.) and primates are particularly suitable for use in this aspect of the invention.

  Using a screening assay as further detailed herein, CPP activity is at least 5%, more preferably at least 10%, even more preferably at least 30%, even more preferably at least 50%, even more preferably Agents found to modulate by at least 70%, even more preferably at least 90%, may be selected for further testing as prophylactic and / or therapeutic anti-cardiovascular disease agents.

  Agents found to increase CPP activity can be used alone or in combination with appropriate agents or therapies, for example, to reduce the symptoms of cardiovascular disorders. Agents that are found to inhibit CPP activity can be used, for example, in the modulation of treatment regimens for cardiovascular disorders.

  In other aspects, in a screening assay as described in further detail herein, CPP expression is at least 5%, more preferably at least 10%, even more preferably at least 30%, even more preferably at least 50%, further Agents that have been found to modulate by more preferably at least 70%, even more preferably by at least 90% may be selected for further testing as prophylactic and / or therapeutic anti-cardiovascular disease agents.

  Protein array methods are useful for screening and drug development. For example, one member of a receptor / ligand pair is docked to an adsorbent and its ability to bind to a binding partner is allowed to bind in the presence of a test substance. Because of the speed with which adsorption can be tested, combinatorial libraries of test substances can be easily screened for their ability to modulate this interaction. In a preferred screening method, CPP is docked to the adsorbent. The binding partner is preferably labeled, thus allowing detection of the interaction.

  Alternatively, in some embodiments, the test substance is docked to the adsorbent. A polypeptide of the invention is exposed to a test substance and screened for binding. Preferred test substances include substances associated with the disease or disorder, such as proteins, lipids or endocrine factors that are specifically present in the disease (preferably cardiovascular disease).

  In other embodiments, the assay comprises contacting a cell expressing CPP or a biologically active portion thereof with a test compound and determining the ability of the test compound to inhibit, activate or increase CPP activity. Assay. Determination of the ability of a test compound to inhibit, activate or increase CPP activity is accomplished by monitoring the biological activity of the CPP or biologically active portion thereof. The cell can be, for example, mammalian, insect, bacterial or yeast cells.

  In one aspect, the present invention provides an assay for screening candidate or test compounds that are target molecules of CPP or biologically active portions thereof. In other embodiments, the invention provides assays for screening candidate or test compounds that bind to or modulate activity of a CPP or biologically active portion thereof. Test compounds of the present invention include: biological libraries; spatially addressable equilibrium solid phase or solution phase libraries; synthetic library methods requiring deconvolution; 'one-bead one-compound ) 'Library methods; and any of a number of studies in combinatorial library methods known in the art, including synthetic library methods using affinity chromatography selection. While this biological library approach is used with peptide libraries, the other four approaches can be applied to peptide, non-peptide oligomer or small molecule libraries of compounds (Lam, KS (1997) Anticancer Drug Des 12: 145, the description of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety).

  Methods for the synthesis of molecular libraries are described in the literature, for example: DeWitt et al. (1993) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90: 6909; Erb et al. (1994) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 11422; Zuckermann et al. (1994). J. Med. Chem. 37: 2678; Cho et al. (1993) Science 261: 1303; Carrell et al. (1994) Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. Engl. 33 : 2059 and 2061; and Gallop et al. (1994) J. Med. Chem. 37: 1233, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

  Library of compounds can be in solution (e.g., Houghten (1992) Biotechniques 13: 412-421) or on beads (Lam (1991) Nature 354: 82-84), chips (Fodor (1993) Nature 364: 555- 556), bacteria (Ladner US Patent 5,223,409), spores (Ladner US Patent '409), plasmids (Cull et al. (1992) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 89: 1865-1869) or on phage (Scott and Smith (1990) Science 249: 386-390); (Devin (1990) Science 249: 404-406); (Cwirla et al. (1990) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 87: 6378-6382); (Felici (1991) J. Mol. Biol. 222: 301-310); (Ladner supra).

  Determining the ability of a test compound to inhibit or increase CPP activity can be achieved, for example, by binding the subject CPP having a labeling group or biologically active portion thereof to the binding of CPP or biologically active portion thereof to its cognate target molecule. Can be achieved by conjugation, as can be determined by detection of labeled CPP or biologically active portion thereof in the complex. For example, the degree of complex formation can be measured by immunoprecipitation of the complex or by performing gel electrophoresis.

  It is also within the scope of the present invention to determine the ability of a compound to interact with its cognate target molecule without labeling all of the interacting reactants. For example, a microphysiometer can be used to detect the interaction of a compound and a cognate target molecule without labeling either the compound or the target molecule. McConnell, H. M. et al. (1992) Science 257: 1906-1912, the description of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. A microphysiometer, such as a site sensor, is an analytical device that measures the rate at which cells acidify its environment using a light-addressable potentiometric sensor (LAPS). This change in acidification rate can be used as an indicator of the interaction between the compound and the receptor.

  In a preferred embodiment, the assay comprises: contacting a cell expressing a CPP or biologically active portion thereof with a target molecule to form an assay mixture, contacting the assay mixture with a test compound, wherein the test compound is CPP or an organism thereof. Determining the ability to inhibit or increase the activity of the biologically active moiety. Determining the ability of the test compound to inhibit or increase the activity of CPP or a biologically active portion thereof: the ability of the test compound to inhibit or increase the biological activity of CPP-expressing cells (eg, as described above) Determination of interactions with CPP target molecules).

  In another preferred embodiment, the assay comprises contacting a cell reactive to CPP or a biologically active portion thereof with CPP or a biologically active portion thereof to form an assay mixture, wherein the assay mixture and test compound are Contacting and determining the ability of the test compound to modulate the activity of the CPP or biologically active portion thereof. Determining the ability of a test compound to modulate the activity of a CPP or biologically active portion thereof includes determining the ability of the test compound to modulate the biological activity of a CPP-responsive cell.

  In other embodiments, the assay contacts a test compound with a cell expressing a CPP target molecule (ie, a molecule with which it interacts), and the test compound modulates (eg, stimulates or inhibits) the activity of the CPP target molecule. A cell-based assay that involves determining the capacity. Determining the ability of a test compound to modulate the activity of a CPP target molecule can be accomplished, for example, by assessing the activity of the target molecule or by assessing the ability of the CPP to bind to or interact with the CPP target molecule.

  The ability of a CPP to bind to or interact with a CPP target molecule can be achieved, for example, by one of the methods described above for determining binding directly or indirectly. In a preferred embodiment, the assay comprises contacting the CPP or biologically active portion thereof with a known compound (eg, a CPP antibody or target molecule) that binds CPP to form an assay mixture, wherein the CPP and test compound are contacted. Contacting the compound before or after determining the ability of the test compound to interact with the CPP. The ability of a test compound to interact with CPP includes determining the ability of the test compound to bind to CPP or a biologically active portion thereof predominantly compared to a known compound. Determining the ability of the CPP to bind to a CPP target molecule can also be accomplished using techniques such as real-time biomolecule interaction analysis (BIA). Sjolander, S. and Urbaniczky, C. (1991) Anal. Chem. 63: 2338-2345 and Szabo et al. (1995) Curr. Opin. Struct. Biol. 5: 699-705; Is incorporated herein in its entirety. As used herein, “BIA” is a technique for studying biospecific interactions in real time without labeling any of the interacting reaction pairs (eg, BIAcore). Changes in the optical phenomenon of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) can be used as an indicator of real-time reactions between biological molecules.

  In other embodiments, the assay comprises contacting the CPP or biologically active portion thereof with a test compound and the test compound is capable of modulating (eg, stimulating or inhibiting) the activity of the CPP or biologically active portion thereof. Is a cell-free assay. In a preferred embodiment, determining the ability of the CPP to interact with or modulate a CPP target molecule can be accomplished by determining the activity of the target molecule. For example, the activity of the target molecule is brought into contact with the target molecule and CPP or a fragment thereof, and induction of target cellular second messengers (eg, cAMP, STAT3, Akt, intracellular Ca2 +, diacylglycerol, IP3, etc.) Measure and detect the catalytic / enzymatic activity of this target with respect to the appropriate substrate, or detect the induction of a reporter gene (including a target-reactive control element operably linked to a detectable marker, eg, luciferase) Or by detecting a target-regulated cellular response, such as signal transduction or protein: protein interactions.

  The cell-free assay of the present invention follows the use of both soluble and / or membrane-bound forms of the isolated protein (eg, CPP or biologically active portion thereof or molecule to which the CPP target binds). For cell-free assays using a membrane-bound form of the isolated protein, it may be desirable to use a solubilizer so that the membrane-bound form of the isolated protein is maintained in solution. Examples of such solubilizers are n-octyl glucoside, n-dodecyl glucoside, n-dodecyl maltoside, octanoyl-N-methyl glucamide, decanoyl-N-methyl glucamide, Triton ™ X-100, Triton ™. X-114, Thesit ™, isotridecipoly (ethylene glycol ether) n, 3-[(3-colamidopropyl) dimethylaminio] -1-propanesulfonate (CHAPS), 3-[(3-colamidopropyl) dimethylamino Nio] -2-hydroxy-1-propanesulfonate (CHAPSO) or N-dodecyl = N, N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate.

  In one or more embodiments of the above assay method, either CPP or any of its target molecules is immobilized to facilitate separation of one or both proteins from unbound form and to apply to assay automation. It may be desirable to do so. Binding of the test compound to the CPP, or the interaction of the CPP and the target molecule, in the presence and absence of the candidate compound, is performed in any container suitable for containing the reactants and as described herein. Can be achieved by all the immobilization protocols described in. Alternatively, dissociation from the complex matrix and the level of CPP binding or activity can be determined using standard techniques.

  Other techniques for immobilizing proteins on a matrix can also be used in the screening assays of the invention. For example, either CPP or CPP target molecule can be immobilized utilizing biotin and streptavidin binding. A biotinylated CPP or target molecule can be prepared from biotin-NHS (N-hydroxy-succinimide) using techniques known in the art (eg, biotinylation kit, Pierce Chemicals, Rockford, Ill.) And streptavidin- Immobilize in wells of coated 96-well plates (Pierce Chemical). Alternatively, an antibody that is reactive with a CPP or target molecule but does not interfere with binding of the CPP to its target molecule can be derivatized to the well of the plate, and unbound target or CPP is captured in the well by antibody binding. The The ability to detect such complexes is in addition to those described above for GST-immobilized complexes, as well as immunodetection of complexes using antibodies reactive with CPP or target molecules, and CPP or target Includes enzyme-binding assays that rely on detection of enzymatic activity associated with the molecule.

  In other embodiments, a modulator of CPP expression is identified in a method that contacts a cell with a candidate compound and determines the expression of CPP mRNA or protein in the cell. The level of expression of CPP mRNA or protein in the presence of the candidate compound is compared to the level of expression of CPP mRNA or protein in the absence of the candidate compound. The candidate compound can then be identified as a modulator of CPP expression based on this comparison. For example, a candidate compound is identified as a stimulator of CPP mRNA or protein expression when the expression of CPP mRNA or protein is greater (statistically significantly greater) in the presence of the candidate compound. Alternatively, a candidate compound is identified as an inhibitor of CPP mRNA or protein expression when the expression of CPP mRNA or protein is less (statistically significantly less) in the absence of the candidate compound. The level of CPP mRNA or protein expression in a cell can be determined by the methods described herein for detection of CPP mRNA or protein.

  In yet another aspect of the invention, the CPP can be used as a “bait protein” in a two-hybrid assay or a three-hybrid assay (eg, US Pat. No. 5,283,317; Zervos et al. (1993) Cell 72: 223). -232; Madura et al. (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268: 12046-12054; Bartel et al. (1993) Biotechniques 14: 920-924; Iwabuchi et al. (1993) Oncogene 8: 1693-1696; And Brent WO 94/10300, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety) and bind to or interfere with CPP ("CPP-binding protein" or "CPP-bp"). Identifies other proteins involved in CPP activity. Such CPP-binding proteins also appear to be involved in signal transduction by CPP or CPP targets, for example, as downstream elements of the CPP-mediated signaling pathway. Alternatively, such CPP-binding proteins appear to be CPP inhibitors.

  This two-hybrid system is based on the modular nature of most transcription factors, consisting of separable DNA-binding and activation domains. Briefly, this assay utilizes two different DNA constructs. In one construct, a gene encoding CPP or a fragment thereof is fused to a gene encoding the DNA binding domain of a known transcription factor (eg, GAL-4). In the other construct, a DNA sequence from a library of DNA sequences encoding an unidentified protein (“prey” or “sample”) is fused to a gene encoding the activation domain of the known transcription factor. When the “bait” and “bait” proteins interact to form a CPP-dependent construct in vivo, the DNA-binding and activation domains of the transcription factor are brought into close proximity. This access allows transcription of a reporter gene (eg, LacZ) operably linked to a transcriptional control site that responds to the transcription factor. Expression of the reporter gene can be detected and cell colonies containing the functional transcription factor can be isolated and used to obtain a cloned gene encoding a protein that interacts with CPP.

  The present invention further relates to novel agents identified by the above screening assays and methods for producing such agents through the use of these assays. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention relates to a compound or agent obtainable by a method comprising any one step of the above-described screening assays (eg cell-based assays or cell-free assays).

  Accordingly, further use of agents identified as described herein in suitable animal models is also within the scope of the present invention. For example, agents identified as described herein (eg, CPP modulators, or CPP-binding partners) are used in animal models to determine the effects, toxicity, or side effects of treatment with such agents. Can be used for Alternatively, agents identified as described herein can be used in animal models to determine the mechanism of action of such agents. Moreover, the present invention relates to the use of new agents identified by the above screening assays for treatment as described herein. Preferably, such agents activate or enhance CPP biological activity.

  The present invention also relates to the use of novel agents identified by the above screening assays for diagnosis, prognosis, prevention and treatment as described herein. Accordingly, the use of such agents in the design, formulation, synthesis, manufacture and / or product of a drug or pharmaceutical composition for use in diagnosis, prognosis or treatment as described herein is also within the present invention. Is within the range. For example, in one embodiment, the invention includes a method for the synthesis or manufacture of a drug or pharmaceutical composition that refers to the structure and / or properties of a compound obtainable by one of the above screening assays. For example, a compound obtained by a method wherein a drug or pharmaceutical composition is contacted with a cell that expresses a CPP target molecule and a test compound, and the ability of the test compound to bind to or modulate the activity of the CPP target molecule Can be synthesized based on the structure and / or properties of In other exemplary embodiments, the invention contacts a CPP or biologically active portion thereof with a test compound and the test compound binds to or modulates the activity of the CPP or biologically active portion thereof (e.g., Methods of synthesis based on the structure and / or properties of the compounds obtained by the method of determining their ability to stimulate or inhibit).

Animal-based drug screening It is also advantageous to perform drug screening assays in vivo. In vivo screening assays are performed on non-human animals to find effective CPP modulators that may play a role in cardiovascular disease. Animal-based model systems for cardiovascular disease include, but are not limited to, non-recombinant animals and transgenic animals.

  Non-recombinant animal models for cardiovascular disease include, for example, genetic models. Such genetic cardiovascular disease models include apoB or apoR deficient pigs (Rapacz, et al., 1986, Science 234: 1573-1577) and Watanabe hereditary hyperlipidemia (WHHL) rabbits (Kita et al., 1987). , Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci USA 84: 5928-5931). Non-recombinant, non-genetic animal models of atherosclerosis, for example, when an animal is exposed to a chemical wound, eg via LDL bait, or a mechanical wound via balloon catheter angioplasty. A pig, rabbit, or rat model.

  As shown in the prior literature (Ferns, G. A. A. et al. (1991) Science, 253: 1129-1132), a rat carotid artery injury model of restenosis may be useful as an indicator of potential therapeutic effects. An example of this method is described in US Pat. No. 6,500,909, the description of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Briefly, using a protocol approved by the National Institute on Aging Animal Care and Use Committee, 6 months old Wistar rats from GRC colonies were intraperitoneally 20 mg / body weight. Anesthetize with kg pentobarbital, 2 mg / kg body weight ketamine and 4 mg / kg body weight xylazine. The left external carotid artery is cannulated with a 2-French Fogarty embolectomy catheter, inflated with saline, and passed through the common carotid artery three times to create an expanded deendothelializing injury. The animal is treated with an appropriate dose of test substance or vehicle alone (eg, 1: 2: 2: 165 DMSO: Cremophor EL: dehydrated ethanol: phosphate buffered saline based on body weight per day). Solution) was treated by intraperitoneal injection starting 2 hours after injury. Test substance or vehicle alone was administered as an intraperitoneal injection once a day for the next 4 days. After 11 days, the animals (8 treated and 10 vehicle-treated) were anesthetized as described above, the carotid artery was isolated, fixed in 10% buffered formalin and embedded in paraffin. The carotid artery cross-section is mounted on a microscope slide and stained with hematoxylin and eosin staining. An image of this carotid artery was projected on a digital board, and the cross-sectional areas of the intima and media were measured. A decrease in neointimal area (thickness) indicates that the test substance is an effective anti-restenosis agent.

Inhibition of bile acid recirculation from the lumen of the intestinal tract has been found to reduce causal serum cholesterol levels. Epidemiologic data has accumulated to show that such a reduction leads to an improvement in the disease state of atherosclerosis (Stedronsky, Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, 1210, 255-287 (1994)). Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) has been shown to effectively modify the plasma HDL / LDL ratio and is expected to check the prognosis and / or development of certain cardiovascular diseases. Inhibition of CETP results in an increase in plasma HDL cholesterol and a decrease in plasma LDL cholesterol, thereby providing a therapeutically favorable plasma lipid profile (McCarthy, Medicinal Res. Revs., 13, 139-59 (1993) ). In vivo assays (CETP inhibition) of compounds that inhibit bile uptake of ¹⁴ C-taurocholate in rat ileum are described in US Pat. No. 6,489,366 and Une, et al. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, 833, 196-202 (1985). And their descriptions are hereby incorporated by reference.

Briefly, male Wistar rats (200-300 g) are anesthetized with inactin (100 mg / kg). The bile duct is cannulated with a 10 inch long PE10 tubing. Expose the small intestine and spread on a gauze pad. Insert a cannula (1/8 ”luer lock, tapered female adapter) 12 cm from the branch point of the small intestine and cecum. Cut the slit 4 cm away from the branch point (using the 8 cm length of the ileum). 20 ml of acid buffered saline, pH 6.5 (PBS) is used to flush out the intestinal segment.The distal opening is cannulated with a 20 cm long silicone tubing (0.02 "ID. .X.0.037 "OD.) Connect the proximal cannula to a peristaltic pump and flush the intestine for 20 minutes with warm PBS at 0.25 ml / min. At the start of the experiment, 2.0 ml of control sample (0.05 mCi / mL ¹⁴ C-taurocholate and 5 mM non-radiolabeled taurocholate) is filled into the main intestine segment with a 3 ml syringe and the bile sample collected Contro Sample sample is infused for 21 minutes at a rate of 0.25 ml / min Bile sample fraction is collected every 3 minutes for the first 27 minutes of the process After 21 minutes of sample infusion, the ileal loop is placed in 20 ml of warm PBS Rinse (using a 30 ml syringe), then flush the loop for 21 minutes, warm PBS at 0.25 ml / min, perform a second perfusion as above, but with additional test compound. (21 min followed by 21 min flush), bile is sampled every 3 min for the first 27 min, if necessary, a third perfusion is performed as described above, typically with a control sample Including.

  In addition, measurement of liver cholesterol concentration is a useful assay for determining the effectiveness of test substances against cardiovascular disorders. In this assay, liver tissue is weighed and homogenized in chloroform: methanol (2: 1). After homogenization and centrifugation, the supernatant is separated and dried under nitrogen. The residue is dissolved in isopropanol and the cholesterol concentration is determined using cholesterol oxidase and peroxidase as described in Allain, CA et al., Clin. Chem., 20, 470 (1974), which is hereby incorporated by reference. Measure enzymatically using a combination of

  Similarly, serum cholesterol can be determined as follows. Total serum cholesterol is measured enzymatically using a kit commercially available from Wako Fine Chemicals (Richmond, Va.); Cholesterol C11, Catalog No. 276-64909. HDL cholesterol can be assayed using the same kit after preparing VLDL and LDL with Sigma Chemical Co. HDL Cholesterol Reagent, Catalog No. 352-3 (dextran sulfate method). Total serum triglycerides (TGI) are also assayed enzymatically with Sigma Chemical Co. GPO-Trinder, Catalog No. 337-B. VLDL and LDL (VLDL + LDL) cholesterol concentrations are calculated as the difference between total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. Reduced VLDL + LDL cholesterol in the test substance-treated sample compared to the control is an indicator of the effectiveness of the anti-cardiovascular disorder agent.

  For example, a canine model for evaluating lipid lowering agents as described in US Pat. No. 6,489,366 can also be utilized.

  Briefly, a male beagle dog weighing 6-12 kg, purchased from a retail store such as Marshall farms, is fed once a day for 2 hours with free access to water. The dogs consisted of 6-12 dogs at random: vehicle, i.g .; 1 mg / kg, i.g .; 2 mg / kg, i.g .; 4 mg / kg, i.g .; Assign to dosing groups, such as 2 mg / kg, po (powder in capsule). Intragastric administration of a therapeutic substance dissolved in an aqueous solution (eg, 0.2% Tween 80 solution [polyoxyethylene monooleate, Sigma Chemical Co., St. Louis, Mo.]) using a gavage tube Can be administered. Prior to initiation of administration, blood samples may be drawn from the cephalic vein in the morning before feeding to assess serum cholesterol (total and HDL) and triglycerides. The animals are then dosed in the morning before food for several days. The animals should be fed for 2 hours, after which the remaining food should be removed. Feces may be collected over the last 2 days of the study and analyzed for bile acid or lipid content. A blood sample is also taken at the end of the treatment period for comparison with pre-test serum lipid levels. Statistical significance is determined as p <0.05 using standard Student's T test.

  Serum lipid measurement is measured similarly. Blood is drawn from a fasted dog cephalic vein into a serum separator tube (Vacutainer SST, Becton Dickinson and Co., Franklin Lakes, NJ). The blood is centrifuged at 2000 rpm for 20 minutes, and the serum is discarded. Total cholesterol is produced in 96-well form using the Wako enzyme diagnostic kit (Cholesterol CII) (Wako Chemicals, Richmond, Va.) To produce hydrogen peroxide using the cholesterol oxidase reaction and colorimetrically Measure by measuring in the analysis. Prepare 0.5 to 10 μg cholesterol in the first two columns of the plate. Serum samples (20-40 μl, depending on expected lipid concentration) or known serum control samples are added in duplicate to separate wells. Add water to bring the volume of each well to 100 μl. A 100 μl aliquot of coloring reagent is added to each well and the plate is incubated for 15 minutes at 37 ° C. before reading at 500 nm.

  HDL cholesterol is assayed using Sigma kit No. 352-3 (Sigma Chemical Co., St. Louis, Mo.), which uses dextran sulfate and Mg ions to selectively precipitate LDL and VLDL. obtain. 150 μl of each serum sample is added to each microcentrifuge tube followed by 15 μl of HDL cholesterol reagent (Sigma 352-3). Samples are mixed and centrifuged at 5000 rpm for 5 minutes. A 50 μl aliquot of this supernatant is then mixed with 200 μl saline and assayed using the same method as the total cholesterol measurement.

  Triglycerides are measured using Sigma kit No. 337 in the form of a 96 well plate. This method measures glycerol after its release by reaction of triglycerides with lipoprotein lipase. A standard solution of glycerol (Sigma 339-11) in the range of 1 to 24 μg is used for the generation of a standard curve. Serum samples (20-40 μl, depending on the expected lipid concentration) are added in duplicate to the wells. Water is added to bring the volume in each well to 100 μl, and 100 μl of colored reagent is also added to each well. After mixing and incubation for 15 minutes, the plate is read at 540 nm and triglyceride values are calculated from a standard curve. Duplicate plates are also performed using blank enzyme reagent and corrected for any endogenous glycerol in the serum sample.

  The effects of test compounds on serum glucose and serum insulin can be assessed in db / db mice (C578BL / KsJ-db / db Jcl), as described in US Pat. No. 6,462,046, the description of which is hereby incorporated by reference. The compound is dissolved in a vehicle (eg consisting of 2% Tween 80 in distilled water) and administered orally. Dosage is determined by body weight. All aspects of this study, including animal experiments and disposal, are generally in accordance with the International Guiding Principles for Biomedical Research Involving Animals (CIOMS Publication No. ISBN 92 90360194, 1985). Do. A glucose-HA assay kit (Wako, Japan) is used for the measurement of serum glucose, and an ELISA mouse insulin assay kit (SPI bio, France) is used for the measurement of insulin. A suitable positive control is troglitazone (Helios Pharmaceutical, Louisville, Ky.).

  The animals are divided into 20 groups of 4 animals each. The animal weighs 52 ± 5 gms and is 8-10 weeks old. During the experiment, the animals are provided with laboratory animal food (Fwusow Industry Co., Taiwan) and water that can be freely consumed. Prior to all treatments, blood samples (pretreatment blood) are taken from each animal. Four groups of animals, the vehicle group, receive only vehicle. The vehicle group receives 100, 30, 10, or 1 ml / kg body weight of vehicle orally. Triglitazone solution (tween 80/10 ml in water / kg body weight) is administered to four positive control groups at 100, 30, 10 and 1 ml / kg body weight, respectively. The test compound is also administered orally as a solution to 4 groups of animals, each group receiving a different dose of the compound. The vehicle, positive control and test compound solution are administered to the group immediately after collection of pre-treatment blood, 24 hours and 48 hours later. Blood is drawn 1.5 hours after the last dose (post-treatment blood). Serum glucose is measured enzymatically (Mutaratose-GOD) and insulin levels are measured by ELISA (Mouse Insulin Assay Kit). The mean / standard error of each group is calculated and the percent inhibition of serum glucose and insulin is obtained by comparing pre-treatment blood and post-treatment blood. The rate of decrease in serum glucose and insulin levels in post-treatment blood relative to pre-treatment blood is determined, and an unpaired Student t test is applied for comparison of control and test solution groups and vehicle groups. Significance is considered as P <0.05. Troglitazone as an effective anti-cardiovascular disorder reduces glucose levels at 10 mg / kg body weight (25 ± 2%).

  US Pat. No. 6,121,319, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes an assay for the progression of atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Kill this rabbit and get the aorta. The aorta is stained with Sudan 4 and the degree of staining is analyzed. Graph the percentage of aortic surface covered by lesions in test substance-treated and untreated lipid-fed rabbits. The aorta of rabbits treated with an effective anti-atherosclerotic agent is poorly stained and exhibits reduced atherosclerosis. In addition, aortic sections are immunostained for antibodies to VCAM-1 or Ram-11 antigens for VCAM-1 expression or macrophage accumulation. Reduced VCAM-1 expression and macrophage accumulation compared to control treated samples are indicators of effective drugs.

  LDL cholesterol reduction can also be measured in a primate model. For example, cynomolgus monkeys are hypercholesterolemic prior to test compound administration by feeding a high fat cholesterol diet. The monkey is then orally dosed with the test compound or control vehicle for 2 weeks. A reduction in the proportion of serum LDL cholesterol in monkeys during this period is an indication of an effective anti-atherosclerotic agent.

Pharmaceutical Compositions When the polypeptides of the present invention are expressed in soluble form, for example, as secreted products of transformed yeast or mammalian cells, they are subjected to ammonium sulfate precipitation, ion exchange chromatography, gel filtration, electrophoresis, affinity chromatography. Can be purified according to standard methods in the art, including steps such as “Enzyme Purification and Related Techniques,” Methods in Enzymology, 22: 233-577 (1977) and Scopes, R ., Protein Purification: Principles and Practice (Springer-Verlag, New York, 1982). Similarly, when the polypeptides of the invention are expressed in a soluble form, for example as aggregates or inclusion bodies, they are separated from disrupted host cells by centrifugation and the inclusion bodies are chaotropic and reducing agents. And solubilize, dilute the solubilized mixture, and purify by any suitable technique, including reducing the concentration of chaotropic and reducing agents so that the polypeptide takes a biologically active form. The latter method is described in the following references, which are hereby incorporated by reference: Winkler et al, Biochemistry, 25: 4041-4045 (1986); Winkler et al, Biotechnology, 3: 992-998 ( 1985); Koths et al, US Pat. No. 4,569,790; and European patent applications 86306917.5 and 86306353.3.

  Compounds that can modulate and preferably increase CPP biological activity are preferably small molecule peptides, but also include CPP nucleic acid molecules, CPPs, and anti-CPP antibodies of the invention can be included in pharmaceutical compositions suitable for administration. . Such compositions typically include a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. As used herein, the expression “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” refers to any and all solvents, dispersion media, coatings, antibacterial and antifungal agents, isotonic and absorption delaying agents that are compatible with pharmaceutical administration. It is intended to include. The use of such media and agents for pharmaceutically active substances is known in the art. Except where any known medium or agent is incompatible with the active compound, their use in the compositions is contemplated. Additional active compounds can also be included in the composition.

  A pharmaceutical composition of the invention is formulated to be compatible with its intended route of administration. The age of the route of administration includes parenteral, eg, intravenous, intradermal, subcutaneous, oral (eg, inhalation), transdermal (topical), transmucosal, and rectal administration. Solutions or suspensions used for parenteral, intradermal or subcutaneous administration may include the following: sterile diluents such as water for injection, saline solutions, fixed oils, polyethylene glycol, glycerin, propylene glycol or others Synthetic solvents; antibacterial agents such as benzyl alcohol or methyl paraben; antioxidants such as ascorbic acid or sodium bisulfite; chelating agents such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid; buffers such as acetate, citrate or phosphorus Agents for regulating acid salts and tonicity, such as sodium chloride or dextrose. The pH can be adjusted with acids or bases, such as hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide. The parenteral preparation can be enclosed in ampoules, disposable syringes or multiple dose vials made of glass or plastic.

  Pharmaceutical compositions suitable for injectable use include sterile aqueous solutions (when water soluble) or dispersions and sterile powders for the extemporaneous preparation of sterile injectable solutions or dispersion. For intravenous administration, suitable carriers include physiological saline, bacteriostatic water, Cremophor EL® (BASF, Parsippany, N.J.) or phosphate buffered saline (PBS). In all instances, the composition should be sterile and should be fluid to the extent that easy syringability exists. It must be stable under the conditions of manufacture and storage and must be preserved against the contaminating action of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. The carrier must be a solvent or dispersion medium containing, for example, water, ethanol, polyol (for example, glycerol, propylene glycol, and liquid polyethylene glycol, and the like), and suitable mixtures thereof. The proper fluidity can be maintained, for example, by the use of a coating such as lecithin, by the maintenance of the required particle size in the case of dispersion and by the use of surfactants. Protection against microbial action can be achieved by various antibacterial and antifungal agents such as parabens, chlorobutanol, phenol, ascorbic acid, thimerosal, and the like. In many cases, it will be preferable to include isotonic agents, for example, sugars, polyalcohols such as mannitol, sorbitol, sodium chloride in the composition. Prolonged absorption of the injectable compositions can be brought about by including in the composition an agent that delays absorption, for example, aluminum monostearate and gelatin.

  When the active compound is a protein, eg, an anti-CPP antibody, a sterile injectable solution can contain the required amount of the active compound in a suitable solvent, optionally in combination with one or more of the above-described ingredients. It can be prepared by subsequent filter sterilization. Generally, dispersions are prepared by incorporating the active compound into a sterile vehicle that is comprised of a basic dispersion medium and the required other ingredients as described above. In the case of sterile powders for the preparation of sterile injectable solutions, the preferred method of manufacture is vacuum drying and freezing, which produces a powder from a pre-sterilized filtered solution containing the active ingredient plus any additional desired components derived therefrom. It is dry.

  Oral compositions generally include an inert diluent or an edible carrier. They can be enclosed in gelatin capsules or compressed into tablets. For the purpose of oral therapeutic administration, the active compound can be incorporated with excipients and used in the form of tablets, troches, or capsules. For administration by inhalation, the compounds are delivered in the form of an aerosol spray from pressured container or dispenser which contains a suitable propellant, eg, a gas such as carbon dioxide, or a nebulizer. Systemic administration can also be by transmucosal or transdermal means. For transmucosal or transdermal use, penetrants appropriate to the barrier to be permeated are used in the formulation. Such penetrants are generally known in the art and include, for example, for transmucosal administration, surfactants, bile salts and fusidic acid derivatives. Transmucosal administration can be accomplished through the use of nasal sprays or suppositories. For transdermal administration, the active compounds are formulated into ointments, salves, gels, or creams as generally known in the art. Most preferably, the active compound is delivered to the subject by intravenous injection.

  In one embodiment, the active compound is formulated with a carrier that will protect the compound against rapid elimination from the body, such as a controlled release formulation, including implants and microencapsulated delivery systems. Biodegradable, biocompatible polymers can be used, such as ethylene vinyl acetate, polyanhydrides, polyglycolic acid, collagen, polyorthoesters, and polylactic acid. It will be clear to those skilled in the art how to make such formulations. This material can also be purchased from Alza Corporation and Nova Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Liposomal suspensions (including liposomes targeted to infected cells with monoclonal antibodies against viral antigens) can also be used as pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. These can be prepared by methods known to those skilled in the art, for example, as described in US Pat. No. 4,522,811, the description of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

  In a further embodiment, the active compound may be coated on a microchip drug delivery device. Such devices control proteinaceous compositions into the bloodstream, cerebrospinal fluid, lymph or tissue of an individual without such composition being subject to degradation or injection into the individual. It is useful to make the delivered. The use of microchip drug delivery devices is described in US Pat. Nos. 6,123,861 and 5,797,898 and US Patent Application No. 200201119176A1, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. ing.

  It is especially advantageous to formulate oral or preferably parenteral compositions in dosage unit form for ease of administration and uniformity of dosage. As used herein, dosage unit form means a physically discrete unit suitable as a dosage unit for a subject to be treated; each unit is an active compound calculated to produce the desired therapeutic effect. A predetermined amount together with the required pharmaceutical carrier. The specification for the unit dosage forms of the present invention is determined by the unique properties of the active compound and the specific therapeutic effect to be achieved, the limitations inherent in the art for formulating such active compounds for the treatment of individuals. Depends on these.

  The toxic and therapeutic effects of such compounds are, for example, standard in cell cultures or experimental animals for the determination of LD50 (a dose that is lethal to 50% of the population) and ED50 (a dose that is effective for 50% of the population). Specific pharmaceutical methods can be determined. The dose ratio between toxic and therapeutic effects is the therapeutic index and it can be expressed as the ratio LD50 / ED50. Compounds that exhibit large therapeutic indices are preferred. Compounds that exhibit toxic side effects may be used, but such compounds are targeted to affected tissue sites in order to minimize the possibility of damaging uninfected cells and thereby reduce side effects Therefore, care must be taken in the design of the delivery system.

  Data obtained from cell culture assays and animal studies can be used to formulate a dosage range for use in humans. The dosage range of such compounds is preferably within a range of circulating concentrations that include the ED50 with little or no toxicity. The dosage can vary within this range depending upon the dosage form employed and the route of administration utilized. For any compound used in the method of the invention, the therapeutically effective dose can be estimated initially from cell culture assays. Doses may be formulated in animal models to achieve circulation, which is used to more accurately determine useful doses in humans. The level in plasma can be measured, for example, by high performance liquid chromatography.

  The pharmaceutical composition can be included in a container, package or dispenser together with instructions for administration.

Therapeutic Uses of CPP The CPPs, CPP modulators and anti-CPP antibodies of the present invention can be used in the treatment or prevention of CPP-related diseases. Unlike manufactured small molecule therapeutics that may cause an immune response in the host or may prove toxic, the peptides of the invention are normally secreted and are not considered toxic to the subject to which they are administered. Thus, in one aspect, the invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising CPP as an active ingredient, preferably comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent. The carrier or diluent is preferably adapted for oral, intravenous, intramuscular or subcutaneous administration. CPP can also be formulated as a solution for inhalation. The pharmaceutical composition can comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of any of the CPPs described herein. If desired, the CPP can be administered as a propeptide or prepropeptide.

  Many drugs are useful for the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disorders. Such agents can be used in combination with CPP for free.

  For example, cell cycle inhibitors and proto-oncogenes (Simari and Nabel, Semin. Intervent. Cardiol. 1: 77-83 (1996)); NO (nitrogen monoxide) donor agents; apoptosis inducers such as bcl-x ( Pollman et al., Nature Med. 2: 222-227 (1998)); herpesvirus thymidine kinase (tk) gene and systemic ganciclovir (Ohno et al., Science 265: 781-784 (1994); Guzman et al. , Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 91: 10732-10736 (1994); Chang et al., Mol. Med. 1: 172-181 (1995); and Simari et al., Circulation 92: 1-501 ( 1995)) has been developed to treat atherosclerosis, restenosis and neointimal smooth muscle proliferation. The above references are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

  Antithrombotic agents useful in combination with the peptides of the present invention include, for example, inhibitors of IIb / IIIa integrin; tissue factor inhibitors; and antithrombin agents. Antiarrhythmic drugs such as local anesthesia (class I agents), sympathetic antagonists (class II agents), antifibrillation agents (class III agents), calcium channel agents (class IV agents) or anionic antagonists (class V agents) Vukmir, Am. J. Emer. Med. 13: 459-470 (1995); Grant, PACE 20: 432-444 (1997); Assmann I. , Curr. Med. Res. Opin. 13: 325-343 (1995); and Lipka et al., Am. Heart J. 130: 632-640 (1995) and can also be used. Examples of class I agents include: procainamide; quinidine or disopyramide; lidocaine; phenytoin; tocainide or mexiletine; encainide; flecainide; lorcainide; propafenone (III) or moricidine. Sympathetic antagonists include: propranolol, esmolol, metoprolol, atenelar or acebutolol. Examples of antifibrillation agents are bretylium, amiodarone, sotalol (II) or N-acetyl procainamide. Class IV agents include verapamil, diltiazem and bepridil, and anionic antagonists such as alinidine.

  The therapeutic agent for congestive heart failure is a TNF inhibitor such as Embrel.TM. (Immunex Corp .; Seattle, Wash.), TBC11251, or an ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitor such as Natrecor (Nesiritide; Sciss, Inc.). Including. An angiogenic agent, eg, a recombinant VEGF isoform such as rhVEGF developed by Genentech; a nucleic acid molecule encoding a 121 amino acid isoform of VEGF (BioByPass.TM .; GenVec / Parke Davis); or VEGF- FIBLAST.TM, which is a recombinant form of FGF-2 developed by Nucleic acid 2 (Vascular Genetics, Inc.); Scios, Inc. (Mountain View, Calif.) And Wyeth Ayerst Laboratories (Radnor, Pa.). , GENERX.TM. Or Collateral Therapeutics (San Diego, Calif.) And Schering AG (Miller and Abrams, Gen. Engin. News 18: 1 (1998), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The adenoviral gene therapy vector encoding FGF-4 developed by (including) is also useful in combination with the CPP-related compositions of the present invention. Finally, calcium antagonists such as amlodipine (Marche et al., Int. J. Cardiol. 62 (Suppl.): S17-S22 (1997); Schachter, Int. J. Cardiol. 62 (Suppl.): S85-S90 (1997)); nicardipine; nifedipine; propanolol; isosorbide nitrate; diltiazem; and isradipine (Nayler (Ed.) Calcium Antagonists pages 157-260 London: Academic Press (1988); Schachter, Int. J. Cardiol. 62 (Suppl. ): S9-S15 (1997)) is also an advantageous therapeutic agent for cardiovascular disorders.

  Although the present invention has been generally described, further understanding can be obtained by reference to certain specific examples that are provided herein for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting unless otherwise specified. .

Example 1: Characterization of CPP levels in experimental and control populations Subjects enrolled in Duke Database for cardiovascular disease were selected based on coronary artery disease (CAD). A total of 241 CAD patients and control individuals were further matched for gender, age and ethnicity, and individuals with plasma abnormalities were excluded. A set of 53 CAD patients and a set of 53 control individuals were established. Six liters of plasma were collected from each set. An aliquot of plasma was secured from each individual so that a positive result in the stored sample could be confirmed for each member of the population. Such confirmation is effective to eliminate possible interfering effects by individuals with abnormal levels of specific polypeptides not related to cardiovascular disorders. 2.5 liters of plasma from each population was subjected to separation by multiple chromatographic steps according to the Microprot.TM process as follows:

Step 1: HSA / IgG depletion 125 ml frozen plasma was thawed and filtered through a 0.45 μm sterile filter in a sterile hood.
The filtrates were each 300 ml HSA ligand Sepharose fast flow column (Amersham, Upsala, Sweden), ID 5 cm, length 15 cm; and 100 ml protein G Sepharose fast flow column (Amersham, Upsala, Sweden), ID 5 cm, length It was injected into two series columns that were 5 cm.

The column was equilibrated and washed with 50 mM PO ₄ buffer, pH 7.1, 0.15 M NaCl. The flow rate was 5 ml / min.
The non-retained fraction (350 ml) was frozen until the second step. 20 times.

Step 2: Gel filtration / reverse phase capture phase The sample from Step 1 was thawed and filtered through a 0.45 μm sterile filter in a sterile hood.
The filtrate was injected into two in-line gel filtration columns: 2 × 9.5 liter Superdex 75 (Amersham, UK) column, ID 14 cm, length 62 cm. The column was equilibrated with 50 mM PO ₄ buffer, pH 7.4, 0.1 M NaCl, 8 M urea. Hydrophobic impurities were retained on a reverse phase precolumn: 150 ml PLRPS (Polymer Labs, UK). The precolumn was replaced for sample injection. Gel filtration was performed at a flow rate of 40 ml / min.

Low molecular weight protein (<20 kDa) was adapted to a series reverse phase capture column: 50 ml PLRPS 100 angstrom (Polymer labs, UK). The three-way valve on the PLRPS column was switched with a 33 mAU (280 nm) cutoff and the gel filtration eluate was sent to the reverse phase capture column. This cutoff value was first estimated by using SDS-PAGE to provide an approximate range of OD values, followed by evaluation of three cutoff values (high, medium and low values of the OD range). The final cut-off value was chosen to maximize the low molecular weight protein obtained with a low molecular weight ratio of at least 85%. Low molecular weight proteins and peptides were eluted from the reverse phase capture PLRPS column with a 1 column volume gradient of an aqueous solution of 0.1% TFA, 80% CH ₃ CN.

  The elution fraction (50 ml) was frozen until the next step. 20 times. At the end of this step, all reverse phase eluates were thawed, collected (1 liter) and divided into 7 polypropylene containers (143 ml). The container was frozen at −20 ° C. until used in the next step.

Step 3: Cation Exchange The sample from step 2 (147 ml) was thawed and mixed with an equal volume of cation exchange buffer A (Gly / HCl buffer 50 mM, pH 2.7, urea 8 M).
Samples were injected into a 100 ml Source 15S column (Amersham, Upsala, Sweden), ID 35 mm, length 100 mm. The column was equilibrated with buffer A and washed. The flow rate was 10 ml / min.

Proteins and peptides were eluted with a step gradient from 100% buffer A to 100% buffer B (buffer A with 1M NaCl):
3 column capacity 7.5% B (75 mM NaCl)
3 column capacity 10% B (100 mM NaCl)
3 column capacity 17.5% B (175 mM NaCl)
2 column capacity 22.5% B (225 mM NaCl)
2 column capacity 27.5% B (275 mM NaCl)
2 column capacity 100% B (1M NaCl)
45-60 fractions were collected based on the peak. 7 times. After the seventh time, fractions were stored in the same run and between runs to obtain 18 fractions. Fractions were frozen at −20 ° C. until used in the next step.

Step 4: Reduction / alkylation and reverse phase HPLC fractionation 1
After adjusting the pH to 8.5 with concentrated Tris-HCl, each of the 18 cation exchange fractions was reduced with dithioerythritol (DTE, 30 mM, 3 hours, 37 ° C.) and iodoacetamide (120 mM, 1 hour in the dark, 25 ° C). The latter reaction was stopped by the addition of DTE (30 mM) followed by oxidation (TFA, 0.1%). This fraction was then injected into an Uptiper C8, 5 micron, 300 Angstrom column (Interchim, France), ID 21 mm, length 150 mm. Injection was performed at a flow rate of 10 ml / min.

The C8 column was equilibrated with an aqueous solution of 0.1% TFA (solution A) and washed. Proteins and peptides were eluted with a 60 minute biphasic gradient from 100% A to 100% B (0.1% TFA, 80% CH ₃ CN in water). The flow rate was 20 ml / min. 40 ml of 30 fractions were collected.

  Based on the measurement of optical density (OD) at 280 nm of each fraction (reflecting the protein concentration in that fraction), aliquots of similar protein content were made for each fraction.

  All aliquots are frozen and frozen for further use except one per fraction, one of which is added after adding 500 μl of an aqueous solution of 10% glycerol to prevent excessive drying, followed by Speed Vac (Savant, Fischer, Geneva ). The dried fraction was frozen at −20 ° C. until used in the next step.

Step 5: Reversed phase HPLC fractionation 2
The sample from step 4 was resuspended in 1 ml of solution A (0.03% TFA in water) and injected into a Vydac LCMS C4 column, 5 micrometers, 300 angstroms (Vydac, USA), ID 4.6 mm, length 150 mm did. The flow rate was 0.8 ml / min.

The C4 column was equilibrated and washed with Solution A, and proteins and peptides were eluted with a biphasic gradient adapted to the elution of the sample in reverse phase HPLC fractionation 1. Complete mass data was acquired using electrospray ion trap mass spectrometry. Using 16 different gradients, the CH ₃ CN concentration range was 5% minus and plus range of CH ₃ CN in the RP1 fraction corresponding to the solvent concentration. For proteins eluted in RP1 at a solvent concentration of 30% CH ₃ CN or higher, the starting elution conditions for the RP2 gradient were set to percent CH ₃ CN, RP1 elution concentration minus 30%. Twenty-four elution fractions were collected in deep well plates and adopted an optimized different collection configuration designed for optimal SpeedVac concentration and further automated instrument treatment.

Step 6: Mass Detection Approximately 13,000 fractions were collected in 96-well deep well plates (DWP) following reverse phase HPLC fractionation 2. A small percentage of this volume (2.5%) was diverted to online analysis using LC-ESI-MS (Bruker Esquire). An aliquot of undigested protein was mixed with a MALDI matrix and spotted on a MALDI plate with a mass scale standard and a sensitivity standard. An automated spot device (Bruker MALDI sample prep. Robots) was used. Two different MALDI matrices were used: sinapinic acid (SA) (also known as sinapinic acid), trans-3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxycinnamic acid and alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (HCCA). MALDI plates were subjected to mass detection using a Bruker Reflex III MALDI MS instrument. The 96-well plate was stored at + 4C.

  A 96-well plate (DWP) was collected and subjected to two successive concentration steps. The volume was concentrated from 0.8 ml to about 50 μl / well by drying with SpeedVac, then redissolved to about 200 μl, reconcentrated to about 50 μl / well and stored at + 4C. The protein is then rebuffered, trypsin is added to the wells, sealed, and the plates are brought to 0 spheres at 37 C for 12 hours, followed by quenching (addition of formic acid to bring the pH below 2.0). Digested. The concentration of trypsin to be added to the wells was adjusted based on the OD recorded at 280 nm for each specific fraction. This ensures optimal use of trypsin and complete digestion of most concentrated fractions. An automated spot device (Bruker MALDI sample prep. Robots) was used to deposit volumes from each well premixed with HCCA matrix on a MALDI plate with sensitivity and mass calibration standards. MALDI plates were analyzed using a Bruker Reflex III MALDI MS instrument. The contents of each well of the 96-well plate were analyzed on an LC-ESI-MS-MS Bruker Esquire ESI Ion-Trap MS instrument.

Step 7: Detection and Identification of Low Abundance Peptides in Human Plasma Separated fractions are further subjected to mass spectrometry methods (both matrix assisted laser desorption / ionization (MALDI) and MS-MS) for separation and detection.
Complete mass data, peptide mass fingerprint and peptide sequence data are integrated for protein identification and characterization. Proteins were identified using Mascot software (Matrix Science Ltd., London, UK) and the results obtained from peptide identification were checked by manual analysis of the spectra.

  Of the proteins identified by this method, Calgranulin A (S100 calcium-binding protein A8, SwissProt accession number P05109) is expressed in a greater degree in the storage sample from the control than in the storage sample from the CAD patient. (For example, peptides derived from the protein were observed twice in the control fraction compared to the disease fraction, and the cumulative score obtained during identification of the mass spectrum of the protein was 2.5 for the control sample. Twice as expensive). Calgranulin A has been characterized as a pro-inflammatory protein (Odink, et al., Nature 330 (6143), 80-82 (1987) and many subsequent references). It is expressed by bone marrow cells that have extravasated during the inflammatory response, where it binds to glycosaminoglycan structures on epithelial cells (Robinson, et al., JBC 277: 3658-65 (2002)). Interestingly, PCT publication WO 00/61742 describes the use of Calgranulin A for the treatment of heart failure, for example by arteriosclerosis. In addition, PCT Publication WO 00/18970 describes the use of Calgranulin A as a vascular membrane growth inhibitor to prevent myocardial infarction and hypertension. Thus, the protein separation and identification approach described herein provides a protein that has a beneficial effect in the treatment of the disease under test when detected at a higher level in the control sample than in the disease sample. Seems to be effective.

  Conversely, the protein isolation and identification methods described in this example are based on Matrix Gla Protein (with SwissProt accession number P08493) overexpressed in a CAD patient-derived storage sample compared to a control-derived storage sample. (For example, peptides derived from this protein are observed almost twice in many disease fractions compared to the control fraction, and the cumulative score obtained during identification of the mass spectrum of this protein is 2 times higher). MGP is a vitamin K-dependent protein related to the organic matrix of bone and cartilage. Mori, et al. Have demonstrated that MGP can inhibit vascular calcification (FEBS Letters 433: 19-22 (1998)). MGP levels are atherosclerotic plaques and increase as a likely feedback response of vascular calcification. PCT publications WO 01/02863 and WO 01/25427 describe MGP as a biomarker for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disorders. Thus, the protein separation and identification approaches described herein appear to be effective in providing proteins with recognized uses in the diagnosis of the disease under test.

Example 2: Purification and characterization of CPP Human plasma was fractionated by a series of multiple chromatography columns as described in Example 1. This fraction was analyzed by mass spectrometry. A separate trypsin fragment was found as described in Table 1 and SEQ ID NO: 5.

  The tryptic peptides listed in Table 1 (SEQ ID NO: 5) were observed by MS-MS in plasma from control individuals without coronary artery disease. CPP peptides present in the plasma of CAD patients include CPPs 6 and 7 of SEQ ID NOs: 3 and 4. The full length polypeptide sequences that correlate with the trypsin digested peptides are set forth as SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 2. This listed peptide was not found in CAD samples. The Microprot.TM process is capable of detecting very low abundance proteins with plasma concentrations in the 50 pM range. Thus, the absence of the listed peptides in CAD plasma indicates that CPP, if at all, is at a very low level that can be ignored in CAD patients.

  The presence of trypsin-digested peptide is less than 20 kD, suggesting that a polypeptide containing the amino acid sequence FTTLVQDLANAFQQEAQTSGK was present in the starting human plasma sample. Such polypeptides include those comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 3-4.

Example 3 Chemical Synthesis of CPP In this example, the CPP of the present invention is synthesized. Peptide fragment intermediates are first synthesized and then assembled into the desired polypeptide.
CPPs can be prepared initially, eg, 5 fragments, selected to have a Cys residue at the N-terminus of the fragment to be bound. Fragment 1 is first combined with fragment 2 to produce a first product, and then after preparative HPLC purification, the first product is combined with fragment 3 to obtain a second product. After preparative HPLC purification, this second product is combined with fragment 4 to give a third product. Finally, after preparative HPLC purification, the third product is combined with fragment 5 to give the desired polypeptide, which is purified and refolded.

Thioester formation Fragments 2, 3, 4 and 5 are synthesized on a thioester producing resin as described above. For this purpose, the following resin is prepared: S-acetylthioglycolic acid pentafluorophenyl ester is coupled to Leu-PAM resin essentially under the conditions described by Hackeng et al (1999). In the case of the first example, the resulting resin was removed by treatment with 10% mercaptoethanol, 10% piperidine in DMF for 30 minutes, after which the resulting resin was used as a starting resin for peptide chain elongation on the 0.2 mmol scale. use. The N ^alpha of N- terminal Cys residue from fragments 2 5, Boc-thioproline (Boc-SPr, i.e. Boc-L-thioproline), and instead of a conventional N ^alpha or Cys having a S ^beta protection, each strand For example, Brik et al, J. Org. Chem., 65: 3829-3835 (2000).

Peptide Synthesis Solid phase synthesis is performed on an Applied Biosystems custom-modified 433A peptide synthesizer as described in Step Boc as described in Schnolzer et al, Int. J. Peptide Protein Res., 40: 180-193 (1992). In situ neutralization / 2- (1H-benzotriazol-1-yl) -1,1,1,3,3-tetramethyluronium hexafluoro-phosphate (HBTU) activation protocol for chemical chain extension To do. Each synthesis cycle consists of N ^α -Boc-removal by treatment with undiluted TFA for 1 to 2 minutes, excess water wash with DMF for 1 minute, 2.0 mmol of preactivated Boc-amino acid in excess Consisting of a 10 min binding time in the presence of DIEA, and a second flush with DMF. N ^α -Boc-amino acid (2 mmol) is preactivated in 3 min, 1.8 mmol HBTU (0.5 M in DMF) in the presence of excess DIEA (6 mmol). After conjugation of the Gln residue, running water washing with dichloromethane is used before and after deprotection using TFA to prevent possible high temperature (TFA / DMF) -catalyzed pyrrolidone carboxylic acid formation. Side chain protected amino acids are Boc-Arg (p-toluenesulfonyl) -OH, Boc-Asn (xanthyl) -OH, Boc-Asp (O-cyclohexyl) -OH, Boc-Cys (4-methylbenzyl)- OH, Boc-Glu (O-cyclohexyl) -OH, Boc-His (dinitrophenylbenzyl) -OH, Boc-Lys (2-Cl-Z) -OH, Boc-Ser (benzyl) -OH, Boc-Thr ( Benzyl) -OH, Boc-Trp (cyclohexylcarbonyl) -OH and Boc-Tyr (2-Br-Z) -OH (Orpagen Pharma, Heidelberg, Germany). Other amino acids are used without side chain protection. C-terminal fragment 1 was synthesized on Boc-Leu-O—CH ₂ -Pam resin (resin loaded with 0.71 mmol / g), while machine assisted synthesis for fragments 2 to 5 was performed using Boc-Xaa-S. starts on -CH ₂ -CO-Leu-Pam resin. This resin is obtained by coupling of S-acetylthioglycolic acid pentafluorophenyl ester to Leu-PAM resin under standard conditions. The resulting resin is used as a starting resin for peptide chain elongation on a 0.2 mmol scale after removal of the acetyl protecting group by treatment with 10% mercaptoethanol, 10% piperidine in DMF for 30 minutes.

After chain assembly is complete, the peptide fragment is deprotected and cleaved from the resin by treatment with anhydrous hydrogen fluoride for 1 hour at 0 ° C. with 5% p-cresol as a scavenger. In all examples except fragment 1, the imidazole side chain 2,4-dinitrophenyl (DNP) protecting group remains on the His residue because the DNP-removal method is incompatible with the C-terminal thioester group. However, DNP is gradually removed by thiols during the ligation reaction, producing unprotected His. After cleavage, the peptide fragment is precipitated with ice-cold diethyl ether, dissolved in aqueous acetonitrile and lyophilized. The peptide fragment was subjected to RP-HPLC on a Waters C18 column with a linear gradient of buffer B (acetonitrile / 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid) in buffer A (H ₂ O / 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid). And purify using UV detection at 214 nm. Samples are analyzed by electrospray mass spectrometry (ESMS) using an Esquire instrument (Bruecker, Bremen, Germany) or similar instrument.

Natural Chemical Ligation As described more fully below, ligation of the unprotected fragment is performed as follows: The dry peptide is obtained in equimolar amounts of 6M in order to obtain a final peptide concentration of approximately 1-8 mM near 7. Dissolve in guanidine hydrochloride (GuHCl), 0.2M phosphoric acid, pH 7.5 and add 1% benzyl mercaptan, 1% thiophenol. The reaction is usually performed overnight and followed by HPLC and electrospray mass spectrometry. The ligation product is subsequently treated to remove protecting groups still present. Opening of the N-terminal thiazolidine ring requires the addition of methoxamine at a final concentration of 0.5 M at pH 3.5 and further incubation at 37 ° C. for 2 hours. A 10-fold excess of Tris (2-carboxyethyl) phosphine is added followed by HPLC purification. Fractions containing the polypeptide chain are identified by ESMS, collected and lyophilized.

Fragments 4 and 5 are ligated in 6M GuHCl at pH 7.0. The concentration of each reactant was 8 mM and 1% benzyl mercaptan and 1% thiophenol were added to create a reducing environment and to facilitate the ligation reaction. An almost quantitative ligation reaction is observed after overnight stirring at 37 ° C. At this point in the reaction, CH ₃ —O—NH ₂ .HCl is added to the solution to a final concentration of 0.5M and the pH is adjusted to 3.5 to open the N-terminal thiazolidine ring. After incubation for 2 hours at 37 ° C., use ESMS to confirm reaction completion. The reaction mixture is then treated with a 10-fold excess of Tris (2-carboxyethylphosphine for 15 minutes of the peptide fragment and the ligation product is purified by preparative HPLC (eg, C4, 20-60% CH ₃ CN, 0.5 % / Min), lyophilized and stored at -20 ° C.
The same method is repeated with minor modifications for the remaining ligation.

Polypeptide folding The full-length peptide is refolded by air oxidation by dissolving reduced lyophilized protein (approximately 0.1 mg / mL) in 1 M GuHCl, 100 mM Tris, 10 mM methionine, pH 8.6. After gentle stirring overnight, the protein solution is purified by RP-HPLC as described above.

Example 4: Preparation of CPP antibody composition A substantially pure CPP or part thereof is obtained. The concentration of protein in the final preparation is adjusted to a level of several μg / ml, for example by concentration on an Amicon filter device. Monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies against this protein are produced as described in the sections entitled “Monoclonal antibodies” and “Polyclonal antibodies”.

  Briefly, to produce anti-CPP monoclonal antibodies, mice are inoculated repeatedly with several μg of CPP or a portion thereof over a period of several weeks. The mice are then sacrificed and spleen antibody-producing cells are isolated. The spleen cells are fused with mouse myeloma cells by means of polyethylene glycol, and excess unfused cells are destroyed by growth of the system on selective medium containing aminopterin (HAT medium). Fully fused cells are diluted and an aliquot of the dilution is placed in the well of a microtiter plate where the culture continues to grow. Antibody-producing clones, such as an ELISA, as first described by Engvall, E., Meth. Enzymol. 70: 419 (1980), the description of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Identified by detection of antibodies in the well supernatant by immunoassay. Selected positive clones can be expanded and the monoclonal antibody product is recovered for use. Detailed methods for monoclonal antibody production are described in Davis, L. et al. Basic Methods in Molecular Biology Elsevier, New York. Section 21-2, the description of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Has been.

  For the production of polyclonal antibodies by immunization, polyclonal antisera containing antibodies against heterologous epitopes in CPP or parts thereof can be used to treat mice with CPPs that may be unmodified or modified to enhance immunogenicity. Prepare by immunizing part of it. Any suitable non-human animal, preferably a non-human mammal, can be selected, including rats, rabbits, goats or horses.

  Antibody preparations prepared according to either the present monoclonal or polyclonal protocol are useful in quantitative immunoassays to determine the concentration of CPP in a biological sample; or they are also present in the biological sample. Used semi-quantitatively or qualitatively for identification. The antibody can also be used as a therapeutic composition to kill cells that express the protein or to reduce the level of protein in the body.

The sequences of human cytotriosidase preprotein (SEQ ID NO: 1); mature cytotriosidase polypeptide (SEQ ID NO: 2); and cardiovascular disorder plasma polypeptide 6-7 (SEQ ID NO: 3-4) are shown. The tryptic peptide observed in the control plasma sample by tandem mass spectrometry is bold and is shown as SEQ ID NO: 5. The signal sequence is underlined. Dibasic proteolytic cleavage sites are italicized and underlined letters. The amino acid sequence of CPP6-7 (SEQ ID NO: 3-4), which is the obtained processed peptide, is listed below. The putative active site of this protein is shown in bold and underlined (Boot, R.G. et al., J. Biol. Chem., (1995), 270, p.26252-56).

[Sequence Listing]

Claims (20)

A method of screening and / or diagnosing a cardiovascular disorder in a subject:
i) detecting and / or quantifying the level of polypeptide in a biological sample from the subject, wherein the polypeptide is:
a. a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 3-5;
b. a variant having at least 95% sequence identity with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 3-5 and having one or more amino acid substitutions, deletions or insertions; and c. at least 10 amino acids in length, i. ) Or ii) is selected from fragments of the polypeptide as defined above; and
ii) compare the level to that of a control sample,
A method comprising a step, wherein said reduced level compared to a control is an indication of cardiovascular disorder. A method for predicting cardiovascular disorders in a subject:
(a) detecting and / or quantifying the level of a polypeptide in a biological sample from the subject, wherein the polypeptide:
a. a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 3-5;
b. a variant having at least 95% sequence identity with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 3-5 and having one or more amino acid substitutions, deletions or insertions; and c. at least 10 amino acids in length, i. ) Or ii) is selected from fragments of the polypeptide as defined above; and
(b) compare the level to that of a control sample;
A method comprising a step, wherein the reduced level compared to a control is an indicator of the risk of developing a cardiovascular disorder.   The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cardiovascular disorder is coronary artery disease (CAD).   4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the biological sample is plasma.   The method according to claim 1, wherein the polypeptide is detected and / or quantified by mass spectrometry.   The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the polypeptide is detected and / or quantified by enzyme immunoassay.   An isolated polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 3-4.   8. The polypeptide of claim 7, wherein the polypeptide is fused to a heterologous polypeptide sequence.   An isolated polypeptide comprising a variant having at least 95% sequence identity with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 3-4 and having one or more amino acid substitutions, deletions or insertions.   10. An isolated polypeptide that is a fragment of claim 7 or 9 and is at least 10 amino acids long.   A composition comprising the polypeptide of claim 7, 9 or 10 and a carrier or diluent.   12. The composition of claim 11, wherein the polypeptide is present in an effective amount.   An anti-cardiovascular disorder plasma polypeptide (CPP) antibody that selectively binds to a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 3-4. A method for conjugating an antibody to a cardiovascular disorder plasma polypeptide (CPP):
i) contacting the antibody of claim 13 with a biological sample under conditions that allow antibody binding; and
ii) A method comprising the step of removing contaminants.   15. The method of claim 14, wherein the antibody is bound to a label group.   The method of claim 14, wherein the sample is human plasma. A method of identifying a cardiovascular disorder plasma polypeptide (CPP) modulator:
i) contacting a test compound with a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1-5 under sample conditions capable of at least one CPP biological activity;
ii) measuring said at least one CPP biological activity;
iii) comparing the level to a control sample lacking the test compound; and
iv) selecting a test compound that results in the change in level for further testing as a CPP modulator for prophylactic and / or therapeutic treatment of cardiovascular disorders.   A method for preventing cardiovascular disorders, comprising administering the composition of claim 11 or 12 to an individual.   A method for treating a cardiovascular disorder comprising the step of administering the composition of claim 11 or 12 to an individual. 20. A method according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the composition is administered by injection.

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