WO1997007209A2 - Receptor - Google Patents
Receptor Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO1997007209A2 WO1997007209A2 PCT/GB1996/001980 GB9601980W WO9707209A2 WO 1997007209 A2 WO1997007209 A2 WO 1997007209A2 GB 9601980 W GB9601980 W GB 9601980W WO 9707209 A2 WO9707209 A2 WO 9707209A2
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- Prior art keywords
- receptor
- chemical
- present
- protein
- nucleotide sequence
- Prior art date
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Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C07K—PEPTIDES
- C07K14/00—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof
- C07K14/435—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof from animals; from humans
- C07K14/705—Receptors; Cell surface antigens; Cell surface determinants
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C07K—PEPTIDES
- C07K14/00—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof
- C07K14/435—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof from animals; from humans
- C07K14/705—Receptors; Cell surface antigens; Cell surface determinants
- C07K14/72—Receptors; Cell surface antigens; Cell surface determinants for hormones
- C07K14/723—G protein coupled receptor, e.g. TSHR-thyrotropin-receptor, LH/hCG receptor, FSH receptor
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
- A01K2217/00—Genetically modified animals
- A01K2217/05—Animals comprising random inserted nucleic acids (transgenic)
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
- A61K38/00—Medicinal preparations containing peptides
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a receptor.
- the present invention relates to the use of a receptor to screen agents to assess their suitability for subsequent use as pharmaceutical agents, such as therapeutic agents and diagnostic agents.
- Receptors are structures that bind chemical stimuli specifically and directly or indirectly transduce a message into the intracellular environment (Watson et al 1992 Recombinant DNA Second Edition, Chapter 17, published by Scientific American Books).
- Some receptors otherwise known as G-protein coupled receptors (GCRs)
- GCRs G-protein coupled receptors
- GTP-binding proteins otherwise known as G-proteins.
- the G-proteins connect hormone receptors to adenylate cyclase or other signalling enzymes.
- the GCRs represent the largest receptor protein class in vertebrates. Typically they are seven-pass transmembrane receptors (see Figure 1). In particular, the GCRs have been shown to be involved in the regulation of a large variety of physiological processes, with many of the genes encoding them mutated in genetic disorders and mutants.
- GCRs can be divided into six families on the basis of their amino acid sequence homologies (similarities) which span across the transmembrane containing region.
- the B family which is the second largest family, contains the receptors for pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), secretin, growth hormone releasing hormone, diuretic hormone, glucagon, glucagon-like peptide, calcitonin and gastric inhibitory polypeptide.
- VIP vasoactive intestinal polypeptide
- GCRs can even be placed into functional categories.
- the GCR will either interact with an ion channel which is itself a seven-pass transmembrane protein or it can interact with adenylate cyclase, phospholipase C or phospholipase A2, all of which signal to secondary messengers.
- the G-protein can either be stimulatory (Gs) or inhibitory (Gi) and can therefore stimulate or inhibit the action of the ion channel or second messenger pathway they are effecting.
- All the B family GCRs have been shown to couple to adenylate cyclase via a stimulatory G-protein.
- the present invention provides a new receptor obtainable from animals.
- the present invention also provides a new use of that receptor.
- a method of screening a chemical for subsequent use as a pharmaceutical agent comprising contacting the chemical with a receptor; and determining whether the chemical interacts with the receptor to form a chemical-receptor complex; wherein the receptor comprises EGF-like repeats.
- a method of screening a chemical for subsequent use as a pharmaceutical agent comprising contacting the chemical with a receptor; and determining whether the chemical interacts with the receptor to form a chemical-receptor complex; wherein the receptor comprises cadherin-like repeats.
- a method of screening a chemical for subsequent use as a pharmaceutical agent comprising contacting the chemical with a receptor; and determining whether the chemical interacts with the receptor to form a chemical-receptor complex; wherein the receptor comprises EGF-like repeats and cadherin-like repeats.
- the method includes contacting the chemical-receptor complex with a G- protein and determining whether the chemical-receptor complex stimulates the G- protein.
- the receptor resembles or is a GCR.
- receptor according to the present invention includes the receptor as defined in the above-mentioned aspects of the present invention.
- a method of affecting neural development comprising stimulating a receptor with a chemical; wherein the receptor is the receptor according to the present invention.
- This method can be an in vitro or an in vivo method.
- the receptor according to the present invention to screen chemicals for subsequent use as a pharmaceutical.
- a receptor capable of interacting with a G-protein and wherein the receptor comprises EGF-like repeats.
- a protein comprising the amino acid sequence represented as SEQ. I.D. No. 1, or a fragment, homologue or variant thereof.
- a protein comprising the amino acid sequence represented as SEQ. I.D. No. 3, or a fragment, homologue or variant thereof.
- nucleotide sequence comprising the nucleotide sequence represented as SEQ. I.D. No. 2, or a fragment, homologue or variant thereof, and/or wherein the nucleotide sequence is obtainable from one or more of NCIMB No. 40766, NCIMB No. 40767 and NCIMB No. 40768.
- nucleotide sequence comprising the nucleotide sequence represented as SEQ. I.D. No. 4, or a fragment, homologue or variant thereof, and/or wherein the nucleotide sequence is obtainable from one or more of NCIMB No. 40766, NCIMB No. 40767 and NCIMB No. 40768.
- a vector capable of expressing the receptor according to the present invention or the protein according to the present invention, or comprising the nucleotide sequence according to the present invention.
- a construct comprising or capable of expressing any one of the vector according to the present invention, the receptor according to the present invention, the protein according to the present invention, or the nucleotide sequence according to the present invention.
- a fourteenth aspect of the present invention there is provided a cell, tissue or organ comprising or capable of expressing any one of the construct according to the present invention, the vector according to the present invention, the receptor according to the present invention, the protein according to the present invention, or the nucleotide sequence according to the present invention.
- an organism comprising or capable of expressing any one of the cell, tissue or organ according to the present invention, the construct according to the present invention, the vector according to the present invention, the receptor according to the present invention, the protein according to the present invention, or the nucleotide sequence according to the present invention.
- a receptor capable of interacting with a G-protein and wherein the receptor comprises EGF-like repeats, wherein the receptor is obtainable from neural tissue and/or ectodermal cells.
- a receptor capable of interacting with a G-protein and wherein the receptor comprises cadherin- like repeats, wherein the receptor is obtainable from neural tissue and/or ectodermal cells.
- a receptor capable of interacting with a G-protein and wherein the receptor comprises EGF-like repeats and cadherin-like repeats, wherein the receptor is obtainable from neural tissue and/or ectodermal cells.
- an assay kit comprising a surface having attached thereto or contained within or on any one of the organism according to the present invention, the cell, tissue or organ according to the present invention, the construct according to the present invention, the vector according to the present invention, the receptor according to the present invention, the protein according to the present invention, or the nucleotide sequence according to the present invention.
- the assay kit will comprise a series of titre wells capable of holding a suitable sample of the present invention (e.g. the receptor or the gene coding for same in cells or in a cell free environment).
- the assay kit comprises a series of titre wells, wherein at least one of which well holds a suitable sample of the present invention (e.g. the receptor or the gene coding for same in cells or in a cell free environment).
- the assay kit may comprise one or more G-proteins.
- the assay kit of the present invention comprises the receptor of the present invention then that assay kit would be useful for screening chemicals that are capable of interacting with the receptor to form a chemical-receptor complex.
- the interaction of the chemical-receptor complex with the G- protein can be observed either directly or indirectly.
- An example of indirect observation is observing a change (e.g. an increase) in cAMP levels.
- the assay kit of the present invention comprises the nucleotide sequence of the present invention then that assay kit would be useful for screening chemicals for affecting expression of that sequence.
- NCIMB No. 40766, NCIMB No. 40767, and NCIMB No. 40768 are other aspects ofthe present invention.
- a pharmaceutical preparation consisting of or comprising the receptor of the present invention, optionally admixed with or contained within a suitable carrier, diluent or excipient.
- a pharmaceutical preparation consisting of or comprising the nucleotide sequence ofthe present invention, optionally admixed with or contained within a suitable carrier, diluent or excipient.
- a pharmaceutical preparation consisting of or comprising a chemical when screened by the method of the present invention, optionally admixed with or contained within a suitable carrier, diluent or excipient.
- nucleotide sequence according to present invention in the manufacture of a medicament to treat neural disorder.
- use of a chemical when screened by the method of the present invention in the manufacture of a medicament to treat neural disorder in the manufacture of a medicament to treat neural disorder.
- a further aspect of the present invention includes a method of treating a subject in need of, or likely to be in need o treatment for neural disorder wherein the method comprises administering to the subject a receptor according to the present invention, or a protein expressed by the nucleotide sequence according to the present invention, or a chemical when screened by the method of the present invention.
- An additional aspect of the present invention includes a hybrid receptor, and genes coding for the same and vectors etc. comprising same, wherein the hybrid receptor comprises at least a part of the receptor of the present invention and at least a part of another receptor, such as another receptor or even part or all of a G-protein.
- the hybrid receptor is advantageous as it allows one to affect and/or to tailor the stimulation of the receptor to one or more stimuli.
- the receptor is obtainable from neural tissue.
- the receptor is obtainable from ectodermal cells.
- the receptor is prepared by use of recombinant DNA techniques.
- the receptor is obtainable from deposit NCIMB No. 40766 and/or deposit NCIMB No. 40767.
- the receptor is obtainable from deposit NCIMB No. 40768.
- the receptor comprises the amino acid sequence represented as SEQ. I.D. No. 1 , or is a fragment, homologue or variant thereof.
- the receptor comprises the amino acid sequence represented as SEQ. I.D. No. 3, or is a fragment, homologue or variant thereof.
- the receptor is expressed by the nucleotide sequence represented as SEQ. I.D. No. 2. or is a fragment, homologue or variant thereof.
- the receptor is expressed by the nucleotide sequence represented as SEQ. I.D. No. 4, or is a fragment, homologue or variant thereof.
- the chemical is screened to determine if it is useful for one or more of:
- causing neural cells to divide ii. causing neural cells to differentiate; iii. affecting cellular physiology; iv. repairing trauma; v. treating neurodegenerative diseases; vi. stimulating adenylate cyclase production; vii. increasing cAMP levels; viii. promoting neural growth.
- a receptor capable of interacting with a G-protein and comprising EGF-like repeats and/or cadherin-like repeats, wherein the receptor is obtainable from neural tissue and/or ectodermal cells;
- a receptor comprising the sequence represented as SEQ. I.D. No. 1, or a fragment, homologue or variant thereof capable of being stimulated by a chemical
- a receptor comprising the sequence represented as SEQ. I.D. No. 3, or a fragment, homologue or variant thereof capable of being stimulated by a chemical
- v. a receptor encoded by the nucleotide sequence represented as SEQ. I.D. No. 4, or a fragment, homologue or variant thereof and wherein the expressed protein is capable of being stimulated by a chemical;
- the receptor may comprise a plurality of any combination of the features i. to viii. as listed above.
- the receptor ofthe present invention is not expressed by the natural genomic DNA sequence when in its natural environment.
- highly preferred embodiments include the receptor when prepared by use of recombinant DNA techniques, including the expression of cDNA or a synthetic nucleotide sequence.
- the receptor is expressed by a cDNA sequence that is obtainable from any one or more of deposits NCIMB 40766, NCIMB 40767 and NCIMB 40768.
- the receptor is expressed by a cDNA sequence that comprises sequence shown as SEQ. I.D. No. 2, or a sequence that is complementary thereto, or a sequence having substantial homology therewith, or a sequence containing any suitable codon substitutions but wherein the resultant protein is capable of acting as receptor as herein defined.
- the receptor is expressed by a cDNA sequence that comprises sequence shown as SEQ. I.D. No. 4, or a sequence that is complementary thereto, or a sequence having substantial homology therewith, or a sequence containing any suitable codon substitutions but wherein the resultant protein is capable of acting as receptor as herein defined.
- nucleotide sequence coding for the receptor of the present invention is not in its natural environment and under the control of the promoter with which it is naturally associated which is also in its natural environment.
- highly preferred embodiments include the use of recombinant DNA techniques using for example cDNA or a synthetic nucleotide sequence.
- the nucleotide sequence coding for the receptor of the present invention is not in its natural environment and under the control of the promoter with which it is naturally associated which is also in its natural environment, wherein the receptor comprises the amino acid sequence shown as SEQ.I.D. No. 1, more preferably SEQ.I.D. No. 3, or variant, fragment or homologue thereof, wherein the nucleotide sequence is a cDNA sequence that is obtainable from any one or more of deposits NCIMB 40766, NCIMB 40767 and NCIMB 40768, and wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises the sequence shown as SEQ. I.D. No. 2, more preferably SEQ. I.D. No.
- nucleotide sequence codes for a protein that is capable of behaving as a receptor as herein defmed.
- a transformed host organism such as a microorganism, such as E.
- the receptor capable of producing the receptor according to the present invention as a consequence ofthe introduction of a nucleotide sequence as herein described; a method for preparing the receptor according to the present invention comprising expressing a nucleotide sequence according to the present invention contained in the host organism and isolating the expressed receptor; and a vector (such as a transformed pBLUESCRIPT plasmid, pGEX plasmid or pCDNA3 plasmid) incorporating the nucleotide sequence according to the present invention.
- the receptor can be expressed in E. coli, baculovirus, yeast or mammalian cell expression systems.
- All of the above-mentioned aspects of the present invention optionally include the combination of the receptor of the present invention with a G-protein.
- chemical includes any chemical compound, including nucleotide sequences both in sense and antisense orientation, proteins, enzymes etc.
- the term also includes a ligand, wherein a ligand is a natural substance that naturally binds to the receptor.
- pharmaceutical agent includes chemicals for use as diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes.
- pharmaceutical agent also includes pharmaceutical agents for human and/or veterinary applications.
- screen and “screening” include the use of the receptor according to the present invention to screen agents to assess their suitability for subsequent use as pharmaceutical agents, such as therapeutic agents and diagnostic agents.
- receptor is used in its normal sense as typically meaning a protein that spans the membrane of a cell and that can bind, on its extra-cellular side, a chemical (otherwise known as a ligand). Binding ofthe chemical causes changes to the receptor that result in a chemical (enzy matic) reaction being initiated on the intra-cellular part of the receptor. These changes are the first part of a signalling chain of actions that result in some change to the cells physiology. In the case of GCRs, binding of the chemical causes the receptor to effect a G-protein with which it is associated on the inner membrane surface. This disturbance results in changes to the enzymatic state of the G-protein, which then interacts with the signalling system.
- G-protein is used in its normal sense as typically meaning a protein which is associated with a receptor and which is capable of being effected by the receptor. Changes in the receptor (binding of chemicals/ligands) effect the enzymatic state of the G-protein and these changes can effect the interactions of the G-protein with other proteins which are components of a cascade of signalling events. The outcome ofthe signalling is dependent on the nature of the cell containing receptor and G-protein. In a preferred embodiment, the receptor interacts with a G-protein.
- EGF-like repeats is used in its normal sense as typically meaning a protein sequence similar to the following "consensus” sequence.
- the receptor ofthe present invention comprises at least one EGF-like repeat and/or at least one cadherin-like repeat.
- the receptor of the present invention has between 1 and/or 36 EGF-like repeats and between 1 to 36 cadherin-like repeats.
- the receptor of the present invention has between 1 and 20 EGF- like repeats and/or between 1 and 20 cadherin-like repeats.
- the receptor of the present invention has between 3 and 10 EGF-like repeats and/or between 3 and 10 cadherin-like repeats. More preferably, the receptor of the present invention has between 4 and 7 EGF-like repeats and/or between 6 and 10 cadherin-like repeats.
- the receptor of the present invention has at least about 6 EGF-like repeats and/or at least about 10 cadherin-like repeats.
- the receptor of the present invention comprises at least one EGF-like repeat and at least one cadherin-like repeat.
- the receptor of the present invention has between 1 and 36 EGF-like repeats and between 1 to 36 cadherin-like repeats.
- the receptor of the present invention has between 1 and 20 EGF-like repeats and between 1 and 20 cadherin-like repeats.
- the receptor of the present invention has between 3 and 10 EGF-like repeats and between 3 and 10 cadherin-like repeats. More preferably, the receptor of the present invention has between 4 and 7 EGF-like repeats and between 6 and 10 cadherin-like repeats. More preferably, the receptor of the present invention has at least about 6 EGF-like repeats and at least about 10 cadherin- like repeats.
- chemical-receptor complex includes binding of the chemical to the receptor, such as by hydrogen bonding and/or covalent bonding.
- the chemical- receptor complex may then interact with a G-protein. Determination of the formation of the chemical-receptor complex can be achieved by conventional techniques. However, it is preferred to determine formation of the chemical-receptor complex by observing the effect of the complex on a G-protein, such as by observing an increase in cAMP levels.
- the term "obtainable from” includes directly or indirectly obtaining the receptor.
- indirectly obtaining the receptor include expressing the receptor cDNA by means of a suitable expression system.
- variant include any substitution of, variation of, modification of, replacement of, deletion of or addition of one or more amino acid(s)/nucleic acid from or to the sequence providing the resultant protein is capable of behaving as a receptor as herein defined.
- substantially homology which can be otherwise expressed as “substantial similarity”, includes homology with respect to structure and/or nucleotide components, providing the resultant protein is a receptor as herein defined.
- sequence homology i.e. similarity
- there is at least 50 % homology preferably at least 60% homology, more preferably at least 75% homology, more preferably at least 80% homology, more preferably at least 85% homology, more preferably at least 90% homology, such as at least 95%) homology.
- complementary means that the present invention also covers recombinant nucleotide sequences that can hybridise to the recombinant nucleotide sequences.
- construct which is synonymous with terms such as “conjugate”, “cassette” and “hybrid” - includes all or part of the nucleotide sequence according to the present invention directly or indirectly attached to another nucleotide sequence, such as a promoter.
- the construct may even contain or express a marker which allows for the selection of the genetic construct in the host into which it has been transferred.
- the construct of the present invention preferably comprises a promoter.
- promoter is used in the normal sense of the art, e.g. an RNA polymerase binding site in the Jacob-Monod theory of gene expression.
- vector includes an expression vector and a transformation vector.
- expression vector means a construct capable of in vivo or in vitro expression.
- transformation vector means a construct capable of being transferred from one species to another - such as from an E. Coli plasmid to another host.
- organism in relation to the present invention includes any organism that could comprise the recombinant nucleotide sequence coding for the receptor according to the present invention and/or products obtained therefrom, and/or wherein the recombinant nucleotide sequence according to the present invention can be expressed when present in the organism.
- the organism is a transgenic organism.
- transgenic organism in relation to the present invention includes any organism that comprises the recombinant nucieotide sequence coding for the receptor according to the present invention and/or products obtained therefrom, and/or wherein the recombinant nucleotide sequence according to the present invention can be expressed within the organism.
- the recombinant nucleotide sequence is incorporated in the genome of the organism.
- protein includes un-modified and modified proteins such as post- translationally modified proteins and glycosylated proteins.
- the receptor of the present invention is sometimes referred to as the ME2 protein.
- NCIMB National Collections of Industrial and Marine Bacteria Limited
- highly preferred embodiments of the present invention include any one of the aforementioned aspects of the present invention but wherein the receptor or the nucleotide sequence coding for same is obtainable from any one or more of deposits NCIMB 40766, NCIMB 40767 and NCIMB 40768.
- Figure 1 is a pictorial representation of a typical GCR
- Figure 2 is a DNA map of the receptor of the present invention.
- Figure 3 is a pictorial representation of the receptor of the present invention.
- Figure 4 is a schematic representation of expression patterns
- Figure 5 is a restriction map
- Figure 6 presents SEQ ID No. 1 ;
- Figure 8 presents SEQ ID No. 3
- Figure 10 presents an analysis of an amino acid sequence (sequence range 1 to 2707).
- sequence range 1 to 2707 sections (parts) of the gene coding for the receptor of the present invention are sometimes referred to as ME2(x) wherein "x" represents a particular numbered fraction.
- the receptor of the present invention is coded by a single copy gene.
- This single copy gene is conserved in organisms as diverged as human, mice and fruit flies.
- the single copy gene maps to human chromosome region 22 qter and mouse chromosome 15.
- the receptor gene is contained in a region associated with gastrulation and neural mutants and disorders.
- RT-PCR reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction
- wholemount in situ hybridisation were carried out on wild-type mouse embryos.
- RT-PCR analysis showed that the receptor of the present invention is first expressed in the early postimplantation embryo between 4 and 6 days post coitum (dpc), then continues until adulthood.
- FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of the expression patterns of the receptor of the present invention in the developing central nervous system, in particular in the developing spinal cord ( Figure 4(A)) and the developing hindbrain ( Figure 4(B)).
- interesting features of this dynamic expression pattern include the delineation of segments in the developing hindbrain and neural tube.
- the pattern of expression of the receptor of the present invention indicates that it may be involved in the control of neural development.
- the receptor is expressed almost exclusively in neural tissue (which is discussed in more detail later).
- expression precedes the first obvious neural structures in the developing embryo and the pattern of subsequent expression is complex.
- expression around the ventricle of the brain is significant since this is believed to be the region that contains the neural stem cells.
- sections (parts) of the gene coding for the receptor of the present invention are sometimes referred to as ME2(x) wherein "x" represents a particular numbered fraction.
- the isolation of the complete the receptor of the present invention coding sequence is shown in Figure 5.
- step 1 a mouse 8.5 dpc whole embryo cDNA was screened using a human cDNA clone (16FB2).
- 16FB2 was originally isolated from a human fetal brain cDNA library by hybridisation with human cosmid ZnFPl ⁇ as described in Hoovers et al, (Genomics 10 254-263).
- ME2(2) was then isolated from the initial screening of the mouse cDNA library ( Figure 5). Extensive sequence analysis of both ME2(2) and 16FB2 has shown that they have sequence homology in a G-rich region in the 3' untranslated region.
- ME2(2) was then used immediately in whole mount in situ expression analyses and produced the striking expression pattern of the receptor of the present invention.
- the remainder of the gene sequence coding for the receptor of the present invention was then isolated as follows.
- step 2 ( Figure 5) ME2(2) was used to re-screen the mouse 8.5dpc cDNA library leading to the isolation of 6 different clones, the largest of which being ME2(22). Sequence analysis and database searches with the 3.2kb ME2(22) sequence identified a large open reading frame whose predicted amino acid sequence had homology to the family B group of G-protein coupled receptors. In this regard, ME2(22) covers the region from the polyA tail to trans-membrane region IV. In step 3 ( Figure 5) the 5' EcoRI to Pstl fragment of ME2(19) was used to rescreen which led to the isolation of 3 further cDNA clones.
- step 4 a primer PLKH20 corresponding to sequence 3527 to 3541 in the sequence shown as SEQ.I.D. No. 2 and derived from ME2(42) was used to isolate the HI fragment using the RACE method (Frohman, M.A. (1993) Methods in Enzymol. 218 340-56).
- the DNA sequence of HI was used to identify the DNA from 3295 to 3312 (again see SEQ. I.D. No. 2) which was used to make a new primer, PLKH26, for RACE analysis which gave rise R12 in step 5 ( Figure 5).
- step 6 ( Figure 5), R12 was used to screen the cDNA library which gave rise to, amongst other clones, the cDNA clone ME2(78) which extends almost to the 5'end.
- the minimal set of cDNA clones that defines all of the receptor of the present invention is ME2(78) and ME2(22) (see Figure 2 and Figure 5).
- the DNA sequence of the receptor of the present invention was established entirely using published methods.
- sequencing methodology used was the Sanger technique (Sanger et al., 1977 Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 12 5463-7).
- the sequencing kits used were supplied by Pharmacia Biotech and the manufacturer's protocols were followed throughout.
- DNA was sequenced either by analysis of cloned molecules using sequencing primers specific for vector sequences and sequencing into the cDNA, or by synthesising specific primers, obtained from conventional commercial synthesis companies, and using these to establish DNA sequence directly from intemal parts ofthe cloned cDNA molecule.
- the sequence data obtained is shown in the attached Figures as SEQ. I.D. No. 2 (see Figure 7) and SEQ. I.D. No. 4 (see Figure 9).
- a map of the DNA sequence is represented in Figure 2.
- the receptor of the present invention was re-isolated by using PCR techniques.
- the gene coding for the receptor of the present invention is over 4.5 kb it is preferable to isolate a cDNA containing the receptor coding regions by a multi-step process, rather than by a one step process using RT-PCR to isolate the whole cDNA. Hence, by using the complete coding sequence for the receptor ofthe present invention it is possible to isolate a series of cDNA fragments that can then be ligated.
- primers flanking pairs of unique restriction enzyme sites were used to amplify individual regions and subsequent restriction enzyme digestion and ligation to generate the complete sequence. Details of this approach are given below and in Figure 2.
- Fragment 1 Primer pair(3') PLKH31+(5') PLKH52
- Amplification products are digested with BspHl.
- Fragment 2 Primer pair(3') PLKH47+(5')PLKH59c
- Amplification products are digested with BspHl
- Fragments 1 and 2 were independently amplified from mouse embryonic or adult brain reverse transcribed cDNA under standard PCR conditions. The amplification products were then subsequently directly restriction endonuclease digested with BspHl to give ragged ends. Fragments 1 and 2 were then ligated to each other and then cloned into a T vector.
- the minimal set of clones ME2(22) and ME2(78) have EcoRI linkers and are cloned into pBluescript plasmid vector. Since there is no EcoRI site in the ME2 transcript, constmction of a complete cDNA clone will be done by EcoRI + Avrll digestion of ME2(22), isolation of the 2.6kb fragment and ligation of this to the 4.3kb EcoRI plus Avrll fragment from ME2(78): this product is cloned into the appropriate EcoRI digested vector.
- NCIMB 40766 is an E. coli XI- 1 blue host with a pBluescript SK+ vector containing fragment ME2(22) - i.e. nucleotides 3657 to 6794 (see SEQ.I.D.No. 2).
- NCIMB 40767 is an E. coli XI- 1 blue host with a. pBluescript SK+ vector containing fragment ME2(78) - i.e. nucleotides 1 to 4813 (see SEQ.I.D. No. 2).
- NCIMB 40768 is a recombinant cosmid containing the main part of the human receptor gene according to the present invention.
- the cosmid vector is pCoslEMBL and the host cell E. coli DHl.
- the human DNA derives from a region of human chromosome 22 qler and contains parts of the human receptor of the present invention gene including parts' of the 7TM region but not extending further 5' than this.
- the appropriate cDNA fractions can be excised by use of suitable restriction enzymes, isolated and then ligated.
- the full length cDNA can then be inserted into any suitable expression system and subsequently expressed by suitable means.
- the pBluescript SK+ plasmids can be recovered from bacterial cells grown in L-broth containing 100 ( ⁇ g/ml Ampicillin using routine methods detailed in Sambrook et ⁇ l., (1989 Molecular cloning - A laboratory manual. Second edition. Cold Spring harbor laboratory press.). Then the receptor cDNA fragments may be isolated subsequent to their excision with EcoRI.
- the DNA from NCIMB 40768 and/or fragments thereof can be excised by use of suitable restriction enzymes, isolated, inserted into any suitable expression system and subsequently expressed by suitable means.
- the DNA can be recovered by growing the bacteria in L-broth supplemented with 30 ( ⁇ g/ml Kanamycin and recovering the DNA according to routine methods detailed in Sambrook et ⁇ l., (1989 Molecular cloning - A laboratory manual. Second edition. Cold Spring harbor laboratory press).
- the human DNA fragments can be resolved by cleavage with almost any 6-base recognition enzyme. Amino acid analysis
- amino acid sequence data are listed in the attached sequence listings as SEQ. I.D. No. 1 (see Figure 6) and SEQ. I.D. No. 3 (see Figure 8).
- the C-terminal region appears to have the structure of a 7-pass transmembrane receptor related to the B family of G-protein coupled receptors (GCRs).
- GCRs G-protein coupled receptors
- the receptor of the present invention contains EGF-like repeats.
- EGF-like repeats towards the N-terminus (extracellular) ofthe receptor there are a number of EGF-like repeats (see Figure 3).
- One of these EGF-like repeats is -300 amino acids away from the C-terminal sequence.
- the EGF-like repeats are shown in Figure 10 (marked “EGF 1" etc.). Divergent EGF-like repeats are also marked.
- EGF-like repeats A large number of molecules containing EGF-like repeats have been identified in both vertebrates and invertebrates. These molecules include, for example, blood clotting factors and proteins that are required for correct embryonic development.
- proteins that are required for correct embryonic development which molecules have primarily been characterised in invertebrates, include fibropellin, a cell coat protein of sea urchins, glp-1 and lag- 12 proteins required for inductive interactions in the nematode worm C. elegans, and a number of Drosophila proteins including Crumbs, which is required for establishing epithelial cell polarity.
- Additional examples include Notch, Delta and Serrate proteins, which are required for neurogenesis, and Slit, which is a protein involved in axonal pathfinding. Notch and its ligands Delta and Serrate are involved in cell-cell signalling that determines adjacent cell fates; though this signal is not directly mitogenic.
- the receptor of the present invention contains cadherin-like repeats. These cadherin-like repeats are shown in Figure 10 (marked as "CD 1" etc.). Cadherin-like repeats have been implicated in protein-protein interactions (Geiger and Ayalon 1992 Ann Rev Cell Biol 8 307-332).
- transmembrane portions of the receptor of the present invention are shown in Figure 10 (marked as "TM 1" etc.).
- the amino acid sequence of the receptor of the present invention is compared with the amino acid sequences of known proteins that are required for correct embryonic development it is observed that there is some sequence homology, though this is less than 80%. More importantly, however, in distinction to the receptor ofthe present invention those proteins are all single-pass transmembrane proteins with the cluster of EGF-like repeats in their extracellular domains. In contrast, the receptor of the present invention has a seven-pass transmembrane topology, similar to a GCR.
- the EGF-like repeats and the 7 pass transmembrane (7TM) structures of the receptor of the present invention suggest important functions and utilities for the receptor.
- the EGF-like repeats will bind a ligand which may, as in the case of Notch/Delta, be a protein attached to another cell, or it may be free, as in the case of blood clotting factors. In either case, binding of a ligand will cause the cytoplasmic region to signal to the cellular machinery, via a G-protein.
- the 7TM region is most similar to the family B GCRs regions, it is likely that it will signal via a stimulatory G-protein which stimulates adenylate cyclase and causes cAMP levels to increase as all family B receptors operate in this fashion.
- cadherin-like repeats of the receptor of the present invention suggest important functions and utilities for the receptor.
- Stimulation of the receptor of the present invention might cause neural cells to divide.
- Stimulation of the receptor of the present invention might cause neural cells to differentiate.
- Stimulation of the receptor of the present invention might cause changes to cellular physiology.
- the receptor can be used in a number of useful utilities. Some of those utilities are now presented.
- the receptor of the present invention could be a therapeutic target.
- the ligand or a modified ligand can be defined, then artificial treatment of neural tissue with this ligand could trigger the receptor of the present invention to signal.
- This signal would then trigger the normal response of the receptor of the present invention. which would be a way of modulating the growth, function or properties of brain cells that express the receptor of the present invention. This would therefore have an application in the repair of trauma and in treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.
- the receptor of the present invention can be used as a test reagent to identify the ligand. This can be done for example in artificial test systems where the receptor of the present invention is expressed from a recombinant expression vector in cells that otherwise do not express the receptor of the present invention. These cells can then be used to test for binding of the ligand by studying cAMP level changes upon treatment of cells with proteins or other cells.
- the nucleotide sequence coding for the receptor ofthe present invention gene could be used to modify the behaviour of cells by transgenesis. Potential areas of application include the modification of cells used for transplantation treatments of degenerative diseases and the modification of whole animals by normal transgenic procedures. Both of these applications would result in cells with modified growth potential. Screening Protocol
- a ME2 expression vector for example pcDNA-1
- pcDNA-1 a ME2 expression vector
- the cells are then treated in vitro with proteins, chemicals, other cells (intact or broken up).
- one assays for changes to cAMP levels which are caused by ME2 binding a ligand and signalling via the G-protein to alter cAMP levels. If changes are seen, this implies that the ligand is or is contained in, in the substance that was treated with cells. This is the assay of choice for purification of the ligand.
- the second method is based upon Cheng & Flanagan ( 1994, Cell 79 157-168).
- one synthesises in E. coli and isolates the N-terminal fragment of ME2 (N terminus of ME2 to the membrane entry point in fig 3) which has been fused at this point to the enzyme alkaline phosphatase.
- This hybrid protein binds to its normal ligand. Binding is then detected by looking for the alkaline phosphatase dragged along at its end. This could be used to isolate cDNA clones containing the normal ME2 ligand using exactly the methods detailed in Cheng & Flanagan (1994, Cell 79 157- 168).
- the present invention therefore relates to a novel receptor and a novel use of that receptor.
- the nature of the receptor of the present invention suggests that the receptor of the present invention plays a role in the determination of ectodermal cell types within the developing embryo. This has important consequences as it enables possible pharmaceutical agents to be screened to see if they stimulate the receptor and if so then those agents could be used to promote neural growth.
- the receptor can be inserted (such as by way of transplantation or by way of transgenesis of the coding gene) into a subject either in need of treatment or to develop in vivo screening techniques.
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Abstract
A method of screening a chemical for subsequent use as a pharmaceutical agent. The method comprises contacting the chemical with a receptor; and determining whether the chemical interacts with the receptor to form a chemical-receptor complex; wherein the receptor comprises EGF-like repeats and/or cadherin-like repeats.
Description
RECEPTOR
The present invention relates to a receptor. In particular the present invention relates to the use of a receptor to screen agents to assess their suitability for subsequent use as pharmaceutical agents, such as therapeutic agents and diagnostic agents.
Receptors are structures that bind chemical stimuli specifically and directly or indirectly transduce a message into the intracellular environment (Watson et al 1992 Recombinant DNA Second Edition, Chapter 17, published by Scientific American Books). Some receptors, otherwise known as G-protein coupled receptors (GCRs), are coupled to second messenger systems via GTP-binding proteins, otherwise known as G-proteins. The G-proteins connect hormone receptors to adenylate cyclase or other signalling enzymes.
In more detail, the GCRs represent the largest receptor protein class in vertebrates. Typically they are seven-pass transmembrane receptors (see Figure 1). In particular, the GCRs have been shown to be involved in the regulation of a large variety of physiological processes, with many of the genes encoding them mutated in genetic disorders and mutants.
GCRs, can be divided into six families on the basis of their amino acid sequence homologies (similarities) which span across the transmembrane containing region. In this regard, the B family, which is the second largest family, contains the receptors for pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), secretin, growth hormone releasing hormone, diuretic hormone, glucagon, glucagon-like peptide, calcitonin and gastric inhibitory polypeptide.
GCRs can even be placed into functional categories. In this regard, several different types of G-protein coupling have been identified.
For example, the GCR will either interact with an ion channel which is itself a seven-pass transmembrane protein or it can interact with adenylate cyclase, phospholipase C or phospholipase A2, all of which signal to secondary messengers.
The G-protein can either be stimulatory (Gs) or inhibitory (Gi) and can therefore stimulate or inhibit the action of the ion channel or second messenger pathway they are effecting.
All the B family GCRs have been shown to couple to adenylate cyclase via a stimulatory G-protein.
In this regard, the present invention provides a new receptor obtainable from animals. The present invention also provides a new use of that receptor.
Thus, according to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of screening a chemical for subsequent use as a pharmaceutical agent, the method comprising contacting the chemical with a receptor; and determining whether the chemical interacts with the receptor to form a chemical-receptor complex; wherein the receptor comprises EGF-like repeats.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of screening a chemical for subsequent use as a pharmaceutical agent, the method comprising contacting the chemical with a receptor; and determining whether the chemical interacts with the receptor to form a chemical-receptor complex; wherein the receptor comprises cadherin-like repeats.
According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of screening a chemical for subsequent use as a pharmaceutical agent, the method comprising contacting the chemical with a receptor; and determining whether the chemical interacts with the receptor to form a chemical-receptor complex; wherein the receptor comprises EGF-like repeats and cadherin-like repeats.
Preferably, the method includes contacting the chemical-receptor complex with a G- protein and determining whether the chemical-receptor complex stimulates the G- protein.
Preferably the receptor resembles or is a GCR.
In the following commentary, the term "receptor according to the present invention" includes the receptor as defined in the above-mentioned aspects of the present invention.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of affecting neural development comprising stimulating a receptor with a chemical; wherein the receptor is the receptor according to the present invention. This method can be an in vitro or an in vivo method.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided the use of the receptor according to the present invention to screen chemicals for subsequent use as a pharmaceutical.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a chemical that has been screened by the method of the present invention.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a receptor capable of interacting with a G-protein and wherein the receptor comprises EGF-like repeats.
According to a eighth aspect of the present invention there is provided a protein comprising the amino acid sequence represented as SEQ. I.D. No. 1, or a fragment, homologue or variant thereof.
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention there is provided a protein comprising the amino acid sequence represented as SEQ. I.D. No. 3, or a fragment, homologue or variant thereof.
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention there is provided a nucleotide sequence comprising the nucleotide sequence represented as SEQ. I.D. No. 2, or a fragment, homologue or variant thereof, and/or wherein the nucleotide sequence is obtainable from one or more of NCIMB No. 40766, NCIMB No. 40767 and NCIMB No. 40768.
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a nucleotide sequence comprising the nucleotide sequence represented as SEQ. I.D. No. 4, or a fragment, homologue or variant thereof, and/or wherein the nucleotide sequence is obtainable from one or more of NCIMB No. 40766, NCIMB No. 40767 and NCIMB No. 40768.
According to an twelfth aspect of the present invention there is provided a vector capable of expressing the receptor according to the present invention or the protein according to the present invention, or comprising the nucleotide sequence according to the present invention.
According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention there is provided a construct comprising or capable of expressing any one of the vector according to the present invention, the receptor according to the present invention, the protein according to the present invention, or the nucleotide sequence according to the present invention.
According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention there is provided a cell, tissue or organ comprising or capable of expressing any one of the construct according to the present invention, the vector according to the present invention, the receptor according to the present invention, the protein according to the present invention, or the nucleotide sequence according to the present invention.
According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention there is provided an organism comprising or capable of expressing any one of the cell, tissue or organ according to the present invention, the construct according to the present invention, the vector according to the present invention, the receptor according to the present invention, the protein according to the present invention, or the nucleotide sequence according to the present invention.
According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention there is provided a receptor capable of interacting with a G-protein and wherein the receptor comprises EGF-like repeats, wherein the receptor is obtainable from neural tissue and/or ectodermal cells.
According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention there is provided a receptor capable of interacting with a G-protein and wherein the receptor comprises cadherin- like repeats, wherein the receptor is obtainable from neural tissue and/or ectodermal cells.
According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention there is provided a receptor capable of interacting with a G-protein and wherein the receptor comprises EGF-like repeats and cadherin-like repeats, wherein the receptor is obtainable from neural tissue and/or ectodermal cells.
According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention there is provided an assay kit comprising a surface having attached thereto or contained within or on any one of the organism according to the present invention, the cell, tissue or organ according to the present invention, the construct according to the present invention, the vector according to the present invention, the receptor according to the present invention, the protein according to the present invention, or the nucleotide sequence according to the present invention.
Typically the assay kit will comprise a series of titre wells capable of holding a suitable sample of the present invention (e.g. the receptor or the gene coding for same
in cells or in a cell free environment). Preferably, the assay kit comprises a series of titre wells, wherein at least one of which well holds a suitable sample of the present invention (e.g. the receptor or the gene coding for same in cells or in a cell free environment). Optionally, the assay kit may comprise one or more G-proteins.
As mentioned above, if the assay kit of the present invention comprises the receptor of the present invention then that assay kit would be useful for screening chemicals that are capable of interacting with the receptor to form a chemical-receptor complex. With that assay kit, the interaction of the chemical-receptor complex with the G- protein can be observed either directly or indirectly. An example of indirect observation is observing a change (e.g. an increase) in cAMP levels.
Alternatively, if the assay kit of the present invention comprises the nucleotide sequence of the present invention then that assay kit would be useful for screening chemicals for affecting expression of that sequence.
Other aspects of the present invention include the use of the receptor of the present invention to screen for agents that are capable of any one or more of
stimulating the receptor to cause neural cells to divide;
stimulating the receptor to cause neural cells to differentiate;
stimulating the receptor to affect cellular physiology; and
stimulating the receptor for use in the repair of trauma and/or in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Other aspects of the present invention include the use of the receptor of the present invention for one or more of:
stimulating adenylate cyclase; increasing cAMP levels; and promoting neural growth.
These uses can be in vitro or in vivo uses.
Other aspects ofthe present invention include NCIMB No. 40766, NCIMB No. 40767, and NCIMB No. 40768.
Further aspects of the present invention include:
a pharmaceutical preparation consisting of or comprising the receptor of the present invention, optionally admixed with or contained within a suitable carrier, diluent or excipient.
a pharmaceutical preparation consisting of or comprising the nucleotide sequence ofthe present invention, optionally admixed with or contained within a suitable carrier, diluent or excipient.
a pharmaceutical preparation consisting of or comprising a chemical when screened by the method of the present invention, optionally admixed with or contained within a suitable carrier, diluent or excipient.
the use of the receptor according to present invention in the manufacture of a medicament to treat neural disorder.
the use of the nucleotide sequence according to present invention in the manufacture of a medicament to treat neural disorder.
the use of a chemical when screened by the method of the present invention in the manufacture of a medicament to treat neural disorder.
A further aspect of the present invention includes a method of treating a subject in need of, or likely to be in need o treatment for neural disorder wherein the method comprises administering to the subject a receptor according to the present invention, or a protein expressed by the nucleotide sequence according to the present invention, or a chemical when screened by the method of the present invention.
An additional aspect of the present invention includes a hybrid receptor, and genes coding for the same and vectors etc. comprising same, wherein the hybrid receptor comprises at least a part of the receptor of the present invention and at least a part of another receptor, such as another receptor or even part or all of a G-protein. The hybrid receptor is advantageous as it allows one to affect and/or to tailor the stimulation of the receptor to one or more stimuli.
Preferably the receptor is obtainable from neural tissue.
Preferably the receptor is obtainable from ectodermal cells.
Preferably the receptor is prepared by use of recombinant DNA techniques.
Preferably the receptor is obtainable from deposit NCIMB No. 40766 and/or deposit NCIMB No. 40767.
Alternatively, the receptor is obtainable from deposit NCIMB No. 40768.
Preferably the receptor comprises the amino acid sequence represented as SEQ. I.D. No. 1 , or is a fragment, homologue or variant thereof.
Preferably the receptor comprises the amino acid sequence represented as SEQ. I.D. No. 3, or is a fragment, homologue or variant thereof.
Preferably the receptor is expressed by the nucleotide sequence represented as SEQ. I.D. No. 2. or is a fragment, homologue or variant thereof.
Preferably the receptor is expressed by the nucleotide sequence represented as SEQ. I.D. No. 4, or is a fragment, homologue or variant thereof.
Preferably the chemical is screened to determine if it is useful for one or more of:
i. causing neural cells to divide; ii. causing neural cells to differentiate; iii. affecting cellular physiology; iv. repairing trauma; v. treating neurodegenerative diseases; vi. stimulating adenylate cyclase production; vii. increasing cAMP levels; viii. promoting neural growth.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention therefore include:
i. a receptor capable of interacting with a G-protein and comprising EGF-like repeats and/or cadherin-like repeats, wherein the receptor is obtainable from neural tissue and/or ectodermal cells;
ii. a receptor comprising the sequence represented as SEQ. I.D. No. 1, or a fragment, homologue or variant thereof capable of being stimulated by a chemical;
iii. a receptor comprising the sequence represented as SEQ. I.D. No. 3, or a fragment, homologue or variant thereof capable of being stimulated by a chemical;
iv. a receptor encoded by the nucleotide sequence represented as SEQ. I.D. No. 2, or a fragment, homologue or variant thereof and wherein the expressed protein is capable of being stimulated by a chemical;
v. a receptor encoded by the nucleotide sequence represented as SEQ. I.D. No. 4, or a fragment, homologue or variant thereof and wherein the expressed protein is capable of being stimulated by a chemical;
vi. a receptor obtainable from deposit NCIMB No. 40766;
vii. a receptor obtainable from deposit NCIMB No. 40767; and
viii. a receptor obtainable from deposit NCIMB No. 40768.
With this aspect of the present invention, the receptor may comprise a plurality of any combination of the features i. to viii. as listed above.
In a highly preferred embodiment the receptor ofthe present invention is not expressed by the natural genomic DNA sequence when in its natural environment. Thus, highly preferred embodiments include the receptor when prepared by use of recombinant DNA techniques, including the expression of cDNA or a synthetic nucleotide sequence.
Preferably the receptor is expressed by a cDNA sequence that is obtainable from any one or more of deposits NCIMB 40766, NCIMB 40767 and NCIMB 40768.
In addition, or alternatively, preferably the receptor is expressed by a cDNA sequence that comprises sequence shown as SEQ. I.D. No. 2, or a sequence that is complementary thereto, or a sequence having substantial homology therewith, or a sequence containing any suitable codon substitutions but wherein the resultant protein is capable of acting as receptor as herein defined.
In addition, or alternatively, more preferably the receptor is expressed by a cDNA sequence that comprises sequence shown as SEQ. I.D. No. 4, or a sequence that is complementary thereto, or a sequence having substantial homology therewith, or a sequence containing any suitable codon substitutions but wherein the resultant protein is capable of acting as receptor as herein defined.
In a highly preferred embodiment the nucleotide sequence coding for the receptor of the present invention is not in its natural environment and under the control of the promoter with which it is naturally associated which is also in its natural environment.
Thus, highly preferred embodiments include the use of recombinant DNA techniques using for example cDNA or a synthetic nucleotide sequence.
In a highly preferred embodiment the nucleotide sequence coding for the receptor of the present invention is not in its natural environment and under the control of the promoter with which it is naturally associated which is also in its natural environment, wherein the receptor comprises the amino acid sequence shown as SEQ.I.D. No. 1, more preferably SEQ.I.D. No. 3, or variant, fragment or homologue thereof, wherein the nucleotide sequence is a cDNA sequence that is obtainable from any one or more of deposits NCIMB 40766, NCIMB 40767 and NCIMB 40768, and wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises the sequence shown as SEQ. I.D. No. 2, more preferably SEQ. I.D. No. 4, or a sequence that is complementary thereto, or a sequence having substantial homology therewith, or a sequence containing any suitable codon substitutions but wherein the nucleotide sequence codes for a protein that is capable of behaving as a receptor as herein defmed.
Other embodiments of the present invention include: a transformed host organism (such as a microorganism, such as E. coli.) capable of producing the receptor according to the present invention as a consequence ofthe introduction of a nucleotide sequence as herein described; a method for preparing the receptor according to the present invention comprising expressing a nucleotide sequence according to the present invention contained in the host organism and isolating the expressed receptor; and a vector (such as a transformed pBLUESCRIPT plasmid, pGEX plasmid or pCDNA3 plasmid) incorporating the nucleotide sequence according to the present invention. By way of example, the receptor can be expressed in E. coli, baculovirus, yeast or mammalian cell expression systems.
All of the above-mentioned aspects of the present invention optionally include the combination of the receptor of the present invention with a G-protein.
The term "chemical" includes any chemical compound, including nucleotide sequences both in sense and antisense orientation, proteins, enzymes etc. The term also includes a ligand, wherein a ligand is a natural substance that naturally binds to the receptor.
The term "pharmaceutical agent" includes chemicals for use as diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes. The term also includes pharmaceutical agents for human and/or veterinary applications.
The terms "screen" and "screening" include the use of the receptor according to the present invention to screen agents to assess their suitability for subsequent use as pharmaceutical agents, such as therapeutic agents and diagnostic agents.
The term "receptor" is used in its normal sense as typically meaning a protein that spans the membrane of a cell and that can bind, on its extra-cellular side, a chemical (otherwise known as a ligand). Binding ofthe chemical causes changes to the receptor that result in a chemical (enzy matic) reaction being initiated on the intra-cellular part of the receptor. These changes are the first part of a signalling chain of actions that
result in some change to the cells physiology. In the case of GCRs, binding of the chemical causes the receptor to effect a G-protein with which it is associated on the inner membrane surface. This disturbance results in changes to the enzymatic state of the G-protein, which then interacts with the signalling system.
The term "G-protein" is used in its normal sense as typically meaning a protein which is associated with a receptor and which is capable of being effected by the receptor. Changes in the receptor (binding of chemicals/ligands) effect the enzymatic state of the G-protein and these changes can effect the interactions of the G-protein with other proteins which are components of a cascade of signalling events. The outcome ofthe signalling is dependent on the nature of the cell containing receptor and G-protein. In a preferred embodiment, the receptor interacts with a G-protein.
The term "EGF-like repeats" is used in its normal sense as typically meaning a protein sequence similar to the following "consensus" sequence.
Λ-2-6 -Λ-4-6(_,-X.5_ j Q(^_ . L -X.;j_2., wherein C is cysteine and X is any amino acid.
Preferably, the receptor ofthe present invention comprises at least one EGF-like repeat and/or at least one cadherin-like repeat. Typically, the receptor of the present invention has between 1 and/or 36 EGF-like repeats and between 1 to 36 cadherin-like repeats. Preferably, the receptor of the present invention has between 1 and 20 EGF- like repeats and/or between 1 and 20 cadherin-like repeats. Preferably, the receptor of the present invention has between 3 and 10 EGF-like repeats and/or between 3 and 10 cadherin-like repeats. More preferably, the receptor of the present invention has between 4 and 7 EGF-like repeats and/or between 6 and 10 cadherin-like repeats. More preferably, the receptor of the present invention has at least about 6 EGF-like repeats and/or at least about 10 cadherin-like repeats.
Preferably, the receptor of the present invention comprises at least one EGF-like repeat and at least one cadherin-like repeat.
Preferably, the receptor of the present invention has between 1 and 36 EGF-like repeats and between 1 to 36 cadherin-like repeats. Preferably, the receptor of the present invention has between 1 and 20 EGF-like repeats and between 1 and 20 cadherin-like repeats. Preferably, the receptor of the present invention has between 3 and 10 EGF-like repeats and between 3 and 10 cadherin-like repeats. More preferably, the receptor of the present invention has between 4 and 7 EGF-like repeats and between 6 and 10 cadherin-like repeats. More preferably, the receptor of the present invention has at least about 6 EGF-like repeats and at least about 10 cadherin- like repeats.
The term "chemical-receptor complex" includes binding of the chemical to the receptor, such as by hydrogen bonding and/or covalent bonding. The chemical- receptor complex may then interact with a G-protein. Determination of the formation of the chemical-receptor complex can be achieved by conventional techniques. However, it is preferred to determine formation of the chemical-receptor complex by observing the effect of the complex on a G-protein, such as by observing an increase in cAMP levels.
The term "obtainable from" includes directly or indirectly obtaining the receptor. Examples of indirectly obtaining the receptor include expressing the receptor cDNA by means of a suitable expression system.
The terms "variant", "homologue" or "fragment" include any substitution of, variation of, modification of, replacement of, deletion of or addition of one or more amino acid(s)/nucleic acid from or to the sequence providing the resultant protein is capable of behaving as a receptor as herein defined.
The expression "substantial homology", which can be otherwise expressed as "substantial similarity", includes homology with respect to structure and/or nucleotide components, providing the resultant protein is a receptor as herein defined.
With respect to sequence homology (i.e. similarity), preferably there is at least 50 % homology, preferably at least 60% homology, more preferably at least 75% homology, more preferably at least 80% homology, more preferably at least 85% homology, more preferably at least 90% homology, such as at least 95%) homology.
The term "complementary" means that the present invention also covers recombinant nucleotide sequences that can hybridise to the recombinant nucleotide sequences.
The term "construct" - which is synonymous with terms such as "conjugate", "cassette" and "hybrid" - includes all or part of the nucleotide sequence according to the present invention directly or indirectly attached to another nucleotide sequence, such as a promoter.
The construct may even contain or express a marker which allows for the selection of the genetic construct in the host into which it has been transferred.
The construct of the present invention preferably comprises a promoter.
The term "promoter" is used in the normal sense of the art, e.g. an RNA polymerase binding site in the Jacob-Monod theory of gene expression.
The term "vector" includes an expression vector and a transformation vector. The term "expression vector" means a construct capable of in vivo or in vitro expression. The term "transformation vector" means a construct capable of being transferred from one species to another - such as from an E. Coli plasmid to another host.
The terms "cell", "tissue" and "organ" include cell, tissue and organ per se and when within an organism.
The term "organism" in relation to the present invention includes any organism that could comprise the recombinant nucleotide sequence coding for the receptor according to the present invention and/or products obtained therefrom, and/or wherein the recombinant nucleotide sequence according to the present invention can be expressed when present in the organism.
Preferably the organism is a transgenic organism. The term "transgenic organism" in relation to the present invention includes any organism that comprises the recombinant nucieotide sequence coding for the receptor according to the present invention and/or products obtained therefrom, and/or wherein the recombinant nucleotide sequence according to the present invention can be expressed within the organism. Preferably the recombinant nucleotide sequence is incorporated in the genome of the organism.
The term "protein" includes un-modified and modified proteins such as post- translationally modified proteins and glycosylated proteins.
The receptor of the present invention is sometimes referred to as the ME2 protein.
The following samples were deposited in accordance with the Budapest Treaty at the recognised depositary The National Collections of Industrial and Marine Bacteria Limited (NCIMB) at 23 St Machar Drive, Aberdeen, Scotland, AB2 IRY, United Kingdom, on 18 August 1995:
E. coli XI- 1 blue containing mouse cDNA plasmid ME2(22) which was allocated deposit number NCIMB 40766;
E. coli XI- 1 blue containing mouse cDNA plasmid ME2(78) which was allocated deposit number NCIMB 40767; E. coli DHl containing human cosmid ME2HC20 which was allocated deposit number NCIMB 40768.
These deposits are discussed later in the Experimental Section (see Deposits).
Thus, highly preferred embodiments of the present invention include any one of the aforementioned aspects of the present invention but wherein the receptor or the nucleotide sequence coding for same is obtainable from any one or more of deposits NCIMB 40766, NCIMB 40767 and NCIMB 40768.
The present invention will now be described only by way of examples, in which reference shall be made to the following Figures, in which:
Figure 1 is a pictorial representation of a typical GCR;
Figure 2 is a DNA map of the receptor of the present invention;
Figure 3 is a pictorial representation of the receptor of the present invention;
Figure 4 is a schematic representation of expression patterns;
Figure 5 is a restriction map;
Figure 6 presents SEQ ID No. 1 ;
Figure 7 presents SEQ ID No. 2;
Figure 8 presents SEQ ID No. 3;
Figure 9 presents SEQ ID No. 4; and
Figure 10 presents an analysis of an amino acid sequence (sequence range 1 to 2707).
In some of the following commentary, sections (parts) of the gene coding for the receptor of the present invention are sometimes referred to as ME2(x) wherein "x" represents a particular numbered fraction.
ME2 Genetic Mapping
Our initial studies revealed that the receptor of the present invention is coded by a single copy gene. This single copy gene is conserved in organisms as diverged as human, mice and fruit flies. In particular, the single copy gene maps to human chromosome region 22qter and mouse chromosome 15. In both of these genomes the receptor gene is contained in a region associated with gastrulation and neural mutants and disorders.
Expression Behaviour
To determine the in vivo expression of the receptor of the present invention, both reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and wholemount in situ hybridisation were carried out on wild-type mouse embryos.
RT-PCR analysis showed that the receptor of the present invention is first expressed in the early postimplantation embryo between 4 and 6 days post coitum (dpc), then continues until adulthood.
The embryonic expression of the receptor of the present invention precedes the start of gastrulation, the event which results in the generation of the three germ layers of the developing embryo. Prior to this, the embryo does not contain neural tissue. Embryonic expression of the gene coding for the receptor of the present invention correlates with cells of ectodermal origin, which go on to form the nervous system.
For ease of reference, Figure 4 is a schematic representation of the expression patterns of the receptor of the present invention in the developing central nervous system, in particular in the developing spinal cord (Figure 4(A)) and the developing hindbrain (Figure 4(B)). In this regard, interesting features of this dynamic expression pattern include the delineation of segments in the developing hindbrain and neural tube. In the hindbrain novel sub-rhombomeric expression was observed. In the neural tube, initially the transcripts are ubiquitous and then resolve into 5,4 and finally 2 dorsoventrally restricted domains, one in the roof plate and one in the floor plate. Gene expression is highly localised and persists throughout development, with adult transcripts localised to the brain and eye.
Expression Discussion
Observing the pattern of expression of the receptor of the present invention indicates that it may be involved in the control of neural development. In this regard, the receptor is expressed almost exclusively in neural tissue (which is discussed in more detail later). In particular, expression precedes the first obvious neural structures in the developing embryo and the pattern of subsequent expression is complex. In later embryos, expression around the ventricle of the brain is significant since this is believed to be the region that contains the neural stem cells.
Further observations revealed detection of the receptor of the present invention peri-ventricularly in adult brains. This particular pattern of synthesis is therefore under complex spatial and temporal controls and is the period in which the nervous system is proliferating most rapidly.
Hence, the expression evidence strongly suggests that the receptor of the present invention might play an important part in the "control machinery" of neural development (see later discussion).
Isolation Of The Receptor Of The Present Invention
In some of the following commentary, sections (parts) of the gene coding for the receptor of the present invention are sometimes referred to as ME2(x) wherein "x" represents a particular numbered fraction. The isolation of the complete the receptor of the present invention coding sequence is shown in Figure 5.
In more detail, in step 1 (Figure 5) a mouse 8.5 dpc whole embryo cDNA was screened using a human cDNA clone (16FB2). 16FB2 was originally isolated from a human fetal brain cDNA library by hybridisation with human cosmid ZnFPlό as described in Hoovers et al, (Genomics 10 254-263).
ME2(2) was then isolated from the initial screening of the mouse cDNA library (Figure 5). Extensive sequence analysis of both ME2(2) and 16FB2 has shown that they have sequence homology in a G-rich region in the 3' untranslated region.
Furthermore, complete nucleotide sequencing of ME2(2) showed that it had no homology to any sequences in the publicly accessible DNA databases.
ME2(2) was then used immediately in whole mount in situ expression analyses and produced the striking expression pattern of the receptor of the present invention. The remainder of the gene sequence coding for the receptor of the present invention was then isolated as follows.
In step 2 (Figure 5) ME2(2) was used to re-screen the mouse 8.5dpc cDNA library leading to the isolation of 6 different clones, the largest of which being ME2(22). Sequence analysis and database searches with the 3.2kb ME2(22) sequence identified a large open reading frame whose predicted amino acid sequence had homology to the family B group of G-protein coupled receptors. In this regard, ME2(22) covers the region from the polyA tail to trans-membrane region IV.
In step 3 (Figure 5) the 5' EcoRI to Pstl fragment of ME2(19) was used to rescreen which led to the isolation of 3 further cDNA clones.
In step 4 (Figure 5) a primer PLKH20 corresponding to sequence 3527 to 3541 in the sequence shown as SEQ.I.D. No. 2 and derived from ME2(42) was used to isolate the HI fragment using the RACE method (Frohman, M.A. (1993) Methods in Enzymol. 218 340-56). The DNA sequence of HI was used to identify the DNA from 3295 to 3312 (again see SEQ. I.D. No. 2) which was used to make a new primer, PLKH26, for RACE analysis which gave rise R12 in step 5 (Figure 5).
In step 6 (Figure 5), R12 was used to screen the cDNA library which gave rise to, amongst other clones, the cDNA clone ME2(78) which extends almost to the 5'end.
The minimal set of cDNA clones that defines all of the receptor of the present invention is ME2(78) and ME2(22) (see Figure 2 and Figure 5).
DNA Analysis
The DNA sequence of the receptor of the present invention was established entirely using published methods.
In particular, the sequencing methodology used was the Sanger technique (Sanger et al., 1977 Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 12 5463-7). The sequencing kits used were supplied by Pharmacia Biotech and the manufacturer's protocols were followed throughout.
DNA was sequenced either by analysis of cloned molecules using sequencing primers specific for vector sequences and sequencing into the cDNA, or by synthesising specific primers, obtained from conventional commercial synthesis companies, and using these to establish DNA sequence directly from intemal parts ofthe cloned cDNA molecule.
The sequence data obtained is shown in the attached Figures as SEQ. I.D. No. 2 (see Figure 7) and SEQ. I.D. No. 4 (see Figure 9). A map of the DNA sequence is represented in Figure 2.
Re-isolation Of The Receptor Of The Present Invention
The receptor of the present invention was re-isolated by using PCR techniques.
Since the gene coding for the receptor of the present invention is over 4.5 kb it is preferable to isolate a cDNA containing the receptor coding regions by a multi-step process, rather than by a one step process using RT-PCR to isolate the whole cDNA. Hence, by using the complete coding sequence for the receptor ofthe present invention it is possible to isolate a series of cDNA fragments that can then be ligated.
In this regard, primers flanking pairs of unique restriction enzyme sites were used to amplify individual regions and subsequent restriction enzyme digestion and ligation to generate the complete sequence. Details of this approach are given below and in Figure 2.
Fragment 1 : Primer pair(3') PLKH31+(5') PLKH52
Amplification products are digested with BspHl.
Fragment 2: Primer pair(3') PLKH47+(5')PLKH59c
Amplification products are digested with BspHl
Primer Sequence (5' -3') Position
PL H59C 5' CAG CGG GGA CTA CTG CGA GAC TGA AAT 1-27
PL H47 5' AGC TTG TCG AAG ATG TCA AC 2675-2694
PLKH52 5' ATC TTA CAG CAT GAG AGC CGC C 2414-2435 P KH31 5' GGT AAT GAC ACA GTC ACT GGC ATG 4856-4879
Fragments 1 and 2 were independently amplified from mouse embryonic or adult brain reverse transcribed cDNA under standard PCR conditions. The amplification products were then subsequently directly restriction endonuclease digested with BspHl to give ragged ends. Fragments 1 and 2 were then ligated to each other and then cloned into a T vector.
Construction Of A Complete cDNA Clone
Construction of a complete cDNA clone for the gene for the receptor of the present invention was as follows.
In particular, construction of a complete cDNA clone for the gene for the receptor of the present invention was achieved using the protocol detailed in the previous section.
In more detail, the method used relied on the minimal set of cDNA clones obtained from the mouse 8.5dpc libraries mentioned above (see also Figure 2 and Figure 5).
The minimal set of clones ME2(22) and ME2(78) have EcoRI linkers and are cloned into pBluescript plasmid vector. Since there is no EcoRI site in the ME2 transcript, constmction of a complete cDNA clone will be done by EcoRI + Avrll digestion of ME2(22), isolation of the 2.6kb fragment and ligation of this to the 4.3kb EcoRI plus Avrll fragment from ME2(78): this product is cloned into the appropriate EcoRI digested vector.
Deposits
As mentioned above three deposits have been made in accordance with the Budapest Treaty. In this regard, NCIMB 40766 is an E. coli XI- 1 blue host with a pBluescript SK+ vector containing fragment ME2(22) - i.e. nucleotides 3657 to 6794 (see SEQ.I.D.No. 2).
NCIMB 40767 is an E. coli XI- 1 blue host with a. pBluescript SK+ vector containing fragment ME2(78) - i.e. nucleotides 1 to 4813 (see SEQ.I.D. No. 2).
NCIMB 40768 is a recombinant cosmid containing the main part of the human receptor gene according to the present invention. In this regard, the cosmid vector is pCoslEMBL and the host cell E. coli DHl. The human DNA derives from a region of human chromosome 22qler and contains parts of the human receptor of the present invention gene including parts' of the 7TM region but not extending further 5' than this.
In order to prepare a full length cDNA clone from NCIMB 40766 and NCIMB 40767, the appropriate cDNA fractions can be excised by use of suitable restriction enzymes, isolated and then ligated. The full length cDNA can then be inserted into any suitable expression system and subsequently expressed by suitable means. The pBluescript SK+ plasmids can be recovered from bacterial cells grown in L-broth containing 100 (μg/ml Ampicillin using routine methods detailed in Sambrook et αl., (1989 Molecular cloning - A laboratory manual. Second edition. Cold Spring harbor laboratory press.). Then the receptor cDNA fragments may be isolated subsequent to their excision with EcoRI.
Likewise, the DNA from NCIMB 40768 and/or fragments thereof can be excised by use of suitable restriction enzymes, isolated, inserted into any suitable expression system and subsequently expressed by suitable means. The DNA can be recovered by growing the bacteria in L-broth supplemented with 30 (μg/ml Kanamycin and recovering the DNA according to routine methods detailed in Sambrook et αl., (1989 Molecular cloning - A laboratory manual. Second edition. Cold Spring harbor laboratory press). The human DNA fragments can be resolved by cleavage with almost any 6-base recognition enzyme.
Amino acid analysis
The amino acid sequence data are listed in the attached sequence listings as SEQ. I.D. No. 1 (see Figure 6) and SEQ. I.D. No. 3 (see Figure 8).
Amino acid analysis of the receptor of the present invention reveals that it appears to be a large membrane spanning receptor having an unusual stmcture. This stmcture is pictorially shown in Figure 3.
In slightly more detail, the C-terminal region appears to have the structure of a 7-pass transmembrane receptor related to the B family of G-protein coupled receptors (GCRs). Thus it is believed that the receptor of the present invention is a new protein.
Further amino acid analysis reveals that the receptor of the present invention contains EGF-like repeats. In this regard, towards the N-terminus (extracellular) ofthe receptor there are a number of EGF-like repeats (see Figure 3). One of these EGF-like repeats is -300 amino acids away from the C-terminal sequence. The EGF-like repeats are shown in Figure 10 (marked "EGF 1" etc.). Divergent EGF-like repeats are also marked.
A large number of molecules containing EGF-like repeats have been identified in both vertebrates and invertebrates. These molecules include, for example, blood clotting factors and proteins that are required for correct embryonic development.
Examples of proteins that are required for correct embryonic development, which molecules have primarily been characterised in invertebrates, include fibropellin, a cell coat protein of sea urchins, glp-1 and lag- 12 proteins required for inductive interactions in the nematode worm C. elegans, and a number of Drosophila proteins including Crumbs, which is required for establishing epithelial cell polarity. Additional examples include Notch, Delta and Serrate proteins, which are required for neurogenesis, and Slit, which is a protein involved in axonal pathfinding. Notch and
its ligands Delta and Serrate are involved in cell-cell signalling that determines adjacent cell fates; though this signal is not directly mitogenic.
To date, there have been reports of some isolated vertebrate proteins that have some homology (similarity) to the invertebrate proteins. For example, three Notch genes, a single Delta. Jagged and Delta-like have been identified to date.
Other vertebrate proteins that have been isolated are EMR-1 (Baud et al 1995 Genomics 26 334-344) and CD97 (Genebank accession no. X84700). However, there is no mention of possible utility of such proteins, let alone mention of pattern of expression/synthesis.
Further amino acid analysis reveals that the receptor of the present invention contains cadherin-like repeats. These cadherin-like repeats are shown in Figure 10 (marked as "CD 1" etc.). Cadherin-like repeats have been implicated in protein-protein interactions (Geiger and Ayalon 1992 Ann Rev Cell Biol 8 307-332).
Some of the transmembrane portions of the receptor of the present invention are shown in Figure 10 (marked as "TM 1" etc.).
When the amino acid sequence of the receptor of the present invention is compared with the amino acid sequences of known proteins that are required for correct embryonic development it is observed that there is some sequence homology, though this is less than 80%. More importantly, however, in distinction to the receptor ofthe present invention those proteins are all single-pass transmembrane proteins with the cluster of EGF-like repeats in their extracellular domains. In contrast, the receptor of the present invention has a seven-pass transmembrane topology, similar to a GCR.
Accordingly, as there have been no reports in the literature for a receptor found in neural tissue that is capable of interacting with a G-protein but, in addition, having EGF-like repeats so the receptor of the present invention is novel.
Functions Of The Receptor Of The Present Invention
The EGF-like repeats and the 7 pass transmembrane (7TM) structures of the receptor of the present invention suggest important functions and utilities for the receptor. In this regard, the EGF-like repeats will bind a ligand which may, as in the case of Notch/Delta, be a protein attached to another cell, or it may be free, as in the case of blood clotting factors. In either case, binding of a ligand will cause the cytoplasmic region to signal to the cellular machinery, via a G-protein. Since the 7TM region is most similar to the family B GCRs regions, it is likely that it will signal via a stimulatory G-protein which stimulates adenylate cyclase and causes cAMP levels to increase as all family B receptors operate in this fashion.
Likewise, the cadherin-like repeats of the receptor of the present invention suggest important functions and utilities for the receptor.
Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the outcome of this signalling, based upon known examples of GCRs, could be due to one or more of the following effects:
1. Stimulation of the receptor of the present invention might cause neural cells to divide.
2. Stimulation of the receptor of the present invention might cause neural cells to differentiate.
3. Stimulation of the receptor of the present invention might cause changes to cellular physiology.
Uses
Based on the above-mentioned functions of the receptor of the present invention, it is clear that the receptor can be used in a number of useful utilities. Some of those utilities are now presented.
1. The receptor of the present invention could be a therapeutic target. In this regard, if the ligand or a modified ligand can be defined, then artificial treatment of neural tissue with this ligand could trigger the receptor of the present invention to signal. This signal would then trigger the normal response of the receptor of the present invention. which would be a way of modulating the growth, function or properties of brain cells that express the receptor of the present invention. This would therefore have an application in the repair of trauma and in treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.
2. The receptor of the present invention can be used as a test reagent to identify the ligand. This can be done for example in artificial test systems where the receptor of the present invention is expressed from a recombinant expression vector in cells that otherwise do not express the receptor of the present invention. These cells can then be used to test for binding of the ligand by studying cAMP level changes upon treatment of cells with proteins or other cells.
3. The nucleotide sequence coding for the receptor ofthe present invention gene could be used to modify the behaviour of cells by transgenesis. Potential areas of application include the modification of cells used for transplantation treatments of degenerative diseases and the modification of whole animals by normal transgenic procedures. Both of these applications would result in cells with modified growth potential.
Screening Protocol
Two screening protocols are now presented.
The first is based on Lutz et al. (1993. FEBS Letters 334, 3-8). In outline, a ME2 expression vector (for example pcDNA-1) is constructed and then introduced into Cos- 7 cells by transfection. This results in the cells expressing ME2 and, because of the biological properties of G-proteins, a G-protein becomes naturally associated with ME2 on the cell surface. The cells are then treated in vitro with proteins, chemicals, other cells (intact or broken up). Then one assays for changes to cAMP levels which are caused by ME2 binding a ligand and signalling via the G-protein to alter cAMP levels. If changes are seen, this implies that the ligand is or is contained in, in the substance that was treated with cells. This is the assay of choice for purification of the ligand.
The second method is based upon Cheng & Flanagan ( 1994, Cell 79 157-168). In this regard, one synthesises in E. coli and isolates the N-terminal fragment of ME2 (N terminus of ME2 to the membrane entry point in fig 3) which has been fused at this point to the enzyme alkaline phosphatase. This hybrid protein binds to its normal ligand. Binding is then detected by looking for the alkaline phosphatase dragged along at its end. This could be used to isolate cDNA clones containing the normal ME2 ligand using exactly the methods detailed in Cheng & Flanagan (1994, Cell 79 157- 168).
The present invention therefore relates to a novel receptor and a novel use of that receptor.
The nature of the receptor of the present invention, its spatiotemporally restricted expression, coupled with the evolutionary conservation of the receptor gene suggests that the receptor of the present invention plays a role in the determination of ectodermal cell types within the developing embryo. This has important consequences
as it enables possible pharmaceutical agents to be screened to see if they stimulate the receptor and if so then those agents could be used to promote neural growth. In addition, the receptor can be inserted (such as by way of transplantation or by way of transgenesis of the coding gene) into a subject either in need of treatment or to develop in vivo screening techniques.
Other modifications of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.
Claims
1. A method of screening a chemical for subsequent use as a pharmaceutical agent, the method comprising contacting the chemical with a receptor: and determining whether the chemical interacts with the receptor to form a chemical-receptor complex; wherein the receptor comprises EGF-like repeats.
2. A method of screening a chemical for subsequent use as a pharmaceutical agent, the method comprising contacting the chemical with a receptor: and determining whether the chemical interacts with the receptor to form a chemical-receptor complex; wherein the receptor comprises cadherin-like repeats.
3. A method of screening a chemical for subsequent use as a pharmaceutical agent, the method comprising contacting the chemical with a receptor: and determining whether the chemical interacts with the receptor to form a chemical-receptor complex; wherein the receptor comprises EGF-like repeats and cadherin-like repeats.
4. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the receptor is obtainable from neural tissue.
5. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the receptor is obtainable from ectodermal cells.
6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the receptor is prepared by use of recombinant DNA techniques.
7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the receptor is obtainable from deposit NCIMB No. 40766 and/or deposit NCIMB No. 40767.
8. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the receptor is obtainable from deposit NCIMB No. 40768.
9. A method according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the receptor comprises the amino acid sequence represented as SEQ. I.D. No. 1, or is a fragment, homologue or variant thereof.
10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the receptor comprises the amino acid sequence represented as SEQ. I.D. No. 3, or is a fragment, homologue or variant thereof.
1 1. A method according to any one ofthe preceding claims wherein the receptor is expressed by the nucleotide sequence represented as SEQ. I.D. No. 2, or is a fragment, homologue or variant thereof.
12. A method according to any one ofthe preceding claims wherein the receptor is expressed by the nucleotide sequence represented as SEQ. I.D. No. 4, or is a fragment, homologue or variant thereof.
13. A method according to any one ofthe preceding claims wherein the method includes contacting the chemical-receptor complex with a G-protein and determining whether the chemical-receptor complex stimulates the G-protein.
14. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the chemical is screened to determine if it is useful for one or more of:
i. causing neural cells to divide; ii. causing neural cells to differentiate; iii. affecting cellular physiology; iv. repairing trauma; v. treating neurodegenerative diseases; vi. stimulating adenylate cyclase production; vii. increasing cAMP levels; viii. promoting neural growth.
15. A method of affecting neural development comprising stimulating a receptor with a chemical; wherein the receptor is the receptor as defined in any one of claims 1 to 14.
16. Use of a receptor as defined in any one of claims 1 to 14 to screen for agents that are capable of stimulating the receptor to cause neural cells to divide.
17. Use of a receptor as defined in any one of claims 1 to 14 to screen for agents that are capable of stimulating the receptor to cause neural cells to differentiate.
18. Use of a receptor as defined in any one of claims 1 to 14 to screen for agents that are capable of stimulating the receptor to affect cellular physiology.
19. Use of a receptor as defined in any one of claims 1 to 14 to screen for agents that are capable of stimulating the receptor for use in the repair of trauma and/or in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
20. Use of a receptor as defined in any one of claims 1 to 14 to stimulate adenylate cyclase.
21. Use of a receptor as defined in any one of claims 1 to 14 to increase cAMP levels.
22. Use of a receptor as defined in any one of claims 1 to 14 to promote neural growth.
23. Use of a receptor as defined in any one of claims 1 to 14 to screen chemicals for subsequent use as a pharmaceutical.
24. A chemical when screened by the method according to any one of claims 1 to 15.
25. A receptor capable of interacting with a G-protein and wherein the receptor comprises EGF-like repeats, wherein the receptor is obtainable from neural tissue and or ectodermal cells.
26. A receptor capable of interacting with a G-protein and wherein the receptor comprises cadherin-like repeats, wherein the receptor is obtainable from neural tissue and/or ectodermal cells.
27. A receptor capable of interacting with a G-protein and wherein the receptor comprises EGF-like repeats and cadherin-like repeats, wherein the receptor is obtainable from neural tissue and/or ectodermal cells.
28. A receptor according to any one of claims 25 to 27 wherein the receptor is the receptor as defined in any one of claims 4 to 14.
29. A protein comprising the amino acid sequence represented as SEQ. I.D. No. 1 , or a fragment, homologue or variant thereof.
30. A protein comprising the amino acid sequence represented as SEQ. I.D. No. 3, or a fragment, homologue or variant thereof.
31. A nucleotide sequence comprising the nucleotide sequence represented as SEQ. I.D. No. 2, or a fragment, homologue or variant thereof, and/or wherein the nucleotide sequence is obtainable from one or more of NCIMB No. 40766, NCIMB No. 40767 and NCIMB No. 40768.
32. A nucleotide sequence comprising the nucleotide sequence represented as SEQ. I.D. No. 4, or a fragment, homologue or variant thereof, and/or wherein the nucleotide sequence is obtainable from one or more of NCIMB No. 40766, NCIMB No. 40767 and NCIMB No. 40768.
33. A vector capable of expressing the receptor as defined in any one of claims 1 to 14 or the protein of claim 29 or 30, or comprising the nucleotide sequence as defined in claim 31 or 32.
34. A construct comprising or capable of expressing any one of the vector of claim 33, the receptor as defined in any one of claims 1 to 14 or the protein of claim 29 or 30, or comprising the nucleotide sequence as defined in claim 31 or 32.
35. A cell, tissue or organ comprising or capable of expressing any one of the constmct of claim 34, the vector of claim 33, the receptor as defined in any one of claims 1 to 14 or the protein of claim 29 or 30, or comprising the nucleotide sequence as defined in claim 31 or 32.
36. An organism comprising or capable of expressing any one of the cell, tissue or organ of claim 35, the construct of claim 34, the vector of claim 33, the receptor as defined in any one of claims 1 to 14 or the protein of claim 29 or 30, or comprising the nucleotide sequence as defined in claim 31 or 32.
37. An assay kit comprising a surface having attached thereto or contained within or on any one of an organism according to claim 36, the cell, tissue or organ of claim
35, the construct of claim 34, the vector of claim 33, the receptor as defmed in any one of claims 1 to 14 or the protein of claim 29 or 30, or comprising the nucleotide sequence as defined in claim 31 or 32.
38. NCIMB No. 40766.
39. NCIMB No. 40767.
40. NCIMB No. 40768.
41. A method substantially as described herein.
42. A use substantially as described herein.
43. A receptor substantially as described herein.
44. An amino acid sequence substantially as described herein.
45. A nucleotide sequence substantially as described herein.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU67481/96A AU6748196A (en) | 1995-08-21 | 1996-08-14 | Receptor |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBGB9517098.1A GB9517098D0 (en) | 1995-08-21 | 1995-08-21 | Receptor |
| GB9517098.1 | 1995-08-21 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO1997007209A2 true WO1997007209A2 (en) | 1997-02-27 |
| WO1997007209A3 WO1997007209A3 (en) | 1997-05-15 |
Family
ID=10779538
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/GB1996/001980 WO1997007209A2 (en) | 1995-08-21 | 1996-08-14 | Receptor |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU6748196A (en) |
| GB (1) | GB9517098D0 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1997007209A2 (en) |
Cited By (14)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO1999028493A2 (en) * | 1997-12-01 | 1999-06-10 | Smithkline Beecham P.L.C. | Method for identifying inhibitors of g-protein coupled receptor hibef51 |
| US6031072A (en) * | 1996-07-12 | 2000-02-29 | Mcgill University | Compounds and methods for modulating cell adhesion |
| US6169071B1 (en) | 1996-07-12 | 2001-01-02 | Mcgill University | Compounds and methods for modulating cell adhesion |
| US6203788B1 (en) | 1997-09-29 | 2001-03-20 | Adherex Inc. | Compounds and methods for regulating cell adhesion |
| US6207639B1 (en) | 1996-07-12 | 2001-03-27 | Mcgill University | Compounds and methods for modulating neurite outgrowth |
| US6277824B1 (en) | 1998-07-10 | 2001-08-21 | Adherex Technologies | Compounds and methods for modulating adhesion molecule function |
| US6333307B1 (en) | 1996-07-12 | 2001-12-25 | Mcgill University | Compounds and method for modulating neurite outgrowth |
| US6346512B1 (en) | 1996-07-12 | 2002-02-12 | Mcgill University | Compounds and methods for modulating cell adhesion |
| US6417325B1 (en) | 1996-07-12 | 2002-07-09 | Mcgill University | Compounds and methods for cancer therapy |
| US6465427B1 (en) | 1996-07-12 | 2002-10-15 | Mcgill University | Compounds and methods for modulating cell adhesion |
| US6479256B1 (en) * | 1998-03-04 | 2002-11-12 | Icos Corporation | Lectomedin materials and methods |
| US6562786B1 (en) | 1996-07-12 | 2003-05-13 | Mcgill University | Compounds and methods for modulating apoptosis |
| US6610821B1 (en) | 1996-07-12 | 2003-08-26 | Mcgill University | Compounds and methods for modulating endothelial cell adhesion |
| US7122623B2 (en) | 1996-07-12 | 2006-10-17 | Adherex Technologies, Inc. | Compounds and methods for modulating cell adhesion |
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| WO1991013152A1 (en) * | 1990-02-27 | 1991-09-05 | Ludwig Institute For Cancer Research | SUBSTANTIALLY PURE TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR-β1-BINDING PROTEIN AND NUCLEOTIDE SEQUENCES EXPRESSING THE BINDING PROTEIN |
| WO1994000469A1 (en) * | 1992-06-26 | 1994-01-06 | Immunex Corporation | Novel tyrosine kinase |
| WO1994010197A1 (en) * | 1992-10-30 | 1994-05-11 | Ludwig Institute For Cancer Research | A novel protein tyrosine kinase |
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- 1995-08-21 GB GBGB9517098.1A patent/GB9517098D0/en active Pending
-
1996
- 1996-08-14 AU AU67481/96A patent/AU6748196A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1996-08-14 WO PCT/GB1996/001980 patent/WO1997007209A2/en active Application Filing
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO1991013152A1 (en) * | 1990-02-27 | 1991-09-05 | Ludwig Institute For Cancer Research | SUBSTANTIALLY PURE TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR-β1-BINDING PROTEIN AND NUCLEOTIDE SEQUENCES EXPRESSING THE BINDING PROTEIN |
| WO1994000469A1 (en) * | 1992-06-26 | 1994-01-06 | Immunex Corporation | Novel tyrosine kinase |
| WO1994010197A1 (en) * | 1992-10-30 | 1994-05-11 | Ludwig Institute For Cancer Research | A novel protein tyrosine kinase |
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| MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION, vol. 10, no. 3, May 1993, pages 539-551, XP000610570 KEI-ICHI KUMA ET AL.: "Motifs of cadherin- and fibronectin type III-related sequences and evolution of the receptor-type protein tyrosine kinases: sequence similarity between proto-oncogene ret and cadherin family " * |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6417325B1 (en) | 1996-07-12 | 2002-07-09 | Mcgill University | Compounds and methods for cancer therapy |
| US6326352B1 (en) | 1996-07-12 | 2001-12-04 | Mcgill University | Compounds and methods for modulating cell adhesion |
| US6465427B1 (en) | 1996-07-12 | 2002-10-15 | Mcgill University | Compounds and methods for modulating cell adhesion |
| US6169071B1 (en) | 1996-07-12 | 2001-01-02 | Mcgill University | Compounds and methods for modulating cell adhesion |
| US7138369B2 (en) | 1996-07-12 | 2006-11-21 | Mcgill University | Compounds and methods for modulating apoptosis |
| US6207639B1 (en) | 1996-07-12 | 2001-03-27 | Mcgill University | Compounds and methods for modulating neurite outgrowth |
| US7122623B2 (en) | 1996-07-12 | 2006-10-17 | Adherex Technologies, Inc. | Compounds and methods for modulating cell adhesion |
| US6610821B1 (en) | 1996-07-12 | 2003-08-26 | Mcgill University | Compounds and methods for modulating endothelial cell adhesion |
| US6333307B1 (en) | 1996-07-12 | 2001-12-25 | Mcgill University | Compounds and method for modulating neurite outgrowth |
| US6967238B2 (en) | 1996-07-12 | 2005-11-22 | Mcgill University | Compounds and methods for modulating cell adhesion |
| US6031072A (en) * | 1996-07-12 | 2000-02-29 | Mcgill University | Compounds and methods for modulating cell adhesion |
| US6914044B2 (en) | 1996-07-12 | 2005-07-05 | Mcgill University | Compounds and methods for modulating cell adhesion |
| US6346512B1 (en) | 1996-07-12 | 2002-02-12 | Mcgill University | Compounds and methods for modulating cell adhesion |
| US6780845B2 (en) | 1996-07-12 | 2004-08-24 | Mcgill University | Compounds and methods for cancer therapy |
| US6562786B1 (en) | 1996-07-12 | 2003-05-13 | Mcgill University | Compounds and methods for modulating apoptosis |
| US7326686B2 (en) | 1997-09-29 | 2008-02-05 | Adherex Inc. | Compounds and methods for regulating cell adhesion |
| US6203788B1 (en) | 1997-09-29 | 2001-03-20 | Adherex Inc. | Compounds and methods for regulating cell adhesion |
| WO1999028493A3 (en) * | 1997-12-01 | 1999-08-05 | Smithkline Beecham Plc | Method for identifying inhibitors of g-protein coupled receptor hibef51 |
| WO1999028493A2 (en) * | 1997-12-01 | 1999-06-10 | Smithkline Beecham P.L.C. | Method for identifying inhibitors of g-protein coupled receptor hibef51 |
| US6479256B1 (en) * | 1998-03-04 | 2002-11-12 | Icos Corporation | Lectomedin materials and methods |
| US6806255B2 (en) | 1998-07-10 | 2004-10-19 | Adherex Technologies, Inc. | Compounds and methods for modulating adhesion molecule function |
| US6472368B1 (en) | 1998-07-10 | 2002-10-29 | Adherex Technologies, Inc. | Compounds and methods for modulating adhesion molecule function |
| US6277824B1 (en) | 1998-07-10 | 2001-08-21 | Adherex Technologies | Compounds and methods for modulating adhesion molecule function |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU6748196A (en) | 1997-03-12 |
| WO1997007209A3 (en) | 1997-05-15 |
| GB9517098D0 (en) | 1995-10-25 |
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