WO1997019704A1 - Smooth muscle cell-derived migration factor - Google Patents

Abstract

Isolated nucleic acid encoding human smooth muscle cell-derived migration factor, protein obtainable from the nucleic acid, recombinant host cells transformed with the nucleic acid and use of the protein and nucleic acid sequence are disclosed.

Description

SMOOTH MUSCLE CELL-DERIVED MIGRATION FACTOR

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an isolated human smooth muscle cell-derived migration factor (SDMF) gene, to essentially pure human SDMF protein, and to

compositions and methods of producing and using human SDMF sequences and proteins. Background of the Invention

Migration of arterial smooth muscle cells (SMC) into the intimal layer of blood vessel walls is a key event in the development of atherosclerotic lesions and also of restenosis after coronary balloon angioplasty A number of SMC migration factors secreted by vascular cells or derived from other blood components have been identified These migration factors include platelet- derived growth factor, interleukin-1, transforming growth factor-β, fibronectin, vitronectin, fibrinogen and oxidized low density lipoprotein.

Smooth muscle cell-derived migration factors (SDMF) from rat and rabbit have been described by Koyama et al. in Atherosclerosis 86, 219-226 (1991) Subsequent purification and biochemical and pharmacological studies of the rat SDMF protein from aortic SMC were reported by the same group in Koyama et al., J. Biol Chem 268, 13301-13308 (1993) .

The studies indicated that rat SDMF is a potent SMC migration factor which does not enhance proliferation of SMC. The 58 kDa SMC-secreted protein differed

biochemically from other known SMC migration factors and was reported to induce migration by an autocrine

mechanism Sequencing and/or cloning of the rat SDMF was not reported.

SMC migration is involved in a number of blood vessel pathologies. As a SMC autocrine migratory factor, SDMF is thought to play an important role in blood vessel pathology e.g., the formation of intimal thickening of atherosclerotic lesions. The involvement of SDMF in the regulation of SMC migration necessitates the full identification of SDMF and its cDNA. A need also exists for compounds which modulate the activity of SDMF, for methods to identify such modulators and for reagents useful in such methods.

Summary of the Invention

Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention is an isolated polynucleotide selected from the group consisting of:

(a) a polynucleotide encoding human SDMF having the nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO : 1 from nucleotide 94 to 1440;

(b) a polynucleotide capable of hybridizing to the complement of a polynucleotide according to (a) under moderately stringent hybridization conditions and which encodes a functional human SDMF; and

(c) a degenerate polynucleotide according to (a) or (b).

Another aspect of the invention is a functional polypeptide encoded by the polynucleotides of the invention.

Another aspect of the invention is a method for preparing essentially pure human SDMF protein comprising culturing a recombinant host cell comprising a vector comprising a polynucleotide of the invention under conditions promoting expression of the protein and recovery thereof.

Another aspect of the invention is an antisense oligonucleotide comprising a sequence which i s capable of binding to the polynucleotide of the invention.

Another aspect of the invention is a modulator of the polypeptides of the invention.

Another aspect of the invention is a method for assaying a medium for the presence of a substance that modulat2

es SDMF activity comprising the steps of: (a) providing a SDMF protein having the amino acid sequence of SDMF (SEQ ID NO: 2 ) or a functional derivative thereof and SMC in a chamber;

(b) adding a test substance which is suspected of modulating SDMF activity to either the SDMF or SMC;

(c) incubating the chamber under conditions which permit the migration of SMC;

(d) counting the number of migrated and nonmigrated SMC; and

(e) comparing to a control to determine the effect of the test substance.

Another aspect of the invention is a method for assaying a medium for the presence of a substance that modulates SDMF activity comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a SDMF protein having the amino acid sequence of SDMF (SEQ ID NO: 2) or a functional

derivative thereof and a cellular binding partner;

(b) incubating with a test substance which is suspected of modulating SDMF activity under conditions which permit the formation of a SDMF protein/cellular binding partner complex;

(c) assaying for the presence of the complex, free SDMF protein or free cellular binding partner, and

(d) comparing to a control to determine the effect of the substance.

Another aspect of the invention is SDMF protein modulating compounds identified by the methods of the invention

Another aspect of the invention is a method for the treatment of a patient having need to modulate SDMF activity comprising administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of the modulating compounds of the invention.

Another aspect of the invention is a method for the treatment of a patient having need of SDMF comprising administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of the polypeptide of the invention. Another aspect of the invention is a pharmaceutical composition comprising a polypeptide of the invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier

Another aspect of the invention is a method of diagnosing conditions associated with SDMF protein deficiency which comprises.

(a) isolating a polynucleotide sample from an individual;

(b) assaying the polynucleotide sample and a polynucleotide encoding SDMF having the nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 from nucleotide 94 to 1440, and

(c) comparing differences between the

polynucleotide sample and the SDMF polynucleotide, wherein any differences indicate mutations in the SDMF gene.

Another aspect of the invention is a method of treating conditions which are related to insufficient

SDMF protein function which comprises administering the polynucleotide of claim 1 to a patient deficient in SDMF protein function wherein a SDMF protein is expressed and alleviates the condition.

Yet another aspect of the invention is a transgenic non-human animal capable of expressing in any cell thereof the polynucleotide of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is an amino acid sequence alignment of human SDMF protein with murine p14 protein.

Figure 2 is an amino acid sequence alignment of human SDMF protein with human PCOLCE protein

Figure 3 is a graph of experimental results

demonstrating the biological activity of purified human SDMF.

Detailed Description of the Invention

As used herein, the term "SDMF gene" refers to DNA molecules comprising a nucleotide sequence that encodes smooth muscle cell-derived migration factor. The human SDMF gene sequence is listed in SEQ ID NO:1. The coding region of the SDMF gene consists of nucleotides 94-1440 of SEQ ID NO:1. The deduced 449 amino acid sequence of the SDMF gene product is listed in SEQ ID NO:2.

As used herein, the term "functional fragments" when used to modify a specific gene or gene product means a less than full length portion of the gene or gene product which retains substantially all of the biological function associated with the full length gene or gene product to which it relates. To determine whether a fragment of a particular gene or gene product is a functional fragment, fragments are generated by well-known nucleolytic or proteolytic techniques and the fragments tested for the described biological function As used herein, an "antigen' refers to a molecule containing one or more epitopes that will stimulate a host's immune system to make a humoral and/or cellular antigen-speciflc response The term is also used herein interchangeably with "immunogen."

As used herein, the term "epitope' refers to the site on an antigen or hapten to which a specific

antibody molecule binds The term is also used herein interchangeably with "antigenic determinant" or

"antigenic determinant site."

As used herein, 'monoclonal antibody" is understood to include antibodies derived from one species (e.g., murine, rabbit, goat, rat, human, etc.) as well as antibodies derived from two, or perhaps more, species (e.g., chimeric and humanized antibodies) .

As used herein, a coding sequence is "operably linked to" another coding sequence when RNA polymerase will transcribe the two coding sequences into a single mRNA, which is then translated into a single polypeptide having amino acids derived from both coding sequences. The coding sequences need not be contiguous to one another so long as the expressed sequence is ultimately processed to produce the desired protein. As used herein, 'recombinant' polypeptides refer to polypeptides produced by recombinant DNA techniques, i.e., produced from cells transformed by an exogenous DNA construct encoding the desired polypeptide 'Synthetic' polypeptides are those prepared by chemical synthesis.

As used herein, a "replicon" is any genetic element (e.g., plasmid, chromosome, virus) that functions as an autonomous unit of DNA replication in vi vo , i.e., capable of replication under its own control.

As used herein, a "vector" is a replicon, such as a plasmid, phage, or cosmid, to which another DNA segment may be attached so as to bring about the replication of the attached segment.

As used herein, a "reference" gene refers to the human SDMF gene sequence of the invention and is

understood to include the various sequence polymorphisms that exist, wherein nucleotide substitutions in the gene sequence exist, but do not affect the essential function of the gene product.

As used herein, a "mutant" gene refers to human

SDMF sequences different from the reference gene wherein nucleotide substitutions and/or deletions and/or

insertions result in impairment of the essential

function of the gene product.

As used herein, a DNA "coding sequence of" or a

"nucleotide sequence encoding" a particular protein, is a DNA sequence which is transcribed and translated into a polypeptide when placed under the control of

appropriate regulatory sequences.

As used herein, a "promoter sequence' is a DNA regulatory region capable of binding RNA polymerase in a cell and initiating transcription of a downstream (3' direction) coding sequence For purposes of defining the present invention, the promoter sequence is bound at the 3 terminus by a translation start codon (e g ATG) of a coding sequence and extends upstream (5' direction) to include the minimum number of bases or elements necessary to initiate transcription at levels detectable above background Within the promoter sequence will be found a transcription initiation site (conveniently defined by mapping with nuclease S1), as well as protein binding domains (consensus sequences) responsible for the binding of RNA polymerase. Eukaryotic promoters will often, but not always, contain "TATA" boxes and "CAT" boxes. Prokaryotic promoters contain Shine-Dalgarno sequences in addition to the -10 and -35 consensus sequences.

As used herein, DNA "control sequences" refers collectively to promoter sequences, ribosome binding sites, polyadenylation signals, transcription

termination sequences, upstream regulatory domains, enhancers and the like, which collectively provide for the expression (i.e., the transcription and translation) of a coding sequence in a host cell

As used herein, a control sequence "directs the expression" of a coding sequence in a cell when RNA polymerase will bind the promoter sequence and

transcribe the coding sequence into mRNA, which is then translated into the polypeptide encoded by the coding sequence.

As used herein, a "host cell" is a cell which has been transformed or transfected, or is capable of transformation or transfection by an exogenous DNA sequence.

As used herein, a cell has been "transformed" by exogenous DNA when such exogenous DNA has been

introduced inside the cell membrane Exogenous DNA may or may not be integrated (covalently linked) into chromosomal DNA making up the genome of the cell. In prokaryotes and yeasts, for example, the exogenous DNA may be maintained on an episomal element, such as a plasmid Wi th respec t to eukaryotic cells , a s tably transformed or transfected cell is one in which the exogenous DNA has become integrated into the chromosome so that it is inherited by daughter cells through chromosome replication. This stability is demnnstrated by the ability of the eukaryotic cell to establish cell lines or clones comprised of a population of daughter cells containing the exogenous DNA.

As used herein, " transfection" or "transfected" refers to a process by which cells take up foreign DNA and integrate that foreign DNA into their chromosome. Transfection can be accomplished, for example, by various techniques in which cells take up DNA (e.g., calcium phosphate precipitation, electroporation, assimilation of liposomes, etc.) or by infection, in which viruses are used to transfer DNA into cells.

As used herein, a "target cell" is a cell(s) that is selectively transfected over other cell types (or cell lines).

As used herein, a "clone" is a population of cells derived from a single cell or common ancestor by

mitosis. A "cell line" is a clone of a primary cell that is capable of stable growth in vi tro for many generations.

As used herein, a "heterologous" region of a DNA construct is an identifiable segment of DNA within or attached to another DNA molecule that is not found in association with the other molecule in nature. Thus, when the heterologous region encodes a gene, the gene will usually be flanked by DNA that does not flank the gene in the genome of the source animal. Another example of a heterologous coding sequence is a construct where the coding sequence itself is not found in nature (e.g., synthetic sequences having codons different from the native gene). Allelic variation or naturally occurring mutational events do not give rise to a heterologous region of DNA, as used herein .

As used herein , a "modulator" of a polypeptide is a substance which can affect the polypeptide function.

An aspect of the present invention is isolated polynucleotides encoding a human SDMF protein and substantially similar sequences. Isolated

polynucleotide sequences are substantially similar if they are capable of hybridizing under moderately stringent conditions to SEQ ID NO : 1 or they encode DNA sequences which are degenerate to SEQ ID NO : 1 or are degenerate to those sequences capable of hybridizing under moderately stringent conditions to SEQ ID NO : 1.

Moderately stringent conditions is a term

understood by the skilled artisan and has been described in, for example, Sambrook et al . Molecular Cl oning : A Labora tory Manual , 2nd edition, Vol. 1, pp. 101-104, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press (1989). An

exemplary hybridization protocol using moderately stringent conditions is as follows. Nitrocellulose filters are prehybridized at 65°C in a solution

containing 6X SSPE, 5X Denhardt's solution (10g Ficoll, 10g BSA and 10g polyvinylpyrrolidone per liter

solution), 0.05% SDS and 100 ug/ml tRNA . Hybridization probes are labeled, preferably radiolabelled (e.g., using the Bios TAG-IT® kit). Hybridization is then carried out for approximately 18 hours at 65°C. The filters are then washed twice in a solution of 2X SSC and 0.5% SDS at room temperature for 15 minutes.

Subsequently, the filters are washed at 58°C, air-dried and exposed to X-ray film overnight at 70°C with an intensifying screen.

Degenerate DNA sequences encode the same amino acid sequence as SEQ ID NO : 2 or the proteins encoded by that sequence capable of hybridizing under moderately

stringent conditions to SEQ ID NO:1, but have

variation(s) in the nucleotide coding sequences because of the degeneracy of the genetic code. For example, the degenerate codons UUU and UUC both code for the amino acid phenylalanine, whereas the four codons GGX all code for glycine.

Alternatively, substantially similar sequences are defined as those sequences in which about 66%,

preferably about 75% and most preferably about 90%, of the nucleotides or amino acids match over a defined length of the molecule. As used herein, substantially similar refers to the sequences having similar identity to the sequences of the instant invention. Thus

nucleotide sequences that are substantially the same can be identified by hybridization or by sequence

comparison. Protein sequences that are substantially the same can be identified by techniques such as

proteolytic digestion, gel electrophoresis and/or microsequencing. Excluded from the definition of substantially similar sequences is the murine pl4 sequence reported by Lecain et al. in J. Neurochem 56 2133-2138 (1991) and the human procollagen C-proteinase enhancer precursor sequence (PCOLCE) reported by

Takahara et al in J Biol. Chew 269, 26280-26285

(1994).

Embodiments of the isolated polynucleotides of the invention include DNA, genomic DNA and RNA, preferably of human origin. A method for isolating a nucleic acid molecule encoding a SDMF protein is to probe a genomic or cDNA library with a natural or artificially designed probe using art recognized procedures. See, e.g.,

"Current Protocols in Molecular Biology", Ausubel et al. (eds ) Greene Publishing Association and John Wiley Interscience, New York, 1989,1992. The ordinarily skilled artisan will appreciate that SEQ ID NO: 1 or fragments thereof comprising at least 15 contiguous nucleotides are particularly useful probes. It is also appreciated that such probes can be and are preferably labeled with an analytically detectable reagent to facilitate identification of the probe. Useful reagents include, but are not limited to, radioisotopes,

fluorescent dyes or enzymes capable of catalyzing the formation of a detectable product. The probes would enable the ordinarily skilled artisan are to isolate complementary copies of genomic DNA, cDNA or RNA

polynucleotides encoding SDMF proteins from human mammalian or other animal sources or to screen such sources for related sequences, e.g., additional members of the family type and/or subtype, including transcriptional regulatory and control elements as well as other stability, processing, translation and tissue specificity-determining regions from 5 and/or 3

regions relative to the coding sequences disclosed herein, all without undue experimentation.

Another aspect of the invention is functional polypeptides encoded by the polynucleotides of the invention. An embodiment of a functional polypeptide of the invention is the human SDMF protein having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO : 2.

Another aspect of the invention is a method for preparing essentially pure human SDMF protein. Yet another aspect is the human SDMF protein produced by the preparation method of the invention. This protein has the amino acid sequences listed in SEQ ID NO .2 and include variants with a substantially similar amino acid sequence that have the same function. The proteins of this invention are preferably made by recombinant genetic engineering techniques by culturing a recombinant host cell containing a vector encoding the polynucleotides of the invention under conditions promoting the expression of the protein and recovery thereof.

The isolated polynucleotides, particularly the DNAs, can be introduced into expression vectors by operatively linking the DNA to the necessary expression control regions, e.g., regulatory regions, required for gene expression. The vectors can be introduced into an appropriate host cell such as a prokaryotic, e.g., bacterial, or eukaryotic, e.g., yeast or mammalian cell by methods well known in the art See Ausubel et al., supra. The coding sequences for the desired proteins, having been prepared or isolated, can be cloned into any suitable vector or replicon. Numerous cloning vectors are known to those of skill in the art and the selection of an appropriate cloning vector is a matter of choice.

Examples of recombinant DNA vectors for cloning and host cells which they can transform include but are not limited to, the bacteriophage λ (E. coli), pBR322 (E. coli), pACYC177 (E. coll), pKT230 (gram-negative

bacteria), pGV1106 (gram-negative bacteria), pLAFR1 (gram-negative bacteria), pME290 (non-E coli gram-negative bacteria), pHV14 (E coli and Bacillus

subtilis), pBD9 (Bacillus), pIJ61 ( Streptomyces), pUC6 (Streptomyces), YIp5 ( Saccharomyces), a baculovirus insect cell system, a Drosophila insect system, YCp19 (Saccharomyces) and pSV2neo (mammalian cells) See generally, "DNA Cloning" Vols. I & II, Glover et al ed. IRL Press Oxford (1985) (1987), and T Mamatis et al. ("Molecular Cloning" Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (1982).

The gene can be placed under the control of control elements such as a promoter, ribosome binding site (for bacterial expression) and, optionally, an operator, so that the DNA sequence encoding the desired protein is transcribed into RNA in the host cell transformed by a vector containing the expression construct. The coding sequence may or may not contain a signal peptide or leader sequence. The proteins of the present invention can be expressed using, for example, the E coli tac promoter or the protein A gene (spa) promoter and signal sequence Leader sequences can be removed by the bacterial host in post-translational processing. See, e.g., U.S. Patent Nos 4,431,739, 4,425,437 and

4,338,397.

In addition to control sequences, it may be

desirable to add regulatory sequences which allow for regulation of the expression of the protein sequences relative to the growth of the host cell. Regulatory sequences are known to those of skill in the art

Exemplary are those which cause the expression of a gene to be turned on or off in response to a chemical or physical stimulus including the presence of a

regulatory compound. Other types of regulatory elements may also be present in the vector, for example enhancer sequences. An expression vector is constructed so that the particular coding sequence is located in the vector with the appropriate regulatory sequences, the positioning and orientation of the coding sequence with respect to the control sequences being such that the coding

sequence is transcribed under the "control" of the control sequences, i.e., RNA polymerase which binds to the DNA molecule at the control sequences transcribes the coding sequence. Modification of the sequences encoding the particular antigen of interest may be desirable to achieve this end. For example, in some cases it may be necessary to modify the sequence so that it may be attached to the control sequences with the appropriate orientation; i.e., to maintain the reading frame. The control sequences and other regulatory sequences may be ligated to the coding sequence prior to insertion into a vector, such as the cloning vectors described above. Alternatively, the coding sequence can be cloned directly into an expression vector which already contains the control sequences and an

appropriate restriction site.

In some cases, it may be desirable to produce mutants or analogs of human SDMF protein Mutants or analogs may be prepared by the deletion of a portion of the sequence encoding the protein, by insertion of a sequence, and/or by substitution of one or more

nucleotides within the sequence. Techniques for

modifying nucleotide sequences, such as site-directed mutagenesis, are well known to those skilled in the art. See, e.g., T. Maniatis et al., supra ; "DNA Cloning,"

Vols. I and II, supra ; and "Nucleic Acid Hybridization", supra .

Depending on the expression system and host

selected, the proteins of the present invention are produced by growing host cells transformed by an

expression vector described above under conditions whereby the protein of interest is expressed. Preferred mammalian cells include human embryonic kidney cells (293), monkey kidney cells, fibroblast (COS) cells, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, Drosophi la or munne L-cells. If the expression system secretes the protein into the growth media, the protein can be purified directly from the media. If the protein is not

secreted, it is isolated from cell lysates or recovered from the cell membrane fraction The selection of the appropriate growth conditions and recovery methods are within the skill of the art.

Another aspect of this invention is the operative linking of the polynucleotides of the invention to regulatory elements which are differentially responsive to various temperature or metabolic conditions thereby effectively turning on or off the phenotypic expression in response to those conditions.

An alternative method to identify proteins of the present invention is by constructing gene libraries, using the resulting clones to transform E col i and pooling and screening individual colonies using

polyclonal serum or monoclonal antibodies to human SDMF The proteins of the present invention may also be produced by chemical synthesis such as solid phase peptide synthesis on an automated peptide synthesizer, using known amino acid sequences or amino acid sequences derived from the DNA sequence of the genes of interest Such methods are known to those skilled in the art.

Another aspect of the present invention is

modulators of the polypeptides of the invention.

Functional modulation of SDMF by a substance includes partial to complete inhibition of function, identical function, as well as enhancement of function.

Embodiments of modulators of the invention include antibodies, peptides, oligonucleotides and small organic molecules including peptidomimetics.

The proteins of the present invention or their fragments comprising at least one epitope can be used to produce antibodies, both polyclonal and monoclonal, directed to epitopes corresponding to amino acid sequences disclosed herein. If polyclonal antibodies are desired, a selected mammal such as a mouse, rabbit, goat or horse is immunized with a protein of the present invention, or its fragment, or a mutant protein. Serum from the immunized animal is collected and treated according to known procedures. Serum polyclonal

antibodies can be purified by immunoaffinity

chromatography or other known procedures.

Monoclonal antibodies to the proteins of the present invention, and to the fragments thereof, can also be readily produced by one skilled in the art. The general methodology for making monoclonal antibodies by using hybridoma technology is well known. Immortal antibody-producing cell lines can be created by cell fusion and also by other techniques such as direct transformation of B lymphocytes with oncogenic DNA or transfection with Epstein-Barr virus. See, e.g., M.

Schreier et al., "Hybridoma Techniques" (1980);

Hammerling et al . , "Monoclonal Antibodies and T-cell Hybridomas" (1981); Kennett et al ., "Monoclonal

Antibodies" (1980); and U.S. Patent Nos . 4,341,761;

4,399,121; 4,427,783; 4,444,887; 4,452,570; 4,466,917; 4,472,500; 4,491,632; and 4,493,890.

Panels of monoclonal antibodies produced against the antigen of interest, or fragment thereof, can be screened for various properties, i.e., for isotype, epitope, affinity, etc. Monoclonal antibodies are useful in purification, using immunoaf finity techniques, of the individual antigens which they are directed against. Alternatively, genes encoding the monoclonals of interest may be isolated from the hybridomas by PCR techniques known in the art and cloned and expressed in the appropriate vectors. The antibodies of this

invention, whether polyclonal or monoclonal have

additional utility in that they may be employed as reagents in immunoassays, RIA, ELISA, and the like. The antibodies of the invention can be labeled with an analytically detectable reagent such as a radioisotope, fluorescent molecule or enzyme.

An additional use of monoclonal antibodies is to treat various pathologies arising from overproduction or inappropriate production of SDMF. Such pathologies may include restenosis and atherosclerosis. A

therapeutically effective amount of an SDMF-modulating monoclonal antibody is administered to a patient having a need to modulate SDMF activity.

Chimeric antibodies, in which non-human variable regions are joined or fused to human constant regions (see, e.g., Liu et al., Proc. Natl Acad. Sci . USA, 84, 3439 (1987)), may also be used in assays or

therapeutically. Preferably, a therapeutic monoclonal antibody would be "humanized" as described in Jones et al. , Nature, 321, 522 (1986); Verhoeyen et al . , Science, 239, 1534 (1988); Rabat et al. , J. Immunol. , 147, 1709 (1991); Queen et al., Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA, 86, 10029 (1989); Gorman et al. , Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA, 88, 34181 (1991); and Hodgson et al., Bio/Technology, 9:, 421 (1991).

Another aspect of the invention is antisense oligonucleotides comprising a sequence which is capable of binding to the polynucleotides of the invention.

Synthetic oligonucleotides or related antisense chemical structural analogs can be designed to recognize and specifically bind to and prevent transcription of a target nucleic acid encoding SDMF protein by those of ordinary skill in the art. See generally, Cohen, J.S., Trends in Pharm. Sci., 10, 435(1989) and Weintraub,

H.M., Scientific American, January (1990) at page 40.

Another aspect of the invention is a method for assaying a medium for the presence of a substance that inhibits or otherwise modulates SDMF protein function by interfering with the binding of SDMF protein to binding partners. Examples include, but are not limited to, a cell surface receptor, soluble receptor, binding

protein, antibody and any fragments thereof as well as fragments of SDMF protein. Other exemplary modulators of SDMF protein function include peptidomimetics of any of the peptides or proteins mentioned above or other small organic molecules.

A SDMF protein having the amino acid sequence of human SDMF (SEQ ID NO: 2) or a functional derivative thereof and SMC are provided in a chemotaxis assay chamber as described in Example 3, infra, or in any other migration assay known to those skilled in the art such as that described by Koyama et al. in J. Biol.

Chem. , supra A test substance which is suspected of modulating SDMF activity is added to either the SDMF or SMC, the chamber is incubated under conditions which permit the migration of SMC and the number of migrated and nonmigrated SMC counted The result is compared to a control to determine the effect of the test substance.

A SDMF protein is provided having the amino acid sequence of human SDMF (SEQ ID NO : 2 ) or a functional derivative thereof together with a binding partner The mixture is incubated with a test substance which is suspected of modulating SDMF activity, under conditions which permit the formation of a SDMF gene

product/binding partner complex. An assay is performed for the presence of the complex, free SDMF protein or free binding partner and the result compared to a control to determine the effect of the test substance.

Modulation of SDMF function would be expected to have effects on SMC migration. Any modulators so identified would be expected to be useful as a

therapeutic for the treatment and prevention of

atherosclerosis, restenosis or other blood vessel pathologies where SMC migration is involved

Further most, if not all, SMC migration factors interact with specific receptor proteins SDMF could be used to isolate proteins which interact with it and this interaction could be a target for interference

Inhibitors of protein-protein interactions between SDMF and other factors could lead to the development of pharmaceutical agents for the modulation of SDMF

activity.

Methods to assay for protein-protein interactions, such as that of a SDMF gene product/binding partner complex, and to isolate proteins interacting with SDMF are known to those skilled in the art. Use of the methods discussed below enable one of ordinary skill in the art to accomplish these aims without undue

experimentation.

The yeast two-hybrid system provides methods for detecting the interaction between a first test protein and a second test protein, in vivo, using reconstitution of the activity of a transcriptional activator. The method is disclosed in, e.g., U.S. Patent No. 5,283,173; reagents are available from Clontech and Stratagene. Briefly, SDMF cDNA is fused to a Gal4 transcription factor DNA binding domain and expressed in yeast cells. cDNA library members obtained from cells of interest are fused to a transactivation domain of Gal4 cDNA clones which express proteins which can interact with SDMF will lead to reconstitution of Gal4 activity and

transactivation of expression of a reporter gene such as Gal1-lacZ.

An alternative method is screening of λgtll, λZAP (Stratagene) or equivalent cDNA expression libraries with recombinant SDMF. Recombinant SDMF protein or fragments thereof are fused to small peptide tags such as FLAG, HSV or GST. The peptide tags can possess convenient phosphorylation sites for a kinase such as heart muscle creatine kinase or they can be

biotinylated. Recombinant SDMF can be phosphorylated with ³²[P] or used unlabeled and detected with

streptavidin or antibodies against the tags λgt11cDNA expression libraries are made from cells of interest and are incubated with the recombinant SDMF, washed and cDNA clones isolated which interact with SDMF. See, e.g., T Maniatis et al, supra Another method is the screening of a mammalian expression library in which the cDNAs are cloned into a vector between a mammalian promoter and polyadenylation site and transiently transfected in COS or 293 cells followed by detection of the binding protein 48 hours later by incubation of fixed and washed cells with a labelled SDMF, prefereably iodinated, and detection of bound SDMF by autoradiography (See Sims et al . , Sci ence 241 , 585-589 (1988) and McMahan et al . , EMBO J. 10, 2821-2832 (1991)). In this manner, pools of cDNAs containing the cDNA encoding the binding protein of interest can be selected and the cDNA of interest can be isolated by further subdivision of each pool followed by cycles of transient transfection, binding and

autoradiography. Alternatively, the cDNA of interest can be isolated by transfecting the entire cDNA library into mammalian cells and panning the cells on a dish containing SDMF bound to the plate. Cells which attach after washing are lysed and the plasmid DNA isolated, amplified in bacteria, and the cycle of transfection and panning repeated until a single cDNA clone is obtained (See Seed et al , Proc . Na tl . Acad . Sci . USA 84 , 3365 (1987) and Aruffo et al . , EMBO J. 6, 3313 (1987)). If the binding protein is secreted, its cDNA can be

obtained by a similar pooling strategy once a binding or neutralizing assay has been established for assaying supernatants from transiently transfected cells.

General methods for screening supernatants are disclosed in Wong et al . , Science 228, 810-815 (1985).

Another alternative method is isolation of proteins interacting with SDMF directly from cells. Fusion proteins of SDMF with GST or small peptide tags are made and immobilized on beads. Biosynthetically labeled or unlabeled protein extracts from the cells of interest are prepared, incubated with the beads and washed with buffer. Proteins interacting with SDMF are eluted specifically from the beads and analyzed by SDS-PAGE. Binding partner primary amino acid sequence data are obtained by microsequencing.

Another alternative method is immunoaf finity purification. Recombinant SDMF is incubated with labeled or unlabeled cell extracts and

immunoprecipitated with anti-SDMF antibodies. The immunoprecipitate is recovered with protein A-Sepharose and analyzed by SDS-PAGE. Unlabelled proteins are labeled by biotinylation and detected on SDS gels with streptavidin. Binding partner proteins are analyzed by microsequencing. Further, standard biochemical

purification steps known to those skilled in the art may be used prior to microsequencing.

Yet another alternative method is screening of peptide libraries for binding partners. Recombinant tagged or labeled SDMF is used to select peptides from a peptide library which interact with SDMF. Sequencing of the peptides leads to identification of consensus peptide sequences which might be found in interacting proteins.

SDMF binding partners identified by any of these methods or other methods which would be known to those of ordinary skill in the art as well as those putative binding partners discussed above can be used in the assay method of the invention. Assaying for the

presence of SDMF/binding partner complex are

accomplished by, for example, the yeast two-hybrid system, ELISA or immunoassays using antibodies specific for the complex. In the presence of test substances which interrupt or inhibit formation of SDMF/binding partner interaction, a decreased amount of complex will be determined relative to a control lacking the test substance.

Assays for free SDMF or binding partner are

accomplished by, for example, ELISA or immunoassay using specific antibodies or by incubation of radiolabeled SDMF with cells or cell membranes followed by

centrifugation or filter separation steps. In the presence of test substances which interrupt or inhibit formation of SDMF/binding partner interaction, an increased amount of free SDMF or free binding partner will be determined relative to a control lacking the test substance.

Another aspect of the invention is pharmaceutical compositions comprising an effective amount of SDMF protein of the invention and a pharmaceutically

acceptable carrier. Pharmaceutical compositions of proteinaceous drugs of this invention are particularly useful for parenteral administration, i.e.,

subcutaneously, intramuscularly or intravenously.

Optionally, the SDMF protein is surrounded by a membrane bound vesicle, such as a liposome.

The compositions for parenteral administration will commonly comprise a solution of the proteins of the invention or a cocktail thereof dissolved in an

acceptable carrier, preferably an aqueous carrier. A variety of aqueous carriers may be employed, e.g., water, buffered water, 0.4% saline, 0.3% glycine and the like. These solutions are sterile and generally free of particulate matter. These solutions may be sterilized by conventional well-known sterilization techniques. The compositions may contain pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliary substances as required to approximate

physiological conditions such as pH adjusting and buffering agents, etc. The concentration of the protein of the invention in such pharmaceutical formulation can vary widely, i.e., from less than about 0.5%, usually at or at least about 1% to as much as 15 or 20% by weight, and will be selected primarily based on fluid volumes, viscosities, etc. according to the particular mode of administration selected.

Thus, a pharmaceutical composition of the invention for intramuscular injection could be prepared to contain 1 mL sterile buffered water and 50 mg of a protein of the invention. Similarly, a pharmaceutical composition of the invention for intravenous infusion could be made up to contain 250 ml of sterile Ringer's solution and 150 mg of a protein of the invention. Actual methods for preparing parenterally administrable compositions are well known or will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are described in more detail in, e.g., Remington ' s Pharmaceu ti cal Science , 15th ed., Mack

Publishing Company, Easton, Pennsylvania.

The proteins described herein can be lyophilized for storage and reconstituted in a suitable carrier prior to use. This technique has been shown to be effective with conventional proteins and art-known lyophilization and reconstitution techniques can be employed.

The physician will determine the dosage of the present therapeutic agents which will be most suitable and it will vary with the form of administration and the particular compound chosen, and furthermore, it will vary with the particular patient under treatment.

Generally, the physician will wish to initiate treatment with small dosages substantially less than the optimum dose of the compound and increase the dosage by small increments until the optimum effect under the

circumstances is reached. It will generally be found that when the composition is administered orally, larger quantities of the active agent will be required to produce the same effect as a smaller quantity given parenterally. The therapeutic dosage will generally be from 1 to 10 milligrams per day and higher although it may be administered in several different dosage units.

Depending on the patient condition, the

pharmaceutical composition of the invention can be administered for prophylactic and/or therapeutic

treatments. In therapeutic application, compositions are administered to a patient already suffering from a disease in an amount sufficient to cure or at least partially arrest the disease and its complications. In prophylactic applications, compositions containing the present compounds or a cocktail thereof are administered to a patient not already in a disease state to enhance the patient's resistance to the disease.

Single or multiple administrations of the

pharmaceutical compositions can be carried out with dose levels and pattern being selected by the treating physician. In any event, the pharmaceutical composition of the invention should provide a quantity of the compounds of the invention sufficient to effectively treat the patient.

Additionally, some diseases result from inherited defective genes. These genes can be detected by

comparing the sequence of the defective gene with that of a normal one. Individuals carrying mutations in the SDMF gene may be detected at the DNA level by a variety of techniques Nucleic acids used for diagnosis

(genomic DNA, mRNA, etc.) may be obtained from a

patient's cells, such as from blood, urine, saliva or tissue biopsy, e.g., chorionic villi sampling or removal of amniotic fluid cells and autopsy material. The genomic DNA may be used directly for detection or may be amplified enzymatically by using PCR, ligase chain reaction (LCR), strand displacement amplification (SDA) , etc. prior to analysis. See, e.g., Saiki et al . ,

Na ture, 324 , 163-166 (1986), Bej, et al . , Cri t . Rev.

Biochem . Molec . Bi ol . , 26, 301-334 (1991), Birkenmeyer et al ., J . Virol . Meth . , 35 , 117-126 (1991), Van Brunt, J., Bio/Technology, 8, 291-294 (1990)). RNA or cDNA may also be used for the same purpose. As an example, PCR primers complementary to the nucleic acid of the instant invention can be used to identify and analyze SDMF mutations For example, deletions and insertions can be detected by a change in size of the amplified product in comparison to the normal SDMF genotype. Point mutations can be identified by hybridizing amplified DNA to rabiolabeled SDMF RNA of the invention or alternatively, radiolabelled SDMF antisense DNA sequences of the invention Perfectly matched sequences can be

distinguished from mismatched duplexes by RNase A digestion or by dif f erences in melting temperatures ( Tm ) . Such a diagnostic would be particularly useful for prenatal and even neonatal testing.

In addition, point mutations and other sequence differences between the reference gene and "mutant" genes can be identified by yet other well-known

techniques, e.g., direct DNA sequencing, single-strand conformational polymorphism. See Orita et al . ,

Genomics, 5 , 874-879 (1989). For example, a sequencing primer is used with double-stranded PCR product or a single-stranded template molecule generated by a

modified PCR. The sequence determination is performed by conventional procedures with radiolabeled nucleotides or by automatic sequencing procedures with fluorescent- tags. Cloned DNA segments may also be used as probes to detect specific DNA segments. The sensitivity of this method is greatly enhanced when combined with PCR. The presence of nucleotide repeats may correlate to a causative change in SDMF activity or serve as marker for various polymorphisms.

Genetic testing based on DNA sequence differences may be achieved by detection of alteration in

electrophoretic mobility of DNA fragments in gels with or without denaturing agents. Small sequence deletions and insertions can be visualized by high resolution gel electrophoresis. DNA fragments of different sequences may be distinguished on denaturing formamide gradient gels in which the mobilities of different DNA fragments are retarded in the gel at different positions according to their specific melting or partial melting

temperatures. See, e.g., Myers et al . , Science, 230 , 1242 (1985). In addition, sequence alterations, in particular small deletions, may be detected as changes in the migration pattern of DNA heteroduplexes in non-denaturing gel electrophoresis such as heteroduplex electrophoresis. See, e.g., Nagamine et al . , Am . J. Hum . Gene t . , 45 , 337-339 (1989). Sequence changes at specific locations may also be revealed by nuclease protection assays, such as RNase and S1 protect ion or the chemical cleavage method as disclosed by Cotton et al in Proc Na tl Acad Sci . USA, 85 , 4397-4401 (1985) Thus, the detection of a specific DNA sequence may be achieved by methods such as hybridization (e.g., heteroduplex electroporation, see, White et al .,

Genomics, 12, 301-306 (1992), RNAse protection (e.g., Myers et al., Sci ence, 230, 1242 (1985)) chemical cleavage (e g., Cotton et al . , Proc Na tl Acad Sci USA, 85 , 4397-4401 (1985))), direct DNA sequencing, or the use of restriction enzymes, e.g., restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) in which variations in the number and size of restriction fragments can indicate insertions, deletions, presence of nucleotide repeats and any other mutation which creates or destroys an endonuclease restriction sequence Southen blotting of genomic DNA may also be used to identify large, i.e., greater than 100 base pair deletions and insertions

In addition to conventional gel electrophoresis and DNA sequencing, mutations such as microdeletions, aneuploidies, translocations and inversions, can also be detected by in si tu analysis. See, e.g., Keller et al . , DNA Probes, 2nd Ed., Stockton Press, New York, N.Y., USA (1993) . That is, DNA or RNA sequences in cells can be analyzed for mutations without isolation and/or

immobilization onto a membrane. Fluorescence in si tu hybridization (FISH) is presently the most commonly applied method and numerous reviews of FISH have

appeared See, e.g., Trachuck et al , Sci ence , 250 , 559 - 562 ( 1990 ) , and Trask e t al . , Trends , Gene t ., 7,

149-154 (1991). Hence, by using nucleic acids based on the structure of the SDMF genes, one can develop

diagnostic tests for genetic mutations.

In addition, some diseases are a result of, or are characterized by, changes in gene expression which can be detected by changes in the mRNA. Alternatively, the SDMF gene can be used as a reference to identify

individuals expressing an increased or decreased level of SDMF protein, e.g., by Northern blotting or in situ hybridization.

Defining appropriate hybridization conditions is within the skill of the art. See, e.g., "Current

Protocols in Mol. Biol. " Vol. I & II, Wiley

Interscience. Ausbel et al. (eds.) (1992). Probing technology is well known in the art and it is

appreciated that the size of the probes can vary widely but it is preferred that the probe be at least 15 nucleotides in length. It is also appreciated that such probes can be and are preferably labeled with an

analytically detectable reagent to facilitate

identification of the probe. Useful reagents include but are not limited to radioisotopes, fluorescent dyes or enzymes capable of catalyzing the formation of a detectable product. As a general rule, the more

stringent the hybridization conditions, the more closely related genes will be that are recovered.

The role of human SDMF in the regulation of SMC migration establishes yet another aspect of the

invention which is gene therapy. "Gene therapy" means gene supplementation where an additional reference copy of a gene of interest is inserted into a patient's cells. As a result, the protein encoded by the

reference gene corrects the defect and permits the cells to function normally, thus alleviating disease symptoms. The reference copy would be a wild-type form of the SDMF gene or a gene encoding a protein or peptide which modulates the activity of the endogenous SDMF.

Gene therapy of the present invention can occur in vivo or ex vivo. Ex vivo gene therapy requires the isolation and purification of patient cells, the

introduction of a therapeutic gene and introduction of the genetically altered cells back into the patient. A replication-deficient virus such as a modified

retrovirus can be used to introduce the therapeutic SDMF gene into such cells. For example, mouse Moloney leukemia virus (MMLV) is a well-known vector in clinical gene therapy trials. See, e.g., Boris-Lauerie et al., Curr. Opin. Genet. Dev., 3, 102-109 (1993).

In contrast, in vivo gene therapy does not require isolation and purification of a patient's cells. The therapeutic gene is typically "packaged" for

administration to a patient such as in liposomes or in a replication-deficient virus such as adenovirus as described by Berkner, K.L., in Curr. Top. Microbiol. Immunol., 158, 39-66 (1992) or adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors as described by Muzyczka, N., in Curr. Top. Microbiol. Immunol., 158, 97-129 (1992) and U.S. Patent No. 5,252,479. Another approach is

administration of "naked DNA" in which the therapeutic gene is directly injected into the bloodstream or muscle tissue. Another approach is administration of "naked DNA" in which the therapeutic gene is introduced into the target tissue by microparticle bombardment using gold particles coated with the DNA.

Cell types useful for gene therapy of the present invention include lymphocytes, hepatocytes, myoblasts, fibroblasts, any cell of the eye such as retinal cells, epithelial and endothelial cells. Transfection of pulmonary epithelial cells can occur via inhalation of a neubulized preparation of DNA vectors in liposomes, DNA-protein complexes or replication-deficient adenoviruses. See, e.g., U.S. Patent No. 5,240,846.

Another aspect of the invention is transgenic, non-human mammals capable of expressing the polynucleotides of the invention in any cell. Transgenic, non-human animals may be obtained by transfecting appropriate fertilized eggs or embryos of a host with the

polynucleotides of the invention or with mutant forms found in human diseases. See, e.g., U.S. Patent Nos. 4,736,866; 5,175,385; 5,175,384 and 5,175,386. The resultant transgenic animal may be used as a model for the study of SDMF gene function. Particularly useful transgenic animals are those which display a detectable phenotype associated with the expression of the SDMF protein Drug development candidates may then be screened for their ability to reverse or exacerbate the relevant phenotype. The present invention will now be described with reference to the following specific, non-limiting examples.

Example 1

Cloning of Human SDMF full-length cDNA and Sequence

Analysis

Rat SDMF protein was purified by the method of Koyama et al . in J. Biol Chem , supra The purified 60 kDa protein was subjected to automated Edman degradation sequencing and found to contain a blocked N-terminus

Additional SDS-PAGE purified material was subjected to in si tu tryptic digest and eluted peptides purified by microbore C18 reversed-phase chromatography. Edman sequencing of a tryptic peptide of experimental mass 1655.5 Da as determined by MALDI mass spectrometry was found to contain the sequence YDALEVFAGSGTSGQR (SEQ ID NO. 3) Comparison of the rat SDMF amino acid sequence with the PIR database indicated an exact match to a 402 amino acid murine sequence of unknown function having Genbank accession number JH0403. This sequence was identified as pl4 and the DNA and amino acid sequences were reported in Lecain et al . , supra (SEQ ID NOs: 4 and 5). Based on these results, the heretofore unknown function of murine p14 was determined to be that of a smooth muscle cell-derived migration factor.

A search of a random cDNA sequence database

consisting of short partial sequences known as expressed sequence tags (ESTs) with the murine pl4 sequence disclosed many ESTs which encoded parts of the putative human homologue of pl4 or SDMF A cDNA containing an EST which matched the 5 end of the murine pl4 cDNA sequence and which contained a start codon was selected and further sequenced (SEQ ID NO: 1). This cDNA was originally isolated from a human fetal heart cDNA library in λZAP.

Sequence analysis of the SDMF cDNA revealed a 1,347 nucleotide open reading frame (SEQ ID NO: 1) encoding a 449 amino acid protein with a predicted molecular mass of 49.4 kDa (SEQ ID NO: 2), starting with an ATG at position 94 and terminating with a TGA at position 1441.

The murine p14 DNA sequence (SEQ ID NO : 4) reported by Lecain et al. was determined by Takahara et al., supra, to omit two guanosine residues. One additional residue was located between nucleotides 1213 and 1214 and the other between nucleotides 1375 and 1376 of the sequence published by Lecain et al. The corrected murine pl4 DNA and amino acid sequences are shown in SEQ ID NOs: 6 and 7, respectively.

Alignment of the deduced amino acid sequence of human SDMF with the corrected murine pl4 sequence was accomplished using the GCG program Bestfit. The overall amino acid identity was 85% with 5 gaps and is shown in Fig. 1 (top, human SDMF; bottom, murine pl4). Both protein sequences encode two repeats (36-145 and 158-269 of the murine sequence) of a region homologous to a domain found in the complement proteins C1r and C1s and the secreted proteins human bone morphogenic protein- 1, AS antigen from Xenopus, bovine acidic seminal fluid precursor protein and porcine sperm adhesin proteins AWN, AQN-1 and -3.

A search of the GenEMBL database with the murine pl4 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 5) disclosed a 449 amino acid human procollagen C-proteinase enhancer protein (PCOLCE), accession number L33799 (SEQ ID NOs : 8 and 9), having 90.1% identity. PCOLCE was reported in Takahara et al ., supra. Alignment of the deduced amino acid sequence of human SDMF (SEQ ID NO: 2) with the human PCOLCE sequence (SEQ ID NO: 9) was accomplished using the GCG program Bestfit. The overall amino acid identity was 99% with zero gaps and is shown in Fig. 2 (top, human SDMF; bottom, human PCOLCE). Example 2

Expression of Human SDMF

The putative human SDMF cDNA was isolated from its cloning vector (Bluescript) by digestion with EcoRl (5' end) and Kpnl (3' end) and inserted into the mammalian expression vector pCDN (Aiyar et al., Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry 131, 75-86 (1994)). 60ug of this vector DNA was transfected into 8×10⁶ COS cells plated the previous day into a 150mm flask using the DEAE dextran/chloroquine method of Maniatis et al, supra, followed by a 10% DMSO shock (eg Maniatis et al). Cells were left in 10% FBS/DMEM for 24 h post transfection at which time serum-containing medium was removed, cells were washed twice with PBS and 15mL of serum-free medium with nucleosides was added. Media was harvested 48h and 120h later, centrifuged to remove cell debris and the pH adjusted to ca. 8.0 with 7.5% sodium bicarbonate.

Large scale COS transfections were performed essentially identically using 1 liter cell factories seeded 1 day before transfection at a density of 20,000 cells/cm² and 1.8mg/mL of DNA in DEAE/dextran followed after 4h by 10% DMSO and incubation in serum free media for 3 days. Example 3

Bioactivity of Human SDMF

The bioactivity of human SDMF expressed in COS cells was demonstrated in vitro in a rat aortic smooth muscle cell migration model. This model was reported by Hidaka et al. in Atherosclerosis 95, 87-94 (1992). Rat aortic smooth muscle cells (RASMC) were suspended in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) supplemented with 0.2% bovine serum albumin (BSA) at a concentration of 2.5 × 10⁶/mL. In the assay, 0.2 mL of RASMCs was placed in the upper compartment of the assay chamber.

The lower compartment of the chamber contained 0.6 mL of DMEM supplemented with 0.2% BSA. Human SDMF which was purified to near homogeneity from COS cell culture supernatant was either coated on the lower surface of the filter or added to the lower compartment. RASMC were subjected to either platelet-derived growth

factor (PDGF) at a concentration (1 nM) which induces maximum smooth muscle cell migration (control) or various concentrations of purified SDMF. Incubation was at 37º C in an atmosphere of 95% air and 5% CO₂ for 20 hours.

After incubation, nonmigrated cells on the upper surface were scraped gently and washed with PBS three times.

The filters were fixed and stained with Giemsa stain.

The number of SMC that had migrated to the lower surface of the filters was determined microscopically and one randomly chosen high-power field (HPF) was counted per filter. Experiments were performed in triplicate. The results in Figure 1 show that purified SDMF enhanced the migration of rat smooth muscle cells dose dependently and its maximum activity was at least 4-5 times that of PDGF which is consistent with published observations by Koyama et al . , J . Bi ol . Chem . , supra .

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and, accordingly,

reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing specification, as indicating the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An isolated polynucleotide selected from the group consisting of:

(a) a polynucleotide encoding human SDMF having the nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO : 1 from nucleotide 94 to 1440;

(b) a polynucleotide capable of hybridizing to the complement of a polynucleotide according to (a) under moderately stringent hybridization conditions and which encodes a functional human SDMF; and

(c) a degenerate polynucleotide according to (a) or (b).

2. An isolated polynucleotide having the

nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1.

3. A functional polypeptide encoded by the

polynucleotide of claim 1.

4. The functional polypeptide of claim 3 which is human SDMF having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2.

5. The polynucleotide of claim 1 which is DNA.

6. The polynucleotide of claim 5 which is genomic DNA.

7. The polynucleotide of claim 1 which is RNA.

8. A vector comprising the DNA of claim 5

9. A recombinant host cell comprising the vector of claim 8.

10. A method for preparing essentially pure human SDMF protein comprising cultunng the recombinant host cell of claim 9 under conditions promoting expression of the protein and recovering the expressed protein

11. Human SDMF produced by the process of claim 10.

12. An antisense oligonucleotide comprising a sequence which is capable of binding to the

polynucleotide of claim 1

13. A modulator of the polypeptide of claim 3 14. The modulator of claim 13 which is an

antibody.

15 . The antibody of claim 14 which is a monoclonal antibody.

16. A method for assaying a medium for the presence of a substance that modulates SDMF activity comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a SDMF protein having the amino acid sequence of SDMF (SEQ ID NO : 2 ) or a functional derivative thereof and SMC in a chamber,

(b) adding a test substance which is suspected of modulating SDMF activity to either the SDMF or SMC;

(c) incubating the chamber under conditions which permit the migration of SMC,

(d) counting the number of migrated and nonmigrated SMC; and

(e) comparing to a control to determine the effect of the test substance

17. SDMF protein modulating compounds identified by the method of claim 16

18. A method for the treatment of a patient having need to modulate SDMF activity comprising administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of the modulating compound of claim 17

19. A method for assaying a medium for the

presence of a substance that modulates SDMF activity comprising the steps of

(a) providing a SDMF protein having the amino acid sequence of SDMF (SEQ ID NO:2) or a functional derivative thereof and a binding partner,

(b) incubating with a test substance which is suspected of modulating SDMF activity under conditions which permit the formation of a SDMF protein/binding partner complex,

(c) assaying for the presence of the complex free SDMF protein or free binding partner and

(d) comparing to a control to determine the effect of the test substance

20. SDMF protein modulating compounds identified by the method of claim 19.

21. A method for the treatment of a patient having need to modulate SDMF activity comprising administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of the modulating compound of claim 20.

22. A method for the treatment of a patient having need of SDMF comprising administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of the polypeptide of claim 3.

23. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the polypeptide of claim 3 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

24. A method of diagnosing conditions associated with SDMF protein deficiency which comprises:

(a) isolating a polynucleotide sample from an individual;

(b) assaying the polynucleotide sample and a polynucleotide encoding SDMF having the nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 from nucleotide 94 to 1440; and

(c) comparing differences between the

polynucleotide sample and the SDMF polynucleotide, wherein any differences indicate mutations in the SDMF gene.

25. A method of treating conditions which are related to insufficient SDMF protein function which comprises administering the polynucleotide of claim 1 to a patient deficient in SDMF protein function wherein a SDMF protein is expressed and alleviates the condition.

26. A transgenic non-human animal capable of expressing in any cell thereof the DNA of claim 5.