WO2002002637A2 - Nouvelles proteines et acides nucleiques les codant - Google Patents

Nouvelles proteines et acides nucleiques les codant Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2002002637A2
WO2002002637A2 PCT/US2001/021174 US0121174W WO0202637A2 WO 2002002637 A2 WO2002002637 A2 WO 2002002637A2 US 0121174 W US0121174 W US 0121174W WO 0202637 A2 WO0202637 A2 WO 0202637A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
nucleic acid
poiypeptide
amino acid
gpcrx
seq
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2001/021174
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2002002637A3 (fr
Inventor
Steven K. Spaderna
Muralidhara Padigaru
Kimberly A. Spytek
Stacie Casman
Luca Rastelli
Uriel Mayankar
Velizar Tchernev
Original Assignee
Curagen Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Curagen Corporation filed Critical Curagen Corporation
Priority to AU2001273167A priority Critical patent/AU2001273167A1/en
Publication of WO2002002637A2 publication Critical patent/WO2002002637A2/fr
Publication of WO2002002637A3 publication Critical patent/WO2002002637A3/fr

Links

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

Definitions

  • the invention generally relates to novel GPCR1, GPCR2, GPCR3, GPCR4, GPCR5, GPCR6, GPCR7, GPCR8, GPCR9 and GPCRIO nucleic acids and polypeptides encoded therefrom. More specifically, the invention relates to nucleic acids encoding novel polypeptides, as well as vectors, host cells, antibodies, and recombinant methods for producing these nucleic acids and polypeptides.
  • the invention generally relates to nucleic acids and polypeptides. More particularly, the invention relates to nucleic acids encoding novel G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) polypeptides, as well as vectors, host cells, antibodies, and recombinant methods for producing these nucleic acids and polypeptides.
  • GPCR G-protein coupled receptor
  • the invention is based in part upon the discovery of nucleic acid sequences encoding novel polypeptides.
  • novel nucleic acids and polypeptides are referred to herein as
  • GPCRX or GPCR1, GPCR2, GPCR3, GPCR4, GPCR5, GPCR6, GPCR7, GPCR8, GPCR9 and GPCRIO nucleic acids and polypeptides.
  • GPCRX GPCRX nucleic acid or poiypeptide sequences.
  • the invention provides an isolated GPCRX nucleic acid molecule encoding a GPCRX poiypeptide that includes a nucleic acid sequence that has identity to the nucleic acids disclosed in SEQ ID NOS:l, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 27.
  • the GPCRX nucleic acid molecule will hybridize under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid sequence complementary to a nucleic acid molecule that includes a protein-coding sequence of a GPCRX nucleic acid sequence.
  • the invention also includes an isolated nucleic acid that encodes a GPCRX poiypeptide, or a fragment, homolog, analog or derivative thereof.
  • the nucleic acid can encode a poiypeptide at least 80% identical to a poiypeptide comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS:2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25 and 28.
  • the nucleic acid can be, for example, a genomic DNA fragment or a cDNA molecule that includes the nucleic acid sequence of any of SEQ ID NOS: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 27.
  • an oligonucleotide e.g., an oligonucleotide which includes at least 6 contiguous nucleotides of a GPCRX nucleic acid (e.g., SEQ ID NOS: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 27) or a complement of said oligonucleotide.
  • a GPCRX nucleic acid e.g., SEQ ID NOS: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 27
  • a complement of said oligonucleotide e.g., SEQ ID NOS: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 27
  • GPCRX polypeptides SEQ ID NOS: 2, A, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25 and 28.
  • the GPCRX polypeptides include an amino acid sequence that is substantially identical to the amino acid sequence of a human GPCRX poiypeptide.
  • the invention also features antibodies that immunoselectively bind to GPCRX polypeptides, or fragments, homologs, analogs or derivatives thereof.
  • the invention includes pharmaceutical compositions that include therapeutically- or prophylactically-effective amounts of a therapeutic and a pharmaceutically- acceptable carrier.
  • the therapeutic can be, e.g., a GPCRX nucleic acid, a GPCRX poiypeptide, or an antibody specific for a GPCRX poiypeptide.
  • the invention includes, in one or more containers, a therapeutically- or prophylactically-effective amount of this pharmaceutical composition.
  • the invention includes a method of producing a poiypeptide by culturing a cell that includes a GPCRX nucleic acid, under conditions allowing for expression of the GPCRX poiypeptide encoded by the DNA. If desired, the GPCRX poiypeptide can then be recovered.
  • the invention includes a method of detecting the presence of a GPCRX poiypeptide in a sample.
  • a sample is contacted with a compound that selectively binds to the poiypeptide under conditions allowing for formation of a complex between the poiypeptide and the compound.
  • the complex is detected, if present, thereby identifying the GPCRX poiypeptide within the sample.
  • the invention also includes methods to identify specific cell or tissue types based on their expression of a GPCRX. Also included in the invention is a method of detecting the presence of a GPCRX nucleic acid molecule in a sample by contacting the sample with a GPCRX nucleic acid probe or primer, and detecting whether the nucleic acid probe or primer bound to a GPCRX nucleic acid molecule in the sample. In a further aspect, the invention provides a method for modulating the activity of a GPCRX poiypeptide by contacting a cell sample that includes the GPCRX poiypeptide with a compound that binds to the GPCRX poiypeptide in an amount sufficient to modulate the activity of said poiypeptide.
  • the compound can be, e.g., a small molecule, such as a nucleic acid, peptide, poiypeptide, peptidomimetic, carbohydrate, lipid or other organic (carbon containing) or inorganic molecule, as further described herein.
  • a small molecule such as a nucleic acid, peptide, poiypeptide, peptidomimetic, carbohydrate, lipid or other organic (carbon containing) or inorganic molecule, as further described herein.
  • a therapeutic in the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing disorders or syndromes including, e.g., diabetes, metabolic disturbances associated with obesity, the metabolic syndrome X, anorexia, wasting disorders associated with chronic diseases, metabolic disorders, diabetes, obesity, infectious disease, anorexia, cancer-associated cachexia, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disorder, immune disorders, and hematopoietic disorders, or other disorders related to cell signal processing and metabolic pathway modulation.
  • the therapeutic can be, e.g., a GPCRX nucleic acid, a GPCRX poiypeptide, or a GPCRX-specific antibody, or biologically- active derivatives or fragments thereof.
  • compositions of the present mvention will have efficacy for treatment of patients suffering from: developmental diseases, MHCII and III diseases (immune diseases), taste and scent detectability Disorders, Burkitt's lymphoma, corticoneurogenic disease, signal transduction pathway disorders, Retinal diseases including those involving photoreception, Cell growth rate disorders; cell shape disorders, feeding disorders; control of feeding; potential obesity due to over-eating; potential disorders due to starvation (lack of appetite), noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NTDDMl), bacterial, fungal, protozoal and viral infections (particularly infections caused by HIV-1 or HIV-2), pain, cancer (including but not limited to neoplasm; adenocarcinoma; lymphoma; prostate cancer; uterus cancer), anorexia, bulimia, asthma, Parkinson's disease, acute heart failure, hypotension, hypertension, urinary retention, osteoporosis, Crohn's disease; multiple sclerosis; Albright Hereditary Ostoeody
  • DPLA Dentatorubro-pallidoluysian atrophy
  • polypeptides can be used as immunogens to produce antibodies specific for the invention, and as vaccines. They can also be used to screen for potential agonist and antagonist compounds.
  • a cDNA encoding GPCRX may be useful in gene therapy, and GPCRX may be useful when administered to a subject in need thereof.
  • compositions of the present invention will have efficacy for treatment of patients suffering from bacterial, fungal, protozoal and viral infections (particularly infections caused by HIV-1 or HIV-2), pain, cancer (including but not limited to Neoplasm; adenocarcinoma; lymphoma; prostate cancer; uterus cancer), anorexia, bulimia, asthma, Parkinson's disease, acute heart failure, hypotension, hypertension, urinary retention, osteoporosis, Crohn's disease; multiple sclerosis; and Treatment of Albright Hereditary Ostoeodystrophy, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, ulcers, allergies, benign prostatic hypertrophy, and psychotic and neurological disorders, including anxiety, schizophrenia, manic depression, delirium, dementia, severe mental retardation and dyskinesias, such as Huntington's disease or Gilles de la Tourette syndrome and/or other pathologies and disorders.
  • cancer including but not limited to Neoplasm; adenocarcinoma; lymphoma; prostate cancer; uter
  • the invention further includes a method for screening for a modulator of disorders or syndromes including, e.g., diabetes, metabolic disturbances associated with obesity, the metabolic syndrome X, anorexia, wasting disorders associated with chronic diseases, metabolic disorders, diabetes, obesity, infectious disease, anorexia, cancer-associated cachexia, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disorder, immune disorders, and hematopoietic disorders or other disorders related to cell signal processing and metabolic pathway modulation.
  • the method includes contacting a test compound with a GPCRX poiypeptide and determining if the test compound binds to said
  • GPCRX poiypeptide Binding of the test compound to the GPCRX poiypeptide indicates the test compound is a modulator of activity, or of latency or predisposition to the aforementioned disorders or syndromes.
  • a method for screening for a modulator of activity, or of latency or predisposition to an disorders or syndromes including, e.g., diabetes, metabolic disturbances associated with obesity, the metabolic syndrome X, anorexia, wasting disorders associated with chronic diseases, metabolic disorders, diabetes, obesity, infectious disease, anorexia, cancer-associated cachexia, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disorder, immune disorders, and hematopoietic disorders or other disorders related to cell signal processing and metabolic pathway modulation by administering a test compound to a test animal at increased risk for the aforementioned disorders or syndromes.
  • the test animal expresses a recombinant poiypeptide encoded by a
  • GPCRX nucleic acid expression or activity of GPCRX poiypeptide is then measured in the test animal, as is expression or activity of the protein in a control animal which recombinantly- expresses GPCRX poiypeptide and is not at increased risk for the disorder or syndrome.
  • the expression of GPCRX poiypeptide in both the test animal and the control animal is compared. A change in the activity of GPCRX poiypeptide in the test animal relative to the control animal indicates the test compound is a modulator of latency of the disorder or syndrome.
  • the invention includes a method for determining the presence of or predisposition to a disease associated with altered levels of a GPCRX poiypeptide, a GPCRX nucleic acid, or both, in a subject (e.g., a human subject).
  • the method includes measuring the amount of the GPCRX poiypeptide in a test sample from the subject and comparing the amount of the poiypeptide in the test sample to the amount of the GPCRX poiypeptide present in a control sample.
  • An alteration in the level of the GPCRX poiypeptide in the test sample as compared to the control sample indicates the presence of or predisposition to a disease in the subject.
  • the predisposition includes, e.g., diabetes, metabolic disturbances associated with obesity, the metabolic syndrome X, anorexia, wasting disorders associated with chronic diseases, metabolic disorders, diabetes, obesity, infectious disease, anorexia, cancer-associated cachexia, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disorder, immune disorders, and hematopoietic disorders.
  • the expression levels of the new polypeptides of the invention can be used in a method to screen for various cancers as well as to determine the stage of cancers.
  • the invention includes a method of treating or preventing a pathological condition associated with a disorder in a mammal by administering to the subject a GPCRX poiypeptide, a GPCRX nucleic acid, or a GPCRX-specific antibody to a subject (e.g., a human subject), in an amount sufficient to alleviate or prevent the pathological condition.
  • the disorder includes, e.g., diabetes, metabolic disturbances associated with obesity, the metabolic syndrome X, anorexia, wasting disorders associated with chronic diseases, metabolic disorders, diabetes, obesity, infectious disease, anorexia, cancer-associated cachexia, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disorder, immune disorders, and hematopoietic disorders.
  • the invention can be used in a method to identity the cellular receptors and downstream effectors of the invention by any one of a number of techniques commonly employed in the art. These include but are not limited to the two-hybrid system, affinity purification, co-precipitation with antibodies or other specific-interacting molecules.
  • the invention is based, in part, upon the discovery of novel nucleic acid sequences that encode novel polypeptides.
  • novel nucleic acids and their encoded polypeptides are referred to individually as GPCR1, GPCR2, GPCR3, GPCR4, GPCR5, GPCR6, GPCR7, GPCR8, GPCR9 and GPCRIO.
  • the nucleic acids, and their encoded polypeptides are collectively designated herein as "GPCRX”.
  • the novel GPCRX nucleic acids of the invention include the nucleic acids whose sequences are provided in Tables 1A, 1C, 2A, 2C, 3 A, 4A, 5 A, 5C, 6A, 6C, 7A, 8 A, 9A, 9B and 10A, inclusive, or a fragment, derivative, analog or homolog thereof.
  • the novel GPCRX proteins of the invention include the protein fragments whose sequences are provided in Tables IB, ID, 2B, 2D, 3B, 4B, 5B, 5D, 6B, 7B, 8B, 9B and 10B, inclusive.
  • the individual GPCRX nucleic acids and proteins are described below. Within the scope of this invention is a method of using these nucleic acids and peptides in the treatment or prevention of a disorder related to cell signaling or metabolic pathway modulation.
  • the GPCRX proteins of the invention have a high homology to the 7tm_l domain (PFam Ace. No. pfamOOOOl).
  • the 7tm_l domain from the 7 transmembrane receptor family, which includes a number of different proteins, including, for example, serotonin receptors, dopamine receptors, histamine receptors, andrenergic receptors, cannabinoid receptors, angiotensin II receptors, chemokine receptors, opioid receptors, G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) proteins, olfactory receptors (OR), and the like.
  • Some proteins and the Protein Data Base Ids/gene indexes include, for example: rhodopsin (129209); 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors; (112821, 8488960, 112805, 231454, 1168221, 398971, 112806); G protein-coupled receptors (119130, 543823, 1730143, 132206, 137159, 6136153, 416926, 1169881, 136882, 134079); gustatory receptors (544463, 462208); c-x-c chemokine receptors (416718, 128999, 416802, 548703, 1352335); opsins (129193, 129197, 129203); and olfactory receptor-like proteins (129091, 1171893, 400672, 548417).
  • proteins that are homologous to any one member of the family are also largely homologous to the other members, except where the sequences are different as shown below.
  • GPCR1 -GPCRIO may have important structural and/or physiological functions characteristic of the Olfactory Receptor family and the GPCR family. Therefore, the nucleic acids and proteins of the invention are useful in potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications and as a research tool.
  • nucleic acid or protein diagnostic and/or prognostic marker serving as a specific or selective nucleic acid or protein diagnostic and/or prognostic marker, wherein the presence or amount of the nucleic acid or the protein are to be assessed, as well as potential therapeutic applications such as the following: (i) a protein therapeutic, (ii) a small molecule drug target, (iii) an antibody target (therapeutic, diagnostic, drug targeting/cytotoxic antibody), (iv) a nucleic acid useful in gene therapy (gene delivery/gene ablation), and (v) a composition promoting tissue regeneration in vitro and in vivo (vi) biological defense weapon.
  • GPCRs G-Protein Coupled Receptor proteins
  • Human GPCR generally do not contain introns and belong to four different gene subfamilies, displaying great sequence variability. These genes are dominantly expressed in olfactory epithelium. See, e.g., Ben-Arie et al., Hum. Mol. Genet. 1994 3:229-235; and, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) entry # 164342 (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/ dispomim.cgi?).
  • OMIM Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man
  • the olfactory receptor (OR) gene family constitutes one of the largest GPCR multigene families and is distributed among many chromosomal sites in the human genome. See Rouquier et al., Hum. Mol. Genet. 7(9): 1337-45 (1998); Malnic et al, Cell 96:713-23 (1999). Olfactory receptors constitute the largest family among G protein-coupled receptors, with up to 1000 members expected. See Vanderhaeghen et al., Genomics 39(3):239-46 (1997); Xie et al, Mamm. Genome 11 (12): 1070-78 (2000); Issel-Tarver et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.
  • chemoreceptors Other examples of seven membrane spanninG proteins that are related to GPCRs are chemoreceptors. See Thomas et al., Gene 178(l-2).T-5 (1996). Chemoreceptors have been identified in taste, olfactory, and male reproductive tissues. See id.; Walensky et al., J. Biol.
  • GPCRX nucleic acids and proteins are useful in potential therapeutic applications implicated in various GPCR-related pathological disorders and/or OR-related pathological disorders, described further below.
  • a cDNA encoding the GPCR (or olfactory- receptor) like protein may be useful in gene therapy, and the receptor -like protein may be useful when administered to a subject in need thereof.
  • the nucleic acids and proteins of the invention are also useful in potential therapeutic applications used in the treatment of developmental diseases, MHCII and III diseases (immune diseases), taste and scent detectability disorders, Burkitt's lymphoma, corticoneurogenic disease, signal transduction pathway disorders, retinal diseases including those involving photoreception, cell growth rate disorders, cell shape disorders, feeding disorders, potential obesity due to over-eating, potential disorders due to starvation (lack of appetite), noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDMl), bacterial, fungal, protozoal and viral infections (particularly infections caused by HIV-1 or HIV-2), pain, cancer (including but not limited to neoplasm; adenocarcinoma; lymphoma; prostate cancer; uterus cancer), anorexia, bulimia, asthma, allergies, Parkinson's disease, acute heart failure, hypotension, hypertension, urinary retention, osteoporosis, Crohn's disease, multiple sclerosis, Albright hereditary ostoeodystrophy,
  • the polypeptides can be used as immunogens to produce antibodies specific for the invention, and as vaccines. They can also be used to screen for potential agonist and antagonist compounds.
  • a cDNA encoding the GPCR-like protein may be useful in gene therapy, and the GPCR-like protein may be useful when administered to a subject in need thereof.
  • compositions of the present invention will have efficacy for treatment of patients suffering from developmental diseases, MHCII and III diseases (immune diseases), taste and scent detectability disorders, Burkitt's lymphoma, corticoneurogenic disease, signal transduction pathway disorders, retinal diseases including those involving photoreception, cell growth rate disorders, cell shape disorders, feeding disorders, potential obesity due to over-eating, potential disorders due to starvation (lack of appetite), noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDMl), bacterial, fungal, protozoal and viral infections (particularly infections caused by HIV-1 or HTV-2), pain, cancer (including but not limited to neoplasm; adenocarcinoma; lymphoma; prostate cancer; uterus cancer), anorexia, bulimia, asthma, allergies, Parkinson's disease, acute heart failure, hypotension, hypertension, urinary retention, osteoporosis, Crohn's disease, multiple sclerosis, Albright hereditary ostoeodys
  • novel nucleic acid encoding GPCR-like protein, and the GPCR-like protein of the invention, or fragments thereof, may further be useful in diagnostic applications, wherein the presence or amount of the nucleic acid or the protein are to be assessed. These materials are further useful in the generation of antibodies that bind immunospecifically to the novel substances of the invention for use in therapeutic or diagnostic methods.
  • GPCR1 A GPCR-like protein of the invention, referred to herein as GPCR1, is an Olfactory Receptor ("OR")-like protein.
  • OR Olfactory Receptor
  • the novel GPCR1 nucleic acid sequences were identified on chromosome 11 as described in Example 1. Some members of the Olfactory Receptor-Like Protein Family end up localized at the cell surface, where they exhibit activity. Therefore it is likely that these novel GPCR1 proteins are available at the appropriate sub-cellular localization and hence accessible for the therapeutic uses described in this application.
  • Genomic clone >acc:AP001804 HTG Homo sapiens chromosome 11 clone RP11-164A10 map 1 lq, WORKING DRAFT SEQUENCE, in unordered pieces - Homo sapiens, 165058 bp (DNA) was analyzed by Genscan and Grail software to identify exons and putative coding sequences.
  • Two alternative novel GPCRl nucleic acids and encoded polypeptides are provided, namely GPCRl a and GPCRlb.
  • a GPCRl variant is the novel GPCRl a (alternatively referred to herein as CG54326_02), which includes the 977 nucleotide sequence (SEQ ID NO: 1) shown in Table 1A.
  • a GPCRl a ORF begins with a Kozak consensus ATG initiation codon at nucleotides 24-26 and ends with a TGA codon at nucleotides 957-959.
  • the DNA sequence and protein sequence for a GPCRl a gene or one of its splice forms was obtained solely by exon linking. Putative untranslated regions upstream from the initiation codon and downstream from the termination codon are underlined in Table 1A, and the start and stop codons are in bold letters.
  • the cDNA coding for the GPCRl a sequence was cloned by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Primers were designed based on in silico predictions of the full length or some portion (one or more exons) of the cDNA/protein sequence of the invention. In silico prediction was based on sequences available in CuraGen's proprietary sequence databases or in the public human sequence databases, and provided either the full length DNA sequence, or some portion thereof. The DNA sequence and protein sequence for a novel GPCRl gene were obtained by exon linking and are reported here as GPCRl a. These primers and methods used to amplify GPCRl a cDNA are described in the Examples.
  • the GPCRl a poiypeptide (SEQ ID NO:2) encoded by SEQ ID NO: 1 is 311 aa in length, has a molecular weight of 34795.35 Daltons, and is presented using the one-letter amino acid code in Table IB.
  • the Psort profile for both GPCRl a and GPCRlb predicts that these sequences have a signal peptide and are likely to be localized at the plasma membrane with a certainty of 0.600.
  • a GPCRl poiypeptide is located to the Golgi body with a certainty of 0.400, the endoplasmic reticulum (membrane) with a certainty of 0.300, or a microbody (peroxisome) with a certainty of 0.300.
  • the Signal P predicts a likely cleavage site for a GPCRl peptide is between positions 41 and 42, i.e., at the dash in the sequence VVG-NL.
  • GPCRla protein sequence (SEQ ID NO:2) ATSNHSSGAEPILAGLTQRPELQ P FLLFLGIYWTWGNLGMIPLIALSSQLYPPVYYFLSH S FID CYSSVITPKMLVNFVPEENIISFL CITQLYFF IFVIAEGYL TAM ⁇ CDRYVAICRP LYKI VMSHRVCSIMMAWYS GFL ATVHTTRMSVLSFCRSHTVSHYFCDILP LTLSCSSTHINEI LFI IGGVNT ATTLAVLISYAFIFSSI GIHSTEGQSKAFGTCSSHLLAVGIFFGSITFMYF PPSSTTM EKEKVSSVFYITIIPM NPLIYSLRNKDVK ALKKMTRGRQSS
  • a GPCRl variant is the novel GPCRlb (alternatively referred to herein as AP001804_A), which includes the 936 nucleotide sequence (SEQ ID NO:3) shown in Table lC.
  • the GPCRlb ORF begins with a Kozak consensus ATG initiation codon at nucleotides 1-3 and ends with a TGA codon at nucleotides 934-936, which are in bold letters in Table lC.
  • the GPCRlb protein (SEQ ID NO:4) encoded by SEQ ID NO:3 is 311 amino acid in length, has a molecular weight of 34855.38 Daltons, and is presented using the one-letter code in Table ID. As with GPCRla, the most likely cleavage site for a GPCRlb peptide is between amino acids 41 and 42, i.e., at the dash in the sequence VVG-NL, based on the SignalP result. Table ID. GPCRlb protein sequence (SEQ ID NO:4)
  • any reference to GPCRl is assumed to encompass all variants. Residue differences between any GPCRX variant sequences herein are written to show the residue in the "a” variant, the residue position with respect to the "a” variant, and the residue in the "b” variant.
  • the GPCRl nucleic acid sequences differ at the following position: G382A.
  • the GPCRl polypeptides differ only at one residue, namely C120Y.
  • the homologies shown above are shared by GPCRlb insofar as GPCRla and lb are homologous as shown in Table IE and Table 1G.
  • GPCRX residues in all following sequence alignments that differ between the individual GPCRX variants are marked with the (o) symbol above the variant residue in all alignments herein.
  • the amino acid sequence of GPCRl had high homology to other proteins as shown in Table IE.
  • the GPCRl nucleic acid sequence has 657 of 932 bases (70%) identical to a gb:GENBANK-ID:RNOLP4
  • the full GPCRl amino acid sequence was found to have 209 of 305 amino acid residues (68%) identical to, and 253 of 305 amino acid residues (82%) similar to, the 309 amino acid residue ptnr:SPTREMBL-ACC:Q63395 protein from Rattus norvegicus (Rat) (OLFACTORY RECEPTOR).
  • E-value or “Expect” value is a numeric indication of the probability that the aligned sequences could have achieved their similarity to the BLAST query sequence by chance alone, within the database that was searched. Additional BLAST results are shown in Table IF.
  • the presence of identifiable domains in the protein disclosed herein was determined by searches using algorithms such as PROSITE, Blocks, Pfam, ProDomain, Prints and then determining the Interpro number by crossing the domain match (or numbers) using the Interpro website (http:www.ebi.ac.uk/interpro/).
  • the results indicate that the GPCRl protein contains the following protein domain (as defined by Interpro): domain name 7tm_l 7 transmembrane receptor (rhodopsin family).
  • DOMAIN results for GPCRl were collected from the conserveed Domain Database (CDD) with Reverse Position Specific BLAST. This BLAST samples domains found in the Smart and Pfam collections.
  • CDD conserveed Domain Database
  • 7tm_l The 254 amino acid domain termed 7tm_l (SEQ ID NO:34), a seven transmembrane receptor (rhodopsin family), is shown in Table IH.
  • Table II lists the domain description from DOMAIN analysis results against GPCRl .
  • GPCRla sequence has properties similar to those of other proteins known to contain this domain as well as to the 254 amino acid 7tm domain (SEQ ID NO:34).
  • the "strong” group of conserved amino acid residues may be any one of the following groups of amino acids: STA, NEQK, NHQK, NDEQ, QHRK, MILV, MILF, HY,
  • the nucleic acids and proteins of GPCRl are useful in potential therapeutic applications implicated in various GPCR-related pathological disorders and/or OR-related pathological disorders, as described further herein.
  • novel nucleic acid encoding the GPCR-like protein of the invention, or fragments thereof, may further be useful in diagnostic applications, wherein the presence or amount of the nucleic acid or the protein are to be assessed. These materials are further useful in the generation of antibodies that bind immunospecifically to the novel substances of the invention for use in therapeutic or diagnostic methods. These antibodies may be generated according to methods known in the art, using prediction from hydrophobicity charts, as described in the "Anti-GPCRX Antibodies" section below.
  • the disclosed GPCRl protein has multiple hydrophilic regions, each of which can be used as an immunogen.
  • a contemplated GPCRl epitope is from about amino acids 10 to 20.
  • a GPCRl epitope is from about amino acids 175 to 190. In specific embodiments, GPCRl epitopes are from about amino acids 230 to 245, from about amino acids 258 to 273 and from about amino acids 290 to 311.
  • GPCR2 A second GPCR-like protein of the invention, referred to herein as GPCR2, is an
  • Olfactory Receptor (“OR")-like protein.
  • OR Olfactory Receptor
  • the novel GPCR2 nucleic acid sequences were identified on chromosome 11 as described in Example 1.
  • Receptor-Like Protein Family end up localized at the cell surface, where they exhibit activity. Therefore it is likely that these novel GPCR2 proteins are available at the appropriate subcellular localization and hence accessible for the therapeutic uses described in this application.
  • Genomic clone >acc:AP001804 HTG Homo sapiens chromosome 11 clone RP11-164A10 map 1 lq, WORKING DRAFT SEQUENCE, in unordered pieces - Homo sapiens, 165058 bp (DNA) was analyzed by Genscan and Grail software to identify exons and putative coding sequences.
  • GPCR2a Two alternative novel GPCR2 nucleic acids and encoded polypeptides are provided, namely GPCR2a and GPCR2b.
  • GPCR2a hi one embodiment, a GPCR2 variant is the novel GPCR2a (alternatively referred to herein as CG54335JD2), which includes the 954 nucleotide sequence (SEQ ID NO:5) shown in Table 2A.
  • a GPCR2a ORF begins with a Kozak consensus ATG initiation codon at nucleotides 14-16 and ends with a TGA codon at nucleotides 938-940. Putative untranslated regions upstream from the initiation codon and downstream from the termination codon are underlined in Table 2A, and the start and stop codons are in bold letters.
  • the sequence of GPCR2a was derived by laboratory cloning of cDNA fragments, by in silico prediction of the sequence.
  • In silico prediction was based on sequences available in CuraGen's proprietary sequence databases or in the public human sequence databases, and provided either the full length DNA sequence, or some portion thereof.
  • the cDNA coding for the GPCR2a sequence was cloned by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Primers were designed based on in silico predictions of the full length or some portion (one or more exons) of the cDNA/protein sequence of the invention.
  • the DNA sequence and protein sequence for a novel Olfactory Receptor-like gene were obtained by exon linking and are reported here as GPCR2a.These primers and methods used to amplify GPCR2 a cDNA are described in the Examples.
  • the GPCR2a poiypeptide (SEQ ID NO:6) encoded by SEQ ID NO:5 is 308 aa in length, has a molecular weight of 34526.32 Daltons, and is presented using the one-letter amino acid code in Table 2B.
  • the Psort profile for both GPCR2a and GPCR2b predicts that these sequences have a signal peptide and are likely to be localized at the plasma membrane with a certainty of 0.600.
  • a GPCR2 poiypeptide is located to the Golgi body with a certainty of 0.400, the endoplasmic reticulum (membrane) with a certainty of 0.300, or a microbody (peroxisome) with a certainty of 0.300.
  • the Signal P predicts a likely cleavage site for a GPCR2 peptide is between positions 41 and 42, i.e., at the dash in the sequence VVG-NL.
  • a GPCR2 variant is the novel GPCR2b (alternatively referred to herein as AP001804_B), which includes the 927 nucleotide sequence (SEQ ID NO:7) shown in Table 2C.
  • the GPCR2b ORF begins with a Kozak consensus ATG initiation codon at nucleotides 1-3 and ends with a TGA codon at nucleotides 925-927, which are in bold letters in Table 2C.
  • the GPCR2b protein (SEQ ID NO:8) encoded by SEQ ID NO:7 is 308 amino acid in length, has a molecular weight of 34443.26 Daltons, and is presented using the one-letter code in Table 2D.
  • the most likely cleavage site for a GPCR2b peptide is between amino acids 41 and 42, i.e., at the dash in the sequence VVG-NL, based on the SignalP result.
  • GPCR2b protein sequence (SEQ ID NO:8) TMENYSMAAQFVLDGLTQQAELQLPLFLLFLGIYWTWGNLGMILLIAVSPLLHTPMYY FLSSLSFVDFCYSSVITPKMLVNFLGKKNTILYSECMVQLFFFWFWAEGYLLTAMAYDR YVAICSPLLYNAI SS VCSLLVLAAFFLGFLSALTHTSAMMKLSFCKSHI INHYFCDVLP LLNLSCSNTHLNELLLFIIAGFNTLVPTLAVAVSYAFILYSILHIRSSEGRSKAFGTCSSH LMAWIFFGSITFMYFKPPSSNSLDQEKVSSVFYTTVIPMLNPLIYSLRNKDVKKALRKVL VGK
  • any reference to GPCR2 is assumed to encompass all variants. Residue differences between any GPCRX variant sequences herein are written to show the residue in the "a” variant, the residue position with respect to the "a” variant, and the residue in the "b” variant.
  • the GPCR2 nucleic acid sequences differ at the following position: G394T.
  • the GPCR2 polypeptides differ only at one residue, namely W127C.
  • the amino acid sequence of GPCR2 had high homology to other proteins as shown in
  • the GPCR2 nucleic acid sequence of this invention has 770 of 922 bases (83%) identical to a Rattus norvegicus Olfactory Receptor-like protein mRNA (GENBANK-ID:RNOLP4
  • the full amino acid sequence of the protein of the invention was found to have 247 of 302 amino acid residues (81%) identical to, and 261 of 302 residues (86%) similar to, the 309 amino acid residue Olfactory Receptor-like protein from Rattus norvegicus (SPTREMBL-ACC:Q63395).
  • the "E-value” or “Expect” value is a numeric indication of the probability that the aligned sequences could have achieved their similarity to the BLAST query sequence by chance alone, within the database that was searched.
  • the GPCR2 nucleic acid sequence has 778 of 927 bases (83%) identical to a gb:GENBANK-LD:AF282289] acc:AF282289.1 mRNA from Mus musculus (Mus musculus odorant receptor K40 gene, complete cds).
  • the full amino acid sequence of the protein of the invention was found to have 259 of 304 amino acid residues (85%) identical to, and 275 of 304 amino acid residues (90%) similar to, the 308 amino acid residue ptnr:TREMBLNEW-ACC:AAG39874 protein from Mus musculus (Mouse) (ODORANT RECEPTOR K40). Additional BLAST results are shown in Table 2F.
  • DOMAIN results for GPCR2 were collected from the conserveed Domain Database (CDD) with Reverse Position Specific BLAST. This BLAST samples domains found in the Smart and Pfam collections. The results are listed in Table 2H with the statistics and domain description.
  • the 7tm_l a seven transmembrane receptor (rhodopsin family), was shown to have significant homology to GPCR2.
  • An alignment of GPCR2 residues 41-290 (SEQ ID NO:6) with 7tm _l residues 1-254 (SEQ ID NO:34) are shown in Table 2H.
  • GPCR2 SfflDQEK ⁇ S j SVF TTSlPMffl ⁇ l Pfam
  • the nucleic acids and proteins of GPCR2 are useful in potential therapeutic applications implicated in various GPCR-related pathological disorders and/or OR-related pathological disorders, described further above.
  • novel nucleic acid encoding the GPCR-like protein of the invention, or fragments thereof, may further be useful in diagnostic applications, wherein the presence or amount of the nucleic acid or the protein are to be assessed. These materials are further useful in the generation of antibodies that bind immunospecifically to the novel substances of the invention for use in therapeutic or diagnostic methods. These antibodies may be generated according to methods known in the art, using prediction from hydrophobicity charts, as described in the " Anti-GPCRX Antibodies" section below.
  • the disclosed GPCR2 protein has multiple hydrophilic regions, each of which can be used as an immunogen.
  • a contemplated GPCR2 epitope is from about amino acids 5 to 20. In other specific embodiments, GPCR2 epitopes are from about amino acids 230 to 245, from about amino acids 260 to 275 and from about amino acids 285 to 308
  • the disclosed novel GPCR3 nucleic acid (SEQ ID NO:9) of 936 nucleotides (also referred to AP001804_C) is shown in Table 3 A.
  • the following genomic clone was identified as having regions with high homology to the GPCR3 homolog.
  • An ORF begins with an ATG initiation codon at nucleotides 1-3 and ends with a TGA codon at nucleotides 934-936.
  • a putative untranslated region upstream from the initiation codon and downstream from the termination codon is underlined in Table 3 A, and the start and stop codons are in bold letters.
  • the GPCR3 protein (SEQ ED NO: 10) encoded by SEQ ED NO:9 is 311 aa in length, has a molecular weight of 34480.27 Daltons, and is presented using the one-letter amino acid code in Table 3B.
  • the Psort profile for GPCR3 predicts that these sequences have a signal peptide and are likely to be localized at the plasma membrane with a certainty of 0.600.
  • a GPCR3 poiypeptide is located to the Golgi body with a certainty of 0.400, the endoplasmic reticulum (membrane) with a certainty of 0.300, or a microbody (peroxisome) with a certainty of 0.300.
  • the Signal P predicts a likely cleavage site for a GPCR3 peptide is between positions 41 and 42, i.e., at the dash in the sequence VVG-NL.
  • the amino acid sequence of GPCR3 had high homology to other proteins as shown in Table 3C.
  • GPCR3 nucleic acid sequence has 659 of 929 bases (70%) identical to a Rattus norvegicus Olfactory Receptor-like protein mRNA (GENBANK-ID:AF010293
  • the full GPCR3 amino acid sequence was found to have 234 of 299 amino acid residues (78%) identical to, and 264 of 299 residues (88%) similar to, the 309 amino acid residue Olfactory Receptor-like protein from Rattus norvegicus (ptnr.PIR-ID:S29709).
  • GPCR3 has 100% homology to OLFACTORY RECEPTOR 8B8 (OLFACTORY RECEPTOR TPCR85) (gi
  • Table 3F lists the domain description from DOMAIN analysis results against GPCR3. This indicates that the GPCR3 sequence has properties similar to those of other proteins known to contain this domain as well as to the 254 amino acid 7tm domain (SEQ ID NO:34) itself.
  • PSSMs producing significant alignments Score E (bits) value gnl
  • the nucleic acids and proteins of GPCR3 are useful in potential therapeutic applications implicated in various GPCR-related pathological disorders and/or OR-related pathological disorders, described further above.
  • the novel nucleic acid encoding the GPCR-like protein of the invention, or fragments thereof, may further be useful in diagnostic applications, wherein the presence or amount of the nucleic acid or the protein are to be assessed.
  • These materials are further useful in the generation of antibodies that bind immunospecifically to the novel substances of the invention for use in therapeutic or diagnostic methods. These antibodies may be generated according to methods known in the art, using prediction from hydrophobicity charts, as described in the "Anti-GPCRX Antibodies" section below.
  • the disclosed GPCR3 protein has multiple hydrophilic regions, each of which can be used as an immunogen.
  • a contemplated GPCR3 epitope is from about amino acids 10 to 20. In another embodiment, a GPCR3 epitope is from about amino acids 175 to 190. hi specific embodiments, GPCR3 epitopes are from about amino acids 230 to 245and from about amino acids 285 to 311. GPCR4
  • the disclosed novel GPCR4 nucleic acid (SEQ LD NO: 11) of 942 nucleotides (also referred to as AP001804_D) is shown in Table 4A.
  • the following genomic clone was identified as having regions with high homology to GPCR4: genomic clone >acc:AP001804 HTG Homo sapiens chromosome 11 clone RPl 1-164A10 map 1 lq, WORKING DRAFT SEQUENCE, in unordered pieces.
  • the Homo sapiens 165058 bp DNA was analyzed by Genscan and Grail software programs to identify exons and putative coding sequences.
  • a GPCR4 ORF begins with an ATG initiation codon at nucleotides 1-3 and ends with a TAA codon at nucleotides 940-942. The start and stop codons in Table 4 A are in bold letters.
  • the GPCR4 protein (SEQ LD NO:12) encoded by SEQ ID NO:ll has 313 amino acid residues and is presented using the one-letter code in Table 4B.
  • the predicted molecular weight of GPCR4 protein is approximately 35303.38 Daltons.
  • the Psort profile for GPCR4 predicts that this sequence has a signal peptide and is likely to be localized at the plasma membrane with a certainty of 0.6.
  • GPCR4 is located in the Golgi body with a certainty of 0.4, the endoplasmic reticulum (membrane) with a certainty of 0.3 or microbodies (peroxisomes) with a certainty of 0.3.
  • the Signal P predicts a likely cleavage site between positions 44 and 45, i.e., at the dash in the sequence NLG-LI.
  • the amino acid sequence of GPCR4 had high homology to other proteins as shown in Table 4C.
  • nucleic acid sequence of this invention AP001804_D has 650 of 917 bases (70%) identical to aRattus norvegicus Olfactory Receptor-like protein mRNA (GENBA K-
  • the full amino acid sequence of the protein of the invention was found to have 205 of 300 amino acid residues (68%) identical to, and 247 of 300 residues (82%) similar to, the 309 amino acid residue Olfactory Receptor-like protein from Rattus norvegicus (ptnr:PIR-ID:S29709).
  • GPCR4 also has homology to the proteins shown in the BLASTP data in Table 4D.
  • Table 4F lists the domain description from DOMAIN analysis results against GPCR4. This indicates that the GPCR4 sequence has properties similar to those of other proteins known to contain this domain as well as to the 254 amino acid 7tm domain (SEQ ID NO:34) itself.
  • GPCR4 SS-GSMEQGKysS gYTNffl PMJSjg jg Pf am I pf amO O OOl LCLLSIW-RVIiPTALUlffI,WT,AY-BMHCl-Bii3lBg
  • the GPCR4 protein predicted here is similar to the "Olfactory Receptor-Like Protein Family", some members of wliich end up localized at the cell surface where they exhibit activity. Therefore, it is likely that this novel GPCR4 protein is available at the appropriate sub-cellular localization and hence accessible for the therapeutic uses described in this application.
  • the Olfactory Receptor-like GPCR4 proteins disclosed are expressed in at least the following tissues: olfactory receptors are a class of G protein-coupled receptor which are known to be expressed in all tissue types especially olfactory epithelium. Further tissue expression analysis is provided in the Examples.
  • the nucleic acids and proteins of GPCR4 are useful in potential therapeutic applications implicated in various GPCR-related pathological disorders and/or OR-related pathological disorders, described further herein.
  • GPCR4 protein has multiple hydrophilic regions, each of which can be used as an immunogen.
  • a contemplated GPCR4 epitope is from about amino acids 5 to 20.
  • GPCR4 epitopes are from about amino acids 225 to 245, from about amino acids 260 to 275 and from about amino acids 290 to 313.
  • a second GPCR-like protein of the invention is an Olfactory Receptor ("OR")-like protein.
  • OR Olfactory Receptor
  • the novel GPCR5 nucleic acid sequences were identified on chromosome 11 as described in Example 1. Some members of the Olfactory Receptor-Like Protein Family end up localized at the cell surface, where they exhibit activity. Therefore it is likely that these novel GPCR5 proteins are available at the appropriate subcellular localization and hence accessible for the therapeutic uses described in this application.
  • Two alternative novel GPCR5 nucleic acids and encoded polypeptides are provided, namely GPCR5a and GPCR5b.
  • a GPCR5 variant is the novel GPCR5a (alternatively referred to herein as CG56040_01), which includes the 912 nucleotide sequence (SEQ ID NO: 13) shown in Table 5 A.
  • the DNA sequence and protein sequence for GPCR5a or one of its splice forms was obtained solely by exon linking.
  • a GPCR5a ORF begins with a Kozak consensus ATG initiation codon at nucleotides 1-3 and ends with a TGA codon at nucleotides 910-9120, shown in bold in Table 5A.
  • the sequence of GPCR5a was derived by laboratory cloning of cDNA fragments, by in silico prediction of the sequence.
  • In silico prediction was based on sequences available in CuraGen's proprietary sequence databases or in the public human sequence databases, and provided either the full length DNA sequence, or some portion thereof.
  • the cDNA coding for the GPCR5a sequence was cloned by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Primers were designed based on in silico predictions of the full length or some portion (one or more exons) of the cDNA/protein sequence of the invention. The DNA sequence and protein sequence for a novel Olfactory Receptor-like gene were obtained by exon linking and are reported here as GPCR5a. These primers and methods used to amplify
  • GPCR5 a cDNA are described in the Examples.
  • the GPCR5a poiypeptide (SEQ ID NO:14) encoded by SEQ ID NO:13 is 303 aa in length, has a molecular weight of 33640.94 Daltons, and is presented using the one-letter amino acid code in Table 5B.
  • the Psort profile for both GPCR5a and GPCR5b predicts that these sequences have a signal peptide and are likely to be localized at the plasma membrane with a certainty of 0.600.
  • a GPCR5 poiypeptide is located to the mitochondrial inner membrane with a certainty of 0.4195, the Golgi body with a certainty of 0.400, or the mitochondrial intermembrane space with a certainty of 0.3631.
  • the Signal P predicts a likely cleavage site for a GPCR5 peptide is between positions 41 and 42, i.e., at the dash in the sequence VVG-NL.
  • a GPCR5 variant is the novel GPCR5b (alternatively referred to herein as AP001804_B), which includes the 930 nucleotide sequence (SEQ ID NO: 15) shown in Table 5C.
  • the GPCR5b ORF begins with a Kozak consensus ATG initiation codon at nucleotides 1-3 and ends with a TAA codon at nucleotides 928-930, which are in bold letters in Table 5C.
  • the GPCR5b protein (SEQ ID NO: 16) encoded by SEQ ID NO:15 is 309 amino acid in length, has a molecular weight of 34401.88 Daltons, and is presented using the one-letter code in Table 5D.
  • the most likely cleavage site for a GPCR5b peptide is between amino acids 41 and 42, i.e., at the dash in the sequence WG-NL, based on the SignalP result.
  • GPCR5a or GPCR5b any reference to GPCR5 is assumed to encompass all variants.
  • the GPCR5 nucleic acid sequences have alternative 3' sequences: i.e., GPCR5b has an A residue inserted at position 907 and extends 17 bp beyond the 3' end of GPCRla.
  • the GPCR5 polypeptides have alternative carboxyterminal sequences beginning at residue 303, wherein GPCR5 has a proline (P) as a terminal residue at position 303, and GPCR5b contains the sequence TLKRVLF at positions 303-309.
  • the amino acid sequence of GPCR2 had high homology to other proteins as shown in Table 5E.
  • the GPCR disclosed in this invention maps to chromosome 1 lq25. This information was assigned using OMIM, the electronic northern bioinformatics tool implemented by CuraGen Corporation, public ESTs, public literature references and/or genomic clone homologies. This was executed to derive the chromosomal mapping of the SeqCalling assemblies, Genomic clones, literature references and/or EST sequences that were included in the invention.
  • GPCR5a nucleic acid sequence has 537 of 706 bases (76%) identical to a gb:GENBANK- ID:AF065872lacc:AF065872.1 mRNA from Homo sapiens (Homo sapiens OR8C1P pseudogene, partial sequence).
  • the GPCR5b nucleic acid sequence has 640 of 926 bases (69%) identical to a Rattus norvegicus Olfactory Receptor-like protein mRNA (GENBANK-ID:AF010293
  • the full amino acid sequence of the protein of the invention was found to have 189 of 302 amino acid residues (62%) identical to, and 238 of 302 residues (78%) similar to, the 309 amino acid residue Olfactory Receptor-like protein from Rattus norvegicus (ptnr:PIR-ID:S29709). Additional BLAST results are shown in Table 5F.
  • the nucleic acids and proteins of GPCR5 are useful in potential therapeutic applications implicated in various GPCR-related pathological disorders and/or OR-related pathological disorders, described further above.
  • novel nucleic acid encoding the GPCR-like protein of the invention, or fragments thereof, may further be useful in diagnostic applications, wherein the presence or amount of the nucleic acid or the protein are to be assessed. These materials are further useful in the generation of antibodies that bind immunospecifically to the novel substances of the invention for use in therapeutic or diagnostic methods. These antibodies may be generated according to methods known in the art, using prediction from hydrophobicity charts, as described in the "Anti-GPCRX Antibodies" section below.
  • the disclosed GPCR5 protein has multiple hydrophilic regions, each of which can be used as an immunogen.
  • a contemplated GPCR5 epitope is from about amino acids 5 to 20. In other specific embodiments, GPCR5 epitopes are from about amino acids 230 to 245, from about amino acids 255 to 275 and from about amino acids 285 to 309.
  • GPCR6 A further GPCR-like protein of the invention, referred to herein as GPCR6, is an
  • the novel GPCR6 nucleic acid sequences were identified on chromosome 11 as described in Example 1. Some members of the Olfactory Receptor-Like Protein Family end up localized at the cell surface, where they exhibit activity. Therefore it is likely that these novel GPCR6 proteins are available at the appropriate sub- cellular localization and hence accessible for the therapeutic uses described in this application. Two alternative novel GPCR6 nucleic acids and encoded polypeptides are provided, namely GPCR6a and GPCR6b.
  • a GPCR6 variant is the novel GPCR6a (alternatively referred to herein as CG56025-01), which includes the 971 nucleotide sequence (SEQ ID NO: 17) shown in Table 6A.
  • a GPCR6a ORF begins with a Kozak consensus ATG initiation codon at nucleotides 20-22 and ends with a TAA codon at nucleotides 956-958. Putative untranslated regions upstream from the initiation codon and downstream from the termination codon are underlined in Table 6A, and the start and stop codons are in bold letters.
  • the sequence of GPCR6a was derived by laboratory cloning of cDNA fragments, by in silico prediction of the sequence.
  • In silico prediction was based on sequences available in CuraGen's proprietary sequence databases or in the public human sequence databases, and provided either the full length DNA sequence, or some portion thereof.
  • the cDNA coding for the GPCR6a sequence was cloned by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Primers were designed based on in silico predictions of the full length or some portion (one or more exons) of the cDNA/protein sequence of the invention. The DNA sequence and protein sequence for a novel Olfactory Receptor-like gene were obtained by exon linking and are reported here as GPCR6a. These primers and methods used to amplify GPCR6 a cDNA are described in the Examples.
  • the GPCR6a poiypeptide (SEQ TD NO: 18) encoded by SEQ ID NO: 17 is 312 aa in length, has a molecular weight of 34526.32 Daltons, and is presented using the one-letter amino acid code in Table 6B.
  • the Psort profile for both GPCR6a and GPCR6b predicts that these sequences have a signal peptide and are likely to be localized at the endoplasmic reticulum (membrane) with a certainty of 0.685.
  • a GPCR6 poiypeptide is located to the plasma membrane with a certainty of 0.6400, the Golgi body with a certainty of 0.4600, or to endoplamic reticulum (lumen) with a certamty of 0.1000.
  • the Signal P predicts a likely cleavage site for a GPCR6 peptide is between positions 49 and 50, i.e., at the dash in the sequence VWA-EP.
  • a GPCR6 variant is the novel GPCR6b (alternatively referred to herein as AP001804_B), which includes the 939 nucleotide sequence (SEQ ID NO: 19) shown in Table 6C.
  • the GPCR6b ORF begins with a Kozak consensus ATG initiation codon at nucleotides 1-3 and ends with a TAA codon at nucleotides 937-939, which are in bold letters in Table 6C.
  • the GPCR6 protein encoded by SEQ ID NO:7 is identical to SEQ LD NO: 18, above.
  • any reference to GPCR6 is assumed to encompass all variants. Residue differences between any GPCRX variant sequences herein are written to show the residue in the "a” variant, the residue position with respect to the "a” variant, and the residue in the "b” variant. For example, the GPCR6 nucleic acid sequences differ at the following position: G394T.
  • the GPCR6 nucleic acid sequence of this invention has 770 of 922 bases (83%) identical to a Rattus norvegicus Olfactory Receptor-like protein mRNA (GENBANK-LD:RNOLP4
  • the full amino acid sequence of the protein of the invention was found to have 247 of 302 amino acid residues (81%) identical to, and 261 of 302 residues (86%) similar to, the 309 amino acid residue Olfactory Receptor-like protein from Rattus norvegicus (SPTREMBL-ACC:Q63395).
  • the "E- value” or “Expect” value is a numeric indication of the probability that the aligned sequences could have achieved their similarity to the BLAST query sequence by chance alone, within the database that was searched.
  • the GPCR6 nucleic acid sequence has 778 of 927 bases (83%) identical to a gb:GENBANK-ID:AF282289
  • bits bits
  • olfactory receptors are a class of G protein-coupled receptor which are known to be expressed in all tissue types especially olfactory epithelium. Further tissue expression analysis is provided in the Examples.
  • the nucleic acids and proteins of GPCR6 are useful in potential therapeutic applications implicated in various GPCR-related pathological disorders and/or OR-related pathological disorders, described further herein.
  • GPCR6 protein has multiple hydrophilic regions, each of which can be used as an immunogen.
  • a contemplated GPCR6 epitope is from about amino acids 115 to 135.
  • GPCR6 epitopes are from about amino acids 225 to 240 and from about amino acids 280 to 305.
  • the disclosed novel GPCR7 nucleic acid of 942 nucleotides (also referred to as 20722608_EXT) is shown in Table 7A.
  • An ORF begins with an ATG initiation codon at nucleotides 1-3 and ends with a TGA codon at nucleotides 940-942.
  • genomic clone >acc:AP000868 HTG Homo sapiens chromosome 11 clone RP11-688B 18 map llq24, WORKING DRAFT SEQUENCE, in unordered pieces - Homo sapiens, 176200 bp (DNA).
  • the sequence was analyzed by GENSCAN and GRAIL software programs to identify exons and putative coding sequences. The start and stop codons in Table 7A are in bold letters.
  • the GPCR7 protein (SEQ LD NO:21) encoded by SEQ ID NO:20 has 313 amino acid residues and is presented using the one-letter code in Table 7B.
  • the predicted molecular weight of GPCR7 protein is 35326.06 Daltons.
  • the Psort profile for GPCR7 predicts that this sequence has a signal peptide and is likely to be localized at the endoplasmic reticulum (membrane) with a certainty of 0.685.
  • GPCR7 is located in the plasma membrane with a certainty of 0.676, the Golgi body with a certainty of 0.460 or endoplasmic reticulum (lumen) with a certainty of 0.100.
  • the Signal P predicts a likely cleavage site between positions 36 and 37, i.e., at the dash in the sequence TLT-AT.
  • nucleic acid sequence of this invention 20722608_EXT has 581 of 916 bases (63%) identical to a Mus musculus Olfactory Receptor-like protein mRNA (GENBANK-ID:AF102523).
  • the full amino acid sequence of the protein of the invention was found to have 149 of 312 amino acid residues (47%) identical to, and 211 of 312 residues (67%) similar to, the 313 amino acid residue Olfactory Receptor-like protein from Mus musculus (SPTREMBL-ACC:Q9Z1 V0).
  • GPCR7 also has homology to the proteins shown in the BLASTP data in Table 7C.
  • Table 7E lists the domain description from DOMAIN analysis results against GPCR7. This indicates that the GPCR7 sequence has properties similar to those of other proteins known to contain this domain as well as to the 254 amino acid 7tm domain (SEQ ID NO:34) itself.
  • bits bits
  • the GPCR7 protein disclosed in this invention is expressed in at least the following human tissues: pancreas and olfactory epithelium; This is by no way limiting in that olfactory receptors are a class of G protein-coupled receptor which are known to be expressed in all tissue types.
  • the nucleic acids and proteins of GPCR7 are useful in potential therapeutic applications implicated in various GPCR-related pathological disorders and/or OR-related pathological disorders, described further herein.
  • novel GPCR7 nucleic acid encoding the GPCR-like protein of the invention, or fragments thereof, may further be useful in diagnostic applications, wherein the presence or amount of the nucleic acid or the protein are to be assessed.
  • the disclosed GPCR7 protein has multiple hydrophilic regions, each of which can be used as an immunogen.
  • a contemplated GPCR7 epitope is from about amino acids 120 to 132.
  • GPCR7 epitopes are from about amino acids 160 to 180, from about amino acids 215 to 240, from about amino acids 255 to 270 and from about amino acids 280 to 310.
  • the disclosed novel GPCR8 nucleic acid of 1920 nucleotides is shown in Table 8A.
  • An ORF begins with an ATG initiation codon at nucleotides 201-203 and ends with a TGA codon at nucleotides 1137-1139.
  • the following genomic clone was identified as having high homology to olfactory receptor-like protein (HS6M1-6).
  • the start and stop codons in Table 8 A are in bold letters and the putative untranslated regions upstream from the initiation site and downstream from the termination codon are underlined.
  • the GPCR8 protein (SEQ ID NO:23) encoded by SEQ ID NO:22 has 312 amino acid residues and is presented using the one-letter code in Table 8B.
  • the predicted molecular weight of GPCR8 protein is 35202.21 Daltons.
  • the GPCR8 amino acid sequence is 100% homologous to olfactory receptor-like protein (HS6M1-6).
  • H6M1-6 olfactory receptor-like protein
  • the Psort profile for GPCR8 predicts that this sequence has a signal peptide and is likely to be localized at the endoplasmic reticulum (membrane).
  • GPCR8 is located in the plasma membrane.
  • Table 8D A multiple sequence alignment is given in Table 8D, with the protein of the invention 20722608_EXT being shown on line 1, in a ClustalW analysis comparing the protein of the invention with related protein sequences, shown in Table 8C. This BLASTP data is displayed graphically in the Clustal W in Table 8D.
  • Table 8E lists the domain description from DOMAIN analysis results against GPCR8. This indicates that the GPCR8 sequence has properties similar to those of other proteins known to contain this domain as well as to the 254 amino acid 7tm domain (SEQ LD NO:34) itself.
  • PSSMs producing significant alignments Score E (bits) value gnl I fam I famOOOOl 7tm_l, 7 transmembrane receptor (rhodopsin family) 111 7e-26
  • Olfactory Receptor-like protein disclosed in this invention is expressed in at least the following human tissues: pancreas and olfactory epithelium; This is by no way limiting in that olfactory receptors are a class of G protein-coupled receptor which are known to be expressed in all tissue types.
  • GPCR8 nucleic acids and proteins are useful in potential therapeutic applications implicated in various GPCR-related pathological disorders and/or OR-related pathological disorders, described further herein.
  • a monoclonal antibody targeting CG-SC931712 protein, specifically its extracellular region, will have a therapeutic role in treating cancer. It will also have a role in treating angiogenesis related diseases. Being a GPCR, it could be used to screen for small molecule drug to treat cancer.
  • GPCR8 protein has multiple hydrophilic regions, each of which can be used as an immunogen.
  • a contemplated GPCR8 epitope is from about amino acids 1 to 15.
  • GPCR8 epitopes are from about amino acids 80 to 95, from about amino acids 115 to 130, from about amino acids 165 to 175, from about amino acids 180 to 195, from about amino acids 230 to 245, from about amino acids 255 to 270 and from about amino acids 285 to 305.
  • GPCR9 A second GPCR-like protein of the invention, referred to herein as GPCR9, is an Olfactory Receptor ("OR")-like protein.
  • OR Olfactory Receptor
  • the GPCR9 gene maps to chromosome 9 pl3.1-13.3. Some members of the Olfactory Receptor-Like Protein Family end up localized at the cell surface, where they exhibit activity. Therefore it is likely that these novel GPCR9 proteins are available at the appropriate sub-cellular localization and hence accessible for the therapeutic uses described in this application.
  • Two alternative novel GPCR9 nucleic acids, namely GPCR9a and GPCR9b, and an encoded GPCR9 poiypeptide are provided,.
  • a GPCR9 variant is the novel GPCR9a (alternatively refened to herein as 21629632.0.20), which includes the 2028 nucleotide sequence (SEQ ID NO:24) shown in Table 9A.
  • a GPCR9a ORF begins with a Kozak consensus ATG initiation codon at nucleotides 469-471 and ends with a TGA codon at nucleotides 1447-1449. Putative untranslated regions upstream from the initiation codon and downstream from the termination codon are underlined in Table 9A, and the start and stop codons are in bold letters.
  • the sequence of GPCR9a was derived by laboratory cloning of cDNA fragments, by in silico prediction of the sequence.
  • In silico prediction was based on sequences available in CuraGen's proprietary sequence databases or in the public human sequence databases, and provided either the full length DNA sequence, or some portion thereof.
  • the cDNA coding for the GPCR9a sequence was cloned by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Primers were designed based on in silico predictions of the full length or some portion (one or more exons) of the cDNA/protein sequence of the invention. The DNA sequence and protein sequence for a novel Olfactory Receptor-like gene were obtained by exon linking and are reported here as GPCR9a. These primers and methods used to amplify GPCR9 a cDNA are described in the Examples.
  • the GPCR9a poiypeptide (SEQ ID NO:25) encoded by SEQ ID NO:24 is 326 aa in length, has a molecular weight of 35713.69 Daltons, and is presented using the one-letter amino acid code in Table 9B.
  • the Psort profile for GPCR9 predicts that this sequence has a signal peptide and is likely to be localized at the plasma membrane with a certainty of 0.600.
  • a GPCR9 poiypeptide is located to the Golgi body with a certainty of 0.400, the endoplasmic reticulum (membrane) with a certainty of 0.300, or a mitochondrial inner membrane with a certainty of 0.300.
  • the Signal P software program predicts no likely signal cleavage site for a GPCR9 peptide.
  • a GPCR9 variant is the novel GPCR9b (alternatively referred to herein as 21629632_EXT, Spliced AL133410), which includes the 1069 nucleotide sequence (SEQ ID NO:26) shown in Table 9C.
  • the GPCR9b ORF begins with a Kozak consensus ATG initiation codon at nucleotides 31-33 and ends with a TGA codon at nucleotides 1009-1011, which are in bold letters in Table 9C. Putative untranslated regions upstream from the initiation codon and downstream from the termination codon are underlined in Table 9A, and the start and stop codons are in bold letters.
  • the GPCR9 protein encoded by SEQ ID NO:26 is identical to SEQ ID NO:25.
  • GPCR9a or GPCR9b any reference to GPCR9 is assumed to encompass all variants.
  • the GPCR9 nucleic acid sequences differ where GPCR9a extends further in both the 4' and 3' untranslated regions.
  • the GPCR9b nucleic acid sequence has 856 of 1069 (80%) identical to a Mouse Olfactory receptor mRNA (GENBANK-LD: MMU133430).
  • DOMAIN results for GPCR9 were collected from the conserveed Domain Database (CDD) with Reverse Position Specific BLAST. This BLAST samples domains found in the Smart and Pfam collections. The results are listed in Table 9G with the statistics and domain description.
  • the 7tm_l a seven transmembrane receptor (rhodopsin family), was shown to have significant homology to GPCR9.
  • An alignment of GPCR9 residues 41-287 (SEQ JD NO:26) with 7tm_l residues 1-254 (SEQ ID NO:34) are shown in Table 9G.
  • bits bits
  • the GPCR disclosed in this invention is expressed in at least the following tissues: Prostate, ovary.
  • the nucleic acids and proteins of GPCR2 are useful in potential therapeutic applications implicated in various GPCR-related pathological disorders and/or OR-related pathological disorders, described further above.
  • novel nucleic acid encoding the GPCR-like protein of the invention, or fragments thereof, may further be useful in diagnostic applications, wherein the presence or amount of the nucleic acid or the protein are to be assessed. These materials are further useful in the generation of antibodies that bind immunospecifically to the novel substances of the invention for use in therapeutic or diagnostic methods. These antibodies may be generated according to methods known in the art, using prediction from hydrophobicity charts, as described in the "Anti-GPCRX Antibodies" section below.
  • the disclosed GPCR2 protein has multiple hydrophilic regions, each of which can be used as an immunogen.
  • a contemplated GPCR2 epitope is from about amino acids 5 to 20. In other specific embodiments, GPCR2 epitopes are from about amino acids 125 to 145, from about amino acids 230 to 240 and from about amino acids 255 to 275.
  • the disclosed novel GPCRIO nucleic acid (SEQ ID NO:27) of 1147 nucleotides (also refened to as 1823044_EXT) encoding a novel olfactory receptor-like protein is shown in Table 10 A.
  • the GPCR disclosed in this invention maps to chromosome 1.
  • An ORF begins with an ATG initiation codon at nucleotides 17-19 and ends with a TAG codon at nucleotides 1061-1063.
  • a putative untranslated region upstream from the initiation codon and downstream from the termination codon is underlined in Table 10A, and the start and stop codons are in bold letters.
  • the GPCRIO protein (SEQ ID NO:28) encoded by SEQ ID NO:27 has 348 amino acid residues and is presented using the one-letter code in Table 10B.
  • the predicted molecular weight of GPCRIO protein is approximately 39411.93 Daltons.
  • the Psort profile for GPCRIO predicts that this sequence has a signal peptide and is likely to be localized at the plasma membrane with a certainty of 0.6.
  • GPCRIO is located in the golgi body with a certainty of 0.4, the endoplasmic reticulum (membrane) with a certainty of 0.3 or microbodies (peroxisomes) with a certainty of 0.3.
  • the Signal P predicts a likely cleavage site between positions 19 and 20, i.e., at the dash in the sequence ILM-GL.
  • the protein predicted here is similar to the "Olfactory Receptor-Like Protein Family", some members of which end up localized at the cell surface where they exhibit activity. Therefore, it is likely that this novel olfactory receptor-like proteins is available at the appropriate sub-cellular localization and hence accessible for the therapeutic uses described in this application.
  • nucleic acid sequence of this invention has 434 of 488 bases (88%) identical to a gibbon olfactory receptor mRNA (GENBANK-ID: AF 179779).
  • the full amino acid sequence of the protein of the invention was found to have 147 of 223 amino acid residues (65%) identical to, and 177 of 223 residues (79%) similar to the 223 amino acid residue protein from mouse (ptnr.SPTREMBL-ACC: Q62342).
  • GPCRIO also has homology to the proteins shown in the BLASTP data in Table IOC.
  • Table 10D A multiple sequence alignment is given in Table 10D, with the protein of the invention 1823044_EXT being shown on lines 1 in Table 10D in a ClustalW analysis comparing the protein of the invention with related protein sequences.
  • This BLASTP data is displayed graphically in the Clustal W in Table 10D.
  • Table 10E lists the domain description from DOMAIN analysis results against GPCRIO. This indicates that the GPCRIO sequence has properties similar to those of other proteins known to contain this domain as well as to the 254 amino acid 7tm domain (SEQ ID NO:34) itself. Table 10E Domain Analysis of GPCRIO
  • bits value gnl I Pfam
  • the olfactory receptor disclosed in this invention is expressed in at least the following tissues: lymph node, ovary.
  • the nucleic acids and proteins of GPCRIO are useful in potential therapeutic applications implicated in various GPCR-related pathological disorders and/or OR-related pathological disorders, described further herein.
  • the novel GPCRIO nucleic acid, or fragments thereof, may further be useful in diagnostic applications, wherein the presence or amount of the nucleic acid or the protein are to be assessed.
  • GPCRIO protein has multiple hydrophilic regions, each of which can be used as an immunogen.
  • a contemplated GPCRIO epitope is from about amino acids 10 to 18.
  • GPCRIO epitopes are from about amino acids 20 to 30, from about amino acids 42 to 50, from about amino acids 190 to 210, from about amino acids 260 to 270, from about amino acids 280 to 308 and from about amino acids 325 to 340.
  • nucleic acid molecules that encode GPCRX polypeptides or biologically active portions thereof. Also included in the mvention are nucleic acid fragments sufficient for use as hybridization probes to identify GPCRX- encoding nucleic acids (e.g., GPCRX lnRNAs) and fragments for use as PCR primers for the amplification and/or mutation of GPCRX nucleic acid molecules.
  • nucleic acid molecule is intended to include DNA molecules (e.g., cDNA or genomic DNA), RNA molecules (e.g., mRNA), analogs of the DNA or RNA generated using nucleotide analogs, and derivatives, fragments and homologs thereof.
  • the nucleic acid molecule may be single-stranded or double-stranded, but preferably is comprised double- stranded DNA.
  • an GPCRX nucleic acid can encode a mature GPCRX poiypeptide.
  • a "mature" form of a poiypeptide or protein disclosed in the present invention is the product of a naturally occurring poiypeptide or precursor form or proprotein.
  • the naturally occurring poiypeptide, precursor or proprotein includes, by way of nonlimiting example, the full-length gene product, encoded by the corresponding gene. Alternatively, it may be defined as the poiypeptide, precursor or proprotein encoded by an ORF described herein.
  • the product "mature" form arises, again by way of nonlimiting example, as a result of one or more naturally occurring processing steps as they may take place within the cell, or host cell, in which the gene product arises.
  • Examples of such processing steps leading to a "mature" form of a poiypeptide or protein include the cleavage of the N-terminal methionine residue encoded by the initiation codon of an ORF, or the proteolytic cleavage of a signal peptide or leader sequence.
  • a mature form arising from a precursor poiypeptide or protein that has residues 1 to N, where residue 1 is the N-terminal methionine would have residues 2 through N remaining after removal of the N-terminal methionine.
  • a mature form arising from a precursor poiypeptide or protein having residues 1 to N, in which an N-terminal signal sequence from residue 1 to residue M is cleaved would have the residues from residue M+l to residue N remaining.
  • a "mature" form of a poiypeptide or protein may arise from a step of post-translational modification other than a proteolytic cleavage event. Such additional processes include, by way of non-limiting example, glycosylation, myristoylation or phosphorylation.
  • a mature poiypeptide or protein may result from the operation of only one of these processes, or a combination of any of them.
  • probes refers to nucleic acid sequences of variable length, preferably between at least about 10 nucleotides (nt), 100 nt, or as many as approximately, e.g., 6,000 nt, depending upon the specific use. Probes are used in the detection of identical, similar, or complementary nucleic acid sequences. Longer length probes are generally obtained from a natural or recombinant source, are highly specific, and much slower to hybridize than shorter-length oligomer probes. Probes may be single- or double-stranded and designed to have specificity in PCR, membrane-based hybridization technologies, or ELISA-like technologies.
  • isolated nucleic acid molecule is one, which is separated from other nucleic acid molecules which are present in the natural source of the nucleic acid.
  • an “isolated” nucleic acid is free of sequences which naturally flank the nucleic acid (i.e., sequences located at the 5'- and 3'-termini of the nucleic acid) in the genomic DNA of the organism from which the nucleic acid is derived.
  • the isolated GPCRX nucleic acid molecules can contain less than about 5 kb, 4 kb, 3 kb, 2 kb, 1 kb, 0.5 kb or 0.1 kb of nucleotide sequences which naturally flank the nucleic acid molecule in genomic DNA of the cell/tissue from which the nucleic acid is derived (e.g., brain, heart, liver, spleen, etc.).
  • an "isolated" nucleic acid molecule such as a cDNA molecule, can be substantially free of other cellular material or culture medium when produced by recombinant techniques, or of chemical precursors or other chemicals when chemically synthesized.
  • a nucleic acid molecule of the invention e.g., a nucleic acid molecule having the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 27, or a complement of this aforementioned nucleotide sequence, can be isolated using standard molecular biology techniques and the sequence information provided herein.
  • GPCRX molecules can be isolated using standard hybridization and cloning techniques (e.g., as described in Sambrook, et ⁇ l., (eds.), MOLECULAR CLONING: A LABORATORY MANUAL 2 nd Ed., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 1989; and Ausubel, et ⁇ l., (eds.), CURRENT PROTOCOLS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, John Wiley & Sons, New York, NY, 1993.)
  • a nucleic acid of the invention can be amplified using cDNA, mRNA or alternatively, genomic DNA, as a template and appropriate oligonucleotide primers according to standard PCR amplification techniques.
  • the nucleic acid so amplified can be cloned into an appropriate vector and characterized by DNA sequence analysis.
  • oligonucleotides corresponding to GPCRX nucleotide sequences can be prepared by standard synthetic techniques, e.g., using an automated DNA synthesizer.
  • oligonucleotide refers to a series of linked nucleotide residues, which oligonucleotide has a sufficient number of nucleotide bases to be used in a
  • a short oligonucleotide sequence may be based on, or designed from, a genomic or cDNA sequence and is used to amplify, confirm, or reveal the presence of an identical, similar or complementary DNA or RNA in a particular cell or tissue.
  • Oligonucleotides comprise portions of a nucleic acid sequence having about 10 nt, 50 nt, or 100 nt in length, preferably about 15 nt to 30 nt in length.
  • an oligonucleotide comprising a nucleic acid molecule less than 100 nt in length would further comprise at least 6 contiguous nucleotides of SEQ ID NOS: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 27, or a complement thereof.
  • Oligonucleotides may be chemically synthesized and may also be used as probes.
  • an isolated nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleic acid molecule that is a complement of the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NOS: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 27, or aportion of this nucleotide sequence (e.g., a fragment that can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding a biologically- active portion of an GPCRX poiypeptide).
  • a nucleic acid molecule that is complementary to the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NOS: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 27 is one that is sufficiently complementary to the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NOS: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 27 that it can hydrogen bond with little or no mismatches to the nucleotide sequence shown SEQ ID NOS: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 27, thereby forming a stable duplex.
  • binding means the physical or chemical interaction between two polypeptides or compounds or associated polypeptides or compounds or combinations thereof. Binding includes ionic, non-ionic, van der Waals, hydrophobic interactions, and the like.
  • a physical interaction can be either direct or indirect. Indirect interactions may be through or due to the effects of another poiypeptide or compound. Direct binding refers to interactions that do not take place through, or due to, the effect of another poiypeptide or compound, but instead are without other substantial chemical intermediates.
  • Fragments provided herein are defined as sequences of at least 6 (contiguous) nucleic acids or at least 4 (contiguous) amino acids, a length sufficient to allow for specific hybridization in the case of nucleic acids or for specific recognition of an epitope in the case of amino acids, respectively, and are at most some portion less than a full length sequence. Fragments may be derived from any contiguous portion of a nucleic acid or amino acid sequence of choice. Derivatives are nucleic acid sequences or amino acid sequences formed from the native compounds either directly or by modification or partial substitution. Analogs are nucleic acid sequences or amino acid sequences that have a structure similar to, but not identical to, the native compound but differs from it in respect to certain components or side chains.
  • Analogs may be synthetic or from a different evolutionary origin and may have a similar or opposite metabolic activity compared to wild type.
  • Homologs are nucleic acid sequences or amino acid sequences of a particular gene that are derived from different species.
  • Derivatives and analogs may be full length or other than full length, if the derivative or analog contains a modified nucleic acid or amino acid, as described below.
  • nucleic acids or proteins of the mvention include, but are not limited to, molecules comprising regions that are substantially homologous to the nucleic acids or proteins of the invention, in various embodiments, by at least about 70%, 80%, or 95% identity (with a preferred identity of 80-95%) over a nucleic acid or amino acid sequence of identical size or when compared to an aligned sequence in which the alignment is done by a computer homology program known in the art, or whose encoding nucleic acid is capable of hybridizing to the complement of a sequence encoding the aforementioned proteins under stringent, moderately stringent, or low stringent conditions. See e.g.
  • a "homologous nucleic acid sequence” or “homologous amino acid sequence,” or variations thereof, refer to sequences characterized by a homology at the nucleotide level or amino acid level as discussed above. Homologous nucleotide sequences encode those sequences coding for isoforms of GPCRX polypeptides. Isoforms can be expressed in different tissues of the same organism as a result of, for example, alternative splicing of RNA. Alternatively, isoforms can be encoded by different genes.
  • homologous nucleotide sequences include nucleotide sequences encoding for an GPCRX poiypeptide of species other than humans, including, but not limited to: vertebrates, and thus can include, e.g., frog, mouse, rat, rabbit, dog, cat cow, horse, and other organisms.
  • homologous nucleotide sequences also include, but are not limited to, naturally occurring allelic variations and mutations of the nucleotide sequences set forth herein.
  • a homologous nucleotide sequence does not, however, include the exact nucleotide sequence encoding human GPCRX protein.
  • Homologous nucleic acid sequences include those nucleic acid sequences that encode conservative amino acid substitutions (see below) in SEQ ID NOS: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 27, as well as a poiypeptide possessing GPCRX biological activity. Various biological activities of the GPCRX proteins are described below.
  • identical residues correspond to those residues in a comparison between two sequences where the equivalent nucleotide base or amino acid residue in an alignment of two sequences is the same residue. Residues are alternatively described as "similar” or “positive” when the comparisons between two sequences in an alignment show that residues in an equivalent position in a comparison are either the same amino acid or a conserved amino acid as defined below.
  • An GPCRX poiypeptide is encoded by the open reading frame ("ORF") of an GPCRX nucleic acid.
  • An ORF corresponds to a nucleotide sequence that could potentially be translated into a poiypeptide.
  • a stretch of nucleic acids comprising an ORF is uninterrupted by a stop codon.
  • An ORF that represents the coding sequence for a full protein begins with an ATG "start” codon and terminates with one of the three “stop” codons, namely, TAA, TAG, or TGA.
  • an ORF may be any part of a coding sequence, with or without a start codon, a stop codon, or both.
  • a minimum size requirement is often set, e.g., a stretch of DNA that would encode a protein of 50 amino acids or more.
  • the nucleotide sequences determined from the cloning of the human GPCRX genes allows for the generation of probes and primers designed for use in identifying and/or cloning GPCRX homologues in other cell types, e.g. from other tissues, as well as GPCRX homologues from other vertebrates.
  • the probe/primer typically comprises substantially purified oligonucleotide.
  • the oligonucleotide typically comprises a region of nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to at least about 12, 25, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350 or 400 consecutive sense strand nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 27; or an anti-sense strand nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 27; or of a naturally occurring mutant of SEQ ID NOS: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 27.
  • Probes based on the human GPCRX nucleotide sequences can be used to detect transcripts or genomic sequences encoding the same or homologous proteins.
  • the probe further comprises a label group attached thereto, e.g. the label group can be a radioisotope, a fluorescent compound, an enzyme, or an enzyme co-factor.
  • the label group can be a radioisotope, a fluorescent compound, an enzyme, or an enzyme co-factor.
  • Such probes can be used as a part of a diagnostic test kit for identifying cells or tissues which mis- express an GPCRX protein, such as by measuring a level of an GPCRX-encoding nucleic acid in a sample of cells from a subject e.g., detecting GPCRX mRNA levels or determining whether a genomic GPCRX gene has been mutated or deleted.
  • a poiypeptide having a biologically-active portion of an GPCRX poiypeptide refers to polypeptides exhibiting activity similar, but not necessarily identical to, an activity of a poiypeptide of the invention, including mature forms, as measured in a particular biological assay, with or without dose dependency.
  • a nucleic acid fragment encoding a "biologically- active portion of GPCRX” can be prepared by isolating a portion SEQ ID NOS: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 27 that encodes a poiypeptide having an GPCRX biological activity (the biological activities of the GPCRX proteins are described below), expressing the encoded portion of GPCRX protein (e.g. , by recombinant expression in vitro) and assessing the activity of the encoded portion of GPCRX.
  • the mvention further encompasses nucleic acid molecules that differ from the nucleotide sequences shown SEQ LD NOS: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 27 due to degeneracy of the genetic code and thus encode the same GPCRX proteins as that encoded by the nucleotide sequences shown in SEQ ID NOS: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 27.
  • an isolated nucleic acid molecule of the invention has a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein having an amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NOS: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25 and 28.
  • GPCRX nucleotide sequences shown in SEQ ID NOS: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 27
  • DNA sequence polymorphisms that lead to changes in the amino acid sequences of the GPCRX polypeptides may exist within a population (e.g., the human population).
  • Such genetic polymorphism in the GPCRX genes may exist among individuals within a population due to natural allelic variation.
  • the terms "gene” and “recombinant gene” refer to nucleic acid molecules comprising an open reading frame (ORF) encoding an GPCRX protein, preferably a vertebrate GPCRX protein.
  • ORF open reading frame
  • Such natural allelic variations can typically result in 1-5% variance in the nucleotide sequence of the GPCRX genes. Any and all such nucleotide variations and resulting amino acid polymorphisms in the GPCRX polypeptides, which are the result of natural allelic variation and that do not alter the functional activity of the GPCRX polypeptides, are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Moreover, nucleic acid molecules encoding GPCRX proteins from other species, and thus that have a nucleotide sequence that differs from the human sequence SEQ ID NOS: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 27 are intended to be within the scope of the invention.
  • Nucleic acid molecules corresponding to natural allelic variants and homologues of the GPCRX cDNAs of the invention can be isolated based on their homology to the human GPCRX nucleic acids disclosed herein using the human cDNAs, or a portion thereof, as a hybridization probe according to standard hybridization techniques under stringent hybridization conditions. Accordingly, in another embodiment, an isolated nucleic acid molecule of the invention is at least 6 nucleotides in length and hybridizes under stringent conditions to the nucleic acid molecule comprising the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 27.
  • the nucleic acid is at least 10, 25, 50, 100, 250, 500, 750, 1000, 1500, or 2000 or more nucleotides in length
  • an isolated nucleic acid molecule of the invention hybridizes to the coding region.
  • hybridizes under stringent conditions is intended to describe conditions for hybridization and washing under which nucleotide sequences at least 60% homologous to each other typically remain hybridized to each other.
  • Homologs i.e., nucleic acids encoding GPCRX proteins derived from species other than human
  • other related sequences e.g., paralogs
  • stringent hybridization conditions refers to conditions under which a probe, primer or oligonucleotide will hybridize to its target sequence, but to no other sequences. Stringent conditions are sequence-dependent and will be different in different circumstances. Longer sequences hybridize specifically at higher temperatures than shorter sequences. Generally, stringent conditions are selected to be about 5 °C lower than the thermal melting point (Tm) for the specific sequence at a defined ionic strength and pH. The Tm is the temperature (under defined ionic strength, pH and nucleic acid concentration) at which 50% of the probes complementary to the target sequence hybridize to the target sequence at equilibrium. Since the target sequences are generally present at excess, at Tm, 50% of the probes are occupied at equilibrium.
  • Tm thermal melting point
  • stringent conditions will be those in which the salt concentration is less than about 1.0 M sodium ion, typically about 0.01 to 1.0 M sodium ion (or other salts) at pH 7.0 to 8.3 and the temperature is at least about 30°C for short probes, primers or oligonucleotides (e.g., 10 nt to 50 nt) and at least about 60°C for longer probes, primers and oligonucleotides.
  • Stringent conditions may also be achieved with the addition of destabilizing agents, such as formamide.
  • the conditions are such that sequences at least about 65%),
  • a non-limiting example of stringent hybridization conditions are hybridization in a high salt buffer comprising 6X SSC, 50 mM Tris-HCl (pH 7.5), 1 mM EDTA, 0.02% PVP, 0.02% Ficoll, 0.02% BSA, and 500 mg/ml denatured salmon sperm DNA at 65°C, followed by one or more washes in 0.2X SSC, 0.01% BSA at 50°C.
  • nucleic acid molecule of the invention that hybridizes under stringent conditions to the sequences of SEQ LD NOS: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 27 corresponds to a naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecule.
  • a "naturally-occurring" nucleic acid molecule refers to an RNA or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that occurs in nature (e.g., encodes a natural protein).
  • a nucleic acid sequence that is hybridizable to the nucleic acid molecule comprising the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 27 or fragments, analogs or derivatives thereof, under conditions of moderate stringency.
  • moderate stringency hybridization conditions are hybridization in 6X SSC, 5X Denhardt's solution, 0.5% SDS and 100 mg/ml denatured salmon sperm DNA at 55°C, followed by one or more washes in IX SSC, 0.1% SDS at 37°C.
  • Other conditions of moderate stringency that may be used are well-known within the art. See, e.g., Ausubel, et al.
  • nucleic acid that is hybridizable to the nucleic acid molecule comprising the nucleotide sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 27 or fragments, analogs or derivatives thereof, under conditions of low stringency, is provided.
  • low stringency hybridization conditions are hybridization in 35% formamide, 5X SSC, 50 mM Tris-HCl (pH 7.5), 5 mM EDTA, 0.02% PVP, 0.02% Ficoll, 0.2% BSA, 100 mg/ml denatured salmon sperm DNA, 10% (wt/vol) dextran sulfate at 40°C, followed by one or more washes in 2X SSC, 25 mM Tris-HCl (pH 7.4), 5 mM EDTA, and 0.1% SDS at 50°C.
  • Other conditions of low stringency that may be used are well known in the art (e.g., as employed for cross-species hybridizations).
  • nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acid substitutions at "non-essential" amino acid residues can be made in the sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25 and 28.
  • a "non-essential" amino acid residue is a residue that can be altered from the wild-type sequences of the GPCRX proteins without altering their biological activity, whereas an "essential" amino acid residue is required for such biological activity.
  • amino acid residues that are conserved among the GPCRX proteins of the invention are predicted to be particularly non-amenable to alteration.
  • nucleic acid molecules encoding GPCRX proteins that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for activity. Such GPCRX proteins differ in amino acid sequence from SEQ ID NOS:2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25 and 28 yet retain biological activity.
  • the isolated nucleic acid molecule comprises a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein, wherein the protein comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 45% homologous to the amino acid sequences of SEQ LD NOS:2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25 and 28.
  • the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% homologous to SEQ ID NOS:2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25 and 28; more preferably at least about 70% homologous to SEQ LD NOS:2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25 and 28; still more preferably at least about 80% homologous to SEQ LD NOS:2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25 and 28; even more preferably at least about 90% homologous to SEQ ID NOS:2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25 and 28; and most preferably at least about 95% homologous to SEQ ID NOS:2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25 and 28.
  • An isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding an GPCRX protein homologous to the protein of SEQ ID NOS:2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25 and 28 can be created by introducing one or more nucleotide substitutions, additions or deletions into the nucleotide sequence of SEQ TD NOS: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 27 such that one or more amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions are introduced into the encoded protein. Mutations can be introduced into SEQ ID NOS:2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25 and 28 by standard techniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis.
  • conservative amino acid substitutions are made at one or more predicted, non-essential amino acid residues.
  • a "conservative amino acid substitution” is one in which the amino acid residue is replaced with an amino acid residue having a similar side chain. Families of amino acid residues having similar side chains have been defined within the art.
  • amino acids with basic side chains e.g., lysine, arginine, histidine
  • acidic side chains e.g., aspartic acid, glutamic acid
  • uncharged polar side chains e.g., glycine, asparagine, glutamine, serine, threonine, tyrosine, cysteine
  • nonpolar side chains e.g., alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, proline, phenylalanine, methionine, tryptophan
  • beta-branched side chains e.g., threonine, valine, isoleucine
  • aromatic side chains e.g., tyrosine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, histidine
  • a predicted non-essential amino acid residue in the GPCRX protein is replaced with another amino acid residue from the same side chain family.
  • mutations can be introduced randomly along all or part of an GPCRX coding sequence, such as by saturation mutagenesis, and the resultant mutants can be screened for GPCRX biological activity to identify mutants that retain activity.
  • SEQ ID NOS: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 27 the encoded protein can be expressed by any recombinant technology known in the art and the activity of the protein can be determined.
  • the relatedness of amino acid families may also be determined based on side chain interactions.
  • Substituted amino acids may be fully conserved "strong” residues or fully conserved “weak” residues.
  • the "strong” group of conserved amino acid residues may be any one of the following groups: STA, NEQK, NHQK, NDEQ, QHRK, MILV, MILF, HY, FYW, wherein the single letter amino acid codes are grouped by those amino acids that may be substituted for each other.
  • the "weak” group of conserved residues may be any one of the following: CSA, ATV, SAG, STNK, STPA, SGND, SNDEQK, NDEQHK, NEQHRK, VLLM, HFY, wherein the letters within each group represent the single letter amino acid code.
  • a mutant GPCRX protein can be assayed for (i) the ability to form proteimprotein interactions with other GPCRX proteins, other cell-surface proteins, or biologically-active portions thereof, (ii) complex formation between a mutant GPCRX protein and an GPCRX ligand; or (iii) the ability of a mutant GPCRX protein to bind to an intracellular target protein or biologically-active portion thereof; (e.g. avidin proteins).
  • a mutant GPCRX protein can be assayed for the ability to regulate a specific biological function (e.g., regulation of insulin release).
  • Another aspect of the invention pertains to isolated antisense nucleic acid molecules that are hybridizable to or complementary to the nucleic acid molecule comprising the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 27, or fragments, analogs or derivatives thereof.
  • An "antisense" nucleic acid comprises a nucleotide sequence that is complementary to a "sense" nucleic acid encoding a protein (e.g., complementary to the coding strand of a double-stranded cDNA molecule or complementary to an mRNA sequence).
  • antisense nucleic acid molecules comprise a sequence complementary to at least about 10, 25, 50, 100, 250 or 500 nucleotides or an entire GPCRX coding strand, or to only a portion thereof.
  • Nucleic acid molecules encoding fragments, homologs, derivatives and analogs of an GPCRX protein of SEQ ID NOS:2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25 and 28, or antisense nucleic acids complementary to an GPCRX nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 27, are additionally provided.
  • an antisense nucleic acid molecule is antisense to a "coding region" of the coding strand of a nucleotide sequence encoding an GPCRX protein.
  • coding region refers to the region of the nucleotide sequence comprising codons which are translated into amino acid residues.
  • the antisense nucleic acid molecule is antisense to a "noncoding region" of the coding strand of a nucleotide sequence encoding the GPCRX protein.
  • noncoding region refers to 5' and 3' sequences which flank the coding region that are not translated into amino acids (i.e., also referred to as 5' and 3' untranslated regions).
  • antisense nucleic acids of the invention can be designed according to the rules of Watson and Crick or Hoogsteen base pairing.
  • the antisense nucleic acid molecule can be complementary to the entire coding region of GPCRX mRNA, but more preferably is an oligonucleotide that is antisense to only a portion of the coding or noncoding region of GPCRX mRNA.
  • the antisense oligonucleotide can be complementary to the region surrounding the translation start site of GPCRX mRNA.
  • An antisense oligonucleotide can be, for example, about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 or 50 nucleotides in length.
  • an antisense nucleic acid of the invention can be constructed using chemical synthesis or enzymatic ligation reactions using procedures known in the art.
  • an antisense nucleic acid e.g., an antisense oligonucleotide
  • an antisense nucleic acid can be chemically synthesized using naturally-occurring nucleotides or variously modified nucleotides designed to increase the biological stability of the molecules or to increase the physical stability of the duplex formed between the antisense and sense nucleic acids (e.g., phosphorothioate derivatives and acridine substituted nucleotides can be used).
  • modified nucleotides that can be used to generate the antisense nucleic acid include: 5-fluorouracil, 5-bromouracil, 5-chlorouracil, 5-iodouracil, hypoxanthine, xanthine, 4-acetylcytosine, 5-(carboxyhydroxylmethyl) uracil, 5-carboxymethylaminomethyl- 2-thiouridine, 5-carboxymethylaminomethyluracil, dihydrouracil, beta-D-galactosylqueosine, inosine, N6-isopentenyladenine, 1-methylguanine, 1-methylinosine, 2,2-dimethylguanine, 2-methyladenine, 2-methylguanine, 3-methylcytosine, 5-methylcytosine, N6-adenine, 7-methylguanine, 5-methylaminomethyluracil, 5-methoxyaminomethyl-2-thiouracil, beta-D-mannosylqueosine, 5'-methoxy
  • the antisense nucleic acid can be produced biologically using an expression vector into which a nucleic acid has been subcloned in an antisense orientation (i.e., RNA transcribed from the inserted nucleic acid will be of an antisense orientation to a target nucleic acid of interest, described further in the following subsection).
  • the antisense nucleic acid molecules of the invention are typically administered to a subject or generated in situ such that they hybridize with or bind to cellular mRNA and/or genomic DNA encoding an GPCRX protein to thereby inhibit expression of the protein (e.g., by inhibiting transcription and/or translation).
  • the hybridization can be by conventional nucleotide complementarity to form a stable duplex, or, for example, in the case of an antisense nucleic acid molecule that binds to DNA duplexes, through specific interactions in the major groove of the double helix.
  • An example of a route of administration of antisense nucleic acid molecules of the invention includes direct injection at a tissue site.
  • antisense nucleic acid molecules can be modified to target selected cells and then administered systemically.
  • antisense molecules can be modified such that they specifically bind to receptors or antigens expressed on a selected cell surface
  • antisense nucleic acid molecules can also be delivered to cells using the vectors described herein.
  • vector constructs in which the antisense nucleic acid molecule is placed under the control of a strong pol II or pol III promoter are preferred.
  • the antisense nucleic acid molecule of the invention is an ⁇ -anomeric nucleic acid molecule.
  • An ⁇ -anomeric nucleic acid molecule forms specific double-stranded hybrids with complementary RNA in which, contrary to the usual ⁇ -units, the strands run parallel to each other. See, e.g., Gaultier, et al, 1987. Nucl. Acids Res. 15: 6625-6641.
  • the antisense nucleic acid molecule can also comprise a 2'-o-methylribonucleotide (see, e.g., hioue, et al. 1987. Nucl. Acids Res.
  • Nucleic acid modifications include, by way of non-limiting example, modified bases, and nucleic acids whose sugar phosphate backbones are modified or derivatized. These modifications are carried out at least in part to enhance the chemical stability of the modified nucleic acid, such that they may be used, for example, as antisense binding nucleic acids in therapeutic applications in a subject.
  • an antisense nucleic acid of the invention is a ribozyme.
  • Ribozymes are catalytic RNA molecules with ribonuclease activity that are capable of cleaving a single-stranded nucleic acid, such as an mRNA, to which they have a complementary region.
  • ribozymes e.g., hammerhead ribozymes as described in Haselhoff and Gerlach 1988. Nature 334: 585-591
  • a ribozyme having specificity for an GPCRX-encoding nucleic acid can be designed based upon the nucleotide sequence of an GPCRX cDNA disclosed herein (i.e., SEQ ID NOS: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 27).
  • a derivative of a Tetrahymena L-19 TVS RNA can be constructed in which the nucleotide sequence of the active site is complementary to the nucleotide sequence to be cleaved in an GPCRX-encoding mRNA. See, e.g., U.S. Patent
  • GPCRX mRNA can also be used to select a catalytic RNA having a specific ribonuclease activity from a pool of RNA molecules. See, e.g., Bartel et al, (1993) Science 261:1411-1418.
  • GPCRX gene expression can be inhibited by targeting nucleotide sequences complementary to the regulatory region of the GPCRX nucleic acid (e.g. , the
  • GPCRX promoter and/or enhancers to form triple helical structures that prevent transcription of the GPCRX gene in target cells. See, e.g., Helene, 1991. Anticancer Drug Des. 6: 569-84; Helene, et al. 1992. Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 660: 27-36; Maher, 1992. Bioassays 14: 807-15.
  • the GPCRX nucleic acids can be modified at the base moiety, sugar moiety or phosphate backbone to improve, e.g. , the stability, hybridization, or solubility of the molecule.
  • the deoxyribose phosphate backbone of the nucleic acids can be modified to generate peptide nucleic acids. See, e.g., Hyrup, et al, 1996. Bioorg Med
  • peptide nucleic acids or “PNAs” refer to nucleic acid mimics (e.g., DNA mimics) in which the deoxyribose phosphate backbone is replaced by a pseudopeptide backbone and only the four natural nucleobases are retained.
  • the neutral backbone of PNAs has been shown to allow for specific hybridization to DNA and RNA under conditions of low ionic strength.
  • the synthesis of PNA oligomers can be performed using standard solid phase peptide synthesis protocols as described in Hyrup, et al, 1996. supra; Perry-O'Keefe, et al, 1996. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93: 14670-14675.
  • PNAs of GPCRX can be used in therapeutic and diagnostic applications.
  • PNAs can be used as antisense or antigene agents for sequence-specific modulation of gene expression by, e.g., inducing transcription or translation arrest or inhibiting replication.
  • PNAs of GPCRX can also be used, for example, in the analysis of single base pair mutations in a gene (e.g., PNA directed PCR clamping; as artificial restriction enzymes when used in combination with other enzymes, e.g., S ⁇ nucleases (see, Hyrup, et al, 1996.supra); or as probes or primers for DNA sequence and hybridization (see, Hyrup, et al, 1996, supra; Perry-O'Keefe, et al, 1996. supra).
  • PNAs of GPCRX can be modified, e.g., to enhance their stability or cellular uptake, by attaching lipophilic or other helper groups to PNA, by the formation of PNA-DNA chimeras, or by the use of liposomes or other techniques of drug delivery known in the art.
  • PNA-DNA chimeras of GPCRX can be generated that may combine the advantageous properties of PNA and DNA.
  • Such chimeras allow DNA recognition enzymes (e.g., RNase H and DNA polymerases) to interact with the DNA portion while the PNA portion would provide high binding affinity and specificity.
  • PNA-DNA chimeras can be linked using linkers of appropriate lengths selected in terms of base stacking, number of bonds between the nucleobases, and orientation (see, Hyrup, et al., 1996. supra).
  • the synthesis of PNA-DNA chimeras can be performed as described in Hyrup, et al, 1996. supra and Finn, et al, 1996. Nucl Acids Res 24: 3357-3363.
  • a DNA chain can be synthesized on a solid support using standard phosphoramidite coupling chemistry, and modified nucleoside analogs, e.g., 5'-(4-methoxytrityl)amino-5'-deoxy-thymidine phosphoramidite, can be used between the PNA and the 5' end of DNA. See, e.g., Mag, et al, 1989. Nucl Acid Res 17: 5973-5988. PNA monomers are then coupled in a stepwise manner to produce a chimeric molecule with a 5' PNA segment and a 3' DNA segment. See, e.g., Finn, et al, 1996. supra. Alternatively, chimeric molecules can be synthesized with a 5' DNA segment and a 3' PNA segment. See, e.g., Petersen, et al, 1975. Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 5:
  • the oligonucleotide may include other appended groups such as peptides (e.g., for targeting host cell receptors in vivo), or agents facilitating transport across the cell membrane (see, e.g., Letsinger, et al, 1989. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 86: 6553-6556; Lemaitre, et al, 1987. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 84: 648-652; PCT Publication No. WO88/09810) or the blood-brain barrier (see, e.g., PCT Publication No. WO 89/10134).
  • other appended groups such as peptides (e.g., for targeting host cell receptors in vivo), or agents facilitating transport across the cell membrane (see, e.g., Letsinger, et al, 1989. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 86: 6553-6556; Lemai
  • oligonucleotides can be modified with hybridization triggered cleavage agents (see, e.g., Krol, et al, 1988. BioTechniques 6:958-976) or intercalating agents (see, e.g., Zon, 1988. Pharm. Res. 5: 539-549).
  • the oligonucleotide maybe conjugated to another molecule, e.g., a peptide, a hybridization triggered cross-linking agent, a transport agent, a hybridization-triggered cleavage agent, and the like.
  • a poiypeptide according to the invention includes a poiypeptide including the amino acid sequence of GPCRX polypeptides whose sequences are provided in SEQ ID NOS:2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25 and 28.
  • the invention also includes amutant or variant protein any of whose residues may be changed from the corresponding residues shown in SEQ ID NOS:2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25 and 28 while still encoding a protein that maintains its GPCRX activities and physiological functions, or a functional fragment thereof.
  • an GPCRX variant that preserves GPCRX-like function includes any variant in which residues at a particular position in the sequence have been substituted by other amino acids, and further include the possibility of inserting an additional residue or residues between two residues of the parent protein as well as the possibility of deleting one or more residues from the parent sequence. Any amino acid substitution, insertion, or deletion is encompassed by the invention. In favorable circumstances, the substitution is a conservative substitution as defined above.
  • GPCRX proteins and biologically- active portions thereof, or derivatives, fragments, analogs or homologs thereof.
  • poiypeptide fragments suitable for use as immunogens to raise anti-GPCRX antibodies.
  • native GPCRX proteins can be isolated from cells or tissue sources by an appropriate purification scheme using standard protein purification techniques.
  • GPCRX proteins are produced by recombinant DNA techniques.
  • an GPCRX protein or poiypeptide can be synthesized chemically using standard peptide synthesis techniques.
  • an “isolated” or “purified” poiypeptide or protein or biologically-active portion thereof is substantially free of cellular material or other contaminating proteins from the cell or tissue source from which the GPCRX protein is derived, or substantially free from chemical precursors or other chemicals when chemically synthesized.
  • the language “substantially free of cellular material” includes preparations of GPCRX proteins in which the protein is separated from cellular components of the cells from which it is isolated or recombinantly- produced.
  • the language "substantially free of cellular material” includes preparations of GPCRX proteins having less than about 30% (by dry weight) of non-GPCRX proteins (also referred to herein as a "contaminating protein"), more preferably less than about 20% of non-GPCRX proteins, still more preferably less than about 10% of non-GPCRX proteins, and most preferably less than about 5% of non-GPCRX proteins.
  • non-GPCRX proteins also referred to herein as a "contaminating protein”
  • the GPCRX protein or biologically-active portion thereof is recombinantly-produced, it is also preferably substantially free of culture medimn, i.e., culture medium represents less than about 20%, more preferably less than about 10%, and most preferably less than about 5%> of the volume of the GPCRX protein preparation.
  • the language “substantially free of chemical precursors or other chemicals” includes preparations of GPCRX proteins in which the protein is separated from chemical precursors or other chemicals that are involved in the synthesis of the protein, hi one embodiment, the language “substantially free of chemical precursors or other chemicals” includes preparations of GPCRX proteins having less than about 30% (by dry weight) of chemical precursors or non-GPCRX chemicals, more preferably less than about 20% chemical precursors or non-GPCRX chemicals, still more preferably less than about 10% chemical precursors or non-GPCRX chemicals, and most preferably less than about 5% chemical precursors or non-GPCRX chemicals.
  • Biologically-active portions of GPCRX proteins include peptides comprising amino acid sequences sufficiently homologous to or derived from the amino acid sequences of the GPCRX proteins (e.g., the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NOS:2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25 and 28) that include fewer amino acids than the full-length GPCRX proteins, and exhibit at least one activity of an GPCRX protein.
  • biologically-active portions comprise a domain or motif with at least one activity of the GPCRX protein.
  • a biologically- active portion of an GPCRX protein can be a poiypeptide which is, for example, 10, 25, 50, 100 or more amino acid residues in length.
  • GPCRX protein has an amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1
  • the GPCRX protein is substantially homologous to SEQ ID NOS:2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25 and 28, and retains the functional activity of the protein of SEQ ID NOS:2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25 and 28, yet differs in amino acid sequence due to natural allelic variation or mutagenesis, as described in detail, below.
  • the GPCRX protein is a protein that comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 45% homologous to the amino acid sequence SEQ LD NOS:2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25 and 28, and retains the functional activity of the GPCRX proteins of SEQ ID NOS. -2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25 and 28.
  • sequences are aligned for optimal comparison purposes (e.g., gaps can be introduced in the sequence of a first amino acid or nucleic acid sequence for optimal alignment with a second amino or nucleic acid sequence).
  • the amino acid residues or nucleotides at corresponding amino acid positions or nucleotide positions are then compared.
  • W en a position in the first sequence is occupied by the same amino acid residue or nucleotide as the corresponding position in the second sequence, then the molecules are homologous at that position (i.e., as used herein amino acid or nucleic acid “homology” is equivalent to amino acid or nucleic acid “identity”).
  • the nucleic acid sequence homology may be determined as the degree of identity between two sequences.
  • the homology may be determined using computer programs known in the art, such as GAP software provided in the GCG program package. See, Needleman and Wunsch, 1970. JMol Biol 48: 443-453.
  • the coding region of the analogous nucleic acid sequences referred to above exhibits a degree of identity preferably of at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, or 99%, with the CDS (encoding) part of the DNA sequence shown in SEQ ID NOS: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 27.
  • sequence identity refers to the degree to which two polynucleotide or poiypeptide sequences are identical on a residue-by-residue basis over a particular region of comparison.
  • percentage of sequence identity is calculated by comparing two optimally aligned sequences over that region of comparison, determining the number of positions at which the identical nucleic acid base (e.g., A, T, C, G, U, or I, in the case of nucleic acids) occurs in both sequences to yield the number of matched positions, dividing the number of matched positions by the total number of positions in the region of comparison (i.e., the window size), and multiplying the result by 100 to yield the percentage of sequence identity.
  • substantially identical denotes a characteristic of a polynucleotide sequence, wherein the polynucleotide comprises a sequence that has at least 80 percent sequence identity, preferably at least 85 percent identity and often 90 to 95 percent sequence identity, more usually at least 99 percent sequence identity as compared to a reference sequence over a comparison region.
  • an GPCRX "chimeric protein” or “fusion protein” comprises an GPCRX poiypeptide operatively- linked to a non-GPCRX poiypeptide.
  • GPCRX poiypeptide refers to a poiypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to an GPCRX protein (SEQ ID NOS:2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25 and 28), whereas a "non-GPCRX poiypeptide” refers to a poiypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to a protein that is not substantially homologous to the GPCRX protein, e.g.
  • an GPCRX fusion protein comprises at least one biologically-active portion of an GPCRX protein, hi another embodiment, an GPCRX fusion protein comprises at least two biologically-active portions of an GPCRX protein. In yet another embodiment, an GPCRX fusion protein comprises at least three biologically-active portions of an GPCRX protein.
  • the term "operatively-linked" is intended to indicate that the GPCRX poiypeptide and the non-GPCRX poiypeptide are fused in-frame with one another. The non-GPCRX poiypeptide can be fused to the N-te ⁇ ninus or C-terminus of the GPCRX poiypeptide.
  • the fusion protein is a GST-GPCRX fusion protein in which the GPCRX sequences are fused to the C-terminus of the GST (glutathione S-transferase) sequences.
  • GST glutthione S-transferase
  • the fusion protein is an GPCRX protein containing a heterologous signal sequence at its N-terminus. In certain host cells (e.g., mammalian host cells), expression and/or secretion of GPCRX can be increased through use of a heterologous signal sequence.
  • the fusion protein is an GPCRX-immunoglobulin fusion protein in which the GPCRX sequences are fused to sequences derived from a member of the immunoglobulin protein family.
  • the GPCRX-immunoglobulin fusion proteins of the invention can be incorporated into pharmaceutical compositions and administered to a subject to inhibit an interaction between an GPCRX ligand and an GPCRX protein on the surface of a cell, to thereby suppress GPCRX-mediated signal transduction in vivo.
  • the GPCRX- immunoglobulin fusion proteins can be used to affect the bioavailability of an GPCRX cognate ligand. Inhibition of the GPCRX ligand/GPCRX interaction may be useful therapeutically for both the treatment of proliferative and differentiative disorders, as well as modulating (e.g. promoting or inl ibiting) cell survival.
  • the GPCRX ligand/GPCRX interaction may be useful therapeutically for both the treatment of proliferative and differentiative disorders, as
  • GPCRX-immunoglobulin fusion proteins of the invention can be used as immunogens to produce anti-GPCRX antibodies in a subject, to purify GPCRX ligands, and in screening assays to identify molecules that inhibit the interaction of GPCRX with an GPCRX ligand.
  • An GPCRX chimeric or fusion protein of the invention can be produced by standard recombinant DNA techniques.
  • DNA fragments coding for the different poiypeptide sequences are ligated together in-frame in accordance with conventional techniques, e.g., by employing blunt-ended or stagger-ended termini for ligation, restriction enzyme digestion to provide for appropriate termini, filling-in of cohesive ends as appropriate, alkaline phosphatase treatment to avoid undesirable joining, and enzymatic ligation.
  • the fusion gene can be synthesized by conventional techniques including automated DNA synthesizers.
  • PCR amplification of gene fragments can be carried out using anchor primers that give rise to complementary overhangs between two consecutive gene fragments that can subsequently be annealed and reamplified to generate a chimeric gene sequence (see, e.g., Ausubel, et al. (eds.) CURRENT PROTOCOLS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, John Wiley & Sons, 1992).
  • anchor primers that give rise to complementary overhangs between two consecutive gene fragments that can subsequently be annealed and reamplified to generate a chimeric gene sequence
  • a fusion moiety e.g., a GST poiypeptide
  • An GPCRX-encoding nucleic acid can be cloned into such an expression vector such that the fusion moiety is linked in-frame to the GPCRX protein.
  • GPCRX Agonists and Antagonists The invention also pertains to variants of the GPCRX proteins that function as either
  • GPCRX agonists i.e., mimetics
  • GPCRX antagonists variants of the GPCRX protein can be generated by mutagenesis (e.g., discrete point mutation or truncation of the GPCRX protein).
  • An agonist of the GPCRX protein can retain substantially the same, or a subset of, the biological activities of the naturally occurring form of the GPCRX protein.
  • An antagonist of the GPCRX protein can inhibit one or more of the activities of the naturally occurring form of the GPCRX protein by, for example, competitively binding to a downstream or upstream member of a cellular signaling cascade which includes the GPCRX protein.
  • specific biological effects can be elicited by treatment with a variant of limited function.
  • treatment of a subject with a variant having a subset of the biological activities of the naturally occurring form of the protein has fewer side effects in a subject relative to treatment with the naturally occurring form of the GPCRX proteins.
  • Variants of the GPCRX proteins that function as either GPCRX agonists (i.e., mimetics) or as GPCRX antagonists can be identified by screening combinatorial libraries of mutants (e.g., truncation mutants) of the GPCRX proteins for GPCRX protein agonist or antagonist activity.
  • a variegated library of GPCRX variants is generated by combinatorial mutagenesis at the nucleic acid level and is encoded by a variegated gene library.
  • a variegated library of GPCRX variants can be produced by, for example, enzymatically ligating a mixture of synthetic oligonucleotides into gene sequences such that a degenerate set of potential GPCRX sequences is expressible as individual polypeptides, or alternatively, as a set of larger fusion proteins (e.g., for phage display) containing the set of GPCRX sequences therein.
  • a degenerate set of potential GPCRX sequences is expressible as individual polypeptides, or alternatively, as a set of larger fusion proteins (e.g., for phage display) containing the set of GPCRX sequences therein.
  • methods which can be used to produce libraries of potential GPCRX variants from a degenerate oligonucleotide sequence. Chemical synthesis of a degenerate gene sequence can be performed in an automatic DNA synthesizer, and the synthetic gene then ligated into an appropriate expression vector.
  • degenerate set of genes allows for the provision, in one mixture, of all of the sequences encoding the desired set of potential GPCRX sequences.
  • Methods for synthesizing degenerate oligonucleotides are well-known within the art. See, e.g., Narang, 1983. Tetrahedron 39: 3; Itakura, et al, 1984. Annu. Rev. Biochem. 53: 323; Itakura, et al, 1984. Science 198: 1056; Tke, et al, 1983. Nucl. Acids Res. 11: 477.
  • libraries of fragments of the GPCRX protein coding sequences can be used to generate a variegated population of GPCRX fragments for screening and subsequent selection of variants of an GPCRX protein.
  • a library of coding sequence fragments can be generated by treating a double stranded PCR fragment of an GPCRX coding sequence with a nuclease under conditions wherein nicking occurs only about once per molecule, denaturing the double stranded DNA, renaturing the DNA to form double-stranded DNA that can include sense/antisense pairs from different nicked products, removing single stranded portions from reformed duplexes by treatment with S t nuclease, and ligating the resulting fragment library into an expression vector.
  • expression libraries can be derived which encodes N-terminal and internal fragments of various sizes of the GPCRX proteins.
  • Recursive ensemble mutagenesis (REM), a new technique that enhances the frequency of functional mutants in the libraries, can be used in combination with the screening assays to identify GPCRX variants. See, e.g., Arkin and Yourvan, 1992. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89: 7811-7815; Delgrave, et al, 1993. Protein Engineering 6:327-331.
  • Anti-GPCRX Antibodies Also included in the invention are antibodies to GPCRX proteins, or fragments of
  • antibody refers to immunoglobulin molecules and immunologically active portions of immunoglobulin (Ig) molecules, i.e., molecules that contain an antigen binding site that specifically binds (immunoreacts with) an antigen.
  • Ig immunoglobulin
  • Such antibodies include, but are not limited to, polyclonal, monoclonal, chimeric, single chain, F ab , F a b' and F( ab' ) 2 fragments, and an F a b expression library.
  • an antibody molecule obtained from humans relates to any of the classes IgG, IgM, IgA, IgE and IgD, which differ from one another by the nature of the heavy chain present in the molecule.
  • the light chain may be a kappa chain or a lambda chain.
  • Reference herein to antibodies includes a reference to all such classes, subclasses and types of human antibody species.
  • An isolated GPCRX-related protein of the invention may be intended to serve as an antigen, or a portion or fragment thereof, and additionally can be used as an immunogen to generate antibodies that immunospecifically bind the antigen, using standard techniques for polyclonal and monoclonal antibody preparation.
  • the full-length protein can be used or, alternatively, the invention provides antigenic peptide fragments of the antigen for use as immunogens.
  • An antigenic peptide fragment comprises at least 6 amino acid residues of the amino acid sequence of the full length protein and encompasses an epitope thereof such that an antibody raised against the peptide forms a specific immune complex with the full length protein or with any fragment that contains the epitope.
  • the antigenic peptide comprises at least 10 amino acid residues, or at least 15 amino acid residues, or at least 20 amino acid residues, or at least 30 amino acid residues.
  • Preferred epitopes encompassed by the antigenic peptide are regions of the protein that are located on its surface; commonly these are hydrophilic regions.
  • At least one epitope encompassed by the antigenic peptide is a region of GPCRX-related protein that is located on the surface of the protein, e.g., a hydrophilic region.
  • a hydrophobicity analysis of the human GPCRX-related protein sequence will indicate which regions of a GPCRX-related protein are particularly hydrophilic and, therefore, are likely to encode surface residues useful for targeting antibody production.
  • hydropathy plots showing regions of hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity may be generated by any method well known in the art, including, for example, the Kyte Doolittle or the Hopp Woods methods, either with or without Fourier transformation.
  • a protein of the invention may be utilized as an immunogen in the generation of antibodies that immunospecifically bind these protein components.
  • various suitable host animals e.g., rabbit, goat, mouse or other mammal
  • an appropriate immunogenic preparation can contain, for example, the naturally occurring immunogenic protein, a chemically synthesized poiypeptide representing the immunogenic protein, or a recombinantly expressed immunogenic protein.
  • the protein may be conjugated to a second protein known to be immunogenic in the mammal being immunized.
  • immunogenic proteins include but are not limited to keyhole limpet hemocyanin, serum albumin, bovine thyroglobulin, and soybean trypsin inhibitor.
  • the preparation can further include an adjuvant.
  • adjuvants used to increase the immunological response include, but are not limited to, Freund's (complete and incomplete), mineral gels (e.g., aluminum hydroxide), surface active substances (e.g., lysolecithin, pluronic polyols, polyanions, peptides, oil emulsions, dinitrophenol, etc.), adjuvants usable in humans such as Bacille Calmette-Guerin and Corynebacterium parvum, or similar immunostimulatory agents.
  • Additional examples of adjuvants which can be employed include MPL-TDM adjuvant (monophosphoryl Lipid A, synthetic trehalose dicorynomycolate).
  • the polyclonal antibody molecules directed against the immunogenic protein can be isolated from the mammal (e.g., from the blood) and further purified by well known techniques, such as affinity chromatography using protein A or protein G, which provide primarily the IgG fraction of immune serum. Subsequently, or alternatively, the specific antigen which is the target of the immunoglobulin sought, or an epitope thereof, may be immobilized on a column to purify the immune specific antibody by immunoaffinity chromatography. Purification of immunoglobulms is discussed, for example, by D. Wilkinson (The Engineer, published by The Engineer, hie, Philadelphia PA, Vol. 14, No. 8 (April 17, 2000), pp. 25-28).
  • MAb monoclonal antibody
  • CDRs complementarity dete ⁇ nining regions
  • Monoclonal antibodies can be prepared using hybridoma methods, such as those described by Kohler and Milstein, Nature, 256:495 (1975).
  • a hybridoma method a mouse, hamster, or other appropriate host animal, is typically immunized with an immunizing agent to elicit lymphocytes that produce or are capable of producing antibodies that will specifically bind to the immunizing agent.
  • the lymphocytes can be immunized in vitro.
  • the immunizing agent will typically include the protein antigen, a fragment thereof or a fusion protein thereof.
  • peripheral blood lymphocytes are used if cells of human origin are desired, or spleen cells or lymph node cells are used if non-human mammalian sources are desired.
  • the lymphocytes are then fused with an immortalized cell line using a suitable fusing agent, such as polyethylene glycol, to form a hybridoma cell (Goding, MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES: PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE, Academic Press, (1986) pp. 59-103).
  • Immortalized cell lines are usually transformed mammalian cells, particularly myeloma cells of rodent, bovine and human origin.
  • rat or mouse myeloma cell lines are employed.
  • the hybridoma cells can be cultured in a suitable culture medium that preferably contains one or more substances that inhibit the growth or survival of the unfused, immortalized cells.
  • a suitable culture medium that preferably contains one or more substances that inhibit the growth or survival of the unfused, immortalized cells.
  • the culture medium for the hybridomas typically will include hypoxanthine, aminopterin, and thymidine (“HAT medium”), which substances prevent the growth of HGPRT-deficient cells.
  • Preferred immortalized cell lines are those that fuse efficiently, support stable high level expression of antibody by the selected antibody-producing cells, and are sensitive to a medium such as HAT medium. More preferred immortalized cell lines are murine myeloma lines, which can be obtained, for instance, from the Salk Institute Cell Distribution Center, San Diego, California and the American Type Culture Collection, Manassas, Virginia. Human myeloma and mouse-human heteromyeloma cell lines also have been described for the production of human monoclonal antibodies (Kozbor, J.
  • the culture medium in which the hybridoma cells are cultured can then be assayed for the presence of monoclonal antibodies directed against the antigen.
  • the binding specificity of monoclonal antibodies produced by the hybridoma cells is determined by immunoprecipitation or by an in vitro binding assay, such as radioimmunoassay (RIA) or enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA). Such techniques and assays are known in the art.
  • the binding affinity of the monoclonal antibody can, for example, be determined by the Scatchard analysis of Munson and Pollard, Anal. Biochem. , 107:220 (1980).
  • antibodies having a high degree of specificity and a high binding affinity for the target antigen are isolated.
  • the clones can be subcloned by limiting dilution procedures and grown by standard methods. Suitable culture media for this purpose include, for example, Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium and RPMI-1640 medium. Alternatively, the hybridoma cells can be grown in vivo as ascites in a mammal.
  • the monoclonal antibodies secreted by the subclones can be isolated or purified from the culture medium or ascites fluid by conventional immunoglobulin purification procedures such as, for example, protein A-Sepharose, hydroxylapatite chromatography, gel electrophoresis, dialysis, or affinity chromatography.
  • the monoclonal antibodies can also be made by recombinant DNA methods, such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 4,816,567.
  • DNA encoding the monoclonal antibodies of the invention can be readily isolated and sequenced using conventional procedures (e.g., by using oligonucleotide probes that are capable of binding specifically to genes encoding the heavy and light chains of murine antibodies).
  • the hybridoma cells of the invention serve as a preferred source of such DNA.
  • the DNA can be placed into expression vectors, which are then transfected into host cells such as simian COS cells, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, or myeloma cells that do not otherwise produce immunoglobulin protein, to obtain the synthesis of monoclonal antibodies in the recombinant host cells.
  • the DNA also can be modified, for example, by substituting the coding sequence for human heavy and light chain constant domains in place of the homologous murine sequences (U.S. Patent No. 4,816,567; Morrison, Nature 368, 812-13 (1994)) or by covalently joining to the immunoglobulin coding sequence all or part of the coding sequence for a non-immunoglobulin poiypeptide.
  • non-immunoglobulin poiypeptide can be substituted for the constant domains of an antibody of the invention, or can be substituted for the variable domains of one antigen-combining site of an antibody of the invention to create a chimeric bivalent antibody.
  • the antibodies directed against the protein antigens of the invention can further comprise humanized antibodies or human antibodies. These antibodies are suitable for administration to humans without engendering an immune response by the human against the administered immunoglobulin.
  • Humanized forms of antibodies are chimeric immunoglobulms, immunoglobulin chains or fragments thereof (such as Fv, Fab, Fab', F(ab') 2 or other antigen- binding subsequences of antibodies) that are principally comprised of the sequence of a human immunoglobulin, and contain minimal sequence derived from a non-human immunoglobulin. Humanization can be performed following the method of Winter and co-workers (Jones et al.,
  • the humanized antibody will comprise substantially all of at least one, and typically two, variable domains, in which all or substantially all of the CDR regions correspond to those of a non-human immunoglobulin and all or substantially all of the framework regions are those of a human immunoglobulin consensus sequence.
  • the humanized antibody optimally also will comprise at least a portion of an immunoglobulin constant region (Fc), typically that of a human immunoglobulin (Jones et al., 1986; Riechmann et al., 1988; and Presta, Curr. Op. Struct. Biol, 2:593-596 (1992)).
  • Fc immunoglobulin constant region
  • Fully human antibodies relate to antibody molecules in which essentially the entire sequences of both the light chain and the heavy chain, including the CDRs, arise from human genes. Such antibodies are termed "human antibodies", or “fully human antibodies” herein.
  • Human monoclonal antibodies can be prepared by the trioma technique; the human B-cell hybridoma technique (see Kozbor, et al., 1983 Immunol Today 4: 72) and the EBV hybridoma technique to produce human monoclonal antibodies (see Cole, et al., 1985 h : MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES AND CANCER THERAPY, Alan R. Liss, Inc., pp. 77-96).
  • Human monoclonal antibodies may be utilized in the practice of the present invention and may be produced by using human hybridomas (see Cote, et al., 1983. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 80: 2026-2030) or by transforming human B-cells with Epstein Barr Virus in vitro (see Cole, et al., 1985 In: MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES AND CANCER THERAPY, Alan R. Liss, Inc., pp. 77-96).
  • human antibodies can also be produced using additional techniques, including phage display libraries (Hoogenboom and Winter, J. Mol. Biol, 227:381 (1991); Marks et al., J. Mol. Biol, 222:581 (1991)).
  • human antibodies can be made by introducing human immunoglobulin loci into transgenic animals, e.g., mice in which the endogenous immunoglobulin genes have been partially or completely inactivated. Upon challenge, human antibody production is observed, which closely resembles that seen in humans in all respects, including gene rearrangement, assembly, and antibody repertoire. This approach is described, for example, in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,545,807; 5,545,806; 5,569,825;
  • Human antibodies may additionally be produced using transgenic nonhuman animals which are modified so as to produce fully human antibodies rather than the animal's endogenous antibodies in response to challenge by an antigen.
  • the endogenous genes encoding the heavy and light immunoglobulin chains in the nonhuman host have been incapacitated, and active loci encoding human heavy and light chain immunoglobulms are inserted into the host's genome.
  • the human genes are incorporated, for example, using yeast artificial chromosomes containing the requisite human DNA segments.
  • An animal which provides all the desired modifications is then obtained as progeny by crossbreeding intermediate transgenic animals containing fewer than the full complement of the modifications.
  • the preferred embodiment of such a nonhuman animal is a mouse, and is termed the XenomouseTM as disclosed in PCT publications WO 96/33735 and WO 96/34096. This animal produces B cells which secrete fully human immunoglobulms.
  • the antibodies can be obtained directly from the animal after immunization with an immunogen of interest, as, for example, a preparation of a polyclonal antibody, or alternatively from immortalized B cells derived from the animal, such as hybridomas producing monoclonal antibodies. Additionally, the genes encoding the immunoglobulms with human variable regions can be recovered and expressed to obtain the antibodies directly, or can be further modified to obtain analogs of antibodies such as, for example, single chain Fv molecules.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,939,598 An example of a method of producing a nonhuman host, exemplified as a mouse, lacking expression of an endogenous immunoglobulin heavy chain is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,939,598. It can be obtained by a method including deleting the J segment genes from at least one endogenous heavy chain locus in an embryonic stem cell to prevent rearrangement of the locus and to prevent formation of a transcript of a rearranged immunoglobulin heavy chain locus, the deletion being effected by a targeting vector containing a gene encoding a selectable marker; and producing from the embryonic stem cell a transgenic mouse whose somatic and germ cells contain the gene encoding the selectable marker.
  • a method for producing an antibody of interest such as a human antibody, is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,916,771. It includes introducing an expression vector that contains a nucleotide sequence encoding a heavy chain into one mammalian host cell in culture, introducing an expression vector containing a nucleotide sequence encoding a light chain into another mammalian host cell, and fusing the two cells to form a hybrid cell.
  • the hybrid cell expresses an antibody containing the heavy chain and the light chain.
  • techniques can be adapted for the production of single-chain antibodies specific to an antigenic protein of the invention (see e.g., U.S. Patent No. 4,946,778).
  • methods can be adapted for the construction of F ab expression libraries (see e.g., Huse, et al., 1989 Science 246: 1275-1281) to allow rapid and effective identification of monoclonal F ab fragments with the desired specificity for a protein or derivatives, fragments, analogs or homologs thereof.
  • Antibody fragments that contain the idiotypes to a protein antigen may be produced by techniques known in the art including, but not limited to: (i) an F ab')2 fragment produced by pepsin digestion of an antibody molecule; (ii) an F ab fragment generated by reducing the disulfide bridges of an F( a b ' )2 fragment; (iii) an F a b fragment generated by the treatment of the antibody molecule with papain and a reducing agent and (iv) F v fragments.
  • Bispecific Antibodies are monoclonal, preferably human or humanized, antibodies that have binding specificities for at least two different antigens. In the present case, one of the binding specificities is for an antigenic protein of the invention.
  • the second binding target is any other antigen, and advantageously is a cell-surface protein or receptor or receptor subunit.
  • Methods for making bispecific antibodies are known in the art. Traditionally, the recombinant production of bispecific antibodies is based on the co-expression of two immunoglobulin heavy-chain/light-chain pairs, where the two heavy chains have different specificities (Milstein and Cuello, Nature, 305:537-539 (1983)). Because of the random assortment of immunoglobulin heavy and light chains, these hybridomas (quadromas) produce a potential mixture often different antibody molecules, of which only one has the correct bispecific structure. The purification of the correct molecule is usually accomplished by affinity chromatography steps. Similar procedures are disclosed in WO 93/08829, published
  • Antibody variable domains with the desired binding specificities can be fused to immunoglobulin constant domain sequences.
  • the fusion preferably is with an immunoglobulin heavy-chain constant domain, comprising at least part of the hinge, CH2, and CH3 regions. It is preferred to have the first heavy-chain constant region (CHI) containing the site necessary for light-chain binding present in at least one of the fusions.
  • CHI first heavy-chain constant region
  • the interface between a pair of antibody molecules can be engineered to maximize the percentage of heterodimers which are recovered from recombinant cell culture.
  • the preferred interface comprises at least a part of the CH3 region of an antibody constant domain, hi this method, one or more small amino acid side chains from the interface of the first antibody molecule are replaced with larger side chains (e.g. tyrosine or tryptophan).
  • Compensatory "cavities" of identical or similar size to the large side chain(s) are created on the interface of the second antibody molecule by replacing large amino acid side chains with smaller ones (e.g. alanine or threonine). This provides a mechanism for increasing the yield of the heterodimer over other unwanted end-products such as homodimers.
  • Bispecific antibodies can be prepared as full length antibodies or antibody fragments (e.g. F(ab') 2 bispecific antibodies). Techniques for generating bispecific antibodies from antibody fragments have been described in the literature. For example, bispecific antibodies can be prepared using chemical linkage. Brennan et al., Science 229:81 (1985) describe a procedure wherein intact antibodies are proteolytically cleaved to generate F(ab') 2 fragments. These fragments are reduced in the presence of the dithiol complexing agent sodium arsenite to stabilize vicinal dithiols and prevent intermolecular disulfide formation. The Fab' fragments generated are then converted to thionitrobenzoate (TNB) derivatives.
  • TAB thionitrobenzoate
  • One of the Fab' -TNB derivatives is then reconverted to the Fab'-thiol by reduction with mercaptoethylamine and is mixed with an equimolar amount of the other Fab' -TNB derivative to form the bispecific antibody.
  • the bispecific antibodies produced can be used as agents for the selective immobilization of enzymes. Additionally, Fab' fragments can be directly recovered from E. coli and chemically coupled to form bispecific antibodies. Shalaby et al, J Exp. Med. 175:217-225 (1992) describe the production of a fully humanized bispecific antibody F(ab') 2 molecule. Each Fab' fragment was separately secreted from E. coli and subjected to directed chemical coupling in vitro to form the bispecific antibody. The bispecific antibody thus formed was able to bind to cells overexpressing the ErbB2 receptor and normal human T cells, as well as trigger the lytic activity of human cytotoxic lymphocytes against human breast tumor targets.
  • bispecific antibodies have been produced using leucine zippers.
  • the leucine zipper peptides from the Fos and Jun proteins were linked to the Fab' portions of two different antibodies by gene fusion.
  • the antibody homodimers were reduced at the hinge region to form monomers and then re-oxidized to form the antibody heterodimers. This method can also be utilized for the production of antibody homodimers.
  • the fragments comprise a heavy-chain variable domain (V H ) connected to a light-chain variable domain (V ) by a linker which is too short to allow pairing between the two domains on the same chain. Accordingly, the V H and V domains of one fragment are forced to pair with the complementary V L and V H domains of another fragment, thereby forming two antigen-binding sites.
  • V H and V domains of one fragment are forced to pair with the complementary V L and V H domains of another fragment, thereby forming two antigen-binding sites.
  • sFv single-chain Fv
  • Antibodies with more than two valencies are contemplated.
  • trispecific antibodies can be prepared. Tutt et al, J Immunol. 147:60 (1991).
  • Exemplary bispecific antibodies can bind to two different epitopes, at least one of which originates in the protein antigen of the invention.
  • an anti-antigenic arm of an immunoglobulin molecule can be combined with an arm which binds to a triggering molecule on a leukocyte such as a T-cell receptor molecule (e.g.
  • bispecific antibodies can also be used to direct cytotoxic agents to cells which express a particular antigen. These antibodies possess an antigen-binding arm and an arm which binds a cytotoxic agent or a radionuclide chelator, such as EOTUBE, DPTA, DOTA, or TETA. Another bispecific antibody of interest binds the protein antigen described herein and further binds tissue factor (TF).
  • Fc ⁇ R Fc receptors for IgG
  • Fc ⁇ R such as Fc ⁇ RI (CD64), Fc ⁇ RII (CD32) and Fc ⁇ RIII (CD 16) so as to focus cellular defense mechanisms to the cell expressing the particular antigen.
  • Bispecific antibodies can also be used to direct cytotoxic agents to cells which express a particular antigen. These antibodies possess an antigen-binding arm and an arm which binds a cytotoxic agent or a radionuclide chelator, such as EOTUBE, DPTA, DOTA, or TETA.
  • Heteroconjugate antibodies are also within the scope of the present invention.
  • Heteroconjugate antibodies are composed of two covalently joined antibodies. Such antibodies have, for example, been proposed to target immune system cells to unwanted cells (U.S. Patent No. 4,676,980), and for treatment of HTV infection (WO 91/00360; WO 92/200373; EP 03089). It is contemplated that the antibodies can be prepared in vitro using known methods in synthetic protein chemistry, including those involving crosslinking agents. For example, immmiotoxins can be constructed using a disulfide exchange reaction or by forming a thioether bond. Examples of suitable reagents for this purpose include iminothiolate and methyl-4-mercaptobutyrimidate and those disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 4,676,980. Effector Function Engineering
  • cysteine residue(s) can be introduced into the Fc region, thereby allowing interchain disulfide bond formation in this region.
  • the homodimeric antibody thus generated can have improved internalization capability and/or increased complement-mediated cell killing and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). See Caron et al., J. Exp Med., 176: 1191- 1195 (1992) and Shopes, J. Immunol., 148: 2918-2922 (1992).
  • Homodimeric antibodies with enhanced anti-tumor activity can also be prepared using heterobifunctional cross-linkers as described in Wolff et al. Cancer Research, 53: 2560-2565 (1993).
  • an antibody can be engineered that has dual Fc regions and can thereby have enhanced complement lysis and ADCC capabilities. See Stevenson et al., Anti-Cancer Drug Design, 3: 219-230 (1989). Immunoconjugates
  • the invention also pertains to immunoconjugates comprising an antibody conjugated to a cytotoxic agent such as a chemotherapeutic agent, toxin (e.g., an enzymatically active toxin of bacterial, fungal, plant, or animal origin, or fragments thereof), or a radioactive isotope (i.e., a radioconjugate).
  • a cytotoxic agent such as a chemotherapeutic agent, toxin (e.g., an enzymatically active toxin of bacterial, fungal, plant, or animal origin, or fragments thereof), or a radioactive isotope (i.e., a radioconjugate).
  • Enzymatically active toxins and fragments thereof that can be used include diphtheria A chain, nonbinding active fragments of diphtheria toxin, exotoxin A chain (from Pseudomonas aeruginosa), ricin A chain, abrin A chain, modeccin A chain, alpha-sarcin, Aleurites fordii proteins, dianthin proteins, Phytolaca americana proteins (PAPI, PAPIL and PAP-S), momordica charantia inhibitor, curcin, crotin, sapaonaria officinalis inhibitor, gelonin, mitogellin, restrictocin, phenomycin, enomycin, and the tricothecenes.
  • diphtheria A chain nonbinding active fragments of diphtheria toxin
  • exotoxin A chain from Pseudomonas aeruginosa
  • ricin A chain abrin A chain
  • modeccin A chain alpha-s
  • radionuclides are available for the production of radioconjugated antibodies. Examples include 2I2 Bi, 131 I, 131 fr ⁇ , 9 °Y, and 186 Re. Conjugates of the antibody and cytotoxic agent are made using a variety of bifunctional protein-coupling agents such as N-succinimidyl-3-(2-pyridyldithiol) propionate (SPDP), iminothiolane (IT), bifunctional derivatives of imidoesters (such as dimethyl adipimidate HCL), active esters (such as disuccinimidyl suberate), aldehydes (such as glutareldehyde), bis-azido compounds (such as bis (p-azidobenzoyl) hexanediamine), bis- diazonium derivatives (such as bis-(p-diazoniumbenzoyl)-ethylenediamine), diisocyanates (such as tolyene 2,6-diisocyanate),
  • a ricin immunotoxin can be prepared as described in Vitetta et al., Science, 238: 1098 (1987).
  • Carbon- 14-labeled l-isothiocyanatobenzyl-3- methyldiethylene triaminepentaacetic acid (MX-DTPA) is an exemplary chelating agent for conjugation of radionucleotide to the antibody. See WO94/11026.
  • the antibody in another embodiment, can be conjugated to a "receptor" (such streptavidin) for utilization in tumor pretargeting wherein the antibody-receptor conjugate is administered to the patient, followed by removal of unbound conjugate from the circulation using a clearing agent and then administration of a "ligand” (e.g., avidin) that is in turn conjugated to a cytotoxic agent.
  • a "receptor” such streptavidin
  • a "ligand” e.g., avidin
  • methods for the screening of antibodies that possess the desired specificity include, but are not limited to, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and other immunologically-mediated techniques known within the art.
  • ELISA enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
  • selection of antibodies that are specific to a particular domain of an GPCRX protein is facilitated by generation of hybridomas that bind to the fragment of an GPCRX protein possessing such a domain.
  • antibodies that are specific for a desired domain within an GPCRX protein, or derivatives, fragments, analogs or homologs thereof, are also provided herein.
  • Anti-GPCRX antibodies may be used in methods known within the art relating to the localization and/or quantitation of an GPCRX protein (e.g., for use in measuring levels of the GPCRX protein within appropriate physiological samples, for use in diagnostic methods, for use in imaging the protein, and the like).
  • antibodies for GPCRX proteins, or derivatives, fragments, analogs or homologs thereof, that contain the antibody derived binding domain are utilized as pharmacologically-active compounds (hereinafter
  • An anti-GPCRX antibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody) can be used to isolate an anti-GPCRX antibody.
  • GPCRX poiypeptide by standard techniques, such as affinity chromatography or immunoprecipitation.
  • An anti-GPCRX antibody can facilitate the purification of natural GPCRX poiypeptide from cells and of recombinantly-produced GPCRX poiypeptide expressed in host cells.
  • an anti-GPCRX antibody can be used to detect GPCRX protein (e.g., in a cellular lysate or cell supernatant) in order to evaluate the abundance and pattern of expression of the GPCRX protein.
  • Anti-GPCRX antibodies can be used diagnostically to monitor protein levels in tissue as part of a clinical testing procedure, e.g., to, for example, determine the efficacy of a given treatment regimen.
  • Detection can be facilitated by coupling (i.e., physically linking) the antibody to a detectable substance.
  • detectable substances include various enzymes, prosthetic groups, fluorescent materials, luminescent materials, bioluminescent materials, and radioactive materials.
  • suitable enzymes include horseradish peroxidase, alkaline phosphatase, ⁇ -galactosidase, or acetylcholinesterase;
  • suitable prosthetic group complexes include streptavidin/biotin and avidin/biotin;
  • suitable fluorescent materials include umbelliferone, fluorescein, fluorescein isothiocyanate, rhodamine, dichlorotriazinylamine fluorescein, dansyl chloride or phycoerythrin;
  • an example of a luminescent material includes luminol;
  • bioluminescent materials include luciferase, luciferin, and aequorin, and examples of suitable radioactive matenal include I,
  • vectors preferably expression vectors, containing a nucleic acid encoding an GPCRX protein, or derivatives, fragments, analogs or homologs thereof.
  • vector refers to a nucleic acid molecule capable of transporting another nucleic acid to which it has been linked.
  • plasmid refers to a circular double stranded DNA loop into which additional DNA segments can be ligated.
  • viral vector is another type of vector, wherein additional DNA segments can be ligated into the viral genome.
  • vectors are capable of autonomous replication in a host cell into which they are introduced (e.g., bacterial vectors having a bacterial origin of replication and episomal mammalian vectors).
  • Other vectors e.g., non-episomal mammalian vectors
  • certain vectors are capable of directing the expression of genes to which they are operatively-linked. Such vectors are referred to herein as "expression vectors", hi general, expression vectors of utility in recombinant DNA techniques are often in the form of plasmids.
  • plasmid and “vector” can be used interchangeably as the plasmid is the most commonly used form of vector.
  • the invention is intended to include such other forms of expression vectors, such as viral vectors (e.g., replication defective retroviruses, adenoviruses and adeno-associated viruses), which serve equivalent functions.
  • viral vectors e.g., replication defective retroviruses, adenoviruses and adeno-associated viruses
  • the recombinant expression vectors of the invention comprise a nucleic acid of the invention in a form suitable for expression of the nucleic acid in a host cell, which means that the recombinant expression vectors include one or more regulatory sequences, selected on the basis of the host cells to be used for expression, that is operatively-linked to the nucleic acid sequence to be expressed.
  • operably-linked is intended to mean that the nucleotide sequence of interest is linked to the regulatory sequence(s) in a manner that allows for expression of the nucleotide sequence (e.g., in an in vitro transcription/translation system or in a host cell when the vector is introduced into the host cell).
  • regulatory sequence is intended to includes promoters, enhancers and other expression control elements (e.g., polyadenylation signals). Such regulatory sequences are described, for example, in Goeddel, GENE EXPRESSION TECHNOLOGY: METHODS IN ENZYMOLOGY 185, Academic Press, San Diego, Calif. (1990). Regulatory sequences include those that direct constitutive expression of a nucleotide sequence in many types of host cell and those that direct expression of the nucleotide sequence only in certain host cells (e.g., tissue-specific regulatory sequences). It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the design of the expression vector can depend on such factors as the choice of the host cell to be transformed, the level of expression of protein desired, etc.
  • the expression vectors of the invention can be introduced into host cells to thereby produce proteins or peptides, including fusion proteins or peptides, encoded by nucleic acids as described herein (e.g., GPCRX proteins, mutant forms of GPCRX proteins, fusion proteins, etc.).
  • the recombinant expression vectors of the invention can be designed for expression of GPCRX proteins in prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells.
  • GPCRX proteins can be expressed in bacterial cells such as Escherichia coli, insect cells (using baculovirus expression vectors) yeast cells or mammalian cells. Suitable host cells are discussed further in Goeddel, GENE EXPRESSION TECHNOLOGY: METHODS IN ENZYMOLOGY 185, Academic Press, San Diego, Calif. (1990).
  • the recombinant expression vector can be transcribed and translated in vitro, for example using T7 promoter regulatory sequences and T7 polymerase.
  • Fusion vectors add a number of amino acids to a protein encoded therein, usually to the amino terminus of the recombinant protein.
  • Such fusion vectors typically serve three purposes: (z) to increase expression of recombinant protein; (ii) to increase the solubility of the recombinant protein; and (iii) to aid in the purification of the recombinant protein by acting as a ligand in affinity purification.
  • a proteolytic cleavage site is introduced at the junction of the fusion moiety and the recombinant protein to enable separation of the recombinant protein from the fusion moiety subsequent to purification of the fusion protein.
  • enzymes, and their cognate recognition sequences include Factor Xa, thrombin and enterokinase.
  • Typical fusion expression vectors include pGEX (Pharmacia Biotech lnc; Smith and Johnson, 1988.
  • GST glutathione S-transferase
  • E. coli expression vectors examples include pTrc (Amrann et al, (1988) Gene 69:301-315) andpET lid (Studier et al, GENE EXPRESSION TECHNOLOGY: METHODS IN ENZYMOLOGY 185, Academic Press, San Diego, Calif. (1990) 60-89).
  • One strategy to maximize recombinant protein expression in E. coli is to express the protein in a host bacteria with an impaired capacity to proteolytically cleave the recombinant protein. See, e.g., Gottesman, GENE EXPRESSION TECHNOLOGY: METHODS IN ENZYMOLOGY 185, Academic Press, San Diego, Calif. (1990) 119-128.
  • Another strategy is to alter the nucleic acid sequence of the nucleic acid to be inserted into an expression vector so that the individual codons for each amino acid are those preferentially utilized in E. coli (see, e.g., Wada, et al, 1992. Nucl. Acids Res. 20: 2111-2118).
  • the GPCRX expression vector is a yeast expression vector.
  • yeast Saccharomyces cerivisae examples include pYepSecl
  • GPCRX can be expressed in insect cells using baculovirus expression vectors.
  • Baculovirus vectors available for expression of proteins in cultured insect cells e.g.,
  • SF9 cells include the pAc series (Smith, et al, 1983. Mol. Cell. Biol. 3: 2156-2165) and the pVL series (Lucklow and Summers, 1989. Virology 170: 31-39).
  • a nucleic acid of the invention is expressed in mammalian cells using a mammalian expression vector.
  • mammalian expression vectors include pCDM8 (Seed, 1987. Nature 329: 840) and pMT2PC (Kaufman, et al, 1987. EMBO J. 6: 187-195).
  • the expression vector's control functions are often provided by viral regulatory elements.
  • commonly used promoters are derived from polyoma, adenovirus 2, cytomegalovirus, and simian virus 40.
  • the recombinant mammalian expression vector is capable of directing expression of the nucleic acid preferentially in a particular cell type (e.g., tissue-specific regulatory elements are used to express the nucleic acid).
  • tissue-specific regulatory elements are known in the art.
  • suitable tissue-specific promoters include the albumin promoter (liver-specific; Pinkert, et al, 1987.
  • lymphoid-specific promoters Calame and Eaton, 1988. Adv. Immunol. 43: 235-275
  • promoters of T cell receptors Winoto and Baltimore, 1989.
  • EMBO J. 8: 729-733 promoters of T cell receptors
  • immunoglobulms Bonerji, et al, 1983. Cell 33: 729-740; Queen and Baltimore, 1983. Cell 33: 741-748
  • neuron-specific promoters e.g., the neurofilament promoter; Byrne and Ruddle, 1989. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.
  • pancreas-specific promoters Eslund, et al, 1985. Science 230: 912-916
  • mammary gland-specific promoters e.g., milk whey promoter; U.S. Pat. No. 4,873,316 and European Application Publication No. 264, 166
  • Developmentally-regulated promoters are also encompassed, e.g., the murine hox promoters (Kessel and Grass, 1990. Science 249: 374-379) and the ⁇ -fetoprotein promoter (Campes and Tilghman, 1989. Genes Dev. 3: 537-546).
  • the invention further provides a recombinant expression vector comprising a DNA molecule of the invention cloned into the expression vector in an antisense orientation. That is, the DNA molecule is operatively-linked to a regulatory sequence in a manner that allows for expression (by transcription of the DNA molecule) of an RNA molecule that is antisense to GPCRX mRNA.
  • Regulatory sequences operatively linked to a nucleic acid cloned in the antisense orientation can be chosen that direct the continuous expression of the antisense RNA molecule in a variety of cell types, for instance viral promoters and/or enhancers, or regulatory sequences can be chosen that direct constitutive, tissue specific or cell type specific expression of antisense RNA.
  • the antisense expression vector can be in the form of a recombinant plasmid, phagemid or attenuated virus in which antisense nucleic acids are produced under the control of a high efficiency regulatory region, the activity of which can be determined by the cell type into which the vector is introduced.
  • a high efficiency regulatory region the activity of which can be determined by the cell type into which the vector is introduced.
  • host cell and “recombinant host cell” are used interchangeably herein. It is understood that such terms refer not only to the particular subject cell but also to the progeny or potential progeny of such a cell. Because certain modifications may occur in succeeding generations due to either mutation or environmental influences, such progeny may not, in fact, be identical to the parent cell, but are still included within the scope of the term as used herein.
  • a host cell can be any prokaryotic or eukaryotic cell.
  • GPCRX protein can be expressed in bacterial cells such as E. coli, insect cells, yeast or mammalian cells (such as Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO) or COS cells). Other suitable host cells are known to those skilled in the art.
  • Vector DNA can be introduced into prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells via conventional transformation or transfection techniques.
  • transformation and “transfection” are intended to refer to a variety of art-recognized techniques for introducing foreign nucleic acid (e.g., DNA) into a host cell, including calcium phosphate or calcium chloride co-precipitation, DEAE-dextran-mediated transfection, lipofection, or electroporation. Suitable methods for transforming or transfecting host cells can be found in Sambrook, et al. (MOLECULAR CLONING: A LABORATORY MANUAL. 2nd ed., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., 1989), and other laboratory manuals.
  • a gene that encodes a selectable marker (e.g., resistance to antibiotics) is generally introduced into the host cells along with the gene of interest.
  • selectable markers include those that confer resistance to drugs, such as G418, hygromycin and methotrexate.
  • Nucleic acid encoding a selectable marker can be introduced into a host cell on the same vector as that encoding GPCRX or can be introduced on a separate vector. Cells stably transfected with the introduced nucleic acid can be identified by drug selection (e.g., cells that have incorporated the selectable marker gene will survive, while the other cells die).
  • a host cell of the invention such as a prokaryotic or eukaryotic host cell in culture, can be used to produce (i.e., express) GPCRX protein.
  • the invention further provides methods for producing GPCRX protein using the host cells of the invention.
  • the method comprises culturing the host cell of invention (into which a recombinant expression vector encoding GPCRX protein has been introduced) in a suitable medium such that GPCRX protein is produced.
  • the method further comprises isolating GPCRX protein from the medium or the host cell.
  • the host cells of the invention can also be used to produce non-human transgenic animals.
  • a host cell of the invention is a fertilized oocyte or an embryonic stem cell into which GPCRX protein-coding sequences have been introduced.
  • Such host cells can then be used to create non-human transgenic animals in which exogenous GPCRX sequences have been introduced into their genome or homologous recombinant animals in which endogenous GPCRX sequences have been altered.
  • Such animals are useful for studying the function and/or activity of GPCRX protein and for identifying and/or evaluating modulators of GPCRX protein activity.
  • a "transgenic animal” is a non-human animal, preferably a mammal, more preferably a rodent such as a rat or mouse, in which one or more of the cells of the animal includes a transgene.
  • Other examples of transgenic animals include non-human primates, sheep, dogs, cows, goats, chickens, amphibians, etc.
  • a transgene is exogenous DNA that is integrated into the genome of a cell from which a transgenic animal develops and that remains in the genome of the mature animal, thereby directing the expression of an encoded gene product in one or more cell types or tissues of the transgenic animal.
  • a "homologous recombinant animal” is a non-human animal, preferably a mammal, more preferably a mouse, in which an endogenous GPCRX gene has been altered by homologous recombination between the endogenous gene and an exogenous DNA molecule introduced into a cell of the animal, e.g., an embryonic cell of the animal, prior to development of the animal.
  • a transgenic animal of the invention can be created by introducing GPCRX-encoding nucleic acid into the male pronuclei of a fertilized oocyte (e.g., by microinjection, retroviral infection) and allowing the oocyte to develop in a pseudopregnant female foster animal.
  • the human GPCRX cDNA sequences of SEQ ID NOS:l, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 27 can be introduced as a transgene into the genome of a non-human animal.
  • a non-human homologue of the human GPCRX gene such as a mouse GPCRX gene
  • a non-human homologue of the human GPCRX gene can be isolated based on hybridization to the human GPCRX cDNA (described further supra) and used as a transgene.
  • hitronic sequences and polyadenylation signals can also be included in the transgene to increase the efficiency of expression of the transgene.
  • a tissue-specific regulatory sequence(s) can be operably-linked to the GPCRX transgene to direct expression of GPCRX protein to particular cells.
  • transgenic founder animal can be identified based upon the presence of the GPCRX transgene in its genome and/or expression of GPCRX mRNA in tissues or cells of the animals. A transgenic founder animal can then be used to breed additional animals carrying the transgene. Moreover, transgenic animals carrying a transgene-encoding GPCRX protein can further be bred to other transgenic animals carrying other transgenes.
  • a vector which contains at least a portion of an GPCRX gene into which a deletion, addition or substitution has been introduced to thereby alter, e.g., functionally disrupt, the GPCRX gene.
  • the GPCRX gene can be a human gene (e.g., the cDNA of SEQ TD NOS:l, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 27), but more preferably, is a non-human homologue of a human GPCRX gene.
  • a mouse homologue of human GPCRX gene of SEQ ED NOS: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 27 can be used to construct a homologous recombination vector suitable for altering an endogenous GPCRX gene in the mouse genome, hi one embodiment, the vector is designed such that, upon homologous recombination, the endogenous GPCRX gene is functionally disrupted (i.e., no longer encodes a functional protein; also referred to as a "knock out" vector).
  • the vector can be designed such that, upon homologous recombination, the endogenous GPCRX gene is mutated or otherwise altered but still encodes functional protein (e.g., the upstream regulatory region can be altered to thereby alter the expression of the endogenous GPCRX protein), hi the homologous recombination vector, the altered portion of the GPCRX gene is flanked at its 5'- and 3'-termini by additional nucleic acid of the GPCRX gene to allow for homologous recombination to occur between the exogenous
  • flanking GPCRX gene earned by the vector and an endogenous GPCRX gene in an embryonic stem cell.
  • the additional flanking GPCRX nucleic acid is of sufficient length for successful homologous recombination with the endogenous gene.
  • several kilobases of flanking DNA are included in the vector. See, e.g., Thomas, et al, 1987. Cell 51: 503 for a description of homologous recombination vectors.
  • the vector is ten introduced into an embryonic stem cell line (e.g., by electroporation) and cells in which the introduced GPCRX gene has homologously-recombined with the endogenous GPCRX gene are selected.
  • the selected cells are then injected into a blastocyst of an animal (e.g. , a mouse) to fonn aggregation chimeras.
  • an animal e.g. , a mouse
  • fonn aggregation chimeras See, e.g., Bradley, 1987.
  • TERATOCARC ⁇ NOMAS AND EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS A PRACTICAL APPROACH, Robertson, ed. IRL, Oxford, pp. 113-152.
  • a chimeric embryo can then be implanted into a suitable pseudopregnant female foster animal and the embryo brought to term.
  • Progeny harboring the homologously-recombined DNA in their genn cells can be used to breed animals in which all cells of the animal contain the homologously-recombined DNA by gennline transmission of the transgene.
  • Methods for constructing homologous recombination vectors and homologous recombinant animals are described further in Bradley, 1991. Curr. Opin. Biotechnol. 2: 823-829; PCT International Publication Nos.: WO 90/11354; WO 91/01140; WO 92/0968; and WO 93/04169.
  • transgenic non-humans animals can be produced that contain selected systems that allow for regulated expression of the transgene.
  • cre/loxP recombinase system of bacteriophage Pl.
  • cre/loxP recombinase system See, e.g., Lakso, et al, 1992. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89: 6232-6236.
  • FLP recombinase system of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. See, O'Gorman, et al, 1991. Science 251:1351-1355.
  • mice containing transgenes encoding both the Cre recombinase and a selected protein are required.
  • Such animals can be provided through the construction of "double" transgenic animals, e.g., by mating two transgenic animals, one containing a transgene encoding a selected protein and the other containing a transgene encoding a recombinase.
  • Clones of the non-human transgenic animals described herein can also be produced according to the methods described in Wilmut, et al, 1997. Nature 385: 810-813.
  • a cell e.g., a somatic cell
  • the quiescent cell can then be fused, e.g., through the use of electrical pulses, to an enucleated oocyte from an animal of the same species from which the quiescent cell is isolated.
  • the reconstructed oocyte is then cultured such that it develops to morula or blastocyte and then transferred to pseudopregnant female foster animal.
  • the offspring borne of this female foster animal will be a clone of the animal from which the cell
  • compositions are isolated.
  • compositions suitable for administration can be incorporated into pharmaceutical compositions suitable for administration.
  • Such compositions typically comprise the nucleic acid molecule, protein, or antibody and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
  • pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is intended to include any and all solvents, dispersion media, coatings, antibacterial and antifungal agents, isotonic and absorption delaying agents, and the like, compatible with pharmaceutical administration. Suitable carriers are described in the most recent edition of Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, a standard reference text in the field, which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • Such carriers or diluents include, but are not limited to, water, saline, finger's solutions, dextrose solution, and 5% human serum albumin. Liposomes and non-aqueous vehicles such as fixed oils may also be used.
  • the use of such media and agents for pharmaceutically active substances is well known in the art. Except insofar as any conventional media or agent is incompatible with the active compound, use thereof in the compositions is contemplated. Supplementary active compounds can also be incorporated into the compositions.
  • a pharmaceutical composition of the invention is formulated to be compatible with its intended route of administration.
  • routes of administration include parenteral, e.g., intravenous, intradermal, subcutaneous, oral (e.g., inhalation), transdermal (i.e., topical), transmucosal, and rectal administration.
  • Solutions or suspensions used for parenteral, intradermal, or subcutaneous application can include the following components: a sterile diluent such as water for injection, saline solution, fixed oils, polyethylene glycols, glycerine, propylene glycol or other synthetic solvents; antibacterial agents such as benzyl alcohol or methyl parabens; antioxidants such as ascorbic acid or sodium bisulfite; chelating agents such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA); buffers such as acetates, citrates or phosphates, and agents for the adjustment of tonicity such as sodium chloride or dextrose.
  • the pH can be adjusted with acids or bases, such as hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide.
  • the parenteral preparation can be enclosed in ampoules, disposable syringes or multiple dose vials made of glass or plastic.
  • compositions suitable for injectable use include sterile aqueous solutions (where water soluble) or dispersions and sterile powders for the extemporaneous preparation of sterile injectable solutions or dispersion.
  • suitable carriers include physiological saline, bacteriostatic water, Cremophor EL M (BASF, Parsippany, N. J.) or phosphate buffered saline (PBS), hi all cases, the composition must be sterile and should be fluid to the extent that easy syringeability exists. It must be stable under the conditions of manufacture and storage and must be preserved against the contaminating action of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi.
  • the carrier can be a solvent or dispersion medium containing, for example, water, ethanol, polyol (for example, glycerol, propylene glycol, and liquid polyethylene glycol, and the like), and suitable mixtures thereof.
  • the proper fluidity can be maintained, for example, by the use of a coating such as lecithin, by the maintenance of the required particle size in the case of dispersion and by the use of surfactants.
  • Prevention of the action of microorganisms can be achieved by various antibacterial and antifungal agents, for example, parabens, chlorobutanol, phenol, ascorbic acid, thimerosal, and the like, hi many cases, it will be preferable to include isotonic agents, for example, sugars, polyalcohols such as manitol, sorbitol, sodium chloride in the composition.
  • isotonic agents for example, sugars, polyalcohols such as manitol, sorbitol, sodium chloride in the composition.
  • Prolonged absorption of the injectable compositions can be brought about by including in the composition an agent which delays absorption, for example, aluminum monostearate and gelatin.
  • Sterile injectable solutions can be prepared by incorporating the active compound (e.g., an GPCRX protein or anti-GPCRX antibody) in the required amount in an appropriate solvent with one or a combination of ingredients enumerated above, as required, followed by filtered sterilization.
  • the active compound e.g., an GPCRX protein or anti-GPCRX antibody
  • dispersions are prepared by incorporating the active compound into a sterile vehicle that contains a basic dispersion medium and the required other ingredients from those enumerated above.
  • methods of preparation are vacuum drying and freeze-drying that yields a powder of the active ingredient plus any additional desired ingredient from a previously sterile-filtered solution thereof.
  • Oral compositions generally include an inert diluent or an edible carrier. They can be enclosed in gelatin capsules or compressed into tablets. For the purpose of oral therapeutic administration, the active compound can be incorporated with excipients and used in the form of tablets, troches, or capsules. Oral compositions can also be prepared using a fluid carrier for use as a mouthwash, wherein the compound in the fluid carrier is applied orally and swished and expectorated or swallowed. Pharmaceutically compatible binding agents, and/or adjuvant materials can be included as part of the composition.
  • the tablets, pills, capsules, troches and the like can contain any of the following ingredients, or compounds of a similar nature: a binder such as microcrystalline cellulose, gum tragacanth or gelatin; an excipient such as starch or lactose, a disintegrating agent such as alginic acid, Primogel, or corn starch; a lubricant such as magnesium stearate or Sterotes; a glidant such as colloidal silicon dioxide; a sweetening agent such as sucrose or saccharin; or a flavoring agent such as peppermint, methyl salicylate, or orange flavoring.
  • a suitable propellant e.g., a gas such as carbon dioxide, or a nebulizer.
  • Systemic administration can also be by transmucosal or transdermal means.
  • penetrants appropriate to the barrier to be permeated are used in the formulation.
  • penetrants are generally known in the art, and include, for example, for transmucosal administration, detergents, bile salts, and fusidic acid derivatives.
  • Transmucosal administration can be accomplished through the use of nasal sprays or suppositories.
  • the active compounds are formulated into ointments, salves, gels, or creams as generally known in the art.
  • the compounds can also be prepared in the form of suppositories (e.g. , with conventional suppository bases such as cocoa butter and other glycerides) or retention enemas for rectal delivery.
  • the active compounds are prepared with carriers that will protect the compound against rapid elimination from the body, such as a controlled release formulation, including implants and microencapsulated delivery systems.
  • a controlled release formulation including implants and microencapsulated delivery systems.
  • Biodegradable, biocompatible polymers can be used, such as ethylene vinyl acetate, polyanhydrides, polyglycolic acid, collagen, polyorthoesters, and polylactic acid. Methods for preparation of such formulations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The materials can also be obtained commercially from Alza Corporation and Nova Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
  • Liposomal suspensions (including liposomes targeted to infected cells with monoclonal antibodies to viral antigens) can also be used as pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. These can be prepared according to methods known to those skilled in the art, for example, as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,522,811.
  • Dosage unit form refers to physically discrete units suited as unitary dosages for the subject to be treated; each unit containing a predetermined quantity of active compound calculated to produce the desired therapeutic effect in association with the required pharmaceutical carrier.
  • the specification for the dosage unit forms of the invention are dictated by and directly dependent on the unique characteristics of the active compound and the particular therapeutic effect to be achieved, and the limitations inherent in the art of compounding such an active compound for the treatment of individuals.
  • the nucleic acid molecules of the invention can be inserted into vectors and used as gene therapy vectors.
  • Gene therapy vectors can be delivered to a subject by, for example, intravenous injection, local administration (see, e.g., U.S. Patent No. 5,328,470) or by stereotactic injection (see, e.g., Chen, et al, 1994. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 91: 3054-3057).
  • the phannaceutical preparation of the gene therapy vector can include the gene therapy vector in an acceptable diluent, or can comprise a slow release matrix in which the gene delivery vehicle is imbedded.
  • the pharmaceutical preparation can include one or more cells that produce the gene delivery system.
  • compositions can be included in a container, pack, or dispenser together with instructions for administration.
  • the isolated nucleic acid molecules of the invention can be used to express GPCRX protein (e.g., via a recombinant expression vector in a host cell in gene therapy applications), to detect GPCRX mRNA (e.g., in a biological sample) or a genetic lesion in an GPCRX gene, and to modulate GPCRX activity, as described further, below.
  • the GPCRX proteins can be used to screen drugs or compounds that modulate the GPCRX protein activity or expression as well as to treat disorders characterized by insufficient or excessive production of GPCRX protein or production of GPCRX protein forms that have decreased or aberrant activity compared to GPCRX wild-type protein (e.g.; diabetes (regulates insulin release); obesity (binds and transport lipids); metabolic disturbances associated with obesity, the metabolic syndrome X as well as anorexia and wasting disorders associated with chronic diseases and various cancers, and infectious disease(possesses anti-microbial activity) and the various dyslipidemias.
  • the anti-GPCRX antibodies of the invention can be used to detect and isolate GPCRX proteins and modulate GPCRX activity.
  • the invention can be used in methods to influence appetite, absorption of nutrients and the disposition of metabolic substrates in both a positive and negative fashion.
  • the invention further pertains to novel agents identified by the screening assays described herein and uses thereof for treatments as described, supra.
  • the invention provides a method (also referred to herein as a "screening assay") for identifying modulators, i.e., candidate or test compounds or agents (e.g., peptides, peptidomimetics, small molecules or other drugs) that bind to GPCRX proteins or have a stimulatory or inhibitory effect on, e.g., GPCRX protein expression or GPCRX protein activity.
  • modulators i.e., candidate or test compounds or agents (e.g., peptides, peptidomimetics, small molecules or other drugs) that bind to GPCRX proteins or have a stimulatory or inhibitory effect on, e.g., GPCRX protein expression or GPCRX protein activity.
  • modulators i.e., candidate or test compounds or agents (e.g., peptides, peptidomimetics, small molecules or other drugs) that bind to GPCRX proteins or have a stimulatory or inhibitory effect on, e.g., GPCRX protein expression or GPCR
  • the invention provides assays for screening candidate or test compounds which bind to or modulate the activity of the membrane-bound form of an GPCRX protein or poiypeptide or biologically-active portion thereof.
  • the test compounds of the invention can be obtained using any of the numerous approaches in combinatorial library methods known in the art, including: biological libraries; spatially addressable parallel solid phase or solution phase libraries; synthetic library methods requiring deconvolution; the "one-bead one-compound” library method; and synthetic library methods using affinity chromatography selection.
  • the biological library approach is limited to peptide libraries, while the other four approaches are applicable to peptide, non-peptide oligomer or small molecule libraries of compounds. See, e.g., Lam, 1997 '. Anticancer Drug Design 12: 145.
  • a "small molecule” as used herein, is meant to refer to a composition that has a molecular weight of less than about 5 kD and most preferably less than about 4 kD.
  • Small molecules can be, e.g., nucleic acids, peptides, polypeptides, peptidomimetics, carbohydrates, lipids or other organic or inorganic molecules.
  • Libraries of chemical and/or biological mixtures, such as fungal, bacterial, or algal extracts, are known in the art and can be screened with any of the assays of the invention.
  • an assay is a cell-based assay in which a cell which expresses a membrane-bound form of GPCRX protein, or a biologically-active portion thereof, on the cell surface is contacted with a test compound and the ability of the test compound to bind to an GPCRX protein determined.
  • the cell for example, can of mammalian origin or a yeast cell. Detennining the ability of the test compound to bind to the GPCRX protein can be accomplished, for example, by coupling the test compound with a radioisotope or enzymatic label such that binding of the test compound to the GPCRX protein or biologically-active portion thereof can be determined by detecting the labeled compound in a complex.
  • test compounds can be labeled with 125 1, 35 S, 14 C, or 3 H, either directly or indirectly, and the radioisotope detected by direct counting of radioemission or by scintillation counting.
  • test compounds can be enzymatically-labeled with, for example, horseradish peroxidase, alkaline phosphatase, or luciferase, and the enzymatic label detected by determination of conversion of an appropriate substrate to product.
  • the assay comprises contacting a cell which expresses a membrane-bound form of GPCRX protein, or a biologically-active portion thereof, on the cell surface with a known compound which binds GPCRX to form an assay mixture, contacting the assay mixture with a test compound, and detennining the ability of the test compound to interact with an GPCRX protein, wherein determimng the ability of the test compound to interact with an GPCRX protein comprises determining the ability of the test compound to preferentially bind to GPCRX protein or a biologically-active portion thereof as compared to the known compound.
  • an assay is a cell-based assay comprising contacting a cell expressing a membrane-bound form of GPCRX protein, or a biologically-active portion thereof, on the cell surface with a test compound and determining the ability of the test compound to modulate (e.g., stimulate or inhibit) the activity of the GPCRX protein or biologically-active portion thereof. Determining the ability of the test compound to modulate the activity of GPCRX or a biologically-active portion thereof can be accomplished, for example, by determining the ability of the GPCRX protein to bind to or interact with an GPCRX target molecule.
  • a "target molecule" is a molecule with which an enzyme that has been modified by the test compound to modulate.
  • GPCRX protein binds or interacts in nature, for example, a molecule on the surface of a cell which expresses an GPCRX interacting protein, a molecule on the surface of a second cell, a molecule in the extracellular milieu, a molecule associated with the internal surface of a cell membrane or a cytoplasmic molecule.
  • An GPCRX target molecule can be a non-GPCRX molecule or an GPCRX protein or poiypeptide of the invention, hi one embodiment, an GPCRX target molecule is a component of a signal transduction pathway that facilitates transduction of an extracellular signal (e.g. a signal generated by binding of a compound to a membrane-bound GPCRX molecule) through the cell membrane and into the cell.
  • the target for example, can be a second intercellular protein that has catalytic activity or a protein that facilitates the association of downstream signaling molecules with GPCRX.
  • Determining the ability of the GPCRX protein to bind to or interact with an GPCRX target molecule can be accomplished by one of the methods described above for determining direct binding. In one embodiment, determining the ability of the GPCRX protein to bind to or interact with an GPCRX target molecule can be accomplished by determining the activity of the target molecule. For example, the activity of the target molecule can be determined by detecting induction of a cellular second messenger of the target (i.e.
  • telomeres intracellular Ca 2+ , diacylglycerol, IP 3 , etc.
  • detecting catalytic/enzymatic activity of the target an appropriate substrate detecting the induction of a reporter gene (comprising an GPCRX-responsive regulatory element operatively linked to a nucleic acid encoding a detectable marker, e.g., luciferase), or detecting a cellular response, for example, cell survival, cellular differentiation, or cell proliferation.
  • a reporter gene comprising an GPCRX-responsive regulatory element operatively linked to a nucleic acid encoding a detectable marker, e.g., luciferase
  • detecting a cellular response for example, cell survival, cellular differentiation, or cell proliferation.
  • an assay of the invention is a cell-free assay comprising contacting an GPCRX protein or biologically-active portion thereof with a test compound and determining the ability of the test compound to bind to the GPCRX protein or biologically- active portion thereof. Binding of the test compound to the GPCRX protein can be determined either directly or indirectly as described above.
  • the assay comprises contacting the GPCRX protein or biologically- active portion thereof with a known compound which binds GPCRX to form an assay mixture, contacting the assay mixture with a test compound, and detennining the ability of the test compound to interact with an GPCRX protein, wherein determining the ability of the test compound to interact with an GPCRX protein comprises determining the ability of the test compound to preferentially bind to GPCRX or biologically-active portion thereof as compared to the known compound.
  • an assay is a cell-free assay comprising contacting GPCRX protein or biologically-active portion thereof with a test compound and determining the ability of the test compound to modulate (e.g. stimulate or inhibit) the activity of the
  • GPCRX protein or biologically-active portion thereof. Determining the ability of the test compound to modulate the activity of GPCRX can be accomplished, for example, by determining the ability of the GPCRX protein to bind to an GPCRX target molecule by one of the methods described above for determining direct binding, hi an alternative embodiment, determining the ability of the test compound to modulate the activity of GPCRX protein can be accomplished by detennining the ability of the GPCRX protein further modulate an GPCRX target molecule. For example, the catalytic/enzymatic activity of the target molecule on an appropriate substrate can be determined as described, supra.
  • the cell-free assay comprises contacting the GPCRX protein or biologically-active portion thereof with a known compound which binds GPCRX protein to form an assay mixture, contacting the assay mixture with a test compound, and determining the ability of the test compound to interact with an GPCRX protein, wherein determining the ability of the test compound to interact with an GPCRX protein comprises detennining the ability of the GPCRX protein to preferentially bind to or modulate the activity of an GPCRX target molecule.
  • the cell-free assays of the invention are amenable to use of both the soluble form or the membrane-bound form of GPCRX protein.
  • solubilizing agents include non-ionic detergents such as n-octylglucoside, n-dodecylglucoside, n-dodecylmaltoside, octanoyl-N-methylglucamide, decanoyl-N-methylglucamide, Triton ® X-100, Triton ® X- 114, Thesit ® , Isotridecypoly(ethylene glycol ether) n , N-dodecyl— N,N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-l -propane sulfonate, 3-(3-cholamidopropyl) dimethylamminiol-1 -propane sulfonate (CHAPS), or 3-(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylamminiol-2-hydroxy-l-propane sulfonate (CHAPSO).
  • non-ionic detergents such as n-oct
  • binding of a test compound to GPCRX protein, or interaction of GPCRX protein with a target molecule in the presence and absence of a candidate compound can be accomplished in any vessel suitable for containing the reactants. Examples of such vessels include microtiter plates, test tubes, and micro-centrifuge tubes.
  • a fusion protein can be provided that adds a domain that allows one or both of the proteins to be bound to a matrix.
  • GST-GPCRX fusion proteins or GST-target fusion proteins can be adsorbed onto glutathione sepharose beads (Sigma Chemical, St. Louis, MO) or glutathione derivatized microtiter plates, that are then combined with the test compound or the test compound and either the non-adsorbed target protein or GPCRX protein, and the mixture is incubated under conditions conducive to complex formation (e.g., at physiological conditions for salt and pH). Following incubation, the beads or microtiter plate wells are washed to remove any unbound components, the matrix immobilized in the case of beads, complex determined either directly or indirectly, for example, as described, supra. Alternatively, the complexes can be dissociated from the matrix, and the level of GPCRX protein binding or activity determined using standard techniques.
  • GPCRX protein or its target molecule can be immobilized utilizing conjugation of biotin and streptavidin.
  • Biotinylated GPCRX protein or target molecules can be prepared from biotin-NHS
  • Methods for detecting such complexes include immunodetection of complexes using antibodies reactive with the GPCRX protein or target molecule, as well as enzyme-linked assays that rely on detecting an enzymatic activity associated with the GPCRX protein or target molecule.
  • modulators of GPCRX protein expression are identified in a method wherein a cell is contacted with a candidate compound and the expression of GPCRX mRNA or protein in the cell is determined. The level of expression of GPCRX mRNA or protein in the presence of the candidate compound is compared to the level of expression of GPCRX mRNA or protein in the absence of the candidate compound. The candidate compound can then be identified as a modulator of GPCRX mRNA or protein expression based upon this comparison. For example, when expression of GPCRX mRNA or protein is greater (i.e., statistically significantly greater) in the presence of the candidate compound than in its absence, the candidate compound is identified as a stimulator of GPCRX mRNA or protein expression. Alternatively, when expression of GPCRX mRNA or protein is less
  • the candidate compound is identified as an inhibitor of GPCRX mRNA or protein expression.
  • the level of GPCRX mRNA or protein expression in the cells can be determined by methods described herein for detecting GPCRX mRNA or protein.
  • the GPCRX proteins can be used as "bait proteins" in a two-hybrid assay or three hybrid assay (see, e.g., U.S. Patent No. 5,283,317; Zervos, et al, 1993. Cell 72: 223-232; Madura, et al, 1993. J Biol. Chem. 268: 12046-12054; Bartel, et al, 1993. Biotechniques 14: 920-924; Iwabuclii, et al, 1993.
  • GPCRX-binding proteins proteins that bind to or interact with GPCRX
  • GPCRX-binding proteins proteins that bind to or interact with GPCRX
  • GPCRX-binding proteins are also likely to be involved in the propagation of signals by the GPCRX proteins as, for example, upstream or downstream elements of the GPCRX pathway.
  • the two-hybrid system is based on the modular nature of most transcription factors, wliich consist of separable DNA-binding and activation domains. Briefly, the assay utilizes two different DNA constructs.
  • the gene that codes for GPCRX is fused to a gene encoding the DNA binding domain of a known transcription factor (e.g. , GAL-4).
  • a DNA sequence, from a library of DNA sequences, that encodes an unidentified protein (“prey” or “sample”) is fused to a gene that codes for the activation domain of the known transcription factor. If the "bait" and the "prey” proteins are able to interact, in vivo, forming an GPCRX-dependent complex, the DNA-binding and activation domains of the transcription factor are brought into close proximity. This proximity allows transcription of a reporter gene (e.g., LacZ) that is operably linked to a transcriptional regulatory site responsive to the transcription factor. Expression of the reporter gene can be detected and cell colonies containing the functional transcription factor can be isolated and used to obtain the cloned gene that encodes the protein which interacts with GPCRX.
  • a reporter gene e.g., LacZ
  • the invention further pertains to novel agents identified by the aforementioned screening assays and uses thereof for treatments as described herein.
  • Detection Assays Portions or fragments of the cDNA sequences identified herein (and the corresponding complete gene sequences) can be used in numerous ways as polynucleotide reagents. By way of example, and not of limitation, these sequences can be used to: (i) map their respective genes on a chromosome; and, thus, locate gene regions associated with genetic disease; (ii) identify an individual from a minute biological sample (tissue typing); and (iii) aid in forensic identification of a biological sample. Some of these applications are described in the subsections, below. Chromosome Mapping
  • this sequence can be used to map the location of the gene on a chromosome.
  • This process is called chromosome mapping.
  • portions or fragments of the GPCRX sequences SEQ ID NOS:l, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 27, or fragments or derivatives thereof, can be used to map the location of the GPCRX genes, respectively, on a chromosome.
  • the mapping of the GPCRX sequences to chromosomes is an important first step in correlating these sequences with genes associated with disease.
  • GPCRX genes can be mapped to chromosomes by preparing PCR primers (preferably 15-25 bp in length) from the GPCRX sequences.
  • sequences can be used to rapidly select primers that do not span more than one exon in the genomic DNA, thus complicating the amplification process. These primers can then be used for PCR screening of somatic cell hybrids containing individual human chromosomes. Only those hybrids containing the human gene conesponding to the GPCRX sequences will yield an amplified fragment.
  • Somatic cell hybrids are prepared by fusing somatic cells from different mammals (e.g., human and mouse cells). As hybrids of human and mouse cells grow and divide, they gradually lose human chromosomes in random order, but retain the mouse chromosomes. By using media in which mouse cells cannot grow, because they lack a particular enzyme, but in which human cells can, the one human chromosome that contains the gene encoding the needed enzyme will be retained. By using various media, panels of hybrid cell lines can be established. Each cell line in a panel contains either a single human chromosome or a small number of human chromosomes, and a full set of mouse chromosomes, allowing easy mapping of individual genes to specific human chromosomes.
  • mammals e.g., human and mouse cells.
  • Somatic cell hybrids containing only fragments of human chromosomes can also be produced by using human chromosomes with translocations and deletions.
  • PCR mapping of somatic cell hybrids is a rapid procedure for assigning a particular sequence to a particular chromosome. Three or more sequences can be assigned per day using a single thermal cycler. Using the GPCRX sequences to design oligonucleotide primers, sub- localization can be achieved with panels of fragments from specific chromosomes.
  • Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) of a DNA sequence to a metaphase chromosomal spread can further be used to provide a precise chromosomal location in one step.
  • Chromosome spreads can be made using cells whose division has been blocked in metaphase by a chemical like colcemid that disrupts the mitotic spindle.
  • the chromosomes can be treated briefly with trypsin, and then stained with Giemsa. A pattern of light and dark bands develops on each chromosome, so that the chromosomes can be identified individually.
  • the FISH technique can be used with a DNA sequence as short as 500 or 600 bases.
  • clones larger than 1,000 bases have a higher likelihood of binding to a unique chromosomal location with sufficient signal intensity for simple detection.
  • 1,000 bases, and more preferably 2,000 bases will suffice to get good results at a reasonable amount of time.
  • Reagents for chromosome mapping can be used individually to mark a single chromosome or a single site on that chromosome, or panels of reagents can be used for marking multiple sites and/or multiple chromosomes. Reagents corresponding to noncoding regions of the genes actually are prefereed for mapping purposes. Coding sequences are more likely to be conserved within gene families, thus increasing the chance of cross hybridizations during chromosomal mapping.
  • differences in the DNA sequences between individuals affected and unaffected with a disease associated with the GPCRX gene can be determined. If a mutation is observed in some or all of the affected individuals but not in any unaffected individuals, then the mutation is likely to be the causative agent of the particular disease. Comparison of affected and unaffected individuals generally involves first looking for structural alterations in the chromosomes, such as deletions or translocations that are visible from chromosome spreads or detectable using PCR based on that DNA sequence. Ultimately, complete sequencing of genes from several individuals can be performed to confirm the presence of a mutation and to distinguish mutations from polymorphisms.
  • the GPCRX sequences of the invention can also be used to identify individuals from minute biological samples.
  • an individual's genomic DNA is digested with one or more restriction enzymes, and probed on a Southern blot to yield unique bands for identification.
  • the sequences of the invention are useful as additional DNA markers for RFLP ("restriction fragment length polymorphisms," described in U.S. Patent No. 5,272,057).
  • the sequences of the invention can be used to provide an alternative technique that determines the actual base-by-base DNA sequence of selected portions of an individual's genome.
  • the GPCRX sequences described herein can be used to prepare two PCR primers from the 5'- and 3 '-termini of the sequences. These primers can then be used to amplify an individual's DNA and subsequently sequence it.
  • Panels of coreesponding DNA sequences from individuals, prepared in this manner, can provide unique individual identifications, as each individual will have a unique set of such DNA sequences due to allelic differences.
  • the sequences of the invention can be used to obtain such identification sequences from individuals and from tissue.
  • the GPCRX sequences of the invention uniquely represent portions of the human genome. Allelic variation occurs to some degree in the coding regions of these sequences, and to a greater degree in the noncoding regions. It is estimated that allelic variation between individual humans occurs with a frequency of about once per each 500 bases. Much of the allelic variation is due to single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which include restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs).
  • SNPs single nucleotide polymorphisms
  • RFLPs restriction fragment length polymorphisms
  • each of the sequences described herein can, to some degree, be used as a standard against which DNA from an individual can be compared for identification purposes. Because greater numbers of polymorphisms occur in the noncoding regions, fewer sequences are necessary to differentiate individuals.
  • the noncoding sequences can comfortably provide positive individual identification with a panel of perhaps 10 to 1,000 primers that each yield a noncoding amplified sequence of 100 bases. If predicted coding sequences, such as those in SEQ ID NOS: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 27 are used, a more appropriate number of primers for positive individual identification would be 500-2,000.
  • the invention also pertains to the field of predictive medicine in which diagnostic assays, prognostic assays, pharmacogenomics, and monitoring clinical trials are used for prognostic (predictive) purposes to thereby treat an individual prophylactically.
  • diagnostic assays for determining GPCRX protein and/or nucleic acid expression as well as GPCRX activity, in the context of a biological sample (e.g., blood, serum, cells, tissue) to thereby determine whether an individual is afflicted with a disease or disorder, or is at risk of developing a disorder, associated with abenant GPCRX expression or activity.
  • the disorders include metabolic disorders, diabetes, obesity, infectious disease, anorexia, cancer-associated cachexia, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disorder, immune disorders, and hematopoietic disorders, and the various dyslipidemias, metabolic disturbances associated with obesity, the metabolic syndrome X and wasting disorders associated with chronic diseases and various cancers.
  • the invention also provides for prognostic (or predictive) assays for determining whether an individual is at risk of developing a disorder associated with GPCRX protein, nucleic acid expression or activity. For example, mutations in an GPCRX gene can be assayed in a biological sample. Such assays can be used for prognostic or predictive purpose to thereby prophylactically treat an individual prior to the onset of a disorder characterized by or associated with GPCRX protein, nucleic acid expression, or biological activity.
  • Another aspect of the invention provides methods for determining GPCRX protein, nucleic acid expression or activity in an individual to thereby select appropriate therapeutic or prophylactic agents for that individual (refened to herein as "pharmacogenomics").
  • Pharmacogenomics allows for the selection of agents (e.g., drags) for therapeutic or prophylactic treatment of an individual based on the genotype of the individual (e.g., the genotype of the individual examined to determine the ability of the individual to respond to a particular agent.)
  • Yet another aspect of the invention pertains to monitoring the influence of agents (e.g., drags, compounds) on the expression or activity of GPCRX in clinical trials.
  • agents e.g., drags, compounds
  • An exemplary method for detecting the presence or absence of GPCRX in a biological sample involves obtaining a biological sample from a test subject and contacting the biological sample with a compound or an agent capable of detecting GPCRX protein or nucleic acid
  • An agent for detecting GPCRX mRNA or genomic DNA is a labeled nucleic acid probe capable of hybridizing to GPCRX mRNA or genomic DNA.
  • the nucleic acid probe can be, for example, a full-length GPCRX nucleic acid, such as the nucleic acid of SEQ ID NOS:l, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 27, or a portion thereof, such as an oligonucleotide of at least 15, 30, 50, 100, 250 or 500 nucleotides in length and sufficient to specifically hybridize under stringent conditions to GPCRX mRNA or genomic DNA.
  • Other suitable probes for use in the diagnostic assays of the invention are described herein.
  • An agent for detecting GPCRX protein is an antibody capable of binding to GPCRX protein, preferably an antibody with a detectable label.
  • Antibodies can be polyclonal, or more preferably, monoclonal. An intact antibody, or a fragment thereof (e.g., Fab or F(ab') 2 ) can be used.
  • the term "labeled", with regard to the probe or antibody, is intended to encompass direct labeling of the probe or antibody by coupling (i.e., physically linking) a detectable substance to the probe or antibody, as well as indirect labeling of the probe or antibody by reactivity with another reagent that is directly labeled.
  • Examples of indirect labeling include detection of a primary antibody using a fluorescently-labeled secondary antibody and end-labeling of a DNA probe with biotin such that it can be detected with fluorescently- labeled streptavidin.
  • biological sample is intended to include tissues, cells and biological fluids isolated from a subject, as well as tissues, cells and fluids present within a subject. That is, the detection method of the invention can be used to detect GPCRX mRNA, protein, or genomic DNA in a biological sample in vitro as well as in vivo.
  • in vitro techniques for detection of GPCRX mRNA include Northern hybridizations and in situ hybridizations.
  • In vitro techniques for detection of GPCRX protein include enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), Western blots, immunoprecipitations, and immunofluorescence.
  • In vitro techniques for detection of GPCRX genomic DNA include Southern hybridizations.
  • in vivo techniques for detection of GPCRX protein include introducing into a subject a labeled anti-GPCRX antibody.
  • the antibody can be labeled with a radioactive marker whose presence and location in a subject can be detected by standard imaging techniques.
  • the biological sample contains protein molecules from the test subject.
  • the biological sample can contain mRNA molecules from the test subject or genomic DNA molecules from the test subject.
  • a prefened biological sample is a peripheral blood leukocyte sample isolated by conventional means from a subject.
  • the methods further involve obtaining a control biological sample from a control subject, contacting the control sample with a compound or agent capable of detecting GPCRX protein, mRNA, or genomic DNA, such that the presence of
  • kits for detecting the presence of GPCRX in a biological sample can comprise: a labeled compound or agent capable of detecting GPCRX protein or mRNA in a biological sample; means for determimng the amount of GPCRX in the sample; and means for comparing the amount of GPCRX in the sample with a standard.
  • the compound or agent can be packaged in a suitable container.
  • the kit can further comprise instructions for using the kit to detect GPCRX protein or nucleic acid.
  • the diagnostic methods described herein can furthermore be utilized to identify subjects having or at risk of developing a disease or disorder associated with abenant GPCRX expression or activity.
  • the assays described herein such as the preceding diagnostic assays or the following assays, can be utilized to identify a subject having or at risk of developing a disorder associated with GPCRX protein, nucleic acid expression or activity.
  • the prognostic assays can be utilized to identify a subject having or at risk for developing a disease or disorder.
  • the invention provides a method for identifying a disease or disorder associated with abenant GPCRX expression or activity in which a test sample is obtained from a subject and GPCRX protein or nucleic acid (e.g., mRNA, genomic DNA) is detected, wherein the presence of GPCRX protein or nucleic acid is diagnostic for a subject having or at risk of developing a disease or disorder associated with aberrant GPCRX expression or activity.
  • a test sample refers to a biological sample obtained from a subject of interest.
  • a test sample can be a biological fluid (e.g., serum), cell sample, or tissue.
  • the prognostic assays described herein can be used to determine whether a subject can be administered an agent (e.g., an agonist, antagonist, peptidomimetic, protein, peptide, nucleic acid, small molecule, or other drug candidate) to treat a disease or disorder associated with abenant GPCRX expression or activity.
  • an agent e.g., an agonist, antagonist, peptidomimetic, protein, peptide, nucleic acid, small molecule, or other drug candidate
  • agents e.g., an agonist, antagonist, peptidomimetic, protein, peptide, nucleic acid, small molecule, or other drug candidate
  • the invention provides methods for determining whether a subject can be effectively treated with an agent for a disorder associated with abenant GPCRX expression or activity in which a test sample is obtained and GPCRX protein or nucleic acid is detected (e.g., wherein the presence of GPCRX protein or nucleic acid is diagnostic for a subject that can be administered the agent to treat a disorder associated with abenant GPCRX expression or activity).
  • the methods of the invention can also be used to detect genetic lesions in an GPCRX gene, thereby determimng if a subject with the lesioned gene is at risk for a disorder characterized by abenant cell proliferation and/or differentiation.
  • the methods include detecting, in a sample of cells from the subject, the presence or absence of a genetic lesion characterized by at least one of an alteration affecting the integrity of a gene encoding an GPCRX-protein, or the misexpression of the GPCRX gene.
  • such genetic lesions can be detected by ascertaining the existence of at least one of: (i) a deletion of one or more nucleotides from an GPCRX gene; (ii) an addition of one or more nucleotides to an GPCRX gene; (iii) a substitution of one or more nucleotides of an GPCRX gene, (iv) a cliromosomal reanangement of an GPCRX gene; (v) an alteration in the level of a messenger RNA transcript of an GPCRX gene, (vi) abenant modification of an GPCRX gene, such as of the methylation pattern of the genomic DNA, (vii) the presence of a non- wild-type splicing pattern of a messenger RNA transcript of an GPCRX gene, (viii) a non- wild-type level of an GPCRX protein, (ix) allelic loss of an GPCRX gene, and (x) inappropriate post-translational modification of an GPCRX protein.
  • a prefened biological sample is a peripheral blood leukocyte sample isolated by conventional means from a subject.
  • any biological sample containing nucleated cells may be used, including, for example, buccal mucosal cells.
  • detection of the lesion involves the use of a probe/primer in a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (see, e.g., U.S. Patent Nos.
  • PCR polymerase chain reaction
  • This method can include the steps of collecting a sample of cells from a patient, isolating nucleic acid (e.g., genomic, mRNA or both) from the cells of the sample, contacting the nucleic acid sample with one or more primers that specifically hybridize to an GPCRX gene under conditions such that hybridization and amplification of the GPCRX gene (if present) occurs, and detecting the presence or absence of an amplification product, or detecting the size of the amplification product and comparing the length to a control sample. It is anticipated that PCR and/or LCR may be desirable to use as a preliminary amplification step in conjunction with any of the techniques used for detecting mutations described herein.
  • nucleic acid e.g., genomic, mRNA or both
  • Alternative amplification methods include: self sustained sequence replication (see, Guatelli, et al, 1990. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 87: 1874-1878), transcriptional amplification system (see, Kwoh, et al, 1989. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 86: 1173-1177); Q ⁇ Replicase (see, Lizardi, et al, 1988. BioTechnology 6: 1197), or any other nucleic acid amplification method, followed by the detection of the amplified molecules using techniques well known to those of skill in the art. These detection schemes are especially useful for the detection of nucleic acid molecules if such molecules are present in very low numbers.
  • mutations in an GPCRX gene from a sample cell can be identified by alterations in restriction enzyme cleavage patterns.
  • sample and control DNA is isolated, amplified (optionally), digested with one or more restriction endonucleases, and fragment length sizes are determined by gel electrophoresis and compared. Differences in fragment length sizes between sample and control DNA indicates mutations in the sample DNA.
  • sequence specific ribozymes see, e.g., U.S. Patent No. 5,493,531 can be used to score for the presence of specific mutations by development or loss of a ribozyme cleavage site.
  • genetic mutations in GPCRX can be identified by hybridizing a sample and control nucleic acids, e.g., DNA or RNA, to high-density arrays containing hundreds or thousands of oligonucleotides probes. See, e.g., Cronin, et al, 1996. Human Mutation 1: 244-255; Kozal, et al, 1996. Nat. Med. 2: 753-759.
  • genetic mutations in GPCRX can be identified in two dimensional arrays containing light-generated DNA probes as described in Cronin, et al, supra.
  • a first hybridization array of probes can be used to scan through long stretches of DNA in a sample and control to identify base changes between the sequences by making linear anays of sequential overlapping probes. This step allows the identification of point mutations.
  • a second hybridization anay that allows the characterization of specific mutations by using smaller, specialized probe anays complementary to all variants or mutations detected.
  • Each mutation anay is composed of parallel probe sets, one complementary to the wild-type gene and the other complementary to the mutant gene.
  • any of a variety of sequencing reactions known in the art can be used to directly sequence the GPCRX gene and detect mutations by comparing the sequence of the sample GPCRX with the conesponding wild-type (control) sequence.
  • sequencing reactions include those based on techniques developed by Maxim and
  • any of a variety of automated sequencing procedures can be utilized when performing the diagnostic assays (see, e.g., Naeve, et al, 1995. Biotechniques 19: 448), including sequencing by mass spectrometry (see, e.g., PCT International Publication No. WO 94/16101; Cohen, et al, 1996. Adv. Chromatography 36: 127-162; and Griffin, et al, 1993. Appl. Biochem. Biotechnol. 38: 147-159).
  • Other methods for detecting mutations in the GPCRX gene include methods in which protection from cleavage agents is used to detect mismatched bases in RNA/RNA or RNA/DNA heteroduplexes.
  • mismatch cleavage starts by providing heteroduplexes of formed by hybridizing (labeled) RNA or DNA containing the wild-type GPCRX sequence with potentially mutant RNA or DNA obtained from a tissue sample.
  • the double-stranded duplexes are treated with an agent that cleaves single-stranded regions of the duplex such as which will exist due to basepair mismatches between the control and sample strands.
  • RNA/DNA duplexes can be treated with RNase and DNA/DNA hybrids treated with Si nuclease to enzymatically digesting the mismatched regions
  • either DNA/DNA or RNA/DNA duplexes can be treated with hydroxylamine or osmium tetroxide and with piperidine in order to digest mismatched regions. After digestion of the mismatched regions, the resulting material is then separated by size on denaturing polyacrylamide gels to determine the site of mutation. See, e.g., Cotton, et al, 1988. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85: 4397; Saleeba, et al, 1992. Methods Enzymol. 217: 286-295.
  • the control DNA or RNA can be labeled for detection.
  • the mismatch cleavage reaction employs one or more proteins that recognize mismatched base pairs in double-stranded DNA (so called "DNA mismatch repair" enzymes) in defined systems for detecting and mapping point mutations in GPCRX cDNAs obtained from samples of cells.
  • DNA mismatch repair enzymes
  • the mutY enzyme of E. coli cleaves A at G/A mismatches and the thymidine DNA glycosylase from HeLa cells cleaves T at G/T mismatches. See, e.g., Hsu, et al, 1994. Carcinogenesis 15: 1657-1662.
  • a probe based on an GPCRX sequence e.g., a wild-type GPCRX sequence
  • a cDNA or other DNA product from a test cell(s).
  • the duplex is treated with a DNA mismatch repair enzyme, and the cleavage products, if any, can be detected from electrophoresis protocols or the like. See, e.g., U.S. Patent No. 5,459,039.
  • alterations in electrophoretic mobility will be used to identify mutations in GPCRX genes.
  • SSCP single strand conformation polymorphism
  • Single-stranded DNA fragments of sample and control GPCRX nucleic acids will be denatured and allowed to renature.
  • the secondary structure of single-stranded nucleic acids varies according to sequence, the resulting alteration in electrophoretic mobility enables the detection of even a single base change.
  • the DNA fragments may be labeled or detected with labeled probes.
  • the sensitivity of the assay may be enhanced by using RNA (rather than DNA), in which the secondary stracture is more sensitive to a change in sequence.
  • the subject method utilizes heteroduplex analysis to separate double stranded heteroduplex molecules on the basis of changes in electrophoretic mobility. See, e.g., Keen, et al., 1991. Trends Genet. 7: 5.
  • the movement of mutant or wild-type fragments in polyacrylamide gels containing a gradient of denaturant is assayed using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE).
  • DGGE denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis
  • DNA will be modified to insure that it does not completely denature, for example by adding a GC clamp of approximately 40 bp of high-melting GC-rich DNA by PCR.
  • a temperature gradient is used in place of a denaturing gradient to identify differences in the mobility of control and sample DNA. See, e.g., Rosenbaum and Reissner, 1987. Biophys. Chem. 265: 12753.
  • oligonucleotide primers may be prepared in which the known mutation is placed centrally and then hybridized to target DNA under conditions that permit hybridization only if a perfect match is found. See, e.g., Saiki, et al, 1986. Nature 324: 163; Saiki, et al, 1989. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 86: 6230.
  • Such allele specific oligonucleotides are hybridized to PCR amplified target DNA or a number of different mutations when the oligonucleotides are attached to the hybridizing membrane and hybridized with labeled target DNA.
  • Oligonucleotides used as primers for specific amplification may cany the mutation of interest in the center of the molecule (so that amplification depends on differential hybridization; see, e.g., Gibbs, et al, 1989. Nucl. Acids Res. 17: 2437-2448) or at the extreme 3'-terminus of one primer where, under appropriate conditions, mismatch can prevent, or reduce polymerase extension (see, e.g.,
  • amplification may also be perfonned using Taq ligase for amplification. See, e.g., Barany, 1991. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 88: 189. hi such cases, ligation will occur only if there is a perfect match at the 3'-terminus of the 5' sequence, making it possible to detect the presence of a known mutation at a specific site by looking for the presence or absence of amplification.
  • the methods described herein may be performed, for example, by utilizing pre-packaged diagnostic kits comprising at least one probe nucleic acid or antibody reagent described herein, which may be conveniently used, e.g., in clinical settings to diagnose patients exhibiting symptoms or family history of a disease or illness involving an GPCRX gene.
  • any cell type or tissue preferably peripheral blood leukocytes, in which GPCRX is expressed may be utilized in the prognostic assays described herein.
  • any biological sample containing nucleated cells may be used, including, for example, buccal mucosal cells.
  • Agents, or modulators that have a stimulatory or inhibitory effect on GPCRX activity can be administered to individuals to treat (prophylactically or therapeutically) disorders
  • disorders include metabolic disorders, diabetes, obesity, infectious disease, anorexia, cancer- associated cachexia, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disorder, immune disorders, and hematopoietic disorders, and the various dyslipidemias, metabolic disturbances associated with obesity, the metabolic syndrome X and wasting disorders associated with chronic diseases and various cancers.
  • the phannacogenomics i.e., the study of the relationship between an individual's genotype and that individual's response to a foreign compound or drug
  • the pharmacogenomics of the individual permits the selection of effective agents (e.g., drags) for prophylactic or therapeutic treatments based on a consideration of the individual's genotype. Such pharmacogenomics can further be used to determine appropriate dosages and therapeutic regimens. Accordingly, the activity of GPCRX protein, expression of GPCRX nucleic acid, or mutation content of GPCRX genes in an individual can be determined to thereby select appropriate agent(s) for therapeutic or prophylactic treatment of the individual.
  • Pharmacogenomics deals with clinically significant hereditary variations in the response to drugs due to altered drug disposition and abnormal action in affected persons. See e.g., Eichelbaum, 1996. Clin. Exp. Pharmacol. Physiol, 23: 983-985; Linder, 1997. Clin. Chem., A3: 254-266.
  • two types of pharmacogenetic conditions can be differentiated. Genetic conditions transmitted as a single factor altering the way drugs act on the body (altered drag action) or genetic conditions transmitted as single factors altering the way the body acts on drags (altered drag metabolism). These pharmacogenetic conditions can occur either as rare defects or as polymorphisms.
  • G6PD glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase
  • the activity of drug metabolizing enzymes is a major determinant of both the intensity and duration of drug action.
  • drug metabolizing enzymes e.g., N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT 2) and cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP2D6 and CYP2C19
  • NAT 2 N-acetyltransferase 2
  • CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 cytochrome P450 enzymes
  • the gene coding for CYP2D6 is highly polymorphic and several mutations have been identified in PM, which all lead to the absence of functional CYP2D6. Poor metabolizers of CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 quite frequently experience exaggerated drug response and side effects when they receive standard doses. If a metabolite is the active therapeutic moiety, PM show no therapeutic response, as demonstrated for the analgesic effect of codeine mediated by its CYP2D6-formed metabolite morphine. At the other extreme are the so called ultra-rapid metabolizers who do not respond to standard doses. Recently, the molecular basis of ultra-rapid metabolism has been identified to be due to CYP2D6 gene amplification.
  • the activity of GPCRX protein, expression of GPCRX nucleic acid, or mutation content of GPCRX genes in an individual can be determmed to thereby select appropriate agent(s) for therapeutic or prophylactic treatment of the individual, hi addition, pharmacogenetic studies can be used to apply genotyping of polymorphic alleles encoding drag-metabolizing enzymes to the identification of an individual's drug responsiveness phenotype. This knowledge, when applied to dosing or drug selection, can avoid adverse reactions or therapeutic failure and thus enhance therapeutic or prophylactic efficiency when treating a subject with an GPCRX modulator, such as a modulator identified by one of the exemplary screening assays described herein. Monitoring of Effects During Clinical Trials
  • GPCRX e.g., the ability to modulate abenant cell proliferation and/or differentiation
  • agents e.g., drugs, compounds
  • GPCRX e.g., the ability to modulate abenant cell proliferation and/or differentiation
  • the effectiveness of an agent determined by a screening assay as described herein to increase GPCRX gene expression, protein levels, or upregulate GPCRX activity can be monitored in clinical trails of subjects exhibiting decreased GPCRX gene expression, protein levels, or downregulated GPCRX activity.
  • the effectiveness of an agent determined by a screening assay to decrease GPCRX gene expression, protein levels, or downregulate GPCRX activity can be monitored in clinical trails of subjects exhibiting increased GPCRX gene expression, protein levels, or upregulated GPCRX activity.
  • the expression or activity of GPCRX and, preferably, other genes that have been implicated in, for example, a cellular proliferation or immune disorder can be used as a "read out" or markers of the immune responsiveness of a particular cell.
  • genes including GPCRX, that are modulated in cells by treatment with an agent (e.g., compound, drag or small molecule) that modulates GPCRX activity (e.g., identified in a screening assay as described herein) can be identified.
  • an agent e.g., compound, drag or small molecule
  • GPCRX activity e.g., identified in a screening assay as described herein
  • cells can be isolated and RNA prepared and analyzed for the levels of expression of GPCRX and other genes implicated in the disorder.
  • the levels of gene expression i.e., a gene expression pattern
  • the levels of gene expression i.e., a gene expression pattern
  • RT-PCR as described herein, or alternatively by measuring the amount of protein produced, by one of the methods as described herein, or by measuring the levels of activity of GPCRX or other genes.
  • the gene expression pattern can serve as a marker, indicative of the physiological response of the cells to the agent. Accordingly, this response state maybe determined before, and at various points during, treatment of the individual with the agent.
  • the invention provides a method for monitoring the effectiveness of treatment of a subject with an agent (e.g., an agonist, antagonist, protein, peptide, peptidomimetic, nucleic acid, small molecule, or other drag candidate identified by the screening assays described herein) comprising the steps of (?) obtaining a pre-administration sample from a subject prior to administration of the agent; (ii) detecting the level of expression of an GPCRX protein, mRNA, or genomic DNA in the preadministration sample; (iii) obtaining one or more post-administration samples from the subject; (iv) detecting the level of expression or activity of the GPCRX protein, mRNA, or genomic DNA in the post-administration samples; (v) comparing the level of expression or activity of the GPCRX protein, mRNA, or genomic DNA in the pre-administration sample with the GPCRX protein, mRNA, or genomic DNA in the post administration sample or samples; and (vi) altering the administration of the agent to the subject accordingly.
  • an agent e.g.,
  • increased administration of the agent may be desirable to increase the expression or activity of GPCRX to higher levels than detected, i.e., to increase the effectiveness of the agent.
  • decreased administration of the agent maybe desirable to decrease expression or activity of GPCRX to lower levels than detected, i.e., to decrease the effectiveness of the agent.
  • the invention provides for both prophylactic and therapeutic methods of treating a subject at risk of (or susceptible to) a disorder or having a disorder associated with abenant GPCRX expression or activity.
  • the disorders include cardiomyopathy, atherosclerosis, hypertension, congenital heart defects, aortic stenosis, atrial septal defect (ASD), atrioventricular (A-V) canal defect, ductus arteriosus, pulmonary stenosis, subaortic stenosis, ventricular septal defect (VSD), valve diseases, tuberous sclerosis, scleroderma, obesity, transplantation, adrenoleukodystrophy, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, prostate cancer, neoplasm; adenocarcinoma, lymphoma, uterus cancer, fertility, hemophilia, hypercoagulation, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, immunodeficiencies, graft versus host disease, ALDS, bronchial asthma,
  • Therapeutics that antagonize activity may be administered in a therapeutic or prophylactic manner.
  • Therapeutics that may be utilized include, but are not limited to: (i) an aforementioned peptide, or analogs, derivatives, fragments or homologs thereof; (ii) antibodies to an aforementioned peptide; (iii) nucleic acids encoding an aforementioned peptide; (z ' v) administration of antisense nucleic acid and nucleic acids that are "dysfunctional" (i.e., due to a heterologous insertion within the coding sequences of coding sequences to an aforementioned peptide) that are utilized to "knockout" endoggenous function of an aforementioned peptide by homologous recombination (see, e.g., Capecchi, 1989.
  • modulators i.e., inhibitors, agonists and antagonists, including additional peptide mimetic of the invention or antibodies specific to a peptide of the invention
  • modulators i.e., inhibitors, agonists and antagonists, including additional peptide mimetic of the invention or antibodies specific to a peptide of the invention
  • Diseases and disorders that are characterized by decreased (relative to a subject not suffering from the disease or disorder) levels or biological activity may be treated with
  • Therapeutics that increase i.e., axe agonists to) activity.
  • Therapeutics that upregulate activity may be administered in a therapeutic or prophylactic manner.
  • Therapeutics that may be utilized include, but are not limited to, an aforementioned peptide, or analogs, derivatives, fragments or homologs thereof; or an agonist that increases bioavailability. Increased or decreased levels can be readily detected by quantifying peptide and/or
  • RNA by obtaining a patient tissue sample (e.g., from biopsy tissue) and assaying it in vitro for RNA or peptide levels, structure and/or activity of the expressed peptides (or mRNAs of an aforementioned peptide).
  • Methods that are well-known within the art include, but are not limited to, immunoassays (e.g., by Western blot analysis, immunoprecipitation followed by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, immunocytochemistry, etc.) and/or hybridization assays to detect expression of mRNAs (e.g., Northern assays, dot blots, in situ hybridization, and the like).
  • immunoassays e.g., by Western blot analysis, immunoprecipitation followed by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, immunocytochemistry, etc.
  • hybridization assays to detect expression of
  • the invention provides a method for preventing, in a subject, a disease or condition associated with an abenant GPCRX expression or activity, by administering to the subject an agent that modulates GPCRX expression or at least one GPCRX activity.
  • Subjects at risk for a disease that is caused or contributed to by abenant GPCRX expression or activity can be identified by, for example, any or a combination of diagnostic or prognostic assays as described herein.
  • Administration of a prophylactic agent can occur prior to the manifestation of symptoms characteristic of the GPCRX abenancy, such that a disease or disorder is prevented or, alternatively, delayed in its progression.
  • an GPCRX agonist or GPCRX antagonist agent can be used for treating the subject.
  • the appropriate agent can be determined based on screening assays described herein. The prophylactic methods of the invention are further discussed in the following subsections. Therapeutic Methods
  • the modulatory method of the invention involves contacting a cell with an agent that modulates one or more of the activities of GPCRX protein activity associated with the cell.
  • An agent that modulates GPCRX protein activity can be an agent as described herein, such as a nucleic acid or a protein, a naturally-occurring cognate ligand of an GPCRX protein, a peptide, an GPCRX peptidomimetic, or other small molecule.
  • the agent stimulates one or more GPCRX protein activity. Examples of such stimulatory agents include active GPCRX protein and a nucleic acid molecule encoding GPCRX that has been introduced into the cell.
  • the agent inhibits one or more GPCRX protein activity.
  • inhibitory agents include antisense GPCRX nucleic acid molecules and anti-GPCRX antibodies.
  • These modulatory methods can be performed in vitro (e.g., by culturing the cell with the agent) or, alternatively, in vivo (e.g., by administering the agent to a subject).
  • the invention provides methods of treating an individual afflicted with a disease or disorder characterized by abenant expression or activity of an GPCRX protein or nucleic acid molecule, hi one embodiment, the method involves administering an agent (e.g., an agent identified by a screening assay described herein), or combination of agents that modulates (e.g. , up-regulates or down-regulates)
  • the method involves administering an GPCRX protein or nucleic acid molecule as therapy to compensate for reduced or abenant GPCRX expression or activity.
  • Stimulation of GPCRX activity is desirable in situations in which GPCRX is abnormally downregulated and/or in which increased GPCRX activity is likely to have a beneficial effect.
  • a subject has a disorder characterized by abenant cell proliferation and/or differentiation (e.g., cancer or immune associated disorders).
  • a gestational disease e.g., preclampsia
  • suitable in vitro or in vivo assays are performed to determine the effect of a specific Therapeutic and whether its administration is indicated for treatment of the affected tissue.
  • in vitro assays may be performed with representative cells of the type(s) involved in the patient's disorder, to determine if a given Therapeutic exerts the desired effect upon the cell type(s).
  • Compounds for use in therapy may be tested in suitable animal model systems including, but not limited to rats, mice, chicken, cows, monkeys, rabbits, and the like, prior to testing in human subjects. Similarly, for in vivo testing, any of the animal model system known in the art may be used prior to administration to human subjects.
  • the GPCRX nucleic acids and proteins of the invention are useful in potential prophylactic and therapeutic applications implicated in a variety of disorders including, but not limited to: metabolic disorders, diabetes, obesity, infectious disease, anorexia, cancer- associated cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disorder, immune disorders, hematopoietic disorders, and the various dyslipidemias, metabolic disturbances associated with obesity, the metabolic syndrome X and wasting disorders associated with chronic diseases and various cancers.
  • a cDNA encoding the GPCRX protein of the invention may be useful in gene therapy, and the protein may be useful when administered to a subject in need thereof.
  • the compositions of the invention will have efficacy for treatment of patients suffering from: metabolic disorders, diabetes, obesity, infectious disease, anorexia, cancer-associated cachexia, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, Alzheimer's
  • Both the novel nucleic acid encoding the GPCRX protein, and the GPCRX protein of the invention, or fragments thereof, may also be useful in diagnostic applications, wherein the presence or amount of the nucleic acid or the protein are to be assessed.
  • a further use could be as an anti-bacterial molecule (i.e., some peptides have been found to possess anti-bacterial properties).
  • These materials are further useful in the generation of antibodies which immunospecifically-bind to the novel substances of the invention for use in therapeutic or diagnostic methods. Examples Example 1. Identification of GPCRX clones
  • the novel nucleic acid sequences of GPCRl through GPCR5 were identified on chromosome 11 by TblastN using CuraGen Corporation's sequence files for Olfactory Receptor homolog, run against the Genomic Daily Files made available by GenBank.
  • PCR primers were designed by starting at the most upstream sequence available, for the forward primer, and at the most downstream sequence available for the reverse primer, hi each case, the sequence was examined, walking inward from the respective termini toward the coding sequence, until a suitable sequence that is either unique or highly selective was encountered, or, in the case of the reverse primer, until the stop codon was reached.
  • Such primers were designed based on in silico predictions for the full length cDNA, part (one or more exons) of the DNA or protein sequence of the target sequence, or by translated homology of the predicted exons to closely related human sequences from other species.
  • primers were then employed in PCR amplification based on the following pool of human cDNAs: adrenal gland, bone manow, brain - amygdala, brain - cerebellum, brain - hippocampus, brain - substantia nigra, brain - thalamus, brain -whole, fetal brain, fetal kidney, fetal liver, fetal lung, heart, kidney, lymphoma - Raji, mammary gland, pancreas, pituitary gland, placenta, prostate, salivary gland, skeletal muscle, small intestine, spinal cord, spleen, stomach, testis, thyroid, trachea, uterus.
  • RTQ PCR real time quantitative PCR
  • Panel 1 containing cells and cell lines from normal and cancer sources
  • Panel 2 containing samples derived from tissues, in particular from surgical samples, from normal and cancer sources
  • Panel 3 containing samples derived from a wide variety of cancer sources
  • Panel 4 containing cells and cell lines from normal cells and cells related to inflammatory conditions
  • Panel CNSD.01 containing samples from normal and diseased brains.
  • RNA samples were normalized to constitutively expressed genes such as ⁇ - actin and GAPDH.
  • RNA 50 ng total or ⁇ 1 ng polyA+
  • TAQMAN ® Reverse Transcription Reagents Kit PE Biosystems, Foster City, CA; Catalog No. N808-0234
  • random hexamers random hexamers according to the manufacturer's protocol. Reactions were performed in 20 ul and incubated for 30 min. at 48°C.
  • cDNA (5 ul) was then transfened to a separate plate for the TAQMAN® reaction using ⁇ -actin and GAPDH TAQMAN® Assay Reagents (PE Biosystems; Catalog Nos.
  • RNA samples The average CT values obtained for ⁇ -actin and GAPDH were used to normalize RNA samples.
  • the RNA sample generating the highest CT value required no further diluting, while all other samples were diluted relative to this sample according to their ⁇ -actin /GAPDH average CT values.
  • Normalized RNA (5 ul) was converted to cDNA and analyzed via TAQMAN® using
  • Probes and primers were designed for each assay according to Perkin Elmer Biosystem's Primer Express Software package (version I for Apple Computer's Macintosh Power PC) or a similar algorithm using the target sequence as input.
  • primer concentration 250 nM
  • primer melting temperature (T m ) range 58°-60° C
  • primer optimal Tm 59° C
  • maximum primer difference 2° C
  • probe does not have 5' G probe T m must be 10° C greater than primer T m , amplicon size 75 bp to 100 bp.
  • the probes and primers selected were synthesized by Synthegen (Houston, TX, USA). Probes were double purified by HPLC to remove uncoupled dye and evaluated by mass spectroscopy to verify coupling of reporter and quencher dyes to the 5' and 3' ends of the probe, respectively. Their final concentrations were: forward and reverse primers, 900 nM each, and probe, 200nM.
  • PCR conditions Normalized RNA from each tissue and each cell line was spotted in each well of a 96 well PCR plate (Perkin Elmer Biosystems). PCR cocktails including two , probes (a probe specific for the target clone and another gene-specific probe multiplexed with the target probe) were set up using IX TaqManTM PCR Master Mix for the PE Biosystems 7700, with 5 mM MgC12, dNTPs (dA, G, C, U at 1 : 1 : 1 :2 ratios), 0.25 U/ml AmpliTaq GoldTM (PE Biosystems), and 0.4 U/ ⁇ l RNase inhibitor, and 0.25 U/ ⁇ l reverse transcriptase. Reverse transcription was performed at 48° C for 30 minutes followed by amplification/PCR cycles as follows: 95° C 10 min, then 40 cycles of 95° C for 15 seconds, 60° C for 1 minute.
  • the plates for Panel 2 generally include 2 control wells and 94 test samples composed of RNA or cDNA isolated from human tissue procured by surgeons working in close cooperation with the National Cancer Institute's Cooperative Human Tissue Network (CHTN) or the National Disease Research Initiative (NDRi).
  • CHTN National Cancer Institute's Cooperative Human Tissue Network
  • NDRi National Disease Research Initiative
  • the tissues are derived from human malignancies and in cases where indicated many malignant tissues have "matched margins" obtained from noncancerous tissue just adjacent to the tumor. These are termed normal adjacent tissues and are denoted "NAT" in the results below.
  • the tumor tissue and the "matched margins" are evaluated by two independent pathologists (the surgical pathologists and again by a pathologists at NDRI or CHTN). This analysis provides a gross histopathological assessment of tumor differentiation grade.
  • RNA and cDNA samples were obtained from various human tissues derived from autopsies performed on elderly people or sudden death victims (accidents, etc.). These tissues were ascertained to be free of disease and were purchased from various commercial sources such as Clontech (Palo Alto, CA), Research Genetics, and Invitrogen.
  • RNA integrity from all samples is controlled for quality by visual assessment of agarose gel electropherograms using 28S and 18S ribosomal RNA staining intensity ratio as a guide (2:1 to 2.5:1 28s:18s) and the absence of low molecular weight RNAs that would be indicative of degradation products.
  • Samples are controlled against genomic DNA contamination by RTQ PCR reactions run in the absence of reverse transcriptase using probe and primer sets designed to amplify across the span of a single exon.
  • Panel 3D The plates of Panel 3D are comprised of 94 cDNA samples and two control samples.
  • 92 of these samples are derived from cultured human cancer cell lines, 2 samples of human primary cerebellar tissue and 2 controls.
  • the human cell lines are generally obtained from ATCC (American Type Culture Collection), NCI or the Gennan tumor cell bank and fall into the following tissue groups: Squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, breast cancer, prostate cancer, melanoma, epidermoid carcinoma, sarcomas, bladder carcinomas, pancreatic cancers, kidney cancers, leukemias/lymphomas, ovarian/uterine/cervical, gastric, colon, lung and CNS cancer cell lines.
  • ATCC American Type Culture Collection
  • NCI Gennan tumor cell bank
  • RNA integrity from all samples is controlled for quality by visual assessment of agarose gel electropherograms using 28S and 18S ribosomal RNA staining intensity ratio as a guide (2:1 to 2.5:1 28s:18s) and the absence of low molecular weight RNAs that would be indicative of degradation products.
  • Samples are controlled against genomic DNA contamination by RTQ PCR reactions ran in the absence of reverse transcriptase using probe and primer sets designed to amplify across the span of a single exon.
  • Panel 4 includes samples on a 96 well plate (2 control wells, 94 test samples) composed of RNA (Panel 4r) or cDNA (Panel 4d) isolated from various human cell lines or tissues related to inflammatory conditions.
  • RNA RNA from control normal tissues such as colon and lung (Stratagene ,La Jolla, CA) and thymus and kidney (Clontech) were employed.
  • Total RNA from liver tissue from cinhosis patients and kidney from lupus patients was obtained from BioChain (Biochain Institute, hie, Hayward, CA).
  • Intestinal tissue for RNA preparation from patients diagnosed as having Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis was obtained from the National Disease Research Interchange (NDRI) (Philadelphia, PA).
  • Astrocytes, lung fibroblasts, dermal fibroblasts, coronary artery smooth muscle cells, small airway epithelium, bronchial epithelium, microvascular dermal endothelial cells, microvascular lung endothelial cells, human pulmonary aortic endothelial cells, human umbilical vein endothelial cells were all purchased from Clonetics (Walkersville, MD) and grown in the media supplied for these cell types by Clonetics. These primary cell types were activated with various cytokines or combinations of cytokines for 6 and/or 12-14 hours, as indicated.
  • cytokines were used; IL-1 beta at approximately 1-5 ng/ml, TNF alpha at approximately 5-10 ng/ml, TEN gamma at approximately 20-50 ng/ml, IL-4 at approximately 5-10 ng/ml, IL-9 at approximately 5-10 ng/ml, IL-13 at approximately 5-10 ng/ml. Endothelial cells were sometimes starved for various times by culture in the basal media from Clonetics with 0.1% serum.
  • Mononuclear cells were prepared from blood of employees at CuraGen Corporation, using Ficoll. LAK cells were prepared from these cells by culture in DMEM 5% FCS
  • MLR mixed lymphocyte reaction
  • samples were obtained by taking blood from two donors, isolating the mononuclear cells using Ficoll and mixing the isolated mononuclear cells 1:1 at a final concentration of approximately 2xl0 6 cells/ml in DMEM 5% FCS (Hyclone), 100 ⁇ M non essential amino acids (Gibco), 1 mM sodium pyravate (Gibco), mercaptoethanol (5.5 x 10 "5 M) (Gibco), and 10 mM Hepes (Gibco).
  • the MLR was cultured and samples taken at various time points ranging from 1- 7 days for RNA preparation.
  • Monocytes were isolated from mononuclear cells using CD 14 Miltenyi Beads, +ve VS selection columns and a Vario Magnet according to the manufacturer's instructions. Monocytes were differentiated into dendritic cells by culture in DMEM 5% fetal calf serum (FCS) (Hyclone, Logan, UT), 100 ⁇ M non essential amino acids (Gibco), 1 mM sodium pyruvate (Gibco), mercaptoethanol 5.5 x 10 "5 M (Gibco), and 10 mM Hepes (Gibco), 50 ng/ml GMCSF and 5 ng/ml IL-4 for 5-7 days.
  • FCS fetal calf serum
  • Macrophages were prepared by culture of monocytes for 5-7 days in DMEM 5% FCS (Hyclone), 100 ⁇ M non essential amino acids (Gibco), 1 mM sodium pyravate (Gibco), mercaptoethanol 5.5 x 10 "5 M (Gibco), 10 mM Hepes (Gibco) and 10% AB Human Serum or MCSF at approximately 50 ng/ml. Monocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells were stimulated for 6 and 12-14 hours with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at 100 ng/ml.
  • LPS lipopolysaccharide
  • Dendritic cells were also stimulated with anti-CD40 monoclonal antibody (Pharmingen) at 10 ⁇ g/ml for 6 and 12-14 hours.
  • CD4 lymphocytes, CD8 lymphocytes and NK cells were also isolated from mononuclear cells using CD4, CD8 and CD56 Miltenyi beads, positive VS selection columns and a Vario Magnet according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  • CD45RA and CD45RO CD4 lymphocytes were isolated by depleting mononuclear cells of CD8, CD56, CD14 and CD19 cells using CD8, CD56, CD14 and CD19 Miltenyi beads and positive selection. Then CD45RO beads were used to isolate the CD45RO CD4 lymphocytes with the remaining cells being CD45RA CD4 lymphocytes.
  • CD45RA CD4, CD45RO CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes were placed in DMEM 5% FCS (Hyclone), 100 ⁇ M non essential amino acids (Gibco), 1 mM sodium pyravate (Gibco), mercaptoethanol 5.5 x 10 "5 M (Gibco), and 10 mM Hepes (Gibco) and plated at 10 6 cells/ml onto Falcon 6 well tissue culture plates that had been coated overnight with 0.5 ⁇ g/ml anti-CD28 (Pharmingen) and 3 ug/ml anti-CD3 (OKT3, ATCC) in PBS. After 6 and 24 hours, the cells were harvested for RNA preparation.
  • CD8 lymphocytes To prepare chronically activated CD8 lymphocytes, we activated the isolated CD8 lymphocytes for 4 days on anti-CD28 and anti-CD3 coated plates and then harvested the cells and expanded them in DMEM 5% FCS (Hyclone), 100 ⁇ M non essential amino acids (Gibco), 1 mM sodium pyruvate (Gibco), mercaptoethanol 5.5 x 10 "5 M (Gibco), and 10 mM Hepes (Gibco) and IL-2. The expanded CD8 cells were then activated again with plate bound anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 for 4 days and expanded as before. RNA was isolated 6 and 24 hours after the second activation and after 4 days of the second expansion culture.
  • the isolated NK cells were cultured in DMEM 5% FCS (Hyclone), 100 ⁇ M non essential amino acids (Gibco), 1 mM sodium pyruvate (Gibco), mercaptoethanol 5.5 x 10 "5 M (Gibco), and 10 mM Hepes (Gibco) and IL-2 for 4-6 days before RNA was prepared.
  • tonsils were procured from NDRI. The tonsil was cut up with sterile dissecting scissors and then passed through a sieve. Tonsil cells were then spun down and resupended at 10 6 cells/ml in DMEM 5% FCS (Hyclone), 100 ⁇ M non essential amino acids (Gibco), 1 mM sodium pyravate (Gibco), mercaptoethanol 5.5 x 10 "5 M (Gibco), and 10 mM Hepes (Gibco). To activate the cells, we used PWM at 5 ⁇ g/ml or anti-CD40 (Pharmingen) at approximately 10 ⁇ g/ml and IL-4 at 5-10 ng/ml. Cells were harvested for RNA preparation at 24,48 and 72 hours.
  • German Town, MD were cultured at 10 -10 cells/ml in DMEM 5% FCS (Hyclone), 100 ⁇ M non essential amino acids (Gibco), 1 mM sodium pyravate (Gibco), mercaptoethanol 5.5 x 10 " 5 M (Gibco), 10 mM Hepes (Gibco) and IL-2 (4 ng/ml).
  • IL-12 5 ng/ml
  • anti-IL4 (1 ⁇ g/ml
  • IL-4 5 ng/ml
  • anti-IFN gamma (1 ⁇ g/ml
  • Th2 was used to direct to Trl.
  • Thl, Th2 and Trl lymphocytes were washed once in DMEM and expanded for 4-7 days in DMEM 5% FCS (Hyclone), 100 ⁇ M non essential amino acids (Gibco), 1 mM sodium pyruvate (Gibco), mercaptoethanol 5.5 x 10 "5 M (Gibco), 10 mM Hepes (Gibco) and IL-2 (1 ng/ml).
  • Thl, Th2 and Trl lymphocytes were re-stimulated for 5 days with anti-CD28/OKT3 and cytokines as described above, but with the addition of anti- CD95L (1 ⁇ g/ml) to prevent apoptosis.
  • the Thl, Th2 and Trl lymphocytes were washed and then expanded again with IL-2 for 4-7 days. Activated Thl and Th2 lymphocytes were maintained in this way for a maximum of three cycles.
  • RNA was prepared from primary and secondary Thl, Th2 and Trl after 6 and 24 hours following the second and third activations with plate bound anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 mAbs and 4 days into the second and third expansion cultures in h terleukin 2.
  • leukocyte cells lines were obtained from the ATCC: Ramos, EOL-1, KU-812. EOL cells were further differentiated by culture in 0.1 mM dbcAMP at 5 xlO 5 cells/ml for 8 days, changing the media every 3 days and adjusting the cell concentration to 5 xlO 5 cells/ml.
  • EOL cells were further differentiated by culture in 0.1 mM dbcAMP at 5 xlO 5 cells/ml for 8 days, changing the media every 3 days and adjusting the cell concentration to 5 xlO 5 cells/ml.
  • DMEM or RPMI as recommended by the ATCC
  • RNA was either prepared from resting cells or cells activated with PMA at 10 ng/ml and ionomycin at 1 ⁇ g/ml for 6 and 14 hours.
  • Keratinocyte line CCD 106 and an airway epithelial tumor line NCI-H292 were also obtained from the ATCC. Both were cultured in DMEM 5%> FCS (Hyclone), 100 ⁇ M non essential amino acids (Gibco), 1 mM sodium pyruvate (Gibco), mercaptoethanol 5.5 x 10 "5 M (Gibco), and 10 mM Hepes (Gibco).
  • CCD 1106 cells were activated for 6 and 14 hours with approximately 5 ng/ml TNF alpha and 1 ng/ml IL-1 beta, while NCI-H292 cells were activated for 6 and 14 hours with the following cytokines: 5 ng/ml IL-4, 5 ng/ml IL-9, 5 ng/ml IL-13 and 25 ng/ml IFN gamma.
  • RNA was prepared by lysing approximately 10 7 cells/ml using Trizol (Gibco BRL). Briefly, 1/10 volume of bromochloropropane (Molecular Research Corporation) was added to the RNA sample, vortexed and after 10 minutes at room temperature, the tubes were spun at 14,000 rpm in a Sorvall SS34 rotor. The aqueous phase was removed and placed in a 15 ml Falcon Tube. An equal volume of isopropanol was added and left at -20 degrees C overnight. The precipitated RNA was spun down at 9,000 rpm for 15 min in a Sorvall SS34 rotor and washed in 70% ethanol.
  • Trizol Trizol
  • bromochloropropane Molecular Research Corporation
  • Panel CNSD.01 The plates for Panel CNSD.01 include two control wells and 94 test samples comprised of cDNA isolated from postmortem human brain tissue obtained from the Harvard
  • Brain Tissue Resource Center Brains are removed from calvaria of donors between 4 and 24 hours after death, sectioned by neuroanatomists, and frozen at -80°C in liquid nitrogen vapor. All brains are sectioned and examined by neuropathologists to confirm diagnoses with clear associated neuropathology.
  • the panel contains two brains from each of the following diagnoses: Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Progressive Supemuclear Palsy, Depression, and "Nonnal controls”. Within each of these brains, the following regions are represented: cingulate gyrus, temporal pole, globus palladus, substantia nigra, Brodman Area 4 (primary motor strip), Brodman Area 7 (parietal cortex), Brodman Area 9 (prefrontal cortex), and Brodman area 17 (occipital cortex).
  • RNA integrity from all samples is controlled for quality by visual assessment of agarose gel electropherograms using 28S and 18S ribosomal RNA staining intensity ratio as a guide (2:1 to 2.5:1 28s: 18s) and the absence of low molecular weight RNAs that would be indicative of degradation products. Samples are controlled against genomic DNA contamination by RTQ PCR reactions ran in the absence of reverse transcriptase using probe and primer sets designed to amplify across the span of a single exon.
  • Cing Gyr Cingulate gyrus
  • GPCRl also known as AP001804_A or CG54326-01
  • Brain (amygdala) 4.0 Liver ca. (hepatoblast) HepG2 0.0
  • Brain hippocampus
  • Lung fetal
  • Brain (substantia nigra) 0.0 Lung ca. (small cell) LX-1 6.5

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Zoology (AREA)
  • Gastroenterology & Hepatology (AREA)
  • Immunology (AREA)
  • Biochemistry (AREA)
  • Cell Biology (AREA)
  • Toxicology (AREA)
  • Genetics & Genomics (AREA)
  • Medicinal Chemistry (AREA)
  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
  • Proteomics, Peptides & Aminoacids (AREA)
  • Endocrinology (AREA)
  • Pharmaceuticals Containing Other Organic And Inorganic Compounds (AREA)
  • Medicines That Contain Protein Lipid Enzymes And Other Medicines (AREA)
  • Peptides Or Proteins (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne de nouvelles séquences d'acides nucléiques codant des polypeptides apparentés aux récepteurs couplés à la protéine G. Elle concerne également des polypeptides codés par ces séquences d'acides nucléiques, ainsi que des anticorps se fixant aux polypeptides de façon immunospécifique, des dérivés, des variantes, des mutants ou des fragments du polypeptide, du polynucléotide ou de l'anticorps désignés ci-dessus. Elle concerne, de plus, des procédés thérapeutiques, diagnostiques et des procédés de recherche de diagnostic, de traitement et de prévention de maladies dans lesquels ces nouveaux acides nucléiques et ces nouvelles protéines humains jouent un rôle.
PCT/US2001/021174 2000-06-30 2001-07-02 Nouvelles proteines et acides nucleiques les codant WO2002002637A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2001273167A AU2001273167A1 (en) 2000-06-30 2001-07-02 G-protein coupled receptors and nucleic acids encoding same

Applications Claiming Priority (16)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US21548300P 2000-06-30 2000-06-30
US21549500P 2000-06-30 2000-06-30
US60/215,483 2000-06-30
US60/215,495 2000-06-30
US21611700P 2000-07-06 2000-07-06
US60/216,117 2000-07-06
US22058900P 2000-07-25 2000-07-25
US60/220,589 2000-07-25
US24529400P 2000-11-02 2000-11-02
US60/245,294 2000-11-02
US26072901P 2001-01-10 2001-01-10
US26085101P 2001-01-10 2001-01-10
US60/260,729 2001-01-10
US60/260,851 2001-01-10
US27167301P 2001-02-26 2001-02-26
US60/271,673 2001-02-26

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2002002637A2 true WO2002002637A2 (fr) 2002-01-10
WO2002002637A3 WO2002002637A3 (fr) 2003-10-16

Family

ID=27575189

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2001/021174 WO2002002637A2 (fr) 2000-06-30 2001-07-02 Nouvelles proteines et acides nucleiques les codant

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2001273167A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2002002637A2 (fr)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2002026985A2 (fr) * 2000-09-28 2002-04-04 Curagen Corporation Nouvelles proteines et acides nucleiques codant ces proteines
WO2003080097A2 (fr) * 2002-03-22 2003-10-02 Bayer Healthcare Ag Methodes diagnostiques et therapeutiques relatives a des maladies associees au recepteur 7 couple a la proteine g humaine (gpr7)
WO2004042405A2 (fr) * 2002-11-04 2004-05-21 Bayer Healthcare Ag Diagnostic et therapeutique pour maladies associees au recepteur 3 couples aux proteines g (gpr3) humain
EP1573034A2 (fr) * 2002-06-20 2005-09-14 Bristol-Myers Squibb Company Identification et modulation d'un recepteur couple aux proteines g (rcpg), rai3, associe a la bronchopneumopathie chronique obstructive (bpco) et a la regulation de nf-$g(k)b et de la e-selectine

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2000021999A1 (fr) * 1998-10-09 2000-04-20 Chugai Research Institute For Molecular Medicine, Inc. Nouveaux recepteurs couples a la proteine g
WO2001027158A2 (fr) * 1999-10-08 2001-04-19 Digiscents Sequences de recepteurs olfactifs
WO2001042288A2 (fr) * 1999-12-10 2001-06-14 Incyte Genomics, Inc. Recepteurs couples a la proteine g
WO2001066742A2 (fr) * 2000-03-03 2001-09-13 Incyte Genomics, Inc. Recepteurs couples a la proteine g
WO2001068805A2 (fr) * 2000-03-13 2001-09-20 Senomyx, Inc. Nouveaux recepteurs olfactifs humains et genes codant ces recepteurs
WO2001090359A2 (fr) * 2000-05-22 2001-11-29 Incyte Genomics, Inc. Recepteurs couples par proteine g

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2000021999A1 (fr) * 1998-10-09 2000-04-20 Chugai Research Institute For Molecular Medicine, Inc. Nouveaux recepteurs couples a la proteine g
WO2001027158A2 (fr) * 1999-10-08 2001-04-19 Digiscents Sequences de recepteurs olfactifs
WO2001042288A2 (fr) * 1999-12-10 2001-06-14 Incyte Genomics, Inc. Recepteurs couples a la proteine g
WO2001066742A2 (fr) * 2000-03-03 2001-09-13 Incyte Genomics, Inc. Recepteurs couples a la proteine g
WO2001068805A2 (fr) * 2000-03-13 2001-09-20 Senomyx, Inc. Nouveaux recepteurs olfactifs humains et genes codant ces recepteurs
WO2001090359A2 (fr) * 2000-05-22 2001-11-29 Incyte Genomics, Inc. Recepteurs couples par proteine g

Non-Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
DATABASE EMBL [Online] EBI, Hinxton, UK; 10 December 1999 (1999-12-10) CORBY N: "Human DNA sequence from clone RP11-112J3" XP002212375 *
DATABASE EMBL [Online] EBI, Hinxton, UK; 9 September 1999 (1999-09-09) STROTMANN J ET AL: "Small subfamily of olfactory receptor genes: structural features, expression pattern and genomic organization" XP002212376 -& STROTMANN J ET AL: GENE, vol. 236, no. 2, 20 August 1999 (1999-08-20), pages 281-291, XP004178064 *
DATABASE EMBL [Online] EBI; EVANS G A ET AL: "HTGS submission" Database accession no. AC002556 XP002202495 *
GAT U ET AL: "OLFACTORY RECEPTOR PROTEINS EXPRESSION, CHARACTERIZATION AND PARTIAL PURIFICATION" EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY, BERLIN, DE, vol. 225, no. 3, 1994, pages 1157-1168, XP002926155 ISSN: 0014-2956 *
STADEL J M ET AL: "Orphan G protein-coupled receptors: a neglected opportunity for pioneer drug discovery" TRENDS IN PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES, ELSEVIER TRENDS JOURNAL, CAMBRIDGE, GB, vol. 18, no. 11, 1 November 1997 (1997-11-01), pages 430-437, XP004099345 ISSN: 0165-6147 *

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2002026985A2 (fr) * 2000-09-28 2002-04-04 Curagen Corporation Nouvelles proteines et acides nucleiques codant ces proteines
WO2002026985A3 (fr) * 2000-09-28 2003-03-27 Curagen Corp Nouvelles proteines et acides nucleiques codant ces proteines
WO2003080097A2 (fr) * 2002-03-22 2003-10-02 Bayer Healthcare Ag Methodes diagnostiques et therapeutiques relatives a des maladies associees au recepteur 7 couple a la proteine g humaine (gpr7)
WO2003080097A3 (fr) * 2002-03-22 2004-03-11 Bayer Healthcare Ag Methodes diagnostiques et therapeutiques relatives a des maladies associees au recepteur 7 couple a la proteine g humaine (gpr7)
EP1573034A2 (fr) * 2002-06-20 2005-09-14 Bristol-Myers Squibb Company Identification et modulation d'un recepteur couple aux proteines g (rcpg), rai3, associe a la bronchopneumopathie chronique obstructive (bpco) et a la regulation de nf-$g(k)b et de la e-selectine
EP1573034A4 (fr) * 2002-06-20 2006-06-14 Bristol Myers Squibb Co Identification et modulation d'un recepteur couple aux proteines g (rcpg), rai3, associe a la bronchopneumopathie chronique obstructive (bpco) et a la regulation de nf-$g(k)b et de la e-selectine
WO2004042405A2 (fr) * 2002-11-04 2004-05-21 Bayer Healthcare Ag Diagnostic et therapeutique pour maladies associees au recepteur 3 couples aux proteines g (gpr3) humain
WO2004042405A3 (fr) * 2002-11-04 2004-09-23 Bayer Healthcare Ag Diagnostic et therapeutique pour maladies associees au recepteur 3 couples aux proteines g (gpr3) humain

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2002002637A3 (fr) 2003-10-16
AU2001273167A1 (en) 2002-01-14

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20050287564A1 (en) Therapeutic polypeptides, nucleic acids encoding same, and methods of use
EP1364014A2 (fr) Nouvelles proteines et acides nucleiques codant pour ces proteines
US20030204052A1 (en) Novel proteins and nucleic acids encoding same and antibodies directed against these proteins
US20030232331A1 (en) Novel proteins and nucleic acids encoding same
CA2448073A1 (fr) Polypeptides therapeutiques, acides nucleiques codant ces polypeptides et procedes d'utilisation
CA2446437A1 (fr) Nouveaux anticorps se liant a des polypeptides antigeniques, acides nucleiques codant les antigenes, et procedes d'utilisation
US20030216545A1 (en) Novel proteins and nucleic acids encoding same
US20030212255A1 (en) Novel proteins and nucleic acids encoding same
WO2002012343A2 (fr) Nouvelles proteines et acides nucleiques les codant
WO2002002637A2 (fr) Nouvelles proteines et acides nucleiques les codant
US20030232332A1 (en) Novel proteins and nucleic acids encoding same
US20040014038A1 (en) Novel GPCR-like proteins and nucleic acids encoding same
US20030068618A1 (en) Novel proteins and nucleic acids encoding same
US20040018594A1 (en) Novel antibodies that bind to antigenic polypeptides, nucleic acids encoding the antigens, and methods of use
WO2002040539A2 (fr) Nouvelle proteine de type recepteur couple a la proteine g et acides nucleiques codant pour cette nouvelle proteine
US20030211985A1 (en) Novel proteins and nucleic acids encoding same
US20040005656A1 (en) Novel GPCR-like proteins and nucleic acids encoding same
US20030059775A1 (en) Novel proteins and nucleic acids encoding same
US20030165851A1 (en) Novel polypetides and nucleic acids encoding same
US20030166845A1 (en) Novel proteins and nucleic acids encoding same
US20030165858A1 (en) Novel GPCR-like proteins and nucleic acids encoding same
US20030207801A1 (en) Novel polypeptides and nucleic acids encoding same
US20030195149A1 (en) Endozepine-like proteins, polynucleotides encoding them and methods of using the same
WO2002010202A2 (fr) Nouvelles proteines et nouveaux acides nucleiques codant celles-ci
US20040033971A1 (en) Polypeptides and nucleic acids encoding same

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY BZ CA CH CN CO CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EE ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX MZ NO NZ PL PT RO RU SD SE SG SI SK SL TJ TM TR TT TZ UA UG US US US US US US US US UZ VN YU ZA ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW MZ SD SL SZ TZ UG ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
DFPE Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101)
REG Reference to national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: 8642

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase
NENP Non-entry into the national phase in:

Ref country code: JP