摘要:
The use of fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-18 protein, certain of its downstream target genes and respective expressed proteins, in particular sonic hedgehog (Shh), Shh protein, &bgr;-catenin, &bgr;-catenin protein, and the Wnt family of proteins that stimulate &bgr;-catenin, and the respective nucleotide sequences encoding this protein, particularly for inducing cartilage formation, particularly for the purpose of generating, repairing, reconstructing, or de novo formation of, cartilaginous tissue. Therapies for which FGF-18 and the target proteins are useful include repair and reconstruction of various tissues in conducting airways such as the trachea, bronchi, lung and larynx caused by, for example, tracheal-bronchial abnormalities, tracheal-laryngo or bronchial malaria. Other therapies for which FGF-18 and the target proteins would be useful include other cartilaginous tissues, such as those of joint and skeletal tissue caused by, for example, arthritis and meniscus abnormalities in joints.
摘要:
The discovery that CFTR modifier genes, in particular the Kir4.2 gene, the expressed polypeptide(s), as well as genetic and polypeptide regulators thereof, can be used to treat cystic fibrosis (CF), or at least the conditions that cause CF. Methods and products for detecting and/or identifying CFTR modifier genes, their respective expressed polypeptides, the genetic regulators of such CFTR modifier genes, and the regulators of their respective expressed polypeptides are disclosed. Also disclosed are compositions and methods using these CFTR modifier genes, their respective expressed polypeptides, genetic regulators of these CFTR modifier genes, and/or CFTR modifier polypeptide regulators for the purpose of treating CF, or at least the conditions that cause CF, are disclosed.