Abstract:
The present invention is directed to methods for the expansion of non-terminally differentiated cells ("precursor cells") using agonists of Notch function, by inhibiting the differentiation of the cells without inhibiting proliferation (mitotic activity) such that an expanded population of non-terminally differentiated cells is obtained. The cells are preferably stem or progenitor cells. These expanded cells can be used in cell replacement therapy to provide desired cell populations and help in the regeneration of diseased and/or injured tissues. The expanded cell populations can also be made recombinant and used for gene therapy, or can be used to supply functions associated with a particular precursor cell or its progeny cell.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to therapeutic and diagnostic methods and compositions based on Notch proteins and nucleic acids. Figure 17 displays the sequences of human Notch DNA and the encoded human Notch protein. The invention provides for treatment of disorders of cell fate or differentiation by administration of a therapeutic compound of the invention. Such therapeutic compounds (termed herein "Therapeutics") include Notch proteins and analogs and derivatives (including fragments) thereof, antibodies thereto, nucleic acids encoding the Notch proteins, analogs, or derivatives, Notch antisense nucleic acids, as well as toporythmic proteins and derivatives which bind to or otherwise interact with Notch proteins, their encoding nucleic acids or antibodies. In a preferred embodiment, a Therapeutic of the invention is administered to treat a cancerous condition, or to prevent progression from a pre-neoplastic or non-malignant state into a neoplastic or a malignant state.
Abstract:
Provided herein are polypeptides and derivatives thereof that contain sequences of a Serrate protein and that inhibit Notch pathway function. Also provided herein are nucleic acids that encode the polypeptides, vectors and cells for producing the polypeptides, and related pharmaceutical compositions and kits. Additionally provided are antibodies which bind to the Notch inhibitory region of a Serrate protein. Therapeutic methods are also provided.
Abstract:
The invention is directed to methods of modulating Notch signal transduction and to complexes of the protein Mastermind with proteins identified as interacting with Mastermind by a two-hybrid screen as well as a complex ofMastermind (Mam) with Mipl, or a complex ofMam with Mip30, or a complex ofMam with Mip6. Methods of screening the complexes for efficacy in treating and/or preventing certain diseases and disorders, particularly hyperproliferative and cancerous conditions are also provided. The invention includes nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of Mip30 or Mip6, as well as fragments and derivatives thereof.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to nucleotide sequences of vertebrate Serrate genes, and amino acid sequences of their encoded proteins, as well as derivatives (e.g., fragments) and analogs thereof. In a specific embodiment, the Serrate protein is a human protein. The invention further relates to fragments (and derivatives and analogs thereof) of a vertebrate Serrate which comprise one or more domains of the Serrate protein, including but not limited to the intracellular domain, extracellular domain, DSL domain, cysteine rich domain, transmembrane region, membrane-associated region, or one or more EGF-like repeats of a Serrate protein, or any combination of the foregoing. Antibodies to vertebrate Serrate, its derivatives and analogs, are additionally provided. Methods of production of the vertebrate Serrate proteins, derivatives and analogs, e.g., by recombinant means, are also provided. Therapeutic and diagnostic methods and pharmaceutical compositions are provided.In specific examples, isolated Serrate genes, from chick, mouse, Xenopus and human, are provided.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to nucleotide sequences of the human transducin-like Enhancer of split ("TLE") genes, and amino acid sequences of their encoded TLE proteins. The invention further relates to fragments and other derivatives, and analogs, of human TLE proteins, as well as antibodies thereto. Nucleic acids encoding such fragments or derivatives are also within the scope of the invention. Production of the foregoing proteins and derivatives, e.g., by recombinant methods, is provided. Binding partners of TLE proteins are also provided. In particular, the invention provides sequences of four distinct human homologs of the Drosophila TLE gene, and sequences of their unique encoded TLE proteins. In specific embodiments, the invention relates to derivatives and analogs of the human TLE proteins which are functionally active, or which comprise one or more domains of a human TLE protein, including but not limited to the "Q domain", "GP domain", "CcN domain", "SP domain", "WD-40 domain", or a WD-40 repeat, casein kinase II (CK II) site, cdc2 kinase (cdc2) site, or nuclear localization sequence motif, consensus sequences for any of the foregoing, or any combination of the foregoing.
Abstract:
The invention is directed to methods of modulating Notch signal transduction and to complexes of the protein Mastermind with proteins identified as interacting with Mastermind by a two-hybrid screen as well as a complex ofMastermind (Mam) with Mipl, or a complex ofMam with Mip30, or a complex ofMam with Mip6. Methods of screening the complexes for efficacy in treating and/or preventing certain diseases and disorders, particularly hyperproliferative and cancerous conditions are also provided. The invention includes nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of Mip30 or Mip6, as well as fragments and derivatives thereof.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to nucleotide sequences of vertebrate Delta genes, and amino acid sequences of their encoded proteins, as well as derivatives (e.g., fragments) and analogs thereof. In a specific embodiment, the vertebrate Delta protein is a human protein. The invention further relates to fragments (and derivatives and analogs thereof) of Delta which comprise one or more domains of the Delta protein, including but not limited to the intracellular domain, extracellular domain, DSL domain, domain amino-terminal to the DSL domain, transmembrane region, or one or more EGF-like repeats of a Delta protein, or any combination of the foregoing. Antobidies to Delta, its derivatives and analogs, are additionally provided. Methods of production of the Delta proteins, derivatives and analogs, e.g., by recombinant means, are also provided. Therapeutic and diagnostic methods and pharmaceutical compositions are provided. In specific examples, isolated Delta genes, from Xenopus, chick, mouse, and human, are provided.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to therapeutic and diagnostic methods and compositions based on transducin-like Enhancer of split ("TLE") proteins and nucleic acids, sequences of which are shown. The invention provides for treatment of disorders of cell fate or differentiation by administration of a therapeutic compound of the invention. Such therapeutic compounds (termed herein "Therapeutics") include transducin-like Enhancer of split proteins and analogs and derivatives (including fragments) thereof, antibodies thereto, nucleic acids encoding the transducin-like Enhancer of split proteins, ananlogs, or derivatives, transducin-like Enhancer of split antisense nucleic acids, as well as proteins and their derivatives which bind to or otherwise interact with transducin-like Enhancer of split proteins and their encoding nucleic acids and antibodies. Diagnostic methods and methods of inhibiting transducing-like Enhancer of split expression are also provided.
Abstract:
An isolated and substantially pure form of the SLIT protein and sequence elements thereof, antibodies thereto and diagnostics and therapeutics utilizing such proteins and antibodies. A method for treating neurodegenerative disease, traumatic injury to a neural tissue or affecting the angiogenic process in a patient comprising administering to the patient an effective amount of the SLIT protein.