Intracellular signaling molecules

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of intracellular signaling molecules and to the use of these sequences in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cell proliferative, autoimmune/inflammatory, neurological, gastrointestinal, reproductive, and developmental disorders, and in the assessment of the effects of exogenous compounds on the expression of nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of intracellular signaling molecules.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Cell-cell communication is essential for the growth, development, and survival of multicellular organisms. Cells communicate by sending and receiving molecular signals. An example of a molecular signal is a growth factor, which binds and activates a specific transmembrane receptor on the surface of a target cell. The activated receptor transduces the signal intracellularly, thus initiating a cascade of biochemical reactions that ultimately affect gene transcription and cell cycle progression in the target cell.

[0003] Intracellular signaling is the process by which cells respond to extracellular signals (hormones, neurotransmitters, growth and differentiation factors, etc.) through a cascade of biochemical reactions that begins with the binding of a signaling molecule to a cell membrane receptor and ends with the activation of an intracellular target molecule. Intermediate steps in the process involve the activation of various cytoplasmic proteins by phosphorylation via protein kinases, and their deactivation by protein phosphatases, and the eventual translocation of some of these activated proteins to the cell nucleus where the transcription of specific genes is triggered. The intracellular signaling process regulates all types of cell functions including cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and gene transcription, and involves a diversity of molecules including protein kinases and phosphatases, and second messenger molecules such as cyclic nucleotides, calcium-calmodulin, inositol, and various mitogens that regulate protein phosphorylation.

[0004] Cells also respond to changing conditions by switching off signals. Many signal transduction proteins are short-lived and rapidly targeted for degradation by covalent ligation to ubiquitin, a highly conserved small protein. Cells also maintain mechanisms to monitor changes in the concentration of denatured or unfolded proteins in membrane-bound extracytoplasmic compartments, including a transmembrane receptor that monitors the concentration of available chaperone molecules in the endoplasrnic reticulum and transmits a signal to the cytosol to activate the transcription of nuclear genes encoding chaperones in the endoplasmic reticulum.

[0005] Certain proteins in intracellular signaling pathways serve to link or cluster other proteins involved in the signaling cascade. These proteins are referred to as scaffold, anchoring, or adaptor proteins. (For review, see Pawson, T. and J. D. Scott (1997) Science 278:2075-2080.) As many intracellular signaling proteins such as protein kinases and phosphatases have relatively broad substrate specificities, the adaptors help to organize the component signaling proteins into specific biochemical pathways. Many of the above signaling molecules are characterized by the presence of particular domains that promote protein-protein interactions. A sampling of these domains is discussed below, along with other important intracellular messengers.

[0006] Intracellular Signaling Second Messenger Molecules

[0007] Protein Phosphorylation

[0008] Protein kinases and phosphatases play a key role in the intracellular signaling process by controlling the phosphorylation and activation of various signaling proteins. The high energy phosphate for this reaction is generally transferred from the adenosine triphosphate molecule (ATP) to a particular protein by a protein kinase and removed from that protein by a protein phosphatase. Protein kinases are roughly divided into two groups: those that phosphorylate serine or threonine residues (serine/threonine kinases, STK) and those that phosphorylate tyrosine residues (protein tyrosine kinases, PTK). A few protein kinases have dual specificity for serine/threonine and tyrosine residues. Almost all kinases contain a conserved 250-300 amino acid catalytic domain containing specific residues and sequence motifs characteristic of the kinase family (Hardie, G. and S. Hanks (1995) The Protein Kinase Facts Books, Vol I:7-20, Academic Press, San Diego, Calif.).

[0009] STKs include the second messenger dependent protein kinases such as the cyclic-AMP dependent protein kinases (PKA), involved in mediating hormone-induced cellular responses; calcium-calmodulin (CaM) dependent protein kinases, involved in regulation of smooth muscle contraction, glycogen breakdown, and neurotransmission; and the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAP) which mediate signal transduction from the cell surface to the nucleus via phosphorylation cascades. Altered PKA expression is implicated in a variety of disorders and diseases including cancer, thyroid disorders, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease (Isselbacher, K. J. et al. (1994) Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, McGraw-Hill, New York, N.Y., pp. 416-431, 1887).

[0010] PTKs are divided into transmembrane, receptor PTKs and nontransmembrane, non-receptor PTKs. Transmembrane PTKs are receptors for most growth factors. Non-receptor PTKs lack transmembrane regions and, instead, form complexes with the intracellular regions of cell surface receptors. Receptors that function through non-receptor PTKs include those for cytokines and hormones (growth hormone and prolactin) and antigen-specific receptors on T and B lymphocytes. Many of these PTKs were first identified as the products of mutant oncogenes in cancer cells in which their activation was no longer subject to normal cellular controls. In fact, about one third of the known oncogenes encode PTKs, and it is well known that cellular transformation (oncogenesis) is often accompanied by increased tyrosine phosphorylation activity (Charbonneau H. and N. K. Tonks (1992) Annu. Rev. Cell Biol. 8:463-493).

[0011] An additional family of protein kinases previously thought to exist only in prokaryotes is the histidine protein kinase family (HPK). HPKs bear little homology with mammalian STKs or PTKs but have distinctive sequence motifs of their own (Davie, J. R. et al. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270:19861-19867). A histidine residue in the N-terminal half of the molecule (region I) is an autophosphorylation site. Three additional motifs located in the C-terminal half of the molecule include an invariant asparagine residue in region II and two glycine-rich loops characteristic of nucleotide binding domains in regions III and IV. Recently a branched chain alpha-ketoacid dehydrogenase kinase has been found with characteristics of HPK in rat (Davie et al., supra).

[0012] Protein phosphatases regulate the effects of protein kinases by removing phosphate groups from molecules previously activated by kinases. The two principal categories of protein phosphatases are the protein (serine/threonine) phosphatases (PPs) and the protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs). PPs dephosphorylate phosphoserine/threonine residues and are important regulators of many cAMP-mediated hormone responses (Cohen, P. (1989) Annu. Rev. Biochem. 58:453-508). PTPs reverse the effects of protein tyrosine kinases and play a significant role in cell cycle and cell signaling processes (Charbonneau and Tonks, supra). As previously noted, many PTKs are encoded by oncogenes, and oncogenesis is often accompanied by increased tyrosine phosphorylation activity. It is therefore possible that PTPs may prevent or reverse cell transformation and the growth of various cancers by controlling the levels of tyrosine phosphorylation in cells. This hypothesis is supported by studies showing that overexpression of PTPs can suppress transformation in cells, and that specific inhibition of PTPs can enhance cell transformation (Charbonneau and Tonks, supra).

[0013] Phospholipid and Inositol-phosphate Signaling

[0014] Inositol phospholipids (phosphoinositides) are involved in an intracellular signaling pathway that begins with binding of a signaling molecule to a G-protein linked receptor in the plasma membrane. This leads to the phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol (PI) residues on the inner side of the plasma membrane to the biphosphate state (PIP2) by inositol kinases. Simultaneously, the G-protein linked receptor binding stimulates a trimeric G-protein which in turn activates a phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C-β. Phospholipase C-β then cleaves PIP2 into two products, inositol triphosphate (IP3) and diacylglycerol. These two products act as mediators for separate signaling events. IP3 diffuses through the plasma membrane to induce calcium release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), while diaacylglycerol remains in the membrane and helps activate protein kinase C, a serine-threonine kinase that phosphorylates selected proteins in the target cell. The calcium response initiated by IP3 is terminated by the dephosphorylation of lP3 by specific inositol phosphatases. Cellular responses that are mediated by this pathway are glycogen breakdown in the liver in response to vasopressin, smooth muscle contraction in response to acetylcholine, and thrombin-induced platelet aggregation.

[0015] Oxysterols are oxygenated derivatives of cholesterol and have a wide range of biological activities. Oxysterols mediate cholesterol homeostasis, steroid biosynthesis and sphingolipid metabolism within the cell, but can also diffuse through the plasma membrane and act as extracellular messengers, affecting such processes as platelet aggregation, cell growth and apoptosis. Oxysterols interact with a number of receptors, including the oxysterol binding protein (OSBP), the sterol regulatory element binding protein, the cellular nucleic acid binding protein, the LXR nuclear hormone receptors, and the LDL receptor (for a review, see Schroepfer, G. J. (2000) Physiol. Rev. 80:361-554). OSBP is a high-affinity intracellular receptor for a variety of oxysterols that down-regulate cholesterol synthesis and stimulate cholesterol esterification. Upon ligand binding, OSBP translocates from the cytoplasm to the Golgi. This movement seems to be dependent on the presence of a pleckstrin homology domain (Lagace, T. A. et al. (1997) Biochem. J. 326:205-213). The oxysterol-induced apoptosis of leukemic T-cells seems to be mediated by OSBP occupancy (Bakos, J. T. et al. (1993) J. Steroid Biochem. Mol. Biol. 46:415-426).

[0016] Cyclic Nucleotide Signaling

[0017] Cyclic nucleotides (cAMP and cGMP) function as intracellular second messengers to transduce a variety of extracellular signals including hormones, light, and neurotransmitters. In particular, cyclic-AMP dependent protein kinases (PKA) are thought to account for all of the effects of cAMP in most mammalian cells, including various hormone-induced cellular responses. Visual excitation and the phototransmission of light signals in the eye is controlled by cyclic-GMP regulated, Ca2+-specific channels. Because of the importance of cellular levels of cyclic nucleotides in mediating these various responses, regulating the synthesis and breakdown of cyclic nucleotides is an important matter. Thus adenylyl cyclase, which synthesizes cAMP from AMP, is activated to increase cAMP levels in muscle by binding of adrenaline to β-adrenergic receptors, while activation of guanylate cyclase and increased cGMP levels in photoreceptors leads to reopening of the Ca2+-specific channels and recovery of the dark state in the eye. In contrast, hydrolysis of cyclic nucleotides by cAMP and cGMP-specific phosphodiesterases (PDEs) produces the opposite of these and other effects mediated by increased cyclic nucleotide levels. PDEs appear to be particularly important in the regulation of cyclic nucleotides, considering the diversity found in this family of proteins. At least seven families of mamnmalian PDEs (PDE1-7) have been identified based on substrate specificity and affinity, sensitivity to cofactors, and sensitivity to inhibitory drugs (Beavo, J. A. (1995) Pbysiol. Rev. 75:725-748). PDE inhibitors have been found to be particularly useful in treating various clinical disorders. Rolipram, a specific inhibitor of PDE4, has been used in the treatment of depression, and similar inhibitors are undergoing evaluation as anti-inflammatory agents. Theophylline is a nonspecific PDE inhibitor used in the treatment of bronchial asthma and other respiratory diseases (Banner, K. H. and C. P. Page (1995) Eur. Respir. J. 8:996-1000).

[0018] G-Protein Signaling

[0019] Guanine nucleotide binding proteins (G-proteins) are critical mediators of signal transduction between a particular class of extracellular receptors, the G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), and intracellular second messengers such as cAMP and Ca2+. G-proteins are linked to the cytosolic side of a GPCR such that activation of the GPCR by ligand binding stimulates binding of the G-protein to GTP, inducing an “active” state in the G-protein. In the active state, the G-protein acts as a signal to trigger other events in the cell such as the increase of cAMP levels or the release of Ca2+ into the cytosol from the ER, which, in turn, regulate phosphorylation and activation of other intracellular proteins. Recycling of the G-protein to the inactive state involves hydrolysis of the bound GTP to GDP by a GTPase activity in the G-protein. (See Alberts, B. et al. (1994) Molecular Biology of the Cell Garland Publishing, Inc. New York, N.Y., pp.734-759.) Two structurally distinct classes of G-proteins are recognized: heterotrimeric G-proteins, consisting of three different subunits, and monomeric, low molecular weight (LMW), G-proteins consisting of a single polypeptide chain.

[0020] The three polypeptide subunits of heterotrimeric G-proteins are the α, β, and γ subunits. The α subunit binds and hydrolyzes GTP. The β and γ subunits form a tight complex that anchors the protein to the inner side of the plasma membrane. The β subunits, also known as G-β proteins or β transducins, contain seven tandem repeats of the WD-repeat sequence motif, a motif found in many proteins with regulatory functions. Mutations and variant expression of β transducin proteins are linked with various disorders (Neer, E. J. et al. (1994) Nature 371:297-300; Margottin, F. et al. (1998) Mol. Cell. 1:565-574).

[0021] LMW GTP-proteins are GTPases which regulate cell growth, cell cycle control, protein secretion, and intracellular vesicle interaction. They consist of single polypeptides which, like the α subunit of the heterotrimeric G-proteins, are able to bind and hydrolyze GTP, thus cycling between an inactive and an active state. At least sixty members of the LMW G-protein superfamily have been identified and are currently grouped into the six subfamilies of ras, rho, arf, sar1, ran, and rab. Activated ras genes were initially found in human cancers, and subsequent studies confirmed that ras function is critical in determining whether cells continue to grow or become differentiated. Other members of the LMW G-protein superfamily have roles in signal transduction that vary with the function of the activated genes and the locations of the G-proteins.

[0022] Guanine nucleotide exchange factors regulate the activities of LMW G-proteins by determining whether GTP or GDP is bound. GTPase-activating protein (GAP) binds to GTP-ras and induces it to hydrolyze GTP to GDP. In contrast, guanine nucleotide releasing protein (GNRP) binds to GDP-ras and induces the release of GDP and the binding of GTP.

[0023] Other regulators of G-protein signaling (RGS) also exist that act primarily by negatively regulating the G-protein pathway by an unknown mechanism (Druey, K. M. et al. (1996) Nature 379:742-746). Some 15 members of the RGS family have been identified. RGS family members are related structurally through similarities in an approximately 120 amino acid region termed the RGS domain and functionally by their ability to inhibit the interleukin (cytokine) induction of MAP kinase in cultured manimalian 293T cells (Druey et al., supra).

[0024] Calcium Signaling Molecules

[0025] Ca2+ is another second messenger molecule that is even more widely used as an intracellular mediator than cAMP. Ca2+ can enter the cytosol by two pathways, in response to extracellular signals. One pathway acts primarily in nerve signal transduction where Ca2+ enters a nerve terminal through a voltage-gated Ca2+ channel. The second is a more ubiquitous pathway in which Ca2+ is released from the ER into the cytosol in response to binding of an extracellular signaling molecule to a receptor. Ca2+ directly activates regulatory enzymes, such as protein kinase C, which trigger signal transduction pathways. Ca2+ also binds to specific Ca2+-binding proteins (CBPs) such as calmodulin (CaM) which then activate multiple target proteins in the cell including enzymes, membrane transport pumps, and ion channels. CaM interactions are involved in a multitude of cellular processes including, but not limited to, gene regulation, DNA synthesis, cell cycle progression, mitosis, cytokinesis, cytoskeletal organization, muscle contraction, signal transduction, ion homeostasis, exocytosis, and metabolic regulation (Celio, M. R. et al. (1996) Guidebook to Calcium-binding Proteins, Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK, pp. 15-20). Some Ca2+ binding proteins are characterized by the presence of one or more EF-hand Ca2+ binding motifs, which are comprised of 12 amino acids flanked by α-helices (Celio, supra). The regulation of CBPs has implications for the control of a variety of disorders. Calcineurin, a CaM-regulated protein phosphatase, is a target for inhibition by the immunosuppressive agents cyclosporin and FK506. This indicates the importance of calcineurin and CaM in the immune response and immune disorders (Schwaninger M. et al. (1993) J. Biol Chem. 268:23111-23115). The level of CaM is increased several-fold in tumors and tumor-derived cell lines for various types of cancer (Rasmussen, C. D. and A. R. Means (1989) Trends Neurosci. 12:433-438).

[0026] The annexins are a family of calcium-binding proteins that associate with the cell membrane (Towle, C. A. and B. V. Treadwell (1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267:5416-5423). Annexins reversibly bind to negatively charged phospholipids (phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylserine) in a calcium dependent manner. Annexins participate in various processes pertaining to signal transduction at the plasma membrane, including membrane-cytoskeleton interactions, phospholipase inhibition, anticoagulation, and membrane fusion. Annexins contain four to eight repeated segments of about 60 residues. Each repeat folds into five alpha helices wound into a right-handed superhelix.

[0027] Signaling Complex Protein Domains

[0028] PDZ domains were named for three proteins in which this domain was initially discovered. These proteins include PSD-95 (postsynaptic density 95), Dlg (Drosophila lethal(1)discs large-1), and ZO-1 (zonula occludens-1). These proteins play important roles in neuronal synaptic transmission, tumor suppression, and cell junction formation, respectively. Since the discovery of these proteins, over sixty additional PDZ-containing proteins have been identified in diverse prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. This domain has been implicated in receptor and ion channel clustering and in the targeting of multiprotein signaling complexes to specialized functional regions of the cytosolic face of the plasma membrane. (For a review of PDZ domain-containing proteins, see Ponting, C. P. et al. (1997) Bioessays 19:469-479.) A large proportion of PDZ domains are found in the eukaryotic MAGUK (membrane-associated guanylate kinase) protein family, members of which bind to the intracellular domains of receptors and channels. However, PDZ domains are also found in diverse membrane-localized proteins such as protein tyrosine phosphatases, serine/threonine kinases, G-protein cofactors, and synapse-associated proteins such as syntrophins and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). Generally, about one to three PDZ domains are found in a given protein, although up to nine PDZ domains have been identified in a single protein. The glutamate receptor interacting protein (GRIP) contains seven PDZ domains. GRIP is an adaptor that links certain glutamate receptors to other proteins and may be responsible for the clustering of these receptors at excitatory synapses in the brain (Dong, H. et al. (1997) Nature 386:279-284). The Drosophila scribble (SCRIB) protein contains both multiple PDZ domains and leucine-rich repeats. SCRIB is located at the epithelial septate junction, which is analogous to the vertebrate tight junction, at the boundary of the apical and basolateral cell surface. SCRIB is involved in the distribution of apical proteins and correct placement of adherens junctions to the basolateral cell surface (Bilder, D. and N. Perrimon (2000) Nature 403:676-680).

[0029] The PX domain is an example of a domain specialized for promoting protein-protein interactions. The PX domain is found in sorting nexins and in a variety of other proteins, including the PhoX components of NADPH oxidase and the Cpk class of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. Most PX domains contain a polyproline motif which is characteristic of SH3 domain-binding proteins (Ponting, C. P. (1996) Protein Sci. 5:2353-2357). SH3 domain-mediated interactions involving the PhoX components of NADPH oxidase play a role in the formation of the NADPH oxidase multi-protein complex (Leto, T. L. et al. (1994) Proc. Nati. Acad. Sci. USA 91:10650-10654; Wilson, L. et al. (1997) Inflamm. Res. 46:265-271).

[0030] The SH3 domain is defined by homology to a region of the proto-oncogene c-Src, a cytoplasmic protein tyrosine kinase. SH3 is a small domain of 50 to 60 aminio acids that interacts with proline-rich ligands. SH3 domains are found in a variety of eukaryotic proteins involved in signal transduction, cell polarization, and membrane-cytoskeleton interactions. In some cases, SH3 domain-containing proteins interact directly with receptor tyrosine kinases. For example, the SLAP-130 protein is a substrate of the T-cell receptor (TCR) stimulated protein kinase. SLAP-130 interacts via its SH3 domain with the protein SLP-76 to affect the TCR-induced expression of interleukin-2 (Musci, M. A. et al. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272:11674-11677). Another recently identified SH3 domain protein is macrophage actin-associated tyrosine-phosphorylated protein (MAYP) which is phosphorylated during the response of macrophages to colony stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1) and is likely to play a role in regulating the CSF-1-induced reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton (Yeung, Y. -G. et al. (1998) J. Biol. Chem. 273:30638-30642). The structure of the SH3 domain is characterized by two antiparallel beta sheets packed against each other at right angles. This packing forms a hydrophobic pocket lined with residues that are highly conserved between different SH3 domains. This pocket makes critical hydrophobic contacts with proline residues in the ligand (Feng, S. et al. (1994) Science 266:1241-1247).

[0031] A novel domain, called the WW domain, resembles the SH3 domain in its ability to bind proline-rich ligands. This domain was originally discovered in dystrophin, a cytoskeletal protein with direct involvement in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Bork, P. and M. Sudol (1994) Trends Biochem. Sci. 19:531-533). WW domains have since been discovered in a variety of intracellular signaling molecules involved in development, cell differentiation, and cell proliferation. The structure of the WW domain is composed of beta strands grouped around four conserved aromatic residues, generally tryptophan.

[0032] Like SH3, the SH2 domain is defined by homology to a region of c-Src. SH2 domains interact directly with phospho-tyrosine residues, thus providing an imrnediate mechanism for the regulation and transduction of receptor tyrosine kinase-mediated signaling pathways. For example, as many as ten distinct SH2 domains are capable of binding to phosphorylated tyrosine residues in the activated PDGF receptor, thereby providing a highly coordinated and finely tuned response to ligand-mediated receptor activation. (Reviewed in Schaffhausen, B. (1995) Biochim. Biophys. Acta. 1242:61-75.)

[0033] The GSG domain (GRP33, Sam68, GLD-1) and the KH domain (an RNA binding domain), are found within Sam68, a 68-kDa Src substrate associated during mitosis protein, which is an RNA-binding protein with signaling properties. It is known to be a substrate for Src-family tyrosine kinases during mitosis and associates with various SH3 and SH2 domain-containing signaling molecules. SLM-1 and SLM-2 (Sam68-like mammalian) proteins have sequence identity with Sam68, also contain the GSG domain, have proline-rich motifs, arginine-gylcine repeats, and a C-terminal tyrosine-rich region. SLM-1 is a Src substrate during mitosis, suggesting a possible involvement in the steps of mitosis. It has been suggested by Di Fruscio et al. that Sam68/SLM defines a family in which the members have the potential to link tyrosine kinase signaling cascades with some aspects of RNA metabolism, possibly as multifunctional adapter proteins during mitosis (Di Fruscio, M. et al. (1999) Proc. Nad. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 96:2710-2715.)

[0034] The pleckstrin homology (PH) domain was originally identified in pleckstrin, the predominant substrate for protein kinase C in platelets. Since its discovery, this domain has been identified in over 90 proteins involved in intracellular signaling or cytoskeletal organization. Proteins containing the pleckstrin homology domain include a variety of kinases, phospholipase-C isoforns, guanine nucleotide release factors, and GTPase activating proteins. For example, members of the FGD1 family contain both Rho-guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) and PH domains, as well as a FYVE zinc finger domain. FGD1 is the gene responsible for faciogenital dysplasia, an inherited skeletal dysplasia (Pasteris, N. G. and J. L. Gorski (1999) Genomics 60:57-66). Many PH domain proteins function in association with the plasma membrane, and this association appears to be mediated by the PH domain itself. PH domains share a common structure composed of two antiparallel beta sheets flanked by an amphipathic alpha helix. Variable loops connecting the component beta strands generally occur within a positively charged environment and may function as ligand binding sites (Lemmon, M. A. et al. (1996) Cell 85:621-624). Ankyrin (ANK) repeats mediate protein-protein interactions associated with diverse intracellular signaling functions. For example, ANK repeats are found in proteins involved in cell proliferation such as kinases, kinase inhibitors, tumor suppressors, and cell cycle control proteins. (See, for example, Kalus, W. et al. (1997) FEBS Lett. 401:127-132; Ferrante, A. W. et al. (1995) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 92:1911-1915.) These proteins generally contain multiple ANK repeats, each composed of about 33 amino acids. Myotrophin is an ANK repeat protein that plays a key role in the development of cardiac hypertrophy, a contributing factor to many heart diseases. Structural studies show that the myotrophin ANK repeats, like other ANK repeats, each form a helix-turn-helix core preceded by a protruding “tip.” These tips are of variable sequence and may play a role in protein-protein interactions. The helix-turn-helix region of the ANK repeats stack on top of one another and are stabilized by hydrophobic interactions (Yang, Y. et al. (1998) Structure 6:619-626).

[0035] The tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) is a 34 amino acid repeated motif found in organisms from bacteria to humans. TPRs are predicted to form ampipathic helices, and appear to mediate protein-protein interactions. TPR domains are found in CDC16, CDC23, and CDC27, members of the the anaphase promoting complex which targets proteins for degradation at the onset of anaphase. Other processes involving TPR proteins include cell cycle control, transcription repression, stress response, and protein kinase inhibition (Lamb, J. R. et al. (1995) Trends Biochem. Sci. 20:257-259).

[0036] The armadillo/beta-catenin repeat is a 42 amino acid motif which forms a superhelix of alpha helices when tandemly repeated. The structure of the armiadillo repeat region from beta-catenin revealed a shallow groove of positive charge on one face of the superhelix, which is a potential binding surface. The armadillo repeats of beta-catenin, plakogiobin, and p120cas bind the cytoplasmic domains of cadherins. Beta-catenin/cadherin complexes are targets of regulatory signals that govern cell adhesion and mobility (Huber, A. H. et al. (1997) Cell 90:871-882).

[0037] Eight tandem repeats of about 40 residues (WD-40 repeats), each containing a central Trp-Asp motif, make up beta-transducin (G-beta), which is one of the three subunits (alpha, beta, and gamma) of the guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins). In higher eukaryotes G-beta exists as a small multigene family of highly conserved proteins of about 340 amino acid residues.

[0038] The discovery of new intracellular signaling molecules, and the polynucleotides encoding them, satisfies a need in the art by providing new compositions which are useful in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatmnent of cell proliferative, autoimnnune/inflanmnatory, neurological, gastrointestinal, reproductive, and developmental disorders, and in the assessment of the effects of exogenous compounds on the expression of nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of intracellular signaling molecules.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0039] The invention features purified polypeptides, intracellular signaling molecules, referred to collectively as “INTSIG” and individually as “INTSIG-1,” “INTSIG-2,” “INTSIG-3,” “INTSIG-4,” “INTSIG-5,” “INTSIG-6,” “INTSIG-7,” “INTSIG-8,” “INTSIG-9,” “INTSIG-10,” “INTSIG-11,” “INTSIG-12,” “INTSIG-13,” “INTSIG-14,” “INTSIG-15,” “INTSIG-16,” “INTSIG-17,” “INTSIG-18,” “INTSIG-19,” and “INTSIG-20.” In one aspect, the invention provides an isolated polypeptide selected from the group consisting of a) a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-20, b) a polypeptide comprising a naturally occurring amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-20, c) a biologically active fragment of a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-20, and d) an inimunogenic fragment of a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-20. In one alternative, the invention provides an isolated polypeptide comprising the amrino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1-20.

[0040] The invention further provides an isolated polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of a) a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-20, b) a polypeptide comprising a naturally occurring amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-20, c) a biologically active fragment of a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-20, and d) an immunogenic fragment of a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-20. In one alternative, the polynucleotide encodes a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-20. In another alternative, the polynucleotide is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 21-40.

[0041] Additionally, the invention provides a recombinant polynucleotide comprising a promoter sequence operably linked to a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of a) a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-20, b) a polypeptide comprising a naturally occurring amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-20, c) a biologically active fragment of a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-20, and d) an immunogenic fragment of a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-20. In one alternative, the invention provides a cell transformed with the recombinant polynucleotide. In another alternative, the invention provides a transgenic organism comprising the recombinant polynucleotide.

[0042] The invention also provides a method for producing a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of a) a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-20, b) a polypeptide comprising a naturally occurring amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-20, c) a biologically active fragment of a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-20, and d) an immunogenic fragment of a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-20. The method comprises a) culturing a cell under conditions suitable for expression of the polypeptide, wherein said cell is transformed with a recombinant polynucleotide comprising a promoter sequence operably linked to a polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide, and b) recovering the polypeptide so expressed.

[0043] Additionally, the invention provides an isolated antibody which specifically binds to a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of a) a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-20, b) a polypeptide comprising a naturally occurring amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-20, c) a biologically active fragment of a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-20, and d) an immunogenic fragment of a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-20.

[0044] The invention further provides an isolated polynucleotide selected from the group consisting of a) a polynucleotide comprising a polynucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 21-40, b) a polynucleotide comprising a naturally occurring polynucleotide sequence at least 90% identical to a polynucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 21-40, c) a polynucleotide complementary to the polynucleotide of a), d) a polynucleotide complementary to the polynucleotide of b), and e) an RNA equivalent of a)-d). In one alternative, the polynucleotide comprises at least 60 contiguous nucleotides.

[0045] Additionally, the invention provides a method for detecting a target polynucleotide in a sample, said target polynucleotide. having a sequence of a polynucleotide selected from the group consisting of a) a polynucleotide comprising a polynucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 21-40, b) a polynucleotide comprising a naturally occurring polynucleotide sequence at least 90% identical to a polynucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 21-40, c) a polynucleotide complementary to the polynucleotide of a), d) a polynucleotide complementary to the polynucleotide of b), and e) an RNA equivalent of a)-d). The method comprises a) hybridizing the sample with a probe comprising at least 20 contiguous nucleotides comprising a sequence complementary to said target polynucleotide in the sample, and which probe specifically hybridizes to said target polynucleotide, under conditions whereby a hybridization complex is formed between said probe and said target polynucleotide or fragments thereof, and b) detecting the presence or absence of said hybridization complex, and optionally, if present, the amount thereof. In one alternative, the probe comprises at least 60 contiguous nucleotides.

[0046] The invention further provides a method for detecting a target polynucleotide in a sample, said target polynucleotide having a sequence of a polynucleotide selected from the group consisting of a) a polynucleotide comprising a polynucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 21-40, b) a polynucleotide comprising a naturally occurring polynucleotide sequence at least 90% identical to a polynucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 21-40, c) a polynucleotide complementary to the polynucleotide of a), d) a polynucleotide complementary to the polynucleotide of b), and e) an RNA equivalent of a)-d). The method comprises a) amplifying said target polynucleotide or fragment thereof using polymerase chain reaction amplification, and b) detecting the presence or absence of said amplified target polynucleotide or fragment thereof, and, optionally, if present, the amount thereof.

[0047] The invention further provides a composition comprising an effective amount of a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of a) a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-20, b) a polypeptide comprising a naturally occurring amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-20, c) a biologically active fragment of a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-20, and d) an immunogenic fragment of a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-20, and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. In one embodiment, the composition comprises an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-20. The invention additionally provides a method of treating a disease or condition associated with decreased expression of functional INTSIG, comprising administering to a patient in need of such treatment the composition.

[0048] The invention also provides a method for screening a compound for effectiveness as an agonist of a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of a) a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-20, b) a polypeptide comprising a naturally occurring amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-20, c) a biologically active fragment of a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-20, and d) an immunogenic fragment of a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-20. The method comprises a) exposing a sample comprising the polypeptide to a compound, and b) detecting agonist activity in the sample. In one alternative, the invention provides a composition comprising an agonist compound identified by the method and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. In another alternative, the invention provides a method of treating a disease or condition associated with decreased expression of functional INTSIG, comprising administering to a patient in need of such treatment the composition.

[0049] Additionally, the invention provides a method for screening a compound for effectiveness as an antagonist of a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of a) a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-20, b) a polypeptide comprising a naturally occurring amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-20, c) a biologically active fragment of a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-20, and d) an immunogenic fragment of a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-20. The method comprises a) exposing a sample comprising the polypeptide to a compound, and b) detecting antagonist activity in the sample. In one alternative, the invention provides a composition comprising an antagonist compound identified by the method and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. In another alternative, the invention provides a method of treating a disease or condition associated with overexpression of functional INTSIG, comprising administering to a patient in need of such treatment the composition.

[0050] The invention further provides a method of screening for a compound that specifically binds to a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of a) a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-20, b) a polypeptide comprising a naturally occurring amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-20, c) a biologically active fragment of a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-20, and d) an immunogenic fragment of a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-20. The method comprises a) combining the polypeptide with at least one test compound under suitable conditions, and b) detecting binding of the polypeptide to the test compound, thereby identifying a compound that specifically binds to the polypeptide.

[0051] The invention further provides a method of screening for a compound that modulates the activity of a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of a) a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-20, b) a polypeptide comprising a naturally occurring amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-20, c) a biologically active fragment of a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-20, and d) an immunogenic fragment of a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-20. The method comprises a) combining the polypeptide with at least one test compound under conditions permissive for the activity of the polypeptide, b) assessing the activity of the polypeptide in the presence of the test compound, and c) comparing the activity of the polypeptide in the presence of the test compound with the activity of the polypeptide in the absence of the test compound, wherein a change in the activity of the polypeptide in the presence of the test compound is indicative of a compound that modulates the activity of the polypeptide.

[0052] The invention further provides a method for screening a compound for effectiveness in altering expression of a target polynucleotide, wherein said target polynucleotide comprises a polynucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 21-40, the method comprising a) exposing a sample comprising the target polynucleotide to a compound, and b) detecting altered expression of the target polynucleotide.

[0053] The invention further provides a method for assessing toxicity of a test compound, said method comprising a) treating a biological sample containing nucleic acids with the test compound; b) hybridizing the nucleic acids of the treated biological sample with a probe comprising at least 20 contiguous nucleotides of a polynucleotide selected from the group consisting of i) a polynucleotide comprising a polynucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 21-40, ii) a polynucleotide comprising a naturally occurring polynucleotide sequence at least 90% identical to a polynucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 21-40, iii) a polynucleotide having a sequence complementary to i), iv) a polynucleotide complementary to the polynucleotide of ii), and v) an RNA equivalent of i)-iv). Hybridization occurs under conditions whereby a specific hybridization complex is formed between said probe and a target polynucleotide in the biological sample, said target polynucleotide selected from the group consisting of i) a polynucleotide comprising a polynucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 21-40, ii) a polynucleotide comprising a naturally occurring polynucleotide sequence at least 90% identical to a polynucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 21-40, iii) a polynucleotide complementary to the polynucleotide of i), iv) a polynucleotide complementary to the polynucleotide of ii), and v) an RNA equivalent of i)-iv). Alternatively, the target polynucleotide comprises a fragment of a polynucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of i)-v) above; c) quantifying the amount of hybridization complex; and d) comparing the amount of hybridization complex in the treated biological sample with the amount of hybridization complex in an untreated biological sample, wherein a difference in the amount of hybridization complex in the treated biological sample is indicative of toxicity of the test compound.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE TABLES

[0054] Table 1 summarizes the nomenclature for the full length polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences of the present invention.

[0055] Table 2 shows the GenBank identification number and annotation of the nearest GenBank homolog for polypeptides of the invention. The probability score for the match between each polypeptide and its GenBank homolog is also shown.

[0056] Table 3 shows structural features of polypeptide sequences of the invention, including predicted motifs and domains, along with the methods, algorithnis, and searchable databases used for analysis of the polypeptides.

[0057] Table 4 lists the cDNA and/or genomic DNA fragments which were used to assemble polynucleotide sequences of the invention, along with selected fragments of the polynucleotide sequences.

[0058] Table 5 shows the representative cDNA library for polynucleotides of the invention.

[0059] Table 6 provides an appendix which describes the tissues and vectors used for construction of the cDNA libraries shown in Table 5.

[0060] Table 7 shows the tools, programs, and algoritlims used to analyze the polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention, along with applicable descriptions, references, and threshold parameters.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0061] Before the present proteins, nucleotide sequences, and methods are described, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular machines, materials and methods described, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention which will be limited only by the appended claims.

[0062] It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “a host cell” includes a plurality of such host cells, and a reference to “an antibody” is a reference to one or more antibodies and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth.

[0063] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any machines, materials, and methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used to practice or test the present invention, the preferred machines, materials and methods are now described. All publications mentioned herein are cited for the purpose of describing and disclosing the cell lines, protocols, reagents and vectors which are reported in the publications and which might be used in connection with the invention. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the invention is not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention.

[0064] Definitions

[0065] “INTSIG” refers to the amino acid sequences of substantially purified INTSIG obtained from any species, particularly a mammalian species, including bovine, ovine, porcine, murine, equine, and human, and from any source, whether natural, synthetic, semi-synthetic, or recombinant.

[0066] The term “agonist” refers to a molecule which intensifies or mimics the biological activity of INTSIG. Agonists may include proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, small molecules, or any other compound or composition which modulates the activity of INTSIG either by directly interacting with INTSIG or by acting on components of the biological pathway in which INTSIG participates.

[0067] An “allelic variant” is an alternative form of the gene encoding INTSIG. Allelic variants may result from at least one mutation in the nucleic acid sequence and may result in altered mRNAs or in polypeptides whose structure or function may or may not be altered. A gene may have none, one, or many allelic variants of its naturally occurring form. Common mutational changes which give rise to allelic variants are generally ascribed to natural deletions, additions, or substitutions of nucleotides. Each of these types of changes may occur alone, or in combination with the others, one or more times in a given sequence.

[0068] “Altered” nucleic acid sequences encoding INTSIG include those sequences with deletions, insertions, or substitutions of different nucleotides, resulting in a polypeptide the same as INTSIG or a polypeptide with at least one functional characteristic of INTSIG. Included within this definition are polymorphisms which may or may not be readily detectable using a particular oligonucleotide probe of the polynucleotide encoding INTSIG, and improper or unexpected hybridization to allelic variants, with a locus other than the normal chromosomal locus for the polynucleotide sequence encoding INTSIG. The encoded protein may also be “altered,” and may contain deletions, insertions, or substitutions of amino acid residues which produce a silent change and result in a functionally equivalent INTSIG. Deliberate amino acid substitutions may be made on the basis of similarity in polarity, charge, solubility, hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity, and/or the amphipathic nature of the residues, as long as the biological or irmnunological activity of INTSIG is retained. For example, negatively charged amino acids may include aspartic acid and glutamic acid, and positively charged amino acids may include lysine and arginine. Amino acids with uncharged polar side chains having similar hydrophilicity values may include: asparagine and glutamine; and serine and threonine. Amino acids with uncharged side chains having similar hydrophilicity values may include: leucine, isoleucine, and valine; glycine and alanine; and phenylalanine and tyrosine.

[0069] The terms “amino acid” and “amino acid sequence” refer to an oligopeptide, peptide, polypeptide, or protein sequence, or a fragment of any of these, and to naturally occurring or synthetic molecules. Where “amino acid sequence” is recited to refer to a sequence of a naturally occurring protein molecule, “amino acid sequence” and like terms are not meant to limit the amino acid sequence to the complete native amino acid sequence associated with the recited protein molecule.

[0070] “Amplification” relates to the production of additional copies of a nucleic acid sequence. Amplification is generally carried out using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technologies well known in the art.

[0071] The term “antagonist” refers to a molecule which inhibits or attenuates the biological activity of INTSIG. Antagonists may include proteins such as antibodies, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, small molecules, or any other compound or composition which modulates the activity of INTSIG either by directly interacting with INTSIG or by acting on components of the biological pathway in which ITSIG participates.

[0072] The term “antibody” refers to intact immunoglobulin molecules as well as to fragments thereof, such as Fab, F(ab′)2, and Fv fragments, which are capable of binding an epitopic determinant. Antibodies that bind INTSIG polypeptides can be prepared using intact polypeptides or using fragments containing small peptides of interest as the immunizing antigen. The polypeptide or oligopeptide used to inmmunize an animal (e.g., a mouse, a rat, or a rabbit) can be derived from the translation of RNA, or synthesized chemically, and can be conjugated to a carrier protein if desired. Commonly used carriers that are chemically coupled to peptides include bovine serum albumin, thyroglobulin, and keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH). The coupled peptide is then used to immunize the animal.

[0073] The term “antigenic determinant” refers to that region of a molecule (i.e., an epitope) that makes contact with a particular antibody. When a protein or a fragment of a protein is used to immunize a host animal, numerous regions of the protein may induce the production of antibodies which bind specifically to antigenic determinants (particular regions or three-dimensional structures on the protein). An antigenic determinant may compete with the intact antigen (i.e., the immunogen used to elicit the immune response) for binding to an antibody.

[0074] The term “aptamer” refers to a nucleic acid or oligonucleotide molecule that binds to a specific molecular target. Aptamers are derived from an in vitro evolutionary process (e.g., SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential Enrichment), described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,270,163), which selects for target-specific aptamer sequences from large combinatorial libraries. Aptamer compositions may be double-stranded or single-stranded, and may include deoxyribonucleotides, ribonucleotides, nucleotide derivatives, or other nucleotide-like molecules. The nucleotide components of an aptamer may have modified sugar groups (e.g., the 2′-OH group of a ribonucleotide may be replaced by 2′-F or 2′-NH2), which may improve a desired property, e.g., resistance to nucleases or longer lifetime in blood. Aptamers may be conjugated to other molecules, e.g., a high molecular weight carrier to slow clearance of the aptamer from the circulatory system. Aptamers may be specifically cross-linked to their cognate ligands, e.g., by photo-activation of a cross-linker. (See, e.g., Brody, E. N. and L. Gold (2000) J. Biotechnol. 74:5-13.)

[0075] The term “intramer” refers to an aptamer which is expressed in vivo. For example, a vaccinia virus-based RNA expression system has been used to express specific RNA aptamers at high levels in the cytoplasm of leukocytes (Blind, M. et al. (1999) Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 96:3606-3610).

[0076] The term “spiegelmer” refers to an aptamer which includes L-DNA, L-RNA, or other left-handed nucleotide derivatives or nucleotide-like molecules. Aptamers containing left-handed nucleotides are resistant to degradation by naturally occurring enzymes, which normally act on substrates containing right-handed nucleotides.

[0077] The term “antisense” refers to any composition capable of base-pairing with the “sense” (coding) strand of a specific nucleic acid sequence. Antisense compositions may include DNA; RNA; peptide nucleic acid (PNA); oligonucleotides having modified backbone linkages such as phosphorothioates, methylphosphonates, or benzylphosphonates; oligonucleotides having modified sugar groups such as 2′-methoxyethyl sugars or 2′-methoxyethoxy sugars; or oligonucleotides having modified bases such as 5-methyl cytosine, 2′-deoxyuracil, or 7-deaza-2′-deoxyguanosine. Antisense molecules may be produced by any method including chemical synthesis or transcription. Once introduced into a cell, the complementary antisense molecule base-pairs with a naturally occurring nucleic acid sequence produced by the cell to form duplexes which block either transcription or translation. The designation “negative” or “minus” can refer to the antisense strand, and the designation “positive” or “plus” can refer to the sense strand of a reference DNA molecule.

[0078] The term “biologically active” refers to a protein having structural, regulatory, or biochemical functions of a naturally occurring molecule. Likewise, “immunologically active” or “immunogenic” refers to the capability of the natural, recombinant, or synthetic INTSIG, or of any oligopeptide thereof, to induce a specific immune response in appropriate animals or cells and to bind with specific antibodies.

[0079] “Complementary” describes the relationship between two single-stranded nucleic acid sequences that anneal by base-pairing. For example, 5′-AGT-3′ pairs with its complement, 3′-TCA-5′.

[0080] A “composition comprising a given polynucleotide sequence” and a “composition comprising a given amino acid sequence” refer broadly to any composition containing the given polynucleotide or amino acid sequence. The composition may comprise a dry formulation or an aqueous solution. Compositions comprising polynucleotide sequences encoding INTSIG or fragments of INTSIG may be employed as hybridization probes. The probes may be stored in freeze-dried form and may be associated with a stabilizing agent such as a carbohydrate. In hybridizations, the probe may be deployed in an aqueous solution containing salts (e.g., NaCl), detergents (e.g., sodium dodecyl sulfate; SDS), and other components (e.g., Denhardt's solution, dry milk, salmon sperm DNA, etc.).

[0081] “Consensus sequence” refers to a nucleic acid sequence which has been subjected to repeated DNA sequence analysis to resolve uncalled bases, extended using the XL-PCR kit (Applied Biosystems, Foster City Calif.) in the 5′ and/or the 3′ direction, and resequenced, or which has been assembled from one or more overlapping cDNA, EST, or genomic DNA fragments using a computer program for fragment assembly, such as the GELVIEW fragment assembly system (GCG, Madison Wis.) or Phrap (University of Washington, Seattle Wash.). Some sequences have been both extended and assembled to produce the consensus sequence.

[0082] “Conservative amino acid substitutions” are those substitutions that are predicted to least interfere with the properties of the original protein, i.e., the structure and especially the function of the protein is conserved and not significantly changed by such substitutions. The table below shows amino acids which may be substituted for an original amino acid in a protein and which are regarded as conservative amino acid substitutions.

1Original ResidueConservative SubstitutionAlaGly, SerArgHis, LysAsnAsp, Gln, HisAspAsn, GluCysAla, SerGlnAsn, Glu, HisGluAsp, Gln, HisGlyAlaHisAsn, Arg, Gln, GluIleLeu, ValLeuIle, ValLysArg, Gln, GluMetLeu, IlePheHis, Met, Leu, Trp, TyrSerCys, ThrThrSer, ValTrpPhe, TyrTyrHis, Phe, TrpValIle, Leu, Thr

[0083] Conservative amino acid substitutions generally maintain (a) the structure of the polypeptide backbone in the area of the substitution, for example, as a beta sheet or alpha helical conformation, (b) the charge or hydrophobicity of the molecule at the site of the substitution, and/or (c) the bulk of the side chain.

[0084] A “deletion” refers to a change in the amino acid or nucleotide sequence that results in the absence of one or more amino acid residues or nucleotides.

[0085] The term “derivative” refers to a chemically modified polynucleotide or polypeptide. Chemical modifications of a polynucleotide can include, for example, replacement of hydrogen by an alkyl, acyl, hydroxyl, or amino group. A derivative polynucleotide encodes a polypeptide which retains at least one biological or immunological function of the natural molecule. A derivative polypeptide is one modified by glycosylation, pegylation, or any similar process that retains at least one biological or immunological function of the polypeptide from which it was derived.

[0086] A “detectable label” refers to a reporter molecule or enzyme that is capable of generating a measurable signal and is covalently or noncovalently joined to a polynucleotide or polypeptide.

[0087] “Differential expression” refers to increased or upregulated; or decreased, downregulated, or absent gene or protein expression, determined by comparing at least two different samples. Such comparisons may be carried out between, for example, a treated and an untreated sample, or a diseased and a normal sample.

[0088] “Exon shuffling” refers to the recombination of different coding regions (exons). Since an exon may represent a structural or functional domain of the encoded protein, new proteins may be assembled through the novel reassortment of stable substructures, thus allowing acceleration of the evolution of new protein functions.

[0089] A “fragment” is a unique portion of INTSIG or the polynucleotide encoding INTSIG which is identical in sequence to but shorter in length than the parent sequence. A fragment may comprise up to the entire length of the defined sequence, minus one nucleotide/amino acid residue. For example, a fragment may comprise from 5 to 1000 contiguous nucleotides or amino acid residues. A fragment used as a probe, primer, antigen, therapeutic molecule, or for other purposes, may be at least 5, 10, 15, 16, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 75, 100, 150, 250 or at least 500 contiguous nucleotides or amino acid residues in length. Fragments may be preferentially selected from certain regions of a molecule. For example, a polypeptide fragment may comprise a certain length of contiguous amino acids selected from the first 250 or 500 amino acids (or first 25% or 50%) of a polypeptide as shown in a certain defined sequence. Clearly these lengths are exemplary, and any length that is supported by the specification, including the Sequence Listing, tables, and figures, may be encompassed by the present embodiments.

[0090] A fragment of SEQ ID NO: 21-40 comprises a region of unique polynucleotide sequence that specifically identifies SEQ ID NO: 21-40, for example, as distinct from any other sequence in the genome from which the fragment was obtained. A fragment of SEQ ID NO: 21-40 is useful, for example, in hybridization and amplification technologies and in analogous methods that distinguish SEQ ID NO: 21-40 from related polynucleotide sequences. The precise length of a fragment of SEQ ID NO: 21-40 and the region of SEQ ID NO: 21-40 to which the fragment corresponds are routinely determinable by one of ordinary skill in the art based on the intended purpose for the fragment.

[0091] A fragment of SEQ ID NO: 1-20 is encoded by a fragment of SEQ ID NO: 21-40. A fragment of SEQ ID NO: 1-20 comprises a region of unique amino acid sequence that specifically identifies SEQ ID NO: 1-20. For example, a fragment of SEQ ID NO: 1-20 is useful as an immunogenic peptide for the development of antibodies that specifically recognize SEQ ID NO: 1-20. The precise length of a fragment of SEQ ID NO: 1-20 and the region of SEQ ID NO: 1-20 to which the fragment corresponds are routinely determinable by one of ordinary skill in the art based on the intended purpose for the fragment.

[0092] A “full length” polynucleotide sequence is one containing at least a translation initiation codon (e.g., methionine) followed by an open reading frame and a translation termination codon. A “full length” polynucleotide sequence encodes a “full length” polypeptide sequence.

[0093] “Homology” refers to sequence similarity or, interchangeably, sequence identity, between two or more polynucleotide sequences or two or more polypeptide sequences.

[0094] The terms “percent identity” and “% identity,” as applied to polynucleotide sequences, refer to the percentage of residue matches between at least two polynucleotide sequences aligned using a standardized algorithm. Such an algorithm may insert, in a standardized and reproducible way, gaps in the sequences being compared in order to optimize alignment between two sequences, and therefore achieve a more meaningful comparison of the two sequences.

[0095] Percent identity between polynucleotide sequences may be determined using the default parameters of the CLUSTAL V algorithm as incorporated into the MEGALIGN version 3.12e sequence alignment program. This program is part of the LASERGENE software package, a suite of molecular biological analysis programs (DNASTAR, Madison Wis.). CLUSTAL V is described in Higgins, D. G. and P. M. Sharp (1989) CABIOS 5:151-153 and in Higgins, D. G. et al. (1992) CABIOS 8:189-191. For pairwise alignments of polynucleotide sequences, the default parameters are set as follows: Ktuple=2, gap penalty=5, window=4, and “diagonals saved”=4. The “weighted” residue weight table is selected as the default. Percent identity is reported by CLUSTAL V as the “percent similarity” between aligned polynucleotide sequences.

[0096] Alternatively, a suite of commonly used and freely available sequence comparison algorithms is provided by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) (Altschul, S. F. et al. (1990) J. Mol. Biol. 215:403-410), which is available from several sources, including the NCBI, Bethesda, Md., and on the Internet at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/BLAST/. The BLAST software suite includes various sequence analysis programs including “blastn,” that is used to align a known polynucleotide sequence with other polynucleotide sequences from a variety of databases. Also available is a tool called “BLAST 2 Sequences” that is used for direct pairwise comparison of two nucleotide sequences. “BLAST 2 Sequences” can be accessed and used interactively at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gorf/bl2.html. The “BLAST 2 Sequences” tool can be used for both blastn and blastp (discussed below). BLAST programs are commonly used with gap and other parameters set to default settings. For example, to compare two nucleotide sequences, one may use blastn with the “BLAST 2 Sequences” tool Version 2.0.12 (Apr. 21, 2000) set at default parameters. Such default parameters may be, for example:

[0097] Matrix: BLOSUM62

[0098] Reward for match: 1

[0099] Penalty for mismatch: −2

[0100] Open Gap: 5 and Extension Gap: 2 penalties

[0101] Gap x drop-off: 50

[0102] Expect: 10

[0103] Word Size: 11

[0104] Filter: on

[0105] Percent identity may be measured over the length of an entire defined sequence, for example, as defined by a particular SEQ ID number, or may be measured over a shorter length, for example, over the length of a fragment taken from a larger, defined sequence, for instance, a fragment of at least 20, at least 30, at least 40, at least 50, at least 70, at least 100, or at least 200 contiguous nucleotides. Such lengths are exemplary only, and it is understood that any fragment length supported by the sequences shown herein, in the tables, figures, or Sequence Listing, may be used to describe a length over which percentage identity may be measured.

[0106] Nucleic acid sequences that do not show a high degree of identity may nevertheless encode similar amino acid sequences due to the degeneracy of the genetic code. It is understood that changes in a nucleic acid sequence can be made using this degeneracy to produce multiple nucleic acid sequences that all encode substantially the same protein.

[0107] The phrases “percent identity” and “% identity,” as applied to polypeptide sequences, refer to the percentage of residue matches between at least two polypeptide sequences aligned using a standardized algorithm. Methods of polypeptide sequence alignment are well-known. Some alignment methods take into account conservative amino acid substitutions. Such conservative substitutions, explained in more detail above, generally preserve the charge and hydrophobicity at the site of substitution, thus preserving the structure (and therefore function) of the polypeptide.

[0108] Percent identity between polypeptide sequences may be determined using the default parameters of the CLUSTAL V algorithm as incorporated into the MEGALIGN version 3.12e sequence alignment program (described and referenced above). For pairwise alignments of polypeptide sequences using CLUSTAL V, the default parameters are set as follows: Ktuple=1, gap penalty=3, window=5, and “diagonals saved”=5. The PAM250 matrix is selected as the default residue weight table. As with polynucleotide alignments, the percent identity is reported by CLUSTAL V as the “percent similarity” between aligned polypeptide sequence pairs.

[0109] Alternatively the NCBI BLAST software suite may be used. For example, for a pairwise comparison of two polypeptide sequences, one may use the “BLAST 2 Sequences” tool Version 2.0.12 (Apr. 21, 2000) with blastp set at default parameters. Such default parameters may be, for example:

[0110] Matrix: BLOSUM62

[0111] Open Gap: 11 and Extension Gap: 1 penalties

[0112] Gap x drop-off: 50

[0113] Expect: 10

[0114] Word Size: 3

[0115] Filter: on

[0116] Percent identity may be measured over the length of an entire defined polypeptide sequence, for example, as defined by a particular SEQ ID number, or may be measured over a shorter length, for example, over the length of a fragment taken from a larger, defined polypeptide sequence, for instance, a fragment of at least 15, at least 20, at least 30, at least 40, at least 50, at least 70 or at least 150 contiguous residues. Such lengths are exemplary only, and it is understood that any fragment length supported by the sequences shown herein, in the tables, figures or Sequence Listing, may be used to describe a length over which percentage identity may be measured.

[0117] “Human artificial chromosomes” (HACs) are linear microchromosomes which may contain DNA sequences of about 6 kb to 10 Mb in size and which contain all of the elements required for chromosome replication, segregation and maintenance.

[0118] The term “humanized antibody” refers to an antibody molecule in which the amino acid sequence in the non-antigen binding regions has been altered so that the antibody more closely resembles a human antibody, and still retains its original binding ability.

[0119] “Hybridization” refers to the process by which a polynucleotide strand anneals with a complementary strand through base pairing under defined hybridization conditions. Specific hybridization is an indication that two nucleic acid sequences share a high degree of complementarity. Specific hybridization complexes form under permissive annealing conditions and remain hybridized after the “washing” step(s). The washing step(s) is particularly important in determining the stringency of the hybridization process, with more stringent conditions allowing less non-specific binding, i.e., binding between pairs of nucleic acid strands that are not perfectly matched. Permissive conditions for annealing of nucleic acid sequences are routinely determinable by one of ordinary skill in the art and may be consistent among hybridization experiments, whereas wash conditions may be varied among experiments to achieve the desired stringency, and therefore hybridization specificity. Permissive annealing conditions occur, for example, at 68° C. in the presence of about 6×SSC, about 1% (w/v) SDS, and about 100 μg/ml sheared, denatured salmon sperm DNA.

[0120] Generally, stringency of hybridization is expressed, in part, with reference to the temperature under which the wash step is carried out. Such wash temperatures are typically selected to be about 5° C. to 20° C. lower than the thennal melting point (Tm) for the specific sequence at a defined ionic strength and pH. The Tm is the temperature (under defined ionic strength and pH) at which 50% of the target sequence hybridizes to a perfectly matched probe. An equation for calculating Tm and conditions for nucleic acid hybridization are well known and can be found in Sambrook, J. et al. (1989) Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 2nd ed., vol. 1-3, Cold Spring Harbor Press, Plainview N.Y.; specifically see volume 2, chapter 9.

[0121] High stringency conditions for hybridization between polynucleotides of the present invention include wash conditions of 68° C. in the presence of about 0.2×SSC and about 0.1% SDS, for 1 hour. Alternatively, temperatures of about 65° C., 60° C., 55° C., or 42° C. may be used. SSC concentration may be varied from about 0.1 to 2×SSC, with SDS being present at about 0.1%. Typically, blocking reagents are used to block non-specific hybridization. Such blocking reagents include, for instance, sheared and denatured salmon sperm DNA at about 100-200 μg/ml. Organic solvent, such as fornamide at a concentration of about 35-50% v/v, may also be used under particular circumstances, such as for RNA:DNA hybridizations. Useful variations on these wash conditions will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Hybridization, particularly under high stringency conditions, may be suggestive of evolutionary similarity between the nucleotides. Such similarity is strongly indicative of a similar role for the nucleotides and their encoded polypeptides.

[0122] The term “hybridization complex” refers to a complex formed between two nucleic acid sequences by virtue of the formation of hydrogen bonds between complementary bases. A hybridization complex may be formed in solution (e.g., C0t or R0t analysis) or formed between one nucleic acid sequence present in solution and another nucleic acid sequence immobilized on a solid support (e.g., paper, membranes, filters, chips, pins or glass slides, or any other appropriate substrate to which cells or their nucleic acids have been fixed).

[0123] The words “insertion” and “addition” refer to changes in an amino acid or nucleotide sequence resulting in the addition of one or more amino acid residues or nucleotides, respectively.

[0124] “Immune response” can refer to conditions associated with inflammation, trauma, immune disorders, or infectious or genetic disease, etc. These conditions can be characterized by expression of various factors, e.g., cytokines, chemokines, and other signaling molecules, which may affect cellular and systemic defense systems.

[0125] An “immunogenic fragment” is a polypeptide or oligopeptide fragment of INTSIG which is capable of eliciting an immune response when introduced into a living organism, for example, a mammal. The term “immunogenic fragment” also includes any polypeptide or oligopeptide fragment of INTSIG which is useful in any of the antibody production methods disclosed herein or known in the art.

[0126] The term “microarray” refers to an arrangement of a plurality of polynucleotides, polypeptides, or other chemical compounds on a substrate.

[0127] The terms “element” and “array element” refer to a polynucleotide, polypeptide, or other chemical compound having a unique and defined position on a microarray.

[0128] The term “modulate” refers to a change in the activity of INTSIG. For example, modulation may cause an increase or a decrease in protein activity, binding characteristics, or any other biological, functional, or immunological properties of INTSIG.

[0129] The phrases “nucleic acid” and “nucleic acid sequence” refer to a nucleotide, oligonucleotide, polynucleotide, or any fragment thereof. These phrases also refer to DNA or RNA of genomic or synthetic origin which may be single-stranded or double-stranded and may represent the sense or the antisense strand, to peptide nucleic acid (PNA), or to any DNA-like or RNA-like material.

[0130] “Operably linked” refers to the situation in which a first nucleic acid sequence is placed in a functional relationship with a second nucleic acid sequence. For instance, a promoter is operably linked to a coding sequence if the promoter affects the transcription or expression of the coding sequence. Operably linked DNA sequences may be in close proximity or contiguous and, where necessary to join two protein coding regions, in the same reading frame.

[0131] “Peptide nucleic acid” (PNA) refers to an antisense molecule or anti-gene agent which comprises an oligonucleotide of at least about 5 nucleotides in length linked to a peptide backbone of amino acid residues ending in lysine. The terminal lysine confers solubility to the composition. PNAs preferentially bind complementary single stranded DNA or RNA and stop transcript elongation, and may be pegylated to extend their lifespan in the cell.

[0132] “Post-translational modification” of an INTSIG may involve lipidation, glycosylation, phosphorylation, acetylation, racemization, proteolytic cleavage, and other modifications known in the art. These processes may occur synthetically or biochemically. Biochemical modifications will vary by cell type depending on the enzymatic milieu of INTSIG.

[0133] “Probe” refers to nucleic acid sequences encoding INTSIG, their complements, or fragments thereof, which are used to detect identical, allelic or related nucleic acid sequences. Probes are isolated oligonucleotides or polynucleotides attached to a detectable label or reporter molecule. Typical labels include radioactive isotopes, ligands, chemiluminescent agents, and enzymes. “Primers” are short nucleic acids, usually DNA oligonucleotides, which may be annealed to a target polynucleotide by complementary base-pairing. The primer may then be extended along the target DNA strand by a DNA polymerase enzyme. Primer pairs can be used for amplification (and identification) of a nucleic acid sequence, e.g., by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

[0134] Probes and primers as used in the present invention typically comprise at least 15 contiguous nucleotides of a known sequence. In order to enhance specificity, longer probes and primers may also be employed, such as probes and primers that comprise at least 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, or at least 150 consecutive nucleotides of the disclosed nucleic acid sequences. Probes and primers may be considerably longer than these examples, and it is understood that any length supported by the specification, including the tables, figures, and Sequence Listing, may be used.

[0135] Methods for preparing and using probes and primers are described in the references, for example Sambrook, J. et al. (1989) Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 2nd ed., vol. 1-3, Cold Spring Harbor Press, Plainview N.Y.; Ausubel, F. M. et al. (1987) Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Greene Publ. Assoc. & Wiley-Intersciences, New York N.Y.; Innis, M. et al. (1990) PCR Protocols, A Guide to Methods and Applications, Academic Press, San Diego Calif. PCR primer pairs can be derived from a known sequence, for example, by using computer programs intended for that purpose such as Primer (Version 0.5, 1991, Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge Mass.).

[0136] Oligonucleotides for use as primers are selected using software known in the art for such purpose. For example, OLIGO 4.06 software is useful for the selection of PCR primer pairs of up to 100 nucleotides each, and for the analysis of oligonucleotides and larger polynucleotides of up to 5,000 nucleotides from an input polynucleotide sequence of up to 32 kilobases. Similar primer selection programs have incorporated additional features for expanded capabilities. For example, the PrimOU primer selection program (available to the public from the Genome Center at University of Texas South West Medical Center, Dallas Tex.) is capable of choosing specific primers from megabase sequences and is thus useful for designing primers on a genome-wide scope. The Primer3 primer selection program (available to the public from the Whitehead Institute/MIT Center for Genome Research, Cambridge Mass.) allows the user to input a “mispriming library,” in which sequences to avoid as primer binding sites are user-specified. Primer3 is useful, in particular, for the selection of oligonucleotides for microarrays. (The source code for the latter two primer selection programs may also be obtained from their respective sources and modified to meet the user's specific needs.) The PrimeGen program (available to the public from the UK Human Genome Mapping Project Resource Centre, Cambridge UK) designs primers based on multiple sequence alignments, thereby allowing selection of primers that hybridize to either the most conserved or least conserved regions of aligned nucleic acid sequences. Hence, this program is useful for identification of both unique and conserved oligonucleotides and polynucleotide fragments. The oligonucleotides and polynucleotide fragments identified by any of the above selection methods are useful in hybridization technologies, for example, as PCR or sequencing primers, microarray elements, or specific probes to identify fully or partially complementary polynucleotides in a sample of nucleic acids. Methods of oligonucleotide selection are not limited to those described above.

[0137] A “recombinant nucleic acid” is a sequence that is not naturally occurring or has a sequence that is made by an artificial combination of two or more otherwise separated segments of sequence. This artificial combination is often accomplished by chemical synthesis or, more commonly, by the artificial manipulation of isolated segments of nucleic acids, e.g., by genetic engineering techniques such as those described in Sambrook, supra. The term recombinant includes nucleic acids that have been altered solely by addition, substitution, or deletion of a portion of the nucleic acid. Frequently, a recombinant nucleic acid may include a nucleic acid sequence operably linked to a promoter sequence. Such a recombinant nucleic acid may be part of a vector that is used, for example, to transform a cell.

[0138] Alternatively, such recombinant nucleic acids may be part of a viral vector, e.g., based on a vaccinia virus, that could be use to vaccinate a mammal wherein the recombinant nucleic acid is expressed, inducing a protective immunological response in the mammal.

[0139] A “regulatory element” refers to a nucleic acid sequence usually derived from untranslated regions of a gene and includes enhancers, promoters, introns, and 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions (UTRs). Regulatory elements interact with host or viral proteins which control transcription, translation, or RNA stability.

[0140] “Reporter molecules” are chemical or biochemical moieties used for labeling a nucleic acid, amino acid, or antibody. Reporter molecules include radionuclides; enzymes; fluorescent, chemiluminescent, or clromogenic agents; substrates; cofactors; inhibitors; magnetic particles; and other moieties known in the art.

[0141] An “RNA equivalent,” in reference to a DNA sequence, is composed of the same linear sequence of nucleotides as the reference DNA sequence with the exception that all occurrences of the nitrogenous base thymine are replaced with uracil, and the sugar backbone is composed of ribose instead of deoxyribose.

[0142] The term “sample” is used in its broadest sense. A sample suspected of containing INTSIG, nucleic acids encoding INTSIG, or fragments thereof may comprise a bodily fluid; an extract from a cell, chromosome, organelle, or membrane isolated from a cell; a cell; genomic DNA, RNA, or cDNA, in solution or bound to a substrate; a tissue; a tissue print; etc.

[0143] The terms “specific binding” and “specifically binding” refer to that interaction between a protein or peptide and an agonist, an antibody, an antagonist, a small molecule, or any natural or synthetic binding composition. The interaction is dependent upon the presence of a particular structure of the protein, e.g., the antigenic determinant or epitope, recognized by the binding molecule. For example, if an antibody is specific for epitope “A,” the presence of a polypeptide comprising the epitope A, or the presence of free unlabeled A, in a reaction containing free labeled A and the antibody will reduce the amount of labeled A that binds to the antibody.

[0144] The term “substantially purified” refers to nucleic acid or amino acid sequences that are removed from their natural environment and are isolated or separated, and are at least 60% free, preferably at least 75% free, and most preferably at least 90% free from other components with which they are naturally associated.

[0145] A “substitution” refers to the replacement of one or more amino acid residues or nucleotides by different amino acid residues or nucleotides, respectively.

[0146] “Substrate” refers to any suitable rigid or semi-rigid support including membranes, filters, chips, slides, wafers, fibers, magnetic or nonmagnetic beads, gels, tubing, plates, polymers, microparticles and capillaries. The substrate can have a variety of surface forms, such as wells, trenches, pins, channels and pores, to which polynucleotides or polypeptides are bound.

[0147] A “transcript image” refers to the collective pattern of gene expression by a particular cell type or tissue under given conditions at a given time.

[0148] “Transformation” describes a process by which exogenous DNA is introduced into a recipient cell. Transformation may occur under natural or artificial conditions according to various methods well known in the art, and may rely on any known method for the insertion of foreign nucleic acid sequences into a prokaryotic or eukaryotic host cell. The method for transformation is selected based on the type of host cell being transformed and may include, but is not limited to, bacteriophage or viral infection, electroporation, heat shock, lipofection, and particle bombardment. The term “transformed cells” includes stably transformed cells in which the inserted DNA is capable of replication either as an autonomously replicating plasmid or as part of the host chromosome, as well as transiently transformed cells which express the inserted DNA or RNA for limited periods of time.

[0149] A “transgenic organism,” as used herein, is any organism, including but not limited to animals and plants, in which one or more of the cells of the organism contains heterologous nucleic acid introduced by way of human intervention, such as by transgenic techniques well known in the art. The nucleic acid is introduced into the cell, directly or indirectly by introduction into a precursor of the cell, by way of deliberate genetic manipulation, such as by microinjection or by infection with a recombinant virus. The term genetic manipulation does not include classical cross-breeding, or in vitro fertilization, but rather is directed to the introduction of a recombinant DNA molecule. The transcgenic organisms contemplated in accordance with the present invention include bacteria, cyanobacteria, fungi, plants and animals. The isolated DNA of the present invention can be introduced into the host by methods known in the art, for example infection, transfection, transformation or transconjugation. Techniques for transferring the DNA of the present invention into such organisms are widely known and provided in references such as Sambrook et al. (1989), supra.

[0150] A “variant” of a particular nucleic acid sequence is defined as a nucleic acid sequence having at least 40% sequence identity to the particular nucleic acid sequence over a certain length of one of the nucleic acid sequences using blastn with the “BLAST 2 Sequences” tool Version 2.0.9 (May 7, 1999) set at default parameters. Such a pair of nucleic acids may show, for example, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% or greater sequence identity over a certain defined length. A variant may be described as, for example, an “allelic” (as defined above), “splice,” “species,” or “polymorphic” variant. A splice variant may have significant identity to a reference molecule, but will generally have a greater or lesser number of polynucleotides due to alternate splicing of exons during mRNA processing. The corresponding polypeptide may possess additional functional domains or lack domains that are present in the reference molecule. Species variants are polynucleotide sequences that vary from one species to another. The resulting polypeptides will generally have significant amino acid identity relative to each other. A polymorphic variant is a variation in the polynucleotide sequence of a particular gene between individuals of a given species. Polymorphic variants also may encompass “single nucleotide polymorphisms” (SNPs) in which the polynucleotide sequence varies by one nucleotide base. The presence of SNPs may be indicative of, for example, a certain population, a disease state, or a propensity for a disease state.

[0151] A “variant” of a particular polypeptide sequence is defined as a polypeptide sequence having at least 40% sequence identity to the particular polypeptide sequence over a certain length of one of the polypeptide sequences using blastp with the “BLAST 2 Sequences” tool Version 2.0.9 (May 7, 1999) set at default parameters. Such a pair of polypeptides may show, for example, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% or greater sequence identity over a certain defined length of one of the polypeptides.

[0152] The Invention

[0153] The invention is based on the discovery of new human intracellular signaling molecules (INTSIG), the polynucleotides encoding INTSIG, and the use of these compositions for the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of cell proliferative, autoinunune/inflarnmatory, neurological, gastrointestinal, reproductive, and developmental disorders.

[0154] Table 1 summarizes the nomenclature for the full length polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences of the invention. Each polynucleotide and its corresponding polypeptide are correlated to a single Incyte project identification number (Incyte Project ID). Each polypeptide sequence is denoted by both a polypeptide sequence identification number (Polypeptide SEQ ID NO:) and an Incyte polypeptide sequence number (Incyte Polypeptide ID) as shown. Each polynucleotide sequence is denoted by both a polynucleotide sequence identification number (Polynucleotide SEQ ID NO:) and an Incyte polynucleotide consensus sequence number (Incyte Polynucleotide ID) as shown.

[0155] Table 2 shows sequences with homology to the polypeptides of the invention as identified by BLAST analysis against the GenBank protein (genpept) database. Columns 1 and 2 show the polypeptide sequence identification number (Polypeptide SEQ ID NO:) and the corresponding Incyte polypeptide sequence number (Incyte Polypeptide ID) for polypeptides of the invention. Column 3 shows the GenBank identification number (Genbank ID NO:) of the nearest GenBaiik homolog. Column 4 shows the probability score for the match between each polypeptide and its GenBank homolog. Column 5 shows the annotation of the GenBank homolog along with relevant citations where applicable, all of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein.

[0156] Table 3 shows various structural features of the polypeptides of the invention. Columns 1 and 2 show the polypeptide sequence identification number (SEQ ID NO:) and the corresponding Incyte polypeptide sequence number (Incyte Polypeptide ID) for each polypeptide of the invention. Column 3 shows the number of amino acid residues in each polypeptide. Column 4 shows potential phosphorylation sites, and column 5 shows potential glycosylation sites, as determined by the MOTIFS program of the GCG sequence analysis software package (Genetics Computer Group, Madison Wis.). Column 6 shows amino acid residues comprising signature sequences, domains, and motifs. Column 7 shows analytical methods for protein structure/function analysis and in some cases, searchable databases to which the analytical methods were applied.

[0157] Together, Tables 2 and 3 summarize the properties of polypeptides of the invention, and these properties establish that the claimed polypeptides are intracellular signaling molecules. For example, SEQ ID NO: 2 is 37% identical to Schizosaccharomyces pombe beta transducin (GenBank ID g3451308) as determined by the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST). (See Table 2.) The BLAST probability score is 2.1e-146, which indicates the probability of obtaining the observed polypeptide sequence alignment by chance. SEQ ID NO: 2 also contains a G-beta repeat WD40 domain as determined by searching for statistically significant matches in the hidden Markov model (HMM)-based PFAM database of conserved protein family domains. (See Table 3.) Data from MOTIFS analysis provides further corroborative evidence that SEQ ID NO: 2 is a transducin.

[0158] In an alternative example, SEQ ID NO: 6 is 85% identical to murine nedd-1 protein (GenBank ID g286103) as determined by the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST). (See Table 2.) The BLAST probability score is 0.0, which indicates the probability of obtaining the observed polypeptide sequence alignment by chance. SEQ ID NO: 6 also contains a WD domain as determined by searching for statistically significant matches in the hidden Markov model (HMM)-based PFAM database of conserved protein family domains. (See Table 3.) Data from BLIMPS and MOTIFS analyses provide further corroborative evidence that SEQ ID NO: 6 is a protein involved in signal transduction.

[0159] In an alternative example, SEQ ID NO: 10 is 51 % identical to the human rho GTPase activating protein p115 (GenBank ID g840786) as determined by the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST). (See Table 2.) The BLAST probability score is 5.2e-211, which indicates the probability of obtaining the observed polypeptide sequence alignment by chance. SEQ ID NO: 10 contains a rhoGAP domain, an SH3 domain, and a Fes/CIP4 actin cytoskeleton regulatory protein domain, as determined by searching for statistically significant matches in the hidden Markov model (HMM)-based PFAM database of conserved protein family domains. (See Table 3.) The presence of these domains is confirmed by BLIMPS and MOTIFS analyses, providing further corroborative evidence that SEQ ID NO: 10 is a GTPase activating protein.

[0160] In an alternative example, SEQ ID NO: 16 is 49% identical to the human ras-related tumor suppressor NOEY2 (GenBank ID g4100355) as determined by the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST). (See Table 2.) The BLAST probability score is 3.6e-45, which indicates the probability of obtaining the observed polypeptide sequence alignment by chance. SEQ ID NO: 16 also contains a ras family domain as determined by searching for statistically significant matches in the hidden Markov model (HMM)-based PFAM database of conserved protein family domains. (See Table 3.) Data from BLIMPS and MOTIFS analyses provide further corroborative evidence that SEQ ID NO: 16 is a signaling protein of the ras family.

[0161] In an alternative example, SEQ ID NO: 20 is 95% identical to murine SLM-1 protein (GenBank ID g4426613) as determined by the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST). (See Table 2.) The BLAST probability score is 3.1e-183, which indicates the probability of obtaining the observed polypeptide sequence alignment by chance. SEQ ID NO: 20 also contains a KH domain (E-value is 0.11 ) as determined by searching for statistically significant matches in the hidden Markov model (HMM)-based PFAM database of conserved protein family domains. (See Table 3.) SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 3-5, SEQ ID NO: 7-9, SEQ ID NO: 11-13, SEQ ID NO: 14-15, and SEQ ID NO: 17-19 were analyzed and annotated in a similar manner. The algorithms and parameters for the analysis of SEQ ID NO: 1-20 are described in Table 7.

[0162] As shown in Table 4, the full length polynucleotide sequences of the present invention were assembled using cDNA sequences or coding (exon) sequences derived from genomic DNA, or any combination of these two types of sequences. Columns 1 and 2 list the polynucleotide sequence identification number (Polynucleotide SEQ ID NO:) and the corresponding Incyte polynucleotide consensus sequence number (Incyte Polynucleotide ID) for each polynucleotide of the invention. Column 3 shows the length of each polynucleotide sequence in basepairs. Column 4 lists fragments of the polynucleotide sequences which are useful, for example, in hybridization or amplification technologies that identify SEQ ID NO: 21-40 or that distinguish between SEQ ID NO:21-40 and related polynucleotide sequences. Column 5 shows identification numbers corresponding to cDNA sequences, coding sequences (exons) predicted from genomic DNA, and/or sequence assemblages comprised of both cDNA and genomic DNA. These sequences were used to assemble the full length polynucleotide sequences of the invention. Columns 6 and 7 of Table 4 show the nucleotide start (5′) and stop (3′) positions of the cDNA and/or genomic sequences in column 5 relative to their respective full length sequences.

[0163] The identification numbers in Column 5 of Table 4 may refer specifically, for example, to Incyte cDNAs along with their corresponding cDNA libraries. For example, 105283R6 is the identification number of an Incyte cDNA sequence, and BMARNOT02 is the cDNA library from which it is derived. Incyte cDNAs for which cDNA libraries are not indicated were derived from pooled cDNA libraries (e.g., 71206562V1). Alternatively, the identification numbers in column 5 may refer to GenBank cDNAs or ESTs (e.g., g3034305) which contributed to the assembly of the full length polynucleotide sequences. In addition, the identification numbers in column 5 may identify sequences derived from the ENSEMBL (The Sanger Centre, Cambridge, UK) database (i.e., those sequences including the designation “ENST”). Alternatively, the identification numbers in column 5 may be derived from the NCBI RefSeq Nucleotide Sequence Records Database (i.e., those sequences including the designation “NM” or “NT”) or the NCBI RefSeq Protein Sequence Records (i.e., those sequences including the designation “NP”). Alternatively, the identification numbers in column 5 may refer to assemblages of both cDNA and Genscan-predicted exons brought together by an “exon stitching” algorithm. For example, FL_XXXXXX_N1—N2—YYYYY_N3—N4 represents a “stitched” sequence in which XXXXXX is the identification number of the cluster of sequences to which the algorithm was applied, and YYYYY is the number of the prediction generated by the algorithm, and N1,2,3 . . . , if present, represent specific exons that may have been manually edited during analysis (See Example V). Alternatively, the identification numbers in column 5 may refer to assemblages of exons brought together by an “exon-stretching” algorithm. For example, FLXXXXXX_gAAAAA_gBBBBB—1_N is the identification number of a “stretched” sequence, with XXXXXX being the Incyte project identification number, gAAAAA being the GenBank identification number of the human genomic sequence to which the “exon-stretching” algorithm was applied, GBBBBB being the GenBank identification number or NCBI RefSeq identification number of the nearest GenBank protein homolog, and N referring to specific exons (See Example V). In instances where a RefSeq sequence was used as a protein homolog for the “exon-stretching” algorithm, a RefSeq identifier (denoted by “NM,” “NP,” or “NT”) may be used in place of the GenBank identifier (i.e., gBBBBB).

[0164] Alternatively, a prefix identifies component sequences that were hand-edited, predicted from genomic DNA sequences, or derived from a combination of sequence analysis methods. The following Table lists examples of component sequence prefixes and corresponding sequence analysis methods associated with the prefixes (see Example IV and Example V).

2PrefixType of analysis and/or examples of programsGNN, GFG,Exon prediction from genomic sequences using, forENSTexample, GENSCAN (Stanford University, CA, USA) orFGENES (Computer Genomics Group, The Sanger Centre,Cambridge, UK).GBIHand-edited analysis of genomic sequences.FLStitched or stretched genomic sequences (see Example V).INCYFull length transcript and exon prediction from mapping ofEST sequences to the genome. Genomic location and ESTcomposition data are combined to predict the exons andresulting transcript.

[0165] In some cases, Incyte cDNA coverage redundant with the sequence coverage shown in column 5 was obtained to confirm the final consensus polynucleotide sequence, but the relevant Incyte cDNA identification numbers are not shown.

[0166] Table 5 shows the representative cDNA libraries for those full length polynucleotide sequences which were assembled using Incyte cDNA sequences. The representative cDNA library is the Incyte cDNA library which is most frequently represented by the Incyte cDNA sequences which were used to assemble and confirm the above polynucleotide sequences. The tissues and vectors which were used to construct the cDNA libraries shown in Table 5 are described in Table 6.

[0167] The invention also encompasses INTSIG variants. A preferred INTSIG variant is one which has at least about 80%, or alternatively at least about 90%, or even at least about 95% amino acid sequence identity to the INTSIG amino acid sequence, and which contains at least one functional or structural characteristic of INTSIG.

[0168] The invention also encompasses polynucleotides which encode INTSIG. In a particular embodiment, the invention encompasses a polynucleotide sequence comprising a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 21-40, which encodes INTSIG. The polynucleotide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 21-40, as presented in the Sequence Listing, embrace the equivalent RNA sequences, wherein occurrences of the nitrogenous base thyrine are replaced with uracil, and the sugar backbone is composed of ribose instead of deoxyribose.

[0169] The invention also encompasses a variant of a polynucleotide sequence encoding INTSIG. In particular, such a variant polynucleotide sequence will have at least about 70%, or alternatively at least about 85%, or even at least about 95% polynucleotide sequence identity to the polynucleotide sequence encoding INTSIG. A particular aspect of the invention encompasses a variant of a polynucleotide sequence comprising a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 21-40 which has at least about 70%, or alternatively at least about 85%, or even at least about 95% polynucleotide sequence identity to a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 21-40. Any one of the polynucleotide variants described above can encode an amino acid sequence which contains at least one functional or structural characteristic of INTSIG.

[0170] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code, a multitude of polynucleotide sequences encoding INTSIG, some bearing minimal similarity to the polynucleotide sequences of any known and naturally occurring gene, may be produced. Thus, the invention contemplates each and every possible variation of polynucleotide sequence that could be made by selecting combinations based on possible codon choices. These combinations are made in accordance with the standard triplet genetic code as applied to the polynucleotide sequence of naturally occurring INTSIG, and all such variations are to be considered as being specifically disclosed.

[0171] Although nucleotide sequences which encode INTSIG and its variants are generally capable of hybridizing to the nucleotide sequence of the naturally occurring INTSIG under appropriately selected conditions of stringency, it may be advantageous to produce nucleotide sequences encoding INTSIG or its derivatives possessing a substantially different codon usage, e.g., inclusion of non-naturally occurring codons. Codons may be selected to increase the rate at which expression of the peptide occurs in a particular prokaryotic or eukaryotic host in accordance with the frequency with which particular codons are utilized by the host. Other reasons for substantially altering the nucleotide sequence encoding INTSIG and its derivatives without altering the encoded amino acid sequences include the production of RNA transcripts having more desirable properties, such as a greater half-life, than transcripts produced from the naturally occurring sequence.

[0172] The invention also encompasses production of DNA sequences which encode INTSIG and INTSIG derivatives, or fragments thereof, entirely by synthetic chemistry. After production, the synthetic sequence may be inserted into any of the many available expression vectors and cell systems using reagents well known in the art. Moreover, synthetic chemistry may be used to introduce mutations into a sequence encoding INTSIG or any fragment thereof.

[0173] Also encompassed by the invention are polynucleotide sequences that are capable of hybridizing to the claimed polynucleotide sequences, and, in particular, to those shown in SEQ ID NO: 21-40 and fragments thereof under various conditions of stringency. (See, e.g., Wahl, G. M. and S. L. Berger (1987) Methods Enzymol. 152:399-407; Kimmel, A. R. (1987) Methods Enzymol. 152:507-511.) Hybridization conditions, including annealing and wash conditions, are described in “Definitions.”

[0174] Methods for DNA sequencing are well known in the art and may be used to practice any of the embodiments of the invention. The methods may employ such enzymes as the Klenow fragment of DNA polymerase I, SEQUENASE (US Biochemical, Cleveland Ohio), Taq polyrnerase (Applied Biosystems), thermostable T7 polymerase (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech, Piscataway N.J.), or combinations of polymerases and proofreading exonucleases such as those found in the ELONGASE amplification system (Life Technologies, Gaithersburg Md.). Preferably, sequence preparation is automated with machines such as the MICROLAB 2200 liquid transfer system (Hamilton, Reno Nev.), PTC200 thermal cycler (MJ Research, Watertown Mass.) and ABI CATALYST 800 thermal cycler (Applied Biosystems). Sequencing is then carried out using either the ABI 373 or 377 DNA sequencing system (Applied Biosystems), the MEGABACE 1000 DNA sequencing system (Molecular Dynamics, Sunnyvale Calif.), or other systems known in the art. The resulting sequences are analyzed using a variety of algorithms which are well known in the art. (See, e.g., Ausubel, F. M. (1997) Short Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley & Sons, New York N.Y., unit 7.7; Meyers, R. A. (1995) Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Wiley V C H, New York N.Y., pp. 856-853.)

[0175] The nucleic acid sequences encoding INTSIG may be extended utilizing a partial nucleotide sequence and employing various PCR-based methods known in the art to detect upstream sequences, such as promoters and regulatory elements. For example, one method which may be employed, restriction-site PCR, uses universal and nested primers to amplify unknown sequence from genomic DNA within a cloning vector. (See, e.g., Sarkar, G. (1993) PCR Methods Applic. 2:318-322.) Another method, inverse PCR, uses primers that extend in divergent directions to amplify unknown sequence from a circularized template. The template is derived from restriction fragments comprising a known genomic locus and surrounding sequences. (See, e.g., Triglia, T. et al. (1988) Nucleic Acids Res. 16:8186.) A third method, capture PCR, involves PCR amplification of DNA fragments adjacent to known sequences in human and yeast artificial chromosome DNA. (See, e.g., Lagerstrom, M. et al. (1991) PCR Methods Applic. 1:111-119.) In this method, multiple restriction enzyme digestions and ligations may be used to insert an engineered double-stranded sequence into a region of unknown sequence before performing PCR. Other methods which may be used to retrieve unknown sequences are known in the art. (See, e.g., Parker, J. D. et al. (1991) Nucleic Acids Res. 19:3055-3060). Additionally, one may use PCR, nested primers, and PROMOTERFEDER libraries (Clontech, Palo Alto Calif.) to walk genomic DNA. This procedure avoids the need to screen libraries and is useful in finding intron/exon junctions. For all PCR-based methods, primers may be designed using commercially available software, such as OLIGO 4.06 primer analysis software (National Biosciences, Plymouth Minn.) or another appropriate program, to be about 22 to 30 nucleotides in length, to have a GC content of about 50% or more, and to anneal to the template at temperatures of about 68° C. to 72° C.

[0176] When screening for full length cDNAs, it is preferable to use libraries that have been size-selected to include larger cDNAs. In addition, random-primed libraries, which often include sequences containing the 5′ regions of genes, are preferable for situations in which an oligo d(T) library does not yield a full-length cDNA. Genomic libraries may be useful for extension of sequence into 5′ non-transcribed regulatory regions.

[0177] Capillary electrophoresis systems which are commercially available may be used to analyze the size or confirm the nucleotide sequence of sequencing or PCR products. In particular, capillary sequencing may employ flowable polymers for electrophoretic separation, four different nucleotide-specific, laser-stimulated fluorescent dyes, and a charge coupled device camera for detection of the emitted wavelengths. Output/light intensity may be converted to electrical signal using appropriate software (e.g., GENOTYPER and SEQUENCE NAVIGATOR, Applied Biosystems), and the entire process from loading of samples to computer analysis and electronic data display may be computer controlled. Capillary electrophoresis is especially preferable for sequencing small DNA fragments which may be present in limited amounts in a particular sample.

[0178] In another embodiment of the invention, polynucleotide sequences or fragments thereof which encode INTSIG may be cloned in recombinant DNA molecules that direct expression of INTSIG, or fragments or functional equivalents thereof, in appropriate host cells. Due to the inherent degeneracy of the genetic code, other DNA sequences which encode substantially the same or a functionally equivalent amino acid sequence may be produced and used to express INTSIG.

[0179] The nucleotide sequences of the present invention can be engineered using methods generally known in the art in order to alter INTSIG-encoding sequences for a variety of purposes including, but not limited to, modification of the cloning, processing, and/or expression of the gene product. DNA shuffling by random fragmentation and PCR reassembly of gene fragments and synthetic oligonucleotides may be used to engineer the nucleotide sequences. For example, oligonucleotide-mediated site-directed mutagenesis may be used to introduce mutations that create new restriction sites, alter glycosylation patterns, change codon preference, produce splice variants, and so forth.

[0180] The nucleotides of the present invention may be subjected to DNA shuffling techniques such as MOLECULARBREEDING (Maxygen Inc., Santa Clara Calif.; described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,837,458; Chang, C. -C. et al. (1999) Nat. Biotechnol. 17:793-797; Christians, F. C. et al. (1999) Nat. Biotechnol. 17:259-264; and Crameri, A. et al. (1996) Nat. Biotechnol. 14:315-319) to alter or improve the biological properties of INTSIG, such as its biological or enzymatic activity or its ability to bind to other molecules or compounds. DNA shuffling is a process by which a library of gene variants is produced using PCR-mediated recombination of gene fragments. The library is then subjected to selection or screening procedures that identify those gene variants with the desired properties. These preferred variants may then be pooled and further subjected to recursive rounds of DNA shuffling and selection/screening. Thus, genetic diversity is created through “artificial” breeding and rapid molecular evolution. For example, fragments of a single gene containing random point mutations may be recombined, screened, and then reshuffled until the desired properties are optimized. Alternatively, fragments of a given gene may be recombined with fragments of homologous genes in the same gene family, either from the same or different species, thereby maximizing the genetic diversity of multiple naturally occurring genes in a directed and controllable manner.

[0181] In another embodiment, sequences encoding INTSIG may be synthesized, in whole or in part, using chemical methods well known in the art. (See, e.g., Caruthers, M. H. et al. (1980) Nucleic Acids Symp. Ser. 7:215-223; and Horn, T. et al. (1980) Nucleic Acids Symp. Ser. 7:225-232.) Alternatively, INTSIG itself or a fragment thereof may be synthesized using chemical methods. For example, peptide synthesis can be performed using various solution-phase or solid-phase techniques. (See, e.g., Creighton, T. (1984) Proteins, Structures and Molecular Properties, W H Freeman, New York N.Y., pp. 55-60; and Roberge, J. Y. et al. (1995) Science 269:202-204.) Automated synthesis may be achieved using the ABI 431A peptide synthesizer (Applied Biosystems). Additionally, the amino acid sequence of INTSIG, or any part thereof, may be altered during direct synthesis and/or combined with sequences from other proteins, or any part thereof, to produce a variant polypeptide or a polypeptide having a sequence of a naturally occurring polypeptide.

[0182] The peptide may be substantially purified by preparative high performance liquid chromatography. (See, e.g., Chiez, R. M. and F. Z. Regnier (1990) Methods Enzymol. 182:392-421.) The composition of the synthetic peptides may be confirmed by amino acid analysis or by sequencing. (See, e.g., Creighton, supra, pp. 28-53.)

[0183] In order to express a biologically active INTSIG, the nucleotide sequences encoding INTSIG or derivatives thereof may be inserted into an appropriate expression vector, i.e., a vector which contains the necessary elements for transcriptional and translational control of the inserted coding sequence in a suitable host. These elements include regulatory sequences, such as enhancers, constitutive and inducible promoters, and 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions in the vector and in polynucleotide sequences encoding INTSIG. Such elements may vary in their strength and specificity. Specific initiation signals may also be used to achieve more efficient translation of sequences encoding INTSIG. Such signals include the ATG initiation codon and adjacent sequences, e.g. the Kozak sequence. In cases where sequences encoding INTSIG and its initiation codon and upstream regulatory sequences are inserted into the appropriate expression vector, no additional transcriptional or translational control signals may be needed. However, in cases where only coding sequence, or a fragment thereof, is inserted, exogenous translational control signals including an in-frame ATG initiation codon should be provided by the vector. Exogenous translational elements and initiation codons may be of various origins, both natural and synthetic. The efficiency of expression may be enhanced by the inclusion of enhancers appropriate for the particular host cell system used. (See, e.g., Scharf, D. et al. (1994) Results Probl. Cell Differ. 20:125-162.)

[0184] Methods which are well known to those skilled in the art may be used to construct expression vectors containing sequences encoding INTSIG and appropriate transcriptional and translational control elements. These methods include in vitro recombinant DNA techniques, synthetic techniques, and in vivo genetic recombination. (See, e.g., Sambrook, J. et al. (1989) Molecular Cloning, A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Press, Plainview N.Y., ch. 4, 8, and 16-17; Ausubel, F. M. et al. (1995) Current Protocols in Molecular Bioloy, John Wiley & Sons, New York N.Y., ch. 9, 13, and 16.)

[0185] A variety of expression vector/host systems may be utilized to contain and express sequences encoding INTSIG. These include, but are not limited to, microorganisms such as bacteria transformed with recombinant bacteriophage, plasmid, or cosmid DNA expression vectors; yeast transformed with yeast expression vectors; insect cell systems infected with viral expression vectors (e.g., baculovirus); plant cell systems transformed with viral expression vectors (e.g., cauliflower mosaic virus, CaMV, or tobacco mosaic virus, TMV) or with bacterial expression vectors (e.g., Ti or pBR322 plasmids); or animal cell systems. (See, e.g., Sambrook, supra; Ausubel, supra; Van Heeke, G. and S. M. Schuster (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264:5503-5509; Engelhard, E. K. et al. (1994) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 91:3224-3227; Sandig, V. et al. (1996) Hum. Gene Ther. 7:1937-1945; Takamatsu, N. (1987) EMBO J. 6:307-311; The McGraw Hill Yearbook of Science and Technology (1992) McGraw Hill, New York N.Y., pp. 191-196; Logan, J. and T. Shenk (1984) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 81:3655-3659; and Harrington, J. J. et al. (1997) Nat. Genet. 15:345-355.) Expression vectors derived from retroviruses, adenoviruses, or herpes or vaccinia viruses, or from various bacterial plasmids, may be used for delivery of nucleotide sequences to the targeted organ, tissue, or cell population. (See, e.g., Di Nicola, M. et al. (1998) Cancer Gen. Ther. 5(6):350-356; Yu, M. et al. (1993) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90(13):6340-6344; Buller, R. M. et al. (1985) Nature 317(6040):813-815; McGregor, D. P. et al. (1994) Mol. Immunol. 31(3):219-226; and Verna, I. M. and N. Somia (1997) Nature 389:239-242.) The invention is not limited by the host cell employed.

[0186] In bacterial systems, a number of cloning and expression vectors may be selected depending upon the use intended for polynucleotide sequences encoding INTSIG. For example, routine cloning, subcloning, and propagation of polynucleotide sequences encoding INTSIG can be achieved using a multifunctional E. coli vector such as PBLUESCRIPT (Stratagene, La Jolla Calif.) or PSPORT1 plasnid (Life Technologies). Ligation of sequences encoding INTSIG into the vector's multiple cloning site disrupts the lacZ gene, allowing a colorimetric screening procedure for identification of transformed bacteria containing recombinant molecules. In addition, these vectors may be useful for in vitro transcription, dideoxy sequencing, single strand rescue with helper phage, and creation of nested deletions in the cloned sequence. (See, e.g., Van Heele, G. and S. M. Schuster (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264:5503-5509.) When large quantities of INTSIG are needed, e.g. for the production of antibodies, vectors which direct high level expression of INTSIG may be used. For example, vectors containing the strong, inducible SP6 or 17 bacteriophage promoter may be used.

[0187] Yeast expression systems may be used for production of INTSIG. A number of vectors containing constitutive or inducible promoters, such as alpha factor, alcohol oxidase, and PGH promoters, may be used in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Pichia pastoris. In addition, such vectors direct either the secretion or intracellular retention of expressed proteins and enable integration of foreign sequences into the host genome for stable propagation. (See, e.g., Ausubel, 1995, supra; Bitter, G. A. et al. (1987) Methods Enzymol. 153:516-544; and Scorer, C. A. et al. (1994) Bio/Technology 12:181-184.)

[0188] Plant systems may also be used for expression of INTSIG. Transcription of sequences encoding INTSIG may be driven by viral promoters, e.g., the 35S and 19S promoters of CaMV used alone or in combination with the omega leader sequence from TMV (Takamatsu, N. (1987) EMBO J. 6:307-311). Alternatively, plant promoters such as the small subunit of RUBISCO or heat shock promoters may be used. (See, e.g., Coruzzi, G. et al. (1984) EMBO J. 3:1671-1680; Broglie, R. et al. (1984) Science 224:838-843; and Winter, J. et al. (1991) Results Probl. Cell Differ. 17:85-105.) These constructs can be introduced into plant cells by direct DNA transformation or pathogen-mediated transfection. (See, e.g., The McGraw Hill Yearbook of Science and Technology (1992) McGraw Hill, New York N.Y., pp. 191-196.)

[0189] In mammalian cells, a number of viral-based expression systems may be utilized. In cases where an adenovirus is used as an expression vector, sequences encoding ITSIG may be ligated into an adenovirus transcription/translation complex consisting of the late promoter and tripartite leader sequence. Insertion in a non-essential E1 or E3 region of the viral genome may be used to obtain infective virus which expresses INTSIG in host cells. (See, e.g., Logan, J. and T. Shenk (1984) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 81:3655-3659.) In addition, transcription enhancers, such as the Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) enhancer, may be used to increase expression in mammalian host cells. SV40 or EBV-based vectors may also be used for high-level protein expression.

[0190] Human artificial chromosomes (HACs) may also be employed to deliver larger fragments of DNA than can be contained in and expressed from a plasmid. HACs of about 6 kb to 10 Mb are constructed and delivered via conventional delivery methods (liposomes, polyeationic amino polymers, or vesicles) for therapeutic purposes. (See, e.g., Harrington, J. J. et al. (1997) Nat. Genet. 15:345-355.)

[0191] For long term production of recombinant proteins in mammalian systems, stable expression of ITSIG in cell lines is preferred. For example, sequences encoding INTSIG can be transformed into cell lines using expression vectors which may contain viral origins of replication and/or endogenous expression elements and a selectable marker gene on the same or on a separate vector. Following the introduction of the vector, cells may be allowed to grow for about 1 to 2 days in enriched media before being switched to selective media. The purpose of the selectable marker is to confer resistance to a selective agent, and its presence allows growth and recovery of cells which successfully express the introduced sequences. Resistant clones of stably transformed cells may be propagated using tissue culture techniques appropriate to the cell type.

[0192] Any number of selection systems may be used to recover transformed cell lines. These include, but are not limited to, the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase and adenine phosphoribosyltransferase genes, for use in tk− and apr− cells, respectively. (See, e.g., Wigler, M. et al. (1977) Cell 11:223-232; Lowy, I. et al. (1980) Cell 22:817-823.) Also, antimetabolite, antibiotic, or herbicide resistance can be used as the basis for selection. For example, dhfr confers resistance to methotrexate; neo confers resistance to the aminoglycosides neomycin and G-418; and als and pat confer resistance to chlorsulfuron and phosphinotricin acetyltransferase, respectively. (See, e.g., Wigler, M. et al. (1980) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 77:3567-3570; Colbere-Garapin, F. et al. (1981) J. Mol. Biol. 150:1-14.) Additional selectable genes have been described, e.g., trpB and hisD, which alter cellular requirements for metabolites. (See, e.g., Hartman, S. C. and R. C. Mulligan (1988) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85:8047-8051.) Visible markers, e.g., anthocyanins, green fluorescent proteins (GFP; Clontech),13 glucuronidase and its substrate 13-glucuronide, or luciferase and its substrate luciferin may be used. These markers can be used not only to identify transformants, but also to quantify the amount of transient or stable protein expression attributable to a specific vector system. (See, e.g., Rhodes, C. A. (1995) Methods Mol. Biol. 55:121-131.)

[0193] Although the presence/absence of marker gene expression suggests that the gene of interest is also present, the presence and expression of the gene may need to be confirmed. For example, if the sequence encoding INTSIG is inserted within a marker gene sequence, transformed cells containing sequences encoding INTSIG can be identified by the absence of marker gene function. Alternatively, a marker gene can be placed in tandem with a sequence encoding INTSIG under the control of a single promoter. Expression of the marker gene in response to induction or selection usually indicates expression of the tandem gene as well.

[0194] In general, host cells that contain the nucleic acid sequence encoding INTSIG and that express INTSIG may be identified by a variety of procedures known to those of skill in the art. These procedures include, but are not limited to, DNA-DNA or DNA-RNA hybridizations, PCR amplification, and protein bioassay or immunoassay techniques which include membrane, solution, or chip based technologies for the detection and/or quantification of nucleic acid or protein sequences.

[0195] Immunological methods for detecting and measuring the expression of INTSIG using either specific polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies are known in the art. Examples of such techniques include enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), radioimmunoassays (RIAs), and fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS). A two-site, monoclonal-based immunoassay utilizing monoclonal antibodies reactive to two non-interfering epitopes on INTSIG is preferred, but a competitive binding assay may be employed. These and other assays are well known in the art. (See, e.g., Hampton, R. et al. (1990) Serological Methods, a Laboratory Manual, APS Press, St. Paul Minn., Sect. IV; Coligan, J. E. et al. (1997) Current Protocols in Immunology, Greene Pub. Associates and Wiley-Interscience, New York N.Y.; and Pound, J. D. (1998) Immunochemical Protocols, Humana Press, Totowa N.J.)

[0196] A wide variety of labels and conjugation techniques are known by those skilled in the art and may be used in various nucleic acid and amino acid assays. Means for producing labeled hybridization or PCR probes for detecting sequences related to polynucleotides encoding INTSIG include oligolabeling, nick translation, end-labeling, or PCR amplification using a labeled nucleotide. Alternatively, the sequences encoding INTSIG, or any fragments thereof, may be cloned into a vector for the production of an mRNA probe. Such vectors are known in the art, are conunercially available, and may be used to synthesize RNA probes in vitro by addition of an appropriate RNA polymerase such as T7, T3, or SP6 and labeled nucleotides. These procedures may be conducted using a variety of commercially available kits, such as those provided by Amersham Pharmacia Biotech, Promega (Madison Wis.), and US Biochemical. Suitable reporter molecules or labels which may be used for ease of detection include radionuclides, enzymes, fluorescent, chemiluminescent, or chromogenic agents, as well as substrates, cofactors, inhibitors, magnetic particles, and the like.

[0197] Host cells transformed with nucleotide sequences encoding INTSIG may be cultured under conditions suitable for the expression and recovery of the protein from cell culture. The protein produced by a transformed cell may be secreted or retained intracellularly depending on the sequence and/or the vector used. As will be understood by those of skill in the art, expression vectors containing polynucleotides which encode INTSIG may be designed to contain signal sequences which direct secretion of INTSIG through a prokaryotic or eukaryotic cell membrane.

[0198] In addition, a host cell strain may be chosen for its ability to modulate expression of the inserted sequences or to process the expressed protein in the desired fashion. Such modifications of the polypeptide include, but are not limited to, acetylation, carboxylation, glycosylation, phosphorylation, lipidation, and acylation. Post-translational processing which cleaves a “prepro” or “pro” form of the protein may also be used to specify protein targeting, folding, and/or activity. Different host cells which have specific cellular machinery and characteristic mechanisms for post-translational activities (e.g., CHO, HeLa, MDCK, HEK293, and WI38) are available from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC, Manassas Va.) and may be chosen to ensure the correct modification and processing of the foreign protein.

[0199] In another embodiment of the invention, natural, modified, or recombinant nucleic acid sequences encoding INTSIG may be ligated to a heterologous sequence resulting in translation of a fusion protein in any of the aforementioned host systems. For example, a chimeric INTSIG protein containing a heterologous moiety that can be recognized by a commercially available antibody may facilitate the screening of peptide libraries for inhibitors of INTSIG activity. Heterologous protein and peptide moieties may also facilitate purification of fusion proteins using commercially available affinity matrices. Such moieties include, but are not limited to, glutathione S-transferase (GST), maltose binding protein (MBP), thioredoxin (Trx), calmodulin binding peptide (CBP), 6-His, FLAG, c-myc, and hemagglutinin (HA). GST, MBP, Trx, CBP, and 6-His enable purification of their cognate fusion proteins on immobilized glutathione, maltose, phenylarsine oxide, calmodulin, and metal-chelate resins, respectively. FLAG, c-myc, and hemagglutinin (HA) enable immunoaffinity purification of fusion proteins using commercially available monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies that specifically recognize these epitope tags. A fusion protein may also be engineered to contain a proteolytic cleavage site located between the INTSIG encoding sequence and the heterologous protein sequence, so that INTSIG may be cleaved away from the heterologous moiety following purification. Methods for fusion protein expression and purification are discussed in Ausubel (1995, supra, ch. 10). A variety of commercially available kits may also be used to facilitate expression and purification of fusion proteins.

[0200] In a further embodiment of the invention, synthesis of radiolabeled INTSIG may be achieved in vitro using the TNT rabbit reticulocyte lysate or wheat germn extract system (Promega). These systems couple transcription and translation of protein-coding sequences operably associated with the T7, T3, or SP6 promoters. Translation takes place in the presence of a radiolabeled amino acid precursor, for example, 35S-methionine.

[0201] INTSIG of the present invention or fragments thereof may be used to screen for compounds that specifically bind to INTSIG. At least one and up to a plurality of test compounds may be screened for specific binding to INTSIG. Examples of test compounds include antibodies, oligonucleotides, proteins (e.g., receptors), or small molecules.

[0202] In one embodiment, the compound thus identified is closely related to the natural ligand of INTSIG, e.g., a ligand or fragment thereof, a natural substrate, a structural or functional mimetic, or a natural binding partner. (See, e.g., Coligan, J. E. et al. (1991) Current Protocols in Immunology 1(2): Chapter 5.) Similarly, the compound can be closely related to the natural receptor to which INTSIG binds, or to at least a fragment of the receptor, e.g., the ligand binding site. In either case, the compound can be rationally designed using known techniques. In one embodiment, screening for these compounds involves producing appropriate cells which express INTSIG, either as a secreted protein or on the cell membrane. Preferred cells include cells from manmmals, yeast, Drosophila, or E. coli. Cells expressing INTSIG or cell membrane fractions which contain INTSIG are then contacted with a test compound and binding, stimulation, or inhibition of activity of either INTSIG or the compound is analyzed.

[0203] An assay may simply test binding of a test compound to the polypeptide, wherein binding is detected by a fluorophore, radioisotope, enzyme conjugate, or other detectable label. For example, the assay may comprise the steps of combining at least one test compound with INTSIG, either in solution or affixed to a solid support, and detecting the binding of INTSIG to the compound. Alternatively, the assay may detect or measure binding of a test compound in the presence of a labeled competitor. Additionally, the assay may be carried out using cell-free preparations, chemical libraries, or natural product mixtures, and the test compound(s) may be free in solution or affixed to a solid support.

[0204] INTSIG of the present invention or fragments thereof may be used to screen for compounds that modulate the activity of INTSIG. Such compounds may include agonists, antagonists, or partial or inverse agonists. In one embodiment, an assay is performed under conditions permissive for INTSIG activity, wherein INTSIG is combined with at least one test compound, and the activity of INTSIG in the presence of a test compound is compared with the activity of INTSIG in the absence of the test compound. A change in the activity of INTSIG in the presence of the test compound is indicative of a compound that modulates the activity of INTSIG. Alternatively, a test compound is combined with an in vitro or cell-free system comprising INTSIG under conditions suitable for INTSIG activity, and the assay is performed. In either of these assays, a test compound which modulates the activity of INTSIG may do so indirectly and need not come in direct contact with the test compound. At least one and up to a plurality of test compounds may be screened.

[0205] In another embodiment, polynucleotides encoding INTSIG or their mammalian homologs may be “knocked out” in an animal model system using homologous recombination in embryonic stem (ES) cells. Such techniques are well known in the art and are useful for the generation of animal models of human disease. (See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,175,383 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,767,337.) For example, mouse ES cells, such as the mouse 129/SvJ cell line, are derived from the early mouse embryo and grown in culture. The ES cells are transformed with a vector containing the gene of interest disrupted by a marker gene, e.g., the neomycin phosphotransferase gene (neo; Capecchi, M. R. (1989) Science 244:1288-1292). The vector integrates into the corresponding region of the host genome by homologous recombination. Alternatively, homologous recombination takes place using the Cre-loxP system to knockout a gene of interest in a tissue- or developmental stage-specific manner (Marth, J. D. (1996) Clin. Invest. 97:1999-2002; Wagner, K. U. et al. (1997) Nucleic Acids Res. 25:4323-4330). Transformed ES cells are identified and microinjected into mouse cell blastocysts such as those from the C57BL/6 mouse strain. The blastocysts are surgically transferred to pseudopregnant dams, and the resulting chimeric progeny are genotyped and bred to produce heterozygous or homozygous strains. Transgenic animals thus generated may be tested with potential therapeutic or toxic agents.

[0206] Polynucleotides encoding INTSIG may also be manipulated in vitro in ES cells derived from human blastocysts. Human ES cells have the potential to differentiate into at least eight separate cell lineages including endoderm, mesoderm, and ectodermal cell types. These cell lineages differentiate into, for example, neural cells, hematopoietic lineages, and cardiomyocytes (Thomson, J. A. et al. (1998) Science 282:1145-1147).

[0207] Polynucleotides encoding INTSIG can also be used to create “knockin” humanized animals (pigs) or transgenic animals (mice or rats) to model human disease. With knockin technology, a region of a polynucleotide encoding INTSIG is injected into animal ES cells, and the injected sequence integrates into the animal cell genome. Transformed cells are injected into blastulae, and the blastulae are implanted a& described above. Transgenic progeny or inbred lines are studied and treated with potential pharmaceutical agents to obtain information on treatment of a human disease. Alternatively, a mammal inbred to overexpress INTSIG, e.g., by secreting INTSIG in its milk, may also serve as a convenient source of that protein (Janne, J. et al. (1998) Biotechnol. Annu. Rev. 4:55-74).

[0208] Therapeutics

[0209] Chemical and structural similarity, e.g., in the context of sequences and motifs, exists between regions of INTSIG and intracellular signaling molecules. In addition, the expression of INTSIG is closely associated with brain and neurological tissues including thoracic dorsal root ganglion tissue, dermal tissue, reproductive tissue, digestive and hemic/immune tissue, diseased prostate tissue, and tumorous tissues including bladder, tongue, and testicular. Therefore, INTSIG appears to play a role in cell proliferative, autoimmune/inflaminatory, neurological, gastrointestinal, reproductive, and developmental disorders. In the treatment of disorders associated with increased INTSIG expression or activity, it is desirable to decrease the expression or activity of INTSIG. In the treatment of disorders associated with decreased INTSIG expression or activity, it is desirable to increase the expression or activity of INTSIG.

[0210] Therefore, in one embodiment, INTSIG or a fragment or derivative thereof may be administered to a subject to treat or prevent a disorder associated with decreased expression or activity of INTSIG. Examples of such disorders include, but are not limited to, a cell proliferative disorder such as actinic keratosis, arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis, bursitis, cirrhosis, hepatitis, mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), myelofibrosis, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, polycythemia vera, psoriasis, primary thrombocythemia, and cancers including adenocarcinoma, leukemia, lymphoma, melanoma, myeloma, sarcoma, teratocarcinoma, and, in particular, cancers of the adrenal gland, bladder, bone, bone marrow, brain, breast, cervix, gall bladder, ganglia, gastrointestinal tract, heart, kidney, liver, lung, muscle, ovary, pancreas, parathyroid, penis, prostate, salivary glands, skin, spleen, testis, thymus, thyroid, and uterus; an autoirnmune/inflammatory disorder such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), Addison's disease, adult respiratory distress syndrome, allergies, ankylosing spondylitis, amyloidosis, anemia, asthma, atherosclerosis, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, autoimmune thyroiditis, autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy (APECED), bronchitis, cholecystitis, contact dermatitis, Crohn's disease, atopic dermatitis, dermatomyositis, diabetes mellitus, emphysema, episodic lymphopenia with lymphocytotoxins, erythroblastosis fetalis, erythema nodosum, atrophic gastritis, glomerulonephritis, Goodpasture's syndrome, gout, Graves' disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, hypereosinophilia, irritable bowel syndrome, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, myocardial or pericardial inflammation, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, pancreatitis, polymyositis, psoriasis, Reiter's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, Sjögren's syndrome, systemic anaphylaxis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, thrombocytopenic purpura, ulcerative colitis, uveitis, Werner syndrome, complications of cancer, hemodialysis, and extracorporeal circulation, viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic, protozoal, and helminthic infections, and trauma; a neurological disorder such as epilepsy, ischemic cerebrovascular disease, stroke, cerebral neoplasms, Alzheimer's disease, Pick's disease, Huntington's disease, dementia, Parkinson's disease and other extrapyramidal disorders, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other motor neuron disorders, progressive neural muscular atrophy, retinitis pigmentosa, hereditary ataxias, multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating diseases, bacterial and viral meningitis, brain abscess, subdural empyema, epidural abscess, suppurative intracranial thrombophlebitis, myelitis and radiculitis, viral central nervous system disease, prion diseases including kuru, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker syndrome, fatal familial insomnia, nutritional and metabolic diseases of the nervous system, neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis, cerebelloretinal hemangioblastomatosis, encephalotrigeminal syndrome, mental retardation and other developmental disorders of the central nervous system including Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, neuroskeletal disorders, autonomic nervous system disorders, cranial nerve disorders, spinal cord diseases, muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular disorders, peripheral nervous system disorders, dermatomyositis and polymyositis, inherited, metabolic, endocrine, and toxic myopathies, myasthenia gravis, periodic paralysis, mental disorders including mood, anxiety, and schizophrenic disorders, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), akathesia, amnesia, catatonia, diabetic neuropathy, tardive dyskinesia, dystonias, paranoid psychoses, postherpetic neuralgia, Tourette's disorder, progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal degeneration, and familial frontotemporal dementia; a gastrointestinal disorder such as dysphagia, peptic esophagitis, esophageal spasm, esophageal stricture, esophageal carcinoma, dyspepsia, indigestion, gastritis, gastric carcinoma, anorexia, nausea, emesis, gastroparesis, antral or pyloric edema, abdominal angina, pyrosis, gastroenteritis, intestinal obstruction, infections of the intestinal tract, peptic ulcer, cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, cholestasis, pancreatitis, pancreatic carcinoma, biliary tract disease, hepatitis, hyperbilirubinemia, cirrhosis, passive congestion of the liver, hepatoma, infectious colitis, ulcerative colitis, ulcerative proctitis, Crohn's disease, Whipple's disease, Mallory-Weiss syndrome, colonic carcinoma, colonic obstruction, irritable bowel syndrome, short bowel syndrome, diarrhea, constipation, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) enteropathy, jaundice, hepatic encephalopathy, hepatorenal syndrome, hepatic steatosis, hemochromatosis, Wilson's disease, alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency, Reye's syndrome, primary sclerosing cholangitis, liver infarction, portal vein obstruction and thrombosis, centrilobular necrosis, peliosis hepatis, hepatic vein thrombosis, veno-occlusive disease, preeclampsia, eclampsia, acute fatty liver of pregnancy, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, and hepatic tumors including nodular hyperplasias, adenomas, and carcinomas; a reproductive disorder such as a disorder of prolactin production, infertility, including tubal disease, ovulatory defects, endometriosis, a disruption of the estrous cycle, a disruption of the menstrual cycle, polycystic ovary syndrome, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, an endometrial or ovarian tumor, a uterine fibroid, autoimmune disorders, ectopic pregnancy, teratogenesis; cancer of the breast, fibrocystic breast disease, galactorrhea; a disruption of spermnatogenesis, abnormal sperm physiology, cancer of the testis, cancer of the prostate, benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, Peyronie's disease, impotence, carcinoma of the male breast, gynecomastia, hypergonadotropic and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, pseudohermaphroditism, azoospernia, premature ovarian failure, acrosin deficiency, delayed puperty, retrograde ejaculation and anejaculation, haemangioblastomas, cystsphaeochromocytomas, paraganglioma, cystadenomas of the epididymis, and endolymphatic sac tumours; and a developmental disorder such as renal tubular acidosis, anemia, Cushing's syndrome, achondroplastic dwarfism, Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy, epilepsy, gonadal dysgenesis, WAGR syndrome (Wilms' tumor, aniridia, genitourinary abnormalities, and mental retardation), Smith-Magenis syndrome, myelodysplastic syndrome, hereditary mucoepithelial dysplasia, hereditary keratodermas, hereditary neuropathies such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and neurofibromatosis, hypothyroidism, hydrocephalus, seizure disorders such as Syndenham's chorea and cerebral palsy, spina bifida, anencephaly, craniorachischisis, congenital glaucoma, cataract, and sensorineural hearing loss.

[0211] In another embodiment, a vector capable of expressing INTSIG or a fragment or derivative thereof may be administered to a subject to treat or prevent a disorder associated with decreased expression or activity of INTSIG including, but not limited to, those described above.

[0212] In a further embodiment, a composition comprising a substantially purified INTSIG in conjunction with a suitable pharmaceutical carrier may be administered to a subject to treat or prevent a disorder associated with decreased expression or activity of INTSIG including, but not limited to, those provided above.

[0213] In still another embodiment, an agonist which modulates the activity of INTSIG may be administered to a subject to treat or prevent a disorder associated with decreased expression or activity of INTSIG including, but not limited to, those listed above.

[0214] In a further embodiment, an antagonist of INTSIG may be administered to a subject to treat or prevent a disorder associated with increased expression or activity of INTSIG. Examples of such disorders include, but are not limited to, those cell proliferative, autoimmune/inflammatory, neurological, gastrointestinal, reproductive, and developmental disorders described above. In one aspect, an antibody which specifically binds INTSIG may be used directly as an antagonist or indirectly as a targeting or delivery mechanism for bringing a pharmaceutical agent to cells or tissues which express INTSIG.

[0215] In an additional embodiment, a vector expressing the complement of the polynucleotide encoding INTSIG may be administered to a subject to treat or prevent a disorder associated with increased expression or activity of INTSIG including, but not limited to, those described above.

[0216] In other embodiments, any of the proteins, antagonists, antibodies, agonists, complementary sequences, or vectors of the invention may be administered in combination with other appropriate therapeutic agents. Selection of the appropriate agents for use in combination therapy may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art, according to conventional pharmaceutical principles. The combination of therapeutic agents may act synergistically to effect the treatment or prevention of the various disorders described above. Using this approach, one may be able to achieve therapeutic efficacy with lower dosages of each agent, thus reducing the potential for adverse side effects.

[0217] An antagonist of INTSIG may be produced using methods which are generally known in the art. In particular, purified INTSIG may be used to produce antibodies or to screen libraries of pharmaceutical agents to identify those which specifically bind INTSIG. Antibodies to INTSIG may also be generated using methods that are well known in the art. Such antibodies may include, but are not limited to, polyclonal, monoclonal, chimeric, and single chain antibodies, Fab fragments, and fragments produced by a Fab expression library. Neutralizing antibodies (i.e., those which inhibit dimer formation) are generally preferred for therapeutic use.

[0218] For the production of antibodies, various hosts including goats, rabbits, rats, mice, humans, and others may be immunized by injection with INTSIG or with any fragment or oligopeptide thereof which has immunogenic properties. Depending on the host species, various adjuvants may be used to increase immunological response. Such adjuvants include, but are not limited to, Freund's, mineral gels such as aluminum hydroxide, and surface active substances such as lysolecithin, pluronic polyols, polyanions, peptides, oil emulsions, KHH, and dinitrophenol. Among adjuvants used in humans, BCG (bacilli Calmette-Guerin) and Corynebacterium parvum are especially preferable.

[0219] It is preferred that the oligopeptides, peptides, or fragments used to induce antibodies to INTSIG have an amino acid sequence consisting of at least about 5 amino acids, and generally will consist of at least about 10 amino acids. It is also preferable that these oligopeptides, peptides, or fragments are identical to a portion of the amino acid sequence of the natural protein. Short stretches of INTSIG amino acids may be fused with those of another protein, such as KLH, and antibodies to the chimeric molecule may be produced.

[0220] Monoclonal antibodies to INTSIG may be prepared using any technique which provides for the production of antibody molecules by continuous cell lines in culture. These include, but are not limited to, the hybridoma technique, the human B-cell hybridoma technique, and the EBV-hybridoma technique. (See, e.g., Kohler, G. et al. (1975) Nature 256:495-497; Kozbor, D. et al. (1985) J. Immunol. Methods 81:3142; Cote, R. J. et al. (1983) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 80:2026-2030; and Cole, S. P. et al. (1984) Mol. Cell Biol. 62:109-120.)

[0221] In addition, techniques developed for the production of “chimeric antibodies,” such as the splicing of mouse antibody genes to human antibody genes to obtain a molecule with appropriate antigen specificity and biological activity, can be used. (See, e.g., Morrison, S. L. et al. (1984) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 81:6851-6855; Neuberger, M. S. et al. (1984) Nature 312:604-608; and Takeda, S. et al. (1985) Nature 314:452-454.) Alternatively, techniques described for the production of single chain antibodies may be adapted, using methods known in the art, to produce INTSIG-specific single chain antibodies. Antibodies with related specificity, but of distinct idiotypic composition, may be generated by chain shuffling from random combinatorial immunoglobulin libraries. (See, e.g., Burton, D. R. (1991) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 88:10134-10137.)

[0222] Antibodies may also be produced by inducing in vivo production in the lymphocyte population or by screening immunoglobulin libraries or panels of highly specific binding reagents as disclosed in the literature. (See, e.g., Orlaiidi, R. et al. (1989) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 86:3833-3837; Winter, G. et al. (1991) Nature 349:293-299.)

[0223] Antibody fragments which contain specific binding sites for INTSIG may also be generated. For exarmple, such fragments include, but are not limited to, F(ab′)2 fragments produced by pepsin digestion of the antibody molecule and Fab fragments generated by reducing the disulfide bridges of the F(ab′)2 fragments. Alternatively, Fab expression libraries may be constructed to allow rapid and easy identification of monoclonal Fab fragments with the desired specificity. (See, e.g., Huse, W. D. et al. (1989) Science 246:1275-1281.)

[0224] Various immunoassays may be used for screening to identify antibodies having the desired specificity. Numerous protocols for competitive binding or immunoradiometric assays using either polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies with established specificities are well known in the art. Such immunoassays typically involve the measurement of complex formation between INTSIG and its specific antibody. A two-site, monoclonal-based immunoassay utilizing monoclonal antibodies reactive to two non-interfering INTSIG epitopes is generally used, but a competitive binding assay may also be employed (Pound, supra).

[0225] Various methods such as Scatchard analysis in conjunction with radioimmunoassay techniques may be used to assess the affinity of antibodies for INTSIG. Affinity is expressed as an association constant, Ka, which is defined as the molar concentration of INTSIG-antibody complex divided by the molar concentrations of free antigen and free antibody under equilibrium conditions. The Ka determined for a preparation of polyclonal antibodies, which are heterogeneous in their affinities for multiple INTSIG epitopes, represents the average affinity, or avidity, of the antibodies for INTSIG. The Ka determined for a preparation of monoclonal antibodies, which are monospecific for a particular INTSIG epitope, represents a true measure of affinity. High-affinity antibody preparations with Ka ranging from about 109 to 1012 L/mole are preferred for use in immunoassays in which the INTSIG-antibody complex must withstand rigorous manipulations. Low-affinity antibody preparations with Ka ranging from about 106 to 107 L/mole are preferred for use in immunopurification and similar procedures which ultimately require dissociation of INTSIG, preferably in active form, from the antibody (Catty, D. (1988) Antibodies, Volume I: A Practical Approach, IRL Press, Washington D.C.; Liddell, J. E. and A. Cryer (1991) A Practical Guide to Monoclonal Antibodies, John Wiley & Sons, New York N.Y.).

[0226] The titer and avidity of polyclonal antibody preparations may be further evaluated to determine the quality and suitability of such preparations for certain downstream applications. For example, a polyclonal antibody preparation containing at least 1-2 mg specific antibody/ml, preferably 5-10 mg specific antibody/ml, is generally employed in procedures requiring precipitation of INTSIG-antibody complexes. Procedures for evaluating antibody specificity, titer, and avidity, and guidelines for antibody quality and usage in various applications, are generally available. (See, e.g., Catty, supra, and Coligan et al. supra.)

[0227] In another embodiment of the invention, the polynucleotides encoding INTSIG, or any fragment or complement thereof, may be used for therapeutic purposes. In one aspect, modifications of gene expression can be achieved by designing complementary sequences or antisense molecules (DNA, RNA, PNA, or modified oligonucleotides) to the coding or regulatory regions of the gene encoding INTSIG. Such technology is well known in the art, and antisense oligonucleotides or larger fragments can be designed from various locations along the coding or control regions of sequences encoding INTSIG. (See, e.g., Agrawal, S., ed. (1996) Antisense Therapeutics, Humana Press Inc., Totawa N.J.)

[0228] In therapeutic use, any gene delivery system suitable for introduction of the antisense sequences into appropriate target cells can be used. Antisense sequences can be delivered intracellularly in the form of an expression plasmid which, upon transcription, produces a sequence complementary to at least a portion of the cellular sequence encoding the target protein. (See, e.g., Slater, J. E. et al. (1998) J. Allergy Clin. Rmmunol. 102(3):469475; and Scanlon, K. J. et al. (1995) 9(13):1288-1296.) Antisense sequences can also be introduced intracellularly through the use of viral vectors, such as retrovirus and adeno-associated virus vectors. (See, e.g., Miller, A. D. (1990) Blood 76:271; Ausubel, supra; Uckert, W. and W. Walther (1994) Pharmacol. Ther. 63(3):323-347.) Other gene delivery mechanisms include liposonme-derived systems, artificial viral envelopes, and other systems known in the art. (See, e.g., Rossi, J. J. (1995) Br. Med. Bull. 51(1):217-225; Boado, R. J. et al. (1998) J. Pharm. Sci. 87(11):1308-1315; and Morris, M. C. et al. (1997) Nucleic Acids Res. 25(14):2730-2736.)

[0229] In another embodiment of the invention, polynucleotides encoding INTSIG may be used for somatic or germine gene therapy. Gene therapy may be performed to (i) correct a genetic deficiency (e.g., in the cases of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)-X1 disease characterized by X-linked inheritance (Cavazzana-Calvo, M. et al. (2000) Science 288:669-672), severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome associated with an inherited adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency (Blaese, R. M. et al. (1995) Science 270:475-480; Bordignon, C. et al. (1995) Science 270:470-475), cystic fibrosis (Zabner, J. et al. (1993) Cell 75:207-216; Crystal, R. G. et al. (1995) Hum. Gene Therapy 6:643-666; Crystal, R. G. et al. (1995) Hum. Gene Therapy 6:667-703), thalassamias, familial hypercholesterolemia, and hemophilia resulting from Factor VIII or Factor IX deficiencies (Crystal, R. G. (1995) Science 270:404-410; Verma, I. M. and N. Somia (1997) Nature 389:239-242)), (ii) express a conditionally lethal gene product (e.g., in the case of cancers which result from unregulated cell proliferation), or (iii) express a protein which affords protection against intracellular parasites (e.g., against human retroviruses, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (Baltimore, D. (1988) Nature 335:395-396; Poeschla, E. et al. (1996) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 93:11395-11399), hepatitis B or C virus (HBV, HCV); fungal parasites, such as Candida albicans and Paracoccidioides brasiliensis; and protozoan parasites such as Plasmodium falciparum and Trypanosoma cruzi). In the case where a genetic deficiency in INTSIG expression or regulation causes disease, the expression of INTSIG from an appropriate population of transduced cells may alleviate the clinical manifestations caused by the genetic deficiency.

[0230] In a further embodiment of the invention, diseases or disorders caused by deficiencies in INTSIG are treated by constructing mammalian expression vectors encoding INTSIG and introducing these vectors by mechanical means into INTSIG-deficient cells. Mechanical transfer technologies for use with cells in vivo or ex vitro include (i) direct DNA microinjection into individual cells, (ii) ballistic gold particle delivery, (iii) liposome-mediated transfection, (iv) receptor-mediated gene transfer, and (v) the use of DNA transposons (Morgan, R. A. and W. F. Anderson (1993) Annu. Rev. Biochem. 62:191-217; Ivics, Z. (1997) Cell 91:501-510; Boulay, J -L. and H. Recipon (1998) Curr. Opin. Biotechnol. 9:445-450).

[0231] Expression vectors that may be effective for the expression of INTSIG include, but are not limited to, the PCDNA 3.1, EPITAG, PRCCMV2, PREP, PVAX, PCR2-TOPOTA vectors (Invitrogen, Carlsbad Calif.), PCMV-SCRIPT, PCMV-TAG, PEGSH/PERV (Stratagene, La Jolla Calif.), and PTET-OFF, PTET-ON, PTRE2, PTRE2-LUC, PTK-HYG (Clontech, Palo Alto Calif.). INTSIG may be expressed using (i) a constitutively active promoter, (e.g., from cytomegalovirus (CMV), Rous sarcoma virus (RSV), SV40 virus, thymidine kinase (TK), or β-actin genes), (ii) an inducible promoter (e.g., the tetracycline-regulated promoter (Gossen, M. and H. Bujard (1992) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:5547-5551; Gossen, M. et al. (1995) Science 268:1766-1769; Rossi, F. M. V. and H. M. Blau (1998) Curr. Opin. Biotechnol. 9:451-456), commercially available in the T-REX plasnmid (Invitrogen)); the ecdysone-inducible promoter (available in the plasmids PVGRXR and PND; Invitrogen); the FK506/rapamycin inducible promoter; or the RU486/mifepristone inducible promoter (Rossi, F. M. V. and Blau, H. M. supra)), or (iii) a tissue-specific promoter or the native promoter of the endogenous gene encoding INTSIG from a normal individual.

[0232] Commercially available liposome transformation kits (e.g., the PERFECT LIPID TRANSFECTION KIT, available from Invitrogen) allow one with ordinary skill in the art to deliver polynucleotides to target cells in culture and require minimal effort to optimize experimental parameters. In the alternative, transformation is performed using the calcium phosphate method (Graham, F. L. and A. J. Eb (1973) Virology 52:456-467), or by electroporation (Neumann, E. et al. (1982) EMBO J. 1:841-845). The introduction of DNA to primary cells requires modification of these standardized mammalian transfection protocols.

[0233] In another embodiment of the invention, diseases or disorders caused by genetic defects with respect to INTSIG expression are treated by constructing a retrovirus vector consisting of (i) the polynucleotide encoding INTSIG under the control of an independent promoter or the retrovirus long terminal repeat (LTR) promoter, (ii) appropriate RNA packaging signals, and (iii) a Rev-responsive element (RRE) along with additional retrovirus cis-acting RNA sequences and coding sequences required for efficient vector propagation. Retrovirus vectors (e.g., PFB and PFBNEO) are commercially available (Stratagene) and are based on published data (Riviere, I. et al. (1995) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 92:6733-6737), incorporated by reference herein. The vector is propagated in an appropriate vector producing cell line (VPCL) that expresses an envelope gene with a tropism for receptors on the target cells or a promiscuous envelope protein such as VSVg (Armentano, D. et al. (1987) J. Virol. 61:1647-1650; Bender, M. A. et al. (1987) J. Virol. 61:1639-1646; Adam, M. A. and A. D. Miller (1988) J. Virol. 62:3802-3806; Dull, T. et al. (1998) J. Virol. 72:8463-8471; Zufferey, R. et al. (1998) J. Virol. 72:9873-9880). U.S. Pat. No. 5,910,434 to Rigg (“Method for obtaining retrovirus packaging cell lines producing high transducing efficiency retroviral supernatant”) discloses a method for obtaining retrovirus packaging cell lines and is hereby incorporated by reference. Propagation of retrovirus vectors, transduction of a population of cells (e.g., CD4+ T-cells), and the return of transduced cells to a patient are procedures well known to persons skilled in the art of gene therapy and have been well documented (Ranga, U. et al. (1997) J. Virol. 71:7020-7029; Bauer, G. et al. (1997) Blood 89:2259-2267; Bonyhadi, M. L. (1997) J. Virol. 71:4707-4716; Ranga, U. et al. (1998) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 95:1201-1206; Su, L. (1997) Blood 89:2283-2290).

[0234] In the alternative, an adenovirus-based gene therapy delivery system is used to deliver polynucleotides encoding INTSIG to cells which have one or more genetic abnormalities with respect to the expression of INTSIG. The construction and packaging of adenovirus-based vectors are well known to those with ordinary skill in the art. Replication defective adenovirus vectors have proven to be versatile for importing genes encoding immunoregulatory proteins into intact islets in the pancreas (Csete, M. E. et al. (1995) Transplantation 27:263-268). Potentially useful adenoviral vectors are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,707,618 to Armentano (“Adenovirus vectors for gene therapy”), hereby incorporated by reference. For adenoviral vectors, see also Antinozzi, P. A. et al. (1999) Annu. Rev. Nutr. 19:511-544 and Verma, I. M. and N. Somia (1997) Nature 18:389:239-242, both incorporated by reference herein.

[0235] In another alternative, a herpes-based, gene therapy delivery system is used to deliver polynucleotides encoding INTSIG to target cells which have one or more genetic abnormalities with respect to the expression of INTSIG. The use of herpes simplex virus (HSV)-based vectors may be especially valuable for introducing INTSIG to cells of the central nervous system, for which HSV has a tropism. The construction and packaging of herpes-based vectors are well known to those with ordinary skill in the art. A replication-competent herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1-based vector has been used to deliver a reporter gene to the eyes of primates (Liu, X. et al. (1999) Exp. Eye Res. 169:385-395). The construction of a HSV-1 virus vector has also been disclosed in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,804,413 to DeLuca (“Herpes simplex virus strains for gene transfer”), which is hereby incorporated by reference. U.S. Pat. No. 5,804,413 teaches the use of recombinant HSV d92 which consists of a genome containing at least one exogenous gene to be transferred to a cell under the control of the appropriate promoter for purposes including human gene therapy. Also taught by this patent are the construction and use of recombinant HSV strains deleted for ICP4, ICP27 and ICP22. For HSV vectors, see also Goins, W. F. et al. (1999) J. Virol. 73:519-532 and Xu, H. et al. (1994) Dev. Biol. 163:152-161, hereby incorporated by reference. The manipulation of cloned herpesvirus sequences, the generation of recombinant virus following the transfection of multiple plasmids containing different segments of the large herpesvirus genomes, the growth and propagation of herpesvirus, and the infection of cells with herpesvirus are techniques well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0236] In another alternative, an alphavirus (positive, single-stranded RNA virus) vector is used to deliver polynucleotides encoding INTSIG to target cells. The biology of the prototypic alphavirus, Semliki Forest Virus (SFV), has been studied extensively and gene transfer vectors have been based on the SFV genome (Garoff, H. and K. -J. Li (1998) Curr. Opin. Biotechnol. 9:464-469). During alphavirus RNA replication, a subgenornic RNA is generated that normally encodes the viral capsid proteins. This subgenomic RNA replicates to higher levels than the full length genomic RNA, resulting in the overproduction of capsid proteins relative to the viral proteins with enzymatic activity (e.g., protease and polymerase). Similarly, inserting the coding sequence for INTSIG into the alphavirus genome in place of the capsid-coding region results in the production of a large number of INTSIG-coding RNAs and the synthesis of high levels of INTSIG in vector transduced cells. While alphavirus infection is typically associated with cell lysis within a few days, the ability to establish a persistent infection in hamster normal kidney cells (BHK-21) with a variant of Sindbis virus (SIN) indicates that the lytic replication of alphaviruses can be altered to suit the needs of the gene therapy application (Dryga, S. A. et al. (1997) Virology 228:74-83). The wide host range of alphaviruses will allow the introduction of INTSIG into a variety of cell types. The specific transduction of a subset of cells in a population may require the sorting of cells prior to transduction. The methods of manipulating infectious cDNA clones of alphaviruses, performing alphavirus cDNA and RNA transfections, and performing alphavirus infections, are well known to those with ordinary skill in the art.

[0237] Oligonucleotides derived from the transcription initiation site, e.g., between about positions −10 and +10 from the start site, may also be employed to inhibit gene expression. Similarly, inhibition can be achieved using triple helix base-pairing methodology. Triple helix pairing is useful because it causes inhibition of the ability of the double helix to open sufficiently for the binding of polymerases, transcription factors, or regulatory molecules. Recent therapeutic advances using triplex DNA have been described in the literature. (See, e.g., Gee, J. E. et al. (1994) in Huber, B. E. and B. I. Carr, Molecular and Immunologic Approaches, Futura Publishing, Mt. Kisco N.Y., pp. 163-177.) A complementary sequence or antisense molecule may also be designed to block translation of mRNA by preventing the transcript from binding to ribosomes.

[0238] Ribozymes, enzymatic RNA molecules, may also be used to catalyze the specific cleavage of RNA. The mechanism of ribozyme action involves sequence-specific hybridization of the ribozyme molecule to complementary target RNA, followed by endonucleolytic cleavage. For example, engineered hammerhead motif ribozyme molecules may specifically and efficiently catalyze endonucleolytic cleavage of sequences encoding INTSIG.

[0239] Specific ribozyme cleavage sites within any potential RNA target are initially identified by scanning the target molecule for ribozyme cleavage sites, including the following sequences: GUA, GUU, and GUC. Once identified, short RNA sequences of between 15 and 20 ribonucleotides, corresponding to the region of the target gene containing the cleavage site, may be evaluated for secondary structural features which may render the oligonucleotide inoperable. The suitability of candidate targets may also be evaluated by testing accessibility to hybridization with complementary oligonucleotides using ribonuclease protection assays.

[0240] Complementary ribonucleic acid molecules and ribozymes of the invention may be prepared by any method known in the art for the synthesis of nucleic acid molecules. These include techniques for chemically synthesizing oligonucleotides such as solid phase phosphoramidite chemical synthesis. Alternatively, RNA molecules may be generated by in vitro and in vivo transcription of DNA sequences encoding INTSIG. Such DNA sequences may be incorporated into a wide variety of vectors with suitable RNA polymerase promoters such as T7 or SP6. Alternatively, these cDNA constructs that synthesize complementary RNA, constitutively or inducibly, can be introduced into cell lines, cells, or tissues.

[0241] RNA molecules may be modified to increase intracellular stability and half-life. Possible modifications include, but are not limited to, the addition of flanking sequences at the 5′ and/or 3′ ends of the molecule, or the use of phosphorothioate or 2′ O-methyl rather than phosphodiesterase linkages within the backbone of the molecule. This concept is inherent in the production of PNAs and can be extended in all of these molecules by the inclusion of nontraditional bases such as inosine, queosine, and wybutosine, as well as acetyl-, methyl-, thio-, and similarly modified forms of adenine, cytidine, guanine, thymine, and uridine which are not as easily recognized by endogenous endonucleases.

[0242] An additional embodiment of the invention encompasses a method for screening for a compound which is effective in altering expression of a polynucleotide encoding ITSIG. Compounds which may be effective in altering expression of a specific polynucleotide may include, but are not limited to, oligonucleotides, antisense oligonucleotides, triple helix-forming oligonucleotides, transcription factors and other polypeptide transcriptional regulators, and non-macromolecular chemical entities which are capable of interacting with specific polynucleotide sequences. Effective compounds may alter polynucleotide expression by acting as either inhibitors or promoters of polynucleotide expression. Thus, in the treatment of disorders associated with increased INTSIG expression or activity, a compound which specifically inhibits expression of the polynucleotide encoding INTSIG may be therapeutically useful, and in the treatment of disorders associated with decreased INTSIG expression or activity, a compound which specifically promotes expression of the polynucleotide encoding INTSIG may be therapeutically useful.

[0243] At least one, and up to a plurality, of test compounds may be screened for effectiveness in altering expression of a specific polynucleotide. A test compound may be obtained by any method commonly known in the art, including chemical modification of a compound known to be effective in altering polynucleotide expression; selection from an existing, commercially-available or proprietary library of naturally-occurring or non-natural chemical compounds; rational design of a compound based on chemical and/or structural properties of the target polynucleotide; and selection from a library of chemical compounds created combinatorially or randomly. A sample comprising a polynucleotide encoding INTSIG is exposed to at least one test compound thus obtained. The sample may comprise, for example, an intact or permeabilized cell, or an in vitro cell-free or reconstituted biochemical system. Alterations in the expression of a polynucleotide encoding INTSIG are assayed by any method commonly known in the art. Typically, the expression of a specific nucleotide is detected by hybridization with a probe having a nucleotide sequence complementary to the sequence of the polynucleotide encoding INTSIG. The amount of hybridization may be quantified, thus forming the basis for a comparison of the expression of the polynucleotide both with and without exposure to one or more test compounds. Detection of a change in the expression of a polynucleotide exposed to a test compound indicates that the test compound is effective in altering the expression of the polynucleotide. A screen for a compound effective in altering expression of a specific polynucleotide can be carried out, for example, using a Schizosaccharomyces pombe gene expression system (Atkins, D. et al. (1999) U.S. Pat. No. 5,932,435; Arndt, G. M. et al. (2000) Nucleic Acids Res. 28:E15) or a human cell line such as HeLa cell (Clarke, M. L. et al. (2000) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 268:8-13). A particular embodiment of the present invention involves screening a combinatorial library of oligonucleotides (such as deoxyribonucleotides, ribonucleotides, peptide nucleic acids, and modified oligonucleotides) for antisense activity against a specific polynucleotide sequence (Bruice, T. W. et al. (1997) U.S. Pat. No. 5,686,242; Bruice, T. W. et al. (2000) U.S. Pat. No. 6,022,691).

[0244] Many methods for introducing vectors into cells or tissues are available and equally suitable for use in vivo, in vitro, and ex vivo. For ex vivo therapy, vectors may be introduced into stem cells taken from the patient and clonally propagated for autologous transplant back into that same patient. Delivery by transfection, by liposome injections, or by polycationic amino polymers may be achieved using methods which are well known in the art. (See, e.g., Goldman, C. K. et al. (1997) Nat. Biotechnol. 15:462-466.)

[0245] Any of the therapeutic methods described above may be applied to any subject in need of such therapy, including, for example, mammals such as humans, dogs, cats, cows, horses, rabbits, and monkeys.

[0246] An additional embodiment of the invention relates to the administration of a composition which generally comprises an active ingredient formulated with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. Excipients may include, for example, sugars, starches, celluloses, gums, and proteins. Various formulations are commonly known and are thoroughly discussed in the latest edition of Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences (Maack Publishing, Easton Pa.). Such compositions may consist of INTSIG, antibodies to INTSIG, and mimetics, agonists, antagonists, or inhibitors of INTSIG.

[0247] The compositions utilized in this invention may be administered by any number of routes including, but not limited to, oral, intravenous, intramuscular, intra-arterial, intramedullary, intrathecal, intraventricular, pulmonary, transdermal, subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, intranasal, enteral, topical, sublingual, or rectal means.

[0248] Compositions for pulmonary administration may be prepared in liquid or dry powder form. These compositions are generally aerosolized immediately prior to inhalation by the patient. In the case of small molecules (e.g. traditional low molecular weight organic drugs), aerosol delivery of fast-acting formulations is well-known in the art. In the case of macromolecules (e.g. larger peptides and proteins), recent developments in the field of pulmonary delivery via the alveolar region of the lung have enabled the practical delivery of drugs such as insulin to blood circulation (see, e.g., Patton, J. S. et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,997,848). Pulmonary delivery has the advantage of administration without needle injection, and obviates the need for potentially toxic penetration enhancers.

[0249] Compositions suitable for use in the invention include compositions wherein the active ingredients are contained in an effective amount to achieve the intended purpose. Thie determination of an effective dose is well within the capability of those skilled in the art.

[0250] Specialized forms of compositions may be prepared for direct intracellular delivery of macromolecules comprising INTSIG or fragments thereof. For example, liposome preparations containing a cell-impermeable macromolecule may promote cell fusion and intracellular delivery of the macromolecule. Alternatively, INTSIG or a fragment thereof may be joined to a short cationic N-terminal portion from the HIV Tat-1 protein. Fusion proteins thus generated have been found to transduce into the cells of all tissues, including the brain, in a mouse model system (Schwarze, S. R. et al. (1999) Science 285:1569-1572).

[0251] For any compound, the therapeutically effective dose can be estimated initially either in cell culture assays, e.g., of neoplastic cells, or in animal models such as mice, rats, rabbits, dogs, monkeys, or pigs. An animal model may also be used to determine the appropriate concentration range and route of administration. Such information can then be used to determine useful doses and routes for administration in humans.

[0252] A therapeutically effective dose refers to that amount of active ingredient, for example INTSIG or fragments thereof, antibodies of INTSIG, and agonists, antagonists or inhibitors of INTSIG, which ameliorates the symptoms or condition. Therapeutic efficacy and toxicity may be determined by standard pharmaceutical procedures in cell cultures or with experimental animals, such as by calculating the ED50 (the dose therapeutically effective in 50% of the population) or LD50 (the dose lethal to 50% of the population) statistics. The dose ratio of toxic to therapeutic effects is the therapeutic index, which can be expressed as the LD50/ED50 ratio. Compositions which exhibit large therapeutic indices are preferred. The data obtained from cell culture assays and animal studies are used to formulate a range of dosage for human use. The dosage contained in such compositions is preferably within a range of circulating concentrations that includes the ED50 with little or no toxicity. The dosage varies within this range depending upon the dosage form employed, the sensitivity of the patient, and the route of administration.

[0253] The exact dosage will be determined by the practitioner, in light of factors related to the subject requiring treatment. Dosage and administration are adjusted to provide sufficient levels of the active moiety or to maintain the desired effect. Factors which may be taken into account include the severity of the disease state, the general health of the subject, the age, weight, and gender of the subject, time and frequency of administration, drug conmbination(s), reaction sensitivities, and response to therapy. Long-acting compositions may be administered every 3 to 4 days, every week, or biweekly depending on the half-life and clearance rate of the particular formulation.

[0254] Normal dosage amounts may vary from about 0.1 μg to 100,000 μg, up to a total dose of about 1 gram, depending upon the route of administration. Guidance as to particular dosages and methods of delivery is provided in the literature and generally available to practitioners in the art. Those skilled in the art will employ different formulations for nucleotides than for proteins or their inhibitors. Similarly, delivery of polynucleotides or polypeptides will be specific to particular cells, conditions, locations, etc.

[0255] Diagnostics

[0256] In another embodiment, antibodies which specifically bind INTSIG may be used for the diagnosis of disorders characterized by expression of INTSIG, or in assays to monitor patients being treated with INTSIG or agonists, antagonists, or inhibitors of INTSIG. Antibodies useful for diagnostic purposes may be prepared in the same manner as described above for therapeutics. Diagnostic assays for INTSIG include methods which utilize the antibody and a label to detect INTSIG in human body fluids or in extracts of cells or tissues. The antibodies may be used with or without modification, and may be labeled by covalent or non-covalent attachment of a reporter molecule. A wide variety of reporter molecules, several of which are described above, are known in the art and may be used.

[0257] A variety of protocols for measuring INTSIG, including ELISAs, RIAs, and FACS, are known in the art and provide a basis for diagnosing altered or abnormal levels of INTSIG expression. Normal or standard values for INTSIG expression are established by combining body fluids or cell extracts taken from normal mammalian subjects, for example, human subjects, with antibodies to INTSIG under conditions suitable for complex formation. The amount of standard complex formation may be quantitated by various methods, such as photometric means. Quantities of INTSIG expressed in subject, control, and disease samples from biopsied tissues are compared with the standard values. Deviation between standard and subject values establishes the parameters for diagnosing disease.

[0258] In another embodiment of the invention, the polynucleotides encoding INTSIG may be used for diagnostic purposes. The polynucleotides which may be used include oligonucleotide sequences, complementary RNA and DNA molecules, and PNAs. The polynucleotides may be used to detect and quantify gene expression in biopsied tissues in which expression of INTSIG may be correlated with disease. The diagnostic assay may be used to determine absence, presence, and excess expression of INTSIG, and to monitor regulation of INTSIG levels during therapeutic intervention.

[0259] In one aspect, hybridization with PCR probes which are capable of detecting polynucleotide sequences, including genomic sequences, encoding INTSIG or closely related molecules may be used to identify nucleic acid sequences which encode INTSIG. The specificity of the probe, whether it is made from a highly specific region, e.g., the 5′ regulatory region, or from a less specific region, e.g., a conserved motif, and the stringency of the hybridization or amplification will determine whether the probe identifies only naturally occurring sequences encoding INTSIG, allelic variants, or related sequences.

[0260] Probes may also be used for the detection of related sequences, and may have at least 50% sequence identity to any of the INTSIG encoding sequences. The hybridization probes of the subject invention may be DNA or RNA and may be derived from the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21-40 or from genomic sequences including promoters, enhancers, and introns of the INTSIG gene.

[0261] Means for producing specific hybridization probes for DNAs encoding INTSIG include the cloning of polynucleotide sequences encoding INTSIG or INTSIG derivatives into vectors for the production of mRNA probes. Such vectors are known in the art, are commercially available, and may be used to synthesize RNA probes in vitro by means of the addition of the appropriate RNA polymerases and the appropriate labeled nucleotides. Hybridization probes may be labeled by a variety of reporter groups, for example, by radionuclides such as 32P or 35S, or by enzymatic labels, such as alkaline phosphatase coupled to the probe via avidinpbiotin coupling systems, and the like.

[0262] Polynucleotide sequences encoding INTSIG may be used for the diagnosis of disorders associated with expression of INTSIG. Examples of such disorders include, but are not limited to, a cell proliferative disorder such as actinic keratosis, arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis, bursitis, cirrhosis, hepatitis, mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), myelofibrosis, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, polycythemia vera, psoriasis, primary thrombocythemia, and cancers including adenocarcinoma, leukemia, lymphoma, melanoma, myeloma, sarcoma, teratocarcinoma, and, in particular, cancers of the adrenal gland, bladder, bone, bone marrow, brain, breast, cervix, gall bladder, ganglia, gastrointestinal tract, heart, kidney, liver, lung, muscle, ovary, pancreas, parathyroid, penis, prostate, salivary glands, skin, spleen, testis, thymus, thyroid, and uterus; an autoimmune/inflammatory disorder such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), Addison's disease, adult respiratory istress syndrome, allergies, ankylosing spondylitis, amyloidosis, anemia, asthma, atherosclerosis, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, autoimmune thyroiditis, autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy (APECED), bronchitis, cholecystitis, contact dermatitis, Crohn's disease, atopic dermatitis, dermatomyositis, diabetes mellitus, emphysema, episodic lymphopenia with lymphocytotoxins, erythroblastosis fetalis, erythema nodosum, atrophic gastritis, glomerulonephritis, Goodpasture's syndrome, gout, Graves' disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, hypereosinophilia, irritable bowel syndrome, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, myocardial or pericardial inflammation, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, pancreatitis, polymyositis, psoriasis, Reiter's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, Sjögren's syndrome, systemic anaphylaxis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, thrombocytopenic purpura, ulcerative colitis, uveitis, Werner syndrome, complications of cancer, hemodialysis, and extracorporeal circulation, viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic, protozoal, and helminthic infections, and trauma; a neurological disorder such as epilepsy, ischemic cerebrovascular disease, stroke, cerebral neoplasms, Alzheimer's disease, Pick's disease, Huntington's disease, dementia, Parkinson's disease and other extrapyramidal disorders, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other motor neuron disorders, progressive neural muscular atrophy, retinitis pigmentosa, hereditary ataxias, multiple sclerosis and other dernyelinating diseases, bacterial and viral meningitis, brain abscess, subdural empyema, epidural abscess, suppurative intracranial thrombophlebitis, myelitis and radiculitis, viral central nervous system disease, prion diseases including kuru, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and Gerstrnann-Straussler-Scheinker syndrome, fatal familial insomnia, nutritional and metabolic diseases of the nervous system, neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis, cerebelloretinal hemangioblastomatosis, encephalotrigeminal syndrome, mental retardation and other developmental disorders of the central nervous system including Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, neuroskeletal disorders, autonomic nervous system disorders, cranial nerve disorders, spinal cord diseases, muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular disorders, peripheral nervous system disorders, dermatomyositis and polymyositis, inherited, metabolic, endocrine, and toxic myopathies, myasthenia gravis, periodic paralysis, mental disorders including mood, anxiety, and schizophrenic disorders, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), akathesia, amnesia, catatonia, diabetic neuropathy, tardive dyskinesia, dystonias, paranoid psychoses, postherpetic neuralgia, Tourette's disorder, progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal degeneration, and familial frontotemporal dementia; a gastrointestinal disorder such as dysphagia, peptic esophagitis, esophageal spasm, esophageal stricture, esophageal carcinoma, dyspepsia, indigestion, gastritis, gastric carcinoma, anorexia, nausea, emesis, gastroparesis, antral or pyloric edema, abdominal angina, pyrosis, gastroenteritis, intestinal obstruction, infections of the intestinal tract, peptic ulcer, cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, cholestasis, pancreatitis, pancreatic carcinoma, biliary tract disease, hepatitis, hyperbilirubinemia, cirrhosis, passive congestion of the liver, hepatoma, infectious colitis, ulcerative colitis, ulcerative proctitis, Crohn's disease, Whipple's disease, Mallory-Weiss syndrome, colonic carcinoma, colonic obstruction, irritable bowel syndrome, short bowel syndrome, diarrhea, constipation, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) enteropathy, jaundice, hepatic encephalopathy, hepatorenal syndrome, hepatic steatosis, bemochromatosis, Wilson's disease, alpha,-antitrypsin deficiency, Reye's syndrome, primary sclerosing cholangitis, liver infarction, portal vein obstruction and thrombosis, centrilobular necrosis, peliosis hepatis, hepatic vein thrombosis, veno-occlusive disease, preeclampsia, eclampsia, acute fatty liver of pregnancy, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, and hepatic tumors including nodular hyperplasias, adenomas, and carcinomas; a reproductive disorder such as a disorder of prolactin production, infertility, including tubal disease, ovulatory defects, endometriosis, a disruption of the estrous cycle, a disruption of the menstrual cycle, polycystic ovary syndrome, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, an endometrial or ovarian tumor, a uterine fibroid, autoimmune disorders, ectopic pregnancy, teratogenesis; cancer of the breast, fibrocystic breast disease, galactorrhea; a disruption of spermatogenesis, abnormal sperm physiology, cancer of the testis, cancer of the prostate, benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, Peyronie's disease, impotence, carcinoma of the male breast, gynecomastia, hypergonadotropic and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, pseudohermaphroditism, azoospermia, premature ovarian failure, acrosin deficiency, delayed puperty, retrograde ejaculation and anejaculation, haemangioblastomas, cystsphaeochronmocytomas, paraganglioma, cystadenomas of the epididymis, and endolymphatic sac tumours; and a developmental disorder such as renal tubular acidosis, anemia, Cushing's syndrome, achondroplastic dwarfism, Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy, epilepsy, gonadal dysgenesis, WAGR syndrome (Wilms' tumor, aniridia, genitourinary abnormalities, and mental retardation), Smith-Magenis syndrome, myelodysplastic syndrome, hereditary mucoepithelial dysplasia, hereditary keratodermas, hereditary neuropathies such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and neurofibromatosis, hypothyroidism, hydrocephalus, seizure disorders such as Syndenham's chorea and cerebral palsy, spina bifida, anencephaly, craniorachischisis, congenital glaucoma, cataract, and sensorineural hearing loss. The polynucleotide sequences encoding INTSIG may be used in Southern or northern analysis, dot blot, or other membrane-based technologies; in PCR technologies; in dipstick, pin, and multiformat ELISA-like assays; and in microarrays utilizing fluids or tissues from patients to detect altered INTSIG expression. Such qualitative or quantitative methods are well known in the art.

[0263] In a particular aspect, the nucleotide sequences encoding INTSIG may be useful in assays that detect the presence of associated disorders, particularly those mentioned above. The nucleotide sequences encoding INTSIG may be labeled by standard methods and added to a fluid or tissue sample from a patient under conditions suitable for the formation of hybridization complexes. After a suitable incubation period, the sample is washed and the signal is quantified and compared with a standard value. If the amount of signal in the patient sample is significantly altered in comparison to a control sample then the presence of altered levels of nucleotide sequences encoding INTSIG in the sample indicates the presence of the associated disorder. Such assays may also be used to evaluate the efficacy of a particular therapeutic treatment regimen in animal studies, in clinical trials, or to monitor the treatment of an individual patient.

[0264] In order to provide a basis for the diagnosis of a disorder associated with expression of INTSIG, a normal or standard profile for expression is established. This may be accomplished by combining body fluids or cell extracts taken from normal subjects, either animal or human, with a sequence, or a fragment thereof, encoding INTSIG, under conditions suitable for hybridization or amplification. Standard hybridization may be quantified by comparing the values obtained from normal subjects with values from an experiment in which a known amount of a substantially purified polynucleotide is used. Standard values obtained in this manner may be compared with values obtained from samples from patients who are symptomatic for a disorder. Deviation from standard values is used to establish the presence of a disorder.

[0265] Once the presence of a disorder is established and a treatment protocol is initiated, hybridization assays may be repeated on a regular basis to determine if the level of expression in the patient begins to approximate that which is observed in the normal subject. The results obtained from successive assays may be used to show the efficacy of treatment over a period ranging from several days to months.

[0266] With respect to cancer, the presence of an abnormal amount of transcript (either under- or overexpressed) in biopsied tissue from an individual may indicate a predisposition for the development of the disease, or may provide a means for detecting the disease prior to the appearance of actual clinical symptoms. A more definitive diagnosis of this type may allow health professionals to employ preventative measures or aggressive treatment earlier thereby preventing the development or further progression of the cancer.

[0267] Additional diagnostic uses for oligonucleotides designed from the sequences encoding INTSIG may involve the use of PCR. These oligomers may be chemically synthesized, generated enzymatically, or produced in vitro. Oligomers will preferably contain a fragment of a polynucleotide encoding INTSIG, or a fragment of a polynucleotide complementary to the polynucleotide encoding INTSIG, and will be employed under optimized conditions for identification of a specific gene or condition. Oligomers may also be employed under less stringent conditions for detection or quantification of closely related DNA or RNA sequences.

[0268] In a particular aspect, oligonucleotide primers derived from the polynucleotide sequences encoding INTSIG may be used to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). SNPs are substitutions, insertions and deletions that are a frequent cause of inherited or acquired genetic disease in humans. Methods of SNP detection include, but are not limited to, single-stranded conformation polymorphism (SSCP) and fluorescent SSCP (fSSCP) methods. In SSCP, oligonucleotide primers derived from the polynucleotide sequences encoding INTSIG are used to amplify DNA using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The DNA may be derived, for example, from diseased or normal tissue, biopsy samples, bodily fluids, and the like. SNPs in the DNA cause differences in the secondary and tertiary structures of PCR products in single-stranded form, and these differences are detectable using gel electrophoresis in non-denaturing gels. In fSCCP, the oligonucleotide primers are fluorescently labeled, which allows detection of the amplimers in high-throughput equipment such as DNA sequencing machines. Additionally, sequence database analysis methods, termed in silico SNP (isSNP), are capable of identifying polymorphisms by comparing the sequence of individual overlapping DNA fragments which assemble into a common consensus sequence. These computer-based methods filter out sequence variations due to laboratory preparation of DNA and sequencing errors using statistical models and automated analyses of DNA sequence chromatograms. In the alternative, SNPs may be detected and characterized by mass spectrometry using, for example, the high throughput MASSARRAY system (Sequenom, Inc., San Diego Calif.).

[0269] Methods which may also be used to quantify the expression of INTSIG include radiolabeling or biotinylating nucleotides, coamplification of a control nucleic acid, and interpolating results from standard curves. (See, e.g., Melby, P. C. et al. (1993) J. Immunol. Methods 159:235-244; Duplaa, C. et al. (1993) Anal. Biochem. 212:229-236.) The speed of quantitation of multiple samples may be accelerated by running the assay in a high-throughput format where the oligomer or polynucleotide of interest is presented in various dilutions and a spectrophotometric or calorimetric response gives rapid quantitation.

[0270] In further embodiments, oligonucleotides or longer fragments derived from any of the polynucleotide sequences described herein may be used as elements on a microarray. The microarray can be used in transcript imaging techniques which monitor the relative expression levels of large numbers of genes simultaneously as described below. The microarray may also be used to identify genetic variants, mutations, and polymorphisms. This information may be used to determine gene function, to understand the genetic basis of a disorder, to diagnose a disorder, to monitor progression/regression of disease as a function of gene expression, and to develop and monitor the activities of therapeutic agents in the treatment of disease. In particular, this information may be used to develop a pharmacogenomic profile of a patient in order to select the most appropriate and effective treatment regimen for that patient. For example, therapeutic agents which are highly effective and display the fewest side effects may be selected for a patient based on his/her pharmacogenomic profile.

[0271] In another embodiment, INTSIG, fragments of INTSIG, or antibodies specific for INTSIG may be used as elements on a microarray. The microarray may be used to monitor or measure protein-protein interactions, drug-target interactions, and gene expression profiles, as described above.

[0272] A particular embodiment relates to the use of the polynucleotides of the present invention to generate a transcript image of a tissue or cell type. A transcript image represents the global pattern of gene expression by a particular tissue or cell type. Global gene expression patterns are analyzed by quantifying the number of expressed genes and their relative abundance under given conditions and at a given time. (See Seilhamer et al., “Comparative Gene Transcript Analysis,” U.S. Pat. No. 5,840,484, expressly incorporated by reference herein.) Thus a transcript image may be generated by hybridizing the polynucleotides of the present invention or their complements to the totality of transcripts or reverse transcripts of a particular tissue or cell type. In one embodiment, the hybridization takes place in high-throughput format, wherein the polynucleotides of the present invention or their complements comprise a subset of a plurality of elements on a microarray. The resultant transcript image would provide a profile of gene activity.

[0273] Transcript images may be generated using transcripts isolated from tissues, cell lines, biopsies, or other biological samples. The transcript image may thus reflect gene expression in vivo, as in the case of a tissue or biopsy sample, or in vitro, as in the case of a cell line.

[0274] Transcript images which profile the expression of the polynucleotides of the present invention may also be used in conjunction with in vitro model systems and preclinical evaluation of pharmaceuticals, as well as toxicological testing of industrial and naturally-occurring environmental compounds. All compounds induce characteristic gene expression patterns, frequently termed molecular fingerprints or toxicant signatures, which are indicative of mechanisms of action and toxicity (Nuwaysir, E. F. et al. (1999) Mol. Carcinog. 24:153-159; Steiner, S. and N. L. Anderson (2000) Toxicol. Lett. 1 12-1 13:467-471, expressly incorporated by reference herein). If a test compound has a signature similar to that of a compound with known toxicity, it is likely to share those toxic properties. These fingerprints or signatures are most useful and refined when they contain expression information from a large number of genes and gene families. Ideally, a genome-wide measurement of expression provides the highest quality signature. Even genes whose expression is not altered by any tested compounds are important as well, as the levels of expression of these genes are used to normalize the rest of the expression data. The normalization procedure is useful for comparison of expression data after treatment with different compounds. While the assignment of gene function to elements of a toxicant signature aids in interpretation of toxicity mechanisms, knowledge of gene function is not necessary for the statistical matching of signatures which leads to prediction of toxicity. (See, for example, Press Release 00-02 from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, released Feb. 29, 2000, available at http://www.niehs.nih.gov/oc/news/toxchip.htm.) Therefore, it is important and desirable in toxicological screening using toxicant signatures to include all expressed gene sequences.

[0275] In one embodiment, the toxicity of a test compound is assessed by treating a biological sample containing nucleic acids with the test compound. Nucleic acids that are expressed in the treated biological sample are hybridized with one or more probes specific to the polynucleotides of the present invention, so that transcript levels corresponding to the polynucleotides of the present invention may be quantified. The transcript levels in the treated biological sample are compared with levels in an untreated biological sample. Differences in the transcript levels between the two samples are indicative of a toxic response caused by the test compound in the treated sample.

[0276] Another particular embodiment relates to the use of the polypeptide sequences of the present invention to analyze the proteome of a tissue or cell type. The term proteome refers to the global pattern of protein expression in a particular tissue or cell type. Each protein component of a proteome can be subjected individually to further analysis. Proteome expression patterns, or profiles, are analyzed by quantifying the number of expressed proteins and their relative abundance under given conditions and at a given time. A profile of a cell's proteome may thus be generated by separating and analyzing the polypeptides of a particular tissue or cell type. In one embodiment, the separation is achieved using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, in which proteins from a sample are separated by isoelectric focusing in the first dimension, and then according to molecular weight by sodium dodecyl sulfate slab gel electrophoresis in the second dimension (Steiner and Anderson, supra). The proteins are visualized in the gel as discrete and uniquely positioned spots, typically by staining the gel with an agent such as Coomassie Blue or silver or fluorescent stains. The optical density of each protein spot is generally proportional to the level of the protein in the sample. The optical densities of equivalently positioned protein spots from different samples, for example, from biological samples either treated or untreated with a test compound or therapeutic agent, are compared to identify any changes in protein spot density related to the treatment. The proteins in the spots are partially sequenced using, for example, standard methods employing chemical or enzymatic cleavage followed by mass spectrometry. The identity of the protein in a spot may be determined by comparing its partial sequence, preferably of at least 5 contiguous amino acid residues, to the polypeptide sequences of the present invention. In some cases, further sequence data may be obtained for definitive protein identification.

[0277] A proteomic profile may also be generated using antibodies specific for INTSIG to quantify the levels of INTSIG expression. In one embodiment, the antibodies are used as elements on a rmicroarray, and protein expression levels are quantified by exposing the microarray to the sample and detecting the levels of protein bound to each array element (Lueking, A. et al. (1999) Anal. Biochem. 270:103-111; Mendoze, L. G. et al. (1999) Biotechniques 27:778-788). Detection may be performed by a variety of methods known in the art, for example, by reacting the proteins in the sample with a thiol- or amino-reactive fluorescent compound and detecting the amount of fluorescence bound at each array element.

[0278] Toxicant signatures at the proteome level are also useful for toxicological screening, and should be analyzed in parallel with toxicant signatures at the transcript level. There is a poor correlation between transcript and protein abundances for some proteins in some tissues (Anderson, N. L. and J. Seilhamer (1997) Electrophoresis 18:533-537), so proteome toxicant signatures may be useful in the analysis of compounds which do not significantly affect the transcript image, but which alter the proteomic profile. In addition, the analysis of transcripts in body fluids is difficult, due to rapid degradation of mRNA, so proteomic profiling may be more reliable and informative in such cases.

[0279] In another embodiment, the toxicity of a test compound is assessed by treating a biological sample containing proteins with the test compound. Proteins that are expressed in the treated biological sample are separated so that the amount of each protein can be quantified. The amount of each protein is compared to the amount of the corresponding protein in an untreated biological sample. A difference in the amount of protein between the two samples is indicative of a toxic response to the test compound in the treated sample. Individual proteins are identified by sequencing the amino acid residues of the individual proteins and comparing these partial sequences to the polypeptides of the present invention.

[0280] In another embodiment, the toxicity of a test compound is assessed by treating a biological sample containing proteins with the test compound. Proteins from the biological sample are incubated with antibodies specific to the polypeptides of the present invention. The amount of protein recognized by the antibodies is quantified. The amount of protein in the treated biological sample is compared with the amount in an untreated biological sample. A difference in the amount of protein between the two samples is indicative of a toxic response to the test compound in the treated sample.

[0281] Microarrays may be prepared, used, and analyzed using methods klown in the art. (See, e.g., Brennan, T. M. et al. (1995) U.S. Pat. No. 5,474,796; Schena, M. et al. (1996) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93:10614-10619; Baldeschweiler et al. (1995) PCT application WO95/251116; Shalon, D. et al. (1995) PCT application WO95/35505; Heller, R. A. et al. (1997) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 94:2150-2155; and Heller, M. J. et al. (1997) U.S. Pat. No. 5,605,662.) Various types of microarrays are well known and thoroughly described in DNA Microarrays: A Practical Approach, M. Schena, ed. (1999) Oxford University Press, London, hereby expressly incorporated by reference.

[0282] In another embodiment of the invention, nucleic acid sequences encoding INTSIG may be used to generate hybridization probes useful in mapping the naturally occurring genomic sequence. Either coding or noncoding sequences may be used, and in some instances, noncoding sequences may be preferable over coding sequences. For example, conservation of a coding sequence among members of a multi-gene family may potentially cause undesired cross hybridization during chromosomal mapping. The sequences may be mapped to a particular chromosome, to a specific region of a chromosome, or to artificial chromosome constructions, e.g., human artificial chromosomes (HACs), yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs), bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs), bacterial P1 constructions, or single chromosome cDNA libraries. (See, e.g., Harrington, J. J. et al. (1997) Nat. Genet. 15:345-355; Price, C. M. (1993) Blood Rev. 7:127-134; and Trask, B. J. (1991) Trends Genet. 7:149-154.) Once mapped, the nucleic acid sequences of the invention may be used to develop genetic linkage maps, for example, which correlate the inheritance of a disease state with the inheritance of a particular chromosome region or restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). (See, for example, Lander, E. S. and D. Botstein (1986) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 83:7353-7357.)

[0283] Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) may be correlated with other physical and genetic map data. (See, e.g., Heinz-Ulrich, et al. (1995) in Meyers, supra, pp. 965-968.) Examples of genetic map data can be found in various scientific journals or at the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) World Wide Web site. Correlation between the location of the gene encoding INTSIG on a physical map and a specific disorder, or a predisposition to a specific disorder, may help define the region of DNA associated with that disorder and thus may further positional cloning efforts.

[0284] In situ hybridization of chromosomal preparations and physical mapping techniques, such as linkage analysis using established chromosomal markers, may be used for extending genetic maps. Often the placement of a gene on the chromosome of another mammalian species, such as mouse, may reveal associated markers even if the exact chromosomal locus is not known. This information is valuable to investigators searching for disease genes using positional cloning or other gene discovery techniques. Once the gene or genes responsible for a disease or syndrome have been crudely localized by genetic linkage to a particular genomic region, e.g., ataxia-telangiectasia to 11q22-23, any sequences mapping to that area may represent associated or regulatory genes for further investigation. (See, e.g., Gatti, R. A. et al. (1988) Nature 336:577-580.) The nucleotide sequence of the instant invention may also be used to detect differences in the chromosomal location due to translocation, inversion, etc., among normal, carrier, or affected individuals.

[0285] In another embodiment of the invention, INTSIG, its catalytic or immunogenic fragments, or oligopeptides thereof can be used for screening libraries of compounds in any of a variety of drug screening techniques. The fragment employed in such screening may be free in solution, affixed to a solid support, borne on a cell surface, or located intracellularly. The formation of binding complexes between INTSIG and the agent being tested may be measured.

[0286] Another technique for drug screening provides for high throughput screening of compounds having suitable binding affinity to the protein of interest. (See, e.g., Geysen, et al. (1984) PCT application WO84/03564.) In this method, large numbers of different small test compounds are synthesized on a solid substrate. The test compounds are reacted with ITSIG, or fragments thereof, and washed. Bound INTSIG is then detected by methods well known in the art. Purified INTSIG can also be coated directly onto plates for use in the aforementioned drug screening techniques. Alternatively, non-neutralizing antibodies can be used to capture the peptide and immobilize it on a solid support.

[0287] In another embodiment, one may use competitive drug screening assays in which neutralizing antibodies capable of binding INTSIG specifically compete with a test compound for binding INTSIG. In this manner, antibodies can be used to detect the presence of any peptide which shares one or more antigenic determinants with INTSIG.

[0288] In additional embodiments, the nucleotide sequences which encode INTSIG may be used in any molecular biology techniques that have yet to be developed, provided the new techniques rely on properties of nucleotide sequences that are currently known, including, but not limited to, such properties as the triplet genetic code and specific base pair interactions.

[0289] Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art can, using the preceding description, utilize the present invention to its fullest extent. The following embodiments are, therefore, to be construed as merely illustrative, and not limitative of the remainder of the disclosure in any way whatsoever.

[0290] The disclosures of all patents, applications and publications, mentioned above and below, are expressly incorporated by reference herein: U.S. Ser. No. 60/240,871, U.S. Ser. No. 60/244,723, U.S. Ser. No. 60/249,402, U.S. Ser. No. 60/252,622, and U.S. Ser. No. 60/255,622.

EXAMPLES

[0291] I. Construction of cDNA Libraries

[0292] Incyte cDNAs were derived from cDNA libraries described in the LIFESEQ GOLD database (Incyte Genomics, Palo Alto Calif.) and shown in Table 4, column 5. Some tissues were homogenized and lysed in guanidinium isothiocyanate, while others were homogenized and lysed in phenol or in a suitable mixture of denaturants, such as TRIZOL (Life Technologies), a monophasic solution of phenol and guanidine isothiocyanate. The resulting lysates were centrifuged over CsCl cushions or extracted with chloroform. RNA was precipitated from the lysates with either isopropanol or sodium acetate and ethanol, or by other routine methods.

[0293] Phenol extraction and precipitation of RNA were repeated as necessary to increase RNA purity. In some cases, RNA was treated with DNase. For most libraries, poly(A)+ RNA was isolated using oligo d(T)-coupled paramagnetic particles (Promega), OLIGOTEX latex particles (QIAGEN, Chatsworth Calif.), or an OLIGOTEX mRNA purification kit (QIAGEN). Alternatively, RNA was isolated directly from tissue lysates using other RNA isolation kits, e.g., the POLY(A)PURE mRNA purification kit (Ambion, Austin Tex.).

[0294] In some cases, Stratagene was provided with RNA and constructed the corresponding cDNA libraries. Otherwise, cDNA was synthesized and cDNA libraries were constructed with the UNIZAP vector system (Stratagene) or SUPERSCRIPT plasmid system (Life Technologies), using the recommended procedures or similar methods known in the art. (See, e.g., Ausubel, 1997, supra, units 5.1-6.6.) Reverse transcription was initiated using oligo d(T) or random primers. Synthetic oligonucleotide adapters were ligated to double stranded cDNA, and the cDNA was digested with the appropriate restriction enzyme or enzymes. For most libraries, the cDNA was size-selected (300-1000 bp) using SEPHACRYL S1000, SEPHAROSE CL2B, or SEPHAROSE CL4B column chromatography (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech) or preparative agarose gel electrophoresis. cDNAs were ligated into compatible restriction enzyme sites of the polylinker of a suitable plasmid, e.g., PBLUESCRIPT plasmid (Stratagene), PSPORT1 plasmid (Life Technologies), PCDNA2.1 plasmid (Invitrogen, Carlsbad Calif.), PBK-CMV plasmid (Stratagene), PCR2-TOPOTA plasmid (Invitrogen), PCMV-ICIS plasmid (Stratagene), pIGEN (Incyte Genomics, Palo Alto Calif.), or pINCY (Incyte Genomics), or derivatives thereof. Recombinant plasmids were transformed into competent E. coli cells including XL1-Blue, XL1-BlueMRF, or SOLR from Stratagene or DH5α, DH10B, or ElectroMAX DH10B from Life Technologies.

[0295] II. Isolation of cDNA Clones

[0296] Plasmids obtained as described in Example I were recovered from host cells by in vivo excision using the UNIZAP vector system (Stratagene) or by cell lysis. Plasmids were purified using at least one of the following: a Magic or WIZARD Minipreps DNA purification system (Promega); an AGTC Miniprep purification kit (Edge Biosystems, Gaithersburg Md.); and QIAWELL 8 Plasmid, QIAWELL 8 Plus Plasmid, QIAWELL 8 Ultra Plasmid purification systems or the R.E.A.L. PREP 96 plasmid purification kit from QIAGEN. Following precipitation, plasmids were resuspended in 0.1 ml of distilled water and stored, with or without lyophilization, at 4° C.

[0297] Alternatively, plasmid DNA was amplified from host cell lysates using direct link PCR in a high-throughput format (Rao, V. B. (1994) Anal. Biochem. 216:1-14). Host cell lysis and thermal cycling steps were carried out in a single reaction mixture. Samples were processed and stored in 384-well plates, and the concentration of amplified plasmid DNA was quantified fluorometrically using PICOGREEN dye (Molecular Probes, Eugene Oreg.) and a FLUOROSKAN II fluorescence scanner (Labsystems Oy, Helsinki, Finland).

[0298] III. Sequencing and Analysis

[0299] Incyte cDNA recovered in plasmids as described in Example II were sequenced as follows. Sequencing reactions were processed using standard methods or high-throughput instrumentation such as the ABI CATALYST 800 (Applied Biosystems) thermal cycler or the PTC-200 thermal cycler (MJ Research) in conjunction with the HYDRA microdispenser (Robbins Scientific) or the MICROLAB 2200 (Hamilton) liquid transfer system. cDNA sequencing reactions were prepared using reagents provided by Amersham Pharmacia Biotech or supplied in ABI sequencing kits such as the ABI PRISM BIGDYE Terminator cycle sequencing ready reaction kit (Applied Biosystems). Electrophoretic separation of cDNA sequencing reactions and detection of labeled polynucleotides were carried out using the MEGABACE 1000 DNA sequencing system (Molecular Dynamics); the ABI PRISM 373 or 377 sequencing system (Applied Biosystems) in conjunction with standard ABI protocols and base calling software; or other sequence analysis systems known in the art. Reading frames within the cDNA sequences were identified using standard methods (reviewed in Ausubel, 1997, supra, unit 7.7). Some of the cDNA sequences were selected for extension using the techniques disclosed in Example VIII.

[0300] The polynucleotide sequences derived from Incyte cDNAs were validated by removing vector, linker, and poly(A) sequences and by masking ambiguous bases, using algorithms and programs based on BLAST, dynamic programming, and dinucleotide nearest neighbor analysis. The Incyte cDNA sequences or translations thereof were then queried against a selection of public databases such as the GenBank primate, rodent, marnmalian, vertebrate, and eukaryote databases, and BLOCKS, PRINTS, DOMO, PRODOM, and hidden Markov model (HMM)-based protein family databases such as PFAM. (HMM is a probabilistic approach which analyzes consensus primary structures of gene families. See, for example, Eddy, S. R. (1996) Curr. Opin. Struct. Biol. 6:361-365.) The queries were performed using programs based on BLAST, FASTA, BLIMPS, and HMMER. The Incyte cDNA sequences were assembled to produce full length polynucleotide sequences. Alternatively, GenBank cDNAs, GenBank ESTs, stitched sequences, stretched sequences, or Genscan-predicted coding sequences (see Examples IV and V) were used to extend Incyte cDNA assemblages to full length. Assembly was performed using programs based on Phred, Phrap, and Consed, and cDNA assemblages were screened for open reading frames using programs based on GeneMark, BLAST, and FASTA. The full length polynucleotide sequences were translated to derive the corresponding full length polypeptide sequences. Alternatively, a polypeptide of the invention may begin at any of the methionine residues of the full length translated polypeptide. Full length polypeptide sequences were subsequently analyzed by querying against databases such as the GenBank protein databases (genpept), SwissProt, BLOCKS, PRINTS, DOMO, PRODOM, Prosite, and hidden Markov model (HMM)-based protein family databases such as PFAM. Full length polynucleotide sequences are also analyzed using MACDNASIS PRO software (Hitachi Software Engineering, South San Francisco Calif.) and LASERGENE software (DNASTAR). Polynucleotide and polypeptide sequence alignments are generated using default parameters specified by the CLUSTAL algorithm as incorporated into the MEGALIGN mulfisequence alignment program (DNASTAR), which also calculates the percent identity between aligned sequences.

[0301] Table 7 summarizes the tools, programs, and algorithms used for the analysis and assembly of Incyte cDNA and full length sequences and provides applicable descriptions, references, and threshold parameters. The first column of Table 7 shows the tools, programs, and algorithms used, the second column provides brief descriptions thereof, the third column presents appropriate references, all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, and the fourth column presents, where applicable, the scores, probability values, and other parameters used to evaluate the strength of a match between two sequences (the higher the score or the lower the probability value, the greater the identity between two sequences).

[0302] The programs described above for the assembly and analysis of full length polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences were also used to identify polynucleotide sequence fragments from SEQ ID NO: 21-40. Fragments from about 20 to about 4000 nucleotides which are useful in hybridization and amplification technologies are described in Table 4, column 4.

[0303] IV. Identification and Editing of Coding Sequences from Genomic DNA

[0304] Putative intracellular signaling molecules were initially identified by running the Genscan gene identification program against public genomic sequence databases (e.g., gbpri and gbhtg). Genscan is a general-purpose gene identification program which analyzes genomic DNA sequences from a variety of organisms (See Burge, C. and S. Karlin (1997) J. Mol. Biol. 268:78-94, and Burge, C. and S. Karlin (1998) Curr. Opin. Struct. Biol. 8:346-354). The program concatenates predicted exons to form an assembled cDNA sequence extending from a methionine to a stop codon. The output of Genscan is a FASTA database of polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences. The maximum range of sequence for Genscan to analyze at once was set to 30 kb. To determine which of these Genscan predicted cDNA sequences encode intracellular signaling molecules, the encoded polypeptides were analyzed by querying against PFAM models for intracellular signaling molecules. Potential intracellular signaling molecules were also identified by homology to Incyte cDNA sequences that had been annotated as intracellular signaling molecules. These selected Genscan-predicted sequences were then compared by BLAST analysis to the genpept and gbpri public databases. Where necessary, the Genscan-predicted sequences were then edited by comparison to the top BLAST hit from genpept to correct errors in the sequence predicted by Genscan, such as extra or omitted exons. BLAST analysis was also used to find any Incyte cDNA or public cDNA coverage of the Genscan-predicted sequences, thus providing evidence for transcription. When Incyte cDNA coverage was available, this information was used to correct or confirm the Genscan predicted sequence. Full length polynucleotide sequences were obtained by assembling Genscan-predicted coding sequences with Incyte cDNA sequences and/or public cDNA sequences using the assembly process described in Example III. Alternatively, full length polynucleotide sequences were derived entirely from edited or unedited Genscan-predicted coding sequences.

[0305] V. Assembly of Genomic Sequence Data with cDNA Sequence Data

[0306] “Stitched” Sequences

[0307] Partial cDNA sequences were extended with exons predicted by the Genscan gene identification program described in Example IV. Partial cDNAs assembled as described in Example III were mapped to genoniic DNA and parsed into clusters containing related cDNAs and Genscan exon predictions from one or more genomic sequences. Each cluster was analyzed using an algorithm based on graph theory and dynamic programming to integrate cDNA and genomic information, generating possible splice variants that were subsequently confirmed, edited, or extended to create a full length sequence. Sequence intervals in which the entire length of the interval was present on more than one sequence in the cluster were identified, and intervals thus identified were considered to be equivalent by transitivity. For example, if an interval was present on a cDNA and two genomic sequences, then all three intervals were considered to be equivalent. This process allows unrelated but consecutive genomic sequences to be brought together, bridged by cDNA sequence. Intervals thus identified were then “stitched” together by the stitching algorithm in the order that they appear along their parent sequences to generate the longest possible sequence, as well as sequence variants. Linkages between intervals which proceed along one type of parent sequence (cDNA to cDNA or genomic sequence to genomic sequence) were given preference over linkages which change parent type (cDNA to genomic sequence). The resultant stitched sequences were translated and compared by BLAST analysis to the genpept and gbpri public databases. Incorrect exons predicted by Genscan were corrected by comparison to the top BLAST hit from genpept. Sequences were further extended with additional cDNA sequences, or by inspection of genornic DNA, when necessary.

[0308] “Stretched” Sequences

[0309] Partial DNA sequences were extended to full length with an algorithm based on BLAST analysis. First, partial cDNAs assembled as described in Example III were queried against public databases such as the GenBank primate, rodent, mammalian, vertebrate, and eukaryote databases using the BLAST program. The nearest GenBank protein homolog was then compared by BLAST analysis to either Incyte cDNA sequences or GenScan exon predicted sequences described in Example IV. A chimeric protein was generated by using the resultant high-scoring segment pairs (HSPs) to map the translated sequences onto the GenBank protein homolog. Insertions or deletions may occur in the chimeric protein with respect to the original GenBank protein homolog. The GenBank protein homolog, the chimeric protein, or both were used as probes to search for homologous genomic sequences from the public human genome databases. Partial DNA sequences were therefore “stretched” or extended by the addition of homologous genomic sequences. The resultant stretched sequences were examined to determine whether it contained a complete gene.

[0310] VI. Chromosomal Mapping of INTSIG Encoding Polynucleotides

[0311] The sequences which were used to assemble SEQ ID NO: 21-40 were compared with sequences from the Incyte LIFESEQ database and public domain databases using BLAST and other implementations of the Smith-Waterman algorithm. Sequences from these databases that matched SEQ ID NO: 21-40 were assembled into clusters of contiguous and overlapping sequences using assembly algorithms such as Phrap (Table 7). Radiation hybrid and genetic mapping data available from public resources such as the Stanford Human Genome Center (SHGC), Whitehead Institute for Genome Research (WIGR), and Genethon were used to determine if any of the clustered sequences had been previously mapped. Inclusion of a mapped sequence in a cluster resulted in the assignment of all sequences of that cluster, including its particular SEQ ID NO:, to that map location.

[0312] Map locations are represented by ranges, or intervals, of human chromosomes. The map position of an interval, in centiMorgans, is measured relative to the terminus of the chromosome's p-arm. (Tie centiMorgan (cM) is a unit of measurement based on recombination frequencies between chromosomal markers. On average, 1 cM is roughly equivalent to 1 megabase (Mb) of DNA in humans, although this can vary widely due to hot and cold spots of recombination.) The cM distances are based on genetic markers mapped by Genethon which provide boundaries for radiation hybrid markers whose sequences were included in each of the clusters. Human genome maps and other resources available to the public, such as the NCBI “GeneMap'99” World Wide Web site (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genemap/), can be employed to determine if previously identified disease genes map within or in proximity to the intervals indicated above.

[0313] In this manner, SEQ ID NO: 38 was mapped to chromosome 7 within the interval from 112.90 to 113.40 centiMorgans.

[0314] VII. Analysis of Polynucleotide Expression

[0315] Northern analysis is a laboratory technique used to detect the presence of a transcript of a gene and involves the hybridization of a labeled nucleotide sequence to a membrane on which RNAs from a particular cell type or tissue have been bound. (See, e.g., Sambrook, supra, ch. 7; Ausubel (1995) supra, ch. 4 and 16.)

[0316] Analogous computer techniques applying BLAST were used to search for identical or related molecules in cDNA databases such as GenBank or LIFESEQ (Incyte Genomics). This analysis is much faster than multiple membrane-based hybridizations. In addition, the sensitivity of the computer search can be modified to determine whether any particular match is categorized as exact or similar. The basis of the search is the product score, which is defined as:

BLAST Score×Percent Identity/5×minimum {length(Seq. 1), length(Seq. 2)}

[0317] The product score takes into account both the degree of similarity between two sequences and the length of the sequence match. The product score is a normalized value between 0 and 100, and is calculated as follows: the BLAST score is multiplied by the percent nucleotide identity and the product is divided by (5 times the length of the shorter of the two sequences). The BLAST score is calculated by assigning a score of +5 for every base that matches in a high-scoring segment pair (HSP), and −4 for every mismatch. Two sequences may share more than one HSP (separated by gaps). If there is more than one HSP, then the pair with the highest BLAST score is used to calculate the product score. The product score represents a balance between fractional overlap and quality in a BLAST alignment. For example, a product score of 100 is produced only for 100% identity over the entire length of the shorter of the two sequences being compared. A product score of 70 is produced either by 100% identity and 70% overlap at one end, or by 88% identity and 100% overlap at the other. A product score of 50 is produced either by 100% identity and 50% overlap at one end, or 79% identity and 100% overlap.

[0318] Alternatively, polynucleotide sequences encoding NTSIG are analyzed with respect to the tissue sources from which they were derived. For example, some full length sequences are assembled, at least in part, with overlapping Incyte cDNA sequences (see Example III). Each cDNA sequence is derived from a cDNA library constructed from a human tissue. Each human tissue is classified into one of the following organ/tissue categories: cardiovascular system; connective tissue; digestive system; embryonic structures; endocrine system; exocrine glands; genitalia, female; genitalia, male; germ cells; hemic and immune system; liver; musculoskeletal system; nervous system; pancreas; respiratory system; sense organs; skin; stomatognathic system; unclassified/mixed; or urinary tract. The number of libraries in each category is counted and divided by the total number of libraries across all categories. Similarly, each human tissue is classified into one of the following disease/condition categories: cancer, cell line, developmental, inflammation, neurological, trauma, cardiovascular, pooled, and other, and the number of libraries in each category is counted and divided by the total number of libraries across all categories. The resulting percentages reflect the tissue- and disease-specific expression of cDNA encoding INTSIG. cDNA sequences and cDNA library/tissue information are found in the LIFESEQ GOLD database (Incyte Genomics, Palo Alto Calif.). In particular, SEQ ID NO: 30 shows a strong association with neurological tissues. 1292 libraries present in the LIFESEQ GOLD database (Incyte Genomics, Palo Alto Calif.) isolated from 20 tissue types were examined. SEQ ID NO: 30 was found in 73 libraries, 43 (59%) of which were isolated from neurological tissues. Of 113 incidences of SEQ ID NO: 30 in all libraries, 75 were in nervous system libraries. SEQ IN NO: 30 is useful for distinguishing between nervous tissues and, for example, cardiovascular or endocrine tissues.

[0319] VIII. Extension of INTSIG Encoding Polynucleotides

[0320] Full length polynucleotide sequences were also produced by extension of an appropriate fragment of the full length molecule using oligonucleotide primers designed from this fragnient. One primer was synthesized to initiate 5′ extension of the known fragment, and the other primer was synthesized to initiate 3′ extension of the known fragment. The initial primers were designed using OLIGO 4.06 software (National Biosciences), or another appropriate program, to be about 22 to 30 nucleotides in length, to have a GC content of about 50% or more, and to anneal to the target sequence at temperatures of about 68° C. to about 72° C. Any stretch of nucleotides which would result in hairpin structures and primer-primer dimerizations was avoided.

[0321] Selected human cDNA libraries were used to extend the sequence. If more than one extension was necessary or desired, additional or nested sets of primers were designed.

[0322] High fidelity amplification was obtained by PCR using methods well known in the art. PCR was performed in 96-well plates using the PTC-200 thermal cycler (J Research, Inc.). The reaction mix contained DNA template, 200 nmol of each primer, reaction buffer containing Mg2+, (NH4)2SO4, and 2-mercaptoethanol, Taq DNA polymerase (Amersham Pharrnacia Biotech), ELONGASE enzyme (Life Technologies), and Pfu DNA polymerase (Stratagene), with the following parameters for primer pair PCI A and PCI B: Step 1: 94° C., 3 min; Step 2: 94° C., 15 sec; Step 3: 60° C, 1 min; Step 4: 68° C., 2 min; Step 5: Steps 2, 3, and 4 repeated 20 times; Step 6: 68° C., 5 min; Step 7: storage at 4° C. In the alternative, the parameters for primer pair T7 and SK+ were as follows: Step 1: 94° C., 3 min; Step 2: 94° C., 15 sec; Step 3: 57° C., 1 min; Step 4: 68° C., 2 min; Step 5: Steps, 2, 3, and 4 repeated 20 times; Step 6: 68° C., 5 min; Step 7: storage at 4° C.

[0323] The concentration of DNA in each well was determined by dispensing 100 μl PICOGREEN quantitation reagent (0.25% (v/v) PICOGREEN; Molecular Probes, Eugene Oreg.) dissolved in 1× TE and 0.5 μl of undiluted PCR product into each well of an opaque fluorimeter plate (Corning Costar, Acton Mass.), allowing the DNA to bind to the reagent. The plate was scanned in a Fluoroskan II (Labsystems Oy, Helsinki, Finland) to measure the fluorescence of the sample and to quantify the concentration of DNA. A 5 μl to 10 μl aliquot of the reaction mixture was analyzed by electrophoresis on a 1% agarose gel to determine which reactions were successful in extending the sequence.

[0324] The extended nucleotides were desalted and concentrated, transferred to 384-well plates, digested with CviJI cholera virus endonuclease (Molecular Biology Research, Madison Wis.), and sonicated or sheared prior to religation into pUC 18 vector (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech). For shotgun sequencing, the digested nucleotides were separated on low concentration (0.6 to 0.8%) agarose gels, fragments were excised, and agar digested with Agar ACE (Promega). Extended clones were religated using T4 ligase (New England Biolabs, Beverly Mass.) into pUC 18 vector (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech), treated with Pfu DNA polymerase (Stratagene) to fill-in restriction site overhangs, and transfected into competent E. coli cells. Transformed cells were selected on antibiotic-containing media, and individual colonies were picked and cultured overnight at 37° C. in 384-well plates in LB/2× carb liquid media.

[0325] The cells were lysed, and DNA was amplified by PCR using Taq DNA polymerase (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech) and Pfu DNA polymerase (Stratagene) with the following parameters: Step 1: 94° C., 3 min; Step 2: 94° C., 15 sec; Step 3: 60° C., 1 min; Step 4: 72° C., 2 min; Step 5: steps 2, 3, and 4 repeated 29 times; Step 6: 72° C., 5 min; Step 7: storage at 4° C. DNA was quantified by PICOGREEN reagent (Molecular Probes) as described above. Samples with low DNA recoveries were reamplified using the same conditions as described above. Samples were diluted with 20% dimethysulfoxide (1:2, v/v), and sequenced using DYENAMIC energy transfer sequencing primers and the DYENAMIC DIRECT kit (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech) or the ABI PRISM BIGDYE Terminator cycle sequencing ready reaction kit (Applied Biosystems).

[0326] In like manner, full length polynucleotide sequences are verified using the above procedure or are used to obtain 5′ regulatory sequences using the above procedure along with oligonucleotides designed for such extension, and an appropriate genomic library.

[0327] IX. Labeling and Use of Individual Hybridization Probes

[0328] Hybridization probes derived from SEQ ID NO: 21-40 are employed to screen cDNAs, genomnic DNAs, or mRNAs. Although the labeling of oligonucleotides, consisting of about 20 base pairs, is specifically described, essentially the same procedure is used with larger nucleotide fragments. Oligonucleotides are designed using state-of-the-art software such as OLIGO 4.06 software (National Biosciences) and labeled by combining 50 pmol of each oligomer, 250 μCi of [γ-32P] adenosine triphosphate (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech), and T4 polynucleotide kinase (DuPont NEN, Boston Mass.). The labeled oligonucleotides are substantially purified using a SEPHADEX G-25 superfine size exclusion dextran bead column (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech). An aliquot containing 107 counts per minute of the labeled probe is used in a typical membrane-based hybridization analysis of human genomic DNA digested with one of the following endonucleases: Ase I, Bgl II, Eco RI, Pst I, Xba I, or Pvu II (DuPont NEN).

[0329] The DNA from each digest is fractionated on a 0.7% agarose gel and transferred to nylon membranes (Nytran Plus, Schleicher & Schuell, Durham N.H.). Hybridization is carried out for 16 hours at 40° C. To remove nonspecific signals, blots are sequentially washed at room temperature under conditions of up to, for example, 0.1×saline sodium citrate and 0.5% sodium dodecyl sulfate. Hybridization patterns are visualized using autoradiography or an alternative imaging means and compared.

[0330] X. Microarrays

[0331] The linkage or synthesis of array elements upon a microarray can be achieved utilizing photolithography, piezoelectric printing (ink-jet printing, See, e.g., Baldeschweiler, supra.), mechanical microspotting technologies, and derivatives thereof. The substrate in each of the aforementioned technologies should be uniform and solid with a non-porous surface (Schena (1999), supra). Suggested substrates include silicon, silica, glass slides, glass chips, and silicon wafers. Alternatively, a procedure analogous to a dot or slot blot may also be used to arrange and link elements to the surface of a substrate using thermal, UV, chemical, or mechanical bonding procedures. A typical array may be produced using available methods and machines well known to those of ordinary skill in the art and may contain any appropriate number of elements. (See, e.g., Schena, M. et al. (1995) Science 270:467-470; Shalon, D. et al. (1996) Genome Res. 6:639-645; Marshall, A. and J. Hodgson (1998) Nat. Biotechnol. 16:27-31.)

[0332] Full length cDNAs, Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs), or fragments or oligomers thereof may comprise the elements of the microarray. Fragments or oligomers suitable for hybridization can be selected using software well known in the art such as LASERGENE software (DNASTAR). The array elements are hybridized with polynucleotides in a biological sample. The polynucleotides in the biological sample are conjugated to a fluorescent label or other molecular tag for ease of detection. After hybridization, nonhybridized nucleotides from the biological sample are removed, and a fluorescence scanner is used to detect hybridization at each array element. Alternatively, laser desorbtion and mass spectrometry may be used for detection of hybridization. The degree of complementarity and the relative abundance of each polynucleotide which hybridizes to an element on the microarray may be assessed. In one embodiment, microarray preparation and usage is described in detail below.

[0333] Tissue or Cell Sample Preparation

[0334] Total RNA is isolated from tissue samples using the guanidinium thiocyanate method and poly(A)+ RNA is purified using the oligo-(dT) cellulose method. Each poly(A)+ RNA sample is reverse transcribed using MMLV reverse-transcriptase, 0.05 pg/μl oligo-(dT) primer (21mer), 1× first strand buffer, 0.03 units/μl RNase inhibitor, 500 μM dATP, 500 μM dGTP, 500 μM dTTP, 40 μM dCTP, 40 μM dCTP-Cy3 (BDS) or dCTP-Cy5 (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech). The reverse transcription reaction is performed in a 25 ml volume containing 200 ng poly(A)+ RNA with GEMBRIGHT kits (Incyte). Specific control poly(A)+ RNAs are synthesized by in vitro transcription from non-coding yeast genomic DNA. After incubation at 37° C. for 2 hr, each reaction sample (one with Cy3 and another with Cy5 labeling) is treated with 2.5 ml of 0.5M sodium hydroxide and incubated for 20 minutes at 85° C. to the stop the reaction and degrade the RNA. Samples are purified using two successive CHROMA SPIN 30 gel filtration spin columns (CLONTECH Laboratories, Inc. (CLONTECH), Palo Alto Calif.) and after combining, both reaction samples are ethanol precipitated using 1 ml of glycogen (1 mg/ml), 60 ml sodium acetate, and 300 ml of 100% ethanol. The sample is then dried to completion using a SpeedVAC (Savant Instruments Inc., Holbrook N.Y.) and resuspended in 14 μl 5×SSC/0.2% SDS.

[0335] Microarray Preparation

[0336] Sequences of the present invention are used to generate array elements. Each array element is amplified from bacterial cells containing vectors with cloned cDNA inserts. PCR amplification uses primers complementary to the vector sequences flanking the cDNA insert. Array elements are amplified in thirty cycles of PCR from an initial quantity of 1-2 ng to a final quantity greater than 5 μg. Amplified array elements are then purified using SEPHACRYL-400 (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech).

[0337] Purified array elements are immobilized on polymer-coated glass slides. Glass microscope slides (Corning) are cleaned by ultrasound in 0.1% SDS and acetone, with extensive distilled water washes between and after treatments. Glass slides are etched in 4% hydrofluoric acid (VWR Scientific Products Corporation (VWR), West Chester Pa.), washed extensively in distilled water, and coated with 0.05% aminopropyl silane (Sigma) in 95% ethanol. Coated slides are cured in a 110° C. oven.

[0338] Array elements are applied to the coated glass substrate using a procedure described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,807,522, incorporated herein by reference. 1 μl of the array element DNA, at an average concentration of 100 ng/μl, is loaded into the open capillary printing element by a high-speed robotic apparatus. The apparatus then deposits about 5 nl of array element sample per slide.

[0339] Microarrays are UV-crosslinked using a STRATALINKER UV-crosslinker (Stratagene). Microarrays are washed at room temperature once in 0.2% SDS and three times in distilled water. Non-specific binding sites are blocked by incubation of microarrays in 0.2% casein in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) (Tropix, Inc., Bedford Mass.) for 30 minutes at 60° C. followed by washes in 0.2% SDS and distilled water as before.

[0340] Hybridization

[0341] Hybridization reactions contain 9 μl of sample mixture consisting of 0.2 μg each of Cy3 and Cy5 labeled cDNA synthesis products in 5×SSC, 0.2% SDS hybridization buffer. The sample mixture is heated to 65° C. for 5 minutes and is aliquoted onto the microarray surface and covered with an 1.8 cm2 coverslip. The arrays are transferred to a waterproof chamber having a cavity just slightly larger than a microscope slide. The chamber is kept at 100% humidity internally by the addition of 140 μl of 5×SSC in a corner of the chamber. The chamber containing the arrays is incubated for about 6.5 hours at 60° C. The arrays are washed for 10 min at 45° C. in a first wash buffer (1×SSC, 0.1% SDS), three times for 10 minutes each at 45° C. in a second wash buffer (0.1×SSC), and dried.

[0342] Detection

[0343] Reporter-labeled hybridization complexes are detected with a microscope equipped with an Innova 70 mixed gas 10 W laser (Coherent, Inc., Santa Clara Calif.) capable of generating spectral lines at 488 nm for excitation of Cy3 and at 632 nm for excitation of Cy5. The excitation laser light is focused on the array using a 20× microscope objective (Nikon, Inc., Melville N.Y.). The slide containing the array is placed on a computer-controlled X-Y stage on the microscope and raster-scanned past the objective. The 1.8 cm×1.8 cm array used in the present example is scanned with a resolution of 20 micrometers.

[0344] In two separate scans, a mixed gas multiline laser excites the two fluorophores sequentially. Emitted light is split, based on wavelength, into two photomultiplier tube detectors (PMT R1477, Hamamatsu Photonics Systems, Bridgewater N.J.) corresponding to the two fluorophores. Appropriate filters positioned between the array and the photomultiplier tubes are used to filter the signals. The emission maxima of the fluorophores used are 565 nm for Cy3 and 650 nm for Cy5. Each array is typically scanned twice, one scan per fluorophore using the appropriate filters at the laser source, altlhough the apparatus is capable of recording the spectra from both fluorophores simultaneously.

[0345] The sensitivity of the scans is typically calibrated using the signal intensity generated by a cDNA control species added to the sample mixture at a known concentration. A specific location on the array contains a complementary DNA sequence, allowing the intensity of the signal at that location to be correlated with a weight ratio of hybridizing species of 1:100,000. When two samples from different sources (e.g., representing test and control cells), each labeled with a different fluorophore, are hybridized to a single array for the purpose of identifying genes that are differentially expressed, the calibration is done by labeling samples of the calibrating cDNA with the two fluorophores and adding identical amounts of each to the hybridization mixture.

[0346] The output of the photomultiplier tube is digitized using a 12-bit RTI-835H analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion board (Analog Devices, Inc., Norwood Mass.) installed in an IBM-compatible PC computer. The digitized data are displayed as an image where the signal intensity is mapped using a linear 20-color transformation to a pseudocolor scale ranging from blue (low signal) to red (high signal). The data is also analyzed quantitatively. Where two different fluorophores are excited and measured simultaneously, the data are first corrected for optical crosstalk (due to overlapping emission spectra) between the fluorophores using each fluorophore's emission spectrum.

[0347] A grid is superimposed over the fluorescence signal image such that the signal from each spot is centered in each element of the grid. The fluorescence signal within each element is then integrated to obtain a numerical value corresponding to the average intensity of the signal. The software used for signal analysis is the GEMTOOLS gene expression analysis program (Incyte).

[0348] XI. Complementary Polynucleotides

[0349] Sequences complementary to the INTSIG-encoding sequences, or any parts thereof, are used to detect, decrease, or inhibit expression of naturally occurring INTSIG. Although use of oligonucleotides comprising from about 15 to 30 base pairs is described, essentially the same procedure is used with smaller or with larger sequence fragments. Appropriate oligonucleotides are designed using OLIGO 4.06 software (National Biosciences) and the coding sequence of INTSIG. To inhibit transcription, a complementary oligonucleotide is designed from the most unique 5′ sequence and used to prevent promoter binding to the coding sequence. To inhibit translation, a complementary oligonucleotide is designed to prevent ribosomal binding to the INTSIG-encoding transcript.

[0350] XII. Expression of INTSIG

[0351] Expression and purification of ITSIG is achieved using bacterial or virus-based expression systems. For expression of INTSIG in bacteria, cDNA is subcloned into an appropriate vector containing an antibiotic resistance gene and an inducible promoter that directs high levels of cDNA transcription. Examples of such promoters include, but are not limited to, the trp-lac (tac) hybrid promoter and the T5 or T7 bacteriophage promoter in conjunction with the lac operator regulatory element. Recombinant vectors are transformed into suitable bacterial hosts, e.g., BL21(DE3). Antibiotic resistant bacteria express INTSIG upon induction with isopropyl beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG). Expression of INTSIG in eukaryotic cells is achieved by infecting insect or mammalian cell lines with recombinant Autographica californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcMNPV), commonly known as baculovirus. The nonessential polyhedrin gene of baculovirus is replaced with cDNA encoding INTSIG by either homologous recombination or bacterial-mediated transposition involving transfer plasrnid intermediates. Viral infectivity is maintained and the strong polyhedrin promoter drives high levels of cDNA transcription. Recombinant baculovirus is used to infect Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) insect cells in most cases, or human hepatocytes, in some cases. Infection of the latter requires additional genetic modifications to baculovirus. (See Engelhard, E. K. et al. (1994) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 91:3224-3227; Sandig, V. et al. (1996) Hum. Gene Ther. 7:1937-1945.)

[0352] In most expression systems, INTSIG is synthesized as a fusion protein with, e.g., glutathione S-transferase (GST) or a peptide epitope tag, such as FLAG or 6-His, permitting rapid, single-step, affinity-based purification of recombinant fusion protein from crude cell lysates. GST, a 26-kilodalton enzyme from Schistosoma japonicum, enables the purification of fusion proteins on immobilized glutathione under conditions that maintain protein activity and antigenicity (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech). Following purification, the GST moiety can be proteolytically cleaved from INTSIG at specifically engineered sites. FLAG, an 8-ainino acid peptide, enables immunoaffinity purification using commercially available monoclonal and polyclonal anti-FLAG antibodies (Eastman Kodak). 6-His, a stretch of six consecutive histidine residues, enables purification on metal-chelate resins (QIAGEN). Methods for protein expression and purification are discussed in Ausubel (1995, supra, ch. 10 and 16). Purified INTSIG obtained by these methods can be used directly in the assays shown in Examples XVI, XVII, and XVIII, where applicable.

[0353] XIII. Functional Assays

[0354] INTSIG function is assessed by expressing the sequences encoding INTSIG at physiologically elevated levels in mammalian cell culture systems. cDNA is subcloned into a mammalian expression vector containing a strong promoter that drives high levels of cDNA expression. Vectors of choice include PCMV SPORT (Life Technologies) and PCR3.1 (Invitrogen, Carlsbad Calif.), both of which contain the cytomegalovirus promoter. 5-10 μg of recombinant vector are transiently transfected into a human cell line, for example, an endothelial or hematopoietic cell line, using either liposome formulations or electroporation. 1-2 μg of an additional plasmid containing sequences encoding a marker protein are co-transfected. Expression of a marker protein provides a means to distinguish transfected cells from nontransfected cells and is a reliable predictor of cDNA expression from the recombinant vector. Marker proteins of choice include, e.g., Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP; Clontech), CD64, or a CD64-GFP fusion protein. Flow cytometry (FCM), an automated, laser optics-based technique, is used to identify transfected cells expressing GFP or CD64-GFP and to evaluate the apoptotic state of the cells and other cellular properties. FCM detects and quantifies the uptake of fluorescent molecules that diagnose events preceding or coincident with cell death. These events include changes in nuclear DNA content as measured by staining of DNA with propidium iodide; changes in cell size and granularity as measured by forward light scatter and 90 degree side light scatter; down-regulation of DNA synthesis as measured by decrease in bromodeoxyuridine uptake; alterations in expression of cell surface and intracellular proteins as measured by reactivity with specific antibodies; and alterations in plasma membrane composition as measured by the binding of fluorescein-conjugated Annexin V protein to the cell surface. Methods in flow cytometry are discussed in Ormerod, M. G. (1994) Flow Cytometry, Oxford, New York N.Y.

[0355] The influence of INTSIG on gene expression can be assessed using highly purified populations of cells transfected with sequences encoding INTSIG and either CD64 or CD64-GFP. CD64 and CD64-GFP are expressed on the surface of transfected cells and bind to conserved regions of human immunoglobulin G (IgG). Transfected cells are efficiently separated from nontransfected cells using magnetic beads coated with either human IgO or antibody against CD64 (DYNAL, Lake Success N.Y.). mRNA can be purified from the cells using methods well known by those of skill in the art. Expression of mRNA encoding INTSIG and other genes of interest can be analyzed by northern analysis or microarray techniques.

[0356] XIV. Production of INTSIG Specific Antibodies

[0357] INTSIG substantially purified using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE; see, e.g., Harrington, M. G. (1990) Methods Enzymol. 182:488-495), or other purification techniques, is used to immunize rabbits and to produce antibodies using standard protocols.

[0358] Alternatively, the INTSIG amino acid sequence is analyzed using LASERGENE software (DNASTAR) to determine regions of high inmnunogenicity, and a corresponding oligopeptide is synthesized and used to raise antibodies by means known to those of skill in the art. Methods for selection of appropriate epitopes, such as those near the C-terminus or in hydrophilic regions are well described in the art. (See, e.g., Ausubel, 1995, supra, ch. 11.)

[0359] Typically, oligopeptides of about 15 residues in length are synthesized using an ABI 431A peptide synthesizer (Applied Biosystems) using FMOC chemistry and coupled to KLH (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis Mo.) by reaction with N-maleimidobenzoyl-N-hydroxysuccinimide ester (MBS) to increase immunogenicity. (See, e.g., Ausubel, 1995, supra.) Rabbits are immunized with the oligopeptide-KLH complex in complete Freund's adjuvant. Resulting antisera are tested for antipeptide and anti-INTSIG activity by, for example, binding the peptide or INTSIG to a substrate, blocking with 1% BSA, reacting with rabbit antisera, washing, and reacting with radio-iodinated goat anti-rabbit IgG.

[0360] XV. Purification of Naturally Occurring INTSIG Using Specific Antibodies

[0361] Naturally occurring or recombinant INTSIG is substantially purified by immunoaffinity chromatography using antibodies specific for INTSIG. An immunoaffinity column is constructed by covalently coupling anti-INTSIG antibody to an activated chromatographic resin, such as CNBr-activated SEPHAROSE (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech). After the coupling, the resin is blocked and washed according to the manufacturer's instructions.

[0362] Media containing INTSIG are passed over the immunoaffinity column, and the column is washed under conditions that allow the preferential absorbance of INTSIG (e.g., high ionic strength buffers in the presence of detergent). The column is eluted under conditions that disrupt antibody/INTSIG binding (e.g., a buffer of pH 2 to pH 3, or a high concentration of a chaotrope, such as urea or thiocyanate ion), and INTSIG is collected.

[0363] XVI. Identification of Molecules Which Interact with INTSIG

[0364] INTSIG, or biologically active fragments thereof, are labeled with 125I Bolton-Hunter reagent. (See, e.g., Bolton, A. E. and W. M. Hunter (1973) Biochem. J. 133:529-539.) Candidate molecules previously arrayed in the wells of a multi-well plate are incubated with the labeled INTSIG, washed, and any wells with labeled INTSIG complex are assayed. Data obtained using different concentrations of INTSIG are used to calculate values for the number, affinity, and association of INTSIG with the candidate molecules.

[0365] Alternatively, molecules interacting with INTSIG are analyzed using the yeast two-hybrid system as described in Fields, S. and O. Song (1989) Nature 340:245-246, or using commercially available kits based on the two-hybrid system, such as the MATCHMAKER system (Clontech).

[0366] INTSIG may also be used in the PATHCALLING process (CuraGen Corp., New Haven Conn.) which employs the yeast two-hybrid system in a high-throughput manner to determine all interactions between the proteins encoded by two large libraries of genes (Nandabalan, K. et al. (2000) U.S. Pat. No. 6,057,101).

[0367] XVII. Demonstration of INTSIG Activity

[0368] INTSIG activity is associated with its ability to form protein-protein complexes and is measured by its ability to regulate growth characteristics of NIH3T3 mouse fibroblast cells. A cDNA encoding INTSIG is subcloned into an appropriate eukaryotic expression vector. This vector is trausfected into NIH3T3 cells using methods known in the art. Transfected cells are compared with *non-transfected cells for the following quantifiable properties: growth in culture to high density, reduced attachment of cells to the substrate, altered cell morphology, and ability to induce tumors when injected into immunodeficient mice. The activity of INTSIG is proportional to the extent of increased growth or frequency of altered cell morphology in NIH3T3 cells transfected with INTSIG.

[0369] Alternatively, INTSIG activity is measured by binding of INTSIG to radiolabeled formin polypeptides containing the proline-rich region that specifically binds to SH3 containing proteins (Chan, D. C. et al. (1996) EMBO J. 15:1045-1054). Samples of INTSIG are run on SDS-PAGE gels, and transferred onto nitrocellulose by electroblotting. The blots are blocked for 1 hr at room temperature in TBST (137 mM NaCl, 2.7 mM KCl, 25 mM Tris (pH 8.0) and 0.1% Tween-20) containing non-fat dry milk. Blots are then incubated with TBST containing the radioactive formin polypeptide for 4 hrs to overnight. After washing the blots four times with TBST, the blots are exposed to autoradiographic film. Radioactivity is quantitated by cutting out the radioactive spots and counting them in a radioisotope counter. The amount of radioactivity recovered is proportional to the activity of INTSIG in the assay.

[0370] Alternatively, INTSIG protein kinase activity is measured by quantifying the phosphorylation of an appropriate substrate in the presence of ganmma-labeled 32P-ATP. INTSIG is incubated with the substrate, 32P-ATP, and an appropriate kinase buffer. The 32P incorporated into the product is separated from free 32P-ATP by electrophoresis, and the incorporated 32P is quantified using a beta radioisotope counter. The amount of incorporated 32P is proportional to the protein kinase activity of INTSIG in the assay. A determination of the specific amino acid residue phosphorylated by protein kinase activity is made by phosphoamino acid analysis of the hydrolyzed protein.

[0371] Alternatively, an assay for INTSIG protein phosphatase activity measures the hydrolysis of para-nitrophenyl phosphate (PNPP). INTSIG is incubated together with PNPP in HPES buffer pH 7.5, in the presence of 0.1% β-mercaptoethanol at 37° C. for 60 min. The reaction is stopped by the addition of 6 ml of 10 N NaOH, and the increase in light absorbance of the reaction mixture at 410 nm resulting from the hydrolysis of PNPP is measured using a spectrophotometer. The increase in light absorbance is proportional to the activity of INTSIG in the assay (Diamond, R. H. et al. (1994) Mol. Cell Biol. 14:3752-3762).

[0372] An alternative assay measures INTSIG-mediated G-protein signaling activity by monitoring the mobilization of Ca2+ as an indicator of the signal transduction pathway stimulation. (See, e.g., Grynkiewicz, G. et al. (1985) J. Biol. Chem. 260:3440; McColl, S. et al. (1993) J. immunol. 150:4550-4555; and Aussel, C. et al. (1988) J. Immunol. 140:215-220). The assay requires preloading neutrophils or T cells with a fluorescent dye such as FURA-2 or BCECF (Universal Imaging Corp, Westchester Pa.) whose emission characteristics are altered by Ca++ binding. When the cells are exposed to one or more activating stimuli artificially (e.g., anti-CD3 antibody ligation of the T cell receptor) or physiologically (e.g., by allogeneic stimulation), Ca++ flux takes place. This flux can be observed and quantified by assaying the cells in a fluorometer or fluorescent activated cell sorter. Measurements of Ca++ flux are compared between cells in their normal state and those transfected with INTSIG. Increased Ca++ mobilization attributable to increased INTSIG concentration is proportional to INTSIG activity.

[0373] Alternatively, INTSIG activity is measured by binding of INTSIG to a substrate which recognizes WD-40 repeats, such as ElonginB, by coimmunoprecipitation (Kamura, T. et al. (1998) Genes Dev. 12:3872-3881). Briefly, epitope tagged substrate and INTSIG are mixed and immunoprecipitated with commercial antibody against the substrate tag. The reaction solution is run on SDS-PAGE and the presence of INTSIG visualized using an antibody to the INTSIG tag. Substrate binding is proportional to INTSIG activity.

[0374] Alternatively, INTSIG activity is measured by measuring oxysterol binding. Epitope-tagged INTSIG is incubated with a radio-labeled oxysterol ligand, such as 3H-25-hydroxycholesterol. INTSIG is collected by immunoprecipitation with a commercial antibody against the epitope, and bound hydroxycholesterol quantitated by scintillation counting. INTSIG activity is proportional to the amount of ligand bound.

[0375] XVIII. Assay to Detect INTSIG Binding to RNA

[0376] The binding of INTSIG to RNA can be assayed using a solid phase RNA binding assay. Hemagglutinin-(HA) tagged wild type and mutant INTSIG in pcDNA3 are transiently transfected into COS cells using LipofectAMINE reagent (Life Technologies, Inc.) for expression and analysis of RNA binding to multiple, simutaneously purified INTSIG proteins. Anti-HA immunoprecipitated INTSIG bound to protein G-Sepharose is incubated with 30 ng of 32P-labeled G8-5 RNA in 30 μl of RNA binding buffer containing 1 μg/μl poly(C) at room temperature for 20 min. with occasional shaking. The beads are then washed twice with 700 μl of RNA binding buffer and resuspended in 20 μl of SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis sample buffer. The protein and RNA were separated by 10% SDS-polyacrylamdie gel electrophoresis. The RNA bands ran with a mobility equivalent to 25-35 kDa, and this part of the gel is cut out and dried for autoradiography. The upper part of the gel is transferred to a polyvinylidene difluoride membrane and blotted with anti-HA antibody to detect HA-INTSIG (Lin, et al. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272:27274-27280).

[0377] Various modifications and variations of the described methods and systems of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Although the invention has been described in connection with certain embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in molecular biology or related fields are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.

3TABLE 1IncyteIncyteIncytePolypeptidePolypeptide PolynucleotidePolynucleotideProject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

[0378]

4

TABLE 2

Incyte

Polypeptide
Polypeptide
GenBank ID
Probability

SEQ ID NO:
ID
NO:
score
GenBank Homolog

1
105283CD1
g12082811
0
[fl] [Gallus gallus] B cell

phosphoinositide 3-kinase adaptor

2
3350821CD1
g3451308
2.10E−146
[Schizosaccharomyces pombe] beta

transducin

(Hargrave P.A. et al. (1993)

Bioessays 15: 43-50)

3
5876846CD1
g173479
1.00E−18
[Schizosaccharomyces pombe] sds22+

(protein phosphatase-1 regulatory

protein)

(Ohkura, H. and Yanagida, M. (1991)

Cell 64: 149-157)

4
3560269CD1
g7243701
1.10E−21
[Drosophila melanogaster] WDS (7-WD-

repeat protein)

5
4596874CD1
g2407788
2.90E−58
[Dictyostelium discoideum] TipD

(cell differentiation protein)

(Stege, J.T. et al. (1999) Dev.

Genet. 25: 64-77)

6
3594012CD1
g286103
0
[Mus musculus] nedd-1 protein

(Kumar, S. et al. (1992) Biochem.

Biophys. Res. Commun. 185: 1155-1161;

Kumar, S. et al. (1994) J. Biol.

Chem. 269: 11318-11326)

7
7482435CD1
g4191594
1.00E−192
[Homo sapiens] protein

serine/threonine phosphatase 4

regulatory subunit 1

(Kloeker, S. and Wadzinski, B.E.

(1999) J. Biol. Chem. 274: 5339-5347)

8
3882333CD1
g2145127
4.90E−10
[Mus musculus] p56lck-associated

adapter protein Lad

9
7482809CD1
g10953956
0
[fl] [Homo sapiens] sorting nexin 16

10
1739178CD1
g14028714
0
[fl] [Mus musculus] Rho GTPase-

activating protein

11
7473630CD1
g14794726
0
[fl] [Homo sapiens] CUB and sushi

multiple domains 1 protein

12
1431520CD1
g2909372
9.40E−86
[Homo sapiens] small glutamine-rich

tetratricopeptide (SGT)

(Kordes, E. et al. (1998) Genomics

52: 90-94)

13
1916304CD1
g4096360
3.30E−58
[Rattus norvegicus] CR16 (SH3

binding neuronal protein)

(Weiler, M.C. et al. (1996) J. Mol.

Neurosci. 7: 203-215)

14
378504CD1
g5640145
4.60E−54
[Schizosaccharomyces pombe]

oxysterol-binding protein family

(Schroepfer Jr, G.J. (2000) Physiol.

Rev. 80: 361-554)

15
5275371CD1
g10086260
2.90E−21
[Zea mays] (AF250191) calmodulin-

binding protein MPCBP

(Safadi, F. et al. (2000) J. Biol.

Chem. 275: 35457-35470)

16
490576CD1
g4100355
3.60E−45
[Homo sapiens] NOEY2 (ras related

tumor suppressor)

(Yu, Y. et al. (1999) Proc. Natl.

Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 96: 214-219)

17
1417657CD1
g2330828
6.30E−42
[Schizosaccharomyces pombe]

hypothetical trp-asp repeats

containing protein (similar to Homo

sapiens
, PEX7-HUMAN peroxisomal

targeting signal 2 receptor)

(Braverman, N. et al. (1997) Nat.

Genet. 15: 369-376)

18
1773215CD1
g9622151
7.50E−40
[Homo sapiens] TNF intracellular

domain-interacting protein

20
2041080CD1
g4426613
3.10E−183
[Mus musculus] SLM-1

(Di Fruscio M. et al. (1999) Proc.

Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 96: 2710-2715)

[0379]

5

TABLE 3

SEQ
Incyte
Amino
Potential
Potential

Analytical

ID
Polypeptide
Acid
Phosphorylation
Glycosylation
Signature Sequences,
Methods and

NO:
ID
Residues
Sites
Sites
Domains and Motifs
Databases

1
105283CD1
805
S145 S149 S213
N238 N243
Rgd cell attachment site R711-D713
MOTIFS

S219 S233 S245
N350 N728

S304 S33 S39

S54 S575 S592

S63 S640 S642

S667 S727 S731

S740 S785 T125

T151 T153 T208

T264 T377 T44

T497 T515 T610

T658 T671 Y195

2
3350821CD1
957
S13 S191 S302
N285 N421
Amp_Binding L559-K570
MOTIFS

S44 S444 S461
N674 N699
G_Beta_Repeats L643-L657
MOTIFS

S547 S61 S611
N926 N934
Beta-transducin family Trp-Asp repeats
PROFILESCAN

S651 S687 S7
N943
signature g_beta_repeats.prf: D633-T680

S707 S859 S929

WD domain, G-beta repeat WD40
HMMER_PFAM

T157 T34 T415

K152-H188, E326-I367, G375-S414, R535-N573,

T504 T563

R618-D656

G-protein beta WD-40 repeats
BLIMPS_PRINTS

PR00320C L643-L657

Beta G-protein (transducin)
BLIMPS_PRINTS

PR00319B I175-I189

TRPASP REPEATS
BLAST_PRODOM

PD023302: E58-I220

PD024370: H688-L868

PD023864: N332-Q471

3
5876846CD1
274
S252 S256 S257
N152 N34 N51
Rgd cell attachment site R1074-D1076
MOTIFS

S36 S85 S92
N73
Leucine Rich Repeat LR: K29-K50, N51-T72,
HMMER_PFAM

T162 T31 Y100

N73-K94, K95-G116, S147-E168, N169-L190

Leucine-rich repeat signature
BLIMPS_PRINTS

PR00019B A71-I84

4
3560269CD1
1144
S1127 S116 S170
N1000 N1065
WD domain, G-beta repeat WD40:
HMMER_PFAM

S232 S245 S267
N460 N686
G644-K682, I685-K726, A734-N772, R835-N871

S268 S276 S283
N934
SH3 domain SH3: P1054-E1109
HMMER_PFAM

S288 S292 S384

Src homology 3 (SH3) BL50002:
BLIMPS_BLOCKS

S390 S440 S454

A1058-D1076, K1095-S1108

S510 S546 S570

Neutrophil cytosol factor (contains SH3
BLIMPS_PRINTS

S643 S663 S672

domains) PR00499:

S804 S93 S973

V1056-D1076, D1076-S1092, I1093-V1106

T1023 T1132

Beta G-protein (transducin) PR00319A
BLIMPS_PRINTS

T137 T180 T22

L650-D666

T304 T308 T327

SH3 domain signature PR00452
BLIMPS_PRINTS

T352 T48 T533

D1068-K1083, N1085-G1094, Q1097-E1109,

T59 T60 T66

P1054-A1064

T677 T690 T702

T77 T78 T823

T94 T985 Y1090

Y218

5
4596874CD1
513
S128 S262 T135
N241 N267
G_Beta_Repeats L245-V259, I370-S384, A457-
MOTIFS

T146 T278 T339

V471

T419 T473

WD domain, G-beta repeat WD40:
HMMER_PFAM

T220-N258, L264-K302, A306-D344, P387-D424,

V433-D470

Beta-transducin family Trp-Asp repeats
PROFILESCAN

signature g_beta_repeats.prf: A235-F282

G-protein beta WD-40 repeats
BLIMPS_PRINTS

PR00320B A331-L345

Beta G-protein (transducin)
BLIMPS_PRINTS

PR00319B A457-V471

Trp-Asp (WD) repeat BL00678 T333-W343
BLIMPS_BLOCKS

6
3594012CD1
667
S115 S121 S16
N105 N158
WD domain, G-beta repeat:
HMMER_PFAM

S17 S171 S187
N169 N527
F35-V68, P77-D112, V118-S154,

S244 S245 S274
N553 N93
S161-D198, Y205-D242, L248-D283,

S322 S396 S403

P290-K324

S404 S412 S490

S503 S513 S532

S573 S575 S61

S638 S644 S70

T195 T259 T30

T408 T606

G-protein beta WD-40 repeat signature
BLIMPS_PRINTS

PR00320: L99-L113

MEMBRANE; REPETITIVE
BLAST_DOMO

DM00299|A53618|194-239: S201-K247

BETA-TRANSDUCIN FAMILY TRP-ASP REPEATS
BLAST_DOMO

DM00005|A53618|108-150: S115-T157

BETA-TRANSDUCIN FAMILY TRP-ASP REPEATS
BLAST_DOMO

DM00005|A53618|67-107: K74-K114

CORONIN
BLAST_DOMO

DM00614|A53618|151-192: N158-N200

G_Beta_Repeats:
MOTIFS

L99-L113 L185-V199

7
7482435CD1
897
S157 S322 S328
N119 N538
PHOSPHATASE SUBUNIT PP2A A PROTEIN
BLAST_PRODOM

S338 S349 S357
N558
REGULATORY REPEAT MULTIGENE FAMILY

S377 S454 S505

PD005088: C612-A878, L163-L282,

S517 S518 S576

N78-L297

S635 S723 S750

S763 S868 T100

T199 T25 T48

T553 T648 T85

Y691

8
3882333CD1
454
S51 S124 S176

Src homology domain 2:
HMMER_PFAM

S202 S225 S235

W347-H423

S248 S261 S317

SH2 domain signature
BLIMPS_PRINTS

S375 T116 T164

PR00401: W347-L361, P367-R377,

T415 T353

Q412-E426

9
7482809CD1
344
S222 S253 S259
N38 N63
PX domain: D105-D214
HMMER_PFAM

S286 S299 S312

S321 S323 S330

S39 S56 S82 S87

T134 T146 T21

T232 T288

PROTEIN PHOSPHOLIPASE 3KINASE D
BLAST_PRODOM

SORTING NEXIN D2 CHROMOSOME

PHOSPHOINOSITIDE P47PHOX

PD003685: K123-L211

(e-value: 5.5e−07)

10
1739178CD1
1115
S1045 S1047
N1106 N209
RhoGAP domain: P536-P688
HMMER_PFAM

S1060 S1107
N464 N521
GTPase activator protein
BLIMPS_PFAM

S126 S230 S310
N749
PF00620B: D588-E604

S327 S329 S35

PROTEIN GTPASE DOMAIN PD00930B:
BLIMPS_PRODOM

S426 S516 S562

L639-L679 RHOGAP HEMATOPOIETIC P115
BLAST_PRODOM

S712 S756 S775

PROTEIN C1 GTPASE ACTIVATION SH3

S780 S828 S846

PD042850: E149-I535

S847 S853 S884

PROTEIN GTPASE DOMAIN SH2 ACTIVATION
BLAST_PRODOM

S91 S952 S959

ZINC 3KINASE SH3 PHOSPHATIDYLINOSITOL

S96 S964 T1054

REGULATORY PD000780: I535-Q686,

T1098 T1100

SH3 domain SH3: I763-Q817
HMMER_PFAM

T122 T131 T296

Src homology 3 (SH3) domain
BLIMPS_BLOCKS

T309 T333 T384

BL50002A: A767-A785

T402 T408 T482

Fes/CIP4 actin regulatory protein domain
HMMER_PFAM

T493 T619 T755

FCH: Q38-F136

T8 T999 Y721

PH DOMAIN
BLAST_DOMO

Y79

DM00470|P98171|405-693: F418-I709

DM00470|P15882|109-331: A489-V698

DM00470|A43953|74-296: A489-V698

DM00470|Q03070|63-292: K518-I709

11
7473630CD1
839
S104 S112 S146
N287 N342
Sushi domain (SCR repeat)
HMMER_PFAM

S174 S24 S408
N460 N532
sushi: C279-C335, C452-C509, C628-C685

S451 S53 S560
N679 N769
Sushi domain proteins PF00084B: G471-Y482
BLIMPS_PFAM

S630 S72 S801

CUB domain: C165-F271, C339-Y444, C513-
HMMER_PFAM

T100 T102 T122

Y617, C689-Y794

T16 T20 T518

T599 T609 T694

T699 T720 T86

T9

C1R/C1S REPEAT
BLAST_DOMO

DM00162|P98069|418-529: A337-Y444,

C689-Y794, C165-F271

DM00162|I49540|748-862: A337-Y444,

C689-T795

DM00162|A57190|826-947: W328-Y444,

C165-S273, W678-Y794

DM00162|P98063|755-862: L343-Y444,

L693-T795

GLYCOPROTEIN DOMAIN EGFLIKE PROTEIN
BLAST_PRODOM

SIGNAL PRECURSOR RECEPTOR INTRINSIC

FACTORB12 PD000165: C339-Y444,

C689-Y794, C165-F271

12
1431520CD1
304
S188 S19 S298
N186
TPR Domain
HMMER_PFAM

S299 S3 S46 S77

TPR: A85-N118, A119-Y152, S153-N186

T25

TPR REPEAT
BLAST_DOMO

DM00408|S61991|98-247: K84-E202

DM00408|P31948|1-147: K84-E202

DM00408|P53041|24-181: K84-E202

DM00408|P15705|1-149: A85-N221

SGT SMALL GLUTAMINERICH
BLAST_PRODOM

TETRATRICOPEPTIDE PROTEIN

PD012682: M1-S65

PD030464: L200-E302

PROTEIN REPEAT DOMAIN TPR
BLIMPS_PRODOM

PR00126A: G92-I112

13
1916304CD1
440
S117 S131 S140
N163 N270
Wiskott Aldrich syndrome scaffolding
HMMER_PFAM

S144 S155 S197

protein homology region 2

S272 S30 S308

WH2: G36-V53

S391 T388 T425

do PROLINE; RICH; DM05534|S31719|1-122:
BLAST_DOMO

T54

M1-P116

H-A-P-P REPEAT
BLAST_DOMO

DM08271|S25299|69-249: P192-P374, Y203-H382

DM08271|P13983|30-248: P157-L378

PROLINE RICH PROTEIN
BLAST_PRODOM

PD083803: S76-R216

PD052395: N263-D317

PROTEIN REPEAT SIGNAL PRECURSOR PRION
BLAST_PRODOM

GLYCOPROTEIN NUCLEAR GPIANCHOR BRAIN

MAJOR PD001091: P177-R427

14
378504CD1
747
S114 S116 S13
N31 N622 N680
Oxysterol-binding protein
HMMER_PFAM

S184 S189 S207

Oxysterol_B: G334-E747

S225 S248 S397

Oxysterol-binding protein
BLIMPS_BLOCKS

S407 S43 S435

BL01013: G380-I415, V505-P514, R675-W718

S460 S48 S555

Pleckstrin Homology domain
HMMER_PFAM

S637 S644 S674

PH: G63-Q155

S684 S688 T291

OXYSTEROL-BINDING PROTEIN FAMILY
BLAST_DOMO

T420 T501 T523

DM01394|P38755|27-408: F504-P741, D351-S477

T659 T699 T9

DM01394|Q02201|27-408: F504-E747, D347-S477

Y732

DM01394|P35843|1-390: D382-D728

DM01394|P35844|1-390: D382-D728

PROTEIN STEROL BIOSYNTHESIS INTERGENIC
BLAST_PRODOM

KES1 OXYSTEROLBINDING CHROMOSOME

HES1 PD003744: S471-K719,

D351-S488, Q632-K738

15
5275371CD1
770
S206 S373 S389
N131 N132
TPR Domain
HMMER_PFAM

S420 S462 S48

TPR: F326-D359, P399-D443, V691-C724, A478-

S559 S570 S586

N511, E623-S656, H657-G690, H725-S758

S590 S595 T102

PROTEIN REPEAT DOMAIN TPR
BLIMPS_PRODOM

T110 T134 T417

PD00126B: G664-L684

T534 T565 T575

T620 T723 T750

Y17

16
490576CD1
199
S134 S151 S93

Ras family
HMMER_PFAM

T142 T173 T31

ras: R9-M199

T39 T43 T89

RAS TRANSFORMING PROTEIN
BLAST_DOMO

DM00006|P10114|1-145: D7-T150

DM00006|P22123|1-145: D7-E149

DM00006|P10113|1-145: D7-E149

DM00006|A31961|1-145: D7-E149

GTP-binding nuclear protein ran proteins
BLIMPS_BLOCKS

BL01115: Y8-D51, S90-S133, R141-R171

Transforming protein P21 ras signature
BLIMPS_PRINTS

PR00449: T31-V47, I48-A70, E112-E125, F147-

E169, Y8-K29

ATP/GTP-binding site motif A (P-loop)
MOTIFS

Atp_Gtp-A: G14-S21

signal_cleavage: M1-R33
SPSCAN

17
1417657CD1
790
S72 S76 S155
N74 N468 N691
WD domain, G-beta repeat:
HMMER_PFAM

S165 S172 S181
N718
R19-A53, V67-N103, Q112-D149, S155-D192,

S364 S398 S503

C199-D236, P289-L327

S598 S600 S679

G-PROTEIN BETA WD-40 REPEAT PR00320:
BLAST_PRINTS

S727 T17 T239

L223-M237

T498 T522 T701

HYPOTHETICAL 93.2 KD TRPASP REPEATS
BLAST_PRODOM

Y345

CONTAINING PROTEIN C4F8.11 IN

CHROMOSOME I REPEAT WD

PD145764: T238-G784

Trp-Asp (WD) repeats signature:
MOTIFS

L90-L104, L223-M237, T269-V283

18
1773215CD1
490
S29 S217 S244

signal_cleavage: M1-E52
SPSCAN

S256 S278 S318

PH domain: V19-N119
HMMER_PFAM

S324 S356 S390

T103 T199 T250

T423

19
3036986CD1
914
S66 S69 S314
N117 N494
TPR Domain: A668-F701, R702-H735, I736-
HMMER_PFAM

S337 S344 S397
N541 N864
N770, V771-E804, A446-D479, I480-I513,

S406 S418 S543

L528-F562, K563-N596, A597-H630

S557 S568 S822

transmembrane domain: K238-Q258, F78-E202
HMMER

S834 S845 S870

F32D1.3 PROTEIN SIMILAR E NIDULANS BIMA
BLAST_PRODOM

T77 T265 T489

GENE PRODUCT PD041324: M243-L415

T715 T830 T886

Y503 Y601

20
2041080CD1
349
S54 S61 S87
N179
KH domain, R63-E115 (e = 0.11)
HMMER_PFAM

S106 S184 S298

PHOSPHOPROTEIN P62 TYROSINE ASSOCIATED
BLAST_PRODOM

S328 S336 T222

TSTAR ETOILE GAP ASSOCIATED SAM68

T244 T324 Y49

DELTA KH SRC MITOSIS PD016035: P216-Y349

Y124

PROTEIN PHOSPHOPROTEIN P62 ZFM1
BLAST_PRODOM

TYROSINE PUTATIVE TRANSCRIPTION

FACTOR NUCLEAR GAP ASSOCIATED

PD149659: I58-E115

PHOSPHOPROTEIN P62 TYROSINE ASSOCIATED
BLAST_PRODOM

TSTAR ETOILE GAP ASSOCIATED SAM68

DELTA KH SRC MITOSIS PD016104: E3-I58

PROTEIN ZFM1 PUTATIVE PHOSPHOPROTEIN
BLAST_PRODOM

P62 TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR NUCLEAR

KH RNA PD002056: G120-S181

do PHOSPHOPROTEIN; P62; GAP; RAS-GAP;
BLAST_DOMO

DM02127|A38219|82-278: M1-G180

do PHOSPHOPROTEIN; P62; GAP; RAS-GAP;
BLAST_DOMO

DM02127|I49140|82-278: M1-G180

do PHOSPHOPROTEIN; P62; GAP; RAS-GAP;
BLAST_DOMO

DM02127|P13230|1-202: Y49-D162

do PHOSPHOPROTEIN; P62; GAP; RAS-GAP;
BLAST_DOMO

DM02127|S52735|66-258: K59-S181

[0380]

6

TABLE 4

Incyte

Polynucleotide
Polynucleotide
Sequence
Selected

SEQ ID NO:
ID
Length
Fragment(s)
Sequence Fragments
5′ Position
3′ Position

21
105283CB1
2860
1-370
105283R6 (BMARNOT02)
916
1386

7278594H1 (BMARTXE01)
1
536

71206562V1
2114
2860

71205509V1
2112
2601

7723366H2 (THYRDIE01)
1565
2235

8268570H1 (LIVRTXF01)
487
1145

7723366J2 (THYRDIEG01)
1235
1937

72116818D1
1539
1984

22
3350821CB1
3542
1-87, 2036-2055,
GNN.g6165165_018.edit
460
1213

3291-3542,
72080931D1
2066
2831

689-1433
72082762D1
2652
3405

8004658H1 (PENIFEC01)
832
1439

7179959H1 (BRAXDIC01)
1424
2071

72080558D1
2021
2753

GBI.g7341444_000001.edit5p
1
710

72072023V1
2885
3542

8120218H1 (TONSDIC01)
26
682

8036966H1 (SMCRUNE01)
1314
1929

23
5876846CB1
1014
1-65, 958-1014
4211510F6 (BRONDIT01)
292
1014

7937202H1 (CONNTMA01)
1
684

24
3560269CB1
4040
1066-1891,
6110780T8 (MCLDTXT03)
528
1260

454-477,
71013637V1
1
519

3525-4040
70075254U1
2191
2715

6123724T8 (BRAHNON05)
1758
2369

5957031H1 (BRATNOT05)
3331
4003

6123724F8 (BRAHNON05)
1379
1927

7230468H1 (BRAXTDR15)
920
1528

2502132T6 (ADRETUT05)
430
1057

663423R1 (BRAINOT03)
2741
3252

6009953F6 (FIBRUNT02)
3528
4040

5588511F6 (ENDINOT02)
3079
3532

5510241F6 (BRADDIR01)
2674
3206

25
4596874CB1
2006
1-453
71994085V1
753
1475

72131979D1
640
1430

72131721D1
1281
2006

72131460D1
1
747

26
3594012CB1
3643
2330-2365, 1-912,
1878258F6 (LEUKNOT03)
2378
2892

3177-3643
70843402V1
1019
1666

8081715U1
1584
2343

8018226J1 (BMARTXE01)
538
1208

5718304F6 (PANCNOT16)
1
686

1296328T6 (PGANNOT03)
2621
3303

2450413T6 (ENDANOT01)
3014
3643

71222810V1
1910
2391

3014319T6 (MUSCNOT07)
2237
2869

27
7482435CB1
2694
405-534, 1-60,
71984885V1
2043
2694

954-1071,
71986615V1
1498
2203

1650-1686,
71985401V1
1323
2201

1876-2259
72355610D1
608
1376

72294113V1
724
1412

4401241F6 (TESTTUT03)
1
648

28
3882333CB1
2349
1-26, 1711-1834,
70929483V1
919
1454

2282-2349
7080738H1 (STOMTMR02)
401
976

71976518V1
1176
1986

70931523V1
1467
2022

71979346V1
1
821

71278610V1
1751
2349

29
7482809CB1
1213
1137-1213
2079658F6 (UTRSNOT08)
775
1213

2170258H1 (ENDCNOT03)
1
252

2266454R6 (UTRSNOT02)
292
858

7337260H1 (CONFTDN02)
39
662

30
1739178CB1
3465
2590-3465,
7101655H1 (BRAWTDR02)
2139
2674

1591-1704,
71303535V1
1139
1761

711-1029, 1-115,
3204864H1 (PENCNOT03)
2935
3201

2345-2474
71156812V1
511
1136

71156219V1
1119
1747

71303559V1
1710
2308

71156491V1
1832
2325

7284165H1 (BRAIFEJ01)
116
380

5808761H2 (BRATNOT05)
3233
3465

2590-3465,
GNN.g5931375_002.edit
1
471

1591-1704,
71156021V1
313
892

711-1029, 1-115,
GNN.g7644424_000002_004.edit
1513
3348

2345-2474

31
7473630CB1
2609
153-906,
GNN.g6648531_004.edit
90
348

1388-2609
58007679J1
1377
2284

56003273J1
850
1304

GBI.g7342122_000016.edit
2476
2609

5877418F9 (BRAUNOT01)
2003
2569

g3034305
1
152

GNN.g7243881_000003_002
192
906

GNN.g7243881_000004_002
907
1620

32
1431520CB1
2580
1781-2580, 1-23
5260422F6 (CONDTUT01)
1602
2092

7005922H1 (COLNFEC01)
1935
2514

7087982H1 (BRAUTDR03)
1424
1822

4063010F6 (BRAINOT21)
992
1743

7447501F8 (BRAYDIN03)
1
659

7188091H1 (BRATDIC01)
2175
2580

5285811T9 (TESTNON04)
682
1242

6314635H1 (NERDTDN03)
269
996

33
1916304CB1
2181
1-266, 2103-2122,
7462535H1 (LIVRFEE04)
1
548

1212-1291
70158598V1
1308
1910

71042696V1
437
1038

70175351V1
1089
1722

71040083V1
693
1211

70174490V1
1606
2181

34
378504CB1
4149
1-578,
6202948H1 (PITUNON01)
2245
2825

1075-2335,
6085421H1 (LUNLTUT11)
3132
3698

2896-2916,
6875871H1 (EPIMUNN04)
2870
3429

3393-3434,
426115R6 (BLADNOT01)
2376
2925

4121-4149
7080048H1 (STOMTMR02)
1068
1735

6608771H1 (BRSTTMC01)
1
706

6763231H1 (BRAUNOR01)
1787
2332

5729256H1 (UTRSTUT05)
1682
2328

5652453H1 (COLNNOT27)
3537
4149

7650036J2 (STOMTDE01)
577
1323

35
5275371CB1
3080
1-924, 2938-3080
5275371T6 (OVARDIN02)
2490
3080

7757715H1 (SPLNTUE01)
501
1004

7165129R8 (PLACNOR01)
1
640

7757715J1 (SPLNTUE01)
2132
2805

7761028J1 (THYMNOE02)
1924
2682

4749754F6 (SMCRUNT01)
1348
1853

7653655H1 (UTREDME06)
1582
2053

7755635H1 (SPLNTUE01)
653
1391

36
490576CB1
4167
1339-2048,
7267089H2 (NOSEDIC01)
1901
2501

802-888,
5371126H1 (BRAINOT22)
2858
3187

3127-3570
7102538H1 (BRAWTDR02)
1215
1715

6949266R8 (BRAITDR02)
493
1256

7193988H1 (BRATDIC01)
1582
2189

6447351H1 (BRAINOC01)
3702
4167

490576R6 (HNT2AGT01)
2375
2870

7066507H1 (BRATNOR01)
681
1271

71719989V1
1
619

5961185H1 (BRATNOT05)
2553
3086

673402R6 (CRBLNOT01)
1290
1725

4058828F6 (BRAINOT21)
3140
3829

37
1417657CB1
3591
1-195, 3299-3591
71207642V1
2548
3175

6851160H1 (BRAIFEN08)
1855
2518

7632225H1 (BLADTUE01)
1258
1898

7283241H1 (BMARTXE01)
819
1385

7697068H1 (KIDPTDE01)
759
1377

6307274H1 (NERDTDN03)
2704
3183

8071039J1 (KIDEUNE02)
3301
3591

2930538H1 (TLYMNOT04)
2215
2567

289833R6 (TMLR3DT01)
2826
3377

g2329747
1
287

8120984H1 (TONSDIC01)
118
794

5020979F6 (OVARNON03)
1520
2024

38
1773215CB1
3685
2601-2740,
1773215R6 (MENTUNON3)
2642
3224

1751-2026,
6796337H1 (LIVRTXS02)
2496
3192

886-931
7047512H1 (BRACNOK02)
1901
2596

6535832H1 (OVARDIN02)
3076
3685

70568996V1
1379
1941

7220062H1 (SPLNDIC01)
1
690

6756363H1 (SINTFER02)
649
1358

70569092V1
1444
1969

70572278V1
2053
2625

71885641V1
737
1421

39
3036986CB1
3143
943-2168, 1-418
5218141T6 (BRSTNOT35)
2022
2459

7654654J1 (UTREDME06)
1338
1997

8199424J1 (BRAINOR03)
1
417

8194678H1 (PROSUNR01)
53
869

3366420F7 (CONNTUT04)
2914
3143

g6705238
2571
2861

71714139V1
674
1349

g5177590
2847
3133

3036986H1 (SMCCNOT01)
1825
2089

5508168F6 (BRADDIR01)
457
1072

4152886T8 (MUSLTMT01)
2309
2770

40
2041080CB1
1759
1-241, 841-1107,
6557187T8 (BRAFNON02)
986
1759

1365-1759
7586586H1 (BRAIFEC01)
567
1146

6558136F6 (BRAFNON02)
66
818

7977907H1 (LSUBDMC01)
1
467

[0381]

7

TABLE 5

Polynucleotide
Incyte

SEQ ID NO:
Project ID
Representative Library

21
105283CB1
MCLDTXT02

22
3350821CB1
MCLRUNT01

23
5876846CB1
BRONDIT01

24
3560269CB1
BRSTTUT16

25
4596874CB1
UCMCL5T01

26
3594012CB1
PROSBPT07

27
7482435CB1
TESTTUT03

28
3882333CB1
BLADTUT05

29
7482809CB1
DRGTNON04

30
1739178CB1
FIBRTXS07

31
7473630CB1
BRAUNOT01

32
1431520CB1
PROSTUS23

33
1916304CB1
UTRSNOT08

34
378504CB1
PENITUT01

35
5275371CB1
THYMNOR02

36
490576CB1
HNT2AGT01

37
1417657CB1
TONSDIC01

38
1773215CB1
SPLNFET02

39
3036986CB1
MUSLTMT01

40
2041080CB1
BRAFNON02

[0382]

8

TABLE 6

Library
Vector
Library Description

BLADTUT05
pINCY
Library was constructed using RNA isolated from bladder tumor tissue removed from a 66-

year-old Caucasian male during a radical prostatectomy, radical cystectomy, and urinary

diversion. Pathology indicated grade 3 transitional cell carcinoma on the anterior wall

of the bladder. Patient history included lung neoplasm and tobacco abuse in remission.

Family history included malignant breast neoplasm, tuberculosis, cerebrovascular

disease, atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, and lung cancer.

BRAFNON02
pINCY
This normalized frontal cortex tissue library was constructed from 10.6 million

independent clones from a frontal cortex tissue library. Starting RNA was made from

superior frontal cortex tissue removed from a 35-year-old Caucasian male who died from

cardiac failure. Pathology indicated moderate leptomeningeal fibrosis and multiple

microinfarctions of the cerebral neocortex. Grossly, the brain regions examined and

cranial nerves were unremarkable. No atherosclerosis of the major vessels was noted.

Microscopically, the cerebral hemisphere revealed moderate fibrosis of the leptomeninges

with focal calcifications. There was evidence of shrunken and slightly eosinophilic

pyramidal neurons throughout the cerebral hemispheres. There were also multiple small

microscopic areas of cavitation with surrounding gliosis scattered throughout the

cerebral cortex. Patient history included dilated cardiomyopathy, congestive heart

failure, cardiomegaly, and an enlarged spleen and liver. Patient medications included

simethicone, Lasix, Digoxin, Colace, Zantac, captopril, and Vasotec. The library was

normalized in two rounds using conditions adapted from Soares et al., PNAS (1994)

91: 9228 and Bonaldo et al., Genome Research (1996) 6: 791, except that a significantly

longer (48 hours/round) reannealing hybridization was used.

BRAUNOT01
pINCY
The library was constructed using RNA isolated from caudate/putamen/nucleus accumbens

tissue removed from the brain of a 35-year-old Caucasian male who died from cardiac

failure. Pathology indicated moderate leptomeningeal fibrosis and multiple

microinfarctions of the cerebral neocortex. Microscopically, the cerebral hemisphere

revealed moderate fibrosis of the leptomeninges with focal calcifications. There was

evidence of shrunken and slightly eosinophilic pyramidal neurons throughout the cerebral

hemispheres. In addition, scattered throughout the cerebral cortex, there were multiple

small microscopic areas of cavitation with surrounding gliosis. Patient history included

dilated cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure, cardiomegaly and an enlarged spleen

andliver.

BRONDIT01
pINCY
Library was constructed using RNA isolated from right lower lobe bronchial tissue

removed from a pool of 3 asthmatic Caucasian male and female donors, 22- to 51-years-old

during bronchial pinch biopsies. Patient history included atopy as determined by

positive skin tests to common aero-allergens.

BRSTTUT16
pINCY
Library was constructed using RNA isolated from breast tumor tissue removed from a 43-

year-old Caucasian female during a unilateral extended simple mastectomy. Pathology

indicated recurrent grade 4, nuclear grade 3, ductal carcinoma. Angiolymphatic space

invasion was identified. Left breast needle biopsy indicated grade 4 ductal

adenocarcinoma. Paraffin embedded tissue was estrogen positive. Patient history included

breast cancer and deficiency anemia. Family history included cervical cancer.

DRGTNON04
pINCY
The normalized dorsal root ganglion tissue library was constructed from 5.64 million

independent clones from the a dorsal root ganglion library. Starting RNA was made from

thoracic dorsal root ganglion tissue from a 32-year-old Caucasian male, who died from

acute pulmonary edema, acute bronchopneumonia, pleural and pericardial effusion, and

lymphoma. The patient presented with pyrexia, fatigue, and GI bleeding. Patient history

included probable cytomegalovirus infection, liver congestion and steatosis,

splenomegaly, hemorrhagic cystitis, thyroid hemorrhage, respiratory failure, pneumonia,

natural killer cell lymphoma of the pharynx, Bell'spalsy, and tobacco and alcohol abuse.

The library was normalized in one round using conditions adapted from Soares et al.,

PNAS (1994) 91: 9228 and Bonaldo et al., Genome Research 6 (1996): 791, except that a

significantly longer (48-hours/round) reannealing hybridization was used. The library

was then linearized and recircularized to select for insert containing clones as

follows: plasmid DNA was prepped from approximately 1 million clones from the normalized

dorsal root ganglion tissue library following soft agar transformation.

FIBRTXS07
pINCY
This subtracted library was constructed using 1.3 million clones from a dermal

fibroblast library and was subjected to two rounds of subtraction hybridization with 2.8

million clones from the an untreated dermal fibroblast tissue library. The starting

library for subtraction was constructed using RNA isolated from treated dermal

fibroblast tissue removed from the breast of a 31-year-old Caucasian female. The cells

were treated with 9CIS retinoic acid. The hybridization probe for subtraction was

derived from a similarly constructed library from RNA isolated from untreated dermal

fibroblast tissue from the same donor. Subtractive hybridization conditions were based

on the methodologies of Swaroop et al., NAR (1991) 19: 1954 and Bonaldo, et al., Genome

Research (1996) 6: 791.

HNT2AGT01
PBLUESCRIPT
Library was constructed at Stratagene (STR937233), using RNA isolated from the hNT2 cell

line derived from a human teratocarcinoma that exhibited properties characteristic of a

committed neuronal precursor. Cells were treated with retinoic acid for 5 weeks and with

mitotic inhibitors for two weeks and allowed to mature for an additional 4 weeks in

conditioned medium.

MCLDTXT02
pINCY
Library was constructed using RNA isolated from treated umbilical cord blood dendritic

cells removed from a male. The cells were treated with granulocyte/macrophage colony

stimulating factor (GM-CSF), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), stem cell factor

(SCF), phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), and ionomycin. The GM-CSF was added at time 0 at

100 ng/ml, the TNF alpha was added at time 0 at 2.5 ng/ml, the SCF was added at time 0

at 25 ng/ml. The PMA and ionomycin were added at 13 days for five hours. Incubation time

was 13 days.

MCLRUNT01
pINCY
The library was constructed using RNA isolated from untreated peripheral blood

mononuclear cell tissue obtained from buffy coat and removed from a 60-year-old male.

MUSLTMT01
pINCY
Library was constructed using RNA isolated from glossal muscle tissue removed from a 41-

year-old Caucasian female during partial glossectomy. Pathology indicated the excision

margins were negative for tumor. Pathology for the matched tumor tissue indicated

invasive grade 3, squamous cell carcinoma forming an ulcerated mass of the tongue. The

patient presented with a complicated open wound of the tongue. Patient history included

obesity, an unspecified nasal and sinus disease, and normal delivery. Patient

medications included Premarin, Hydrocodone, vitamins, and Equate nasal spray. Family

history included benign hypertension, atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, upper

lobe lung cancer, type II diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and cirrhosis of the liver in the

father.

PENITUT01
pINCY
Library was constructed using RNA isolated from tumor tissue removed from the penis of a

64-year-old Caucasian male during penile amputation. Pathology indicated a fungating

invasive grade 4 squamous cell carcinoma involving the inner wall of the foreskin and

extending onto the glans penis. Patient history included benign neoplasm of the large

bowel, atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, angina pectoris, gout, and obesity.

Family history included malignant pharyngeal neoplasm, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and

chronic liver disease.

PROSBPT07
pINCY
Library was constructed using RNA isolated from diseased prostate tissue removed from a

53-year-old Caucasian male during radical prostatectomy and regional lymph node

excision. Pathology indicated adenofibromatous hyperplasia. Pathology for the associated

tumor tissue indicated adenocarcinoma (Gleason grade 3 + 2). The patient presented with

elevated prostate specific antigen and induration. Patient history included

hyperlipidemia. Family history included atherosclerotic coronary artery disease,

coronary artery bypass graft, perforated gallbladder, hyperlipidemia, and kidney stones.

PROSTUS23
pINCY
This subtracted prostate tumor library was constructed using 10 million clones from a

pooled prostate tumor library that was subjected to 2 rounds of subtractive

hybridization with 10 million clones from a pooled prostate tissue library. The starting

library for subtraction was constructed by pooling equal numbers of clones from 4

prostate tumor libraries using mRNA isolated from prostate tumor removed from Caucasian

males at ages 58 (A), 61 (B), 66 (C), and 68 (D) during prostatectomy with lymph node

excision. Pathology indicated adenocarcinoma in all donors. History included elevated

PSA, induration and tobacco abuse in donor A; elevated PSA, induration, prostate

hyperplasia, renal failure, osteoarthritis, renal artery stenosis, benign HTN,

thrombocytopenia, hyperlipidemia, tobacco/alcohol abuse and hepatitis C (carrier) in

donor B; elevated PSA, induration, and tobacco abuse in donor C; and elevated PSA,

induration, hypercholesterolemia, and kidney calculus in donor D. The hybridization

probe for subtraction was constructed by pooling equal numbers of cDNA clones from 3

prostate tissue libraries derived from prostate tissue, prostate epithelial cells, and

fibroblasts from prostate stroma from 3 different donors. Subtractive hybridization

conditions were based on the methodologies of Swaroop et al., NAR 19 (1991): 1954 and

Bonaldo, et al. Genome Research 6 (1996): 791.

SPLNFET02
pINCY
Library was constructed using RNA isolated from spleen tissue removed from a Caucasian

male fetus, who died at 23 weeks' gestation.

TESTTUT03
pINCY
Library was constructed using RNA isolated from right testicular tumor tissue removed

from a 45-year-old Caucasian male during a unilateral orchiectomy. Pathology indicated

seminoma. Patient history included hyperlipidemia and stomach ulcer. Family history

included cerebrovascular disease, skin cancer, hyperlipidemia, acute myocardial

infarction, and atherosclerotic coronary artery disease.

THYMNOR02
pINCY
The library was constructed using RNA isolated from thymus tissue removed from a 2-year-

old Caucasian female during a thymectomy and patch closure of left atrioventricular

fistula. Pathology indicated there was no gross abnormality of the thymus. The patient

presented with congenital heart abnormalities. Patient history included double inlet

left ventricle and a rudimentary right ventricle, pulmonary hypertension, cyanosis,

subaortic stenosis, seizures, and a fracture of the skull base. Family history included

reflux neuropathy.

TONSDIC01
PSPORT1
This large size fractionated library was constructed using pooled cDNA from two donors.

cDNA was generated using mRNA isolated from diseased left tonsil tissue removed from a

6-year-old Caucasian male (donor A) during adenotonsillectomy and from diseased right

tonsil tissue removed from a 9-year-old Caucasian female (donor B) during

adenotonsillectomy. Pathology indicated reactive lymphoid hyperplasia, bilaterally (A)

and lymphoid hyperplasia (B). The patients presented with sleep apnea (A) and

hypertrophy of tonsils, cough, and unspecified nasal and sinus disease (B). Patient

history included a bacterial infection (A). Previous surgeries included myringotomy with

tube insertion (A). Donor A was not taking any medications and donor B was taking

Vancenase. Family history included benign hypertension, myocardial infarction, and

atherosclerotic coronary artery disease in the grandparent(s) of donor A; and extrinsic

asthma and unspecified allergy in the mother; unspecified allergy in the father; benign

hypertension, deficiency anemia, osteoarthritis, extrinsic asthma and unspecified

allergy in the grandparent(s) of donor B.

UCMCL5T01
PBLUESCRIPT
Library was constructed using RNA isolated from mononuclear cells obtained from the

umbilical cord blood of 12 individuals. The cells were cultured for 12 days with IL-5

before RNA was obtained from the pooled lysates.

UTRSNOT08
pINCY
Library was constructed using RNA isolated from uterine tissue removed from a 35-year-

old Caucasian female during a vaginal hysterectomy with dilation and curettage.

Pathology indicated that the endometrium was secretory phase with a benign endometrial

polyp 1 cm in diameter. The cervix showed mild chronic cervicitis. Family history

included atherosclerotic coronary artery disease and type II diabetes.

[0383]

9

TABLE 7

Parameter

Program
Description
Reference
Threshold

ABIFACTURA
A program that removes vector sequences and
Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA.

masks ambiguous bases in nucleic acid sequences.

ABI/
A Fast Data Finder useful in comparing and
Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA;
Mismatch

PARACEL
annotating amino acid or nucleic acid sequences.
Paracel Inc., Pasadena, CA.
<50%

FDF

ABI
A program that assembles nucleic acid sequences.
Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA.

AutoAssembler

BLAST
A Basic Local Alignment Search Tool useful in
Altschul, S. F. et al. (1990) J. Mol. Biol.
ESTs:

sequence similarity search for amino acid and
215: 403-410; Altschul, S. F. et al. (1997)
Probability

nucleic acid sequences. BLAST includes five
Nucleic Acids Res. 25: 3389-3402.
value = 1.0E−8

functions: blastp, blastn, blastx, tblastn, and tblastx.

or less Full

Length

sequences:

Probability

value =

1.0E−10 or less

FASTA
A Pearson and Lipman algorithm that searches for
Pearson, W. R. and D. J. Lipman (1988) Proc.
ESTs: fasta E

similarity between a query sequence and a group of
Natl. Acad Sci. USA 85: 2444-2448; Pearson,
value =

sequences of the same type. FASTA comprises as
W. R. (1990) Methods Enzymol. 183: 63-98;
1.06E−6

least five functions: fasta, tfasta, fastx, tfastx, and
and Smith, T. F. and M. S. Waterman (1981)
Assembled

ssearch.
Adv. Appl. Math. 2: 482-489.
ESTs: fasta

Identity = 95%

fastx score =

100 or greater

or greater and

Match length =

200 bases or

greater; fastx E

value = 1.0E−8

or less Full

Length

sequences:

BLIMPS
A BLocks IMProved Searcher that matches a
Henikoff, S. and J. G. Henikoff (1991) Nucleic
Probability

sequence against those in BLOCKS, PRINTS,
Acids Res. 19: 6565-6572; Henikoff, J. G. and
value = 1.0E−3

DOMO, PRODOM, and PFAM databases to search
S. Henikoff (1996) Methods Enzymol.
or less

for gene families, sequence homology, and structural
266: 88-105; and Attwood, T. K. et al. (1997) J.

fingerprint regions.
Chem. Inf. Comput. Sci. 37: 417-424.

HMMER
An algorithm for searching a query sequence against
Krogh, A. et al. (1994) J. Mol. Biol.
PEAM hits:

hidden Markov model (HMM)-based databases of
235: 1501-1531; Sonnhammer, E. L. L. et al.
Probability

protein family consensus sequences, such as PFAM.
(1988) Nucleic Acids Res. 26: 320-322;
value = 1.0E−3

Durbin, R. et al. (1998) Our World View, in a
or less

Nutshell, Cambridge Univ. Press, pp. 1-350.
Signal peptide

hits: Score = 0

or greater

ProfileScan
An algorithm that searches for structural and sequence
Gribskov, M. et al. (1988) CABIOS 4: 61-66;
Normalized

motifs in protein sequences that match sequence patterns
Gribskov, M. et al. (1989) Methods Enzymol.
quality score ≧

defined in Prosite.
183: 146-159; Bairoch, A. et al. (1997)
GCG-specified

Nucleic Acids Res. 25: 217-221.
“HIGH” value

for that

particular

Prosite motif.

Generally,

score =

1.4-2.1.

Phred
A base-calling algorithm that examines automated
Ewing, B. et al. (1998) Genome Res.

sequencer traces with high sensitivity and probability.
8: 175-185; Ewing, B. and P. Green

(1998) Genome Res. 8: 186-194.

Phrap
A Phils Revised Assembly Program including SWAT and
Smith, T. F. and M. S. Waterman (1981) Adv.
Score = 120 or

CrossMatch, programs based on efficient implementation
Appl. Math. 2: 482-489; Smith, T.F. and M.S.
greater;

of the Smith-Waterman algorithm, useful in searching
Waterman (1981) J. Mol. Biol. 147: 195-197;
Match length =

sequence homology and assembling DNA sequences.
and Green, P., University of Washington,
56 or greater

Seattle, WA.

Consed
A graphical tool for viewing and editing Phrap assemblies.
Gordon, D. et al. (1998) Genome Res. 8: 195-202.

SPScan
A weight matrix analysis program that scans protein
Nielson, H. et al. (1997) Protein Engineering
Score = 3.5 or

sequences for the presence of secretory signal peptides.
10: 1-6; Claverie, J.M. and S. Audic (1997)
greater

CABIOS 12: 431-439.

TMAP
A program that uses weight matrices to delineate
Persson, B. and P. Argos (1994) J. Mol. Biol.

transmembrane segments on protein sequences and
237: 182-192; Persson, B. and P. Argos (1996)

determine orientation.
Protein Sci. 5: 363-371.

TMHMMER
A program that uses a hidden Markov model (HMM) to
Sonnhammer, E. L. et al. (1998) Proc. Sixth Intl.

delineate transmembrane segments on protein sequences
Conf. on Intelligent Systems for Mol. Biol.,

and determine orientation.
Glasgow et al., eds., The Am. Assoc. for Artificial

Intelligence Press, Menlo Park, CA, pp. 175-182.

Motifs
A program that searches amino acid sequences for patterns
Bairoch, A. et al. (1997) Nucleic Acids

that matched those defined in Prosite.
Res. 25: 217-221;

Wisconsin Package Program Manual, version 9, page

M51-59, Genetics Computer Group, Madison, WI.

[0384]

Intracellular signaling molecules

Information

Publication Number

Date Filed

Date Published

Inventors

CPC

US Classifications

International Classifications

Abstract

Description

Claims

PCT Information