|
|
|
Stem Cell Related Patent Number US6387656
| Title: | Gene encoding MNR2 and uses thereof | | Inventors: | Jessell, Thomas M.; New York, NY, USA
Tanabe, Yasuto; Shogoin-Nakamachi, Japan
William, Christopher; New Hyde Park, NY, USA | | Summary: | This invention introduces novel isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding a motor neuron restricted pattern protein and a homeobox protein. The invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a motor neuron restricted pattern MNR2 protein, such that the nucleic acid molecule contains at least 15 contiguous nucleotides capable of specifically hybridizing with a unique sequence included within the sequence of the nucleic acid molecule encoding the MNR2 protein. Further disclosed are properties of the purified MNR2 protein, a polyclonal and monoclonal antibody directed to an epitope of an MNR2 protein, and a method of inducing differentiation of somatic motor neurons via the expression of the MNR2 protein in neural progenitor cells. Also provided is a transgenic nonhuman mammal which expresses an MNR2 protein, as well as a pharmaceutical composition comprising a MNR2 protein and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Therapeutic applications in the treatment of chronic neurodegenerative diseases and acute nervous system injuries are included. | | Abstract: | This invention provides an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a motor neuron restricted pattern, MNR2, protein. This invention provides an isolated nucleic acid molecule of at least 15 contiguous nucleotides capable of specifically hybridizing with a unique sequence included within the sequence of the nucleic acid molecule encoding a MNR2 protein. This invention provides a purified MNR2 protein, a polyclonal and monoclonal antibody directed to an epitope of an MNR2 protein. This invention provides a method of inducing differentiation somatic motor neurons which comprises expressing MNR2 protein in any neural progenitor cells. This invention provides a transgenic animal which expresses an MNR2 protein. This invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a MNR2 protein and pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. This invention provides methods of treating subjects afflicted with an abnormality associated with a lack of normally functioning motor neurons, neurodegenerative disease, an acute nervous system injury and a neuromuscular disease which comprises contacting the subject with a pharmaceutical composition comprising a MNR2 protein and pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. This invention provides a functionally equivalent analog of MNR2 that induces or prevents MNR2 differentiation of neural progenitor cells. | | US Patent Website: | Click Here for Full Text of Patent | | Title Number: | US6387656 | | Application Number: | US1998000162524 | | Date Filed: | 29/09/1998 | | Date Published: | 14/05/2002 | | Assignee: | The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York, New York, NY, USA |
|
|
