Human apoptosis-related calcium-binding protein

Abstract

The present invention provides a human apoptosis-related calcium-binding protein (HARC) and polynucleotides which identify and encode HARC. The invention also provides genetically engineered expression vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences encoding HARC and a method for producing HARC. The invention also provides for agonists, antibodies, or antagonists specifically binding HARC, and their use, in the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with expression of HARC. Additionally, the invention provides for the use of antisense molecules to polynucleotides encoding HARC for the treatment of diseases associated with the expression of HARC. The invention also provides diagnostic assays which utilize the polynucleotide, or fragments or the complement thereof, and antibodies specifically binding HARC.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation application of U.S. Ser. No. 09 / 328,687, filed Jun. 9, 1999, which is a divisional application of U.S. Ser. No. 09 / 094,212, filed Jun. 9, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,935,931, which is a divisional application of U.S. Ser. No. 08 / 766,605, filed Dec. 12, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,763,220, the contents each of which is hereby incorporated by reference, and each application entitled "Human Apoptosis-Related Calcium-Binding Protein".[0002] This invention relates to nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of a novel human apoptosis-related calcium-binding protein and to the use of these sequences in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases associated with decreased or increased apoptosis.[0003] Normal development, growth, and homeostasis in multicellular organisms require a careful balance between the production and destruction of cells in tissues throughout the body. Cell division is a carefully coordinated process with numerous checkpoin...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0063] Although nucleotide sequences which encode HARC and its variants are preferably capable of hybridizing to the nucleotide sequence of the naturally occurring HARC under appropriately selected conditions of stringency, it may be advantageous to produce nucleotide sequences encoding HARC or its derivatives possessing a substantially different codon usage. 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 HARC 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.

[0072] Another method which may be used to retrieve unknown sequences is that of Parker, J. D. et al. (1991; Nuc. Acids Res. 19:3055-3060). Additionally, one may use PCR, nested primers, and PROMOTERFINDER libraries to walk in genomic DNA (Clontech, Palo Alto, Calif.). This process avoids the need to screen libraries and is useful in finding intron / exon junctions.

Problems solved by technology

For example, inappropriate cell survival can cause or contribute to many diseases such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, and inflammatory diseases.

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