Inventors:
Thomas Maciag - Freeport ME
Ann B. Zimrin - Baltimore MD
Deena J. Small - Scarborough ME
Igor A. Prudovsky - Old Orchard Beach ME
Assignee:
Maine Medical Center Research Institute - Scarborough ME
International Classification:
C07H 2104
US Classification:
536 235, 435 691, 435 991, 4352542, 4353201
Abstract:
This invention relates to therapeutic and diagnostic methods and compositions based on Jagged/Notch proteins and nucleic acids, and on their role in the signaling pathway relating to endothelial cell migration and/or differentiation. In addition, this invention provides a substantially purified Jagged protein, as well as a substantially purified nucleic acid or segment thereof encoding Jagged protein, or a functionally equivalent derivative, or allelic or species variant thereof. Further, this invention provides a substantially purified soluble Jagged protein and a substantially purified nucleic acid encoding same as well as a recombinant cell comprising a nucleic acid encoding a soluble Jagged protein. Soluble Jagged provides further therapeutic and diagnostic methods relating to diseases, disorders, and conditions involving Jagged/Notch signaling including, inter alia, angiogenesis, differentiation, and control of gene expression.