Inventors:
F. Gary Toback - Chicago IL
John C. Lieske - Rochester MN
Assignee:
ARCH Development Corp. - Chicago IL
International Classification:
C07H 2102
US Classification:
536 231, 530300, 530350, 435 6, 435 691, 435 71, 4353201, 514 2, 514 8, 514 21
Abstract:
An autocrine crystal adhesion inhibitor called CAI is an anionic, sialic acid-containing glycoprotein secreted by kidney epithelial cells that blocks adhesion of calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) crystals to the cell surfaces. Novel amino acid sequences are shown for the amino-acid terminus and 6 interval fragments. Persons may be classified according to risk of developing kidney stones, by measuring the amount of CAI in a biological sample. Treatment efficacy is also monitored by this method. CAI is administered in vivo to prevent nephrolithiasis. A rapid, simple assay to detect agents that inhibit adhesion of COM crystals to the surface of kidney epithelial cells is characterized.