Mammalian tolloid-like gene and protein

Abstract

A mammalian gene encoding a tolloid-like protein distinct from human or murine BMP-1/mTld is presented. The gene is similar in structure to members of the BMP-1 family of genes, but maps to a distinct location and encodes a distinct protein. The protein encoded by the gene can be used to screen putative therapeutic agents in an ongoing effort to inhibit activity of the BMP-1 family of genes to prevent scarring, fibrosis, and the like.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A substantially purified preparation of a DNA molecule comprising the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 between nucleotides 1052 and 3649.  
     
     
         2 . A genetic construct comprising in 5′ to 3′ order: 
 a transcriptional promoter active in a host cell; and  
 a DNA fragment comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 between nucleotides 1052 and 3649.  
 
     
     
         3 . A method for treating a wound, comprising the steps of: 
 providing in a suitable host cell a genetic construct comprising a transcriptional promoter active in the host cell and a DNA fragment comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 between nucleotides 1052 and 3649 so that a protein is encoded by the nucleotide sequence; and    administering the protein to a wound in an amount effective to accelerate healing of the wound relative to an untreated wound.    
     
     
         4 . A substantially pure preparation of a protein having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:3 between amino acids 1 and 1013.  
     
     
         5 . A substantially purified preparation of a DNA molecule comprising the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:4 between nucleotides 1089 and 3686.  
     
     
         6 . A genetic construct comprising in 5′ to 3′ order: 
 a transcriptional promoter active in a host cell; and  
 a DNA fragment comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:4 between nucleotides 1089 and 3686.  
 
     
     
         7 . A method for treating a wound, comprising the steps of: 
 providing in a suitable host cell a genetic construct comprising a transcriptional promoter active in the host cell and a DNA fragment comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:4 between nucleotides 1089 and 3686 so that a protein is encoded by the nucleotide sequence; and    administering the protein to a wound in an amount effective to accelerate healing of the wound relative to an untreated wound.    
     
     
         8 . A substantially pure preparation of a protein having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:5 between amino acids 1 and 1013.