Growth differentiation factor-9

Abstract

Growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF-9) is disclosed along with its polynucleotide sequence and amino acid sequence. Also disclosed are diagnostic and therapeutic methods of using the GDF-9 polypeptide and polynucleotide sequences.

1 . Substantially pure growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF-9) and functional fragments thereof.  
     
     
         2 . A method of detecting a cell proliferative disorder comprising contacting an antibody that specifically binds to GDF-9.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the cell proliferative disorder is an ovarian tumor.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the detecting is in vivo.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the antibody is detectably labeled.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the detectable label is selected from the group consisting of a radioisotope, a fluorescent compound, a bioluminescent compound and a chemiluminescent compound.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the detection is in vitro.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the antibody is detectably labeled.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the label is selected from the selected from the group consisting of a radioisotope, a fluorescent compound, a bioluminescent compound, a chemiluminescent compound and an enzyme.