Novel neuronal cell growth factor

Abstract

A novel neuronal cell growth factor, neuronal-activity regulated pentraxin, Narp, is provided, as well as polynucleotides encoding Narp. Narp is useful for induction of dendritic neurite outgrowth as well as promotion of neuronal migration. Methods for treatment of subjects having a neuronal cell disorder, utilizing Narp of the invention, are also provided.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An isolated polynucleotide encoding the Narp polypeptide of  claim 1 .  
     
     
         2 . The polynucleotide of  claim 4 , wherein the Narp nucleotide sequence is selected from the group consisting of: 
 a) SEQ ID NO:1(FIG. 1), wherein T can also be U;    b) a polynucleotide encoding all or a portion of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 (FIG. 1);    c) a polynucleotide which hybridizes to a) or b).    
     
     
         3 . A recombinant expression vector comprising a polynucleotide sequence according to  claim 4 .  
     
     
         4 . The vector of  claim 6 , wherein the vector is a plasmid.  
     
     
         5 . The vector of  claim 6 , wherein the vector is a virus.  
     
     
         6 . A host cell stably transformed with the vector of  claim 6 .  
     
     
         7 . A method for producing a neuronal cell growth factor comprising culturing host cells of claim  9  under conditions which allow expression of the polynucleotide sequence and isolating the growth factor.