Diagnosis and treatment of ALK-7 related disorders

Abstract

The present invention relates to ALK-7 polypeptides, nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides, cells, tissues and animals containing such nucleic acids, antibodies to such polypeptides, assays utilizing such polypeptides, and methods relating to all of the foregoing. Methods for treatment, diagnosis, and screening are provided for ALK-7 related diseases or conditions characterized by an abnormal interaction between an ALK-7 polypeptide and an ALK-7 binding partner.

1 - 12 . (Canceled)  
     
     
         13 . An antibody or antibody fragment having specific binding affinity to an ALK-7 polypeptide or an ALK-7 domain polypeptide.  
     
     
         14 . A hybridoma which produces an antibody having specific binding affinity to a ALK-7 polypeptide.  
     
     
         15 - 22 . (Canceled)  
     
     
         23 . The antibody or antibody fragment of  claim 13 , having specific binding affinity for a polypeptide comprising amino acid residues 26-113 of SEQ ID NO:2.  
     
     
         24 . The antibody or antibody fragment of  claim 13 , having specific binding affinity for a polypeptide comprising amino acid residues 114-493 of SEQ ID NO:2.  
     
     
         25 . The antibody or antibody fragment of  claim 13 , having specific binding affinity for a polypeptide comprising amino acid residues 137-493 of SEQ ID NO:2.  
     
     
         26 . The antibody or antibody fragment of  claim 13 , having specific binding affinity for a polypeptide comprising amino acid residues 193-483 of SEQ ID NO:2.  
     
     
         27 . The antibody or antibody fragment of  claim 13 , having specific binding affinity for a polypeptide comprising amino acid residues 143-156 of SEQ ID NO:2.  
     
     
         28 . The antibody or antibody fragment of  claim 13 , having specific binding affinity for the extracellular region of ALK-7.  
     
     
         29 . The antibody or antibody fragment of  claim 13 , having specific binding affinity for the cytoplasmic domain of ALK-7.  
     
     
         30 . The antibody or antibody fragment of  claim 13 , having specific binding affinity for the catalytic domain of ALK-7.  
     
     
         31 . The antibody or antibody fragment of  claim 13 , wherein said antibody or antibody fragment is humanized.  
     
     
         32 . The antibody or antibody fragment of  claim 13 , wherein said antibody or antibody fragment is detectably labeled.  
     
     
         33 . The antibody or antibody fragment of  claim 13 , having specific binding affinity for a polypeptide comprising SEQ ID NO: 12.