Novel FGF homologs

Abstract

The present invention relates to methods of using zFGF5 compositions to proliferate chondrocytes and their progenitors, and to induce deposition of cartilage. zFGF5 compositions are disclosed for treating disorders associated with chondrocytes, such as cartilage injuries and defects. In addition, methods for treating neurological disorders, such as stroke, are disclosed, and methods for using zFGF5 compositions to stimulate growth of cells associated with neurological injury and disease are disclosed.

1 . A method of increasing cartilage deposition in a patient comprising: 
 administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising a fibroblast growth factor (FGF) homolog polypeptide to a fibrocartilage, hyaline, or elastic cartilage injury in said patient, wherein said polypeptide comprises a sequence of amino acids that is at least 80% identical to the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 from amino acid residue 28 (Glu) to 175 (Met).    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the pharmaceutical composition comprises a polypeptide that is at least 80% identical to the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 from residue 28 (Glu) to 196 (Lys).  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the pharmaceutical composition comprises a polypeptide that is at least 80% identical to the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO:2 from residue 28 (Glu) to 207 (Ala).  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the pharmaceutical composition comprises a polypeptide that is at least 90% identical to the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 from amino acid residue 28 (Glu) to residue 175 (Met).  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the pharmaceutical composition comprises a polypeptide that is at least 90% identical to the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 from residue 28 (Glu) to 196 (Lys).  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the pharmaceutical composition comprises a polypeptide that is at least 90% identical to the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO:2 from residue 28 (Glu) to 207 (Ala).  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the pharmaceutical composition comprises a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 from residue 28 (Glu) to residue 175 (Met).  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the pharmaceutical composition comprises a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 from residue 28 (Glu) to residue 196 (Lys).  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the pharmaceutical composition comprises a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 from residue 28 (Glu) to residue 207 (Ala).  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the administration of the composition is selected from the group consisting of intracartilaginous administration; intraarticular administration; intravenous; intramuscular; and topical administration.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the administration of the composition is selected from the group consisting of intracartilaginous administration; intraarticular administration; intravenous; intramuscular; and topical administration.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the administration of the composition is selected from the group consisting of intracartilaginous administration; intraarticular administration; intravenous; intramuscular; and topical administration.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the pharmaceutical composition further comprises an anti-inflammatory agent.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the pharmaceutical composition further comprises an anti-inflammatory agent.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the pharmaceutical composition further comprises an anti-inflammatory agent.  
     
     
         16 . A method of treating a condition involving reduced cartilage deposition in a patient in need of such treatment comprising: 
 administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising a fibroblast growth factor (FGF) homolog polypeptide to a fibrocartilage, hyaline, or elastic cartilage injury in said patient, wherein said polypeptide comprises a sequence of amino acids that is at least 80% identical to the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 from amino acid residue 28 (Glu) to 175 (Met).    
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the pharmaceutical composition comprises a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 from residue 28 (Glu) to residue 175 (Met).  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the condition involving reduced cartilage deposition is osteoarthritis.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the administration of the composition is selected from the group consisting of intracartilaginous administration; intraarticular administration; intravenous; intramuscular; and topical administration.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the pharmaceutical composition further comprises an anti-inflammatory agent.