VGF polypeptides and methods of treating VGF-related disorders

Abstract

The present invention provides novel VGF polypeptides and selective binding agents. The invention also provides host cells and methods for producing VGF polypeptides. The invention further provides VGF pharmaceutical compositions and methods for the diagnosis, treatment, amelioration, and/or prevention of diseases, conditions, and disorders associated with VGF polypeptides.

1 . A fusion polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence encoded by a VGF gene, wherein the VGF amino acid sequence is no more than 333 amino acids in length, and comprises all or a portion of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1.  
     
     
         2 . A fusion polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence encoded by a non-VGF gene fused to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or a fragment thereof.  
     
     
         3 . The fusion polypeptide of  claim 2 , wherein the non-VGF gene amino sequence is an IgG constant domain or fragment thereof.  
     
     
         4 . A composition comprising the polypeptide of  claim 1  or  2  and a pharmaceutically acceptable formulation agent.  
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 4  wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable formulation agent is a carrier, adjuvant, solubilizer, stabilizer, or anti-oxidant.  
     
     
         6 . An isolated polypeptide comprising the polypeptide of  claim 1  or  2 , which is covalently modified with a water-soluble polymer.  
     
     
         7 . The polypeptide of  claim 6 , wherein the water-soluble polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol, monomethoxy-polyethylene glycol, dextran, cellulose, poly-(N-vinyl pyrrolidone) polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol homopolymers, polypropylene oxide/ethylene oxide co-polymers, polyoxyethylated polyols, and polyvinyl alcohol.  
     
     
         8 . The polypeptide of  claim 7 , wherein the water-soluble polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol and dextran.