Human gene

Abstract

The present invention provides novel human genes, for example a novel human gene comprising a nucleotide sequence coding for the amino acid sequence shown under SEQ ID NO:1. The use of the genes makes it possible to detect the expression of the same in various tissues, analyze their structures and functions, and produce the human proteins encoded by the genes by the technology of genetic engineering. Through these, it becomes possible to analyze the corresponding expression products, elucidate the pathology of diseases associated with the genes, for example hereditary diseases and cancer, and diagnose and treat such diseases.

1 - 28 . (canceled)  
     
     
         29 . An isolated polypeptide selected from the group consisting of: 
 (a) a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:34, and    (b) a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:34 in which one or several amino acids are deleted, substituted or added, wherein said polypeptides have cranial nerve growth activity and/or nerve regenerating activity.    
     
     
         30 . An isolated DNA sequence selected from the group consisting of: 
 (a) a DNA sequence consisting of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:35 or a sequence complementary thereto, and    (b) a DNA sequence which hybridizes with the DNA sequence defined in (a) above under washing conditions of 0.1×SSC/0.05% SDS at 50° C., wherein the DNA sequence is capable of expressing a polypeptide having cranial nerve growth activity and/or nerve regenerating activity.    
     
     
         31 . An expression vector comprising the DNA sequence of  claim 30 .  
     
     
         32 . An isolated transformant comprising the expression vector of  claim 31 .  
     
     
         33 . A process of producing a polypeptide having cranial nerve growth activity and/or nerve regenerating activity, comprising culturing the transformant of  claim 32  under suitable conditions so as to express said polynucleotide, and recovering said polypeptide having cranial nerve growth activity and/or nerve regenerating activity.  
     
     
         34 . A recombinant protein obtained by the process of  claim 33 .  
     
     
         35 . An antibody which binds to the polypeptide of  claim 29  or the recombinant protein of  claim 34.