Novel apolipoprotein gene involved in lipid metabolism

Abstract

Methods and materials for studying the effects of a newly identified human gene, APOAV, and the corresponding mouse gene apoAV. The sequences of the genes are given, and transgenic animals which either contain the gene or have the endogenous gene knocked out are described. In addition, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the gene are described and characterized. It is demonstrated that certain SNPs are associated with diseases involving lipids and triglycerides and other metabolic diseases. These SNPs may be used alone or with SNPs from other genes to study individual risk factors. Methods for intervention in lipid diseases, including the screening of drugs to treat lipid-related or diabetic diseases are also disclosed.

1 . An isolated APOAV polypeptide having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 7. 
     
     
         2 . A composition for lowering plasma triglycerides comprising a polypeptide having at least 70% homology to the polypeptide of claim  12  and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. 
     
     
         3 . An antibody that specifically binds to a polypeptide according to claim  12 . 
     
     
         4 . The antibody of  claim 3 , wherein the antibody specifically binds to an epitope comprising position 19 of SEQ ID NO:7. 
     
     
         5 . A polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         6 . The composition of  claim 2 , wherein the polypeptide has at least 95% homology to the polypeptide of claim  12 .