Alk7 antagonists and uses thereof

Abstract

In certain aspects, the disclosure provides ALK7 antagonists. In certain aspects, these ALK7 antagonists are can be used to improve metabolic parameters in a patient in need thereof. In certain aspects, these ALK7 antagonists can be used to treat or prevent one or more kidney-associated disease or condition in a patient in need thereof. In certain aspects, these ALK7 antagonists can be used to treat or prevent cancer.

1 . A method for treating kidney disease or a complication of kidney disease, comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of an ALK7 antagonist, or combination of ALK7 antagonists. 
     
     
         2 - 5 . (canceled) 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the method reduces kidney inflammation. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the method reduces kidney tissue damage. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the method reduces kidney fibrosis. 
     
     
         9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . A method for reducing body weight in a subject, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of an ALK7 antagonist, or combination of ALK7 antagonists. 
     
     
         11 - 13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . A method for treating obesity, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of an ALK7 antagonist, or combination of ALK7 antagonists. 
     
     
         15 - 16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . A method for reducing cholesterol and/or triglycerides in a subject, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of an ALK7 antagonist, or combination of ALK7 antagonists. 
     
     
         18 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the subject has insulin resistance. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the subject has type 2 diabetes. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the subject has a disease or condition selected from the group consisting of: dyslipidemia, hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, low HDL serum level, high LDL serum level, and hypertriglyceridemia. 
     
     
         24 - 28 . (canceled) 
     
     
         29 . A method for treating fibrosis or a disorder or condition associated with fibrosis in a subject, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of an ALK7 antagonist, or combination of ALK7 antagonists. 
     
     
         30 - 36 . (canceled) 
     
     
         37 . A method for treating a subject having a disorder or condition associated with increased activin C activity or levels, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of an ALK7 antagonist, or combination of ALK7 antagonists. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein the method increases fertility, increases sperm production, increase seminiferous tubule volume, decreases prostate inflammation, or decreases liver inflammation in the patient. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein the patient has hepatic cancer, testicular cancer, or prostate cancer. 
     
     
         40 - 70 . (canceled) 
     
     
         71 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the ALK7 antagonist is an antibody, or combination of antibodies, that binds to ALK7. 
     
     
         72 . The method of  claim 71 , wherein the antibody, or combination of antibodies, binds to ALK7 and inhibits ALK7 activity. 
     
     
         73 . The method of  claim 72 , wherein the antibody, or combination of antibodies, inhibits ALK7 activity in a cell-based assay. 
     
     
         74 - 116 . (canceled)