Cytonectin, Cytonectin Gene and Cytonectin Inhibitors and Binding Ligands and Their Use in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Disease
Description of Invention:
Cytonectin is a 35K molecular weight protein that displays ion-independent adherence properties, is expressed in a variety of organs and tissues and is evolutionarily conserved from human to rodent and avian species. Within the body it is thought to serve the function of “super glue” contributing to cell-cell interactions and 3-dimensional tissue structure and a physiologic “do not attack” signal molecule that prevents tissue destruction by cells of monocyte lineage including odontoclasts in secondary teeth. It also plays an important role in the pathology associated with cancer, arthritis, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
The present invention relates to cytonectin, to polynucleotides that encode cytonectin, to inhibitors and antibodies that bind to cytonectin and to the use of compositions in the diagnosis and treatment of cytonectin-related diseases and conditions.
Potential Area of Application:
Research and drug development in cell adhesion based diseases
For Additional Information Please Contact: Fatima Sayyid M.H.P.M.
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Blvd, Suite 325
Rockville, MD 20852-3804
Phone: (301) 435-4521
Email: sayyidf@mail.nih.gov
Fax: (301) 402-0220
