IG/OB fusions and uses thereof

Abstract

The present invention teaches compositions and methods relating to leptin fusion proteins comprising an antibody constant regions optionally attached to the N-terminus of the OB proteins. The compositions of the present invention may be used for treating obesity, diabetes, increasing lean muscle mass or for control of body composition.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A fusion protein optionally having an N-terminal methionine comprising an antibody constant region or portion thereof attached to the N-terminus of an OB protein.  
     
     
         2 . The fusion protein of  claim 1 , wherein the fusion protein and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier comprise a pharmaceutical composition.  
     
     
         3 . The fusion protein of  claim 2 , wherein the composition increases lean tissue mass.  
     
     
         4 . The fusion protein of  claim 1 , wherein the OB protein is selected from the group consisting of: 
 (a) the amino acid sequence 1-146 as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2;    (b) the amino acid sequence 1-146 as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4;    (c) the amino acid sequence 1-146 as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4, having a lysine residue at position 35 and an isoleucine residue at position 74.    
     
     
         5 . The fusion protein of  claim 4 , wherein the fusion protein and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier comprise a pharmaceutical composition.  
     
     
         6 . The fusion protein of  claim 5 , wherein the composition increases lean tissue mass.  
     
     
         7 . A fusion protein optionally having an N-terminal methionine comprising an antibody constant region or portion thereof attached to the N-terminus of an OB protein, wherein the OB protein is selected from the group consisting of: 
 (a) the amino acid sequence 1-146 as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2;    (b) the amino acid sequence 1-146 as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4;    (c) the amino acid sequence 1-146 as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4, having a lysine residue at position 35 and an isoleucine residue at position 74.    
     
     
         8 . A pharmaceutical composition for increasing lean muscle tissue mass comprising a fusion protein of  claim 7 , and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.