Novel genes and methods that modulate apoptosis

Abstract

This invention generally relates to the nucleic acid sequences of a novel gene FAIM that encodes an apoptosis inhibiting protein. Furthermore, this invention relates to methods of identifying and testing antagonists of FAIM activity and screening for inter- and intra-specific homologs and mutants of FAIM.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A composition comprising DNA having an oligonucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO: 5, or SEQ ID NO:6 or portion thereof.  
     
     
         2 . Isolated RNA transcribed from the DNA of  claim 1 .  
     
     
         3 . Isolated protein translated from the RNA of  claim 2 .  
     
     
         4 . Isolated antibodies produced from the proteins of  claim 3 .  
     
     
         5 . An expression construct comprising the DNA of  claim 1 .  
     
     
         6 . Cells comprising the expression contruct of  claim 5 .  
     
     
         7 . A method of screening a compound comprising: 
 a) providing in any order: 
 i) cells containing a recombinant expression vector, wherein said vector comprises at least a portion of the oligonucleotide sequences of  claim 1 , or variants or homologs thereof; and  
 ii) a compound suspected of having the ability to alter FAIM activity; and  
   b) contacting said cells with said compound.