GFRalpha3 and its uses

Abstract

The present invention relates to nucleotide sequences, including expressed sequence tags (ESTs), oligonucleotide probes, polypeptides, vectors and host cells expressing, and immunoadhesions and antibodies to mammalian GFRα3, a novel α-subunit receptor of the GDNF (i.e. GFR) receptor family. It further relates to an assay for measuring activation of an α-subunit receptor by detecting tyrosine kinase receptor activation (i.e., autophosphorylation) or other activities related to ligand-induced α-subunit receptor homo-dimerization or homo-oligomerization.

1 - 66 . (canceled)  
     
     
         67 . An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide having at least 80% sequence identity with amino acid residues 27 to 374 of the native sequence murine GFRα3 polypeptide of FIGS.  1 A-B (SEQ ID NO: 5), and having the ability to regulate peripheral neuronal function.  
     
     
         68 . The isolated nucleic acid molecule of  claim 67  comprising a nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide having at least 85% sequence identity with amino acid residues 27 to 374 of the native sequence murine GFRα3 polypeptide of FIGS.  1 A-B (SEQ ID NO: 5).  
     
     
         69 . The isolated nucleic acid molecule of  claim 68  comprising a nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide having at least 90% sequence identity with amino acid residues 27 to 374 of the native sequence murine GFRα3 polypeptide of FIGS.  1 A-B (SEQ ID NO: 5).  
     
     
         70 . The isolated nucleic acid molecule of  claim 69  comprising a nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide having at least 95% sequence identity with amino acid residues 27 to 374 of the native sequence murine GFRα3 polypeptide of FIGS.  1 A-B (SEQ ID NO: 5).  
     
     
         71 . An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid encoding amino acid residues 27 to 374 of the native sequence murine GFRα3 polypeptide of FIGS.  1 A-B (SEQ ID NO: 5).  
     
     
         72 . An isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding the native sequence murine GFRα3 polypeptide of FIGS.  1 A-B (SEQ ID NO: 5).  
     
     
         73 . A vector comprising the nucleic acid of  claim 67 .  
     
     
         74 . A vector comprising the nucleic acid of  claim 71 .  
     
     
         75 . A vector comprising the nucleic acid of  claim 72 .  
     
     
         76 . An isolated host cell comprising the vector of  claim 73 .  
     
     
         77 . An isolated host cell comprising the vector of  claim 74 .  
     
     
         78 . An isolated host cell comprising the vector of  claim 75.