BMP-11 compositions

Abstract

Purified BMP-11 proteins and processes for producing them are disclosed. Recombinant DNA molecules encoding the BMP-11 proteins are also disclosed. The proteins may be useful in regulating follicle stimulating hormone, such as for contraception. In addition, the proteins may be useful for the induction of bone, cartilage and/or other connective tissue.

1 - 27 . (canceled)  
     
     
         28 . A purified BMP-11 polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence encoded by a DNA sequence selected from the group consisting of: 
 (a) nucleotides 1 to 759 of SEQ ID NO:10;    (b) nucleotides encoding amino acids −253 to −1 of SEQ ID NO:11; and    (c) a nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions with the complement of the nucleotide sequence of (a) or (b) wherein the stringent conditions comprise hybridizing at 65° C. and washing at 65° C. in 0.1×SSC, 0.1% SDS.    
     
     
         29 . A purified BMP-11 polypeptide encoded by a DNA sequence chosen from: 
 (a) nucleotides 1 to 759 of SEQ ID NO:10;    (b) nucleotides encoding amino acids −253 to −1 of SEQ ID NO:11; and    (c) a nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions with the complement of the nucleotide sequence of (a) or (b) wherein the stringent conditions comprise hybridizing at 65° C. and washing at 65° C. in 0.1×SSC, 0.1% SDS.    
     
     
         30 . The BMP-11 polypeptide of  claim 28 , wherein the polypeptide comprises amino acids −253 to −1 of SEQ ID NO:11.  
     
     
         31 . The BMP-11 polypeptide of  claim 29 , wherein the DNA sequence is chosen from nucleotides 1 to 759 of SEQ ID NO:10 and nucleotides encoding amino acids −253 to −1 of SEQ ID NO:11.  
     
     
         32 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of the BMP-11 polypeptide of  claim 28 .  
     
     
         33 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 32  in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle.  
     
     
         34 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of the BMP-11 polypeptide of  claim 30 .  
     
     
         35 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 34  in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle.  
     
     
         36 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 31  in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle.  
     
     
         37 . A method of inhibiting BMP-11 activity in a mammal, comprising administering a pharmaceutical composition of  claim 32  to the mammal, thereby inhibiting a BMP-11 activity.  
     
     
         38 . A method of promoting neuronal cell survival comprising administering to a mammal a pharmaceutical composition of  claim 32 .  
     
     
         39 . A method of promoting neuronal cell survival comprising administering to a mammal a pharmaceutical composition of  claim 33 .  
     
     
         40 . A method of promoting neuronal cell survival comprising administering to a mammal a pharmaceutical composition of  claim 34 .  
     
     
         41 . A method of promoting neuronal cell survival comprising administering to a mammal a pharmaceutical composition of  claim 35 .  
     
     
         42 . A method of promoting neuronal cell survival comprising administering to a mammal a pharmaceutical composition of  claim 36 .  
     
     
         43 . A method of treating a mammal, comprising administering a pharmaceutical composition of  claim 32  to a mammal to treat one or more conditions selected from bone defects, connective tissue defects, periodontal disease, and tissue wounds.  
     
     
         44 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising the BMP-11 polypeptide of  claim 28  and a factor chosen from epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factors (TGF-α and TGF-β), k-fibroblast growth factor (kFGF), parathyroid hormone (PTH), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF/HILDA/DIA), and insulin-like growth factor (IGF), in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle.