Mammalian IAP gene family, primers, probes, and detection methods

Abstract

Disclosed is substantially pure DNA encoding mammalian IAP polypeptides; substantially pure polypeptides; and methods of using such DNA to express the IAP polypeptides in cells and animals to inhibit apoptosis. Also disclosed are conserved regions characteristic of the IAP family and primers and probes for the identification and isolation of additional IAP genes. In addition, methods for treating diseases and disorders involving apoptosis are provided.

1 . A substantially pure polypeptide consisting of a sequence having at: least 85% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:20 or SEQ ID NO:21, wherein said polypeptide is capable of inhibiting apoptosis of a mammalian cell when said polypeptide is expressed in said cell.  
     
     
         2 . The polypeptide of  claim 1 , wherein said polypeptide has at least 85% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:20.  
     
     
         3 . The polypeptide of  claim 1 , wherein said polypeptide has at least 85% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:21.  
     
     
         4 . A substantially pure polypeptide consisting of SEQ ID NO:20 or SEQ ID NO:21, wherein said polypeptide is capable of inhibiting apoptosis of a mammalian cell when said polypeptide is expressed in said cell.  
     
     
         5 . The polypeptide of  claim 4 , wherein said polypeptide has the sequence of SEQ ID NO:20.  
     
     
         6 . The polypeptide of  claim 4 , wherein said polypeptide has the sequence of SEQ ID NO:21.  
     
     
         7 . A substantially pure polypeptide comprising SEQ ID NO:20 or SEQ ID NO:21, wherein said polypeptide is capable of inhibiting apoptosis of a mammalian cell when said polypeptide is expressed in said cell.  
     
     
         8 . The polypeptide of  claim 7 , wherein said polypeptide comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO:20.  
     
     
         9 . The polypeptide of  claim 7 , wherein said polypeptide comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO:21.  
     
     
         10 . A method of identifying a compound that modulates apoptosis, said method comprising: 
 (a) providing a polypeptide of any one of claims  1 - 9 ;    (b) contacting said polypeptide with a candidate compound; and    (c) detecting an interaction between said polypeptide and said candidate compound, wherein an interaction identifies said candidate compound as a compound that modulates apoptosis.