Platelet-derived growth factor D, DNA coding therefor, and uses thereof

Abstract

PDGF-D, a new member of the PDGF/VEGF family of polypeptide growth factors, is described, as well as nucleotide sequences encoding, methods for producing, pharmaceutical compositions containing this new growth factor, and its antibodies and other antagonists. Also disclosed are transfected and transformed host cells expressing PDGF-D, and uses thereof in medical and diagnostic applications.

1 . A means for amplifying a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 4, 6, 8, 36 and 38, said means comprising at least one primer specific for the sequence.  
     
     
         2 . The means of  claim 1 , wherein the primer has a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:26, 27, 30, 31, 33, 34, 41 and 42.  
     
     
         3 . A method of identifying specific types of human tumors, comprising the steps of taking a sample of said tumor, testing said sample for the expression of PDGF-D, and identifying tumor type based on PDGF-D expression test result.  
     
     
         4 . An isolated nucleic acid molecule which codes for a polypeptide comprising a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:36, SEQ ID NO:38 and SEQ ID NO:40.  
     
     
         5 . An isolated nucleic acid molecule according to  claim 4 , which codes for a polypeptide comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:36.  
     
     
         6 . An isolated nucleic acid molecule according to  claim 4 , which codes for a polypeptide comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:38.  
     
     
         7 . An isolated nucleic acid molecule according to  claim 4 , which codes for a polypeptide comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:40.