Mammalian IAP gene family, primers, probes and detection methods

Abstract

Disclosed is substantially pure DNA encoding mammalian IAP 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 primer 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 comprising an amino acid sequence at least 85% identical to SEQ ID NO:34 or SEQ ID NO:35.  
     
     
         2 . The polypeptide according to  claim 1 , wherein the amino acid sequence is at least 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:34 or SEQ ID NO:35.  
     
     
         3 . The polypeptide according to  claim 1 , wherein the amino acid sequence is at least 95% identical to SEQ ID NO:34 or SEQ ID NO:35.  
     
     
         4 . A substantially pure polypeptide comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:34 or SEQ ID NO:35.  
     
     
         5 . A substantially pure polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of which comprises residues 439-484 of SEQ ID NO:4 or residues 438-483 of SEQ ID NO:10.  
     
     
         6 . The polypeptide according to  claim 5 , wherein the amino acid sequence is at least 85% identical to residues 439-484 of SEQ ID NO:4 or residues 438-483 of SEQ ID NO:10.  
     
     
         7 . The polypeptide according to  claim 5 , wherein the amino acid sequence is at least 90% identical to residues 439-484 of SEQ ID NO:4 or residues 438-483 of SEQ ID NO:10.  
     
     
         8 . The polypeptide according to  claim 5 , wherein the amino acid sequence is at least 95% identical to residues 439-484 of SEQ ID NO:4 or residues 438-483 of SEQ ID NO:10.  
     
     
         9 . A substantially pure polypeptide the amino acid sequence of which consists of SEQ ID NO:34 or SEQ ID NO:35.  
     
     
         10 . A substantially pure polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence at least 85% identical to SEQ ID NO:4 or SEQ ID NO:10, wherein the polypeptide comprises the sequence Glu-Xaa1-Xaa1-Xaa1-Xaa1-Xaa1-Xaa1-Xaa2-Xaa1-Xaa1-Cys-Lys-Xaa3-Cys-Met-Xaa1-Xaa1-Xaa1-Xaa1-Xaa1-Xaa3-Xaa1-Phe-Xaa1-Pro-Cys-Gly-His-Xaa1-Xaa1-Xaa1-Cys-Xaa1-Xaa1-Cys-Ala-Xaa1-Xaa1-Xaa1-Xaa1-Xaa1-Cys-Pro-Xaa1-Cys, where Xaa1 is any amino acid, Xaa2 is Glu or Asp, Xaa3 is Val or Ile (SEQ ID NO: 1).  
     
     
         11 . The polypeptide according to  claim 10 , wherein the amino acid sequence is at least 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:4 or SEQ ID NO:10.  
     
     
         12 . The polypeptide according to  claim 10 , wherein the amino acid sequence is at least 95% identical to SEQ ID NO: 4 or SEQ ID NO:10.