Epithelial cell specific growth factor keratinocyte growth factor (KGF)

Abstract

Discoveries are disclosed that show particular aspects of recombinant DNA technology can be used successfully to produce hitherto unknown human keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) protein free of other polypeptides. These proteins can be produced in various functional forms from spontaneously secreting cells or from DNA segments introduced into cells. These forms variously enable biochemical and functional studies of this novel protein as well as production of antibodies. Means are described for determining the level of expression of genes for the KGF protein, for example, by measuring mRNA levels in cells or by measuring antigen secreted in extracellular or body fluids.

1 - 5 . (canceled)  
     
     
         6 . A DNA segment encoding a human keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) protein.  
     
     
         7 . A DNA segment, according to  claim 6 , wherein said protein has the amino acid sequence defined in FIG. II- 1 .  
     
     
         8 . A DNA segment encoding a chimeric KGF-like protein which comprises within a single polypeptide molecule functional segments of human KGF and at least one other polypeptide of the fibroblast growth factor family.  
     
     
         9 . A recombinant DNA molecule comprising a DNA segment according to  claim 6  or  claim 8  and a vector.  
     
     
         10 - 12 . (canceled)  
     
     
         13 . A human KGF or KGF-like protein having the amino acid sequence in FIG. II- 1 B.  
     
     
         14 . A human KGF or KGF-like protein, according to  claim 13 , which is not glycosylated.  
     
     
         15 . An antibody specific for a peptide having the amino acid sequence of human KGF or KGF-like protein, according to  claim 13 .  
     
     
         16 . The antibody according to  claim 15  which neutralizes the mitogenic activity of human KGF.  
     
     
         17 . (canceled)  
     
     
         18 . A bioassay for KGF antigen comprising the steps of: 
 i) extracting polypeptides from body fluids or tissue samples; and    ii) determining the level of human KGF antigen by reaction with an antibody specific for a peptide having the amino acid sequence of human KGF or KGF like protein, according to  claim 13 .    
     
     
         19 . (canceled)  
     
     
         20 . A pharmaceutical composition for treatment of conditions requiring specific inhibition of stimulation of epithelial cells by KGF, comprising antibodies to KGF according to  claim 15 , and an acceptable pharmaceutical carrier.