NOGO Receptor Homologs

Abstract

The invention relates generally to genes that encode proteins that inhibit axonal growth. The invention relates specifically to genes encoding NgR protein homologs in humans and mice. The invention also includes compositions and methods for modulating the expression and activity of Nogo and the NgR proteins. Specifically, the invention includes peptides, proteins and antibodies that block Nogo-mediated inhibition of axonal extension. The compositions and methods of the invention are useful in the treatment of cranial or cerebral trauma, spinal cord injury, stroke or a demyelinating disease.

1 - 3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . An isolated nucleic acid encoding the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2. 
     
     
         5 - 16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . An isolated polypeptide comprising an amino sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:4 and SEQ ID NO:14. 
     
     
         18 - 19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . The polypeptide of  claim 17 , further comprising an amino acid sequence of a heterologous polypeptide. 
     
     
         21 . The polypeptide according to  claim 20 , wherein said heterologous polypeptide is an Fc portion of an antibody. 
     
     
         22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . An isolated antibody that binds to the polypeptide of  claim 17 . 
     
     
         24 - 25 . (canceled) 
     
     
         26 . A method of decreasing inhibition of axonal growth of a CNS neuron, comprising the step of contacting the neuron with an effective amount of the polypeptide of  claim 17 . 
     
     
         27 . A method of treating a central nervous system disease, disorder or injury, comprising administering to a mammal an effective amount of the polypeptide of  claim 17 . 
     
     
         28 . A method of decreasing inhibition of axonal growth of a CNS neuron comprising the step of contacting the neuron with an effective amount of the antibody according to  claim 23 . 
     
     
         29 . A method of treating a central nervous system disease, disorder or injury, comprising administering to a mammal an effective amount of the antibody according to  claim 23 . 
     
     
         30 . A method for identifying a molecule that binds the polypeptide of  claim 17  comprising the steps of:
 (a) providing the polypeptide of  claim 17 ;   (b) contacting the polypeptide with a candidate molecule;   (c) detecting binding of the candidate molecule to said polypeptide.   
     
     
         31 . An isolated polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 80% identical to amino acids 1 to 310 of SEQ ID NO:2, wherein said polypeptide decreases inhibition of axonal elongation. 
     
     
         32 . An isolated polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 80% identical to amino acids 31 to 310 of SEQ ID NO:2, wherein said polypeptide decreases inhibition of axonal elongation. 
     
     
         33 . The polypeptide of  claim 32 , wherein said polypeptide comprises amino acids 31 to 310 of SEQ ID NO:2. 
     
     
         34 . The polypeptide of  claim 32 , further comprising a heterologous polypeptide. 
     
     
         35 . The polypeptide of  claim 34 , wherein said heterologous polypeptide is selected from the group consisting of Fc, Glutathione S-transferase (GST), a Histidine tag (His tag), and alkaline phosphatase (AP). 
     
     
         36 . A recombinant host cell which produces the polypeptide fragment of  claim 32 . 
     
     
         37 . A method of decreasing inhibition of axonal growth of a CNS neuron, comprising the step of contacting the neuron with an effective amount of the polypeptide of  claim 32 . 
     
     
         38 - 52 . (canceled)