Astrocyte Modulated Genes And Uses Thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to Astrocyte Modulated Genes (AMGs). AMGs are genes whose expression are modulated in human astrocytes grown in primary cell culture following the exposure of these cells to either the human immunodeficiency virus HIV-1 or to the HIV-1 protein gp120. AMGs comprise both Astrocyte Enhanced Genes (AEGs) and Astrocyte Suppressed Genes (ASGs). Thus, the present invention further relates to Astrocyte Enhanced Genes (AEGs), the expression of which are up-regulated in human astrocytes grown in primary cell culture that are exposed to either the human immunodeficiency virus HIV-1 or to the HIV-1 protein gp120, and to Astrocyte Suppressed Genes (ASGs), the expression of which are downregulated in human astrocytes grown in primary cell culture that are exposed to either the human immunodeficiency virus HIV-1 or to the HIV-1 protein gp120. Because they may play a role in HIV-associated dementia (“HAD”), AMGs may be used as markers in methods for screening for drugs that treat or prevent HAD.

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         19 . A protein encoded by a nucleic acid molecule, wherein the sequence of the nucleic acid molecule comprises nucleotides 220-1968 of SEQ ID NO:1. 
     
     
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         22 . A protein encoded by a nucleic acid molecule, wherein the nucleic acid molecule comprises residues which are at least 90 percent identical to nucleotides 220-1968 of SEQ ID NO:1. 
     
     
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         25 . A protein having an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:2. 
     
     
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         32 . A peptide which is a fragment of the protein of  claim 19 , and which binds to an antibody which binds to a protein having an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:2. 
     
     
         33 . (canceled) 
     
     
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         35 . A peptide which is a fragment of the protein of  claim 22 , and which binds to an antibody which binds to a protein having an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:2. 
     
     
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         38 . A peptide which is a fragment of the protein of  claim 25 , and which binds to an antibody which binds to a protein having an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:2. 
     
     
         39 - 63 . (canceled)