Heparin-Binding Growth Factor (HBGF) Polypeptides

Abstract

Substantially pure heparin-binding growth factor polypeptides (HBGFs), nucleic acids encoding the HBGFs and antibodies which bind to the HBGFs of the invention are provided. The HBGF polypeptides axe useful in methods for the induction of bone, cartilage and tissue formation, growth and development of the endometrium and in the acceleration of wound healing.

1 . An antisense molecule to a nucleic acid encoding heparin-binding growth factor (HBGF) polypeptide, wherein the amino acid sequence of the HBGF polypeptide is an amino acid sequence of the carboxy terminal of a human connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) protein from amino acid residue 247 to residue 349, wherein the amino terminal sequence of HBGF begins with SEQ ID NO:1; or wherein the amino acid sequence of the HBGF polypeptide is an amino acid sequence of the carboxy terminal of a human CTGF protein from amino acid residue 248 to residue 349, wherein the amino terminal sequence of HBGF begins with SEQ ID NO:2. 
     
     
         2 . The antisense molecule of  claim 1 , wherein the molecule is between 15 and 25 nucleotides in length. 
     
     
         3 . Use of the antisense molecule of  claim 1  for affecting wound healing, tissue formation, sclerotic or cell proliferative disorders, atherosclerosis or fibrotic disease.