Novel bak binding protein, dna encoding the protein, and methods of use thereof

Abstract

The present invention provides polynucleotide sequences (bbp) encoding a Bak Binding Protein (BBP) and fragments thereof that bind to Bak. The invention also provides a BBP which binds to Bak. The invention also provides recombinant host cells containing polynucleotides encoding BBP. The invention further provides antibodies that specifically bind to BBP. The invention further provides methods for detecting agents such as drugs that alter the binding of a BBP with a Bak protein. The invention further provides methods for detecting the presence of bbp or BBP in a biological sample, and further provides methods for modulating the levels of BBP in a cell. This invention additionally encompasses novel peptides, designated the “BBP Binding Domains” and the respective nucleotides, designated “bbpbd-1” and “bbpbd-2” which are involved in the interaction between Bak and BBP.

1 - 62 . (canceled) 
     
     
         63 . A method of modulating apoptosis-induced cell death comprising modulating the level of BBP in a cell, wherein the method comprises transfecting the cell with a recombinant nucleic acid molecule comprising an isolated polynucleotide selected from the group consisting of:
 a) a polynucleotide comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:6;   b) a polynucleotide consisting of a nucleotide sequence encoding a fragment of SEQ ID NO:6, wherein the fragment consists of at least six linear amino acid residues of SEQ ID NO:6, and wherein the fragment binds to a Bak protein; and   c) a polynucleotide consisting of the full complement of the nucleotide sequence of (a) or (b).