Gdf -14

The present invention provides a growth and differentiation factor, GDF-14, and a polynucleotide sequence encoding GDF-14. GDF-14 is expressed at highest levels in muscle, brain, uterus, spleen, and thymus and at lower levels in other tissues. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for detection of a cell proliferative or immunologic disorder which is associated with GDF-14 expression or function. In another embodiment, the invention provides a method for treating a cell proliferative or immunologic disorder by using an agent which suppresses or enhances GDF-14 activity. The TGF-.beta. superfamily consists of multifunctional polypeptides that control proliferation, differentiation, and other functions in many cell types. Many of the peptides have regulatory, both positive and negative, effects on other peptide growth factors. The structural homology between the GDF-14 protein of this invention and the members of the TGF-.beta. family, indicates that GDF-14 is a new member of the family of growth and differentiation factors. Based on the known activities of many of the other members, it can be expected that GDF-14 will also possess biological activities that will make it useful as a diagnostic and therapeutic reagent.

Inventor(s): Lee, Se-jin

Type of Offer: Licensing



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