Abstract: The present invention relates to genes and their encoded proteins which regulate neurite growth and the diagnostic and therapeutic use of such proteins (termed herein neurite growth regulatory factors). The proteins of the present invention include metalloproteases associated with glioblastoma cells. The metalloproteases of the invention have value in the treatment of nerve damage and of degenerative disorders of the nervous system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of inducing neurite outgrowth in the central nervous system by antagonizing neural growth inhibitory factors. More particularly, the present invention is directed to use of antibodies to the central nervous system (CNS) myelin associated proteins; such antibodies can be used in the diagnosis and therapies of nerve damage resulting from trauma, infarction, and degenerative disorders of the CNS. In a specific embodiment of the invention, the monoclonal antibody IN-1 may be used to promote neurite outgrowth of nerve fibers over long distances in spinal cord lesions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genes and their encoded proteins which regulate neurite growth and the diagnostic and therapeutic use of such proteins (termed herein neurite growth regulatory factors). The proteins of the present invention include central nervous system myelin associated proteins and metalloproteases associated with glioblastoma cells and other malignant tumors which can metastasize to the brain. The metalloproteases of the invention have value in the treatment of nerve damage and of degenerative disorders of the nervous system. The present invention is also directed to inhibitors of the metalloproteases. Such inhibitors in combination with the CNS myelin associated inhibitory proteins can be used in the treatment of malignant tumors.

Abstract: The CNS myelin associated proteins inhibit neurite outgrowth in nerve cells and neuroblastoma cells, and can also inhibit fibroblast spreading. Such inhibitory proteins include a 35,000 dalton and a 250,000 dalton molecular weight protein and analogs, derivatives, and fragments thereof. The CNS myelin associated inhibitory proteins may be used in the treatment of malignant tumors. The present invention is also directed to antibodies to the CNS myelin associated proteins; such antibodies can be used in the diagnosis and therapies of nerve damage resulting from trauma, infarction, and degenerative disorders of the central nervous system. In a specific embodiment of the invention, monoclonal antibody IN-1 may be used to promote regeneration of nerve fibers over long distances in spinal cord lesions.

Abstract: The proteins of the present invention include central nervous system myelin associated proteins and metalloproteases associated with glioblastoma cells and other malignant tumors which can metastasize to the brain. The CNS myelin associated proteins inhibit neurite outgrowth in nerve cells and neuroblastoma cells, and can also inhibit fibroblast spreading. Such inhibitory proteins include a 35,000 dalton and a 250,000 dalton molecular weight protein. The CNS myelin associated inhibitory proteins may be used in the treatment of malignant tumors. Antibodies to the CNS myelin associated proteins can be used in the diagnosis and therapies of nerve damage. Monoclonal antibody IN-1 may be used to promote regeneration of nerve fibers over long distances in spinal cord lesions. The metalloproteases of the invention have value in diagnosis of malignancies and the treatment of nerve damage and degenerative disorders of the nervous system.