Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery in eukaryotic cells, particularly mammalian cells, of a novel family of cell-cycle regulatory proteins (“CCR-proteins”). As described herein, this family of proteins is characterized by four ankyrin repeats and the ability to bind to a cyclin dependent kinase (CDK). The family includes a polypeptide having an apparent molecular weight of 16 kDa, and a polypeptide having an apparent molecular weight of approximately 15 kDa, each of which can function as an inhibitor of cell-cycle progression, and therefore ultimately of cell growth. Thus, similar to the role of p21 to the p53 checkpoint, the subject CCR-proteins may function coordinately with the cell-cycle regulatory protein, retinoblastoma (RB).

Abstract: Methods and assays are disclosed for predicting a patient's risk for an inflammatory disorder such as coronary artery disease or related vascular disorders. The methods comprise obtaining a biological sample from a patient and determining the presence or absence of a particular allele which is linked with coronary artery disease. Detection of the allele is indicative of susceptibility to develop coronary artery disease. Kits for the detection of coronary artery disease are additionally provided, as are means for identifying additional alleles associated with coronary artery disease.

Abstract: Invertebrate and vertebrate patched genes are provided, including the mouse and human patched genes, as well as methods for isolation of related genes, where the genes may be of different species or in the same family. The patched genes permit production of patched protein and production of antibodies that bind to patched proteins. Having the ability to regulate the expression of the patched gene, allows for the elucidation of embryonic development, cellular regulation associated with signal transduction by the patched gene, the identification of agonist and antagonist to signal transduction, identification of ligands for binding to patched, isolation of the ligands, and assaying for levels of transcription and expression of the patched gene.