Abstract: Three genes encoding secretory membrane proteins have been successfully isolated from an osteoblast-like cell line by a method for specifically cloning secretory membrane proteins. One of these genes encodes a novel receptor protein. The protein has only the extracellular region, binds to the cell membrane via a GPI anchor, and carries therein a cysteine-rich, repetitive region commonly conserved in the TNF receptor super family. Overexpression of this protein in osteoblast-like cell line cells suppresses cell proliferation, changes cell morphology, and increases alkaline phosphatase activity, which is one of markers for differentiation of osteoblasts.

Abstract: A novel gene having the consensus sequence of a serine-threonine kinase active site has been isolated by the suppression subtractive hybridization method which comprised of preparing a library of genes expressed specifically in fetal livers and isolating clones from this library at random. This gene presumably participates in cell growth control because it is highly expressed, especially in actively growing cells, and exhibits a significant homology with a vaccinia virus B1R kinase gene. Thus, it can be utilized as a target for developing cell growth inhibitors or antitumor agents.

Abstract: Three genes encoding secretory membrane proteins have been successfully isolated from an osteoblast-like cell line by a method for specifically cloning secretory membrane proteins. One of these genes encodes a novel receptor protein. The protein has only the extracellular region, binds to the cell membrane via a GPI anchor, and carries therein a cysteine-rich, repetitive region commonly conserved in the TNF receptor super family. Overexpression of this protein in osteoblast-like cell line cells suppresses cell proliferation, changes cell morphology, and increases alkaline phosphatase activity, which is one of markers for differentiation of osteoblasts.

Abstract: Genes each encoding a novel transcriptional regulator having a bromodomain have been successfully isolated from a human testis cDNA library using primers prepared based on an EST sequence found using the bromodomain sequence of the transcriptional regulator. These genes are structurally analogous to each other.