Abstract: This invention provides an isolated vertebrate nucleic acid molecule encoding F-spondin. This invention also provides a probe comprising a nucleic acid molecule of at least 15 nucleotides capable of specifically hybridizing with a sequence included within the sequence of a nucleic acid molecule encoding an F-spondin. This invention further provides a method of attaching nerve cells to a matrix comprising contacting the matrix with nerve cells and purified F-spondin at a concentration effective to effect attachment of the cells to the matrix. This invention also provides a method of stimulating growth of a nerve cell comprising contacting the nerve cell with purified F-spondin at a concentration effective to stimulate growth of the nerve cell. This invention provides a method of regenerating nerve cells in a subject comprising administering to the subject purified F-spondin at a concentration effective to regenerate nerve cells in the subject.

Abstract: This invention provides an isolated vertebrate nucleic acid molecule encoding F-spondin. This invention also provides a probe comprising a nucleic acid molecule of at least 15 nucleotides capable of specifically hybridizing with a sequence included within the sequence of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a F-spondin. This invention provides a host vector system for the production of a F-spondin. This invention provides purified F-spondin and the uses of compositions containing purified F-spondin. This invention further provides a method of attaching nerve cells to a matrix using purified F-spondin. This invention also provides a method of stimulating nerve cell growth using purified F-spondin. This invention further provides a method of regenerating nerve call using purified F-spondin. Finally, this invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for stimulating nerve cell growth comprising an effective amount of purified F-spondin and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.