Abstract: A targeting fusion protein comprising a component that comprises a (i) ligand or derivative or fragment thereof that binds a pre-selected target surface protein, such as a receptor, and (ii) an active agent or therapeutic agent(s), and further optionally (iii) a multimerizing component and/or (iv) a signal sequence. In a preferred embodiment, the targeting fusion polypeptide targets muscle and is useful to treat a muscle-related disease or condition, such as muscle atrophy.

Abstract: The present invention provides for nucleic acid sequences that encode novel mammalian intracellular signaling polypeptides, designated MINC102. The invention also provides assay systems that may be used to detect and/or measure agents that bind the MINC102 gene product. The present invention also provides for diagnostic and therapeutic methods for treating muscle atrophy by inhibiting expression or activity of MINC102.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a gene, designated as musk, that encodes a novel tyrosine kinase receptor expressed in high levels in denervated muscle. The invention also provides for an isolated polypeptide which activates MuSK receptor. The invention further provides for a polypeptide which is functionally equivalent to the MuSK activating polypeptide. The invention also provides assay systems that may be used to detect and/or measure ligands that bind the musk gene product. The present invention also provides for diagnostic and therapeutic methods based on molecules that activate MuSK.

Abstract: A HIV-specific fusion polypeptide, comprising (a) one or more domains which comprise a cellular co-receptor protein, or a fragment, derivative, or functional equivalent thereof; (b) one or more domains which comprise a cellular receptor protein, or a fragment, derivative, or functional equivalent thereof; and optionally (c) a multimerizing component, and (d) one or more domains of a viral protein, or a fragment or derivative thereof. In specific embodiments, the HIV-specific fusion protein is a multimer capable of binding an HIV particle, and is useful for the treatment of HIV infections.

Abstract: The present invention provides for nucleic acid sequences that encode novel mammalian intracellular signaling polypeptides, designated MINC102. The invention also provides assay systems that may be used to detect and/or measure agents that bind the MINC102 gene product. The present invention also provides for diagnostic and therapeutic methods for treating muscle atrophy by inhibiting expression or activity of MINC102.

Abstract: The present invention provides for nucleic acid sequences that encode novel mammalian intracellular signaling polypeptides, designated MURF1, MURF3, or MA-61. The invention also provides assay systems that may be used to detect and/or measure agents that bind the MURF1 or MAFBXgene product. The present invention also provides for diagnostic and therapeutic methods based on the interaction between MURF1 or MAFBXand agents that initiate signal transduction or inhibition of ubiqutination through binding to MURF1 or MA-61, inhibiting the mRNA expression of MURF1, MURF3, or MA-61, or inhibiting the MURF, MURF3, or MAFBXpathway.

Abstract: The present invention provides for nucleic acid sequences that encode novel mammalian intracellular signaling polypeptides, designated MURF1, MURF3, or MA-61. The invention also provides assay systems that may be used to detect and/or measure agents that bind the MURF1 or MAFBXgene product.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a gene, designated as musk, that encodes a novel tyrosine kinase receptor expressed in high levels in denervated muscle. The invention also provides for an isolated polypeptide which activates MuSK receptor. The invention further provides for a polypeptide which is functionally equivalent to the MuSK activating polypeptide. The invention also provides assay systems that may be used to detect and/or measure ligands that bind the musk gene product. The present invention also provides for diagnostic and therapeutic methods based on molecules that activate MuSK.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for inhibiting atrophy or causing hypertrophy in muscle cells, by inhibiting the action of the phosphatase SHIP2. It further provides a method for inhibiting skeletal muscle atrophy or causing skeletal muscle hypertrophy in vertebrate animals, by inhibiting the Akt pathway through the inhibition of SHIP2. It also provides a method of identifying agents that may be used for inhibiting atrophy or causing hypertrophy in muscle cells, by screening for inhibitors of SHIP2 or inhibitors of the SHIP2 signaling pathway.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a gene, designated as musk, that encodes a novel tyrosine kinase receptor expressed in high levels in denervated muscle. The invention also provides for an isolated polypeptide which activates MuSK receptor. The invention further provides for a polypeptide which is functionally equivalent to the MuSK activating polypeptide. The invention also provides assay systems that may be used to detect and/or measure ligands that bind the musk gene product. The present invention also provides for diagnostic and therapeutic methods based on molecules that activate MuSK.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a gene, designated as musk, that encodes a novel tyrosine kinase receptor expressed in high levels in denervated muscle. The invention also provides for an isolated and purified polypeptide which activates MuSK receptor. The invention further provides for a polypeptide which is functionally equivalent to the MuSK activating polypeptide. The invention also provides assay systems that may be used to detect and/or measure ligands that bind the musk gene product. The present invention also provides for diagnostic and therapeutic methods based on molecules that activate MuSK.