Abstract: The present invention relates to neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), a newly discovered member of the BDNF gene family. It is based, in part, on the identification of regions of nucleic acid sequence homology shared by BDNF and NGF (U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/400,591, filed Aug. 30, 1989, incorporated by reference herein). According to the present invention, these regions of homology may be used to identify new members of the BDNF/NGF gene family; such methodology was used to identify NT-3. The present invention provides for the genes and gene products of new BDNF/NGF related neurotrophic factors identified by these methods. According to the invention, NT-3 may be used in the diagnosis and/or treatment of neurologic disorders, including, but not limited to, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Because NT-3 has been observed to exhibit a spectrum of activity different from the spcificities of BDNF or NGF, NT-3 provides new and valuable options for enducing regrowth and repair in the central nervous system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid sequences encoding ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) and to the proteins, peptides, and derivatives produced therefrom. In various embodiments of the invention, the nucleic acid sequences, proteins, and peptides of the invention may be used in the treatment of a variety of neurological diseases and disorders, including Alzheimer's disease. In a specific embodiment of the invention, CNTF may be used to support the growth of spinal cord neurons, thereby providing a method of treating spinal cord damage caused by trauma infarction, infection, nutritional deficiency or toxic agents. The present invention also relates to a novel method for producing substantilly pure CNTF. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising effective amounts of CNTF gene products which may be used in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of neurologial diseases and disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid sequences encoding brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), as well as BDNF protein produced in quantity using these nucleic acid sequences, as well as fragments and derivatives thereof. In addition, the invention relates to pharmacologic compositions and therapeutic uses of BDNF, having provided, for the first time, the means to generate sufficient quantities of substantially pure BDNF for clinical use. The invention also relates to antibodies directed toward BDNF or fragments thereof, having provided a method for generating sufficient immunogen. Further, by permitting a comparison of the nucleic acid sequences of BDNF and NGF, the present invention provides for the identification of homologous regions of nucleic acid sequence between BDNF and NGF, thereby defining a BDNF/NGF gene family; the invention provides a method for identifying and isolating additional members of this gene family.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid sequences encoding brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), as well as BDNF protein produced in quantity using these nucleic acid sequences, as well as fragments and derivatives thereof. In addition, the invention relates to pharmacologic compositions and therapeutic uses of BDNF, having provided, for the first time, the means to generate sufficient quantities of substantially pure BDNF for clinical use. In a specific embodiment, BDNF may be used to promote the survival of substantia nigra dopaminergic neurons and basal forebrain cholinergic neurons, thereby providing a method for treating, respectively, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. The invention also relates to antibodies directed toward BDNF or fragments thereof, having provided a method for generating sufficient immunogen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid sequences encoding brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), as well as BDNF protein produced in quantity using these nucleic acid sequences, as well as fragments and derivatives thereof. In addition, the invention relates to pharmacologic compositions and therapeutic uses of BDNF, having provided, for the first time, the means to generate sufficient quantities of substantially pure BDNF for clinical use. In a specific embodiment, BDNF may be used to promote the survival of substantia nigra dopaminergic neurons and basal forebrain cholinergic neurons, thereby providing a method for treating, respectively, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. The invention also relates to antibodies directed toward BDNF or fragments thereof, having provided a method for generating sufficient immunogen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid sequences encoding brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), as well as BDNF protein produced in quantity using these nucleic acid sequences, as well as fragments and derivatives thereof. In addition, the invention relates to pharmacologic compositions and therapeutic uses of BDNF, having provided, for the first time, the ability to generate sufficient quantities of substantially pure BDNF for clinical use. The invention also relates to antibodies directed toward BDNF or fragments thereof, having provided a method for generating sufficient immunogen. Further, by permitting a comparison of the nucleic acid sequences of BDNF and NGF, the present invention provides for the identification of homologous regions of nucleic acid sequence between BDNF and NGF, thereby defining a BDNF/NGF gene family; the invention provides a method for identifying an disolating additional members of this gene family.