Abstract: There is disclosed a cDNA molecule encoding human NAALAD-ases designated herein as L, II and IV and having the amino acid sequences illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3, 4 and 5. The NAALAD-ases themselves also form part of the invention. Further provided are expression vectors incorporating the cDNA molecules suitable for transforming a cell, tissue or organism.

Abstract: The disclosure provides novel molecules related to growth and differentiation factor-8 (GDF-8), in particular mouse and humanized antibodies, and antibody fragments, including those that inhibit GDF-8 activity and signaling in vitro and/or in vivo. The disclosure also provides methods for diagnosing, treating, ameliorating, preventing, prognosing, or monitoring degenerative orders of muscle, bone, and insulin metabolism, etc., in particular amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In addition, the disclosure provides pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of such disorders by using the antibodies, polypeptides, polynucleotides, and vectors of the invention.