Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided novel Schwannomin-Binding-Proteins (SBPs). Nucleic acid sequences encoding such proteins and assays employing same are also disclosed. The invention SBPs can be employed in a variety of ways, for example, for the production of anti-SBP antibodies thereto, in therapeutic compositions and methods employing such proteins and/or antibodies. Also provided are transgenic non-human mammals that express the invention protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated nucleic acids encoding human SCA2 protein, or fragments thereof, and isolated SCA2 proteins encoded thereby. Further provided are vectors containing invention nucleic acids, probes that hybridize thereto, host cells transformed therewith, antisense oligonucleotides thereto and compositions containing antibodies that specifically bind to invention polypeptides, as well as transgenic non-human mammals that express the invention protein. In addition, methods for diagnosing spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2 are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated nucleic acids encoding human SCA2 protein, or fragments thereof, and isolated SCA2 proteins encoded thereby. Further provided are vectors containing invention nucleic acids, probes that hybridize thereto, host cells transformed therewith, antisense oligonucleotides thereto and compositions containing antibodies that specifically bind to invention polypeptides, as well as transgenic non-human mammals that express the invention protein. In addition, methods for diagnosing spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2 are provided.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided novel isolated nucleic acids encoding ataxin-2-binding proteins (A2BPs), functional fragments thereof, vectors containing invention nucleic acids and recombinant cells transformed therewith, antisense-nucleic acids thereto. Also provided are novel isolated ataxin-2-binding proteins (A2BPs) having ability to bind to ataxin-2, methods for expression of A2BP, transgenic non-human mammals that express invention A2BP, anti-A2BP antibodies, and methods related thereto.

Abstract: The invention provides a mutant non-human mammal having a disrupted SCA2 gene, in particular, a mutant mouse having a disrupted SCA2 gene. The invention also provides methods of identifying a therapeutic agent for use in treating obesity or memory impairment by administering a compound to the mutant non-human mammal having a disrupted SCA2 gene and screening said mutant non-human mammal for reduced obesity, thereby identifying a therapeutic agent for use in treating obesity.

Abstract: The invention provides a transgenic non-human mammal comprising nucleated cells containing a transgene encoding an ataxin-2 polypeptide comprising a polyglutamine tract. In particular, the transgenic-non-human mammal can be a mouse. The invention also provides methods of using a transgenic non-human mammal expressing SCA2 encoding an ataxin-2 polypeptide to identify a therapeutic agent for use in treating a neurodegenerative disease by administering a compound to a transgenic non-human mammal expressing SCA2 encoding an ataxin-2 polypeptide and screening the transgenic non-human mammal for an improved neurological response associated with a neurodegenerative phenotype of the transgenic non-human mammal, thereby identifying a therapeutic agent for use in treating the neurodegenerative disease.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided novel Schwannomin-Binding-Proteins (SBPs). Nucleic acid sequences encoding such proteins and assays employing same are also disclosed. The invention SBPs can be employed in a variety of ways, for example, for the production of anti-SBP antibodies thereto, in therapeutic compositions and methods employing such proteins and/or antibodies. Also provided are transgenic non-human mammals that express the invention protein.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided novel Schwannomin-Binding-Proteins (SBPs). Nucleic acid sequences encoding such proteins and assays employing same are also disclosed. The invention SBPs can be employed in a variety of ways, for example, for the production of anti-SBP antibodies thereto, in therapeutic compositions and methods employing such proteins and/or antibodies. Also provided are transgenic non-human mammals that express the invention protein.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided novel isolated nucleic acids encoding ataxin-2-binding proteins (A2BPs), functional fragments thereof, vectors containing invention nucleic acids and recombinant cells transformed therewith, antisense-nucleic acids thereto. Also provided are novel isolated ataxin-2-binding proteins (A2BPs) having ability to bind to ataxin-2, methods for expression of A2BP, transgenic non-human mammals that express invention A2BP, anti-A2BP antibodies, and methods related thereto.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided novel isolated nucleic acids encoding ataxin-2-binding proteins (A2BPs), functional fragments thereof, vectors containing invention nucleic acids and recombinant cells transformed therewith, antisense-nucleic acids thereto. Also provided are novel isolated ataxin-2-binding proteins (A2BPs) having ability to bind to ataxin-2, methods for expression of A2BP, transgenic non-human mammals that express invention A2BP, anti-A2BP antibodies, and methods related thereto.