Methods to identify growth differentiation factor (GDF) receptors

Abstract

The present invention provides receptors for the growth differentiation factor (GDF) family of growth factors and methods of identifying such receptors. Also included are methods of identifying antibodies which bind to the receptors, peptide fragments of the receptor which inhibit GDF binding, GDF receptor-binding agents capable of blocking GDF binding to the receptor. The receptors of the invention allow the identification of antagonists or agonists useful for agricultural and human therapeutic purposes.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to ligand-receptor interactions and more specifically to growth differentiation factor receptor proteins and the ligands that bind to such receptors and methods of use therefor.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

[0002] The transforming growth factor &bgr; (TGF-&bgr;) superfamily encompasses a group of structurally-related proteins which affect a wide range of differentiation processes during embryonic development. The family includes, Mullerian inhibiting substance (MIS), which is required for normal male sex development (Behringer, et al., Nature, 345:167, 1990), Drosophila decapentaplegic (DPP) gene product, which is required for dorsal-ventral axis formation and morphogenesis of the imaginal disks (Padgett, et al., Nature, 325:81-84, 1987), the Xenopus Vg-1 gene product, which localizes to the vegetal pole of eggs ((Weeks, et al., Cell, 51:861-867, 1987), the activins (Mason, et al., Biochem, Biophys. Res. Commun., 135:957-964,1986), which can induce the formation of mesoderm and anterior structures in Xenopus embryos (Thomsen, et al., Cell, 63:485, 1990), and the bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs, osteogenin, OP-1) which can induce de novo cartilage and bone formation (Sampath, et al., J. Biol. Chem., 265:13198, 1990). The TGF-&bgr;s can influence a variety of differentiation processes, including adipogenesis, myogenesis, chondrogenesis, hematopolesis, and epithelial cell differentiation (for review, see Massague, Cell 49:437, 1987).

[0003] The proteins of the TGF-&bgr; family are initially synthesized as a large precursor protein which subsequently undergoes proteolytic cleavage at a cluster of basic residues approximately 110-140 amino acids from the C-terminus. The C-terminal regions, or mature regions, of the proteins are all structurally related and the different family members can be classified into distinct subgroups based on the extent of their homology. Although the homologies within particular subgroups range from 70% to 90% amino acid sequence identity, the homologies between subgroups are significantly lower, generally ranging from only 20% to 50%. In each case, the active species appears to be a disulfide-linked dimer of C-terminal fragments. Studies have shown that when the pro-region of a member of the TGF-&bgr; family is coexpressed with a mature region of another member of the TGF-&bgr; family, intracellular dimerization and secretion of biologically active homodimers occur (Gray, A. et al., Science, 247:1328, 1990). Additional studies by Hammonds, et al., (Molec. Endocrin. 5:149, 1991) showed that the use of the BMP-2 pro-region combined with the BMP-4 mature region led to dramatically improved expression of mature BMP-4. For most of the family members that have been studied, the homodimeric species has been found to be biologically active, but for other family members, like the inhibins (Ling, et al., Nature, 321:779, 1986) and the TGF-&bgr;s (Cheifetz, et al., Cell, 48:409, 1987), heterodimers have also been detected, and these appear to have different biological properties than the respective homodimers.

[0004] The study of receptor-ligand interactions has revealed a great deal of information about how cells respond to external stimuli. This knowledge has led to the development of therapeutically important compounds, such as erythropoietin, colony stimulating factors and PDGF.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention provides receptors for the growth differentiation factor (GDF) growth factor family. These receptors are useful for identifying antagonists and agonists for agricultural and human therapeutic purposes.

[0006] In a first embodiment, the invention provides a recombinant cell line that expresses growth differentiation factor-8 (GDF-8) or growth differentiation factor-11 (GDF-11) receptor polypeptide. Also included are antibodies that bind to GDF receptors, polynucleotides encoding the receptors and the GDF receptor proteins themselves.

[0007] Peptide fragments of GDF receptors, such as the GDF-8 or GDF-11 receptors, are also included. Such peptides may be useful in inhibiting binding of GDF-8 or GDF-11 to either its own receptor or another GDF-receptor (e.g., GDF-8 and -11 may bind the same receptor).

[0008] In another embodiment, the invention provides a substantially purified GDF-8-binding agent, wherein the binding agent inhibits GDF-8 binding to GDF-8 receptor. Such agents that inhibit GDF-11 binding are also included.

[0009] In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a method for identifying a GDF receptor polypeptide including incubating components such as GDF polypeptide and a cell expressing a receptor or a soluble receptor under conditions sufficient to allow the GDF to bind to the receptor; measuring the binding of the GDF polypeptide to the receptor; and isolating the receptor.

[0010] The invention also includes a method for identifying a compound that binds to GDF receptor polypeptide including incubating components comprising the compound and GDF polypeptide under conditions sufficient to allow the components to interact and measuring the binding or effect of binding of the compound to GDF receptor polypeptide.

[0011] The invention also provides non-human transgenic animals that have a phenotype characterized by expression of GDF-receptor polypeptide, the phenotype being conferred by a transgene contained in the somatic and germ cells of the animal, the transgene comprising a nucleic acid sequence which encodes GDF-receptor polypeptide. Methods of producing such transgenic animals are also included.

[0012] In another embodiment, the invention includes a method for inhibiting the expression of GDF-receptor in a cell including contacting GDF-receptor with an inhibiting effective amount of an antisense oligonucleotide that binds to a segment of an mRNA transcribed from a GDF-receptor gene, whereby the binding of the antisense to the mRNA segment inhibits GDF-receptor expression.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0013] FIG. 1a and 1b are the nucleotide and amino acid sequence of murine GDF-8.

[0014] FIG. 1c and Id are the nucleotide and amino acid sequence of human GDF-8.

[0015] FIGS. 2a-2e are the nucleotide and amino acid sequence of baboon, bovine, chicken, rat, and turkey GDF-8.

[0016] FIGS. 3a and 3b are Northern blots showing expression of GDF-8 in muscle and in various species, respectively.

[0017] FIGS. 4a and 4b show the nucleotide and amino acid sequence of murine GDF-11 and expression of GDF-11, respectively.

[0018] FIG. 5 shows an autoradiogram showing GDF-8.

[0019] FIGS. 6 and 7 show binding studies for GDF-8.

[0020] FIGS. 8-11 show 4 myoblast cell lines that do not bind GDF-8.

[0021] FIG. 12 shows the construction of GDF-11 null mice by homologous targeting. a) is a map of the GDF-11 locus (top line) and targeting construct (second line). The black and stippled boxes represent coding sequences for the pro- and C-terminal regions, respectively. The targeting construct contains a total of 11 kb of homology with the GDF-11 gene. A probe derived from the region upstream of the 3′ homology fragment and downstream of the first EcoRI site shown hybridizes to a 6.5 kb EcoR1 fragment in the GDF-11 gene and a 4.8 kb fragment in a homologously targeted gene. Abbreviations: X, Xba1; E, EcoR1. b) Geneomic Southern of DNA prepared from F1 heterozygous mutant mice (lanes 1 and 2) and offspring derived from a mating of these mice (lanes 3-12).

[0022] FIG. 13 shows kidney abnormalities in GDF-11 knockout mice. Kidneys of newborn animals were examined and classified according to the number of normal sized or small kidneys as shown at the top. Numbers in the table indicate number of animals falling into each classification according to genotype.

[0023] FIG. 14 shows homeotic transformations in GDF-11 mutant mice. a) Newborn pups with missing (first and second from left) and normal looking tails. b-j) Skeleton preparations for newborn wild-type (b, e, h), heterozygous (c, f, I) and homozygous (d, g, j) mutant mice. Whole skeleton preparations (b-d), vertebral columns (e-g), vertebrosternal ribs (h-j) showing transformations and defects in homozygous and heterozygous mutant mice. Numbers indicate thoracic segments.

[0024] FIG. 15 is a table summarizing anterior transformations in wild-type, heterozygous and homozygous GDF-11 mice.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] The invention provides an isolated polynucleotide sequence encoding the receptors of the invention. The term “isolated” as used herein includes polynucleotides substantially free of other nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates or other materials with which it is naturally associated. Polynucleotide sequences of the invention include DNA, cDNA and RNA sequences which encode GDF receptors. It is understood that all polynucleotides encoding all or a portion of GDF receptors are also included herein, as long as they encode a polypeptide with GDF receptors activity (e.g., bind to GDF). Such polynucleotides include naturally occurring, synthetic, and intentionally manipulated polynucleotides. For example, portions of the mRNA sequence may be altered due to alternate RNA splicing patterns or the use of alternate promoters for RNA transcription. As another example, GDF receptor polynucleotide may be subjected to site-directed mutagenesis. The polynucleotide sequence for GDF receptors also includes antisense sequences. The polynucleotides of the invention include sequences that are degenerate as a result of the genetic code. There are 20 natural amino acids, most of which are specified by more than one codon. Therefore, all degenerate nucleotide sequences are included in the invention as long as the amino acid sequence of GDF receptors polypeptide encoded by the nucleotide sequence is functionally unchanged. Also included are nucleotide sequences which encode GDF receptors polypeptide.

[0026] The polynucleotide encoding GDF receptors for GDFs such as GDF-8 or 11 (shown in the figures). When the sequence is RNA, the deoxyribonucleotides A, G, C, and T are replaced by ribonucleotides A, G, C, and U, respectively. Also included in the invention are fragments (portions) of the above-described nucleic acid sequences that are at least 15 bases in length, which is sufficient to permit the fragment to selectively hybridize to DNA that encodes the GDF receptor. “Selective hybridization” as used herein refers to hybridization under moderately stringent or highly stringent physiological conditions (See, for example, the techniques described in Maniatis et al., 1989 Molecular Cloning A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, N.Y., incorporated herein by reference), which distinguishes related from unrelated nucleotide sequences.

[0027] In nucleic acid hybridization reactions, the conditions used to achieve a particular level of stringency will vary, depending on the nature of the nucleic acids being hybridized. For example, the length, degree of complementarity, nucleotide sequence composition (e.g., GC v. AT content), and nucleic acid type (e.g., RNA v. DNA) of the hybridizing regions of the nucleic acids can be considered in selecting hybridization conditions. An additional consideration is whether one of the nucleic acids is immobilized, for example, on a filter.

[0028] An example of progressively higher stringency conditions is as follows: 2×SSC/0.1% SDS at about room temperature (hybridization conditions); 0.2×SSC/0.1% SDS at about room temperature (low stringency conditions); 0.2×SSC/0.1% SDS at about 42° C. (moderate stringency conditions); and 0.1×SSC at about 68° C. (high stringency conditions). Washing can be carried out using only one of these conditions, e.g., high stringency conditions, or each of the conditions can be used, e.g., for 10-15 minutes each, in the order listed above, repeating any or all of the steps listed. However, as mentioned above, optimal conditions will vary, depending on the particular hybridization reaction involved, and can be determined empirically.

[0029] Specifically disclosed herein is a cDNA sequence for GDF receptors. SEQ ID NO:3 represents the wild-type sequence and SEQ ID NO:1 represents a cDNA which encodes GDF receptors having a conservative substitution of Leucine for Alanine at amino acid residue 127. The result of this conservative variation should not affect biological activity of GDF receptors polypetide or peptides containing the variation (see Example 5).

[0030] DNA sequences of the invention can be obtained by several methods. For example, the DNA can be isolated using hybridization or computer-based techniques which are well known in the art. These include, but are not limited to: 1) hybridization of genomic or cDNA libraries with probes to detect homologous nucleotide sequences; 2) antibody screening of expression libraries to detect cloned DNA fragments with shared structural features; 3) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on genomic DNA or cDNA using primers capable of annealing to the DNA sequence of interest; 4) computer searches of sequence databases for similar sequences; and 5) differential screening of a subtracted DNA library.

[0031] Preferably the GDF receptor polynucleotide of the invention is derived from avian, bovine, ovine, piscine, murine, human or porcine. Screening procedures which rely on nucleic acid hybridization make it possible to isolate any gene sequence from any organism, provided the appropriate probe is available. Oligonucleotide probes, which correspond to a part of the sequence encoding the protein in question, can be synthesized chemically. This requires that short, oligopeptide stretches of amino acid sequence must be known. The DNA sequence encoding the protein can be deduced from the genetic code, however, the degeneracy of the code must be taken into account. It is possible to perform a mixed addition reaction when the sequence is degenerate. This includes a heterogeneous mixture of denatured double-stranded DNA. For such screening, hybridization is preferably performed on either single-stranded DNA or denatured double-stranded DNA. Hybridization is particularly useful in the detection of cDNA clones derived from sources where an extremely low amount of mRNA sequences relating to the polypeptide of interest are present. In other words, by using stringent hybridization conditions directed to avoid non-specific binding, it is possible, for example, to allow the autoradiographic visualization of a specific cDNA clone by the hybridization of the target DNA to that single probe in the mixture which is its complete complement (Wallace, et al., Nucl. Acid Res., 2:879, 1981). Alternatively, a subtractive library, as illustrated herein is useful for elimination of non-specific cDNA clones.

[0032] When the entire sequence of amino acid residues of the desired polypeptide is not known, the direct synthesis of DNA sequences is not possible and the method of choice is the synthesis of cDNA sequences. Among the standard procedures for isolating cDNA sequences of interest is the formation of plasmid- or phage-carrying cDNA libraries which are derived from reverse transcription of mRNA which is abundant in donor cells that have a high level of genetic expression. When used in combination with polymerase chain reaction technology, even rare expression products can be cloned. In those cases where significant portions of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide are known, the production of labeled single or double-stranded DNA or RNA probe sequences duplicating a sequence putatively present in the target cDNA may be employed in DNA/DNA hybridization procedures which are carried out on cloned copies of the cDNA which have been denatured into a single-stranded form (Jay, et al., Nucl. Acid Res., 11:2325, 1983).

[0033] A cDNA expression library, such as lambda gt11, can be screened indirectly for GDF receptors peptides having at least one epitope, using antibodies specific for GDF receptors. Such antibodies can be either polyclonally or monoclonally derived and used to detect expression product indicative of the presence of GDF receptors cDNA.

[0034] Alterations in GDF receptors nucleic acid include intragenic mutations (e.g., point mutation, nonsense (stop), missense, splice site and frameshift) and heterozygous or homozygous deletions. Detection of such alterations can be done by standard methods known to those of skill in the art including sequence analysis, Southern blot analysis, PCR based analyses (e.g., multiplex PCR, sequence tagged sites (STSs)) and in situ hybridization. Such proteins can be analyzed by standard SDS-PAGE and/or immunoprecipitation analysis and/or Western blot analysis, for example.

[0035] DNA sequences encoding GDF receptors can be expressed in vitro by DNA transfer into a suitable host cell. “Host cells” are cells in which a vector can be propagated and its DNA expressed. The term also includes any progeny of the subject host cell. It is understood that all progeny may not be identical to the parental cell since there may be mutations that occur during replication. However, such progeny are included when the term “host cell” is used. Methods of stable transfer, meaning that the foreign DNA is continuously maintained in the host, are known in the art.

[0036] In the present invention, the GDF receptor polynucleotide sequences may be inserted into a recombinant expression vector. The term “recombinant expression vector” refers to a plasmid, virus or other vehicle known in the art that has been manipulated by insertion or incorporation of the GDF receptors genetic sequences. Such expression vectors contain a promoter sequence which facilitates the efficient transcription of the inserted genetic sequence of the host. The expression vector typically contains an origin of replication, a promoter, as well as specific genes which allow phenotypic selection of the transformed cells. Vectors suitable for use in the present invention include, but are not limited to the T7-based expression vector for expression in bacteria (Rosenberg, et al., Gene 56:125, 1987), the pMSXND expression vector for expression in mammalian cells (Lee and Nathans, J. Biol. Chem., 263:3521, 1988) and baculovirus-derived vectors for expression in insect cells. The DNA segment can be present in the vector operably linked to regulatory elements, for example, a promoter (e.g., T7, metallothionein I, or polyhedrin promoters).

[0037] Polynucleotide sequences encoding GDF receptors can be expressed in either prokaryotes or eukaryotes. Hosts can include microbial, yeast, insect and mammalian organisms. Methods of expressing DNA sequences having eukaryotic or viral sequences in prokaryotes are well known in the art. Biologically functional viral and plasmid DNA vectors capable of expression and replication in a host are known in the art. Such vectors are used to incorporate DNA sequences of the invention.

[0038] Methods which are well known to those skilled in the art can be used to construct expression vectors containing the GDF receptors coding sequence and appropriate transcriptional/translational control signals. These methods include in vitro recombinant DNA techniques, synthetic techniques, and in vivo recombination/genetic techniques. (See, for example, the techniques described in Maniatis et al., 1989 Molecular Cloning A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, N.Y.)

[0039] A variety of host-expression vector systems may be utilized to express the GDF receptors coding sequence. These include but are not limited to microorganisms such as bacteria transformed with recombinant bacteriophage DNA, plasmid DNA or cosmid DNA expression vectors containing the GDF receptors coding sequence; yeast transformed with recombinant yeast expression vectors containing the GDF receptors coding sequence; plant cell systems infected with recombinant virus expression vectors (e.g., cauliflower mosaic virus, CaMV; tobacco mosaic virus, TMV) or transformed with recombinant plasmid expression vectors (e.g., Ti plasmid) containing the GDF receptors coding sequence; insect cell systems infected with recombinant virus expression vectors (e.g., baculovirus) containing the GDF receptors coding sequence; or animal cell systems infected with recombinant virus expression vectors (e.g., retroviruses, adenovirus, vaccinia virus) containing the GDF receptors coding sequence, or transformed animal cell systems engineered for stable expression. Since GDF receptors has not been confirmed to contain carbohydrates, both bacterial expression systems as well as those that provide for translational and post-translational modifications may be used; e.g., mammalian, insect, yeast or plant expression systems.

[0040] Depending on the host/vector system utilized, any of a number of suitable transcription and translation elements, including constitutive and inducible promoters, transcription enhancer elements, transcription terminators, etc. may be used in the expression vector (see e.g., Bitter et al., 1987, Methods in Enzymology 153:516-544). For example, when cloning in bacterial systems, inducible promoters such as pL of bacteriophage &ggr;, plac, ptrp, ptac (ptrp-lac hybrid promoter) and the like may be used. When cloning in mammalian cell systems, promoters derived from the genome of mammalian cells (e.g., metallothionein promoter) or from mammalian viruses (e.g., the retrovirus long terminal repeat; the adenovirus late promoter; the vaccinia virus 7.5K promoter) may be used. Promoters produced by recombinant DNA or synthetic techniques may also be used to provide for transcription of the inserted GDF receptors coding sequence.

[0041] In yeast, a number of vectors containing constitutive or inducible promoters may be used. For a review see, Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Vol. 2, 1988, Ed. Ausubel et al., Greene Publish. Assoc. & Wiley Interscience, Ch. 13; Grant et al., 1987, Expression and Secretion Vectors for Yeast, in Methods in Enzymology, Eds. Wu & Grossman, 31987, Acad. Press, N.Y., Vol. 153, pp.516-544; Glover, 1986, DNA Cloning, Vol. II, IRL Press, Wash., D.C., Ch. 3; and Bitter, 1987, Heterologous Gene Expression in Yeast, Methods in Enzymology, Eds. Berger & Kimmel, Acad. Press, N.Y., Vol. 152, pp. 673-684; and The Molecular Biology of the Yeast Saccharomyces, 1982, Eds. Strathem et al., Cold Spring Harbor Press, Vols. I and II. A constitutive yeast promoter such as ADH or LEU2 or an inducible promoter such as GAL may be used (Cloning in Yeast, Ch. 3, R. Rothstein In: DNA Cloning Vol. 11, A Practical Approach, Ed. DM Glover, 1986, IRL Press, Wash., D.C.). Alternatively, vectors may be used which promote integration of foreign DNA sequences into the yeast chromosome.

[0042] Eukaryotic systems, and preferably mammalian expression systems, allow for proper post-translational modifications of expressed mammalian proteins to occur. Eukaryotic cells which possess the cellular machinery for proper processing of the primary transcript, glycosylation, phosphorylation, and advantageously, plasma membrane insertion of the gene product may be used as host cells for the expression of GDF receptors.

[0043] Mammalian cell systems which utilize recombinant viruses or viral elements to direct expression may be engineered. For example, when using adenovirus expression vectors, the GDF receptors coding sequence may be ligated to an adenovirus transcription/-translation control complex, e.g., the late promoter and tripartite leader sequence. Alternatively, the vaccinia virus 7.5K promoter may be used. (e.g., see, Mackett et al., 1982, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 79: 7415-7419; Mackett et al., 1984, J. Virol. 49: 857-864; Panicali et al., 1982, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 79: 4927-4931). Of particular interest are vectors based on bovine papilloma virus which have the ability to replicate as extrachromosomal elements (Sarver, et al., 1981, Mol. Cell. Biol. 1: 486). Shortly after entry of this DNA into mouse cells, the plasmid replicates to about 100 to 200 copies per cell. Transcription of the inserted cDNA does not require integration of the plasmid into the host's chromosome, thereby yielding a high level of expression. These vectors can be used for stable expression by including a selectable marker in the plasmid, such as, for example, the neo gene. Alternatively, the retroviral genome can be modified for use as a vector capable of introducing and directing the expression of the GDF receptors gene in host cells (Cone & Mulligan, 1984, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 81:6349-6353). High level expression may also be achieved using inducible promoters, including, but not limited to, the metallothionine IIA promoter and heat shock promoters.

[0044] For long-term, high-yield production of recombinant proteins, stable expression is preferred. Rather than using expression vectors which contain viral origins of replication, host cells can be transformed with the GDF receptors cDNA controlled by appropriate expression control elements (e.g., promoter, enhancer, sequences, transcription terminators, polyadenylation sites, etc.), and a selectable marker. The selectable marker in the recombinant plasmid confers resistance to the selection and allows cells to stably integrate the plasmid into their chromosomes and grow to form foci which in turn can be cloned and expanded into cell lines. For example, following the introduction of foreign DNA, engineered cells may be allowed to grow for 1-2 days in an enriched media, and then are switched to a selective media. A number of selection systems may be used, including but not limited to the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (Wigler, et al., 1977, Cell 11: 223), hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (Szybalska & Szybalski, 1962, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 48: 2026), and adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (Lowy, et al., 1980, Cell 22: 817) genes can be employed in tk-, hgprt− or aprt− cells respectively. Also, antimetabolite resistance can be used as the basis of selection for dhfr, which confers resistance to methotrexate (Wigler, et al., 1980, Natl Acad. Sci. USA 77: 3567; O'Hare, et al., 1981, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 78: 1527); gpt, which confers resistance to mycophenolic acid (Mulligan & Berg, 1981, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 78: 2072; neo, which confers resistance to the aminoglycoside G-418 (Colberre-Garapin, et al., 1981, J. Mol. Biol. 150: 1); and hygro, which confers resistance to hygromycin (Santerre, et al., 1984, Gene 30: 147) genes. Recently, additional selectable genes have been described, namely trpB, which allows cells to utilize indole in place of tryptophan; hisD, which allows cells to utilize histinol in place of histidine (Hartman & Mulligan, 1988, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85: 8047); and ODC (ornithine decarboxylase) which confers resistance to the omithine decarboxylase inhibitor, 2-(difluoromethyl)-DL-omithine, DFMO (McConlogue L., 1987, In: Current Communications in Molecular Biology, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory ed.).

[0045] When the host is a eukaryote, such methods of transfection of DNA as calcium phosphate co-precipitates, conventional mechanical procedures such as microinjection, electroporation, insertion of a plasmid encased in liposomes, or virus vectors may be used. Eukaryotic cells can also be cotransformed with DNA sequences encoding the GDF receptors of the invention, and a second foreign DNA molecule encoding a selectable phenotype, such as the herpes simplex thymidine kinase gene. Another method is to use a eukaryotic viral vector, such as simian virus 40 (SV40) or bovine papilloma virus, to transiently infect or transform eukaryotic cells and express the protein. (see for example, Eukaryotic Viral Vectors, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Gluzman ed., 1982).

[0046] Cell Lines

[0047] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to stable recombinant cell lines, the cells of which express GDF receptor polypeptides and contain DNA that encodes GDF receptors. Suitable cell types include but are not limited to cells of the following types: NIH 3T3 (Murine), C2C12, L6, and P19. C2C12 and L6 myoblasts will differentiate spontaneously in culture and form myotubes depending on the particular growth conditions (Yaffe and Saxel, 1977; Yaffe, 1968). P19 is an embryonal carcinoma cell line. Such cells are described, for example, in the Cell Line Catalog of the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC). These cells can be stably transformed by a method known to the skilled artisan. See, for example, Ausubel et al., Introduction of DNA Into Mammalian Cells, in CURRENT PROTOCOLS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, sections 9.5.1-9.5.6 (John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 1995). “Stable” transformation in the context of the invention means that the cells are immortal to the extent of having gone through at least 50 divisions.

[0048] GDF receptors can be expressed using inducible or constituitive regulatory elements for such expression. Commonly used constituitive or inducible promoters, for example, are known in the art. The desired protein encoding sequence and an operably linked promoter may be introduced into a recipient cell either as a non-replicating DNA (or RNA) molecule, which may either be a linear molecule or, more preferably, a closed covalent circular molecule. Since such molecules are incapable of autonomous replication, the expression of the desired molecule may occur through the transient expression of the introduced sequence. Alternatively, permanent expression may occur through the integration of the introduced sequence into the host chromosome. Therefore the cells can be transformed stably or transiently.

[0049] An example of a vector that may be employed is one which is capable of integrating the desired gene sequences into the host cell chromosome. Cells which have stably integrated the introduced DNA into their chromosomes can be selected by also introducing one or more markers which allow for selection of host cells which contain the expression vector.

[0050] The marker may complement an auxotrophy in the host (such as leu2, or ura3, which are common yeast auxotrophic markers), biocide resistance, e.g., antibiotics, or heavy metals, such as copper, or the like. The selectable marker gene can either be directly linked to the DNA gene sequences to be expressed, or introduced into the same cell by co-transfection.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the introduced sequence will be incorporated into a plasmid or viral vector capable of autonomous replication in the recipient host. Any of a wide variety of vectors may be employed for this purpose. Factors of importance in selecting a particular plasmid or viral vector include: the ease with which recipient cells that contain the vector may be recognized and selected from those recipient cells which do not contain the vector; the number of copies of the vector which are desired in a particular host; and whether it is desirable to be able to “shuttle” the vector between host cells of different species.

[0052] For a mammalian host, several possible vector systems are available for expression. One class of vectors utilize DNA elements which provide autonomously replicating extra-chromosomal plasmids, derived from animal viruses such as bovine papilloma virus, polyoma virus, adenovirus, or SV40 virus. A second class of vectors include vaccinia virus expression vectors. A third class of vectors relies upon the integration of the desired gene sequences into the host chromosome. Cells which have stably integrated the introduced DNA into their chromosomes may be selected by also introducing one or more markers (e.g., an exogenous gene) which allow selection of host cells which contain the expression vector. The marker may provide for prototropy to an auxotrophic host, biocide resistance, e.g., antibiotics, or heavy metals, such as copper or the like. The selectable marker gene can either be directly linked to the DNA sequences to be expressed, or introduced into the same cell by co-transformation. Additional elements may also be needed for optimal synthesis of mRNA. These elements may include splice signals, as well as transcription promoters, enhancers, and termination signals. The cDNA expression vectors incorporating such elements include those described by Okayama, H., Mol. Cell. Biol., 3:280 (1983), and others.

[0053] Once the vector or DNA sequence containing the construct has been prepared for expression, the DNA construct may be introduced (transformed) into an appropriate host. Various techniques may be employed, such as protoplast fusion, calcium phosphate precipitation, electroporation or other conventional techniques.

[0054] Transgenic Animals

[0055] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to transgenic animals having cells that express GDF receptors. Such transgenic animals, for example those containing the GDF-8 receptor, may have decreased fat content and increased muscle mass. The subject invention provides non-human transgenic animals which are useful as a source of food products with high muscle and protein content, and reduced fat and cholesterol content. The animals have been altered chromosomally in their germ cells and somatic cells so that the production of GDF-8 may be at “normal” levels, however, the GDF-8 receptor is produced in reduced amounts, or is completely disrupted, resulting in animals with decreased binding of GDF-8 and higher than normal levels of muscle tissue, preferably without increased fat and/or cholesterol levels. Accordingly, the present invention also includes food products provided by the animals. Such food products have increased nutritional value because of the increase in muscle tissue. The transgenic non-human animals of the invention include bovine, porcine, ovine and avian animals, for example.

[0056] The subject invention also provides a method of producing animal food products having increased muscle content. The method includes modifying the genetic makeup of the germ cells of a pronuclear embryo of the animal, implanting the embryo into the oviduct of a pseudopregnant female thereby allowing the embryo to mature to full term progeny, testing the progeny for presence of the transgene to identify transgene-positive progeny, cross-breeding transgene-positive progeny to obtain further transgene-positive progeny and processing the progeny to obtain foodstuff. The modification of the germ cell comprises altering the genetic composition so as to disrupt or reduce the expression of the naturally occurring gene encoding for production of GDF-8 receptor protein. In a particular embodiment, the transgene comprises antisense polynucleotide sequences to the GDF-8 receptor protein. Alternatively, the transgene may comprise a non-functional sequence which replaces or intervenes in the native GDF-8 receptor gene or the transgene may encode a GDF-8 receptor antagonist.

[0057] The subject invention also provides a method of producing avian food products having improved muscle content. The method includes modifying the genetic makeup of the germ cells of a pronuclear embryo of the avian animal, implanting the embryo into the oviduct of a pseudopregnant female into an embryo of a chicken, culturing the embryo under conditions whereby progeny are hatched, testing the progeny for presence of the genetic alteration to identify transgene-positive progeny, cross-breeding transgene-positive progeny and processing the progeny to obtain foodstuff

[0058] The term “animal” here denotes all mammalian species except human. It also includes an individual animal in all stages of development, including embryonic and fetal stages. Farm animals (pigs, goats, sheep, cows, horses, rabbits and the like), rodents (such as mice), and domestic pets (for example, cats and dogs) are included within the scope of the present invention.

[0059] A “transgenic” animal is any animal containing cells that bear genetic information received, directly or indirectly, by deliberate genetic manipulation at the subcellular level, such as by microinjection or infection with recombinant virus. “Transgenic” in the present context does not encompass classical crossbreeding or in vitro fertilization, but rather denotes animals in which one or more cells receive a recombinant DNA molecule. Although it is highly preferred that this molecule be integrated within the animal's chromosomes, the present invention also contemplates the use of extrachromosomally replicating DNA, sequences, such as might be engineered into yeast artificial chromosomes.

[0060] The term “transgenic animal” also includes a “germ cell line” transgenic animal. A germ cell line transgenic animal is a transgenic animal in which the genetic information has been taken up and incorporated into a germ line cell, therefore conferring the ability to transfer the information to offspring. If such offspring in fact possess some or all of that information, then they, too, are transgenic animals.

[0061] The cDNA that encodes GDF receptors can be fused in proper reading frame under the transcriptional and translational control of a vector to produce a genetic construct that is then amplified, for example, by preparation in a bacterial vector, according to conventional methods. See, for example, the standard work: Sambrook et al., MOLECULAR CLONING: A LABORATORY MANUAL (Cold Spring Harbor Press 1989), the contents of which are incorporated by reference. The amplified construct is thereafter excised from the vector and purified for use in producing transgenic animals.

[0062] The term “transgenic” as used herein additionally includes any organism whose genome has been altered by in vitro manipulation of the early embryo or fertilized egg or by any transgenic technology to induce a specific gene knockout. The term “gene knockout” as used herein, refers to the targeted disruption of a gene in vivo with complete loss of function that has been achieved by any transgenic technology familiar to those in the art. In one embodiment, transgenic animals having gene knockouts are those in which the target gene has been rendered nonfunctional by an insertion targeted to the gene to be rendered non-functional by homologous recombination. As used herein, the term “transgenic” includes any transgenic technology familiar to those in the art which can produce an organism carrying an introduced transgene or one in which an endogenous gene has been rendered non-functional or “knocked out.”

[0063] The transgene to be used in the practice of the subject invention may be a DNA sequence comprising a modified GDF receptors coding sequence. In a preferred embodiment, the GDF receptor gene is disrupted by homologous targeting in embryonic stem cells. For example, the entire mature C-terminal region of the GDF receptors gene may be deleted as described in the examples below. Optionally, the GDF receptors disruption or deletion may be accompanied by insertion of or replacement with other DNA sequences, such as a non-functional GDF receptors sequence. In other embodiments, the transgene comprises DNA antisense to the coding sequence for GDF receptors. In another embodiment, the transgene comprises DNA encoding an antibody or receptor peptide sequence which is able to bind to GDF receptors. Where appropriate, DNA sequences that encode proteins having GDF receptors activity but differ in nucleic acid sequence due to the degeneracy of the genetic code may also be used herein, as may truncated forms, allelic variants and interspecies homologues.

[0064] Antibodies which Bind to GDF Receptors

[0065] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to antibodies that bind GDF receptors that block GDF binding to the receptor. For example, such antibodies may be useful for ameliorating disorders associated with muscle tissue.

[0066] A monoclonal antibody which binds to GDF-8 receptor may have the effect of increasing the development of skeletal muscles. In preferred embodiments of the claimed methods, the GDF-8 receptor monoclonal antibody, polypeptide, or polynucleotide is administered to a patient suffering from a disorder selected from the group consisting of muscle wasting disease, neuromuscular disorder, muscle atrophy or aging. The GDF-8 receptor antibody may also be administered to a patient suffering from a disorder selected from the group consisting of muscular dystrophy, spinal cord injury, traumatic injury, congestive obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), AIDS or cachechia. In a preferred embodiment, the GDF-8 antibody is administered to a patient with muscle wasting disease or disorder by intravenous, intramuscular or subcutaneous injection; preferably, a monoclonal antibody is administered within a dose range between about 0.1 mg/kg to about 100 mg/kg; more preferably between about 1 ug/kg to 75 mg/kg; most preferably from about 10 mg/kg to 50 mg/kg. The antibody may be administered, for example, by bolus injunction or by slow infusion. Slow infusion over a period of 30 minutes to 2 hours is preferred. The GDF-8 antibody may be formulated in a formulation suitable for administration to a patient. Such formulations are known in the art.

[0067] The dosage regimen will be determined by the attending physician considering various factors which modify the action of the GDF-8 receptor protein, e.g. amount of tissue desired to be formed, the site of tissue damage, the condition of the damaged tissue, the size of a wound, type of damaged tissue, the patient's age, sex, and diet, the severity of any infection, time of administration and other clinical factors. The dosage may vary with the type of matrix used in the reconstitution and the types of agent, such as anti-GDF-8 receptor antibodies, to be used in the composition. Generally, systemic or injectable administration, such as intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM) or subcutaneous (Sub-Q) injection. Administration will generally be initiated at a dose which is minimally effective, and the dose will be increased over a preselected time course until a positive effect is observed. Subsequently, incremental increases in dosage will be made limiting such incremental increases to such levels that produce a corresponding increase in effect, while taking into account any adverse affects that may appear. The addition of other known growth factors, such as IGF I (insulin like growth factor I), human, bovine, or chicken growth hormone which may aid in increasing muscle mass, to the final composition, may also affect the dosage. In the embodiment where an anti-GDF-8 receptor antibody is administered, the anti-GDF-8 antibody is generally administered within a dose range of about 0.1 ug/kg to about 100 mg/kg.; more preferably between about 10 mg/kg to 50 mg/kg.

[0068] The preparation of polyclonal antibodies is well-known to those skilled in the art. See, for example, Green et al., Production of Polyclonal Antisera, in IMMUNOCHEMICAL PROTOCOLS (Manson, ed.), pages 1-5 (Humana Press 1992); Coligan et al., Production of Polyclonal Antisera in Rabbits, Rats, Mice and Hamsters, in CURRENT PROTOCOLS IN IMMUNOLOGY, section 2.4.1 (1992), which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0069] The preparation of monoclonal antibodies likewise is conventional. See, for example, Kohler & Milstein, Nature 256:495 (1975); Coligan et al., sections 2.5.1-2.6.7; and Harlow et al., ANTIBODIES: A LABORATORY MANUAL, page 726 (Cold Spring Harbor Pub. 1988), which are hereby incorporated by reference. Briefly, monoclonal antibodies can be obtained by injecting mice with a composition comprising an antigen, verifying the presence of antibody production by removing a serum sample, removing the spleen to obtain B lymphocytes, fusing the B lymphocytes with myeloma cells to produce hybridomas, cloning the hybridomas, selecting positive clones that produce antibodies to the antigen, and isolating the antibodies from the hybridoma cultures. Monoclonal antibodies can be isolated and purified from hybridoma cultures by a variety of well-established techniques. Such isolation techniques include affinity chromatography with Protein-A Sepharose, size-exclusion chromatography, and ion-exchange chromatography. See, e.g., Coligan et al., sections 2.7.1-2.7.12 and sections 2.9.1-2.9.3; Barnes et al., Purification of Immunoglobulin G (IgG), in METHODS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, VOL. 10, pages 79-104 (Humana Press 1992). Methods of in vitro and in vivo multiplication of monoclonal antibodies is well-known to those skilled in the art. Multiplication in vitro may be carried out in suitable culture media such as Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium or RPMI 1640 medium, optionally replenished by a mammalian serum such as fetal calf serum or trace elements and growth-sustaining supplements such as normal mouse peritoneal exudate cells, spleen cells, bone marrow macrophages. Production in vitro provides relatively pure antibody preparations and allows scale-up to yield large amounts of the desired antibodies. Large scale hybridoma cultivation can be carried out by homogenous suspension culture in an airlift reactor, in a continuous stirrer reactor, or in immobilized or entrapped cell culture. Multiplication in vivo may be carried out by injecting cell clones into mammals histocompatible with the parent cells, e.g., osyngeneic mice, to cause growth of antibody-producing tumors. Optionally, the animals are primed with a hydrocarbon, especially oils such as pristane (tetramethylpentadecane) prior to injection. After one to three weeks, the desired monoclonal antibody is recovered from the body fluid of the animal.

[0070] Therapeutic applications for antibodies disclosed herein are also part of the present invention. For example, antibodies of the present invention may also be derived from subhuman primate antibody. General techniques for raising therapeutically useful antibodies in baboons can be found, for example, in Goldenberg et al., International Patent Publication WO 91/11465 (1991) and Losman et al., Int. J. Cancer 46:310 (1990), which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0071] Alternatively, a therapeutically useful anti-GDF receptors antibody may be derived from a “humanized” monoclonal antibody. Humanized monoclonal antibodies are produced by transferring mouse complementarity determining regions from heavy and light variable chains of the mouse immunoglobulin into a human variable domain, and then substituting human residues in the framework regions of the murine counterparts. The use of antibody components derived from humanized monoclonal antibodies obviates potential problems associated with the immunogenicity of murine constant regions. General techniques for cloning murine immunoglobulin variable domains are described, for example, by Orlandi et al., Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA 86:3833 (1989), which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference. Techniques for producing humanized monoclonal antibodies are described, for example, by Jones et al., Nature 321: 522 (1986); Riechmann et al., Nature 332: 323 (1988); Verhoeyen et al., Science 239: 1534 (1988); Carter et al., Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA 89: 4285 (1992); Sandhu, Crit. Rev. Biotech. 12: 437 (1992); and Singer et al., J. Immunol. 150: 2844 (1993), which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0072] Antibodies of the invention also may be derived from human antibody fragments isolated from a combinatorial immunoglobulin library. See, for example, Barbas et al., METHODS: A COMPANION TO METHODS IN ENZYMOLOGY, VOL. 2, page 119 (1991); Winter et al., Ann. Rev. Immunol. 12: 433 (1994), which are hereby incorporated by reference. Cloning and expression vectors that are useful for producing a human immunoglobulin phage library can be obtained, for example, from STRATAGENE Cloning Systems (La Jolla, Calif.).

[0073] In addition, antibodies of the present invention may be derived from a human monoclonal antibody. Such antibodies are obtained from transgenic mice that have been “engineered” to produce specific human antibodies in response to antigenic challenge. In this technique, elements of the human heavy and light chain loci are introduced into strains of mice derived from embryonic stem cell lines that contain targeted disruptions of the endogenous heavy and light chain loci. The transgenic mice can synthesize human antibodies specific for human antigens, and the mice can be used to produce human antibody-secreting hybridomas. Methods for obtaining human antibodies from transgenic mice are described by Green et al., Nature Genet. 7:13 (1994); Lonberg et al., Nature 368:856 (1994); and Taylor et al., Int. Immunol. 6:579 (1994), which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0074] Antibody fragments of the present invention can be prepared by proteolytic hydrolysis of the antibody or by expression in E. coli of DNA encoding the fragment. Antibody fragments can be obtained by pepsin or papain digestion of whole antibodies by conventional methods. For example, antibody fragments can be produced by enzymatic cleavage of antibodies with pepsin to provide a 5S fragment denoted F(ab′)2. This fragment can be further cleaved using a thiol reducing agent, and optionally a blocking group for the sulfhydryl groups resulting from cleavage of disulfide linkages, to produce 3.5S Fab′ monovalent fragments. Alternatively, an enzymatic cleavage using pepsin produces two monovalent Fab′ fragments and an Fe fragment directly. These methods are described, for example, by Goldenberg, U.S. Pat. No. 4,036,945 and No. 4,331,647, and references contained therein. These patents are hereby incorporated in their entireties by reference. See also Nisonhoff et al., Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 89:230 (1960); Porter, Biochem. J. 73:119 (1959); Edelman et al., METHODS IN ENZYMOLOGY, VOL. 1, page 422 (Academic Press 1967); and Coligan et al. at sections 2.8.1-2.8.10 and 2.10.1-2.10.4.

[0075] Other methods of cleaving antibodies, such as separation of heavy chains to form monovalent light-heavy chain fragments, further cleavage of fragments, or other enzymatic, chemical, or genetic techniques may also be used, so long as the fragments bind to the antigen that is recognized by the intact antibody.

[0076] For example, Fv fragments comprise an association of VH and VL chains. This association may be noncovalent, as described in Inbar et al., Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA 69:2659 (1972). Alternatively, the variable chains can be linked by an intermolecular disulfide bond or cross-linked by chemicals such as glutaraldehyde. See, e.g., Sandhu, supra. Preferably, the Fv fragments comprise VH and VL chains connected by a peptide linker. These single-chain antigen binding proteins (sFv) are prepared by constructing a structural gene comprising DNA sequences encoding the VH and VL domains connected by an oligonucleotide. The structural gene is inserted into an expression vector, which is subsequently introduced into a host cell such as E coli. The recombinant host cells synthesize a single polypeptide chain with a linker peptide bridging the two V domains. Methods for producing sFvs are described, for example, by Whitlow et al., METHODS: A COMPANION TO METHODS IN ENZYMOLOGY, VOL. 2, page 97 (1991); Bird et al., Science 242:423-426 (1988); Ladner et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,946,778; Pack et al., Bio/Technology 11: 1271-77 (1993); and Sandhu, supra.

[0077] Another form of an antibody fragment is a peptide coding for a single complementarity-determining region (CDR). CDR peptides (“minimal recognition units”) can be obtained by constructing genes encoding the CDR of an antibody of interest. Such genes are prepared, for example, by using the polymerase chain reaction to synthesize the variable region from RNA of antibody-producing cells. See, for example, Larrick et al, METHODS: A COMPANION TO METHODS IN ENZYMOLOGY, VOL. 2, page 106 (1991).

[0078] Identification of GDF Receptors

[0079] In another embodiment, the invention provides a method for identifying a GDF receptor polypeptide comprising incubating components comprising GDF polypeptide and a cell expressing a receptor or a soluble receptor under conditions sufficient to allow the GDF to bind to the receptor; measuring the binding of the GDF polypeptide to the receptor; and isolating the receptor. The GDF may be any of the known GDFs (e.g., GDF-1-16), and preferably is GDF-8 or GDF-I 1. Methods of isolating the receptors are described in more detail in the Examples section below.

[0080] Variants of GDF Receptors

[0081] The term “GDF receptors variant” as used herein means a molecule that simulates at least part of the structure of GDF receptors. GDF receptor variants may also be useful in preventing GDF binding, thereby ameliorating symptoms of disorders described above.

[0082] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to peptides and peptide derivatives that have fewer amino acid residues than GDF receptors. Such peptides and peptide derivatives could represent research and diagnostic tools in the study of muscle wasting diseases and the development of more effective therapeutics.

[0083] The invention relates not only to peptides and peptide derivatives of naturally-occurring GDF receptors, but also to GDF receptor mutants and chemically synthesized derivatives of GDF receptors that bind GDFs. For example, changes in the amino acid sequence of GDF receptors are contemplated in the present invention. GDF receptors can be altered by changing the DNA encoding the protein. Preferably, only conservative amino acid alterations are undertaken, using amino acids that have the same or similar properties. Illustrative amino acid substitutions include the changes of: alanine to serine; arginine to lysine; asparagine to glutamine or histidine; aspartate to glutamate; cysteine to serine; glutamine to asparagine; glutamate to aspartate; glycine to proline; histidine to asparagine or glutamine; isoleucine to leucine or valine; leucine to valine or isoleucine; lysine to arginine, glutamine, or glutamate; methionine to leucine or isoleucine; phenylalanine to tyrosine, leucine or methionine; serine to threonine; threonine to serine; tryptophan to tyrosine; tyrosine to tryptophan or phenylalanine; valine to isoleucine or leucine.

[0084] Variants useful for the present invention comprise analogs, homologs, muteins and mimetics of GDF receptors that retain the ability to bind to their respective GDFs. Peptides of the GDF receptors refer to portions of the amino acid sequence of GDF receptors that also retain this ability. The variants can be generated directly from GDF receptors itself by chemical modification, by proteolytic enzyme digestion, or by combinations thereof. Additionally, genetic engineering techniques, as well as methods of synthesizing polypeptides directly from amino acid residues, can be employed.

[0085] Peptides of the invention can be synthesized by such commonly used methods as t-BOC or FMOC protection of alpha-amino groups. Both methods involve stepwise syntheses whereby a single amino acid is added at each step starting from the C terminus of the peptide (See, Coligan, et al., Current Protocols in Immunology, Wiley Interscience, 1991, Unit 9). Peptides of the invention can also be synthesized by the well known solid phase peptide synthesis methods described Merrifield, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 85:2149, 1962), and Stewart and Young, Solid Phase Peptides Synthesis, (Freeman, San Francisco, 1969, pp.27-62), using a copoly(styrene-divinylbenzene) containing 0.1-1.0 mMol amines/g polymer. On completion of chemical synthesis, the peptides can be deprotected and cleaved from the polymer by treatment with liquid HF-10% anisole for about ¼-1 hours at 0° C. After evaporation of the reagents, the peptides are extracted from the polymer with 1% acetic acid solution which is then lyophilized to yield the crude material. This can normally be purified by such techniques as gel filtration on Sephadex G-15 using 5% acetic acid as a solvent. Lyophilization of appropriate fractions of the column will yield the homogeneous peptide or peptide derivatives, which can then be characterized by such standard techniques as amino acid analysis, thin layer chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography, ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy, molar rotation, solubility, and quantitated by the solid phase Edman degradation.

[0086] Alternatively, peptides can be produced by recombinant methods as described below.

[0087] The term “substantially purified” as used herein refers to a molecule, such as a peptide that is substantially free of other proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and other biological materials with which it is naturally associated. For example, a substantially pure molecule, such as a polypeptide, can be at least 60%, by dry weight, the molecule of interest. One skilled in the art can purify GDF receptors peptides using standard protein purification methods and the purity of the polypeptides can be determined using standard methods including, e.g., polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (e.g., SDS-PAGE), column chromatography (e.g., high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)), and amino-terminal amino acid sequence analysis.

[0088] Non-peptide compounds that mimic the binding and function of GDF receptors (“mimetics”) can be produced by the approach outlined in Saragovi et al., Science 253: 792-95 (1991). Mimetics are molecules which mimic elements of protein secondary structure. See, for example, Johnson et al., “Peptide Turn Mimetics,” in BIOTECHNOLOGY AND PHARMACY, Pezzuto et al., Eds., (Chapman and Hall, New York 1993). The underlying rationale behind the use of peptide mimetics is that the peptide backbone of proteins exists chiefly to orient amino acid side chains in such a way as to facilitate molecular interactions. For the purposes of the present invention, appropriate mimetics can be considered to be the equivalent of GDF receptors itself.

[0089] Longer peptides can be produced by the “native chemical” ligation technique which links together peptides (Dawson, et al., Science, 266:776, 1994). Variants can be created by recombinant techniques employing genomic or cDNA cloning methods. Site-specific and region-directed mutagenesis techniques can be employed. See CURRENT PROTOCOLS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY vol. 1, ch. 8 (Ausubel et al. eds., J. Wiley & Sons 1989 & Supp. 1990-93); PROTEIN ENGINEERING (Oxender & Fox eds., A. Liss, Inc. 1987). In addition, linker-scanning and PCR-mediated techniques can be employed for mutagenesis. See PCR TECHNOLOGY (Erlich ed., Stockton Press 1989); CURRENT PROTOCOLS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, vols. 1 & 2, supra. Protein sequencing, structure and modeling approaches for use with any of the above techniques are disclosed in PROTEIN ENGINEERING, loc. cit., and CURRENT PROTOCOLS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, vols. 1 & 2, supra.

[0090] GDF Receptor-Binding and Blocking Agents

[0091] In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to GDF receptor-binding agents that block binding of GDFs to their receptors. Such agents could represent research and diagnostic tools in the study of muscle wasting disorder as described above and the development of more effective therapeutics. In addition, pharmaceutical compositions comprising GDF receptor-binding agents may represent effective therapeutics. In the context of the invention, the phrase “GDF receptor-binding agent” denotes a naturally occurring ligand of GDF receptors such as, for example: GDF-1-16; a synthetic ligand of GDF receptors, or appropriate derivatives of the natural or synthetic ligands. The determination and isolation of ligands is well described in the art. See, e.g., Lerner, Trends NeuroSci. 17:142-146 (1994) which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference.

[0092] In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to GDF receptor-binding agents that interfere with binding between GDF receptor and a GDF. Such binding agents may interfere by competitive inhibition, by non-competitive inhibition or by uncompetitive inhibition. Interference with normal binding between GDF receptors and one or more GDF can result in a useful pharmacological effect.

[0093] Screen for Binding and Blocking Compositions

[0094] In another embodiment, the invention provides a method for identifying a composition which binds to GDF receptors. The method includes incubating components comprising the composition and GDF receptors under conditions sufficient to allow the components to interact and measuring the binding of the composition to GDF receptors. Compositions that bind to GDF receptors include peptides, peptidomimetics, polypeptides, chemical compounds and biologic agents as described above.

[0095] Incubating includes conditions which allow contact between the test composition and GDF receptors. Contacting includes in solution and in solid phase. The test ligand(s)/composition may optionally be a combinatorial library for screening a plurality of compositions. Compositions identified in the method of the invention can be further evaluated, detected, cloned, sequenced, and the like, either in solution or after binding to a solid support, by any method usually applied to the detection of a specific DNA sequence such as PCR, oligomer restriction (Saiki, et al., Bio/Technology, 3:1008-1012, 1985), allele-specific oligonucleotide (ASO) probe analysis (Conner, et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 80:278, 1983), oligonucleotide ligation assays (OLAs) (Landegren, et al., Science, 241:1077, 1988), and the like. Molecular techniques for DNA analysis have been reviewed (Landegren, et al., Science, 242:229-237, 1988).

[0096] To determine if a composition can functionally complex with the receptor protein, induction of the exogenous gene is monitored by monitoring changes in the protein levels of the protein encoded for by the exogenous gene, for example. When a composition(s) is found that can induce transcription of the exogenous gene, it is concluded that this composition(s) can bind to the receptor protein coded for by the nucleic acid encoding the initial sample test composition(s).

[0097] Expression of the exogenous gene can be monitored by a functional assay or assay for a protein product, for example. The exogenous gene is therefore a gene which will provide an assayable/measurable expression product in order to allow detection of expression of the exogenous gene. Such exogenous genes include, but are not limited to, reporter genes such as chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene, an alkaline phosphatase gene, beta-galactosidase, a luciferase gene, a green fluorescent protein gene, guanine xanthine phosphoribosyltransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and antibiotic resistance genes (e.g., neomycin phosphotransferase).

[0098] Expression of the exogenous gene is indicative of composition-receptor binding, thus, the binding or blocking composition can be identified and isolated. The compositions of the present invention can be extracted and purified from the culture media or a cell by using known protein purification techniques commonly employed, such as extraction, precipitation, ion exchange chromatography, affinity chromatography, gel filtration and the like. Compositions can be isolated by affinity chromatography using the modified receptor protein extracellular domain bound to a column matrix or by heparin chromatography.

[0099] Also included in the screening method of the invention is combinatorial chemistry methods for identifying chemical compounds that bind to GDF receptors. Thus, the screening method is also useful for identifying variants, binding or blocking agents, etc., which functionally, if not physically (e.g., sterically) act as antagonists or agonists, as desired.

EXAMPLES

[0100] Distribution of Receptors for GDF-8 and GDF-11.

[0101] The purified GDF-8 and GDF-11 proteins will be used primarily to assay for biological activities. In order to identify potential target cells for GDF-8 and GDF-11 action cells expressing their receptors will be searched. For this purpose, the purified protein will be radioiodinated using the chloramine T method, which has been used successfully to label other members of this superfamily, like TGF-&bgr; (Cheifetz et al., 1987), activins (Sugino et al., 1988), and BMPs (Paralkar et al., 1991), for receptor-binding studies. The mature processed forms of GDF-8 and GDF-11 each contain multiple tyrosine residues. Two different approaches will then be taken to attempt to identify receptors for these proteins.

[0102] One approach will be taken to determine the number, affinity, and distribution of receptors. Either whole cells grown in culture, frozen sections of embryos or adult tissues, or total membrane fractions prepared from tissues or cultured cells will be incubated with the labeled protein, and the amount or distribution of bound protein will be determined. For experiments involving cell lines or membranes, the amount of binding will be determined by measuring either the amount of radioactivity bound to cells on the dish after several washes or, in the case of membranes, the amount of radioactivity sedimented with the membranes after centrifugation or retained with the membranes on a filter. For experiments involving primary cultures, where the number of cells may be more limited, binding sites will be visualized directly by overlaying with photographic emulsion. For experiments involving frozen sections, sites of ligand binding will be visualized by exposing these sections to high resolution Beta-max hyperfilm; if finer localization is required, the sections will be dipped in photographic emulsion. For all of these experiments, specific binding will be determined by adding excess unlabeled protein as competitor (for example, see Lee and Nathans, 1988).

[0103] A second approach will also be taken to begin to characterize the receptor biochemically. Membrane preparations or potential target cells grown in culture will be incubated with labeled ligand, and receptor/ligand complexes will be covalently cross-linked using disuccinimidyl suberate, which has been commonly used to identify receptors for a variety of ligands, including members of the TGF-&bgr; superfamily (for example, see Massague and Like, 1985). Cross-inked complexes will then be electrophoresed on SDS polyacrylamide gels to look for bands labeled in the absence but not in the presence of excess unlabeled protein. The molecular weight of the putative receptor will be estimated by subtracting the molecular weight of the ligand. An important question that these experiments will address is whether GDF-8 and GDF-11 signal through type I and type II receptors like many other members of the TGF-B superfamily (for review, see Massague, 1996).

[0104] Once a method for detecting receptors for these molecules has been achieved, more detailed analysis will be carried out to determine the binding affinities and specificities. A Scatchard analysis will be used to determine the number of binding sites and dissociation constants. By carrying out cross-competition analyses between GDF-8 and GDF-11 (see FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively for nucleotide and amino acid sequences), it will be possible to determine whether they are capable of binding to the same receptor and their relative affinities. These studies will be critical as they will give an indication as to whether the molecules signal through the same or different receptors. Competition experiments using other TGF-B family members will be performed to determine specificity. Some of these ligands are available commercially, and some others are available from Genetics Institute, Inc.

[0105] For these experiments, a variety of embryonic and adult tissues and cell lines will be tested. Based on the specific expression of GDF-8 in skeletal muscle and the phenotype of GDF-8 knockout mice, initial studies focus on embryonic and adult muscle tissue for membrane preparation and for receptor studies using frozen sections. In addition, myoblasts will be isolated and cultured from embryos at various days of gestation or satellite cells from adult muscle as described (Vivarelli and Cossu, 1986; Cossu et al., 1980). The binding studies on these primary cells after various days in culture will be performed and binding sites localized by autoradiography so that the binding sites can be co-localized with various myogenic markers, such as muscle myosin (Vivarelli et al., 1988), and correlate binding with the differentiation state of the cells, such as formation of multinucleated myotubes. In addition to using primary cells, cell lines will be utilized to look for receptors. In particular, the initial focus will be on three cells lines, C2C12, L6, and P19. C2C12 and L6 myoblasts will differentiate spontaneously in culture and form myotubes depending on the particular growth conditions (Yaffe and Saxel, 1977; Yaffe, 1968). P19 embryonal carcinoma cells can be induced to differentiate into various cell types, including skeletal muscle cells in the presence of DMSO (Rudnicki and McBurney, 1987). Receptor binding studies will be carried out on these cell lines under various growth conditions and at various stages of differentiation.

[0106] Although the initial studies will focus on muscle cells, other tissues and cell types will be examined for the presence of GDF-8 and GDF-11 receptors.

[0107] Recombinant human GDF-8 homodimer was used in these binding studies. The rh-GDF-8 was expressed using CHO cells and purified to approximately 90% purity. The autoradiograph (FIG. 5) shows that the GDF-8 has the expected 25-27 KD molecular eight and upon reduction is reduced to the 12 KD monomer. Using 1-125 labeled GDF-8 in a receptor-ligand binding assay, two myoblast cell lines, L6 and G-8, were found to bind GDF-8. The binding was specific since non labeled GDF-8 effectively competed the binding of the labeled ligand. These results are illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, respectively. The dissociation constant (Kd) is 370 pM and L6 myoblasts have a high number (5,000 receptors/cell) of cell surface binding proteins (FIG. 6). GDF-11 (also called BMP-11) is highly homologous (>90%) to GDF-8. Receptor binding studies were performed to determine if GDF-11 also binds the GDF-8 receptor. FIG. 6 shows that GDF-8 and GDF-11 do bind to the same binding proteins on L6 myoblasts. It is important to establish whether or not GDF-8 binds to the known TGF-&bgr; receptor. As shown in FIG. 6, TGF-&bgr; does not compete the binding of GDF-8, indicating that the GDF-8 receptor is distinct from the TGF-&bgr; receptor. The GDF-8 receptor is not expressed on all myoblast cell lines. FIGS. 8-11 are examples of four myoblast cell lines (C2C12, G7, MLB13MYC c14 and BC3H1) which do not bind GDF-8.

[0108] Cloning the Gene or Genes Encoding Receptors for GDF-8 and GDF-11.

[0109] As a first step towards understanding the mechanism by which GDF-8 and GDF-11 exert their biological effects, it is important to clone the genes encoding their receptors. From the experiments above, it will be more clear as to whether GDF-8 and GDF-11 bind to the same receptor or to different receptors. There will also be considerable information regarding the tissue and cell type distribution of these receptors. Using this information, two different approaches will be taken to clone the receptor genes.

[0110] The first approach will be to use an expression cloning strategy. In fact, this was the strategy that was orginally used by Mathews and Vale (1991) and Lin et al. (1992) to clone the first activin and TGF-1 receptors. We will begin by preparing poly A-selected RNA from the tissue or cell type that expresses the highest relative number of high affinity binding sites. We will then use this RNA to prepare a cDNA library in the mammalian expression vector pcDNA-1. This vector contains a CMV promoter and an SV40 origin of replication. The library will be plated, and cells from each plate will be pooled into broth and frozen. Aliquots from each pool will then be grown for preparation of DNA. Each individual pool will be transiently transfected into COS cells in chamber slides, and transfected cells will be incubated with iodinated GDF-8 or GDF-11. After washing away the unbound protein, the sites of ligand binding will be visualized by autoradiography. Once a positive pool is identified, the cells from that pool will be replated at lower density, and the process will be repeated. Positive pools will then be plated, and individual colonies will be picked into grids and re-analyzed as described (Wong et al., 1985).

[0111] We will attempt to carry out this screen initially using pool sizes of 1500 colonies. In order to be certain that we will be able to identify a positive clone in a mixture of this complexity, we will carry out a control experiment using TGF-13 and a cloned type II receptor. The coding sequence for the TGF-&bgr; type II receptor will be cloned into the pcDNA-1 vector, and bacteria transformed with this construct will be mixed with bacteria from our library at various ratios, including 1:1500. We will then transfect DNA prepared from this mixture into COS cells, incubate with iodinated TGF-&bgr;, and visualize by autoradiography. If we can see positive signals at a ratio of 1:1500, we will begin screening pools of 1500 clones. Otherwise, we will use smaller pool sizes corresponding to ratios at which the procedure is sensitive enough to identify a positive signal in our control experiments. While we have no previous experience in expression cloning per se, we have constructed over 50 cDNA libraries in the past, and many of these have yielded a high frequency of full-length cDNA clones.

[0112] We will also use a second parallel strategy to attempt to clone the GDF-8 and GDF-11 receptors. We will take advantage of the fact that most receptors for members of the TGF-&bgr; superfamily that have been identified belong to the membrane-spanning serine/threonine kinase family (for review, see Massague, 1996). Because the cytoplasmic domains of these receptors are related in sequence, we will attempt to use degenerate PCR to clone members of this receptor family that are expressed in tissues that contain binding sites for GDF-8 and GDF-11. In fact, this is the approach that has been used to identify most of the members of this receptor family. We have extensive experience using this type of strategy for identifying ligands in this superfamily, and therefore, we are quite confident that we will be able to carry out this approach successfully. The general strategy will be to design degenerate primers corresponding to conserved regions of the known receptors, to use these primers for PCR on cDNA prepared from the appropriate RNA samples (most likely from skeletal muscle), to subclone the PCR products, and finally to sequence individual subclones. As sequences are identified, they will be used as hybridization probes to eliminate duplicate clones from further analysis. We will then test the receptors that we identify for their ability to bind purified GDF-8 and GDF-11. Because this screen will yield only small PCR products, we will obtain full-length cDNA clones for each receptor from cDNA libraries prepared from the appropriate tissue, insert these cDNA clones into the pcDNA-1 vector, transfect these constructs into COS cells, and assay the transfected cells for their ability to bind iodinated GDF-8 or GDF-11. Ideally, we would like to test every receptor that we identify in this screen for their ability to bind these ligands. However, the number of receptors that we identify may be large, and isolating all of the full-length cDNAs and testing them may require considerable effort. Almost certainly some of the receptors that we identify will correspond to known receptors, and for these, either obtaining full-length cDNA clones from other investigators or amplifying the coding seqences by PCR based on the published sequences should be straightforward. For novel sequences, we will determine their tissue distribution by Northern analysis and then give the highest priority to those receptors whose expression pattern most closely resembles the distribution of GDF-8 and/or GDF-11 binding sites as determined above.

[0113] In particular, it is known that these receptors fall into two classes, type I and type II, which can be distinguished based on the sequence and which are both required for full activity. Certain ligands cannot bind type I receptors in the absence of type II receptors while others are capable of binding both receptor types (for review, see Massague, 1996). The cross-linking experiments outlined above should give some indication as to whether both type I and type II receptors are also involved in signalling GDF-8 and GDF-11. If so, it will be important to clone both of these receptor subtypes in order to fully understand how GDF-8 and GDF-11 transmit their signals. Because we cannot predict whether the type I receptor is capable of interacting with GDF-8 and GDF-11 in the absence of the type II receptor, we will focus first on cloning the type II receptor(s). Only after we have at least one type II receptor for these ligands in hand will we attempt to identify the type I receptors for GDF-8 and GDF-11. Our general strategy will be to co-transfect the type II receptor with each of the type I receptors that we identify in the PCR screen and then assay the transfected cells by crosslinking as described in Specific Aim 4. If the type I receptor is part of the receptor complex for GDF-8 or GDF-11, we should be able to detect two cross-linked receptor species in the transfected cells, one corresponding to the type I receptor and the other corresponding to the type II receptor.

[0114] The search for GDF-8 and GDF-11 receptors is further complicated by the fact at least one member of the TGF-&bgr; superfamily, namely, GDNF, is capable of signalling through a completely different type of receptor complex involving a GPI-linked component (GDNFR-alpha) and a receptor tyrosine kinase (c-ret) (Trupp et al., 1996; Durbec et al., 1996; Treanor et al., 1996; Jing et al., 1996). Although GDNF is the most distantly-related member of the TGF-&bgr; superfamily, it is certainly possible that other TGF-&bgr; family members may also signal through an analogous receptor system. If GDF-8 and GDF-11 do signal through a similar receptor complex, our expression screening approach should be able to identify at least the GPI-linked component (indeed GDNFR-alpha was identified using an expression screening approach) of this complex. However, identifying the analogous receptor tyrosine kinase would probably require a substantial amount of additional work, such as biochemical purification of the complex. In the case of GDNF, the similar phenotypes of GDNF- and c-ret-deficient mice suggested c-ret as a potential receptor for GDNF.

[0115] GDF-11 Transgenic Knockout Mice

[0116] The phenotype of GDF-11 knockout mice in several respects resembles the phenotype of mice carrying a deletion of a receptor for some members of the TGF-&bgr; superfamily, the activin type IIB receptor (ActRIIB). To determine the biological function of GDF-11, we disrupted the GDF-11 gene by homologous targeting in embryonic stem cells. A murine 129 SV/J genomic library was prepared in lambda FIXII according to the instructions provided by Stratagene (La Jolla, Calif.). The structure of the GDF-11 gene was deduced from restriction mapping and partial sequencing of phage clones isolated from the library. Vectors for preparing the targeting construct were kindly provided by Philip Soriano and Kirk Thomas. To ensure that the resulting mice would be null for GDF-11 function, the entire mature C-terminal region was deleted and replaced by a neo cassette (FIGS. 12a,b). R1 ES cells were transfected with the targeting construct, selected with gancyclovir (2 &mgr;M) and G418 (250 &mgr;g/ml), and analyzed by Southern analysis. Homologous targeting of the GDF-11 gene was seen in 8/155 gancyclovir/G418 doubly resistant ES cell clones. Following injection of several targeted clones into C57BL/6J blastocysts, we obtained chimeras from one ES clone that produced heterozygous pups when crossed to both C57BL/6J and 129/SvJ females. Crosses of C57BL/6J/129/SvJ hybrid F1 heterozygotes produced 49 wild-type (34%), 94 heterozygous (66%) and no homozygous mutant adult offspring. Similarly, there were no adult homozygous null animals seen in the 129/SvJ background (32 wild-type (36%) and 56 heterozygous mutant (64%) animals).

[0117] To determine the age at which homozygous mutants were dying, we genotyped litters of embryos isolated at various gestational ages from heterozygous females that had been mated to heterozygous males. At all embryonic stages examined, homozygous mutant embryos were present at approximately the predicted frequency of 25%. Among hybrid newborn mice, the different genotypes were also represented at the expected Mendelian ratio of 1:2:1 (34+/+(28%), 61+/−(50%), and 28−/−(23%)). Homozygous mutant mice were born alive and were able to breath and nurse. All homozygous mutants died, however, within the first 24 hours after birth. The precise cause of death was unknown, but the lethality may have been related to the fact that the kidneys in homozygous mutants were either severely hypoplastic or completely absent. A summary of the kidney abnormalities in these mice is shown in FIG. 13.

[0118] Anatomical Differences In Knockout Mice

[0119] Homozygous mutant animals were easily recognizable by their severely shortened or absent tails (FIG. 14a). To further characterize the tail defects in these homozygous mutant animals, we examined their skeletons to determine the degree of disruption of the caudal vertebrae. A comparison of wild-type and mutant skeleton preparations of late stage embryos and newborn mice, however, revealed differences not only in the caudal region of the animals but in many other regions as well. In nearly every case where differences were noted, the abnormalities appeared to represent homeotic transformations of vertebral segments in which particular segments appeared to have a morphology typical of more anterior segments. These transformations, which are summarized in FIG. 15, were evident throughout the axial skeleton extending from the cervical region to the caudal region. Except for the defects seen in the axial skeleton, the rest of the skeleton, such as the cranium and limb bones, appeared normal.

[0120] Anterior transformations of the vertebrae in mutant newborn animals were most readily apparent in the thoracic region, where there was a dramatic increase in the number of thoracic (T) segments. All wild-type mice examined showed the typical pattern of 13 thoracic vertebrae each with its associated pair of ribs (FIG. 14(b,e)). In contrast, homozygous mutant mice showed a striking increase in the number of thoracic vertebrae. All homozygous mutants examined had 4 to 5 extra pairs of ribs for a total of 17 to 18 (FIG. 14(d,g)) although in over 1/3 of these animals, the 18th rib appeared to be rudimentary. Hence, segments that would normally correspond to lumbar (L) segments L1 to L4 or L5 appeared to have been transformed into thoracic segments in mutant animals.

[0121] Moreover, transformations within the thoracic region in which one thoracic vertebra had a morphology characteristic of another thoracic vertebra were also evident. For example, in wild-type mice, the first 7 pairs of ribs attach to the sternum, and the remaining 6 are unattached or free (FIG. 14(e,h)). In homozygous mutants, there was an increase in the number of both attached and free pairs of ribs to 10-11 and 7-8, respectively (FIG. 14(g,j)). Therefore, thoracic segments T8, T9, T10, and in some cases even T11, which all have free ribs in wild-type animals, were transformed in mutant animals to have a characteristic typical of more anterior thoracic segments, namely, the presence of ribs attached to the sternum. Consistent with this finding, the transitional spinous process and transitional articular processes which are normally found on T10 in wild-type animals were instead found on T13 in homozygous mutants (data not shown). Additional transformations within the thoracic region were also noted in certain mutant animals. For example, in wild-type mice, the ribs derived from T1 normally touch the top of the sternum. However, in 2/23 hybrid and 2/3 129/SvJ homozygous mutant mice examined, T2 appeared to have been transformed to have a morphology resembling that of T1; that is, in these animals, the ribs derived from T2 extended to touch the top of the sternum. In these cases, the ribs derived from T1 appeared to fuse to the second pair of ribs. Finally, in 82% of homozygous mutants, the long spinous process normally present on T2 was shifted to the position of T3. In certain other homozygous mutants, asymmetric fusion of a pair of vertebrosternal ribs was seen at other thoracic levels.

[0122] The anterior transformations were not restricted to the thoracic region. The anterior most transformation that we observed was at the level of the 6th cervical vertebra (C6). In wild-type mice, C6 is readily identifiable by the presence of two anterior tuberculi on the ventral side. In several homozygous mutant mice, although one of these two anterior tuberculi was present on C6, the other was present at the position of C7 instead. Hence, in these mice, C7 appeared to have been partially transformed to have a morphology resembling that of C6. One other homozygous mutant had 2 anterior tuberculi on C7 but retained one on C6 for a complete C7 to C6 transformation but a partial C6 to C5 transformation.

[0123] Transformations of the axial skeleton also extended into the lumbar region. Whereas wild-type animals normally have only 6 lumbar vertebrae, homozygous mutants had 8-9. At least 6 of the lumbar vertebrae in the mutants must have derived from segments that would normally have given rise to sacral and caudal vertebrae as the data described above suggest that 4 to 5 lumbar segments were transformed into thoracic segments. Hence, homozygous mutant mice had a total of 33-34 presacral vertebrae compared to 26 presacral vertebrae normally present in wild-type mice. The most common presacral vertebral patterns were C7/T18/L8 and C7/T18/L9 for mutant mice compared to C7/T13/L6 for wild-type mice. The presence of additional presacral vertebrae in mutant animals was obvious even without detailed examination of the skeletons as the position of the hindlimbs relative to the forelimbs was displaced posteriorly by 7-8 segments.

[0124] Although the sacral and caudal vertebrae were also affected in homozygous mutant mice, the exact nature of each transformation was not as readily identifiable. In wild-type mice, sacral segments S1 and S2 typically have broad transverse processes compared to S3 and S4. In the mutants, there did not appear to be an identifiable S1 or S2 vertebra. Instead, mutant animals had several vertebrae that appeared to have morphology similar to S3. In addition, the transverse processes of all 4 sacral vertebrae are normally fused to each other although in newborns often only fusions of the first 3 vertebrae are seen. In homozygous mutants, however, the transverse processes of the sacral vertebrae were usually unfused. In the caudal most region, all mutant animals also had severely malformed vertebrae with extensive fusions of cartilage. Although the severity of the fusions made it difficult to count the total number of vertebrae in the caudal region, we were able to count up to 15 transverse processes in several animals. We were unable to determine whether these represented sacral or caudal vertebrae in the mutants because we could not establish morphologic criteria for distinguishing S4 from caudal vertebrae even in wild-type newborn animals. Regardless of their identities, the total number of vertebrae in this region was significantly reduced from the normal number of approximately 30. Hence, although the mutants had significantly more thoracic and lumber vertebrae than wild-type mice, the total number of segments was reduced in the mutants due to the truncation of the tails.

[0125] Heterozygous mice also showed abnormalities in the axial skeleton although the phenotype was much milder than in homozygous mice. The most obvious abnormality in heterozygous mice was the presence of an additional thoracic segment with an associated pair of ribs (FIG. 14(c,f)). This transformation was present in every heterozygous animal examined, and in every case, the additional pair of ribs was attached to the sternum (FIG. 14(i)). Hence, T8, whose associated rib normally does not touch the sternum, appeared to have been transformed to a morphology characteristic of a more anterior thoracic vertebra, and L1 appeared to have been transformed to a morphology characteristic of a posterior thoracic vertebra. Other abnormalities indicative of anterior transformations were also seen to varying degrees in heterozygous mice. These included a shift of the long spinous process characteristic of T2 by one segment to T3, a shift of the articular and spinous processes from T10 to T11, a shift of the anterior tuberculus on C6 to C7, and transformation of T2 to T1 where the rib associated with T2 touched the top of the sternum.

[0126] In order to understand the basis for the abnormalities in axial patterning seen in GDF-11 mutant mice, we examined mutant embryos isolated at various stages of development and compared them to wild-type embryos. By gross morphological examination, homozygous mutant embryos isolated up to day 9.5 of gestation were not readily distinguishable from corresponding wild-type embryos. In particular, the number of somites present at any given developmental age was identical between mutant and wild-type embryos, suggesting that the rate of somite formation was unaltered in the mutants. By day 10.5-11.5 p.c., mutant embryos could be easily distinguished from wild-type embryos by the posterior displacement of the hindlimb by 7-8 somites. The abnormalities in tail development were also readily apparent at this stage. Taken together, these data suggest that the abnormalities observed in the mutant skeletons represented true transformations of segment identities rather than the insertion of additional segments, for example, by an enhanced rate of somitogenesis.

[0127] Alterations in expression of homeobox containing genes are known to cause transformations in Drosophila and in vertebrates. To see if the expression patterns of Hox genes (the vertebrate homeobox containing genes) were altered in GDF-11 null mutants we determined the expression pattern of 3 representative Hox genes, Hoxc-6, Hoxc-8 and Hoxc-11, in day 12.5 p.c. wild-type, heterozygous and homozygous mutant embryos by whole mount in situ hybridization. The expression pattern of Hoxc-6 in wild-type embryos spanned prevertebrae 8-15 which correspond to thoracic segments T1-T8. In homozygous mutants, however, the Hoxc-6 expression pattern was shifted posteriorly and expanded to prevertebrae 9-18 (T2-T11). A similar shift was seen with the Hoxc-8 probe. In wild-type embryos, Hoxc-8 was expressed in prevertebrae 13-18 (T6-T11) but, in homozygous mutant embryos, Hoxc-8 was expressed in prevertebrae 14-22 (T7-T15). Finally, Hoxc-11 expression was also shifted posteriorly in that the anterior boundary of expression changed from prevertebrae 28 tin wild-type embryos to prevertebrae 36 in mutant embryos. (Note that because the position of the hindlimb is also shifted posteriorly in mutant embryos, the Hoxc-11 expression patterns in wild-type and mutant appeared similar relative to the hindlimbs). These data provide further evidence that the skeletal abnormalities seen in mutant animals represent homeotic transformations.

[0128] The phenotype of GDF-11 mice suggested that GDF-11 acts early during embryogenesis as a global regulator of axial patterning. To begin to examine the mechanism by which GDF-11 exerts its effects, we determined the expression pattern of GDF-11 in early mouse embryos by whole mount in situ hybridization. At these stages the primary sites of GDF-11 expression correlated precisely with the known sites at which mesodermal cells are generated. Expression of GDF-11 was first detected at day 8.25-8.5 p.c. (8-10 somites) in the primitive streak region, which is the site at which ingressing cells form the mesoderm of the developing embryo. Expression was maintained in the primitive streak at day 8.75, but by day 9.5 p.c., when the tail bud replaces the primitive streak as the source of new mesodermal cells, expression of GDF-11 shifted to the tail bud. Hence at these early stages, GDF-11 appears to be synthesized in the region of the developing embryo where new mesodermal cells arise and presumably acquire their positional identity.

[0129] The phenotype of GDF-11 knockout mice in several respects resembles the phenotype of mice carrying a deletion of a receptor for some members of the TGF-&bgr; superfamily, the activin type IIB receptor (ActRIIB). As in the case of GDF-11 knockout mice, the ActRIIB knockout mice have extra pairs of ribs and a spectrum of kidney defects ranging from hypoplastic kidneys to complete absence of kidneys. The similarity in the phenotypes of these mice raises the possibility that ActRIIB may be a receptor for GDF-11. However, Act RIIB may not be the sole receptor for GDF-11 because the phenotype of GDF-11 knockout mice is more severe than the phenotype of ActRIIB mice. For example, whereas the GDF-11 knockout animals have 4-5 extra pairs of ribs and show homeotic transformations throughout the axial skeleton, the ActRIIB knockout animals have only 3 extra pairs of ribs and do not show transformations at other axial levels. In addition, the data indicate that the kidney defects in the GDF-11 knockout mice are also more severe than those in ActRIIB knockout mice. The ActRIIB knockout mice show defects in left/right axis formation, such as lung isomerism and a range of heart defects that we have not yet observed in GDF-11 knockout mice. ActRIIB can bind the activins and certain BMPs, although none of the knockout mice generated for these ligands show defects in left/right axis formation.

[0130] If GDF-11 does act directly on mesodermal cells to establish positional identity, the data presented here would be consistent with either short range or morphogen models for GDF-11 action. That is, GDF-11 may act on mesodermal precursors to establish patterns of Hox gene expression as these cells are being generated at the site of GDF-11 expression, or alternatively, GDF-11 produced at the posterior end of the embryo may diffuse to form a morphogen gradient. Whatever the mechanism of action of GDF-11 may be, the fact that gross anterior/posterior patterning still does occur in GDF-11 knockout animals suggests that GDF-11 may not be the sole regulator of anterior/posterior specification. Nevertheless, it is clear that GDF-11 plays an important role as a global regulator of axial patterning and that further study of this molecule will lead to important new insights into how positional identity along the anterior/posterior axis is established in the vertebrate embryo.

[0131] Similar phenotypes are expected in GDF-8 knockout animals. For example, GDF-8 knockout animals are expected to have increased number of ribs, kidney defects and anatomical differences when compared to wild-type.

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Claims

1. A recombinant cell line that expresses growth differentiation factor-8 (GDF-8) or growth differentiation factor-11 (GDF-11) receptor polypeptide.

2. The cell line of claim 1, wherein the cell is selected from the group of species consisting of avian, bovine, ovine, piscine, murine, human and porcine.

3. An antibody which specifically binds to growth differentiation factor-8 (GDF-8) receptor polypeptide or fragments thereof.

4. The antibody of claim 7, wherein the antibody is a monoclonal antibody.

5. An antibody which specifically binds to growth differentiation factor-11 (GDF-11) receptor polypeptide or fragments thereof.

6. The antibody of claim 7, wherein the antibody is a monoclonal antibody.

7. An isolated polynucleotide which encodes growth differentiation factor-8 (GDF-8) receptor.

8. An isolated polynucleotide which encodes growth differentiation factor-11 (GDF-11) receptor.

9. An expression vector containing in operable linkage the polynucleotide as in claim 7 or 8.

10. A host cell containing the vector of claim 9.

11. A substantially purified peptide fragment of GDF-8 receptor, wherein the peptide inhibits GDF-8 binding to GDF-8 receptor.

12. A substantially purified peptide fragment of GDF-11, wherein the peptide inhibits GDF-11 binding to GDF-11 receptor.

13. A substantially purified GDF-8-binding agent, wherein the binding agent inhibits GDF-8 binding to GDF-8 receptor.

14. A substantially purified GDF-11-binding agent, wherein the binding agent inhibits GDF-11 binding to GDF-11 receptor.

15. The agent as in claims 13 or 14, wherein the agent is selected from a biologic agent and a chemical compound.

16. The agent as in claims 13 or 14, wherein the agent is a anti-GDF antibody or epitope binding fragment thereof.

17. The agent of claim 16, wherein the antibody is a monoclonal antibody or a polyclonal antibody.

18. A method for inhibiting GDF binding to a GDF receptor comprising contacting GDF-receptor with an anti-GDF-antibody.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the contacting is by in vivo administration to a subject.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the anti-GDF-antibody is administered by intravenous, intramuscular or subcutaneous injections.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the anti-GDF-antibody is administered within a dose range of 0.1 ug/kg to 100 mg/kg.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein the antibody is formulated in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

23. A method for identifying a GDF receptor polypeptide comprising:

a) incubating components comprising GDF polypeptide and a cell expressing a receptor or a soluble receptor under conditions sufficient to allow the GDF to bind to the receptor;

b) measuring the binding of the GDF polypeptide to the receptor; and

c) isolating the receptor.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the GDF is GDF-8 or GDF-11.

25. A method for identifying a compound which binds to GDF receptor polypeptide comprising:

a) incubating components comprising the compound and GDF polypeptide under conditions sufficient to allow the components to interact; and

b) measuring the binding or effect of binding of the compound to GDF receptor polypeptide.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the compound is a peptide.

27. The method of claim 25, wherein the compound is a peptidomimetic.

28. The method of claim 25, wherein the GDF receptor is expressed in a cell.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the cell is the cell of claim 1.

30. The method of claim 25, wherein measuring the ability of the compound to bind to GDF receptor is by detection of a reporter means.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the reporter means is selected from the group consisting of a radioisotope, a fluorescent compound, a bioluminescent compound, a chemiluminescent compound, a metal chelator, or an enzyme.

32. A transgenic non-human animal having a phenotype characterized by expression of GDF-receptor polypeptide, the phenotype being conferred by a transgene contained in the somatic and germ cells of the animal, the transgene comprising a nucleic acid sequence which encodes GDF-receptor polypeptide.

33. The transgenic non-human animal of claim 32, wherein the animal is selected from the group of species consisting of avian, bovine, ovine, piscine, murine, and porcine.

34. A method for producing a transgenic non-human animal having a phenotype characterized by expression of GDF-receptor polypeptide otherwise not naturally occurring in the animal, the method comprising:

(a) introducing at least one transgene into a zygote of an animal, the transgene(s) comprising a DNA construct encoding GDF-receptor,

(b) transplanting the zygote into a pseudopregnant animal,

(c) allowing the zygote to develop to term, and

(d) identifying at least one transgenic offspring containing the transgene.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the introducing of the transgene into the embryo is by introducing an embryonic stem cell containing the transgene into the embryo.

36. The method of claim 34, wherein the introducing of the transgene into the embryo is by infecting the embryo with a retrovirus containing the transgene.

37. A transgenic non-human animal having a transgene disrupting or interfering with expression of GDF-receptor chromosomally integrated into the germ cells of the animal.

38. The transgenic non-human animal of claim 37, wherein the transgene comprises GDF-receptor antisense polynucleotide.

39. A method for inhibiting the expression of GDF-receptor in a cell comprising contacting GDF-receptor with an inhibiting effective amount of an antisense oligonucleotide that binds to a segment of an mRNA transcribed from a GDF-receptor gene, whereby the binding of the antisense to the mRNA segment inhibits GDF-receptor expression.

40. Substantially pure GDF receptor polypeptide.

41. The GDF receptor of claim 40, wherein GDF is GDF-8 or GDF-11.