Columbia University

Yasuto Tanabe

Thomas M Jessell

Christopher William

This invention provides isolated nucleic acids encoding a motor neuron restricted MNR2 protein, and a homeobox HB9 protein. Also provided are purified MNR2 and HB9 proteins, antibodies recognizing these proteins, transgenic animals expressing these proteins, and functionally equivalent analogs of these proteins. Finally, methods are disclosed for inducing differentiation of somatic motor neurons, and for treating diseases related to the lack of normally functioning motor neurons, neurodegenerative diseases, acute nervous system injury, and neuromuscular disease.

Gene encoding MNR2 and uses thereof

This invention provides an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a motor neuron restricted pattern, MNR2, protein. This invention provides an isolated nucleic acid molecule of at least 15 contiguous nucleotides capable of specifically hybridizing with a unique sequence included within the sequence of the nucleic acid molecule encoding a MNR2 protein. This invention provides a purified MNR2 protein, a polyclonal and monoclonal antibody directed to an epitope of an MNR2 protein. This invention provides a method of inducing differentiation somatic motor neurons which comprises expressing MNR2 protein in any neural progenitor cells. This invention provides a transgenic animal which expresses an MNR2 protein. This invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a MNR2 protein and pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. This invention provides methods of treating subjects afflicted with an abnormality associated with a lack of normally functioning motor neurons, neurodegenerative disease, an acute nervous system injury and a neuromuscular disease which comprises contacting the subject with a pharmaceutical composition comprising a MNR2 protein and pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. This invention provides a functionally equivalent analog of MNR2 that induces or prevents MNR2 differentiation of neural progenitor cells.

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Kyoto, Japan

Yasuto Tanabe