Stem Cell Related Patent Number US7074771

Gene encoding MNR2 and uses thereof

Jessell, Thomas M.; New York, NY, United States of America
Tanabe, Yasuto; Kyoto, Japan
William, Christopher; New York, NY, United States of America

Described herein are novel isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding a motor neuron restricted pattern protein and a homeobox protein. The invention relates to an isolated chick 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 an MNR2 protein. Methods are provided for inducing a chick hindbrain motor neuron progenitor cell to differentiate into a chicken somatic motor neuron, such that a purified MNR2 protein, a polyclonal and a monoclonal antibody are directed to an epitope of an MNR2 protein. The resulting induced differentiation of somatic motor neurons express the MNR2 protein in neural progenitor cells, thereby yielding a transgenic animal which expresses the MNR2 protein. Further disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition comprising am MNR2 protein and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Also included are applications in the treatment of chronic neurodegenerative diseases and acute nervous system injuries.

Application Number: US2002000095932

Date Filed: 03/11/02

Dated Published: 07/11/06

Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York, New York, NY, United States of America