| abstract |
The present invention provides a novel family of polypeptides which are ligand-gated channel receptor accessory molecules or ligands, denoted Lynx. This invention provides an isolated polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence of a Lynx polypeptide in which the amino acid sequence is set forth in SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:4 or SEQ ID NO:15, including fragments, mutants, variants, analogs, homologs, or derivatives, thereof. This invention further provides an isolated immunogenic polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence of a Lynx polypeptide and relates to antibodies of Lynx polypeptides and the use of such antibodies. The invention provides an isolated nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence of a Lynx polypeptide. This invention provides pharmaceutical compositions and diagnostic and therapeutic methods of use of the isolated polypeptides and nucleic acids of the present invention. Assays for compounds which mimic, alter or inactivate the polypeptides of the present invention for use in therapy are also provided. The present invention further relates to methods of isolating Lynx polypeptides and the nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides. |