| abstract |
Several substantially purified pantothenate kinase polypeptides are disclosed, as are polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind a pantothenate kinase. Isolated polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides are also disclosed. Vectors including these polynucleotides, and host cells transfected with these polypeptides, are also disclosed herein. Methods are also disclosed herein for treating a neurodegenerative disorder by administering a PANK polynucleotide or a PANK polypeptide to a subject. Pharmaceutical compositions are further disclosed herein that include a PANK polynucleotide or polypeptide. Methods of predicting a predisposition to, or severity of, a neurodegenerative disorder are also disclosed, as are kits useful for this detection. Also disclosed herein are methods of treating a neurodegenerative disorder in a subject. |