| abstract |
Two insulin-like growth factor binding proteins are isolated from rat serum, purified to homogeneity and partially sequenced. Using nucleotide probes based upon the amino terminal sequence of one of the isolated proteins, the complete sequence for the mature 252-residue rat protein, termed IGFBP-5, is deduced. The highly homologous 252-residue sequence of the human protein is thereafter separately deduced. These three proteins are useful in the inhibition of cell differentiation and/or proliferation requiring IGFs and are particularly useful in combating breast and bone cancers. Antibodies to the proteins may be employed in diagnostic assays, in purification of the protein and in the modulation of bone growth. |