Apoptosis modulator Bcl-B and methods for making and using same
A novel human member of the Bcl-2 family Bcl-B has been identified, which is closest in amino-acid sequence homology to the Boo (Diva) protein. The Bcl-B protein is widely expressed in adult human tissues. The Bcl-B protein modulates apoptosis. Bcl-B also binds Bcl-2, BCI-XL, and Bax but not Bak. Bcl-B displays a unique pattern of selectivity for binding and regulating the function of other members of the Bcl-2 family.
1. An isolated or recombinant nucleic acid comprising a polynucleotide sequence that is 95% or more identical to SEQ ID NO:1, wherein said polynucleotide sequence encodes a polypeptide that is an apoptosis inhibitor.
2. The isolated or recombinant nucleic acid of claim 1 , that is 95% identical to SEQ ID NO:1.
3. The isolated or recombinant nucleic acid of claim 1 , wherein the sequence is attached to a substrate.
4. An expression cassette, comprising a polynucleotide sequence that is 95% or more identical to SEQ ID NO:1 operably linked to an expression control element, wherein said polynucleotide sequence encodes a polypeptide that inhibits apoptosis.
5. The expression cassette of claim 4 , wherein the expression control element comprises a promoter or enhancer.
6. The expression cassette of claim 4 , wherein the expression control element is constitutive, inducible, tissue-specific or developmentally related.
7. A vector comprising the expression cassette of claim 4 .
8. The vector of claim 7 wherein said vector confers expression in bacteria, plant, insect, mammalian, or yeast cells.
9. The vector of claim 7 wherein said vector is a viral vector.
10. The viral vector of claim 9 wherein said vector said vector is an adenoviral vector.
11. The vector of claim 7 wherein said vector wherein the polypeptide encoded by the expression cassette comprises SEQ ID NO:2.
12. An isolated transformed cell comprising the nucleic acid of claim 1 .
13. The isolated transformed cell of claim 12 , wherein the cell is a bacteria, plant, insect, mammalian or yeast cell.
14. The isolated transformed cell of claim 12 , where the cell is a mammalian cell and where the mammalian cell is human.
15. A method of producing a polypeptide comprising expressing a nucleic acid sequence that is at least 95% identical to SEQ ID NO:1, wherein the nucleic acid sequence encodes a polypeptide that inhibits apoptosis and said nucleic acid is expressed in solution, or in a cell in vitro.