Methods and compositions for increasing red blood cells
In certain aspects, the present invention provides compositions and methods for increasing red blood cell and/or hemoglobin levels in vertebrates, including rodents and primates, and particularly in humans.
1. A method for treating anemia in a patient, the method comprising administering to a patient in need thereof a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of a BMP10 polypeptide; wherein the BMP10 polypeptide binds to ALK1 and increases red blood cell levels when administered to the patient.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the BMP10 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence that is at least 80% identical to the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the BMP10 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence that is identical to the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the BMP 10 polypeptide is administered in a pharmaceutical preparation.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the pharmaceutical preparation comprises a BMP10 prodomain polypeptide.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the prodomain polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence that is at least 80% identical to the sequence of amino acids 22-316 of SEQ ID NO: 4.
7. The method of claim 5 , wherein the prodomain polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of amino acids 22-316 of SEQ ID NO: 4.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the patient has anemia associated with chronic kidney disease.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the patient has anemia associated with a chemotherapy treatment.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the chemotherapy treatment is a taxane.
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the patient has anemia as a consequence of blood loss.
12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the BMP10 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence that is at least 90% identical to the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6.
13. The method of claim 1 , wherein the BMP10 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence that is at least 95% identical to the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6.
14. The method of claim 1 , wherein the BMP10 polypeptide stimulates SMAD 1/5/8 signaling.