Plasmid encoding feline BMP-7
The present invention relates to recombinant vectors expressing the BMP-7 polypeptide in host cells and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such recombinant vectors. The invention also encompasses methods for prevention and/or treatment of both acute and chronic renal failure in mammals, advantageously in humans, dogs and cats, by intra-vascular kidney administration of the recombinant vectors and pharmaceutical compositions of the invention.
1. A recombinant plasmid vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding a BMP-7 polypeptide having at least 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:19.
2. A recombinant plasmid vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding a mature BMP-7 polypeptide having at least 98.5% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of residues 293-431 of SEQ ID NO:19.
3. The recombinant plasmid vector of claim 1 , wherein the polynucleotide has the sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 17 or 18.
4. The recombinant plasmid vector of any one of claims 1 , 2 , and 3 , wherein the BMP-7 polypeptide comprises a heterologous signal peptide.
5. The recombinant plasmid vector of any one of claims 1 , 2 , and 3 , wherein the polynucleotide is operably linked to a promoter.
6. The recombinant plasmid vector of claim 1 , wherein the plasmid is pMEB039 having the sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:20.
7. The recombinant plasmid vector of claim 5 , wherein the promoter is a CMV IE promoter.
8. A method of treating a mammalian subject suffering from, or at risk of developing, renal failure, comprising administering to a portal vein, hepatic vein or renal vein of said mammalian subject a therapeutically effective amount of the recombinant plasmid vector of any one of claims 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 and 7 , wherein the recombinant plasmid vector further comprises a cytomegalovirus immediate early (CMV IE) promoter.
9. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a recombinant plasmid vector of any one of claims 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 and 7 , and optionally at least one pharmaceutically or veterinarily acceptable carrier, excipient, or vehicle.