Persephin specific antibodies
View Patent ↗A novel growth factor, persephin, which belongs to the GDNF/neurturin family of growth factors, is disclosed. The human, mouse and rat amino acid sequences have been identified. Human, mouse and rat persephin genomic DNA sequences have been cloned and sequenced and the respective cDNA sequences identified. In addition, methods for treating degenerative conditions using persephin, methods for detecting persephin gene alterations and methods for detecting and monitoring patient levels of persephin are provided. Methods for identifying additional members of the persephin-neurturin-GDNF family of growth factors are also provided.
1. An isolated or purified persephin-specific monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to the persephin polypeptide as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 221 and that does not cross react with a GDNF or Neurturin polypeptide.
2. An isolated or purified persephin-specific monoclonal antibody, wherein said monoclonal antibody specifically binds to amino acid residues 9-14, 38-48, 53-62 or 77-87 of the persephin polypeptide as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 221 and wherein said monoclonal antibody does not cross react with a GDNF or Neurturin polypeptide.