AU5357790A

AU5357790A - Osteoinductive compositions

Info

Publication number: AU5357790A
Application number: AU53577/90A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Anthony J. Celeste; Vicki A. Rosen; Elizabeth A. Wang; John M. Wozney
Original assignee: Genetics Institute LLC
Current assignee: Genetics Institute LLC
Priority date: 1989-03-28
Filing date: 1990-03-27
Publication date: 1990-10-22
Anticipated expiration: 2010-03-27
Also published as: AU624940B2

Description

I

OSTEOINDUCTIVE COMPOSITIONS

The present invention relates to proteins having utility in the formation of bone and/or cartilage. In particular the invention relates to a number of families of purified proteins, termed BMP-5, BMP-6 and BMP-7 protein families (wherein BMP is Bone Morphogenic Protein) and processes for obtaining them. These proteins may exhibit the ability to induce cartilage and/or bone formation. They may be used to induce bone and/or cartilage formation and in wound healing and tissue repair.

The invention provides a family of BMP-5 proteins. Purified human BMP-5 proteins are substantially free from other proteins with which they are co-produced, and characterized by an amino acid sequence comprising from amino acid #323 to amino acid #454 set forth in Table III. This amino acid sequence #323 to #454 is encoded by the DNA sequence comprising nucleotide #1665 to nucleotide #2060 of Table III. BMP-5 proteins may be further characterized by an apparent molecular weight of 28,000-30,000 daltons as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) . Under reducing conditions in SDS-PAGE the protein electrophoreses with a molecular weight of approximately 14,000 - 20,000 daltons. It is contemplated that these proteins are capable of stimulating, promoting, or otherwise inducing cartilage and/or bone formation.

The invention further provides bovine BMP-5 proteins comprising amino acid #9 to amino acid #140 set forth in Table I. The amino acid sequence from #9 to #140 is encoded by the DNA sequence comprising nucleotide #32 to #427 of Table I. These proteins may be further characterized by an apparent molecular weight of 28,000 - 30,000 daltons as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) . Under reducing conditions in SDS-PAGE the protein electrophoreses with a molecular weight of approximately 14,000-20,000 daltons. It is contemplated that these proteins are capable of inducing cartilage and/or bone formation.

Human BMP-5 proteins of the invention may be produced by culturing a cell transformed with a DNA sequence containing the nucleotide sequence the same or substantially the same as the nucleotide sequence shown in Table III comprising nucleotide #699 to nucleotide #2060. BMP-5 proteins comprising the amino acid sequence the same or substantially the same as shown in Table III from amino acid # 323 to amino acid # 454 are recovered, isolated and purified from the culture medium.

Bovine BMP-5 proteins may be produced by culturing a cell transformed with a DNA sequence containing the nucleotide sequence the same or substantially the same as that shown in Table I comprising nucleotide #8 through nucleotide #427 and recovering and purifying from the culture medium a protein containing the amino acid sequence or a portion thereof as shown in Table I comprising amino acid #9 to amino acid #140.

The invention provides a family of BMP-6 proteins. Purified human BMP-6 proteins, substantially free from other proteins with which they are co-produced and are characterized by an amino acid sequence comprising acid #382 to amino acid #513 set forth in Table IV. The amino acid sequence from amino acid #382 to #513 is encoded by the DNA sequence of Table IV from nucleotide #1303 to nucleotide #1698. These proteins may be further characterized by an apparent molecular weight of 28,000-30,000 daltons as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) . Under reducing conditions in SDS-PAGE the protein electrophoreses with a molecular weight of approximately 14,000 - 20,000 daltons. It is contemplated that these proteins are capable of stimulating promoting, or otherwise inducing cartilage and/or bone formation.

The invention further provides bovine BMP-6 proteins characterized by the amino acid sequence comprising amino acid #121 to amino acid #222 set forth in Table II. The amino acid sequence from #121 to #222 is encoded by the DNA sequence of Table II from nucleotide #361 to #666 of Table II. These proteins may be further characterized by an apparent molecular weight of 28,000 - 30,000 daltons as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) . Under reducing conditions in SDS-PAGE the protein electrophoreses with a molecular weight of approximately 14,000-20,000 daltons. It is contemplated that these proteins are capable of inducing cartilage and/or bone formation.

Human BMP-6 proteins of the invention are produced by culturing a cell transformed with a DNA sequence comprising nucleotide #160 to nucleotide #1698 as shown in Table III or a substantially similar sequence. BMP-6 proteins comprising amino acid #382 to amino acid #513 or a substantially similar sequence are recovered, isolated and purified from the culture medium.

Bovine BMP-6 proteins may be produced by culturing a cell transformed with a DNA comprising nucleotide #361 through nucleotide #666 as set forth in Table II or a substantially similar sequence and recovering and purifying from the culture medium a protein comprising amino acid #121 to amino acid #222 as set forth in Table II.

The invention provides a family of BMP-7 proteins. Which includes purified human BMP-7 proteins, substantially free from other proteins with which they are co-produced. Human BMP-7 proteins are characterized by an amino acid sequence comprising amino acid #300 to amino acid #431 set forth in Table V. This amino acid sequence #300 to #431 is encoded by the DNA sequence of Table V from nucleotide #994 to #1389. BMP-7 proteins may be further characterized by an apparent molecular weight of 28,000-30,000 daltons as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) . Under reducing conditions in SDS-PAGE the protein electrophoreses with a molecular weight of approximately 14,000 - 20,000 daltons. It is contemplated that these proteins are capable of stimulating, promoting, or otherwise inducing cartilage and/or bone formation.

Human BMP-7 proteins of the invention may be produced by culturing a cell transformed with a DNA sequence containing the nucleotide sequence the same or substantially the same as the nucleotide sequence shown in Table V comprising nucleotide # 97 to nucleotide #1389. BMP-7 proteins comprising the amino acid sequence the same or substantially the same as shown in Table V from amino acid #300 to amino acid #431 are recovered, isolated and purified from the culture medium.

The invention further provides a method wherein the proteins described above are utilized for obtaining related human protein/s or other mammalian cartilage and/or bone formation protein/s. Such methods are known to those skilled in the art of genetic engineering. One method for obtaining such proteins involves utilizing the human BMP-5, BMP-6 and BMP-7 coding sequences or portions thereof to design probes for screening human genomic and/or cDNA libraries to isolate human genomic and/or cDNA sequences. Additional methods within the art may employ the bovine and human BMP proteins of the invention to obtain other mammalian BMP cartilage and/or bone formation proteins.

Having identified the nucleotide sequences, the proteins are produced by culturing a cell transformed with the nucleotide sequence. This sequence or portions thereof hybridizes under stringent conditions to the nucleotide sequence of either BMP-5, BMP-6 or BMP-7 proteins and encodes a protein exhibiting cartilage and/or bone formation activity. The expressed protein is recovered and purified from the culture medium.

The purified BMP proteins are substantially free from other proteinaceous materials with which they are co-produced, as well as from other contaminants.

BMP-5, BMP-6 and BMP-7 proteins may be characterized by the ability to promote, stimulate or otherwise induce the formation of cartilage and/or bone formation. It is further contemplated that the ability of these proteins to induce the formation of cartilage and/or bone may be exhibited by the ability to demonstrate cartilage and/or bone formation activity in the rat bone formation assay described below. It is further contemplated that the proteins of the invention demonstrate .activity in this rat bone formation assay at a concentration of 10_g - 500μg/gram of bone formed. More particularly, it is contemplated these proteins may be characterized by the ability of l_/.g of the protein to score at least +2 in the rat bone formation assay described below using either the original or modified scoring method.

Another aspect of the invention provides pharmaceutical compositions containing a therapeutically effective amount of a BMP-5, BMP-6 or BMP-7 protein in a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle or carrier. Further compositions comprise at least one BMP-5, BMP-6 or BMP-7 protein. It is therefore contemplated that the compositions may contain more than one of the BMP proteins of the present invention as BMP-5, BMP-6 and BMP-7 proteins may act in concert with or perhaps synergistically with one another. The compositions of the invention are used to induce bone and/or cartilage formation. These compositions may also be used for wound healing and tissue repair.

Further compositions of the invention may include in addition to a BMP-5, BMP-6 or BMP-7 protein of the present invention at least one other therapeutically useful agent such as the proteins designated BMP-1, BMP-2 (also having been designated in the past as BMP-2A, BMP-2 Class I) , BMP-3 and BMP-4 (also having been designated in the past as BMP-2B and BMP-2 Class II) disclosed in co- owned International Publication WO88/00205 published 14 January 1988 and International Publication WO89/10409 published 2 November 1989. Other therapeutically useful agents include growth factors such- as epidermal growth factor (EGF) , fibroblast growth factor (FGF) , transforming growth factors (TGF-α and G -β) , and platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) .

The compositions of the invention may also include an appropriate matrix, for instance, for delivery and/or support of the composition and/or providing a surface for bone and/or cartilage formation. The matrix may proide solw release of the BMP protein and/or the appropriate environment for presentation of the BMP protein of the invention.

The compositions of the invention may be employed in methods for treating a number of bone and/or cartilage defects, and periodontal disease. They may also be employed in methods for treating various types of wounds and in tissue repair. These methods, according to the invention, entail administering a composition of the invention to a patient needing such bone and/or cartilage formation, wound healing or tissue repair. The method therefore involves administration of a therapeutically effective amount of a protein of the invention. These methods may also entail the administration of a protein of the invention in conjunction with at least one of the "BMP" proteins disclosed in the co-owned applications described above. In addition, these methods may also include the administration of a protein of the invention with other growth factors including EGF, FGF, TGF- α, TGF-_/3, and PDGF. Still a further aspect of the invention are DNA sequences coding for expression of a protein of the invention. Such sequences include the sequence of nucleotides in a 5' to 3' direction illustrated in Tables I - V or DNA sequences which hybridize under stringent conditions with the DNA sequences of Tables I - V and encode a protein demonstrating ability to induce cartilage and/or bone formation. Such cartilage and/or bone formation may be demonstrated in the rat bone formation assay described below. It is contemplated that these proteins may demonstrate activity in this assay at a concentration of 10 μg - 500 μg/gram of bone formed. More particularly, it is contemplated that these proteins demonstrate the ability of lμg of the protein to score at least +2 in the rat bone formation assay. Finally, allelic or other variations of the sequences of Tables I - V whether such nucleotide changes result in changes in the peptide sequence or not, are also included in the present invention.

A further aspect of the invention provides vectors containing a DNA sequence as described above in operative association with an expression control sequence therefor. These vectors may be employed in a novel process for producing a protein of the invention in which a cell line transformed with a DNA sequence directing expression of a protein of the invention in operative association with an expression control sequence therefor, is cultured in a suitable culture medium and a protein of the invention is recovered and purified therefrom. This claimed process may employ a number of known cells, both prokaryotic and eukaryotic, as host cells for expression of the polypeptide. The revovered BMP proteins are purified by isolating them from other proteinaceous materials with which they are co-produced as well as from other contaminants.

Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description and preferred embodiments thereof.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Purified human BMP-5 proteins may be produced by culturing a host cell transformed with the DNA sequence of Table III. The expressed BMP-5 proteins are isolated and purified from the culture medium. Purified human BMP-5 proteins are expected to be characterized an amino acid sequence comprising amino acid #323 to #454 as shown in Table III. Purified BMP-5 human cartilage/bone proteins of the present invention are therefore produced by culturing a host cell transformed with a DNA sequence comprising nucleotide #699 to nucleotide #2060 as shown in Table III or substantially homologous sequences operatively linked to a heterologous regulatory control sequence and recovering and purifying from the culture medium a protein comprising the amino acid sequence as shown in Table III from amino acid #323 to amino acid #454 or a substantially homologous sequence.

In further embodiments the DNA sequence comprises the nucleotides encoding amino acids #323- #454. BMP-5 proteins may therefore be produced by culturing a host cell transformed with a DNA sequence comprising nucleotide #1665 to nucleotide #2060 as shown in Table III or substantially homologous sequences operatively linked to a heterologous regulatory control sequence and recovering and purifying from the culture medium a protein comprising amino acid #323 to amino acid #454 as shown in Table III or a substantially homologous sequence. The purified human BMP-5 proteins are substantially free from other proteinaceous materials with which they are co- produced, as well as from other contaminants.

Purified BMP-5 bovine cartilage/bone proteins of the present invention are produced by culturing a host cell transformed with a DNA sequence comprising the DNA sequence as shown in Table I from nucleotide # 8 to nucleotide # 578 or substantially homologous sequences and recovering and purifying from the culture medium a protein comprising the amino acid sequence as shown in Table I from amino acid # 9 to amino acid # 140 or a substantially homologous sequence. The purified BMP-5 bovine proteins as well as all of the BMP proteins of the invention, are substantially free from other proteinaceous materials with which they are co-produced, as well as from other contaminants.

Purified human BMP-6 proteins may be produced by culturing a host cell transformed with the DNA sequence of Table IV. The expressed proteins are isolated and purified from the culuture medium. Purified human BMP-6 proteins of the invention are expected to be characterized by an amino acid sequence comprising amino acid #382 to #513 as set forth in Table IV. These purified BMP-6 human cartilage/bone proteins of the present invention are therefore produced by culturing a host cell transformed with a DNA sequence comprising nucleotide #160 to nucleotide #1698 as set forth in Table IV or substantially homologous sequence operatively linked to a heterologous regulatory control sequence and recovering, isolating and purifying from the culture medium a protein comprising amino acid #382 to amino acid #513 as set forth in Table IV or a substantially homologous sequence.

Further embodiments may utilize the DNA sequence comrising the nuσleotides encoding amino acids #382 - #513. Purified human BMP-6 proteins may therefore be produced by culturing a host cell transformed with the DNA sequence comprising nucleotide #1303 to #1698 as set forth in Table IV or substantially homologous sequences operatively linked to a heterologous regulatory control sequence and recovering and purifying from the culture medium a protein comprising amino acid #382 to #513 as set forth in Table IV or a substantially homologous sequence. The purified human BMP-6 proteins are substantially free from other proteinaceous materials with which they are co- produced, as well as from other contaminants.

Purified BMP-6 bovine cartilage/bone protein of the present invention are produced by culturing a host cell transformed with a DNA sequence comprising nucleotide #361 to nucleotide #666 as set forth in Table II or substantially homologous sequences and recovering from the culture medium a protein comprising amino acid #121 to amino acid #222 as set forth in Table II or a substantially homologous sequence. In another embodiment the bovine protein is produced by culturing a host cell transformed with a sequence comprising nucleotide

#289 to #666 of Table II and rcovering and purifying a protein comprising amino acid #97 to amino acid #222. The purified BMP-6 bovine proteins are substantially free from other proteinaceous materials with which they are co- produced, as well as from other contaminants. Purified human BMP-7 proteins may be produced by culturing a host cell transformed with the DNA sequence of Table V. The expressed proteins are isolated and purified from the culture medium. Purified human BMP-7 proteins are expected to be characterized by an amino acid sequence comprising amino acid #300-#431 as shown in Table V. These purified BMP-7 human cartilage/bone proteins of the present invention are therefore produced by culturing a host cell transformed with a DNA sequence comprising nucleotide #97 to nucleotide #1389 as shown in Table V or substantially homologous sequences operatively linked to a heterologous regulatory control sequence and recovering, isolating and purifying from the culture medium a protein comprising the amino acid sequence as shown in Table V from amino acid #300 to amino acid #431 or a substantially homologous sequence.

Further emodiments may utilize the DNA sequence comprising the nucleotides encoding amino acids #300 - #431. Purified BMP-7 proteins may be produced by culturing a host cell transformed with a DNA comprising the DNA sequence as shown in Table V from nucleotide #994 - #1389 or substantially homologous sequences operatively linked to a heterologous regualtory control sequence and recovering, and purifying from the culture medium a protein comprising the amino acid sequence as shown in Table V from amino acid #300 to amino acid #431 or a substantially homologous sequence. The purified human BMP-7 proteins are substantially free from other proteinaceous materials from which they are co-produced, as well as from other contaminants. BMP-5, BMP-6 and BMP-7 proteins may be further characterized by the ability to demonstrate cartilage and/or bone formation activity. This activity may be demonstrated, for example, in the rat bone formation assay as described in Example III. It is further contemplated that these proteins demonstrate activity in the assay at a concentration of 10 μg - 500 lg/gram of bone formed. The proteins may be further characterized by the ability of l_/_.g to score at least +2 in this assay using either the original or modified scoring method descirbed further herein below.

BMP-5, BMP-6 and BMP-7 proteins may be further characterized by an apparent molecular weight of 28,000-30,000 daltons as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) . Under reducing conditions in SDS-PAGE the protein electrophoresis with a molecular weight of approximately 14,000-20,000 daltons.

The proteins provided herein also include factors encoded by the sequences similar to those of Tables I - V but into which modifications are naturally provided (e.g. allelic variations in the nucleotide sequence which may result in amino acid changes in the polypeptide) or deliberately engineered. Similarly, synthetic polypeptides which wholly or partially duplicate continuous sequences of the amino acid residues of Tables I-

V are encompassed by the invention. These sequences, by virtue of sharing primary, secondary, or tertiary structural and conformational characteristics with other cartilage/bone proteins of the invention may possess bone and/or cartilage growth factor biological properties in common therewith. Thus, they may be employed as biologically active substitutes for naturally- occurring proteins in therapeutic processes.

Other specific mutations of the sequences of the proteins of the invention described herein involve modifications of a glycosylation site. These modification may involve O-linked or N-linked glycosylation sites. For instance, the absence of glycosylation or only partial glycosylation results from amino acid substitution or deletion at the asparagine-1inked glycosylation recognition sites present in the sequences of the proteins of the invention, as shown in Table I - V. The asparagine-linked glycosylation recognition sites comprise tripeptide sequences which are specifically recognized by appropriate cellular glycosylation enzymes. These tripeptide sequences are either asparagine-X-threonine or asparagine-X- serine, where X is usually any amino acid. A variety of amino acid substitutions or deletions at one or both, of the first or third amino acid positions of a glycosylation recognition site (and/or amino acid deletion at the second position) results in non-glycosylation at the modified tripeptide sequence. Expression of such altered nucleotide sequences produces variants which are not glycosylated at that site.

The present invention also encompasses the novel DNA sequences, free of association with DNA sequences encoding other proteinaceous materials, and coding on expression for the proteins of the invention. These DNA sequences include those depicted in Tables I - V in a 5¹ to 3' direction. Further included are those sequences which hybridize under stringent hybridization conditions [see, T. Maniatis et al. Molecular Cloning (A Laboratory Manual) _f Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (1982), pages 387 to 389] to the DNA sequence of Tables I - V and demonstrate cartilage and/or bone formation activity in the rat bone formation assay. An example of one such stringent hybridization condition is hybridization at[6- 4 x SSC at 65°C, followed by a washing in 0.1 x SCC at 65°C for an hour. Alternatively, an exemplary stringent hybridization condition is in 50% formamide, 4 x SCC at 42°C. Similarly, DNA sequences which encode proteins similar to the protein encoded by the sequences of Tables I - V, but which differ in codon sequence due to the degeneracies of the genetic code or allelic variations (naturally-occurring base changes in the species population which may or may not result in an amino acid change) also encode the proteins of the invention described herein. Variations in the DNA sequences of Tables I - V which are caused by point mutations or by induced modifications (including insertion, deletion, and substitution) to enhance the activity, half-life or production of the polypeptides encoded thereby are also encompassed in the invention.

In a further aspect, the invention provides a method for obtaining related human proteins or other mammalian BMP-5, BMP-6 and BMP-7 proteins. One method for obtaining such proteins entails, for instance, utilizing the human BMP-5, BMP-6 and BMP- 7 coding sequence disclosed herein to probe a human genomic library using standard techniques for the human gene or fragments thereof. Sequences thus identified may also be used as probes to identify a human cell line or tissue which synthesizes the analogous cartilage/bone protein. A cDNA library is synthesized and screened with probes derived from the human or bovine coding sequences. The human sequence thus identified is transformed into a host cell, the host cell is cultured and the protein recovered, isolated and purified from the culture medium. The purified protein is predicted to exhibit cartilage and/or bone formation activity in the rat bone formation assay of Example III.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a novel method for producing the BMP-5, BMP-6 and BMP-7 proteins of the invention. The method of the present invention involves culturing a suitable cell or cell line, which has been transformed with a DNA sequence as described above coding for expression of a protein of the invention, under the control of known regulatory sequences. Regulatory sequences include promoter fragments, terminator fragments and other suitable sequences which direct the expression of the protein in an appropriate host cell. Methods for culturing suitable cell lines are within the skill of the art. The transformed cells are cultured and the BMP proteins expressed thereby are recovered, isolated and purified from the culture medium using purification techniques known to those skilled in the art. The purified BMP proteins are substantially free from other proteinaceous materials with which they are co-produced, as well as other contaminants. Purified BMP proteins of the invention are substantially free from materials with which the proteins of the invention exist in nature.

Suitable cells or cell lines may be mammalian cells, such as Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO) . The selection of suitable mammalian host cells and methods for transformation, culture, amplification, screening and product production and purification are known in the art. See, e.g., Gething and Sa brook, Nature_ 293 : 620-625 (1981), or alternatively, Kaufman et al, Mol. Cell. Biol. _f .5(7) :1750-1759 (1985) or Howley et al, U.S. Patent 4,419,446. Other suitable mammalian cell lines include but are not limited to the monkey COS-1 cell line and the CV-1 cell line. Bacterial cells may also be suitable hosts. For example, the various strains of E. coli (e.g., HB101, MC1061) are well-known as host cells in the field of biotechnology. Various strains of B. subtilis_f Pseudomonas. other bacilli and the like may also be employed in this method.

Many strains of yeast cells known to those skilled in the art may also be available as host cells for expression of the polypeptides of the present invention. Additionally, where desired, insect cells may be utilized as host cells in the method of the present invention. See, e.g. Miller et al. Genetic Engineering;, j3:277-298 (Plenum Press 1986) and references cited therein.

Another aspect of the present invention provides vectors for use in the method of expression of the proteins of the invention. The vectors contain the novel DNA sequences which code for the BMP-5, BMP-6 and BMP-7 proteins of the invention. Additionally, the vectors also contain appropriate expression control sequences permitting expression of the protein sequences. Alternatively, vectors incorporating truncated or modified sequences as described above are also embodiments of the present invention and useful in the production of the proteins of the invention. The vectors may be employed in the method of transforming cell lines and contain selected regulatory sequences in operative association with the DNA coding sequences of the invention which are capable of directing the replication and expression thereof in selected host cells. Useful regulatory sequences for such vectors are known to those skilled in the art and may be selected depending upon the selected host cells. Such selection is routine and does not form part of the present invention. Host cells transformed with such vectors and progeny thereof for use in producing BMP-5, BMP-6 and BMP-7 proteins are also provided by the invention. One skilled in the art can construct mammalian expression vectors by employing the DNA sequences of the invention and known vectors, such as pCD [Okayama et al., Mol. Cell Biol.. 2:161-170 (1982)] and pJL3, pJL4 [Gough et al., EMBO J.. 4:645-653 (1985) ] . Similarly, one skilled in the art could manipulate the sequences of the invention by eliminating or replacing the mammalian regulatory sequences flanking the coding sequence with bacterial sequences to create bacterial vectors for intracellular or extracellular expression by bacterial cells. For example, the coding sequences could be further manipulated (e.g. ligated to other known linkers or modified by deleting non-coding sequences there-from or altering nucleotides therein by other known techniques) . The modified coding sequence could then be inserted into a known bacterial vector using procedures such as described in T. Taniguchi et al., Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA. 77:5230-5233 (1980) . This exemplary bacterial vector could then be transformed into bacterial host cells and a protein of the invention expressed thereby. For a strategy for producing extracellular expression of a cartilage and/or bone protein of the invention in bacterial cells., see, e.g. European patent application EPA 177,343.

Similar manipulations can be performed for the construction of an insect vector [See, e.g. procedures described in published European patent application 155,476] for expression in insect cells. A yeast vector could also be constructed employing yeast regulatory sequences for intracellular or extracellular expression, of the factors of the present invention by yeast cells. [See, e.g., procedures described in published PCT application WO86/00639 and European patent application EPA 123,289].

A method for producing high levels of a protein of the invention from mammalian cells involves the construction of cells containing multiple copies of the heterologous gene encoding proteins of the invention. The heterologous gene may be linked to an amplifiable marker, e.g. the dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) gene for- which cells containing increased gene copies can be selected for propagation in increasing concentrations of methotrexate (MTX) according to the procedures of

Kaufman and Sharp, J. Mol. Biol.. 159:601-629

(1982). This approach can be employed with a number of different cell types. For instance, a plasmid containing a DNA sequence for a protein of the invention in operative association with other plasmid sequences enabling expression thereof and the DHFR expression plasmid pAdA26SV(A)3 [Kaufman and Sharp, Mol. Cell. Biol.. 2:1304 (1982)] may be co- introduced into DHFR-deficient CHO cells, DUKX-BII, by calcium phosphate coprecipitation and transfeσtion, electroperation or protoplast fusion. DHFR expressing transformants are selected for growth in alpha media with dialyzed fetal calf serum, and subsequently selected for amplification by growth in increasing concentrations of MTX (sequential steps in 0.02, 0.2, 1.0 and 5uM MTX) as described in Kaufman et al., Mol Cell Biol.. 5:1750

(1983) . Protein expression should increase with increasing levels of MTX resistance.

Transformants are cloned, and the proteins of the invention are recovered, isolated, and purified from the culture medium. Characterization of expressed proteins may be carried out using stnadard techniques. For instance, characterization may include pulse labeling with [35^s] methionine or cysteine, or polyacrylamide gel electrphoresis. Biologically active protein expression is monitored by the Rosen-modified Sampath - Reddi rat bone formation assay described above in Example III. Similar procedures can be followed to produce other related proteins. A protein of the present invention, which induces cartilage and/or bone formation in circumstances where bone and/or cartilage is not normally formed, has application in the healing of bone fractures and cartilage defects in humans and other animals. A preparation employing a protein of the invention may have prophylactic use in closed as well as open fracture reduction and also in the improved fixation of artificial joints. De novo bone formation induced by an osteogenic agent contributes to the repair of congenital, trauma induced, or oncologic resection induced craniofacial defects, and also is useful in cosmetic plastic surgery. A protein of the invention may be used in the treatment of periodontal disease, and in other tooth repair processes. Such agents may provide an environment to attract bone-forming cells, stimulate growth of bone-forming cells or induce differentiation of progenitors of bone-forming cells. A variety of osteogenic, cartilage-inducing and bone inducing factors have been described. See, e.g. European Patent Applications 148,155 and 169,016 for discussions thereof.

The proteins of the invention may also be used in wound healing and related tissue repair. The types of wounds include, but are not limited to burns, incisions and ulcers. See, e.g. PCT Publication WO84/01106 for discussion of wound healing and related tissue repair. A further aspect of the invention includes therapeutic methods and composition for repairing fractures and other conditions related to bone and/or cartilage defects or periodontal diseases. In addition, the invention comprises therapeutic methods and compositions for wound healing and tissue repair. Such compositions comprise a therapeutically effective amount of at least one of the BMP proteins BMP-5, BMP-6 and BMP-7 of the invention in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, carrier or matrix.

It is expected that the proteins of the invention may act in concert with or perhaps synergistically with one another or with other related proteins and growth factors. Therapeutic methods and compositions of the invention therefore comprise one or more of the proteins of the present invention. Further therapeutic methods and compositions of the invention therefore comprise a therapeutic amount of at least one protein of the invention with a therapeutic amount of at least one of the other "BMP" proteins BMP-1, BMP-2, BMP-3 and BMP-4 disclosed in co-owned Published International Applications WO88/00205 and W089/10409 as mentioned above. Such methods and compositions of the invention may comprise proteins of the invention or portions thereof in combination with the above-mentioned "BMP" proteins or portions thereof. Such combination may comprise individual separate molecules of the proteins or heteromolecules such as heterodimers formed by portions of the respective proteins. For example, a method and composition of the invention may comprise a BMP protein of the present invention or a portion thereof linked with a portion of another "BMP" protein to form a heteromolecule.

Further therapeutic methods and compositions of the invention comprise the proteins of the invention or portions thereof in combination with other agents beneficial to the treatment of the bone and/or cartilage defect, wound, or tissue in question. These agents include various growth factors such as epidermal growth factor (EGF) , fibroblast growth factor (FGF) , platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) , transforming growth factors (TGF-α and TGF- ) , K-fibroblast growth factor (kFGF) , parathyroid hormone (PTH) , leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF/HILDA, DIA) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I and IGF-II) . Portions of these agents may also be used in compositions of the invention.

The preparation and formulation of such physiologically acceptable protein compositions, having due regard to pH, isotonicity, stability and the like, is within the skill of the art. The therapeutic compositions are also presently valuable for veterinary applications due to the apparent lack of species specificity in cartilage and bone growth factor proteins. Domestic animals and thoroughbred horses in addition to humans are desired patients for such treatment with the proteins of the present invention.

The therapeutic method includes administering the composition topically, systemically, or locally as an implant or device. When administered, the therapeutic composition for use in this invention is, of course, in a pyrogen-free, physiologically acceptable form. Further, the composition may desirably be encapsulated or injected in a viscous form for delivery to the site of cartilage and/or bone or tissue damage. Topical administration may be suitable for wound healing and tissue repair.

Preferably for bone and/or cartilage formation, the composition would include a matrix capable of delivering the BMP proteins of the invention to the site of bone and/or cartilage damage, providing a structure for the developing bone and cartilage and optimally capable of being resorbed into the body. The matrix may provide slow release of the BMP proteins or other factors comprising the composition. Such matrices may be formed of materials presently in use for other implanted medical applications. The choice of matrix material is based on bioσompatibility, biodegradability, mechanical properties, cosmetic appearance and interface properties. The particular application of the compositions of the invention will define the appropriate formulation. Potential matrices for the compositions may be biodegradable and chemically defined calcium sulfate, tricalciumphosphate, hydroxyapatite, polylactic acid and polyanhydrides. Other potential materials are biodegradable and biologically well defined, such as bone or dermal collagen. Further matrices are comprised of pure proteins or extracellular matrix components. Other potential matrices are nonbiodegradable and chemically defined, such as sintered hydroxyapatite, bioglass, aluminates, or other ceramics. Matrices may be comprised of combinations of any of the above mentioned types of material, such as polylactic acid and hydroxyapatite or collagen and tricalciumphosphate. The bioceramics may be altered in composition, such as in calcium- aluminate-phosphate and processing to alter pore size, particle size, particle shape, and biodegradability. The dosage regimen will be determined by the attending physician considering various factors which modify the action of the proteins of the invention. Factors which may modify the action of the proteins of the invention include the amount of bone weight desired to be formed, the site of bone damage, the condition of the damaged bone, the size of a wound, type of damaged tissue, the patient's age, sex, and diet, the severity of any infection, time of administration and other clinical factors. The dosage may vary with the type of matrix used in the reconstitution and the type or types of bone and/or cartilage proteins present in the composition. The addition of other known growth factors, such as EGF, PDGF, TGF-α, TGF-y9, and IGF-I and IGF-II to the final composition, may also effect the dosage.

Progress can be monitored by periodic assessment of cartilage and/or bone growth and/or repair. The progress can be monitored, for example, using x-rays, histomorphometric determinations and tetracycline labeling.

The following examples illustrate practice of the present invention in recovering and characterizing bovine cartilage and/or bone proteins of the invention and employing these proteins to recover the corresponding human protein or proteins and in expressing the proteins via recombinant techniques.

EXAMPLE I Isolation of Bovine Cartilage/Bone Inductive

Protein

Ground bovine bone powder (20-120 mesh,

Helitrex) is prepared according to the procedures of M. R. Urist et al., Proc. Natl Acad. Sci USA, 70:3511 (1973) with elimination of some extraction steps as identified below. Ten kgs of the ground powder is demineralized in successive changes of

0.6N

HC1 at 4iC over a 48 hour period with vigorous stirring. The resulting suspension is extracted for 16 hours at 4¥C with 50 liters of 2M CaCl₂ and lOmM ethylenediamine-tetraacetiσ acid [EDTA], and followed by extraction for 4 hours in 50 liters of 0.5M EDTA. The residue is washed three times with distilled water before its resuspension in 20 liters of 4M guanidine hydrochloride [GuCl], 20mM Tris (pH 7.4) , lmM N-ethylmaleimide, ImM iodoacetamide, ImM phenylmethylsulfonyl fluorine as described in Clin. Orthop. Rel. Res.. 171: 213 (1982) . After 16 to 20 hours the supernatant is removed and replaced with another 10 liters of GuCl buffer. The residue is extracted for another 24 hours. The crude GuCl extracts are combined, concentrated approximately 20 times on a Pellicon apparatus with a 10,000 molecular weight cut-off membrane, and then dialyzed in 50mM Tris, 0.1M NaCl, 6M urea (pH7.2) , the starting buffer for the first column. After extensive dialysis the protein is loaded on a 4 liter DEAE cellulose column and the unbound fractions are collected.

The unbound fractions are concentrated and dialyzed against 50mM NaAc, 50mM NaCl (pH 4.6) in 6M urea. The unbound fractions are applied to a carboxymethyl cellulose column. Protein not bound to the column is removed by extensive washing with starting buffer, and the material containing protein having bone and/or cartilage formation activity as measured by the Rosen-modified Sampath- Reddi assay (described in Example III below) desorbed from the column by 50mM NaAc, 0.25mM NaCl, 6M urea (pH 4.6). The protein from this step elution is concentrated 20- to 40- fold, then diluted 5 times with 80mM KP0₄, 6M urea (pH6.0). The pH of the solution is adjusted to 6.0 with 500mM K₂HP0 . The sample is applied to an hydroxylapatite column (LKB) equilibrated in 80mM KP0₄, 6M urea (pH6.0) and all unbound protein is removed by washing the column with the same buffer. Protein having bone and/or cartilage formation activity is eluted with lOOmM KP0₄ (pH7.4) and 6M urea.

The protein is concentrated approximately 10 times, and solid NaCl added to a final concen¬ tration of 0.15M. This material is applied to a heparin - Sepharose column equilibrated in 50mM KPO4, 150mM NaCl, 6M urea (pH7.4). After extensive washing of the column with starting buffer, a protein with bone and/or cartilage inductive activity is eluted by 50mM KP0₄, 700mM NaCl, 6M urea (pH7.4). This fraction is concentrated to a minimum volume, and 0.4ml aliquots are applied to Superose 6 and Superose 12 columns connected in series, equilibrated with 4M GuCl, 20mM Tris (pH7.2) and the columns developed at a flow rate of 0.25ml/min. The protein demonstrating bone and/or cartilage inductive activity corresponds to an approximate 30,000 dalton protein. The above fractions from the superose columns are pooled, dialyzed against 50mM NaAc, 6M urea (pH4.6), and applied to a Pharmacia MonoS HR column. The column is developed with a gradient to 1.0M NaCl, 50mM NaAc, 6M urea (pH4.6). Active bone and/or cartilage formation fractions are pooled. The material is applied to a 0.46 x 25cm Vydac C4 column in 0.1% TFA and the column developed with a gradient to 90% acetonitrile, 0.1% TFA (31.5% acetonitrile, 0.1% TFA to 49.5% acetonitrile, 0.1% TFA in 60 minutes at 1ml per minute) . Active material is eluted at approximately 40-44% ace¬ tonitrile. Fractions were assayed for cartilage and/or bone formation activity.The active material is further fractionated on a MonoQ column. The protein is dialyzed against 6M urea, 25mM diethanolamine, pH 8.6 and then applied to a 0.5 by 5 cm MonoQ column (Pharmacia) which is developed with a gradient of 6M urea, 25mM diethanolamine, pH 8.6 and 0.5 M NaCl, 6M urea, 25mM diethanolamine, pH 8.6. Fractions are brought to pH3.0 with 10% trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). Aliquots of the appropriate fractions are iodinated by one of the following methods: P. J. McConahey et al. Int. Arch. Allergy. 29:185-189 (1966); A. E. Bolton et al, Biochem J. _f 133:529 (1973); and D. F. Bowen-Pope, J. Biol. Chem.. 237:5161 (1982). The iodinated proteins present in these fractions are analyzed by SDS gel electrophoresis.

EXAMPLE II Characterization of Bovine Cartilage/Bone Inductive Factor A. Molecular Weight

Approximately 5_/_g protein from Example I in 6M urea, 25mM diethanolamine, pH 8.6, approximately 0.3 M NaCl is made 0.1% with respect to SDS and dialyzed against 50 mM tris/HCl 0.1% SDS pH 7.5 for 16 hrs. The dialyzed material is then electrophorectically concentrated against a dialysis membrane [Hunkapillar et al Meth. Enzymol. 91: 227-236 (1983)] with a small amount of I 125 labelled counterpart. This material (volume approximately 100_/_1) is loaded onto a 12% polyacrylamide gel and subjected to SDS-PAGE [Laemmli, U.K. Nature. 222:680-685 (1970)] without reducing the sample with dithiothreitol. The molecular weight is determined relative to prestained molecular weight standards (Bethesda Research Labs) . Following autoradiography of the unfixed gel the approximate 28,000-30,000 dalton band is excised and the protein electrophoretically eluted from the gel (Hunkapillar et al supra) . Based on similar purified bone fractions as described in the co-pending "BMP" applications described above wherein bone and/or cartilage activity is found in the 28,000-30,000 region, it is inferred that this band comprises bone and/or cartilage inductive fractions.

B. Subunit Characterization The subunit composition of the isolated bovine bone protein is also determined. The eluted protein described above is fully reduced and alkylated in 2% SDS using iodoacetate and standard procedures and reconcentrated by electrophoretic packing. The fully reduced and alkylated sample is then further submitted to SDS-PAGE on a 12% gel and the resulting approximate 14,000-20,000 dalton region having a doublet appearance located by autoradiography of the unfixed gel. A faint band remains at the 28,000-30,000 region. Thus the 28,000-30,000 dalton protein yields a broad region of 14,000-20,000 which may otherwise also be interpreted and described as comprising two broad bands of approximately 14,000-16,000 and 16,000- 20,000 daltons.

EXAMPLE III

Rosen Modified Sampath-Reddi Assay

A modified version of the rat bone formation assay described in Sampath and Reddi, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.. 80:6591-6595 (1983) is used to evaluate bone and/or cartilage activity of the proteins of the invention. This modified assay is herein called the Rosen-modified Sampath- Reddi assay. The ethanol precipitation step of the Sampath-Reddi procedure is replaced by dialyzing (if the composition is a solution) or diafiltering (if the composition is a suspension) the fraction to be assayed against water. The solution or suspension is then redissolved in 0.1 % TFA, and the resulting solution added to 20mg of rat matrix. A mock rat matrix sample not treated with the protein serves as a control. This material is frozen and lyophilized and the resulting powder enclosed in #5 gelatin capsules. The capsules are implanted subcutaneously in the abdominal thoracic area of 21 - 49 day old male Long Evans rats. The implants are removed after 7 - 14 days. Half of each implant is used for alkaline phosphatase analysis [See, A. H. Reddi et al., Proc. Natl Acad Sci.. 69:1601 (1972)].

The other half of each implant is fixed and processed for histological analysis. Glycolmethacrylate sections . (lμm) are stained with Von Kossa and acid fuschin or toluidine blue to score the amount of induced bone and cartilage formation present in each implant. The terms +1 through +5 represent the area of each histological section of an implant occupied by new bone and/or cartilage cells and newly formed bone and matrix. Two scoring methods are herein described. In the first scoring method a score of +5 indicates that greater than 50% of the implant is new bone and/or cartilage produced as a direct result of protein in the implant. A score of +4, +3, +2 and +1 would indicate that greater than 40%, 30%, 20% and 10% respectively of the implant contains new cartilage and/or bone. The second scoring method (which hereinafter may be referred to as the modified scoring method) is as follows: three non- adjacent sections are evaluated from each implant and averaged. "+/-" indicates tentative identification of cartilage or bone; "+1" indicates >10% of each section being new cartilage or bone; "+2", >25%; "+3", >50%; "+4", -75%; "+5", >80%. The scores of the individual implants are tabulated to indicate assay variability.

It is contemplated that the dose response nature of the cartilage and/or bone inductive protein containing samples of the matrix samples will demonstrate that the amount of bone and/or cartilage formed increases with the amount of cartilage/bone inductive protein in the sample. It is contemplated that the control samples will not result in any bone and/or cartilage formation.

As with other cartilage and/or bone inductive proteins such as the above-mentioned "BMP" proteins, the bone and/or cartilage formed is expected to be physically confined to the space occupied by the matrix. Samples are also analyzed by SDS gel electrophoresis and isoelectric focusing followed by autoradiography. The activity is correlated with the protein bands and pi. To estimate the purity of the protein in a particular fraction an extinction coefficient of 1 OD/mg-cm is used as an estimate for protein and the protein is run on SDS-PAGE followed by silver staining or radioiodination and autoradiography. EXAMPLE IV

A. Bovine Protein Composition

The gel slice of the approximate 14,000- 20,000 dalton region described in Example IIB is fixed with methanol-acetic acid-water using standard procedures, briefly rinsed with water, then neutralized with 0.1M ammonium bicarbonate. Following dicing the gel slice with a razor blade, the protein is digested from the gel matrix by adding 0.2 μg of TPCK-treated trypsin (Worthington) and incubating the gel for 16 hr. at 37 degrees centigrade. The resultant digest is then subjected to RPHPLC using a C4 Vydaσ RPHPLC column and 0.1% TFA-water 0.1% TFA water-acetonitrile gradient. The resultant peptide peaks were monitored by UV absorbance at 214 and 280 n and subjected to direct amino terminal amino acid sequence analysis using an Applied Biosystems gas phase sequenator (Model 470A) . One tryptic fragment is isolated by standard procedures having the following amino acid sequence as represented by the amino acid standard three-letter symbols and where "Xaa" indicates an unknown amino acid the amino acid in parentheses indicates uncertainty in the sequence:

Xaa-His-Glu-Leu-Tyr-Val-Ser-Phe-(Ser)

The following four oligonucleotide probes are designed on the basis of the amino acid sequence of the above-identified tryptic fragment and synthesized on an automated DNA synthesizer.

PROBE #1: GTRCTYGANATRCANTC PROBE #2: GTRCTYGANATRCANAG PROBE #3: GTRCTYAAYATRCANTC PROBE #4: GTRCTYAAYATRCANAG

The standard nucleotide symbols in the above identified probes are as follows: A,adenosine; C,cytosine; G,guanine; T,thymine; N, adenosine or cytosine or guanine or thymine; R,adenosine or guanine; and Y,cytosine or thymine.

Each of the probes consists of pools of oligonucleotides. Because the genetic code is degenerate (more than one codon can code for the same amino acid) , a mixture of oligonucleotides is synthesized that contains all possible nucleotide sequences encoding the amino acid sequence of the tryptic. These probes are radioactively labeled and employed to screen a bovine cDNA library as described below.

B. Bovine BMP-5

Pol (A) containing RNA is isolated by oligo(dT) cellulose chromatography from total RNA isolated from fetal bovine bone cells by the method of Gehron-Robey et al in Current Advances in Skeletogenesis. Elsevier Science Publishers (1985) . The total RNA was obtained from Dr. Marion Young, National Institute of Dental Research, National Institutes of Health. A cDNA library is made in lambda gtlO (Toole et al supra) and plated on 50 plates at 8000 recombinants per plate. These recombinants (400,000) are screened on duplicate nitrocellulose filters with a combination of Probes 1, 2, 3, and 4 using the Tetramethy1ammonium chloride (TMAC) hybridization procedure [see Wozney et al Science. 242: 1528-1534 (1988) ] . Twenty- eight positives are obtained and are replated for secondaries. Duplicate nitrocellulose replicas again are made. One set of filters are screened with Probes #1 and #2; the other with Probes #3 and #4. Six positives are obtained on the former, 21 positives with the latter. One of the six, called HEL5, is plague purified, a phage plate stock made, and bacteriophage DNA isolated. This DNA is digested with EσoRI and subcloned into Ml3 and pSP65 (Promega Biotec, Madison, Wisconsin) [Melton, et al. Nucl. Acids Res. 12: 7035-7056 (1984)]. The DNA sequence and derived amino acid sequence of this fragment is shown in Table I.

DNA sequence analysis of this fragment in M13 indicates that it encodes the desired tryptic peptide sequence set forth above, and this derived amino acid sequence is preceded by a basic residue (Lys) as predicted by the specificity of trypsin. The underlined portion of the sequence in Table I from amino acid #42 to #48 corresponds to the tryptic fragment identified above from which the oligonucleotide probes are designed. The derived amino acid sequence Ser-Gly-Ser-His-Gln-Asp-Ser- Ser-Arg as set forth in Table I from amino acid #15 to #23 is noted to be similar to a tryptic fragment sequence Ser-Thr-Pro-Ala-Gln-Asp-Val-Ser-Arg found in the 28,000 - 30,000 dalton purified bone preparation as described in the "BMP" Publications W088/00205 and WO89/10409 mentioned above. This fragment set forth in Table I is a portion of the DNA sequence which encodes a bovine BMP-5 protein. The DNA sequence shown in Table I indicates an open reading frame from the 5' end of the clone of 420 base pairs, encoding a partial peptide of 140 amino acid residues (the first 7 nucleotides are of the adaptors used in the cloning procedure) . An in- frame stop σodon (TAA) indicates that this clone encodes the carboxy-terminal part of bovine BMP-5.

TABLE I

TCTAGAGGTGAGAGCAGCCAACAAGAGAAAAAATCAAAACCGCAATAAATCCGGCTCTCAT 6 LeuGluValArgAlaAlaAsnLysArgLysAsnGlnAsnArgAsnLysSerGlySerHis (1) (15)

CAGGACTCCTCTAGAATGTCCAGTGTTGGAGATTATAACACCAGTGAACAAAAACAAGCC GlnAspSerSerArgMetSerSerValGlvAspTvrAsnThrSerGluGlnLysGlnAla (23)

TGTAAAAAGCATGAACTCTATGTGAGTTTCCGGGATCTGGGATGGCAGGACTGGATTATA CysLysLysHisGluLeuTyrValSerPheArgAspLeuGlyTrpGlnAspTrpIlelle (42) (48) GCACCAGAAGGATATGCTGCATTTTATTGTGATGGAGAATGTTCTTTTCCACTCAATGCC AlaProGluGlyTyrAlaAlaPheTyrCysAspGlyGluCysSerPheProLeuAsnAla CATATGAATGCCACCAATCATGCCATAGTTCAGACTCTGGTTCACCTGATGTTTCCTGAC HisMetAsnAlaThrAsnHisAlalleValGlnThrLeuValHisLeuMetPheProAsp

CACGTACCAAAGCCTTGCTGCGCGACAAACAAACTAAATGCCATCTCTGTGTTGTACTTT HisValProLysProCysCysAlaThrAsnLysLeuAsnAlalleSerValLeuTyrPhe

GATGACAGCTCCAATGTCATTTTGAAAAAGTACAGAAATATGGTCGTGCGTTCGTGTGGT AspAspSerSerAsnVallleLeuLysLysTyrArgAsnMetValValArgSerCysGly TGCCACTAATAGTGCATAATAATGGTAATAAGAAAAAAGATCTGTATGGAGGTTTATGA CysHisEnd

(140) CTACAATAAAAAATATCTTTCGGATAAAAGGGGAATTTAATAAAATTAGTCTGGCTCATT TCATCTCTGTAACCTATGTACAAGAGCATGTATATAGT 578

C. Bovine BMP- 6

The remaining positive clones (the second set containing 21 positives) isolated with Probes #1, #2, #3, and #4 described above are screened with HEL5 and a further clone is identified that hybridizes under reduced hybridization conditions [5x SSC, 0.1% SDS, 5X Denhardt's, 100 _/_g/ml salmon sperm DNA standard hybridization buffer (SHB) at 65°C, wash in 2XSSC 0.1% SDS at 65°C] . This clone is plaque purified, a phage plate stock made and bacteriophage DNA isolated. The DNA sequence and derived amino acid sequence of a portion of this clone is shown in Table II. This sequence represents a portion of the DNA sequence encoding a bovine BMP-6 cartilage/bone protein of the invention.

The first underlined portion of the sequence in Table II from amino acid #97 - amino acid #105 corresponds to the tryptic fragment found in the 28,000-30,000 dalton purified bovine bone preparation (and its reduced form at approximately 18,000-20,000 dalton reduced form) as described in the "BMP" Publications WO88/00205 and WO89/10409 mentioned above. The second underlined sequence in Table II from amino acid #124 - amino acid #130 corresponds to the tryptic fragment identified above from which the oligonucleotide probes are designed.

The DNA sequence of Table II indicates an open reading frame of 666 base pairs starting from the 5' end of the sequence of Table II, encoding a partial peptide of 222 amino acid residues. An in- frame stop codon (TGA) indicates that this clone encodes the carboxy-terminal part of a bovine BMP-6 protein. Based on knowledge of other BMP proteins and other proteins in the TGF- family, it is predicted that the precursor polypeptide would be cleaved at the three basic residues (ArgArgArg) to yield a mature peptide beginning with residue 90 or 91 of the sequence of Table II.

TABLE II

18 27 36 45 54

CIG CIG GGC ACG CGT GCT G G TGG GCC TCA GAG GOG GGC TGG CTG GAG TIT GAC Leu Leu Gly Thr Arg Ala Val Trp Ala Ser Glu Ala Gly _τp Leu Glu Hie Asp

(1)

63 72 81 90 99 108

ATC AOG GCC ACC AGC AAC CTG TGG CTC CIG ACT COG CAG CAC AAC ATG GGG CTG lie Thr Ala Thr Ser Asn Leu Trp Val Leu T_hr Pro Gin His Asn MET Gly Leu

117 126 135 144 153 162

CAG CIG AGC GTG GTC AOG CGT GAT GGG CTC AGC ATC AGC CCT GGG GOC GOG GGC Gin Leu Ser Val Val Thr Arg Asp Gly Leu Ser lie Ser Pro Gly Ala Ala Gly

171 180 189 198 207 216

CIG GTG GGC AGG GAC GGC CCC TAC GAC AAG CAG CCC TIC ATG GIG GCC TTC TTC Leu Val Gly Arg Asp Gly Pro Tyr Asp lys Gin Pro Phe MET Val Ala Hie Ehe

225 234 243 252 261 270

AAG GCC AGT GAG GIC CACGTG OGCAGT GCC CGG TOG GOC CCC GGG OGG CGC CGG Lys Ala Ser Glu Val His Val Arg Ser Ala Arg Ser Ala Pro Gly Arg Arg Arg

279 288 297 306 315 324

CAG CAG GOC CGG AAC CGC TCC ACC COG GCC CAG GAC GTG TOG OGG GCC TCC AGC Gin Gin Ala Arg Asn Arg Ser Thr Pro Ala Gin Asp Val Ser Arg Ala Ser Ser

(97) (105)

333 342 351 360 369 378

GCC TCA GAC TAC AAC AGC AGC GAG CTG AAG AOG GCC TGC CGG AAG CAT GAG CTC Ala Ser Asp Tyr Asn Ser Ser Glu Leu Lys Thr Ala Cys Arg Lys His Glu leu

(121) (124) 387 396 405 414 423 432

TAC GIG AGC TTC CAGGAC CTGGGGTGG CAGGACTGG ATC AIT GCC CCC AAG GGC Tyr Val Ser Phe Gin Asp Leu Gly Trp Gin Asp Trp lie lie Ala Pro Lys Gly (130) 441 450 459 468 477 486

TAC GCT GCC AAC TAC TGT GAC GGA GAA TGT TOG TTC CCT CTC AAC GCA CAC ATG Tyr Ala Ala Asn Tyr Cys Asp Gly Glu Cys Ser Phe Pro Leu Asn Ala His MET

495 504 513 522 531 540

AAC GCT ACC AAC CAT GCC ATC GIG CAG ACC CTG GIT CAC CTC ATG AAC CCC GAG Asn Ala Thr Asn His Ala lie Val Gin Thr Leu Val His Leu MET Asn Pro Glu TABLE II (page 2 of 2)

549 558 567 576 585 594

TAC GTC CCC AAA COG TGC TGC GOG CCC AOG AAA CTG AAC GCC ATC TOG GTG CTC Tyr Val Pro Lys Pro Cys Cys Ala Pro Thr Lys Leu Asn Ala lie Ser Val Leu

603 612 621 630 639 648

TAC TTC GAC GAC AAC TOO AAT GTC ATC CTG AAG AAG TAC OGG AAC ATG GTC GTA Tyr Phe Asp Asp Asn Ser Asn Val lie Leu Lys Lys Tyr Arg Asn MET Val Val

657 666 676 686 696 706 716

OGA GOG TCT GGG TGC CAC TGACTCGGGG TGAGTGGCTG GGGAOGCTCT GCACACACTG CXTGGACTCC Arg Ala Cys Gly Cys His

(222) 726 736 746 756 766 776 786 TGGATCAOGT COGCCITAAG CCCACAGAGG CCCCOGGGAC ACAGGAGGAG ACCCOGAGGO CΑCCTTCGGC

796 806 816 826 836 846 856 TGGOGT GGC CITTCCGCCC AAOSCAGAOC OGAAGGGAOC CTCTCCGCCC CTTGCTCACA COGTGAGOST

866 876 886 TGTGAGTAGC CftTOGGGCTC TAGGAAGCAG CACT0GAG

EXAMPLE V

A. Human Protein Composition

Human cell lines which synthesize BMP-5 and/or BMP-6 mRNAs are identified in the following manner. RNA is isolated from a variety of human cell lines, selected for poly (A) -containing RNA by chromatography on oligo(dT) cellulose, electrophoresed on a formaldehyde-agarose gel, and transferred to nitrocellulose. A nitrocellulose replica of the gel is hybridized to a single stranded M13 ³²P-labeled probe corresponding to the above mentioned BMP-5 EcoRI-Bglll fragment containing nucleotides 1-465 of the sequence of Table I. A strongly hybridizing band is detected in the lane corresponding to the human osteosarcoma cell line U-20S RNA. Another nitrocellulose replica is hybridized to a single stranded M13 ³²p- labeled probe containing the Pstl-Smal fragment of bovine BMP-6 (corresponding to nucleotides 106- 261 of Table II) . It is found that several RNA species in the lane corresponding to U-20S RNA hybridize to this probe.

A cDNA Library is made in the vector lambda ZAP (Stratagene) from U-20S poly(A)-containing RNA using established techniques (Toole et al.). 750,000 recombinants of this library are plated and duplicate nitrocellulose replicas made. The Smal fragment of bovine BMP-6 corresponding to nucleotides 259-751 of Table II is labeled by nick- translation and hybridized to both sets of filters in SHB at δδ^'-'r. One set of filters is washed under stringent conditions (0.2X SSC, 0.1% SDS at , the other under reduced stringency conditions (IX SSC, 0.1% SDS at 65^~Y) . Many duplicate hybridizing recombinants (approximately 162) are noted. 24 are picked and replated for secondaries. Three nitrocellulose replicas are made of each plate. One is hybridized to the BMP-6 Smal probe, one to a nick-translated BMP-6 Pstl- SacI fragment (nucleotides 106-378 of Table II) , and the third to the nick-translated BMP-5 Xbal fragments (nucleotides 1-76 of Table I) . Hybridization and washes are carried out under stringent conditions.

B. Human BMP-5 Proteins

17 clones that hybridize to the third probe more strongly than to the second probe are plaque purified. DNA sequence analysis of one of these, U2-16, indicates that it encodes human BMP-5. U2- 16 was deposited with the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) , Rockville, Maryland on June 22, 1989 under accession number ATCC 68109. This deposit as well as the other deposits described herein are made under the provisions of the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent Procedure and the Regulations thereunder (Budapest Treaty) . U2-16 contains an insert of approximately 2.1 Kb. The DNA sequence and derived amino acid sequence of U2-16 is shown below in Table III. This clone is expected to contain all of the nucleotide sequence necessary to encode human BMP-5 proteins. The cDNA sequence of Table III contains an open reading frame of 1362 bp, encoding a protein of 454 amino acids, preceded by a 5' untranslated region of 700 bp with stop codons in all frames, and contains a 3' untranslated region of 90 bp following the in frame stop codon (TAA) . This protein of 454 amino acids has a molecular weight of approximately 52,000 daltons as predicted by its amino acid sequence, and is contemplated to represent the primary translation product. Based on knowledge of other BMP proteins and other proteins within the TGF- family, it is predicted that the precursor polypeptide would be cleaved at the tribasic peptide Lys Arg Lys yielding a 132 amino acid mature peptide beginning with amino acid #323 "Asn". The processing of BMP- 5 into the mature form is expected to involve dimerization and removal of the N-terminal region in a manner analogous to the processing of the related protein TGF- [L.E. Gentry, et al., Molec. & Cell. Biol. .8:4162 (1988); R. Dernyck, et al.. Nature 316:701 (1985)].

It is contemplated therefore that the mature active species of BMP-5 comprises a homodimer of 2 polypeptide subunits each subunit comprising amino acid #323 - #454 with a predicted molecular weight of approximately 15,000 daltons. Further active BMP-5 species are contemplated, for example, proprotein dimers or proprotein subunits linked to mature subunits. Additional active species may comprise amino acid #329 - #454 such species including homologous the tryptic sequences found in the purified bovine material. Also contemplated are BMP-5 proteins comprising amino acids #353- #454 thereby including the first conserved cysteine residue.

The underlined sequence of Table III from amino acid #329 to #337 Ser-Ser-Ser-His-Gln-Asp- Ser-Ser-Arg shares homology with the bovine sequence of Table I from amino acid #15 to #23 as discussed above in Example IV. Each of these sequences shares homology with a tryptic fragment sequence Ser-Thr-Pro-Ala-Gln-Asp-Val-Ser-Arg found in the 28,000 - 30,000 dalton purified bone preparation (and its reduced form at approximately 18 000 - 20,000 daltons) as described in the "BMP" published applications WO88/00205 and WO89/10409 mentioned above.

The underlined sequence of Table III from amino acid #356 to #362 His-Glu-Leu-Tyr-Val-Ser-Phe corresponds to the tryptic fragment identified in the bovine bone preparation described above from which the oligonucleotide probes are designed.

TABLE III

10 20 30 40 50

CTGGTATATT TGTGCOTGCT GGAGGTGGAA TTAACAGTAA GAAGGAGAAA 60 70 80 90 100

GGGATTGAAT GGACTTACAG GAAGGATTTC AAGTAAATTC AGGGAAACAC 110 120 130 140 150 ATTTACTTGA ATAGTACAAC CTAGAGTATT ATTTTACACT AAGACGACAC 160 170 180 190 200 AAAAGATGTT AAAGTTATCA CCAAGCTGCC GGACAGATAT ATATTCCAAC 210 220 230 240 250 ACCAAGGTGC AGATCAGCAT AGATCTGTGA TTCAGAAATC AGGATTTGTT 260 270 280 290 300 TTGGAAAGAG CTCAAGGGTT GAGAAGAACT CAAAAGCAAG TGAAGATTAC 310 320 330 340 350 TTTGGGAACT ACAGTTTATC AGAAGATCAA CTTTTGCTAA TTCAAATACC 360 370 380 390 400 AAAGGCCTGA TTATCATAAA TTCATATAGG AATGCATAGG TCATCTGATC 410 420 430 440 450 AAATAATATT AGCCGTCTTC TGCTACATCA ATGCAGCAAA AACTCTTAAC 460 470 480 490 500 AACTGTGGAT AATTGGAAAT CTGAGTTTCA GCTTTCTTAG AAATAACTAC 510 520 530 540 550 TCTTGACATA TTCCAAAATA TTTAAAATAG GACAGGAAAA TCGGTGAGGA 560 570 580 590 600 TGTTGTGCTC AGAAATGTCA CTGTCATGAA AAATAGGTAA ATTTGTTTTT 610 620 630 640 650 TCAGCTACTG GGAAACTGTA CCTCCTAGAA CCTTAGGTTT TTTTTTTTTT

660 670 680 690 700 AAGAGGACAA GAAGGACTAA AAATATCAAC TTTTGCTTTT GGACAAAA TABLE III (page 2 Of 4)

701 710 719 728 737

ATG CAT CTG ACT GTA TTT TTA CTT AAG GGT ATT GTG GGT TTC CTC

MET His Leu Thr Val Phe Leu Leu Lys Gly lie Val Gly Phe Leu

(1)

746 755 764 773 782

TGG AGC TGC TGG GTT CTA GTG GGT TAT GCA AAA GGA GGT TTG GGA Trp Ser Cys Trp Val Leu Val Gly Tyr Ala Lys Gly Gly Leu Gly

791 800 809 818 827

GAC AAT CAT GTT CAC TCC AGT TTT ATT TAT AGA AGA CTA CGG AAC

Asp Asn His Val His Ser Ser Phe lie Tyr Arg Arg Leu Arg Asn

836 845 854 863 872

CAC GAA AGA CGG GAA ATA CAA AGG GAA ATT CTC TCT ATC TTG GGT

His Glu Arg Arg Glu lie Gin Arg Glu lie Leu Ser lie Leu Gly

881 890 899 908 917

TTG CCT CAC AGA CCC AGA CCA TTT TCA CCT GGA AAA ATG ACC AAT

Leu Pro His Arg Pro Arg Pro Phe Ser Pro Gly Lys Gin Ala Ser

926 935 944 953 962

CAA GCG TCC TCT GCA CCT CTC TTT ATG CTG GAT CTC TAC AAT GCC

Ser Ala Pro Leu Phe MET Leu Asp Leu Tyr Asn Ala MET Thr Asn

971 980 989 998 1007

GAA GAA AAT CCT GAA GAG TCG GAG TAC TCA GTA AGG GCA TCC TTG

Glu Glu Asn Pro Glu Glu Ser Glu Tyr Ser Val Arg Ala Ser Leu

1016 1025 1034 1043 1052 GCA GAA GAG ACC AGA GGG GCA AGA AAG GGA TAC CCA GCC TCT CCC Ala Glu Glu Thr Arg Gly Ala Arg Lys Gly Tyr Pro Ala Ser Pro

1061 1070 1079 1088 1097 AAT GGG TAT CCT CGT CGC ATA CAG TTA TCT CGG ACG ACT CCT CTG Asn Gly Tyr Pro Arg Arg lie Gin Leu Ser Arg Thr Thr Pro Leu

1106 1115 1124 1133 1142 ACC ACC CAG AGT CCT CCT CTA GCC AGC CTC CAT GAT ACC AAC TTT Thr Thr Gin Ser Pro Pro Leu Ala Ser Leu His Asp Thr Asn Phe

1151 1160 1169 1178 1187 CTG AAT GAT GCT GAC ATG GTC ATG AGC TTT GTC AAC TTA GTT GAA Leu Asn Asp Ala Asp MET Val MET Ser Phe Val Asn Leu Val Glu

1196 1205 1214 1223 1232 AGA GAC AAG GAT TTT TCT CAC CAG CGA AGG CAT TAC AAA GAA TTT Arg Asp Lys Asp Phe Ser His Gin Arg Arg His Tyr Lys Glu Phe TABLE III (page 3 of 4)

1241 1250 1259 1268 1277

CGA TTT GAT CTT ACC CAA ATT CCT CAT GGA GAG GCA GTG ACA GCA Arg Phe Asp Leu Thr Gin lie Pro His Gly Glu Ala Val Thr Ala

1286 1295 1304 1313 1322 GCT GAA TTC CGG ATA TAC AAG GAC CGG AGC AAC AAC CGA TTT GAA Ala Glu Phe Arg lie Tyr Lys Asp Arg Ser Asn Asn Arg Phe Glu

1331 1340 1349 1358 1367 ' AAT GAA ACA ATT AAG ATT AGC ATA TAT CAA ATC ATC AAG GAA TAC Asn Glu Thr lie Lys lie Ser lie Tyr Gin lie lie Lys Glu Tyr

1376 1385 1394 1403 1412 ACA AAT AGG GAT GCA GAT CTG TTC TTG TTA GAC ACA AGA AAG GCC Thr Asn Arg Asp Ala Asp Leu Phe Leu Leu Asp Thr Arg Lys Ala

1421 1430 1439 1448 1457 CAA GCT TTA GAT GTG GGT TGG CTT GTC TTT GAT ATC ACT GTG ACC Gin Ala Leu Asp Val Gly Trp Leu Val Phe Asp lie Thr Val Thr

1466 1475 1484 1493 1502 AGC AAT CAT TGG GTG ATT AAT CCC CAG AAT AAT TTG GGC TTA CAG Ser Asn His Trp Val lie Asn Pro Gin Asn Asn Leu Gly Leu Gin

1511 1520 1529 1538 1547 CTC TGT GCA GAA ACA GGG GAT GGA CGC AGT ATC AAC GTA AAA TCT Leu Cys Ala Glu Thr Gly Asp Gly Arg Ser lie Asn Val Lys Ser

1556 1565 1574 1583 1592 GCT GGT CTT GTG GGA AGA CAG GGA CCT CAG TCA AAA CAA CCA TTC Ala Gly Leu Val Gly Arg Gin Gly Pro Gin Ser Lys Gin Pro Phe

1601 1610 1619 1628 1637 ATG GTG GCC TTC TTC AAG GCG AGT GAG GTA CTT CTT CGA TCC GTG MET Val Ala Phe Phe Lys Ala Ser Glu Val Leu Leu Arg Ser Val

1646 1655 1664 1673 1682 AGA GCA GCC AAC AAA CGA AAA AAT CAA AAC CGC AAT AAA TCC AGC Arg Ala Ala Asn Lys Arg Lys Asn Gin Asn Arg Asn Lys Ser Ser

(323) (329)

1691 1700 1709 1718 1727 TCT CAT CAG GAC TCC TCC AGA ATG TCC AGT GTT GGA GAT TAT AAC Ser His Gin Asp Ser Ser Arg MET Ser Ser Val Gly Asp Tyr Asn

(337) TABLE III (page 4 of 4)

1736 1745 1754 1763 1772 ACA AGT GAG CAA AAA CAA GCC TGT AAG AAG CAC GAA CTC TAT GTG Thr Ser Glu Gin Lys Gin Ala Cys Lys Lys His Glu Leu Tyr Val

(356)

1781 1790 1799 1808 1817

AGC TTC CGG GAT CTG GGA TGG CAG GAC TGG ATT ATA GCA CCA GAA Ser Phe Arg Asp Leu Gly Trp Gin Asp Trp lie lie Ala Pro Glu (362)

1826 1835 1844 1853 1862 GGA TAC GCT GCA TTT TAT TGT GAT GGA GAA TGT TCT TTT CCA CTT Gly Tyr Ala Ala Phe Tyr Cys Asp Gly Glu Cys Ser Phe Pro Leu

1871 1880 1889 1898 1907 AAC GCC CAT ATG AAT GCC ACC AAC CAC GCT ATA GTT CAG ACT CTG Asn Ala His MET Asn Ala Thr Asn His Ala lie Val Gin Thr Leu

1916 1925 1934 1943 1952 GTT CAT CTG ATG TTT CCT GAC CAC GTA CCA AAG CCT TGT TGT GCT Val His Leu MET Phe Pro Asp His Val Pro Lys Pro Cys Cys Ala

1961 1970 1979 1988 1997 CCA ACC AAA TTA AAT GCC ATC TCT GTT CTG TAC TTT GAT GAC AGC Pro Thr Lys Leu Asn Ala lie Ser Val Leu Tyr Phe Asp Asp Ser

2006 2015 2024 2033 2042 TCC AAT GTC ATT TTG AAA AAA TAT AGA AAT ATG GTA GTA CGC TCA Ser Asn Val lie Leu Lys Lys Tyr Arg Asn MET Val Val Arg Ser

(450)

2051 2060 2070 2080 2090 2100 TGT GGC TGC CAC TAATATTAAA TAATATTGAT AATAACAAAA AGATCTGTAT Cys Gly Cys His (454) 2110 2120 2130 2140 2150 TAAGGTTTAT GGCTGCAATA AAAAGCATAC TTTCAGACAA ACAGAAAAAA AAA

The tryptic sequence His-Glu-Leu-Tyr-Val-Ser- Phe-(Ser) described above is noted to be similar to the sequence His-Pro-Leu-Tyr-Val-Asp-Phe-Ser found in the bovine and human cartilage/bone protein BMP- 2A sequence, for instance as described in Publication WO 88/00205. Human BMP-5 shares homology with other BMP molecules as well as other members of the TGF-β superfamily of molecules. The cysteine-rich carboxy-terminal 102 amino acid residues of human BMP-5 shares the following homologies with BMP proteins disclosed herein and in Publications WO 88/00205 and WO 89/10409 described above: 61% identity with BMP-2; 43% identity with BMP-3, 59% identity with BMP-4; 91% identity with BMP-6; and 88% identity with BMP-7. Human BMP-5 further shares the following homologies: 38% identity with TGF~β3 ; 37% identity with TGF-02; 36% identity with TGF-^1; 25% identity with Mullerian Inhibiting Substance (MIS) , a testicular glycoprotein that causes regression of the Mullerian duct during development of the male embryo; 25% identity with inhibin α; 38% identity with inhibin _B; 45% identity with inhibin _A; 56% identity with Vgl, a Xenopus factor which may be involved in mesoderm induction in early embryogenesis (Weeks and Melton, Cell J51:861-867 (1987)]; and 57% identity with Dpp the product of the Drosophila decapentaplegic locus which is required for dorsal-ventral specification in early embryogenesis and is involved in various other developmental processes at later stages of development [Padgett, et al., Nature 325:81-84 (1987) ] .

C. Human BMP-6 Proteins Six clones which hybridize to the second probe described in Example V.A. more strongly than to the third are picked and transformed into plasmids. Restriction mapping, Southern blot analysis, and DNA sequence analysis of these plasmids indicate that there are two classes of clones. Clones U2-7 and U2-10 contain human BMP-6 coding sequence based on their stronger hybridization to the second probe and closer DNA homology to the bovine BMP-6 sequence of Table II than the other 4 clones. DNA sequence data derived from these clones indicates that they encode a partial polypeptide of 132 amino acids comprising the carboxy-terminus of the human BMP-6 protein. U2-7 was deposited with the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) , Rockville, Maryland on June 23, 1989 under accession number 68021 under the provisions of the Budapest Treaty.

A primer extended cDNA library is made from U- 2 OS mRNA using the oligonucleotide GGAATCCAAGGCAGAATGTG, the sequence being based on the 3' untranslated sequence of the human BMP-6 derived from the clone U2-10. This library is screened with an oligonucleotide of the sequence CAGAGTCGTAATCGC, derived from the BMP-6 coding sequence of U2-7 and U2-10. Hybridization is in standard hybridization buffer (SHB) at 42 degrees centigrade, with wash conditions of 42 degrees centigrade, 5X SSC, 0.1% SDS. Positively hybridizing clones are isolated. The DNA insert of one of these clones, PEH6-2, indicates that it extends further in a 5* direction than either U2-7 or U2-10. A primer extended cDNA library constructed from U-20S mRNA as above is screened with an oligonucleotide of the sequence GCCTCTCCCCCTCCGACGCCCCGTCCTCGT, derived from the sequence near the 5* end of PEH6-2. Hybridization is at 65 degrees centigrade in SHB, with washing at 65 degrees centigrade in 2X SSC, 0.1% SDS. Positively hybridizing recombinants are isolated and analyzed by restriction mapping and DNA sequence analysis.

The 5¹ sequence of the insert of one of the positively hybridizing recombinants, PE5834#7, is used to design an oligonucleotide of the sequence CTGCTGCTCCTCCTGCTGCCGGAGCGC. A random primed cDNA library [synthesized as for an oligo (dT) primed library except that (dN)g is used as the primer] is screened with this oligonucleotide by hybridization at 65 degrees centigrade in SHB with washing at 65 degrees centigrade in IX SSC, 0.1% SDS. A positively hybridizing clone, RP10, is identified, isolated, and the DNA sequence sequence from the 5* end of its insert is determined. This sequence is used to design an ol igonucletide of the sequence TCGGGCTTCCTGTACCGGCGGCTCAAGACGCAGGAGAAGCGGGAGATGCA. A human placenta cDNA library (Stratagene catalog #936203) is screened with this oligonucleotide by hybridization in SHB at 65 degrees centigrade, and washing at 65 degrees centigrade with 0.2 X SSC, 0.1% SDS. A positively hybridizing recombinant designated BMP6C35 is isolated. DNA sequence analysis of the insert of this recombinant indicates that it encodes the complete human BMP-6 protein. BMP6C35 was deposited with the American Type Culture Collection, 12301 Parklawn Drive, Rockville, Maryland USA on March 1, 1990 under Accession Number 68245 under the provisions of the Budapest Treaty. The DNA and derived amino acid sequence of the majority of the insert of BMP6C35 is given in Table IV. This DNA sequence contains an open reading frame of 1539 base pairs which encodes the 513 amino acid human BMP-6 protein precursor. The presumed initiator methionine codon is preceded by a 5'untranslated sequence of 159 base pairs with stop codons in all three reading frames. The stop codon at nucleotides 1699-1701 is followed by at least 1222 base pairs of 3'untranslated sequence. It is noted that U2-7 has a C residue at the position corresponding to the T residue at position 1221 of BMP6C35; U2-7 also has a C residue at the position corresponding to the G residue at position 1253 of BMP6C35. These do not cause amino acid differences in the encoded proteins, and presumably represent allelic variations.

T h e o l i g o n u c l e o t i d e TCGGGCTTCCTGTACCGGCGGCTCAAGACGCAGGAGAAGCGGGAGATGCA is used to screen a human genomic library (Toole et al supra) , by hybridizing nitrocellulose replicas of 1 X 10⁶ recombinants with the oligonucleotide in SHB at 65 degrees centigrade, and washing at 65 degrees centigrade with 0.2 X SSC, 0.1% SDS. Positively hybridizing clones are purified. The oligonucleotide hybridizing region is localized to an approximately 1.5 kb Pst I fragment. DNA sequence analysis of this fragment confirms the 5' sequence indicated in Table IV. The first underlined portion of the sequence in Table IV from amino acid #388 to #396, Ser-Thr- Gln-Ser-Gln-Asp-Val-Ala-Arg, corresponds to the similar sequence Ser-Thr-Pro-Alg-Gln-Asp-Val-Ser- Arg of the bovine sequence described above and set forth in Table II. The second underlined sequence in Table IV from amino acid #415 through #421 His-

Glu-Leu-Tyr-Val-Ser-Phe, corresponds to the tryptic fragment identified above from which the oligonucleotide probes are designed. The tryptic sequence His-Glu-Leu-Tyr-Val-Ser-Phe-(Ser) is noted to be similar to a sequence found in other

BMP proteins for example the sequence His-Pro-Leu-

Tyr-Val-Asp-Phe-Ser found in the bovine and human cartilage/bone protein BMP-2 sequence as described in Publication WO 88/00205. BMP-6 therefore represents a new member of the BMP subfamily of

TGF-_/3 like molecules which includes the molecules

BMP-2, BMP-3, BMP-4 described in Publications WO

88/00205 and WO 89/10409, as well as BMP-5 and BMP- 7 described herein.

Based on knowledge of other BMP proteins, as well as other proteins in the TGF-_/9 family, BMP-6 is predicted to be synthesized as a precursor molecule and the precursor polypeptide would be cleaved between amino acid #381 and amino acid #382 yielding a 132 amino acid mature polypeptide with a calculated molecular weight of approximately 15Kd. The mature form of BMP-6 contains three potential N-linked glycosylation sites per polypeptide chain as does BMP-5.

The processing of BMP-6 into the mature form is expected to involve dimerization and removal of the N-terminal region in a manner analogous to the processing of the related protein TGF-ø [L.E. Gentry, et al., (1988); R. Dernyck, et al., (1985) supra] . It is contemplated that the active BMP-6 protein molecule is a dimer. It is further contemplated that the mature active species of BMP- 5 comprises protein molecule is a homodimer comprised of two polypeptide subunits each subunit comprising amino acid #382 - #513 as set forth in Table IV. Further active species of BMP-5 are contemplated such as phoprotein dimers or a proprotein ' subunit and a mature subunit. Additional active BMP-5 proteins may comprise amino acid #388 - #513 thereby including the tryptic fragments found in the purified bovine material. Another BMP-5 protein of the invention comprises amino acid #412 - #513 thereby including the first conserved cystine residue.

TABLE IV

10 20 30 40 50

CGACCATGAG AGATAAGGAC TGAGGGCCAG GAAGGGGAAG CGAGCCCGCC

60 70 80 90 100

GAGAGGTGGC GGGGACTGCT CACGCCAAGG GCCACAGCGG CCGCGCTCCG

110 120 130 140 150 GCCTCGCTCC GCCGCTCCAC GCCTCGCGGG ATCCGCGGGG GCAGCCCGGC

159 168 177 186 195

CGGGCGGGG ATG CCG GGG CTG GGG CGG AGG GCG CAG TGG CTG TGC MET Pro Gly Leu Gly Arg Arg Ala Gin Trp Leu Cys (1)

204 213 222 231 240

TGG TGG TGG GGG CTG CTG TGC AGC TGC TGC GGG CCC CCG CCG CTG Trp Trp Trp Gly Leu Leu Cys Ser Cys Cys Gly Pro Pro Pro Leu

249 258 267 276 285

CGG CCG CCC TTG CCC GCT GCC GCG GCC GCC GCC GCC GGG GGG CAG Arg Pro Pro Leu Pro Ala Ala Ala Ala Ala Ala Ala Gly Gly Gin

294 303 312 321 330

CTG CTG GGG GAC GGC GGG AGC CCC GGC CGC ACG GAG CAG CCG CCG Leu Leu Gly Asp Gly Gly Ser Pro Gly Arg Thr Glu Gin Pro Pro

339 348 357 366 375

CCG TCG CCG CAG TCC TCC TCG GGC TTC CTG TAC CGG CGG CTC AAG Pro Ser Pro Gin Ser Ser Ser Gly Phe Leu Tyr Arg Arg Leu Lys

384 393 402 411 420

ACG CAG GAG AAG CGG GAG ATG CAG AAG GAG ATC TTG TCG GTG CTG Thr Gin Glu Lys Arg Glu MET Gin Lys Glu lie Leu Ser Val Leu

429 438 447 456 465

GGG CTC CCG CAC CGG CCC CGG CCC CTG CAC GGC CTC CAA CAG CCG Gly Leu Pro His Arg Pro Arg Pro Leu His Gly Leu Gin Gin Pro Table IV (page 2 of 6)

474 483 492 501 510

CAG CCC CCG GCG CTC CGG CAG CAG GAG GAG CAG CAG CAG CAG CAG Gin Pro Pro Ala Leu Arg Gin Gin Glu Glu Gin Gin Gin Gin Gin

519 528 537 546 555

CAG CTG CCT CGC GGA GAG CCC CCT CCC GGG CGA CTG AAG TCC GCG Gin Leu Pro Arg Gly Glu Pro Pro Pro Gly Arg Leu Lys Ser Ala

564 573 582 591 600 CCC CTC TTC ATG CTG GAT CTG TAC AAC GCC CTG TCC GCC GAC AAC Pro Leu Phe MET Leu Asp Leu Tyr Asn Ala Leu Ser Ala Asp Asn

609 618 627 636 645

GAC GAG GAC GGG GCG TCG GAG GGG GAG AGG CAG CAG TCC TGG CCC Asp Glu Asp Gly Ala Ser Glu Gly Glu Arg Gin Gin Ser Trp Pro

654 663 672 681 690

CAC GAA GCA GCC AGC TCG TCC CAG CGT CGG CAG CCG CCC CCG GGC His Glu Ala Ala Ser Ser Ser Gin Arg Arg Gin Pro Pro Gly Ser

699 708 717 726 735

GCC GCG CAC CCG CTC AAC CGC AAG AGC CTT CTG GCC CCC GGA TCT Pro Pro Gly Ala Ala His Pro Leu Asn Arg Lys Ser Leu Leu Ala

744 753 762 771 780

GGC AGC GGC GGC GCG TCC CCA CTG ACC AGC GCG CAG GAC AGC GCC Gly Ser Gly Gly Ala Ser Pro Leu Thr Ser Ala Gin Asp Ser Ala

789 798 807 816 825

TTC CTC AAC GAC GCG GAC ATG GTC ATG AGC TTT GTG AAC CTG GTG Phe Leu Asn Asp Ala Asp MET Val MET Ser Phe Val Asn Leu Val

834 843 852 861 870

GAG TAC GAC AAG GAG TTC TCC CCT CGT CAG CGA CAC CAC AAA GAG Glu Tyr Asp Lys Glu Phe Ser Pro Arg Gin Arg His His Lys Glu

879 888 897 906 915

TTC AAG TTC AAC TTA TCC CAG ATT CCT GAG GGT GAG GTG GTG ACG Phe Lys Phe Asn Leu Ser Gin lie Pro Glu Gly Glu Val Val Thr Table IV (page 3 of 6)

924 933 942 951 960

GCT GCA GAA TTC CGC ATC TAC AAG GAC TGT GTT ATG GGG AGT TTT Phe Arg lie Tyr Lys Asp Cys Val MET Ala Ala Glu Gly Ser Phe

969 978 987 996 1005

AAA AAC CAA ACT TTT CTT ATC AGC ATT TAT CAA GTC TTA CAG GAG Lys Asn Gin Thr Phe Leu lie Ser lie Tyr Gin Val Leu Gin Glu

1014 1023 1032 1041 1050 CAT CAG CAC AGA GAC TCT GAC CTG TTT TTG TTG GAC ACC CGT GTA His Gin His Arg Asp Ser Asp Leu Phe Leu Leu Asp Thr Arg Val

1059 1068 1077 1086 1095 GTA TGG GCC TCA GAA GAA GGC TGG CTG GAA TTT GAC ATC ACG GCC Val Trp Ala Ser Glu Glu Gly Trp Leu Glu Phe Asp lie Thr Ala

1104 1113 1122 1131 1140 ACT AGC AAT CTG TGG GTT GTG ACT CCA CAG CAT AAC ATG GGG CTT Thr Ser Asn Leu Trp Val Val Thr Pro Gin His Asn MET Gly Leu

1149 1158 1167 1176 1185 CAG CTG AGC GTG GTG ACA AGG GAT GGA GTC CAC GTC CAC CCC CGA Gin Leu Ser Val Val Thr Arg Asp Gly Val His Val His Pro Arg

1194 1203 1212 1221 1230 GCC GCA GGC CTG GTG GGC AGA GAC GGC CCT TAC GAT AAG CAG CCC Ala Ala Gly Leu Val Gly Arg Asp Gly Pro Tyr Asp Lys Gin Pro

1239 1248 1257 1266 1275 TTC ATG GTG GCT TTC TTC AAA GTG AGT GAG GTC CAC GTG CGC ACC Phe MET Val Ala Phe Phe Lys Val Ser Glu Val His Val Arg Thr

1284 1293 1302 1311 1320 ACC AGG TCA GCC TCC AGC CGG CGC CGA CAA CAG AGT CGT AAT CGC Thr Arg Ser Ala Ser Ser Arg Arg Arg Gin Gin Ser Arg Asn Arg

(382)

1329 1338 1347 1356 1365 TCT ACC CAG TCC CAG GAC GTG GCG CGG GTC TCC AGT GCT TCA GAT Ser Thr Gin Ser Gin Asp Val Ala Arg Val Ser Ser Ala Ser Asp (388) Table IV (page 4 of 6)

1374 1383 1392 1401 1410 TAC AAC AGC AGT GAA TTG AAA ACA GCC TGC AGG AAG CAT GAG CTG Tyr Asn Ser Ser Glu Leu Lys Thr Ala Cys Arg Lys His Glu Leu

(412)

1419 1428 1437 1446 - 1455 TAT GTG AGT TTC CAA GAC CTG GGA TGG CAG GAC TGG ATC ATT GCA Tyr Val Ser Phe Gin Asp Leu Gly Trp Gin Asp Trp lie lie Ala

1464 1473 1482 1491 1500 CCC AAG GGC TAT GCT GCC AAT TAC TGT GAT GGA GAA TGC TCC TTC Pro Lys Gly Tyr Ala Ala Asn Tyr Cys Asp Gly Glu Cys Ser Phe

1509 1518 1527 1536 1545 CCA CTC AAC GCA CAC ATG AAT GCA ACC AAC CAC GCG ATT GTG CAG Pro Leu Asn Ala His MET Asn Ala Thr Asn His Ala lie Val Gin

1554 1563 1572 1581 1590 ACC TTG GTT CAC CTT ATG AAC CCC GAG TAT GTC CCC AAA CCG TGC Thr Leu Val His Leu MET Asn Pro Glu Tyr Val Pro Lys Pro Cys

1599 1608 1617 1626 1635 TGT GCG CCA ACT AAG CTA AAT GCC ATC TCG GTT CTT TAC TTT GAT Cys Ala Pro Thr Lys Leu Asn Ala lie Ser Val Leu Tyr Phe Asp

1644 1653 1662 1671 1680 GAC AAC TCC AAT GTC ATT CTG AAA AAA TAC AGG AAT ATG GTT GTA Asp Asn Ser Asn Val lie Leu Lys Lys Tyr Arg Asn MET Val Val

1689 1698 1708 1718 1728 AGA GCT TGT GGA TGC CAC TAACTCGAAA CCAGATGCTG GGGACACACA Arg Ala Cys Gly Cys His

(513)

1738 1748 1758 1768 1778 TTCTGCCTTG GATTCCTAGA TTACATCTGC CTTAAAAAAA CACGGAAGCA

1788 1798 1808 1818 1828 CAGTTGGAGG TGGGACGATG AGACTTTGAA ACTATCTCAT GCCAGTGCCT

1838 1848 1858 1868 1878 Table IV (page 5 of 6)

TATTACCCAG GAAGATTTTA AAGGACCTCA TTAATAATTT GCTCACTTGG

1888 1898 1908 1918 1928 TAAATGACGT GAGTAGTTGT TGGTCTGTAG CAAGCTGAGT TTGGATGTCT

1938 1948 1958 1968 1978 GTAGCATAAG GTCTGGTAAC TGCAGAAACA TAACCGTGAA GCTCTTCCTA

1988 1998 2008 2018 2028 CCCTCCTCCC CCAAAAACCC ACCAAAATTA GTTTTAGCTG TAGATCAAGC

2038 2048 2058 2068 2078 TATTTGGGGT GTTTGTTAGT AAATAGGGAA AATAATCTCA AAGGAGTTAA

2088 2098 2108 2118 2128 ATGTATTCTT GGCTAAAGGA TCAGCTGGTT CAGTACTGTC TATCAAAGGT

2138 2148 2158 2168 2178 AGATTTTACA GAGAACAGAA ATCGGGGAAG TGGGGGGAAC GCCTCTGTTC

2188 2198 2208 2218 2228 AGTTCATTCC CAGAAGTCCA CAGGACGCAC AGCCCAGGCC ACAGCCAGGG

2238 2248 2258 2268 2278 CTCCACGGGG CGCCCTTGTC TCAGTCATTG CTGTTGTATG TTCGTGCTGG

2288 2298 2308 2318 2328 AGTTTTGTTG GTGTGAAAAT ACACTTATTT CAGCCAAAAC ATACCATTTC

2338 2348 2358 2368 2378 TACACCTCAA TCCTCCATTT GCTGTACTCT TTGCTAGTAC CAAAAGTAGA

2388 2398 2408 2418 2428 CTGATTACAC TGAGGTGAGG CTACAAGGGG TGTGTAACCG TGTAACACGT

2438 2448 2458 2468 2478 GAAGGCAGTG CTCACCTCTT CTTTACCAGA ACGGTTCTTT GACCAGCACA Table IV (page 6 of 6)

2488 2498 2508 2518 2528 TTAACTTCTG GACTGCCGGC TCTAGTAOCT TTTCAGTAAA GTGGTTCTCT

2538 2548 2558 2568 2578 GCCTTTTTAC TATACAGCAT ACCACGCCAC AGGGTTAGAA CCAACGAAGA

2588 2598 2608 2618 2628 AAATAAAATG AGGGTGCCCA GCTTATAAGA ATGGTGTTAG GGGGATGAGC

2638 2648 2658 2668 2678 ATGCTGTTTA TGAACGGAAA TCATGATTTC CCTGTAGAAA GTGAGGCTCA

2688 2698 2708 2718 2728

GATTAAATTT TAGAATATTT TCTAAATGTC TTTTTCACAA TCATGTGACT

2738 2748 2758 2768 2778

GGGAAGGCAA TTTCATACTA AACTGATTAA ATAATACATT TATAATCTAC

2788 2798 2808 2818 2828 AACTGTTTGC ACTTACAGCT TTTTTTGTAA ATATAAACTA TAATTTATTG

2838 2848 2858 2868 2878 TCTATTTTAT ATCTGTTTTG CTGTGGCGTT GGGGGGGGGG CCGGGCTTTT

2888 2898 2908 2918 GGGGGGGGGG GTTTGTTTGG GGGGTGTCGT GGTGTGGGCG GGCGG

Comparision of the sequence of urine Vgr-1 [Lyons, et al., PNAS .86-4554 (1989)] to human BMP-6 reveals a degree of amino acid sequence identity greater than 92% The murine Vgr-1 is likely the murine homologue of BMP-6. Human BMP-6 shares homology with other BMP molecules as well as other members of the TGF-9 superfamily of molecules. The cysteine-rich carboxy-terminal 102 amino acid residues of human BMP-6 shares the following homologies with BMP proteins disclosed herein and in Publications WO 88/00205 and WO 89/10409: 61% identity with BMP-2; 44% identity with BMP-3, 60% identity with BMP-4; 91% identity with BMP-5; and 87% identity with BMP-7. Human BMP-6 further shares the following homologies: 41% identity with TGF-_/33; 39% identity with TGF-32; 37% identity with TGF-Sl; 26% identity with Mullerian Inhibiting Substance (MIS) , a testicular glycoprotein that causes regression of the Mullerian duct during development of the male embryo; 25% identity with inhibin α; 43% identity with inhibin β-_Q, 49% identity with inhibin _A; 58% identity with Vgl, a Xenopus factor which may be involved in mesoderm induction in early embryogenesis (Weeks and Melton, (1987) Supra] ; and 59% identity with Dpp the product of the Drosophila decapentaplegic locus which is required for dorsal-ventral specification in early embryogenesis and is involved in various other developmental processes at later stages of development [Padgett, et al., (1987) supra] .

D. Human BMP-7 Proteins

The other four clones of Example V.C. above which appear to represent a second class of clones encode a novel polypeptide which we designate as BMP-7. One of these clones, U2-5, was deposited with the ATCC on June 22, 1989 under accession number ATCC 68020 under the provisions of the Budapest Treaty. This clone was determined not to contain the entire coding sequence for BMP-7. An oligo of the squence GCGAGCAATGGAGGATCCAG (designed on the basis of the 3' noncoding sequence of U2-5) was used to make a primer-extended cDNA library from U-2 OS mRNA (Toole, et al.). 500,000 recombinants of this library were screened with the loigonucleotide GATCTCGCGCTGCAT (designed on the basis of the BMP-7 coding sequence) by hybridization in SHB at 42° and washing in 5X SSC, 0.1% SDS at 42°. Several hybridizing clones were obtained. DNA sequence analysis and derived amino acid sequence of one of these clones, PEH7-9, is given in Table V. PEH7-9 was deposited with the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) , Rockville, Maryland on November 17, 1989 under accession number ATCC 68182 under the provisions of the Budapest Treaty. PEH7-9 contains an insert of 1448 base pairs. This clone, PEH7-9, is expected to contain all of the nucleotide sequence necessary to encode BMP-7 proteins. The cDNA sequence of Table V contains an open reading frame of 1292 base pairs, encoding a protein of 431 amino acids, preceded by a 5* untranslated region of 96 base pairs with stop codons in all frames, and contains a 3' untranslated region of 60 base pairs following the in frame stop codon TAG.

This protein of 431 amino acids has a molecular weight of 49,000 daltons as predicted by its amino acid sequence and is contemplated to represent the primary translation product. Based on knowledge of other BMP proteins as well as other proteins within the TGΕ-β family, it is predicted that the precursor polypeptide would be cleaved between amino acid #299 and #300, yielding a 132 amino acid mature peptide.

It is contemplated that processing of BMP-7 to the mature form involves dimerization of th proprotein and removal of the N-terminal region in a manner analogous to the processing of the related protein TGF-B [L.E. Gentry, et al., (1988) Supra and; R. Dernyck, et al., (1985) Supra]. It is comtemplated therefore that the mature active species of BMP-7 comprises a homodimer of 2 polypeptide subunits each subunit cmprising amino acid #300 - #431 as shown in Table V with a calculated weight of 15,000 daltons. Other active

BMP-7 species are contemplated, for example, protein dimers or proprotein subunits linked to mature subunits. Additional active species may comprise amino acids #309 - #431 of Table V such species including the tryptic sequences found in the purified bovine material. Also contemplated are BMP-7 proteins comprising amino acids #330-

#431 thereby including the first conserved cysteine residue.

The underlined sequence of Table V from amino acid #309 - #314 Asn-Gln-Glu-Ala-Leu-Arg is the same sequence as that of tryptic fragment #5 found in the 28,000 - 30,000 dalton purified bone preparation as described in the "BMP" Publications WO 88/00205 and WO 89/10409 mentioned above. The underlined sequence of Table V from amino acid #333-#339 His-Glu-Leu-Tyr-Val-Ser-Phe corresponds to the tryptic fragment identified in the bovine bone preparation described above from which the oligonucleotide probes are designed.

TABLE V

10 20 30 40 50 GIGACOGAGC GGCGOGGACG GCOGCCTGCC CCCTCTGCCA CCTGGGGOGG

60 70 80 90 99

TGOGGGOCOG GAGCCOGGAG CCCGGGTAGC GOGIAGAGCC GGOGOG A G

MET

(1) 108 117 126 135 144 CAC GIG OGC TCA CTG OGA GCT GOG GCG COG CAC AGC TTC GTG GOG His Val Arg Ser Leu Arg Ala Ala Ala Pro His Ser Ehe Val Ala

153 162 171 180 189 CTC TGG GCA CCC CIG TTC CTG CTG CGC TCC GOC CTG GCC GAC TTC Leu Trp Ala Pro Leu Phe Leu Leu Arg Ser Ala Leu Ala Asp Phe

198 207 216 225 234 AGC CTG GAC AAC GAG GTG CAC TOG AGC TTC ATC CAC OGG CGC CTC Ser Leu Asp Asn Glu Val His Ser Ser Phe lie His Arg Arg leu

243 252 261 270 279 OGC AGC CAG GAG CGG OGG GAG ATG CAG OGC GAG ATC CTC TCC AIT Arg Ser Gin Glu Arg Arg Glu MET Gin Arg Glu lie Leu Ser lie

288 297 306 315 324 TTG GGC TTG CCC CAC CGC COG OGC COG CAC CTC CAG GGC AAG CAC Leu Gly Leu Pro His Arg Pro Arg Pro His Leu Gin Gly Lys His

333 342 351 360 369 AAC TOG GCA CCC ATG TTC ATG CTG GAC CTG TAC AAC GCC ATG GOG Asn Ser Ala Pro MET Phe MET Leu Asp Leu Tyr Asn Ala MET Ala

378 387 396 405 414 GTCGAGGAGGGCGGCGGG C_CCGGCGGCC_AGGGCTrcTCCTAC CCC Val Glu Glu Gly Gly Gly Pro Gly Gly Gin Gly Phe Ser Tyr Pro

423 432 441 450 459 TAC AAG GCC GTC TTC ACT ACC CAG GGC CCC CCT CTG GCC AGC CTG Tyr Lys Ala Val Phe Ser Thr Gin Gly Pro Pro Leu Ala Ser Leu

468 477 486 495 504 CAA GAT AGC CAT TTC CTC ACC GAC GCC GAC ATG GTC ATG AGC TTC Gin Asp Ser His Phe Leu Thr Asp Ala Asp MET Val MET Ser Phe

513 522 531 540 549 GTC AAC CTC GTG GAA CAT GAC AAG GAA TTC TTC CAC CCA CGC TAC Val Asn Leu Val Glu His Asp Lys Glu ∑_ιe Phe His Pro Arg Tyr Table V (page 2 of 3)

558 567 576 585 594 CAC CAT CGA GAG TTC OGG TTT GAT CTT TCC AAG ATC CCA GAA GGG His His Arg Glu Phe Arg Ehe Asp Leu Ser Lys lie Pro Glu Gly

603 612 621 630 639 GAA GCT GTC AOG GCA GCC GAA TTC OGG ATC TAC AAG GAC TAC ATC Glu Ala Val Thr Ala Ala Glu Ehe Arg lie Tyr Lys Asp Tyr lie

648 657 666 675 684 OGG GAA OGC TTC GAC AAT GAG AOG TTC CGG ATC AGC GTT TAT CAG Arg Glu Arg Ehe Asp Asn Glu Thr Ehe Arg lie Ser Val Tyr Gin

693 702 711 720 729 GTG CTC CAG GAG CAC TTG GGC AGG GAA TOG GAT CTC TTC CTG CTC Val leu Gin Glu His Leu Gly Arg Glu Ser Asp Leu Ehe Leu Leu

738 747 756 765 774 GAC AGC OGT ACC CTC TGG GCC TOG GAG GAG GGC TGG CTG GTG TTT Asp Ser Arg Thr Leu Trp Ala Ser Glu Glu Gly Trp Leu Val Ehe

783 792 801 810 819 GAC ATC ACA GCC ACC AGC AAC CAC TGG GTG GTC AAT COG OGG CAC Asp lie Thr Ala Thr Ser Asn His Trp Val Val Asn Pro Arg His

828 837 846 855 864 AAC C___SG-__ CTC C_AG CTCTOGGIGGAG ACG CIG GAT GGG CAG AGC Asn leu Gly Leu Gin Leu Ser Val Glu Thr Leu Asp Gly Gin Ser

873 882 891 900 909 ATC AAC CCC AAG TTG GOG GGC CIG A T GGG OGG CAC GGG CCC CAG lie Asn I__o Lys Leu Ala Gly Leu lie Gly Arg His Gly Pro Gin

918 927 936 945 954 AAC AAG CAG CCC TTC ATG GIG GCT TTC TTC AAG GCC ACG GAG GTC Asn Lys Gin I-ro Ehe MET Val Ala Ehe Ehe Lys Ala Thr Glu Val

963 972 981 990 999 CAC T C CGC AGC ATC CGG TCC AOG GGG AGC AAA CAG CGC AGC CAG His Ehe Arg Ser lie Arg Ser Thr Gly Ser Lys Gin Arg Ser Gin

(300) 1008 1017 1026 1035 1044 AAC OGC TCC AAG ACG CCC AAG AAC CAG GAA GCC CIG CGG ATG GCC Asn Arg Ser Lys Thr Pro Lys Asn Gin Glu Ala Leu Arg MET Ala

(309) 1053 1062 1071 1080 1089 AAC GTG GCA GAG AAC AGC AGC AGC GAC CAG AGG CAG GCC TGT AAG Asn Val Ala Glu Asn Ser Ser Ser Asp Gin Arg Gin Ala Cys Lys

(330) Table V (page 3 of 3)

1098 1107 1116 1125 1134 AAG CAC GAG CTG TAT GTC AGC TTC OGA GAC CTG GGC TGG CAG GAC Lys His Glu Leu Tyr Val Ser Ehe Arg Asp Leu Gly Trp Gin Asp

1143 1152 1161 1170 1179

TGG ATC ATC GOGCCTGAAGGCTACGOCGOCTAC ACTGΓGAGGGG Trp lie He Ala Pro Glu Gly Tyr Ala Ala Tyr Tyr Cys Glu Gly

1188 1197 1206 1215 1224 GAG TGT GCC TTC CCT CTG AAC TCC TAC ATG AAC GCC ACC AAC CAC Glu Cys Ala Ehe Pro Leu Asn Ser Tyr MET Asn Ala Thr Asn His

1233 1242 1251 1260 1269 GCC ATC GTG CAG AOG CIG GTC CAC TTC ATC AAC CCG GAA AOG GIG Ala He Val Gin Thr Leu Val His Ehe lie Asn Pro He Ser Val

1278 1287 1296 1305 1314 CCC AAG CCC TGC TCT GOG CCC ACG CAG CTC AAT GCC ATC TCC GTC Pro Lys Pro Cys Cys Ala Pro Thr Gin eu Asn Ala lie Ser Val

1323 1332 1341 1350 1359 CTC TAC TTC GAT GAC AGC TCC AAC GTC ATC CIG AAG AAA TAC AGA Leu Tyr Ehe Asp Asp Ser Ser Asn Val lie Leu Lys Lys Tyr Arg

1368 1377 1386 1399

AAC ATG GTG GTC OGG GCC TGT GGC TGC CAC TAGCTCCTCC Asn MET Val Val Arg Ala Cys Gly Cys His

(431) 1409 1419 1429 1439 1448 GAGAAITCAG ACOCTTTGGG GOCAAL.l__T TCIGGATCCT CCAITGCTC

Like BMP-5 and BMP-6, human BMP-7 shares homology with other BMP molecules as well as other members of the TGF-S superfamily of molecules. The cysteine-rich carboxy-terminal 102 amino acids residues of human BMP-7 shares the following homologies with BMP proteins herein and in Publications WO 88/00205 and WO 89/10409 described above: 60% identity with BMP-2; 43% identity with BMP-3, 58% identity with BMP-4, 87% identity with BMP-6; and 88% identity with BMP-5. Human BMP-7 further shares the following homologies: 40% identity with TGF-,03; 40% identity with TGF-β2 ; 36% identity with TGF-/31; 29% identity with Mullerian Inhibiting Substance (MIS) , a testicular glycoprotein that causes regression of the Mullerian duct during development of the male embryo; 25% identity with inhibin-α; 44% identity with inhibin-^_B; 45% identity with inhibin-3_A; 57% identity with Vgl, a Xenopus factor which may be involved in mesoderm induction in early embryogenesis [Weeks adn Melton, (1987) Supra.] ; and 58% identity with Dpp the product of the Drosophila decapentaplegic locus which is required for dorsal-ventral specification in early embryogenesis and is involved in various other developmental processes at later stages of development [Padgett, et al., (1987) Supra.] .

The invention encompasses the genomic sequences of BMP-5, BMP-6 and BMP-7. To obtain these sequences the cDNA sequences described herein are utilized as probes to screen genomic libraries using techniques known to those skilled in the art.

The procedures described above and additional methods known to those skilled in the art may be employed to isolate other related proteins of interest by utilizing the bovine or human proteins as a probe source. Such other proteins may find similar utility in, inter alia, fracture repair, wound healing and tissue repair.

EXAMPLE VI

Expression of BMP Proteins In order to produce bovine, human or other mammalian BMP-5, BMP-6 or BMP-7 proteins of the invention, the DNA encoding it is transfected into an appropriate expression vector and introduced into mammalian cells or other preferred eukaryotic or prokaryotic hosts by conventional genetic engineering techniques. It is contemplated that the preferred expression system for biologically active recombinant human proteins of the invention will be stably transformed mammalian cells. For transient expression, the cell line of choice is

SV40 transformed African green monkey kidney COS-1 or COS-7 which typically produce moderate amounts of the protein encoded within the plasmid for a period of 1-4 days. For stable high level expression of BMP-5, BMP-6 or BMP-7 the preferred cell line is Cinese hamster Ovary (CHO) . It is therefore contemplated that the preferred mammalian cells will be CHO cells.

The transformed host cells are cultured and the BMP proteins of the invention expressed thereby are recovered, isolated and purified. Characterization of expressed proteins is carried out using standard techiques. For example, characterization may include pulse labeling with [³5^s] methionine or cysteine and analysis by polyacrylamide electrphoresis. The recombinantly expressed BMP proteins are free of proteinaceous materials with which they are co-produced and with which they ordinarily are associated in nature, as well as from other contaminants, such as materials found in the culture media.

A. Vector Construction

As described above, numerous expression vectors known in the art may be utilized in the expression of BMP proteins of the invention. The vector utilized in the following examples is pMT21, a derivitive of pMT2, though other vectors may be suitable in practice of the invention. pMT₂ is derived from pMT2-VWF, which has been deposited with the American Type Culture Collection

(ATCC) , Rockville, MD (USA) under accession number

ATCC 67122 under the provisions of the Budapest

Treaty. EcoRI digestion excises the cDNA insert present in pMT-VWF, yielding pMT2 in linear form which can be ligated and used to transform __ Coli HB 101 or DH-5 to ampicillin resistance. Plasmid pMT2 DNA can be prepared by conventional methods. pMT21 is then constructed using loopout/in mutagenesis [Morinaga, et al.. Biotechnology 84:636 (1984)]. This removes bases 1075 to 1170 (inclusive) . In addition it inserts the following sequence: 5' TOGA 3'. This sequence completes a new restriction site, Xhol. This plasmid now contains 3 unique cloning sites PstI, EcoRI, and Xhol.

In addition, pMT21 is digested with EcoRV and Xhol, treating the digested DNA with Klenow fragment of DNA polymerase I and ligating Clal linkers (NEBio Labs, CATCGATG) . This removes bases 2171 to 2420 starting from the Hindlll site near the SV40 origin of replication and enhancer sequences of pMT2 and introduces a unique Cla I site, but leaves the adenovirus VAI gene intact.

B. BMP-5 Vector Construction

A derivative of the BMP-5 cDNA sequence set forth in Table III comprising the the nucleotide sequence from nucleotide #699 to #2070 is specifically amplified. The oligonucleotides CGACCTGCAGCCACCATGCATCTGACTGTA and TGCCTGCAGTTTAATATTAGTGGCAGC are utilized as primers to allow the amplification of nucleotide sequence #699 to #2070 of Table III from the insert of clone U2-16 described above in Example V. This procedure introduces the nucleotide sequence CGACCTGCAGCCACC immediately preceeding nucleotide #699 and the nucleotide sequence CTGCAGGCA immediately following nucleotide #2070. The addition of these sequences results in the creation of PstI restriction endonuclease recognition sites at both ends of the amplified DNA fragment. The resulting amplified DNA product of this procedure is digested with the restriction endonuclease PstI and subcloned into the PstI site of the pMT2 derivative pMT21 described above. The resulting clone is designated H5/5/pMT.

The insert of H5/5/pMT is excised by PstI digestion and subcloned into the plasmid vector pSP65 at the PstI site resulting in BMP5/SP6. BMP5/SP6 and U2-16 are digested with the restriction endonucleases Nsil and Ndel to excise the portion of their inserts corresponding to nucleotides #704 to #1876 of Table III. The resulting 1173 nucleotide Nsil-Ndei fragment of clone U2-16 is ligated into the Nsil-Ndei site of BMP5/SP6 from which the corresponding 1173 nucleotide Nsil-Ndei fragment had been removed. The resulting clone is designated BMP5mix/SP64. . Direct DNA sequence analysis of BMP5mix/SP64 is performed to confirm identity of the nucleotide sequences produced by the amplification to those set forth in Table III. The clone BMP5mix/SP64 is digested with the restriction endonuclease PstI resulting in the excision of an insert comprising the nucleotides #699 to #2070 of Table III and the additional sequences containing the PstI recognition sites as described above. The resulting 1382 nucleotide PstI fragment is subcloned into the PstI site of the pMT2 derivative pMT21. This clone is designated BMP5mix/pMT21#2.

C. BMP-6 Vector Construction

A derivative of the BMP-6 cDNA sequence set forth in Table IV comprising the nucleotide sequence from nucleotide #160 to #1706 is produced by a series of techniques known to those skilled in the art. The clone BMP6C35 described above in Example V is digested with the restriction endonucleases Apal and TaqI, resulting in the excision of a 1476 nucleotide portion of the insert comprising nucleotide #231 to #1703 of the sequence set forth in Table IV. Synthetic olignucloetides with Sail restriction endonuclease site converters are designed to replace those nucleotides corresponding to #160 to #230 and #1704 to #1706 which are not contained in the 1476 Apal-TaqI fragment of the BMP-6 cDNA sequence. Oligonucleotide/Sall converters conceived to r e p l a c e t h e m i s s i n g 5 ' (TCGACCCACCATGCCGGGGCTGGGGCGGAGGGCGCAGTGGCTGTG CTGGTGGT GGGGGCTGTGCTGCAGCTGCTGCGGGCC and CGCAGCAGCTGCACAGCAGCCCCCACCACCAGCACAGCCACTGCGCC CTCCGCCCCAG CCCCGGCATGGTGGG)and 3' (TCGACTGGTTT and CGAAACCAG) sequences are annealed to each other independently. The annealed 5' and 3' converters are then ligated to the 1476 nucleotide Apal-TaqI described above, creating a 1563 nucleotide fragment comprising the nucleotide sequence from #160 to #1706 of Table IV and the additional sequences contrived to create Sail restriction endonuclease sites at both ends. The resulting^' 1563 nucleotide fragment is subcloned into the Sail site of pSP64. This clone is designated BMP6/SP64#15.

DNA sequence analysis of BMP6/SP64#15 is performed to confirm identity of the 5' and 3' sequences replaced by the converters to the sequence set forth in Table IV. The insert of BMP6/SP64#15 is excised by digestion with the restriction endonuclease Sail. The resulting 1563 nucleotide Sail fragment is subcloned into the Xhol restriction endonuclease site of the pMT2 derivative pMT21 and designated herein as BMP6/pMT21.

D. BMP-7 Vector Construction

A derivative of the BMP-7 sequence set forth in Table V comprising the nucleotide sequence from nucleotide #97 to #1402 is specifically amplified. The oligonucleotides CAGGTCGACCCACCATGCACGTGCGCTCA and TCTGTCGACCTCGGAGGAGCTAGTGGC are utilized as primers to allow the amplification of nucleotide sequence #97 to #1402 of Table V from the insert of clone PEH7-9 described above. This procedure generates the insertion of the nucleotide sequence CAGGTCGACCCACC immediately preceeding nucleotide #97 and the insertion of the nucleotide sequence GTCGACAGA immediately following nucleotide #1402. The addition of these sequences results in the creation of a Sail restriction endonuclease recognition site at each end of the amplified DNA fragment. The resulting amplified DNA product of this procedure is digested with the restriction endonuclease Sail and subcloned into the Sail site of the plasmid vector pSP64 resulting in BMP7/SP6#2.

The clones BMP7/SP6#2 and PEH7-9 are digested with the restriction endonucleases Ncol And StuI to excise the portion of their inserts corresponding to nucleotides #363 to #1081 of Table V. The resulting 719 nucleotide NcoI-StuI fragment of clone PEH7-9 is ligated into the NcoI-StuI site of BMP7/SP6#2 from which the corresponding 719 nucleotide fragment is removed. The resulting clone is designated BMP7mix/SP6.

Direct DNA sequence analysis of BMP7mix/SP6 confirmed identity of the 3* region to the nucleotide sequence from #1082 to #1402 of Table V, however the 5* region contained one nucleotide misincorporation.

Amplification of the nucleotide sequence (#97 to #1402 of Table V) utilizing PEH7-9 as a template is repeated as described above. The resulting amplified DNA product of this procedure is digested with the restriction endonucleases Sail and PstI. This digestion results in the excision of a 747 nucleotide fragment comprising nucleotide #97 to #833 of Table V plus the additional sequences of the 5' priming oligonucleotide used to create the Sail restriction endonuclease recognition site described earlier. This 747 Sall-PstI fragment is subcloned into a Sall-PstI digested pSP65 vector resulting in 5ΕMP7/SP65. DNA sequence analysis demonstrates that the insert of the 5'BMP7/SP65#1 comprises a sequence identical to nucleotide #97 to #362 of Table V.

The clones BMP7mix/SP6 and 5'BMP7/SP65 are digested with the restriction endonucleases Sail and Ncol. The resulting 3' Ncol-Sall fragment of BMP7mix/SP6 comprising nucleotides #363 to #1402 of Table V and 5' Sall-Ncol fragment of 5ΕMP7/SP65 comprising nucleotides #97 to #362 of Table V are ligated together at the Ncol restriction sites to produce a 1317 nucleotide fragment comprising nucleotides #97 to #1402 of Table V plus the additional sequences derived from the 5' and 3' oligonucleotide primers which allows the creation of Sail restriction sites at both ends of this fragment. This 1317 nucleotide Sail fragment is ligated into the Sail site of the pMT2 derivative pMT2Cla-2. This clone is designated BMP7/pMT2.

The insert of BMP7/pMT2 is excised by digestion with the restriction endonuclease Sail. The resulting 1317 nucleotide Sail fragment is subcloned into the Sail restriction site of the vector pSP64. This clone is designated BMP7/SP64#2d. The insert of BMP7/SP64#2d is excised by digestion with Sail and the resulting Sail fragment comprising nucleotides #97 to #1402 of Table V is subcloned into the Xhol restriction endonuclease site of the pMT2 derivative pMT21 described above.

Example VII Transient COS Cell Expression

To obtain transient expression of BMP-5, BMP- 6, and BMP-7 proteins one of the vectors containing the cDNA for BMP-5, BMP-6 or BMP-7, BMP5mix/pMT21#2, BMP6/pMT21#2, or BMP7/pMT21 respectively, are transfected into COS-1 cells using the electroporation method. Other suitable transfection methods include DEAE-dextran, and lipofection. Approximately 48 hours later, cells are analysed for expression of both intracellular and secreted BMP-5, BMP-6 or BMP-7 protein by metabolic labelling with [³⁵S] methionine and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Intracellular BMP is analyzed in cells which are treated with tunicamycin, an inhibitor of N-linked glycosylation. In tunicamycin-treated cells, the nonglycosylated primary translation product migrates as a homogeneous band of predictable size and is often easier to discern in polyacrylamide gels than the glycosylated form of the protein. In each case, intracelluar protein in tunicamycin- treated cells is compared to a duplicate plate of transfected, but untreated COS-1 cells.

A. BMP-5 COS Expression

The results demonstrate that intracellular forms of BMP-5 of approximately 52 Kd and 57 Kd are made by COS cells. The 52 Kd protein is the size predicted by the primary sequence of the the BMP-5 cDNA clone. Following treatment of the cells with tunicamycin, only the 52 Kd form of BMP-5 is made, suggesting that the 57 Kd protein is a glycosylated derivative of the 52 Kd primary translation product. The 57 Kd protein is secreted into the conditioned medium and is apparently not efficiently processed by COS-1 cells into the pro and mature peptides.

B. BMP-6 COS Expression Intracellular BMP-6 exists as a doublet of approximately 61 Kd and 65 Kd in untreated COS-1 cells. In the presence of tunicamycin, only the 61 Kd protein is observed, indicating that the 65 Kd protein is the glycosylated derivative of the 61 Kd primary translation product. This is similar to the molecular weight predicted by the cDNA clone for BMP-6. In the absence of tunicamycin, the predominant protein secreted from COS-1 cells is the 65 Kd glycosylated, unprocessed clipped form of BMP-6. There are also peptides of 46 Kd and 20 Kd present at lower abundance than the 65 Kd that likely represent the processed pro and mature peptides, respectively. C. BMP-7 COS Expression Intracellular BMP-7 protein in tunicamycin- treated COS-1 cells is detected as a doublet of 44 Kd and 46 Kd. In the absence of tunicamycin, proteins of 46 Kd and perhaps 48 Kd are synthesized. These likely represent glycosylated derivatives of the BMP-7 primary translation products. The 48 Kd protein is the major BMP species secreted from COS-1 cells, again suggesting inefficient cleavage of BMP-7 at the propeptide dibasic cleavage site.

Example VIII

CHO Cell Expression

DHFR deficient CHO cells (DUKX Bll) are transfected by electroporation with one of the BMP- 5, BMP-6 or BMP-7 expression vectors described above, and selected for expression of DHFR by growth in nucleoside-free media. Other methods of transfection, including but not limited to CaP0 precipitation, protoplast fusion, microinjection, and lipofection, may also be employed. In order to obtain higher levels of expression more expediently, cells may be selected in nucleoside- free media supplemented with 5 nM, 20 nM or 100 nM MTX. Since the DHFR selectable marker is physically linked to the BMP cDNA as the second gene of a bicistronic coding region, cells which express DHFR should also express the BMP encoded within the upstream cistron. Either single clones, or pools of combined clones, are expanded and analyzed for expression of BMP protein. Cells are selected in stepwise increasing concentrations of MTX (5 nM, 20 nM, 100 nM, 500 nM, 2 UM, 10 UM, and 100 uM) in order to obtain cell lines which contain multiple copies of the expression vector DNA by virtue of gene amplification, and hence secrete large amounts of BMP protein.

Using standard techniques cell lines are screened for expression of BMP RNA, protein or activity, and high expressing cell lines are cloned or recloned at the appropriate level of selection to obtain a more homogeneous population of cells. The resultant cell line is then further characterized for BMP DNA sequences, and expression of BMP RNA and protein. Suitable cell lines can then be used for producing recombinant BMP protein.

A. CHO Expression of BMP-5

The BMP-5 vector BMP5mix/pMT21#2 described above is transfected into CHO cells by electroporation, and cells are selected for expression of DHFR. Clonal cell lines are obtained from individual colonies selected stepwise for resistence to MTX, and analyzed for secretion of BMP-5 proteins. In some cases cell lines may be maintained as pools and cloned at later stages of MTX selection.

As described in Example V.B. the cDNA for BMP- 5 encodes for a protein of approximately 52 Kd. Following processing within the cell that includes, but may not be limited to, propeptide cleavage, glycosylation, and dimer or multimer formation, multiple BMP-5 peptides are produced. There are at least 4 candidate peptides for processed forms of the BMP-5 protein discernable following SDS PAGE under reducing conditions; a 65 Kd peptide, a 35 Kd peptide, and a doublet of approximately 22 Kd molecular weight. Other less abundant BMP-5 peptides may also be present. By comparison to the processing of other related BMP molecules and the related protein TGF-beta, the 65 Kd protein likely represents unprocessed BMP-5, the 35 Kd species represents the propeptide, and the 22 Kd doublet repreents the mature peptide.

Material from a BMP-5 cell line is analyzed in a -dimensional gel system. In the first dimension, proteins are electrophoresed under nonreducing conditions. The material is then reduced, and electrophoresed in a second polyacrylamide gel. Proteins that form disulfide- bonded dimers or multimers will run below a diagonal across the second reduced gel. Results from analysis of BMP-5 protein indicates that a significant amount of the mature BMP-5 peptides can form homodimers of approximately 30-35 Kd that reduce to the 22 Kd doublet observed in one dimensional reduced gels. A fraction of the mature peptides are apparently in a disulfide-bonded complex with the pro peptide. The amount of this complex is minor relative to the mature homodimer. In addition, some of the unprocessed protein can apparantly form homodimers or homomultimers.

B. CHO Expression of BMP-6

The BMP-6 expression vector BMP6/pMT21 described above is transfered into CHO cells and selected for stable transformants . via DHFR expression in a manner as described above in part A with relation to BMP-5. The mature active species of BMP-6 is contemplated to comprise amino acid #382 - #513 of Table IV. It is contemplated that secreted BMP-6 protein will be processed in a manner similar to that described above for BMP-5, other related BMP molecules and analogous to the processing of the related protein TGF-^ø [Gentry, et al.; Dernyck, et al.. Supra.] .

C. CHO Expression of BMP-7

The BMP-7 expression vector BMP7/pMT21 described above is transfected into CHO cells and selected for stable transformants via DHFR expression in a manner as described above in relation to BMP-5. The mature active species of BMP-7 is contemplated to comprise amino acid #300- #431 of Table V. It is contemplated that secreted BMP-7 protein will processed in a manner similar to that described above for BMP-5, other related BMP molecules and analogous to the processing of the related protein TGF-^ [Gentry, et al.; Dernyck, et al. , Supra.] . EXAMPLE IX

Biological Activity of Expressed BMP Proteins

To measure the biological activity of the expressed BMP-5, BMP-6 and BMP-7 proteins obtained in Example VII and VIII above, the BMP proteins are recovered from the culture media and purified by isolating the BMP proteins from other proteinaceous materials with which they are co- produced, as well as from other contaminants. The proteins may be partially purified on a Heparin Sepharose column and further purified using standard purification techniques known to those skilled in the art.

For instance, post transfeσtion conditioned medium supernatant collected from the cultures is concentrated approximately 10 fold by ultrafiltration on a YM 10 membrane and then dialyzed against 20mM Tris, 0.15 M NaCl, pH 7.4 (starting buffer) . This material is then applied to a Heparin Sepharose column in starting buffer. Unbound proteins are removed by a wash of starting buffer, and bound proteins, including proteins of the invention, are desorbed by a wash of 20 mM Tris, 2.0 M NaCl, pH 7.4. The proteins bound by the Heparin column are concentrated approximately 10-fold on, for example, a Centricon 10 and the salt reduced by diafiltration with, for example, 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid. The appropriate amount of the resultant solution is mixed with 20 mg of rat matrix and then assayed for in vivo bone and/or cartilage formation activity by the Rosen- modified Sampath - Reddi assay. A mock transfeetion supernatant fractionation is used as a control. Further purification may be achieved by preparative NaDodS0₄/PAGE [:aemmli. Nature 227:680- 685 (1970) ] . for instance, approximately 300 μg of protein is applied to a 1.5-mm-thick 12.5% gel: recovery is be estimated by adding L- [³⁵S]methionine-labeled BMP protein purified over heparin-Sepharose as described above. Protein may be visualized by copper staining of an adjacent lane [Lee, et al.. Anal. Biochem. .166:308-312 (1987)]. Appropriate bands are excised and extracted in 0.1% NaDodSO₄/20 mM Tris, pH 8.0. The supernatant may be acidified with 10% CF₃COOH to pH 3 and the proteins are desalted on 5.0 x 0.46 cm Vydac C₄ column (The Separations Group, Hesperia, CA) developed with a gradient of 0.1% CF₃COOH to 90% acetonitrile/0.1% CF₃COOH.

The implants containing rat matrix to which specific amounts of human BMP-5, BMP-6 or BMP-7 proteins of the invention have been added are removed from rats after approximately seven days and processed for histological evaluation. Representative sections from each implant are stained for the presence of new bone mineral with von Kossa and acid fuschin, and for the presence of cartilage-specific matrix formation using toluidine blue. The types of cells present within the section, as well as the extent to which these cells display phenotype are evaluated and scored as described in Example III.

Levels of activity may also be tested for host cell extracts. Purification is accomplished in a similar manner as described above except that 6 M urea is included in all the buffers.

The foregoing descriptions detail presently preferred embodiments of the present invention. Numerous modifications and variations in practice thereof are expected to occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of these descriptions. Those modifications and variations are believed to be encompassed within the claims appended hereto.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A purified human BMP protein selected from the group consisting of:

(a) BMP-5 characterized by the amino acid sequence comprising amino acid #323 to #454 of Table III;

(b) BMP-6 characterized by the amino acid sequence comprising amino acid #382 to #513 of Table IV; and

(c) BMP-7 characterized by the amino acid sequence comprising amino acid #300 to #431 of Table V.

2. A purified human BMP protein selected from the group consisting of

(a) BMP-5 protein produced by the steps of (i) culturing a cell transformed with a

DNA sequence comprising nucleotide #1665 to #2060 of Table III or a sequence substantially homologous thereto; and (ii) recovering, isolating and purifiying from said culture medium a protein comprising amino acid #323 to #454 as shown in Table III or a sequence substantially homologous thereto;

(b) BMP-6 produced by the steps of

(i) culturing a cell transformed with a DNA sequence comprising nucleotide #1303 to #1698 of Table IV or a sequence substantially homologous thereto; and

(ii) recovering, isolating and purifying from said culture medium a protein comprising amino acid #382 to #513 as shown in Table IV or a sequence substantially homologous thereto; and (c) BMP-7 protein produced by the steps of

(i) culturing a cell transformed with a DNA sequence comprising nucleotide #994 to #1389 of Table V or a sequence substantially homologous thereto; and (ii) recovering, isolating and purifying from said culture medium a protein comprising the amino acid #300 to amino acid #431 as shown in Table V or a sequence substantially homologous thereto.

3. A purified human BMP protein selected from the group consisting of

(a) BMP-5 produced by the steps of

(i) culturing a cell transformed with a DNA sequence comprising nucleotide #699 to #2060 of Table III or a sequence substantially homologous thereto; and

(ii) recovering, isolating and purifying from said culture medium said BMP-5 protein;

(b) BMP-6 produced by the steps of

(i) culturing a cell transformed with a DNA sequence comprising nucleotide #160 to #1698 of Table IV or a sequence substantially homologous thereto; and (ii) recovering, isolating and purifying from said culture medium said BMP-6 protein; and (c) BMP-7 produced by the steps of

(i) culturing a cell transformed with a DNA sequence comprising nucleotide #97 to #1389 of Table V or a sequence substantially homologous thereto; and

(ii) recovering, isolating and purifying from said culture medium said BMP-7 protein.

4. A purified BMP protein produced by the steps of:

(a) culturing a cell transformed with a DNA sequence comprising a sequence which hybridizes to the DNA sequence selected from the DNA sequences of Table III comprising nucleotide #1665 - #2060, Table IV comprising nucleotide #1303- #1698 or Table V comprising nucleotide #994 - #1389 under stringent hybridization conditions; and

(b) recovering, isolating and purifying from said culture medium a protein characterized by the ability to induce cartilage and/or bone formation.

5. A protein of claim 1 further characterized by the ability to demonstrate the induction of cartilage and/or bone formation.

6. A protein of claim 2 further characterized by the ability to demonstrate the induction of cartilage and/or bone formation.

7. A protein of claim 3 further characterized by the ability to demonstrate the induction of cartilage and/or bone formation.

8. A DNA sequence encoding a protein of claim 1.

9. A DNA sequence encoding a BMP protein said DNA sequence selected from the group consisting of

(a) a DNA sequence encoding BMP-5 comprising the nucleotide #1665 to #2060 of Table III and sequences which hybridize thereto under stringent hybridization conditions and encode a protein characterized by the ability to induce the formation of cartilage and/or bone;

(b) a DNA sequence encoding BMP-6 comrising nucleotide #1303 - #1698 of Table IV and sequences which hybridize thereto under stringent hybridization conditions and encode a protein characterized by the ability to induce the formation of cartilage and/or bone;

(c) a DNA sequence encoding BMP-7 comprising nucleotide #994 - #1389 of Table V and sequences which hybridize thereto under stringent hybridization conditions and encode a protein characterized by the ability to induce the formation of cartilage and/or bone;

10. A DNA sequence encoding a BMP protein selected from the group consisting of (a) a DNA sequence encoding BMP-5 comprising the nucleotide #669 to #2060 of Table III and sequences which hybridize thereto under stringent hybridization conditions and encode a protein characterized by the ability to induce the formation of cartilage and/or bone;

(b) a DNA sequence encoding BMP-6 comrising nucleotide #160 - #1698 of Table IV and sequences which hybridize thereto under stringent hybridization conditions and encode a protein characterized by the ability to induce the formation of cartilage and/or bone;

(c) a DNA sequence encoding BMP-7 comprising nucleotide #97 - #1389 of Table V and sequences which hybridize thereto under stringent hybridization conditions and encode a protein characterized by the ability to induce the formation of cartilage and/or bone;

11. A vector comprising a DNA sequence of claim 8 in operative association with an expression control sequence therefor.

12. A vector comprising a DNA sequence of claim 9 in operative association with an expression contol sequence therefor.

13. A vector comprising a DNA sequence of claim 10 in operative association with an expression control sequence therefor.

14. A host cell transformed with a vector of claim 11.

15. A host cell transformed with a vector of claim 12.

16. A host cell transformed with a vector of claim 13.

17. A method for producing a purified BMP protein said method comprising the steps of

(a) culturing in a suitable culture medium a transformed host cell of claim 14; and

(b) recovering, isolating and purifying said protein from said culture medium.

18. A method for producing a purified BMP protein said method comprising the steps of

(a) culturing in a suitable culture medium a transformed host cell of claim 15; and

(b) recovering, isolating and purifying said protein from said culture medium.

19. A method for producing a purified BMP protein said method comprising the steps of

(a) culturing in a suitable culture medium a transformed host cell of claim 16; and

(b) recovering, isolating and purifying said protein from said culture medium.

20. A pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of a BMP-5, BMP-6 or BMP-7 protein in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle.

21. A pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of a protein of claim 1 in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle.

22. A pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of a protein of claim 2 in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle.

23. A pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of a protein of claim 3 in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle.

24. A composition of claim 20 further comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable matrix.

25. A composition of claim 21 further comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable matrix.

26. A composition of claim 22 further comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable matrix.

27. A composition of claim 23 further comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable matrix.

28. The composition of claim 20 wherein said matrix comprises a material selected from the group consisting of hydroxyapatite, collagen, polylactic acid and tricalcium phosphate.

29. The composition of claim 21 wherein said matrix comprises a material selected from the group consisting of hydroxyapatite, collagen, polylactic acid and tricalcium phosphate.

30. The composition of claim 22 wherein said matrix comprises a material selected from the group consisting of hydroxyapatite, collagen, polylactic acid and tricalcium phosphate.

31. The composition of claim 23 wherein said matrix comprises a material selected from the group consisting of hydroxyapatite, collagen, polylactic acid and tricalcium phosphate.

32. Use of the composition of claim 20 for the treatment of a patient in need of cartilage and/or bone formation.

33. Use of the composition of claim 21 for the treatment of a patient in need of cartilage and/or bone formation.

34. Use of the composition of claim 22 for the treatment of a patient in need of cartilage and/or bone formation.

35. Use of the composition of claim 23 for the treatment of a patient in need of cartilage and/or bone formation.

36. A pharmaceutical composition for wound healing and tissue repair said composition comprising an effective amount of a BMP-5, BMP-6 or BMP-7 protein in a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle.

37. A pharmaceutical composition for wound healing and tissue repair said composition comprising an effective amount of the protein of claim 1 in a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle.

38. A pharmaceutical composition for wound healing and tissue repair said composition comprising an effective amount of the protein of claim 2 in a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle.

39. A pharmaceutical composition for wound healing and tissue repair said composition comprising an effective amount of the protein of claim 3 in a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle.