WO2002029061A2

WO2002029061A2 - G-protein coupled receptors

Info

Publication number: WO2002029061A2
Application number: PCT/US2001/042541
Authority: WO
Inventors: Deborah A. Kallick; Ernestine A. Lee; Catherine M. Tribouley
Original assignee: INCTYE GENOMICS Inc
Current assignee: INCTYE GENOMICS Inc
Priority date: 2000-10-06
Filing date: 2001-10-05
Publication date: 2002-04-11
Anticipated expiration: 2003-04-06
Also published as: JP2004531204A; EP1322760A2; CA2425269A1; WO2002029061A3; AU2001297002A1

Abstract

The invention provides human G-protein coupled receptors (GCREC) and polynucleotides which identify and encode GCREC. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, antibodies, agonists, and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for diagnosing, treating, or preventing disorders associated with aberrant expression of GCREC.

Description

G-PROTEIN COUPLED RECEPTORS

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to nucleic acid and arnino acid sequences of G-protein coupled receptors and to the use of these sequences in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cell proliferative, neurological, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, autoimmune/inflammatory, and metabolic disorders, and viral infections, and in the assessment of the effects of exogenous compounds on the expression of nucleic acid and arnino acid sequences of G-protein coupled receptors. The present invention further relates to the use of specific G-protein coupled receptors to identify molecules that are involved in modulating taste or olfactory sensation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Signal transduction is the general process by which cells respond to extracellular signals. Signal transduction across the plasma membrane begins with the binding of a signal molecule, e.g., a hormone, neurotransmitter, or growth factor, to a cell membrane receptor. The receptor, thus activated, triggers an intracelϊ lar biochemical cascade that ends with the activation of an intracellular target molecule, such as a transcription factor. This process of signal transduction regulates all types of cell functions including cell proliferation, differentiation, and gene transcription. The G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), encoded by one of the largest families of genes yet identified, play a central role in the transduction of extracellular signals across the plasma membrane. GPCRs have a proven history of being successful therapeutic targets.

GPCRs are integral membrane proteins characterized by the presence of seven hydrophobic transmembrane domains which together form a bundle of antiparallel alpha (α) helices. GPCRs range in size from under 400 to over 1000 arnino acids (Strosberg, A.D. (1991) Eur. J. Biochem. 196:1-10; Coughlin, S.R. (1994) Curr. Opin. Cell Biol. 6:191-197). The amino-terminus of a GPCR is extracellular, is of variable length, and is often glycosylated. The carboxy-terminus is cytoplasmic and generally phosphorylated. Extracellular loops alternate with intracellular loops and link the transmembrane domains. Cysteine disulfide bridges linking the second and third extracellular loops may interact with agonists and antagonists. The most conserved domains of GPCRs are the transmembrane domains and the first two cytoplasmic loops. The transmembrane domains account, in part, for structural and functional features of the receptor. In most cases, the bundle of α helices forms a ligand-binding pocket. The extracellular N-terminal segment, or one or more of the three extracellular loops, may also participate in ligand binding. Ligand binding activates the receptor by inducing a conformational change in intracellular portions of the receptor. In turn, the large, third intracellular loop of the activated receptor interacts with a heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide binding (G) protein complex which mediates further intracellular signaling activities, including the activation of second messengers such as cyclic AMP (cAMP), phospholipase C, and inositol triphosphate, and the interaction of the activated GPCR with ion channel proteins. (See, e.g., Watson, S. and S. Arkinstall (1994) The G-protein Linked Receptor Facts Book, Academic Press, San Diego CA, pp. 2-6; Bolander, F.F. (1994) Molecular Endocrinology. Academic Press, San Diego CA, pp. 162-176; Baldwin, J.M. (1994) Curr. Opin. Cell Biol. 6:180-190.)

GPCRs include receptors for sensory signal mediators (e.g., light and olfactory stimulatory molecules); adenosine, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), hepatocyte growth factor, melanocortins, neuropeptide Y, opioid peptides, opsins, somatostatin, tachykinins, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide family, and vasopressin; biogenic amines (e.g., dopamine, epmephrine and norepmephrine, histamine, glutamate (metabotropic effect), acetylcholine (muscarinic effect), and serotonin); chemokines; lipid mediators of inflammation (e.g., prostaglandins and prostanoids, platelet activating factor, and leukotrienes); and peptide hormones (e.g., bombesin, bradykinin, calcitonin, C5a anaphylatoxin, endothelin, folBcle-stimulating hormone (FSH), gonadotropic-releasing hormone (GnRH), neurokinin, thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), and oxytocin). GPCRs which act as receptors for stimuli that have yet to be identified are known as orphan receptors.

The diversity of the GPCR family is further increased by alternative splicing. Many GPCR genes contain introns, and there are currently over 30 such receptors for which splice variants have been identified. The largest number of variations are at the protein C-teπninus. N-terminal and cytoplasmic loop variants are also frequent, while variants in the extracellular loops or transmembrane domains are less common. Some receptors have more than one site at which variance can occur. The splice variants appear to be functionally distinct, based upon observed differences in distribution, signaling, coupling, regulation, and ligand binding profiles (Kilpatrick, G J. et al. (1999) Trends Pharmacol. Sci. 20:294-301). GPCRs can be divided into three major subfamilies: the rhodopsin-like, secretin-like, and metabotropic glutamate receptor subfamilies. Members of these GPCR subfamilies share similar functions and the characteristic seven transmembrane structure, but have divergent arnino acid sequences. The largest family consists of the rhodopsin-like GPCRs, which transmit diverse extracellular signals including hormones, neurotransmitters, and light. Rhodopsin is a photosensitive GPCR found in animal retinas. In vertebrates, rhodopsin molecules are embedded in membranous stacks found in photoreceptor (rod) cells. Each rhodopsin molecule responds to a photon of light by triggering a decrease in cGMP levels which leads to the closure of plasma membrane sodium channels. In this manner, a visual signal is converted to a neural impulse. Other rhodopsin-like GPCRs are directly involved in responding to neurotransmitters. These GPCRs include the receptors for adrenaline (adrenergic receptors), acetylcholine (muscarinic receptors), adenosine, galanin, and glutamate (N-methyl-D-aspartate/NMDA receptors). (Reviewed^'in Watson, S. and S. Arkinstall (1994) The G-Protein Linked Receptor Facts Book, Academic Press, San Diego CA, pp. 7-9, 19-22, 32-35, 130-131, 214-216, 221-222; Habert-Ortoli, E. et al. (1994) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 91:9780- 9783.) The galanin receptors mediate the activity of the neuroendocrine peptide galanin, which inhibits secretion of insulin, acetylcholine, serotonin and noradrenaline, and stimulates prolactin and growth hormone release. Galanin receptors are involved in feeding disorders, pain, depression, and Alzheimer's disease (Kask, K. et al. (1997) Life Sci. 60:1523-1533). Other nervous system rhodopsin-like GPCRs include a growing family of receptors for lysophosphatidic acid and other lysophospholipids, which appear to have roles in development and neuropathology (Chun, J. et al. (1999) Cell Biochem. Biophys. 30:213-242).

The largest subfamily of GPCRs, the olfactory receptors, are also members of the rhodopsin- like GPCR family. These receptors function by transducing odorant signals. Numerous distinct olfactory receptors are required to distinguish different odors. Each olfactory sensory neuron expresses only one type of olfactory receptor, and distinct spatial zones of neurons expressing distinct receptors are found in nasal passages. For example, the RAlc receptor, which was isolated from a rat brain library, has been shown to be limited in expression to very distinct regions of the brain and a defined zone of the olfactory epithelium (Raming, K. et al. (1998) Receptors Channels 6:141-151). However, the expression of olfactory-like receptors is not confined to olfactory tissues. For example, three rat genes encoding olfactory-like receptors having typical GPCR characteristics showed expression patterns not only in taste and olfactory tissue, but also in male reproductive tissue (Thomas, M.B. et al. (1996) Gene 178:1-5).

Members of the secretin-like GPCR subfamily have as their ligands peptide hormones such as secretin, calcitonin, glucagon, growth hormone-releasing hormone, parathyroid hormone, and vasoactive intestinal peptide. For example, the secretin receptor responds to secretin, a peptide hormone that stimulates the secretion of enzymes and ions in the pancreas and small intestine (Watson, supra, pp. 278-283). Secretin receptors are about 450 arnino acids in length and are found in the plasma membrane of gastrointestinal cells. Binding of secretin to its receptor stimulates the production of cAMP. Examples of secretin-like GPCRs implicated in inflammation and the immune response include the EGF module-containing, mucin-like hormone receptor (Emrl) and CD97 receptor proteins. These GPCRs are members of the recently characterized EGF-TM7 receptors subfamily. These seven transmembrane hormone receptors exist as heterodimers in vivo and contain between three and seven potential calcium-binding EGF-like motifs. CD97 is predominantly expressed in leukocytes and is markedly upregulated on activated B and T cells (McKnight, A J. and S. Gordon (1998) J. Leukoc. The third GPCR subfamily is the metabotropic glutamate receptor family. Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. The metabotropic glutamate receptors modulate the activity of intracellular effectors, and are involved in long-term potentiation (Watson, supra, p.130). The Ca²⁺-sensing receptor, which senses changes in the extracellular concentration of calcium ions, has a large extracellular domain including clusters of acidic arnino acids which may be involved in calcium binding. The metabotropic glutamate receptor family also includes pheromone receptors, the GABA_B receptors, and the taste receptors.

Other subfamilies of GPCRs include two groups of chemoreceptor genes found in the nematodes Caenorhabditis elegans and Caenorhabditis briggsae, which are distantly related to the mammalian olfactory receptor genes. The yeast pheromone receptors STE2 and STE3, involved in the response to mating factors on the cell membrane, have their own seven-transmembrane signature, as do the cAMP receptors from the slime mold Dictvostelium discoideum, which are thought to regulate the aggregation of individual cells and control the expression of numerous developmentally- regulated genes.

GPCR mutations, which may cause loss of function or constitutive activation, have been associated with numerous human diseases (Coughlin, supra). For instance, retinitis pigmentosa may arise from mutations in the rhodopsin gene. Furthermore, somatic activating mutations in the thyrotropin receptor have been reported to cause hyperfunctioning thyroid adenomas, suggesting that certain GPCRs susceptible to constitutive activation may behave as protooncogenes (Parma, J. et al. (1993) Nature 365:649-651). GPCR receptors for the following ligands also contain mutations associated with human disease: luteinizing hormone (precocious puberty); vasopressin V₂ ( -linked nephrogenic diabetes); glucagon (diabetes and hypertension); calcium (hyperparathyroidism, hypocalcuria, hypercalcemia); parathyroid hormone (short limbed dwarfism); β₃-adrenoceptor (obesity, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus); growth hormone releasing hormone (dwarfism); and adrenocorticotropin (glucocorticoid deficiency) (Wilson, S. et al. (1998) Br. J. Pharmocol. 125:1387- 1392; Stadel, J.M. et al. (1997) Trends Pharmacol. Sci. 18:430-437). GPCRs are also involved in depression, schizophrenia, sleeplessness, hypertension, anxiety, stress, renal failure, and several cardiovascular disorders (Horn, F. and G. Vriend (1998) J. Mol. Med. 76:464-468). In addition, within the past 20 years several hundred new drugs have been recognized that are directed towards activating or inhibiting GPCRs. The therapeutic targets of these drugs span a wide range of diseases and disorders, including cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and central nervous system disorders as well as cancer, osteoporosis and endometriosis (Wilson, supra; Stadel, supra). For example, the dopamine agonist L-dopa is used to treat Parkinson's disease, while a dopamine antagonist is used to treat schizophrenia and the early stages of Huntington's disease. Agonists and antagonists of adrenoceptors have been used for the treatment of asthma, high blood pressure, other cardiovascular disorders, and anxiety; muscarinic agonists are used in the treatment of glaucoma and tachycardia; serotonin 5HT1D antagonists are used against migraine; and Mstamine HI antagonists are used against allergic and anaphylactic reactions, hay fever, itching, and motion sickness (Horn, supra).

Recent research suggests potential future therapeutic uses for GPCRs in the treatment of metabolic disorders including diabetes, obesity, and osteoporosis. For example, mutant V2 vasopressin receptors causing nephrogenic diabetes could be functionally rescued in vitro by co-expression of a C- terminal V2 receptor peptide spanning the region containing the mutations. This result suggests a possible novel strategy for disease treatment (Schδneberg, T. et al. (1996) EMBO J. 15:1283-1291). Mutations in melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) are implicated inhuman weight regulation and obesity. As with the vasopressin V2 receptor mutants, these MC4R mutants are defective in trafficking to the plasma membrane (Ho, G. and R.G. MacKenzie (1999) J. Biol. Chem. 274:35816-35822), and thus might be treated with a similar strategy. The type 1 receptor for parathyroid hormone (PTH) is a GPCR that mediates the PTH-dependent regulation of calcium homeostasis in the bloodstream. Study of PTH/receptor interactions may enable the development of novel PTH receptor ligands for the treatment of osteoporosis (Mannstadt, M. et al. (1999) Am. J. Physiol. 277:F665-F675).

The chemokine receptor group of GPCRs have potential therapeutic utility in inflammation and infectious disease. (For review, see Locati, M. and P.M. Murphy (1999) Annu. Rev. Med. 50:425- 440.) Chemokines are smah polypeptides that act as intracellular signals in the regulation of leukocyte trafficking, hematopoiesis, and angiogenesis. Targeted disruption of various chemokine receptors in mice indicates that these receptors play roles in pathologic inflammation and in autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis. Chemokine receptors are also exploited by infectious agents, including herpesviruses and the human immunodeficiency virus (EHV-1) to facilitate infection. A truncated version of chemokine receptor CCR5, which acts as a coreceptor for infection of T-cells by HTV-1, results in resistance to AIDS, suggesting that CCR5 antagonists could be useful in preventing the development of AIDS.

The involvement of some GPCRs in taste and olfactory sensation has been reported. Complete or partial sequences of numerous human and other eukaryotic sensory receptors are currently known. (See, e.g., Pilpel, Y. and D. Lancet (1999) Protein Sci. 8:969-977; Mombaerts, P. (1999) Annu. Rev. Neurosci. 22:487-509. See also, e.g., patents EP 867508A2; US 5,874,243; WO 92/17585; WO 95/18140; WO 97/17444; and WO 99/67282.) It has been reported that the human genome contains approximately one thousand genes that encode a diverse repertoire of olfactory receptors (Rouquier, S. et al. (1998) Nat. Genet. 18:243-250; Trask, B.J. et al. (1998) Hum. Mol. Genet. 7:2007-2020). The discovery of new G-protein coupled receptors, and the polynucleotides encodmg them, satisfies a need in the art by providing new compositions which are useful in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cell proliferative, neurological, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, autoimmune/inflammatory, and metabolic disorders, and viral infections, and in the assessment of the effects of exogenous compounds on the expression of nucleic acid and arnino acid sequences of G- protein coupled receptors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention features purified polypeptides, G-protein coupled receptors, referred to collectively as "GCREC" and individually as "GCREC- 1." In one aspect, the invention provides an isolated polypeptide selected from the group consisting of a) a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l, b) a polypeptide comprising a naturally occurring amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l, c) a biologically active fragment of a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l, and d) an immunogenic fragment of a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l. In one alternative, the invention provides an isolated polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l.

The invention further provides an isolated polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of a) a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 , b) a polypeptide comprising a naturally occurring amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l, c) a biologically active fragment of a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l, and d) an immunogenic fragment of a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l. In one alternative, the polynucleotide encodes a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l. In another alternative, the polynucleotide comprises the polynucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:2. The invention additionally provides G-protein coupled receptors that are involved in olfactory and/or taste sensation. The invention further provides polynucleotide sequences that encode said G- protein coupled receptors.

Additionally, the invention provides a recombinant polynucleotide comprising a promoter sequence operably linked to a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of a) a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l, b) a polypeptide comprising a naturally occurring amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to the arnino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l, c) abiologically active fragment of a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l, and d) an immunogenic fragment of a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l. In one alternative, the invention provides a cell transformed with the recombinant polynucleotide. In another alternative, the invention provides a transgenic organism comprising the recombinant polynucleotide.

The invention also provides a method for producing a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of a) a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l, b) a polypeptide comprising a naturally occurring amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to the arnino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l, c) a biologically active fragment of a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l, and d) an immunogenic fragment of a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l. The method comprises a) culturing a cell under conditions suitable for expression of the polypeptide, wherein said cell is transformed with a recombinant polynucleotide comprising a promoter sequence operably linked to a polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide, and b) recovering the polypeptide so expressed.

Additionally, the invention provides an isolated antibody which specifically binds to a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of a) a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l, b) a polypeptide comprising a naturally occurring amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l, c) a biologically active fragment of a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l, and d) an immunogenic fragment of a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l.

The invention further provides an isolated polynucleotide selected from the group consisting of a) a polynucleotide comprising the polynucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, b) a polynucleotide comprising a naturally occurring polynucleotide sequence at least 90% identical to the polynucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, c) a polynucleotide complementary to the polynucleotide of a), d) a polynucleotide complementary to the polynucleotide of b), and e) an RNA equivalent of a)-d). In one alternative, the polynucleotide comprises at least 60 contiguous nucleotides.

Additionally, the invention provides a method for detecting a target polynucleotide in a sample, said target polynucleotide having a sequence of a polynucleotide selected from the group consisting of a) a polynucleotide comprising the polynucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, b) a polynucleotide comprising a naturally occurring polynucleotide sequence at least 90% identical to the polynucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, c) a polynucleotide complementary to the polynucleotide of a), d) a polynucleotide complementary to the polynucleotide of b), and e) an RNA equivalent of a)-d). The method comprises a) hybridizing the sample with a probe comprising at least 20 contiguous nucleotides comprising a sequence complementary to said target polynucleotide in the sample, and which probe specifically hybridizes to said target polynucleotide, under conditions whereby a hybridization complex is formed between said probe and said target polynucleotide or fragments thereof, and b) detecting the presence or absence of said hybridization complex, and optionally, if present, the amount thereof. In one alternative, the probe comprises at least 60 contiguous nucleotides. The invention further provides a method for detecting a target polynucleotide in a sample, said target polynucleotide having a sequence of a polynucleotide selected from the group consisting of a) a polynucleotide comprising the polynucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, b) a polynucleotide comprising a naturally occurring polynucleotide sequence at least 90% identical to the polynucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, c) a polynucleotide complementary to the polynucleotide of a), d) a polynucleotide complementary to the polynucleotide of b), and e) an RNA equivalent of a)-d). The method comprises a) amplifying said target polynucleotide or fragment thereof using polymerase chain reaction amplification, and b) detecting the presence or absence of said amplified target polynucleotide or fragment thereof, and, optionally, if present, the amount thereof.

The invention further provides a composition comprising an effective amount of a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of a) a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l, b) a polypeptide comprising a naturally occurring amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, c) a biologically active fragment of a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l, and d) an immunogenic fragment of a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l, and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. In one embodiment, the composition comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l. The invention additionally provides a method of treating a disease or condition associated with decreased expression of functional GCREC, comprising administering to a patient in need of such treatment the composition.

The invention also provides a method for screening a compound for effectiveness as an agonist of a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of a) a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l, b) a polypeptide comprising a naturally occurring amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l, c) a biologically active fragment of a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l, and d) an immunogenic fragment of a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1. The method comprises a) exposing a sample comprising the polypeptide to a compound, and b) detecting agonist activity in the sample. In one alternative, the invention provides a composition comprising an agonist compound identified by the method and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. In another alternative, the invention provides a method of treating a disease or condition associated with decreased expression of functional GCREC, comprising administering to a patient in need of such treatment the composition. Additionally, the invention provides a method for screening a compound for effectiveness as an antagonist of a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of a) a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l, b) a polypeptide comprising a naturally occurring amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to the arnino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l, c) a biologically active fragment of a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 , and d) an immunogenic fragment of a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l. The method comprises a) exposing a sample comprising the polypeptide to a compound, and b) detecting antagonist activity in the sample. In one alternative, the invention provides a composition comprising an antagonist compound identified by the method and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. In another alternative, the invention provides a method of treating a disease or condition associated with overexpression of functional GCREC, comprising administering to a patient in need of such treatment the composition.

The invention further provides a method of screening for a compound that specifically binds to a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of a) a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l, b) a polypeptide comprising a naturally occurring amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l, c) a biologically active fragment of a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l, and d) an immunogenic fragment of a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l. The method comprises a) combining the polypeptide with at least one test compound under suitable conditions, and b) detecting binding of the polypeptide to the test compound, thereby identifying a compound that specifically binds to the polypeptide. The invention further provides a method of screening for a compound that modulates the activity of a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of a) a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l, b) a polypeptide comprising a naturally occurring amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l, c) a biologically active fragment of a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l, and d) an immunogenic , fragment of a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l. The method comprises a) combining the polypeptide with at least one test compound under conditions permissive for the activity of the polypeptide, b) assessing the activity of the polypeptide in the presence of the test compound, and c) comparing the activity of the polypeptide in the presence of the test compound with the activity of the polypeptide in the absence of the test compound, wherein a change in the activity of the polypeptide in the presence of the test compound is indicative of a compound that modulates the activity of the polypeptide.

The invention further provides methods of using G-protein coupled receptors of the invention involved in olfactory and/or taste sensation, biologically active fragments thereof (including those having receptor activity), and arnino acid sequences having at least 90% sequence identity therewith, to identify compounds that agonize or antagonize the foregoing receptor polypeptides. These compounds are useful for modulating, blocking and/or mimicking specific tastes and/or odors.

The present invention also relates to the use of olfactory and/or taste receptors of the invention, biologically active fragments thereof (including those having receptor activity), and polypeptides having at least 90% sequence identity therewith, in combination with one or more other olfactory and/or taste receptor polypeptides, to identify a compound or plurality of compounds that modulate, mimic, and/or block a specific olfactory and/or taste sensation.

The invention also relates to cells that express an olfactory or taste receptor polypeptide of the invention, a biologically active fragment thereof (including those having receptor activity), or a polypeptide having at least 90% sequence identity therewith, and the use of such cells in cell-based screens to identify molecules that modulate, mimic, and/or block specific olfactory or taste sensations. Still further, the invention relates to a cell that co-expresses at least one olfactory or taste G- protern coupled receptor polypeptide of the invention, and a G-protein, and optionally one or more other olfactory and/or taste G-protein coupled receptor polypeptides, and the use of such a cell in screens to identify molecules that modulate, mimic, and/or block specific olfactory and/or taste sensations. The invention further provides a method for screening a compound for effectiveness in altering expression of a target polynucleotide, wherein said target polynucleotide comprises the polynucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, the method comprising a) exposing a sample comprising the target polynucleotide to a compound, and b) detecting altered expression of the target polynucleotide. The invention further provides a method for assessing toxicity of a test compound, said method comprising a) treating a biological sample containing nucleic acids with the test compound; b) hybridizing the nucleic acids of the treated biological sample with a probe comprising at least 20 contiguous nucleotides of a polynucleotide selected from the group consisting of i) a polynucleotide comprising the polynucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, ii) a polynucleotide comprising a naturally occurring polynucleotide sequence at least 90% identical to the polynucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, iii) a polynucleotide having a sequence complementary to i), iv) a polynucleotide complementary to the polynucleotide of ii), and v) an RNA equivalent of i)-iv). Hybridization occurs under conditions whereby a specific hybridization complex is formed between said probe and a target polynucleotide in the biological sample, said target polynucleotide selected from the group consisting of i) a polynucleotide comprising the polynucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, ii) a polynucleotide comprising a naturally occurring polynucleotide sequence at least 90% identical to the polynucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, iii) a polynucleotide complementary to the polynucleotide of i), iv) a polynucleotide complementary to the polynucleotide of ii), and v) an RNA equivalent of i)-iv). Alternatively, the target polynucleotide comprises a fragment of a polynucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of i)-v) above; c) quantifying the amount of hybridization complex; and d) comparing the amount of hybridization complex in the treated biological sample with the amount of hybridization complex in an untreated biological sample, wherein a difference in the amount of hybridization complex in the treated biological sample is indicative of toxicity of the test compound.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE TABLES Table 1 summarizes the nomenclature for the full length polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences of the present invention.

Table 2 shows the GenBank identification number and annotation of the nearest GenBank homolog for polypeptides of the invention. The probability score for the match between each polypeptide and its GenBank homolog is also shown.

Table 3 shows structural features of polypeptide sequences of the invention, including predicted motifs and domains, along with the methods, algorithms, and searchable databases used for analysis of the polypeptides.

Table 4 lists the cDNA and/or genomic DNA fragments which were used to assemble polynucleotide sequences of the invention, along with selected fragments of the polynucleotide sequences.

Table 5 shows the tools, programs, and algorithms used to analyze the polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention, along with applicable descriptions, references, and threshold parameters.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before the present proteins, nucleotide sequences, and methods are described, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular machines, materials and methods described, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention which will be limited only by the appended claims.

It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to "a host cell" includes a plurality of such host cells, and a reference to "an antibody" is a reference to one or more antibodies and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any machines, materials, and methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used to practice or test the present invention, the prefeπed machines, materials and methods are now described. All publications mentioned herein are cited for the purpose of describing and disclosing the cell lines, protocols, reagents and vectors which are reported in the publications and which might be used in connection with the invention. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the invention is not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention. DEFINITIONS

"GCREC" refers to the amino acid sequences of substantially purified GCREC obtained from any species, particularly a mammalian species, including bovine, ovine, porcine, rnurine, equine, and human, and from any source, whether natural, synthetic, semi-synthetic, or recombinant. The term "agonist" refers to a molecule which intensifies or mimics the biological activity of

GCREC. Agonists may include proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, small molecules, or any other compound or composition which modulates the activity of GCREC either by directly interacting with GCREC or by acting on components of the biological pathway in which GCREC participates.

An "allelic variant" is an alternative form of the gene encoding GCREC. Allelic variants may result from at least one mutation in the nucleic acid sequence and may result in altered mRNAs or in polypeptides whose structure or function may or may not be altered. A gene may have none, one, or many allelic variants of its naturally occurring form. Common mutational changes which give rise to allelic variants are generally ascribed to natural deletions, additions, or substitutions of nucleotides. Each of these types of changes may occur alone, or in combination with the others, one or more times in a given sequence.

"Altered" nucleic acid sequences encoding GCREC include those sequences with deletions, insertions, or substitutions of different nucleotides, resulting in a polypeptide the same as GCREC or a polypeptide with at least one functional characteristic of GCREC. Included within this definition are polymorphisms which may or may not be readily detectable using a particular oligonucleotide probe of the polynucleotide encoding GCREC, and improper or unexpected hybridization to allelic variants, with a locus other than the normal chromosomal locus for the polynucleotide sequence encoding GCREC. The encoded protein may also be "altered," and may contain deletions, insertions, or substitutions of amino acid residues which produce a silent change and result in a functionally equivalent GCREC. Deliberate amino acid substitutions may be made on the basis of similarity in polarity, charge, solubility, hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity, and/or the amphipathic nature of the residues, as long as the biological or immunological activity of GCREC is retained. For example, negatively charged amino acids may include aspartic acid and glutamic acid, and positively charged amino acids may include lysine and arginine. Amino acids with uncharged polar side chains having similar hydrophilicity values may include: asparagine and glutamine; and serine and threonine. Amino acids with uncharged side chains having similar hydrophilicity values may include: leucine, isoleucine, and valine; glycine and alanine; and phenylalanine and tyrosine.

The terms "amino acid" and "amino acid sequence" refer to an oligopeptide, peptide, polypeptide, or protein sequence, or a fragment of any of these, and to naturally occurring or synthetic molecules. Where "amino acid sequence" is recited to refer to a sequence of a naturally occurring protein molecule, "amino acid sequence" and like terms are not meant to limit the amino acid sequence to the complete native amino acid sequence associated withTthe recited protein molecule.

"Amplification" relates to the production of additional copies of a nucleic acid sequence. Amplification is generally carried out using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technologies well known in the art. The term "antagonist" refers to a molecule which inhibits or attenuates the biological activity of GCREC. Antagonists may include proteins such as antibodies, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, small molecules, or any other compound or composition which modulates the activity of GCREC either by directly interacting with GCREC or by acting on components of the biological pathway in which GCREC participates. The term "antibody" refers to intact immunoglobulin molecules as well as to fragments thereof, such as Fab, F(ab')₂, and Fv fragments, which are capable of binding an epitopic determinant. Antibodies that bind GCREC polypeptides can be prepared using intact polypeptides or using fragments containing small peptides of interest as the immunizing antigen. The polypeptide or oligopeptide used to immunize an animal (e.g., a mouse, a rat, or a rabbit) can be derived from the translation of RNA, or synthesized chemically, and can be conjugated to a carrier protein if desired. Commonly used carriers that are chemically coupled to peptides include bovine serum albumin, thyroglobulin, and keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH). The coupled peptide is then used to immunize the animal.

The term "antigenic determinant" refers to that region of a molecule (i.e. , an epitope) that makes contact with a particular antibody. When a protein or a fragment of a protein is used to immunize a host animal, numerous regions of the protein may induce the production of antibodies which bind specifically to antigenic determinants (particular regions or three-dimensional structures on the protein). An antigenic determinant may compete with the intact antigen (i.e., the immunogen used to elicit the immune response) for binding to an antibody. The term "aptamer" refers to a nucleic acid or oligonucleotide molecule that binds to a specific molecular target. Aptamers are derived from an in vitro evolutionary process (e.g., SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment), described in U.S. Patent No. 5,270,163), which selects for target-specific aptamer sequences from large combinatorial libraries. Aptamer compositions may be double-stranded or single-stranded, and may include deoxyribonucleotides, ribonucleotides, nucleotide derivatives, or other nucleotide-like molecules. The nucleotide components of an aptamer may have modified sugar groups (e.g., the 2'-OH group of a ribonucleotide may be replaced by 2'-F or 2'-NH₂), which may improve a desired property, e.g., resistance to nucleases or longer lifetime in blood. Aptamers may be conjugated to other molecules, e.g., a high molecular weight carrier to slow clearance of the aptamer from the circulatory system. Aptamers may be specifically cross-linked to their cognate ligands, e.g. , by photo-activation of a cross-linker. (See, e.g., Brody, E.N. and L. Gold (2000) J. Biotechnol. 74:5-13.)

The term "intramer" refers to an aptamer which is expressed in vivo. For example, a vaccinia virus-based RNA expression system has been used to express specific RNA aptamers at high levels in the cytoplasm of leukocytes (Blind, M. et al. (1999) Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 96:3606-3610). The term "spiegelmer" refers to an aptamer which includes L-DNA, L-RNA, or other left- handed nucleotide derivatives or nucleotide-Mke molecules. Aptamers containing left-handed nucleotides are resistant to degradation by naturally occurring enzymes, which normally act on substrates containing right-handed nucleotides.

The term "antisense" refers to any composition capable of base-pairing with the "sense" (coding) strand of a specific nucleic acid sequence. Antisense compositions may include DNA; RNA; peptide nucleic acid (PNA); oligonucleotides having modified backbone linkages such as phosphorothioates, methylphosphonates, or benzylphosphonates; oligonucleotides having modified sugar groups such as 2'-methoxyethyl sugars or 2'-methoxyethoxy sugars; or oligonucleotides having modified bases such as.5-methyl cytosine, 2'-deoxyuracil, or 7-deaza-2'-deoxyguanosine. Antisense molecules may be produced by any method including chemical synthesis or transcription. Once introduced into a cell, the complementary antisense molecule base-pairs with a naturally occurring nucleic acid sequence produced by the cell to form duplexes which block either transcription or translation. The designation "negative" or "minus" can refer to the antisense strand, and the designation "positive" or "plus" can refer to the sense strand of a reference DNA molecule. The term "biologically active" refers to a protein having structural, regulatory, or biochemical functions of a naturally occurring molecule. Likewise, "immunologically active" or "immunogenic'' refers to the capability of the natural, recombinant, or synthetic GCREC, or of any oligopeptide thereof, to induce a specific immune response in appropriate animals or cells and to bind with specific antibodies. "Complementary" describes the relationship between two single-stranded nucleic acid sequences that anneal by base-pairing. For example, 5 -AGT-3' pahs with its complement, 3'-TCA-5'.

A "composition comprising a given polynucleotide sequence" and a "composition comprising a given amino acid sequence" refer broadly to any composition containing the given polynucleotide or arnino acid sequence. The composition may comprise a dry formulation or an aqueous solution. Compositions comprising polynucleotide sequences encoding GCREC or fragments of GCREC may be employed as hybridization probes. The probes may be stored in freeze-dried form and may be associated with a stabilizing agent such as a carbohydrate. In hybridizations, the probe may be deployed in an aqueous solution containing salts (e.g., NaCl), detergents (e.g., sodium dodecyl sulfate; SDS), and other components (e.g., Denhardt's solution, dry milk, salmon sperm DNA, etc.). "Consensus sequence" refers to a nucleic acid sequence which has been subjected to repeated DNA sequence analysis to resolve uncalled bases, extended using the XL-PCR kit (Applied Biosystems, Foster City CA) in the 5' and/or the 3' direction, and resequenced, or which has been assembled from one or more overlapping cDNA, EST, or genomic DNA fragments using a computer program for fragment assembly, such as the GELVIEW fragment assembly system (GCG, Madison WI) or Phrap (University of Washington, Seattle WA). Some sequences have been both extended and assembled to produce the consensus sequence.

"Conservative arnino acid substitutions" are those substitutions that are predicted to least interfere with the properties of the original protein, i.e., the structure and especially the function of the protein is conserved and not significantly changed by such substitotions. The table below shows amino acids which maybe substituted for an original amino acid in a protein and which are regarded as conservative amino acid substitotions. Original Residue Conservative Substitution

Ala Gly, Ser Arg His, Lys

Asn Asp, Gin, His

Asp Asn, Glu

Cys Ala, Ser

Gin Asn, Glu, His Glu Asp, Gin, His

Gly Ala

His Asn, Arg, Gin, Glu

Be Leu, Val

Leu He, Val Lys Arg, Gin, Glu

Met Leu, He

Phe IBs, Met, Leu, Trp, Tyr

Ser Cys, Thr

Thr Ser, Val Trp Phe, Tyr

Tyr His, Phe, Trp Val fie, Leu, Thr

Conservative amino acid substitutions generally maintain (a) the structure of the polypeptide backbone in the area of the substitution, for example, as a beta sheet or alpha helical conformation, (b) the charge or hydrophobicity of the molecule at the site of the substitution, and/or (c) the bulk of the side chain.

A "deletion" refers to a change in the amino acid or nucleotide sequence that results in the absence of one or more amino acid residues or nucleotides. The term "derivative" refers to a chemically modified polynucleotide or polypeptide.

Chemical modifications of a polynucleotide can include, for example, replacement of hydrogen by an alkyl, acyl, hydroxyl, or arnino group. A derivative polynucleotide encodes a polypeptide which retains at least one biological or immunological function of the natural molecule. A derivative polypeptide is one modified by glycosylation, pegylation, or any similar process that retains at least one biological or immunological function of the polypeptide from which it was derived. A "detectable label" refers to a reporter molecule or enzyme that is capable of generating a measurable signal and is covalently or noncovalently joined to a polynucleotide or polypeptide.

"Differential expression" refers to increased or upregulated; or decreased, downregulated, or absent gene or protein expression, determined by comparing at least two different samples. Such comparisons maybe carried out between, for example, a treated and an untreated sample, or a diseased and a normal sample.

"Exon shuffling" refers to the recombination of different coding regions (exons). Since an exon may represent a structural or functional domain of the encoded protein, new proteins may be assembled through the novel reassortment of stable substructures, thus allowing acceleration of the evolution of new protein functions. A "fragment" is a unique portion of GCREC or the polynucleotide encoding GCREC which is identical in sequence to but shorter in length than the parent sequence. A fragment may comprise up to the entire length of the defined sequence, minus one nucleotide/amrno acid residue. For example, a fragment may comprise from 5 to 1000 contiguous nucleotides or arnino acid residues. A fragment used as a probe, primer, antigen, therapeutic molecule, or for other purposes, maybe at least 5, 10, 15, 16, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 75, 100, 150, 250 or at least 500 contiguous nucleotides or amino acid residues in length. Fragments may be preferentially selected from certain regions of a molecule. For example, a polypeptide fragment may comprise a certain length of contiguous amino acids selected from the first 250 or 500 amino acids (or first 25% or 50%) of a polypeptide as shown in a certain defined sequence. Clearly these lengths are exemplary, and any length that is supported by the specification, including the Sequence Listing, tables, and figures, maybe encompassed by the present embodiments.

A fragment of SEQ ID NO:2 comprises a region of unique polynucleotide sequence that specifically identifies SEQ ID NO:2, for example, as distinct from any other sequence in the genome from which the fragment was obtained. A fragment of SEQ ID NO:2 is useful, for example, in hybridization and amplification technologies and in analogous methods that distinguish SEQ ID NO:2 from related polynucleotide sequences. The precise length of a fragment of SEQ ID NO:2 and the region of SEQ ID NO:2 to which the fragment coπesponds are routinely determinable by one of ordinary skill in the art based on the intended purpose for the fragment.

A fragment of SEQ ID NO:l is encoded by a fragment of SEQ ID NO:2. A fragment of SEQ ID NO:l comprises a region of unique amino acid sequence that specifically identifies SEQ ID NO:l. For example, a fragment of SEQ ID NO:l is useful as an immunogenic peptide for the development of antibodies that specifically recognize SEQ ID NO:l. The precise length of a fragment of SEQ ID NO:l and the region of SEQ ID NO:l to which the fragment corresponds are routinely determinable by one of ordinary skill in the art based on the intended purpose for the fragment. A "full length" polynucleotide sequence is one containing at least a translation initiation codon

(e.g., methionine) followed by an open reading frame and a translation termination codon. A "full length" polynucleotide sequence encodes a "full length" polypeptide sequence.

"Homology" refers to sequence similarity or, interchangeably, sequence identity, between two or more polynucleotide sequences or two or more polypeptide sequences. The terms "percent identity" and "% identity," as applied to polynucleotide sequences, refer to the percentage of residue matches between at least two polynucleotide sequences aligned using a standardized algorithm. Such an algorithm, may insert, in a standardized and reproducible way, gaps in the sequences being compared in order to optimize alignment between two sequences, and therefore achieve a more meaningful comparison of the two sequences. Percent identity between polynucleotide sequences may be determined using the default parameters of the CLUSTAL V algorithm as incorporated into the MEGALIGN version 3.12e sequence alignment program. This program is part of the LASERGENE software package, a suite of molecular biological analysis programs (DNASTAR, Madison WI). CLUSTAL V is described in Higgins, D.G. and P.M. Sharp (1989) CABIOS 5:151-153 and in Higgins, D.G. et al. (1992) CABIOS 8:189-191. For pairwise alignments of polynucleotide sequences, the default parameters are set as follows: Ktuple=2, gap penalty=5, window=4, and "diagonals saved"=4. The "weighted" residue weight table is selected as the default. Percent identity is reported by CLUSTAL V as the "percent similarity" between aligned polynucleotide sequences.

Alternatively, a suite of commonly used and freely available sequence comparison algorithms is provided by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Basic Local Alignment

Search Tool (BLAST) (Altschul, S.F. et al. (1990) J. Mol. Biol. 215:403-410), which is available from several sources, including the NCBI, Bethesda, MD, and on the Internet at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/BLAST/. The BLAST software suite includes various sequence analysis programs including "blastn," that is used to align a known polynucleotide sequence with other polynucleotide sequences from a variety of databases. Also available is a tool called "BLAST 2 Sequences" that is used for direct pairwise comparison of two nucleotide sequences. "BLAST 2 Sequences" can be accessed and used interactively at http://www.ncbi.nlm.n_h.gov/gorf/bl2.html. The "BLAST 2 Sequences" tool can be used for both blastn and blastp (discussed below). BLAST programs are commonly used with gap and other parameters set to default settings. For example, to compare two nucleotide sequences, one may use blastn with the "BLAST 2 Sequences" tool Version 2.0.12 (April-21-2000) set at default parameters. Such default parameters may be, for example:

Matrix: BLOSUM62

Reward for match: 1

Penalty for mismatch: -2 Open Gap: 5 and Extension Gap: 2 penalties

Gap x drop-off: 50

Expect: 10

Word Size: 11

Filter: on Percent identity may be measured over the length of an entire defined sequence, for example, as defined by a particular SEQ ID number, or may be measured over a shorter length, for example, over the length of a fragment taken from a larger, defined sequence, for instance, a fragment of at least 20, at least 30, at least 40, at least 50, at least 70, at least 100, or at least 200 contiguous nucleotides. Such lengths are exemplary only, and it is understood that any fragment length supported by the sequences shown herein, in the tables, figures, or Sequence Listing, may be used to describe a length over which percentage identity may be measured.

Nucleic acid sequences that do not show a high degree of identity may nevertheless encode similar amino acid sequences due to the degeneracy of the genetic code. It is understood that changes in a nucleic acid sequence can be made using this degeneracy to produce multiple nucleic acid sequences that all encode substantially the same protein.

The phrases "percent identity" and "% identity," as applied to polypeptide sequences, refer to the percentage of residue matches between at least two polypeptide sequences aligned using a standardized algorithm. Methods of polypeptide sequence alignment are well-known. Some alignment methods take into account conservative amino acid substitutions. Such conservative substitutions, explained in more detail above, generally preserve the charge and iydrophobicity at the site of substitution, thus preserving the structure (and therefore function) of the polypeptide.

Percent identity between polypeptide sequences may be determined using the default parameters of the CLUSTAL V algorithm as incorporated into the MEGALIGN version 3.12e sequence alignment program (described and referenced above). For pairwise alignments of polypeptide sequences using CLUSTAL V, the default parameters are set as follows: Ktuple=l, gap penalty=3, window=5, and "diagonals saved"=5. The PAM250 matrix is selected as the default residue weight table. As with polynucleotide alignments, the percent identity is reported by CLUSTAL V as the "percent similarity" between aligned polypeptide sequence pairs.

Alternatively the NCBI BLAST software suite maybe used. For example, for a pairwise comparison of two polypeptide sequences, one may use the "BLAST 2 Sequences" tool Version 2.0.12 (Aρril-21-2000) withblastp set at default parameters. Such default parameters may be, for example:

Matrix: BLOSUM62

Open Gap: 11 and Extension Gap: 1 penalties Gap x drop-off: 50

Expect: 10

Word Size: 3

Filter: on

Percent identity maybe measured over the length of an entire defined polypeptide sequence, for example, as defined by a particular SEQ ID number, or may be measured over a shorter length, for example, over the length of a fragment taken from a larger, defined polypeptide sequence, for instance, a fragment of at least 15, at least 20, at least 30, at least 40, at least 50, at least 70 or at least 150 contiguous residues. Such lengths are exemplary only, and it is understood that any fragment length supported by the sequences shown herein, in the tables, figures or Sequence Listing, may be used to describe a length over which percentage identity may be measured.

"Human artificial chromosomes" (HACs) are linear microchromosomes which may contain DNA sequences of about 6 kb to 10 Mb in size and which contain all of the elements required for chromosome replication, segregation and maintenance.

The term "humanized antibody" refers to an antibody molecule in which the amino acid sequence in the non-antigen binding regions has been altered so that the antibody more closely resembles a human antibody, and still retains its original binding ability.

'Hybridization" refers to the process by which a polynucleotide strand anneals with a complementary strand through base pairing under defined hybridization conditions. Specific hybridization is an indication that two nucleic acid sequences share a high degree of complementarity. Specific hybridization complexes form under permissive annealing conditions and remain hybridized after the "washing" step(s). The washing step(s) is particularly important in deteπrjining the stringency of the hybridization process, with more stringent conditions allowing less non-specific binding, i.e., binding between pahs of nucleic acid strands that are not perfectly matched. Permissive conditions for annealing of nucleic acid sequences are routinely determinable by one of ordinary skill in the art and may be consistent among hybridization experiments, whereas wash conditions may be varied among experiments to achieve the desired stringency, and therefore hybridization specificity. Permissive annealing conditions occur, for example, at 68 °C in the presence of about 6 x SSC, about 1% (w/v) SDS, and about 100 μg/ml sheared, denatured salmon sperm DNA.

Generally, stringency of hybridization is expressed, in part, with reference to the temperature under which the wash step is carried out. Such wash temperatures are typically selected to be about 5°C to 20°C lower than the thermal melting point (T for the specific sequence at a defined ionic strength and H The T_m is the temperature (under defined ionic strength and pH) at which 50% of the target sequence hybridizes to a perfectly matched probe. An equation for calculating T_m and conditions for nucleic acid hybridization are well known and can be found in Sambrook, I. et al. CV989) Molecular Cloning: A Laboratorv Manual, 2^nd ed., vol. 1-3, Cold Spring Harbor Press, Plainview NY; specifically see volume 2, chapter 9.

High stringency conditions for hybridization between polynucleotides of the present invention include wash conditions of 68°C in the presence of about 0.2 x SSC and about 0.1% SDS, for 1 hour. Alternatively, temperatures of about 65°C, 60°C, 55 °C, or 42°C may be used. SSC concentration may be varied from about 0.1 to 2 x SSC, with SDS being present at about 0.1%. Typically, blocking reagents are used to block non-specific hybridization. Such blocking reagents include, for instance, sheared and denatured salmon sperm DNA at about 100-200 μg/ml. Organic solvent, such as formamide at a concentration of about 35-50% v/v, may also be used under particular circumstances, such as for RNA.DNA hybridizations. Useful variations on these wash conditions will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Hybridization, particularly under high stringency conditions, may be suggestive of evolutionary similarity between the nucleotides. Such similarity is strongly indicative of a similar role for the nucleotides and their encoded polypeptides.

The term "hybridization complex" refers to a complex formed between two nucleic acid sequences by virtue of the formation of hydrogen bonds between complementary bases. A hybridization complex may be formed in solution (e.g. , C₀t or Rβt analysis) or formed between one nucleic acid sequence present in solution and another nucleic acid sequence immobilized on a solid support (e.g., paper, membranes, filters, chips, pins or glass slides, or any other appropriate substrate to which cells or their nucleic acids have been fixed).

The words "insertion" and "addition" refer to changes in an amino acid or nucleotide sequence resulting in the addition of one or more amino acid residues or nucleotides, respectively. "Immune response" can refer to conditions associated with inflammation, trauma, immune disorders, or infectious or genetic disease, etc. These conditions can be characterized by expression of various factors, e.g., cytokines, chemokines, and other signaling molecules, which may affect cellular and systemic defense systems. An "immunogenic fragment" is a polypeptide or oligopeptide fragment of GCREC which is capable of eliciting an immune response when introduced into a living organism, for example, a mammal. The term "immunogenic fragment" also includes any polypeptide or oligopeptide fragment of GCREC which is useful in any of the antibody production methods disclosed herein or known in the art. The term "microarray" refers to an arrangement of a plurality of polynucleotides, polypeptides, or other chemical compounds on a substrate.

The terms "element" and "array element" refer to a polynucleotide, polypeptide, or other chemical compound having a unique and defined position on a microaπay.

The term "modulate" refers to a change in the activity of GCREC. For example, modulation may cause an increase or a decrease in protein activity, binding characteristics, or any other biological, functional, or immunological properties of GCREC.

The phrases "nucleic acid" and "nucleic acid sequence" refer to a nucleotide, oligonucleotide, polynucleotide, or any fragment thereof. These phrases also refer to DNA or RNA of genomic or synthetic origin which may be single-stranded or double-stranded and may represent the sense or the antisense strand, to peptide nucleic acid (PNA), or to any DNA-like or RNA-like material.

"Operably linked" refers to the situation in which a first nucleic acid sequence is placed in a functional relationship with a second nucleic acid sequence; For instance, a promoter is operably linked to a coding sequence if the promoter affects the transcription or expression of the coding sequence. Operably linked DNA sequences may be in close proximity or contiguous and, where necessary to join two protein coding regions, in the same reading frame.

"Peptide nucleic acid" (PNA) refers to an antisense molecule or anti-gene agent which comprises an oligonucleotide of at least about 5 nucleotides in length linked to a peptide backbone of amino acid residues ending in lysine. The terminal lysine confers solubility to the composition. PNAs preferentially bind complementary single stranded DNA or RNA and stop transcript elongation, and may be pegylated to extend their lifespan in the cell.

"Post-translational modification" of an GCREC may involve lipidation, glycosylation, phosphorylation, acetylation, racemization, proteolytic cleavage, and other modifications known in the art. These processes may occur synthetically or biochemically. Biochemical modifications will vary by cell type depending on the enzymatic milieu of GCREC. "Probe" refers to nucleic acid sequences encoding GCREC, their complements, or fragments thereof, which are used to detect identical, allelic or related nucleic acid sequences. Probes are isolated oligonucleotides or polynucleotides attached to a detectable label or reporter molecule. Typical labels include radioactive isotopes, ligands, chemhuminescent agents, and enzymes. 'Trimers" are short nucleic acids, usually DNA oligonucleotides, which may be annealed to a target polynucleotide by complementary base-pairing. The primer may then be extended along the target DNA strand by a DNA polymerase enzyme. Primer pairs can be used for amplification (and identification) of a nucleic acid sequence, e.g., by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Probes and primers as used in the present invention typically comprise at least 15 contiguous nucleotides of a known sequence. In order to enhance specificity, longer probes and primers may also be employed, such as probes and primers that comprise at least 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, or at least 150 consecutive nucleotides of the disclosed nucleic acid sequences. Probes and primers may be considerably longer than these examples, and it is understood that any length supported by the specification, including the tables, figures, and Sequence Listing, maybe used.

Methods for preparing and using probes and primers are described in the references, for example Sambrook, J. et al. (1989) Molecular Cloning: A Laboratorv Manual, 2^nd ed., vol. 1-3, Cold Spring Harbor Press, Plainview NY; Ausubel, F.M. et al. (1987) Current Protocols in Molecular Biology. Greene Publ. Assoc. & Wiley-Intersciences, New York NY; Innis, M. et al. (1990) PCR Protocols. A Guide to Methods and Applications. Academic Press, San Diego CA. PCR primer pairs can be derived from a known sequence, for example, by using computer programs intended for that purpose such as Primer (Version 0.5, 1991, Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge MA).

Oligonucleotides for use as primers are selected using software known in the art for such purpose. For example, OLIGO 4.06 software is useful for the selection of PCR primer pairs of up to 100 nucleotides each, and for the analysis of oligonucleotides and larger polynucleotides of up to 5,000 nucleotides from an input polynucleotide sequence of up to 32 kilobases. Similar primer selection programs have incorporated additional features for expanded capabilities. For example, the PrimOU primer selection program (available to the public from the Genome Center at University of Texas South West Medical Center, Dallas TX) is capable of choosing specific primers from megabase sequences and is thus useful for designing primers on a genome-wide scope. The Primer3 primer selection program (available to the public from the Whitehead Institute/MIT Center for Genome Research, Cambridge MA) allows the user to input a "misprinting library," in which sequences to avoid as primer binding sites are user-specified. Primer3 is useful, in particular, for the selection of oligonucleotides for microarrays. (The source code for the latter two primer selection programs may also be obtained from their respective sources and modified to meet the user's specific needs.) The PrimeGen program (available to the public from the UK Human Genome Mapping Project Resource Centre, Cambridge UK) designs primers based on multiple sequence alignments, thereby allowing selection of primers that hybridize to either the most conserved or least conserved regions of aligned nucleic acid sequences. Hence, this program is useful for identification of both unique and conserved oligonucleotides and polynucleotide fragments. The oligonucleotides and polynucleotide fragments identified by any of the above selection methods are useful in hybridization technologies, for example, as PCR or sequencing primers, microaπay elements, or specific probes to identify fully or partially complementary polynucleotides in a sample of nucleic acids. Methods of oligonucleotide selection are not limited to those described above.

A "recombinant nucleic acid" is a sequence that is not naturally occurring or has a sequence that is made by an artificial combination of two or more otherwise separated segments of sequence. This artificial combination is often accomplished by chemical synthesis or, more commonly, by the artificial manipulation of isolated segments of nucleic acids, e.g., by genetic engineering techniques such as those described in Sambrook, supra. The term recombinant includes nucleic acids that have been altered solely by addition, substitution, or deletion of a portion of the nucleic acid. Frequently, a recombinant nucleic acid may include a nucleic acid sequence operably linked to a promoter sequence.

Such a recombinant nucleic acid may be part of a vector that is used, for example, to transform a cell. Alternatively, such recombinant nucleic acids may be part of a viral vector, e.g., based on a vaccinia virus, that could be use to vaccinate a mammal wherein the recombinant nucleic acid is expressed, inducing a protective immunological response in the mammal. A "regulatory element" refers to a nucleic acid sequence usually derived from untranslated regions of a gene and includes enhancers, promoters, introns, and 5' and 3' untranslated regions

(UTRs). Regulatory elements interact with host or viral proteins which control transcription, translation, or RNA stability.

"Reporter molecules" are chemical or biochemical moieties used for labeling a nucleic acid, amino acid, or antibody. Reporter molecules include radionuchdes; enzymes; fluorescent, chemiluminescent, or chromogenic agents; substrates; cofactors; inhibitors; magnetic particles; and other moieties known in the art.

An "RNA equivalent," in reference to a DNA sequence, is composed of the same linear sequence of nucleotides as the reference DNA sequence with the exception that all occurrences of the nitrogenous base thy ine are replaced with uracil, and the sugar backbone is composed of ribose instead of deoxyribose.

The term "sample" is used in its broadest sense. A sample suspected of containing GCREC, nucleic acids encoding GCREC, or fragments thereof may comprise a bodily fluid; an extract from a cell, chromosome, organelle, or membrane isolated from a cell; a cell; genomic DNA, RNA, or cDNA, in solution or bound to a substrate; a tissue; a tissue print; etc.

The terms "specific binding" and "specifically binding" refer to that interaction between a protein or peptide and an agonist, an antibody, an antagonist, a small molecule, or any natural or synthetic binding composition. The interaction is dependent upon the presence of a particular structure of the protein, e.g., the antigenic deteπr nant or epitope, recognized by the binding molecule. For example, if an antibody is specific for epitope "A," the presence of a polypeptide comprising the epitope A, or the presence of free unlabeled A, in a reaction containing free labeled A and the antibody will reduce the amount of labeled A that binds to the antibody.

The term "substantially purified" refers to nucleic acid or amino acid sequences that are removed from their natural environment and are isolated or separated, and are at least 60% free, preferably at least 75% free, and most preferably at least 90% free from other components with which they are naturally associated.

A "substitution" refers to the replacement of one or more amino acid residues or nucleotides by different amino acid residues or nucleotides, respectively.

"Substrate" refers to any suitable rigid or semi-rigid support including membranes, filters, chips, slides, wafers, fibers, magnetic or nonmagnetic beads, gels, tubing, plates, polymers, microparticles and capillaries. The substrate can have a variety of surface forms, such as wells, trenches, pins, channels and pores, to which polynucleotides or polypeptides are bound.

A "transcript image" refers to the collective pattern of gene expression by a particular cell type or tissue under given conditions at a given time. "Transformation" describes a process by which exogenous DNA is introduced into a recipient cell. Transformation may occur under natural or artificial conditions according to various methods well known in the art, and may rely on any known method for the insertion of foreign nucleic acid sequences into a prokaryotic or eukaryotic host cell. The method for transformation is selected based on the type of host cell being transformed and may include, but is not limited to, bacteriophage or viral infection, electroporation, heat shock, lipofection, and particle bombardment. The term "transformed cells" includes stably transformed cells in which the inserted DNA is capable of replication either as an autonomously replicating plasmid or as part of the host chromosome, as well as transiently transformed cells which express the inserted DNA or RNA for limited periods of time. <

A "transgenic organism," as used herein, is any organism, including but not limited to animals and plants, in which one or more of the cells of the organism contains heterologous nucleic acid introduced by way of human intervention, such as by transgenic techniques well known in the art. The nucleic acid is introduced into the cell, directly or indirectly by introduction into a precursor of the cell, by way of deliberate genetic manipulation, such as by microinjection or by infection with a recombinant virus. The term genetic manipulation does not include classical cross-breeding, or in vitro fertilization, but rather is directed to the introduction of a recombinant DNA molecule. The transgenic organisms contemplated in accordance with the present invention include bacteria, cyanobacteria, fungi, plants and animals. The isolated DNA of the present invention can be introduced into the host by methods known in the art, for example infection, transfection, transformation or transconjugation. Techniques for transferring the DNA of the present invention into such organisms are widely known and provided in references such as Sambrook et al. (1989), supra.

A "variant" of a particular nucleic acid sequence is defined as a nucleic acid sequence having at least 40% sequence identity to the particular nucleic acid sequence over a certain length of one of the nucleic acid sequences using blastn with the "BLAST 2 Sequences" tool Version 2.0.9 (May-07- 1999) set at default parameters. Such a pair of nucleic acids may show, for example, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% or greater sequence identity over a certain defined length. A variant may be described as, for example, an "allelic" (as defined above), "splice," "species," or "polymorphic" variant. A splice variant may have significant identity to a reference molecule, but will generally have a greater or lesser number of polynucleotides due to alternate splicing of exons during mRNA processing. The corresponding polypeptide may possess additional functional domains or lack domains that are present in the reference molecule. Species variants are polynucleotide sequences that vary from one species to another. The resulting polypeptides will generally have significant amino acid identity relative to each other. A polymorphic variant is a variation in the polynucleotide sequence of a particular gene between individuals of a given species. Polymorphic variants also may encompass "single nucleotide polymorphisms" (SNPs) in which the polynucleotide sequence varies by one nucleotide base. The presence of SNPs maybe indicative of, for example, a certain population, a disease state, or a propensity for a disease state.

A "variant" of a particular polypeptide sequence is defined as a polypeptide sequence having at least 40% sequence identity to the particular polypeptide sequence over a certain length of one of the polypeptide sequences using blastp with the "BLAST 2 Sequences" tool Version 2.0.9 (May-07- 1999) set at default parameters. Such a pair of polypeptides may show, for example, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% or greater sequence identity over a certain defined length of one of the polypeptides.

THE INVENTION

The invention is based on the discovery of new human G-protein coupled receptors (GCREC), the polynucleotides encoding GCREC, and the use of these compositions for the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of cell proliferative, neurological, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, autoimmune/inflammatory, and metabolic disorders, and viral infections.

Table 1 summarizes the nomenclature for the full length polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences of the invention. Each polynucleotide and its coπesponding polypeptide are coπelated to a single Incyte project identification number (Incyte Project ID). Each polypeptide sequence is denoted by both a polypeptide sequence identification number (Polypeptide SEQ ID NO:) and an Incyte polypeptide sequence number (Incyte Polypeptide ID) as shown. Each polynucleotide sequence is denoted by both a polynucleotide sequence identification number (Polynucleotide SEQ ID NO:) and an Incyte polynucleotide consensus sequence number (Incyte Polynucleotide ID) as shown.

Table 2 shows sequences with homology to the polypeptides of the invention as identified by BLAST analysis against the GenBank protein (genpept) database. Columns 1 and 2 show the polypeptide sequence identification number (Polypeptide SEQ ID NO:) and the coπesponding Incyte polypeptide sequence number (Incyte Polypeptide ID) for polypeptides of the invention. Column 3 shows the GenBank identification number (Genbank ID NO:) of the nearest GenBank homolog. Column 4 shows the probability score for the match between each polypeptide and its GenBank homolog. Column 5 shows the annotation of the GenBank homolog along with relevant citations where applicable, all of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein.

Table 3 shows various structural features of the polypeptides of the invention. Columns 1 and 2 show the polypeptide sequence identification number (SEQ ID NO:) and the corresponding Incyte polypeptide sequence number (Incyte Polypeptide ID) for each polypeptide of the invention. Column 3 shows the number of amino acid residues in each polypeptide. Column 4 shows potential phosphorylation sites, and column 5 shows potential glycosylation sites, as determined by the MOTIFS program of the GCG sequence analysis software package (Genetics Computer Group, Madison WI). Column 6 shows amino acid residues comprising signature sequences, domains, and motifs. Column 7 shows analytical methods for protein structure/function analysis and in some cases, searchable databases to which the analytical methods were applied.

Together, Tables 2 and 3 summarize the properties of polypeptides of the invention, and these properties establish that the claimed polypeptides are G-protein coupled receptors. For example, SEQ ID NO:l is 56% identical to murine olfactory receptor C6 (GenBank ID g3983374) as determined by the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST). (See Table 2.) The BLAST probability score is 3.2e-90, which indicates the probability of obtaining the observed polypeptide sequence alignment by chance. SEQ ID NO:l also contains a 7-transmembrane receptor (rhodopsin family) domain as determined by searching for statistically significant matches in the hidden Markov model (HMM)- based PFAM database of conserved protein family domains. (See Table 3.) Data from BLIMPS, MOTIFS, and PROFH ESCAN analyses provide further corroborative evidence that SEQ ID NO.l is an olfactory G-protein coupled receptor. The algorithms and parameters for the analysis of SEQ ID NO:l are described in Table 5.

As shown in Table 4, the full length polynucleotide sequences of the present invention were assembled using cDNA sequences or coding (exon) sequences derived from genomic DNA, or any combination of these two types of sequences. Columns 1 and 2 list the polynucleotide sequence identification number (Polynucleotide SEQ ID NO:) and the corresponding Incyte polynucleotide consensus sequence number (Incyte Polynucleotide ID) for each polynucleotide of the invention. Column 3 shows the length of each polynucleotide sequence in basepairs. Column 4 lists fragments of the polynucleotide sequences which are useful, for example, in hybridization or amplification technologies that identify SEQ ID NO:2 or that distinguish between SEQ ID NO:2 and related polynucleotide sequences. Column 5 shows identification numbers coπesponding to cDNA sequences, coding sequences (exons) predicted from genomic DNA, and/or sequence assemblages comprised of both cDNA and genomic DNA. These sequences were used to assemble the full length polynucleotide sequences of the invention. Columns 6 and 7 of Table 4 show the nucleotide start (5') and stop (3') positions of the cDNA and/or genomic sequences in column 5 relative to their respective full length sequences.

The identification numbers in Column 5 of Table 4 may refer specifically, for example, to Incyte cDNAs along with their corresponding cDNA libraries. Incyte cDNAs for which cDNA libraries are not indicated were derived from pooled cDNA libraries. Alternatively, the identification numbers in column 5 may refer to GenBank cDNAs or ESTs which contributed to the assembly of the full length polynucleotide sequences. Alternatively, the identification numbers in column 5 may refer to coding regions predicted by Genscan analysis of genomic DNA. For example, GNN.g9965518_000001_032 is the identification number of a Genscan-predicted coding sequence, with g9965518 being the GenBank identification number of the sequence to which Genscan was applied. The Genscan-predicted coding sequences may have been edited prior to assembly. (See Example IV.) In addition, the identification numbers in column 5 may identify sequences derived from the ENSEMBL (The Sanger Centre, Cambridge, UK) database (i.e., those sequences including the designation "ENST"). Alternatively, the identification numbers in column 5 may be derived from the NCBI RefSeq Nucleotide Sequence Records Database (i.e., those sequences including the designation "NM" or "NT") or the NCBI RefSeq Protein Sequence Records (i.e., those sequences including the designation "NP"). Alternatively, the identification numbers in column 5 may refer to assemblages of both cDNA and Genscan-predicted exons brought together by an "exon stitching" algorithm. For example, FL__XXKKXX_ f₁_ N₂_YΪΥYY_N₃_N₄ represents a "stitched" sequence in which XXKXXX is the identification number of the cluster of sequences to which the algorithm was applied, and YYYYY is the number of.the prediction generated by the algorithm, andN_{i 25} , if present, represent specific exons that may have been manually edited during analysis (See Example V). Alternatively, the identification numbers in column 5 may refer to assemblages of exons brought together by an "exon-stretching" algorithm. For example, FLXXXXXX_gMAAA_gBBBBB_l_N is the identification number of a "stretched" sequence, with XXXXXXbeing the Incyte project identification number, gAAAAA being the GenBank identification number of the human genomic sequence to which the "exon-stretching" algorithm was applied, gBBBBB being the GenBank identification number or NCBI RefSeq identification number of the nearest GenBank protein homolog, and N referring to specific exons (See Example V). In instances where a RefSeq sequence was used as a protein homolog for the "exon-stretching" algorithm, a RefSeq identifier (denoted by "NM," "NP " or "NT") may be used in place of the GenBank identifier (i.e. , gBBBBB). Alternatively, a prefix identifies component sequences that were hand-edited, predicted from genomic DNA sequences, or derived from a combination of sequence analysis methods. The following Table lists examples of component sequence prefixes and coπesponding sequence analysis methods associated with the prefixes (see Example IV and Example V).

In some cases, Incyte cDNA coverage redundant with the sequence coverage shown in column 5 was obtained to confirm the final consensus polynucleotide sequence, but the relevant Incyte cDNA identification numbers are not shown.

The invention also encompasses GCREC variants. A prefeπed GCREC variant is one which has at least about 80%, or alternatively at least about 90%, or even at least about 95% amino acid sequence identity to the GCREC amino acid sequence, and which contains at least one functional or structural characteristic of GCREC.

The invention also encompasses polynucleotides which encode GCREC. In a particular embodiment, the invention encompasses a polynucleotide sequence comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, which encodes GCREC. The polynucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, as presented in the Sequence Listing, embraces the equivalent RNA sequence, wherein occuπences of the nitrogenous base thymine are replaced with uracil, and the sugar backbone is composed of ribose instead of deoxyribose.

The invention also encompasses a variant of a polynucleotide sequence encoding GCREC. In particular, such a variant polynucleotide sequence will have at least about 70%, or alternatively at least about 85%, or even at least about 95% polynucleotide sequence identity to the polynucleotide sequence encoding GCREC. A particular aspect of the invention encompasses a variant of a polynucleotide sequence comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 which has at least about 70%, or alternatively at least about 85%, or even at least about 95% polynucleotide sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2. Any one of the polynucleotide variants described above can encode an amino acid sequence which contains at least one functional or structural characteristic of It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code, a multitude of polynucleotide sequences encoding GCREC, some bearing minimal similarity to the polynucleotide sequences of any known and naturally occurring gene, may be produced. Thus, the invention contemplates each and every possible variation of polynucleotide sequence that could be made by selecting combinations based on possible codon choices. These combinations are made in accordance with the standard triplet genetic code as applied to the polynucleotide sequence of naturally occurring GCREC, and all such variations are to be considered as being specifically disclosed. Although nucleotide sequences which encode GCREC and its variants are generally capable of hybridizing to the nucleotide sequence of the naturally occurring GCREC under appropriately selected conditions of stringency, it may be advantageous to produce nucleotide sequences encoding GCREC or its derivatives possessing a substantially different codon usage, e.g., inclusion of non- naturally occurring codons. Codons may be selected to increase the rate at which expression of the peptide occurs in a particular prokaryotic or eukaryotic host in accordance with the frequency with which particular codons are utilized by the host. Other reasons for substantially altering the nucleotide sequence encoding GCREC and its derivatives without altering the encoded amino acid sequences include the production of RNA transcripts having more desirable properties, such as a greater half-life, than transcripts produced from the naturally occurring sequence. The invention also encompasses production of DNA sequences which encode GCREC and

GCREC derivatives, or fragments thereof, entirely by synthetic chemistry. After production, the synthetic sequence maybe inserted into any of the many available expression vectors and cell systems using reagents well known in the art. Moreover, synthetic chemistry may be used to introduce mutations into a sequence encoding GCREC or any fragment thereof. Also encompassed by the invention are polynucleotide sequences that are capable of hybridizing to the claimed polynucleotide sequences, and, in particular, to those shown in SEQ ID NO:2 and fragments thereof under various conditions of stringency. (See, e.g., Wahl, G.M. and S.L. Berger (1987) Methods Enzymol. 152:399-407; Kimmel, A.R. (1987) Methods Enzymol. 152:507-511.) Hybridization conditions, including annealing and wash conditions, are described in "Definitions." Methods for DNA sequencing are well known in the art and may be used to practice any of the embodiments of the invention. The methods may employ such enzymes as the Klenow fragment of DNA polymerase I, SEQUENASE (US Biochemical, Cleveland OH), Taq polymerase (Applied Biosystems), thermostable T7 polymerase (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech, Piscataway NJ), or combinations of polymerases and proofreading exonucleases such as those found in the ELONGASE amplification system (Life Technologies, Gaithersburg MD). Preferably, sequence preparation is automated with machines such as the MICROLAB 2200 liquid transler system (Ηamiltόh7Rehd'NV), PTC200 thermal cycler (MJ Research, Watertown MA) and ABI CATALYST 800 thermal cycler (Applied Biosystems). Sequencing is then carried out using either the ABI 373 or 377 DNA sequencing system (Applied Biosystems), the MEGABACE 1000 DNA sequencing system (Molecular Dynamics, Sunnyvale CA), or other systems known in the art. The resulting sequences are analyzed using a variety of algorithms which are well known in the art. (See, e.g., Ausubel, F.M. (1997) Short Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley & Sons, New York NY, unit 7.7; Meyers, R.A. (1995) Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Wiley VCH, New York NY, pp. 856-853.)

The nucleic acid sequences encoding GCREC may be extended utilizing a partial nucleotide sequence and employing various PCR-based methods known in the art to detect upstream sequences, such as promoters and regulatory elements. For example, one method which may be employed, restriction-site PCR, uses universal and nested primers to amplify unknown sequence from genomic DNA within a cloning vector. (See, e.g., Sarkar, G. (1993) PCR Methods Applic. 2:318-322.) Another method, inverse PCR, uses primers that extend in divergent directions to amplify unknown sequence from a circularized template. The template is derived from restriction fragments comprising a known genomic locus and suπounding sequences. (See, e.g., Triglia, T. et al. (1988) Nucleic Acids Res. 16:8186.) A third method, capture PCR, involves PCR amplification of DNA fragments adjacent to known sequences in human and yeast artificial chromosome DNA. (See, e.g., Lagerstrom, M. et al. (1991) PCR Methods Applic. 1.111-119.) In this method, multiple restriction enzyme digestions and ligations may be used to insert an engineered double-stranded sequence into a region of unknown sequence before performing PCR. Other methods which may be used to retrieve unknown sequences are known in the art. (See, e.g., Parker, J.D. et al. (1991) Nucleic Acids Res. 19:3055-3060). Additionally, one may use PCR, nested primers, and PROMOTERFINDER libraries (Clontech, Palo Alto CA) to walk genomic DNA. This procedure avoids the need to screen libraries and is useful in finding intron/exon junctions. For ah PCR-based methods, primers may be designed using commercially available software, such as OLIGO 4.06 primer analysis software (National Biosciences, Plymouth MN) or another appropriate program, to be about 22 to 30 nucleotides in length, to have a GC content of about 50% or more, and to anneal to the template at temperatures of about 68°C to 72°C. When screening for full length cDNAs, it is preferable to use libraries that have been size-selected to include larger cDNAs. In addition, random-primed libraries, which often include sequences containing the 5' regions of genes, are preferable for situations in which an oligo d(T) library does not yield a full-length cDNA. Genomic libraries may be useful for extension of sequence into 5' non-transcribed regulatory regions. Capillary electrophoresis systems which are commercially available may be used to analyze the size or confirm the nucleotide sequence of sequencing of PCR products. In particular, capillary sequencing may employ fiowable polymers for electrophoretic separation, four different nucleotide- specific, laser-stimulated fluorescent dyes, and a charge coupled device camera for detection of the emitted wavelengths. Output/light intensity may be converted to electrical signal using appropriate software (e.g., GENOTYPER and SEQUENCE NAVIGATOR, Applied Biosystems), and the entire process from loading of samples to computer analysis and electronic data display may be computer controlled. Capillary electrophoresis is especially preferable for sequencing small DNA fragments which may be present in limited amounts in a particular sample.

In another embodiment of the invention, polynucleotide sequences or fragments thereof which encode GCREC may be cloned in recombinant DNA molecules that direct expression of GCREC, or fragments or functional equivalents thereof, in appropriate host cells. Due to the inherent degeneracy of the genetic code, other DNA sequences which encode substantially the same or a functionally equivalent amino acid sequence maybe produced and used to express GCREC.

The nucleotide sequences of the present invention can be engineered using methods generally known in the art in order to alter GCREC-encoding sequences for a variety of purposes including, but not limited to, modification of the cloning, processing, and/or expression of the gene product. DNA shuffling by random fragmentation and PCR reassembly of gene fragments and synthetic oligonucleotides may be used to engineer the nucleotide sequences. For example, oligonucleotide- mediated site-directed mutagenesis maybe used to introduce mutations that create new restriction sites, alter glycosylation patterns, change codon preference, produce splice variants, and so forth.

The nucleotides of the present invention maybe subjected to DNA shuffling techniques such as MOLECULARBREEDΪNG (Maxygen Inc., Santa Clara CA; described in U.S. Patent No. 5,837,458; Chang, C.-C. et al. (1999) Nat. Biotechnol. 17:793-797; Christians, F.C. et al. (1999) Nat. Biotechnol. 17:259-264; and Crameri, A. et al. (1996) Nat. Biotechnol. 14:315-319) to alter or improve the biological properties of GCREC, such as its biological or enzymatic activity or its ability to bind to other molecules or compounds. DNA shuffling is a process by which a library of gene variants is produced using PCR-mediated recombination of gene fragments. The library is then subjected to selection or screening procedures that identify those gene variants with the desired properties. These prefeπed variants may then be pooled and further subjected to recursive rounds of DNA shuffling and selection/screening. Thus, genetic diversity is created through "artificial" breeding and rapid molecular evolution. For example, fragments of a single gene containing random point mutations maybe recombined, screened, and then reshuffled until the desired properties are optimized. Alternatively, fragments of a given gene may be recombined with fragments of homologous genes in the same gene family, either from the same or different species, thereby maximizing the genetic diversity of multiple naturally occurring genes in a directed and controllable manner. In another embodiment, sequences encoding GCREC may be synthesized, in whole or in part, using chemical methods well known in the art. (See, e.g., Caruthers, M.H et al. (1980) Nucleic Acids Symp. Ser. 7:215-223; and Horn, T. et al. (1980) Nucleic Acids Symp. Ser. 7:225-232.) Alternatively, GCREC itself or a fragment thereof may be synthesized using chemical methods. For example, peptide synthesis can be performed using various solution-phase or solid-phase techniques. (See, e.g., Creighton, T. (1984) Proteins. Structures and Molecular Properties, WH Freeman, New York NY, pp. 55-60; and Roberge, J.Y. et al. (1995) Science 269:202-204.) Automated synthesis maybe achieved using the ABI 431A peptide synthesizer (Applied Biosystems). Additionally, the amino acid sequence of GCREC, or any part thereof, may be altered during direct synthesis and/or combined with sequences from other proteins, or any part thereof, to produce a variant polypeptide or a polypeptide having a sequence of a naturally occurring polypeptide.

The peptide may be substantially purified by preparative high performance liquid chromatography. (See, e.g., Chiez, R.M. and F.Z. Regnier (1990) Methods Enzymol. 182:392-421.) The composition of the synthetic peptides may be confirmed by amino acid analysis or by sequencing. (See, e.g., Creighton, supra, pp. 28-53.)

In order to express a biologically active GCREC, the nucleotide sequences encoding GCREC or derivatives thereof may be inserted into an appropriate expression vector, i.e., a vector which contains the necessary elements for transcriptional and translational control of the inserted coding sequence in a suitable host. These elements include regulatory sequences, such as enhancers, constitutive and inducible promoters, and 5 ' and 3 ' untranslated regions in the vector and in polynucleotide sequences encoding GCREC. Such elements may vary in their strength and specificity. Specific initiation signals may also be used to achieve more efficient translation of sequences encoding GCREC. Such signals include the ATG initiation codon and adjacent sequences, e.g. the Kozak sequence. In cases where sequences encoding GCREC and its initiation codon and upstream regulatory sequences are inserted into the appropriate expression vector, no additional transcriptional or translational control signals may be needed. However, in cases where only coding sequence, or a fragment thereof, is inserted, exogenous translational control signals including an in-frame ATG initiation codon should be provided by the vector. Exogenous translational elements and initiation codons may be of various origins, both natural and synthetic. The efficiency of expression may be enhanced by the inclusion of enhancers appropriate for the particular host cell system used. (See, e.g., Scharf, D. et al. (1994) Results Probl. Cell Differ. 20:125-162.)

Methods which are well known to those skilled in the art may be used to construct expression vectors containing sequences encoding GCREC and appropriate transcriptional and translational control elements. These methods include in vitro recombinant DNA techniques, synthetic techniques, and in vivo genetic recombination. (See, e.g., Sambrook, J. et al. (1989) Molecular Cloning, A Laboratory Manual. Cold Spring Harbor Press, Plainview NY, ch. 4, 8, and 16-17; Ausubel, F.M. et al. (1995) Cuπent Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley & Sons, New York NY, ch. 9, 13, and 16.)

A variety of expression vector/host systems may be utilized to contain and express sequences encoding GCREC. These include, but are not limited to, microorganisms such as bacteria transformed with recombinant bacteriophage, plasmid, or cosmid DNA expression vectors; yeast transformed with yeast expression vectors; insect cell systems infected with viral expression vectors (e.g., baculo virus); plant cell systems transformed with viral expression vectors (e.g., cauliflower mosaic virus, CaMV, or tobacco mosaic virus, TMV) or with bacterial expression vectors (e.g., Ti or pBR322 plasmids); or animal cell systems. (See, e.g., Sambrook, supra; Ausubel, supra: Van Heeke, G. and S.M. Schuster (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264:5503-5509; Engelhard, E.K. et al. (1994) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 91:3224-3227; Sandig, V. et al. (1996) Hum. Gene Ther. 7:1937-1945; Takamatsu, N. (1987) EMBO J. 6:307-311; The McGraw Hill Yearbook of Science and Technology (1992) McGraw Hill, New York NY, pp. 191-196; Logan, J. and T. Shenk (1984) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 81:3655-3659; and Harrington, J.J. et al. (1997) Nat. Genet. 15:345-355.) Expression vectors derived from retroviruses, adenoviruses, or herpes or vaccinia viruses, or from various bacterial plasmids, maybe used for delivery of nucleotide sequences to the targeted organ, tissue, or cell population. (See, e.g. , Di Nicola, M. et al. (1998) Cancer Gen. Ther. 5(6>:350-356; Yu, M. et al. (1993) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90(13):6340-6344; Buller, R.M. et al. (1985) Nature 317(6040):813-815; McGregor, D.P. et al. (1994) Mol. Immunol. 31(3):219-226; and Verma, I.M. and N. Somia (1997) Nature 389:239-242.) The invention is not limited by the host cell employed.

In bacterial systems, a number of cloning and expression vectors maybe selected depending upon the use intended for polynucleotide sequences encoding GCREC. For example, routine cloning, subcloning, and propagation of polynucleotide sequences encoding GCREC can be achieved using a multifunctional E. coli vector such as PBLUESCRIPT (Stratagene, La Jolla CA) or PSPORT1 plasmid (Life Technologies). Ligation of sequences encoding GCREC into the vector's multiple cloning site disrupts the lacZ gene, allowing a colorimetric screening procedure for identification of transformed bacteria containing recombinant molecules. In addition, these vectors may be useful for in vitro transcription, dideoxy sequencing, single strand rescue with helper phage, and creation of nested deletions in the cloned sequence. (See, e.g., Van Heeke, G. and S.M. Schuster (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264:5503-5509.) When large quantities of GCREC are needed, e.g. for the production of antibodies, vectors which direct high level expression of GCREC may be used. For example, vectors containing the strong, inducible SP6 or T7 bacteriophage promoter maybe used.

Yeast expression systems may be used for production of GCREC. A number of vectors containing constitutive or inducible promoters, such as alpha factor, alcohol oxidase, and PGH promoters, may be used in the yeast Saccharomvces cerevisiae or Pichia pastoris. In addition, such vectors direct either the secretion or intracellular retention of expressed proteins and enable integration of foreign sequences into the host genome for stable propagation. (See, e.g., Ausubel, 1995, supra; Bitter, G.A. et al. (1987) Methods Enzymol. 153:516-544; and Scorer, CA. et al. (1994) Bio/Technology 12:181-184.)

Plant systems may also be used for expression of GCREC. Transcription of sequences encoding GCREC may be driven by viral promoters, e.g., the 35S and 19S promoters of CaMV used alone or in combination with the omega leader sequence from TMV (Takamatsu, N. (1987) EMBO J. 6:307-311). Alternatively, plant promoters such as the small subunit of RUBISCO or heat shock promoters maybe used. (See, e.g., Coruzzi, G. et al. (1984) EMBO J. 3:1671-1680; Broglie, R. et al. (1984) Science 224:838-843; and Winter, J. et al. (1991) Results Probl. Cell Differ. 17:85-105.) These constructs can be introduced into plant cells by direct DNA transformation or pathogen-mediated transfection. (See, e.g., The McGraw Hill Yearbook of Science and Technology (1992) McGraw Hill, New York NY, pp_; 191-196.) In mammalian cells, a number of viral-based expression systems may be utilized. In cases where an adenovirus is used as an expression vector, sequences encoding GCREC may be ligated into an adenovirus transcription/translation complex consisting of the late promoter and tripartite leader sequence. Insertion in a non-essential El or E3 region of the viral genome may be used to obtain infective virus which expresses GCREC in host cells. (See, e.g., Logan, J. and T. Shenk (1984) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 81:3655-3659.) In addition, transcription enhancers, such as the Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) enhancer, may be used to increase expression in mammalian host cells. SV40 or EBV- based vectors may also be used for high-level protein expression.

Human artificial chromosomes (HACs) may also be employed to deliver larger fragments of DNA than can be contained in and expressed from a plasmid. HACs of about 6 kb to 10 Mb are constructed and delivered via conventional delivery methods (liposomes, polycationic amino polymers, or vesicles) for therapeutic purposes. (See, e.g., Harrington, J.J. et al. (1997) Nat. Genet. 15:345- 355.)

For long term production of recombinant proteins in mammalian systems, stable expression of GCREC in cell lines is prefeπed. For example, sequences encoding GCREC can be transformed into cell lines using expression vectors which may contain viral origins of replication and/or endogenous expression elements and a selectable marker gene on the same or on a separate vector. Following the introduction of the vector, cells may be allowed to grow for about 1 to 2 days in enriched media before being switched to selective media. The purpose of the selectable marker is to confer resistance to a selective agent, and its presence allows growth and recovery of cells which successfully express the introduced sequences. Resistant clones of stably transformed cells may be propagated using tissue culture techniques appropriate to the cell type.

Any number of selection systems may be used to recover transformed cell lines. These include, but are not limited to, the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase and adenine phosphoribosyltransferase genes, for use in tk and apr cells, respectively. (See, e.g., Wigler, M. et al. (1977) Cell 11:223-232; Lowy, I. et al. (1980) Ceh 22:817-823.) Also, antimetabolite, antibiotic, or herbicide resistance can be used as the basis for selection. For example, dhfr confers resistance to methotrexate; neo confers resistance to the aminoglycosides neomycin and G-418; and als and pat confer resistance to chlorsulfuron and phosphinotricin acetyltransferase, respectively. (See, e.g., Wigler, M. et al. (1980) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 77:3567-3570; Colbere-Garapin, F. et al. (1981) J. Mol. Biol. 150:1-14.) Additional selectable genes have been described, e.g., pB and hisD, which alter cellular requirements for metabolites. (See, e.g., Hartman, S.C. and R.C. Mulligan (1988) Proc. ' Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85:8047-8051.) Visible markers, e.g., anthocyanins, green fluorescent proteins (GFP; Clontech), β glucuronidase and its substrate β-glucuronide, or luciferase and its substrate luciferin may be used. These markers can be used not only to identify transformants, but also to quantify the amount of transient or stable protein expression attributable to a specific vector system. (See, e.g., Rhodes, CA. (1995) Methods Mol. Biol. 55:121-131.)

Although the presence/absence of marker gene expression suggests that the gene of interest is also present, the presence and expression of the gene may need to be confirmed. For example, if the sequence encoding GCREC is inserted within a marker gene sequence, transformed cells containing sequences encoding GCREC can be identified by the absence of marker gene function. Alternatively, a marker gene can be placed in tandem with a sequence encoding GCREC under the control of a single promoter. Expression of the marker gene in response to induction or selection usually indicates expression of the tandem gene as well.

In general, host cells that contain the nucleic acid sequence encoding GCREC and that express GCREC may be identified by a variety of procedures known to those of skill in the art. These procedures include, but are not limited to, DNA-DNA or DNA-RNA hybridizations, PCR amplification, and protein bioassay or immunoassay techniques which include membrane, solution, or chip based technologies for the detection and/or quantification of nucleic acid or protein sequences. Immunological methods for detecting and measuring the expression of GCREC using either specific polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies are known in the art. Examples of such techniques include enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), radiohnmunoassays (RIAs), and fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS). A two-site, monoclonal-based immunoassay utilizing monoclonal antibodies reactive to two non-interfering epitopes on GCREC is prefeπed. but a competitive binding assay may be employed. These and other assays are well known in the art. (See, e.g., Hampton, R. et al. (1990) Serological Methods, a Laboratorv Manual. APS Press, St. Paul MN, Sect. IV; Coligan, J.E. et al. (1997) Cuπent Protocols in Immunology, Greene Pub. Associates and Wiley-Interscience, New York NY; and Pound, J.D. (1998) Immunochemical Protocols, Humana Press, Totowa NJ.)

A wide variety of labels and conjugation techniques are known by those skilled in the art and may be used in various nucleic acid and amino acid assays. Means for producing labeled hybridization or PCR probes for detecting sequences related to polynucleotides encoding GCREC include oligolabeling, nick translation, end-labeling, or PCR amplification using a labeled nucleotide. Alternatively, the sequences encoding GCREC, or any fragments thereof, may be cloned into a vector for the production of an mRNA probe. Such vectors are known in the art, are commercially available, and may be used to synthesize RNA probes in vitro by addition of an appropriate RNA polymerase such as T7, T3, or SP6 and labeled nucleotides. These procedures may be conducted using a variety of commercially available kits, such as those provided by Amersham Pharmacia Biotech, Promega (Madison WI), and US Biochemical. Suitable reporter molecules or labels which may be used for ease of detection include radionuclides, enzymes, fluorescent, chemiluminescent, or chromogenic agents, as well as substrates, cofactors, inhibitors, magnetic particles, and the like.

Host cells transformed with nucleotide sequences encoding GCREC may be cultured under conditions suitable for the expression and recovery of the protein from cell culture. The protein produced by a transformed cell maybe secreted or retained intracellularly depending on the sequence and/or the vector used. As will be understood by those of skill in the art, expression vectors containing polynucleotides which encode GCREC may be designed to contain signal sequences which direct secretion of GCREC through a prokaryotic or eukaryotic cell membrane.

In addition, a host cell strain may be chosen for its ability to modulate expression of the inserted sequences or to process the expressed protein in the desired fashion. Such modifications of the polypeptide include, but are not limited to, acetylation, carboxylation, glycosylation, phosphorylation, lipidation, and acylation. Post-translational processing which cleaves a "prepro" or "pro" form of the protein may also be used to specify protein targeting, folding, and/or activity. Different host cells which have specific cellular machinery and characteristic mechanisms for post-translational activities (e.g., CHO, HeLa, MDCK, HEK293, and WI38) are available from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC, Manassas VA) and may be chosen to ensure the coπect modification and processing of the foreign protein.

In another embodiment of the invention, natural, modified, or recombinant nucleic acid sequences encoding GCREC may be ligated to a heterologous sequence resulting in translation of a fusion protein in any of the aforementioned host systems. For example, a chimeric GCREC protein containing a heterologous moiety that can be recognized by a commercially available antibody may facilitate the screening of peptide libraries for inhibitors of GCREC activity. Heterologous protein and peptide moieties may also facilitate purification of fusion proteins using commercially available affinity matrices. Such moieties include, but are not limited to, glutathione S-transferase (GST), maltose binding protein (MBP), thioredoxin (Trx), cahnodulin binding peptide (CBP), 6-His, FLAG, c-myc, and hemagglutinin (HA). GST, MBP, Trx, CBP, and 6-His enable purification of their cognate fusion proteins on immobilized glutathione, maltose, phenylarsine oxide, calmodulin, and metal-chelate resins, respectively. FLAG, c-myc, and hemagglutinin (HA) enable immunoaffinity purification of fusion proteins using commercially available monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies that specifically recognize these epitope tags. A fusion protein may also be engineered to contain a proteolytic cleavage site located between the GCREC encoding sequence and the heterologous protein sequence, so that GCREC may be cleaved away from the heterologous moiety following purification. Methods for fusion protein expression and purification are discussed in Ausubel (1995, supra, ch. 10). A variety of commercially available kits may also be used to facilitate expression and purification of fusion proteins.

In a further embodiment of the invention, synthesis of radiolabeled GCREC maybe achieved in vitro using the TNT rabbit reticulocyte lysate or wheat germ extract system (Promega). These systems couple transcription and translation of protein-coding sequences operably associated with the T7, T3, or SP6 promoters. Translation takes place in the presence of a radiolabeled amino acid precursor, for example, ³⁵S-methionine.

GCREC of the present invention or fragments thereof may be used to screen for compounds that specifically bind to GCREC. At least one and up to a plurality of test compounds may be screened for specific binding to GCREC. Examples of test compounds include antibodies, oligonucleotides, proteins (e.g., receptors), or small molecules.

In one embodiment, the compound thus identified is closely related to the natural ligand of GCREC, e.g., a ligand or fragment thereof, a natural substrate, a structural or functional mimetic, or a natural binding partner. (See, e.g., Coligan, J.E. et al. (1991) Cuπent Protocols in hnmunologv 1(2): Chapter 5.) Similarly, the compound can be closely related to the natural receptor to which GCREC binds, or to at least a fragment of the receptor, e.g., the ligand binding site. In either case, the compound can be rationally designed using known techniques. In one embodiment, screening for these compounds involves producing appropriate cells which express GCREC, either as a secreted protein or on the cell membrane. Prefeπed cells include cells from mammals, yeast, Drosophila, or R coli. Cells expressing GCREC or cell membrane fractions which contain GCREC are then contacted with a test compound and binding, stimulation, or ihibition of activity of either GCREC or the compound is analyzed.

An assay may simply test binding of a test compound to the polypeptide, wherein binding is detected by a fluorophore, radioisotope, enzyme conjugate, or other detectable label. For example, the assay may comprise the steps of combining at least one test compound with GCREC, either in solution or affixed to a solid support, and detecting the binding of GCREC to the compound. Alternatively, the assay may detect or measure binding of a test compound in the presence of a labeled competitor. Additionally, the assay maybe carried out using cell-free preparations, chemical libraries, or natural product mixtures, and the test compound(s) may be free in solution or affixed to a solid support. GCREC of the present invention or fragments thereof may be used to screen for compounds that modulate the activity of GCREC. Such compounds may include agonists, antagonists, or partial or inverse agonists. In one embodiment, an assay is performed under conditions permissive for GCREC activity, wherein GCREC is combined with at least one test compound, and the activity of GCREC in the presence of a test compound is compared with the activity of GCREC in the absence of the test compound. A change in the activity of GCREC in the presence of the test compound is indicative of a compound that modulates the activity of GCREC. Alternatively, a test compound is combined with an in vitro or cell-free system comprising GCREC under conditions suitable for GCREC activity, and the assay is performed. In either of these assays, a test compound which modulates the activity of GCREC may do so indirectly and need not come in direct contact with the test compound. At least one and up to a plurality of test compounds may be screened.

In another embodiment, polynucleotides encoding GCREC or their mammalian homologs may be "knocked out" in an animal model system using homologous recombination in embryonic stem (ES) cells. Such techniques are well known in the art and are useful for the generation of animal models of human disease. (See, e.g., U.S. Patent No. 5,175,383 and U.S. Patent No. 5,767,337.) For example, mouse ES cells, such as the mouse 129/SvJ cell line, are derived from the early mouse embryo and grown in culture. The ES cells are transformed with a vector containing the gene of interest disrupted by a marker gene, e.g., the neomycin phosphotransferase gene (neo; Capecchi, M.R. (1989) Science 244:1288-1292). The vector integrates into the corresponding region of the host genome by homologous recombination. Alternatively, homologous recombination takes place using the Cre-loxP system to knockout a gene of interest in a tissue- or developmental stage-specific manner (Marth, J.D. (1996) Clin. Invest. 97:1999-2002; Wagner, K.U. et al. (1997) Nucleic Acids Res. 25:4323-4330). Transformed ES cells are identified and microinjected into mouse cell blastocysts such as those from the C57BL/6 mouse strain. The blastocysts are surgically transfeπed to pseudopregnant dams, and the resulting chimeric progeny are genotyped and bred to produce heterozygous or homozygous strains. Transgenic animals thus generated may be tested with potential therapeutic or toxic agents. Polynucleotides encoding GCREC may also be manipulated in vitro in ES cells derived from human blastocysts. Human ES cells have the potential to differentiate into at least eight separate cell lineages including endoderm, mesoderm, and ectodermal cell types. These cell lineages differentiate into, for example, neural cells, hematopoietic lineages, and cardiomyocytes (Thomson, J.A. et al. (1998) Science 282:1145-1147). Polynucleotides encoding GCREC can also be used to create "knockin" humanized animals (pigs) or transgenic animals (mice or rats) to model human disease. With knockin technology, a region of a polynucleotide encoding GCREC is injected into animal ES cells, and the injected sequence integrates into the animal cell genome. Transformed cells are injected into blastulae, and the blastulae are implanted as described above. Transgenic progeny or inbred lines are studied and treated with potential pharmaceutical agents to obtain information on treatment of a human disease. Alternatively, a mammal inbred to overexpress GCREC, e.g., by secreting GCREC in its milk, may also serve as a convenient source of that protein (Janne, J. et al. (1998) Biotechnol. Annu. Rev. 4:55-74). THERAPEUTICS Chemical and structural similarity, e.g., in the context of sequences and motifs, exists between regions of GCREC and G-protein coupled receptors. Therefore, GCREC appears to play a role in cell proliferative, neurological, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, autoimmune/inflammatory, and metabolic disorders, and viral infections. In the treatment of disorders associated with increased GCREC expression or activity, it is desirable to decrease the expression or activity of GCREC. In the treatment of disorders associated with decreased GCREC expression or activity, it is desirable to increase the expression or activity of GCREC.

Therefore, in one embodiment, GCREC or a fragment or derivative thereof may be administered to a subject to treat or prevent a disorder associated with decreased expression or activity of GCREC. Examples of such disorders include, but are not limited to, a cell proliferative disorder such as actinic keratosis, arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis, bursitis, cirrhosis, hepatitis, mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), myelofibrosis, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, polycythemia vera, psoriasis, primary thrombocythemia, and cancers including adenocarcinoma, leukemia, lymphoma, melanoma, myeloma, sarcoma, teratocarcinoma, and, in particular, cancers of the adrenal gland, bladder, bone, bone maπow, brain, breast, cervix, gall bladder, ganglia, gastrointestinal tract, heart, kidney, liver, lung, muscle, ovary, pancreas, parathyroid, penis, prostate, salivary glands, skin, spleen, testis, thymus, thyroid, and uterus; a neurological disorder such as epilepsy, ischemic cerebrovascular disease, stroke, cerebral neoplasms, Alzheimer's disease, Pick's disease, Huntington's disease, dementia, Parkinson's disease and other extrapyramidal disorders, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other motor neuron disorders, progressive neural muscular atrophy, retinitis pigmentosa, hereditary ataxias, multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating diseases, bacterial and viral meningitis, brain abscess, subdural empyema, epidural abscess, suppurative intracranial thrombophlebitis, myelitis and radiculitis, viral central nervous system disease, prion diseases including kuru, Creutzfeldt- Jakob disease, and Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker syndrome, fatal familial insomnia, nutritional and metabolic diseases of the nervous system, neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis, cerebeUoretinal hemangioblastomatosis, encephalotrigeminal syndrome, mental retardation and other developmental disorders of the central nervous system, cerebral palsy, neuroskeletal disorders, autonomic nervous system disorders, cranial nerve disorders, spinal cord diseases, muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular disorders, peripheral nervous system disorders, dermatomyositis and polymyositis, inherited, metabolic, endocrine, and toxic myopathies, myasthenia gravis, periodic paralysis, mental disorders including mood, anxiety, and schizophienic disorders, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), akathesia, amnesia, catatonia, diabetic neuropathy, tardive dyskinesia, dystonias, paranoid psychoses, postherpetic neuralgia, Tourette's disorder, progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal degeneration, and familial frontotemporal dementia; a cardiovascular disorder such as arteriovenous fistula, atherosclerosis, hypertension, vasculitis, Raynaud's disease, aneurysms, arterial dissections, varicose veins, thrombophlebitis and phlebothrombosis, vascular tumors, complications of thrombolysis, balloon angioplasty, vascular replacement, and coronary artery bypass graft surgery, congestive heart failure, ischemic heart disease, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, hypertensive heart disease, degenerative valvular heart disease, calcific aortic valve stenosis, congenitally bicuspid aortic valve, mitral annular calcification, mitral valve prolapse, rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease, infective endocarditis, nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis, endocarditis of systemic lupus erythematosus, carcinoid heart disease, cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, pericarditis, neoplastic heart disease, congenital heart disease, and complications of cardiac transplantation; a gastrointestinal disorder such as dysphagia, peptic esophagitis, esophageal spasm, esophageal stricture, esophageal carcinoma, dyspepsia, indigestion, gastritis, gastric carcinoma, anorexia, nausea, emesis, gastroparesis, antral or pyloric edema, abdominal angina, pyrosis, gastroenteritis, intestinal obstruction, infections of the intestinal tract, peptic ulcer, cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, cholestasis, pancreatitis, pancreatic carcinoma, biliary tract disease, hepatitis, hyperbilirubinemia, cirrhosis, passive congestion of the liver, hepatoma, infectious colitis, ulcerative colitis, ulcerative proctitis, Crohn's disease, Whipple's disease, Mallory- Weiss syndrome, colonic carcinoma, colonic obstruction, irritable bowel syndrome, short bowel syndrome, diaπhea, constipation, gastrointestinal hemoπhage, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (ADDS) enteropathy, jaundice, hepatic encephalopathy, hepatorenal syndrome, hepatic steatosis, hemochromatosis, Wilson's disease, alpha^antitrypsin deficiency, Reye's syndrome, primary sclerosing cholangitis, liver infarction, portal vein obstruction and thrombosis, centrilobular necrosis, peliosis hepatis, hepatic vein thrombosis, veno-occlusive disease, preeclampsia, eclampsia, acute fatty liver of pregnancy, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, and hepatic tumors including nodular hyperplasias, adenomas, and carcinomas; an automamune/inflammatory disorder such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), Addison's disease, adult respiratory distress syndrome, allergies, ankylosing spondylitis, amyloidosis, anemia, asthma, atherosclerosis, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, autoimmune thyroiditis, autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy (APECED), bronchitis, cholecystitis, contact dermatitis, Crohn's disease, atopic dermatitis, dermatomyositis, diabetes mellitus, emphysema, episodic lymphopenia with lymphocytotoxins, erythroblastosis fetalis, erythema nodosum, atrophic gastritis, glomerulonephritis, Goodpasture's syndrome, gout, Graves' disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, hypereosinophilia, irritable bowel syndrome, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, myocardial or pericardial inflammation, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, pancreatitis, polymyositis, psoriasis, Reiter's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, Sjδgren's syndrome, systemic anaphylaxis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, thrombocytopenic purpura, ulcerative colitis, uveitis, Werner syndrome, compHcations of cancer, hemodialysis, and extracorporeal ckculation, viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic, protozoal, and helminthic infections, and trauma; a metabolic disorder such as diabetes, obesity, and osteoporosis; and an infection by a viral agent classified as adenovirus, arenavirus, bunyavirus, calicivirus, coronavirus, filovirus, hepadnavirus, herpesvirus, flavivirus, orthomyxovirus, parvovirus, papovavirus, paramyxovirus, picornavirus, poxvirus, reovirus, retrovirus, rhabdovirus, and tongavirus.

In another embodiment, a vector capable of expressing GCREC or a fragment or derivative thereof may be administered to a subject to treat or prevent a disorder associated with decreased expression or activity of GCREC including, but not limited to, those described above.

In a further embodiment, a composition comprising a substantially purified GCREC in conjunction with a suitable pharmaceutical carrier maybe administered to a subject to treat or prevent a disorder associated with decreased expression or activity of GCREC including, but not limited to, those provided above. In still another embodiment, an agonist which modulates the activity of GCREC may be administered to a subject to treat or prevent a disorder associated with decreased expression or activity of GCREC including, but not limited to, those listed above.

In a further embodiment, an antagonist of GCREC maybe administered to a subject to treat or prevent a disorder associated with increased expression or activity of GCREC. Examples of such disorders include, but are not limited to, those cell proliferative, neurological, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, autoiinmune/inflammatory, and metabolic disorders, and viral infections, described above. In one aspect, an antibody which specifically binds GCREC may be used directly as an antagonist or indirectly as a targeting or delivery mechanism for bringing a pharmaceutical agent to cells or tissues which express GCREC. In an additional embodiment, a vector expressing the complement of the polynucleotide encoding GCREC maybe administered to a subject to treat or prevent a disorder associated with increased expression or activity of GCREC including, but not limited to, those described above.

In other embodiments, any of the proteins, antagonists, antibodies, agonists, complementary sequences, or vectors of the invention maybe administered in combination with other appropriate therapeutic agents. Selection of the appropriate agents for use in combination therapy may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art, according to conventional pharmaceutical principles. The combination of therapeutic agents may act synergistically to effect the treatment or prevention of the various disorders described above. Using this approach, one may be able to achieve therapeutic efficacy with lower dosages of each agent, thus reducing the potential for adverse side effects. An antagonist of GCREC may be produced using methods which are generally known in the art. In particular, purified GCREC maybe used to produce antibodies or to screen libraries of pharmaceutical agents to identify those which specifically bind GCREC. Antibodies to GCREC may also be generated using methods that are well known in the art. Such antibodies may include, but are not limited to, polyclonal, monoclonal, chimeric, and single chain antibodies, Fab fragments, and fragments produced by a Fab expression library. Neutralizing antibodies (i.e., those which inhibit dimer formation) are generally prefeπed for therapeutic use.

For the production of antibodies, various hosts including goats, rabbits, rats, mice, humans, and others may be immunized by injection with GCREC or with any fragment or oligopeptide thereof which has immunogenic properties. Depending on the host species, various adjuvants maybe used to increase immunological response. Such adjuvants include, but are not limited to, Freund's, mineral gels such as aluminum hydroxide, and surface active substances such as lysolecithin, pluronic polyols, polyanions, peptides, oil emulsions, KLH, and dinitrophenol. Among adjuvants used in humans, BCG (bacilli Calmette-Guerin) and Corvnebacterium parvum are especially preferable.

It is preferred that the oligopeptides, peptides, or fragments used to induce antibodies to GCREC have an amino acid sequence consisting of at least about 5 amino acids, and generally will consist of at least about 10 amino acids. It is also preferable that these oligopeptides, peptides, or fragments are identical to a portion of the amino acid sequence of the natural protein. Short stretches of GCREC amino acids may be fused with those of another protein, such as KLH, and antibodies to the chimeric molecule may be produced. Monoclonal antibodies to GCREC may be prepared using any technique which provides for the production of antibody molecules by continuous cell lines in culture. These include, but are not limited to, the hybridoma technique, the human B-cell hybridoma technique, and the EBV-hybridoma technique. (See, e.g., Kohler, G. et al. (1975) Nature 256:495-497; Kozbor, D. et al. (1985) J. Immunol. Methods 81:31-42; Cote, R.J. et al. (1983) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 80:2026-2030; and Cole, S.P. et al. (1984) Mol. Cell Biol. 62:109-120.) .

In addition, techniques developed for the production of "chimeric antibodies," such as the splicing of mouse antibody genes to human antibody genes to obtain a molecule with appropriate antigen specificity and biological activity, can be used. (See, e.g., Morrison, S.L. et al. (1984) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 81:6851-6855; Neuberger, M.S. et al. (1984) Nature 312:604-608; and Takeda, S. et al. (1985) Nature 314:452-454.) Alternatively, techniques described for the production of single chain antibodies may be adapted, using methods known in the art, to produce GCREC-specific single chain antibodies. Antibodies with related specificity, but of distinct idiotypic composition, maybe generated by chain shuffling from random combinatorial immunoglobulin libraries. (See, e.g., Burton, D.R. (1991) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 88:10134-10137.) Antibodies may also be produced by inducing in vivo production in the lymphocyte population or by screening immunoglobulin libraries or panels of highly specific binding reagents as disclosed in the literature. (See, e.g., Orlandi, R. et al. (1989) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 86:3833-3837; Winter, G. et al. (1991) Nature 349:293-299.)

Antibody fragments which contain specific binding sites for GCREC may also be generated. For example, such fragments include, but are not limited to, Fζab^ fragments produced by pepsin digestion of the antibody molecule and Fab fragments generated by reducing the disulfide bridges of the F(ab')2 fragments. Alternatively, Fab expression libraries maybe constructed to allow rapid and easy identification of monoclonal Fab fragments with the desired specificity. (See, e.g., Huse, W.D. et al. (1989) Science 246:1275-1281.) Various immunoassays may be used for screening to identify antibodies having the desired specificity. Numerous protocols for competitive binding or rmmunoradiometric assays using either polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies with established specificities are well known in the art. Such immunoassays typically involve the measurement of complex formation between GCREC and its specific antibody. A two-site, monoclonal-based immunoassay utilizing monoclonal antibodies reactive to two non-interfering GCREC epitopes is generally used, but a competitive binding assay may also be employed (Pound, supra).

Various methods such as Scatchard analysis in conjunction with radioimmunoassay techniques may be used to assess the affinity of antibodies for GCREC. Affinity is expressed as an association constant, E^, which is defined as the molar concentration of GCREC-antibody complex divided by the molar concentrations of free antigen and free antibody under equilibrium conditions. The K_a deteπrined for a preparation of polyclonal antibodies, which are heterogeneous in their affinities for multiple GCREC epitopes, represents the average affinity, or avidity, of the antibodies for GCREC. The K_a determined for a preparation of monoclonal antibodies, which are monospecific for a particular GCREC epitope, represents a true measure of affinity. High-affinity antibody preparations with K_a ranging from about IO⁹ to 10¹² L/mole are prefeπed for use in immunoassays in which the GCREC- antibody complex must withstand rigorous manipulations. Low-affinity antibody preparations with K_a ranging from about IO⁶ to IO⁷ L/mole are prefeπed for use in immunopurification and similar procedures which ultimately require dissociation of GCREC, preferably in active form, from the antibody (Catty, D. (1988) Antibodies, Volume I: A Practical Approach. IRL Press, Washington DC; Liddell, J.E. and A. Cryer (1991) A Practical Guide to Monoclonal Antibodies, John Wiley & Sons, New York NY).

The titer and avidity of polyclonal antibody preparations may be further evaluated to determine the quality and suitability of such preparations for certain downstream applications. For example, a polyclonal antibody preparation containing at least 1-2 mg specific antibody/ml, preferably 5-10 mg specific antibody/ml, is generaUy employed in procedures requiring precipitation of GCREC-antibody complexes. Procedures for evaluating antibody specificity, titer, and avidity, and guidelines for antibody quality and usage in various applications, are generaUy available. (See, e.g., Catty, supra, and Coligan et al. supra.)

In another embodiment of the invention, the polynucleotides encoding GCREC, or any fragment or complement thereof, may be used for therapeutic purposes. In one aspect, modifications of gene expression can be achieved by designing complementary sequences or antisense molecules (DNA, RNA, PNA, or modified oligonucleotides) to the coding or regulatory regions of the gene encoding GCREC. Such technology is weU known in the art, and antisense oligonucleotides or larger fragments can be designed from various locations along the coding or control regions of sequences encoding GCREC. (See, e.g., Agrawal, S., ed. (1996) Antisense Therapeutics, Humana Press Inc., TotawaNJ.)

In therapeutic use, any gene delivery system suitable for introduction of the antisense sequences into appropriate target ceUs can be used. Antisense sequences can be delivered intraceUularly in the form of an expression plasmid which, upon transcription, produces a sequence complementary to at least a portion of the cehular sequence encoding the target protein. (See, e.g., Slater, J.E. et al. (1998) J. AUergy Clin. Immunol. 102(3):469-475; and Scanlon, KJ. et al. (1995) 9(13):1288-1296.) Antisense sequences can also be introduced intraceUularly through the use of viral vectors, such as retrovirus and adeno-associated virus vectors. (See, e.g., MiUer, A.D. (1990) Blood 76:271; Ausubel, supra: Uckert, W. and W. Walther (1994) Pharmacol. Ther. 63(3):323-347.) Other gene delivery mechanisms include nposome-derived systems, artificial viral envelopes, and other systems known in the art. (See, e.g., Rossi, J.J. (1995) Br. Med. BuU. 51(1):217-225; Boado, R.J. et al. (1998) J. Pharm. Sci. 87(11):1308-1315; and Morris, M.C. et al. (1997) Nucleic Acids Res. 25(14):2730-2736.)

In another embodiment of the invention, polynucleotides encoding GCREC may be used for somatic or germline gene therapy. Gene therapy may be performed to (i) coπect a genetic deficiency (e.g., in the cases of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCED)-Xl disease characterized by X- linked inheritance (Cavazzana-Calvo, M. et al. (2000) Science 288:669-672), severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome associated with an inherited adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency (Blaese, R.M. et al. (1995) Science 270:475-480; Bordignon, C. et al. (1995) Science 270:470-475), cystic fibrosis (Zabner, J. et al. (1993) CeU 75:207-216; Crystal, R.G. et al. (1995) Hum. Gene Therapy 6:643-666; Crystal, R.G. et al. (1995) Hum. Gene Therapy 6:667-703), thalassamias, famiUal hypercholesterolemia, and hemophilia resulting from Factor VHI or Factor IX deficiencies (Crystal, R.G. (1995) Science 270:404-410; Verma, I.M. and N. Somia (1997) Nature 389:239-242)), (ii) express a conditionaUy lethal gene product (e.g., in the case of cancers which result from unregulated ceU proUferation), or (iii) express a protein which affords protection against intraceUular parasites (e.g., against human retroviruses, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (Baltimore, D. (1988) Nature 335:395-396; Poeschla, E. et al. (1996) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 93:11395-11399), hepatitis B or C virus (HBV, HCV); fungal parasites, such as Candida albicans and Paracoccidioides brasiliensis: and protozoan parasites such as Plasmodium falciparum and Trypanosoma cruzi). In the case where a genetic deficiency in GCREC expression or regulation causes disease, the expression of GCREC from an appropriate population of transduced ceUs may aUeviate the clinical manifestations caused by the genetic deficiency.

In a further embodiment of the invention, diseases or disorders caused by deficiencies in GCREC are treated by constructing mammaUan expression vectors encoding GCREC and introducing these vectors by mechanical means into GCREC-deficient ceUs. Mechanical transfer technologies for use with ceUs in vivo or ex vitro include (i) direct DNA microinjection into individual ceUs, (ii) baUistic gold particle delivery, (iii) liposome-mediated transfection, (iv) receptor-mediated gene transfer, and (v) the use of DNA transposons (Morgan, R.A. and W.F. Anderson (1993) Annu. Rev. Biochem. 62:191-217; Ivies, Z. (1997) CeU 91:501-510; Boulay, J-L. and H. Recipon (1998) Cuπ. Opin. Biotechnol. 9:445-450).

Expression vectors that maybe effective for the expression of GCREC include, but are not limited to, the PCDNA 3.1, EPITAG, PRCCMV2, PREP, PVAX, PCR2-TOPOTA vectors (Invitrogen, Carlsbad CA), PCMV-SCRIPT, PCMV-TAG, PEGSH PERV (Stratagene, La JoUa CA), and PTET-OFF, PTET-ON, PTRE2, PTRE2-LUC, PTK-HYG (Clontech, Palo Alto CA). GCREC maybe expressed using (i) a constitutively active promoter, (e.g., from cytomegalovirus (CMV), Rous sarcoma virus (RSV), SV40 virus, thymidine kinase (TK), or β-actin genes), (ii) an inducible promoter (e.g., the tetracycline-regulated promoter (Gossen, M. and H. Bujard (1992) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:5547-5551; Gossen, M. et al. (1995) Science 268:1766-1769; Rossi, F.M.V. and H.M. Blau (1998) Cuπ. Opin. Biotechnol. 9:451-456), commerciaUy available in the T-REX plasmid (Invitrogen)); the ecdysone-inducible promoter (available in the plasmids PVGRXR and PIND; Invitrogen); the FK506/rapamycin inducible promoter; or the RU486/mifepristone inducible promoter (Rossi, F.M.V. and Blau, H.M. supra)"), or (iii) a tissue-specific promoter or the native promoter of the endogenous gene encoding GCREC from a normal individual. CommerciaUy available liposome transformation kits (e.g. , the PERFECT LEPID TRANSFECTTON KIT, available from Invitrogen) aUow one with ordinary skiU in the art to dehver polynucleotides to target ceUs in culture and requke minimal effort to optimize experimental parameters. In the alternative, transformation is performed using the calcium phosphate method (Graham, F.L. and A.J. Eb (1973) Vkology 52:456-467), or by electroporation (Neumann, E. et al. (1982) EMBO J. 1:841-845). The introduction of DNA to primary ceUs requkes modification of these standardized mammalian transfection protocols.

In another embodiment of the invention, diseases or disorders caused by genetic defects with respect to GCREC expression are treated by constructing a retrovirus vector consisting of (i) the polynucleotide encoding GCREC under the control of an independent promoter or the retrovirus long terminal repeat (LTR) promoter, (ii) appropriate RNA packaging signals, and (iii) a Rev-responsive element (RRE) along with additional retrovirus m-acting RNA sequences and coding sequences requked for efficient vector propagation. Retrovirus vectors (e.g., PEB and PFBNEO) are commerciaUy available (Stratagene) and are based on published data (Riviere, I. et al. (1995) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 92:6733-6737), incorporated by reference herein. The vector is propagated in an appropriate vector producing ceU line (VPCL) that expresses an envelope gene with a tropism for receptors on the target ceUs or a promiscuous envelope protein such as VSVg (Armentano, D. et al. (1987) J. Vkol. 61:1647-1650; Bender, MA. et al. (1987) J. Vkol. 61:1639-1646; Adam, M.A. and A.D. MiUer (1988) J. Vkol. 62:3802-3806; DuU, T. et al. (1998) J. Vkol. 72:8463-8471; Zufferey, R. et al. (1998) J. Vkol. 72:9873-9880). U.S. Patent No. 5,910,434 to Rigg ("Method for obtaining retrovirus packaging ceU lines producing high transducing efficiency retrovkal supernatant") discloses a method for obtaining retrovirus packaging ceU lines and is hereby incorporated by reference. Propagation of retrovirus vectors, transduction of a population of ceUs (e.g., CD4⁺ T-ceUs), and the return of transduced ceUs to a patient are procedures weU known to persons skiUed in the art of gene therapy and have been weU documented (Ranga, U. et al. (1997) J. Vkol. 71:7020-7029; Bauer, G. et al. (1997) Blood 89:2259-2267; Bonyhadi, M.L. (1997) J. Vkol. 71:4707-4716; Ranga, U. et al. (1998) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 95:1201-1206; Su, L. (1997) Blood 89:2283-2290).

In the alternative, an adenovirus-based gene therapy deUvery system is used to deliver polynucleotides encoding GCREC to ceUs which have one or more genetic abnormalities with respect to the expression of GCREC. The construction and packaging of adenovirus-based vectors are weU known to those with ordinary skiU in the art. RepUcation defective adenovirus vectors have proven to be versatile for importing genes encoding immunoregulatory proteins into intact islets in the pancreas (Csete, M.E. et al. (1995) Transplantation 27:263-268). Potentially useful adenovkal vectors are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,707,618 to Armentano ("Adenovirus vectors for gene therapy"), hereby incorporated by reference. For adenovkal vectors, see also Antinozzi, P.A. et al. (1999) Annu. Rev. Nutr. 19:511-544 and Verma, I.M. and N. Somia (1997) Nature 18:389:239-242, both incorporated by reference herein.

In another alternative, a herpes-based, gene therapy deUvery system is used to dehver polynucleotides encoding GCREC to target ceUs which have one or more genetic abnormalities with respect to the expression of GCREC. The use of herpes simplex virus (HSV)-based vectors may be especiaUy valuable for introducing GCREC to ceUs of the central nervous system, for which HSV has a tropism. The construction and packaging of herpes-based vectors are weU known to those with ordinary skiU in the art. A replication-competent herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1-based vector has been used to deUver a reporter gene to the eyes of primates (Liu, X. et al. (1999) Exp. Eye Res. 169:385-395). The construction of a HSV-1 virus vector has also been disclosed in detail in U.S. Patent No. 5,804,413 to DeLuca ("Herpes simplex virus strains for gene transfer"), which is hereby incorporated by reference. U.S. Patent No. 5,804,413 teaches the use of recombinant HSV d92 which consists of a genome containing at least one exogenous gene to be transfeπed to a ceU under the control of the appropriate promoter for purposes including human gene therapy. Also taught by this patent are the construction and use of recombinant HSV strains deleted for ICP4, ICP27 and ICP22. For HSV vectors, see also Goins, W.F. et al. (1999) J. Vkol. 73:519-532 and Xu, H. et al. (1994) Dev. Biol. 163:152-161, hereby incorporated by reference. The manipulation of cloned herpesvirus sequences, the generation of recombinant virus foUowing the transfection of multiple plasmids containing different segments of the large herpesvirus genomes, the growth and propagation of herpesvirus, and the infection of ceUs with herpesvirus are techniques weU known to those of ordinary skiU in the art.

In another alternative, an alphavkus (positive, single-stranded RNA virus) vector is used to deHver polynucleotides encoding GCREC to target ceUs. The biology of the prototypic alphavkus, Semliki Forest Virus (SFV), has been studied extensively and gene transfer vectors have been based on the SFV genome (Garoff, H. and K.-J. Li (1998) Cuπ. Opin. Biotechnol. 9:464-469). During alphavkus RNA replication, a subgenomic RNA is generated that normaUy encodes the vkal capsid proteins. This subgenomic RNA repUcates to higher levels than the fuU length genomic RNA, resulting in the overproduction of capsid proteins relative to the vkal proteins with enzymatic activity (e.g., protease and polymerase). Similarly, inserting the coding sequence for GCREC into the alphavkus genome in place of the capsid-coding region results in the production of a large number of GCREC-coding RNAs and the synthesis of high levels of GCREC in vector transduced ceUs. While alphavkus infection is typicaUy associated with ceU lysis within a few days, the ability to establish a persistent infection in hamster normal kidney ceUs (BHK-21) with a variant of Sindbis virus (SIN) indicates that the lytic repUcation of alphavkuses can be altered to suit the needs of the gene therapy apphcation (Dryga, S.A. et al. (1997) Vkology 228:74-83). The wide host range of alphavkuses wiU aUow the introduction of GCREC into a variety of ceU types. The specific transduction of a subset of ceUs in a population may requke the sorting of ceUs prior to transduction. The methods of manipulating infectious cDNA clones of alphavkuses, performing alphavkus cDNA and RNA transfections, and performing alphavkus infections, are weU known to those with ordinary skiU in the art.

OUgonucleotides derived from the transcription initiation site, e.g., between about positions -10 and +10 from the start site, may also be employed to inhibit gene expression. Similarly, inhibition can be achieved using triple helix base-pairing methodology. Triple hehx pairing is useful because it causes inhibition of the ability of the double helix to open sufficiently for the binding of polymerases, transcription factors, or regulatory molecules. Recent therapeutic advances using triplex DNA have been described in the literature. (See, e.g., Gee, J.E. et al. (1994) in Huber, B.E. and B.I. Can, Molecular and hrrmunologic Approaches, Futura PubUshing, Mt. Kisco NY, pp. 163-177.) A complementary sequence or antisense molecule may also be designed to block translation of mRNA by preventing the transcript from binding to ribosomes. Ribozymes, enzymatic RNA molecules, may also be used to catalyze the specific cleavage of

RNA. The mechanism of ribozyme action involves sequence-specific hybridization of the ribozyme molecule to complementary target RNA, foUowed by endonucleolytic cleavage. For example, engineered hammerhead motif ribozyme molecules may specificaUy and efficiently catalyze endonucleolytic cleavage of sequences encoding GCREC. Specific ribozyme cleavage sites within any potential RNA target are initiaUy identified by scanning the target molecule for ribozyme cleavage sites, including the foUowing sequences: GUA, GUU, and GUC. Once identified, short RNA sequences of between 15 and 20 ribonucleotides, coπesponding to the region of the target gene containing the cleavage site, may be evaluated for secondary structural features which may render the oUgonucleotide inoperable. The suitability of candidate targets may also be evaluated by testing accessibiUty to hybridization with complementary oligonucleotides using ribonuclease protection assays.

Complementary ribonucleic acid molecules and ribozymes of the invention maybe prepared by any method known in the art for the synthesis of nucleic acid molecules. These include techniques for chemicaUy synthesizing oUgonucleotides such as soUd phase phosphoramidite chemical synthesis. Alternatively, RNA molecules may be generated by in vitro and in vivo transcription of DNA sequences encoding GCREC. Such DNA sequences may be incorporated into a wide variety of vectors with suitable RNA polymerase promoters such as T7 or SP6. Alternatively, these cDNA constructs that synthesize complementary RNA, constitutively or inducibly, can be introduced into ceU lines, ceUs, or tissues. RNA molecules may be modified to increase intraceUular stability and half-Ufe. Possible modifications include, but are not limited to, the addition of flanking sequences at the 5 'and/or 3 'ends of the molecule, or the use of phosphorothioate or 2' O-methyl rather than phosphodiesterase linkages within the backbone of the molecule. This concept is inherent in the production of PNAs and can be extended in aU of these molecules by the inclusion of nontraditional bases such as inosine, queosine, and wybutosine, as weU as acetyl-, methyl-, fhio-, and similarly modified forms of adenine, cytidine, guanine, thymine, and uridine which are not as easily recognized by endogenous endonucleases.

An additional embodiment of the invention encompasses a method for screening for a compound which is effective in altering expression of a polynucleotide encoding GCREC. Compounds which maybe effective in altering expression of a specific polynucleotide may include, but are not limited to, oUgonucleotides, antisense oUgonucleotides, triple heUx-forming oUgonucleotides, transcription factors and other polypeptide transcriptional regulators, and non-macromolecular chemical entities which are capable of interacting with specific polynucleotide sequences. Effective compounds may alter polynucleotide expression by acting as either inhibitors or promoters of polynucleotide expression. Thus, in the treatment of disorders associated with increased GCREC expression or activity, a compound which specificaUy inhibits expression of the polynucleotide encoding GCREC ma be therapeuticaUy useful, and in the treatment of disorders associated with decreased GCREC expression or activity, a compound which specificaUy promotes expression of the polynucleotide encoding GCREC maybe therapeuticaUy useful.

At least one, and up to a phiraUty, of test compounds maybe screened for effectiveness in altering expression of a specific polynucleotide. A test compound may be obtained by any method commonly known in the art, including chemical modification of a compound known to be effective in altering polynucleotide expression; selection from an existing, commerciaUy-available or proprietary Ubrary of naturaUy-occurring or non-natural chemical compounds; rational design of a compound based on chemical and/or structural properties of the target polynucleotide; and selection from a Ubrary of chemical compounds created combinatoriaUy or randomly. A sample comprising a polynucleotide encoding GCREC is exposed to at least one test compound thus obtained. The sample may comprise, for example, an intact or permeabiUzed ceU, or an in vitro ceU-free or reconstituted biochemical system. Alterations in the expression of a polynucleotide encoding GCREC are assayed by any method commonly known in the art. TypicaUy, the expression of a specific nucleotide is detected by hybridization with a probe having a nucleotide sequence complementary to the sequence of the polynucleotide encoding GCREC. The amount of hybridization maybe quantified, thus forming the basis for a comparison of the expression of the polynucleotide both with and without exposure to one or more test compounds. Detection of a change in the expression of a polynucleotide exposed to a test compound indicates that the test compound is effective in altering the expression of the polynucleotide. A screen for a compound effective in altering expression of a specific polynucleotide can be carried out, for example, using a Schizosaccharomvces pombe gene expression system (Atkins,

D. et al. (1999) U.S. Patent No. 5,932,435; Arndt, G.M. et al. (2000) Nucleic Acids Res. 28:E15) or a human ceU line such as HeLa ceU (Clarke, MX. et al. (2000) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun.

268:8-13). A particular embodiment of the present invention involves screening a combinatorial Ubrary of oUgonucleotides (such as deoxyribonucleotides, ribonucleotides, peptide nucleic acids, and modified oUgonucleotides) for antisense activity against a specific polynucleotide sequence (Bruice, T.W. et al.

(1997) U.S. Patent No. 5,686,242; Bruice, T.W. et al. (2000) U.S. Patent No. 6,022,691).

Many methods for introducing vectors into ceUs or tissues are available and equaUy suitable for use in vivo, in vitro, and ex vivo. For ex vivo therapy, vectors may be introduced into stem ceUs taken from the patient and clonaUy propagated for autologous transplant back into that same patient.

DeUvery by transfection, by Uposome injections, or by polycationic amino polymers may be achieved using methods which are weU known in the art. (See, e.g., Goldman, C.K. et al. (1997) Nat.

Biotechnol. 15:462-466.)

Any of the therapeutic methods described above may be appUed to any subject in need of such therapy, including, for example, mammals such as humans, dogs, cats, cows, horses, rabbits, and monkeys.

An additional embodiment of the invention relates to the administration of a composition which generaUy comprises an active ingredient formulated with a pharmaceuticaUy acceptable excipient.

Excipients may include, for example, sugars, starches, celluloses, gums, and proteins. Various formulations are commonly known and are thoroughly discussed in the latest edition of Remington's

Pharmaceutical Sciences (Maack PubUshing, Easton PA). Such compositions may consist of

GCREC, antibodies to GCREC, and mimetics, agonists, antagonists, or inhibitors of GCREC.

The compositions utilized in this invention may be administered by any number of routes including, but not limited to, oral, intravenous, intramuscular, intra-arterial, intrameduUary, intrathecal, intraventiicular, pulmonary, transdeπnal, subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, intranasal, enteral, topical, sublingual, or rectal means.

Compositions for pulmonary administration may be prepared in liquid or dry powder form.

These compositions are generaUy aerosoUzed immediately prior to inhalation by the patient. In the case of smaU molecules (e.g. traditional low molecular weight organic drugs), aerosol deUvery of fast- acting formulations is weU-known in the art. In the case of macromolecules (e.g. larger peptides and proteins), recent developments in the field of pulmonary deUvery via the alveolar region of the lung have enabled the practical deUvery of drugs such as insulin to blood ckculation (see, e.g., Patton, J.S. et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,997,848). Pulmonary deUvery has the advantage of administration without needle injection, and obviates the need for potentially toxic penetration enhancers. Compositions suitable for use in the invention include compositions wherein the active ingredients are contained in an effective amount to achieve the intended purpose. The determination of an effective dose is weU within the capabiUty of those skilled in the art.

SpeciaUzed forms of compositions may be prepared for dkect intraceUular deUvery of macromolecules comprising GCREC or fragments thereof. For example, Uposome preparations containing a ceU-impermeable macromolecule may promote ceU fusion and intraceUular deUvery of the macromolecule. Alternatively, GCREC or a fragment thereof may be joined to a short cationic N- terminal portion from the HIV Tat-1 protein. Fusion proteins thus generated have been found to transduce into the cells of aU tissues, including the brain, in a mouse model system (Schwarze, S.R. et al. (1999) Science 285:1569-1572). For any compound, the therapeuticaUy effective dose can be estimated initiaUy either in ceU culture assays, e.g., of neoplastic ceUs, or in animal models such as mice, rats, rabbits, dogs, monkeys, or pigs. An animal model may also be used to determine the appropriate concentration range and route of administration. Such information can then be used to determine useful doses and routes for administration in humans. A therapeuticaUy effective dose refers to that amount of active ingredient, for example

GCREC or fragments thereof, antibodies of GCREC, and agonists, antagonists or inhibitors of GCREC, which ameUorates the symptoms or condition. Therapeutic efficacy and toxicity may be determined by standard pharmaceutical procedures in ceU cultures or with experimental animals, such as by calculating the ED₅₀ (the dose therapeuticaUy effective in 50% of the population) or LD₅₀ (the dose lethal to 50% of the population) statistics. The dose ratio of toxic to therapeutic effects is the therapeutic index, which can be expressed as the LD₅₀/ED₅₀ ratio. Compositions which exhibit large therapeutic indices are prefeπed. The data obtained from ceU culture assays and animal studies are used to formulate a range of dosage for human use. The dosage contained in such compositions is preferably within a range of ckculating concentrations that includes the ED₅₀ with Uttle or no toxicity. The dosage varies within this range depending upon the dosage form employed, the sensitivity of the patient, and the route of administration.

The exact dosage wiU be determined by the practitioner, in Ught of factors related to the subject requiring treatment. Dosage and administration are adjusted to provide sufficient levels of the active moiety or to maintain the desked effect. Factors which may be taken into account include the severity of the disease state, the general health of the subject, the age, weight, and gender of the subject, time and frequency of administration, drug combinations), reaction sensitivities, and response to therapy. Long-acting compositions maybe administered every 3 to 4 days, every week, or biweekly depending on the half-Ufe and clearance rate of the particular formulation.

Normal dosage amounts may vary from about 0.1 μg to 100,000 μg, up to a total dose of about 1 gram, depending upon the route of administration. Guidance as to particular dosages and methods of deUvery is provided in the Uterature and generaUy available to practitioners in the art. Those skiUed in the art wiU employ different formulations for nucleotides than for proteins or thek inhibitors. Similarly, deUvery of polynucleotides or polypeptides wiU be specific to particular ceUs, conditions, locations, etc. DIAGNOSTICS

In another embodiment, antibodies which specificaUy bind GCREC ma be used for the diagnosis of disorders characterized by expression of GCREC, or in assays to monitor patients being treated with GCREC or agonists, antagonists, or i_nhϊbitors of GCREC. Antibodies useful for diagnostic purposes maybe prepared in the same manner as described above for therapeutics. Diagnostic assays for GCREC include methods which utiUze the antibody and a label to detect

GCREC in human body fluids or in extracts of ceUs or tissues. The antibodies may be used with or without modification, and may be labeled by covalent or non-covalent attachment of a reporter molecule. A wide variety of reporter molecules, several of which are described above, are known in the art and may be used. A variety of protocols for measuring GCREC, including ELISAs, RIAs, and FACS, are known in the art and provide a basis for diagnosing altered or abnormal levels of GCREC expression. Normal or standard values for GCREC expression are estabUshed by combining body fluids or ceU extracts taken from normal mammaUan subjects, for example, human subjects, with antibodies to GCREC under conditions suitable for complex formation. The amount of standard complex formation may be quantitated by various methods, such as photometric means. Quantities of GCREC expressed in subject, control, and disease samples frombiopsied tissues are compared with the standard values. Deviation between standard and subject values estabUshes the parameters for diagnosing disease.

In another embodiment of the invention, the polynucleotides encoding GCREC maybe used for diagnostic purposes. The polynucleotides which may be used include oUgonucleotide sequences, complementary RNA and DNA molecules, and PNAs. The polynucleotides may be used to detect and quantify gene expression inbiopsied tissues in which expression of GCREC maybe coπelated with disease. The diagnostic assay may be used to determine absence, presence, and excess expression of GCREC, and to monitor regulation of GCREC levels during therapeutic intervention. In one aspect, hybridization with PCR probes which are capable of detecting polynucleotide sequences, including genomic sequences, encoding GCREC or closely related molecules may be used to identify nucleic acid sequences which encode GCREC. The specificity of the probe, whether it is made from a highly specific region, e.g., the 5'regulatory region, or from a less specific region, e.g., a conserved motif, and the stringency of the hybridization or ampUfication wiU determine whether the probe identifies only naturaUy occurring sequences encoding GCREC, aUeUc variants, or related sequences. Probes may also be used for the detection of related sequences, and may have at least 50% sequence identity to any of the GCREC encoding sequences. The hybridization probes of the subject invention may be DNA or RNA and may be derived from the sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 or from genomic sequences including promoters, enhancers, and introns of the GCREC gene. Means for producing specific hybridization probes for DNAs encoding GCREC include the cloning of polynucleotide sequences encoding GCREC or GCREC derivatives into vectors for the production of mRNA probes. Such vectors are known in the art, are commerciaUy available, and may be used to synthesize RNA probes in vitro by means of the addition of the appropriate RNA polymerases and the appropriate labeled nucleotides. Hybridization probes may be labeled by a variety of reporter groups, for example, by radionucUdes such as ³²P or ³⁵S, or by enzymatic labels, such as alkaline phosphatase coupled to the probe via avidin/biotin coupling systems, and the like.

Polynucleotide sequences encoding GCREC may be used for the diagnosis of disorders associated with expression of GCREC. Examples of such disorders include, but are not limited to, a ceU proUferative disorder such as actinic keratosis, arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis, bursitis, ckrhosis, hepatitis, mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), myelofibrosis, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, polycythemia vera, psoriasis, primary thrombocythemia, and cancers including adenocarcinoma, leukemia, lymphoma, melanoma, myeloma, sarcoma, teratocarcinoma, and, in particular, cancers of the adrenal gland, bladder, bone, bone maπow, brain, breast, cervix, gaU bladder, gangUa, gastrointestinal tract, heart, kidney, Uver, lung, muscle, ovary, pancreas, parathyroid, penis, prostate, saUvary glands, skin, spleen, testis, thymus, thyroid, and uterus; a neurological disorder such as epilepsy, ischemic cerebro vascular disease, stroke, cerebral neoplasms, Alzheimer's disease, Pick's disease, Huntington's disease, dementia, Parkinson's disease and other exttapyramidal disorders, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis_^ and other motor neuron disorders, progressive neural muscular atrophy, retinitis pigmentosa, hereditary ataxias, multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating diseases, bacterial and vkal meningitis, brain abscess, subdural empyema, epidural abscess, suppurative intracranial thrombophlebitis, myeUtis and radicuUtis, vkal central nervous system disease, prion diseases including kuru, Creutzfeldt- Jakob disease, and Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker syndrome, fatal famiUal insomnia, nutritional and metaboUc diseases of the nervous system, neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis, cerebeUoretinal hemangioblastomatosis, encephalotrigeminal syndrome, mental retardation and other developmental disorders of the central nervous system, cerebral palsy, neuroskeletal disorders, autonomic nervous system disorders, cranial nerve disorders, spinal cord diseases, muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular disorders, peripheral nervous system disorders, dermatomyositis and polymyositis, inherited, metaboUc, endocrine, and toxic myopathies, myasthenia gravis, periodic paralysis, mental disorders including mood, anxiety, and schizophrenic disorders, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), akathesia, amnesia, catatonia, diabetic neuropathy, tardive dyskinesia, dystonias, paranoid psychoses, postherpetic neuralgia, Tourette's disorder, progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal degeneration, and famiUal frontotemporal dementia; a cardiovascular disorder such as arteriovenous fistula, atherosclerosis, hypertension, vascuUtis, Raynaud's disease, aneurysms, arterial dissections, varicose veins, thrombophlebitis and phlebothrombosis, vascular tumors, compUcations of thrombolysis, baUoon angioplasty, vascular replacement, and coronary artery bypass graft surgery, congestive heart failure, ischemic heart disease, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, hypertensive heart disease, degenerative valvular heart disease, calcific aortic valve stenosis, congenitaUy bicuspid aortic valve, mitral annular calcification, mitral valve prolapse, rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease, infective endocarditis, nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis, endocarditis of systemic lupus erythematosus, carcinoid heart disease, cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, pericarditis, neoplastic heart disease, congenital heart disease, and compUcations of cardiac transplantation; a gastrointestinal disorder such as dysphagia, peptic esophagitis, esophageal spasm, esophageal stricture, esophageal carcinoma, dyspepsia, indigestion, gastritis, gastric carcinoma, anorexia, nausea, emesis, gastroparesis, antral or pyloric edema, abdominal angina, pyrosis, gastroenteritis, intestinal obstruction, infections of the intestinal tract, peptic ulcer, choleUfhiasis, cholecystitis, cholestasis, pancreatitis, pancreatic carcinoma, biUary tract disease, hepatitis, hyperbilirubinemia, ckrhosis, passive congestion of the Ever, hepatoma, infectious coUtis, ulcerative coUtis, ulcerative proctitis, Crohn's disease, Whipple's disease; MaUory-Weiss syndrome, colonic carcinoma, colonic obstruction, irritable bowel syndrome, short bowel syndrome, dianhea, constipation, gastrointestinal hemoπhage, acquked immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) enteropathy, jaundice, hepatic encephalopathy, hepatorenal syndrome, hepatic steatosis, hemochromatosis, Wilson's disease, alphaj-antitrypsin deficiency, Reye's syndrome, primary sclerosing cholangitis, Uver infarction, portal vein obstruction and thrombosis, centrilobular necrosis, peUosis hepatis, hepatic vein thrombosis, veno-occlusive disease, preeclampsia, eclampsia, acute fatty Uver of pregnancy, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, and hepatic tumors including nodular hyperplasias, adenomas, and carcinomas; an autoimmune/inflammatory disorder such as acquked immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), Addison's disease, adult respkatory distress syndrome, aUergies, ankylosing spondyUtis, amyloidosis, anemia, asthma, atherosclerosis, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, autoimmune thyroiditis, autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy (APECED), bronchitis, cholecystitis, contact dermatitis, Crohn's disease, atopic dermatitis, dermatomyositis, diabetes meUitus, emphysema, episodic lymphopenia with lymphocytotoxins, erythroblastosis fetaUs, erythema nodosum, atrophic gastritis, glomerulonephritis, Goodpasture's syndrome, gout, Graves' disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, hypereosinophiUa, irritable bowel syndrome, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, myocardial or pericardial inflammation, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, pancreatitis, polymyositis, psoriasis, Reiter's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, Sjδgren's syndrome, systemic anaphylaxis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, thrombocytopenic purpura, ulcerative coUtis, uveitis, Werner syndrome, compUcations of cancer, hemodialysis, and exteacorporeal ckculation, vkal, bacterial, fungal, parasitic, protozoal, and helminthic infections, and trauma; a metaboUc disorder such as diabetes, obesity, and osteoporosis; and an infection by a vkal agent classified as adenovirus, arenavkus, bunyavkus, caUcivkus, coronavkus, filovkus, hepadnavkus, herpesvirus, flavivrrus, orthomyxovkus, parvovkus, papovavkus, paramyxovkus, picornavirus, poxvkus, reovkus, retrovirus, rhabdovkus, and tongavkus. The polynucleotide sequences encoding GCREC may be used in Southern or northern analysis, dot blot, or other membrane-based technologies; in PCR technologies; in dipstick, pin, and multiformat ELISA-like assays; and in microaπays utiUzing fluids or tissues from patients to detect altered GCREC expression. Such quaUtative or quantitative methods are weU known in the art.

In a particular aspect, the nucleotide sequences encoding GCREC may be useful in assays that detect the presence of associated disorders, particularly those mentioned above. The nucleotide sequences encoding GCREC may be labeled by standard methods and added to a fluid or tissue sample from a patient under conditions suitable for the formation of hybridization complexes. After a suitable incubation period, the sample is washed and the signal is quantified and compared with a standard value. If the amount of signal in the patient sample is significantly altered in comparison to a control sample then the presence of altered levels of nucleotide sequences encoding GCREC in the sample indicates the presence of the associated disorder. Such assays may also be used to evaluate the efficacy of a particular therapeutic treatment regimen in animal studies, in clinical trials, or to monitor the treatment of an individual patient.

In order to provide a basis for the diagnosis of a disorder associated with expression of GCREC, a normal or standard profile for expression is estabUshed. This may be accompUshed by combining body fluids or ceU extracts taken from normal subjects, either animal or human, with a sequence, or a fragment thereof, encoding GCREC, under conditions suitable for hybridization or amplification. Standard hybridization may be quantified by comparing the values obtained from normal subjects with values from an experiment in which a known amount of a substantiaUy purified polynucleotide is used. Standard values obtained in this manner may be compared with values obtained from samples from patients who are symptomatic for a disorder. Deviation from standard values is used to estabUsh the presence of a disorder. Once the presence of a disorder is estabUshed and a treatment protocol is initiated, hybridization assays may be repeated on a regular basis to deteirnine if the level of expression in the patient begins to approximate that which is observed in the normal subject. The results obtained from successive assays may be used to show the efficacy of treatment over a period ranging from several days to months. With respect to cancer, the presence of an abnormal amount of transcript (either under- or overexpressed) inbiopsied tissue from an individual may indicate a predisposition for the development of the disease, or may provide a means for detecting the disease prior to the appearance of actual clinical symptoms. A more definitive diagnosis of this type may aUow health professionals to employ preventative measures or aggressive treatment earlier thereby preventing the development or further progression of the cancer.

Additional diagnostic uses for oUgonucleotides designed from the sequences encoding GCREC may involve the use of PCR. These oUgomers may be chemicaUy synthesized, generated enzymaticaUy, or produced in vitro. OUgomers will preferably contain a fragment of a polynucleotide encoding GCREC, or a fragment of a polynucleotide complementary to the polynucleotide encoding GCREC, and wiU be employed under optimized conditions for identification of a specific gene or condition. OUgomers may also be employed under less stringent conditions for detection or quantification of closely related DNA or RNA sequences.

In a particular aspect, oUgonucleotide primers derived from the polynucleotide sequences encoding GCREC maybe used to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). SNPs are substitutions, insertions and deletions that are a frequent cause of inherited or acquked genetic disease in humans. Methods of SNP detection include, but are not limited to, single-stranded conformation polymorphism (SSCP) and fluorescent SSCP (fSSCP) methods. In SSCP, oUgonucleotide primers derived from the polynucleotide sequences encoding GCREC are used to amplify DNA using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The DNA may be derived, for example, from diseased or normal tissue, biopsy samples, bodily fluids, and the like. SNPs in the DNA cause differences in the secondary and tertiary structures of PCR products in single-stranded form, and these differences are detectable using gel electrophoresis in non-denaturing gels. In fSCCP, the oUgonucleotide primers are fluorescently labeled, which aUows detection of the amplimers in high-throughput equipment such as DNA sequencing machines. AdditionaUy, sequence database analysis methods, termed in siUco SNP (isSNP), are capable of identifying polymorphisms by comparing the sequence of individual overlapping DNA fragments which assemble into a common consensus sequence. These computer- based methods filter out sequence variations due to laboratory preparation of DNA and sequencing eπors using statistical models and automated analyses of DNA sequence chromatograms. In the alternative, SNPs may be detected and characterized by mass spectrometry using, for example, the high throughput MASSARRAY system (Sequenom, Inc. , San Diego CA).

Methods which may also be used to quantify the expression of GCREC include radiolabeUng or biotinylating nucleotides, coampUfication of a control nucleic acid, and interpolating results from standard curves. (See, e.g., Melby, P.C. et al. (1993) J. Immunol. Methods 159:235-244; Duplaa, C. et al. (1993) Anal. Biochem. 212:229-236.) The speed of quantitation of multiple samples may be accelerated by running the assay in a high-throughput format where the oUgomer or polynucleotide of interest is presented in various dilutions and a spectrophotometric or colorimetric response gives rapid quantitation.

In further embodiments, oUgonucleotides or longer fragments derived from any of the polynucleotide sequences described herein may be used as elements on a microaπay. The microaπay can be used in transcript imaging techniques which monitor the relative expression levels of large numbers of genes simultaneously as described below. The microaπay may also be used to identify genetic variants, mutations, and polymorphisms. This information may be used to determine gene function, to understand the genetic basis of a disorder, to diagnose a disorder, to monitor progression/regression of disease as a function of gene expression, and to develop and monitor the activities of therapeutic agents in the treatment of disease. In particular, this information may be used to develop a pharmacogenomic profile of a patient in order to select the most appropriate and effective treatment regimen for that patient. For example, therapeutic agents which are highly effective and display the fewest side effects maybe selected for a patient based on his her pharmacogenomic profile. In another embodiment, GCREC, fragments of GCREC, or antibodies specific for GCREC may be used as elements on a microaπay. The microaπay may be used to monitor or measure protein-protein interactions, drug-target interactions, and gene expression profiles, as described above.

A particular embodiment relates to the use of the polynucleotides of the present invention to i generate a transcript image of a tissue or ceU type. A transcript image represents the global pattern of gene expression by a particular tissue or ceU type. Global gene expression patterns are analyzed by quantifying the number of expressed genes and thek relative abundance under given conditions and at a given time. (See Seilhamer et al., "Comparative Gene Transcript Analysis," U.S. Patent No. 5,840,484, expressly incorporated by reference herein.) Thus a transcript image may be generated by hybridizing the polynucleotides of the present invention or thek complements to the totaUty of transcripts or reverse transcripts of a particular tissue or ceU type. In one embodiment, the hybridization takes place in high-throughput format, wherein the polynucleotides of the present invention or thek complements comprise a subset of a pluraUty of elements on a microaπay. The resultant transcript image would provide a profile of gene activity.

Transcript images may be generated using transcripts isolated from tissues, ceU lines, biopsies, or other biological samples. The transcript image may thus reflect gene expression in vivo, as in the case of a tissue or biopsy sample, or in vitro, as in the case of a ceU line.

Transcript images which profile the expression of the polynucleotides of the present invention may also be used in conjunction with in vitro model systems and precUnical evaluation of pharmaceuticals, as weU as toxicological testing of industrial and naturaUy-occurring envkonmental compounds. AU compounds induce characteristic gene expression patterns, frequently termed molecular fingerprints or toxicant signatures, which are indicative of mechanisms of action and toxicity (Nuwaysk, E.F. et al. (1999) Mol. Carcinog. 24:153-159; Steiner, S. and N.L. Anderson (2000) Toxicol. Lett. 112-113:467-471, expressly incorporated by reference herein). If a test compound has a signature similar to that of a compound with known toxicity, it is likely to share those toxic properties. These fingerprints or signatures are most useful and refined when they contain expression information from a large number of genes and gene famiUes. IdeaUy, a genome-wide measurement of expression provides the highest quaUty signature. Even genes whose expression is not altered by any tested compounds are important as weU, as the levels of expression of these genes are used to normaUze the rest of the expression data. The normaUzation procedure is useful for comparison of expression data after treatment with different compounds. While the assignment of gene function to elements of a toxicant signature aids in interpretation of toxicity mechanisms, knowledge of gene function is not necessary for the statistical matching of signatures which leads to prediction of toxicity. (See, for example, Press Release 00-02 from the National Institute of Envkonmental Health Sciences, released February 29, 2000, available at http://www.niehs.nih.gov/oc news/toxchip.htm.) Therefore, it is important and deskable in toxicological screening using toxicant signatures to include aU expressed gene sequences.

In one embodiment, the toxicity of a test compound is assessed by treating a biological sample containing nucleic acids with the test compound. Nucleic acids that are expressed in the treated biological sample are hybridized with one or more probes specific to the polynucleotides of the present invention, so that transcript levels coπesponding to the polynucleotides of the present invention may be quantified. The transcript levels in the treated biological sample are compared with levels in an untreated biological sample. Differences in the transcript levels between the two samples are indicative of a toxic response caused by the test compound in the treated sample.

Another particular embodiment relates to the use of the polypeptide sequences of the present invention to analyze the proteome of a tissue or ceU type. The term proteome refers to the global pattern of protein expression in a particular tissue or ceU type. Each protein component of a proteome can be subjected individuaUy to further analysis. Proteome expression patterns, or profiles, are analyzed by quantifying the number of expressed proteins and thek relative abundance under given conditions and at a given time. A profile of a ceU's proteome may thus be generated by separating and analyzing the polypeptides of a particular tissue or ceU type. In one embodiment, the separation is achieved using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, in which proteins from a sample are separated by isoelectric focusing in the first dimension, and then according to molecular weight by sodium dodecyl sulfate slab gel electrophoresis in the second dimension (Steiner and Anderson, supra). The proteins are visuaUzed in the gel as discrete and uniquely positioned spots, typicaUy by staining the gel with an agent such as Coomassie Blue or silver or fluorescent stains. The optical density of each protein spot is generaUy proportional to the level of the protein in the sample. The optical densities of equivalently positioned protein spots from different samples, for example, from biological samples either treated or untreated with a test compound or therapeutic agent, are compared to identify any changes in protein spot density related to the treatment. The proteins in the spots are partiaUy sequenced using, for example, standard methods employing chemical or enzymatic cleavage foUowed by mass spectrometry. The identity of the protein in a spot may be determined by comparing its partial sequence, preferably of at least 5 contiguous arnino acid residues, to the polypeptide sequences of the present invention. In some cases, further sequence data may be obtained for definitive protein identification. A proteomic profile may also be generated using antibodies specific for GCREC to quantify the levels of GCREC expression. In one embodiment, the antibodies are used as elements on a microaπay, and protein expression levels are quantified by exposing the microaπay to the sample and detecting the levels of protein bound to each aπay element (Lueking, A. et al. (1999) Anal. Biochem. 270:103-111; Mendoze, L.G. et al. (1999) Biotechniques 27:778-788). Detection may be performed by a variety of methods known in the art, for example, by reacting the proteins in the sample with a thiol- or amino-reactive fluorescent compound and detecting the amount of fluorescence bound at each aπay element.

Toxicant signatures at the proteome level are also useful for toxicological screening, and should be analyzed in paraUel with toxicant signatures at the transcript level. There is a poor coπelation between transcript and protein abundances for some proteins in some tissues (Anderson, N.L. and J. Seilhamer (1997) Electrophoresis 18:533-537), so proteome toxicant signatures maybe useful in the analysis of compounds which do not significantly affect the transcript image, but which alter the proteomic profile. In addition, the analysis of transcripts in body fluids is difficult, due to rapid degradation of mRNA, so proteomic profiling may be more reUable and informative in such cases. In another embodiment, the toxicity of a test compound is assessed by treating a biological sample containing proteins with the test compound. Proteins that are expressed in the treated biological sample are separated so that the amount of each protein can be quantified. The amount of each protein is compared to the amount of the coπesponding protein in an untreated biological sample. A difference in the amount of protein between the two samples is indicative of a toxic response to the test compound in the treated sample. Individual proteins are identified by sequencing the amino acid residues of the individual proteins and comparing these partial sequences to the polypeptides of the present invention.

In another embodiment, the toxicity of a test compound is assessed by freating a biological sample containing proteins with the test compound. Proteins from the biological sample are incubated with antibodies specific to the polypeptides of the present invention. The amount of protein recognized by the antibodies is quantified. The amount of protein in the treated biological sample is compared with the amount in an untreated biological sample. A difference in the amount of protein between the two samples is indicative of a toxic response to the test compound in the treated sample.

Microaπays may be prepared, used, and analyzed using methods known in the art. (See, e.g. , Brennan, T.M. et al. (1995) U.S. Patent No. 5,474,796; Schena, M. et al. (1996) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93:10614-10619; Baldeschweiler et al. (1995) PCT appUcation W095/251116; Shalon, D. et al. (1995) PCT appUcation WO95/35505; HeUer, RA. et al. (1997) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 94:2150-2155; and HeUer, M.J. et al. (1997) U.S. Patent No. 5,605,662.) Various types of microaπays are weU known and thoroughly described in DNA Microaπays: A Practical Approach, M. Schena, ed. (1999) Oxford University Press, London, hereby expressly incorporated by reference. In another embodiment of the invention, nucleic acid sequences encoding GCREC may be used to generate hybridization probes useful in mapping the naturaUy occurring genomic sequence. Either coding or noncoding sequences may be used, and in some instances, noncoding sequences may be preferable over coding sequences. For example, conservation of a coding sequence among ' members of a multi-gene family may potentially cause undesked cross hybridization during chromosomal mapping. The sequences may be mapped to a particular chromosome, to a specific region of a chromosome, or to artificial chromosome constructions, e.g., human artificial chromosomes (HACs), yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs), bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs), bacterial PI constructions, or single chromosome cDNA Ubraries. (See, e.g., Harrington, J.J. et al (1997) Nat. Genet. 15:345-355; Price, CM. (1993) Blood Rev. 7:127-134; and Trask, B. J. (1991) Trends Genet. 7:149-154.) Once mapped, the nucleic acid sequences of the invention may be used to develop genetic linkage maps, for example, which coπelate the inheritance of a disease state with the inheritance of a particular chromosome region or restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). (See, for example, Lander, E.S. and D. Botstein (1986) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 83:7353-7357.) Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) may be coπelated with other physical and genetic map data. (See, e.g., Heinz-Ulrich, et al. (1995) in Meyers, supra, pp. 965-968.) Examples of genetic map data can be found in various scientific journals or at the Online MendeUan Inheritance in Man (OMIM) World Wide Web site. Coπelation between the location of the gene encoding GCREC on a physical map and a specific disorder, or a predisposition to a specific disorder, may help define the region of DNA associated with that disorder and thus may further positional cloning efforts.

In situ hybridization of chromosomal preparations and physical mapping techniques, such as linkage analysis using estabUshed chromosomal markers, may be used for extending genetic maps. Often the placement of a gene on the chromosome of another mammaUan species, such as mouse, may reveal associated markers even if the exact chromosomal locus is not known. This information is valuable to investigators searching for disease genes using positional cloning or other gene discovery techniques. Once the gene or genes responsible for a disease or syndrome have been crudely localized by genetic linkage to a particular genomic region, e.g., ataxia-telangiectasia to llq22-23, any sequences mapping to that area may represent associated or regulatory genes for further investigation.

(See, e.g., Gatti, RA. et al. (1988) Nature 336:577-580.) The nucleotide sequence of the instant invention may also be used to detect differences in the chromosomal location due to translocation, inversion, etc., among normal, carrier, or affected individuals.

In another embodiment of the invention, GCREC, its catalytic or immunogenic fragments, or oUgopeptides thereof can be used for screening Ubraries of compounds in any of a variety of drug screening techniques. The fragment employed in such screening may be free in solution, affixed to a soUd support, borne on a ceU surface, or located intraceUularly. The formation of binding complexes between GCREC and the agent being tested may be measured.

Another technique for drug screening provides for high throughput screening of compounds having suitable binding affinity to the protein of interest. (See, e.g., Geysen, et al. (1984) PCT appUcation WO84/03564.) In this method, large numbers of different smaU test compounds are ^* synthesized on a soUd substrate. The test compounds are reacted with GCREC, or fragments thereof, and washed. Bound GCREC is then detected by methods weU known in the art. Purified GCREC can also be coated dkectly onto plates for use in the aforementioned drug screening techniques.

Alternatively, non-neutraUzing antibodies can be used to capture the peptide and immobiUze it on a soUd support. In another embodiment, one may use competitive drug screening assays in which neutraUzing antibodies capable of binding GCREC specificaUy compete with a test compound for binding GCREC.

In this manner, antibodies can be used to detect the presence of any peptide which shares one or more antigenic deteπninants with GCREC.

In additional embodiments, the nucleotide sequences which encode GCREC may be used in any molecular biology techniques that have yet to be developed, provided the new techniques rely on properties of nucleotide sequences that are cuπently known, including, but not Umited to, such properties as the triplet genetic code and specific base pak interactions.

Without further elaboration, it is beUeved that one skiUed in the art can, using the preceding description, utilize the present invention to its fuUest extent. The foUowing embodiments are, therefore, to be construed as merely iUustrative, and not limitative of the remainder of the disclosure in any way whatsoever.

The disclosures of aU patents, appUcations and publications, mentioned above and below, including U.S. Ser. No. 60/238,394, are expressly incorporated by reference herein.

EXAMPLES I. Construction of cDNA Libraries

Incyte cDNAs were derived from cDNA Ubraries described in the LIFESEQ GOLD database (Incyte Genomics, Palo Alto CA) and shown in Table 4, column 5. Some tissues were homogenized and lysed in guanidinium isofhiocyanate, while others were homogenized and lysed in phenol or in a suitable mixture of denaturants, such as TRIZOL (Life Technologies), a monophasic solution of phenol and guanidine isofhiocyanate. The resulting lysates were centrifuged over CsCl cushions or extracted with chloroform. RNA was precipitated from the lysates with either isopropanol or sodium acetate and ethanol, or by other routine methods.

Phenol extraction and precipitation of RNA were repeated as necessary to increase RNA purity. In some cases, RNA was treated with DNase. For most Ubraries, ρoly(A)+ RNA was isolated using oUgo d(T)-coupled paramagnetic particles (Promega), OLIGOTEX latex particles (QIAGEN, Chatsworth CA), or an OLIGOTEX mRNA purification kit (QIAGEN). Alternatively, RNA was isolated dkectly from tissue lysates using other RNA isolation kits, e.g., the POLY(A)PURE mRNA purification kit (Ambion, Austin TX). In some cases, Stratagene was provided with RNA and constructed the coπesponding cDNA

Ubraries. Otherwise, cDNA was synthesized and cDNA Ubraries were constructed with the UNIZAP vector system (Stratagene) or SUPERSCRIPT plasmid system (Life Technologies), using the recommended procedures or similar methods known in the art. (See, e.g., Ausubel, 1997, supra, units 5.1-6.6.) Reverse transcription was initiated using oUgo d(T) or random primers. Synthetic oUgonucleotide adapters were Ugated to double stranded cDNA, and the cDNA was digested with the appropriate restriction enzyme or enzymes. For most Ubraries, the cDNA was size-selected (300- 1000 bp) using SEPHACRYL S1000, SEPHAROSE CL2B, or SEPHAROSE CL4B column chromatography (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech) or preparative agarose gel electrophoresis. cDNAs were Ugated into compatible restriction enzyme sites of the polylinker of a suitable plasmid, e.g., PBLUESCRIPT plasmid (Stratagene), PSPORTl plasmid (Life Technologies), PCDNA2.1 plasmid (Invitrogen, Carlsbad CA), PBK-CMV plasmid (Stratagene), PCR2-TOPOTA plasmid (Invitrogen), PCMV-ICIS plasmid (Stratagene), pIGEN (Incyte Genomics, Palo Alto CA), or pINCY (Incyte Genomics), or derivatives thereof. Recombinant plasmids were transformed into competent E. coh ceUs including XLl-Blue, XLl-BlueMRF, or SOLR from Stratagene or DH5α, DH10B, or ElectroMAX DH10B from Life Technologies.

II. Isolation of cDNA Clones

Plasmids obtained as described in Example I were recovered from host ceUs by in vivo excision using the UNIZAP vector system (Stratagene) or by ceU lysis. Plasmids were purified using at least one of the foUowing: a Magic or WIZARD Minipreps DNA purification system (Promega); an AGTC Miniprep purification kit (Edge Biosystems, Gaithersburg MD); and QIAWELL 8 Plasmid, QIAWELL 8 Plus Plasmid, QIAWELL 8 Ultra Plasmid purification systems or the R.E.A.L. PREP 96 plasmid purification kit from QIAGEN. FoUowing precipitation, plasmids were resuspended in 0.1 ml of distiUed water and stored, with or without lyophiUzation, at 4°C.

Alternatively, plasmid DNA was ampUfied from host ceU lysates using dkect link PCR in a Mgh-throughput format (Rao, V.B. (1994) Anal. Biochem. 216:1-14). Host ceU lysis and thermal cycling steps were carried out in a single reaction mixture. Samples were processed and stored in 384-weU plates, and the concentration of ampUfied plasmid DNA was quantified fluorometricaUy using PICOGREEN dye (Molecular Probes, Eugene OR) and a FLUOROSKAN II fluorescence scanner (Labsystems Oy, Helsinki, Finland). III. Sequencing and Analysis

Incyte cDNA recovered in plasmids as described in Example II were sequenced as foUows. Sequencing reactions were processed using standard methods or high-throughput instrumentation such as the ABI CATALYST 800 (AppUed Biosystems) thermal cycler or the PTC-200 thermal cycler (MI Research) in conjunction with the HYDRA microdispenser (Robbins Scientific) or the MICROLAB 2200 (Hamilton) Uquid transfer system. cDNA sequencing reactions were prepared using reagents provided by Amersham Pharmacia Biotech or suppUed in ABI sequencing kits such as the ABI PRISM BIGDYE Terminator cycle sequencing ready reaction kit (AppUed Biosystems). Electrophoretic separation of cDNA sequencing reactions and detection of labeled polynucleotides were carried out using the MEGABACE 1000 DNA sequencing system (Molecular Dynamics); the ABI PRISM 373 or 377 sequencing system (AppUed Biosystems) in conjunction with standard ABI protocols and base calling software; or other sequence analysis systems known in the art. Reading frames within the cDNA sequences were identified using standard methods (reviewed in Ausubel, 1997, supra, unit 7.7). Some of the cDNA sequences were selected for extension using the techniques disclosed in Example VTA. The polynucleotide sequences derived from Incyte cDNAs were vaUdated by removing vector, linker, and poly(A) sequences and by masking ambiguous bases, using algorithms and programs based on BLAST, dynamic programming, and dinucleotide nearest neighbor analysis. The Incyte cDNA sequences or translations thereof were then queried against a selection of pubUc databases such as the GenBank primate, rodent, mammaUan, vertebrate, and eukaryote databases, and BLOCKS, PRINTS, DOMO, PRODOM, and hidden Markov model (HMM)-based protein family databases such as PFAM. (HMM is a probabilistic approach which analyzes consensus primary structures of gene families. See, for example, Eddy, S.R. (1996) Cuπ. Opin. Struct. Biol. 6:361-365.) The queries were performed using programs based on BLAST, FASTA, BLIMPS, and HMMER. The Incyte cDNA sequences were assembled to produce fuU length polynucleotide sequences. Alternatively, GenBank cDNAs, GenBank ESTs, stitched sequences, stretched sequences, or Genscan-predicted coding sequences (see Examples TV and V) were used to extend Incyte cDNA assemblages to fuU length. Assembly was performed using programs based on Phred, Phrap, and Consed, and cDNA assemblages were screened for open reading frames using programs based on GeneMark, BLAST, and FASTA. The fuU length polynucleotide sequences were translated to derive the coπesponding fuU length polypeptide sequences. Alternatively, a polypeptide of the invention may begin at any of the methionine residues of the fuU length translated polypeptide. FuU length polypeptide sequences were subsequently analyzed by querying against databases such as the GenBank protein databases (genpept), SwissProt, BLOCKS, PRINTS, DOMO, PRODOM, Prosite, and hidden Markov model (HMM)-based protein family databases such as PFAM. FuU length polynucleotide sequences are also analyzed using MACDNASIS PRO software (Hitachi Software Engineering,

South San Francisco CA) and LASERGENE software (DNASTAR). Polynucleotide and polypeptide sequence aUgnments are generated using default parameters specified by the CLUSTAL algorithm as incorporated into the MEGALIGN multisequence aUgnment program (DNASTAR), which also calculates the percent identity between aligned sequences. Table 5 summarizes the tools, programs, and algorithms used for the analysis and assembly of

Incyte cDNA and full length sequences and provides appUcable descriptions, references, and threshold parameters. The first column of Table 5 shows the tools, programs, and algorithms used, the second column provides brief descriptions thereof, the thkd column presents appropriate references, aU of which are incorporated by reference herein in thek entirety, and the fourth column presents, where appUcable, the scores, probabiUty values, and other parameters used to evaluate the strength of a match between two sequences (the higher the score or the lower the probabiUty value, the greater the identity between two sequences).

The programs described above for the assembly and analysis of fuU length polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences were also used to identify polynucleotide sequence fragments from SEQ ID NO:2. Fragments from about 20 to about 4000 nucleotides which are useful in hybridization and ampUfication technologies are described in Table 4, column 4. IV. Identification and Editing of Coding Sequences from Genomic DNA

Putative G-protein coupled receptors were initiaUy identified by running the Genscan gene identification program against pubUc genomic sequence databases (e.g., gbpri and gbhtg). Genscan is a general-purpose gene identification program which analyzes genomic DNA sequences from a variety of organisms (See Burge, C and S. Karlin (1997) J. Mol. Biol. 268:78-94, and Burge, C. and S. Karlin (1998) Cuπ. Opin. Struct. Biol. 8:346-354). The program concatenates predicted exons to form an assembled cDNA sequence extending from a methionine to a stop codon. The output of Genscan is a FASTA database of polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences. The maximum range of sequence for Genscan to analyze at once was set to 30 kb. To determine which of these Genscan predicted cDNA sequences encode G-protein coupled receptors, the¹ encoded polypeptides were analyzed by querying against PFAM models for G-protein coupled receptors. Potential G-protein coupled receptors were also identified byhomology to incyte cDNA sequences that had been annotated as G-protein coupled receptors. These selected Genscan-predicted sequences were then compared by BLAST analysis to the genpept and gbpri pubUc databases. Where necessary, the Genscan-predicted sequences were then edited by comparison to the top BLAST hit from genpept to coπect errors in the sequence predicted by Genscan, such as extra or omitted exons. BLAST analysis was also used to find any Incyte cDNA or pubUc cDNA coverage of the Genscan-predicted sequences, thus providing evidence for transcription. When Incyte cDNA coverage was available, this information was used to coπect or confirm the Genscan predicted sequence. FuU length polynucleotide sequences were obtained by assembling Genscan-predicted coding sequences with Incyte cDNA sequences and/or pubUc cDNA sequences using the assembly process described in Example LI. Alternatively, full length polynucleotide sequences were derived entirely from edited or unedited Genscan-predicted coding sequences. V. Assembly of Genomic Sequence Data with cDNA Sequence Data "Stitched" Sequences

Partial cDNA sequences were extended with exons predicted by the Genscan gene identification program described in Example IV. Partial cDNAs assembled as described in Example HI were mapped to genomic DNA and parsed into clusters containing related cDNAs and Genscan exon predictions from one or more genomic sequences. Each cluster was analyzed using an algorithm based on graph theory and dynamic programming to integrate cDNA and genomic information, generating possible spUce variants that were subsequently confirmed, edited, or extended to create a fuU length sequence. Sequence intervals in which the entire length of the interval was present on more than one sequence in the cluster were identified, and intervals thus identified were considered to be equivalent by transitivity. For example, if an interval was present on a cDNA and two genomic sequences, then aU three intervals were considered to be equivalent. This process aUows unrelated but consecutive genomic sequences to be brought together, bridged by cDNA sequence. Intervals thus identified were then "stitched" together by the stitching algorithm in the order that they appear along thek parent sequences to generate the longest possible sequence, as weU as sequence variants. Linkages between intervals which proceed along one type of parent sequence (cDNA to cDNA or genomic sequence to genomic sequence) were given preference over linkages which change parent type (cDNA to genomic sequence). The resultant stitched sequences were translated and compared by BLAST analysis to the genpept and gbpri pubUc databases. Incoπect exons predicted by Genscan were coπected by comparison to the top BLAST hit from genpept. Sequences were further extended with additional cDNA sequences, or by inspection of genomic DNA, when necessary. "Stretched" Sequences

Partial DNA sequences were extended to fuH length with an algorithm based on BLAST analysis. Fkst, partial cDNAs assembled as described in Example El were queried against pubUc databases such as the GenBank primate, rodent, mammaUan, vertebrate, and eukaryote databases using the BLAST program. The nearest GenBank protein homolog was then compared by BLAST analysis to either Incyte cDNA sequences or GenScan exon predicted sequences described in Example IV. A chimeric protein was generated by using the resultant high-scoring segment paks (HSPs) to map the translated sequences onto the GenBank protein homolog. Insertions or deletions may occur in the chimeric protein with respect to the original GenBank protein homolog. The GenBank protein homolog, the chimeric protein, or both were used as probes to search for homologous genomic sequences from the pubUc human genome databases. Partial DNA sequences were therefore "stretched" or extended by the addition of homologous genomic sequences. The resultant stretched sequences were examined to determine whether it contained a complete gene.

VI. Chromosomal Mapping of GCREC Encoding Polynucleotides The sequences which were used to assemble SEQ ID NO:2 were compared with sequences from the Incyte LIFESEQ database and pubUc domain databases using BLAST and other implementations of the Smith-Waterman algorithm. Sequences from these databases that matched SEQ ID NO:2 were assembled into clusters of contiguous and overlapping sequences using assembly algorithms such as Phrap (Table 5). Radiation hybrid and genetic mapping data available from pubUc resources such as the Stanford Human Genome Center (SHGC), Whitehead Institute for Genome Research (WIGR), and Genethon were used to determine if any of the clustered sequences had been previously mapped. Inclusion of a mapped sequence in a cluster resulted in the assignment of aU sequences of that cluster, including its particular SEQ ID NO:, to that map location.

Map locations are represented by ranges, or intervals, of human chromosomes. The map position of an interval, in centiMorgans, is measured relative to the terminus of the chromosome's p- arm. (The centiMorgan (cM) is a unit of measurement based on recombination frequencies between chromosomal markers. On average, 1 cM is roughly equivalent to 1 megabase (Mb) of DNA in humans, although this can vary widely due to hot and cold spots of recombination.) The cM distances are based on genetic markers mapped by Genethon which provide boundaries for radiation hybrid markers whose sequences were included in each of the clusters. Human genome maps and other resources available to the pubUc, such as the NCBI "GeneMap'99" World Wide Web site (http://www.ncbi.nUn.nih.gov/genemap/), can be employed to deteπnine if previously identified disease genes map within or in proximity to the intervals indicated above.

VII. Analysis of Polynucleotide Expression Northern analysis is a laboratory technique used to detect the presence of a transcript of a gene and involves the hybridization of a labeled nucleotide sequence to a membrane on which RNAs from a particular ceU type or tissue have been bound. (See, e.g., Sambrook, supra, ch. 7; Ausubel (1995) supra, ch. 4 and 16.)

Analogous computer techniques applying BLAST were used to search for identical or related molecules in cDNA databases such as GenBank or LIFESEQ (Incyte Genomics). This analysis is much faster than multiple membrane-based hybridizations. In addition, the sensitivity of the computer search can be modified to deteπrikie whether any particular match is categorized as exact or similar. The basis of the search is the product score, which is defined as:

BLAST Score x Percent Identity

5 x minimum {length(Seq. 1), length(Seq. 2)}

The product score takes into account both the degree of similarity between two sequences and the length of the sequence match. The product score is a normaUzed value between 0 and 100, and is calculated as foUows: the BLAST score is multipUed by the percent nucleotide identity and the product is divided by (5 times the length of the shorter of the two sequences). The BLAST score is calculated by assigning a score of +5 for every base that matches in a high-scoring segment pak (HSP), and -4 for every mismatch. Two sequences may share more than one HSP (separated by gaps). If there is more than one HSP, then the pak with the highest BLAST score is used to calculate the product score. The product score represents, a balance between fractional overlap and quaUty in a BLAST aUgnment. For example, a product score of 100 is produced only for 100% identity over the entire length of the shorter of the two sequences being compared. A product score of 70 is produced either by 100% identity and 70% overlap at one end, or by 88% identity and 100% overlap at the other. A product score of 50 is produced either by 100% identity and 50% overlap at one end, or 79% identity and 100% overlap.

Alternatively, polynucleotide sequences encoding GCREC are analyzed with respect to the tissue sources from which they were derived. For example, some fuU length sequences are assembled, at least in part, with overlapping Incyte cDNA sequences (see Example HI). Each cDNA sequence is derived from a cDNA Ubrary constructed from a human tissue. Each human tissue is classified into one of the foUowing organ tissue categories: cardiovascular system; connective tissue; digestive system; embryonic structures; endocrine system; exocrine glands; genitaUa, female; genitaUa, male; germ ceUs; hemic and immune system; Uver; musculoskeletal system; nervous system; pancreas; respkatory system; sense organs; skin; stomatognathic system; unclassified/mixed; or urinary tract. The number of Ubraries in each category is counted and divided by the total number of Ubraries across ah categories. Similarly, each human tissue is classified into one of the foUowing disease/condition categories: cancer, ceU line, developmental, inflammation, neurological, trauma, cardiovascular, pooled, and other, and the number of Ubraries in each category is counted and divided by the total number of Ubraries across aU categories. The resulting percentages reflect the tissue- and disease-specific expression of cDNA encoding GCREC. cDNA sequences and cDNA Ubrary/tissue information are found in the LIFESEQ GOLD database (Incyte Genomics, Palo Alto CA). VIII. Extension of GCREC Encoding Polynucleotides

FuU length polynucleotide sequences were also produced by extension of an appropriate fragment of the full length molecule using oUgonucleotide primers designed from this fragment. One primer was synthesized to initiate 5' extension of the known fragment, and the other primer was synthesized to initiate 3 ' extension of the known fragment. The initial primers were designed using OLIGO 4.06 software (National Biosciences), or another appropriate program, to be about 22 to 30 nucleotides in len th, to have a GC content of about 50% or more, and to anneal to the target sequence at temperatures of about 68 °C to about 72 °C. Any stretch of nucleotides which would result in hairpin structures and primer-primer dimerizations was avoided. Selected human cDNA Ubraries were used to extend the sequence. If more than one extension was necessary or desked, additional or nested sets of primers were designed.

High fideUty ampUfication was obtained by PCR using methods weU known in the art. PCR was performed in 96-weU plates using the PTC-200 thermal cycler (MJ Research, Inc.). The reaction mix contained DNA template, 200 nmol of each primer, reaction buffer containing Mg²⁺, ( H₄)₂S0₄, and 2-mercaptoethanol, Taq DNA polymerase (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech), ELONGASE enzyme (Life Technologies), and Pfu DNA polymerase (Stratagene), with the foUowing parameters for primer pak PCI A and PCI B: Step 1: 94 °C, 3 min; Step 2: 94°C, 15 sec; Step 3: 60°C, 1 min; Step 4: 68 °C, 2 min; Step 5: Steps 2, 3, and 4 repeated 20 times; Step 6: 68°C, 5 min; Step 7: storage at 4°C. In the alternative, the parameters for primer pak T7 and SK+ were as foUows: Step 1: 94°C, 3 min; Step 2: 94°C, 15 sec; Step 3: 57°C, 1 min; Step 4: 68°C, 2 min; Step 5: Steps 2, 3, and 4 repeated 20 times; Step 6: 68°C, 5 min; Step 7: storage at 4°C.

The concentration of DNA in each weU was determined by dispensing 100 μl PICOGREEN quantitation reagent (0.25% (v/v) PICOGREEN; Molecular Probes, Eugene OR) dissolved in IX TE and 0.5 μl of undiluted PCR product into each weU of an opaque fluorimeter plate (Corning Costar, Acton MA), aUowing the DNA to bind to the reagent. The plate was scanned in a Fluoroskan II (Labsystems Oy, Helsinki, Finland) to measure the fluorescence of the sample and to quantify the concentration of DNA. A 5 μl to 10 μl aUquot of the reaction mixture was analyzed by electrophoresis on a 1 % agarose gel to determine which reactions were successful in extending the sequence. The extended nucleotides were desalted and concentrated, transfeπed to 384-weU plates, digested with CviJI cholera virus endonuclease (Molecular Biology Research, Madison WI), and sonicated or sheared prior to reUgation into pUC 18 vector (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech). For shotgun sequencing, the digested nucleotides were separated on low concentration (0.6 to 0.8%) agarose gels, fragments were excised, and agar digested with Agar ACE (Promega). Extended clones were reUgated using T4 Ugase (New England Biolabs, Beverly MA) into pUC 18 vector

(Amersham Pharmacia Biotech), treated with Pfu DNA polymerase (Stratagene) to fill-in restriction site overhangs, and transfected into competent E. coh ceUs. Transformed ceUs were selected on antibiotic-containing media, and individual colonies were picked and cultured overnight at 37 °C in 384- weU plates in LB/2x carb Uquid media. The ceUs were lysed, and DNA was ampUfied by PCR using Taq DNA polymerase

(Amersham Pharmacia Biotech) and Pfu DNA polymerase (Stratagene) with the foUowing parameters: Step 1: 94°C, 3 min; Step 2: 94°C, 15 sec; Step 3: 60°C, 1 min; Step 4: 72°C, 2 min; Step 5: steps 2, 3, and 4 repeated 29 times; Step 6: 72°C, 5 min; Step 7: storage at 4°C DNA was quantified by PICOGREEN reagent (Molecular Probes) as described above. Samples with low DNA recoveries were reampUfied using the same conditions as described above. Samples were diluted with 20% dimethysulfoxide (1:2, v/v), and sequenced using DYENAMIC energy transfer sequencing primers and the DYENAMIC DIRECT kit (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech) or the ABI PRISM BIGDYE Terminator cycle sequencing ready reaction kit (AppUed Biosystems).

In like manner, full length polynucleotide sequences are verified using the above procedure or are used to obtain 5' regulatory sequences using the above procedure along with oUgonucleotides designed for such extension, and an appropriate genomic Ubrary. LX. Labeling and Use of Individual Hybridization Probes

Hybridization probes derived from SEQ ID NO:2 are employed to screen cDNAs, genomic DNAs, or mRNAs. Although the labeling of oUgonucleotides, consisting of about 20 base paks, is specificaUy described, essentiaUy the same procedure is used with larger nucleotide fragments.

OUgonucleotides are designed using state-of-the-art software such as OLIGO 4.06 software (National Biosciences) and labeled by combining 50 pmol of each oUgomer, 250 Ci of [γ-³²P] adenosine triphosphate (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech), and T4 polynucleotide kinase (DuPont NEN, Boston MA). The labeled oUgonucleotides are substantiaUy purified using a SEPHADEX G-25 superfine size exclusion dextran bead column (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech). An aUquot containing IO⁷ counts per minute of the labeled probe is used in a typical membrane-based hybridization analysis of human genomic DNA digested with one of the foUowing endonucleases: Ase I, Bgl π, Eco Rl, Pst I, Xba I, or Pvu π (DuPont NEN).

The DNA from each digest is fractionated on a 0.7% agarose gel and transfeπed to nylon membranes (Nytran Plus, Schleicher & SchueU, Durham NH). Hybridization is carried out for 16 hours at 40 °C To remove nonspecific signals, blots are sequentiaUy washed at room temperature under conditions of up to, for example, 0.1 x saline sodium citrate and 0.5% sodium dodecyl sulfate. Hybridization patterns are visuaUzed using autoradiography or an alternative imaging means and compared. X. Microarrays

The linkage or synthesis of aπay elements upon a microaπay can be achieved utilizing photoUthography, piezoelectric printing (ink-jet printing, See, e.g., Baldeschweiler, supra.), mechanical microspotting technologies, and derivatives thereof. The substrate in each of the aforementioned technologies should be uniform and soUd with a non-porous surface (Schena (1999), supra). Suggested substrates include siUcon, siUca, glass sUdes, glass chips, and siUcon wafers. Alternatively, a procedure analogous to a dot or slot blot may also be used to arrange and link elements to the surface of a substrate using thermal, UV, chemical, or mechanical bonding procedures. A typical array may be produced using available methods and machines weU known to those of ordinary skill in the art and may contain any appropriate number of elements. (See, e.g., Schena, M. et al. (1995) Science 270:467-470; Shalon, D. et al. (1996) Genome Res. 6:639-645; MarshaU, A. and J. Hodgson (1998) Nat. Biotechnol. 16:27-31.)

FuU length cDNAs, Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs), or fragments or oUgomers thereof may comprise the elements of the microaπay. Fragments or oUgomers suitable for hybridization can be selected using software weU known in the art such as LASERGENE software (DNASTAR). The aπay. elements are hybridized with polynucleotides in a biological sample. The polynucleotides in the biological sample are conjugated to a fluorescent label or other molecular tag for ease of detection. After hybridization, nonhybridized nucleotides from the biological sample are removed, and a fluorescence scanner is used to detect hybridization at each aπay element. Alternatively, laser desorbtion and mass spectrometry maybe used for detection of hybridization. The degree of complementarity and the relative abundance of each polynucleotide which hybridizes to an element on the microaπay may be assessed. In one embodiment, microaπay preparation and usage is described in detail below. Tissue or Cell Sample Preparation

Total RNA is isolated from tissue samples using the guanidinium thiocyanate method and poly(A)⁺ RNA is purified using the oUgo-(dT) ceUulose method. Each poly(A)⁺ RNA sample is reverse transcribed using MMLV reverse-transcriptase, 0.05 pg/μl oUgo-(dT) primer (21mer), IX first strand buffer, 0.03 units/μl RNase inhibitor, 500 μM dATP, 500 μM dGTP, 500 μM dTTP, 40 μM dCTP, 40 μM dCTP-Cy3 (BDS) or dCTP-Cy5 (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech). The reverse transcription reaction is performed in a 25 ml volume containing 200 ng poly(A)⁺ RNA with GEMBRIGHT kits (Incyte). Specific control poly(A)⁺ RNAs are synthesized by in vitro transcription from non-coding yeast genomic DNA. After incubation at 37° C for 2 hr, each reaction sample (one with Cy3 and another with Cy5 labeling) is treated with 2.5 ml of 0.5M sodium hydroxide and incubated for 20 minutes at 85° C to the stop the reaction and degrade the RNA. Samples are purified using two successive CHROMA SPIN 30 gel filtration spin columns (CLONTECH Laboratories, Inc. (CLONTECH), Palo Alto CA) and after combining, both reaction samples are ethanol precipitated using 1 ml of glycogen (1 mg/ml), 60 ml sodium acetate, and 300 ml of 100% ethanol. The sample is then dried to completion using a SpeedVAC (Savant Instruments Inc., Holbrook NY) and resuspended in 14 μl 5X SSC/0.2% SDS. Microarray Preparation Sequences of the present invention are used to generate aπay elements. Each aπay element is ampUfied from bacterial ceUs containing vectors with cloned cDNA inserts. PCR ampUfication uses primers complementary to the vector sequences flanking the cDNA insert. Aπay elements are ampUfied in thirty cycles of PCR from an initial quantity of 1-2 ng to a final quantity greater than 5 μg. AmpUfied aπay elements are then purified using SEPHACRYL-400 (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech). Purified aπay elements are immobiUzed on polymer-coated glass sUdes. Glass microscope sUdes (Corning) are cleaned by ultrasound in 0.1% SDS and acetone, with extensive distiUed water washes between and after treatments. Glass sUdes are etched in 4% hydrofluoric acid (VWR Scientific Products Corporation (VWR), West Chester PA), washed extensively in distiUed water, and coated with 0.05% a inopropyl silane (Sigma) in 95% ethanol. Coated sUdes are cured in a 110°C oven.

Aπay elements are appUed to the coated glass substrate using a procedure described in U.S. Patent No. 5,807,522, incorporated herein by reference. 1 μl of the aπay element DNA, at an average concentration of 100 ng/μl, is loaded into the open capiUary printing element by a high-speed robotic apparatus. The apparatus then deposits about 5 nl of aπay element sample per sUde. Microaπays are UV-crosslihked using a STRATAIJNKER UV-crosslinker (Stratagene).

Microaπays are washed at room temperature once in 0.2% SDS and three times in distiUed water. Non-specific binding sites are blocked by incubation of microarrays in 0.2% casein in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) (Tropix, Inc., Bedford MA) for 30 minutes at 60° C foUowed by washes in 0.2% SDS and distiUed water as before. Hybridization

Hybridization reactions contain 9 μl of sample mixture consisting of 0.2 μg each of Cy3 and Cy5 labeled cDNA synthesis products in 5X SSC, 0.2% SDS hybridization buffer. The sample mixture is heated to 65° C for 5 minutes and is aUquoted onto the microaπay surface and covered with an 1.8 cm² coversUp. The aπays are transfeπed to a waterproof chamber having a cavity just sUghtly larger than a microscope sUde. The chamber is kept at 100% humidity internaUy by the addition of 140 μl of 5X SSC in a corner of the chamber. The chamber containing the aπays is incubated for about 6.5 hours at 60°C The aπays are washed for 10 min at 45°C in a first wash buffer (IX SSC, 0.1% SDS), three times for 10 minutes each at 45° C in a second wash buffer (0.1X SSC), and dried. Detection Reporter-labeled hybridization complexes are detected with a microscope equipped with an

Ihnova 70 mixed gas 10 W laser (Coherent, Inc., Santa Clara CA) capable of generating spectral lines at 488 nm for excitation of Cy3 and at 632 nm for excitation of Cy5. The excitation laser Ught is focused on the aπay using a 20X microscope objective (Nikon, Inc., MelviUe NY). The sUde containing the aπay is placed on a computer-controUed X-Y stage on the microscope and raster- scanned past the objective. The 1.8 cm x 1.8 cm aπay used in the present example is scanned with a resolution of 20 micrometers.

In two separate scans, a mixed gas multiline laser excites the two fluorophores sequentiaUy. Emitted Ught is spht, based on wavelength, into two photomultipUer tube detectors (PMT R1477, Hamamatsu Photonics Systems, Bridgewater NJ) coπesponding to the two fluorophores. Appropriate filters positioned between the aπay and the photomultipUer tubes are used to filter the signals. The emission maxima of the fluorophores used are 565 nm for Cy3 and 650 nm for Cy5. Each aπay is typicaUy scanned twice, one scan per fluorophore using the appropriate filters at the laser source, although the apparatus is capable of recording the spectra from both fluorophores simultaneously. The sensitivity of the scans is typicaUy caUbrated using the signal intensity generated by a cDNA control species added to the sample mixture at a known concentration. A specific location on the aπay contains a complementary DNA sequence, aUowing the intensity of the signal at that location to be coπelated with a weight ratio of hybridizing species of 1:100,000. When two samples from different sources (e.g., representing test and control ceUs), each labeled with a different fluorophore, are hybridized to a single aπay for the purpose of identifying genes that are differentiaUy expressed, the caUbration is done by labeling samples of the caUbrating cDNA with the two fluorophores and adding identical amounts of each to the hybridization mixture.

The output of the photomultipUer tube is digitized using a 12-bit RTT-835H analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion board (Analog Devices, Inc., Norwood MA) instaUed in an IBM-compatible PC computer. The digitized data are displayed as an image where the signal intensity is mapped using a linear 20-color transformation to a pseudocolor scale ranging from blue (low signal) to red (high signal). The data is also analyzed quantitatively. Where two different fluorophores are excited and measured simultaneously, the data are first coπected for optical crosstalk (due to overlapping emission spectra) between the fluorophores using each fluorophore's emission spectrum.

A grid is superimposed over the fluorescence signal image such that the signal from each spot is centered in each element of the grid. The fluorescence signal within each element is then integrated to obtain a numerical value coπesponding to the average intensity ό'f 'the signal! The software used for signal analysis is the GEMTOOLS gene expression analysis program (Incyte).

XI. Complementary Polynucleotides

Sequences complementary to the GCREC-encoding sequences, or any parts thereof, are used to detect, decrease, or inhibit expression of naturaUy occurring GCREC. Although use of oUgonucleotides comprising from about 15 to 30 base paks is described, essentiaUy the same procedure is used with smaUer or with larger sequence fragments. Appropriate oUgonucleotides are designed using OLIGO 4.06 software (National Biosciences) and the coding sequence of GCREC. To inhibit transcription, a complementary oUgonucleotide is designed from the most unique 5' sequence and used to prevent promoter binding to the coding sequence. To inhibit translation, a complementary oUgonucleotide is designed to prevent ribosomal binding to the GCREC-encoding transcript.

XII. Expression of GCREC

Expression and purification of GCREC is achieved using bacterial or virus-based expression systems. For expression of GCREC in bacteria, cDNA is subcloned into an appropriate vector containing an antibiotic resistance gene and an inducible promoter that dkects high levels of cDNA transcription. Examples of such promoters include, but are not limited to, the ttp-lac (tac) hybrid promoter and the T5 or T7 bacteriophage promoter in conjunction with the lac operator regulatory element. Recombinant vectors are transformed into suitable bacterial hosts, e.g., BL21(DE3). Antibiotic resistant bacteria express GCREC upon induction with isopropyl beta-D- thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG). Expression of GCREC in eukaryotic ceUs is achieved by infecting insect or mammaUan ceU lines with recombinant Autographica caUfornica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcMNPV), commonly known as baculovirus. The nonessential polyhedrin gene of baculovirus is replaced with cDNA encoding GCREC by either homologous recombination or bacterial-mediated transposition involving transfer plasmid intermediates. Vkal infectivity is maintained and the strong polyhedrin promoter drives high levels of cDNA transcription. Recombinant baculovirus is used to infect Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) insect ceUs in most cases, or human hepatocytes, in some cases. Infection of the latter requkes additional genetic modifications to baculovirus. (See Engelhard, E.K. et al. (1994) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 91:3224-3227; Sandig, V. et al. (1996) Hum. Gene Ther. 7:1937-1945.) In most expression systems, GCREC is synthesized as a fusion protein with, e.g., glutathione

S-transferase (GST) or a peptide epitope tag, such as FLAG or 6-His, peπnitting rapid, single-step, affinity-based purification of recombinant fusion protein from crude ceU lysates. GST, a 26-kilodalton enzyme from Schistosoma iaponicum. enables the purification of fusion proteins on immobilized glutathione under conditions that maintain protein activity and antigenicity (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech). FoUowing purification, the GST moiety can be proteolyticaUy cleaved from GCREC at specificaUy engineered sites. FLAG, an 8-amino acid peptide, enab'les immunoarnnity puππcation using commerciaUy available monoclonal and polyclonal anti-FLAG antibodies (Eastman Kodak). 6- His, a stretch of six consecutive histidine residues, enables purification on metal-chelate resins (QIAGEN). Methods for protein expression and purification are discussed in Ausubel (1995, supra, ch. 10 and 16). Purified GCREC obtained by these methods can be used dkectly in the assays shown in Examples XVI, XVII, and XVHI, where appUcable. XIII. Functional Assays

GCREC function is assessed by expressing the sequences encoding GCREC at physiologicaUy elevated levels in mammaUan ceU culture systems. cDNA is subcloned into a mammaUan expression vector containing a strong promoter that drives high levels of cDNA expression. Vectors of choice include PCMV SPORT (Life Technologies) and PCR3.1 (Invitrogen, Carlsbad CA), both of which contain the cytomegalovkus promoter. 5-10 μg of recombinant vector are transiently transfected into a human ceU line, for example, an endotheUal or hematopoietic ceU line, using either Uposome formulations or electroporation. 1-2 μg of an additional plasmid containing sequences encoding a marker protein are co-transfected. Expression of a marker protein provides a means to distinguish transfected ceUs from nontransfected ceUs and is a reUable predictor of cDNA expression from the recombinant vector. Marker proteins of choice include, e.g., Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP; Clontech), CD64, or a CD64-GFP fusion protein. Flow cytometry (FCM), an automated, laser optics- based technique, is used to identify transfected ceUs expressing GFP or CD64-GFP and to evaluate the apoptotic state of the ceUs and other ceUular properties. FCM detects and quantifies the uptake of fluorescent molecules that diagnose events preceding or coincident with ceU death. These events include changes in nuclear DNA content as measured by staining of DNA with propidium iodide; changes in ceU size and granularity as measured by forward Ught scatter and 90 degree side Ught scatter; down-regulation of DNA synthesis as measured by decrease in bromodeoxyuridine uptake; alterations in expression of ceU surface and intraceUular proteins as measured by reactivity with specific antibodies; and alterations in plasma membrane composition as measured by the binding of fluorescein-conjugated Annexin V protein to the ceU surface. Methods in flow cytometry are discussed in Ormerod, M.G. (1994) Flow Cvtometrv, Oxford, New York NY.

The influence of GCREC on gene expression can be assessed using highly purified populations of ceUs transfected with sequences encoding GCREC and either CD64 or CD64-GFP. CD64 and CD64-GFP are expressed on the surface of transfected ceUs and bind to conserved regions of human immunoglobulin G (IgG). Transfected ceUs are efficiently separated from nontransfected ceUs using magnetic beads coated with either human IgG or antibody against CD64 (DYNAL, Lake Success NY). mRNA can be purified from the ceUs using methods weU known by those of skill in the art. Expression of mRNA encoding GCREC and other genes of interest can be analyzed by northern analysis or microarray techniques.

XIV. Production of GCREC Specific Antibodies

GCREC substantiaUy purified using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE; see, e.g., Harrington, M.G. (1990) Methods Enzymol. 182:488-495), or other purification techniques, is used to immunize rabbits and to produce antibodies using standard protocols.

Alternatively, the GCREC amino acid sequence is analyzed using LASERGENE software (DNASTAR) to determine regions of high immunogenicity, and a coπesponding oUgopeptide is synthesized and used to raise antibodies by means known to those of skiU in the art. Methods for selection of appropriate epitopes, such as those near the C-terminus or inhydrophUic regions are weU described in the art. (See, e.g., Ausubel, 1995, supra, ch. 11.)

TypicaUy, oUgopeptides of about 15 residues in length are synthesized using an ABI 431 A peptide synthesizer (AppUed Biosystems) using FMOC chemistry and coupled to KLH (Sigma- Aldrich, St. Louis MO) by reaction with N-maleimidobenzoyl-N-hydroxysuccinimide ester (MBS) to increase immunogenicity. (See, e.g., Ausubel, 1995, supra.) Rabbits are immunized with the oUgopeptide-KLH complex in complete Freund's adjuvant. Resulting antisera are tested for antipeptide and anti-GCREC activity by, for example, binding the peptide or GCREC to a substrate, blocking with 1% BSA, reacting with rabbit antisera, washing, and reacting with radio-iodinated goat anti-rabbit IgG.

XV. Purification of Naturally Occurring GCREC Using Specific Antibodies Naturally occurring or recombinant GCREC is substantiaUy purified by immunoaffinity chromatography using antibodies specific for GCREC. An immunoaffinity column is constructed by covalently coupling anti-GCREC antibody to an activated chromatographic resin, such as CNBr-activated SEPHAROSE (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech). After the coupling, the resin is blocked and washed according to the manufacturer's instructions. Media containing GCREC are passed over the immunoaffinity column, and the column is washed undei conditions that aUow the preferential absorbance of GCREC (e.g., high ionic strength buffers in the presence of detergent). The column is eluted under conditions that disrupt antibody/GCREC binding (e.g., a buffer of pH 2 to pH 3, or a high concentration of a chaoteope, such as urea or thiocyanate ion), and GCREC is coUected. XVI. Identification of Molecules Which Interact with GCREC

Molecules which interact with GCREC may include agonists and antagonists, as weU as molecules involved in signal transduction, such as G proteins. GCREC, or a fragment thereof, is labeled with ¹²⁵I Bolton-Hunter reagent. (See, e.g., Bolton A.E. and W.M. Hunter (1973) Biochem. J. 133:529-539.) A fragment of GCREC includes, for example, a fragment comprising one or more of the three extraceUular loops, the exteaceUular N-terminal region, or the thkd intraceUular loop. Candidate molecules previously aπayed in the weUs of a multi-weU plate are incubated with the labeled GCREC, washed, and any weUs with labeled GCREC complex are assayed. Data obtained using different concentrations of GCREC are used to calculate values for the number, affinity, and association of GCREC with the candidate Ugand molecules. Alternatively, molecules interacting with GCREC are analyzed using the yeast two-hybrid system as described in Fields, S. and O. Song (1989) Nature 340:245-246, or using commerciaUy available kits based on the two-hybrid system, such as the MATCHMAKER system (Clontech). GCREC may also be used in the PATHCALLING process (CuraGen Corp., New Haven CT) which employs the yeast two-hybrid system in a high-throughput manner to deteπnine aU interactions between the proteins encoded by two large Ubraries of genes (Nandabalan, K. et al. (2000) U.S. Patent No. 6,057,101).

Potential GCREC agonists or antagonists maybe tested for activation or inhibition of GCREC receptor activity using the assays described in sections XVH and XVHI. Candidate molecules may be selected from known GPCR agonists or antagonists, peptide Ubraries, or combinatorial chemical Ubraries.

Methods for detecting interactions of GCREC with intraceUular signal transduction molecules such as G proteins are based on the premise that internal segments or cytoplasmic domains from an orphan G protein-coupled seven transmembrane receptor maybe exchanged with the analogous domains of a known G protein-coupled seven transmembrane receptor and used to identify the G- proteins and downstream signaling pathways activated by the orphan receptor domains (Kobilka, B.K. et al (1988) Science 240:1310-1316). In an analogous fashion, domains of the orphan receptor may be cloned as a portion of a fusion protein and used in binding assays to demonstrate interactions with specific G proteins. Studies have shown that the thkd intraceUular loop of G protein-coupled seven transmembrane receptors is important for G protein interaction and signal transduction (Conklin, B.R. et al (1993) CeU 73:631-641). For example, the DNA fragment coπesponding to the thkd intraceUular loop of GCREC maybe ampUfied by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and subcloned into a fusion vector such as pGEX (Pharmacia Biotech). The construct is transformed into an appropriate bacterial host, induced, and the fusion protein is purified from the ceU lysate by glutathione-Sepharose 4B (Pharmacia Biotech) affinity chromatography. For in vitro binding assays, ceU extracts containing G proteins are prepared by extraction with

50 mM Tris, pH 7.8, 1 mM EGTA, 5 mM MgCl₂, 20 mM CHAPS, 20% glycerol, 10 μg of both aprotinin and leupeptin, and 20 μl of 50 mM phenylmethylsmfonyl fluoride. The lysate is incubated on ice for 45 min with constant stirring, centrifuged at 23,000 g for 15 min at 4°C, and the supernatant is coUected. 750 μg of ceU extract is incubated with glutathione S-transferase (GST) fusion protein beads for 2 h at 4°C. The GST beads are washed five times with phosphate-buffered saline. Bound G protein subunits are detected by [³²P]ADP-ribosylation with pertussis or cholera toxins. The reactions are terminated by the addition of SDS sample buffer (4.6% (w/v) SDS, 10% (v/v) β-mercaptoethanol, 20% (w/v) glycerol, 95.2 mM Tris-HCl, pH 6.8, 0.01% (w/v) bromphenolblue). The [³²P]ADP-labeled proteins are separated on 10% SDS-PAGE gels, and autoradiographed. The separated proteins in these gels are transfeπed to niteoceUulose paper, blocked with blotto (5% nonfat dried milk, 50 mM Tris-HCl (pH 8.0), 2 mM CaCl₂, 80 mM NaCl, 0.02% NaN₃, and 0.2% Nonidet P-40) for 1 hour at room temperature, foUowed by incubation for 1.5 hours with Gα subtype selective antibodies (1:500; Calbiochem-Novabiochem). After three washes, blots are incubated with horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-conjugated goat anti-rabbit immunoglobulin (1:2000, Cappel, Westchester PA) and visuaUzed by the chemiluminescence-based ECL method (Amersham Corp.). XVII. Demonstration of GCREC Activity

An assay for GCREC activity measures the expression of GCREC on the ceU surface. cDNA encoding GCREC is transfected into an appropriate mammaUan ceU line. CeU surface proteins are labeled withbiotin as described (de la Fuente, MA. et al. (1997) Blood 90:2398-2405). hnmunoprecipitations are performed using GCREC-specific antibodies, and immunoprecipitated samples are analyzed using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and immunoblotting techniques. The ratio of labeled immunoprecipitant to unlabeled immunoprecipitant is proportional to the amount of GCREC expressed on the ceU surface. In the alternative, an assay for GCREC activity is based on a prototypical assay for Ugand/receptor-mediated modulation of ceU proUferation. This assay measures the rate of DNA synthesis in Swiss mouse 3T3 ceUs. A plasmid containing polynucleotides encoding GCREC is added to quiescent 3T3 cultured ceUs using teansfection methods weU known in the art. The transiently transfected ceUs are then incubated in the presence of [³H]fhymidine, a radioactive DNA precursor molecule. Varying amounts of GCREC Ugand are then added to the cultured ceUs. Incorporation of [³H]thymidkιe into acid-precipitable DNA is measured over an appropriate time interval using a radioisotope counter, and the amount incorporated is dkectly proportional to the amount of newly synthesized DNA. A linear dose-response curve over at least a hundred-fold GCREC Ugand concenteation range is indicative of receptor activity. One unit of activity per miUiUter is defined as the concenteation of GCREC producing a 50% response level, where 100% represents maximal incorporation of [³H]thymidine into acid-precipitable DNA (McKay, I. and I. Leigh, eds. (1993) Growth Factors: A Practical Approach, Oxford University Press, New York NY, p. 73.)

In a further alternative, the assay for GCREC activity is based upon the abiUty of GPCR family proteins to modulate G protein-activated second messenger signal transduction pathways (e.g., cAMP; Gaudin, P. et al. (1998) J. Biol. Chem. 273:4990-4996). A plasmid encoding fuU length GCREC is transfected into a mammaUan ceU line (e.g. , Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) or human embryonic kidney (HEK-293) ceU lines) using methods weU-known in the art. Transfected ceUs are grown in 12-weU trays in culture medium for 48 hours, then the culture medium is discarded, and the attached ceUs are gently washed with PBS. The cells are then incubated in culture medium with or without Ugand for 30 minutes, then the medium is removed and ceUs lysed by treatment with 1 M perchloric acid. The cAMP levels in the lysate are measured by radioimmunoassay using methods weU-known in the art. Changes in the levels of cAMP in the lysate from cells exposed to Ugand compared to those without Ugand are proportional to the amount of GCREC present in the transfected ceUs.

To measure changes in inositol phosphate levels, the cells are grown in 24-weU plates containing 1x10^s ceUs/weU and incubated with inositol-free media and [³H]myoinositol, 2 μCi/weU, for 48 hr. The culture medium is removed, and the ceUs washed with buffer containing 10 mM LiCl foUowed by addition of Ugand. The reaction is stopped by addition of perchloric acid. Inositol phosphates are extracted and separated on Dowex AG1-X8 (Bio-Rad) anion exchange resin, and the total labeled inositol phosphates counted by Uquid scintillation. Changes in the levels of labeled inositol phosphate from ceUs exposed to Ugand compared to those without Ugand are proportional to the amount of GCREC present in the transfected ceUs. XVIH. Identification of GCREC Ligands

GCREC is expressed in a eukaryotic ceU line such as CHO (Chinese Hamster Ovary) or HEK (Human Embryonic Kidney) 293 which have a good history of GPCR expression and which contain a wide range of G-proteins aUowing for functional coupling of the expressed GCREC to downstream effectors. The transformed ceUs are assayed for activation of the expressed receptors in the presence of candidate Ugands. Activity is measured by changes in intraceUular second messengers, such as cycUc AMP or Ca²⁺. These may be measured dkectly using standard methods weU known in the art, or by the use of reporter gene assays in which a luminescent protein (e.g. firefly luciferase or green fluorescent protein) is under the transcriptional conteol of a promoter responsive to the stimulation of protein kinase C by the activated receptor (MilUgan, G. et al. (1996) Trends Pharmacol. Sci. 17:235-237). Assay technologies are available for both of these second messenger systems to aUow high throughput readout in multi-wen plate format, such as the adenylyl cyclase activation FlashPlate Assay (NEN Life Sciences Products), or fluorescent Ca²⁺ indicators such as Fluo-4 AM (Molecular Probes) in combination with the FLEPR fluorimetric plate reading system (Molecular Devices). In cases where the physiologically relevant second messenger pathway is not known, GCREC may be coexpressed with the G-proteins G_αl5/16 which have been demonstrated to couple to a wide range of G-proteins (Offermanns, S. and M.L Simon (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270:15175-15180), in order to funnel the signal transduction of the GCREC through a pathway involving phosphoUpase C and Ca²⁺ mobilization. Alternatively, GCREC maybe expressed in engineered yeast systems which lack endogenous GPCRs, thus providing the advantage of a nuU background for GCREC activation screening. These yeast systems substitute a human GPCR and G_α protein for the coπesponding components of the endogenous yeast pheromone receptor pathway. Downstream signaling pathways are also modified so that the normal yeast response to the signal is converted to positive growth on selective media or to reporter gene expression (Broach, J.R. and J. Thorner (1996) Nature 384 (supp.):14-16). The receptors are screened against putative Ugands including known GPCR Ugands and other naturaUy occurring bioactive molecules. Biological extracts from tissues, biological fluids and ceU supernatants are also screened.

Various modifications and variations of the described methods and systems of the invention wiUbe apparent to those skiUed in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Although the invention has been described in connection with certain embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skiUed in molecular biology or related fields are intended to be within the scope of the foUowing claims.

Table 1

Table 2

Table 3

SEQ Incyte Amino Potential Potential Signature Sequences, Analytical

ID Polypeptide Acid Phosphoryla- Glycosyla- Domains and Motifs Methods and

NO : ID Residues tion Sites tion Sites Databases

7482776CD1 309 S135 S191 N3 N40 N63 Transmembrane domains : HMMER S261 S302 P19-L38, F144-T162, L195-I223 S65 T162 7 transmembrane receptor (rhodopsin HMMER-PFAM T289 T47 family) : G39-Y288

G-protein coupled receptors proteins BLIMPS- BL00237: K88-P127, T280-K296 BLOCKS

G-protein coupled receptors PROFILESCAN signature: F100-C145

Olfactory receptor signature BLIMPS- PR00245: M57-R78, Y175-D189, PRINTS F236-G251, I272-L283, T289-V303

RECEPTOR OLFACTORY RECEPTOR G PROTEIN BLAST- COUPLED GLYCOPROTEIN PRODOM PD000921: V164-I244

G-PROTEIN COUPLED RECEPTORS BLAST-DOMO

DM00013 I P23267 I 20-309: L21-K304 DM00013 |P23274|18-306: I25-A298 DM00013 |P23266|l7-306: L15-K300 DM00013 S29707 18-306: P19-K300

G-protein coupled receptors MOTIFS signature: T108-I124

Table 4

Table 5

Program Description Reference Parameter Threshold

ABI FACTURA A program that removes vector sequences and Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA. masks ambiguous bases in nucleic acid sequences.

ABI/PARACEL EDF A Fast Data Finder useful in comparing and AppUed Biosystems, Foster City, CA; Mismatch <50% annotating amino acid or nucleic acid sequences. Paracel Inc., Pasadena, CA.

ABI AutoAssembler A program that assembles nucleic acid sequences. Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA.

BLAST A Basic Local Alignment Search Tool useful in Altschul, S.F. et al. (1990) J. Mol. Biol. ESTs: ProbabiUty value= 1.0E-8 sequence sirmlarity search for amino acid and 215:403-410; Altschul, S.F. et al. (1997) or less nucleic acid sequences. BLAST includes five Nucleic Acids Res. 25:3389-3402. Full Length sequences: Probability functions: blastp, blastn, blastx, tblastn, and tblastx. value= l.OE-10 or less oo FASTA A Pearson and Lipman algorithm that searches for Pearson, W.R. and D J. Lipman (1988) Proc. ESTs: fasta E value=1.06E-6 -1^ similarity between a query sequence and a group of Natl. Acad Sci. USA 85:2444-2448; Pearson, Assembled ESTs: fasta Identity= sequences of the same type. FASTA comprises as W.R. (1990) Methods Enzymol. 183:63-98; 95% or greater and least five functions: fasta, tfasta, fastx, tfastx, and and Smith, T.F. and M.S. Waterman (1981) Match length=200 bases or greater ssearch. Adv. Appl. Math. 2:482-489. fastx E value=1.0E-8 or less

Full Length sequences: fastx score=100 or greater

BLIMPS A BLocks IMProved Searcher that matches a Henikoff, S. and J.G. Henikoff (1991) Nucleic ProbabiUty value= 1.0E-3 or less sequence against those in BLOCKS, PRINTS, Acids Res. 19:6565-6572; Henikoff, J.G. and DOMO, PRODOM, and PFAM databases to search S. Henikoff (1996) Methods Enzymol. for gene families, sequence homology, and structural 266:88-105; and Attwood, T.K. et al. (1997) J. fingerprint regions. Chem. Inf. Comput. Sci. 37:417-424.

HMMER An algorithm for searching a query sequence against Krogh, A. et al. (1994) J. Mol. Biol. PFAM hits: Probabhity valuer hidden Markov model (HMM)-based databases of 235:1501-1531; Sonnhammer, E.L.L. et al. 1.0E-3 or less protein family consensus sequences, such as PFAM. (1988) Nucleic Acids Res. 26:320-322; Signal peptide hits: Score= 0 or Durbin, R. et al. (1998) Our World View, in a greater Nutshell, Cambridge Univ. Press, pp. 1-350.

Table 5 (cont.)

Program Description Reference Parameter Threshold

ProfileScan An algorithm that searches for structural and sequence Gribskov, M. et al. (1988) CABIOS 4:61-66; Normalized quality score≥GCG motifs in protein sequences that match sequence patterns Gribskov, M. et al. (1989) Methods Enzymol. specified "HIGH" value for that defined in Prosite. 183:146-159; Bakoch, A. et al. (1997) particular Prosite motif. Nucleic Acids Res. 25:217-221. Generally, score=l .4-2.1.

Phred A base-calling algorithm that examines automated Ewing, B. et al. (1998) Genome^'Res. sequencer traces with high sensitivity and probability. 8:175-185; Ewing, B. and P. Green (1998) Genome Res. 8:186-194.

Phrap A Phils Revised Assembly Program including SWAT and Smith, T.F. and M.S. Waterman (1981) Adv. Score= 120 or greater; CrossMatch, programs based on efficient implementation Appl. Math. 2:482-489; Smith, T.F. and M.S. Match length= 56 or greater of the Smith- Waterman algorithm, useful in searching Waterman (1981) J. Mol. Biol. 147:195-197; sequence homology and assembling DNA sequences. and Green, P., University of Washington, Seattle, WA.

Consed A graphical tool for viewing and editing Phrap assembUes. Gordon, D. et al. (1998) Genome Res. 8:195-202. SPScan A weight matrix analysis program that scans protein Nielson, H. et al. (1997) Protein Engineering Score=3.5 or greater sequences for the presence of secretory signal peptides. 10:1-6; Claverie, J.M. and S. Audic (1997) CABIOS 12:431-439.

TMAP A program that uses weight matrices to deUneate Persson, B. and P. Argos (1994) J. Mol. Biol. transmembrane segments on protein sequences and 237:182-192; Persson, B. and P. Argos (1996) determine orientation. Protein Sci. 5:363-371.

TMHMMER A program that uses a hidden Markov model (HMM) to Sonnhammer, EX. et al. (1998) Proc. Sixth Intl. delineate transmembrane segments on protein sequences Conf . on InteUigent Systems for Mol. Biol., and determine orientation. Glasgow et al., eds., The Am. Assoc. for Artificial Intelligence Press, Menlo Park, CA, pp. 175-182.

Motifs A program that searches amino acid sequences for patterns Bakoch, A. et al. (1997) Nucleic Acids Res. 25:217-221; that matched those defined in Prosite. Wisconsin Package Program Manual, version 9, page M51-59, Genetics Computer Group, Madison, WI.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An isolated polypeptide selected from the group consisting of: a) a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 , b) a polypeptide comprising a naturaUy occurring amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l, c) a biologicahy active fragment of a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: L and d) an immunogenic fragment of a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l.

2. An isolated polypeptide of claim 1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l.

3. An isolated polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide of claim 1.

4. An isolated polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide of claim 2.

5. An isolated polynucleotide of claim 4 comprising the polynucleotide sequence of SEQ ID

NO:2.

6. A recombinant polynucleotide comprising a promoter sequence operably linked to a polynucleotide of claim 3.

7. A ceU transformed with a recombinant polynucleotide of claim 6.

8. A transgenic organism comprising a recombinant polynucleotide of claim 6.

9. A method of producing a polypeptide of claim 1, the method comprising: a) culturing a ceU under conditions suitable for expression of the polypeptide, wherein said ceU is transformed with a recombinant polynucleotide, and said recombinant polynucleotide comprises a promoter sequence operably linked to a polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide of claim 1, and b) recovering the polypeptide so expressed.

10. A method of claim 9, wherein the polypeptide has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l.

11. An isolated antibody which specificaUy binds to a polypeptide of claim 1.

12. An isolated polynucleotide selected from the group consisting of: a) a polynucleotide comprising the polynucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, b) a polynucleotide comprising a naturaUy occurring polynucleotide sequence at least 90% identical to the polynucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, c) a polynucleotide complementary to a polynucleotide of a), d) a polynucleotide complementary to a polynucleotide of b), and e) an RNA equivalent of a)-d).

13. An isolated polynucleotide comprising at least 60 contiguous nucleotides of a polynucleotide of claim 12.

14. A method of detecting a target polynucleotide in a sample, said target polynucleotide having a sequence of a polynucleotide of claim 12, the method comprising: a) hybridizing the sample with a probe comprising at least 20 contiguous nucleotides comprising a sequence complementary to said target polynucleotide in the sample, and which probe specificaUy hybridizes to said target polynucleotide, under conditions whereby a hybridization complex is formed between said probe and said target polynucleotide or fragments thereof, and b) detecting the presence or absence of said hybridization complex, and, optionaUy, if present, the amount thereof.

15. A method of claim 14, wherein the probe comprises at least 60 contiguous nucleotides.

16. A method of detecting a target polynucleotide in a sample, said target polynucleotide having a sequence of a polynucleotide of claim 12, the method comprising: a) ampUfying said target polynucleotide or fragment thereof using polymerase chain reaction ampUfication, and b) detecting the presence or absence of said ampUfied target polynucleotide or fragment thereof, and, optionaUy, if present, the amount thereof.

17. A composition comprising a polypeptide of claim 1 and a pharmaceuticaUy acceptable excipient.

18. A composition of claim 17, wherein the polypeptide has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOT.

19. A method for treating a disease or condition associated with decreased expression of functional GCREC, comprising administering to a patient in need of such treatment the composition of claim 17.

20. A method of screening a compound for effectiveness as an agonist of a polypeptide of claim 1, the method comprising: a) exposing a sample comprising a polypeptide of claim 1 to a compound, and b) detecting agonist activity in the sample.

21. A composition comprising an agonist compound identified by a method of claim 20 and a pharmaceuticaUy acceptable excipient.

22. A method for treating a disease or condition associated with decreased expression of functional GCREC, comprising administering to a patient in need of such treatment a composition of claim 21.

23. A method of screening a compound for effectiveness as an antagonist of a polypeptide of claim 1, the method comprising: a) exposing a sample comprising a polypeptide of claim 1 to a compound, and b) detecting antagonist activity in the sample.

24. A composition comprising an antagonist compound identified by a method of claim 23 and a pharmaceuticaUy acceptable excipient.

25. A method for treating a disease or condition associated with overexpression of functional

GCREC, comprising administering to a patient in need of such treatment a composition of claim 24.

26. A method of screening for a compound that specificaUy binds to the polypeptide of claim 1, the method comprising: a) combining the polypeptide of claim 1 with at least one test compound under suitable conditions, and b) detecting binding of the polypeptide of claim 1 to the test compound, thereby identifying a compound that specificaUy binds to the polypeptide of claim 1.

27. A method of screening for a compound that modulates the activity of the polypeptide of claim 1, the method comprising: a) combining the polypeptide of claim 1 with at least one test compound under conditions permissive for the activity of the polypeptide of claim 1, b) assessing the activity of the polypeptide of claim 1 in the presence of the test compound, and c) comparing the activity of the polypeptide of claim 1 in the presence of the test compound with the activity of the polypeptide of claim 1 in the absence of the test compound, wherein a change in the activity of the polypeptide of claim 1 in the presence of the test compound is indicative of a compound that modulates the activity of the polypeptide of claim 1.

28. A method of screening a compound for effectiveness in altering expression of a target polynucleotide, wherein said target polynucleotide comprises a sequence of claim 5, the method comprising: a) exposing a sample comprising the target polynucleotide to a compound, under conditions suitable for the expression of the target polynucleotide, b) detecting altered expression of the target polynucleotide, and c) comparing the expression of the target polynucleotide in the presence of varying amounts of the compound and in the absence of the compound.

29. A method of assessing toxicity of a test compound, the method comprising: a) treating a biological sample containing nucleic acids with the test compound, b) hybridizing the nucleic acids of the treated biological sample with a probe comprising at least 20 contiguous nucleotides of a polynucleotide of claim 12 under conditions whereby a specific hybridization complex is formed between said probe and a target polynucleotide in the biological sample, said target polynucleotide comprising a polynucleotide sequence of a polynucleotide of claim 12 or fragment thereof, c) quantifying the amount of hybridization complex, and d) comparing the amount of hybridization complex in the treated biological sample with the amount of hybridization complex in an untreated biological sample, wherein a difference in the amount of hybridization complex in the treated biological sample is indicative of toxicity of the test compound.

30. A diagnostic test for a condition or disease associated with the expression of GCREC in a biological sample, the method comprising: a) combining the biological sample with an antibody of claim 11 , under conditions suitable for the antibody to bind the polypeptide and form an antibody:polypeptide complex, and b) detecting the complex, wherein the presence of the complex coπelates with the presence of the polypeptide in the biological sample.

31. The antibody of claim 11 , wherein the antibody is: a) a chimeric antibody, b) a single chain antibody, c) a Fab fragment, d) a F(ab')₂ fragment, or e) a humanized antibody.

32. A composition comprising an antibody of claim 11 and an acceptable excipient.

33. A method of diagnosing a condition or disease associated with the expression of GCREC in a subject, comprising administering to said subject an effective amount of the composition of claim

32.

34. A composition of claim 32, wherein the antibody is labeled.

35. A method of diagnosing a condition or disease associated with the expression of GCREC in a subject, comprising administering to said subject an effective amount of the composition of claim 34.

36. A method of preparing a polyclonal antibody with the specificity of the antibody of claim 11, the method comprising: a) immunizing an animal with a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID

NO:l, or an immunogenic fragment thereof, under conditions to eUcit an antibody response, b) isolating antibodies from said animal, and c) screening the isolated antibodies with the polypeptide, thereby identifying a polyclonal antibody which binds specificaUy to a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l.

37. A polyclonal antibody produced by a method of claim 36.

38. A composition comprising the polyclonal antibody of claim 37 and a suitable carrier.

39. A method of making a monoclonal antibody with the specificity of the antibody of claim 11, the method comprising: a) immunizing an animal with a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l, or an immunogenic fragment thereof, under conditions to eUcit an antibody response, b) isolating antibody producing ceUs from the animal, c) fusing the antibody producing ceUs with immortaUzed ceUs to form monoclonal antibody-producing hybridoma ceUs, d) culturing the hybridoma cells, and e) isolating from the culture monoclonal antibody which binds specificaUy to a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l.

40. A monoclonal antibody produced by a method of claim 39.

41. A composition comprising the monoclonal antibody of claim 40 and a suitable carrier.

42. The antibody of claim 11, wherein the antibody is produced by screening a Fab expression library.

43. The antibody of claim 11, wherein the antibody is produced by screening a recombinant immunoglobulin Ubrary.

44. A method of detecting a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l in a sample, the method comprising: a) incubating the antibody of claim 11 with a sample under conditions to aUow specific binding of the antibody and the polypeptide, and b) detecting specific binding, wherein specific binding indicates the presence of a polypeptide having the a ino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l in the sample.

45. A method of purifying a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l from a sample, the method comprising: a) incubating the antibody of clai 11 with a sample under conditions to aUow specific binding of the antibody and the polypeptide, and b) separating the antibody from the sample and obtaining the purified polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l.

46. A microaπay wherein at least one element of the microaπay is a polynucleotide of claim

13.

47. A method of generating a transcript image of a sample which contains polynucleotides, the method comprising: a) labeling the polynucleotides of the sample, b) contacting the elements of the microaπay of claim 46 with the labeled polynucleotides of the sample under conditions suitable for the formation of a hybridization complex, and c) quantifying the expression of the polynucleotides in the sample.

48. An aπay comprising different nucleotide molecules affixed in distinct physical locations on a soUd substrate, wherein at least one of said nucleotide molecules comprises a first oUgonucleotide or polynucleotide sequence specificaUy hybridizable with at least 30 contiguous nucleotides of a target polynucleotide, and wherein said target polynucleotide is a polynucleotide of claim 12.

49. An aπay of claim 48, wherein said first oUgonucleotide or polynucleotide sequence is completely complementary to at least 30 contiguous nucleotides of said target polynucleotide.

50. An aπay of claim 48, wherein said first oUgonucleotide or polynucleotide sequence is completely complementary to at least 60 contiguous nucleotides of said target polynucleotide.

51. An aπay of claim 48, wherein said first oUgonucleotide or polynucleotide sequence is completely complementary to said target polynucleotide.

52. An aπay of claim 48, which is a microaπay.

53. An aπay of claim 48, further comprising said target polynucleotide hybridized to a nucleotide molecule comprising said first oUgonucleotide or polynucleotide sequence.

54. An aπay of claim 48, wherein a linker joins at least one of said nucleotide molecules to said soUd substrate.

55. An aπay of claim 48, wherein each distinct physical location on the substrate contains multiple nucleotide molecules, and the multiple nucleotide molecules at any single distinct physical location have the same sequence, and each distinct physical location on the substrate contains nucleotide molecules having a sequence which differs from the sequence of nucleotide molecules at another distinct physical location on the substrate.

56. A method of identifying a compound that modulates, mimics and/or blocks an olfactory and/or taste sensation, the method comprising: a) contacting the compound with an olfactory and/or taste receptor polypeptide selected from the group consisting of: i) a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence s of SEQ ID NO:l, ii) a biologicaUy active fragment of a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l, and iii) an olfactory and/or taste receptor having an amino acid sequence at least

90% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l. b) identifying whether the compound specificaUy binds to and/or affects the activity of said receptor polypeptide.

57. The method of claim 56, wherein said receptor polypeptide is expressed on the surface of a mammaUan ceU.

58. The method of claim 57, wherein said mammaUan ceU expresses a G-protein.

59. The method of claim 58, wherein said mammaUan ceU expresses a pluraUty of G-protein coupled receptors.

60. The method of claim 59, wherein said mammaUan ceU expresses another olfactory and/or taste receptor polypeptide.

61. The method of claim 56, wherein said receptor polypeptide is fused to another polypeptide.

62. A polypeptide of claim 1, comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l.

63. A polynucleotide of claim 12, comprising the polynucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:2.