AU8934901A - Serum paraoxonase - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 DIVISIONAL APPLICATION NAME OF APPLICANT(S): Human Genome Sciences, Inc.

ADDRESS FOR SERVICE: DAVIES COLLISON CAVE Patent Attorneys 1 Little Collins Street Melbourne, 3000.

INVENTION TITLE: Serum paraoxonase The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: :\OPE\EJH29507-95DIV 2/3/99 SERUM PARAOXONASE This invention relates to newly identified polynucleotides, polypeptides encoded by such polynucleotides, the use of such polynucleotides and polypeptides, as well as the production of such polynucleotides and polypeptides. More particularly, the polypeptide of the present invention is serum paraoxonase.

The invention also relates to inhibiting the action of such polypeptides.

Parathion (diethyl-para-nitrophenyl phosphothioate) and chlorpyrifos O-diethyl-0-3, 5, 6-trichloro-2-pyridinol), are commonly used organophosphorous insecticides and are involved in a large number of poisonings of agricultural workers and others each year (Hayes, Pesticides Studied in Man, Wilkins and Wilkins, Baltimore, pp. 284-435 (1982)).

Both compounds are bioactivated in vivo to form the respective toxic oxon inhibitors of cholinesterase. This leads to neuronal cell death and related neuronal disorders.

Both oxons are hydrolyzed by the serum enzyme paraoxonase/arylesterase, most, if not all, of which is located in the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles (Mackness, et al., Biochem. Pharmacol., 32:2291-2296 (1983)).

In humans, this enzyme exhibits a substrate dependent activity polymorphism (Mallinckrodt, M.G. and Diepgen, T.L., Toxicol. Environ. Chem., 18:79-196 (1988)). Human serum paraoxonase/arylesterase catalyzes the hydrolysis of organophosphates, aromatic carboxylic acid esters, and carbamates. There appears to be an existence of two alleles.

One allelic product hydrolyses paraoxon with a high turnover number and the other with a low turnover number. Other substrates such as phenylacetate, beta and naphthylacetate (Gan, et al., Drug Metab. Dispos., 19:100-106 (1991)) and chlorpyrifos oxon (Furlong, et al., Anal. Biochem., 180:242-247 (1989)) are hydrolyzed by either allelic product at the same or nearly the same rate. The enzyme also hydrolyses the nerve agents soman and sarin (Gan, et al., Drug Metab. Dispos., 19:100-106 (1991)). The hydrolysis of neurotoxic organophosphates is a beneficial, fortuitous activity of paraoxonase.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a novel mature polypeptide, as well as biologically active and diagnostically or therapeutically useful fragments, analogs and derivatives thereof. The polypeptide of the present invention is of human origin.

In accordance with another aspect of the present :i invention, there are provided isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide of the present invention including mRNAs, DNAs, cDNAs, genomic DNAs as well as analogs and biologically active and diagnostically or therapeutically useful fragments thereof.

In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a process for producing such polypeptide by recombinant techniques comprising culturing recombinant prokaryotic and/or eukaryotic host cells, containing a nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide of the present invention, under conditions promoting expression of said protein and subsequent recovery of said protein.

In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a process for utilizing such polypeptide, or polynucleotide encoding such polypeptide for therapeutic purposes, for example, as an antidote for organophosphate toxicity (pesticide poisoning) and in preventing neuronal cell death.

In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present invention, there are provided antibodies against such polypeptides.

In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present invention, there is also provided nucleic acid probes comprising nucleic acid molecules of sufficient length to specifically hybridize to a nucleic acid sequence of the present invention.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, there are provided diagnostic assays for detecting diseases or susceptibility to diseases related to mutations in the nucleic acid sequences encoding a polypeptide of the present invention.

In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a process for utilizing such polypeptides, or polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides, for in vitro purposes related. to scientific research, for example, synthesis of DNA and manufacture of DNA vectors.

These and other aspects of the present invention should be apparent to those skilled in the art from the teachings herein.

The following drawings are illustrative of embodiments of the invention and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention as encompassed by the claims.

-3- Figure 1A shows the cDNA sequence and Figure 1B shows the deduced amino acid sequence for the putative mature serum paraoxonase polypeptide.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an isolated nucleic acid (polynucleotide) which encodes for the mature polypeptide having the deduced amino acid sequence of Figure 1B (SEQ ID NO:2) or for the mature polypeptide encoded by the cDNA of the clone deposited as ATCC Deposit No. 75773 on May 12, 1994.

The polynucleotide .of this invention was discovered in a cDNA library derived from a human amygdala. It is structurally related to the human serum paraoxonase/arylesterase family. It contains an open reading frame encoding a protein of approximately 354 amino acid residues. The protein. exhibits the highest degree of homology to serum paraoxonase of oryctolagus cuniculus with 67 identity and 83 similarity over a 249 amino acid stretch.

The polynucleotide of the present invention may be in the form of RNA or in the form of DNA, which DNA includes cDNA, genomic DNA, and synthetic DNA. The .DNA may be double-stranded or single-stranded, and if single stranded may be the *.coding strand or non-coding (anti-sense) strand. The coding sequence which encodes the mature polypeptide may be identical to the coding sequence shown in Figure 1A (SEQ ID NO: 1) or that of the deposited clone or may be a different coding sequence which coding sequence, as a result of the redundancy or degeneracy of the genetic code, encodes the same mature polypeptide as the DNA of Figure IA (SEQ ID NO:1) or the deposited cDNA.

The polynuclcotide which encodes for the mature polypeptide of Figure 1B (SEQ ID NO:2) or for the mature polypeptide encoded by the deposited cDNA may include: only the coding sequence for the mature polypeptide; the coding sequence for the mature polypeptide and additional coding sequence such as a leader or secretory sequence or a proprotein sequence; the coding sequence for the mature polypeptide (and optionally additional coding sequence) and non-coding sequence, such as introns or non-coding sequence and/or 3' of the coding sequence for the mature polypeptide.

Thus, the term "polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide" encompasses a polynucleotide which includes only coding sequence for the polypeptide as well as a polynucleotide which includes additional coding and/or non-coding sequence.

The present invention further relates to variants of the hereinabove described polynucleotides which encode for fragments, analogs and derivatives of the polypeptide having the deduced amino acid sequence of Figure 1B (SEQ ID NO:2) or the polypeptide encoded by the cDNA of the deposited clone. The variant of the polynucleotide may be a naturally occurring allelic variant of the polynucleotide of a nonnaturally occurring variant of the polynucleotide.

Thus, the present invention includes polynucleotides encoding the same mature polypeptide as shown in Figure 1B (SEQ ID NO:2) or the same mature polypeptide.

encoded by the CDNA of the deposited clone as well as variants of such polynucleotides which variants encode for a fragment, derivative or analog of the polypeptide of Figure 1B (SEQ ID NO:2) or the polypeptide encoded by the cDNA of the deposited clone.

Such nucleotide variants include deletion variants, substitution variants and addition or insertion variants.

As hereinabove indicated, the polynucleotide may have a coding sequence which is a naturally occurring allelic variant of the coding sequence shown in Figure IA (SEQ ID NO:1) or the coding sequence of the deposited clone. As known in the art, an allelic variant is an alternate form of a polynucleotide sequence which may have a substitution, deletion or addition of one or more nucleotides, which does not substantially alter the function of the encoded polypeptide.

The present invention also includes polynucleotides, wherein the coding sequence for the mature polypeptide may be .fused in the same reading frame to a polynucleotide sequence which aids in expression and secretion of a polypeptide from a host cell, for example, a leader sequence which functions as a secretory sequence for controlling transport of a polypeptide from the cell. The polypeptide having a leader sequence is a preprotein and may have the leader sequence cleaved by the host cell to form the mature form of the polypeptide. The polynucleotides may also encode for a proprotein which is the mature protein plus additional amino acid residues. A mature protein having a prosequence is a proprotein and is an inactive form of the protein. Once the prosequence is cleaved an active mature protein remains.

Thus, for example, the polynucleotide of the present invention may encode for a mature protein, or for a protein having a prosequence or for a protein having both a prosequence and a presequence (leader sequence).

The polynucleotides of the present invention may also have the coding sequence fused in frame to a marker sequence which allows for purification of the polypeptide of the present invention. The marker sequence may be a hexahistidine tag supplied by a pQE-9 vector to provide for purification of the mature polypeptide fused to the marker in the case of a bacterial host, or, for example, the marker sequence may be a hemagglutinin (HA) tag when a mammalian host, e.g. COS-7 cells, is used. The HA tag corresponds to an epitope derived from the influenza hemagglutinin protein (Wilson, et al., Cell, 37:767 (1984)).

The term "gene" means the segment of DNA involved in producing a polypeptide chain; it includes regions preceding and following the coding region (leader and trailer) as well as intervening sequences (introns) between individual coding segments (exons)...- Fragments of the full length gene of the present invention may be used as a hybridization probe for a cDNA library to isolate the full length cDNA and to isolate other cDNAs which have a high sequence similarity to the gene or similar biological activity. Probes of this type preferably have at least 30 bases and may contain, for example, 50 or more bases. The probe may also be used to identify a cDNA clone corresponding to a full length transcript and a genomic clone or clones that contain the complete gene including regulatory and promotor regions, exons, and introns. An example of a screen comprises isolating the coding region of the gene by using the known DNA sequence to synthesize an oligonucleotide probe. Labeled oligonucleotides having a sequence complementary to that of the gene of the present invention are used to screen a library of human cDNA, genomic DNA or mRNA to determine which members of the library the probe hybridizes to.

The present invention further relates to polynucleotides which hybridize to the hereinabove-described sequences if there is at least 70%, preferably at least and more preferably at least 95% identity between the sequences. The present invention particularly relates to polynucleotides which hybridize under stringent conditions to •the hereinabove-described polynucleotides. As herein used, the term "stringent conditions" means hybridization will occur only if there is at least 95% and preferably at least S97% identity between the sequences. The polynucleotides which hybridize to the hereinabove described polynucleotides in a preferred embodiment encode polypeptides which either retain substantially the same biological function or activity as the mature polypeptide encoded by the cDNAs of FigurelA (SEQ ID NO:1) or the deposited cDNA(s).

Alternatively, the polynucleotide may have at least bases, preferably 30 bases, and more preferably at least bases which hybridize to a polynucleotide of the present invention and which has an identity thereto, as hereinabove described, and which may or may not retain activity. For example, such polynucleotides may be employed as probes for the polynucleotide of SEQ ID NO:1, for example, for recovery of the polynucleotide or as a diagnostic probe or as a PCR primer.

Thus, the present invention is directed to polynucleotides having at least a 70% identity, preferably at least 90% and more preferably at least a 95% identity to a polynucleotide which encodes the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:2 as well as fragments thereof, which fragments have at least bases and preferably at least 50 bases and to polypeptides encoded by such polynucleotides.

The deposit(s) referred to herein will be maintained under the terms of the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Micro-organisms for purposes of Patent Procedure. These deposits are provided merely as convenience to those of skill in the art and are not an admission that a deposit is required under 35 U.S.C. 5112.

The sequence of the polynucleotides contained in the deposited materials, as well as the amino acid sequence of the polypeptides encoded thereby, are incorporated herein by reference and are controlling in the event of any conflict with any description of sequences herein. A license may be required to make, use or sell the deposited materials, and no such license is hereby granted.

The present invention further relates to a serum paraoxonase polypeptide which has the deduced amino acid sequence of FigurelB (SEQ ID NO:2) or which has the amino acid sequence encoded by the deposited cDNA, as well as S* fragments, analogs and derivatives of such polypeptide.

*9 -8- The terms "fragment," "derivative" and "analog" when referring to the polypeptide of Figure IB (SEQ ID NO:2) or that encoded by the deposited CDNA, means a polypeptide which retains essentially the same biological function or activity as such polypeptide. Thus, an analog includes a proprotein which can be activated by cleavage of the proprotein portion to produce an active mature polypeptide.

The polypeptide of the present invention may be a recombinant polypeptide, a natural polypeptide or a synthetic polypeptide, preferably a recombinant polypeptide.

The fragment, derivative or analog of the polypeptide of Figure IlB (SEQ ID NO:2) or that encoded by the deposited cDNA may be one in which one or more of the amino acid residues are substituted with a conserved or non-conserved amino acid residue (preferably a conserved amino acid residue) and such substituted amino acid residue may or may not be one encoded by the genetic code, or (ii) one in which one or more of the amino acid residues includes a substituent group, or (iii) one in which the mature polypeptide is fused with another compound, such as a compound to increase the half-life of the polypeptide (for example, polyethylene glycol), or (iv) one in which the additional amino acids are fused to the mature polypeptide, such as a leader or secretory sequence or a sequence which is employed for .41 purification of the mature polypeptide or a proprotein sequence. Such fragments, derivatives and analogs are deemed to be within the scope of those skilled in the art from the boos.* teachings herein.

The polypeptides and polynucleotides of the present invention are preferably provided in an isolated form, and preferably are purified to homogeneity.

The term "isolated" means that the material is removed from its original environment the natural environment if it is naturally occurring). For example, a naturallyoccurring polynucleotide or polypeptide present in a living -9animal is not isolated, but the same polynucleotide or polypeptide, separated from some or all of the coexisting materials in the natural system, is isolated. Such polynucleotides could be part of a vector and/or such polynucleotides or polypeptides could be part of a composition, and still be isolated in that such vector or composition is not part of its natural environment.

The polypeptides of the present invention include the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:2 (in particular the mature polypeptide) as well as polypeptides which have at least similarity (preferably at least 70% identity) to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:2 and more preferably at least similarity (more preferably at least 90% identity) to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:2 and still more preferably at least similarity (still more preferably at least 95% identity) to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:2 and also include portions of such polypeptides with such portion of the polypeptide generally containing at least 30 amino acids and more preferably at least 50 amino acids.

As known in the art "similarity" between two polypeptides is determined by comparing the amino acid sequence and its conserved amino acid substitutes of one polypeptide to the sequence of a second polypeptide.

Fragments or portions of the polypeptides of the present ooo* invention may be employed for producing the corresponding full-length polypeptide by peptide synthesis; therefore, the fragments may be employed as intermediates for producing the full-length polypeptides. Fragments or portions of the polynucleotides of the present invention may be used to synthesize full-length polynucleotides of the present invention.

The present invention also relates to vectors which include polynucleotides of the present invention, host cells which are genetically engineered with vectors of the invention and the production of polypeptides of the invention by recombinant techniques.

Host cells are genetically engineered (transduced or transformed or transfected) with the vectors of this invention which may be, for example, a cloning vector or an expression vector. The vector may be, for example, in the form of a plasmid, a viral particle, a phage, etc. The engineered host cells can be cultured in conventional nutrient media modified as appropriate for activating promoters, selecting transformants or amplifying the serum paraoxonase genes. The culture conditions, such as temperature, pH and the like, are those previously used with the host cell selected for expression, and will be apparent to the ordinarily skilled artisan.

The polynucleotides of the present invention may be employed for producing polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Thus, for example, the polynucleotide may be included in any one of a variety of expression vectors for expressing a polypeptide. Such vectors include chromosomal, nonchromosomal and synthetic DNA sequences, e.g., o: derivatives of SV40; bacterial plasmids; phage DNA; baculovirus; yeast plasmids; vectors derived from combinations of plasmids and phage DNA, viral DNA such as vaccinia, adenovirus, fowl pox virus, and pseudorabies.

However, any other vector may be used as long as it is replicable and viable in the host.

The appropriate DNA sequence may be inserted into the vector by a variety of procedures. In general, the DNA sequence is inserted into an appropriate restriction endonuclease site(s) by procedures known in the art. Such procedures and others are deemed to be within the scope of **those skilled in the art.

The DNA sequence in the expression vector is operatively linked to an appropriate expression control sequence(s) (promoter) to direct mRNA synthesis. As representative examples of such promoters, there may be mentioned: LTR or promoter, the E. coli. lac or tr, the phage lambda PL promoter and other promoters known to control expression of genes in prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells or their viruses.

The expression vector also contains a ribosome binding site for translation initiation and a transcription terminator.

The vector may also include appropriate sequences for amplifying expression.

In addition, the expressic vectors preferably contain one or more selectable marker gLnes to provide a phenotypic trait for selection of transformed host cells such as dihydrofolate reductase or neomycin resistance for eukaryotic cell culture, or such as tetracycline or ampicillin resistance in E. coli.

The vector containing the appropriate DNA sequence as hereinabove described, as well as an appropriate promoter or control sequence, may be employed to transform an appropriate host to permit the host to express the protein.

As representative examples of appropriate hosts, there may be mentioned: bacterial cells, such as E. coli, .Streptomyces, Salmonella typhimurium; fungal cells, such as "yeast; insect cells such as Drosophila and Spodoptera Sf9; animal cells such as CHO, COS or Bowes melanoma; adenoviruses; plant cells, etc. The selection of an appropriate host is deemed to be within the scope of those skilled in the art from the teachings herein.

More particularly, the present invention also includes recombinant constructs comprising one or more of the sequences as broadly described above. The constructs comprise a vector, such as a plasmid or viral vector, into which a sequence of the invention has been inserted, in a forward or reverse orientation. In a preferred aspect of this embodiment, the construct further comprises regulatory sequences, including, for example, a promoter, operably linked to the sequence. Large numbers of suitable vectors -12and promoters are known to those of skill in the art, and are commercially available. The following vectors are provided by way of example. Bacterial: pQE70, pQE60, pQE-9 (Qiagen), pbs, pD10, phagescript, psiX174, pbluescript SK, pbsks, pNH8A, pNH16a, pNH18A, pNH46A (Stratagene); ptrc99a, pKK223- 3, pKK233-3, pDR540, pRIT5 (Pharmacia). Eukaryotic: pWLNEO, pSV2CAT, pOG44, pXT1, pSG (Stratagene) pSVK3, pBPV, pMSG, pSVL (Pharmacia). However, any other plasmid or vector may be used as long as they are replicable and viable in the host.

Promoter regions can be selected from any desired gene using CAT (chloramphenicol transferase) vectors or other vectors with selectable markers. Two appropriate vectors are PKK232-8 and PCM7. Particular named bacterial promoters include lacI, lacZ, T3, T7, gpt, lambda PR, PL and trp.

Eukaryotic promoters include CMV immediate early, HSV thymidine kinase, early and late SV40, LTRs from retrovirus, and mouse metallothionein-I. Selection of the appropriate vector and promoter is well within the level of ordinary o skill in the art.

In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to host cells containing the above-described constructs. The host cell can be a higher eukaryotic cell, such as a mammalian cell, or a lower eukaryotic cell, such as a yeast cell, or the host cell can be a prokaryotic cell, such as a bacterial cell. Introduction of the construct into the host cell can be effected by calcium phosphate transfection, DEAE- Dextran mediated transfection, or electroporation. (Davis, Dibner, Battey, Basic Methods in Molecular Biology, (1986)).

The constructs in host cells can be used in a conventional manner to produce the gene product encoded by the recombinant sequence. Alternatively, the polypeptides of the invention can be synthetically produced by conventional peptide synthesizers.

-13- Mature proteins can be expressed in mammalian cells, yeast, bacteria, or other cells under the control of appropriate promoters. Cell-free translation systems can also be employed to produce such proteins using RNAs derived from the DNA constructs of the present invention.

Appropriate cloning and expression vectors for use with prokaryotic and eukaryotic hosts are described by Sambrook, et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Second Edition, Cold Spring Harbor, (1989), the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Transcription of the DNA encoding the polypeptides of the present invention by higher eukaryotes is increased by inserting an enhancer sequence into the vector. Enhancers are cis-acting elements of DNA, usually about from 10 to 300 bp that act on a promoter to increase its transcription.

Examples including the SV40 enhancer on the late side of the replication origin bp 100 to 270, a cytomegalovirus early promoter enhancer, the polyoma enhancer on the late side of the replication origin, and adenovirus enhancers.

Generally, recombinant expression vectors will include origins of replication and selectable markers permitting transformation of the host cell, the ampicillin resistance gene of E. coli and S. cerevisiae TRP1 gene, and a promoter derived from a highly-expressed gene to direct transcription of a downstream structural sequence. Such promoters can be derived from operons encoding glycolytic enzymes such as 3-phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK), a-factor, acid phosphatase, or heat shock proteins, among others. The heterologous structural sequence is assembled in appropriate phase with translation initiation and termination sequences, and preferably, a leader sequence capable of directing secretion of translated protein into the periplasmic space or extracellular medium. Optionally, the heterologous sequence can encode a fusion protein including an N-terminal identification peptide imparting desired characteristics, -14stabilization or simplified purification of expressed recombinant product.

Useful expression vectors for bacterial use are constructed by inserting a structural DNA sequence encoding a desired protein together with suitable translation initiation and termination signals in operable reading phase with a functional promoter. The vector will comprise one or more phenotypic selectable markers and an origin of replication to ensure mainteno-re of the vector and to, if desirable, provide amplificaticn within the host. Suitable prokaryotic hosts for transformation include E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella typhimurium, and various species within the genera Pseudomonas, Streptomyces, and Staphylococcus, although others may also be employed as a matter of choice.

As a representative but nonlimiting example, useful expression vectors for bacterial use can comprise a selectable marker and bacterial origin of replication derived from commnercially available plasmids; comprising genetic elements of the well known cloning vector pBR322 (ATCC 37017) Such commercial vectors include, for example, pKK223-3 (Pharmacia Fine Chemicals, Uppsala, Sweden) and GEMi (Promega Biotec, Madison, WI, USA). These pBR322 "backbone" sections are combined with an appropriate promoter and the 0: structural sequence to be expressed.

S.

Following transformation of a suitable host strain and growth of the host strain to an appropriate cell density, the selected promoter is induced by appropriate means temperature shift or chemical induction) and cells are cultured for an additional period.

.*Cells are typically harvested by centrifugation, disrupted by physical or chemical means, and the resulting crude extract retained for further purification.

Microbial cells employed in expression of proteins can be disrupted by any convenient method, including freeze-thaw cycling, sonication, mechanical disruption, or use of cell lysing agents, such methods are well know to those skilled in the art.

Various mammalian cell culture systems can also be employed to express recombinant protein. Examples of mammalian expression systems include the COS-7 lines of monkey kidney fibroblasts, described by Gluzman, Cell, 23:175 (1981), and other cell lines capable of expressing a compatible vector, for example, the C127, 3T3, CHO, HeLa and BHK cell lines. Mammalian expression vectors will comprise an origin of replication, a suitable promoter and enhancer, and also any necessary ribosome binding sites, polyadenylation site, splice donor and acceptor sites, transcriptional termination sequences, and 5' flanking nontranscribed sequences. DNA sequences derived from the splice, and polyadenylation sites may be used to provide the required nontranscribed genetic elements.

The serum paraoxonase polypeptides can be recovered and purified from recombinant cell cultures by methods including ammonium sulfate or ethanol precipitation, acid extraction, anion or cation exchange chromatography, phosphocellulose chromatography, hydrophobic interaction chromatography, affinity chromatography, hydroxylapatite chromatography and lectin chromatography. Protein refolding steps can be used, S. as necessary, in completing configuration of the mature protein. Finally, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) can be employed for final purification steps.

The polypeptides of the present invention may be a naturally purified product, or a product of chemical synthetic procedures, or produced by recombinant techniques from a prokaryotic or eukaryotic host (for example, by 0*0* bacterial, yeast, higher plant, insect and mammalian cells in culture). Depending upon the host employed in a recombinant production procedure, the polypeptides of the present invention may be glycosylated or may be non-glycosylated.

-16- Polypeptides of the invention may also include an initial methionine amino acid residue.

The serum paraoxonase polypeptides of the present invention may be employed as an antidote for organophosphate poisoning, since the toxic oxon inhibitors of cholinesterase are hydrolyzed by serum paraoxonase.

The serum paraoxonase polypeptides may be employed for preventing neuronal cell death due to such toxic poisoning.

If organophosphate poisoning is left untreated, neuronal cell death will result.

The sequences of the present invention are also valuable for chromosome identification. The sequence is specifically targeted to and can hybridize with a particular location on an individual human chromosome. The serum paraoxonase gene is located close to the cystic fibrosis gene on chromosome 7.

Moreover, there is a current need for identifying particular sites on the chromosome. Few chromosome marking reagents based on actual sequence data (repeat polymorphisms) are presently available for marking chromosomal location. The mapping of DNAs to chromosomes according to the present invention is an important first step in correlating those sequences with genes associated with disease.

The polypeptides of the present invention may be employed in combination with a suitable pharmaceutical carrier. Such compositions comprise a therapeutically effective amount of the polypeptide, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient. Such a carrier includes but is not limited to saline, buffered saline, dextrose, water, glycerol, ethanol, and combinations thereof. The formulation should suit the mode of administration.

The invention also provides a pharmaceutical pack or kit comprising one or more containers filled with one or more of the ingredients of the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention. Associated with such container(s) can be a notice in the form prescribed by a governmental agency regulating -17the manufacture, use or sale of pharmaceuticals or biological products, which notice reflects approval by the agency of manufacture, use or sale for human administration. In addition, the polypeptides of the present invention may be employed in conjunction with other therapeutic compounds.

The pharmaceutical compositions may be administered in a convenient manner such as by the oral, topical, intravenous, intraperitoneal, intramuscular, subcutaneous, intranasal or intradermal routes. Serum paraoxonase is administered in an amount which is effective for treating and/or prophylaxis of the specific indication. In general, Serum Paraoxonase will be administered in an amount of at least about 10 pg/kg body weight and in most cases they will be administered in an amount not in excess of about 8 mg/Kg body weight per day. In most cases, the dosage is from about g/kg to about 1 mg/kg body weight daily, taking into account the routes of administration, symptoms, etc.

The polypeptides may also be employed in accordance with the present invention by expression of such polypeptides in vivo, which is often referred to as "gene therapy." Thus, for example, cells from a patient may be engineered with a polynucleotide (DNA or RNA) encoding a polypeptide ex vivo, with the engineered cells then being provided to a patient to be treated with the polypeptide.

Such methods are well-known in the art. For example, cells may be engineered by procedures known in the art by use of a retroviral particle containing RNA encoding a polypeptide of the present invention.

Similarly, cells may be engineered in vivo for expression of a polypeptide in vivo by, for example, procedures known in the art. As known in the art, a producer cell for producing a retroviral particle containing RNA encoding the polypeptide of the present invention may be administered to a patient for engineering cells in vivo and expression of the polypeptide in vivo. These and other -18methods for administering a polypeptide of the present invention by such method should be apparent to those skilled in the art from the teachings of the present invention. For example, the expression vehicle for engineering cells may be other than a retrovirus, for example, an adenovirus which may be used to engineer cells in vivo after combination with a suitable delivery vehicle.

Retroviruses from which the retroviral plasmid vectors hereinabove mentioned may be derived include, but are not limited to, Moloney Murine Leukemia Virus, spleen necrosis virus, retroviruses such as Rous Sarcoma Virus, Harvey Sarcoma Virus, avian leukosis virus, gibbon ape leukemia virus, human immunodeficiency virus, adenovirus, Myeloproliferative Sarcoma Virus, and mammary tumor virus.

In one embodiment, the retroviral plasmid vector is derived from Moloney Murine Leukemia Virus.

The vector includes one or more promoters. Suitable promoters which may be employed include, but are not limited to, the retroviral LTR; the SV40 promoter; and the human cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter described in Miller, et al., Biotechniques, Vol. 7, No. 9, 980-990 (1989), or any other promoter cellular promoters such as eukaryotic cellular promoters including, but not limited to, the histone, pol III, and 0-actin promoters). Other viral promoters which may be employed include, but are not limited to, adenovirus promoters, thymidine kinase (TK) promoters, and B19 parvovirus promoters. The selection of a suitable promoter will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the teachings contained herein.

The nucleic acid sequence encoding the polypeptide of the present invention is under the control of a suitable promoter. Suitable promoters which may be employed include, but are not limited to, adenoviral promoters, such as the adenoviral major late promoter; or hetorologous promoters, such as the cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter; the respiratory -19syncytial virus (RSV) promoter; inducible promoters, such as the MMT promoter, the metallothionein promoter; heat shock promoters; the albumin promoter; the ApoAI promoter; human globin promoters; viral thymidine kinase promoters, such as the Herpes Simplex thymidine kinase promoter; retroviral LTRs (including the modified retroviral LTRs hereinabove described); the 0-actin promoter; and human growth hormone promoters. The promoter also may be the native promoter which controls the gene encoding the polypeptide.

The retroviral plasmid vector is employed to transduce packaging cell lines to form producer cell lines. Examples of packaging cells which may be transfected include, but are not limited to, the PE501, PA317, 4-AM, PAl2, T19-14X, VT-19-17-H2, 4CRE, #CRIP, GP+E-86, GP+envAml2, and DAN cell lines as described in Miller, Human Gene Therapy, Vol. 1, pgs. 5-14 (1990), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The vector may transduce the packaging cells through any means known in the art. Such means include, but are not limited to, electroporation, the use of liposomes, and CaPO 4 precipitation. In one alternative, the S* retroviral plasmid vector may be encapsulated into a liposome, or coupled to a lipid, and then administered to a host.

The producer cell line generates infectious retroviral vector particles which include the nucleic acid sequence(s) S encoding the polypeptides. Such retroviral vector particles then may be employed, to transduce eukaryotic cells, either in vitro or in vivo. The transduced eukaryotic cells will i express the nucleic acid sequence(s) encoding the polypeptide. Eukaryotic cells which may be transduced include, but are not limited to, embryonic stem cells, embryonic carcinoma cells, as well as hematopoietic stem cells, hepatocytes, fibroblasts, myoblasts, keratinocytes, endothelial cells, and bronchial epithelial cells.

This invention is also related to the use of the gene of the present invention as a diagnostic. Detection of a mutated form of the gene will allow a diagnosis of a disease or a susceptibility to a disease which results from underexpression of serum paraoxonase.

Individuals carrying mutations in the gene of the present invention may be detected at the DNA level by a variety of techniques. Nucleic acids for diagnosis may be obtained from a patient's cells, including but not limited to blood, urine, saliva, tissue biopsy and autopsy material.

The genomic DNA may be used directly for detection or may be amplified enzymatically by using PCR (Saiki et al., Nature, 324:163-166 (1986)) prior to analysis. RNA or cDNA may also be used for the same purpose. As an example, PCR primers complementary to the nucleic acid encoding serum paraoxonase can be used to identify and analyze mutations. For example, deletions and insertions can be detected by a change in size of the amplified product in comparison to the normal genotype. Point mutations can be identified by hybridizing amplified DNA to radiolabeled RNA or alternatively, radiolabeled antisense DNA sequences. Perfectly matched sequences can be distinguished from mismatched duplexes by RNase A digestion or by differences in melting temperatures.

Sequence differences between the reference gene and genes having mutations may be revealed by the direct DNA sequencing method. In addition, cloned DNA segments may be employed as probes to detect specific DNA segments. The sensitivity of this method is greatly enhanced when combined with PCR. For example, a sequencing primer is used with double-stranded PCR product or a single-stranded template molecule generated by a modified PCR. The sequence determination is performed by conventional procedures with radiolabeled nucleotide or by automatic sequencing procedures with fluorescent-tags.

-21- Genetic testing based on DNA sequence differences may be achieved by detection of alteration in electrophoretic mobility of DNA fragments in gels with or without denaturing agents. Small sequence deletions and insertions can be visualized by high resolution gel electrophoresis.

DNA

fragments of different sequences may be distinguished on denaturing formamide gradient gels in which the mobilities of different DNA fragments are retarded in the gel at different positions according to their specific melting or partial melting temperatures (see, Myers et al., Science, 230:1242 (1985)).

Sequence changes at specific locations may also be revealed by nuclease protection assays, such as RNase and S1 protection or the chemical cleavage method Cotton et al., PNAS, USA, 85:4397-4401 (1985)).

Thus, the detection of a specific DNA sequence may be achieved by methods such as hybridization, RNase protection, chemical cleavage, direct DNA sequencing or the use of 0 restriction enzymes, Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms (RFLP)) and Southern blotting of genomic DNA.

In addition to more conventional gel-electrophoresis and 0. 0DNA sequencing, mutations can also be detected by in situ analysis.

The present invention also relates to a diagnostic assay for detecting altered levels of the polypeptide of the present invention in various tissues since an over-expression of the proteins compared to normal control tissue samples can detect the presence of serum paraoxonase. Assays used to detect levels of the polypeptide of the present invention in a sample derived from a host are well-known to those of skill in the art and include radioimmunoassays, competitive-binding assays, Western Blot analysis and preferably an ELISA assay.

An ELISA assay initially comprises preparing an antibody specific to the serum paraoxonase antigen, preferably a monoclonal antibody. In addition a reporter antibody is -22prepared against the monoclonal antibody. To the reporter antibody is attached a detecta lr e reagent such as radioactivity, fluorescence or in example a horseradish peroxidase enzyme. A sample is now removed from a host and incubated on a solid support, e.g. a polystyrene dish, that binds the proteins in the sample. Any free protein binding sites on the dish are then covered by incubating with a nonspecific protein such as bovine serum albumin. Next, the monoclonal antibody is incubated in the dish during which time the monoclonal antibodies attached to any of the polypeptide of the present invention attached to the polystyrene dish. All unbound monoclonal antibody is washed out with buffer. The reporter antibody linked to horseradish peroxidase is now placed in the dish resulting in binding of the reporter antibody to any monoclonal antibody bound to the polypeptide of the present invention. Unattached reporter antibody is then washed out. Peroxidase substrates are then added to the dish and the amount of color developed in a given time period is a measurement of the amount of the polypeptide of the present invention present in a given volume of patient sample when compared against a standard curve.

A competition assay may be employed wherein antibodies specific to the polypeptide of the present invention are attached to a solid support and labeled serum paraoxonase and a sample derived from the host are passed over the solid support and the amount of label detected attached to the solid support can be correlated to a quantity of the polypeptide of the present invention in the sample.

This invention also provides a method of screening drugs to identify those which enhance (agonists) the interaction of serum paraoxonase with its substrate which comprises, for example, contacting a mammalian cell comprising a DNA molecule encoding serum paraoxonase with a plurality of drugs and parathion or chlorpyrifos and detecting those drugs which -23enhance the hydrolysis of the toxic oxons by serum paraoxonase and thereby identifying drugs which specifically act as agonists. Various methods of detection may be employed. The toxic oxons may be "labeled" by association with a detectable marker substance radiolabel or a non-isotopic label, such as biotin) such that their hydrolysis may be measured. Drug candidates are identified by choosing chemical compounds which bind with high affinity to the expressed serum paraoxona z polypeptide in transfected cells, using radioligand binding methods well-known in the art.

The sequences of the present invention are also valuable for chromosome identification. The sequence is specifically targeted to and can hybridize with a particular location on an individual human chromosome. Moreover, there is a current need for identifying particular sites on the chromosome. Few chromosome marking reagents based on actual sequence data (repeat polymorphisms) are presently available for marking chromosomal location. The mapping of DNAs to chromosomes according to the present invention is an important first step in correlating those sequences with genes associated with disease.

Briefly, sequences can be mapped to chromosomes by preparing PCR primers (preferably 15-25 bp) from the cDNA.

Computer analysis of the 3' untranslated region of the gene is used to rapidly select primers that do not span more than one exon in the genomic DNA, thus complicating the amplification process. These primers are then used for PCR screening of somatic cell hybrids containing individual human chromosomes. Only those hybrids containing the human gene corresponding to the primer will yield an amplified fragment.

PCR mapping of somatic cell hybrids is a rapid procedure for assigning a particular DNA to a particular chromosome.

Using the present invention with the same oligonucleotide primers, sublocalization can be achieved with panels of -24fragments from specific chromosomes or pools of large genomic clones in an analogous manner. Other mapping strategies that can similarly be used to map to its chromosome include in situ hybridization, prescreening with labeled flow-sorted chromosomes and preselection by hybridization to construct chromosome specif ic-cDNA libraries.

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) of a cDNA clone to a metaphase chromosomal spread can be used to provide a precise chromosomal location in one step. This technique can be used with cDNA having at least 50 or bases. For a review of this technique, see Verma et al., Human Chromosomes: a Manual of Basic Techniques, Pergamon Press, New York (1988).

Once a sequence has been mapped to a precise chromosomal location, the physical position of the sequence on the chromosome can be correlated with genetic map data. Such data are found, for example, in V. McKusick, Mendelian Inheritance in Man (available on line through Johns Hopkins University Welch Medical Library) The relationship between genes and diseases that have been mapped to the same chromosomal region are then identified through linkage analysis (coinheritance of physically adjacent genes) Next, it is necessary to determine the differences in the cDNA or genormic sequence between affected and unaffected individuals. If a mutation is observed in some or all of the affected individuals but not in any normal individuals, then the mutation is likely to be the causative agent of the disease.

With current resolution of physical mapping and genetic mapping techniques, a cDNA precisely localized to a chromosomal region associated with the disease could be one of between 50 and 500 potential causative genes. (This .*.assumes 1 megabase mapping resolution and one gene per kb).

The polypeptides, their fragments or other derivatives, or analogs thereof, or cells expressing them can be used as an immunogen to produce antibodies thereto. These antibodies can be, for example, polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies.

The present invention also includes chimeric, single chain, and humanized antibodies, as well as Fab fragments, or the product of an Fab expression library. Various procedures known in the art may be used for the production of such antibodies and fragments.

Antibodies generated against the polypeptides corresponding to a sequence of the present invention can be obtained by direct injection of the polypeptides into an animal or by administering the polypeptides to an animal, preferably a nonhuman. The antibody so obtained will then bind the polypeptides itself. In this manner, even a sequence encoding only a fragment of the polypeptides can be used to generate antibodies binding the whole native polypeptides. Such antibodies can then be used to isolate the polypeptide from tissue expressing that polypeptide.

For preparation of monoclonal antibodies, any technique •which provides antibodies produced by continuous cell line cultures can be used. Examples include the hybridoma technique (Kohler and Milstein, 1975, Nature, 256:495-497), the trioa technique, the human B-cell hybridoma technique (Kozbor et al., 1983, Immunology Today 4:72), and the EBVhybridoma technique to produce human monoclonal antibodies (Cole, et al., 1985, in Monoclonal Antibodies and Cancer Therapy, Alan R. Liss, Inc., pp. 77-96).

Techniques described for the production of single chain antibodies Patent 4,946,778) can be adapted to produce single chain antibodies to inmmunogenic polypeptide products of this invention. Also, transgenic mice may be used to .express humanized antibodies to immunogenic polypeptide products of this invention.

-26- The present invention will be further described with reference to the following examples; however, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to such examples. All parts or amounts, unless otherwise specified, are by weight.

In order to facilitate understanding of the following examples certain frequently occurring methods and/or terms will be described.

-Plasids- are designate- -,by a lower case p preceded and/or followed by capital letters and/or numbers. The starting plasmids herein are either commercially available, publicly available on an unrestricted basis, or can be constructed from available plasmids in accord with published procedures. In addition, equivalent plasmids; to those described are known in the art and will be apparent to the ordinarily skilled artisan.

"Digestion" of DNA refers to catalytic cleavage of the DNA with a restriction enzyme that acts only at certain sequences in the DNA. The various restriction enzymes used herein are commercially available and their reaction conditions, cof actors and other requirements were used as would be known to the ordinarily skilled artisan. For analytical purposes, typically 1 gig of plasmid or DNA fragment is used with about 2 units of enzyme in about 20 Al of buffer solution. For the purpose of isolating DNA fragments for plasmid construction, typically 5 to 50 Mg of DNA are digested with 20 to 250 units of enzyme in a larger volume. Appropriate buffers and substrate amounts for particular restriction enzymes are specified by the manufacturer. Incubation times of about 1 hour at 37*C are ordinarily used, but may vary in accordance with the supplier,'s instructions. After digestion the reaction is electrophoresed directly on a polyacrylamide or agarose gel to isolate the desired fragment.

-27- Size separation of the cleaved fragments is performed using 8 percent polyacrylamide gel described by Goeddel, D.

et al., Nucleic Acids Res., 8:4057 (1980).

"Oligonucleotides" refers to either a single stranded polydeoxynucleotide or two complementary polydeoxynucleotide strands which may be chemically synthesized. Such synthetic oligonucleotides have no 5' phosphate and thus will not ligate to another oligonucleotide without adding a phosphate with an ATP in the presence of a kinase. A synthetic oligonucleotide will ligate to a fragment that has not been dephosphorylated.

"Ligation" refers to the process of forming phosphodiester bonds between two double stranded nucleic acid fragments (Maniatis, et al., Id., p. 146). Unless otherwise provided, ligation may be accomplished using known buffers and conditions with 10 units to T4 DNA ligase ("ligase") per 0.5 Ag of approximately equimolar amounts of the DNA fragments to be ligated.

Unless otherwise stated, transformation was performed as described in the method of Graham, F. and Van der Eb, A., Virology, 52:456-457 (1973).

Example 1 Bacterial Expression and Purification of Serum Paraoxonase The DNA sequence encoding for serum paraoxonase, ATCC 75773, is initially amplified using PCR oligonucleotide primers corresponding to the 5' and sequences of the processed serum paraoxonase protein (minus the signal peptide sequence) and the vector sequences 3' to the serum paraoxonase gene. Additional nucleotides corresponding to serum paraoxonase were added to the 5' and 3' sequences respectively. The 5' oligonucleotide primer has the sequence TCAGGATCCAGAAATCGACTTAAAGCCTCC 3' (SEQ ID NO:3) contains a Bam HI restriction enzyme site followed by 21 nucleotides of serum paraoxonase coding sequence starting from the -28-

I

presumed terminal amino acid of the processed protein codon.

The 3' sequence 5' TCAAAGCTTTTAGAGTTCACAATACAAGGC 3' (SEQ ID NO:4) contains complementary sequences to a Hind III restriction site and is followed by 21 nucleotides of serum paraoxonase. The restriction enzyme sites correspond to the restriction enzyme sites on the bacterial expression vector pQE-9 (Qiagen, Inc. 9259 Eton Avenue, Chatsworth, CA, 91311).

pQE-9 encodes antibiotic resistance (Amp) a bacterial origin of replication (ori), an IPTG-regulatable promoter operator a ribosome binding site (RBS), a 6-His tag and restriction enzyme sites. pQE-9 was then digested with Bam HI and Hind III. The amplified sequences were ligated into pQE-9 and were inserted in frame with the sequence encoding for the histidine tag and the RBS. The ligation mixture was then used to transform E. coli strain SURE (available from Stratagene Cloning Systems, 11099 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037) by the procedure described in Sambrook, J.

et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Laboratory Press, (1989). Transformants are identified by their ability to grow on LB plates and ampicillin/kanamycin resistant colonies were selected. Plasmid DNA was isolated and confirmed by restriction analysis. Clones containing the desired constructs were grown overnight in liquid culture in LB media supplemented with both Amp (100 ug/ml) and Kan (25 ug/ml). The O/N culture is used to inoculate a large culture at a ratio of 1:100 to 1:250. The cells were grown to an optical density 600 (0.D.

6 of between 0.4 and S"0.6. IPTG ("Isopropyl-B-D-thiogalacto pyranoside") was then added to a final concentration of 1 mM. IPTG induces by inactivating the lacI repressor, clearing the P/O leading to increased gene expression. Cells were grown an extra 3 to 4 hours. Cells were then harvested by centrifugation. The cell pellet was solubilized in the chaotropic agent 6 Molar Guanidine HC1. After clarification, solubilized serum paraoxonase was purified from this solution by chromatography -29on a Nickel-Chelate column under conditions that allow for tight binding by proteins containing the 6-His tag. Hochuli, E. et al., J. Chromatography 411:177-184 (1984). serum paraoxonase was eluted from the column in 6 molar guanidine HC1 pH 5.0 and for the purpose of renaturation adjusted to 3 molar guanidine HC1, 100mM sodium phosphate, 10 mmolar glutathione (reduced) and 2 nmolar glutathione (oxidized).

After incubation in this solution for 12 hours the protein was dialyzed to 10 mmolar sodium phosphate.

Example 2 Expression of Recombinant Serum Paraoxonase in CHO cells The expression of plasmid, serum paraoxonase HA is derived from a vector pcDNAI/Amp (Invitrogen) containing: 1) origin of replication, 2) ampicillin resistance gene, 3) E.coli replication origin, 4) CMV promoter followed by a polylinker region, a SV40 intron and polyadenylation site.

A DNA fragment encoding the entire serum paraoxonase precursor and a HA tag fused in frame to its 3' end was cloned into the polylinker region of the vector, therefore, the recombinant protein expression is directed under the CMV promoter. The HA tag correspond to an epitope derived from the influenza hemagglutinin protein as previously described Wilson, H. Niman, R. Heighten, A Cherenson, M. Connolly, and R. Lerner, 1984, Cell 37, 767). The infusion of HA tag to our target protein allows easy detection of the recombinant protein with an antibody that recognizes the HA epitope.

The plasmid construction strategy is described as follows: The DNA sequence encoding for serum paraoxonase, ATCC 75773, was constructed by PCR using two primers: the primer 5' CGCGGGATCCACCATGGGGGCGGCTGGTGGCTCT 3' (SEQ ID contains a Bam HI restriction site followed by 21 nucleotides of serum paraoxonase coding sequence starting from the initiation codon, the 3' sequence 5' CGCGTCTAGACGGTTAGAG TTCACAATACAAGGC 3' (SEQ ID NO:6) contains complementary sequences to an Xba I site and a translation stop codon and the last 18 nucleotides of the serum paraoxonase coding sequence (not including the stop codon). Therefore, the PCR product contains a Bam HI site, serum paraoxonase coding sequence, a translation termination stop codon and an Xba I site. The PCR amplified DNA fragment and the vector, pcDNAI/Amp, were digested with Bam HI and Xba I restriction enzyme and ligated. The ligation mixture was transformed into E. coli strain SURE (available from Stratagene Cloning Systems, 11099 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037) the transformed culture was plated on ampicillin media plates and resistant colonies were selected. Plasmid DNA was isolated from transformants and examined by restriction analysis for the presence of the correct fragment. For expression of the recombinant serum paraoxonase, CHO cells were transfected with the expression vector by DEAE-DEXTRAN method. Sambrook, E. Fritsch, T. Maniatis, Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Laboratory Press, (1989)). The expression of the serum paraoxonase HA protein was detected by radiolabelling and immunoprecipitation method. Harlow, D. Lane, Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, (1988)). Cells were labelled for 8 hours with "S-cysteine two days post transfection. Culture media were then collected and cells were lysed with detergent (RIPA buffer (150 mM NaC1, 1% NP- 0.1% SDS, 1% NP-40, 0.5% DOC, 50mM Tris, pH (Wilson, I. et al., Id. 37:767 (1984)). Both cell lysate and culture media were precipitated with a HA specific monoclonal antibody. Proteins precipitated were analyzed on 15% SDS- PAGE gels.

Examnle 3 -31- Expression pattern of serum paraoxonase in human tissue Northern blot analysis is carried out to examine the levels of expression of serum paraoxonase in human tissues.

Total cellular RNA samples are isolated with RNAzol" B system (Biotecx Laboratories, Inc. 6023 South Loop East, Houston, TX 77033). About 10g of total RNA isolated from each human tissue specified is separated on 1% agarose gel and blotted onto a nylon filter. (Sambrook, Fritsch, and Maniatis, Molecular Cloning, Cold Spring Harbor Press, (1989)). The labeling reaction is done according to the Stratagene Prime- It kit with 50ng DNA fragment. The labeled DNA is purified with a Select-G-50 column. (5 Prime 3 Prime, Inc. 5603 Arapahoe Road, Boulder, CO 80303). The filter is then hybridized with radioactive labeled full length serum paraoxonase gene at 1,000,000 cpm/ml in 0.5 M NaP04, pH 7.4 and 7% SDS overnight at 65'C. After wash twice at room temperature and twice at 60'C with 0.5 x SSC, 0.1% SDS, the filter is then exposed at -70'C overnight with an intensifying screen.

Example 4 Expression via Gene Therapy P Fibroblasts are obtained from a subject by skin biopsy.

SThe resulting tissue is placed in tissue-culture medium and separated into small pieces. Small chunks of the tissue are placed on a wet surface of a tissue culture flask, approximately ten pieces are placed in each flask. The flask is turned upside down, closed tight and left at room temperature over night. After 24 hours at room temperature, the flask is inverted and the chunks of tissue remain fixed to the bottom of the flask and fresh media Ham's F12 media, with 10% FBS, penicillin and streptomycin, is added.

This is then incubated at 37°C for approximately one week.

At this time, fresh media is added and subsequently changed every several days. After an additional two weeks in -32culture, a monolayer of fibroblasts emerge. The monolayer is trypsinized and scaled into larger flasks.

pMV-7 (Kirschmeier, P.T. et al, DNA, 7:219-25 (1988) flanked by the long terminal repeats of the Moloney murine sarcoma virus, is digested with EcoRI and HindIII and subsequently treated with calf intestinal phosphatase. The linear vector is fractionated on agarose gel and purified, using glass beads.

The cDNA encoding a polypeptide of the present invention is amplified using PCR primers which correspond to the 5' and 3' end sequences respectively. The 5' primer containing an EcoRI site and the 3' primer further includes a HindIII site.

Equal quantities of the Moloney murine sarcoma virus linear backbone and the amplified EcoRI and HindIII fragment are added together, in the presence of T4 DNA ligase. The resulting mixture is maintained under conditions appropriate for ligation of the two fragments. The ligation mixture is used to transform bacteria HB101, which are then plated onto agar-containing kanamycin for the purpose of confirming that the vector had the gene of interest properly inserted.

The amphotropic pA317 or GP+aml2 packaging cells are grown in tissue culture to confluent density in Dulbecco's Modified Eagles Medium (DMEM) with 10% calf serum (CS), S:penicillin and streptomycin. The MSV vector containing the gene is then added to the media and the packaging cells are transduced with the vector. The packaging cells now produce infectious viral particles containing the gene (the packaging cells are now referred to as producer cells).

Fresh media is added to the transduced producer cells, and subsequently, the media is harvested from a 10 cm plate of confluent producer cells. The spent media, containing the infectious viral particles, is filtered through a millipore filter to remove detached producer cells and this media is *then used to infect fibroblast cells. Media is removed from a sub-confluent plate of fibroblasts and quickly replaced -33- P:\OPER\EH\295fr7-95 CLM 2 )3/ -34with the media from the producer cells. This media is removed and replaced with fresh media.

If the titer of virus is high, then virtually all fibroblasts will be infected and no selection is required. If the titer is very low, then it is necessary to use a retroviral vector that has a selectable marker, such as neo or his.

The engineered fibroblasts are then injected into the host, either alone or after having been grown to confluence on cytodex 3 microcarrier beads. The fibroblasts now produce the protein product.

Numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings and, therefore, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as particularly described.

Example Re-sequence of cDNA of ATCC 75773 The cDNA clone of ATCC 75773 was subject to resequencing and the results are set forth below.

Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word 20 "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element or integer or group of elements or integers but not the exclusion *"of any other element or integer or group of elements or integers.

Page(s) -4 -49 are claims pages they appear after the sequence listing P:\OPEREJH\29507-DI.SPE 2/399 SEQUENCE LISTING GENERAL INFORMATION: APPLICANT: Human Genome Sciences, Inc.

(ii) TITLE OF INVENTION: Serum Paraoxonase (iii) NUMBER OF SEQUENCES: 8 (iv) CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS: ADDRESSEE: DAVIES COLLISON CAVE STREET: 1 LITTLE COLLINS STREET CITY: MELBOURNE STATE: VICTORIA COUNTRY: AUSTRALIA ZIP: 3000

S

COMPUTER READABLE FORM: MEDIUM TYPE: Floppy disk COMPUTER: IBM PC compatible o OPERATING SYSTEM: PC-DOS/MS-DOS SOFTWARE: PatentIn Release Version #1.30 (vi) CURRENT APPLICATION DATA: APPLICATION NUMBER: AU Divisonal FILING DATE: 2-MAR-1999

CLASSIFICATION:

(vii) PRIOR APPLICATION DATA: APPLICATION NUMBER: AU 29507/95 FILING DATE: 28-JUN-1995

CLASSIFICATION:

(vii) PRIOR APPLICATION DATA: APPLICATION NUMBER: US 08/270,583 FILING DATE: 05-JUN-1994 (vii) PRIOR APPLICATION DATA: APPLICATION NUMBER: WO PCT/US95/08111 FILING DATE: 28-JUN-1995 (viii) ATTORNEY/AGENT INFORMATION: P:OPERlEJHUM-ODSPE 2/3M9 36 NAME: HUGHES, DR E JOHN L REFERENCE/DOCKET NUMBER: EJH/AF (ix) TELECOMMUNICATION INFORMATION: TELEPHONE: +61 3 9254 2777 TELEFAX: +61 3 9254 2770 TELEX: AA 31787 60:66 etas 0009a P:AOPEREH'195O-DI.SPE.- 2/3/99 37 INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:l: SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: LENGTH: 1102 base pairs TYPE: nucleic acid STRANDEDNESS: single TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic) (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:1: GGCACGAGAG CGAGGCAGCG CGCCCGGCTC CCGCGCCATG 0.

000.

CTTGCTGGGG

TAAAGCCTCC

TGAAGCTGGC

TCTAAAATTC

GGATCTAAAA

GGCCTCATTC

CTTTGTTGTA

AGAAAATTCT

CATCACAGCT

TTTCTTAAAG

TCCAAATGAA

ACCTGATGAT

AAAACACACT

TAATTTATCT

GAAGCTCTTC

CATTCTATCT

ATCGCGCTGG

AGAGAAGTAG

TCTGAAGATA

CCAGGACTCC

GAAGAAAAAC

AATCCACATG

AACCACCCAG

CTGTTGCATC

GTTGGACCGG

TATTTAGAAA

GTTAAAGTGG

AAGTATATCT

AATATGAATT

ATTGATCCTT

GTGTATGACC

GAGAAGCCTA

CGCTCCTGGG

AATCTGTAGA

TTGACATACT

ACAGCTTTGC

CAAGGGCACG

GCATCAGCAC

AATTCAAGAA

TGAAAACAGT

CACATTTCTA

CATACTTGAA

TAGCAGAAGG

ATGTTGCTGA

TAACTCAGTT

CCTCGGGGGA

CGAACAATCC

CAGTGACTAC

CGAGAGGCTT

CCTTCCACAC

TCCCAATGGT

ACCAGATAAG

GGAATTAAGA

TTTCATAGAC

TACAGTGGAA

CAAACATGAG

TGCCACAAAT

CTTACACTGG

ATTTGATTCA

CATATTGGCT

GAAGGTACTT

CATCTGGGTA

TCCCTCGTCA

AGTTTATGCC

GGGCGGCTGG

CTGGCACTCA

TGCCACCTGA

CTGGCTTTTT

CCTGGAGGAA

ATCAGTCGTG

AACGATGACA

ATTTTTAAAT

CTTCTTCCAA.

GACCACTACT

GCAA.ATGTTG

GCAAATGGGA

CATGAAATTC

GAGCTGGATA

GGCTGTCATC

GAGGTTCTCC

AACAATGGGT

TGGCTGTGGG

GAAATCGACT

TTAAAGGAAT

TTAGTGTGGG

TACTAATGAT

GGTTTGATTT

CAGTTTATCT

TTGAAGAAGC

GTGTGAATGA

TCTCTGATCC

TTTACTACAG

TCAATATTTC

ATGTTTTGGA

CACTGGTGGA

CTAATGGCCA

GCATCCAGAA

CTGTTCTCCA

120 180 240 300 360 420 480 540 600 660 720 780 840 900 960 1020 PA0PER\EjH\295OT7.DI.SPE -2/31/99 38 AGGAAGTTCT GTAGCCTCAG TGTATGATGG GAAGCTGCTC ATAGGCACTT TATACCACAG AGCCTTGTAT TGTGAACTCT AA INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:2: SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: LENGTH: 354 amino acids TYPE: amino acid STRANDEDNESS: single TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: protein (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:2: 1080 1102 Met Gly Arg Leu Val Ala Val Gly Leu Leu Gly Ile Ala Leu 1 Leu 5 Leu Ala Leu Gly Glu Arg 20 Leu Ala Leu Arg 25 His Arg Leu Lys Glu Val Glu 35 Glu Ala Gly Ser Val Asp Leu Pro Asp Cys His Leu Ala Ser Arg Lys Gly Ile Leu Ala Phe Ser Glu Asp Ile Leu Pro Ser Phe Lys Val Gly Leu Lys 70 Leu Pro Gly Leu His 75 Lys Phe Ala Pro Asp Pro Gly Gly Ile 85 Arg Met Met Asp Leu 90 Phe Glu Glu Lys Pro Arg Ala Arg Glu Pro His Gly 115 Phe Val Val Ile Ser Arg Gly 105 Asp Asp Leu Ala Ser Thr Phe Ile 120 Phe Asn Asp Asp Ser Phe Asn 110 Val Tyr Leu Ile Phe Lys Asn His Pro Lys Asn Thr 130 Phe Glu 145 Glu Ala Glu Leu Leu His Leu 155 Thr Val Lys His 160 P'\0PEREJH\295oT7-DI.SPE 283/99 39 Giu Leu Leu Pro Ser Val 165 Asn Asp Ile Thr 170 Ala Val Giy Pro Ala His 175 Phe Tyr Ala Leu Giu Thr 195 Asn Asp His Tyr Phe 185 Ser Asp Pro Phe Leu Lys Tyr 190 Tyr Tyr Ser Tyr Leu Asn Leu His 200 Trp Ala Asn Val Val 205 Pro Asn 210 Giu Val Lys Val Val Ala Giu Gly Phe 215 Ser Ala Asn Gly Ile 225 Asn Ile Ser Pro Asp Lys Tyr Ile Tyr 235 Val Ala Asp Ile Ala His Giu Ile His 245 Val Leu Glu Lys His 250 Thr Asn Met Asn Leu Thr 255 Gin Leu Lys Asp Pro Ser 275 Leu Giu Leu Asp Thr 265 Leu Val Asp Asn Leu Ser Ile 270 Asn Giy Gin Ser Gly Asp Ile Trp 280 Vai Giy Cys His Pro 285 Lys Leu 290 Phe Val Tyr Asp Pro 295 Asn Asn Pro Pro Ser Glu Val Leu Arg 305 Ile Gin Asn Ile Leu Ser Giu Lys Pro 310 Thr 315 Val Thr Thr Val Aia Asn Asn Giy Ser Vai Leu Gin Gly 325 S er 330 Ser Val Ala Ser Val Tyr 335 Asp Giy Lys Leu 340 Leu Ile Giy Thr Leu 345 Tyr His Arg Aia Leu Tyr Cys 350 Giu Leu INFOffTION FOR SEQ ID NO:3: SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: LENGTH: 30 base pairs TYPE: nucieic acid STRANDEDNESS: single P:\OPER\EJH\295(7-DI.SPE 2/99 TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic) (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:3: TCAGGATCCA GAAATCGACT TAAAGCCTCC INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:4: SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: LENGTH: 30 base pairs TYPE: nucleic acid STRANDEDNESS: single TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic) (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:4: TCAAAGCTTT TAGAGTTCAC AATACAAGGC INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: LENGTH: 34 base pairs TYPE: nucleic acid STRANDEDNESS: single TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic) (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID CGCGGGATCC ACCATGGGGG CGGCTGGTGG CTCT 34 INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:6: SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: LENGTH: 34 base pairs TYPE: nucleic acid STRANDEDNESS: single TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic) P' \0PER\JtA29507-D1.SPE.- 2/3199 41 (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:6: CGCGTCTAGA CGGTTAGAGT TCACAATACA AGGC INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:7: SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: LENGTH: 1079 base pairs TYPE: nucleic acid STRANDEDNESS: single TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic) (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:7: CCCATGGGGC GGCTGGTGGC TGTGGGCTTG CTGGGGATCG

AGGCTTCTGG

CCACACTGCC

AATGGTCTGG

GATAAGCCTG

TTAAGAATCA

ATAGACAACG

GTGGAAATTT

CATGAGCTTC

ACAAATGACC

CACTGGGCAA

TTGGATTCAG

GACATATTGG

CACTCAGAAA

ACCTGATTAA

CTTTTTTAAG

GAGGTATACT

GTCGTGGGTT

ATGACACAGT

TTAATTTGGA

TTCCAAGTGT

ACTACTTCTC

ATGTTGTTTA

CAAATGGGAT

CTCATGAAAT

TCGACTTAAA

AGGAATTGAA

TGTGGGTCTA

AATGATGGTT

TGATTTGGCC

TTATCTCTTG

AGAAGCAGAA

GAATGACATC

TGATCCTTTC

CTACAGGCCA

CAATATTTCA

TCATGTTTGG

GCCTCCAGAG

GCTGGCTCTG

AAATTCCCAG

CTAAAAGAAG

TCATTCAATC

GTTGTAAACC

AATTCTCTGT

ACAGCTGTTG

TTAAAGTATT

AATGAAGTTA

CCTGGATGGA

GGAAAACACA

CCCTGGCCCT

AAGTAGAATC

AAGATATTGA

GACTCCACAG

CAAAACCAAG

CACATGGGAT

ACCCAGAATT

TGCATCTGAA

GACCGGCACA

TAGAAACATA

AAGGTGGTAG

TAAGTTTTTC

CTAATATGAA

CCTGGGCGAG

TGTAGACCTT

CATACTTCCC

CTTTGCACCA

GGGACGGGAA

CAGCACTTTC

CAAGAATACA

AACAGTCAAA

TTTCTATGCC

CTTGGAATTA

CAGGAAGGAT

TATGTTGGCT

TTTAACTCAG

PAOPEREJH29507-DI.SPE V3/99 -42 TTGAAGGTAC TTGAGCTGGA TACACTGGTG GATAATTTAT CTATTGATCC TTCCTCGGGG GACATCTGGG TAGGCTGTCA TCCTAATGGC CAGAAGCTCT TCGTGTATGA CCCGAACAAT CCTCCCTCGT CAGAGGTTCT CCGCATCCAG AACATTCTAT CTGAGAAGCC TACAGTGACT ACAGTTTATG CCAACAATGG GTCTGTTCTC CAAGGAAGTT CTGTAGGCTC AGTGTATGAT GGGAAGCTGC TCATAGGCAC TTTATACCAC AGAGCCTTGT ATTGTGAACT CTAAATTGT INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:8: SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: LENGTH: 356 amino acids TYPE: amino acid STRANDEDNESS: single TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: protein (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:8: 840 900 960 1020 1079 a a.

a a.

a Met Gly Arg Leu Val Ala Val Gly Leu Leu Gly Ile Ala 1 Leu Gly Glu Arg Leu Ala Leu Arg 25 His Asn Arg Leu Lys Leu Ala Leu Ala Ser Arg Lys Gly Ile Leu Ala Phe Glu Val Glu Glu Ala Gly Ser Val Asp Leu Cys His Leu Ile Gly Ser Glu Asp 50 Leu Ser Ile 55 Phe Ile Leu Pro Asn Ser Val Gly Leu Pro Gly Leu 65 Lys His 75 Lys Phe Ala Pro Asp Pro Gly Gly Met Met Val Leu Phe Glu Ala Lys Pro Arg Gly Arg Glu Pro His Gly 115 Leu 100 Ile Ile Ser Arg Gly 105 Asp Asp Leu Ala Ser Phe Asn 110 Val Tyr Leu Ser Thr Phe Asn Asp Asp Thr 125 PA\OPER\EiH29507-DILSPE -2/3/99 -43 Leu Val 130 Val Asn His Pro Phe Lys Asn Thr Vai Giu Ile Phe Asn 140 Leu 145 Glu Giu Ala Giu Asn 150 Ser Leu Leu His Lys Thr Val Lys His 160 Giu Leu Leu Pro Val Asn Asp Ile Thr 170 Ala Val Gly Pro Ala His 175 Phe Tyr Ala Leu Giu Thr 195 Asn Asp His Tyr Ser Asp Pro Phe Leu Lys Tyr 190 Tyr Tyr Arg Tyr Leu Giu Leu His 200 Trp Ala Asn Val Val1 205 Pro Asn 210 Glu Val Lys Gly Ser Arg Lys Asp Asp Ser Ala Asn Gly 225 Ile Asn Ile Ser Pro 230 Gly Trp Ile Ser Ser Met Leu Ala Asp 240

S.

Ile Leu Ala His Ile His Val Trp Gly 250 Lys His Thr Asn Met Asn 255 Leu Thr Gin Ser Ile Asp 275 Leu 260 Lys Val Leu Giu Asp Thr Leu Val Asp Asn Leu 270 His Pro Asn Pro Ser Ser Giy Asp 280 Ile Trp Val Gly Cys 285 Gly Gin 290 Lys Leu Phe Val Asp Pro Asn Asn Pro Ser Ser Giu Val1 305 Leu Arg Ile Gin Asn 310 Ile Leu Ser Giu Pro Thr Val Thr Thr 320 Val Tyr Ala Asn Gly Ser Val Leu Gin 330 Gly Ser Ser Val Gly Ser 335 Val Tyr Asp Gly 340 Lys Leu Leu Ile Gly 345 Thr Leu Tyr His Arg Ala Leu 350 Tyr Cys Giu Leu 355

Claims (25)

1. An isolated polynucleotide comprising a member selected from the group consisting of: a polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide comprising amino acid 1 to amino acid 356 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 or encoding a fragment analogue or derivative of said polypeptide having paraoxonase activity; a polynucleotide which comprises the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 or a variant of said nucleotide sequence which encodes a polypeptide having paraoxonase activity; a polynucleotide which encodes a polypeptide having paraoxonase activity wherein said polynucleotide is capable of hybridizing to the polynucleotide of or and comprises a nucleotide sequence which is at least 70% identical thereto; and a polynucleotide fragment of the polynucleotide according to or or (c) comprising at least 30 contiguous nucleotides of the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1.

2. An isolated polynucleotide comprising a member selected from the group consisting of: a polynucleotide which encodes a mature paraoxonase polypeptide having the amino acid sequence expressed by the DNA contained in ATCC Deposit No. 75773 or encoding a fragment, analogue or derivative of said polypeptide having paraoxonase activity; a polynucleotide which encodes a paraoxonase polypeptide having the amino acid sequence expressed by the DNA contained in ATCC Deposit No. 75773 or encoding a fragment, analogue or derivative of said polypeptide having paraoxonase activity; a polynucleotide which encodes a polypeptide having paraoxonase activity wherein said polynucleotide is capable of hybridizing to the polynucleotide of or and comprises a nucleotide sequence which is at least 70% identical thereto; and a polynucleotide fragment which comprises at least 30 contiguous nucleotides of the polynucleotide according to or P. OPER'MRON29,57-9.CLM -13/a/98

3. The isolated polynucleotide of Claims 1 or 2 wherein the polynucleotide is DNA.

4. The isolated polynucleotide of Claims 1 or 2 wherein the polynucleotide is RNA. The isolated polynucleotide of Claims 1 or 2 wherein the polynucleotide is genomic DNA.

6. The isolated polynucleotide according to any one of claims 1 to 5 which encodes the polypeptide comprising amino acid 1 to 356 of SEQ ID NO:2.

7. The isolated polynucleotide according to any one of claims 1 to 6 comprising the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 from nucleotide position 1 to nucleotide position 1079.

8. The isolated polynucleotide according to claim 7, comprising the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 from nucleotide 4 to nucleotide 1071.

9. A vector containing the isolated polynucleotide according to any one of claims 1 to S8.

10. The vector according to Claim 9 when used to produce a cell containing the isolated polynucleotide according to any one of Claims 1 to 8.

11. The vector according to Claim 9 when used to produce a cell which expresses a paraoxonase polypeptide encoded by the isolated polynucleotide according to any one of Claims 1 to 8.

12. A host cell which is transformed or transfected with the vector of Claim 9. P",OPER\MRO\29507-95 CLM 13/8,98 -46-

13. A host cell which comprises the isolated polynucleotide according to any one of Claims 1 to 8.

14. A method of producing a polypeptide at least comprising the step of incubating the host cell of Claims 12 or 13 for a time and under conditions sufficient for expression of the paraoxonase polypeptide encoded by the isolated polynucleotide to occur. A method of producing a cell which is capable of expressing a polypeptide, said method at least comprising the step of introducing the vector of Claim 9 to a cell.

16. A recombinant polypeptide comprising a member selected from the group consisting of: a polypeptide having the deduced amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 or a fragment, analogue or derivative thereof having paraoxonase activity; and (ii) a polypeptide encoded by the cDNA of ATCC Deposit No. 75773 or a fragment, analogue or derivative of said polypeptide having paraoxonase S activity.

17. The recombinant polypeptide of Claim 15 wherein the polypeptide comprises amino acid 1 to amino acid 356 of SEQ ID NO:2.

18. A method of treatment of a patient having need of serum paraoxonase at least comprising the step of administering to the patient the polypeptide of Claim 16 for a time and under conditions sufficient for serum paraoxonase levels in said patient to be increased.

19. The method of Claim 18 wherein the polypeptide is administered by providing to the patient DNA encoding the serum paraoxonase polypeptide and expressing said polypeptide in vivo. P OPER MRO\29507-95 CLM 13.8,98 -47 A method of diagnosing a disease or a susceptibility to a disease in a human or animal subject which is related to an under-expression of a paraoxonase polypeptide, said method at least comprising the step of determining a mutation in a nucleotide sequence encoding said polypeptide.

21. The method according to Claim 20 wherein the mutation is determined by comparing the nucleotide sequence of the paraoxonase gene derived from the subject to the nucleotide sequence of the polynucleotide according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and determining the differences between said sequences.

22. A method of diagnosing under-expression or over-expression of serum paraoxonase in a human or animal subject suffering from an abnormality or disease associated with abnormal paraoxonase expression, said method at least comprising the steps of assaying for the level of a paraoxonase polypeptide in a sample derived from said subject and comparing that level with the level of a paraoxonase polypeptide assayed in a similar sample derived from a subject not suffering from an abnormality associated with abnormal paraoxonase expression.

23. The method according to claim 22 wherein the step of assaying for the level of a paraoxonase polypeptide comprises contacting the sample with the antibody according to claim 25 for a time and under conditions sufficient for an antigen antibody complex to form and then detecting said complex formation.

24. A method of identifying compounds which are agonists of a paraoxonase polypeptide at least comprising the steps of contacting a substrate for the polypeptide of Claims 16 or 17 with a compound to be screened and determining whether the compound hydrolyzes the substrate. An antibody against the polypeptide of Claims 16 or 17. P:\OPER\EJH\2954Z1)5 CLM I'IN 48

26. The vector according to any one of Claims 9 to 11 substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the Figures and/or Examples with the exception of Example

27. The method according to Claims 14 or 15 substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the Figures and/or Examples with the exception of Example

28. The recombinant polypeptide according to Claims 16 or 17 substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the Figures and/or Examples with the exception of Example

29. An isolated polynucleotide comprising a nucleotide sequence substantially as set forth in Example An isolated polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence substantially as set forth in Example DATED this 2nd day of March, 1999 S Human Genome Sciences, Inc. By DAVIES COLLISON CAVE Patent Attorneys for the Applicants