Method of inducing fetal hemoglobin synthesis

Patent Number: 6936254

This patent covers induction of fetal hemoglobin gene expression by treatment of cells with specific polypeptides. The utility of inducing fetal hemoglobin is for diseases in which adult hemoglobin is defective in carrying oxygen. This invention is useful for the treatment of diseases like sickle cell anemia. The patent has 2 independent claims that essentially cover: a) Induction of adult to fetal hemoglobin switch by contacting the cells with polypeptides disclosed; and b) Performing the same thing with the exception that variants of the polypeptides are used.

Specific polypeptides mentioned in the specification include that are useful for practicing the invention include:

1. Novel polypeptides having homology to the biglycan protein
2. Novel polypeptides having homology to the chordin protein
3. Novel polypeptides having homology to the notch protein
4. Novel polypeptides having homology to various dipeptidase enzymes
5. Novel polypeptides having significant homology to the prolactin receptor protein
6. Novel polypeptides which have homology to reductase
7. Novel polypeptides which have homology to complement proteins
8. Novel cysteine-rich polypeptides that has significant sequence homology to the cysteine-rich secretory protein-3
9. Novel polypeptides having significant homology to the Inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain
10. Novel polypeptides which have homology to CRTAM
11. Novel polypeptides having homology to the acid labile subunit of insulin-like growth factor
12. Novel polypeptides having homology to members of the tumor necrosis factor family of polypeptides
13. Novel polypeptides which have homology to mucin and chitinase
14. Novel polypeptides which have homology to the human 2-19 protein

View this patent on the USPTO website.