MAMMALIAN GAP-43 COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS OF USE

摘要

Mammalian GAP-43 cDNA has been cloned. The nucleotide sequences and corresponding amino acid sequences for human GAP-43 as well as rat GAP-43 are disclosed. The substantially pure sequences of the present invention may be expressed in prokaryotic and eukaryotic hosts, and are of use in monitoring and regulating neuronal growth in animals including humans, for both therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. Novel membrane-targeting peptides are disclosed which are capable of directing any desired protein or peptide to the cell membrane of neuronal or non-neuronal cells. In addition, it is further disclosed that GAP-43 and peptide derivatives act as novel internal regulatory proteins and peptides of G proteins, such as Go. In particular, the amino terminal domain of GAP-43 modulates neuronal growth through the regulation of Go in the growth cone. These internal regulatory peptides also regulate intracellular receptor-dependent systems, by modulating the activation of a protein, such as a G protein, by a receptor, in both neuronal and non-neuronal cells.