EGF-like nucleic acids and polypeptides and uses thereof

摘要

The invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules, designated ELVIS-1, ELVIS-2, and ELVIS-3 (for Epidermal Growth Factor-Like Variant In Skin-1,2, and 3). ELVIS nucleic acid molecules encode wholly secreted and transmembrane proteins with homology to EGF and TGF-α. The invention still further provides isolated polypeptides, fusion polypeptides, antigenic peptides and antibodies. Diagnostic, screening and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided. The nucleic acids and polypeptides of the present invention are useful as modulating agents in regulating a variety of cellular processes.