ISOLATED ANTIBODY WHICH BINDS TO THE N-TERMINAL DOMAIN (NTD) OF γ-HRG, IN-VITRO METHODS FOR DETECTING AND PURIFYING γ-HRG USING SUCH ANTIBODY AND USE OF SUCH ANTIBODY IN THE PREPARATION OF MEDICAMENTS

摘要

A novel member of the heregulin superfamily has been identified which is designated "gamma-HRG". This molecule, secreted by human breast cancer MDA-MB-175 cells, leads to the formation of a constitutive active receptor complex and stimulates the growth of these cells in an autocrine manner. gamma-HRG polypeptide and nucleic acid are disclosed, together with various uses therefor (e.g. use of gamma-HRG nucleic acid for the recombinant production of gamma-HRG). gamma-HRG antagonists (e.g. neutralizing antibodies and antisense nucleic acid molecules) as well as uses therefor are also described.