Human polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding such polypeptides and a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such polypeptides for therapeutic purposes. Antagonists against such polypeptides and their use as a therapeutic are also disclosed. Also disclosed are diagnostic methods for detecting disease which utilize the sequences and polypeptides.

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. The invention also relates to inhibiting the action of such polypeptides.
Identification and sequencing of human genes is a major goal of modern scientific research. For example, by identifying genes and determining their sequences, scientists have been able to make large quantities of valuable human "gene products." These include human insulin, interferon, Factor VIII, tumor necrosis factor, human growth hormone, tissue plasminogen activator, and numerous other compounds. Additionally, knowledge of gene sequences can provide the key to treatment or cure of genetic diseases (such as muscular dystrophy and cystic fibrosis).
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there are provided novel mature polypeptides, as well as biologically active and diagnostically or therapeutically useful fragments, analogs and derivatives thereof. The polypeptides of the present invention are of human origin.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there are provided isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding the polypeptides, 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 polypeptides by recombinant techniques comprising culturing recombinant prokaryotic and/or eukaryotic host cells, containing a nucleic acid sequence of the present invention, under conditions promoting expression of said proteins and subsequent recovery of said proteins.
In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a process for utilizing such polypeptides, or polynucleotides encoding such polypeptide for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes.
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 the nucleic acid sequences.
In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present invention, there are provided antibodies against such polypeptides.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there are provided agonists to the polypeptides.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there are provided antagonists to such polypeptides, which may be used to inhibit the action of such polypeptides, for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes.
In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, there are provided diagnostic assays for detecting diseases related to the under-expression of the polypeptides of the present invention and mutations in the nucleic acid sequences encoding such polypeptides.
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, synthesis of DNA and manufacture of DNA vectors.
In the case where the polypeptides of the present invention are receptors, there are provided processes for using the receptor to screen for receptor antagonists and/or agonists and/or receptor ligands.
These and other aspects of the present invention should be apparent to those skilled in the art from the teachings herein.
Table 1 sets forth information regarding identifying polynucleotide clone numbers, identification of the polynucleotide sequence which corresponds to the putative identification of the polypeptide encoded by the polynucleotide, and cross-referencing to the SEQ ID NOS. as set forth in the sequence listing.
Table 2 includes information regarding identifying polypeptide numbers, identification of the SEQ ID NOS. of the polypeptides, and cross-reference to the SEQ ID NO. which sets forth the amino acid sequence which corresponds to a given polypeptide in the sequence listing.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there are provided isolated nucleic acids (polynucleotides) which code for mature polypeptides having the deduced amino acid sequences shown in the FIGS. 1-11 or for the mature polypeptides encoded by the cDNA of the clone deposited as ATCC Deposit No. 97242 on Aug. 15, 1995 with the ATCC, 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas, Va. 20110-2209.
The polynucleotides 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 SEQ ID NOS:1-11) 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 SEQ ID NOS:1-11 or the deposited cDNA.
The polynucleotides which code for the mature polypeptides of FIGS. 1-11 or for the mature polypeptides encoded by the deposited cDNA may include, but are not limited to: 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 (SEQ ID NO:1) 5′ and/or 3′ of the coding sequence (SEQ ID NO:2) 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 code for fragments, analogs and derivatives of the polypeptide having the deduced amino acid sequences of FIGS. 1-11 or the polypeptides encoded by the cDNA of the deposited clone. The variant of the polynucleotide may be a naturally occurring allelic variant of the polynucleotide or a non-naturally occurring variant of the polynucleotide.
Thus, the present invention includes polynucleotides encoding the same mature polypeptides as shown in FIG. 1 or the same mature polypeptides encoded by the cDNA of the deposited clone as well as variants of such polynucleotides which variants code for a fragment, derivative or analog of the polypeptides of FIGS. 1-11 or the polypeptides 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 polynucleotides may have a coding sequence which is a naturally occurring allelic variant of the coding sequences shown in FIGS. 1-11 or of the coding sequences 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 code for a proprotein which is the mature protein plus additional 5′ 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 code 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 hexa-histidine 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 genes of the present invention may be used as hybridization probes 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 one of the genes 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 90%, 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 97% 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 FIGS. 1-11 (SEQ ID NOS:1-11) or the deposited cDNA(s).
Alternatively, the polynucleotides may have at least 20 bases, preferably 30 bases, and more preferably at least 50 bases which hybridize to a polynucleotide of the present invention and which have 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 polynucleotides any of SEQ ID NOS:1-11, 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 polynucleotides which encode the polypeptides of SEQ ID NOS: 12-22, as well as fragments thereof, which fragments have at least 30 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. §112. 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 polypeptides which have the deduced amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS. 12-22 or which have the amino acid sequences encoded by the deposited cDNAs, as well as fragments, analogs and derivatives of such polypeptides.
The terms "fragment", "derivative" and "analog" when referring to the polypeptides of SEQ ID NOS. 12-22 or those encoded by the deposited cDNA, means polypeptides which retain essentially the same biological function or activity as such polypeptide. Thus, an analog and derivative includes a proprotein which can be activated by cleavage of the proprotein portion to produce an active mature polypeptide.
The polypeptides of the present invention may be recombinant polypeptides, natural polypeptides or synthetic polypeptides, preferably recombinant polypeptides.
The fragments, derivatives or analogs of the polypeptides of SEQ ID NOS. 12-22 or those encoded by the deposited cDNAs may be (i) those 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, (ii) those in which one or more of the amino acid residues includes a substituent group, (iii) those 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) those 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 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 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 (e.g., the natural environment if it is naturally occurring). For example, a naturally-occurring polynucleotide or polypeptide present in a living animal 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 polypeptides of SEQ ID NOS: 12-22 (in particular the mature polypeptides) as well as polypeptides which have at least 70% similarity (preferably a 70% identity) to the polypeptides of SEQ ID NOS: 12-22 and more preferably a 90% similarity (more preferably a 90% identity) to the polypeptides of SEQ ID NOS: 12-22 and still more preferably a 95% similarity (still more preferably a 95% identity) to the individual polypeptides of SEQ ID NOS: 12-22 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 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 genes of the present invention. 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 polynucleotides may be included in any one of a variety of expression vectors for expressing the corresponding polypeptide. Such vectors include chromosomal, nonchromosomal and synthetic DNA sequences, e.g., 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 SV40 promoter, the E. coli. lac or trp, 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 expression vectors preferably contain one or more selectable marker genes 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 S2 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 and 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 lac, 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 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 and 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.
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, N.Y., (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, e.g., 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), α-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, e.g., stabilization 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 maintenance of the vector and to, if desirable, provide amplification 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 commercially 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 GEM1 (Promega Biotec, Madison, Wis., USA). These pBR322 "backbone" sections are combined with an appropriate promoter and the structural sequence to be expressed.
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 (e.g., 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 SV40 splice, and polyadenylation sites may be used to provide the required nontranscribed genetic elements.
The 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, 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 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. Polypeptides of the invention may also include an initial methionine amino acid residue.
The amyloid-like gene and gene product may be employed as part of a diagnostic process for the early detection of pre-cancerous growth or cancer in the breast. The amyloid protein forms amyloid fibrils which in turn are capable of attracting calcium molecules leading to calcium deposition and calcification. Micro-fibrils and micro-calcification caused-by microinjury in the breast tissue result in densified breast tissue which is an early symptom detectable by mammography. The amyloid-like protein gene according to the invention was isolated and recovered as a full length gene by computer-assisted analysis of expression sequence tag data basis from a primary breast cancer library, a normal breast library, an activated monocyte library and an embryonic library. The assembly of ESTs represents a full length gene which is illustrated in FIG. 1. Full length human ADA2 nucleotide sequence was isolated from a 12 week old early stage human primary testes lambda library.
The expression levels of the amyloid-like protein according to the invention may be detectable in the serum and/or ductal fluid of the breast due to its secretory nature, thus the amyloid-like protein may be employed as a target for detection in such breast fluids. Further, examination of tissue samples from the breast for increased levels of the amyloid protein according to the invention may be helpful as part of an overall diagnostic regimen to screen for abnormal breast tissue growth or for breast cancer.
The amyloid-like protein according to the invention is toxic to surrounding breast cells which leads to apoptosis. The deposition of this protein in the breast tissue may be an early lesion for cancerous growth in the breast. Thus, this gene may be a target for breast cancer diagnosis.
Human transcriptional regulator hADA2 is the human homolog of a yeast factor identified as being important for mediating the transcriptional activation properties of the Herpes Simplex transactivator VP16. It is possible that being able to control the activity of this factor (perhaps through anti-sense or screened antagonists) will allow the regulation of specific viral and human genes whose expression is controlled by this factor. This could lead to the controlled regulation of certain medically important genes. Furthermore, it is possible that disruption of this gene could result in unregulated transcription leading to cancer, in which case gene therapy would be medically important. Administration of HADA2 via gene therapy may be employed to treat cancer since disruption of the HADA2 gene results in unregulated transcription. We have recently mapped the chromosomal location of this gene to 17q12-21. The gene encoding the HADA2 protein was isolated from a 12 week old human primary testes library.
Modulating the activity of the human transcription regulator HADA2 may be employed to enhance or reduce the amount of a particular gene product produced. For example, in the case of an elevated level of a polypeptide the gene responsible may be down-regulated by inhibiting HADA2. Likewise, if an up-regulation of a gene product is desired, e.g., growth hormone, HADA2 may be stimulated.
Human transcription regulator factor (hTRF) is a homolog of the TATA Box Binding protein which plays a pivotal role in the expression of all genes. The full length cDNA of TRF was isolated by screening a human testes library. The hRPB 11 gene was isolated from a subtracted human pituitary library. It is possible that lack or overexpression of this gene could lead to unregulated transcription leading to cancer. The human transcription factor hTRF may play a pivotal role in the expression of nearly all human genes since it is thought to bind to the "TATA box" upstream of all translated genes. Accordingly, modulation of hTRF, via gene therapy, stimulation and antagonism may be employed to control gene expression. Lack of hTRF may cause unregulated transcription which may lead to cancer. Accordingly administration of hTRF protein, or administration of the hTRF gene via gene therapy may be employed to treat cancer.
The human RNA polymerase subunits hRPB8, hRPB 10 and hRPB11 play vital roles in mRNA synthesis since they possess the catalytic machinery for the formation of the 3′-5′ phosphodiester bonds between ribonucleoside triphosphates and respond to signals from the multiple factors involved in regulating their function during initiation and elongation of mRNA synthesis. These subunits are able to support normal yeast cell growth in vivo. The coding region in some flanking 5′ and 3′ UTR have been sequenced. The protein has a predicted molecular weight of 13,293; an isoelectric point of 5.73 and is 117 residues long.
Accordingly, since the subunits are vital to mRNA synthesis, their administration may be employed to up-regulate the expression of certain genes and to down-regulate others as needed. Administration may be via gene therapy. Abnormal cellular proliferation, e.g., cancer, may be treated with the subunits since lack of expression of these genes may lead to unregulated transcription.
The human interferon regulatory factor IRF3 gene shows strong homology to a group of transcription factors including IRF1 (Interferon Regulatory factor 1) and IRF2 (interferon Regulatory factor 2) which are important in mediating the transcriptional activation of interferon-alpha and -beta induced genes. It is possible that this gene also is important in mediating the transcriptional activation properties of interferon and that this factor may have some of the properties associated with interferon such as anti-viral activity. The human interferon regulatory factor IRF3 is potentially important in regulating the transcriptional activation of interferon-α and -β genes. IRF3 may also be important in mediating the transcriptional activation properties of interferon. The IRF3 polypeptide may be employed as an anti-viral agent. The administration of the IRF3 gene and its gene product may be employed to enhance the expression of interferon which has many medically important uses. The IRF3 gene was isolated from a human adult retina library.
The TM4SF gene may be employed as a target for the development of compounds to treat human T-cell leukemia virus type I since several monoclonal-antibodies inhibitory to syncytium formation targeted this TM4SF molecule.
The TM4SF gene may also be employed in the regulation of cell growth. This gene may also be employed as an immunogen or target to implement active and passive immunotherapy in patients with cancer. The gene encoding TM4SF was isolated from a human T-cell lymphoma library.
The TNFR-AF1, C1 gene and gene product may be employed to regulate B-lymphocyte proliferation, immunoglobulin class-switching and apoptosis. The TNFR-AF1 may also be employed to up-regulate the biological activity of TNF which is known to regress tumors. The gene encoding TNFR-AF1 C1 was isolated from an activated human nutrophil library.
The TM4SF, CD53 gene and gene product may be employed to regulate lymphoma cell growth and may also be employed to regulate cell growth. The gene encoding TM4SF (transmembrane 4 super family), CD53 was isolated from a human tumor pancreas library.
The retinoid X receptor γ may be employed to treat psoriasis and recalcitrincystic acne and cancer. This retinoid X receptor γ may also be employed to prevent a variety of pre-malignant lesions of skin and mucous membranes. The receptor may also be employed as a tumor suppressor. The receptor may also be employed to stimulate cell proliferation, differentiation and keratinization. The receptor may also be employed to treat X linked adrenal hypoplasia and hypogonatropic hypoglonatism. The gene encoding retinoid X receptor gamma was isolated from a human fetal lung III library.
The cytosolic resiniferatoxin binding protein (RBP-26) may be employed to reduce pain sensation due to its ability to selectively block mechanoheat nociceptors and warm receptors of the skin that are known to play a significant role in sensation of pain. The gene encoding RBP-26 was isolated from a human osteoclastoma stromal cell library.
The protein kinase C inhibitor protein has significant medical application uses such as inhibiting tumor cell growth and in regulating the many physiological functions that are mediated by the activation of protein kinase C. The gene encoding the protein kinase C inhibitor protein was isolated from a human corpus colosum library.
The polynucleotides and polypeptides of the present invention may be employed as research reagents and materials for discovery of treatments and diagnostics to human disease.
This invention provides a method for identification of the receptors for the polypeptides listed in Table 1. The gene encoding the receptor can be identified by numerous methods known to those of skill in the art, for example, ligand panning and FACS sorting (Coligan, et al., Current Protocols in Immun., 1(2), Chapter 5, (1991)). Preferably, expression cloning is employed wherein polyadenylated RNA is prepared from a cell responsive to the respective polypeptide, and a cDNA library created from this RNA is divided into pools and used to transfect COS cells or other cells that are not responsive to the proteins. Transfected cells which are grown on glass slides are exposed to labeled protein. The protein can be labeled by a variety of means including iodination or inclusion of a recognition site for a site-specific protein kinase. Following fixation and incubation, the slides are subjected to auto-radiographic analysis. Positive pools are identified and sub-pools are prepared and re-transfected using an iterative sub-pooling and re-screening process, eventually yielding a single clone that encodes the putative receptor.
As an alternative approach for receptor identification, labeled protein can be photoaffinity linked with cell membrane or extract preparations that express the receptor molecule. Cross-linked material is resolved by PAGE and exposed to X-ray film. The labeled complex containing the protein-receptor can be excised, resolved into peptide fragments, and subjected to protein microsequencing. The amino acid sequence obtained from microsequencing would be used to design a set of degenerate oligonucleotide probes to screen a cDNA library to identify the gene encoding the putative receptor.
This invention provides a method of screening compounds to identify those which enhance (agonists) or block (antagonists) interaction of protein to receptor. An agonist is a compound which increases the natural biological functions, while antagonists eliminate such functions. As an example, a mammalian cell or membrane preparation expressing the receptor would be incubated with labeled protein in the presence of the drug. The ability of the drug to enhance or block this interaction could then be measured.
Alternatively, the response of a known second messenger system following interaction of protein and receptor would be measured and compared in the presence or absence of the drug. Such second messenger systems include but are not limited to, cAMP guanylate cyclase, ion channels or phosphoinositide hydrolysis.
In the case where the polypeptides of the present invention are receptor polypeptides, the present invention also relates to methods for determining whether a ligand can bind to the receptor which comprises transfecting a cell population (one presumed not to contain a receptor) with the appropriate vector expressing the receptor, such that the cell will now express the receptor. A suitable response system is obtained by transfection of the DNA into a suitable host containing the desired second messenger pathways including cAMP, ion channels, phosphoinositide kinase, or calcium response. Such a transfection system provides a response system to analyze the activity of various ligands exposed to the cell. Ligands chosen could be identified through a rational approach by taking known ligands that interact with similar types of receptors or using small molecules, cell supernatants or extracts or natural products.
The present invention also relates to an assay for identifying potential antagonists. An example of such an assay combines the protein and a potential antagonist with membrane-bound receptors or recombinant receptors under appropriate conditions for a competitive inhibition assay. The protein can be labeled, such as by radio activity, such that the number of molecules bound to the receptor can determine the effectiveness of the potential antagonist.
The polypeptides listed in Table 1 of the present invention which have putatively been identified as receptors may be employed in a process for screening for antagonists and/or agonists for the receptor.
In general, such screening procedures involve providing appropriate cells which express the receptor on the surface thereof. In particular, a polynucleotide encoding the receptor of the present invention is employed to transfect cells to thereby express the receptor. Such transfection may be accomplished by procedures as hereinabove described.
One such screening procedure involves the use of melanophores which are transfected to express the receptor of the present invention. Such a screening technique is described in PCT WO 92/01810 published Feb. 6, 1992.
Thus, for example, such assay may be employed for screening for a receptor antagonist by contacting the melanophore cells which encode the receptor with both the receptor ligand and a compound to be screened. Inhibition of the signal generated by the ligand indicates that a compound is a potential antagonist for the receptor, i.e., inhibits activation of the receptor.
The screen may be employed for determining an agonist by contacting such cells with compounds to be screened and determining whether such compound generates a signal, i.e., activates the receptor.
Other screening techniques include the use of cells which express the receptor (for example, transfected CHO cells) in a system which measures extracellular pH changes caused by receptor activation, for example, as described in Science, volume 246, pages 181-296 (October 1989). For example, potential agonists or antagonists may be contacted with a cell which expresses the receptor and a second messenger response, e.g. signal transduction or pH changes, may be measured to determine whether the potential agonist or antagonist is effective.
Another such screening technique involves introducing RNA encoding the receptor into xenopus oocytes to transiently express the receptor. The receptor oocytes may then be contacted in the case of antagonist screening with the receptor ligand and a compound to be screened, followed by detection of inhibition of a calcium signal.
Another screening technique involves expressing the receptor in which the receptor is linked to a phospholipase C or D. As representative examples of such cells, there may be mentioned endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, embryonic kidney cells, etc. The screening for an antagonist or agonist may be accomplished as hereinabove described by detecting activation of the receptor or inhibition of activation of the receptor from the phospholipase second signal.
Another method involves screening for antagonists by determining inhibition of binding of labeled ligand to cells which have the receptor on the surface thereof. Such a method involves transfecting a eukaryotic cell with DNA encoding the receptor such that the cell expresses the receptor on its surface and contacting the cell with a potential antagonist in the presence of a labeled form of a known ligand. The ligand can be labeled, e.g., by radioactivity. The amount of labeled ligand bound to the receptors is measured, e.g., by measuring radioactivity of the receptors. If the potential antagonist binds to the receptor as determined by a reduction of labeled ligand which binds to the receptors, the binding of labeled ligand to the receptor is inhibited.
The present invention also provides a method for determining whether a ligand not known to be capable of binding to a receptor can bind to such receptor which comprises contacting a mammalian cell which expresses a receptor with the ligand under conditions permitting binding of ligands to the receptor, detecting the presence of a ligand which binds to the receptor and thereby determining whether the ligand binds to the receptor. The systems hereinabove described for determining agonists and/or antagonists may also be employed for determining ligands which bind to the receptor.
In general, antagonists for receptors which are determined by screening procedures may be employed for a variety of therapeutic purposes. For example, such antagonists have been employed for treatment of hypertension, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, ulcers, asthma, allergies, psychoses, depression, migraine, vomiting, and benign prostatic hypertrophy.
Agonists for receptors are also useful for therapeutic purposes, such as the treatment of asthma, Parkinson's disease, acute heart failure, hypotension, urinary retention, and osteoporosis.
Potential antagonists against the polypeptides of the present invention include an antibody, or in some cases, an oligopeptide, which binds to the polypeptide. Alternatively, a potential antagonist may be a closely related protein which binds to the receptors of the polypeptide, however, they are inactive forms of the polypeptide and thereby inhibit the action of the polypeptides.
Another potential antagonist is an antisense construct prepared using antisense technology. Antisense technology can be used to control gene expression through triple-helix formation or antisense DNA or RNA, both of which methods are based on binding of a polynucleotide to DNA or RNA. For example, the 5′ coding portion of the polynucleotide sequence, which encodes for the mature polypeptides of the present invention, is used to design an antisense RNA oligonucleotide of from about 10 to 40 base pairs in length. A DNA oligonucleotide is designed to be complementary to a region of the gene involved in transcription (triple helix—see Lee et al., Nucl. Acids Res., 6:3073 (1979); Cooney et al, Science, 241:456 (1988); and Dervan et al., Science, 251: 1360 (1991)), thereby preventing transcription and the production of the polypeptide. The antisense RNA oligonucleotide hybridizes to the mRNA in vivo and blocks translation of the mRNA molecule into the polypeptide (Antisense—Okano, J. Neurochem., 56:560 (1991); Oligodeoxynucleotides as Antisense Inhibitors of Gene Expression, CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fla. (1988)). The oligonucleotides described above can also be delivered to cells such that the antisense RNA or DNA may be expressed in vivo to inhibit production of the protein.
Potential antagonists include a small molecule which binds to and occupies the active site of the polypeptide or to the receptor where the polypeptide of the present invention is a receptor, thereby making it inaccessible to substrate such that normal biological activity is prevented. Examples of small molecules include but are not limited to small peptides or peptide-like molecules.
Another potential antagonist includes a soluble form of the receptor polypeptides, e.g. a fragment of the receptor, which binds to the ligand and prevents the ligand from interacting with membrane bound receptors.
Antagonists to the human transcription regulator hADA2 may be employed to regulate the expression of Herpes simplex transactivator VP16, since hADA2 mediates its transcriptional activation properties. Many medically important genes may also be regulated by the antagonism of hADA2.
Antagonists to TATA related factor (TRF) may be employed to control general protein expression and for the regulation of the expression of specific important gene groups.
Antagonists to RNA polymerase subunits HRPB8, HRPB10 and HRPB11 may be employed to treat cancer since over expression of these subunits may lead to unregulated transcription.
Antagonists to interferon related factor-3 (IRF-3) may be employed to down regulate the overexpression of interferon with its adverse effects.
Antagonists to TM4SF may be employed to inhibit tumor growth.
Antagnoists to TNFR AF1, C1 may be employed to inhibit inflammation and apoptosis.
Antagnoists to TM4SF (transmembrane 4 super family) CD53 may be employed to inhibit certain leukemias.
Antagonists to the retinoid X receptor γ may be employed to treat psoriasis and inflammation. The antagonists may also be employed to prevent and/or treat hyperplasia and tumors in the lung, breast and other tissues.
Antagonists to protein kinase C inhibitor protein may be employed to inhibit the activation function of protein kinase C.
The antagonists may be employed therapeutically in a composition with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, e.g., as hereinafter described.
The polypeptides of the present invention and agonists and antagonists may be employed in combination with a suitable pharmaceutical carrier. Such compositions comprise a therapeutically effective amount of the polypeptide or agonist or antagonist, 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 the 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 or agonists or antagonists 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. The pharmaceutical compositions are administered in an amount which is effective for treating and/or prophylaxis of the specific indication. In general, they are administered in an amount of at least about 10 μg/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 10 μg/kg to about 1 mg/kg body weight daily, taking into account the routes of administration, symptoms, etc.
The polypeptides and agonists and antagonists which are 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 and are apparent from the teachings herein. For example, cells may be engineered by the use of a retroviral plasmid vector 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. For example, a packaging cell is transduced with a retroviral plasmid vector containing RNA encoding a polypeptide of the present invention such that the packaging cell now produces infectious viral particles containing the gene of interest. These producer cells may be administered to a patient for engineering cells in vivo and expression of the polypeptide in vivo. These and other methods 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.
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, 7(9):980-990 (1989), or any other promoter (e.g., cellular promoters such as eukaryotic cellular promoters including, but not limited to, the histone, pol III, and β-actin promoters). Other viral promoters which may be employed include, but are not limited to, adenovirus promoters, thymidine kinase (TK) promoters, and B 19 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 heterologous promoters, such as the cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter; the respiratory syncytial 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 β-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 PES01, PA317, ψ-2, ψ-AM, PA12, T19-14X, VT-19-17-H2, ψCRE, ψCRIP, GP+E-86, GP+envAm12, and DAN cell lines as described in Miller, Human Gene Therapy, 1:5-14 (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 CaPO4 precipitation. In one alternative, the 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) 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 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 DNA (RNA) sequences diagnostically. Detection of a mutated form of sequences will allow a diagnosis of a disease or a susceptibility to a disease which results from under-expression of the protein.
Individuals carrying mutations in a human 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, such as from 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 the protein 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.
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, e.g., 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 (e.g., 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 restriction enzymes, (e.g., Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms (RFLP)) and Southern blotting of genomic DNA.
In addition to more conventional gel-electrophoresis and DNA 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 polypeptides of the present invention and soluble form of the receptor polypeptides 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 a disease. Assays used to detect levels of protein 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 antigen, preferably a monoclonal antibody. In addition a reporter antibody is prepared against the monoclonal antibody. To the reporter antibody is attached a detectable reagent such as radioactivity, fluorescence or in this 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 non-specific protein such as bovine serum albumin. Next, the monoclonal antibody is incubated in the dish during which time the monoclonal antibodies attach to any proteins 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 protein of interest. 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 protein 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 protein is attached to a solid support and labeled protein 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 protein in the sample.
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 fragments 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 specific-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 60 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 genomic 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 20 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, Nature, 256:495-497, 1975), the trioma technique, the human B-cell hybridoma technique (Kozbor et al., Immunology Today 4:72, 1983), and the EBV-hybridoma 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 (U.S. Pat. No. 4,946,778) can be adapted to produce single chain antibodies to immunogenic polypeptide products of this invention. Also, transgenic mice may be used to express humanized antibodies to immunogenic polypeptide products of this invention.
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.
"Plasmids" are designated 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 bases, 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, cofactors and other requirements were used as would be known to the ordinarily skilled artisan. For analytical purposes, typically 1 μg of plasmid or DNA fragment is used with about 2 units of enzyme in about 20 μl of buffer solution. For the purpose of isolating DNA fragments for plasmid construction, typically 5 to 50 μg 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 gel to isolate the desired fragment.
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, T., et al., Id., p. 146). Unless otherwise provided, ligation may be accomplished using known buffers and conditions with 10 units of T4 DNA ligase ("ligase") per 0.5 μg 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).

Polynucleotides encoding a protein kinase C inhibitor protein and methods of using these polynucleotides


A disposable waste containment composite is disclosed for fabrication into baby diapers, incontinent briefs, feminine hygiene pads, incontinent under pads and sheets, wound dressings and the like. The composite is formed from a liquid permeable topsheet, an absorbent core and an impermeable backing sheet unified by the use of adhesives, heat and pressure, ultra sonic welding and the like. The composite is characterized in that its topsheet has been treated with a non-aqueous composition comprising propylene glycol, a non-water soluble protectant, and a surface active agent. The treatment composition can also preferably include an emollient an anti-odorant, a healing agent or the like. A unique feature of the treatment is that the non-water soluble components do not restrict or interfere with the passage of bodily waste into the absorbent core. The top sheet so treated delivers in use the protectant and other agents such as the healing agent, to the surface of the skin so that when the fabricated article is employed, the incidence of contact dermatitis, skin irritations, maceration and pressure ulcers are reduced. In addition, the use of this unique topsheet treatment reduces friction which, along with the other benefits, can virtually eliminate the need for separately using medicated creams, ointments or powders.

The present invention relates to treated disposable absorbent articles such as diapers, incontinent briefs, incontinent pads, bandages, dressings and the like which are effective in preventing or reducing diaper rash (contact irritant dermatitis) particularly in infants and the occurrence of bed sores and ulcerations in non-ambulatory, incontinent subjects. More particularly, the invention relates to the dry treated cover sheet useful in the fabrication of such articles.
Existing absorbent articles such as diapers, incontinent briefs, feminine hygiene pads and incontinent under pads conventionally include a topsheet or cover sheet. The topsheet is that part of the absorbent article which is in direct contact with the skin of the user. Chemical treatment of these topsheets has heretofore been limited to the addition of surface active agents to facilitate the transfer of liquid waste through the topsheet and into an absorbent core. To date, attempts to incorporate skin softeners and protectants, and/or friction reducing emollients into the topsheet has resulted in the repelling of the body fluids, rendering the absorbent articles non-functional for their intended purpose.
One object of the invention is to apply skin softeners, protectants and friction reducing emollients to a topsheet in a manner that will be effective to transfer these softeners, protectants and emollients to the skin by contact, without affecting the functionality of the absorbent article.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,091,102 issued to the inventor herein there is disclosed a method of making a substantially flexible dry matrix using no water other than that naturally present in the matrix by utilizing non-aqueous treatment solutions comprising cationic surfactants. The patent additionally discloses incorporating propylene glycol and anti-microbial compounds in the non-aqueous treatment solutions.
The substantially dry matrices prepared according to that patent are composed only of water soluble chemicals and compounds. The addition of water or an aqueous liquid is required in order to solubilize the treatment compounds and render the articles functional.
In applicant""s co-pending application, Ser. No. 08/171,676 filed Dec. 22, 1993, there is disclosed the addition of nonwater soluble compounds such as mineral oil, silicones and the like to the non-aqueous treatment solution. When water or other aqueous liquid is added to the substantially dry treated matrices, an xe2x80x9cinstant emulsionxe2x80x9d is created which transfers the non-water soluble compound to the surface that the matrix contacts in use.
The instant application is directed to a substantially dry matrix which has been treated with a non-aqueous treatment solution comprising non-water soluble skin softening protectant and emollient compounds, non-ionic and cationic surfactants, humectants preferably propylene glycol, and preferably an anti-microbial compound.
The treated article containing the non-aqueous treatment solution, is capable of transferring the skin softening protectant and emollient compounds to the skin by contact while allowing the treated article to transfer bodily fluids through the treated topsheet and into the absorbent core.
The absorbent articles, of the invention, comprise (a) a liquid impervious backing sheet; (b) a flexible absorbent core positioned between the backing sheet and the topsheet and (c) a relatively hydrophobic, liquid pervious topsheet positioned on top of the flexible absorbent core, which effects direct skin contact. More specifically, the present invention is directed to the unique topsheet treatment for these absorptive articles which will allow the discharged body waste to pass into the absorptive layer (core) and at the same time transfer to the exposed skin in contact with the absorptive device, pharmacologic agent(s) that on delivery to the skin will function (a) to protect the subject""s skin from wetness contained in the moisture absorbent layer and thus help prevent or reduce excessive hydration and skin irritation; (b) to have activity which will serve to reduce the ammonia producing organisms or enzymes which can aggravate contact irritation; (c) to reduce the odors due to waste decomposition in an occlusive anaerobic environment; and (d) in the of case of adult, particularly non-ambulatory, incontinent underpads, briefs and liners, to help reduce the skin maceration, pressure ulcers and bed sores that otherwise frequently occur by preventing skin friction and shearing and their damaging effects on the skin. The uniquely treated topsheet of the invention can also substantially reduce or eliminate the need for using creams, ointments or powders.
Diaper dermatitis is the most common cutaneous disorder of infancy and early childhood, however this condition is not limited to infants. Any individual who suffers from incontinence may develop this condition; this ranges from newborns to the elderly, to the critically ill and/or non-ambulatory individuals.
In the case of elderly, non-ambulatory and incontinent individuals, diaper dermatitis is simply the primary irritant becoming a variable symptom complex, incorporating a combination of irritating factors, including pressure, friction, shearing, heat, moisture and the physiological effects of ageing on the body. Although frequently no more than a disagreeable nuisance, with infants and babies, this chain of events in elderly individuals can cause eruptions which progress to secondary infection and ulceration and become complicated by other disorders which can and are life threatening.
For years, ammonia produced by bacterial breakdown of urea in the urine was thought to be a major factor in the etiology of diaper rash. Some recent studies refute the role of ammonia and urea-splitting bacteria as the underlying cause of this disorder and incriminate instead a combination of wetness, impervious diaper coverings and fungi, such as Candida albicans as causative factors in the initiation of diaper rash eruptions and skin ulceration.
Investigators now believe the activity of proteolytic and lipolytic fecal enzymes present in a mixture of feces and urine to be a major factor in producing skin irritation. Urine in contact with the fecal enzymes can result in production of ammonia which raises skin pH to levels of 6.0 and above, increasing the fecal proteolytic and lipolytic enzymatic activity which in turn produces metabolites resulting in diaper rash. Urine itself contributes to diaper dermatitis by adding moisture to the diaper environment, diminishing the barrier property of the skin, thereby enhancing the skin""s susceptibility to irritation of all types, including that caused by the decomposing urine and fecal metabolic products.
The occlusive nature of the diaper or incontinence brief contributes to the excess hydration of the exposed skin and to the loss of the normal barrier functions resulting in the increased vulnerability of the skin to toxic chemicals and microbial stimuli as well as to infection from fungal and other microbial organisms. Hydration and loss of the skin""s normal barrier function is aggravated, particularly if left in an occluded environment for long periods of time. These results can occur with either baby diapers or with adult incontinent briefs and underpads, where, due to thinner and less healthy epidermal tissue the resulting ulcerations can become life threatening. Conservative management, in preventing and reducing diaper dermatitis and pressure ulcers is directed at keeping the skin clean and dry and by limiting irritation and maceration by the judicious use of disposable garments designed to help prevent such conditions. Most important is the prevention of irritation as a consequence of frictional shear on the skin particularly in non-ambulatory adults especially the elderly and incontinent adult.
Incontinent articles are known for containment of urine and feces. These are formed from three basic structural elements: (a) a liquid impervious backing sheet, (b) an absorbent core which may comprise one or more distinct layers or zones and, (c) a relatively hydrophobic, liquid pervious topsheet.
In addition there has been proposed the use of an insert which contains agent(s) having a buffering action or specific friction reducing action. Such an insert could be placed on top of the topsheet next to the skin of the wearer or between any of the three layers or even in a pouch or pocket formed from the liquid pervious topsheet and the liquid impervious bottom sheet. These inserts, with their friction reducing emollients however, effectively impede the passage of bodily fluids into the absorptive core and thus render their use with incontinent articles to be counterproductive by displacing one problem for another.
The topsheet, of the present invention as now proposed differs from the topsheets heretofore available in that it can be prepared so as to incorporate therein friction reducing emollients, skin protectants, and wound healing agents and/or anti-odorants, without encumbering or reducing the topsheet""s ability to facilitate the passage of liquids to the absorptive core.
The topsheet which is intended for use in fabricating the articles described herein can be made in part or completely of synthetic fibers or films from such materials as polyester, modified polyolefins such as low density polyethylene and polypropylene, modified polyesters and modified poly(acrylonitriles). Examples of materials of these types include oxidized cellulosics, phosphorylated cellulosics, carboxymethylated cellulosics, grafts of cellulosics with polyacrylics, sulfonated polyolefins, partially hydrolyzed poly(acrylonitriles) and partially hydrolyzed polyesters or the like. The topsheet can also be made of natural fibers, modified celluloses such as cotton, ramie and the like. In non-woven topsheets, the fibers are bound together by a thermal bonding procedure or by polymeric binders such as polyacrylates. This sheet is substantially porous and encourages liquid materials to readily pass through into the underlying absorbent core.
A suitable type of topsheet, is for example, formed from a liquid impervious polymeric material such as a polyolefin. Such topsheets can have tapered capillaries to permit flow of discharged liquid materials through the topsheet into the underlying absorbent core.
The absorbent core is positioned between the backing sheet and the topsheet. Such an absorbent core essentially comprises a web or batt of hydrophilic fiber material. Examples of hydrophilic fiber material include, cellulose, modified cellulose, rayon, polyesters such as polyethyleneterephthalat (Dacron). The core of the absorbent layer often includes discrete particles of hydrogel materials. Such hydrogel materials are inorganic or organic compounds capable of absorbing fluids and retaining them under moderate pressures. The hydrogels can be silica gels or organic compounds such as cross-linked polymers. Examples of polymeric materials include the polyacrylamides, polyvinyl alcohol, ethylene maleic anhydride copolymers, polyvinyl ethers, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose etc.
The bottom sheet is constructed from a thin, plastic film of polyethylene, polypropylene or other flexible moisture impeding material which is substantially water or liquid impervious.
Urine and/or fecal containing garments and pads have previously been designed and modified to overcome some of the inherent problems associated with their use. Problems of size, weight, absorbency, and containment of odors as well as aesthetics and cost seem to be controllable. The problems of diaper dermatitis, bed sores and ulcers and their associated skin maceration, irritation and infection are still not solved. This becomes quite obvious when one realizes that diaper dermatitis is still the most common cutaneous childhood disorder and a very serious problem in the elderly and non-ambulatory incontinent individual as evidenced by the incidence of bed sores and ulcers and their tendency to become secondarily infected. The difficulty in treating these ulcers and bed sores is well known.
Efforts to reduce the incidence of diaper dermatitis, macerated skin, bed sores and ulcers include, for example, attempts to prevent a rise in skin pH to alkaline levels. The attempts for maintaining appropriate pH involve taking steps to inhibit ammonia production in the discharged wastes in the containment garment or pads by including materials that donate protons to the discharged liquids held within the absorbent article, or by a combination of known methods. One type of pH control agent or xe2x80x9cbuffering agentxe2x80x9d frequently found in disposable absorbent articles comprises the slightly cross-linked polymeric gelling agents or xe2x80x9csuperabsorbentsxe2x80x9d which serve to imbibe liquids discharged into the article. These materials frequently contain at least some unneutralized carboxylic and/or sulfonic acid groups in the polymer chain and these acid groups can donate protons to the fluid held within the containment garment. This type of control does not function well in the presence of high ammonia concentration, i.e., elevated pH after discharge of body fluids and after the garment has been in use for a while. Another system to control both odor and pH utilizes an acidic buffering agent component and in addition incorporates a nontoxic, nonirritating, nonvolatile antimicrobial agent into the garment.
The hydrophobic, liquid pervious topsheet can also be made so that it contains acidic functional moieties in the structure of the polymers forming the topsheet. These acid moieties impart an ionexchange capacity to the topsheet and can, upon exposure to body wastes, release protons in an amount effective to lower or adjust the skin pH.
These improvements and advantages which are realized in accordance with the invention are realized by applying to the topsheet of the composite construction formed of a relatively highly liquid pervious topsheet made from a fabric or film material, a treatment solution having incorporated therein such pharmacologic agents as will not interfere with transfer of fluids through the topsheet into the absorbent core but which however can be transferred from the topsheet to the skin to exert action as protectants, healing agents, anti-fungals, buffers and anti-irritants.
In accordance with the invention, the topsheet is treated with a treatment composition comprising a glycol, a surfactant, and skin protectant. Optionally, there is also present an emollient, an anti-fungal, an anti- microbial and an/or odor reducing agent. The glycol is preferably propylene glycol, and is present in an amount of 5-75% of the composition, preferably 10-55% and is USP grade. The protectants are present in an amount of 5-50% of the total composition and preferably 20-40%. The surfactants are present in an amount of 0.5-30% of the composition and preferably 10-30%. The emollients are present in an amount of 0-60%, preferably 20-40%.
The treatment composition is applied to the topsheet in an amount of from 5-50 weight percent, preferably 5-25 weight percent and most preferably 10-20 weight percent referred to the topsheet.
The above treatment composition is entirely nonaqueous i.e., no water has been added in formulating the same. It is applied by spraying, printing, as with a Gravure press, impregnating or by other conventional methods.
Preferably the treatment composition includes an anti-microbial and/or odor reducing agent. The latter components are present in amounts depending on the specific component utilized, said amounts being well known to those skilled in the art.
More particularly the treatment compositions of the invention include:
(1) Skin Protectants. Suitable skin protectants include absorbents which remove urine from the skin, or absorbents which bind, hold and neutralize urine and other irritating and toxic substances such as ammonia. Also useful herein are skin protectants which form a physical barrier. These also soothe and soften the skin and may additionally lubricate thereby preventing chaffing. Skin protectants can be used on uninjured skin to prevent the occurrence of pathology, or if the skin is only mildly irritated, skin protectants may relieve the rash, maceration, and excessive hydration. The skin protectants have a variety of properties peculiar to themselves. They can be aborbents, lubricants, act as barriers, they soften as well as protect the skin from dryness and other harmful agents and act to impart low friction between the composite structure and the adjacent areas of the subject. They provide a smooth feel or hand which also aids in and prevents the occurrence of friction between the article, for example, bed pad and-the overlaying skin. This is particularly true in areas of high pressure as for example bony protuberance areas. These substances tend to be physically soothing, and chemically inactive, so they are safe for regular use. Such treated garments, diapers or pads may be applied routinely. Protective agents approved by the FDA as safe and effective for the prevention and treatment of diaper dermatitis include allantoin, calamine, cod liver oil, silicone, kaolin, lanolin, mineral oil, petrolatum preparations, talc, topical starch and zinc oxide. The skin protectants comprise 5-50% of the formulation applied to the topsheet and preferably 25-40%.
Skin protectants which are preferably utilized in the treatment compositions for preparing the topsheet of this invention are silicone and zinc oxide. Dimethicone, a silicone, is remarkably free of toxicity. It clings to the skin and repels water. It will effectively seal a wound or irritation against further frictional irritants. Dimethicone is safe and effective for use on the skins of people of all ages. It can be applied in generous amounts and as often as needed. The treatment preparations can contain as much as 50% dimethicone, preferably up to 30% and are entirely safe in these amounts.
Zinc oxide is a skin protectant conventionally used to protect skin from dryness and other harmful substances. It absorbs toxic substances and serves as a lubricant. It is extremely safe. It has cooling action, is slightly astringent, antiseptic, antibacterial and protective. Zinc oxide is preferably utilized in and amount of 1-25% but can safely be used in an amount of up to 40% of the total treatment composition.
Allantoin, another example of a suitable protectant as well as of a healing agent is a compound that is nontoxic, non-allergenic and nonirritating when applied to the skin. It has the ability to protect against moisture and the irritation of diaper rash. It is considered safe and effective for people of all ages when applied in concentration of 0.5-2.0%, and can be utilized as often as needed.
(2) Surfactants. Nonionic surfactants are utilized in the composition applied to the topsheet. Important examples of the nonionics, include the alkyl ethoxylates, the ethoxylated alkyl phenols, the fatty acid ethanol amides and complex polymers of ethylene oxide, propylene oxide and alcohol. Commonly used surfactants include polysorbate 20, polysorbate 85, sorbitan tristearate, sorbitan trioleate, glyceryl, glyceryl monostearate, glyceryl monooleate etc. Preferably the surfactant is employed in an amount of 10-30%.
(3) Humectants. Humectants are substances used to preserve the moisture content of materials and are conventionally used in compositions such as creams and lotions and can be included in the compositions used to treat the topsheet. The most widely used humectants are glycerin, propylene glycol and sorbitol. Glycerin is recognized as being highly inert and innocuous and may be applied generously. The recommended amount for use is a 20-45% concentration. The skin treated with glycerin stays moist and will not be irritated by other agents. In addition to its other functions in the treatment composition, propylene glycol serves as a humectant. Propylene glycol is characterized by its ability to permeate through the skin more readily than any another substance including glycerin and is also less expensive. The propylene glycol acts as a solvent and as a wetting agent as well as to absorb moisture.
(4) Healing Agents. There are no FDA approved healing active ingredients for use in treating and preventing primary irritation such as diaper dermatitis. This is due to the fact that such agents have not been subjected to controlled pharmacological studies. Specific known healing agents, such as specific anti-fungals, anti-biotics, corticosteroids, anti-inflammatories including nonsteroidals can be used herein for exerting their well known pharmacological capabilities. FDA conditionally approved agents include: cholecalciferol (vitamin D), cysteine HCl, live yeast cell derivatives, 1-isoleucine, 1-methionine, 1-phenylalanine, 1-tyrosine, racemethionone, and vitamin A and combinations of these such as vitamins A and D. Vitamin A and D can be introduced into these compositions as cod liver oil or shark liver oil or as the vitamin itself. The fish oils have healing and lubricating activity as well as functioning to protect the skin from urine and other irritants. These healing agents are utilized in an amount of 5-13 percent of the treatment composition.
(5) Anti-microbials. Antimicrobials useful in this invention and suitable for incorporation into the topsheet are intended to protect the skin from infection from body wastes. These agents reduce microbial growth and thus prevent or reduce microbial metabolic action on discharged urine and/or feces. The result is decreased ammonia concentration as well as that of other toxic metabolites of microbial action on these substrates. Highly preferred for use are the quaternary nitrogen based antimicrobials and the bis-biquanides. The antimicrobial agents which contain a single quaternary nitrogen moiety include the hydrocarbyl substituted ammonium compounds as well as those compounds wherein the quaternary nitrogen is part of a cyclic structure ring such as pyridium compounds. Representative examples of suitable quaternary nitrogen based antimicrobial agents include methylbenzethonium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, dodecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide, tetradecylmethyl ammonium bromide and hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide. Cyclic quaternary nitrogen based antimicrobial agents include dodecylpyridiniun chloride, tetradecylpyridinium chloride, and tetradecyl-4-methylpyridinium. The most preferred bis-quanides include 1,6-bis(4-chlorophenyl)diquanidohexane, known as chlorhexidine and its water soluble salts. These two types of antimicrobial agents have a combination of desirable properties, e.g., relatively low toxicity and irritation potential and acceptable physical characteristics. FDA conditionally approved antimicrobials for use in treating and preventing diaper dermatitis are (a) Benzalkonium chloride (b) benzethonium chloride and (c). methylbenzethonium chloride.
6). Emollients. Emollients are substances used to impart a softness or resiliency to skin. An example of an emollient would be Miglyol 812 defined as a caprylic/capric triglyceride or a fractionated coconut oil or a medium chain triglyceride.
Treatment compositions comprised of propylene glycol, a surfactant and a protectant and preferably including an antimicrobial have been found to be safe and effective. Such compositions could also include an anti-odorant and a wound healer.
A preferred treatment compositions utilizes dimethicone as the skin protectant, n-alkyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride as a combined antimicrobial/surfactant in combination with propylene glycol. A particularly preferred treatment composition comprises 55% propylene glycol, 30% dimethicone and 15% n-alkyldimethylbenzyl amomonium chloride.
As previously noted the treatment compositions are entirely nonaqueous and are applied to the topsheet by spraying, impregnating, printing as with a Gravure press, and other conventional treatment methods utilizing an amount of 5-50 weight percent, preferably 5-25 weight percent and most preferably 10-20 weight percent treatment composition referenced to the topsheet.
The topsheet treatment, which, because it imparts a dry and smooth hand, has been found useful with conventional skin and toilet tissue applications, for use per se as cleansing tissues, facial tissues and the like.
The topsheet is adhered to the absorbent core and the absorbent core in turn to the impervious backsheet, in the conventional manner, utilizing adhesives preferably printed hot melt (adipic acid) or by application of heat and pressure or ultrasound welding.
Waste containment garments, pads, bandages and dressings prepared from the composite structures of the invention expediently transfer the protectants such as dimethicone to the skin of the user and thereby protect the skin from the subsequent exposure to body wastes, and toxic substances contained therein. They also effectively prevent the metabolic end products of microbial metabolism from acting as irritants and toxic substances.
Still further they provide friction reducing qualities which result in the prevention or onset of bed sores and the like. The use of such devices containing the treated topsheet virtually eliminates the need for using medicated creams, ointments or powders.
In laboratory testing of such prepared waste containment garments, carried out by the applicant or under his supervision, the reduction of the coefficient of friction could be demonstrated.
The treatment solutions are prepared by simple thorough admixing of the components in a mixing container and mixing continuously to obtain a uniform treatment composition. The mixing can be carried out in a propeller mixer or a homogenizer or by employing other conventional equipment and procedures. As previously noted the conventional means of application are used, spraying, printing, impregnating, etc. in applying the treatment compositions to the topsheet.

Treated disposable articles for reducing skin breakdown