The invention provides an isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule consisting essentially of the nucleotide sequence encoding transductin-2 (TDC2), related and derivative nucleic acid molecules, vectors comprising the isolated or purified nucleic acid sequences, cells comprising such vectors, polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules, monoclonal antibodies and cell lines producing the monoclonal antibodies. The invention also provides methods of treating, prognosticating and monitoring hearing loss.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The TDC1 and TDC2 genes are implicated in DFNA 36- and DFNB 7/11-linked hearing loss, two forms of hereditary deafness. These genes also may be, at least in part, the cause of certain forms of non-hereditary deafness, or other forms of hereditary deafness. These genes encode a mechanotransduction channel of an animal hair cell, particularly hair cells of the inner ear. These cells are responsible for turning mechanical stimulation (such as sound waves) into chemical signals which can be processed by the brain. Any abnormality in the normal expression of this mechanotransduction channel can lead to hearing loss. This abnormal expression may result from mutations or deletions in the sequence or in the sequences surrounding the particular gene, or from other genetic abnormalities as are known in the art. Particularly, the mutation(s) can compromise the ability of the TDC1 and/or TDC2 gene product to form a component of a hair cell of the inner ear of the animal, thereby causing hearing loss. The mutation(s) can also compromise the ability of the TDC1 and/or TDC2 gene product to form all or some of an ion transduction channel of the hair cell of the inner ear of the animal. Further, the mutation(s) can compromise the mechanosensory activity of the TDC1 and/or TDC2 gene product. Hearing loss can mean either the entire loss or partial loss of hearing as would be understood by an ordinarily skilled artisan. The hearing loss can be hereditary, sensorineural hearing loss, nonsyndromic autosomal-dominant hearing loss, and/or DFNA 36- or DFNB 7/11-linked hearing loss.

Mutations in TDC1 and/or TDC2 can cause deafness. In particular, dominant mutations can cause childhood-onset, rapidly progressive, bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Several recessive mutations can cause congenital, profound bilateral sensorineural deafness. Several of the recessive mutations can also result in functional null alleles: nonsense mutations, genomic deletion of two exons, or frameshift mutations.

Any animal with hair cells within their auditory receptor can benefit from the present invention. Desirably, the animal is a mammal, preferably a human. However, animals such as birds, especially chickens, also can benefit from the present invention.

The present invention provides an isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule consisting essentially of a nucleotide sequence encoding transductin or a fragment thereof. By transductin is meant TDC1 and/or TDC2, preferably of an animal, and even more preferably of a human. By "isolated" is meant the removal of transductin from its natural environment. By "purified" is meant that transductin, whether it has been removed from nature or synthesized and/or amplified under laboratory conditions, has been increased in purity, wherein "purity" is a relative term, not "absolute purity." "Nucleic acid molecule" is intended to encompass a polymer of DNA or RNA, i.e., a polynucleotide, which can be single-stranded or double-stranded and which can contain non-natural or altered nucleotides. Moreover, the nucleic acids and genes can comprise exons, introns, and/or regulatory regions and elements.

Preferably, the isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule consists essentially of a nucleotide sequence encoding TDC1 or a fragment thereof comprising at least 314 contiguous nucleotides. The TDC1 can be a human TDC1. In a preferred embodiment, the isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule can encode the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 or a fragment thereof comprising at least 105 contiguous amino acids. More preferably, the fragment comprises at least 110 contiguous amino acids. Still more preferably, the fragment comprises at least 115 contiguous amino acids. Even more preferably, the fragment comprises at least 120 contiguous amino acids. Alternatively, the isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule consists essentially of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or a fragment thereof comprising at least 314 contiguous nucleotides. More preferably, the fragment comprises at least 320 contiguous nucleotides. Still more preferably, the fragment comprises at least 330 contiguous nucleotides. Even more preferably, the fragment comprises at least 340 contiguous nucleotides. Further, the isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule can hybridize under moderately stringent conditions to an isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule consisting essentially of the nucleotide sequence that is complementary to SEQ ID NO: 1 or a fragment thereof, such as naturally occurring and artificially generated variants. Alternatively, but still preferably, the isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule can share 43% or more identity with SEQ ID NO: 1, such as naturally occurring and artificially generated variants. Also preferably, the isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule can share 50% or more identity with SEQ ID NO: 1. More preferably, the isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule can share 70% or more identity with SEQ ID NO: 1. Still more preferably, the isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule can share 90% or more identity with SEQ ID NO: 1.

Alternatively, the isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule can encode the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6 or a fragment thereof comprising at least 105 contiguous amino acids. More preferably, the fragment comprises at least 110 contiguous amino acids. Still more preferably, the fragment comprises at least 115 contiguous amino acids. Even more preferably, the fragment comprises at least 120 contiguous amino acids. Alternatively, the isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule consists essentially of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 5 or a fragment thereof comprising at least 314 contiguous nucleotides. More preferably, the fragment comprises at least 320 contiguous nucleotides. Still more preferably, the fragment comprises at least 330 contiguous nucleotides. Even more preferably, the fragment comprises at least 340 contiguous nucleotides. Further, the isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule can hybridize under moderately stringent conditions to an isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule consisting essentially of the nucleotide sequence that is complementary to SEQ ID NO: 5 or a fragment thereof, such as naturally occurring and artificially generated variants. Alternatively, but still preferably, the isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule can share 40% or more identity with SEQ ID NO: 5, such as naturally occurring and artificially generated variants. Also preferably, the isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule can share 45% or more identity with SEQ ID NO: 5. More preferably, the isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule can share 60% or more identity with SEQ ID NO: 5. Still more preferably, the isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule can share 80% or more identity with SEQ ID NO: 5.

Also preferably, the isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule consists essentially of a nucleotide sequence encoding TDC2 or a fragment thereof comprising at least 110 contiguous nucleotides. The TDC2 can be a human TDC2. In a preferred embodiment, the isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule can encode the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4 or a fragment thereof comprising at least 70 contiguous amino acids. More preferably, the fragment comprises at least 75 contiguous amino acids. Still more preferably, the fragment comprises at least 80 contiguous amino acids. Even more preferably, the fragment comprises at least 85 contiguous amino acids. Alternatively, the isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule consists essentially of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3 or a fragment thereof comprising at least 110 contiguous nucleotides. More preferably, the fragment comprises at least 115 contiguous nucleotides. Still more preferably, the fragment comprises at least 130 contiguous nucleotides. Even more preferably, the fragment comprises at least 150 contiguous nucleotides. In a further preferred embodiment, the isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule can hybridize under moderately stringent conditions to an isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule consisting essentially of the nucleotide sequence that is complementary to SEQ ID NO: 3 or a fragment thereof. Alternatively, but still preferably, the isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule can share 49% or more identity with SEQ ID NO: 3. Also preferably, the isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule can share 55% or more identity with SEQ ID NO: 3. More preferably, the isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule can share 70% or more identity with SEQ ID NO: 3. Still more preferably, the isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule can share 90% or more identity with SEQ ID NO: 3.

Alternatively, but still preferably, the isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule can encode the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:8 or a fragment thereof comprising at least 71 contiguous amino acids. Also preferably, the isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule can consist essentially of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7 or a fragment thereof comprising at least 110 contiguous nucleotides. More preferably, the fragment comprises at least 115 contiguous nucleotides. Still more preferably, the fragment comprises at least 120 contiguous nucleotides. Even more preferably, the fragment comprises at least 125 nucleotides. In a further preferred embodiment, the fragment can hybridize under moderately stringent conditions to an isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule consisting essentially of the nucleotide sequence that is complementary to SEQ ID NO: 7 or a fragment thereof. In an alternative embodiment, the isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule can share 41% or more identity with SEQ ID NO: 7. Alternatively, but still preferably, the isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule can share 55% or more identity with SEQ ID NO: 7. More preferably, the isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule can share 75% or more identity with SEQ ID NO: 7. Still more preferably, the isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule can share 90% or more identity with SEQ ID NO: 7.

An isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule consisting essentially of a nucleotide sequence encoding a variant TDC1 or a fragment thereof can comprise one or more insertions, deletions, inversions and/or substitutions. Desirably, the variant TDC1 does not differ functionally from the corresponding unmodified TDC1 or a fragment thereof comprising at least 314 contiguous nucleotides, such as that comprising SEQ ID NO: 1. Preferably, the one or more substitution(s) results in the substitution of an amino acid of the encoded TDC1 with another amino acid of approximately equivalent mass, structure and charge.

An isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule consisting essentially of a nucleotide sequence encoding a variant TDC2 or a fragment thereof can comprise one or more insertions, deletions, inversions and/or substitutions. Desirably, the variant TDC2 does not differ functionally from the corresponding unmodified TDC2 or a fragment thereof comprising at least 110 contiguous nucleotides, such as that comprising SEQ ID NO: 3. Preferably, the one or more substitution(s) results in the substitution of an amino acid of the encoded TDC2 with another amino acid of approximately equivalent mass, structure and charge.

The present invention also provides an isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule consisting essentially of a nucleotide sequence that is complementary to a nucleotide sequence encoding human TDC1 or a fragment thereof. Such an isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule preferably is complementary to a nucleotide sequence encoding the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 or a fragment thereof comprising at least 105 contiguous amino acids. More preferably, the fragment comprises at least 110 contiguous amino acids. Still more preferably, the fragment comprises at least 115 contiguous amino acids. Even more preferably, the fragment comprises at least 120 contiguous amino acids. Alternatively, but still preferably, the isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule is complementary to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or a fragment thereof comprising at least 314 contiguous nucleotides. In another preferred embodiment, the isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule hybridizes under moderately stringent conditions to an isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule consisting essentially of SEQ ID NO: 1 or a fragment thereof. Preferably, the isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule shares 43% or more identity with the nucleotide sequence that is complementary to SEQ ID NO: 1. More preferably, the isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule shares 50% or more identity with SEQ ID NO: 1. Even more preferably, the isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule shares 70% or more sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 1. Still more preferably, the isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule shares 90% or more sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 1. An isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule consisting essentially of a nucleotide sequence that is complementary to either of a nucleotide sequence encoding a variant TDC1 or a fragment thereof also can be obtained.

The present invention also provides an isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule consisting essentially of a nucleotide sequence that is complementary to either of a nucleotide sequence encoding human TDC2 or a fragment thereof. Such an isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule preferably is complementary to a nucleotide sequence encoding the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4 or a fragment thereof comprising at least 70 contiguous amino acids. More preferably, the fragment comprises at least 75 contiguous amino acids. Still more preferably, the fragment comprises at least 80 contiguous amino acids. Even more preferably, the fragment comprises at least 85 contiguous amino acids. Alternatively, but still preferably, the isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule is complementary to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3 or a fragment thereof comprising at least 110 contiguous nucleotides. In another preferred embodiment, the isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule hybridizes under moderately stringent conditions to an isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule consisting essentially of SEQ ID NO: 3 or a fragment thereof. Preferably, the isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule shares 49% or more identity with the nucleotide sequence that is complementary to SEQ ID NO: 3. More preferably, the isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule shares 55% or more identity with SEQ ID NO: 3. Even more preferably, the isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule shares 75% or more sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 3. Still more preferably, the isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule shares 90% or more sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 3. An isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule consisting essentially of a nucleotide sequence that is complementary to either of a nucleotide sequence encoding a variant TDC2 or a fragment thereof also can be obtained.

Whereas embodiments of the present invention are described in the context of applications to humans, the teachings set forth herein can be adapted to other animals as a matter of routine experimentation. For example, further disclosed herein are the sequences for a mouse TDC1 (SEQ ID NOS: 5 (nucleic acid) and 6 (amino acid)) and a mouse TDC2 (SEQ ID NOS: 7 (nucleic acid) and 8 (amino acid)). These sequences also can be used in the context of the present invention and constitute alternative preferred embodiments.

With respect to the above, one of ordinary skill in the art knows how to generate insertions, deletions, inversions and/or substitutions in a given nucleic acid molecule. See, for example, the references cited herein under "Example." It is preferred that the one or more substitution(s) result(s) in the substitution of an amino acid with another amino acid of approximately equivalent mass, structure and charge.

Also with respect to the above, "does not differ functionally from" is intended to mean that the variant transductin has activity characteristic of the unmodified transductin. In other words, it regulates a transductin-responsive gene. However, the variant transductin can be more or less active than the unmodified transductin as desired in accordance with the present invention.

An indication that polynucleotide sequences are substantially identical is if two molecules selectively hybridize to each other under moderately stringent conditions. The phrase "hybridizes to" refers to the selective binding of a single-stranded nucleic acid probe to a single-stranded target DNA or RNA sequence of complementary sequence when the target sequence is present in a preparation of heterogeneous DNA and/or RNA. "Moderately stringent conditions" are sequence-dependent and will be different in different circumstances. Generally, moderately stringent conditions are selected to be about 20.degree. C. lower than the thermal melting point (Tm) for the specific sequence at a defined ionic strength and pH. The Tm is the temperature (under defined ionic strength and pH) at which 50% of the target sequence hybridizes to a perfectly matched probe.

For example, under moderately stringent conditions, as that term is understood by one skilled in the art, hybridization is preferably carried out using a standard hybridization buffer at a temperature ranging from about 50.degree. C. to about 75.degree. C., even more preferably from about 60.degree. C. to about 70.degree. C., and optimally from about 65.degree. C. to about 68.degree. C. Alternately, formamide can be included in the hybridization reaction, and the temperature of hybridization can be reduced to preferably from about 35.degree. C. to about 45.degree. C., even more preferably from about 40.degree. C. to about 45.degree. C., and optimally to about 42.degree. C. Desirably, formamide is included in the hybridization reaction at a concentration of from about 30% to about 50%, preferably from about 35% to about 45%, and optimally at about 40%. Moreover, optionally, the hybridized sequences are washed (if necessary to reduce non-specific binding) under relatively highly moderately stringent conditions, as that term is understood by those skilled in the art. For instance, desirably, the hybridized sequences are washed one or more times using a solution comprising salt and detergent, preferably at a temperature of from about 50.degree. C. to about 75.degree. C., even more preferably at from about 60.degree. C. to about 70.degree. C., and optimally from about 65.degree. C. to about 68.degree. C. Preferably, a salt (e.g., such as sodium chloride) is included in the wash solution at a concentration of from about 0.01 M to about 1.0 M. Optimally, a detergent (e.g., such as sodium dodecyl sulfate) is also included at a concentration of from about 0.01% to about 1.0%.

The following are examples of highly stringent and moderately stringent conditions for a Southern hybridization in aqueous buffers (no formamide) (Sambrook and Russell, Molecular Cloning, 3rd Ed. SCHL Press (2001)) - see Original Patent.

In view of the above, "stringent conditions" preferably allow for about 20% mismatch, more preferably up to about 15% mismatch, and most preferably up to about 5% mismatch, such as 4%, 3%, 2%, or 1% mismatch. "At least moderately stringent conditions" preferably allow for up to about 40% mismatch, more preferably up to about 30% mismatch, and most preferably up to about 20% mismatch. "Low stringency conditions" preferably allow for up to about 60% mismatch, more preferably up to about 50% mismatch, and most preferably up to about 40% mismatch. With respect to the preceding ranges of mismatch, 1% mismatch corresponds to one degree decrease in the melting temperature.

The above isolated or purified nucleic acid molecules also can be characterized in terms of "percentage of sequence identity." In this regard, a given nucleic acid molecule as described above can be compared to a nucleic acid molecule encoding a corresponding gene (i.e., the reference sequence) by optimally aligning the nucleic acid sequences over a comparison window, wherein the portion of the polynucleotide sequence in the comparison window may comprise additions or deletions (i.e., gaps) as compared to the reference sequence, which does not comprise additions or deletions, for optimal alignment of the two sequences. The percentage of sequence identity is calculated by determining the number of positions at which the identical nucleic acid base occurs in both sequences, i.e., the number of matched positions, dividing the number of matched positions by the total number of positions in the window of comparison, and multiplying the result by 100 to yield the percentage of sequence identity. Optimal alignment of sequences for comparison may be conducted by computerized implementations of known algorithms (e.g., GAP, BESTFIT, FASTA, and TFASTA in the Wisconsin Genetics Software Package, Genetics Computer Group (GCG), 575 Science Dr., Madison, Wis., or BlastN and BlastX available from the National Center for Biotechnology Information, Bethesda, Md.), or by inspection. Sequences are typically compared using BESTFIT or BlastN with default parameters.

"Substantial sequence identity" means that at least 75%, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 90%, and most preferably at least 95% (such as 96%, 97%, 98% or 99%) of the sequence of a given nucleic acid molecule is identical to a given reference sequence. Typically, two polypeptides are considered to be substantially similar if at least 40%, preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 90%, and most preferably at least 95% (such as 96%, 97%, 98% or 99%) of the amino acids of which the polypeptides are comprised are identical to or represent conservative substitutions of the amino acids of a given reference sequence.

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, however, that two polynucleotide sequences can be substantially different at the nucleic acid level, yet encode substantially similar, if not identical, amino acid sequences, due to the degeneracy of the genetic code. The present invention is intended to encompass such polynucleotide sequences.

While the above-described nucleic acid molecules can be isolated or purified, alternatively they can be synthesized. Methods of nucleic acid synthesis are known in the art. See, e.g., the references cited herein under "Examples."

The above-described nucleic acid molecules can be used, in whole or in part (i.e., as fragments or primers), to identify and isolate corresponding genes from other organisms for use in the context of the present inventive method using conventional means known in the art. See, for example, the references cited herein under "Examples."

In view of the above, the present invention also provides a vector comprising an above-described isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule. A nucleic acid molecule as described above can be cloned into any suitable vector and can be used to transform or transfect any suitable host. The selection of vectors and methods to construct them are commonly known to persons of ordinary skill in the art and are described in general technical references (see, in general, "Recombinant DNA Part D," Methods in Enzymology, Vol. 153, Wu and Grossman, eds., Academic Press (1987) and the references cited herein under "Examples"). Desirably, the vector comprises regulatory sequences, such as transcription and translation initiation and termination codons, which are specific to the type of host (e.g., bacterium, fungus, plant or animal) into which the vector is to be introduced, as appropriate and taking into consideration whether the vector is DNA or RNA. Preferably, the vector comprises regulatory sequences that are specific to the genus of the host. Most preferably, the vector comprises regulatory sequences that are specific to the species of the host.

Constructs of vectors, which are circular or linear, can be prepared to contain an entire nucleic acid sequence as described above or a portion thereof ligated to a replication system functional in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic host cell. Replication systems can be derived from ColE1, 2 m.mu. plasmid, .lamda., SV40, bovine papillomavirus, and the like.

In addition to the replication system and the inserted nucleic acid, the construct can include one or more marker genes, which allow for selection of transformed or transfected hosts. Marker genes include biocide resistance, e.g., resistance to antibiotics, heavy metals, etc., complementation in an auxotrophic host to provide prototrophy, and the like.

Suitable vectors include those designed for propagation and expansion or for expression or both. A preferred cloning vector is selected from the group consisting of the pUC series the pBluescript series (Stratagene, LaJolla, Calif.), the pET series (Novagen, Madison, Wis.), the pGEX series (Pharmacia Biotech, Uppsala, Sweden), and the pEX series (Clonetech, Palo Alto, Calif.). Bacteriophage vectors, such as .lamda.GT10, .lamda.GT11, .lamda.ZapII (Stratagene), .lamda. EMBL4, and .lamda. NM1149, also can be used. Examples of plant expression vectors include pBI101, pBI101.2, pBI101.3, pBI121 and pBIN19 (Clonetech, Palo Alto, Calif.). Examples of animal expression vectors include pEUK-C1, pMAM and pMAMneo (Clonetech).

An expression vector can comprise a native or normative promoter operably linked to an isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule as described above. The selection of promoters, e.g., strong, weak, inducible, tissue-specific and developmental-specific, is within the skill in the art. Similarly, the combining of a nucleic acid molecule as described above with a promoter is also within the skill in the art.

Also in view of the above, the present invention provides a cell comprising an isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule or a vector as described above. Examples of suitable cells include, but are not limited to, a human cell, a human cell line, E. coli, (e.g., E. coli TB-1, TG-2, DH5.alpha., XL-Blue MRF' (Stratagene), SA2821 and Y1090) B. subtilis, P. aerugenosa, S. cerevisiae, and N. crassa.

The present invention further provides an isolated or purified polypeptide molecule consisting essentially of an amino acid sequence encoding TDC1 or a fragment thereof comprising at least 95 contiguous amino acids, either one of which is optionally glycosylated, amidated, carboxylated, phosphorylated, esterified, N-acylated or converted into an acid addition salt. The isolated or purified polypeptide molecule is preferably obtained from a mammalian source. Even more preferably, the mammalian source is a human. The isolated or purified polypeptide molecule can be encoded by the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 or a fragment thereof comprising at least 285 contiguous nucleotides. Preferably, the isolated or purified polypeptide molecule consists essentially of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 or a fragment thereof comprising at least 95 contiguous amino acids. More preferably, the fragment comprises at least 100 contiguous amino acids. Still more preferably, the fragment comprises at least 105 contiguous amino acids. Even more preferably, the fragment comprises at least 110 contiguous amino acids. Alternatively, but still preferably, the isolated or purified polypeptide molecule shares 24% or more identity with SEQ ID NO: 2. More preferably, the isolated or purified polypeptide molecule shares 30% or more identity with SEQ ID NO: 2. Still more preferably, the isolated or purified polypeptide molecule shares 45% or more identity with SEQ ID NO: 2. Even more preferably, the isolated or purified polypeptide molecule shares 65% or more identity with SEQ ID NO: 2.

In a further embodiment, the isolated or purified polypeptide molecule can be encoded by the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 5 or a fragment thereof comprising at least 285 contiguous nucleotides. Additionally, the isolated or purified polypeptide molecule can consist essentially of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6 or a fragment thereof comprising at least 95 contiguous amino acids. More preferably, the fragment comprises at least 100 contiguous amino acids. Still more preferably, the fragment comprises at least 115 contiguous amino acids. Even more preferably, the fragment comprises at least 130 contiguous amino acids. Alternatively, the isolated or purified polypeptide molecule shares 25% or more identity with SEQ ID NO: 6. More preferably, the isolated or purified polypeptide molecule shares 30% or more identity with SEQ ID NO: 6. Still more preferably, the isolated or purified polypeptide molecule shares 45% or more identity with SEQ ID NO: 6. Even more preferably, the isolated or purified polypeptide molecule shares 65% or more identity with SEQ ID NO: 6.

An isolated or purified polypeptide molecule consisting essentially of an amino acid sequence encoding a variant TDC1 or a fragment thereof can comprise at least 95 contiguous amino acids, which is optionally glycosylated, amidated, carboxylated, phosphorylated, esterified, N-acylated or converted into an acid addition salt. Still preferably, the fragment comprises at least 100 contiguous amino acids. Still more preferably, the fragment comprises at least 105 contiguous amino acids. Even more preferably, the fragment comprises at least 110 contiguous amino acids.

The present invention further provides an isolated or purified polypeptide molecule consisting essentially of an amino acid sequence encoding TDC2 or a fragment thereof comprising at least 71 contiguous amino acids, either one of which is optionally glycosylated, amidated, carboxylated, phosphorylated, esterified, N-acylated or converted into an acid addition salt. The isolated or purified polypeptide molecule is preferably obtained from a mammalian source. Even more preferably, the mammalian source is a human. The isolated or purified polypeptide molecule can be encoded by the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3 or a fragment thereof comprising at least 213 contiguous nucleotides. Preferably, the isolated or purified polypeptide molecule consists essentially of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4 or a fragment thereof comprising at least 71 contiguous amino acids. More preferably, the fragment comprises at least 75 contiguous amino acids. Still more preferably, the fragment comprises at least 90 contiguous amino acids. Even more preferably, the fragment comprises at least 105 contiguous amino acids. Alternatively, but still preferably, the isolated or purified polypeptide molecule shares 31% or more identity with SEQ ID NO: 4. More preferably, the isolated or purified polypeptide molecule shares 40% or more identity with SEQ ID NO: 4. Still more preferably, the isolated or purified polypeptide molecule shares 55% or more identity with SEQ ID NO: 4. Even more preferably, the isolated or purified polypeptide molecule shares 75% or more identity with SEQ ID NO: 4.

In a further embodiment, the isolated or purified polypeptide molecule can be encoded by the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7 or a fragment thereof comprising at least 213 contiguous nucleotides. Preferably, the isolated or purified polypeptide molecule consists essentially of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8 or a fragment thereof comprising at least 71 contiguous amino acids. More preferably, the fragment comprises at least 75 contiguous amino acids. Still more preferably, the fragment comprises at least 90 contiguous amino acids. Even more preferably, the fragment comprises at least 105 contiguous amino acids. Alternatively, but still preferably, the isolated or purified polypeptide molecule shares 34% or more identity with SEQ ID NO: 8. More preferably, the isolated or purified polypeptide molecule shares 40% or more identity with SEQ ID NO: 8. Still more preferably, the isolated or purified polypeptide molecule shares 55% or more identity with SEQ ID NO: 8. Even more preferably, the isolated or purified polypeptide molecule shares 75% or more identity with SEQ ID NO: 8.

An isolated or purified polypeptide molecule consisting essentially of an amino acid sequence encoding a variant TDC2 or a fragment thereof can comprise at least 71 contiguous amino acids, which is optionally glycosylated, amidated, carboxylated, phosphorylated, esterified, N-acylated or converted into an acid addition salt. Still preferably, the fragment comprises at least 75 contiguous amino acids. Still more preferably, the fragment comprises at least 90 contiguous amino acids. Even more preferably, the fragment comprises at least 115 contiguous amino acids.

The polypeptide preferably comprises an amino end and a carboxyl end. The polypeptide can comprise D-amino acids, L-amino acids or a mixture of D- and L-amino acids. The D-form of the amino acids, however, is particularly preferred since a polypeptide comprised of D-amino acids is expected to have a greater retention of its biological activity in vivo, given that the D-amino acids are not recognized by naturally occurring proteases.

The polypeptide can be prepared by any of a number of conventional techniques. The polypeptide can be isolated or purified from a naturally occurring source or from a recombinant source. For instance, in the case of recombinant polypeptides, a DNA fragment encoding a desired peptide can be subcloned into an appropriate vector using well-known molecular genetic techniques (see, e.g., Maniatis et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 2nd ed. (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1989); and Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 2nd ed. Cold Spring Harbor Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., 1989). The fragment can be transcribed and the polypeptide subsequently translated in vitro. Commercially available kits can also be employed (e.g., such as manufactured by Clontech, Palo Alto, Calif.; Amersham Life Sciences, Inc., Arlington Heights, Ill.; InVitrogen, San Diego, Calif., and the like). The polymerase chain reaction optionally can be employed in the manipulation of nucleic acids. In addition, the polypeptide or fragment thereof can be glycosylated in accordance with methods known in the art.

Alterations of the native amino acid sequence to produce variant polypeptides can be done by a variety of means known to those skilled in the art. For instance, site-specific mutations can be introduced by ligating into an expression vector a synthesized oligonucleotide comprising the modified site. Alternately, oligonucleotide-directed site-specific mutagenesis procedures can be used such as disclosed in Walder et al., Gene, 42, 133 (1986); Bauer et al., Gene, 37, 73 (1985); Craik, Biotechniques, 12 19 (January 1995); and U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,518,584 and 4,737,462.

With respect to the above isolated or purified polypeptides, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that insertions, deletions, inversions and/or substitutions in a nucleotide sequence coding for functional domains of the transductin molecule can lead to a non-functional transductin molecule. Preferably, any variants, as described above, would contain mutations such as insertions, deletions, inversions and/or substitutions in domains which are not critical for transductin activity. For example, as an integral membrane protein, an insertion, inversion, deletion and/or substitution to the transmembrane domain of the transductin molecule may render the molecule unable to insert into the membrane, thus rendering it ineffective as a channel through the cell membrane. Alternatively, the mutation as described above may affect the ability of the channel pore domain to move molecules across the cell membrane. Other domains which are critical for transductin activity can be identified by determining if a mutation(s) to those domains causes a decrease in transductin activity.

Any appropriate expression vector (e.g., as described in Pouwels et al., Cloning Vectors: A Laboratory Manual (Elsevior, N.Y.: 1985)) and corresponding suitable host can be employed for production of recombinant polypeptides. Expression hosts include, but are not limited to, bacterial species within the genera Escherichia, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Salmonella, mammalian or insect host cell systems including baculovirus systems (e.g., as described by Luckow et al., Bio/Technology, 6, 47 (1988)), and established cell lines such as the COS-7, C127, 3T3, CHO, HeLa, BHK cell line, and the like. The ordinary skilled artisan is, of course, aware that the choice of expression host has ramifications for the type of polypeptide produced. For instance the glycosylation of polypeptides produced in yeast or mammalian cells (e.g., COS-7 cells) will differ from that of polypeptides produced in bacterial cells such as Escherichia coli.

Alternately, the polypeptide (including the variant peptides) can be synthesized using standard peptide synthesizing techniques well-known to those of skill in the art (e.g., as summarized in Bodanszky, Principles of Peptide Synthesis, (Springer-Verlag, Heidelberg: 1984)). In particular, the polypeptide can be synthesized using the procedure of solid-phase synthesis (see, e.g., Merrifield, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 85, 2149 54 (1963); Barany et al., Int. J. Peptide Protein Res., 30, 705 739 (1987); and U.S. Pat. No. 5,424,398). If desired, this can be done using an automated peptide synthesizer. Removal of the t-butyloxycarbonyl (t-BOC) or 9-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (Fmoc) amino acid blocking groups and separation of the polypeptide from the resin can be accomplished by, for example, acid treatment at reduced temperature. The polypeptide-containing mixture can then be extracted, for instance, with dimethyl ether, to remove non-peptidic organic compounds, and the synthesized polypeptide can be extracted from the resin powder (e.g., with about 25% w/v acetic acid). Following the synthesis of the polypeptide, further purification (e.g., using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)) optionally can be done in order to eliminate any incomplete polypeptides or free amino acids. Amino acid and/or HPLC analysis can be performed on the synthesized polypeptide to validate its identity. For other applications according to the invention, it may be preferable to produce the polypeptide as part of a larger fusion protein, either by chemical conjugation, or through genetic means, such as are known to those skilled in the art.

If desired, the polypeptides of the invention (including variant polypeptides) can be modified, for instance, by glycosylation, amidation, carboxylation, or phosphorylation, or by the creation of acid addition salts, amides, esters, in particular C-terminal esters, and N-acyl derivatives of the polypeptides of the invention. The polypeptides also can be modified to create polypeptide derivatives by forming covalent or noncovalent complexes with other moieties in accordance with methods known in the art. Covalently-bound complexes can be prepared by linking the chemical moieties to functional groups on the side chains of amino acids comprising the polypeptides, or at the N- or C-terminus.

Thus, in this regard, the present invention also provides a conjugate comprising an above-described isolated or purified polypeptide molecule or fragment thereof and a targeting moiety. Preferably, the targeting moiety is an antibody or an antigenically reactive fragment thereof. Alternatively, the targeting moiety can be a reporter group, including, but not limited to a radiolabel, a fluorescent label, an enzyme (e.g., that catalyzes a colorimetric or fluorometric reaction), a substrate, a solid matrix, or a carrier (e.g., biotin or avidin). Methods of conjugation are known in the art. In addition, conjugate kits are commercially available.

The present invention also provides a composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and either (i) an above-described isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule or fragment thereof, (ii) an above-described vector, (iii) an above-described polypeptide molecule or fragment thereof, or (iv) an above-described conjugate comprising an above-described isolated or purified polypeptide molecule or fragment thereof and a targeting moiety. Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers are well-known in the art, and are readily available. The choice of carrier will be determined in part by the particular route of administration and whether a nucleic acid molecule or a polypeptide molecule (or conjugate thereof) is being administered. Accordingly, there is a wide variety of suitable formulations for use in the context of the present invention, and the invention expressly provide a pharmaceutical composition that comprises an active agent of the invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor. The following methods and carriers are merely exemplary and are in no way limiting.

Formulations suitable for oral administration can consist of (a) liquid solutions, such as an effective amount of the compound dissolved in diluent, such as water, saline, or orange juice; (b) capsules, sachets or tablets, each containing a predetermined amount of the active ingredient, as solids or granules; (c) suspensions in an appropriate liquid; and (d) suitable emulsions. Tablet forms can include one or more of lactose, mannitol, corn starch, potato starch, microcrystalline cellulose, acacia, gelatin, colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, talc, magnesium stearate, stearic acid, and other excipients, colorants, diluents, buffering agents, moistening agents, preservatives, flavoring agents, and pharmacologically compatible excipients. Lozenge forms can comprise the active ingredient in a flavor, usually sucrose and acacia or tragacanth. Pastilles can comprise the active ingredient in an inert base, such as gelatin and glycerin, or sucrose and acacia, emulsions, gels, and the like containing, in addition to the active ingredient, such excipients/carriers as are known in the art.

An active agent of the present invention, either alone or in combination with other suitable components, can be made into aerosol formulations to be administered via inhalation. These aerosol formulations can be placed into pressurized acceptable propellants, such as dichlorodifluoromethane, propane, nitrogen, and the like. They also can be formulated as pharmaceuticals for non-pressured preparations such as in a nebulizer or an atomizer.

Formulations suitable for parenteral administration include aqueous and non-aqueous, isotonic sterile injection solutions, which can contain anti-oxidants, buffers, bacteriostats, and solutes that render the formulation isotonic with the blood of the intended recipient, and aqueous and non-aqueous sterile suspensions that can include suspending agents, solubilizers, thickening agents, stabilizers, and preservatives. The formulations can be presented in unit-dose or multi-dose sealed containers, such as ampules and vials, and can be stored in a freeze-dried (lyophilized) condition requiring only the addition of the sterile liquid excipient, for example, water, for injections, immediately prior to use. Extemporaneous injection solutions and suspensions can be prepared from sterile powders, granules, and tablets of the kind previously described.

Additionally, active agents of the present invention can be made into suppositories by mixing with a variety of bases such as emulsifying bases or water-soluble bases. Formulations suitable for vaginal administration can be presented as pessaries, tampons, creams, gels, pastes, foams, or spray formulas containing, in addition to the active ingredient, such carriers as are known in the art to be appropriate. Further suitable formulations are found in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 17th ed., (Mack Publishing Company, Philadelphia, Pa.: 1985), and methods of drug delivery are reviewed in, for example, Langer, Science, 249, 1527 1533 (1990).

A targeting moiety also can be used in the contact of a cell with an above-described isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule. In this regard, any molecule that can be linked with the therapeutic nucleic acid directly or indirectly, such as through a suitable delivery vehicle, such that the targeting moiety binds to a cell-surface receptor, can be used. The targeting moiety can bind to a cell through a receptor, a substrate, an antigenic determinant or another binding site on the surface of the cell. Examples of a targeting moiety include an antibody (i.e., a polyclonal or a monoclonal antibody), an immunologically reactive fragment of an antibody, an engineered immunoprotein and the like, a protein (target is receptor, as substrate, or regulatory site on DNA or RNA), a polypeptide (target is receptor), a peptide (target is receptor), a nucleic acid, which is DNA or RNA (i.e., single-stranded or double-stranded, synthetic or isolated and purified from nature; target is complementary nucleic acid), a steroid (target is steroid receptor), and the like.

Analogs of targeting moieties that retain the ability to bind to a defined target also can be used. In addition, synthetic targeting moieties can be designed, such as to fit a particular epitope. Alternatively, the therapeutic nucleic acid can be encapsulated in a liposome comprising on its surface the targeting moiety.

The targeting moiety includes any linking group that can be used to join a targeting moiety to, in the context of the present invention, an above-described nucleic acid molecule. It will be evident to one skilled in the art that a variety of linking groups, including bifunctional reagents, can be used. The targeting moiety can be linked to the therapeutic nucleic acid by covalent or non-covalent bonding. If bonding is non-covalent, the conjugation can be through hydrogen bonding, ionic bonding, hydrophobic or van der Waals interactions, or any other appropriate type of binding.

Further provided by the present invention is a cell line that produces a monoclonal antibody that is specific for an above-described isolated or purified polypeptide molecule. Methods of making such cell lines are known in the art (see, e.g., the references cited herein under "Examples."). Preferably, the cells from which the cell line is created are pluripotent stem cells. Even more preferably, the cells are totipotent stem cells. Thus, the present invention also provides the monoclonal antibody produced by the cell line.

The invention further provides methods for detecting hearing loss or a predisposition to hearing loss in an animal. In one embodiment, the method comprises detecting at least one mutation such as 1714G.fwdarw.A (D572N), 100C.fwdarw.T (R34X), 1534C.fwdarw.T (R512X), 295 del A (frameshift and premature termination), 1960 A.fwdarw.G (M654V), IVS3_IVS5del27 kb, IVS13+1G.fwdarw.A, or IVS10-8T.fwdarw.A, in a gene encoding TDC1 in a test sample comprising a nucleic acid comprising the TDC1 gene, and/or a polymorphism thereof, obtained from the animal, wherein the at least one mutation is indicative of hearing loss or a predisposition to hearing loss in the animal. In another embodiment, the method comprises detecting at least one mutation in a gene encoding TDC2 in a test sample comprising a nucleic acid comprising the TDC2 gene, and/or a polymorphism thereof, obtained from the animal, wherein the at least one mutation is indicative of hearing loss or a predisposition to hearing loss in the animal. The hearing loss can be hereditary, and can further be sensorineural hearing loss. The method can further be used to treat nonsyndromic autosomal-dominant hearing loss. The hearing loss can also be aminoglycoside induced. Furthermore, the hearing loss can be linked to DFNA 36. The method also has application wherein the at least one mutation compromises the ability of the TDC1/TDC2 gene product to form a component of a hair cell of the inner ear of the animal. The component of the hair cell can be all or some of an ion transduction channel of the hair cell of the inner ear of the animal. Alternatively, the at least one mutation can compromise the mechanosensory activity of the TDC1/TDC2 gene product.

The at least one mutation (e.g., at least two mutations, at least three mutations, at least four mutations, at least five mutations, or even at least ten mutations) in a gene encoding transductin is defined herein as any one or more mutations in the gene encoding transductin which is/are indicative of hearing loss or a predisposition to hearing loss in an animal. The at least one mutation can be, for example, any frame-shift mutations, missense mutations and/or nonsense mutations, arising from any insertion, duplication, deletion, inversion, and/or substitution in a gene encoding transductin. The at least one mutation can cause transcriptional, post-transcriptional, translational, and/or post-translational processing errors, e.g., a translation error wherein translation begins at a codon encoding a methionine other than the first methionine of the transductin gene (e.g., a codon encoding the third methionine of the transductin gene). Moreover, the at least one mutation in the transductin gene can cause one or more splicing errors (i.e., splicing mutations), such that a mutant transductin gene is produced. Alternatively, or in addition to, the at least one mutation in the transductin gene can be a mutation that causes transcriptional, post-transcriptional, translational, and/or post-translational processing of the transductin gene to stop prematurely, thereby leading to the expression of a truncated form of transductin. The at least one mutation can also cause a decreased efficiency of transcriptional, post-transcriptional, translational, and/or post-translational processing of the transductin gene product. Moreover, the at least one mutation in the transductin gene can be associated with a compromised ability of the transductin gene product to function normally, as compared to wild-type transductin.

The at least one mutation in the transductin gene can be detected at one or more nucleic acid positions of the transductin gene, e.g., within any coding region, and/or regulatory region of the transductin gene. The at least one mutation in the transductin gene is indicative of hearing loss or a predisposition to hearing loss in the animal if, for example, the at least one mutation compromises the transmembrane domain allowing the transductin molecule to traverse the cell membrane. The at least one mutation in the transductin gene also is indicative of hearing loss or a predisposition to hearing loss in an animal if it compromises the ability of the transductin molecule from associating with other such molecules to form an ion channel. Moreover, the at least one mutation in the transductin gene is indicative of hearing loss or a predisposition to hearing loss in an animal if the at least one mutation compromises the ability of the transductin gene product to become activated, as compared to wild-type transductin; or compromises the ability of the channel complex to channel ions across a cell membrane.

The transductin gene in a test sample obtained from an animal can be amplified using any suitable amplification method known in the art, e.g., polymerase chain reaction (PCR); reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR); ligase chain reaction (LCR) (disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,883,750); isothermal amplification (disclosed in Walker et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89: 392 396 (1992)); strand displacement amplification (SDA); and repair chain reaction (RCR). Target-specific sequences also can be detected using a cyclic probe reaction (CPR). Moreover, alternative methods for reverse transcription are described in WO 90/07641.

Any primer sequences can be used in the amplification process, as long as the primer sequences are hybridizable to nucleic acids encoding a wild-type transductin gene, a mutant transductin gene, and/or functional sequence analogs thereof. For example, M13-tailed primers can be used in the amplification process.

The nucleic acid used as a template for amplification can be isolated from a test sample using any standard methodology (Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 2.sup.nd Ed., Cold Spring Harbor Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., 1989). Alternatively, or in addition to, chromatographic techniques can be employed to effect separation. It will be understood that there are many kinds of chromatography which can be used in the context of the method, e.g., adsorption, partition, ion-exchange and molecular sieve, and many specialized techniques for using them including column, paper, thin-layer and gas chromatography (Freifelder, Physical Biochemistry Applications to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 2.sup.nd Ed., Wm. Freeman and Co., New York, N.Y. (1982)).

Amplification products must be visualized in order to confirm amplification of the transductin gene. One typical visualization method involves staining of a gel with ethidium bromide and visualization under UV light. Alternatively, if the amplification products are integrally labeled with radio- or fluorometrically-labeled nucleotides, the amplification products can then be exposed to x-ray film or visualized under the appropriate stimulating spectra, following separation. In one embodiment, visualization is achieved indirectly. Following separation of amplification products, a labeled, nucleic acid probe is brought into contact with and allowed to hybridize with the amplified transductin gene sequence. The probe preferably is conjugated to a chromophore, but may be radiolabeled. In another embodiment, the probe is conjugated to a binding partner, such as an antibody or biotin, where the other member of the binding pair carries a detectable moiety (i.e., a label). One example of the foregoing is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,279,721, which discloses an apparatus and method for the automated electrophoresis and transfer of nucleic acids.

When hybridization is employed, preferably, the hybridization is done under high stringency conditions. By "high stringency conditions" is meant that the probe specifically hybridizes to a target sequence in an amount that is detectably stronger than non-specific hybridization. High stringency conditions, then, are conditions that distinguish a polynucleotide with an exact complementary sequence, or one containing only a few scattered mismatches from a random sequence that happened to have a few small regions (e.g., 3 10 bases) that matched the probe. Such small regions of complementarity are more easily melted than a full-length complement of 14 17 or more bases, and moderate stringency hybridization makes them easily distinguishable. Relatively high stringency conditions include, for example, low salt and/or high temperature conditions, such as provided by about 0.02 0.1 M NaCl or the equivalent, at temperatures of about 50 70.degree. C. Such relatively high stringency conditions tolerate little, if any, mismatch between the probe and the template or target strand, and are particularly suitable for detecting expression of specific transductins. It is generally appreciated that conditions can be rendered more stringent by the addition of increasing amounts of formamide.

The at least one mutation can be detected by sequencing the transductin gene, and comparing the sequence to the wild-type sequence. Alternatively, the at least one mutation may be detected by Southern blot hybridization, a method well known in the art. Yet another alternative is by allele-specific PCR amplification of genomic DNA.

In addition to the above, the invention provides a method of determining the level of nucleic acid comprising the wild-type TDC1 gene and/or a mutant TDC1 gene in a test sample comprising a nucleic acid comprising the wild-type TDC1 gene and/or a mutant TDC1 gene obtained from an animal. The method comprises assaying the test sample for the level of nucleic acid comprising the wild-type TDC1 gene and/or a mutant TDC1 gene, wherein a decrease in the level of nucleic acid comprising the wild-type TDC1 gene and/or an increase in the level of nucleic acid comprising a mutant TDC1 gene in the test sample as compared to a control sample is indicative of hearing loss (e.g., hearing loss) or a predisposition to hearing loss in the animal.

In addition to the above, the invention provides a method of determining the level of nucleic acid comprising the wild-type TDC2 gene and/or a mutant TDC2 gene in a test sample comprising a nucleic acid comprising the wild-type TDC2 gene and/or a mutant TDC2 gene obtained from an animal. The method comprises assaying the test sample for the level of nucleic acid comprising the wild-type TDC2 gene and/or a mutant TDC2 gene, wherein a decrease in the level of nucleic acid comprising the wild-type TDC2 gene and/or an increase in the level of nucleic acid comprising a mutant TDC2 gene in the test sample as compared to a control sample is indicative of hearing loss (e.g., hearing loss) or a predisposition to hearing loss in the animal.

A wild-type transductin gene is defined herein is any transductin gene that encodes an transductin gene product that has (i.e., possesses) cation channel capabilities across a cell membrane. A mutant transductin gene is defined herein as any transductin gene that encodes a transductin gene product which has a compromised ability (e.g., little or no ability) to channel cations across a cell membrane, as compared to wild-type transductin.

The level of a wild-type transductin gene and/or a mutant transductin gene in a test sample obtained from an animal is defined herein as the quantity of nucleic acid comprising a wild-type transductin gene and/or the quantity of nucleic acid comprising a mutant transductin gene in the test sample. "Decreased" and "increased" levels of the wild-type transductin gene and/or a mutant transductin gene are determined by a comparison of the level of wild-type and/or mutant transductin genes present in a test sample obtained from an animal to any suitable control test sample. Suitable control test samples include, for example, a test sample obtained from the same animal at a different point in time and a test sample obtained from a different animal of the same species.

Various assays can be used to measure the presence and/or level of nucleic acid (i.e., DNA or RNA) comprising a wild-type transductin gene and/or a mutant transductin gene present in a test sample obtained from an animal. For example, assays including PCR and microarray analysis can be used to detect the presence and/or absence of the wild-type transductin gene and/or a mutant transductin gene, as described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,197,506 and 6,040,138. Moreover, it is understood that the type of assay used depends on whether the nucleic acid of interest being assayed is DNA or RNA. Assays for determining the level of DNA comprising a wild-type transductin gene and/or a mutant transductin gene in a test sample include, for example, Southern hybridization (i.e., a Southern blot), in situ hybridization and microarray analysis. Assays for determining the level of RNA (e.g., mRNA) comprising a wild-type transductin gene and/or a mutant transductin gene in a test sample include, for example, Northern hybridization (i.e., a Northern blot), in situ hybridization and microarray analysis.

It is also understood that a nucleic acid sequence that specifically binds to, or associates with, a nucleic acid comprising a gene encoding transductin, whether DNA or RNA, can be attached to a label for determining hybridization. A wide variety of appropriate labels are known in the art, including, for example, fluorescent, radioactive, and enzymatic labels, as well as ligands (e.g., avidin/biotin), which are capable of being detected. Preferably, a fluorescent label or an enzyme tag, such as urease, alkaline phosphatase or peroxidase, is used instead of a radioactive or other environmentally undesirable label. In the case of enzyme tags, colorimetric indicator substrates are known which can be employed to provide a detection system that is visible spectrophotometrically, or even visible to the human eye to identify specific hybridization with complementary transductin nucleic acid-containing samples.

The invention also provides for the use of the method in prognosticating hearing loss (e.g., hearing loss) in an animal. The method comprises determining the level of nucleic acid comprising the wild-type TDC1/TDC2 gene and/or a mutant TDC1/TDC2 gene in a test sample comprising a nucleic acid comprising the wild-type TDC1/TDC2 gene and/or a mutant TDC1/TDC2 gene obtained from the animal, and comparing the level of nucleic acid comprising the wild-type TDC1/TDC2 gene and/or a mutant TDC1/TDC2 gene in the test sample to the level of nucleic acid comprising the wild-type TDC1/TDC2 gene and/or a mutant TDC1/TDC2 gene, respectively, in another test sample obtained from the animal over time, wherein a decrease in the level of nucleic acid comprising the wild-type TDC1/TDC2 gene and/or an increase in the level of nucleic acid comprising a mutant TDC1/TDC2 gene is indicative of an unfavorable prognosis, an increase in the level of the nucleic acid comprising the wild-type TDC1/TDC2 gene and/or a decrease in the level of the nucleic acid comprising a mutant TDC1/TDC2 gene is indicative of a favorable prognosis, and no change in the level of nucleic acid comprising the wild-type TDC1/TDC2 gene and/or a mutant TDC1/TDC2 gene is indicative of no change in the hearing loss.

The invention also provides for the use of the method in assessing the efficacy of treatment of hearing loss in the animal with a given anti-hearing loss agent. The method comprises comparing the level of nucleic acid comprising the wild-type TDC1/TDC2 gene and/or a mutant TDC1/TDC2 gene in the test sample to the level of nucleic acid comprising the wild-type TDC1/TDC2 gene and/or a mutant TDC1/TDC2 gene, respectively, in another test sample obtained from the animal over time, wherein a decrease in the level of nucleic acid comprising the wild-type TDC1/TDC2 gene and/or an increase in the level of nucleic acid comprising a mutant TDC1/TDC2 gene is indicative of the anti-hearing loss agent being effective, an increase in the level of the nucleic acid comprising the wild-type TDC1/TDC2 gene and/or a decrease in the level of the nucleic acid comprising a mutant TDC1/TDC2 gene is indicative of the anti-hearing loss agent being ineffective, and no change in the level of nucleic acid comprising the wild-type TDC1/TDC2 gene and/or a mutant TDC1/TDC2 gene is indicative of no change in the hearing loss due to treatment with the anti-hearing loss agent.

A mutant transductin gene product also can be detected in a test sample obtained from an animal and is indicative of hearing loss or a predisposition to hearing loss in the animal. Accordingly, the present invention further provides a method for detecting hearing loss or a predisposition to hearing loss in an animal comprising detecting a mutant transductin in a test sample comprising protein comprising transductin obtained from the animal, wherein the presence of a mutant transductin in the test sample is indicative of hearing loss or a predisposition to hearing loss in the animal. Examples of such mutations, which are indicative of hearing loss or a predisposition to hearing loss, have been described above. Thus, the method comprises detecting a mutant TDC1/TDC2 in a test sample comprising protein comprising TDC1/TDC2 obtained from the animal, wherein the presence of a mutant TDC1/TDC2 in the sample is indicative of hearing loss, or a predisposition to hearing loss in the animal. The hearing loss can be hereditary, sensorineural hearing loss, nonsyndromic autosomal-dominant, and/or DFNA 36-linked hearing loss. The ability of the mutant TDC1/TDC2 to form a component of a hair cell of the inner ear of the animal can be compromised. The ability of the mutant TDC1/TDC2 to form all or some of an on transduction channel of the hair cell of the inner ear of the animal can be compromised. The mechanosensory activity of the mutant TDC1/TDC2 can also be compromised.

The levels of wild-type TDC1/TDC2 and/or a mutant TDC1/TDC2 also can be determined. Accordingly, the invention also provides a method of determining the level of wild-type TDC1/TDC2 and/or a mutant TDC1/TDC2 in a test sample comprising protein comprising wild-type TDC1/TDC2 and/or a mutant TDC1/TDC2 obtained from an animal. The method comprises assaying the test sample for the level of wild-type TDC1/TDC2 and/or a mutant TDC1/TDC2, wherein a decrease in the level of wild-type TDC1/TDC2 and/or an increase in the level of a mutant TDC1/TDC2 in the test sample as compared to a control sample (as described previously) is indicative of hearing loss or a predisposition to hearing loss in the animal.

Various assays (i.e., immunobinding assays) are contemplated for detecting and/or measuring the quantity of wild-type transductin and/or a mutant transductin in a test sample obtained from an animal. For example, separate and distinct antibodies can be prepared and employed to detect wild-type transductin and a mutant transductin, respectively. Alternatively, wild-type transductin and a mutant transductin can be utilized to detect antibodies having reactivity therewith. The steps of various useful immunodetection assays have been described, for example, in Nakamura et al., Handbook of Experimental Immunology (4.sup.th Ed)., Vol. 1, Chapter 27, Blackwell Scientific Publ., Oxford (1987); Nakamura et al., Enzyme Immunoassays: Heterogenous and Homogenous Systems, Chapter 27 (1987). Suitable immunoassays include, for example, Western hybridization (i.e., Western blots), immunoaffinity purification, immunoaffinity detection, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (e.g., an ELISA), and radioimmunoassay. Moreover, a microarray can be used to detect and/or measure the levels of wild-type transductin and/or a mutant transductin in a test sample obtained from an animal.

In general, the immunobinding assays involve obtaining a test sample suspected of containing a protein, peptide, polypeptide, and/or antibody corresponding to wild-type transductin and/or a mutant transductin, and contacting the test sample with one or more antibodies under conditions effective to allow the formation of immunocomplexes. It is suitable, for example, to contact concurrently, or sequentially, a test sample obtained from an animal with an antibody that is specific to wild-type transductin and with an antibody that is specific to a mutant transductin.

Any suitable antibody can be used in conjunction with the present invention such that the antibody is specific for wild-type transductin. Likewise, any suitable antibody can be used in conjunction with the present invention such that the antibody is specific for a mutant transductin. In particular, suitable antibodies recognize and interact with (i.e., bind to) one or more portions of wild-type transductin and with one or more portions of a mutant transductin. Moreover, suitable antibodies include antibodies that recognize and interact with other antibodies present in a test sample that bind to wild-type transductin. Likewise, suitable antibodies include antibodies that recognize and interact with other antibodies present in a test sample that bind to a mutant transductin. Antibodies for use in the present inventive methods can be produced by any known technique, e.g., as described in Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (1988).

Contacting a test sample comprising a protein comprising wild-type transductin and/or a mutant transductin with an antibody or antibodies that recognize wild-type transductin and/or a mutant transductin under conditions effective, and for a period of time sufficient, to allow for formation of immune complexes (primary immune complexes) is generally a matter of adding the antibody to the test sample and incubating the mixture for a period of time long enough for the antibodies to form immune complexes with wild-type transductin and/or a mutant transductin. Detection of immunocomplex formations can be achieved through the application of numerous techniques which are well-known in the art. These detection methods are generally based upon the detection of a label or marker, such as any radioactive, fluorescent, biological a enzymatic labels of standard use in the art, as described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,817,837, 3,850,752, 3,939,350, 3,996,345, 4,277,437, 4,275,149 and 4,366,241. Of course, additional advantages can be realized by using a secondary binding ligand, such as a second antibody or a biotin/avidin ligand binding arrangement, as is known in the art.

The antibody or antibodies which is/are used in the context of the present invention can, themselves, be linked to a detectable label. Such a detectable label allows for the presence of, or the amount of, the primary immune complexes to be determined. Alternatively, the first added component that becomes bound within the primary immune complexes can be detected by means of a second binding ligand that has binding affinity for the first antibody. In these cases, the second binding ligand is, itself, often an antibody, which can be termed a "secondary" antibody. The primary immune complexes are contacted with the labeled, secondary binding ligand, or antibody, under conditions effective and for a period of time sufficient to allow the formation of secondary immune complexes. The secondary immune complexes are then washed to remove any non-specifically bound labeled secondary antibodies or ligands, and the remaining label in the secondary immune complexes is then detected.

Further methods include the detection of primary immune complexes by a two-step approach. A second binding ligand, such as an antibody, that has binding affinity for the first antibody is used to form secondary immune complexes, as described above. After washing, the secondary immune complexes are contacted with a third binding ligand or antibody that has binding affinity for the second antibody, again under conditions effective and for a period of time sufficient to allow the formation of immune complexes (tertiary immune complexes). The third ligand or antibody is linked to a detectable label, allowing detection of the tertiary immune complexes thus formed.

The invention also provides for the use of the method in prognosticating hearing loss in an animal. The method comprises comparing the level of wild-type TDC1/TDC2 and/or a mutant TDC1/TDC2 in the test sample to the level of wild-type TDC1/TDC2 and/or a mutant TDC1/TDC2, respectively, in another test sample obtained from the animal over time, wherein a decrease in the level of wild-type TDC1/TDC2 and/or an increase in the level of a mutant TDC1/TDC2 is indicative of an unfavorable prognosis, an increase in the level of the wild-type TDC1/TDC2 and/or a decrease in the level of a mutant TDC1/TDC2 is indicative of a favorable prognosis, and no change in the level of the wild-type TDC1/TDC2 and/or a mutant TDC1/TDC2 gene is indicative of no change in the hearing loss.

The invention also provides for the use of the method in assessing the efficacy of treatment of hearing loss in an animal. The method comprises comparing the level of wild-type TDC1/TDC2 and/or a mutant TDC1/TDC2 in the test sample to the level of wild-type TDC1/TDC2 and/or a mutant TDC1/TDC2, respectively, in another test sample obtained from the animal over time, wherein a decrease in the level of the wild-type TDC1/TDC2 and/or an increase in the level of a mutant TDC1/TDC2 is indicative of the anti-hearing loss agent being effective, an increase in the level of the wild-type TDC1/TDC2 and/or a decrease in the level of a mutant TDC1/TDC2 is indicative of the anti-hearing loss agent being ineffective, and no change in the level of the wild-type TDC1/TDC2 and/or a mutant TDC1/TDC2 is indicative of no change in the hearing loss due to treatment with the anti-hearing loss agent.

The invention also provides a method of treating an animal prophylactically or therapeutically for hearing loss (e.g., hearing loss), wherein the hearing loss is due to a complete or partial loss of wild-type TDC1/TDC2, which method comprises providing TDC1/TDC2 to the animal, whereupon the animal is treated prophylactically or therapeutically for hearing loss. Use of the terms "prophylactically," "prophylaxis," and derivatives of these terms is not meant to be limited to absolute prevention of hearing loss, but also less than 100% prevention of hearing loss. The ordinarily skilled artisan will appreciate that a less than 100% prevention of hearing loss may still be beneficial to an animal, and thus contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention. The hearing loss can be hereditary, sensorineural hearing loss, nonsyndromic autosomal-dominant, and/or DFNA 36-linked hearing loss. The ability of the mutant TDC1/TDC2 to form a component of a hair cell of the inner ear of the animal can be compromised. The ability of the mutant TDC1/TDC2 to form all or some of an on transduction channel of the hair cell of the inner ear of the animal can be compromised. The mechanosensory activity of the mutant TDC1/TDC2 also can be compromised.

Any suitable method can be used for administering or providing transductin to an animal, wherein the transductin enters the nucleus and/or cytoplasm of one or more hearing loss cells (e.g., one or more hearing loss cells) of the animal and functions within the cell(s) in a manner which is typical of wild-type transductin. For example, transductin can be provided to the animal by administering to the animal the wild-type transductin protein, or a portion thereof (e.g., two or more different forms of wild-type transductin). Moreover, transductin can be provided to an animal through administration of a fusion protein comprising wild-type transductin, or a portion thereof, operably linked to one or more moieties of interest (e.g., two or more, three or more, four or more, or five or more therapeutic moieties, such as anti-hearing loss agents, and/or any compounds which stimulate transductin). In another embodiment, transductin is provided to an animal through administration of a nucleic acid encoding and expressing wild-type transductin, or a portion thereof. Moreover, transductin can be provided to an animal through administration of a nucleic acid encoding and expressing a fusion protein comprising wild-type transductin, or a portion thereof, operably linked to one or more moieties of interest. The administered nucleic acid can be in any suitable form. For example, the administered nucleic acid can be naked DNA or RNA. Moreover, the administered nucleic acid can be part of any suitable vector or vector system. Suitable vectors for use in the method include, for example, plasmid vectors, retroviral vectors, adenoviral vectors, adeno-associated viral vectors, vaccinia virus, sindbis virus, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, defective hepatitis B viruses, and any other vector or vector system known in the art. Fusion proteins and nucleic acids encoding and expressing fusion proteins can be produced using any standard methods of recombinant production and synthesis known in the art, as described, for example, in Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 2.sup.nd Ed., Cold Spring Harbor Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., 1989.

In view of the above, also provided is a composition. The composition comprises (i) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and (ii) transductin or a portion thereof; a fusion protein comprising transductin or a portion thereof, operably linked to one or more moieties of interest; a nucleic acid encoding and expressing transductin or a portion thereof; and/or a nucleic acid encoding and expressing a fusion protein comprising transductin or a portion thereof, operably linked to one or more moieties of interest.

The carrier can be any suitable carrier. Preferably, the carrier is a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. With respect to compositions, the carrier can be any of those conventionally used and is limited only by chemico-physical considerations, such as solubility and lack of reactivity with transductin, and by the route of administration. It will be appreciated by one of skill in the art that, in addition to the above-described composition, the compositions of the present inventive methods can be formulated as inclusion complexes, such as cyclodextrin inclusion complexes, or liposomes. The pharmaceutically acceptable carriers described herein, for example, vehicles, adjuvants, excipients, and diluents, are well-known to those skilled in the art and are readily available to the public. It is preferred that the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier be one which is chemically inert to transductin and one which has no detrimental side effects or toxicity under the conditions of use.

As is understood in the art, the choice of carrier is dependent on several factors, e.g., the type of hearing loss being treated and the route of administration of the composition. Such a choice of carrier for use in the composition of the present invention is well within the ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, there are a variety of suitable formulations of the composition of the present invention. Such formulations include but, are not limited to, oral, aerosol, parenteral, subcutaneous, intravenous, intramuscular, interperitoneal, rectal, and vaginal formulations.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that suitable methods of administering a composition of the invention to an animal, in particular a human, are available, and, although more than one route can be used to administer a particular compound, a particular route can provide a more immediate and more effective reaction than another route.

Desirably, gene replacement therapy would be employed to treat therapeutically hereditary deafness in a mammal resulting from a mutation or deletion of TDC1 and/or TDC2. Methods of constructing vectors encoding therapeutic genes are known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Such constructs include viral vectors, preferably adenoviral or adeno-associated viral vectors, naked DNA, plasmid vector, and other genetic constructs. The vectors can be delivered by any method known in the art. Ideally, these vectors would be delivered to the animal transtympanically.

The dose administered to an animal, in particular a human, should be sufficient to treat the hearing loss prophylactically or therapeutically. One skilled in the art will recognize that dosage will depend upon a variety of factors including the strength of the particular composition employed, as well as the age, species, condition, and body weight of the animal. The size of the dose will also be determined by the route, timing, and frequency of administration as well as the existence, nature, and extent of any adverse side-effects that might accompany the administration of a particular composition and the desired physiological effect.

Suitable doses and dosage regimens can be determined by conventional range-finding techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Generally, a composition is initially administered in smaller dosages, which are less than the optimum dose of the composition. Thereafter, the dosage is increased by small increments until the optimum effect under the circumstances is reached.

Also provided is a method of identifying one or more agent(s) which interact with a mechanotransduction channel of a cell of an animal. This method comprises administering one or more agent(s) to the mechanotransduction channel and assaying the mechanotransduction activity of the mechanotransduction channel, wherein an increase or decrease in the mechanotransduction activity of the mechanotransduction channel is indicative of an interaction between one or more agents and the mechanotransduction channel of the cell of the animal. Preferably, the cell used in the present method would be a hair cell of the inner ear of the animal.

The activity of the mechanotransduction can be measured by techniques known to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the channel of ions across a cell membrane to create a electropotential can be measured as generally described by Corey et al., Ionic basis of the receptor potential in a vertebrate hair cell, Nature 281: 675 77 (1979), and Hudspeth et al., Sensitivity, polarity, and conductance change in response of vertebrate hair cells to controlled mechanical stimuli, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 74(6): 2407 11 (1977).

Further provided is a method of identifying one or more agent(s) which interact with a TDC1 gene and/or a TDC2 gene in a cell, comprising administering one or more agents to the cell comprising the TDC1 gene and/or the TDC2 gene and assaying the expression level of the TDC1 gene and/or the TDC2 gene by the cell as described herein, supra, wherein an increase or decrease in the expression level of the TDC1 gene and/or the TDC2 gene, as the terms have been described, supra, is indicative of an interaction between one or more agents and the TDC1 gene and/or the TDC2 gene in the cell.

The ordinarily skilled artisan will recognize that several methods of assaying the expression level of the TDC1 gene and/or the TDC2 gene exist. For example, mRNA can be quantified by a Northern blot analysis using a polynucleotide synthesized to hybridize to mRNA encoding TDC1 and/or TDC2. The polynucleotide can be attached to a probe, or can contain a radioisotope to facilitate detection of specific hybridization of mRNA encoding TDC1 and/or TDC2. Alternatively, the level of expression of the TDC1 gene and/or the TDC2 gene can also be assayed by quantifying the TDC1 and/or TDC2 polypeptide produced by the cell. For example, the cells to which the one or more agents have been administered can be contacted with a monoclonal antibody specific to TDC1 or TDC2. Antibody assays for protein are also well-known in the art as described, supra.
 

Claim 1 of 28 Claims

1. An isolated or purified nucleic acid molecule comprising SEQ ID NO: 3.
 

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