Therapeutic methods employing PAI-1 inhibitors and transgenic non-human animal for screening candidate PAI-1 inhibitors Number:7,057,086 from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) owispatent A method of testing a candidate composition for PAI-1 inhibition activity is disclosed. The method includes the steps of obtaining a transgenic non-human warm blooded vertebrate animal having incorporated into its genome a PAI-1 gene encoding a biologically active PAI-1 polypeptide, the PAI-1 gene being present in the genome in a copy number effective to confer over-expression in the transgenic non-human animal of the PAI-1 polypeptide; administering the composition to the transgenic non-human animal; and observing the transgenic non-human animal for determination of a change in the transgenic non-human animal indicative of inhibition of the activity of PAI-1. A transgenic non-human animal useful in such a method is also disclosed, as is a PAI-1 transgene construct encoding a biologically active PAI-1 polypeptide useful for preparing the transgenic non-human animal.<H Therapeutic, inhibitors, Therapeutic, met, 7057086.html, Patent, pto, 7057086

Title: Therapeutic methods employing PAI-1 inhibitors and transgenic non-human animal for screening candidate PAI-1 inhibitors

Abstract: A method of testing a candidate composition for PAI-1 inhibition activity is disclosed. The method includes the steps of obtaining a transgenic non-human warm blooded vertebrate animal having incorporated into its genome a PAI-1 gene encoding a biologically active PAI-1 polypeptide, the PAI-1 gene being present in the genome in a copy number effective to confer over-expression in the transgenic non-human animal of the PAI-1 polypeptide; administering the composition to the transgenic non-human animal; and observing the transgenic non-human animal for determination of a change in the transgenic non-human animal indicative of inhibition of the activity of PAI-1. A transgenic non-human animal useful in such a method is also disclosed, as is a PAI-1 transgene construct encoding a biologically active PAI-1 polypeptide useful for preparing the transgenic non-human animal.

Patent Number: 7,057,086 Issued on 06/06/2006 to Vaughan, et al.

Inventors: Vaughan; Douglas E. (Nashville, TN); Eren; Mesut (Nashville, TN); Declerck; Paul J. (Leuven, BE)
Assignee: Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN)

Appl. No.: 368995

Filed: February 19, 2003

Current U.S. Class: 800/18 ; 435/320.1; 536/24.1; 800/3

Current International Class: A01K 67/027 (20060101); C07H 21/04 (20060101); C12N 15/00 (20060101); G01N 33/00 (20060101)

Field of Search: 800/3,13,18 536/23.5,24.1 435/320.1

References Cited [Referenced By]

U.S. Patent Documents


5422245	June 1995	Nielsen et al.
5980938	November 1999	Berg et al.

Foreign Patent Documents


WO 90/13648	Nov., 1990	WO

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Primary Examiner: Guzo; David
Assistant Examiner: Nguyen; Quang
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Jenkins, Wilson & Taylor, P.A.

Parent Case Text

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/358,061, filed Feb. 19, 2002, and entitled THERAPEUTIC METHODS EMPLOYING PAI-1 INHIBITORS AND TRANSGENIC NON-HUMAN ANIMAL FOR SCREENING CANDIDATE PAI-1 INHIBITORS, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A transgenic mouse having incorporated into its genome a plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) gene encoding a biologically active PAI-1 polypeptide operably linked to a murine preproendothelin-1 promoter, the PAI-1 gene being present in said genome in a copy number effective to confer overexpression in the transgenic mouse of the PAI-1 polypeptide resulting in a phenotype selected from the group consisting of alopecia, absence of subcutaneous fat, hepatosplenomegaly, skin fibrotic lesions, facial fibrotic lesions, age-dependent spontaneous coronary arterial thrombosis, and combinations thereof.

2. A method of testing a candidate composition for PAI-1 inhibition activity, the method comprising: (a) obtaining a transgenic mouse having incorporated into its genome a plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) gene encoding a biologically active PAI-1 polypeptide operably linked to a murine preproendothelin-1 promoter, the PAI-1 gene being present in said genome in a copy number effective to confer overexpression in the transgenic mouse of the PAI-1 polypeptide resulting in a phenotype selected from the group consisting of alopecia, absence of subcutaneous fat, hepatosplenomegaly, skin fibrotic lesions, facial fibrotic lesions, age-dependent spontaneous coronary arterial thrombosis, and combinations thereof; (b) admInistering a candidate composition to the transgenic mouse; and (c) observing the transgenic mouse in step (b), wherein an ameliorating change in the phenotype of the transgenic mouse is indicative of inhibition of the activity of PAI-1.

3. A transgenic mouse having incorporated into its genome a plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) gene encoding a biologically active PAI-1 polypeptide operably linked to a murine preproendothelin-1 promoter, the PAI-1 gene being present in said genome in a copy number effective to confer overexpression in the transgenic mouse of the PAI-1 polypeptide resulting in alopecia.

4. The transgenic mouse of claim 3, wherein the PAI-1 gene is further defined as comprising a human PAI-1 polypeptide-encoding nucleic acid segment.

5. The transgenic mouse of claim 3, wherein the expression of the PAI-1 polypeptide is conferred in hair-producing tissue of the transgenic mouse.

6. A method of testing a candidate composition for PAI-1 inhibition activity, said method comprising: (a) obtaining a transgenic mouse having incorporated into its genome a plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) gene encoding a biologically active PAI-1 polypeptide operably linked to a murine preproendothelin-1 promoter, the PAI-1 gene being present in said genome in a copy number effective to confer overexpression in the transgenic non-human animal of the PAI-1 polypeptide resulting in alopecia; (b) administering the composition to the transgenic mouse; and (c) observing the transgenic mouse in step (b), wherein an ameliorating change in the transgenic mouse indicative of inhibition of the activity of PAI-1, wherein the ameliorating change is selected from the group consisting of hair growth, a reduction of hair loss, prevention of hair loss, and combinations thereof.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the PAI-1 gene is further defined as comprising a human PAI-1 polypeptide-encoding nucleic acid segment.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the expression of the PAI-1 polypeptide is conferred in hair-producing tissue of the transgenic mouse, and the change indicative of inhibition of PAI-1 activity is observed in the hair-producing tissue.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates, in general, to therapeutic methods for warm-blooded vertebrate animals and to transgenes and non-human transgenic animals. More particularly, the present invention relates to a construct comprising a plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (abbreviated as PAI-1) gene encoding a biologically active PAI-1 polypeptide and a vector. Also, the present invention relates to a transgenic non-human vertebrate animal having such a PAI-1 gene incorporated into its genome, for instance, a transgenic mouse, and a method of employing such transgenic animals to test candidate compositions to determine if they have PAI-1 inhibition activity. Furthermore, the present invention relates to employing PAI-1 activity-inhibiting compositions in a method of treating warm-blooded vertebrate animals.

TABLE-US-00001 Table of Abbreviations ACEI angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor AIIRA angiotensin II receptor antagonist BAC bacterial artificial chromosome COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ECM extracellular matrix .mu.M micromolar MMP matrix metallo-protease mPPET-1 mouse preproendothelin-1 p5.9 plasmid containing the mouse preproendothelin-1 (mPPET-1) gene promoter PA plasminogen activator PAI plasminogen activator inhibitor PAI-1 plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 PAI-1-stab stable mutant plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 RCL reactive center loop tPA tissue-type PA uPA urokinase-type PA VN vitronectin VNBS VN binding site YAC yeast artificial chromosome

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The plasminogen activator (PA) system has an important role in controlling endogenous fibrosis and regulating the extracellular matrix (ECM) proteolysis relevant to tissue remodeling (Gabazza, E. C., et al., Lung, 177:253, 1999). The tissue-type PA (tPA) and urokinase-type PA (uPA) converts plasminogen to plasmin, which enhances proteolytic degradation of the ECM. An important mechanism in the regulation of PA activity is the inhibition of uPA or tPA by three major inhibitors, which are PAI-1, PAI-2, and PAI-3 (Kruithof, E. K., Enzyme, 40:113, 1998). Thus, as is well known, the plasminogen activator/plasmin system plays a critical role in fibrinolysis, cellular migration, and matrix remodeling. More specifically, Stefansson and Lawrence, Nature, 1996; 383:441 3, describes how PAI-1 blocks cell migration. Furthermore, Nar, et al., Journal of Molecular Biology, 2000; 297(3):683 95, describe the structure of PAI-1. Carmeliet, et al., J. Clin. Invest., 1993; 92:2746 2755, describe mice lacking sufficient PAI-1.

To elaborate, plasminogen is converted to its active form, plasmin, by serine proteases tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) (Sprengers E D, Kluft C. Plasminogen activator inhibitors. Blood 1987; 69: 381 7). Plasmin has a broad spectrum of proteolytic activities such as degradation of fibrin, activation of matrix metallo-proteases (MMPs) that degrade extracellular matrix (ECM) and play important roles in tissue remodeling. The t-PA activated plasminogen system is primarily responsible for degradation of fibrin. The balance between plasminogen activators (PA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) predominantly determines the plasma fibrinolytic activity (Rosenberg R D, Aird W C, 1999. Vascular-bed-specific hemostasis and hypercoagulable states. New England Journal of Medicine. 340:1555 1564). The u-PA activated plasminogen system functions in cell migration and tissue remodeling. The activation of plasminogen system is regulated either by inhibition of t-PA or u-PA by plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1) (Francis R B Jr, Kawanishi D, Baruch T, Mahrer P, Rahimtoola S, Feinstein D I. Impaired fibrinolysis in coronary artery disease. Am Heart J 1988; 115:776 80) or by inhibition of plasmin by .alpha..sub.2-antiplasmin (Booth N A. Natural inhibitors of fibrinolysis. In Bloom A L, Forbes C D, Thomas D P and Tuddenham E G D (eds) Haemostasis and Thrombosis, 3.sup.rd edin, pp699 717. Edinburg: Churchill Livingstone, 1994).

Plasma PAI-1 appears to mainly originate from the vascular endothelium, adipose tissue, and the liver (Loskutoff D J, N Y T, Sawdey M, Lawrence D., Journal of Cellular Biochemistry, 1986; 32:273 80; Samad F, Yamamoto K, Loskutoff D J, Journal of Clinical Investigation 1996; 97:37 46; Chomiki N, Henry M, Alessi M C, Anfosso F, Juhan-Vague I., Thrombosis & Haemostasis 1994; 72:44 53) and large quantities of which is stored by platelets and secreted upon platelet aggregation (Declerck P J, Alessi M C, Verstreken M, Kruithof E K, Juhan-Vague 1, Collen D., Blood 1988; 71:220 5). PAI-1 and t-PA exist in plasma in 4:1 molar ratio (Vaughan D E, Rouleau J-L, Ridker P M, Arnold J M O, Menapace F J, Pfeffer M A. Effects of ramipril on plasma fibrinolytic balance in patients with acute anterior myocardial infarction. Circulation 1997; 96:442 447) and PAI-1 in circulation has a T.sub.1/2 of approximately 5 minutes and is removed via a hepatic clearance mechanism (Vaughan D E, Declerck P J, Van Houtte E, De Mol M, Collen D., Circulation Research 1990; 67:1281 6).

Only a fraction of the secreted, active PAI-1 reacts with plasma t-PA, and forms inert, covalent complexes. Majority of PAI-1 in plasma and PAI-1 in the extracellular matrix of blood vessels binds to a 75 kD glycoprotein vitronectin (VN). The PAI-1-vitronectin complex may represent the physiologically relevant form of the inhibitor in the extracellular matrix (Keijer J, Ehrlich H J, Linders M, Preissner K T, Pannekoek H., Journal of Biol. Chem. 1991; 266:10700 7).

PAI-1 production is stimulated by a number of factors such as inflammatory cytokines, e.g. interleukin-I (IL-1) (Emeis J J, Kooistra, T., Journal of Experimental Medicine 1986; 163:1260 6) and tumor necrosis factor .alpha. (TNF.alpha.), transforming growth factor .beta. (TGF.beta.) (Sawdey M, Podor T J, Loskutoff D J. Journal of Biological Chemistry 1989; 264:10396 401), epidermal growth factor (EGF), thrombin (Dichek D, Quertermous T. Blood 1989; 74:222 8) and insulin (Alessi M C, Juhan-Vague 1, Kooistra T, Declerck P J, Collen D., Thrombosis & Haemostasis 1988; 60:491 4). The infusion of endotoxin has also stimulated PAI-1 levels in plasma (Emeis J J, Kooistra. T., Journal of Experimental Medicine 1986; 163:1260 6; Colucci M, Paramo J A and Collen D., J. Clin Invest 1985; 75:818 24). Angiotensin II (Ang II) and angiotensin IV (Ang IV) also stimulate induction of PAI-1 transcription in vascular tissue in vitro and and in vivo (Vaughan D E, Lazos S A, Tong K., Journal of Clinical Investigation 1995; 95:995 1001; Feener E P, Northrup J M, Aiello L P, King G L., Journal of Clinical Investigation 1995; 95:1353 62).

The reactive center loop (RCL) of PAI-1 serves as the suicide inhibitory substrate for t-PA and u-PA by forming a covalent complex with PAs after its RCL is cleaved at .sup.346Arg -.sup.347Met bond (P1-P1') (Aertgeerts K, De Bondt H L, De Ranter C, Declerck P J., Journal of Structural Biology 1994; 113:23 9 45; Kruithof E K; Tran-Thang C, Ransijn A, Bachmann F., Blood 1984; 64:907 13). PAI-1 spontaneously acquires a thermodynamically more stable but functionally inactive latent form (Declerck P J, De Mol M, Alessi MC, et al., Journal of Biological Chemistry 1988; 263:15454 61). A series of amino acid substitutions (N150H, K154T, Q301P, Q315L and M354I) resulted in stabilization of reactive center loop of human PAI-1 in the active conformation (referred to as PAI-1-stab) and extended the T.sub.1/2 of the enzyme from 2.5 hrs to >145 hrs at 37.degree. C. in vitro (M. B. Berkenpas, D. A. Lawrence and D. Ginsburg, EMBO J. (1995) 14: 2969 2977). Clinical evidence linking PAI-1 with arterial and venous thrombosis stresses physiological importance of PAI-1 (Wiman B, Ljungberg B, Chmielewska J, Urden G, Blomback M, Johnsson H., J Lab Clin Med 1985; 105:265 70; Auwerx, J., Bouillon R, Collen D, Geboers, J., Arteriosclerosis 1988; 8:68 72; Margaglione M, Di Minno G, Grandone E, et al., Arterioscler Thromb 1994;14:1741 5; Thogersen A M, Jansson J H, Boman K, et al., Circulation 1998; 98:2241 7; Juhan-Vague 1, Valadier J, Alessi M C, et al., Thrombosis & Haemostasis 1987; 57:67 72).

Despite the above-described efforts, there remains a need in the art for further characterization of the biological role of PAI-1. An animal model to facilitate such characterization is also needed. The present invention addresses these and other needs in the art.

SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

A method of treating a warm-blooded vertebrate animal having a medical condition in need of treatment with a composition that exhibits PAI-1 inhibition activity is disclosed. The method comprises administering a treatment effective amount of the composition to a warm-blooded animal having a medical condition selected from the group consisting of alopecia, undesired weight loss, Alzheimer's Disease, systemic amyloidosis, myelofibrosis, nephrosclerosis, pattern baldness, and combinations thereof; and observing an improvement in the medical condition in the warm-blooded animal having the medical condition.

A transgenic non-human warm-blooded vertebrate animal having incorporated into its genome a PAI-1 gene encoding a biologically active PAI-1 polypeptide is also disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the PAI-1 gene is present in the genome of the animal in a copy number effective to confer overexpression in the animal of the PAI-1 polypeptide.

A transgene construct comprising an isolated PAI-1 gene encoding a biologically active PAI-1 polypeptide cloned into a vector is also disclosed.

A method of testing a candidate composition for PAI-1 inhibition activity is also disclosed. The method comprises obtaining a transgenic non-human warm blooded vertebrate animal having incorporated into its genome a PAI-1 gene encoding a biologically active PAI-1 polypeptide, the PAI-1 gene being present in the animal's genome in a copy number effective to confer overexpression in the animal of the PAI-1 polypeptide; administering the composition to the animal; and observing the animal for determination of a change in the animal indicative of inhibition of the activity of PAI-1.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a novel method of treating disorders with a PAI-1 activity-inhibiting composition. It is another object to provide a transgenic animal having a PAI gene incorporated into its genome to confer overexpression of PAI-1, as well as a method of using the animal for testing candidate compositions to determine if they are effective for inhibiting PAI-1 biological activity. These and other objects are achieved in whole or in part by the present invention.

Some of the objects of the invention having been stated above, other objects will become evident as the description proceeds, when taken in connection with the accompanying Figures and Examples as best described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 depicts a preferred embodiment of a stable PAI-1 transgene construct.

FIG. 2 is a photograph comparing transgenic mice PAI-1.stab +/+ (left) and PAI-1.stab +/- (right), with a wild type mouse (center) to illustrate the extent of epidermal phenotype in the transgenic mice.

FIG. 3 is a set of photographs comparing hemotoxylin and eosin stained spleen sections from a wild type mouse (left upper and left lower) and a transgenic mouse (right upper and right lower). Upper photographs are at 10.times.magnification and lower photographs are at 60.times.magnification.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains in part to the pathological consequences of impaired activation of plasminogen system by chronic overexpression of active human PAI-1 under the control of mPPET-1 promoter. Disclosed herein is the remarkable phenotypic alterations exhibited by newly engineered lines of transgenic mice that overexpress a stable variant of human PAI-1 under the control of the mPPET-1 promoter. These transgenic animals manifest time-dependent alopecia areata, hepatosplenomegaly, and evidence of extramedullary hematopoeisis. Microscopic examination of the spleen and liver reveals that enlargement and architectural disruption in both organs are due to extracellular matrix and amyloid deposition, and in spleen, also due to hematopoetic precursors (including megakaryocytes). These animals also exhibit glomerulosclerosis and renal fibrosis. Taken together, these findings indicate that PAI-1 influences a broad spectrum of processes involving cellular migration and matrix proteolysis, which findings are useful for determining the pathogenesis and providing the treatment of disorders as complex as systemic amyloidosis and myelofibrosis, and as pervasive as pattern baldness.

Thus, the present invention provides, in one embodiment, therapeutic methods for treating vascular thrombic disorders, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Alzheimer's Disease, myelofibrosis, wasting disorders characterized by weight loss (e.g. anorexia, AIDS, etc.), systemic amyloidosis, alopecia, male pattern baldness, glomerulosclerosis, keloids, apocrine cysts, acne, atherosclerosis, aging, a wound, and combinations thereof, in subjects in need of such treatment.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a transgenic non-human vertebrate animal having a PAI-1 gene incorporated into its genome. Preferably, the incorporation of the PAI-1 gene results in the overexpression of PAI-1 in the animal. More preferably, the animal is a transgenic mouse. Also provided is a construct comprising a PAI-1 gene encoding a biologically active PAI-1 polypeptide and a vector. The construct is preferably employed in the production of the transgenic non-human animal of the present invention.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of employing such transgenic animals to test candidate compositions to determine if they have PAI-1 inhibition activity.

Before the present therapeutic methods as well as the present transgenic animals and uses thereof are described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, protocols, cell lines, animal species or genera, constructs, and reagents described as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which will be limited only by the appended claims.

It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "and", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a construct" includes a plurality of such constructs and reference to "the PAI-1-encoding nucleic acid" includes reference to one or more PAI-1-encoding nucleic acids and to equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods, devices and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the preferred methods, devices and materials are now described.

All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference for the purpose of describing and disclosing, for example, the cell lines, constructs, and methodologies that are described in the publications, which might be used in connection with the presently described invention. The publications discussed above and throughout the text are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the inventors are not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention.

I. Definitions

"Antibodies" refers to whole antibodies and antibody fragments or molecules including antibody fragments, including, but not limited to, single chain antibodies, humanized antibodies, and Fab, F(ab').sub.2, V.sub.h, V.sub.l, Fd, and single or double chain Fv fragments.

The term "medical condition associated with PAI-1 biological activity" can include any medical condition associated with PAI-1 biological activity. Preferably, this term includes but is not limited to a medical condition selected from the group consisting of vascular thrombic disorders, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), alopecia, undesired weight loss (such as associated with anorexia or with a disease characterized by wasting--e.g., AIDS), Alzheimer's Disease, nephrosclerosis (including but not limited to glomerulosclerosis), arteriosclerosis (such as atherosclerosis), systemic amyloidosis, myelofibrosis, pattern baldness (e.g., male or female), keloids, apocrine cysts, acne, aging, a wound, and combinations thereof. Glomerulosclerosis includes but is not limited to diabetic and non-diabetic glomerulosclerosis.

The term "phenomena associated with PAI-1 biological activity" can include any phenomena associated with PAI-1 biological activity, including those observed in a medical condition associated with PAI-1 biological activity. Representative phenomena include but are not limited to hair loss, hepatosplenomegaly, extramedullary hematopoeisis, systemic amyloid deposition, cerebral amyloid deposition, and combinations thereof.

The term "aging" is meant to include all physiological effects of the process of aging, including effects on brain and mental function as well as physical appearance and condition. By way of additional example, "skin aging" includes skin atrophy and means the thinning and/or general degradation of the dermis caused by free radical damage that is often characterized by an alteration and degeneration of collagen and/or elastin. In epidermis, markers of degeneration include lipofuscin granules and loss of rete pegs. Skin aging may be caused by either intrinsic or extrinsic factors such as natural chronoaging, photodamage, burns, or chemical damage.

The term "transgene" is used herein to describe genetic material that has been or is about to be artificially inserted into the genome of a warm-blooded vertebrate animal, particularly a cell of a living animal.

By "transformation" is meant a permanent or transient genetic change, preferably a permanent genetic change, induced in a cell following incorporation of new DNA (i.e., DNA exogenous to the cell). Where the cell is a mammalian cell, a permanent genetic change is generally achieved by introduction of the DNA into the genome of the cell.

By "transgenic animal" is meant a non-human animal, usually a mammal (e.g., mouse, rat, rabbit, hamster, etc.), having a non-endogenous (i.e., heterologous) nucleic acid sequence present as an extrachromosomal element in a portion of its cells or stably integrated into its germ line DNA (i.e., in the genomic sequence of most or all of its cells). A heterologous nucleic acid is introduced into the germ line of such transgenic animals by genetic manipulation of, for example, embryos or embryonic stem cells of the host animal.

A "knock-out" of a gene means an alteration in the sequence of the gene that results in a decrease of function of the target gene, preferably such that target gene expression is undetectable or insignificant. A knock-out of an endogenous PAI-1 gene means that function of the PAI-1 gene has been substantially decreased so that expression is not detectable or only present at insignificant levels. "Knock-out" transgenics can be transgenic animals having a heterozygous knock-out of the PAI-1 gene or a homozygous knock-out of the PAI-1 gene. "Knock-outs" also include conditional knock-outs, where alteration of the target gene can occur upon, for example, exposure of the animal to a substance that promotes target gene alteration, introduction of an enzyme that promotes recombination at the target gene site (e.g., Cre in the Cre-lox system), or other method for directing the target gene alteration postnatally.

A "knock-in" of a target gene means an alteration in a host cell genome that results in altered expression (e.g., increased (including ectopic)) of the target gene, e.g., by introduction of an additional copy of the target gene, or by operatively inserting a regulatory sequence that provides for enhanced expression of an endogenous copy of the target gene.

"Knock-in" transgenics of interest for the present invention can be transgenic animals having a knock-in of the animal's endogenous PAI-1. Such transgenics can be heterozygous knock-in for the PAI-1 gene, homozygous for the knock-in of the PAI-1 gene. "Knock-ins" also encompass conditional knock-ins as defined above.

By "construct" is meant a recombinant nucleic acid, generally recombinant DNA, which has been generated for the purpose of the expression of a specific nucleotide sequence(s), or is to be used in the construction of other recombinant nucleotide sequences.

By "operably linked" is meant that a DNA sequence and a regulatory sequence(s) are connected in such a way as to permit gene expression when the appropriate molecules (e.g., transcriptional activator proteins) are bound to the regulatory sequence(s).

By "operatively inserted" is meant that a nucleotide sequence of interest is positioned adjacent a nucleotide sequence that directs transcription and translation of the introduced nucleotide sequence of interest (i.e., facilitates the production of, e.g., a polypeptide encoded by a PAI-1 sequence).

The term "subject" as used herein refers to any invertebrate or vertebrate species. The methods of the present invention are particularly useful in the treatment of warm-blooded vertebrates. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the invention concerns mammals and birds.

The term "about", as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as an amount of weight, time, dose, etc. is meant to encompass variations of .+-.20% or .+-.10%, more preferably .+-.5%, even more preferably .+-.1%, and still more preferably .+-.0.1% from the specified amount, as such variations are appropriate to perform the disclosed method.

II. Therapeutic Methods

A method of treating a warm-blooded vertebrate animal having a medical condition in need of treatment with a composition that exhibits PAI-1 inhibition activity is provided in accordance with the present invention. In a preferred embodiment the method comprises administering a treatment effective amount of the composition to a warm-blooded animal having a medical condition selected from one group consisting of alopecia, undesired weight loss, Alzheimer's Disease, systemic amyloidosis, myelofibrosis, pattern baldness, nephrosclerosis (including but not limited to glomerulosclerosis), arteriosclerosis (such as atherosclerosis), systemic amyloidosis, myelofibrosis, male pattern baldness, keloids, apocrine cysts, acne, aging, a wound, and combinations thereof and observing an improvement in the medical condition in the warm-blooded animal having the medical condition. Thus, although it is not applicants' desire to be bound by any particular theory of operation, the observation of an improvement in the medical condition is believed to indicative of inhibition activity of PAI-1.

Animals so treated can be warm-blooded vertebrates, for instance, mammals and birds. More particularly, the animal can be selected from the group consisting of rodent, swine, bird, ruminant, and primate. Even more particularly, the animal can be selected from the group consisting of a mouse, a rat, a pig, a guinea pig, poultry, an emu, an ostrich, a goat, a cow, a sheep, and a rabbit. Most particularly, the animal can be a primate, such as an ape, a monkey, a lemur, a tarsier, a marmoset, or a human.

Thus, provided is the treatment of mammals such as humans, as well as those mammals of importance due to being endangered (such as Siberian tigers), of economical importance (animals raised on farms for consumption by humans) and/or social importance (animals kept as pets or in zoos) to humans, for instance, carnivores other than humans (such as cats and dogs), swine (pigs, hogs, and wild boars), ruminants (such as cattle, oxen, sheep, giraffes, deer, goats, bison, and camels), and horses. Also provided is the treatment of birds, including the treatment of those kinds of birds that are endangered, kept in zoos, as well as fowl, and more particularly domesticated fowl, e.g., poultry, such as turkeys, chickens, ducks, geese, guinea fowl, and the like, as they are also of economical importance to humans. Thus, provided is the treatment of livestock, including, but not limited to, domesticated swine (pigs and hogs), ruminants, horses, poultry, and the like.

The medical condition can include, but is not limited to a medical condition selected from the group consisting of alopecia, undesired weight loss, Alzheimer's Disease, systemic amyloidosis, myelofibrosis, pattern baldness, and combinations thereof.

II.A. PAI-1 Modulators

PAI-1 modulators are used in the present methods for modulating PAI-1 activity in cells and tissues. Thus, as used herein, the terms "modulate", "modulating", and "modulator" are meant to be construed to encompass inhibiting, blocking, promoting, stimulating, agonising, antagonizing, or otherwise affecting PAI-1 activity in cells and tissues. PAI-1 modulators also include substances that inhibit or promote expression of a PAI-1 encoding nucleic acid segment.

In a preferred embodiment, a PAI-1 activity inhibiting composition is employed in accordance with the present invention. The terms "composition exhibiting PAI-1 inhibition activity", "PAI-1 inhibitor" or "PAI-1 inhibiting composition" are used interchangeably and are meant to refer to a substance that acts by inhibiting, blocking, antagonizing, down-regulating or otherwise reducing PAI-1 activity in cells and tissues. These terms also encompass substance that inhibits expression of a PAI-1 encoding nucleic acid segment, e.g. an anti-sense oligonucleotide or small molecule that blocks the promoter of the PAI-1 gene.

Representative PAI-inhibitors are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,980,938 to Berg et al. (assignee Eli Lilly and Co.), which discloses methods of inhibiting PAI-1 using benzopyran compounds. Butadiene derivatives having PAI-1 inhibitory activity and a process for preparing the same are disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 6,248,743 to Ohtani et al. (assignee Tanabe Seiyaku Co.). PCT International Publication No. WO0151085 by Demissie-Sanders et al. (assignee Tanox Inc.) discloses PAI-1 antagonists and their use in the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Representative PAI-1 inhibitors also include peptide therapeutic agents, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,639,726 to Lawrence et al. (co-assignees The Regents of the University of Michigan and Henry Ford Health System), which discloses peptides that decrease the half-life of active PAI-1.

Antagonists to PAI-1 can be used in the treatment of the above-noted medical conditions associated with PAI-1 biological activity. Antagonists can be antibodies, peptides, proteins, nucleic acids, small organic molecules, or polymers. In one embodiment the antagonist is an antibody. The antibody can be a monoclonal or polyclonal antibody. The antibody can be chemically linked to another organic or bio-molecule. Monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies can be made by any method generally known to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,422,245 to Nielsen et al. (assignee: Fonden Til Fremme AF Eksperimental Cancerforskning of Copenhagen, Denmark) describes the production of monoclonal antibodies to plasminogen activator inhibitor.

Peptides, proteins, nucleic acids, small organic molecules, and polymers can be identified by combinatorial methods.

Known PAI-1 antagonists can be used, for example spironolactone, imidapril, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI, captopril, or enalapril), angiotensin II receptor antagonist (AIIRA), or defibrotide (a polydeoxyribonucleotide).

A PAI-1 inhibitor or antagonist is preferably administered at a therapeutically effective dose or concentration. Representative concentrations of the inhibitor or antagonists are preferably less than about 10 .mu.M, about 1 .mu.M, about 0.1 .mu.M, about 0.01 .mu.M about 0.001 .mu.M, or about 0.0001 .mu.M.

The therapeutic methods of the present invention are also directed towards the use of compounds that change the concentration of upstream regulators or downstream effector molecules of PAI-1, in treating or preventing the above-listed medical conditions associated with PAI-1. In one embodiment, the method can comprise selecting a warm-blooded vertebrate subject diagnosed with a medical condition associated with PAI-1 biological activity, and administering to the warm-blooded vertebrate subject one or more compounds. Representative compounds can comprise urokinase, tissue plasminogen activator, vitronectin, plasminogen, plasmin, matrix metalloproteinases, or tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases. Representative concentrations for the compound include but are not limited to less than about 100 .mu.M, about 10 .mu.M, about 1 .mu.M, about 0.1 .mu.M, about 0.01 .mu.M, about 0.001 .mu.M or about 0.0001 .mu.M.

An additional embodiment of the invention is directed towards a method for the prevention of a medical condition associated with PAI-1 biological activity. The method can comprise selecting a warm-blooded vertebrate subject in which the prevention of a medical condition associated with the biological activity of PAI-1 is desired and administering to the warm-blooded vertebrate subject a PAI-1 inhibiting composition in an amount sufficient to reduce the occurrence or effects of the medical condition associated with PAI-1 biological activity relative to a warm-blooded vertebrate subject that did not receive such administration. Preferably, the concentration of the PAI-1 inhibiting composition is less than about 100 .mu.M, about 10 .mu.M, about 1 .mu.M, about 0.1 .mu.M, about 0.01 .mu.M, about 0.001 .mu.M or about 0.0001 .mu.M.

II.B. Formulation of Therapeutic Compositions

The PAI-1 biological activity modulating substances, gene therapy vectors, and substances that inhibit or promote expression of a PAI-1 encoding nucleic acid segment are adapted for administration as a pharmaceutical composition. Additional formulation and dose preparation techniques have been described in art, see for example, those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,326,902 issued to Seipp et al. on Jul. 5, 1994, U.S. Pat. No. 5,234,933 issued to Marnett et al. on Aug. 10, 1993, and PCT International Publication Number WO 93/25521 of Johnson et al. published Dec. 23, 1993, the entire contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference.

For therapeutic applications, a treatment effective amount of a composition of the invention is administered to a subject. A "treatment effective amount" is an amount of therapeutic composition sufficient to produce a measurable biological response, such as but not limited to a reduction in PAI-1 biological activity. Actual dosage levels of active ingredients in a therapeutic composition of the invention can be varied so as to administer an amount of the active compound(s) that is effective to achieve the desired therapeutic response for a particular subject. The selected dosage level will depend upon a variety of factors including the activity of the therapeutic composition, formulation, the route of administration, combination with other drugs or treatments, and the physical condition and prior medical history of the subject being treated. Preferably, a minimal dose is administered; and dose is escalated in the absence of dose-limiting toxicity. Determination and adjustment of a therapeutically effective dose, as well as evaluation of when and how to make such adjustments, are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art of medicine.

For the purposes described above, the identified substances can normally be administered systemically or partially, usually by oral or parenteral administration. The doses to be administered are determined depending upon age, body weight, symptom, the desired therapeutic effect, the route of administration, and the duration of the treatment, etc.; one of skill in the art of therapeutic treatment will recognize appropriate procedures and techniques for determining the appropriate dosage regimen for effective therapy. Various compositions and forms of administration are contemplated and are generally known in the art. Other compositions for administration include liquids for external use, and endermic linaments (ointment, etc.), suppositories and pessaries that comprise one or more of the active substance(s) and can be prepared by known methods.

Thus, the present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a polypeptide, polynucleotide, antibody or fragment thereof, small molecule or compound of the present invention and a physiologically acceptable carrier. More preferably, a pharmaceutical composition comprises a compound discovered via the screening methods described herein.

A composition of the present invention is typically administered parenterally in dosage unit formulations containing standard, well-known nontoxic physiologically acceptable carriers, adjuvants, and vehicles as desired. The term "parenteral" as used herein includes intravenous, intra-muscular, intra-arterial injection, or infusion techniques.

Injectable preparations, for example sterile injectable aqueous or oleaginous suspensions, are formulated according to the known art using suitable dispersing or wetting agents and suspending agents. The sterile injectable preparation can also be a sterile injectable solution or suspension in a nontoxic parenterally acceptable diluent or solvent, for example, as a solution in 1,3-butanediol.

Among the acceptable vehicles and solvents that can be employed are water, Ringer's solution, and isotonic sodium chloride solution. In addition, sterile, fixed oils are conventionally employed as a solvent or suspending medium. For this purpose any bland fixed oil can be employed including synthetic mono- or di-glycerides. In addition, fatty acids such as oleic acid find use in the preparation of injectables.

Preferred carriers include neutral saline solutions buffered with phosphate, lactate, Tris, and the like. Of course, one purifies the vector sufficiently to render it essentially free of undesirable contaminants, such as defective interfering adenovirus particles or endotoxins and other pyrogens such that it does not cause any untoward reactions in the individual receiving the vector construct. A preferred approach for purifying the vector involves the use of buoyant density gradients, such as cesium chloride gradient centrifugation.

A transfected cell can also serve as a carrier. By way of example, a liver cell can be removed from an organism, transfected with a polynucleotide of the present invention using methods set forth above and then the transfected cell returned to the organism (e.g., injected intra-vascularly).

III. Transgenic Non-Human Animals

The term "transgene" is used herein to describe genetic material that has been or is about to be artificially inserted into the genome of a mammalian cell, particularly a mammalian cell of a living animal. The transgene is used to transform a cell, meaning that a permanent or transient genetic change, preferably a permanent genetic change, is induced in a cell following incorporation of exogenous DNA. A permanent genetic change is generally achieved by introduction of the DNA into the genome of the cell.

Vectors for stable integration include plasmids, retroviruses and other animal viruses, bacterial artifical chromosomes (BACs), yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs), cosmids and the like. The term "vector", as used herein refers to a DNA molecule having sequences that enable its replication in a compatible host cell. A vector also includes nucleotide sequences to permit ligation of nucleotide sequences within the vector, wherein such nucleotide sequences are also replicated in a compatible host cell. A vector can also mediate recombinant production of a PAI-1 polypeptide, as described further herein below. Preferred vectors include but are not limited p5.9.

Useful animals should be warm-blooded non-human vertebrates, for instance, mammals and birds. More particularly, the animal can be selected from the group consisting of rodent, swine, bird, ruminant, and primate. Even more particularly, the animal can be selected from the group consisting of a mouse, a rat, a pig, a guinea pig, poultry, an emu, an ostrich, a goat, a cow, a sheep, and a rabbit. Of interest are transgenic mammals, e.g. cows, pigs, goats, horses, etc., and particularly rodents, e.g. rats, mice, etc. Preferably, the transgenic animals are mice.

Transgenic animals comprise an exogenous nucleic acid sequence present as an extrachromosomal element or stably integrated in all or a portion of its cells, especially in germ cells. Unless otherwise indicated, it will be assumed that a transgenic animal comprises stable changes to the germline sequence. During the initial construction of the animal, "chimeras" or "chimeric animals" are generated, in which only a subset of cells have the altered genome. Chimeras are primarily used for breeding purposes in order to generate the desired transgenic animal. Animals having a heterozygous alteration are generated by breeding of chimeras. Male and female heterozygotes are typically bred to generate homozygous animals.

The exogenous gene is usually either from a different species than the animal host, or is otherwise altered in its coding or non-coding sequence. The introduced gene can be a wild-type gene, naturally occurring polymorphism, or a genetically manipulated sequence, for example having deletions, substitutions or insertions in the coding or non-coding regions. Where the introduced gene is a coding sequence, it is usually operably linked to a promoter, which can be constitutive or inducible, and other regulatory sequences required for expression in the host animal. By "operably linked" is meant that a DNA sequence and a regulatory sequence(s) are connected in such a way as to permit gene expression when the appropriate molecules, e.g. transcriptional activator proteins, are bound to the regulatory sequence(s).

In general, the transgenic animals of the invention comprise genetic alterations to provide for (Sprengers E D, Kluft C. Plasminogen activator inhibitors. Blood 1987; 69: 381 7) expression of a biologically active PAI-1 polypeptide, and/or (Rosenberg R D, Aird W C, 1999. Vascular-bed-specific hemostasis and hypercoagulable states. New England Journal of Medicine. 340:1555 1564) expression of a desired biologically active PAI-1 sequence (e.g., human PAl-1). Preferably, the introduced sequences provide for high expression of PAI-1 so that overexpression of the PAI-1 gene is conferred in the transgenic animal. Thus, preferably, the PAI-1 transgene is overexpressed in the host animal, that is the transgene provides for increased levels of PAI-1 production relative to wild-type, e.g., more particularly a level of PAI-1 expression to facilitate onset of a medical condition associated with PAI-1 biological activity and/or the observation of phenomena associated with PAI-1 biological activity.

The transgenic animals of the invention can comprise other genetic alterations in addition to the presence of the PAI-i-encoding sequence. For example, the host's genome can be altered to affect the function of endogenous genes (e.g., endogenous PAI-1 gene), contain marker genes, or other genetic alterations consistent with the goals of the present invention.

III.A. Knockouts and Knockins

Although not necessary to the operability of the invention, the transgenic animals described herein can also comprise alterations to endogenous genes in addition to (or alternatively for PAI-1), to the genetic alterations described above. For example, the host animals can be either "knockouts" and/or "knockins" for a target gene(s) as is consistent with the goals of the invention (e.g., the host animal's endogenous PAI-1 can be "knocked out" and/or the endogenous PAI-1 gene "knocked in"). Knockouts have a partial or complete loss of function in one or both alleles of an endogenous gene of interest (e.g., PAI-1). Knockins have an introduced transgene with altered genetic sequence and/or function from the endogenous gene. The two can be combined, for example, such that the naturally occurring gene is disabled, and an altered form introduced. For example, it can be desirable to knockout the host animal's endogenous PAI-1 gene, while introducing an exogenous PAI-1 gene (e.g., a human PAI-1 gene).

In a knockout, preferably the target gene expression is undetectable or insignificant. For example, a knockout of an PAI-1 gene means that function of the PAI-1 has been substantially decreased so that expression is not detectable or only present at insignificant levels. This can be achieved by a variety of mechanisms, including introduction of a disruption of the coding sequence, e.g. insertion of one or more stop codons, insertion of a DNA fragment, etc., deletion of coding sequence, substitution of stop codons for coding sequence, etc. In some cases the exogenous transgene sequences are ultimately deleted from the genome, leaving a net change to the native sequence. Different approaches can also be used to achieve the "knockout". A chromosomal deletion of all or part of the native gene can be induced, including deletions of the non-coding regions, particularly the promoter region, 3' regulatory sequences, enhancers, or deletions of gene that activate expression of PAI-1 genes. A functional knock-out can also be achieved by the introduction of an anti-sense construct that blocks expression of the native genes (for example, see Li and Cohen (1996) Cell 85:319 329). "Knockouts" also include conditional knock-outs, for example where alteration of the target gene occurs upon exposure of the animal to a substance that promotes target gene alteration, introduction of an enzyme that promotes recombination at the target gene site (e.g. Cre in the Cre-lox system), or other method for directing the target gene alteration postnatally.

It should be noted that while a PAI-1 and/or host PAI-1 gene can be knocked out in the transgenic animals of the invention, it is not necessary to the utility of the transgenic PAI-1 animal. Indeed, it is envisioned that PAI-1 knockout transgenic animals would primarily serve as a control animal in, for example, the drug screening assays disclosed herein below.

A "knockin" of a target gene means an alteration in a host cell genome that results in altered expression or function of a native target gene. Increased (including ectopic) or decreased expression can be achieved by introduction of an additional copy of the target gene, or by operatively inserting a regulatory sequence that provides for enhanced expression of an endogenous copy of the target gene. These changes can be constitutive or conditional, i.e. dependent on the presence of an activator or repressor. The use of knockin technology can be combined with production of exogenous sequences to produce the transgenic animals of the invention. For example, the PAI-1 transgenic animals of the invention can contain a knockin of the host's endogenous PAI-1-encoding sequences to provide for the desired level of PAI-1 expression, and can contain an exogenous PAI-1-encoding sequence.

III.B. Nucleic Acid Compositions

Constructs for use in the present invention include any construct suitable for use in the generation of transgenic animals having the desired levels of expression of a desired PAI-1-encoding sequence. Methods for isolating and cloning a desired sequence, as well as suitable constructs for expression of a selected sequence in a host animal, are well known in the art. The construct can include sequences other than the PAI-1-encoding sequences. For example, a detectable marker, such as lac Z can be included in the construct, where upregulation of expression of the encoded sequence will result in an easily detected change in phenotype.

The PAI-1-encoding construct can contain a wild-type sequence encoding PAI-1 or a mutant sequence encoding PAI-1 (providing the PAI-1 sequence, when expressed in conjunction with PAI-1 in the host animal, impacts cellular migration and matrix proteolysis, which play a role in the pathogenesis and treatment of disorders as complex as systemic amyloidosis and myelofibrosis, and as pervasive as male pattern baldness). Likewise, the PAI-1-encoding construct can contain a wild-type PAI-1-encoding sequence or a sequence encoding a modified PAI-1, particularly where the-modification provides for a desired level of PAI-1 expression. Regardless of the precise construct used, the encoded PAI-1 should preferably be a biologically active form of a PAI-1 polypeptide.

The term "PAI-1 gene" is used generically to mean PAI-1 genes, e.g. homologs from rat, human, mouse, guinea pig, etc., and their alternate forms. A human PAI-1 gene is a preferred PAI-1 gene. "PAI-1 gene" is also intended to mean the open reading frame encoding specific polypeptides, introns, and adjacent 5' and 3' non-coding nucleotide sequences involved in the regulation of expression, up to about 1 kb beyond the coding region, but possibly further in either direction. The DNA sequences encoding PAI-1 can be cDNA or genomic DNA or a fragment thereof. The genes can be introduced into an appropriate vector for extrachromosomal maintenance or for integration into the host.

The genomic sequences of particular interest comprise the nucleic acid present between the initiation codon and the stop codon, including all of the introns that are normally present in a native chromosome. They can further include the 3' and 5' untranslated regions found in the mature mRNA. They can further include specific transcriptional and translational regulatory sequences, such as promoters, enhancers, etc., including about 1 kb, but possibly more, of flanking genomic DNA at either the 5' or 3' end of the transcribed region. The genomic DNA can be isolated as a fragment of 100 kb or smaller; and substantially free of flanking chromosomal sequence.

The sequences of the 5' regions of the PAI-1 gene, and further 5' upstream sequences and 3' downstream sequences, can be utilized for promoter elements, including enhancer-binding sites, which provide for expression in tissues where PAI-1 is normally expressed. The tissue specific expression is useful for providing promoters that mimic the native pattern of expression. Naturally occurring polymorphisms in the promoter region are useful for determining natural variations in expression, particularly those that can be associated with disease. For example, the most significant of these is a single guanosine insertion/deletion variation (5G or 4G) in the promoter region (4G deletion polymorphism), situated 675 base pairs upstream from the transcriptional start site of the PAI-1 gene. The 4G allele is correlated with increased plasma PAI-1 levels. See Dawson, S. J., et al., J. Biol. Chem., 268:10739,1993; Hermans, P. W., et al., Lancet, 354:556, 1999; Dawson, S., et al., Arteriosclero. Thromb., 11:183, 1991; Mansfield, M., et al., Thromb. Haemost., 71:731,1994.

Alternatively, mutations can be introduced into the promoter region to determine the effect of altering expression in experimentally defined systems. Methods for the identification of specific DNA motifs involved in the binding of transcriptional factors are known in theart, e.g. sequence similarity to known binding motifs, gel retardation studies, etc. For examples, see Blackwell et al. (1995) Mol Med 1:194 205; Mortlock et al. (1996) Genome Res. 6:327 33; and Joulin and Richard-Foy (1995) Eur J Biochem 232:620 626.

The nucleic acid compositions used in the subject invention can encode all or a part of PAI-1 as appropriate. Fragments can be obtained of the DNA sequence by chemically synthesizing oligonucleotides in accordance with conventional methods, by restriction enzyme digestion, by PCR amplification, etc. For the most part, DNA fragments will be of at least 15 nt, usually at least 18 nt, more usually at least about 50 nt. Such small DNA fragments are useful as primers for PCR, hybridization screening, etc. Larger DNA fragments, i.e. greater than 100 nt are useful for production of the encoded polypeptide. For use in amplification reactions, such as PCR, a pair of primers will be used.

Several isoforms and homologs of PAI-1 have been isolated and cloned. Additional homologs of cloned PAI-1 and/or PAI-1 are identified by various methods known in the art. Nucleic acids having sequence similarity are detected by hybridization under low stringency conditions, for example, at 50.degree. C. and 10.times.SSC (0.9 M saline/0.09 M sodium citrate) and remain bound when subjected to washing at 55.degree. C. in 1.times.SSC. Sequence identity can be determined by hybridization under more stringent conditions, for example, at 50.degree. C. or higher and 0.1.times.SSC (9 mM saline/0.9 mM sodium citrate). By using probes, particularly labeled probes of DNA sequences, one can isolate homologous or related genes. The source of homologous genes can be any species, e.g. primate, rodents, canines, felines, bovines, ovines, equines, etc.

Where desirable, the PAI-1 sequences, including flanking promoter regions and coding regions, can be mutated in various ways known in the art to generate targeted changes in the sequence of the encoded protein, splice variant production, etc. The sequence changes can be substitutions, insertions or deletions. Deletions can include large changes, such as deletions of a domain or exon. Other modifications of interest include epitope tagging, e.g. with the FLAG system, HA, etc. For studies of subcellular localization, fusion proteins with green fluorescent proteins (GFP) can be used. Such mutated genes can be used to study structure-function relationships of PAI-1, or to alter properties of the proteins that affect their function or regulation. The PAI-1 encoding sequence can also be provided as a fusion protein. Methods for production of PAI-1 constructs are well known in the art (see, e.g., Wyss-Coray et al. (1995) Am. J. Pathol. 147:53 67).

Techniques for in vitro mutagenesis of cloned genes are known. Examples of protocols for scanning mutations can be found in Gustin et al., 1993 Biotechniques 14:22; Barany, 1985 Gene 37:111 23; Colicelli et al., 1985 Mol Gen Genet 199:537 9; and Prentid et al., 1984 Gene 29:303 13. Methods for site specific mutagenesis can be found in Sambrook et al., 1989 Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, CSH Press, pp. 15.3 15.108; Weiner et al., 1993 Gene 126:35 41; Sayers et al., 1992 Biotechniques 13:592 6; Jones and Winistorfer, 1992 Biotechniques 12:528 30; Barton et al., 1990 Nucleic Acids Res 18:7349 55; Marotti and Tomich, 1989 Gene Anal Tech 6:67 70; and Zhu 1989 Anal Biochem 177:120 4.

The PAI-1 gene, and exemplary derivatives thereof suitable for use in the production of the transgenic animals of the invention can be either genomic or cDNA, preferably cDNA, and can be derived from any source, e.g., human, murine, porcine, bovine, etc. Several PAI-1 sequences have been isolated, cloned, and sequenced. Table 1 provides a list of PAI-1 sequences that can be suitable for use in the present invention, as well as GenBank accession numbers relating to such sequences.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 1 Reference or GenBank PAI-1 Sequence Accession No. Human PAI-1 X04744 (SEQ ID NO:3) Human mRNA AH002922 Human plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) gene M16006 (SEQ ID NO:2) Human plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) mRNA, complete cds Bovine PAI-1 X16383 (SEQ ID NO:1) Bovine mRNA Rat PAI-1 M24067 (SEQ ID NO:7) Rattus norvegicus plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) mRNA, complete cds Mink PAI-1 X58541 (SEQ ID NO:4) Mink mRNA Mouse PAI-1 NM 008871 (SEQ ID NO:5) Mus musculus plasminogen activator inhibitor, type I M33960 (SEQ ID NO:6) Mouse plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) mRNA, complete cds

The host animals can be homozygous or heterozygous for the PAI-1-encoding sequence, preferably homozygous. The PAI-1 gene can also be operably linked to a promoter to provide for a desired level of expression in the host animal and/or for tissue-specific expression. Expression of PAI-1 can be either constitute or inducible, preferably constitutive. Preferably, PAI-1 gene expression is driven by a strong promoter, preferably mouse preproendothelin-1 (mPPET-1) gene promoter.

Indeed, in general terms, a preferred embodiment, the transgene of the present invention was prepared in the following manner. The stable human PAI-