The present invention relates to previously unknown biological roles of
Nogo-B. We have discovered that Nogo-B is a component of endothelial
cells. We have also discovered that Nogo-B is highly expressed in intact
blood vessels. The amino terminus of Nogo-B promotes the adhesion,
spreading and migration of endothelial cells and plays a role in vascular
remodeling. Thus, Nogo-B is a novel regulator of vascular homeostasis and
remodeling. The present invention provides compositions comprising Nogo-B
and fragments and fusion proteins thereof. The present invention also
relates to nucleic acids encoding Nogo-B and fragments and fusion
proteins thereof, as well as vectors and cells comprising such nucleic
acids. The present invention also relates to antibodies specific for
Nogo-B and fragments and fusion proteins thereof. The present invention
also provides methods for preventing, detecting and treating
Nogo-B-related diseases, disorders and conditions.