Polynucleotides encoding mammalian ECM signaling molecules affecting the
cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation activities characterizing
such complex biological processes as angiogenesis, chondrogenesis, and
oncogenesis, are provided. The polynucleotide compositions include DNAs
and RNAs comprising part, or all, of an ECM signaling molecule coding
sequence, or biological equivalents. Polypeptide compositions are also
provided. The polypeptide compositions comprise mammalian ECM signaling
molecules, peptide fragments, inhibitory peptides capable of interacting
with receptors for ECM signaling molecules, and antibody products
recognizing Cyr61. Also provided are methods for producing mammalian ECM
signaling molecules. Further provided are methods for using mammalian ECM
signaling molecules to screen for, and/or modulate, disorders associated
with angiogenesis, chondrogenesis, and oncogenesis; ex vivo methods for
using mammalian ECM signaling molecules to prepare blood products are
also provided.