Abstract: The invention provides modulators of human cancer and tumor metastasis in particular. More specifically the present disclosure relates to modulators of SKAI1BC, an antisense long non-coding RNA which was found to be an epigenetic suppressor of the metastasis suppressor gene KAI1/CD82, compositions, methods and uses thereof for decreasing metastasis, invasion and possibly also proliferation of cancer cells.

Abstract: The invention provides modulators of human cancer and tumor metastasis in particular. More specifically the present disclosure relates to modulators of SKAI1BC, an antisense long non-coding RNA which was found to be an epigenetic suppressor of the metastasis suppressor gene KAI1/CD82, compositions, methods and uses thereof for decreasing metastasis, invasion and possibly also proliferation of cancer cells.

Abstract: A method for screening molecule which have a synthetic lethal property when in combination with a gene of interest carrying a non-lethal mutation, said method comprising the steps of: transfecting a first reporter gene into mammalian cells having a genome comprising a gene of interest which carries a non-lethal mutation, or a genome which is null of said gene of interest; selecting clones stably expressing said fist reporter gene; introducing into said cells a survival plasmid comprising a functioning copy of said gene of interest, a second reporter gene, selectable marker, an origin of DNA replication and a nuclear antigen gene essential for replication of the plasmid within said cells, wherein said survivsal plasmid is autonomously replicating and spontaneously lost from said cells; growing said cells in the presence of a selection compound which selects for said selectable marker; selecting cell clones stably expressing said second reporter gene and said functioning copy of said gene of interest; removing

Abstract: A screening method which applies the principle of synthetic lethality to a gene of interest in non-yeast eukaryotic cells. The method may be used to screen either a chemical library in order to identify a molecule having a gene-specific lethal property in the cells, or to screen a group of DNA molecules in order to identify among them one or more modulators of gene function which are synergistically lethal to the cells together with an incapacitated gene of interest. Also described are episomal survival plasmids and kits which may be used with the method.

Abstract: A method for screening molecule which have a synthetic lethal property when in combination with a gene of interest carrying a non-lethal mutation, said method comprising the steps of: transfecting a first reporter gene into mammalian cells having a genome comprising a gene of interest which carries a non-lethal mutation, or a genome which is null of said gene of interest; selecting clones stably expressing said fist reporter gene; introducing into said cells a survival plasmid comprising a functioning copy of said gene of interest, a second reporter gene, selectable marker, an origin of DNA replication and a nuclear antigen gene essential for replication of the plasmid within said cells, wherein said survivsal plasmid is autonomously replicating and spontaneously lost from said cells; growing said cells in the presence of a selection compound which selects for said selectable marker; selecting cell clones stably expressing said second reporter gene and said functioning copy of said gene of interest; removing

Abstract: A novel human radiation protecting checkpoint (RAP-1) gene and the RAP-1 protein encoded by the gene are disclosed. RAP-1 is believed to be involved in the regulation of cell cycle progression and/or programmed cell death (apoptosis). A human antisense RNA which can bind to the mRNA of the human RAP-1 protein, as well as the DNA from which the antisense RNA is transcribed are also disclosed. Additionally, a method for isolating DNA damage-monitoring checkpoint genes is described. The use of the DNA and RNA sequences and of the protein of the invention for the eary detection, prevention and/or treatment of cancer, AIDS and other diseases is also discussed.