Abstract: The number of midbody derivatives in a cell may be modulated by modulating autophagy induced by NBR1. Exemplary methods include modulating the amount or activity of NBR1 in the cell, potentiating or inhibiting binding between NBR1 and Cep55 in the cell, or modulating the amount of Cep55 in the cell. These methods can be used in the treatment of cancers or in methods of reprogramming cells.

Abstract: This application relates to a newly identified animal cell structure, the midbody scar. This structure is a remnant of the midbody that is retained by one daughter cell following cytokinesis and persists through multiple subsequent cell cycles. The midbody scar can be useful as a marker of dividing cells or of a cell's replicative age.

Abstract: The number of midbody derivatives in a cell may be modulated by modulating autophagy induced by NBR1. Exemplary methods include modulating the amount or activity of NBR1 in the cell, potentiating or inhibiting binding between NBR1 and Cep55 in the cell, or modulating the amount of Cep55 in the cell. These methods can be used in the treatment of cancers or in methods of reprogramming cells.

Abstract: This application relates to a newly identified animal cell structure, the midbody scar. This structure is a remnant of the midbody that is retained by one daughter cell following cytokinesis and persists through multiple subsequent cell cycles. The midbody scar can be useful as a marker of dividing cells or of a cell's replicative age.

Abstract: The invention includes nucleic acids and polypeptides that play important roles in centrosomes and cellular functions involving centrosomes. In addition, the invention encompasses antibodies, ribozymes, antisense nucleic acids, RNAis, and siRNAs that can be used to modulate the function of the nucleic acids and polypeptides of the invention. Such modulation can be useful in detecting, diagnosing, and treating abnormal centrosome function.

Abstract: Described are methods for modulating cellular secretion, and methods for identifying novel modulators of cellular secretion, that target centrosomal proteins.

Abstract: This application relates to a newly identified animal cell structure, the midbody scar. This structure is a remnant of the midbody that is retained by one daughter cell following cytokinesis and persists through multiple subsequent cell cycles. The midbody scar can be useful as a marker of dividing cells or of a cell's replicative age.

Abstract: This application relates to a newly identified animal cell structure, the midbody scar. This structure is a remnant of the midbody that is retained by one daughter cell following cytokinesis and persists through multiple subsequent cell cycles. The midbody scar can be useful as a marker of dividing cells or of a cell's replicative age.

Abstract: Described are methods for modulating cellular secretion, and methods for identifying novel modulators of cellular secretion, that target centrosomal proteins.

Abstract: The invention includes nucleic acids and polypeptides that play important roles in centrosomes and cellular functions involving centrosomes. In addition, the invention encompasses antibodies, ribozymes, antisense nucleic acids, RNAis, and siRNAs that can be used to modulate the function of the nucleic acids and polypeptides of the invention. Such modulation can be useful in detecting, diagnosing, and treating abnormal centrosome function.

Abstract: The invention includes nucleic acids and polypeptides that play important roles in centrosomes and cellular functions involving centrosomes. In addition, the invention encompasses antibodies, ribozymes, antisense nucleic acids, RNAis, and siRNAs that can be used to modulate the function of the nucleic acids and polypeptides of the invention. Such modulation can be useful in detecting, diagnosing, and treating abnormal centrosome function.

Abstract: The invention is based on the discovery that occurrence of centrosomal abnormalities in cells correlates with the occurrence of cancer, and that the greater the degree of the centrosomal abnormalities, the greater the probability of cancer occurring and the severity of the cancer. The invention includes methods of detecting centrosome abnormalities in tissue samples. It provides new methods for predicting and diagnosing cancer.

Abstract: The invention is based on the discovery that Mycoplasma hyorhinis (e.g., designated ATCC #PTA-3681) underlies the pathology of scleroderma and other autoimmune diseases. The invention encompasses Mycoplasma hyorhinis nucleic acids and polypeptides, methods of treating scleroderma and other autoimmune diseases by treating the underlying mycoplasma infection, compositions useful in treating scleroderma and other autoimmune diseases, methods of producing model organisms infected by mycoplasma, and a novel isolated strain of Mycoplasma hyorhinis designated ATCC #PTA-3681.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for detecting neoplastic cells in a tissue sample by examining the cells for centrosomal abnormalities such as ectopic localization of centrosomal proteins, hypertrophic centrosomes, and supernumerary centrosomes.

Abstract: Disclosed are diagnostic methods for screening a patient for sclerotic disease. One diagnostic method includes obtaining a biological sample from the patient; obtaining a substantially pure CP140 polypeptide fragment; contacting the sample with the CP140 polypeptide; and detecting patient autoantibody:CP140 complexes as an indication of the presence of sclerotic disease in the patient. Other methods of screening patients for scleroderma are also described.