Abstract: The invention described in the application relates to a long non-coding RNA expressed in cancer. The invention thus provides methods and compositions for evaluating levels of the long non-coding RNA to assess the aggressiveness of a cancer and for modulating levels of the long non-coding RNA.

Abstract: The invention described in the application relates to a long non-coding RNA expressed in cancer. The invention thus provides methods and compositions for evaluating levels of the long non-coding RNA to assess the aggressiveness of a cancer and for modulating levels of the long non-coding RNA.

Abstract: It is proposed that cancer cells express SATB1, and that SATB1 acts as a determinant for the acquisition of metastatic activity by controlling expression of a specific set of genes that promote metastatic activity. In order for cancer cells to gain the ability to metastasize, SATB1 re-organizes or re-packages genomic sequences in a specific manner to allow a switch in the pattern of gene expression. SATB1 expression was found restricted mainly to aggressive cancer cells where it may regulate the genetic and epigenetic changes that program the steps involved in the metastatic process. The present invention describes reagents and tools to detect the SATB1 protein for use in diagnosis and prognosis of aggressive cancers and therapeutics to inhibit SATB1 protein to deplete its expression in metastatic and aggressive cancers.

Abstract: We recently found that Satb1 is expressed highly by mature neurons in specific regions of the postnatal brain. Satb2, a homolog of Satb1, is expressed at low levels in the postnatal brain. Neurons respond to external stimuli and rapidly and dynamically change their expression. Satb1 has been found to directly regulate a set of genes in the postnatal brain, presumably playing a crucial role as a ‘genome organizer’ for brain function and behaviors. Satb2 may also have a similar function, even though it is expressed at low levels in the postnatal brain. The present invention describes compositions, reagents and tools using wild type and variant SATB1 and SATB2 genes and proteins for use in diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutics in neurological dysfunction and psychiatric disorders.

Abstract: It is proposed that cancer cells express SATB1, and that SATB1 acts as a determinant for the acquisition of metastatic activity by controlling expression of a specific set of genes that promote metastatic activity. In order for cancer cells to gain the ability to metastasize, SATB1 re-organizes or re-packages genomic sequences in a specific manner to allow a switch in the pattern of gene expression. SATB1 expression was found restricted mainly to aggressive cancer cells where it may regulate the genetic and epigenetic changes that program the steps involved in the metastatic process. The present invention describes reagents and tools to detect the SATB1 protein for use in diagnosis and prognosis of aggressive cancers and therapeutics to inhibit SATB1 protein to deplete its expression in metastatic and aggressive cancers.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acids encoding a novel MAR-binding protein are also provided, as well as vectors containing the nucleic acids and recombinant host cells transformed with such vectors. The invention further provides methods of detecting such nucleic acids by contacting a sample with a nucleic acid probe having a nucleotide sequence capable of hybridizing with the isolated nucleic acids of the present invention. Such probes can correspond to the ATC sequences.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel human protein, SATB1, that binds matrix/scaffold-associating DNA regions (MARs). The novel human protein, predominantly expressed in the thymus, has an approximate molecular weight of about 85.9 kD. The SATB1 cDNA encodes a 763 amino acid sequence protein that is capable of binding to special AT rich sequences (ATC sequences). The invention further provides antibodies specifically reactive with such protein. Isolated nucleic acids encoding the novel MAR-binding protein are also provided, as well as vectors containing the nucleic acids and recombinant host cells transformed with such vectors. The invention further provides methods of detecting such nucleic acids by contacting a sample with a nucleic acid probe having a nucleotide sequence capable of hybridizing with the isolated nucleic acids of the present invention. Such probes can correspond to the ATC sequences.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel human protein, SATB1, that binds matrix/scaffold-associating DNA regions (MARs). The novel human protein, predominantly expressed in the thymus, has an approximate molecular weight of about 85.9 kD. The SATB1 cDNA encodes a 763 amino acid sequence protein that is capable of binding to special AT rich sequences (ATC sequences). The invention further provides antibodies specifically reactive with such protein. Isolated nucleic acids encoding the novel MAR-binding protein are also provided, as well as vectors containing the nucleic acids and recombinant host cells transformed with such vectors. The invention further provides methods of detecting such nucleic acids by contacting a sample with a nucleic acid probe having a nucleotide sequence capable of hybridizing with the isolated nucleic acids of the present invention. Such probes can correspond to the ATC sequences.

Abstract: The present invention provides a substantially purified protein, p114-MBP, which has an apparent molecular mass of about 114 kDa and specifically associates with a matrix attachment region DNA sequence context (MAR). p114-MBP is characterized, in part, by having substantial MAR binding activity in malignant tumor tissue but not in a corresponding non-cancerous tissue. The invention also provides a method of detecting the presence of malignant tumor tissue in a cell sample suspected of containing malignant tumor tissue by contacting the sample with a MAR, under conditions that allow the specific association of the MAR with p114-MBP, and detecting such specific association, which indicates the presence of malignant tumor tissue in the cell sample.