Abstract: A mouse model and uses there of for detecting, treating, characterizing, and diagnosing various diseases are described.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the diagnosis, prognosis and/or treatment of B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia associated diseases are disclosed.

Abstract: In invertebrates, Fhit is encoded as a fusion protein with Nit. Outside of invertebrates, Nit homologs are found as separate polypeptides in organisms with Fhit homologs. Therefore, Nit and Fhit are expected to interact physically and function in the same cellular pathway. The structure of the NitFhit fusion protein and interactions between the Nit and Fhit polypeptides are defined. The present invention relates to the identification of small molecules that interact with, and regulate, the Nit protein. The present invention further relates to therapeutic compositions and their uses in regulating Nit activity, thereby modulating cellular proliferation.

Abstract: The TCL1 gene family, located on the human chromosome at the 14q32.1 locus, are implicated in the development of T-cell malignancies. The present invention discloses the identification and characterization of new members of this gene family, the TCL-1b, TNG1 and TNG2 genes. The TCL-1b, TNG1 and TNG2 gene sequences are expressed at very low levels in normal bone marrow and peripheral lymphocytes, but are activated in T-cell leukemia and lymphoma by rearrangements of the 14q32.1 locus. The present invention relates to the identification of these chromosome 14 abnormalities, and methods for detecting and treating any T-cell malignancies that develop, as well as preventing the development of these T-cell malignancies.

Abstract: In invertebrates, Fhit is encoded as a fusion protein with Nit. Outside of invertebrates, Nit homologs are found as separate polypeptides in organisms with Fhit homologs. Therefore, Nit and Fhit are expected to interact physically and function in the same cellular pathway. The structure of the NitFhit fusion protein and interactions between the Nit and Fhit polypeptides are defined. The present invention relates to the identification of small molecules that interact with, and regulate, the Nit protein. The present invention further relates to therapeutic compositions and their uses in regulating Nit activity, thereby modulating cellular proliferation.

Abstract: The TCL1 oncogene at 14q32.1 is involved in the development of human leukemia. This invention demonstrates the interaction between the Tcl1 and the Akt1 proteins. The physical interaction between endogenous Akt1 and Tcl1 occurs through the PH domain of the Akt1 protein. The present invention relates to the identification of Tcl1 mimics and Tcl1 antagonists that modifying this interaction, with the subsequent modification of apoptotic and proliferative signals.