Abstract: We used hierarchical clustering to examine gene expression profiles generated by serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) in a total of nine normal lung epithelial cells and non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). Separation of normal and tumor samples, as well as histopathological subtypes, was evident using the 3,921 most abundant transcript tags. This distinction remained when just 115 highly differentially expressed transcript tags were used. Furthermore, these 115 transcript tags clustered into groups that were suggestive of the unique biological and pathological features of the different tissues examined. Adenocarcinomas were characterized by high-level expression of small airway-associated or immunologically related proteins, while squamous cell carcinomas overexpressed genes involved in cellular detoxification or antioxidation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of producing peracetyloxazolines from peracetyl saccharides. The method involves reacting the starting material, a peracetyl saccharide, with a reagent combination, to directly produce the peracetyl oxazoline. This method may be used for the activation of oligosaccharides, wherein an oligosaccharide containing a reducing GlcNAc terminus is activated by the formation of an orazoline at the terminal GlcNAc, and then coupled with a bifunctional spacer to provide an oligosaccharide-spacer conjugate. The activated oligosaccharide-spacer conjugate is then coupled to a protein, such as granulocyte colony stimulating factor or .gamma.-interferon, providing a neoglycoprotein conjugate. The invention provides a method for forming neoglycoprotein conjugates which may improve biological and physiochemical properties of the protein. For example, serum lifetime or efficiency of drug delivery of the peptide to a target organ or cell may be improved.