Abstract: Provided are methods for screening a subject for cancer. The methods involve obtaining a blood sample from the subject and determining a level of Bridging Integrator 1 (BIN1) isoforms comprising exon 12a in the sample. Optionally, the method involves determining a level of 12a+/13? BIN isoform (comprising exon 12a but lacking exon 13) in the sample. An elevated level of 12a+(e.g., 12a+/13?) BIN1 isoforms in the blood sample indicates the subject has cancer. Also provided are methods for determining efficacy of a cancer therapy in a subject and methods of treating cancer. Isolated antibodies that selectively bind human 12a+ BIN1 are also provided as well as kits for determining 12a+/13? BIN1 isoforms.
Abstract: Provided are methods for determining skeletal muscle mass in subject. Also provided are methods for diagnosing a neurological condition or disease or a condition or disease associated with reduced skeletal muscle mass in a subject. Further provided are purified antibodies that bind specifically to a BIN1 polypeptide that is expressed specifically in skeletal muscle.