Abstract: The present invention is directed to peptides that interacts with thrombospondin 2 and inhibit matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) activity. Consequently, the invention provides peptides that inhibit MMP-9 activity and are useful as inhibitors of angiogenesis and metastasis, among other diseases regulated by MMP-9. The peptides of the invention and their methods of use are therapeutic against diseases, such as cancer and arthritis, which are characterized by neovascularization.

Abstract: An antibody that binds to a specific urogenital carcinoma tumor liberated protein (TLP) epitope, wherein the TLP comprises GlyProProGluValGlnAsnAlaAsn, is described. Also described are kits comprising the antibody, and methods of identifying TLP, and methods for diagnosing urogenital carcinoma.

Abstract: Methods for the detection, monitoring and treatment of malignancies in which the HER-2/neu oncogene is associated are disclosed. Detection of specific T cell activation (e.g., by measuring the proliferation of T cells) in response to in vitro exposure to the HER-2/neu protein, or detection of immunocomplexes formed between the HER-2/neu protein and antibodies in body fluid, allows the diagnosis of the presence of a malignancy in which the HER-2/neu oncogene is associated. The present invention also discloses methods and compositions, including peptides, for treating such malignancies.

Abstract: Peptide compositions which inhibit the binding of one protein to another protein, and corresponding methods of use are disclosed. These peptide compositions include at least one peptide which binds to one protein, and at least one peptide which binds to the other protein. In the preferred embodiment, the peptide composition is composed of a combination of cyclic ICAM-1-based and LFA-1-based peptides which inhibit the binding of LFA-1 to ICAM-1. Such LFA-1/ICAM-1-based peptide compositions can be used to treat disease states such as rejection of transplanted organs, allergies, and autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel isolated Wnt-7B-like polynucleotides and the membrane-associated or secreted polypeptides encoded by the Wnt-7B-like polynucleotides. Also provided are the antibodies that immunospecifically bind to a Wnt-7B-like polypeptide or any derivative, variant, mutant or fragment of the Wnt-7B-like polypeptide, polynucleotide or antibody. The invention additionally provides methods in which the Wnt-7B-like polypeptide, polynucleotide and antibody are utilized in the detection and treatment of a broad range of pathological states, as well as to other uses.

Abstract: Novel testis-specific genes and encoded proteins (PTANs) are described. PTANs are over-expressed in prostate cancer. The nucleotide and amino acid sequences of three distinct PTAN isoforms, designated PTAN-1, PTAN-2 and PTAN-3 are provided. The PTANs show no homology to any known gene. The testis-specific expression profile of PTAN in normal adult tissues, combined with the over-expression observed in prostate tumor xenografts, suggests that PTAN may be aberrancy over-expressed in at least some prostate cancers, and thus may be a useful diagnostic and/or therapeutic target for prostate cancers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel IRAK-2 protein which is a member of the IL-1 signaling pathway. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding the human IRAK-2 protein. IRAK-2 polypeptides are also provided as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. Also provided are diagnostic methods for detecting IRAK-2 related disorders and therapeutic methods for treating IRAK-2 related disorders.

Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid molecule is provided which encodes a mammalian signal mediator protein, HEF-1, involved in regulation of cellular morphological alterations. The encoded protein comprises an amino-terminal SH3 domain, an internal domain containing several SH2 binding motifs, and a carboxy-terminal effector domain that can induce pseudohyphal budding in yeast. The invention also provides the novel signal mediator protein, and antibodies thereto. These biological molecules are useful as research tools and as diagnostic and therapeutic agents in methods for the identification, detection and regulation of complex signaling events leading to morphological, potentially neoplastic, cellular changes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of antibodies or binding portions thereof, probes, ligands, or other biological agents which either recognize an extracellular domain of prostate specific membrane antigen or bind to and are internalized with prostate specific membrane antigen. These biological agents can be labeled and used for detection of cancerous tissues, particularly cancerous tissues proximate to or containing vascular endothelial cells, which express an extracellular domain of prostate specific membrane antigen. The labeled biological agents can also be used to detect normal, benign hyperplastic, and cancerous prostate epithelial cells or portions thereof. They also can be used alone or bound to a substance effective to ablate or kill such cells as a therapy for prostate or other cancers.

Abstract: The identification and characterization of risk factors and their molecular implications in the pathophysiology of human diseases such as cancer is essential for designing efficient diagnostic assays and therapeutic compounds. Estrogenic steroids, under normal physiological conditions, have been shown to play a critical function in several tissues. The response of such a variety of tissues to estrogen stimulation can explain in part its active role in the development and progression of different human diseases, particularly Breast Cancer. Searching for estrogen-responding cellular factors in parental cells of primary human breast carcinomas obtained from tumor biopsies an isoenzyme of putative Leucine Aminopeptidase (LAPase; EC 3.4.11.1) was idenditifed. Results have demonstrated that this marker is found to be elevated in the sera of women with invasive ductal and metastatic carcinomas. A monoclonal antibody against this cellular marker have been produced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods and devices for detecting non-complexed prostate specific antigen (PSA), which can be used either alone or in conjunction with total PSA tests to identify patients having either benign prostatic diseases (BPD), such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, or glandular atrophy or prostatic adenocarcinoma (CAP). In a biological sample, one can find not only non-complexed PSA, but also PSA which has formed a complex with &agr;1-antichymotrypsin (ACT). The present invention removes or precipitates complexed PSA (PSA-ACT) and ACT from a fluid sample, thereby removing any possible interference due to the binding of complexed PSA to assay reagents.

Abstract: Methods of predicting a propensity to developing prostate cancer are presented. The method consists of measuring the IGF status of individual. Individuals with high IGF status, as compared with normal reference range values, are at increased risk for developing prostate cancer. More particularly, the IGF status may be determined by measuring IGF-I levels and/or IGFBP-3 levels. High IGF and low IGFBP levels are indicative of a high IGF status. A method of determining the prognosis of existing prostate cancers or of monitoring disease progression involves determining the IGF/PSA status of an individual. Individuals with a high IGF/PSA status (both high IGF status and high PSA levels) tend to develop severe prostate cancer and have a poorer overall prognosis.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of Xenopus CENP-E (XCENP-E), antibodies to XCENP-E, methods of screening for CENP-E modulators using biologically active CENP-E, and kits for screening for CENP-E modulators.

Abstract: The present invention relates to screening methods for diagnosis, prognosis, or susceptibility to cancer in a subject by means of detecting the presence of serum autoantibodies to specific annexin protein antigens in sera from subjects. The present invention also provides screening methods for diagnosis and prognosis of cancer in a subject by means of detecting increased expression levels of annexin proteins in biological samples of the subject. The method of the invention can also be used to identify subjects at risk for developing cancer. The method of the invention involves the use of subject derived biological samples to determine the occurrence and level of expression of annexin proteins or expression of annexin derived peptides or antigens, and/or the occurrence and level of circulating autoantibodies to specific annexin protein antigens. The present invention further provides for kits for carrying out the above described screening methods.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for reducing formation or progression of neoplasms associated with immunosuppressive therapy in a mammal, the method comprising treating the mammal with an effective amount of an angiotensin II inhibitor. In addition the invention provides a method of preventing or treating a neoplasm in a mammal, the method includes treating the mammal with an effective amount of an angiotensin II inhibitor where the treatment is not associated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Also provided are compositions comprising an angiotensin II inhibitor and an immunosuppressive agent such as cyclosporin or FK506. The angiotensin II inhibitor of the invention includes proteins and polypeptides that bind angiotensin II receptors, anti-angiotensin II antibodies, angiotensin II receptors and fragments thereof. In another aspect the invention provides methods for identifying compounds capable of inhibiting the formation or proliferation of tumors in a mammal undergoing immunosuppressive therapy.

Abstract: This invention concerns a family of chimeric antibodies with high affinities to a high molecular weight, tumor-associated sialylated glycoprotein antigen (TAG-72) of human origin. These antibodies have (1) high affinity animal VH and VL sequences which mediate TAG-72 binding and (2) human CH and CL regions. They are thought to produce significantly fewer side-effects when administered to human patients by virtue of their human CH and CL antibody domains. The nucleotide and amino acid sequences of VH&agr;TAG VH, CC46 VH, CC49VH, CC83 VH, and CC92 VH, and CC49VL, CC83 VL, and CC92 VL idiotype sequences are disclosed, as well as in vivo methods of treatment and diagnostic assay using these chimeric antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to VEGF receptors (VEGFR) and neuropilins such as VEGF165R/NP-1 and NP-2 that are associated with metastatic potential of a malignant cell and their use in the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer. Preferred ones are VEGF165R/NP-1 and NP-2 but any neuropilin or VEGFR, where the constituents share at least about 85% homology with either of the above VEGF165R/NP-1 and NP-2 can be used. More preferably, such constituent shares at least 90% homology. Still more preferably, each constituent shares at least 95% homology.

Abstract: CASB414 polypeptides and polynucleotides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing CASB414 polypeptides and polynucleotides in diagnostics, and vaccines for prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of cancers, particularly colon cancers, autoimmune diseases, and related conditions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a class of checkpoint genes and their polypeptide products which control progression through the cell cycle in eukaryotic cells. In particular this invention relates to Schizosaccharomyces pombe rad3 gene, to its human homologue (ATR) and to their encoded proteins. The invention further relates to assay methods for selecting compounds which modulate the activity of the polypeptide products of these checkpoint genes and the use of the selected compounds in anticancer therapy.

Abstract: More than 90% of mutations found in the p53 protein produce a conformational change in p53 which results in the exposure of an epitope, which is otherwise hidden in the hydrophobic core of the molecule. A single chain antibody (scFv) which specifically recognizes this common mutant epitope in mutant p53 but not in wild type p53 is disclosed. Also described are a DNA molecule encoding the scFv, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibody and methods of treatment using the pharmaceutical compositions.