Abstract: Novel genes designated and set forth in FIG. 2 and their respective encoded proteins, and variants thereof, are described wherein a gene of the invention exhibits tissue specific expression in normal adult tissue, and is aberrantly expressed in the cancers such as those listed in Table I. Consequently, of gene products of a gene of FIG. 2 provide diagnostic, prognostic, prophylactic and/or therapeutic targets for cancer. A gene of FIG. 2 or fragment thereof, its encoded protein, or variants thereof, or a fragment thereof, can be used to elicit a humoral or cellular immune response; antibodies or T cells reactive with a gene product of FIG. 2 can be used in active or passive immunization.

Abstract: The present invention is in the fields of cell biology, immunology and oncology. The invention relates to the discovery that there is a relationship between the expression levels of the tumor suppressor gene smad4 (also known as dpc4) and integrin ?v?6, and the responsiveness of patient populations to ?v?6-active compounds and compositions (e.g., antibodies and other ligands that bind ?v?6), particularly in cancer cells from such patient populations, more particularly on carcinomas such as pancreatic carcinomas.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel methods for screening for compounds useful in treating telomerase positive cancers. In exemplary embodiments, screening methods are based on the implementation or manipulation of therapeutic agents that up-regulate activity or expression of MKRN polypeptides or polynucleotides encoding the same, respectively. The methods are useful in identifying agents that can serve as cancer therapeutic agents.

Abstract: A new polypeptide is disclosed that is specifically detected in the cells of the prostate, termed Novel Gene Expressed in Prostate (NGEP). Polynucleotides encoding NGEP are also disclosed, as are vectors including these polynucleotides. Host cells transformed with these polynucleotides are also disclosed. Antibodies are disclosed that specifically bind NGEP. Methods are disclosed for using an NGEP polypeptide, an antibody that specifically binds NGEP, or a polynucleotide encoding NGEP. Assays are disclosed for the detection prostate cancer. Pharmaceutical compositions including an NGEP polypeptide, an antibody that specifically binds NGEP, or a polynucleotide encoding NGEP are also disclosed. These pharmaceutical compositions are of use in the treatment of prostate cancer.

Abstract: A method of detecting or monitoring a malignant plasma cell disease comprising detecting in a sample the ratio between the relative amounts of immunoglobulins having: (i) a heavy chain class bound to ? light chains; and (ii) immunoglobulins having the same heavy chain class but bound to ? light chains. Preferably the ratio is determined by (1) a method wherein the ratio is determined using: (i) an antibody, or a fragment thereof, having specificity for a heavy chain class at the same time as having specificity for a first light chain in combination with either: (ii) an antibody, or a fragment thereof, having specificity for the heavy chain class at the same time as having specificity for the second light chain; or (iii) an antibody, or fragment thereof, having specificity for the heavy chain and a further antibody, or fragment thereof, having specificity for the second light chain.

Abstract: The invention features methods of diagnosis by assessing B7-H1 expression in a tissue from a subject that has, or is suspected of having, cancer, methods of treatment with agents that interfere with B7-H1-receptor interaction, methods of selecting candidate subjects likely to benefit from cancer immunotherapy, and methods of inhibiting expression of B7-H1.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a binding member which binds to Lewisy and Lewisb haptens in the treatment of tumours and leukaemia. The binding member may be an antibody which binds to Lewisy and Lewisb haptens and cancer cells and induces cells death.

Abstract: Urinary Cyr61 protein levels are up regulated in patients that have cancers of epithelial origin, i.e. breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Accordingly, the present invention is directed to methods for prognostic evaluation, and diagnosis of cancers of epithelial origin. Further, the amount of Cyr61 protein detected in a urine sample correlates with disease status such that Cyr61 levels can be used to predict the presence of, as well as the metastatic potential of cancer. Thus, measuring the level of Cyr61 in urine provides a quick, easy, and safe screen that can be used to both diagnose and prognose cancer in a patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new method for detecting, diagnosing, monitoring, staging, prognosticating, imaging and treating prostate cancer.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the therapy and diagnosis of cancer, particularly breast cancer, are disclosed. Illustrative compositions comprise one or more breast tumor polypeptides, immunogenic portions thereof, polynucleotides that encode such polypeptides, antigen presenting cell that expresses such polypeptides, and T cells that are specific for cells expressing such polypeptides. The disclosed compositions are useful, for example, in the diagnosis, prevention and/or treatment of diseases, particularly breast cancer.

Abstract: The invention discloses immunogenic polypeptides comprising several MAGE-specific antigen epitopes selected from different (i.e. discrete) members of the MAGE protein family, nucleic acids coding therefor, recombinant viruses and/or cells comprising said nucleic acids, and compositions thereof. Methods for eliciting or inducing MAGE-specific immune responses utilizing the aforementioned immunogenic agents are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for diagnosing ovarian cancer in a patient and for identifying patients with an increased likelihood of having ovarian cancer are provided. The compositions include novel monoclonal antibodies, and variants and fragments thereof, that specifically bind to HE4. Monoclonal antibodies having the binding characteristics of an HE4 antibody of the invention are further provided. Hybridoma cell lines that produce an HE4 monoclonal antibody of the invention are also disclosed herein. The compositions find use in diagnostic methods as well as in screening methods for identifying patients having an increased likelihood of having ovarian cancer. Kits comprising one or more of the disclosed HE4 monoclonal antibodies and for practicing the methods of the invention are further provided. Polypeptides comprising the amino acid sequence for an HE4 epitope and methods of using these polypeptides in the production of antibodies are also encompassed by the present invention.

Abstract: The invention provides caspase recruitment domain (CARD)-containing polypeptides and functional fragments thereof, encoding nucleic acid molecules, and specific antibodies. Also provided are screening methods for identifying CARD-associated polypeptides (CAPs), and for identifying agents that alter the association of a CARD-containing polypeptide with itself or with a CAP. Further provided are methods of altering a biochemical process modulated by a CARD-containing polypeptide, and methods of diagnosing a pathology characterized by an increased or decreased level of a CARD-containing polypeptide.

Abstract: The invention provides caspase recruitment domain (CARD)-containing polypeptides and functional fragments thereof, encoding nucleic acid molecules, and specific antibodies. Also provided are screening methods for identifying CARD-associated polypeptides (CAPs), and for identifying agents that alter the association of a CARD-containing polypeptide with itself or with a CAP. Further provided are methods of altering a biochemical process modulated by a CARD-containing polypeptide, and methods of diagnosing a pathology characterized by an increased or decreased level of a CARD-containing polypeptide.

Abstract: The invention relates to antibodies that bind to antigens, such as antigens associated with hyperproliferating cells, and methods of treating hyperproliferative disorders. The invention antibodies are useful for treating hyperproliferative disorders, such as neoplasia.

Abstract: This invention relates to a gene encoding RTVP that has been shown to be up-regulated by p53 using differential display-PCR and subsequently by co-transfection studies. RTVP-1 mRNA is abundant in normal mouse and human prostatic epithelial cells and primary tumors, but is significantly down regulated in metastatic mouse and human prostate cancer. In prostate cancer cells overexpression of the mouse RTVP-1 gene (mRTVP-1) induced apoptosis that was accompanied by increased caspase 8, 9 and 3 activities. mRTVP-1-stimulated apoptosis was also associated with increased levels of bax, bad and activated BID; reduced levels of bcl-2 and bcl-XL; and cytosolic cytochrome c accumulation. Adenoviral-vector-mediated mRTVP-1 expression lead to potent growth suppression and antimetastatic activities in an orthotopic mouse model of prostate cancer in vivo. These therapeutic activities were associated with anti-angiogenic effects and importantly a local and systemic immune response.

Abstract: A new polypeptide is disclosed that is specifically detected in the cells of the prostate, termed Novel Gene Expressed in Prostate (NGEP). Polynucleotides encoding NGEP are also disclosed, as are vectors including these polynucleotides. Host cells transformed with these polynucleotides are also disclosed. Antibodies are disclosed that specfically bind NGEP. Methods are disclosed for using an NGEP polypeptide, an antibody that specifically binds NGEP, or a polynucleotide encoding NGEP. Assays are disclosed for the detection prostate cancer. Pharamaceutical compositions including an NGEP polypeptide, an antibody that specifically binds NGEP, or a polynucleotide encoding NGEP are also disclosed. These pharmaceutical compositions are of use in the treatment of prostate cancer.

Abstract: CASB7439 polypeptides and polynucleotides, immunogenic compositions comprising them and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing CASB7439 polypeptides and polynucleotides in diagnostics, and vaccines for prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of cancers, particularly colorectal, breast, and lung cancers, autoimmune diseases, and related conditions.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing cancer comprising the identification of neoplastic molecular markers is disclosed. Tumor-related or neoplastic molecular markers are identified from samples taken from a subject and the molecular profile of those markers is determined. Based upon the neoplastic molecular marker profile of the subject, the tumor sub-type is ascertained and an appropriate treatment protocols initiated.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel androgen regulated nucleic acid molecules. Related polypeptides and diagnostic methods also are provided.