Abstract: A method of recovering colorectal epithelial cells or fragments thereof from a stool sample is provided. The method involves contacting a stool sample with a specific binding reagent having specificity for colorectal epithelial cells or membrane fragments thereof to form a complex containing the specific binding reagent and the colorectal epithelial cells or fragments thereof, and separating the complex from the sample. A method of detecting dysplastic colorectal epithelial cells or fragments thereof, wherein a specific binding reagent employed in the method has specificity for dysplastic colorectal epithelial cells or membrane fragments thereof, is also provided. An article of manufacture containing reagents for performing the method is further provided.

Abstract: Polynucleotide sequences encoding novel cadherin-like polypeptides, designated protocadherins, and variants thereof are provided by the invention as well as methods and materials for the recombinant production of the same. Antibody substances specific for human protocadherin-43 are also disclosed as useful for modulating the natural binding and/or regulatory activities of the protocadherins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cDNA sequences from a region of amplification on chromosome 20 associated with disease. The sequences can be used in hybridization methods for the identification of chromosomal abnormalities associated with various diseases. The sequences can also be used for treatment of diseases.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a novel tumor marker TC1 which is present on tumor cells and absent on corresponding normal cells, nucleic acid encoding the tumor marker, and monoclonal antibodies to tumor marker TC1.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel human integral membrane (IMP-2) and polynucleotides which identify and encode IMP-2. The invention also provides genetically engineered expression vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences encoding IMP-2 and a method for producing IMP-2. The invention also provides for agonists, antibodies, or antagonists specifically binding IMP-2, and their use, in the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with expression of IMP-2. Additionally, the invention provides for the use of antisense molecules to polynucleotides encoding IMP-2 for the treatment of diseases associated with the expression of IMP-2. The invention also provides diagnostic assays which utilize the polynucleotide, or fragments or the complement thereof, and antibodies specifically binding IMP-2.

Abstract: An anti-ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) R2 subunit monoclonal antibody KM1054, KM1056 or KM1060, which belongs to the IgG2a subclass, reacts with R2 subunit of RNR, and inhibits RNR activity, is disclosed. It is effective for immunologically detecting RNR and for immunologically detecting the presence of human cancer cells.

Abstract: There is marked over-expression of multiple spliced variants of the CD44 gene in tumor compared to counterpart normal tissue. This observation forms the basis of a method of diagnosing neoplasia by analysis of a sample of body tissue or body fluid or waste product. A new exon 6 of 129 bp has been located and sequenced. Antibodies specific to the exon have been prepared and are claimed as new compounds suitable for use in the detection of CD44 proteins and for the in vivo imaging and therapy of tumors.

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: The present invention provides novel human tumor proteins (collectively called TUPRO) and polynucleotides which identify and encode TUPRO. The invention also provides genetically engineered expression vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences encoding TUPRO. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions containing TUPRO or antagonists to TUPRO, and in the use of these compositions for the treatment of diseases associated with the expression of TUPRO. Additionally, the invention provides for the use of antisense molecules to polynucleotides encoding TUPRO for the treatment of diseases associated with the expression of TUPRO. The invention also provides diagnostic assays which utilize the polynucleotide, or fragments or the complement thereof, to hybridize to the genomic sequence or transcripts of polynucleotides encoding TUPRO or anti-TUPRO antibodies which specifically bind to TUPRO.

Abstract: Antibodies, including monoclonal antibodies, specific for proliferating/angiogenic human endothelial cells such as human umbilical vein endothelial cells and human umbilical artery endothelial cells, and conjugates of these antibodies with a toxin material or label, are useful for inhibition of angiogenesis or for treatment of angiogenesis-dependent disease.

Abstract: A new substrate of epidermal growth factor receptor and certain other tyrosine kinase receptors denominated eps15, polynucleotides encoding eps15, antisense eps15 polynucleotide, triple helix eps15 polynucleotide, antibodies to eps15, and assays for determining eps15.

Abstract: This invention provides antibodies that bind to epitopes of human platelet-derived growth factor receptor (hPDGF-R) fragments, wherein the fragments comprise one or more platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) ligand binding regions from extracellular domains D1, D2, and D3. Also provided are antibodies specific for domain D3, such as monoclonal antibodies directed to the intra-cysteine portion of domain D3.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process which achieves effective separation of components from red blood cells by aggregating cell membranes with an addition of a pH lowering agent, whereupon the solution is made subject to a separation step where a water soluble fraction is separated from cell membranes, and whereupon the cell membranes are extracted, and where lipids may be selectively separated and recovered by lowering the temperature of the extract.

Abstract: A method of determining the prognosis of a solid tumor is provided, in which a sample from a patient bearing a tumor is assayed for the presence of a protein which is immunologically cross-reactive with the hpr gene product, but not with haptoglobin 1 or haptoglobin 2. Also provided is a method for preparing antibodies specific for this diagnostic marker which correlates with early relapse and metastasis of breast and other cancers. The marker can be detected using immunological methods employing antibodies specific for Hpr protein and not cross-reactive with haptoglobins 1 or 2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to erbB-2 ligands and functional derivatives thereof which are capable of binding to the erbB-2 oncogene product. The present invention further pertains to anti-ligand molecules capable of recognizing and binding to the erbB-2 ligand molecule and to screening assays for such ligands. The present invention additionally relates to uses for the erbB-2 ligand, the anti-ligand molecules and the screening assays.

Abstract: The present invention provides two human p24 vesicle trafficking proteins (designated individually as Hp24-1 and Hp24-2 and collectively as Hp24) and polynucleotides which identify and encode Hp24. The invention also provides genetically engineered expression vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences encoding Hp24 and a method for producing Hp24. The invention also provides for agonists, antibodies, or antagonists specifically binding Hp24, and their use, in the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with expression of Hp24. Additionally, the invention provides for the use of antisense molecules to polynucleotides encoding Hp24 for the treatment of diseases associated with the expression of Hp24. The invention also provides diagnostic assays which utilize the polynucleotide, or fragments or the complement thereof, and antibodies specifically binding Hp24.

Abstract: Compounds and compositions for eliciting or enhancing immune reactivity to HER-2/neu protein are disclosed. The compounds include polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules encoding such peptides. The compounds may be used for the prevention or treatment of malignancies in which the HER-2/neu oncogene is associated.

Abstract: New compounds that bind specifically to vascular permeability factor (VPF) are used in methods of targeting these compounds, which include effector molecules that are, e.g., toxic, radioactive, or serve as marker labels, for tumor cells and the associated blood vessel endothelial cells, based on the discovery that VPF concentrates selectively in the endothelium and basement membrane lining tumor-associated blood vessels to a far greater degree than in normal vessels. By targeting VPF rather than the tumor cells themselves, the invention avoids the problems of tumor heterogeneity and diffusion distance.

Abstract: A method for identifying patients at risk of developing vascular leakage syndrome and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) such as septic shock by determining the serum levels of metalloproteinase expression, in particular type IV collagenase expression, as well as a method of treating or preventing vascular leakage syndrome and SIRS by the administration of one or more metalloproteinase inhibitors, preferably type IV collagenase inhibitors is taught. Additionally, the therapeutic efficacy of bis(dioxopiperazine) compounds is determined on the basis of collagenase inhibiting activity, and the compounds which inhibit collagenase activity are utilized for the treatment of collagenase related disorders, e.g., vascular leakage syndrome, septic shock, stroke, cardiac disorders, angiogenesis, and arthritis.

Abstract: The present invention describes recombinant antibody toxin fusion proteins which selectively kill cells bearing appropriate antigens or receptors.