Abstract: Disclosed are methods, compositions and transgenic models related to the interaction of T-cadherin and adiponectin.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosing a neoplasia of epithelial tissues are provided. The methods comprise quantifiably detecting T-cadherin expression on tissue samples and comparing the detected T-cadherin levels with reference values for the level of expression of T-cadherin in healthy or disease states. Methods for diagnosing the stage of a neoplasia are also provided. Methods for treating or preventing neovascularization by disrupting the interaction of T-cadherin with adiponectin or other ligands in the vasculature are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides antibodies specifically reactive with T-cadherin, but not with N-, E- or P-cadherin. The present invention also provides methods of obtaining such antibodies by administering to an animal a synthetic peptide or a recombinant protein fragment having a partial sequence of T-cadherin. The present invention further provides antibodies obtained by such methods.

Abstract: The invention provides substantially purified T-cadherin polypeptides and isolated nucleic acids which encode the T-cadherin polypeptides. Antibodies reactive with various forms of T-cadherin, but not reactive with N-, E- or P-cadherin are also provided. The invention provides methods for detecting the various forms of T-cadherin in a subject as well as a method of detecting tumor growth which consists of inhibiting the activity of T-cadherin in a tumor. A method of effecting traumatized neurons is provided. The method entails treating traumatized neurons with a therapeutically effective dose of T-cadherin.

Abstract: The invention provides substantially purified T-cadherin polypeptides and isolated nucleic acids which encode the T-cadherin polypeptides. Antibodies reactive with various forms of T-cadherin, but not reactive with N-, E- or P-cadherin are also provided. The invention provides methods for detecting the various forms of T-cadherin in a subject as well as a method of detecting tumor growth which consists of inhibiting the activity of T-cadherin in a tumor. A method of affecting traumatized neurons is provided. The method entails treating traumatized neurons with a therapeutically effective dose of T-cadherin.

Abstract: The invention provides substantially purified T-cadherin polypeptides and isolated nucleic acids which encode the T-cadherin polypeptides. Antibodies reactive with various forms of T-cadherin, but not reactive with N-, E- or P-cadherin are also provided. The invention provides methods for detecting the various forms of T-cadherin in a subject as well as a method of detecting tumor growth which consists of inhibiting the activity of T-cadherin in a tumor. A method of effecting traumatized neurons is provided. The method entails treating traumatized neurons with a therapeutically effective dose of T-cadherin.