Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of modulating a chromatin binding protein or complex which binds to a functional group on an amino acid of a histone. This method involves phosphorylating or dephosphorylating a serine or threonine on the histone proximate to the amino acid under conditions effective to modulate the chromatin binding protein or complex. This method is particularly useful in treating or preventing cancer in a subject. In addition, the histone comprising a serine or threonine proximate to an amino acid capable of binding to a functional group can be used to screen for compounds which prevent or treat cancer. Also disclosed is an antibody or binding portion thereof raised against a binary switch on a histone comprising a phosphorylated serine or threonine proximate to an amino acid bound to a functional group and its use in detecting a condition mediated by that switch.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a human egg specific protein (ePAD), antibodies specific for the human egg specific protein and the use of the ePAD protein to identify antagonists of ePAD activity. Antagonists of ePAD activity are anticipated to have utility as female contraceptive agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of antibodies directed against specific histone amino terminus modifications as diagnostic indicators of disease or congenital defects. In one embodiment, nucleosomes are isolated from a blood or serum sample of a patient using histone specific antibodies and the accompanying DNA is purified and analyzed for diagnostic and screening purposes.