Abstract: Screening methods for identifying patients with an increased likelihood of having ovarian cancer are provided. The screening methods involve the detection of expression of a plurality of biomarkers in a body sample, wherein overexpression of the biomarkers is indicative of an increased likelihood of having ovarian cancer. The screening methods may further comprise a two-step analysis. Biomarkers of interest include genes and proteins that are, for example, involved in defects in DNA replication/cell cycle control, cell growth and proliferation, escape from apoptosis, angiogenesis or lymphogenesis, or the mechanisms of cancer cell motility and invasion. In some aspects of the invention, expression of a biomarker is detected at the protein level using a biomarker-specific antibody or at the nucleic acid level using nucleic acid hybridization techniques. Methods for detecting ovarian cancer in patients are further disclosed herein. Kits for practicing the methods of the invention are further provided.

Abstract: Substituted condensation products of N-benzyl-3-indenylacetamides with heterocyclic aldehydes and other such inhibitors are useful for the treatment of multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: Substituted condensation products of N-benzyl-3-indenylacetamides with heterocyclic aldehydes and other such inhibitors are useful for the treatment of scleroderma.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for evaluating the prognosis of a breast cancer patient, particularly an early-stage breast cancer patient, are provided. The methods of the invention comprise detecting expression of at least one, more particularly at least two, biomarker(s) in a body sample, wherein overexpression of the biomarker or a combination of biomarkers is indicative of breast cancer prognosis. In some embodiments, the body sample is a breast tissue sample, particularly a primary breast tumor sample. The biomarkers of the invention are proteins and/or genes whose overexpression is indicative of either a good or bad cancer prognosis. Biomarkers of interest include proteins and genes involved in cell cycle regulation, DNA replication, transcription, signal transduction, cell proliferation, invasion, proteolysis, or metastasis.

Abstract: A novel nucleolus protein has been identified and cloned using human autoimmune serum. Its cDNA and amino acid sequences have been determined and are disclosed. This antigenic protein, termed ASE-1, has an approximate molecular mass of 55 kDa. Immunoblot analysis indicates that both the native protein and the in vitro translation products of the cDNA migrate on SDS-PAGE at an apparent molecular mass of 90 kDa. Indirect immunofluorescence analysis using antibodies generated to cloned regions of ASE-1 indicates that this protein occurs at the fibrillar centers of the nucleolus in the putative sites of rDNA transcription. During cell division ASE-1 localizes to the nucleolus organizer regions of the chromosomes, where it is closely associated with RNA polymerase 1. As an autoantigenic nucleolar protein, ASE-1 has been found to be a reliable serum marker for systemic lupus erthyematosus (SLE). This finding makes ASE-1 useful in the clinical detection and characterization of the disease.