Abstract: An assay for detection of a mammalian cell proliferative disorder associated with a hypermutable nucleic acid sequences is provided. The identification of particular hypermutable sequences such as microsatellite loci correlates with a particular cancer, thereby allowing detection of both primary tumors and metastatic sites within a patient.

Abstract: Methods for detection of a cell proliferative disorder, such as cancer, are provided utilizing analysis of target mutant nucleic acids in saliva specimens. The presence of the target mutant nucleic acids is indicative of a neoplastic disorder of the lung or the head and neck.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for aiding in the diagnoses of the neoplastic condition of a lung cell, and methods of screening for a potential therapeutic agent for the reversal of the neoplastic condition.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and kits useful for detecting neplasia by measuring the methylation level of biomarkers, especially the promoter region of GSTP1 for the detection of prostate adenocarcinoma.

Abstract: Cancer screening models based on analysis of mass spectroscopy data can be used to predict upper aerodigestive tract cancer, including lung and head and neck cancers. Models can be generated by comparing spectral weight values obtained from upper aerodigestive tract cancer patients and from patients at high risk for such cancer. Predictor or covariate values identify spectral weight values associated with upper aerodigestive tract cancer.

Abstract: We used hierarchical clustering to examine gene expression profiles generated by serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) in a total of nine normal lung epithelial cells and non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). Separation of normal and tumor samples, as well as histopathological subtypes, was evident using the 3,921 most abundant transcript tags. This distinction remained when just 115 highly differentially expressed transcript tags were used. Furthermore, these 115 transcript tags clustered into groups that were suggestive of the unique biological and pathological features of the different tissues examined. Adenocarcinomas were characterized by high-level expression of small airway-associated or immunologically related proteins, while squamous cell carcinomas overexpressed genes involved in cellular detoxification or antioxidation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the detection of a cell proliferative disorder associated with alterations of microsatellite DNA in a sample. The microsatellite DNA can be contained within any of a variety of samples, such as urine, sputum, bile, stool, cervical tissue, saliva, tears, or cerebral spinal fluid. The invention is a method to detect an allelic imbalance by assaying microsatellite DNA. Allelic imbalance is detected by observing an abnormality in an allele, such as an increase or decrease in microsatellite DNA which is at or corresponds to an allele. An increase can be detected as the appearance of a new allele. In practicing the invention, DNA amplification methods, particularly polymerase chain reactions, are useful for amplifying the DNA. DNA analysis methods can be used to detect such a decrease or increase. The invention is also a method to detect genetic instability of microsatellite DNA.

Abstract: The BRAF gene has been found to be activated by mutation in human cancers, predominantly in malignant melanoma. We tested 476 primary tumors, including 214 lung, 126 head and neck, 54 thyroid, 27 bladder, 38 cervical, and 17 prostate cancers, for the BRAF T1796A mutation by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction enzyme analysis of BRAF exon 15. In 24 (69%) of the 35 papillary thyroid carcinomas examined, we found a missense thymine (T)?adenine (A) transversion at nucleotide 1796 in the BRAF gene (T1796A). The T1796A mutation was detected in four lung cancers and in six head and neck cancers but not in bladder, cervical, or prostate cancers. Our data suggest that activating BRAF mutations may be an important event in the development of papillary thyroid cancer. Moreover, BRAF mutation reliably predicts a poor prognosis for papillary thyroid carcinomas.

Abstract: Methods for detection of a cell proliferative disorder, such as cancer, are provided utilizing analysis of target mutant nucleic acids in saliva specimens are described. The presence of target mutant nucleic acids is indicative of a neoplastic disorder of the lung or the head and neck.

Abstract: Methylation of p16 DNA and a resultant decrease in p16 gene expression is associated with transcriptional block and is associated with a variety of neoplasms. A method for detecting a neoplasm in a subject by doming methylation of 5′CpG islands in p16 DNA, or detecting p16 mRNA or polypeptide levels in a sample is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the detection of a cell proliferative disorder associated with alterations of microsatellite DNA in a sample. The microsatellite DNA can be contained within any of a variety of samples, such as urine, sputum, bile, stool, cervical tissue, saliva, tears, or cerebral spinal fluid. The invention is a method to detect an allelic imbalance by assaying microsatellite DNA. Allelic imbalance is detected by observing an abnormality in an allele, such as an increase or decrease in microsatellite DNA which is at or corresponds to an allele. An increase can be detected as the appearance of a new allele. In practicing the invention, DNA amplification methods, particularly polymerase chain reactions, are useful for amplifying the DNA. DNA analysis methods can be used to detect such a decrease or increase. The invention is also a method to detect genetic instability of microsatellite DNA.

Abstract: Methods of genomic screening to identify epigenetically silenced genes, including epigenetically silenced tumor suppressor genes are provided. Also provided are methods of detecting a cancer, for example, an esophageal squamous cell carcinoma or a head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, as are methods of treating a subject having such a cancer.

Abstract: Mitochondrial mutations occur as a product of contact of a person with an environmental pollutant. Mitochondrial mutations are readily detectable in body fluids. Measurement of mitochondrial mutations in body fluids can be used as a dosimeter to monitor exposure to the environmental pollutant. Mitochondrial mutations can also be detected in cancer patients. Probes and primers containing mutant mitochondrial sequences can be used to monitor patient condition.

Abstract: Mitochondrial mutations occur as a product of contact of a person with an environmental pollutant. Mitochondrial mutations are readily detectable in body fluids. Measurement of mitochondrial mutations in body fluids can be used as a dosimeter to monitor exposure to the environmental pollutant. Mitochondrial mutations can also be detected in cancer patients. Probes and primers containing mutant mitochondrial sequences can be used to monitor patient condition.

Abstract: An assay for detection of a mammalian cell proliferative disorder associated with a hypermutable nucleic acid sequences is provided. The identification of particular hypermutable sequences such as microsatellite loci correlates with a particular cancer, thereby allowing detection of both primary tumors and metastatic sites within a patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and kits useful for detecting neplasia by measuring the methylation level of biomarkers, especially the promoter region of GSTP1 for the detection of prostate adenocarcinoma.

Abstract: We have discovered p40, the shortest variant of a new human p53 homologue (p40/p51/p63/p73H). We have also found that it plays a role in cancer. Low level amplification of the p40 locus accompanied by RNA and protein overexpression was observed in primary lung cancers, and head and neck cancer cell lines. P40 protein overexpression in primary lung tumors was limited to squamous cell carcinoma, tumors known to harbor a high frequency of p53 mutations. Overexpression of p40 in Rat 1a cells led to an increase in soft agar growth and tumor size in mice. We searched for p40 binding proteins using the yeast two-hybrid system. P53 was the most common binding target of the 1.6×106 clones screened from a mouse embryonic library. Moreover, coexpression of p40 and p53 led to a decrease in p53 transcriptional activity. Our results support the notion that p40 plays an oncogenic role in human cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the detection of a cell proliferative disorder associated with alterations of microsatellite DNA in a sample. The microsatellite DNA can be contained within any of a variety of samples, such as urine, sputum, bile, stool, cervical tissue, saliva, tears, or cerebral spinal fluid. The invention is a method to detect an allelic imbalance by assaying microsatellite DNA. Allelic imbalance is detected by observing an abnormality in an allele, such as an increase or decrease in microsatellite DNA which is at or corresponds to an allele. An increase can be detected as the appearance of a new allele. In practicing the invention, DNA amplification methods, particularly polymerase chain reactions, are useful for amplifying the DNA. DNA analysis methods can be used to detect such a decrease or increase. The invention is also a method to detect genetic instability of microsatellite DNA.

Abstract: Methods for detection of a cell proliferative disorder, such as cancer, are provided utilizing analysis of target mutant nucleic acids in saliva specimens are described. The presence of target mutant nucleic acids is indicative of a neoplastic disorder of the lung or the head and neck.

Abstract: An assay for detection of a mammalian cell proliferative disorder associated with a hypermutable nucleic acid sequences is provided. The identification of particular hypermutable sequences such as microsatellite loci correlates with a particular cancer, thereby allowing detection of both primary tumors and metastatic sites within a patient.