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: 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 detecting methylation of 5′CpG islands in p16 DNA, or detecting p16 mRNA or polypeptide levels in a sample is also provided.

Abstract: Methods are provided for detection of target neoplastic nucleic acids in a tissue specimen, including a tumor margin or lymph node, and reagents therefor, wherein the nucleic acids are preferably mutant tumor suppressor genes or proto oncogenes. Methods for treatment of cell proliferative diseases utilizing ribozymes or antisense oligonucleotides specific for the target mutant nucleic acids and/or replacement wild type genes are also disclosed.

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: A novel cell cycle regulatory gene called 5′ALT is disclosed. Methods for determining mutations or polymorphisms in 5′ALT or 5′ALT regulated genes in tissues are also provided. Novel 5′ALT-p16 and 5′ALT-p15 transcripts and truncated expression products are also described.

Abstract: Methods are provided for detection of target neoplastic nucleic acids in a tissue specimen, including a tumor margin or lymph node, and reagents therefor, wherein the nucleic acids are preferably mutant tumor suppressor genes or proto oncogenes. Methods for treatment of cell proliferative diseases utilizing ribozymes or antisense oligonucleotides specific for the target mutant nucleic acids and/or replacement wild type genes are also disclosed.

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: A novel cell cycle regulatory gene called 5'ALT is disclosed. Methods for determining mutations or polymorphisms in 5'ALT or 5'ALT regulated genes in tissues are also provided. Novel 5'ALT-p16 and 5'ALT-p15 transcripts and truncated expression products are also described.

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 detecting methylation of 5'CpG islands in p16 DNA, or detecting p16 mRNA or polypeptide levels in a sample is also provided.

Abstract: A novel cell cycle regulatory gene called 5'ALT is disclosed. Methods for determining mutations or polymorphisms in 5'ALT or 5'ALT regulated genes in tissues are also provided. Novel 5'ALT-p16 and 5'ALT-p15 transcripts and truncated expression products are also described.

Abstract: Methods for amplification and detection of target nucleic acids in sputum specimens which contain mutations indicative of head and neck neoplasia, and reagents therefore, are described.

Abstract: Methods for detection of target nucleic acids associated with lung neoplasias in sputum specimens which contain mutations and reagents therefor are described.