Abstract: An isolated acid having the sequence of a) SEQ ID NO: 1; b) the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2; c) the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3; d) a sequence complementary to any of a), b), or c); or e) a sequence of at least 10 contiguous nucleotides specific for any of a)-d). The invention relates to the identification and characterization of a hitherto unidentified human gene, hGC-1. The protein encoded by hGC-1 appears to be a member of the olfactomedin-related proteins. The invention relates generally to the gene (hGC-1), nucleic acids, cDNA, vectors, polypeptides, protein, antibodies, cells, transgenic animal, and other compositions related to hGC-1. Additionally, primers are provided for identifying hGC-1. The invention further relates to methods of using these compositions, such as diagnosis and treatment of various cancers, and kits comprising these compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the simultaneous and specific identification of the variant forms of &agr;-thalassemia. This invention utilizes simple and readily available equipment to rapidly identify, diagnose and differentiate the different forms of &agr;-thalassemia. Specifically, the present invention relates to a simple and rapid non-radioisotopic technique for the diagnosis and differentiation of the common forms of &agr;-thalassemia has been developed. This approach works on any biological tissue including blood, wherein the assay works equally well with fresh blood and dried blood samples stored on filter paper.

Abstract: A simple, rapid and reliable method for diagnosis of thalassemia is described. The method comprises amplification of the cDNA by polymerase chain reaction and determining the ratio between .alpha. and .beta. hemoglobin chain mRNAs.