Abstract: Methods for diagnosing cancer, such as prostate, ovarian or breast cancer, as well as leukemia, are provided. Such methods may employ binding agents, such as antibodies or CAR sequences of OB-cadherin or N-cadherin, that specifically bind to OB-cadherin or N-cadherin, or polynucleotides that hybridize to a polynucleotide encoding OB-cadherin or N-cadherin. Also provided are methods for monitoring the progression of a cancer and to evaluate the metastatic potential of a cancer.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosing cancer, such as prostate, ovarian or breast cancer, as well as leukemia, are provided. Such methods may employ binding agents, such as antibodies or CAR sequences of OB-cadherin or N-cadherin, that specifically bind to OB-cadherin or N-cadherin, or polynucleotides that hybridize to a polynucleotide encoding OB-cadherin or N-cadherin. Also provided are methods for monitoring the progression of a cancer and to evaluate the metastatic potential of a cancer.

Abstract: Agents for inhibiting cancer metastasis are provided. The methods comprise administering to a patient an antimetastatic agent that comprises one or more of: (a) a peptide sequence that is at least 50% identical to an OB-cadherin CAR sequence; (b) a non-peptide mimetic of an OB-cadherin CAR sequence; (c) a substance, such as an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, that specifically binds an OB-cadherin CAR sequence; and/or (d) a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide that comprises an OB-cadherin CAR sequence or analogue thereof.

Abstract: Methods for using modulating agents to enhance or inhibit junctional adhesion molecule (JAM)-mediated cell adhesion in a variety of in vivo and in vitro contexts are provided. The modulating agents comprise at least one JAM cell adhesion recognition sequence or an antibody or fragment thereof that specifically binds the JAM cell adhesion recognition sequence. Modulating agents may additionally comprise one or more cell adhesion recognition sequences recognized by other adhesion molecules. Such modulating agents may, but need not, be linked to a targeting agent, drug and/or support material.

Abstract: Methods for using modulating agents to enhance or inhibit occludin-mediated cell adhesion in a variety of in vivo and in vitro contexts are provided. Within certain embodiments, the modulating agents may be used to increase vasopermeability. The modulating agents comprise at least one occludin cell adhesion recognition sequence or an antibody or fragment thereof that specifically binds the occludin cell adhesion recognition sequence. Modulating agents may additionally comprise one or more cell adhesion recognition sequences recognized by other adhesion molecules. Such modulating agents may, but need not, be linked to a targeting agent, drug and/or support material.

Abstract: Methods for using modulating agents to enhance or inhibit occludin-mediated cell adhesion in a variety of in vivo and in vitro contexts are provided. Within certain embodiments, the modulating agents may be used to increase vasopermeability. The modulating agents comprise at least one occludin cell adhesion recognition sequence or an antibody or fragment thereof that specifically binds the occludin cell adhesion recognition sequence. Modulating agents may additionally comprise one or more cell adhesion recognition sequences recognized by other adhesion molecules. Such modulating agents may, but need not, be linked to a targeting agent, drug and/or support material.

Abstract: Methods for using modulating agents to enhance or inhibit occludin-mediated cell adhesion in a variety of in vivo and in vitro contexts are provided. Within certain embodiments, the modulating agents may be used to increase vasopermeability. The modulating agents comprise at least one occludin cell adhesion recognition sequence or an antibody or fragment thereof that specifically binds the occludin cell adhesion recognition sequence. Modulating agents may additionally comprise one or more cell adhesion recognition sequences recognized by other adhesion molecules. Such modulating agents may, but need not, be linked to a targeting agent, drug and/or support material.