Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for use in diagnosing and treating thyroid cancer.

Abstract: The invention features thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) polypeptides (e.g., 3TSR-Fc fusion proteins), nucleic acid molecules encoding the TSP-1 polypeptides, and compositions thereof. The invention also features methods of making and using the TSP-1 polypeptides of the invention (e.g., using 3TSR-Fc fusion proteins to treat a subject having a disorder associated with pathological angiogenesis, e.g., cancer, e.g., epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC)).

Abstract: The invention features thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) polypeptides (e.g., 3TSR-Fc fusion proteins), nucleic acid molecules encoding the TSP-1 polypeptides, and compositions thereof. The invention also features methods of making and using the TSP-1 polypeptides of the invention (e.g., using 3TSR-Fc fusion proteins to treat a subject having a disorder associated with pathological angiogenesis, e.g., cancer, e.g., epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC)).

Abstract: The invention features thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) polypeptides (e.g., 3TSR-Fc fusion proteins), nucleic acid molecules encoding the TSP-1 polypeptides, and compositions thereof. The invention also features methods of making and using the TSP-1 polypeptides of the invention (e.g., using 3TSR-Fc fusion proteins to treat a subject having a disorder associated with pathological angiogenesis, e.g., cancer, e.g., epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC)).

Abstract: Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) is a potent inhibitor of tumor growth and angiogenesis. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms that are involved in the inhibition of tumor growth by the type 1 repeats (TSRs), recombinant versions of these motifs have been produced and have been assayed for their ability to inhibit the growth of experimental B16F10 and Lewis lung carcinomas. Recombinant proteins that contain all three TSRs (3TSR) or the second TSR with (TSR2+RFK) or without (TSR2) the transforming growth factor beta (TGF?) activating sequence (RFK) have been expressed in Drosophila S2 cells. A recombinant protein containing all three type 1 repeats of TSP-2 and a recombinant protein containing the second TSR with the RFK sequence altered to QFK have also been produced. The data indicate that the TSRs inhibit tumor growth by inhibition of angiogenesis and regulation of tumor cell growth and apoptosis. The regulation of tumor cell growth and apoptosis is RFK-dependent while the inhibition of angiogenesis is not.

Abstract: Methods for detecting the presence of antibodies to PF4/heparin/TSP-1 complexes in a biological sample and for diagnosing Type 2 heparin-induced thrombocytopenia are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to purified cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), such as human COMP (hCOMP), including hCOMP prepared by purifying hCOMP in the presence of calcium (e.g. under calcium replete conditions); methods of purifying COMP in the presence of calcium; antibodies to purified hCOMP; ELISA kits comprising purified hCOMP; compositions (e.g.

Abstract: Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) is a potent inhibitor of tumor growth and angiogenesis. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms that are involved in the inhibition of tumor growth by the type 1 repeats (TSRs), recombinant versions of these motifs have been produced and have been assayed for their ability to inhibit the growth of experimental B16F10 and Lewis lung carcinomas. Recombinant proteins that contain all three TSRs (3TSR) or the second TSR with (TSR2+RFK) or without (TSR2) the transforming growth factor beta (TGF&bgr;) activating sequence (RFK) have been expressed in Drosophila S2 cells. A recombinant protein containing all three type 1 repeats of TSP-2 and a recombinant protein containing the second TSR with the RFK sequence altered to QFK have also been produced. The data indicate that the TSRs inhibit tumor growth by inhibition of angiogenesis and regulation of tumor cell growth and apoptosis.

Abstract: Methods for detecting the presence of antibodies to PF4/heparin/TSP-1 complexes in a biological sample and for diagnosing Type 2 heparin-induced thrombocytopenia are described.

Abstract: Tumors attract blood vessels in order to grow by a process called angiogenesis. The relative quantity of stimulators and inhibitors is an important determining factor for the initiation of angiogenesis. Thrombospondins-1 and -2 are adhesive glycoproteins that have the ability to inhibit angiogenesis. This inhibiting activity has been mapped to the type 1 repeats of TSP-1 and TSP-2. The invention includes chimeric proteins that contain anti-angiogenic portions of TSP-1, TSP-2, endostatin, angiostatin, platelet factor 4, or prolactin, linked to a portion of the N-terminal region of human cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) that allows formation of pentamers. Also described herein are the nucleic acid molecules, vectors, and host cells for expressing and producing these chimeric proteins. Further embodiments of the invention include methods to treat humans or other mammals with anti-angiogenic proteins to reduce tumor size or rate of growth.