Abstract: Included are methods of identifying compounds that mimic the interaction of Apoptin and APC1, e.g., binding of Apoptin to APC1, e.g., dissociation of APC1 from the APC/C, and compounds identified by the methods. Compounds that specifically mimic an interaction of Apoptin and APC1, e.g., cause dissociation of APC1 from the APC/C, are useful for promoting apoptosis (e.g., in cancer cells). Also included are methods of treating a subject having a disorder characterized by aberrant (e.g., decreased) apoptotic processes, by administering a compound that appropriately mimics an interaction of Apoptin and APC1.

Abstract: A two-stage, transcriptionally regulated apoptotic program has been discovered. In the first stage, IL-3 withdrawal results in transcriptional activation of the NGAL gene followed by synthesis and secretion of NGAL protein. In the second stage, secreted NGAL protein induces apoptosis in lymphoid cells by an autocrine mechanism. Based on this discovery, the invention provides a method of inducing apoptosis in a lymphoid cell in a mammal, e.g., a human patient. The invention includes administering a therapeutically effective amount of an NGAL polypeptide or NGAL-like polypeptide to a mammal.

Abstract: A two-stage, transcriptionally regulated apoptotic program has been discovered. In the first stage, IL-3 withdrawal results in transcriptional activation of the NGAL gene followed by synthesis and secretion of NGAL protein. In the second stage, secreted NGAL protein induces apoptosis in lymphoid cells by an autocrine mechanism. Based on this discovery, the invention provides a method of inducing apoptosis in a lymphoid cell in a mammal, e.g., a human patient. The invention includes administering a therapeutically effective amount of an NGAL polypeptide or NGAL-like polypeptide to a mammal.

Abstract: The invention features E4orf4-encoding nucleic acids, pharmaceutical compositions and expression vectors containing the same, and methods for their use. E4orf4-encoding nucleic acids include (i) nucleic acids capable of hybridizing at high stringency to the complement of the nucleic acid encoding Ad2E4orf4, and (ii) nucleic acids having 50% or greater nucleotide sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of Ad2E4orf4, so long as the nucleic acids encode a polypeptide capable of inducing apoptosis.

Abstract: A two-stage, transcriptionally regulated apoptotic program has been discovered. In the first stage, IL-3 withdrawal results in transcriptional activation of the NGAL gene followed by synthesis and secretion of NGAL protein. In the second stage, secreted NGAL protein induces apoptosis in lymphoid cells by an autocrine mechanism. Based on this discovery, the invention provides a method of inducing apoptosis in a lymphoid cell in a mammal, e.g., a human patient. The invention includes administering a therapeutically effective amount of an NGAL polypeptide or NGAL-like polypeptide to a mammal.