Abstract: The disclosure provides methods for predicting and/or determining whether a subject has cancer based on the level of expression of miR-18b. The disclosure also provides methods for determining whether a cancer in a subject is progressing or regressing based upon the change of expression levels of miR-18b between two time points. The disclosure further provides methods to treat a subject with a cancer by administering a polynucleotide comprising miR-18b and/or an agent that enhances the expression of miR-18b.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods for predicting and/or determining whether a subject has cancer based on the level of expression of BPTF. The disclosure also provides methods for determining whether a cancer in a subject is progressing or regressing based upon the change of expression levels of BPTF between two time points. The disclosure further provides methods to treat a subject with a cancer by administering a polynucleotide comprising an inhibitory BPTF nucleic acid and/or an agent that inhibits the expression or activity of BPTF.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods for predicting and/or determining whether a subject has cancer based on the level of expression of BPTF. The disclosure also provides methods for determining whether a cancer in a subject is progressing or regressing based upon the change of expression levels of BPTF between two time points. The disclosure further provides methods to treat a subject with a cancer by administering a polynucleotide comprising an inhibitory BPTF nucleic acid and/or an agent that inhibits the expression or activity of BPTF.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods for predicting and/or determining whether a subject has cancer based on the level of expression of BPTF. The disclosure also provides methods for determining whether a cancer in a subject is progressing or regressing based upon the change of expression levels of BPTF between two time points. The disclosure further provides methods to treat a subject with a cancer by administering a polynucleotide comprising an inhibitory BPTF nucleic acid and/or an agent that inhibits the expression or activity of BPTF.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods for predicting and/or determining whether a subject has cancer based on the level of expression of BPTF. The disclosure also provides methods for determining whether a cancer in a subject is progressing or regressing based upon the change of expression levels of BPTF between two time points. The disclosure further provides methods to treat a subject with a cancer by administering a polynucleotide comprising an inhibitory BPTF nucleic acid and/or an agent that inhibits the expression or activity of BPTF.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods for predicting and/or determining whether a subject has cancer based on the level of expression of miR-18b. The disclosure also provides methods for determining whether a cancer in a subject is progressing or regressing based upon the change of expression levels of miR-18b between two time points. The disclosure further provides methods to treat a subject with a cancer by administering a polynucleotide comprising miR-18b and/or an agent that enhances the expression of miR-18b.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for diagnosing and providing a prognosis of melanoma using molecular markers that are overexpressed in melanoma cells. The invention provides kits for diagnosis and prognosis. Also provided are methods to identify compounds that are useful for the treatment or prevention of melanoma and melanoma progression.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for diagnosing and providing a prognosis of melanoma using molecular markers that are overexpressed in melanoma cells. The invention provides kits for diagnosis and prognosis. Also provided are methods to identify compounds that are useful for the treatment or prevention of melanoma and melanoma progression.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for diagnosing and providing a prognosis of melanoma using molecular markers that are overexpressed in melanoma cells. The invention provides kits for diagnosis and prognosis. Also provided are methods to identify compounds that are useful for the treatment or prevention of melanoma and melanoma progression.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for diagnosing and providing a prognosis of melanoma using molecular markers that are overexpressed in melanoma cells. The invention provides kits for diagnosis and prognosis. Also provided are methods to identify compounds that are useful for the treatment or prevention of melanoma and melanoma progression.

Abstract: The steroid enzyme 5.alpha.-reductase is responsible for the conversion of testosterone to the more-potent androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The catalytic cleavage of nucleic acid encoding 5.alpha.-reductase by a ribozyme which selectively recognizes such nucleic acid reduces the level of expression of 5.alpha.-reductase by mammalian cells including human cells treated with such ribozyme. The reduction of nucleic acid (e.g. mRNA) levels leads to a corresponding reduction of enzyme levels and dihydrotestosterone levels in surrounding tissues, thus providing a therapeutic effect. The transformation of 5.alpha.-reductase producing cells with an expression vector containing a structural gene for a ribozyme is shown to decrease 5.alpha.-reductase expression. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods useful for topically administering effective amounts of such a ribozyme to hair follicle cells also are exemplified.