Abstract: A method of detecting mutation in blood cell-free DNA, includes providing a serum sample, isolating DNA from the serum sample, amplifying the DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), subjecting the PCR product to primer extension (PE), and separating the PE reaction product and identifying the mutation by gel electrophoresis. In order to improve accuracy and sensitivity, the PE reaction can be carried out by using a primer that blocks the extension of the wild or non-mutated sequence.

Abstract: A method of detecting mutation in blood cell-free DNA, includes providing a serum sample, isolating DNA from the serum sample, amplifying the DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), subjecting the PCR product to primer extension (PE), and separating the PE reaction product and identifying the mutation by gel electrophoresis. In order to improve accuracy and sensitivity, the PE reaction can be carried out by using a primer that blocks the extension of the wild or non-mutated sequence.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method for detecting base changes in a nucleic acid of interest which comprise the following steps: (a) contacting the nucleic acid of interest with a suitable reference nucleic acid under suitable conditions that the nucleic acid of interest forms a heteroduplex with the reference nucleic acid; (b) contacting the heteroduplex with a combination of suitable nucleases so as to selectively cleave the heteroduplex if a base change(s) is present; (c) ligating a detectable probe to the cleaved heteroduplex; and (d) detecting the ligated probe under suitable conditions so as determine the location and the sequence of the base changes. The invention also includes kits for practicing the method. Also included are methods of identifying polymophisms associated with particular cancers.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method for detecting base changes in a nucleic acid of interest which comprise the following steps: (a) contacting the nucleic acid of interest with a suitable reference nucleic acid under suitable conditions that the nucleic acid of interest forms a heteroduplex with the reference nucleic acid; (b) contacting the heteroduplex with a combination of suitable nucleases so as to selectively cleave the heteroduplex if a base change(s) is present; (c) ligating a detectable probe to the cleaved heteroduplex; and (d) detecting the ligated probe under suitable conditions so as determine the location and the sequence of the base changes. The invention also includes kits for practicing the method. Also included are methods of identifying polymophisms associated with particular cancers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to pituitary differentiation factor (PDF), a pituitary factor that is capable of differentiating cells including breast cancer and prostatic cancer cells. Isolated nucleic acids encoding PDF and related vectors and host cells are also provided. Restoration of differentiating ability to malignantly transformed cells provides a modality of cancer therapy. The isolated and purified PDF of the invention is accordingly useful in the treatment of breast and prostatic cancer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to pituitary differentiation factor (PDF), a pituitary factor that is capable of differentiating cells including breast cancer and prostatic cancer cells. Isolated nucleic acids encoding PDF and related vectors and host cells are also provided. Restoration of differentiating ability to malignantly transformed cells provides a modality of cancer therapy. The isolated and purified PDF of the invention is accordingly useful in the treatment of breast and prostatic cancer.