Abstract: A viral DNA construct, and virus encoded thereby, is provided having one or more tumour specific transcription factor binding sites in place of one or more wild type transcription factor binding sites operatively positioned in the promoter region which controls expression of early genes responsible for viral nucleic acid replication. Preferred constructs place the tumour specific transcription factor binding sites in operative relation to DNA polymerase, DNA terminal protein and/or DNA binding protein. Compositions and constructs contained therein are provided, particularly for use in therapy. Methods of treating patients for neoplasms are also provided.

Abstract: A viral DNA construct, and virus encoded thereby, is provided having one or more tumour specific transcription factor binding sites in place of one or more wild type transcription factor binding sites operatively positioned in the promoter region which controls expression of early genes responsible for viral nucleic acid replication. Preferred constructs place the tumour specific transcription factor binding sites in operative relation to DNA polymerase, DNA terminal protein and/or DNA binding protein. Compositions and constructs contained therein are provided, particularly for use in therapy. Methods of treating patients for neoplasms are also provided.

Abstract: A viral DNA construct, and virus encoded thereby, is provided having one or more tumor specific transcription factor binding sites in place of one or more wild type transcription factor binding sites operatively positioned in the promoter region which controls expression of E1A open reading frame in the presence of said selected transcription factor, wherein the level or activity of the transcription factor is increased in a human or animal tumor cell relative to that of a normal human or animal cell of the same type; and wherein the viral DNA construct further comprises a therapeutic gene. Compositions and constructs contained therein are provided, particularly for use in therapy. Methods of treating patients for neoplasms are also provided.

Abstract: A viral DNA construct encoding for a parvovirus that is capable of replication in a human or animal tumour cell is provided. The viral DNA consturct having one or more selected transcription factor binding sites operatively positioned such as to promote expression of open reading frames encoding non-structural viral proteins, wherein the selected transcription factor binding sites are for a transcription factor the level or activity of which is increased in a human or animal tumour cell relative to that of a normal human or animal cell of the same type.

Abstract: A viral DNA construct, and virus encoded thereby, is provided having one or more tumour specific transcription factor binding sites in place of one or more wild type transcription factor binding sites operatively positioned in the promoter region which controls expression of early genes responsible for viral nucleic acid replication.

Abstract: A viral DNA construct, and virus encoded thereby, is provided having one or more tumor specific transcription factor binding sites in place of one or more wild type transcription factor binding sites operatively positioned in the promoter region which controls expression of early genes responsible for viral nucleic acid replication. Preferred constructs place the tumor specific transcription factor binding sites in operative relation to DNA polymerase, DNA terminal protein and/or DNA binding protein. Compositions and constructs contained therein are provided, particularly for use in therapy. Methods of treating patients for neoplasms are also provided.

Abstract: A viral DNA construct, and virus encoded thereby, is provided having one or more tumor specific transcription factor binding sites in place of one or more wild type transcription factor binding sites operatively positioned in the promoter region which controls expression of early genes responsible for viral nucleic acid replication.

Abstract: A method for determining whether an individual, i.e., a human, carries a mutation in a gene which encodes a transcriptional regulator (e.g., a tumor suppressor). The method includes the steps of obtaining a nucleic acid sample comprising cDNAs encoding both alleles of the gene from a cell sample from the individual; providing a nucleic acid construct comprising a binding site operably linked to DNA encoding a detectable protein such that transcription of the DNA encoding the detectable protein is regulated by interaction of the transcriptional regulator polypeptide with the binding site; transfecting the nucleic acid sample and the nucleic acid construct into cells with low levels of the transcriptional regulator polypeptide; and then determining the levels of the detectable protein in the transfected cells, this level being correlated with the presence of a mutation in at least one of the alleles of the gene.