Abstract: A method of detecting cancer in a patient by detecting alteration of activity of the gene coding for human type protein phosphatase 2C (PP2C&agr; and PP2C&bgr;) and genetic polymorphisms thereof in a specimen isolated from the patient is disclosed. The invention further provides a method of treating cancer including the steps of first determining the type of cancer and cells expressing the cancer and then preparing a vector which will specifically target the cancer cells and can include regulatory elements to control the expressibility of PP2C&agr;. The vector is then administered to the patient. Alternatively an antisense vector can be prepared.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a polymer-based intracellular delivery system for protein phosphatases. This delivery system can be used to deliver protein phosphatases for any disease or disorder in which it is desirable to elevate protein phosphatase activity, particularly for tumor therapy. Novel protein phosphatases are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides a polymer-based intracellular delivery system for protein phosphatases and other polypeptides. This delivery system can be used to deliver polypeptides for anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, or immunosuppressive therapy, for treatment of genetic disorder or disease, and for therapy of any condition which requires intracellular delivery of polypeptides. Preferred embodiments according to the invention utilize acrylamide based polymers, most preferably copolymers comprising hydroxypropyl methacrylamide.

Abstract: A method of detecting cancer in a patient by detecting alteration of activity of the gene coding for human type protein phosphatase 2C (PP2C&agr; and PP2C&bgr;) and genetic polymorphisms thereof in a specimen isolated from the patient is disclosed. The invention further provides a method of treating cancer including the steps of first determining the type of cancer and cells expressing the cancer and then preparing a vector which will specifically target the cancer cells and can include regulatory, elements to control the expressibility of PP2C&agr;. The vector is then administered to the patient. Alternatively an antisense vector can be prepared.

Abstract: There is provided an assay for the determination of the carcinogenicity of chemical and physical agents, by exposing a selected line of tumor virus transformed cells to the agent to be tested and determining whether such exposure induces endogenous viral DNA replication in such cells, which induction is indicative of the carcinogenicity of the tested agent by in situ hybridization. There is provided a kit for carrying out such assay.