Abstract: Provided are ARTS mimetic compounds that act as novel antagonists for XIAP and Bcl-2. Further, the novel ARTS mimetic compounds of the presently claimed subject matter induce apoptosis and/or differentiation in premalignant and malignant cells and thereby restore their normal-like phenotype. Further provided are compositions, methods and uses of said ARTS mimetic compounds in the treatment of cancer and premalignant conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides an antagonist of a Bcl-2 prosurvival protein containing a BH3-like domain. The antagonist of the invention comprises ARTS and any fragment or peptide that comprises a BH3-like domain. The invention further provides compositions, combined compositions and kits as well as methods for treating Bcl-2 over-expressing disorders.

Abstract: Provided are ARTS mimetic compounds that act as novel antagonists for XIAP and Bcl-2. Further, the novel ARTS mimetic compounds of the presently claimed subject matter induce apoptosis and/or differentiation in premalignant and malignant cells and thereby restore their normal-like phenotype. Further provided are compositions, methods and uses of said ARTS mimetic compounds in the treatment of cancer and premalignant conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides an antagonist of a Bcl-2 prosurvival protein containing a BH3-like domain. The antagonist of the invention comprises ARTS and any fragment or peptide that comprises a BH3-like domain. The invention further provides compositions, combined compositions and kits as well as methods for treating Bcl-2 over-expressing disorders.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for the diagnosis and prognosis of hepatic disorder and associated pathologies as well as of a solid proliferative disorder in a mammalian subject. More specifically, the methods of the invention are based on determining the expression, methylation of ARTS as well as histone trimethylation. The invention further provides therapeutic methods for treating said disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides an antagonist of a Bcl-2 pro survival protein containing a BH3-like domain. The antagonist of the invention comprises ARTS and any fragment or peptide that comprises a BH3-like domain. The invention further provides compositions, combined compositions and kits as well as methods for treating Bcl-2 over-expressing disorders.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosing leukemia and other cancer types, so that the malignancy thereof dependent on expression of ARTS at low levels or an absence of ARTS expression are disclosed. Moreover methods for prognosis of leukemia and other cancer types, which are prone for an effective treatment by restoring ARTS expression levels and/or restoring cellular ARTS activity are further disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosing leukemia and other cancer types, so that the malignancy thereof dependent on expression of ARTS at low levels or an absence of ARTS expression are disclosed. Moreover methods for prognosis of leukemia and other cancer types, which are prone for an effective treatment by restoring ARTS expression levels and/or restoring cellular ARTS activity are further disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides isolated peptides comprising a C-terminal fragment of an ARTS protein, isolated nucleotides encoding same, mimetics and small molecule analogues of same, and therapeutic applications comprising administering a peptide, nucleic acid, or mimetic compound of the present invention. This invention also provides isolated complexes comprising a C-terminal fragment of an ARTS protein and either an IAP protein, a Bir3 domain thereof, or a fragment thereof; compounds that bind or interact with same, and use of the compounds in therapeutic applications.

Abstract: This invention provides isolated peptides comprising a C-terminal fragment of an ARTS protein, isolated nucleotides encoding same, mimetics and small molecule analogues of same, and therapeutic applications comprising administering a peptide, nucleic acid, or mimetic compound of the present invention. This invention also provides isolated complexes comprising a C-terminal fragment of an ARTS protein and either an IAP protein, a Bir3 domain thereof, or a fragment thereof; compounds that bind or interact with same, and use of the compounds in therapeutic applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides complexes containing an ARTS protein and an IAP protein, compounds that disrupt same, and use of the compounds in treating neuro-degenerative disease, ischemic injury, myelodysplasia, atherosclerosis, various auto-immune diseases, cytopenia, pancreatitis, and periodonitis, and in decreasing susceptibility of a cell to apoptosis. The present invention also provides methods for identifying biologically active regions of ARTS protein, and use of mimetic compounds of same in treating apoptosis-related disorders, cancer, and other neoplastic diseases and disorders.

Abstract: The invention provides a newly identified and isolated nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide referred to in the present application as ARTS, for Apoptosis Related protein in the TGF-&bgr; Signaling pathway.