Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of four novel G-protein coupled receptors that are amplified in breast cancer cells, antibodies to such receptors, methods of detecting such nucleic acids and receptors, and methods of screening for modulators of G-protein coupled receptors.

Abstract: There are disclosed methods and compositions for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of tumors and cancers in mammals, for example, humans, utilizing the CTSZ and CD24 genes, which are amplified colon cancer and/or ovarian cancer and/or breast cancer genes. The CTSZ and CD24 genes, their expressed protein products and antibodies are used diagnostically or as targets for cancer therapy or vaccine; they also are used to identify compounds and reagents useful in cancer diagnosis, prevention, and therapy.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of four novel G-protein coupled receptors that are amplified in breast cancer cells, antibodies to such receptors, methods of detecting such nucleic acids and receptors, and methods of screening for modulators of G-protein coupled receptors.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of four novel G-protein coupled receptors that are amplified in breast cancer cells, antibodies to such receptors, methods of detecting such nucleic acids and receptors, and methods of screening for modulators of G-protein coupled receptors.

Abstract: There are disclosed methods and compositions for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of tumors and cancers in mammals, for example, humans, utilizing the ACK1 gene, which are amplified breast and/or ovarian and/or prostate cancer genes. The ACK1 gene, its expressed protein products and antibodies are used diagnostically or as targets for cancer therapy or vaccine; they also are used to identify compounds and reagents useful in cancer diagnosis, prevention, and therapy.

Abstract: There are disclosed methods and compositions for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of tumors and cancers in mammals such as humans, utilizing the Galanin, Galanin Receptor 2 (GALR2) and Galanin Receptor 3 (GALR3) genes, which are amplified in breast and/or lung and/or brain and/or colon and/or prostate and/or ovarian cancer genes. The Galanin, GALR2 and GALR3 genes and their expressed protein products and antibodies are used diagnostically or as targets for cancer therapy or vaccine; they are also used to identify compounds and reagents useful in cancer diagnosis, prevention, and therapy. There is also disclosed a GALR2-GALR3 heterocomplex formation during tumorigenesis.

Abstract: There are disclosed methods and compositions for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of tumors and cancers in mammals, for example, humans, utilizing the hepsin gene, which are amplified ovarian, and/or prostate, and/or breast, and/or lung cancer genes. The hepsin gene, its expressed protein products and antibodies are used diagnostically or as targets for cancer therapy; they are also used to identify compounds and reagents useful in cancer diagnosis, prevention, and therapy.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acid and protein sequences for a novel protein, PRC17, and methods, reagents, and kits for diagnosing and treating cancer in a mammal, e.g., a human. This invention is based upon the discovery that the novel PRC17 is overexpressed and/or amplified in cancer. Methods to detect cancer or a propensity to develop cancer, to monitor the efficacy of a cancer treatment, and to treat cancer, by inhibiting the expression and/or activity of PRC17 in a cancer cell are included.

Abstract: There are disclosed methods and compositions for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of tumors and cancers in mammals, for example, humans, utilizing the WIP1 gene, which are amplified breast, and/or lung, and/or colon, and/or ovarian, and/or prostate cancer genes. The WIP1 gene, its expressed protein products and antibodies are used diagnostically or as targets for cancer therapy; they are also used to identify compounds and reagents useful in cancer diagnosis, prevention, and therapy.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, reagents, and kits for diagnosing and treating cancer in a mammal, e.g., a human. This invention is based upon the discovery that Pellino 1 or 2 is overexpressed and/or amplified in cancer. Methods to detect cancer or a propensity to develop cancer, to monitor the efficacy of a cancer treatment, and to treat cancer, by inhibiting the expression and/or activity of Pellino 1 or 2 in a cancer cell are included.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acid and protein sequences for a novel potassium channel protein, KCNB. The herein-disclosed sequences can be used for any of a number of purposes, including for the specific detection of KCNB, for the identification of molecules that associate with and/or modulate the activity of KCNB, to diagnose any of a number of conditions associated with KCNB or KCNB activity, or to modulate the number or activity of KCNB molecules in a mammal.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for diagnosing and treating tumors. In particular embodiments, the invention provides methods for characterizing tumors for SODD gene copy number and/or expression and for using this diagnosis in guiding treatment options. Accordingly, the invention provides methods for biasing therapeutic options by (a) contacting a biopsy of a tumor with an agent which specifically binds a SODD gene or SODD gene product thereof; (b) measuring specific binding of the agent to the SODD gene or gene product to determine an amount of the SODD gene or gene product present in the biopsy; and (c) biasing therapeutic options for treating the tumor based on the amount of the SODD gene or gene product present in the biopsy.

Abstract: A body stretching apparatus includes two handgrip placement straps which are connected to a foot support device. Handgrips are installed onto the handgrip placement strap which are held in place by clips. Adjustable clips allow the handgrip placement straps to be adjusted to proper length. In operation, an operator sits on the floor in a "pike" position, grasping the hand grips in stages to stretch the legs and lower back. The individual handgrips are color-coded or otherwise marked with indicia to indicate different levels of stretching ability. The handgrips are conically shaped to make it easier for the operator to grip. In one embodiment, a back support and back strap helps to position the operator's upper body to prevent injury to the operator's lower back. In another embodiment, adjustable slides on the back strap shorten a distance between clasps on the ends of said back strap.

Abstract: The reverse two-hybrid method has been designed to provide a practical and efficient means of utilizing yeast cell-based assays to screen for molecules that can inhibit protein-protein interactions of interest. Existing two-hybrid systems involve reconstitution in yeast of a transcriptional activator that drives expression of a "reporter" gene such as HIS3 or lacZ. Attempts to utilize these existing systems for drug discovery would necessarily involve screening for molecules that interfere with the transcriptional read-out, and would be subject to detecting any compound that non-specifically interfered with transcription. In addition, since currently used reporter genes encode long-lived proteins, the assay would have to be performed over a lengthy time period to allow for decay of the preexisting reporter proteins. Any compound that would be toxic to yeast over this time period would also score as a "hit".

Abstract: A leg stretching apparatus comprises two handgrip placement straps which are connected to a foot support member. Handgrips are threaded onto the handgrip placement strap which are held in place by adjustable clips. The adjustable clips allow the handgrips to be adjusted to proper length. In operation, an individual sits on the floor in a "pike" position, grasping the handgrips in stages to stretch the legs and lower back.