Abstract: Disclosed herein among other MN/CA IX-related inventions are new MN/CA IX-specific antibodies generated from MN/CA IX-deficient mice, preferably monoclonal antibodies and immunoreactive fragments and engineered variants thereof. Subsets of the new antibodies are to either the proteoglycan-like (PG) domain or to the carbonic anhydrase (CA) domain of MN/CA IX, and methods are provided by which antibodies can be prepared to the other MN/CA IX domains. Such new MN/CA IX-specific antibodies, fragments and variants are useful diagnostically/prognostically and therapeutically for cancer and precancer. Particularly preferred are the new monoclonal antibodies, fragments and variants that are specific for the non-immunodominant epitopes of MN/CA IX, which antibodies are, among other uses, useful to detect soluble MN/CA IX (s-CA IX) in body fluids, alone but preferably in combination with antibodies specific to the immunodominant epitopes of MN/CA IX, for example, in a sandwich assay.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for determining whether a subject is infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). These methods include obtaining a sample from a subject with increased susceptibility to LCMV infection, contacting the sample with one or more compositions for detecting LCMV, and determining whether the one or more compositions for detecting LCMV is associated with a marker of LCMV from the sample, wherein detection of an association indicates that that the subject is infected with LCMV.

Abstract: A new gene —MN— and proteins/polypeptides encoded therefrom are disclosed. Recombinant nucleic acid molecules for expressing MN proteins/polypeptides and recombinant proteins are provided. Expression of the MN gene is disclosed as being associated with tumorigenicity, and the invention concerns methods and compositions for detecting and/or quantitating MN antigen and/or MN-specific antibodies in vertebrate samples that are diagnostic/prognostic for neoplastic and pre-neoplastic disease. MN-specific antibodies are disclosed that can be used diagnostically/prognostically, therapeutically, for imaging, and/or for affinity purification of MN proteins/polypeptides. The invention still further concerns antisense nucleic acid sequences that can be used to inhibit MN gene expression.

Abstract: Therapeutic methods for inhibiting the growth of preneoplastic/neoplastic vertebrate cells that abnormally express MN protein are disclosed. Screening assays are provided for identifying compounds, preferably organic compounds, preferably aromatic and heterocylic sulfonamides, which inhibit the enzymatic activity of MN/CA IX and that are useful for treating patients with preneoplastic/neoplastic disease. Further, the CA IX-specific inhibitors when labeled or linked to an appropriate visualizing means can also be used diagnostically/prognostically for preneoplastic/neoplastic disease, and for imaging use, for example, to detect hypoxic precancerous cells, tumors and/or metastases, by selectively binding to activated CA IX, preferably CA IX activated under hypoxic conditions, and not to inactive CA IX. Such detection of hypoxic conditions can be helpful in determining effective treatment options, and in predicting treatment outcome and the prognosis of disease development.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for determining whether a subject is infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). These methods include obtaining a sample from a subject with increased susceptibility to LCMV infection, contacting the sample with one or more compositions for detecting LCMV, and determining whether the one or more compositions for detecting LCMV is associated with a marker of LCMV from the sample, wherein detection of an association indicates that that the subject is infected with LCMV.

Abstract: A new gene —MN— and proteins/polypeptides encoded therefrom are disclosed. Recombinant nucleic acid molecules for expressing MN proteins/polypeptides and recombinant proteins are provided. Expression of the MN gene is disclosed as being associated with tumorigenicity, and the invention concerns methods and compositions for detecting and/or quantitating MN antigen and/or MN-specific antibodies in vertebrate samples that are diagnostic/prognostic for neoplastic and pre-neoplastic disease. MN-specific antibodies are disclosed that can be used diagnostically/prognostically, therapeutically, for imaging, and/or for affinity purification of MN proteins/polypeptides. The invention still further concerns antisense nucleic acid sequences that can be used to inhibit MN gene expression.

Abstract: Identified herein is the location of the MN protein binding site, and MN proteins/polypeptides that compete for attachment to vertebrate cells with immobilized MN protein. Such MN proteins/polypeptides prevent cell-cell adhesion and the formation of intercellular contacts. The MN protein binding site is a therapeutic target that can be blocked by organic or inorganic molecules, preferably organic molecules, more preferably proteins/polypeptides that specifically bind to that site. Therapeutic methods for inhibiting the growth of preneoplastic/neoplastic vertebrate cells that abnormally express MN protein are disclosed. Vectors are provided that encode the variable domains of MN-specific antibodies and a flexible linker polypeptide separating those domains. Further vectors are disclosed that encode a cytotoxic protein/polypeptide operatively linked to the MN gene promoter, and which vectors preferably further encode a cytokine.

Abstract: Therapeutic methods for inhibiting the growth of preneoplastic/neoplastic vertebrate cells that abnormally express MN protein are disclosed. Screening assays are provided for identifying compounds, preferably organic compounds, preferably aromatic and heterocylic sulfonamides, which inhibit the enzymatic activity of MN/CA IX and that are useful for treating patients with preneoplastic/neoplastic disease. Further, the CA IX-specific inhibitors when labeled can also be used diagnostically/prognostically for preneoplastic/neoplastic disease, and for imaging use, for example, to detect hypoxic precancerous cells, tumors and/or metastases, by selectively binding to activated CA IX, preferably CA IX activated under hypoxic conditions, and not to inactive CA IX. Such detection of hypoxic conditions can be helpful in determining effective treatment options, and in predicting treatment outcome and the prognosis of disease development.

Abstract: A new gene—MN—and proteins/polypeptides encoded therefrom are disclosed. Recombinant nucleic acid molecules for expressing MN proteins/polypeptides and recombinant proteins are provided. Expression of the MN gene is disclosed as being associated with tumorigenicity, and the invention concerns methods and compositions for detecting and/or quantitating MN antigen and/or MN-specific antibodies in vertebrate samples that are diagnostic/prognostic for neoplastic and pre-neoplastic disease. MN-specific antibodies are disclosed that can be used diagnostically/prognostically, therapeutically, for imaging, and/or for affinity purification of MN proteins/polypeptides. The invention still further concerns antisense nucleic acid sequences that can be used to inhibit MN gene expression.

Abstract: Herein disclosed are methods that are prognostic for neoplastic/preneoplastic disease in a subject vertebrate, wherein said disease is associated with a tissue that normally expresses MN, but which MN expression is lost or diminished upon carcinogenesis. Exemplary of the types of preneoplastic/neoplastic diseases subject to the prognostic methods of this invention are those of gastric mucosa, gallbladder, biliary ducts, and ductal cells of duodenal glands. An exemplary prognostic method comprises comparing the level of MN gene expression product in a tissue sample from the affected subject, with the average MN gene expression product level found in analogous preneoplastic/neoplastic tissue samples; an above average MN gene expression product level indicates poorer prognosis for the subject. MN gene expression products useful in the prognostic methods include MN protein, MN polypeptide, and/or MN nucleic acids.

Abstract: Identified herein is the location of the MN protein binding site, and MN proteins/polypeptides that compete for attachment to vertebrate cells with immobilized MN protein. Such MN proteins/polypeptides prevent cell-cell adhesion and the formation of intercellular contacts. The MN protein binding site is a therapeutic target that can be blocked by organic or inorganic molecules, preferably organic molecules, more preferably proteins/polypeptides that specifically bind to that site. Therapeutic methods for inhibiting the growth of preneoplastic/neoplastic vertebrate cells that abnormally express MN protein are disclosed. Vectors are provided that encode the variable domains of MN-specific antibodies and a flexible linker polypeptide separating those domains. Further vectors are disclosed that encode a cytotoxic protein/polypeptide operatively linked to the MN gene promoter, and which vectors preferably further encode a cytokine.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is the discovery of a soluble MN/CA IX (s-CA IX) found in body fluids, such as, urine and serum. Soluble CA IX comprises the extracellular domain of CA IX or portions thereof. The predominant s-CA IX species is the extracellular domain comprising a proteoglycan-like (PG) domain and carbonic anhydrase (CA) domain, and having a molecular weight of about 50/54 kilodaltons. Diagnostic/prognostic methods for precancer/cancer that detect or detect and quantitate s-CA IX in body fluids, are described. Also disclosed is the coexpression of CA IX and HER-2 that provides potentially synergistic diagnostic/prognostic and therapeutic strategies for precancer/cancer. Further disclosed are new MN/CA IX-specific antibodies generated from MN/CA IX-deficient mice, useful diagnostically/prognostically and therapeutically for cancer/precancer.

Abstract: Identified herein is the location of the MN protein binding site, and MN proteins/polypeptides that compete for attachment to vertebrate cells with immobilized MN protein. Such MN proteins/polypeptides prevent cell-cell adhesion and the formation of intercellular contacts. The MN protein binding site is a therapeutic target that can be blocked by organic or inorganic molecules, preferably organic molecules, more preferably proteins/polypeptides that specifically bind to that site. Therapeutic methods for inhibiting the growth of preneoplastic/neoplastic vertebrate cells that abnormally express MN protein are disclosed. Vectors are provided that encode the variable domains of MN-specific antibodies and a flexible linker polypeptide separating those domains. Further vectors are disclosed that encode a cytotoxic protein/polypeptide operatively linked to the MN gene promoter, and which vectors preferably further encode a cytokine.

Abstract: Therapeutic methods for inhibiting the growth of preneoplastic/neoplastic vertebrate cells that abnormally express MN protein are disclosed. Screening assays are provided for identifying compounds, preferably organic compounds, preferably aromatic and heterocylic sulfonamides, which inhibit the enzymatic activity of MN/CA IX and that are useful for treating patients with preneoplastic/neoplastic disease. Further, the CA IX-specific inhibitors when labeled or linked to an appropriate visualizing means can also be used diagnostically/prognostically for preneoplastic/neoplastic disease, and for imaging use, for example, to detect hypoxic precancerous cells, tumors and/or metastases, by selectively binding to activated CA IX, preferably CA IX activated under hypoxic conditions, and not to inactive CA IX. Such detection of hypoxic conditions can be helpful in determining effective treatment options, and in predicting treatment outcome and the prognosis of disease development.

Abstract: Therapeutic methods for inhibiting the growth of preneoplastic/neoplastic vertebrate cells that abnormally express MN protein are disclosed. Screening assays are provided for identifying compounds, preferably organic compounds, preferably aromatic and heterocylic sulfonamides, which inhibit the enzymatic activity of MN/CA IX and that are useful for treating patients with preneoplastic/neoplastic disease. Further, the CA IX-specific inhibitors when labeled or linked to an appropriate visualizing means can also be used diagnostically/prognostically for preneoplastic/neoplastic disease, and for imaging use, for example, to detect hypoxic precancerous cells, tumors and/or metastases, by selectively binding to activated CA IX, preferably CA IX activated under hypoxic conditions, and not to inactive CA IX. Such detection of hypoxic conditions can be helpful in determining effective treatment options, and in predicting treatment outcome and the prognosis of disease development.

Abstract: Therapeutic methods for inhibiting the growth of preneoplastic/neoplastic vertebrate cells that abnormally express MN protein are disclosed. Screening assays are provided for identifying compounds, preferably organic compounds, preferably aromatic and heterocylic sulfonamides, which inhibit the enzymatic activity of MN/CA IX and that are useful for treating patients with preneoplastic/neoplastic disease. Further, the CA IX-specific inhibitors when labeled or linked to an appropriate visualizing means can also be used diagnostically/prognostically for preneoplastic/neoplastic disease, and for imaging use, for example, to detect hypoxic precancerous cells, tumors and/or metastases, by selectively binding to activated CA IX, preferably CA IX activated under hypoxic conditions, and not to inactive CA IX. Such detection of hypoxic conditions can be helpful in determining effective treatment options, and in predicting treatment outcome and the prognosis of disease development.

Abstract: Therapeutic methods for inhibiting the growth of preneoplastic/neoplastic vertebrate cells that abnormally express MN protein are disclosed. Screening assays are provided for identifying compounds, preferably organic compounds, preferably aromatic and heterocylic sulfonamides, which inhibit the enzymatic activity of MN/CA IX and that are useful for treating patients with preneoplastic/neoplastic disease. Further, the CA IX-specific inhibitors when labeled or linked to an appropriate visualizing means can also be used diagnostically/prognostically for preneoplastic/neoplastic disease, and for imaging use, for example, to detect hypoxic precancerous cells, tumors and/or metastases, by selectively binding to activated CA IX, preferably CA IX activated under hypoxic conditions, and not to inactive CA IX. Such detection of hypoxic conditions can be helpful in determining effective treatment options, and in predicting treatment outcome and the prognosis of disease development.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is the discovery of a soluble MN/CA IX (s-CA IX) in body fluids, such as, urine and serum. Said s-CA IX comprises the extracellular domain of CA IX or portions thereof. The predominant s-CA IX species is the extracellular domain comprising a proteoglycan-like (PG) domain and carbonic anhydrase (CA) domain, and having a molecular weight of about 50/54 kilodaltons (kd) upon Western blot. A smaller s-CA IX form of about 20 to about 30 kd comprising the CA domain or parts thereof, not linked to the PG domain, has also been found in body fluids. Diagnostic/prognostic methods for precancer and cancer that detect or detect and quantitate said s-CA IX in body fluids, are described. Also disclosed herein is the coexpression of CA IX and HER-2/neu/c-erbB-2 that provides parallel, alternative and potentially synergistic diagnostic/prognostic and therapeutic strategies for precancer and cancer.

Abstract: Therapeutic methods for inhibiting the growth of preneoplastic/neoplastic vertebrate cells that abnormally express MN protein are disclosed. Screening assays are provided for identifying compounds, preferably organic compounds, preferably aromatic and heterocylic sulfonamides, which inhibit the enzymatic activity of MN/CA IX and that are useful for treating patients with preneoplastic/neoplastic disease. Further, the CA IX-specific inhibitors when labeled or linked to an appropriate visualizing means can also be used diagnostically/prognostically for preneoplastic/neoplastic disease, and for imaging use, for example, to detect hypoxic precancerous cells, tumors and/or metastases, by selectively binding to activated CA IX, preferably CA IX activated under hypoxic conditions, and not to inactive CA IX. Such detection of hypoxic conditions can be helpful in determining effective treatment options, and in predicting treatment outcome and the prognosis of disease development.

Abstract: Therapeutic methods for inhibiting the growth of preneoplastic/neoplastic vertebrate cells that abnormally express MN protein are disclosed. Screening assays are provided for identifying compounds, preferably membrane-impermeant compounds, which inhibit the enzymatic activity of MN protein/polypeptides and that are useful for treating patients with preneoplastic/neoplastic disease. Further methods are disclosed for the preparation of positively-charged, membrane-impermeant heterocyclic sulfonamide CA inhibitors with high affinity for the membrane-bound carbonic anhydrase CA IX. Preferred CA IX-specific inhibitors are aromatic and heterocylic sulfonamides, preferably that are membrane-impermeant. Particularly preferred CA IX-specific inhibitors are pyridinium derivatives of such aromatic and heterocyclic sulfonamides.