Abstract: The present invention provides a polynucleotide (hjak2) which identifies and encodes a novel human Jak2 kinase (HJAK2) which was expressed in the placenta. The present invention also provides for antisense molecules and oligomers designed from the nucleotide sequence or its antisense. The invention further provides genetically engineered expression vectors and host cells for the production of purified HJAK2 peptide, antibodies capable of binding to HJAK2, inhibitors which bind to HJAK2 and pharmaceutical compositions based on HJAK2 specific antibodies or inhibitors. The invention specifically provides for diagnostic assays based on altered hjak2 expression and which allow identification of such a condition. These assays utilize probes which comprise oligomers, fragments, or portions of hjak2 or its regulatory elements or antibodies specifically binding HJAK2.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for identifying malignant tumors that overexpress the c-erbB-2 oncogene. Assays useful for diagnosis and prognosis of neoplastic disease are provided which detect the external domain of c-erbB-2, the glycoprotein gp75 and quantitate the level of gp75 in the biological fluids of mammals carrying a tumor burden. Further disclosed are recombinant, synthetically and otherwise biologically produced novel proteins and polypeptides which are encoded by the external domain DNA sequence of the c-erbB-2 oncogene (the gp75 gene) or fragments thereof. Such gp75 proteins and polypeptides are useful as vaccines, therapeutically in the treatment of cancer either alone or in combination with chemotherapeutic agents. Also disclosed are antibodies to such gp75 proteins and polypeptides which are useful diagnostically and therapeutically. Still further disclosed are test kits embodying the assays of this invention.