Inventors:
Max Costa - Ramsey NJ, US
Konstantin Salnikow - Waldwick NJ, US
Herman Yee - Pomona NY, US
International Classification:
C12Q001/68, G01N033/53, G01N033/567
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a gene, known as CAP43, and its gene product. In particular, the application demonstrates that the CAP43 gene and its gene product are expressed at elevated in certain diseased cells and tissues, such as cancer cells and tissues. The invention therefore provides novel uses for the CAP43 gene and gene product, including novel diagnostic methods for diagnosing diseases, such as cancer, by detected elevated levels of CAP43 expression. Methods are also provided for identifying diseased cells and tissue, particularly cancer cells and tissue, by identifying cells and tissues that express elevated levels of CAP43. Moreover, the invention also provides novel therapeutic methods for treating diseases, such as cancer, by targeting therapeutic compounds to cells expressing CAP43. Pharmaceutical compositions which may be used in such methods of treatment are also provided.