Inventors:
Markus H. Frank - Cambridge MA, US
Natasha Y. Frank - Cambridge MA, US
Assignee:
The Brigham and Womens Hospital, Inc. - Boston MA
International Classification:
A61K 39/395, A61P 35/00, C40B 40/06, C12Q 1/02, C12N 5/02, A61K 31/7088, C12Q 1/68
US Classification:
4241781, 514 44 A, 435 614, 435 29, 435375, 506 17
Abstract:
Genes that are deregulated in cancer stem cells (e.g., melanoma stem cells) are disclosed. Methods which involve modulating (e.g., inducing, inhibiting, etc.) the activity of the cancer stem cell associated genes are used to treat individuals having melanoma. Cell surface genes that are upregulated in melanoma stem cells are targeted for the selective isolation, detection, and killing of cancer stem cells in melanoma.