Gene amplification and overexpression in cancer
OwnerWun Chey Sin, Jianxin Yanginventors
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Abstract
There are disclosed methods and compositions for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of tumors and cancers in mammals, for example, humans, utilizing the MKPX gene, which are amplified colon and/or ovarian and/or prostate cancer genes. The MKPX gene, its 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.
Claims32
A method for diagnosing a cancer in a mammal, comprising:
- a) determining MKPX gene copy number in a biological subject from a region of the mammal that is suspected to be precancerous or cancerous, thereby generating data for a test gene copy number;
- and
- b) comparing the test gene copy number to data for a control gene copy number, wherein an amplification of the gene in the biological subject relative to the control indicates the presence of a precancerous lesion or a cancer in the mammal.
A method for inhibiting cancer or precancerous growth in a mammalian tissue, comprising contacting the tissue with an inhibitor that interacts with MKPX DNA or RNA and thereby inhibits MKPX gene function.
A method for inhibiting cancer or precancerous growth in a mammalian tissue, comprising contacting the tissue with an inhibitor of MKPX protein.
An isolated MKPX gene amplicon, wherein the amplicon comprises more than one copy of a polynucleotide selected from the group consisting of:
- a) a polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide set forth in SEQ ID NO:
- 2;
- b) a polynucleotide set forth in SEQ ID NO:
- 1 or SEQ ID NO:
- 3;
- and
- c) a polynucleotide having at least about 90% sequence identity to the polynucleotide of a) or b).
A method for diagnosing a cancer in a mammal, comprising:
- a) determining the level of MKPX in a biological subject from a region of the mammal that is suspected to be precancerous or cancerous, thereby generating data for a test level;
- and
- b) comparing the test level to data for a control level, wherein an elevated test level of the biological subject relative to the control level indicates the presence of a precancerous lesion or a cancer in the mammal.
A method of administering siRNA to a patient in need thereof, wherein the siRNA molecule is delivered in the form of a naked oligonucleotide or a vector, wherein the siRNA interacts with MKPX gene or MKPX mRNA transcript.
A method of blocking in vivo expression of a gene by administering a vector encoding MKPX siRNA.
A method of screening a test molecule for MKPX antagonist activity comprising the steps of:
- a) contacting the molecule with a cancer cell;
- b) determining the level of MKPX in the cell, thereby generating data for a test level;
- and
- c) comparing the test level to a control level, wherein a decrease in MKPX level in the cell relative to the control indicates MKPX antagonist activity of the test molecule.
A method of screening a test molecule for MKPX antagonist activity comprising the steps of:
- a) contacting the molecule with MKPX;
- and
- b) determining the effect of the test molecule on MKPX.
A method for determining the efficacy of a therapeutic treatment regimen in a patient, comprising:
- a) measuring the MKPX gene copy number in a first sample of precancerous or cancer cells obtained from a patient;
- b) administering the treatment regimen to the patient;
- c) measuring the MKPX gene copy number in a second sample of precancerous or cancer cells from the patient at a time following administration of the treatment regimen;
- and
- d) comparing the gene copy number in the first and the second samples, wherein data showing a decrease in the gene copy number levels in the second sample relative to the first sample indicates that the treatment regimen is effective in the patient.
A method for determining the efficacy of a therapeutic treatment regimen in a patient, comprising:
- a) measuring at least one of MKPX mRNA or MKPX expression levels in a first sample of precancerous or cancer cells obtained from a patient;
- b) administering the treatment regimen to the patient;
- c) measuring at least one of MKPX mRNA or MKPX expression levels in a second sample of precancerous or cancer cells from the patient at a time following administration of the treatment regimen;
- and
- d) comparing at least one of MKPX mRNA or MKPX expression levels in the first and the second samples, wherein data showing a decrease in the levels in the second sample relative to the first sample indicates that the treatment regimen is effective in the patient.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.