LGALS as modifiers of the CHK pathway and methods of use
OwnerHelen Francis-Lang, Monique Nicoll +1inventors
InventorsHelen Francis-Lang, Monique Nicoll, Timothy S. Heuer
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Abstract
Human LGALS genes are identified as modulators of the CHK pathway, and thus are therapeutic targets for disorders associated with defective CHK function. Methods for identifying modulators of CHK, comprising screening for agents that modulate the activity of LGALS are provided.
Claims25
A method of identifying a candidate CHK pathway modulating agent, said method comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing an assay system comprising a LGALS polypeptide or nucleic acid;
- (b) contacting the assay system with a test agent under conditions whereby, but for the presence of the test agent, the system provides a reference activity;
- and
- (c) detecting a test agent-biased activity of the assay system, wherein a difference between the test agent-biased activity and the reference activity identifies the test agent as a candidate CHK pathway modulating agent.
A method for modulating a CHK pathway of a cell comprising contacting a cell defective in CHK function with a candidate modulator that specifically binds to a LGALS polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence selected from group consisting of SEQ ID NO:
- 17, 18, 19, and 20, whereby CHK function is restored.
A method of modulating CHK pathway in a mammalian cell comprising contacting the cell with an agent that specifically binds a LGALS polypeptide or nucleic acid.
A method for diagnosing a disease in a patient comprising:
- (a) obtaining a biological sample from the patient;
- (b) contacting the sample with a probe for LGALS expression;
- (c) comparing results from step (b) with a control;
- (d) determining whether step (c) indicates a likelihood of disease.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.