Compositions and methods relating to DNA mismatch repair genes
OwnerRobert M. Liskay, C. Eric Bronner +3inventors
InventorsRobert M. Liskay, C. Eric Bronner, Sean M. Baker, Roni J. Bollag, Richard D. Kolodner
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Abstract
Genomic sequences of human mismatch repair genes and gene products are described, as are methods of detecting mutations and/or polymorphisms in those genes. Also described are methods of diagnosing cancer susceptibility in a subject, and methods of identifying and classifying mismatch-repair-defective tumors. In particular, sequences and methods relating to human mutL homologs, hMLH1 and hPMS1 genes and gene products are provided.
Claims14
A method of determining whether a person is susceptible to cancer comprising:
- collecting a sample from the person,
- contacting the sample with antibodies that bind specifically to a mutL homolog protein, and
- detecting binding or lack of binding antibodies to mutL homolog protein.
A method of determining whether tumor tissue has a deficient amount of a mutL homolog protein comprising
- obtaining a cross-section of a tumor specimen,
- contacting the cross-section with a purified antibody that binds specifically to a mutL homolog protein, and
- determining the presence or absence of antibody bound to a mutL homolog protein in the cross-section.
A method of manufacturing antibodies that bind specifically to a mutL homolog protein comprising
- synthesizing or isolating at least a portion of a mutL homolog protein,
- overexpressing the protein in bacteria,
- purifying the protein,
- injecting the protein into a mouse,
- generating a hybridoma by fusing a lymphocyte from the mouse with a myeloma cell, and
- isolating monoclonal antibodies produced by the hybridoma, wherein the antibodies bind specifically to a mutL homolog protein.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.