Modulating xrn2

A method for the identification of a substance that modulates the expression of XRN2 and/or its biological activity, which method comprises the steps of:

• (i) contacting a XRN2 polypeptide or a fragment thereof having the biological activity of XRN2, a polynucleotide encoding such a polypeptide or polypeptide fragment, an expression vector comprising such a polynucleotide or a cell comprising such an expression vector, and a test substance under conditions that in the absence of the test substance would permit XRN2 expression and/or biological activity;
• and
• (ii) determining the amount of expression and/or biological activity of XRN2, to determine whether the test substance modulates biological activity and/or expression of XRN2,
• wherein a test substance which modulates biological activity and/or expression of the XRN2 is a potential therapeutical agent to treat cancer.