Compositions and methods involving endogenous retrovirus proteins
AssigneeRegents of the University of Minnesota
InventorsRobyn Lynn Leary, Anindya Bagchi, Aaron Lyman Sarver
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Abstract
This disclosure describes methods and compositions that involve endogenous retrovirus proteins as diagnostic markers and/or therapeutic agents. The detection of endogenous retrovirus envelope proteins on a cell surface can indicate early neoplasticity of the cell. Antibody compositions that specifically bind to cell-surface-expressed endogenous retrovirus proteins may be used in such diagnostic methods. Overexpression of the endogenous retrovirus proteins can slow cell growth and decrease cell viability.
Claims10
A method of slowing cellular growth, the method comprising:
- overexpressing an endogenous HR1-HR2 superfamily retrovirus envelope protein in at least one cell, wherein the cell expresses p53 and expression of the retrovirus envelope protein is controlled by p53;
- and exposing the cell to conditions that upregulate expression of p53.
A method of decreasing cell viability, the method comprising:
- overexpressing an endogenous HR1-HR2 superfamily retrovirus envelope protein in at least one cell, wherein the cell expresses p53 and expression of the retrovirus envelope protein is controlled by p53;
- and exposing the cell to conditions that upregulate expression of p53.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.