Identification of disease predictive nucleic acids

Abstract

The present invention is directed to methods of identifying target nucleic acid sequences which are predictive of preselected disease states or biological conditions in cells containing the nucleic acid sequence. Members of a set of mRNA molecules from a common gene, but containing different sequences and structures, are compared. The gene is predictive of the disease state or biological condition in cells containing the gene. At least one molecular interaction site from among those present in the members of the set are identified. The molecular interaction site is present in cells likely to have the disease state or biological condition. At least one nucleic acid sequence from the molecular interaction site is ascertained.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of identifying a target nucleic acid sequence, said nucleic acid sequence being predictive of a preselected disease state or biological condition in cells containing the nucleic acid sequence comprising; 
 comparing members of a set of mRNA molecules from a common gene, but containing different sequences and structures, said gene being predictive of said disease state or biological condition in cells containing the gene;    identifying at least one molecular interaction site from among those present in said members of the set; said molecular interaction site being present in cells likely to have said disease state or biological condition; and    ascertaining a nucleic acid sequence from said molecular interaction site.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said molecular interaction site is common among a plurality of said members.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said gene is vestigial.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said gene codes for no protein essential for maintenance of the cells or of the disease state or condition.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising contacting said nucleic acid sequence with an oligonucleotide or small molecule.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein said oligonucleotide gives rise to a cell killing event in cells containing said target nucleic acid sequence.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said disease state is a hyperproliferative condition.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said disease state is neoplastic.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said disease state is a cancerous state.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said disease state is Lupus erythematosis.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said disease state is psoriasis.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said set of members of mRNA molecules includes molecules from non-human animals.