Transmembrane protein differentially expressed in cancer

Abstract

The invention provides a transmembrane protein that is differentially expressed in neoplastic disorders. It also provides for the use of the protein, a cDNA encoding the protein, and antibodies that specifically bind the protein in various methods to diagnose, stage, treat, or monitor the treatment of a neoplastic disorder.

1 . An isolated protein comprising a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of: 
 a) the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1;    b) a biologically active portion of SEQ ID NO:1;    c) an antigenic epitope of SEQ ID NO:1, and d) an amino acid sequence having at least 90% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1.    
     
     
         2 . An oligopeptide extending from about residue D125 to about residue A140 of SEQ ID NO:1.  
     
     
         3 . A composition comprising the protein of  claim 1  and a labeling moiety.  
     
     
         4 . A composition comprising the protein of  claim 1  and a pharmaceutical carrier.  
     
     
         5 . A method for using a protein to diagnose a cancer comprising: 
 a) performing an assay to quantify the expression of the protein of  claim 1  in a sample;    b) comparing the expression of the protein to standards, thereby diagnosing cancer.    
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the sample is selected from colon, liver, lung, ovary, and prostate.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5  wherein expression is diagnostic of colon or lung cancer.