Gene encoding labyrinthin, a marker for cancer

Abstract

A cDNA molecule that encodes a protein designated Labyrinthin (Lab) isolated and its nucleotide sequence is determined. The protein, or peptides derived from the protein, are markers useful to define novel classes of cancers. Diagnostic assays for these cancers use antibodies to Lab or nucleotide probes that hybridize with the lab gene or a fragment therefrom. Vaccines useful either to prevent recurrence of cancers in subjects who test positive for Lab (or lab), or to prevent initial occurrence of cancer, use proteins or peptides derived from Lab. Expression of Lab via immunogenic assays is used to monitor effects of cancer treatments. Antisense molecules against lab are used in treatments. Sense molecules of lab are used to restore lost lab function in diseased normal cells, for example, gland cells.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A composition comprising an isolated, immunologically active molecule comprising an epitope contained in (1) a polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule having a nucleotide sequence shown in  FIG. 1 , or (2) a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     
     
         22 . The composition of  claim 21 , wherein the epitope is predicted to be on the surface of a protein molecule by use of GCG molecular modeling and computer assisted analysis. 
     
     
         23 . The composition of  claim 21 , wherein the epitope is contained within a predicted calcium binding region as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     
     
         24 . A composition comprising a combination of two or more immunologically active molecules comprising an epitope contained in (1) a polypeptide encoded by a cDNA molecule with a nucleotide sequence shown in  FIG. 1 , or (2) a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     
     
         25 . A method of eliciting an immune response, comprising administering to a host a composition comprising an isolated, immunologically active molecule comprising an epitope contained in (1) a polypeptide encoded by a cDNA molecule with a nucleotide sequence shown in  FIG. 1 , or (2) a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 25 , further comprising administering an adjuvant. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein the host does not have detectable serum antibodies to the composition prior to administration of the composition. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein the composition is administered intradermally, subcutaneously, intravenously or intraperitoneally. 
     
     
         29 . A method of eliciting an immune response, comprising administering to a host a composition comprising a combination of two or more isolated, immunologically active molecules comprising two different epitopes contained in (1) a polypeptide encoded by a cDNA molecule with a nucleotide sequence shown in  FIG. 1 , or (2) a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 29 , further comprising administering an adjuvant. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the host does not have detectable serum antibodies to the composition prior to administration of the composition. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the composition is administered intradermally, subcutaneously, intravenously or intraperitoneally. 
     
     
         33 . A composition comprising a molecular probe having a binding site specific for a target comprising (1) a polypeptide encoded by a cDNA molecule with a nucleotide sequence shown in  FIG. 1 , (2) a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence shown in  FIG. 2 , or (3) an epitope contained in (1) or (2), wherein said molecular probe is not an antibody that binds the epitope PTGEPQ. 
     
     
         34 . The composition of  claim 33 , further comprising said target, wherein said molecular probe is bound to said target. 
     
     
         35 . The composition of  claim 33 , wherein said molecular probe is an antibody. 
     
     
         36 . The composition of  claim 35 , wherein said antibody is a monoclonal antibody.