Usp2a peptides and antibodies

Abstract

The invention relates to novel USP2a peptides and antibodies, as well as nucleic acids related to them. The peptides, antibodies and the nucleic acids are useful for the detection, staging and monitoring of the progression of cancer, as well as for determining or monitoring the efficacy of treatment.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An isolated antibody specifically reactive with a USP2a peptide, said peptide comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO. 1, SEQ ID NO. 2, and variants thereof. 
     
     
         2 . The isolated antibody of  claim 1  comprising a detectable label. 
     
     
         3 . The isolated antibody of  claim 1  which is a humanized antibody. 
     
     
         4 . The isolated antibody of  claim 1  which is a monoclonal antibody. 
     
     
         5 . An isolated antibody obtained by a method, said method comprising:
 a) contacting a subject with at least one USP2a peptide comprising a portion of a USP2a protein, wherein the USP2a peptide is from about 5 to about 30 amino acids in length and has a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO. 1, SEQ ID NO 2 and variants thereof; and   b) collecting a sample containing the USP2a antibody from the subject.   
     
     
         6 . The isolated antibody of  claim 5  wherein the sample contains antiserum that has been immunopurified.