Novel Read-Through Fusion Polynucleotides and Polypeptides and Uses Thereof

Abstract

The present disclosure provides for and relates to novel fusion proteins and polypeptides expressed by breast cancer and other cancer cells, and to compositions, materials and methods for detecting, characterizing and treating said breast and other cancers. In one embodiment, the fusion polypeptides are read-through fusion transcripts.

We claim: 
     
         1 . An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID. NO. 1, SEQ ID. NO. 2 or SEQ ID NO. 3 or of a degenerate variant of any of the forgoing. 
     
     
         2 . An isolated nucleic acid sequence comprising a sequence that encodes a polypeptide of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID. NO. 4, SEQ ID. NO. 5, SEQ ID NO. 6 or SEQ ID NO: 7, or an immunogenic fragment of any of the forgoing at least five (5) residues in length. 
     
     
         3 . An expression vector comprising the nucleic acid of  claim 1  or  2  operably linked to an expression control sequence. 
     
     
         4 . A cultured cell comprising the vector of  claim 3 . 
     
     
         5 . A method of producing a protein, the method comprising culturing the cell of  claim 4  under conditions permitting the expression of the protein. 
     
     
         6 . A purified polypeptide, the sequence of which consists of SEQ ID. NO. 4, SEQ ID. NO. 5, SEQ ID NO. 6, or SEQ ID NO: 7, or an immunogenic fragment of any of the forgoing at least five (5) residues in length. 
     
     
         7 . A purified polypeptide comprising five (5) consecutive residues of SEQ ID. NO. 4, SEQ ID. NO. 5 or SEQ ID NO. 6. 
     
     
         8 . A purified antibody that binds specifically to the polypeptides of SEQ ID. NO. 4, SEQ ID. NO. 5, SEQ ID NO. 6 or SEQ ID NO: 7. 
     
     
         9 . A method of diagnosing breast cancer in an individual comprising the steps of: a) obtaining a biological sample from the individual; and b) detecting in the biological sample the presence of one or more fusion proteins or polypeptides, wherein the presence of the fusion proteins or polypeptides indicates breast cancer in the individual. 
     
     
         10 . A method of treating breast cancer in an individual comprising the steps of: a) detecting the presence of a polypeptide of SEQ ID. NO. 4, SEQ ID. NO. 5, SEQ ID NO. 6, or SEQ ID NO: 7.