Musc Foundation for Research Development

Dennis K Watson

Perry V Halushka

Omar Moussa

Takis S Papas

Clifford W Schweinfest

Paul L Baron

Methods for the treatment of cancers involving dysregulation of thromboxane receptor &#x3b2; (TP-&#x3b2;) are provided, including in certain aspects methods for diagnosing such cancers. Specific cancers included are genitourinary cancers, gastrointestinal cancers and leukemias.

Methods for the treatment of cancers

Methods for the diagnosis of genitourinary (GU) cancer are provided. In particular, urine has been found to contain significant levels of thromboxane receptor &#x3b2; (TP&#x3b2;) methods for diagnosing GU cancer. Methods for assessing treatment, prognosing and staging GU cancers, as well as kits therefor, also are provided.

Methods for the diagnosis of genitourinary cancer

The present invention relates to a novel gene, CaSm, that is highly expressed in cancer tissues and cell lines, especially pancreatic cancer. The full length cDNA of CaSm encodes a protein of 133 amino acids. CaSm contains the two Sm motifs found in the common snRNP proteins, with the greatest homology to the Sm G protein (60% similarity). The present invention further encompasses CaSm peptides, fusion proteins, host cell expression systems, antibodies to CaSm, antisense CaSM molecules, and compounds that modulate CaSm gene expression or CaSm activity. Antisense CaSm RNA is able to alter the transformed phenotype of pancreatic cancer cells by reducing their ability to form large colonies in soft agar when compared to untransfected cells. The present invention also encompasses methods for disease diagnosis, drug screening and the treatment of cancer.

Growing community of inventors

Charleston, SC, United States of America

Dennis K Watson