University of Massachusetts

Stephen J Doxsey

Chun-Ting Chen

Aldo A Rossini

Rita Bellis Bortell

Tse-Chun Kuo

Agata Jurczyk

The number of midbody derivatives in a cell may be modulated by modulating autophagy induced by NBR1. Exemplary methods include modulating the amount or activity of NBR1 in the cell, potentiating or inhibiting binding between NBR1 and Cep55 in the cell, or modulating the amount of Cep55 in the cell. These methods can be used in the treatment of cancers or in methods of reprogramming cells.

Modulation of midbody derivatives

This application relates to a newly identified animal cell structure, the midbody scar. This structure is a remnant of the midbody that is retained by one daughter cell following cytokinesis and persists through multiple subsequent cell cycles. The midbody scar can be useful as a marker of dividing cells or of a cell's replicative age.

Cell division marker

Described are methods for modulating cellular secretion, and methods for identifying novel modulators of cellular secretion, that target centrosomal proteins.

Centrosomal proteins and secretion

The invention includes nucleic acids and polypeptides that play important roles in centrosomes and cellular functions involving centrosomes. In addition, the invention encompasses antibodies, ribozymes, antisense nucleic acids, RNAis, and siRNAs that can be used to modulate the function of the nucleic acids and polypeptides of the invention. Such modulation can be useful in detecting, diagnosing, and treating abnormal centrosome function.

Centrosome proteins and uses thereof

Disclosed is a method for detecting neoplastic cells in a tissue sample by examining the cells for centrosomal abnormalities such as ectopic localization of centrosomal proteins, hypertrophic centrosomes, and supernumerary centrosomes.

Cancer detection by centrosome abnormality

Disclosed are diagnostic methods for screening a patient for sclerotic disease. One diagnostic method includes obtaining a biological sample from the patient; obtaining a substantially pure CP140 polypeptide fragment; contacting the sample with the CP140 polypeptide; and detecting patient autoantibody:CP140 complexes as an indication of the presence of sclerotic disease in the patient. Other methods of screening patients for scleroderma are also described.

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Princeton, MA, United States of America

Stephen J Doxsey