MN gene and protein

Abstract

Herein disclosed is a novel oncogene named MN or alternatively MN/CA IX. Abnormal expression of the MN gene is shown to signify oncogenesis, and diagnostic/prognostic methods for pre-neoplastic/neoplastic disease to detect or detect and quantitate such abnormal MN gene expression. Also disclosed are methods to treat pre-neoplastic/neoplastic disease involving the MN gene and protein, e.g., methods comprising the use of MN-specific antibodies, anti-idiotype antibodies thereto, and anti-anti-idiotype antibodies, and the use of MN antisense nucleic acids. Further disclosed are methods to identify and block MN binding site(s) and identify MN protein partners(s).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional of allowed U.S. Ser. No. 09 / 967,237, filed Sep. 27, 2001, which is a divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 09 / 178,115, filed Oct. 23, 1998 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,297,041), which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 08 / 787,739, filed Jan. 24, 1997 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,027,887), which is a continuation-in-part of the following seven U.S. Serial Nos., all of which were filed on Jun. 7, 1995: Ser. No. 08 / 485,049 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,204,370), Ser. No. 08 / 486,756 (now U.S. Pat. No. 5,981,711), Ser. No. 08 / 477,504 (now U.S. Pat. No. 5,972,353), Ser. No. 08 / 481,658 (now U.S. Pat. No. 5,955,075), Ser. No. 08 / 485,862 (now U.S. Pat. No. 5,989,838), Ser. No. 08 / 485,863 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,093,548) and Ser. No. 08 / 487,077 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,069,242). Those seven applications are continuations-in-parts of U.S. Ser. No. 08 / 260,190, filed Jun. 15, 1994 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,774,117), which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 08 / 177,093, filed Dec. 30, 199...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0064] This invention also concerns methods of treating neoplastic disease and / or preneoplastic disease comprising inhibiting the expression of MN genes by administering antisense nucleic acid sequences that are complementary to mRNA transcribed from MN genes. Said antisense nucleic acid sequences are those that hybridize specifically to such mRNA under stringent hybridization conditions. Preferred are antisense nucleic acid sequences that are complementary to sequences at the 5′ end of the MN cDNA sequence shown in FIG. 1, more preferably to the 5′ leader sequence of said mRNA. Preferably said antisense nucleic acid sequences are oligonucleotides.

[0065] This invention also concerns vaccines comprising an immunogenic amount of one or more substantially pure MN proteins and / or polypeptides or anti-idiotype antibodies (including variations thereof), dispersed in a physiologically acceptable, nontoxic vehicle, which amount is effective to immunize a vertebrate, preferably a mammal, more preferably a human, against a preneoplastic / neoplastic disease associated with the expression of MN proteins. Said proteins can be recombinantly, synthetically or otherwise biologically produced. A particular use of said vaccine would be to prevent recidivism and / or metastasis. For example, it could be administered to a patient who has had an MN-carrying tumor surgically removed, to prevent recurrence of the tumor.

Problems solved by technology

Despite repeated attempts, not even one single stably transformed cell clone was obtained.

Their up-regulation or ectopic expression leads to disruption of the normal program of cell differentiation.

Its deregulated expression could upset correct communication among cells.

MN protein may interfere in signal transmission establishing contact inhibition.

MN protein is located on the cell surface and is thus vulnerable.

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