This invention relates to a
gene encoding RTVP that has been shown to be up-regulated by p53 using
differential display-PCR and subsequently by co-
transfection studies. RTVP-1 mRNA is abundant in normal mouse and human prostatic epithelial cells and primary tumors, but is significantly down regulated in metastatic mouse and
human prostate cancer. In
prostate cancer cells overexpression of the mouse RTVP-1
gene (mRTVP-1) induced
apoptosis that was accompanied by increased
caspase 8, 9 and 3 activities. mRTVP-1-stimulated
apoptosis was also associated with increased levels of bax, bad and activated BID; reduced levels of bcl-2 and bcl-XL; and cytosolic
cytochrome c accumulation. Adenoviral-vector-mediated mRTVP-1 expression lead to potent
growth suppression and antimetastatic activities in an orthotopic mouse model of
prostate cancer in vivo. These therapeutic activities were associated with anti-angiogenic effects and importantly a local and systemic immune response. Accordingly, p53 was linked with suppression of
metastasis through its induction of mRTVP-1, which can concurrently induce
apoptosis, suppress
angiogenesis and stimulate an antitumor immune response. Thus, the invention includes compositions and methods, based on RTVP
nucleic acid, polypeptides, and antibodies, for use in the treatment, prevention and detection of
neoplastic disease and, specifically, metastatic prostatic neoplasia.