HEYL as a therapeutic target and a diagnostic marker for neoplasia and uses therefor

摘要

The invention generally features compositions and methods that are useful for treating or diagnosing a neoplasia, in particular breast neoplasia. The invention is based in part on the observation that the basic helix loop helix transcription factor HEYL was found to be overexpressed in breast cancer cells. Accordingly, the invention provides therapeutic compositions and methods for altering the levels and expression of HEYL of the invention, thereby treating a neoplasia, as well as compositions and methods for diagnosing a neoplasia.

主权项

1. A method of diagnosing and treating a subject having breast cancer, comprising:
obtaining a sample of breast cancer epithelial cells from the subject; preparing cDNA from the breast cancer epithelial cells sample; contacting the cDNA with amplifying PCR primers comprising SEQ ID NOs: 2 and 3; performing real time PCR, thereby forming an amplicon; comparing the rate of formation of the amplicon in the breast cancer epithelial cells cDNA sample to an appropriate control cDNA sample or to a reference level; diagnosing, based upon an increased rate of amplicon formation in the breast cancer epithelial cells cDNA sample, that the subject has breast cancer suitable for treatment with an agent that inhibits HEYL transcription or activity; and administering an effective amount of the agent to the subject, thereby treating the diagnosed breast cancer.