COMPOSITION AND METHODS FOR THE DETECTION OF CRIPTO-3

摘要

The present invention is based, at least in part, on the discovery that the pseudogene TDGF3 (Cripto-3) is expressed in cells and, in particular, that TDGF3 overexpression is associated with transformation of a cell, e.g., TDGF3 is overexpressed in cancer cell lines and cells from tumor tissue. Accordingly, the invention provides compositions, kits, and methods for detecting the presence of a TDGF3 polynucleotide or polypeptide in a sample. The invention further provides compositions, kits and methods for assessing whether a cell is transformed as well as for assessing whether a patient is a suitable candidate for an anti-Cripto antibody therapy.