NOTCH mutations leading to increased receptor signaling

摘要

The present invention is based upon the identification of regions within the NOTCH-1 receptor that, when mutated, lead to increased receptor signaling. The mutations are associated with uncontrolled cellular growth and this growth may be arrested using agents that interfere with NOTCH-1 activity, such as inhibitors of gamma-secretase. Assays for the NOTCH-1 mutations may be used diagnostically or as part of a treatment regimen for cancer patients.