Phosphorylated histone h2b as apoptosis marker

摘要

The present invention is directed to the generation of antibodies against an alpha-phosphorylated serine 14 residue on Histone 2B. This postranslational modification of the amino terminus of Histone 2B is associated with cells that are about to enter or are already undergoing apoptosis. These antibodies are useful in identifying apoptotic cells and serve as diagnostic and screening tools. The present invention is also directed to the Mst1 kinase and the isolation of compounds that modulate the activity of Mst1. This kinase has been identified as the enzyme responsible for creating this postranslational modification on Histone 2B in vivo.