METHOD OF MODULATING OR EXAMINING KU70 LEVELS IN CELLS

摘要

A method of predicting whether cells would respond to therapies which are mediated through Bax-regulated apoptosis is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of : (a) examining the intensity of the expression of the Bax protein or mRNA in a cell relative to a control, and (b) based on that intensity level, predicting whether cells will respond to therapies which are mediated through Bax-regulated apoptosis, wherein a high Bax level indicates that one may lower Ku70 levels and increase sensitivity to apoptosis. In another embodiment, the invention is a method of sensitizing cells to cancer therapy, comprising the step of reducing the cell's native Ku70 protein level. In another embodiment the invention is method of treating cell death-related diseases comprising the step of increasing cellular Ku70 protein level.