USE OF SIALYL TRANSFERASES FOR DIAGNOSING AND TREATING TUMOROUS DISEASES

摘要

The invention relates to the use of sialyltransferases, in particular of sialyltransferase ST6GalNAc-II for diagnosing and treating tumorous diseases. The mRNA expression of the sialyltransferase enzyme ST6GalNAc-II increases in cases where lymph node metastases occur. Research into 40 well-documented cases of colorectal carcinomas show that the expression of ST6GalNAc-II constitutes a prognostic factor for the survival of such patients. In addition, by blocking the expression of sialyltransferase ST6GalNAc-II, the synthesis of the tumour-linked antigen TF can be blocked, potentially improving the prognosis. The invention also relates to the inhibition of the expression of the enzyme by pharmaceutical agents.