FHIT proteins and nucleic acids and methods based thereon

Abstract

The present invention relates to nucleotide sequences of FHIT genes and amino acid sequences of their encoded proteins, as well as derivatives and analogs thereof, and antibodies thereto. The FHIT gene sequence is mutated in diseases involving cell overproliferation, particularly malignancies of the digestive tract. The present invention further relates to the use of FHIT genes and their encoded proteins as diagnostic and therapeutic reagents for the detection and treatment of disease states associated with cell overproliferation.

1 - 21 . (canceled)  
     
     
         22 . An isolated antibody that binds to at least one member selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:2 and a protein having at least 60% identity to SEQ ID NO:2.  
     
     
         23 . The antibody of  claim 22 , wherein the antibody binds to SEQ ID NO:2.  
     
     
         24 . The antibody of  claim 22 , wherein the antibody binds to the protein having at least 60% identity to SEQ ID NO:2.  
     
     
         25 . The antibody of  claim 22 , wherein the antibody binds to a protein selected from the group consisting of a protein having at least 70% identity to SEQ ID NO:2, a protein having at least 80% identity to SEQ ID NO:2, a protein having at least 90% identity to SEQ ID NO:2 and a protein having at least 95% identity to SEQ ID NO:2.  
     
     
         26 . The antibody of  claim 22 , wherein the antibody includes a monoclonal antibody.  
     
     
         27 . The antibody of  claim 22 , wherein the antibody includes a polyclonal antibody.  
     
     
         28 . The antibody of  claim 22 , wherein the antibody includes a chimeric antibody.  
     
     
         29 . The antibody of  claim 22 , wherein the antibody includes a human antibody.  
     
     
         30 . The antibody of  claim 22 , wherein the antibody includes a single chain antibody.  
     
     
         31 . The antibody of  claim 22 , wherein the antibody includes an antibody fragment.  
     
     
         32 . The antibody of  claim 28 , wherein the antibody fragment includes an Fab fragment.  
     
     
         33 . The antibody of  claim 28 , wherein the antibody fragment includes an Fab′ fragment.  
     
     
         34 . The antibody of  claim 28 , wherein the antibody fragment includes an F(ab′) 2  fragment.  
     
     
         35 . The antibody of  claim 22 , further including a detectable label.  
     
     
         36 . The antibody of  claim 35 , wherein the detectable label is selected from the group consisting of an enzyme, a radiolabel, a fluorescent molecule, a chemiluminescent molecule, a cofactor, an enzyme substrate, an enzyme inhibitor, and a magnetic particle.  
     
     
         37 . A kit comprising an isolated antibody that binds to at least one member selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:2 and a protein having at least 60% identity to SEQ ID NO:2.  
     
     
         38 . The kit of  claim 37 , wherein the antibody binds to SEQ ID NO:2.  
     
     
         39 . The kit of  claim 37 , wherein the antibody binds to the protein having at least 60% identity to SEQ ID NO:2.  
     
     
         40 . The kit of  claim 37 , wherein the antibody binds to a protein selected from the group consisting of a protein having at least 70% identity to SEQ ID NO:2, a protein having at least 80% identity to SEQ ID NO:2, a protein having at least 90% identity to SEQ ID NO:2 and a protein having at least 95% identity to SEQ ID NO:2.  
     
     
         41 . The kit of  claim 37 , further including a labeled binding partner to the isolated antibody.  
     
     
         42 . The kit of  claim 37 , wherein the antibody further includes a detectable label.