Sphingosine-1-phosphate lyase polypeptides, polynucleotides and modulating agents and methods of use therefor

Abstract

Compositions, methods and kits for diagnosing and treating cancer are provided. Therapeutic compositions may comprise agents that modulate the expression or activity of a sphingosine-1-phosphate lyase (SPL). Such compositions may be administered to a mammal afflicted with cancer. Diagnostic methods and kits may employ an agent suitable for detecting alterations in endogenous SPL. Such methods and kits may be used to detect the presence of a cancer or to evaluate the prognosis of a known disease. SPL polypeptides, polynucleotides and antibodies are also provided.

1 .- 30 . (canceled)  
     
     
         31 . An isolated polynucleotide comprising the polynucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:9, or the complement thereof.  
     
     
         32 . An isolated polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:10, or a portion of such a polypeptide that has sphingosine-1-phosphate lyase activity.  
     
     
         33 . An isolated polynucleotide comprising at least 100 contiguous nucleotides of SEQ ID NO:9, or the complement thereof.  
     
     
         34 . A recombinant expression vector comprising a polynucleotide according to any one of claims  31 - 33 .  
     
     
         35 . An isolated host cell transformed or transfected with an expression vector according to  claim 34.