Diagnostic methods using tenascin-w compositions

Abstract

Tenascin-W. an extracellular matrix molecule that is specifically expressed in metastatic tumours is provided. A system comprising a sample expressing tenascin-W is used as an in vitro method for screening possible anti-tumour agents or for agents that promote osteogenesis.

1 - 52 . (canceled) 
     
     
         53 . A method of diagnosing or prognosing cancer comprising:
 analysing a sample obtained from an individual for the presence of tenascin-W protein or tenascin-W transcript; and   determining the presence of the tenascin-W protein or the tenascin-W transcript in the sample by a detection method, wherein the detection of the presence of the tenascin-W protein or the tenascin-W transcript in the sample using the detection method indicates an unfavorable prognosis or diagnosis.   
     
     
         54 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein in the step of determining, the presence of the tenascin-W protein or the tenascin-W transcript is indicated by an elevated level of the tenascin-W protein or the tenascin-W transcript in the sample, and the detection of the elevated level of the tenascin-W protein or the tenascin-W transcript in the sample relative to healthy tissue indicates the unfavorable prognosis or diagnosis. 
     
     
         55 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein the sample used in the step of analyzing is blood serum or plasma from the individual. 
     
     
         56 . The method of  claim 55 , wherein the tenascin-W protein is detected in the detection method using an antibody specific for the tenascin-W protein. 
     
     
         57 . The method of  claim 55 , wherein the tenascin-W transcript is detected in the detection method using a polymerase chain reaction. 
     
     
         58 . The method of  claim 53 , further comprising:
 analyzing the sample for the presence of alpha 8 integrin expression; and   determining the presence of the alpha 8 integrin expression in the sample by a second detection method, wherein the detection of the presence of the alpha 8 integrin indicates an unfavourable prognosis or diagnosis.   
     
     
         59 . The method of  claim 58 , wherein the alpha 8 integrin is detected in the second detection method using an antibody specific for the alpha 8 integrin. 
     
     
         60 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein the method further comprises:
 propagating cells in the sample in cell culture.   
     
     
         61 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein the step of analysing includes a prior step of pre-treating the sample. 
     
     
         62 . The method of  claim 61 , wherein the step of pre-treating includes forming a cell extract. 
     
     
         63 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein the step of analysing includes detecting a control protein in the sample, and optionally normalizing a value obtained for the tenascin-W protein or the tenascin-W transcript with the control protein.