Method of diagnosing breast cancer

Abstract

Objective methods for detecting and diagnosing breast cancer (BRC) are described herein. In one embodiment, the diagnostic method involves determining the expression level of a BRC-associated gene that discriminates between BRC cells and normal cells. In another embodiment, the diagnostic method involves determining the expression level of a BRC-associated gene that discriminates among BRC cells, between DCIS and IDC cells. The present invention further provides means for predicting and preventing breast cancer metastasis using BRC-associated genes having unique altered expression patterns in breast cancer cells with lymph-node metastasis. Finally, the present invention provides methods of screening for therapeutic agents useful in the treatment of breast cancer, methods of treating breast cancer and method for vaccinating a subject against breast cancer.

1 . A method of diagnosing breast cancer or a predisposition for developing breast cancer in a subject, comprising determining a level of expression of BRC No. 456 in a patient-derived biological sample, wherein an increase or decrease in said sample expression level as compared to a normal control level of said gene indicates that said subject suffers from or is at risk of developing breast cancer. 
     
     
         2 . (canceled) 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said sample expression level is at least 10% greater than said normal control level. 
     
     
         4 - 5 . (canceled) 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said breast cancer is IDC. 
     
     
         7 - 10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said method further comprises determining the level of expression of a plurality of breast cancer-associated genes. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein gene expression level is determined by a method selected from the group consisting of:
 (a) detecting mRNA of BRC No. 456,   (b) detecting a protein encoded by BRC No. 456, and   (c) detecting a biological activity of a protein encoded by BRC No. 456.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein said detection is carried out on a DNA array. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said patient-derived biological sample comprises an epithelial cell. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said patient-derived biological sample comprises a breast cell. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said patient-derived biological sample comprises an epithelial cell from a breast tissue.