Novel genes, compositions, kits, and methods for identification, assessment, prevention and therapy of cervical cancer

Abstract

The invention relates to newly discovered nucleic acid molecules and proteins associated with cervical cancer including pre-malignant conditions such as dysplasia. Compositions, kits, and methods for detecting, characterizing, preventing, and treating human cervical cancers are provided.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 3, 5, 7, 143, 145, 147, 149, 151, 167, 203, 217, 231, 233, 51, 65, 67, 68, 100, and 153. 
     
     
         2 . A vector which contains the nucleic acid molecule of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         3 . A host cell which contains the nucleic acid molecule of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         4 . A method of assessing whether a patient is afflicted with cervical cancer, the method comprising comparing:
 a) the level of expression of a marker in a patient sample, wherein the marker is selected from Table 1; and   b) the normal level of expression of the marker in a control non-cervical cancer sample,
 wherein a significant increase in the level of expression of the marker in the patient sample and the normal level is an indication that the patient is afflicted with cervical cancer. 
   
     
     
         5 . An isolated polypeptide which is encoded by a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 3, 5, 7, 143, 145, 147, 149, 151, 167, 203, 217, 231, and 233. 
     
     
         6 . An antibody which selectively binds to the polypeptide of  claim 5 . 
     
     
         7 . An isolated polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 4, 6, 8, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, 168, 204, 218, 232, and 234. 
     
     
         8 . An antibody which selectively binds to the polypeptide of  claim 7 . 
     
     
         9 . A kit for assessing whether a patient is afflicted with cervical cancer, the kit comprising reagents for assessing the level of expression of at least one marker selected from the group consisting of the markers listed in Table 1. 
     
     
         10 . A kit for assessing the stage of cervical cancer, the kit comprising reagents for assessing expression at least one marker selected from the group consisting of the markers listed in Table 1.