Compositions and Methods for Identifying Agents Which Modulate PTEN Function and PI-3 Kinase Pathways

Abstract

Methods are provided for the identification, biochemical characterization and therapeutic use of agents which impact PTEN, p53, PI-kinase and AKT mediated cellular signaling.

1 . A method for identifying agents which modulate PTEN activity, comprising:
 a) providing a host cell wherein PTEN is expressed;   b) contacting said host cell with a test agent suspected of modulating PTEN activity;   c) assessing said modulation as a function of alterations in activated AKT levels in the presence of said agent.   
     
     
         2 . A method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said PTEN is mutated. 
     
     
         3 . A method as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein said mutation in PTEN is selected from the group consisting of G129E, G129R, R130M and C124S. 
     
     
         4 . A method as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein said PTEN is inactive and said test agent suppresses concomittant AKT activating activity. 
     
     
         5 . A test agent identified by the method of  claim 4 . 
     
     
         6 - 88 . (canceled)