Detection of mutations in a gene associated with resistance to viral infection, oas1

Abstract

A method for detecting a mutation related to the gene encoding OAS1. This and other disclosed mutations correlate with resistance of humans to viral infection including hepatitis C. Also provided is a therapeutic agent consisting of a protein or polypeptide encoded by the mutated gene, or a polynucleotide encoding the protein or polypeptide. Inhibitors of human OAS1, including antisense oligonucleotides, methods, and compositions specific for human OAS1, are also provided.

1 - 81 . (canceled) 
     
     
         82 . A method of treating cancer in a mammal comprising administering to a mammal in need of such treatment a composition comprising oligoadenylate synthetase 1, wherein said oligoadenylate synthetase 1 is a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO:20-30, SEQ ID NO:32-35, or SEQ ID NO:46-52. 
     
     
         83 . The method of  claim 82  wherein said polypeptide has an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:48. 
     
     
         84 . The method of  claim 82  wherein said mammal is a human. 
     
     
         85 . The method of  claim 82  wherein said cancer is prostate cancer. 
     
     
         86 . A method of inducing apoptosis in prostate cancer cells comprising exposing said cells to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO:20-30, SEQ ID NO:32-35, or SEQ ID NO:46-52. 
     
     
         87 . The method of  claim 86  wherein said polypeptide has an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:48. 
     
     
         88 . A method of treating cancer in a mammal comprising administering to a mammal in need of such treatment a composition comprising a polynucleotide encoding oligoadenylate synthetase 1, wherein said oligoadenylate synthetase 1 is a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO:20-30, SEQ ID NO:32-35, or SEQ ID NO:46-52. 
     
     
         89 . The method of  claim 88  wherein said polynucleotide encodes a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:48. 
     
     
         90 . The method of  claim 88  wherein said mammal is a human.