BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001 ] Chromosomal disruptions may be associated with a variety of different diseases, including, for example, cancer and neurological deficits. Failure to accurately and timely detect cancer and neurological deficits makes effective diagnosis and treatment of the disease difficult. In spite of considerable research into diagnostics and therapies, there currently exists a need in the art for compositions and methods for detecting, treating, and preventing cancer and neurological deficits.

[0002] The invention provides methods and compositions useful for the detection, diagnosis, and prognostication of diseases associated with chromosomal disruptions of A2BP1, such as cancer and neurological defects. These and other advantages of the invention, as well as additional inventive features, will be apparent from the description of the invention provided herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention provides an isolated nucleic acid comprising one or more of A2BP1 exons A _; B, C, or D (SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively) fused in frame with one or more of A2BP1 exons 2, 3, 5, 7-15, 17, 19 or 20 (SEQ ID NOs: 5-19, respectively), wherein the A2BP1 exons A, B, C, and D are located 5' of the A2BP1 exons 2, 3, 5, 7-15, 17, 19 and

20, as well as an isolated polypeptide encoded by such a nucleic acid.

[0004] The invention also provides a method of detecting or diagnosing a genetic abnormality in a mammal comprising detecting an isolated nucleic acid or polypeptide of the invention.

[0005] In another aspect, the invention provides a method of detecting or diagnosing cancer, particularly mesothelioma, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), or gastric cancer, comprising detecting a deletion at 16pl3.3-13.2.

[0006] The invention also provides a method of treating or preventing a disease associated with a deletion at 16pl3.3-13.2, which method comprises inhibiting the expression of a nucleic acid of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The ataxin 2-binding protein 1 (A2BP1) gene (also known as FOXl and hexaribonucleotide binding protein 1 (HRNBPl)) is believed to regulate exon splicing, and was previously thought to be confined to the region 6.0 MB - 7.70 MB of human chromosome 16p. Six splice variants of A2BP1 have been reported: Variant 1 (NM_145891.2 GI:215272406); Variant 2 (NM_145892.2 GI:215272407); Variant 3 (NMJ45893.2 GI:215272408); Variant 4 (NM_018723.3 GI:215272405); Variant 5 (NMJ)Ol 142333.1 GI:215272409); and Variant 6 (NM_001142334.1 GI:215272411). Of these, variants 1-3 are found in muscle or other tissues, and variant 4 is found in the brain. In addition to an exon 1, variant 4 includes exons 2, 3, 5, 7-15, 17, and 19-20 (SEQ ID NOs: 5- 19, respectively) from the 5' to the 3' end.

[0008] The invention relates to nucleic acids that are considered to be alternative splice variants of A2BP1, as well as compositions comprising the splice variants and methods for their use. It is believed that the new splice variants include exons located approximately one million base pairs upstream of the previously identified A2BP1 gene, constituting a new open reading frame for A2BP1 spanning 5.229 MB - 7.700 MB on chromosome 16p. The new exons are herein designated A2BP1 exons A, B, C, and D. A2BP1 exon A, B, C, or D comprise the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. The approximate genomic positions of A2BP1 exons A-D on chromosome 16p are set forth in Table 1, and the approximate genomic positions of A2BP1 exons 2, 3, 5, 7-15, 17, and 19-20 are set forth in Table 2.

Table 1

[0009] In one embodiment, the invention provides an isolated nucleic acid comprising one or more (or all) of A2BP1 exons A, B, C, or D. The nucleic acid can further comprise one or more (or all) of A2BP1 exons 2, 3, 5, 7-15, 17, 19 or 20 (SEQ ID NOs: 5-19, respectively). Furthermore, the one or more A2BP1 exons A, B, C, or D (SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively) can be fused in frame with one or more of A2BP1 exons 2, 3, 5, 7-15, 17, 19 or 20 (SEQ ID NOs: 5-19, respectively), such that exons A, B, C, and/or D share a common open reading frame with exons 2, 3, 5, 7-15, 17, 19, and/or 20, i.e., without an intervening stop codon. Desireably, all of the exons that are part of the nucleic acid share a common open reading frame. This typically is accomplished by fusing the exons to one another without any intervening nucleotides. When the nucleic acid comprises one or more A2BP1 exons A, B, C, and/or D as well as one or more of exons 2, 3, 5, 7-15, 17, 19, and/or 20, the one or more A2BP1 exons A, B, C, and/or D generally are located 5' relative to the one or more of A2BP1 exons 2, 3, 5, 7-15, 17, 19, and/or 20.

Table 2

[0010] By way of example, and without intending to limit the scope of the invention, the nucleic acid can comprise A2BP1 exon C fused in frame to the 5' end of A2BP1 exon 2: 5' --Exon C (SEQ ID NO: 3) - Exon 2 (SEQ ID NO: 5) --3'.

Such an embodiment may further comprise one or more additional exon(s) fused to the 5' or 3' end of the nucleic acid. For instance, exons A and/or B can be fused to the 5' end of exon C. Alternatively, or in addition, exons 3, 5, 7-15, 17, 19, and/or 20 can be fused in frame to the 3' end of exon 2. By way of further illustration, the nucleic acid can comprise one of the following configuratons:

5' - Exon C - Exon 2 - Exon 3 - Exon 5 - Exon 7 - 3'

5' - Exon C - Exon 2 - Exon 3 - Exon 7 - 3'.

[0011] In another illustrative embodiment, the nucleic acid of the invention can comprise A2BP1 exon C fused in frame to the 5' end of A2BP1 exon 5:

5' -Exon C (SEQ ID NO: 3) - Exon 5 (SEQ ID NO: 7) -3'.

Nucleic acids comprising A2BP1 exon C fused in frame to the 5' end of A2BP1 exon 5 may further comprise one or more additional exon(s) fused to the 5' or 3' end. For instance, exons A and/or B can be fused to the 5' end of exon C. Alternatively, or in addition, exons 3, 5, 7- 15, 17, 19, and/or 20 can be fused in frame to the 3' end of exon 5. For instance, the nucleic acid can have the configuration of SEQ ID NO: 34:

5' — Exon C - Exon 5 - Exon 7 — 3'

[0012] hi still another illustrative embodiment, the nucleic acid of the invention comprises A2BP1 exon D fused in frame to the 5' end of A2BP1 exon 2:

5' - Exon D (SEQ ID NO: 4) - Exon 2 (SEQ ID NO: 5) -3'.

Nucleic acids comprising A2BP1 exon D fused in frame to the 5' end of A2BP1 exon 2 may further comprise one or more additional exon(s) fused to the 5' or 3' end. For instance, exons A, B and/or C can be fused to the 5' end of exon D. Alternatively, or in addition, exons 3, 5, 7-15, 17, 19, and/or 20 can be fused in frame to the 3 ' end of exon 2. Exemplary nucleic acid sequences comprising A2BP1 exon D fused to the 5' end of A2BP1 exon 2 can comprise one of the following configurations:

5 ' - Exon C - Exon D - Exon 2 - Exon 7 -3 '

5' - Exon C - Exon D - Exon 2 - Exon 5 - Exon 7 - 3'

5' - Exon C - Exon D - Exon 2 - Exon 3 - Exon 5 - Exon 7 - 3'

5' - Exon D - Exon 2 - Exon 3 - Exon 5 - Exon 7 - 3' 5' - Exon D - Exon 2 - Exon 3 - Exon 7 - 3'

[0013] In another illustrative embodiment, the nucleic acid of the invention comprises A2BP1 exon D fused in frame to the 5' end of A2BP1 exon 5:

5' -Exon D (SEQ ID NO: 4) - Exon 5 (SEQ ID NO: 7) -3'.

Nucleic acids comprising A2BP1 exon D fused in frame to the 5' end of A2BP1 exon 5 may further comprise one or more additional exon(s) fused to the 5' or 3' end. For instance, exons A, B and/or C can be fused to the 5' end of exon D. Alternatively, or in addition, exons 3, 5, 7-15, 17, 19, and/or 20 can be fused in frame to the 3' end of exon 5. Exemplary nucleic acid sequences comprising A2BP1 exon D fused to the 5' end of A2BP1 exon 5 can comprise the following configuration:

5 ' — Exon C - Exon D - Exon 5 - Exon 7 — 3'

[0014] In a further embodiment, the nucleic acid of the invention comprises A2BP1 exon D fused in frame to the 5' end of A2BP1 exon 7:

5' --Exon D (SEQ ID NO: 4) - Exon 7 (SEQ ID NO: 8) -3'.

Nucleic acids comprising A2BP1 exon D fused in frame to the 5' end of A2BP1 exon 7 may further comprise one or more additional exon(s) fused to the 5' or 3' end. For instance, exons A, B and/or C can be fused to the 5' end of exon D. Alternatively, or in addition, exons 3, 5, 7-15, 17, 19, and/or 20 can be fused in frame to the 3' end of exon 7. Exemplary nucleic acid sequences comprising A2BP1 exon D fused to the 5' end of A2BP1 exon 7 can comprise the following configuration:

5 ' --Exon C - Exon D - Exon 7 -3 '

[0015] Any of the nucleic acids described herein may further comprise one or more additional A2BP1 exon(s). In some embodiments, the nucleic acid may further comprise A2BP1 exon C (SEQ ID NO: 3) fused in frame to the 5' end of A2BP1 exon D (SEQ ID NO: 4). In other embodiments, the nucleic acid may, optionally, further comprise A2BP1 exon B (SEQ ID NO: 2) fused in frame to the 5' end of A2BP1 exon C (SEQ ID NO: 3). In still other embodiments, the nucleic acid may, optionally, also comprise A2BP1 exon A (SEQ ID NO: 1) fused in frame to the 5' end of A2BP1 exon B (SEQ ED NO: 2). [0016] The nucleic acids described herein also may further comprise any one or more or all of AB2BP1 exons 8-15, 17, 19, and 20 (SEQ ID NOs: 9-19) fused in frame to the 3' end of AB2BP1 exon 7 (SEQ ID NO: 8). Alternatively, the nucleic acid may lack any one or more or all of AB2BP1 exons 8-15, 17, 19, and 20 (SEQ ID NOs: 9-19) i.e., any one or more of AB2BP1 exons 8-15, 17, 19, and 20 maybe deleted. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid lacks exon 13 (SEQ ID NO: 14), i.e., exon 13 maybe deleted, hi this respect, the nucleic acid may further comprise any one or more or all of AB2BP1 exons 8-12, 14-15, 17, 19, and 20 (SEQ ID NOs: 9-13, and 15-19) fused in frame to the 3' end of AB2BP1 exon 7 (SEQ ID NO: 8). hi other embodiments, the nucleic acid lacks exon 11 (SEQ ID NO: 12), i.e., exon 1 1 may be deleted. In this respect, the nucleic acid may further comprise any one or more or all of AB2BP1 exons 8-10 and 12-15, 17, 19, and 20 (SEQ ID NOs: 9-11, 13-19) fused in frame to the 3' end of AB2BP1 exon 7 (SEQ ID NO: 8). In another embodiment, the invention provides a nucleic acid encoding the amino acid sequence of one or more of SEQ ID NOs: 35-46 and 51-55.

[0017] In another embodiment, the nucleic acid comprises each of A2BP1 exons A, B, C, and D and each of A2BP1 exons 2, 3, 5, 7-15, 17, 19 and 20, fused in frame in the indicated order. For the purposes of describing the invention, such a nucleic acid is deemed the "full length" transcript of A2BP1 (SEQ ID NO: 20).

[0018] hi another exemplary embodiment, the nucleic acid comprises each of A2BP1 exons A, B, C, D, 7-15, 17, 19, and 20, i.e., the nucleic acid lacks A2BP1 exons 2, 3, and 5 (SEQ ID NO: 33). In still another exemplary embodiment, the nucleic acid comprises each of A2BP1 exons A, B, C, 5, 7-15, 17, 19, and 20, i.e., the nucleic acid lacks A2BP1 exons D, 2, and 3 (SEQ ID NO: 34).

[0019] The nucleic acids can, optionally, further comprise other common elements. For instance, the nucleic acids can comprise elements such as a 5' and 3' untranslated region (UTR), a 5' cap (also termed an RNA cap, an RNA 7-methylguanosine cap or an RNA m7G cap), a poly adenylation sequence (also termed a "poly A tail"). The nucleic acids also can comprise labels or tags, as may be useful in certain contexts.

[0020] "Nucleic acid" as used herein includes "polynucleotide," "oligonucleotide," and "nucleic acid molecule," and generally means a polymer of DNA or RNA, which can be single- stranded or double-stranded, synthesized or obtained from natural sources. The nucleic acids can contain natural, non-natural or altered nucleotides, and can contain a natural, non-natural or altered internucleotide linkage, such as a phosphoroamidate linkage or a phosphorothioate linkage, instead of the phosphodiester found between the nucleotides of an unmodified oligonucleotide.

[0021] The nucleic acids of the invention can be isolated. A nucleic acid is isolated if it is purified to any degree, such as by removing the nucleic acid from the natural environment in which it is found or a medium in which it is synthesized. The term "purified" as used herein means having been increased in purity, wherein "purity" is a relative term, and not to be necessarily construed as absolute purity. For example, the purity can be at least about 50%, can be greater than 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 99%, or even 100%. [0022] The nucleic acids of the invention can be incorporated into a recombinant expression vector. In this regard, the invention provides recombinant expression vectors comprising any of the nucleic acids of the invention. For purposes herein, the term "recombinant expression vector" means a genetically-modified oligonucleotide or polynucleotide construct that permits the expression of an mRNA, protein, polypeptide, or peptide by a host cell, when the construct comprises a nucleotide sequence encoding the rrJRNA, protein, polypeptide, or peptide, and the vector is contacted with the cell under conditions sufficient to have the mRNA, protein, polypeptide, or peptide expressed within the cell. The inventive recombinant expression vectors can comprise any type of nucleotide, including, but not limited to DNA and RNA, which can be single-stranded or double- stranded, synthesized or obtained in part from natural sources, and which can contain natural, non-natural or altered nucleotides. The recombinant expression vectors can comprise naturally- occurring, non-naturally-occurring internucleotide linkages, or both types of linkages. Preferably, the non-naturally occurring or altered nucleotides or internucleotide linkages do not hinder the transcription or replication of the vector. [0023] The recombinant expression vector of the invention can be any suitable recombinant expression vector, and can be used to transform or transfect any suitable host. Suitable vectors include those designed for propagation and expansion or for expression or both, such as plasmids and viruses. The vector can be selected from the group consisting of the pUC series (Fermentas Life Sciences), the pBluescript series (Stratagene, LaJoIIa, CA), the pET series (Novagen, Madison, WI), the pGEX series (Pharmacia Biotech, Uppsala, Sweden), and the pEX series (Clontech, Palo Alto, CA). Bacteriophage vectors, such as λGTIO, λGTl 1, λZapII (Stratagene), λEMBL4, and λNMl 149, also can be used. Examples of plant expression vectors include pBIOl, ρBI101.2, pBI101.3, pBI121 and pBIN19 (Clontech). Examples of animal expression vectors include pEUK-Cl, pMAM and pMAMneo (Clontech).

[0024] The recombinant expression vectors of the invention can be prepared using standard recombinant DNA techniques described in, for example, Sambrook et al. ₅ Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 3 ^r Ed., Cold Spring Harbor Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N. Y., 2001, and Ausubel et al., Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Greene Publishing Associates and John Wiley & Sons, NY, 1994. Constructs of expression vectors, which are circular or linear, can be prepared to contain a replication system functional in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic host cell. Replication systems can be derived, e.g., from CoIEl, 2 μ plasmid, λ, SV40, bovine papilloma virus, and the like.

[0025] Desirably, the recombinant expression vector comprises regulatory sequences, such as transcription and translation initiation and termination codons, which are specific to the type of host (e.g., bacterium, fungus, plant, or animal) into which the vector is to be introduced, as appropriate and taking into consideration whether the vector is DNA- or RNA- based.

[0026] The recombinant expression vector can include one or more marker genes, which allow for selection of transformed or transfected host cells. Marker genes include biocide resistance, e.g., resistance to antibiotics, heavy metals, etc., complementation in an auxotrophic host to provide prototrophy, and the like. Suitable marker genes for the inventive expression vectors include, for instance, neomycin/G418 resistance genes, hygromycin resistance genes, histidinol resistance genes, tetracycline resistance genes, and ampicillin resistance genes.

[0027] The recombinant expression vector can comprise a native or normative promoter operably linked to the nucleotide sequence of the invention, or to the nucleotide sequence which is complementary to the nucleotide sequence of the invention. The selection of promoters, e.g., strong, weak, inducible, tissue-specific and developmental-specific, is within the ordinary skill of the artisan. Similarly, the combining of a nucleotide sequence with a promoter is also within the skill of the artisan. The promoter can be a non- viral promoter or a viral promoter, e.g., a cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter, an SV40 promoter, an RSV promoter, and a promoter found in the long-terminal repeat of the murine stem cell virus. [0028] The invention also provides an isolated polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence encoded by any of the nucleic acids described herein. Such a polypeptide can comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of, for example, SEQ ID NOs: 35-46 or 51-55 or an amino acid sequence having about 90%, 92%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% or more identity to any of SEQ ID NOs: 35-46 and 51-55. These polypeptides are hereinafter referred to as A2BP1 isoform polypeptides.

[0029] The A2BP1 isoform polypeptides can be obtained by methods known in the art using the information provided herein. Suitable methods of de novo synthesizing polypeptides are described in references, such as Chan et al, Fmoc Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis, Oxford University Press, Oxford, United Kingdom, 2005; Peptide and Protein Drug Analysis, ed. Reid, R., Marcel Dekker, Inc., 2000; Epitope Mapping, ed. Westwoood et al., Oxford University Press, Oxford, United Kingdom, 2000; and U.S. Patent No. 5,449,752. Also, the A2BP1 isoform polypeptides can be reconibinantly produced using the nucleic acids described herein and standard recombinant methods. See, for instance, Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual 3 ^rd ed., Cold Spring Harbor Press, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 2001; and Ausubel et al., Current Protocols in Molecular Biology. Greene Publishing Associates and John Wiley & Sons, NY, 1994. Further, the inventive A2BP1 isoform polypeptides can be isolated from a natural source, e.g., a human. Methods of isolation and purification are well-known in the art. In this respect, the inventive A2BP1 isoform polypeptides can be synthetic, recombinant, or of natural origin. [0030] The invention further provides a host cell comprising any of the nucleic acids or polypeptides described herein. As used herein, the term "host cell" refers to any type of cell that can contain the nucleic acid. The host cell can be a eukaryotic cell, e.g., plant, animal, fungi, or algae, or can be a prokaryotic cell, e.g., bacteria or protozoa. The host cell can be a cultured cell or a primary cell, i.e., isolated directly from an organism, e.g., a human. The host cell can be an adherent cell or a suspended cell, i.e., a cell that grows in suspension. Suitable host cells are known in the art and include, for instance, DH5α E. coli cells, Chinese hamster ovarian cells, monkey VERO cells, COS cells, HEK293 cells, and the like. For purposes of amplifying or replicating the nucleic acid, the host cell is preferably a prokaryotic cell, e.g., a DH5α cell.

[0031] The invention also provides an antibody or antibody fragment to any of the A2BP1 isoform polypeptides described herein or portion thereof, i.e., an antibody or antibody fragment that specifically binds such polypeptides or fragments. Antibody fragments include, for example, F(ab) fragments, single chain antibody variable region fragment (ScFv) chains, single-domain antibodies (dAb), and the like. The antibodies and antibody fragments can be monoclonal or polyclonal, and can be produced using the polypeptides disclosed herein and routine techniques. Thus, for the sake of brevity, term "antibody" as used herein is intended to encompass antibodies as well as antibody fragments. Wherever the term "antibody" is used, it is specifically contemplated that an antibody fragment can be used instead.

[0032] The nucleic acids, polypeptides, and antibodies of the invention may be used for any purpose, e.g., for the detection, diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of any disease associated with a mutation or abnormal expression of A2BP1, especially cancer and neurological deficits. Exemplary cancers that may be detected, diagnosed, treated, or prevented using the nucleic acids, polypeptides, and antibodies described herein may include mesothelioma, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and gastrointestinal cancer (e.g., colorectal cancer and gastric cancer). Exemplary neurological deficits that may be detected, diagnosed, treated, or prevented using the inventive nucleic acids, polypeptides, and antibodies described herein may include a mental retardation syndrome, a seizure disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or autism.

[0033] In this regard, the invention also provides a method of detecting or diagnosing a genetic abnormality in a mammal comprising detecting any of the novel nucleic acids described herein, i.e., a nucleic acid comprising one or more of A2BP1 exons A, B, C, or D (SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively) fused in frame with one or more of A2BP1 exons 2, 3, 5, 7-15, 17, 19 or 20 (SEQ ID NOs: 5-19, respectively), wherein the A2BP1 exons A, B, C, or D (SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively) are located 5' of A2BP1 exons 2, 3, 5, 7- 15, 17, 19 or 20 (SEQ ID NOs: 5-19, respectively). The term "genetic abnormality," as used herein, encompasses a deletion, especially a deletion at chromosome 16p 13.3 to 13.2. The term "detect" as used herein with respect to the presence of the inventive nucleic acid means to determine the presence or absence of the inventive nucleic acid. Detection encompasses, but is not limited to, measuring or quantifying the expression level of a nucleic acid or detecting increased or decreased levels of expression of a nucleic acid relative to a control, by any method.

[0034] The presence of the inventive nucleic acid, or elevated level or expression of the nucleic acid as compared to a control, is indicative of a genetic abnormality, while the absence of the inventive nucleic acid (or normal or non-elevated expression level as compared to a control) suggests that no genetic abnormality is present. Any level of expression of any of the inventive nucleic acids described herein and detected in the sample may be indicative of a genetic abnormality. The presence of the inventive nucleic acid can be determined by comparing the level of the nucleic acid detected in a sample with the level of the same nucleic acid in a control. A control sample may correspond to a sample that lacks the inventive nucleic acid, i.e., a sample obtained from a subject that does not have a genetic abnormality or a sample of "normal" non-diseased tissue that that does not normally express the nucleic acid. The detection of the inventive nucleic acid in the test sample that is absent in the control sample, or that is present in the test sample in a greater amount than in the control sample, may indicate the presence of a genetic abnormality. Further, the presence of, or elevated expression level of, the nucleic acid can be detected on the basis of the nucleic acid itself or any polypeptide encoded thereby, as discussed in greater detail in following sections.

[0035] With respect to the methods for detecting or diagnosing a genetic abnormality, the subject can be suspected of having a genetic abnormality, diagnosed with a genetic abnormality, of an unknown genetic abnormality status, or a control subject that is confirmed not to have a genetic abnormality. Additional diagnostic methods for detecting and confirming genetic abnormalities and the clinical delineation of genetic abnormality diagnoses are known to those of ordinary skill in the art and can be used in combination with the methods of the invention.

[0036] The methods of detecting or diagnosing a genetic abnormality can be used for any purpose. For example, the method of detecting a genetic abnormality can be used to assist in the detection or diagnosis of a disease, or in conjunction with a method of monitoring the progression or regression of disease in a subject. In some embodiments, the genetic abnormality may be associated with a cancer, such as mesothelioma, non-small cell lung cancer, and/or gastrointestinal cancer (e.g., gastric cancer and colorectal cancer). In other embodiments, the genetic abnormality may be associated with a neurological deficit, such as a mental retardation syndrome, a seizure, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and/or autism,

[0037] It has been discovered that a deletion in the region of the 5' end of the A2BP1 gene is associated with cancer, particularly mesothelioma and gastrointestinal cancer (e.g., gastric cancer and colorectal cancer). In this regard, the invention also provides a method of detecting or diagnosing cancer, such as mesothelioma, gastrointestinal cancer, or other cancers (e.g., non-small cell lung cancer) comprising detecting a deletion at chromosome 16pl3.3-13.2. In some embodiments, the deletion maybe detected at chromosome 16:5200000-7702500. In other embodiments, the deletion maybe detected at chromosome 16:5600000-7500000. The term "detect" as used herein with respect to the presence of a deletion means to determine the presence or absence of a deletion at the designated position on chromosome 16p.

[0038] The presence of a deletion is indicative of cancer (e.g., mesothelioma, non-small cell lung cancer, and/or gastrointestinal cancer), while the absence of a deletion suggests the absence of the cancer. The presence of a deletion can be determined by comparing the sequence of chromosome 16pl3.3-13.2 from a sample with a control chromosome 16pl3.3- 13.2. The control may correspond to a normal chromosome (lacking a deletion) obtained from a subject that is confirmed not to have the cancer (e.g., mesothelioma, non-small cell lung cancer, and/or gastrointestinal cancer).

[0039] With respect to the methods for detecting or diagnosing cancer, particularly mesothelioma, non-small cell lung cancer, and/or gastrointestinal cancer, the mammal can be suspected of having cancer, diagnosed with cancer, of an unknown cancer status, or a control mammal that is confirmed not to have cancer. Other methods for the clinical delineation of relevant cancers are known to those of ordinary skill in the art and can be used in combination with the methods of the invention.

[0040] The methods of detecting or diagnosing cancer described herein can be used for any purpose. For example, the method can be used to assist in the detection (e.g., screening) or diagnosis of cancer, especially mesothelioma, non-small cell lung cancer, and/or gastrointestinal cancer, or in conjunction with a method of monitoring the progression or regression of such a disease in a mammal, for instance, in evaluating the efficacy of a given treatement regimen.

[0041] For any of the methods described herein, the sample can be any suitable sample. Suitable samples include samples from a mammal or host. The sample can be a liquid or fluid sample, such as a sample of body fluid (e.g., blood, plasma, interstitial fluid, bile, lymph, milk, semen, saliva, urine, etc.), or a solid sample, such as a tissue sample (e.g., liver tissue or tumor tissue sample), which can be processed prior to use. A sample also may include a cell or cell line created under experimental conditions, which is not directly isolated from a mammal or host, or a product produced in cell culture by normal, non-tumor, or transformed cells (e.g., via recombinant DNA technology).

[0042] The methods of the invention can be used in conjunction with any suitable mammal, such as a mouse, rat, rabbit, hamster, cat, dog, pig, cow, horse, or primate, but are believed to be especially useful as applied to a human. [0043] The deletions and inventive nucleic acids can be detected by any suitable method.

For example, the deletions and inventive nucleic acids can be detected on the basis of mRNA levels, polypeptide levels, or by examination of DNA. Suitable methods of detecting or measuring mRNA include, for example, Northern blotting, microarrays and gene chips, and PCR-based methods such as, e.g., reverse-transcription PCR (RT-PCR), real-time RT-PCR, and nested RT-PCR. Suitable methods of detecting abnormalities (e.g., deletions) in DNA include, for example, Southern blotting, comparative genomic hybridization (CGH), SNP arrays, spectral karyotype (SKY), and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Such methods are described in Sambrook et al., supra and Ausubel et al., supra. Of these methods, nested RT-PCR is preferred.

[0044] Probes and primers that can be used in the above methods can be prepared using the information provided herein (e.g., nucleic acid and/or polypeptide sequences) and routine techniques. Polynucleotide probes can be generated by any suitable method known in the art (see, e.g., Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 2 ^nd Ed., Cold Spring Harbor Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N. Y., (1989)). For example, polynucleotide probes that specifically bind to the nucleic acids described herein or fragments thereof (e.g., mRNA or cDNA synthesized therefrom) can be created using the nucleic acid sequences themselves and routine techniques. As used herein, the term "fragment" means a contiguous part or portion of a polynucleotide sequence comprising about 10 or more nucleotides, preferably about 15 or more nucleotides, more preferably about 20 or more nucleotides (e.g., about 30 or more or even about 50 or more nucleotides). By way of further illustration, a polynucleotide probe that binds to a nucleic acid sequence comprising Exon D fused to Exon 2 can be provided by a polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence that is complementary to such sequence or a fragment thereof, or sufficiently complementary to the sequence or fragment thereof that it selectively binds to the sequence or fragment. The same is true with respect to the other nucleic acids described herein. The exact nature of the polynucleotide probe is not critical; any probe that will selectively bind the nucleic acid target can be used. Typically, the polynucleotide probes will comprise 10 or more nucleic acids (e.g., 20 or more, 50 or more, or 80 or more nucleic acids). Generally, however, the probes do not comprise more than about 100 nucleotides. In order to confer sufficient specificity, the probe will have a sequence identity to the target sequence (e.g., a nucleic acid described herein, including complimentary sequences) of about 90% or more, preferably about 95% or more (e.g., about 98% or more or about 99% or more) as determined, for example, using the well- known Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) algorithm (available through the

National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), Bethesda, MD). [0045] Similarly, primers useful, for example, for PCR-based methods, can be generated by any technique, many of which are known in the art. The PCR primers are typically used as a set including a sense primer and an antisense primer. The length of the primer will be determined by parameters such as desired melting temperature, but typically are about 15-30 nucleotides in length (e.g., about 15-25 or about 18-22 nucleotides in length). The PCR primers can be designed to target any suitable region of the nucleic acid sequences disclosed herein. By way of illustration, primers having the sequences of SEQ ID NO: 47 (sense) and SEQ ID NO: 48 (antisense), or SEQ ID NO: 49 (sense) and SEQ ED NO: 50 (antisense), target the region of the nucleic acids extending from Exon C to Exon 7. [0046] Suitable methods of detecting polypeptide levels in a sample include Western Blotting, radioimmunoassay, and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Such methods are described in Nakamura et al., Handbook of Experimental Immunology, 4th ed., WoI. I ₅ Chapter 27, Blackwell Scientific Publ., Oxford, 1987. When detecting polypeptides in a sample using an immunoassay, the sample is typically contacted with antibodies or antibody fragments (e.g., F(ab)2' fragments, single chain antibody variable region fragment (ScFv) chains, and the like) that specifically bind the target protein (e.g., A2BP1 isoform polypeptide). Thus, A2BP1 isoform polypeptides can be detected, for example, by contacting a sample of the tissue or body fluid of the mammal with an antibody or antibody fragment to the A2BP1 isoform, and detecting the binding of the antibody or antibody fragment with an A2BP1 isoform from the sample.

[0047] The immune complexes formed upon incubating the sample with the antibody are subsequently detected by any suitable method. In general, the detection of immune complexes is well-known in the art and can be achieved through the application of numerous approaches. These methods are generally based upon the detection of a label or marker, such as any radioactive, fluorescent, biological or enzymatic tags or labels of standard use in the art. U.S. Patents concerning the use of such labels include U.S. Patent Nos. 3,817,837, 3,850,752, 3,939,350, 3,996,345, 4,277,437, 4,275,149 and 4,366,241. [0048] For example, the antibody used to form the immune complexes can, itself, be linked to a detectable label, thereby allowing the presence of or the amount of the primary immune complexes to be determined. Alternatively, the first added component that becomes bound within the primary immune complexes can be detected by means of a second binding ligand that has binding affinity for the first antibody. In these cases, the second binding ligand is, itself, often an antibody, which can be termed a "secondary" antibody. The primary immune complexes are contacted with the labeled, secondary binding ligand, or antibody, under conditions effective and for a period of time sufficient to allow the formation of secondary immune complexes. The secondary immune complexes are then washed to remove any non-specifically bound labeled secondary antibodies or ligands, and the remaining label in the secondary immune complexes is then detected. [0049] Other methods include the detection of primary immune complexes by a two- step approach. A second binding ligand, such as an antibody, that has binding affinity for the first antibody can be used to form secondary immune complexes, as described above. After washing, the secondary immune complexes can be contacted with a third binding ligand or antibody that has binding affinity for the second antibody, again under conditions effective and for a period of time sufficient to allow the formation of immune complexes (tertiary immune complexes). The third ligand or antibody is linked to a detectable label, allowing detection of the tertiary immune complexes thus formed. A number of other assays are contemplated; however, the invention is not limited as to which method is used. [0050] The invention also provides a method of treating or preventing a disease associated with a deletion at 16pl3.3-13.2, which method comprises inhibiting the expression of any of the nucleic acids of the invention described herein.

[0051] The method of treating or preventing a disease comprises administering to the host an inhibitor of expression of any of the nucleic acids described herein. Inhibition of expression refers to a decrease or cessation of transcription and/or translation of the nucleic acid. Accordingly, the methods of treating or preventing a disease may result in lower levels of the inventive nucleic acids described herein and lower levels of the protein translation products of the nucleic acids described herein.

[0052] Any suitable inhibitor of expression of the inventive nucleic acids can be used. A suitable inhibitor includes a nucleic acid (e.g., RNA), protein, small molecule, or antibody that specifically binds to any of the nucleic acids described herein, inhibits translation of any of the nucleic acids described herein, inhibits transcription of the gene that encodes any of the nucleic acids described herein, or otherwise interferes with the biological activity of any of the nucleic acids described herein. A preferred inhibitor is an RNA interference (RNAi) inhibitor. The RNAi inhibitor may comprise any RNA sequence that is complementary to the target nucleic acid, i.e., an antisense nucleic acid. An example of an RNAi inhibitor that can be used to knock-down a nucleic acid of the invention is provided by an RNAi molecule encoded by a sequence comprising SEQ ID NO: 66.

[0053] The inhibitors can be administered alone or in a composition (e.g., a pharmaceutical composition). When administered in a composition, the composition can comprise any suitable carrier (e.g., a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier). The term "pharmaceutically acceptable" refers to a non-toxic material that does not interfere with the effectiveness of the biological activity of the active ingredients. The characteristics of the carrier to be added to the composition depend on the particular route of administration of the pharmaceutical composition to be employed. Such a composition additionally can contain diluents, fillers, salts, buffers, stabilizers, preservatives, antioxidants, solubilizers, and other materials known in the art.

[0054] Various routes of administering the inhibitor are available. The inhibitor can be administered by, for example, oral, aerosol, parenteral, subcutaneous, intravenous, intramuscular, intraarterial, intrathecal, interperitoneal, and/or rectal administration. [0055] When the inhibitor is administered orally, the inhibitor can be in the form of a tablet, capsule, powder, solution, or elixir. When administered in the tablet form, the inhibitor can be formulated in a composition containing a solid carrier, such as gelatin or an adjuvant.

[0056] When the inhibitor is administered in liquid form, the inhibitor can be formulated in a composition containing a liquid carrier such as water, petroleum, oils of animal or plant origin (e.g., peanut oil, mineral oil, soybean oil, sesame oil, or synthetic oils). The liquid form of the pharmaceutical composition can also contain physiological saline solution, dextrose, or other saccharide solution, and/or glycols, such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, or polyethylene glycol.

[0057] When the inhibitor is administered by parenteral injection (e.g., intravenous, cutaneous, or subcutaneous injection), the inhibitor is formulated in a pyrogen-free, parenterally acceptable aqueous solution. The preparation of such parenterally acceptable solutions, with the proper pH, isotonicity, stability, and the like, is within the skill in the art. A preferred pharmaceutical composition for parenteral injection can contain, in addition to the inhibitor, an isotonic vehicle such as Sodium Chloride Injection, Ringer's Injection, Dextrose Injection, Dextrose and Sodium Chloride Injection, Lactated Ringer's Injection, or other vehicles known in the art. [0058] When the disease is a cancer, the methods of the invention can further comprise the administration of a chemo therapeutic agent to the host. Suitable chemotherapeutic agents are known in the art and depend on the particular cancer which is targeted. Examples of suitable chemotherapeutic agents include, but are not limited to, cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil (5- FU), doxetaxel, oxaloplatin, epirubicin, leucovorin, mitomycin C, methotrexate, etoposide, paclitaxel, irinotecan, capecitabine, gemcitabine, erlotinib, decarbazine (DITC), vinblastine, temozolomide, and combinations thereof.

[0059] The methods of treating or preventing a disease of the invention can be used to treat or prevent any disease associated with a deletion at chromosome 16pl3.3-13.2. In some embodiments, the disease may be disease associated with a deletion at chromosome 16:5200000-7702500. m other embodiments, the disease may be a disease associated with a deletion at chromosome 16:5600000-7500000. hi some embodiments, the disease maybe cancer, e.g., mesothelioma, non-small cell lung cancer, and/or gastrointestinal cancer (e.g., gastric cancer or colorectal cancer). In other embodiments, the disease may be a neurological deficit, e.g., a mental retardation syndrome, a seizure disorder, ADHD, or autism. [0060] The terms "treat," and "prevent" as well as words stemming therefrom, as used herein, do not necessarily imply 100% or complete treatment or prevention. Rather, there are varying degrees of treatment or prevention of which one of ordinary skill in the art recognizes as having a potential benefit or therapeutic effect. In this respect, the inventive methods can provide any amount of any level of treatment or prevention of cancer or a neurological deficit in a mammal. Furthermore, the treatment or prevention provided by the inventive method can include treatment or prevention of one or more conditions or symptoms of the disease, e.g., cancer or neurological deficit, being treated or prevented. Also, for purposes herein, "prevention" can encompass delaying the onset of the disease, or a symptom or condition thereof.

[0061] The following examples further illustrate the invention but, of course, should not be construed as in any way limiting its scope.

EXAMPLE 1

[0062] The following example demonstrates that expression of A2BP1 mRNA fusion transcripts is detectably increased in mesothelioma tissue samples as compared to normal tissue samples. [0063] Nested RT-PCR was performed on 17 mesothelioma cell lines and a normal, non- mesothelioma cell line (Table 1) using sense primer ATC TAC TGT GCC TGC CAT ACA GC (SEQ ID NO: 47) and antisense primer CGG AAC CTG AAG GGG ATA TTG G (SEQ ID NO: 48). This first PCR reaction included 5 minutes at 95° C, followed by 35 cycles of: 1 minute at 95° C, 1 minute at 58° C, 2 minutes at 72° C. Following the 35 cycles, the PCR reaction mixture was held for 10 minutes at 72 ⁰ C and cooled to 4°C. Nested PCR was performed using 1 μL of 25 μL of the first PCR product using sense primer AGT CTG AAA ATT CAA CCC TCC TCC (SEQ ID NO: 49) and antisense primer GCG GGA GGG TAC AGG TTT AAT G (SEQ ID NO: 50). This second PCR reaction included 5 minutes at 95° C, followed by 35 cycles of 1 minute at 95° C, 45 seconds at 60° C, 1 minute and 30 seconds at minutes at 72° C. Following the 35 cycles, the PCR reaction mixture was held for 10 minutes at 72°C and cooled to 4°C.

[0064] Preliminary sequencing of the amplified region of the nucleic acids detected in each of the samples was conducted providing the preliminary sequences identified in Table 3. Table 3 also shows the approximate genomic coordinates of deletions that are believed to have given rise to the alternative splice variants. As the primers were designed to amplify only the region extending from approximately exon C to exon 7, the sequences identified in Table 3 correspond only to those regions of the detected nucleic acids. The complete transcripts of the nucleic acids detected in the cell lines are believed to comprise any of the sequences provided in SEQ ID NOs: 20, 33-34, and 56-65.

[0065] As shown in Table 3, 12 of the 17 tested mesothelioma cell lines expressed an A2BP1 splice variant comprising one or more of A2BP1 exons A, B, C, or D (SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively) fused in frame with one or more of A2BP1 exons 2, 3, 5, 7-15, 17, 19 or 20 (SEQ ID NOs: 5-19, respectively); no fusion transcripts were detected in the remaining five mesothelioma cell lines.

[0066] In five of the 12 cell lines, the splice variant comprised each of exons C, D, 2, 3, 5, and 7 (SEQ ID NOs: 28-32), which are believed to be "full-length" transcripts. Of the remaining cell lines expressing A2BP1 splice variants, two expressed fusion transcripts comprising A2BP1 exon D fused to A2BP1 exon 7 (SEQ ID NOs: 22 and 23), two expressed fusion transcripts comprising A2BP1 exon D fused to A2BP1 exon 5 (SEQ ID NOs: 24 and 25), one expressed fusion transcript comprising A2BP1 exon C fused to A2BP1 exon 2 (SEQ ID NO: 21), and two expressed fusion transcripts comprising A2BP1 exon D fused to A2BP1 exon 2 ( SEQ ID NOs: 26 and 27). No fusion mRNA transcript was detected in the normal, non-mesothelioma cell line.

Table 3

[0067] These prevalence of the alternative splice variants in mesothelioma cell lines indicates that the nucleic acids of the invention can be used as a basis to detect a genetic abnormality in a mammal.

EXAMPLE 2

[0068] This example demonstrates that a deletion at 16pl 3.3-13.2 is present in mesothelioma samples, but not in normal samples. [0069] SNP arrays were performed on five mesothelioma samples and 37 normal samples. Genomic DNA (250 ng) was digested with Xbal and in a separate reaction digested with HindIIL These digested fragments were independently ligated to an oligonucleotide linker. The resulting products were amplified using a single PCR primer under conditions in which 200-2000 bp PCR fragments were amplified. These fragments represent a sub-fraction of the genome. The SNPs tiled on the arrays were pre-selected as they lie within these Xbal and HindIII fragments and were validated as robustly detected on the arrays. The derived amplified pools of DNA were then labeled, fragmented further and hybridized to the separate HindIII and Xbal oligonucleotide SNP arrays.

[0070] Detection of hybridization was based on antibody detection methods. Raw data files were downloaded and processed directly, along with the Affymetrix call files (providing the allele call for each SNP) in dChipSNP and other software programs. Samples in which the scans did not pass a set of routine quality control measures were repeated. Each array image was visually reviewed for scratches or bubbles. In general, since the probes sets were arranged in a distributed format (i.e., not geographically co-localized), the impact of these physical defects was minimized. SNP hybridization data was analyzed using dChipSNP and other software programs. The collection of high-density SNP array data on mesothelioma samples allowed a high-resolution map to be created in which all deletions, amplification and regions of loss of heterozygosity (LOH) (to a resolution between 9Kb and 30Kb) were mapped.

[0071] Deletions were detected as set forth in Table 8. No deletions were detected in the normal samples. Positions are the median between adjacent SNPs. Breakpoints for Meso 244 were manually inferred; other breakpoints were inferred by DNA copy.

Table 4

[0072] These results show that a deletion at 16pl3.3-13.2 can be used as a basis for discriminating between mesothelioma and non-mesothelioma samples. EXAMPLE 3

[0073] This example further demonstrates that a deletion at 16pl3.3-13.2 is present in mesothelioma samples, but not in normal samples.

[0074] FISH was performed on nine mesothelioma samples and normal samples obtained from three different patients (i.e., three mesothelioma and three normal tissue samples from each patient). FISH was conducted using probes targeted to positions 6.65 MB to 7.1 MB on human chromosome 16p. A probe targeted to position 35 MB on human chromosome 16p was used as a standard.

[0075] Deletions were detected at 16pl3, 3-13.2 in each of the mesothelioma samples from all three patients. Deletions were not detected in any of the normal cell samples.

[0076] These results indicate that the presence of a deletion at 16pl3.3-13.2 can be used as a basis for discriminating between mesothelioma tissues and normal tissues.

EXAMPLE 4

[0077] This example demonstrates that a deletion at 16pl3.3-13.2 is present in colorectal cancer samples, but not in normal samples.

[0078] SNP arrays were performed on 24 colorectal cancer samples and samples of adjacent normal cells as described in Example 2.

[0079] A deletion at 16pl3.3-13.2 was present in four colorectal cancer samples, but not in normal samples.

[0080] These results show that a deletion at 16pl3.3-13.2 can be used as abasis for discriminating between colorectal cancer and non-colorectal cancer samples.

[0081] All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

[0082] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[0083] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.