GERMLINE MUTATIONS IN THE MTS GENE AND METHOD FOR DETECTING PREDISPOSITION TO CANCER AT THE MTS GENE

摘要

The present invention relates to somatic mutations in the Multiple Tumor Suppressor (MTS) gene in human cancers and their use inthe diagnosis and prognosis of human cancer. The invention further relates to germ line mutations in the MTS gene and their use in thediagnosis of predisposition to melanoma, leukemia, astrocytoma, glioblastoma, lymphoma, glioma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, CLL, and cancersof the pancreas, breast, thyroid, ovary, uterus, testis, kidney, stomach and rectum. The invention also relates to the therapy of humancancers which have a mutation in the MTS gene, including gene therapy, protein replacement therapy and protein mimetics. Finally, theinvention relates to the screening of drugs for cancer therapy.