MAGE-11 AS A MARKER FOR ENDOMETRIAL RECEPTIVITY TO EMBRYO TRANSPLANTATION AND A MARKER AND THERAPEUTIC TARGET IN CASTRATION-RECURRENT PROSTATE CANCER

摘要

Compositions and methods for determining endometrial receptivity to embryo implantation and for detecting and treating castration-recurrent prostate cancer are provided. The methods comprise measuring the level of melanoma antigen gene protein-11 (MAGE-11, also referred to as MAGE-Al 1) in an endometrial or prostate tissue sample. The level of MAGE-11 protein or mRNA can be correlated to endometrial receptivity to embryo implantation in a female human or nonhuman primate, or to the presence of castration-recurrent prostate cancer in a male patient in need thereof. Methods are described whereby MAGE-11 may serve as a target for vaccine development in the treatment of castration-recurrent prostate cancer. Methods for monitoring endometrial maturation, for diagnosing infertility, and for in vitro fertilization in a female human or nonhuman primate are also provided. Compositions of the invention include antibodies that specifically bind MAGE-11 and oligonucleotide primers useful for detecting MAGE-11 mRNA, as well as kits containing such antibodies or primers.