| abstract |
PSP94 constitutes one of three predominant proteins found in human seminal fluid along with Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) and Prostate Acid Phosphatase (PAP). PSP94 has been shown to have a therapeutic effect in the treatment of hormone refractory prostate cancer and in the suppression of secretion of circulating follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). In the serum, PSP94 occurs as a free or bound form, associated with a carrier protein. PSP94 in its bound form has been quantified in the blood of prostate cancer patients and these measurements have shown utility as prognostic evaluation. The present invention provides new polypeptides (SEQ ID NO.:2, SEQ ID NO.:3), identified herein as PSP94-binding protein, its purification process, its nucleic acid and amino acid sequence and to the use of these sequences in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of prostate cancer and diseases characterized by abnormal or elevated levels of PSP94 and/or FSH. More particularly, the present invention discloses improved diagnostic and prognostic assays, and reagents useful for the evaluation of conditions linked with abnormal or elevated levels of PSP94, such as prostate cancer. |