| abstract |
The present invention relates to novel ovarian related polynucleotides and the polypeptides encoded by these polynucleotides herein collectively known as "ovarian antigens", and the use of such ovarian antigens for detecting disorders of the ovaries and/or breast, particularly the presence of ovarian and/or breast cancer and ovarian and/or breast cancer metastases. More specifically, isolated ovarian associated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding novel ovarian associated polypeptides. Novel ovarian polypeptides and antibodies that bind to these polypeptides are provided. Also provided are vectors, host cells, and recombinant and synthetic methods for producing human ovarian associated polynucleotides and/or polypeptides. The invention further relates to diagnostic and therapeutic methods useful for diagnosing, treating, preventing and/or prognosing disorders related to the ovaries and/or breast, including ovarian and/or breast cancer, and therapeutic methods for treating such disorders. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention. The present invention further relates to methods and/or compositions for inhibiting the production and function of the polypeptides of the present invention. |