| abstract |
The present invention relates to novel connective tissue related polynucleotides and the polypeptides encoded by these polynucleotides herein collectively known as "connective tissue antigens", and the use of such connective tissue antigens for detecting disorders of connective tissue(s), particularly the presence of cancer and cancer metastases. More specifically, isolated connective tissue associated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding novel connective tissue associated polypeptides. Novel connective tissue polypeptides and antibodies that bind to these polypeptides are provided. Also provided are vectors, host cells, and recombinant and synthetic methods for producing human connective tissue 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 connective tissue(s), including cancer, and therapeutic methods for treating such disorders. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonsits 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. |