| abstract |
The present invention generally relates to the field of human genetics. The present invention specifically relates to methods and materials for which some mutant alleles thereof are used to isolate and detect human prostate cancer predisposition genes (HPC2) that cause susceptibility to cancer, particularly prostate cancer. More specifically, the present invention relates to germ cell mutations of the HPC2 gene and their use in the predisposition of prostate cancer. The present invention also relates to prediagnostic therapies for individuals carrying harmful alleles of the HPC2 gene. The invention also relates to somatic mutation of the HPC2 gene in human prostate cancer and its use in the diagnosis and prognosis of human prostate cancer. The present invention further relates to somatic mutations of the HPC2 gene in other human cancers and their use in the diagnosis and prognosis of human cancers. The present invention relates to the treatment of cancer in humans with mutations in the HPC2 gene, including gene therapy, protein replacement therapy, protein analog therapy and inhibitors. The invention also relates to the screening of drugs for the treatment of cancer. Finally, the present invention screens the HPC2 gene for mutation, which is useful for diagnosing predisposition to prostate cancer. |