abstract |
Origin of Replication Complex (ORC) genes, nucleic acids which encode ORC proteins and hybridization reagents, probes and primers capable of hybridizing with ORC genes and methods for screening chemical libraries for lead compounds for pharmacological agents useful in the diagnosis or treatment of disease associated undesirable cell growth are provided. An exemplary screen involves forming a mixture comprising a recombinant ORC protein, a natural intracellular ORC protein binding target, and a candidate pharmacological agent; incubating the mixture under conditions whereby, but for the presence of said candidate pharmacological agent, said ORC protein selectively binds said binding target; and detecting the presence or absence of specific binding of said ORC protein to said binding target. |