| abstract |
The invention provides a method for the purification of a mammalian thymidine kinase 1. Also provided is a purified mammalian TK1, obtained from Raji cells, that is stable in the absence of stabilizing agents, has a molecular weight of approximately 100 kD and exhibits enzyme activity associated with the native 100 kD tetrameric species of TK1 but not the monomeric subunit. This purified TK1 was used to prepare a monoclonal antibody which inhibited TK1 enzyme activity. This anti-TK1 monoclonal antibody was used in methods for the diagnosis of cancer and for predicting the recurrence of cancer. |