| abstract |
The present invention relates to novel fetal tissue related polynucleotides and the polypeptides encoded by these polynucleotides herein collectively known as 'fetal tissue antigens', and the use of such fetal tissue antigens for detecting disorders of the fetal tissues, particularly the presence of cancer and cancer metastases. More specifically, isolated fetal tissue associated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding novel fetal tissue associated polypeptides. Novel fetal 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 fetal 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 fetal tissue and/or proliferating cells, including cancer, and therapeutic methods for treating such disorders. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of polynucleotides and polypetides 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. |