| abstract |
The present invention provides polynucleotides that identify and encode two human steroid binding proteins (hSBP). The invention provides for genetically engineered expression vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences encoding hSBP polypeptides. The invention also provides for the use of substantially purified hSBP polypeptides, antagonists, and nucleotide sequences (e.g., antisense sequences) in pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of diseases associated with the expression of hSBP, specifically in the treatment of breast cancer. The invention also describes diagnostic assays for the detection of breast cancer in a susceptible or affected patient. The diagnostic assays utilize compositions comprising the polynucleotides encoding hSBP polypeptides or the complements thereof, which hybridize with the genomic sequence or the transcript of polynucleotides encoding hSBP or anti-hSBP antibodies that specifically bind to an hSBP polypeptide. |