Patent ID: 6514712
Filing Date: 2003-02-04
Classification: A61K,A61P,C07K,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for the detection of at least one tumorous and/or dysplastic stratified squamous epithelial cell in vitro comprising contacting a polyclonal or monoclonal antibody which specifically binds the Pax9 antigen within the amino acid sequence of amino acids 130-337 of SEQ ID NO:2 with a tissue sample containing an epithelial cell to be analyzed, and comparing at least one of the amount and localization of said Pax9 antigen in the nucleus and cytoplasm of said epithelial cell to the amount of said antigen in the nucleus and cytoplasm of a non-tumorous or non-dysplastic epithelial cell, wherein an increase in the amount or greater localization of said antigen in said cytoplasm of said cell or said tissue is an indication that said cell or said tissue is a tumor or dysplastic cell.