To understand the role of onconeuronal proteins in the normal nervous system we are isolating interacting proteins and cloning gene promoters. Promoter analysis will provide the ability to manipulate onconeuronal gene expression in adult animal tissues so that we may study the role of these antigens under normal and pathological conditions. Due to the restricted expression in neurons, the onconeuronal gene promoters could potentially be used to selectively direct the expression of other genes to neurons. The cloned onconeuronal genes are currently being used to develop animal models of antitumor immunity. Further study of this model could lead to the development of therapeutic strategies based on the selective enhancement of the anti-tumor immune response.
Days equals the number of days after implantation of an HuD expressing tumor.
Animals immunized with recombinant HuD or control cDNAs had no suppression of tumor growth. Ma1, a novel neuronal and testis specific protein, is recognized by the serum of patients with paraneoplastic neurologic disorders. A serological marker of paraneoplastic limbic and brainstem encephalitis in patients with testicular cancer. DNA vaccination with HuD inhibits growth of a neuroblastoma in mice. Absence of HuD gene mutations in paraneoplastic small cell lung cancer tissue.