We believe that this gene is a new oncogene and that over-expression or mutation of this oncogene plays a role in establishing or maintaining the transformed phenotype of breast and ovarian cancer cells. Consequently, this oncogene product and a putative receptor for this product may be important targets for regulating growth of these cancers. Recent evidence strongly excepts that the receptor for this gene product plays an extremely important role in oncogenesis. Duke University has filed patent applications covering multiple uses of the gene and gene product. A European application published as patent WO 0960128.
Additional applications are pending.
The University is interested in licensing rights to a corporate partner who can develop cancer therapeutics and diagnostics. Duke is also interested in collaborative research interactions aimed at fully developing the clinical potential of this gene, gene product, antibody and products derived from them.