WO2003006688A2 - Methods for diagnosis and treatment of diseases associated with altered expression of gnas - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to methods using GNAS sequences for use in diagnosis and treatment of lymphoma and leukemia. In addition, the present invention describes the use of these compositions for use in screening methods.

Description

METHODS FOR DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF DISEASES ASSOCIATED WITH ALTERED

EXPRESSION OF GNAS

This application is a continuing application of U.S. Serial Number 09/668.644, filed September 22, 2000, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to methods for use in diagnosis and treatment of diseases, including lymphoma and leukemia, associated with altered gene expression of GNAS genes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Lymphomas are a collection of cancers involving the lymphatic system and are generally categorized as Hodgkin's disease and Non-Hodgkiπ fymphoma. Hod ln's lymphomas are of 8 lymphocyte origin.

Non-Hodgkiπ lymphomas are a collection of over 30 different types of cancers Including T and B lymphomas. Leukemia is a disease of the blood forming tissues and includes B and T cell lymphocytic leukemias. It is characterized by an abnormal and persistent increase In the number of leukocytes and the amount of bone marrow, with enlargement of the spleen and lymph nodes.

Oncogenes are genes that can cauβe cancer. Carciπogenesis can occur by a wide variety of mechanisms. Including infection of cells by viruses containing oncogenes, activation of protooncogenes in the host genome, and mutations of protooπcogaπβs and tumor suppressor genes

There are a number of viruses known to be Involved in human cancer as well as in animal cancer. Of particular interest here are viruses that do not contain oncogenes themselves; these are slow- transforming retroviruses. They Induce tumors by integrating into the host genome and affecting neighboring protooncogenes in a variety of ways, including promoter insertion, enhancer insertion, and/or truncation of a protooncogene or tumor suppressor gene. The analysis of sequences at or naar ths Insertion sites has led to the identification of a number of new protooncogenes.

With respect to lymphoma and leukemia, murine leukemia retrovjrus (MuLV), such as SL3-3 or Akv, is a potent inducer of tumors when inoculated into susceptible newborn mice, or when carried in the germline. A number of sequences have been identified as relevant in the induction of lymphoma and leukemia by analyzing the insertion sites; see Sorenseπ et al.. J. of Virology 74:2161 (2000); Hansen et al., Genome Res. 10(2):237-43 (2000); Sorensan et al,, J. Virology 7014063 (1996); Sorensβn et al.. j. Virology 67:7113 (1993); Joosten et al., Virology 268:308 (2000); and LI et al., Nature Genetics 23:348 (1999); all of which are expressly Incorporated by reference hβrain.

AΘ demonstrated herein, GNAS genes are also implicated in lymphomas and leukemias. GNAS is a complex locus encoding multiple proteins, including an α subunit of a stimulatory G protein (G_sα). G protein* transduce extracellular signals in signal transductioπ pathways. Each G protein is a heterotrimer, composed of an a, β and y subunit. The β and γ subunits anchor the protein to the cytoplasmic side of the plasma membrane. Upon binding of a ligand. G„α dissociates from the complex, transducing signals from hormone receptors to effector molecules including adeπyiyi cyclase resulting in hormone-stimulated cA P generation (Molecular Biology of the Cell, 3d edition, Alberts, B et al., Garland Publishing 1994).

Other proteins generated from the GNAS locus, through alternative splicing, include XLαs, a G₃α isoform with an extended NH₂ terminal extension, and NESP55, a chro ogranin-like neurosecretory protein (Weinsteln LS et al., Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2000, 278:F507-14). In mice, Nesp, the mouse ho olog of NESP55. is located 15 kb upstream of Gnasxl, the mouse homolog of XJαS, which is in turn. 30 kb upstream of Gπas (Wroe et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 97:3342 (2000)). NESP55 is processed into smaller peptides , one of which acts as an inhibitor of the serotonergic 5-HT_1B receptor (Ischia et. al. J. Biol. Chem. 272:1 657 (1997). The function of XLαs is not known, but it is also expressed primarily in the neuroeπdocrine system and may be involved in pseudohypoparathyroidsm type la (Hayward et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 95:10038 (1993)) Xlαs and NESP66 have bean found to be expressed in opposite parental alleles, as a result of imprinting (Wroa et al.. Proc. Natl. Acad. Scl. 97:3342 (2000)).

GNAS also plays a role in diseases other than leukemias and lymphomas. Mutations in GNASl, the human GNAS gene, result in Albright hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO), a disease characterized by short stature and obesity. Studies with the mouse homolog demonstrate that the obesity seen ts a consequence of the reduced expression of GIMAS. In contrast, other mutations have been shown to result in constitutive activation of G.α, resulting m endocrine tumors and McCune-Albright syndrome, a condition characterized by abnormalities in endocrine function (Aldred MA and Trembath, RC, Hum Mutat 2000, 16:183-9). The mechanism behind this disease as well as fibrous dysplasia, a progressive bone disease, is caused by increased cAMP levels which results In Increase IL-6 levels, triggering abnormal ostεoblast differentiation and increased osteoclastlc activity (Stanton RP et al.. J. Bone Miner. Res. 1999, 14:1104-14).

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide methods for detection and screening of drug candidates for diseases involving GNAS, particularly with respect to lymphomas.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the objects outlined above, the present invention provides methods for screening for compositions which modulate diseases Including lymphomas. Also provided herein are methods of inhibiting proliferation of a cell, preferably a lymphoma cell. Methods of treatment of diseases Including lymphomas, and their diagnosis, are also provided herein.

In one aspect, a method of screening drug candidates comprises providing a cell that expresses a GNAS gene or fragments thereof. The method further includes adding a drug candidate to the cell and determining the effect of the drug candidate on the expression of a GNAS gene.

In one embodiment, the method of screening drug candidates includes comparing the level of expression in the absence of the drug candidate to the level of expression in the presence of the drug candidate.

Also provided herein is a method of screening for a bioactivβ agent capable of binding to a protein encoded by a GNAS gene, e.g. G₃ct. the method comprising combining a Gnas protein and a candidate bioactlve agent, and determining the binding of the candidate agent to the Gnas protein.

Further provided herein is a method for screening for a bioactive agent capable of modulating the activity of a protein encoded by a GNAS gene. In one embodiment, the method comprises combining a Gnas protein and a candidate bioactive agent, and determining the effect of the candidate agent on the bioactivity of a Gnas protein.

Also provided is a method of evaluating the effect of a candidate lymphoma drug comprising administering the drug to β patient and removing a cell sample from the patient. The expression profile of the cell Is then determined. This method may further comprise comparing the expression profile of the patient to an expression profile of a heathy individual. In a further aspect, a method for inhibiting the activity of β protein encoded by a GNAS gene is provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises administering to a patient an inhibitor of a Gnas protein.

A method of neutralizing the effect of Gnas proteins ia also provided. Preferably, the method comprises contacting an agent specific for said protein with said protein in an amount sufficient to effect neutralization,

Moreover, provided herein is a blochlp comprising a nucleic acid segment which encodes a Gnas protein.

Also provided herein Is a method for diagnosing or determining the propensity to diseases, including lymphomas. by sequencing at least one GNAS gene of an individual. In yet another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for determining GNAS gene copy number in an individual

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent to the skilled artisan by the following description of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a sequence associated with lymphoma. The use of σncogenic retrovlruses, whose sequences insert into the genome of the host organism resulting in lymphoma. allows the Identification of host sequences involved in lymphoma. These sequences may then be used in $ number of different ways, including diagnosis, prognosis, screening for modulators (including both agonists and antagonists), antibody generation (for immunotherapy and imaging), ate.

Accordingly, the present invention provides GNAS nucleic acid and protein sequences that are associated with lymphoma. The GNAS nucleic acid and protein sequences described herein also era known as SGRS26 nucleic acid and protein sequences. Gnas protein sequences include those encoded by a GNAS nucleic acid. Known proteins encoded by GNAS include G,α. XLcx, and NESP55. Association in this context means that the nucleotide or protein sequences are either differentially expressed or altered In lymphoma as compared to normal lymphoid tissue. As outlined below, GNAS sequences may bo up-regulated (I.e. expressed at a higher level) in lymphoma, or down-regulated (I.e. expressed at a lower level), in lymphoma. GNAS saquβncos also Include sequences which have been altered (i.e., truncated sequences or sequences with a point mutation) and show either the same expression profile or an altered profile. In a preferred embodiment, the GNAS sequences are from humans; however, as will be appreciated by those in the art, GNAS sequences from other organisms may be useful In animal models of disease and drug evaluation; thus, other GNAS sequences are provided, from vertebrates, including mammals, including rodents (rats, mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, etc.), prlma :es, farm animals (including sheep, goats, pigs, cows, horses, etc). GNAS sequences from other organisms may be obtained using the techniques outlined below.

Sequences of the invention can include both nucleic acid and amino acid sequences. In a preferred embodimer t, the GNAS sequences are recombinant nucleic acids. By the term "recombinant nucleic acid" hereir, is meant nucleic acid, originally formed in vitro, in general, by the manipulation of nucleic acid by polymerases and endonucleases, in a form not normally found in nature. Thus an isolated nucieic acic , in a. linear form, or an expression vector formed in vitro by ligating DNA molecules that are not nor nally joined, are both considered recombinant for the purposes of this invention. It is understood that once a recombinant nucleic acid Is made and reintroduced into a host cell or organism, i will replicate non-recomblπanUy, i.e. using the in v^'rvo cellular machinery of the host cell rather than in vitro manipulations; however, such nucleic acids, once produced recombinantly, although si bsequently replicated nαn-rβcombinantly, are still considered recombinant for the purposes αf the inver tioπ.

Similarly, a "recombinant protein" is a protein made using recombinant techniques. I.e. through the expression of a recombinant nucleic acid as depleted above. A recombinant protein Is distinguished from naturally occurring protein by at least one or more characteristics. For example, the protein may be isolated or purified away from some or all of the proteins and compounds with which it is normally associated in its wild type host, and thus may be substantially pure. For example, an isolated protein is unaccompanied by at least some of the material with which it is normally associated in its natural state, prefe rably constituting at least about 0.5%, more preferably at least about 5% by weight of the total protein in a given sample. A aubstantially pure protein comprises at least about 75% by weight of the total pntein, with at least about 80% being preferred, and at least about 90% being particularly preferred, the definition includes the production of a Gnas protein from one organism in a different organism c r host cell. Alternatively, the protein may be made at a significantly higher concentration than is nor nally seen, through the use of an inducible promoter or high expression promoter, such that the protein is made at increased concentration levels. Alternatively, the protein may be in a form not normally fc und in nature, as in the addition of an epitope tag or a ino acid substitutions, insertions and deictic πs, as discussed below.

In a prefened embodiment, the sequences of the invention are nucleic acids. As will be appreciated by those in the art and is more fully outlined below, GNAS sequences are useful in a variety of applications, including diagnostic applications, which will detect naturally occurring nucleic acids, as well as screening applications; for example, biochips comprising nucleic acid probes to the GNAS sequences can be generated. In the broadest sense, than, by "nucleic acid" or "oligonucleotide" or grammatical equivalents herein means at least two nucleotlds3 covalentJy linked together. A nucleic acid of the present invention will generally contain phosphodiester bonds, although in some cases, as outlined below (for example in antisense applications or when a candidate agent is a nucleic acid), nucleic acid analogs may be used that have alternate backbones, comprising, for example, phosphors mida e (Beaucage et al., Tetrahedron 49(10);1925 (1993) and references therein; Letsinger, J. Org. Ch am. 35:3000 (1970); Sprlnzl et al., Eur. J. βiochem. 81 :579 (1977); Letsinger et al.. Nucl. Acids Res 14:3497 (1986); Sawai et al, Chem. Lett. 805 (1984), Letsinger et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc 110:4470 1988); and Pauwels e al., Chemica Scripta 26: 141 91986)), phosphorothioate (Mag et al., Nucleic Ac ids Res. 19:1437 (1991 ); and U.S. Patent No. 5,644,048), phosphorodlthloate (Briu et al., J. Am. Cherr . Soc. 111:2321 (1989), O-methylphophoroamidite linkages (see Eckstein, Oligonucleotides and Analogues: A Practical Approach, Oxford University Press), and peptide nucleic acid backbones and linkag 3s (see Egholm, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 114:1895 (1992); Meier et al., Chem, Int. Ed. Engl. 31 :1008 (" Θ92); Nielsen, Nature. 365:566 (1993); Carlssoπ et al., Nature 380:207 (1996), all of which are incorporated by reference). Other analog nucleic acids Include those with positive backbones (Denpcy e; al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 92:6097 (1995); non-ionic backbones (U.S. Patent Nos.

5,386,023 5.637,684. 5,602,240, 5,216,141 and 4,469,863; Kiedrowshi θt al., Angew. Chem. Intl. Ed. English 30: :423 (1991); Letsinger et al., J. Am, Chem. Soc. 110:4470 (1988); Letsinger et al., Nucleosldii & Nucleotide 13:1597 (1994); Chapters 2 and 3. ASC Symposium Series 580, "Carbohy c rate Modifications In Antisense Research", Ed. Y.S. Sanghul and P. Dan Cook; Mesmaeker et a!., Bio rganic 6. Medicinal Chem. Lett. 4:395 (1994); Jeffs et al., J. Biomolecular MR 34: 7 (1994); Tetrahedron Lett. 37:743 (1996)) and non-ribose backbones, including those described in U.S. Patent No .. 5,235,033 and 6,034,506, and Chapters 6 and 7, ASC Symposium Series 580, "Carbohyc rate Modifications in Antisense Research", Ed. Y.S. Sanghul and P. Dan Cook. Nucleic acids containing one or more carbocyclic sugars are also included within one definition of nucleic acids (see Jenk ns et al., Chem. Soc. Rev. (1995) pρ169-176). Several nucleic acid analogs are described in Rawls. C & E News June 2, 1997 page 35. All of these references are hereby expressly Incorporated by reference. These modifications of the ribosa-phαsphate backbone may be done for a variety of reasons, for example to increase the stability and half-life of such molecules in physiological environments or as probes on a biochip.

As will be appreciated by those in the art, all of these nucleic acid analogs may find use in the present invention. In addition, mixtures of naturally' occurring nucleic acids and analogs can be made; alternatively, mixtures of different nucleic acid analogs, and mixtures of naturally occurring nucleic acids and analogs may be made. Partlculary preferred are peptide nucleic acids (PNA) which includes peptide nucleic acid analogs. These backbones are substantially non-ionic under neutral conditions, In contrast to the highly charged phosphodiester backbone of naturally occurring nucleic acids. This results in two advantages. First, the PNA backbone exhibits improved hybridization kinetics. PNAs have larger changes i ι the melting temperature (Tm) for mismatched versus perfectly matched basepairs. DNA and RNA ypically exhibit a 2-4"C drop In Tm for an internal mismatch. With the noπ-ioπic PNA backbone the drop is closer to 7-9"C. Similarly, due to their non-Ionic nature, hybridization of the bases attached to these backbones is relatively insensitive to salt concentration. In addition, PNAs are not degraded by cellular enzymes, and thus can be more stable.

The nude, c acids may be single stranded or double stranded, as specified, or contain portions of both double stranded or single stranded sequence. As will be appreciated by those in the art, the depiction of a single strand ("Watson") also defines the sequence of the other strand ("Crick"); thus the sequence ; described herein also includes the complement of the sequence, The nucleic acid may be DNA, botr genomic and cDNA, RNA or a hybrid, where the nucleic acid contains any combination of deoxyribo- and ribo-nucjeotldes, and any combination of bases, including uracll, adenine, thymϊne, cytosine, jiuanine, Inoslne, xanthine hypoxanthine, isocvtosine, isoguaπine, etc. As used herein, the term "πuclsosida" includes nucleotides and πucleoside and nucleotide analogs, and modified nucleosldds such as amino modified πucleosides. In addition, "nucleosldβ" Includes non-naturally occurring analog structures. Thus for example the individual units of a peptide nucleic acid, each containing a base, are referred to herein as a nucleoside,

A GNAS sequence can be initially identified by substantial nucleic acid and/or amino acid sequence homology to the GNAS sequences outlined herein. Such homology can be based upon the overall nucleic ac d or amino acid sequence, and is generally determined as outlined below, using eljher homology programs or hybridization conditions.

The GNAS sequences of the invention were identified aα follows; basically, infection of mice with murine leikemia viruses (MuLV: including SL3-3, Akv and mutants thereof) resulted in lymphoma. The GNAS sequences outlined herein comprise the insertion sites for the virus. In general, the relrovirus ;aπ cause lymphoma in three basic ways: first of all, by inserting upstream of a normally silent host gene and activating it (e.g. promoter insertion); secondly, by truncating a host gene that leads to oπcogenesis; or by enhancing the transcription of a neighboring gene. For example, retrovirus enhancers, including SL3-3, are known to act on genes up to approximately 200 kilcbasβs of the insejrtion site. In a preferred embodiment, GNAS sequences are those that are up-regulated In lymphoma; that is, the expression of these genes is higher in lymphoma as compared tα normal lymphoid tissue of the same differentiation stage. "Up-regulation" as used herein means at least about 50%, more preferably at least about 100%, more preferably at least about 150%, more preferably, at least about 200%, with from 300 to at least 1000% being especially preferred.

In a preferred embodiment, GNAS sequences are those that are down-regulated in lymphoma; that is, the expression of these genes is lower in lymphoma as compared to normal lymphoid tissue of the same differentiation stage. "Down-regulation' as used herein means at least about 50%, more preferably at least about 100%, more preferably at least about 150%, more preferably, at least about 200%, with from 300 to at least 1000% being especially preferred.

In a preferred embodiment, GNAS sequences are those that are altered but show either the same expression profile or an altered profile as compared to normal lymphoid tissue of the same differentiation stage. "Altered GNAS sequences" as used herein refers to sequences which are truncated, contain insertions or contain point mutations.

In their native forms, G_cα and XLα, are intracellular proteins. Intracellular proteins may be found in the cytoplasm and/or in the nucleus and may be membrane-associated. Intracellular proteins are involved in all aspects of cellular function and replication (including, for example, signaling pathways); aberrant expression of such proteins results in unregulated or disregulated cellular processes. For example, many intracellular proteins have enzymatic activity such as protein kinase activity, phosphatidyl Iπoallol-conjugated lipid kinase activity, protein phosphatase activity, phosphatidyl inoaltol-conjugated lipid phosphatase activity, protease activity, nucleotide cyclase activity, polymerase activity and the like. Intracellular proteins also serve as docking proteins that are involved in organizing complexes of proteins, or targeting proteins to various subcellular localizations, and are Involved in maintaining the structural integrity of organelles.

An increasingly appreciated concept in characterizing intracellular proteins is the presence In the proteins of one or more motifs for which defined functions have been attributed. In addition to t ie highly conserved sequences found in the enzymatic domain of proteins, highly conserved sequences have been Identified in proteins that are involved in protein-protein interaction. For example, Src- homology-2 (SH2) domains bind tyrosine-phosphorylated targets In a sequence dependent manner, PTB domains, which are distinct from SH2 domains, also bind tyrosine phosphorylated targets. SH3 domains bind to proline-rich targets. In addition, PH domains, tetratricopeptide repeats and WD domains to name only a few, have been shown to mediate protein-protein Interactions. Some of these may also be involved in binding to phospholipids or other second messengers, As will be appreciated by one of Ordinary skill in the art, these motifs can be identified on the basis of primary sequence; thus, an analys of the sequence of proteins may provide insight into both the enzymatic potential of the molecule ; nd/or molecules with which the protein may associate.

It is recognized that through recombinant techniques, Gnas sequences can be made to be traπsmemorane proteins. Traπsmembraπe proteins are molecule* that span the phospholipid bilayer of a cell. They generally include approximately 20 consecutive hydrophobic amino acids that may be followed ty charged amino acids. They may have an intracellular domain, an extracellular domain, or both. The intracellular domains of such proteins may have a number of functions including those already d ϊscribed for intracellular proteins. For example, the intracellular domain may have enzymatic activity and/or may serve as a binding site for additional proteins. Frequently the intracellular domain of transmembrane proteins serves both roles. For example certain receptor tyrosine kinases have both proliin kinase activity and SH2 domains. In addition, autophosphorylatiσn of tyrosines on the receptor nolecule itself, creates binding sites for additional SH2 domain containing proteins.

It is furth _r recognized that the Gnas proteins can be made to be secreted proteins through techniques well reccgπ ed In the art; the secretion of which can be either constitutive or regulated, These proteins lave a signal peptide or signal sequence that targets the molecule to the secretory pathway.

Secreted proteins are involved in numerous physiological events; by virtue of their circulating nature, they ser'e to transmit signals to various other cell types. The secreted protein may function in an autocrint manner (acting on the cell that secreted the factor), a paracrine manner (acting on cells in close proximity Jo the cell that secreted the factor) or an endocrine manner (acting on cells at a distance ). Thus secreted molecules find use in modulating or altering numerous aspects of p yslolcgy.

As discussed above, NESP55 is a πeurosecretory protein which is processed in 3βcretory vesicles to a smaller peptide that may be involved in regulating serotonergic receptors.

As used herein, a nucleic acid is a "GNAS nucleic acid" if we overall homology of the nucleic acid sequence to one of the πuc/efc acids of Tables 1, 2, 3, 4. 5, 6 and 7, is preferably greater than about 75%, more preferably greater than about 80%, even more preferably greater than about 85% and most preferably greater than 90%. In some embodiments the homology will be as high as about 93 to 95 or Θ8%. In a preferred embodiment, the sequences which are used to determine sequence identity αr simi arity are selected from tπose of the nucleic acids of Tables 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, . In another embociment, the sequences are naturally occurring allelic variants of the sequences of the nucleic acids o SEQ ID NOS: 1, 2, 4. 6. β, 10 or 12. In another embodiment, the sequences are sequence varian s as further described herein. Homology in this context means sequence sϊmilaπty or identity, with identity being preferred. A preferred comparison for homology purposes Is to compare the sequence containing sequencing errors to the correct sequence. This homology will be determined using standard techniques known in the art, including, but not limited to, the focal homology algorithm of Smith & Waterman, Adv. Appl, S Math. 2:482 (1981). by the homology alignment algorithm of Needleman & Wunsch, J. Mol. 8iol.

48:443 (1970), by the search for similarity method of Pearson & ϋpman, PNAS USA 95:2444 (1988), by computerized implementations of these algorithms (GAP, BESTFIT, FASTA, and TFASTA in ths Wisconsin Genetics Software Package, Genetics Computer Group, 575 Science Drive, Madison, Wt). the Best Fit sequence program described by Devereux et al., Nucl Acid Res. 12:387-395 (1984), 0 preferably using the default settings, or by Inspection.

One example of a useful algorithm is PILEUP. PILEUP creates a multiple sequence alignment from a group of related sequences using progressive, pairwise alignments. It can also plot a tree showing the clustering relationships used to create the alignment. PILEUP uses a simplification of the progressive alignment method of Feng & Doolitlle, j. Mol. Evol. 35:351-360 (1987); the method is similar to that 5 described by Higgins & Sharp CABIOS 5:151-153 (1989), Useful PILEUP parameters Including a default gap weight of 3.00, a default gap length weight of 0.10, and weighted end gaps.

Another example of a useful algorithm is the BLAST algorithm, described In Altschul et al., J. Mol. Biol. 215, 403-410, (1990) and Karlin et a)., PNAS USA'90:5873-5787 (1993). A particularly useful BUST program is the WU-BLAST-2 program which was obtained from Altschul et al.. Methods in 0 Enzymology. 266; 460-480 (1996); http://blast.wusU]. WU-BLAST-2 uses several search parameters, most of which are sat to the default values. The adjustable parameters are set with the following values: overlap span =1, overlap fraction = 0.125, word threshold (T) = 11. The HSP S snd HSP S2 parameters are dynamic values and are established by the program itself depending upon the composition of the particular sequence and composition of the particular database against which the S sequence of interest Is being searched: however, the values may be adjusted to Increase sensitivity.

A % amino acid sequence identity value is determined by the number of matching identical residues divided by the total number of residues of the "longer" sequence in the aligned region. The "longer" sequence is the one having the ast actual residue* in the aligned region (gaps introduced by WU- Blaat-2 to maximize the alignment score are ignored).

0 Thus, "percent (%) nucleic acid sequence identity" is defined as the percentage of nucleotide residues in a candidate sequence that are identical with the nucleotide residues of the nucleic acids of the SdQ ID NOS. 1 , 2, 4, 6. 8, 10 and 12. A preferred method utilizes the BLASTN module of WU-BLAST-2 set to the default parameters, with overlap span and overlap fraction set to 1 and 0.125, respectively. The alignment may include the introduction of gaps in the sequances to be aligned. In addlUon, for sequences which contain either more or fewer nucleotides than those of the nucleic acids of the SEQ ID NOS. 1 , 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12, it is understood that the percentage of homology will be determined based on the number of homologous nucleosides in relation to the total number of nucleosides. Thus, for example, homology of sequences shorter than those of the sequences identified herein and as discussed below, will be determined using the number of nucleosides in the shorter sequence.

In one embodiment, the nucleic acid homology Is determined through hybridization studies. Thus, for example, nucleic acids which hybπdize under high stringency to the nucleic acids identified in the figures, or their complements, are considered GNAS sequences. High stringency conditions are known in the art, see for example Maniatis et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 2d Edition,

1989, and Short Protocols in Molecular Biology, ed. Ausubel, et al., both of which are hereby incorporated by reference Stringent conditions are sequence-dependent end will be different in different circumstances, Longer sequences hybridize specifically at higher temperatures. An extensive guide to the hybridization of nucleic acids is found in Tijssen, Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology-Hybridization with Nucleic Add Probes, "Overview of principles of hybridization and the strategy of nucleic acid assays" (1993). Generally, stringent conditions are selected to be about 5-10'C lower than the thermal malting point (Tm) for the specific sequence at a defined ionic strength pH. The Tm is the temperature (under defined ionic strength, pH and nucleic add concentration) at which 50% of the probes complementary to the target hybndize to the target sequence at equilibrium (as the target sequences are present )n excess, at Tm, 50% of the probes are occupied at equilibrium) Stringent conditions will be those in which th* salt concentration is less than about 1.0 M aodium ion, typically about 0.01 to 1 0 M sodium ion concentration (or other salts) at pH 7.0 to 8 3 and the temperature is at least about 30' C for short probes (e.g. 10 to 50 nucleotides) and at least about 60'C for long probes (e.g. greater than 50 nucleotides). Stringent conditions may also be achieved with the addition of destabilizing agents such as formamide.

In another embodiment, less stringent hybridization conditions are used, for example, moderate or low stringency conditions may be used, as are known in the art; see Maniatis and Ausubel, supra, end Tijssen, supra

In addition, the GNAS nucleic acid sequences of the invention include fragments of larger genes, i.e. they are nucleic acid segments. "Genes" In this context includes coding regions, non-coding regions, and mixtures of coding and non-coding regions. Accordingly, as will be appreciated by those in the art, using the sequences provided herein, additional sequences of the GNAS genes can be obtained, using techniques wall known in the art for cloning either longer sequences or the full length sequences; see Maniatis et al., and Ausubel, et al., supra, hereby expressly incorporated by reference. In general, this is done using PCR. for example, kinetic PCR.

Once the GNAS nucleic ødd Is Identified, It can be cloned and, if necessary, its constituent parts recombined to form the entire GNAS nucleic acid. Once isolated from its natural source, e.g.. contained within a plasmid or other vector or excised therefrom as a linear nucleic add segment the recombinant GNAS nucleic acid can be further used as a probe to identify and Isolate other GNAS nucleic acids, for example additional coding regions. It can also be used as a "precursor" nucleic acid to make modified or variant GNAS nucleic adds and proteins.

The GNAS nucleic acids of the present invention are used in several ways. In a first embodiment, nucleic add probes to the GNAS nucleic acids are made and attached to biochips lo be used in screening and diagnostic methods, as outlined below, or for administration, for example for gene therapy and/or antisense applications. Alternatively . nucleic add that hybridizes to the coding regions of GNAS nudeic acid are attached to biochips. Alternatively, the GNAS nudeic acids that indude coding regions of Gnas proteins can be put into expression vectors for the expression of Gnas proteins, again either for screening purposes or for administration to a patient.

In a preferred embodiment, nucleic acid probes to GNAS nucleic acids (both the nucleic acid sequences outlined in the figures and/or the complements thereof) are made. The nucleic acid probes attached to the biochip are designed to be substantially complementary to the GNAS nucleic acids, i.e. the target sequence (either the target sequence of the sample or to other probe sequences, for example in sandwich assays), such that hybridization of the target sequence and the probes of the present invention occurs. As outlined below, this complementarity need πol be perfect; there may be any number of base pair mismatches which will interfere with hybridization between the target sequence and the single stranded nucleic acids of the present invention. However, if the number of mutations is so great that no hybridization can occur under even the least stringent of hybridization conditions, the sequence Is not a complementary target sequence. Thus, by "substantially complementary" herein is meant that the probes are sufficiently complementary to the target sequences to hybridize under normal reaction conditions, particularly nigh stringency conditions, as outlined herein.

A nucleic add probe is generally single stranded but can be partially single and partially double stranded. The atraπdedneεε of the probe is dictated by the structure, composition, and properties of the target sequence. In general, the nucleic acid probes range frorn about θ to about 100 bases long, with from about 10 to about 80 bases being preferred, and from about 30 to about 50 basβ6 being particularly preferred. That is, generally whole genes ere not used. In some embodiments, much longer nucleic acids can be used, up to hundreds of bases.

In a preferred embodiment, more than one probe per sequence Is used, with either overlapping probes or probes to different sections of the target being used. That is, two, three, four or more probes, with three being preferred, are used to build In a redundancy for a particular target. The probes can ba overlapping (i.e. have some sequence In common), or separate.

As will be appredated by those in the art, nucleic adds can be attached or Immobilized to a solid support In a wide variety of ways. By 'immobilized" and grammatical equivalents herein is meant the association or binding between the nudeic acid probe and the solid support is suffideπt to be stable under the conditions of binding, washing, analysis, and removal as outlined below. The binding can be covalent or non-covaient. By "non-covalent binding" and grammatical equivalents herein is meant one or more of either electrostatic, hydrophilic, and hydrophobic interactions. Included in non-covalent binding is the covalent attachment of a molecule, such as, streptavidin to the support and the non- covalent binding of the biotinylated probe to the streptavidin. By "covalent binding" and grammatical equivalents herein is meant that the two moieties, the solid support and the probe, are attached by at least one bond, including slg a bonds, pi bonds and coordination bonds. Covalent bonds can be formed directly between the probe and the solid support or can be formed by a cross linker or by inclusion of a specific reactive group on either the solid support or the probe or both molecules. Immobilization may also Involve a combination of covalent and non-covalent interactions.

In general, the probes are attached to the biochip in a wide variety of ways, as will be appreciated by those in the art. As described herein, the nucleic acids can either be synthesized first, with subsequent attachment to the biochip, or can be directly synthesized on the biochip.

The biochip comprises a suitable solid substrata. By "substrate" or "solid support" or other grammatical equivalents herein is meant any material that can be modified to contain discrete individual sites appropriate for the attachment or association of the nudeic acid probes and is amenable to at least one detection method. As will be appreciated by those in the art, the number of possible substrates are very large, and include, but are not limited to, glass and modified or functionalized glass, plastics (indudiπg acrylics, polystyrene and copoly ers of styrene and other materials, polypropylene, polyethylene, polybutylene, polyurethanes. TeflonJ, etc.), polysaccharldes. nylon or nitrocellulose, resins, silica or silica-based materials including silicon and modified silicon, carbon, metals, Inorganic glasses, elc. In general, the substrates allow optical detection and do not appreciably fluoresce in a prefer ad embodiment, the surface of the biochip and the probe may be derivatized with chemical functional groups for subsequent attachment of the two. Thus, for example, the biochip is derivatized with a chβTnica! functional group including, but not limited to, amino groups, carboxy groups, oxo groups an i thiol groups, with amino groups being particularly preferred. Using these functional groups, the probes can be attached using functional groups on the probes. For example, nucleic acids conlaiπing a ino groups can be attached to surfaces comprising amino groups, for example using linkisrs as are known in the art; for example, homo-or hetero-bifunctional linkers as are well known (se e 1994 Pierce Chemical Company catalog, technical section on cross-linkers, pages 155-200, ncorporated herein by reference), in addition, in some cases, additional linkers, such as alkyl groups (including substituted and heteroalkyl groups) may be usad.

In this errjbodi ent, the oilgonuclεotides are synthesized as is known In the art, and then attached to the surface of the solid support. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. either the 5' or 3' terminus may ba attached to the solid support, or attachment may be via an internal πucleoside.

In an additions! embodiment, the immobilization to the solid support may be very strong, yet non- covalent. For example, biotiπylatβd oligonucleotides can be made, which bind to surfaces covalently coated With streptavidin, resulting in attachment

Alternatiγely, the oligonucleotides may be synthesized on the surface, as is known in the art. For example photoactivation techniques utilizing photopolymertzation compounds and techniques are used. In a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acids can be synthesized in situ, using well known photolithographic techniques, such as those described in WO 95/25116; WO 95/35505; U.S. Patent Nos. 5,7J00,637 and 5,445,934; and references cited within, ail of which are expressly Incorporated by reference; these methods of attachment form the basis of the Affimetrix GeneChip™ technology.

In addition to the solid-phase technology reprεsentad by biochip arrays, gene expression can also be quantified using liquid-phase arrays. One such system is kinetic polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Kinetic PCR allows for the simultaneous amplification and quantification of specific nucleic acid sequences. The specificity is derived from synthetic oligonucleotide primers designed to preferentially adhere :o single-Stranded nucleic acid sequences bracketing the target site. This pair of oligonucleotide primers form specific, non-covalently bound complexes on each strand of the target sequen.e. These complexes facilitate in vitro transcription of double-stranded DNA In opposite orientations. Temperature cycling of the reaction mixture creates a continuous cycle of primer binding, transcription, and re-meltlng of the nucleic acid to individual strands. The result is an exponential increase of the target eDNA product This product can be quantified in real time either through the use of an intercalating dya or a sequence specific probe. SYBR^® Greene I, is an example of an intercalating dye, that preferentially binds to dsDNA resulting in a concomitant Increase in (he fluorescent signal. Sequence specific probes, such as used with TaqMan" technology, consist of a fluorochrome and a quenching molecule covalently bound to opposite ends of an oligonucleotide. The probe is designed to selectively bind the target DNA sequence between the two primers. When the DNA strands are synthesized during the PCR reaction, the fluorochrome is cleaved from the probe by the exonuclease activity of the polymerase resulting In signal dequenching. The probe signaling method can be more (specific than the intercalating dye method, but in each case, signal strength Is proportional to the dsDNA product produced. Each type of quantification method can be used In multi- well liquid phase arrays with each well representing primers and/or probes specific to nucleic acid sequences of .interest When used with messenger RNA preparations of tissues or cell lines, and an aπray of probe/primer reactions can simultaneously quantify the expression of multiple gene products of interest See Ger er. S., et al., Genome Res. 10:258-265 (2000); Heid, C. A., et al., Genome Res. 6, 986-994 (1996).

In a preferred embodiment, GNAS nucleic aαds encoding Gnas proteins are used to make a variety of expression vectors to express Gnas proteins which can then be used in screening assays, as described below. The expression vectors may be either self-replicating extrachromosomal vectors or vectors which integrato into a host genome. Generally, these expression vectors include transcriptional and translational regulatory nucleic acid operably linked to the nucleic acids encoding Gnas proteins. The term "control sequences" refers to DNA sequences necessary for the expression of an operably linked coding sequence in a particular host organism. The control sequences that are suitable for prokaryotes, for example, include a promoter, optionally an operator sequence, and a ribosome binding site. Eukaryotic cells- are known to utilize promoters, polyadenylation signals, and enhancers.

Nucleic acid Is "operably linked" when it is placed into a functional relationship with another nucleic acid sequence. For example, DNA for a presequance or secretory leader is operably linked to DNA for a polypeptide if It Is expressed as a preprotein that participates in the secretion of the polypeptide; a promoter or enhancer is operably linked to a coding sequence if II affects the transcription of the sequence; or a ribosome binding site is operably linked to a coding sequence If it is positioned so as to facilitate translation. Generally, "operably linked" means that the DNA sequences being linked are contiguous, and, in the case of a secretory leader, contiguous and in reading phase. However, enhancers do not have to be contiguous. Linking is accomplished by ligation at convenient restriction sites. If such sites do not exist,^' synthetic oligonucleotide adaptors or linkers are used in accordance with conventional practice. The transcriptional and transletiσnal regulatory nucleic acid will generally be appropriate to the host cell used to express Gnas proteins; for example, transcriptional and translational regulatory nucleic acid sequences from Bacillus are preferably used to express Gnas proteins in Bacillus. Numerous types of appropriate expression vectors, and suitable regulatory sequences are known In the art for a variety of host cells.

In genera), the transcriptional and translational regulatory sequences may include, but are not limited to, promoter sequences, ribosomal binding sites, transcriptional start and stop sequences, 5 translation^ start and stop sequences, and enhancer or activator sequences. In a preferred embodiment, the regulatory sequences Include a promoter and transcriptional start and stop sequences.

Promoter sequences encode either constitutive or inducible promoters. The promoters may be either naturally occurring promoters or hybrid promoters. Hybrid promoters, which combine elements of 10 more than one promoter, are also known in the art, and are useful in the present invention.

In addition, the expression vector may comprise additional elements. For example, the expression vector may have two replication systems, thus allowing It to be maintained in two organisms, for example In mammalian or insect calls for expression and in a procaryotlc host for cloning and amplification. Furthermore, for integrating expression vectors, the expression vector contains at least i S one sequence homologous to the host cell genome, and preferably two homologous sequences which flank the expression construct The integrating vector may be directed to a specific locus in the host cell by selecting the appropriate homologous sequence for inclusion in the vector. Constructs for Integrating vectors are well known in the art.

In addition, in a preferred embodiment the expression vector contains a selectable marker gene to 20 allow the selection of transformed host cells. Selection genes are well known in the art and will vary with the host ceil used.

The Gnss proteins of Ihe present invention are produced by culturing a host cell transformed with an expression vector containing nucleic acid encoding a Gnas protein, under the appropriate conditions to induce or cause expression of a Gnas protein. The conditions appropriate for Gnas protein

25 expression will vary with the choice of the expression vector and the host cell, and will be easily ascertained by one skilled in the art through routine experimentation. For example, the use of constitutive promoters in the expression vector will require optimizing the growth and proliferation of the host cell, while the use of an inducible promoter requires the appropriate growth conditions for induction. In addition, in some embodiments, the timing of the harvest is Important. For example, the

30 baculoviral systems used in Insect cell expression are lytlc viruses, and thus harvest time selection can be crucial for product yield. Appropriate host cells include yeast, bacteria, archaebacteria. fungi, and insect, plant and animal cells, Including nammalian cells. Of particular interest are Drosophila mβlanogaster cells, Saccharomyces cerevislatt and other yeasts. E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, Sf9 cells, C129 calls, 2Θ3 cells, Neu spora, BHK. CHO, COS, HeLa cells, THP1 cell line (a macrophage cell line) and human cells and cell lines.

In a preferred embodiment, the Gnas proteins are expressed in mammalian cells. Mammalian expression systems are also known In the art, and include retroviral systems. A preferred expression vector sy stem is a retroviral vector system such as is generally described in PCT/US97/01019 and PCT/US.7/01048, both of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference. Of particular use as mammalian promoters are the promoters from mammalian viral genes, since the viral genes are often highly ex pressed and have a broad host range. Examples include the SV40 early promoter, mouse mammary tumor virus LTR promoter, adenovirus major late promoter, herpes simplex virus promoter, and the GMV promoter. Typically, transcription termination and polyadenylation sequences recognized by mammalian cells are regulatory regions located 3' to the translation stop codon and thus, tog ≥ther with the promoter elements, flank the coding sequence. Examples of transcription terminator and polyadenylation signals include those derived form SV40.

The met tods of introducing exogenous nucleic acid Into mammalian hosts, as well as other hosts, is well known in the art, and will vary with the host cell used. Techniques include dextran-mediated transfec ion, calcium phosphate precipitation, polybrene mediated transfection, protoplast fusion, electroporation, viral infection, encapsulation of the polynucleotide(s) in liposomes, and direct microinjiiction of the DNA into nuclei.

In a preferred embodiment, Gnas proteins are expressed in bacterial systems. Bacterial expression systems are well known in the art. Promoters from bacteriophage may also be used and are known in the art. In addition, synthetic promoters and hybrid promoters are also useful; for example, the tac promoter is a hybrid of the trp and lac promoter sequences. Furthermore, a bacterial promoter can include naturally occurring promoters of non-bacterial origin that have the ability to bind bacteria) RNA polymerase and initiate transcription. In addition to a functioning promoter sequence, an effi εnt ribosorr ^β binding site is desirable. The expression vector may also include β signal peptide sequence that provides for secretion of a Gnas protein in bacteria. The protein Is either secreted into the growth media (gram-positive bacteria) or into the periplasmic space, located between the inner and outer membπwe of the cell (gram-negative bacteria). The bacterial expression vector may also include a selects -la marker gene lo allow for the selection of bacterial strains that have been transformed. Suitable selection genes include genes which render the bacteria resistant to drugs such as ampicillln, chloraπpphenicol, erythromycin, kanamycin, neomycin and tetracycline. Selectable markers also include biosynthetic genes, such as those In the histidine, tryptophan and leucine biosynthetic pathways. These components are assembled into expression vectors. Expression vectors for bacteria are well known in the art, and include vectors for Bacillus subtllis. E. coll, Stnsptococcuβ crβmoris, and Streptococcus //vidaπs, among others. The bacterial expression vectors are transformed Into bacterial host cells using techniques well known in the art, such as calcium chloride treatment, electroporation, S and others.

In orie embodiment, Gnas proteins are produced in insect cells. Expression vectors for the transformation of insect cells, and in particular, baculovirus-based expression vectors, are well known in the art.

In a preferred embodiment, a Gnas protein is produced in yaaεt calls. Yaaat expression systems are 0 well known in the art. and include expression vectors for Sacchβromycβs certvislae, Candida albicans and C. aitosa. Hansenula polymo ha, Kluyveromyces fragilis and K. Iβctis, Plchlβ gulll^βrimondii and P. pastoris, Schizosaccharomycas pombe, and Yarrowia polytica.

Gnas proteins may also be made as fusion proteins, using techniques wall known in the art. Thus, for example, for the creation of monoclonal antibodies, If the desired βpltopβ Is email, the Gnas protein 5 may be fused to a carrier protein lo form an Immunogen. Alternatively, Gnas proteins may be made as a fusion proteins to increase expression, or for other reasons. For example, when the Gnas protein is an Gnas peptide, the nudeic acid encoding the peptide may be linked to other nucleic acid for expression purposes. In a preferred embodiment, the Gnas peptide is derived from G.α. In an alternative embodiment, the Gnas peptide is derived from XLα,. In an alternative embodiment, the 0 Gnas peptide is derived from NESP55.

In one embodiment, the GNAS nucleic acids, proteins and antibodies of the invention are labeled. By "labeled" herein is meant thai a compound has at least one element, Isotope or chemical compound attached to enable the detection of the compound. In general, labels fall into three classes: a) isotopic labels, which may be radioactive or heavy isotopes; b) immune labels, which may be antibodies or S antigens; and c) colored or fluorescent dyes. The labels may be Incorporated Into the GNAS nucleic acids, proteins and antibodies at any position. For example, the label should be capable of producing, either directly or indirectly, a detectable signal. The detectable moiety may be a radioisotope, such as ⁵H, C, ³²P, ^3JS, or ^,2SI, a fluorescent or chemiluminescent compound, such as- fluoresce isolhiocyanate, modamine, or iuciferin, or an enzyme, such as alkaline phosphatase, beta- 0 galadosidase or horseradish peroxidase. Any method known ln the art for conjugating the antibody to the label may be employed, including those methods described by Hunter et al., Nature, 144 945 (1962); David et al., Biochemistry, 13:1014 (1974); Pain et al., J. Immunol. Math,, 40:219 (1981); and Nygren, J. Histochem. and Cylochem., 30:407 (1982). Accordingly, the present invention also provides Gnas protein sequences. As discussed above, a Gnas protein Is any protein encoded by the GNAS locus and includes alternatively spliced products. Gnea proteins include G,π, XLα, and NESP55. Gnas proteins of the present invention may be identified in several ways "Protein" m this sense includes proteins, polypeptides, end peptides. As will be appreciated by those in the art. the nucleic acid sequences of the invention can be used to generate protein sequences. There Qrα a variety of ways to do this, including cloning the enure gene and verifying its frame and amino acid sequence, or by comparing il to known sequences to search for homology to provide a frame, assuming the Gnas protein has homology to some protein in the database being used. Generally, the nucleic acid sequences are input into a program that will search all t ree frames for homology This is done in a preferred embodiment using the following NCBI

Advanced BLAST parameters The program is blastx or blastn. The database is πr. The input data is as "Sequence in FASTA format". The organism list Is "none". The "expect" is 10, the filter Is default. The "descriptions^" is 500, the "alignments" is 500, and the "alignment view" Is pairwise. The 'Query Genetic Codes' is standard (1) The matrix is BLOSUM62; gap existence cost is 11 , per residue gap cost is 1; and the lambda ratio is 85 default. This results In the generation of a putative protein sequence.

Also included within one embodiment of Gnas proteins are amino acid variants of the naturally occurπng sequences, as determined herein Preferably, the variants are preferably greater than about 75% homologous to the wild-type sequence, more preferably greater than about 80%, even more preferably greater than about 85% and most preferably greater than 90%. In some embodiments the homology will be as high as about 93 to 95 or 98% As for nucleic acids, homology in this context means sequence similarity or identity, with Identity being preferred This homology will be determined using standard techniques known in the art as are outlined above for the nucleic acid homologJes

Gnas proteins of the present invention may be shorter or longer than the wild type amino add sequences. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, included within the definition of Gnas proteins are portions or fragments of the wild type sequences herein. In addition, as outlined above, the GNAS n^jclaic acids of the Invention may be used to obtain additional coding regions, and thus additional protein sequence, using techniques known in the art.

In a preferred embodiment, the Gnas proteins are derivative or variant Gnas proteins as compared to the wild-type sequence That is, as outlined more fully below, the derivative Gnas peptide will contain at least one ammo acid substitution, deletion or insertion, with amino acid substitutions being particularly preferred. The ammo acid substitution, Insertion or deletion may occur at any residue within the Gnas peptide Also included in an embodiment of Gnas proteins of the present invention are amino acid sequence variants. These variants fall into one or more of three classes: substitutlonal, ϊnsertional or deletioπal variants. These variants ordinarily are prepared by site specific mutagenesis of nucleotides in the DNA encoding the Gnas protein, using cassette or PCR mutagenesis or other techniques well known in the art, to produce DNA encoding the variant, and thereafter expressing the DNA in recombinant cell culture as outlined above. However, variant Gnas protein fragments having up to about 100-150 rss-ldues may be prepared by in vitro synthesis using established techniques. Amino add sequence variants are characterized by the predetermined nature of the variation, a feature that sets them apart from naturally occurring allelic or interspecies variation of the Gnβs protein amino acid sequence, The variants typically exhibit the same qualitative biological activity as the naturally occurring analogue, although variants can also be selected which have modified characteristics as will be more fully outlined below.

While the site or region for introducing an amino acid sequence variation is predetermined, the mutation per se need not be predetermined, For example, in order to optimize the performance of a mutation at a given site, random mutagenesis may be conducted at the target codon or region and the expressed Gnas variants screened for the optimal combination of desired activity. Techniques for making substitution mutations at predetermined sites in DNA haying a known sequence are well known, for example, M13 primer mutagenesis and LA mutagenesis. Screening of the mutants is done using assays of Gnas protein activities.

Amino add substitutions are typically of single residues; insertions usually will be on the order of from about 1 to 20 amino acids, although considerably larger insertions may be tolerated. Deletions range from about 1 to about 20 residues, although in some cases deletions may be much larger,

Substitutions, deletions, insertions or any combination thereof may be used to arrive at a final derivative. Generally these changes are done on a few amino adds to minimize the alteration of the molecule. However, larger changes may be tolerated in certain circumstances. When small alterations In the characteristics of Gnas proteins are desired, substitutions are generally made in accordance with the following chart:

Chart I Original Residue Exemplary Substitutions Ala Ser

Arg Lys

Asn Gin, His Asp Glu

Cys Ser

Gin Asn

Glu Asp

Phe Met, Leu, Tyr

Ser Thr

Trp Tyr Tyr Trp, Phe

Val He, Leu

Substantial changes in function or immunological identity are made by selecting substitutions that are less conservative than those shown in Chart !. For example, substitutions may be made which more significantly affecL the structure of the polypeptide backbone in the area of the alteration, for example the alpha-helical or beta-sheet structure; the charge or hydrophobicity of the molecule at the target site, or the bulk of the side chatn. The substitutions which in general are expected to produce the greatest changes In the polypeptide s properties are those in which (a) a hydrophilic residue, e.g. seryl or threonyl is substituted for (or by) a hydrophobic residue, e.g. leucyl. isoleucyl, phenylalanyl, valyl or alanyl; (b) a cysteine or proline is substituted for (or by) any other residue, (c) a residue having an electropositive side chain, e.g. lysyl, argiπyl. or histidyl, is substituted for (or by) an electronegative residue, e.g. glutamyl or aspartyl; or (d) a residue having a bulky side chain, e.g. phenylalanine, is substituted for (or by) one not having a side chain, e.g, glycine.

The variants typically exhibit the same qualitative olological activity and will elicit the same immune response as the naturally-occurring analogue, although variants also are selected to modify the characteristics of the Gnas proteins as needed. Alternatively, variants may be designed such that the biological activity of Gnas proteins is altered. For example, glycosylation sites may be altered or removed, dominant negative mutslions created, etc

Covalent modifications of Gnas polypeptides are included within the scope of this invention, for βxβmple for use in screening. One type of covalent modification includes reacting targeted amino actd residues of an Gnas polypeptide with an organic derivatizmg agent that is capable of reacting with selected side chains or the N-or c-terminal residues of an Gnas polypeptide Derivatization with bifunctional agents is useful, for instance, for crossllnklng Gnas to a water-insoluble support malnx or surface for use in the method for purifying anti-Gnas antibodies or screening assays, 33 Is more fully described below. Commonly used crosslmking agent3 include, e g., 1 ,1-bιs(dιazoacetyl)-2- pnenyiεtnpne, glutaraldehyde, N-hydroxysucciπimide esters, for example, esters with 4-azidosalicylic acid, hσmpbifunctional Imidoesters, including disuc nlmldyl esters such as 3,3'- dlthiobis(-juccinimidylpropionate), biflinctlonal maleimides such as bis-N-malelmido-1,8-octane and βgents such as methyl-3-[(p-azidoρheπyl)dilhtoJpropioimidate.

Other mod iπcations include deamidatlσn of glutaminyl and asparaginyl residues to the corresponding glutamyl and aspartyi residues, respectively, hydroxylation of proϋne and ly^βlne, phosphorylation of hydroxyl iiroups of seryl, threonyl or tyrosyl residues, methylation of the α-amino groups of tysine, arginine, and histidine side chains fT.E. Creightoπ, Proteins'. Structure and Molecular Properties, W.H.

Freeman & Co., San Francisco, pp. 79-86 (1983)]. acetylatioπ of the N-lermiπal amine, and amidation of any C- :ermmal carboxyl group.

Another type of covalent modification of the Gnas polypeptide Included within the scope of this invention comprises altering the native glycosylation pattern of the polypeptide. "Altering the native gi i:ycosylajtion pattern" is intended for purposes herein to mean deleting one or more carbohydrate moieties bund in native sequence Gnas polypeptide, and/or adding one or more glycosylation sites that are r)ot present in the native sequence Gnas polypeptide,

Addition pf glycosylation sites to Gnas polypeptides may be accomplished by altering the amino acid sequence thereof. The alteration may be made, for example, by the addition of, or substitution by, one or more serine or threonine residues to the native sequence Gnas polypeptide (for O-linked glycosylation sites), The Gnas amino add sequence may optionally be altered through changes at the DNA level, particularly by mutating the DNA encoding the Gnas polypeptide at preselected bases such that codons are generated that will translate into the desired a ino acids.

Another means of increasing the number of carbohydrate moieties on the Gnas polypeptide is by chemical or enzymatic coupling of glycosides to the polypeptide. Such methods ere described In the art, e.g., in WO 87/05330 published 11 September 1987, and in Aplin and Wrieton. LA Crit. Rev. Biocheπi., pp. 259-306 (1981).

Removal of carbohydrate moieties present on the Gnas polypeptide may be accomplished chemically or enzymatically or by mutational substitution of codons encoding for ammo acid residues that serve as targets for glycosylation. Chemical dβglycosylation techniques are known in the art and described, for Instance, by Haki uddin, et al., Arch, Biochem. Biophys.. 259:52 (1987) and by Edge et al., Anal. Biochem., 118:131 (1981 ). Enzymatic cleavage of carbohydrate moieties on polypeptides can be achieve , by the use of a variety of endo-aπd exo-glycosidases as described by Thotakura et al., Meth. Enzymcjl , 138:350 (1987). Another type of covalent modification of Gnas comprises nking the Gnas polypeptide to one of a variety of nonproteinaceous polymers, e g , polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, or polyoxyalkylenes, in the manner set forth in U.S. Patent Nos 4,640,835; 4,496,689; 4,301,144; 4,670,417; 4,791 ,192 or 4.179,337.

Gnas polypeptides of the present invention may also be modified in a way to form chimeric molecules comprising an Gnas polypeptide fused to another, heterologous polypeptide or amino acid sequence. In one embodiment, such a chimeric molecule comprises a fusion of an Gnβs poiypeptide with a tag polypeptide which provides an epitope to which an anti-tag antibody can selectively bind. The epitope tag is generally placed at the amino-or carboxyl-terminus of the Gnas polypeptide, although internal fusions may also be tolerated m some instances The presence of such epitope-tagged forms of an

Gnas polypeptide can be detected using an antibody against the tag polypeptide Also, provision of the epitope tag enables the Gnas polypeptide to be readily purified by affinity purification using an anti- tag antibody or another type of affinity matrix that binds to the epitope tag In an alternative embodiment, the chimeric molecule may comprise a fusion of an Gnas polypeptide with an immunoglobulin or a particular region of an immunoglobulin For a bivalent form of the chimeric molecule, such a fusion could be to the Fc region of an IgG molecule.

Various tag polypeptides and their respective antibodies are well known in the art, Examples include poly-histidine (poly-his) or poiy-hislidme-giycme (poly-his-giy) tags, the flu HA tag polypeptide and its antibody 12CA5 [Field et al , Mol. Cell. Biol , 6 2159-2165 (1988)1; the c-myc tag and the 8F9, 3C7, 6E10, G4, B7 and 9E10 antibodies thereto [Evan et al , Molecular and Cellular Biology, 5.3610-3616

(1985)1, and the Herpes Simplex virus glycoprolein D (gD) tag and its antibody [Paborsky et al , Protein Engineering, 3(6) 547-553 (1990)] Other tag polypeptides include thθ Flag-peptide [Hopp et al , BioTechnology, 6 1204-1210 (1988)]: thθ KT3 epitope peptide [Martin et al., Sdence, 265- 192-194 (1992)]; tubulm epitope peptide [Skinner et al., J. Biol. Chem., 266:15163-15166 (1991)]; and the T7 gene 10 protein peptide tag [Lutz-Freyermuth et al , Proc Natl. Acad ScL USA, 87.6393-6397 (1990)].

Also included with the definition of Gnas protein In one embodiment are other Gnas proteins of the G^α family, and G,α proteins from other organisms, which ere cloned and expressed as outlined below. Thus, probe or degenerate polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primer sequences may be used to find other related Gπβs proteins from humans or other organisms As will be appreciated by those In the art, particularly useful probe and/or PCR primer sequences include the unique areas of the GNAS nucleic acid sequence As is generally known in the art, preferred PCR primers are from about 15 to about 35 nucleotides in length, with from about 20 to about 30 being preferred, and may contain inosine as needed The conditions for the PCR reaction are well known ιr the art In addition, as is outlined herein, Gnas proteins can be made that are longer than those encoded by the nucleic acids of the figures, for example, by the elucidation of additional sequences, the addition of epitope or purification tags, the addition of other fusion sequences, etc.

Gnas proteins may also be identified as being encoded by GNAS nucleic acids. Thus, Gnas proteins are encoded by nudeic acids that will hybridize to the sequences of the sequence listings, or their complements, as outlined herein.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides Gnas antibodies. In a preferred embodiment, when Gnas proteins are to be used to generate antibodies, for example for immunotherapy, the Gnas protein should share at least one epitope or determinant with the full length protein. By "epitope" or "determinant" herein is meant a portion of a protein which will generate and/or bind an antibody orT- cell receptor in the context of MHC. Thus, in most Instances, antibodies made to a smaller Gnas protein will be able to bind to the full length protein. In a preferred embodiment, the epitope la unique; that is, antibodies generated to a unique epitope show little or no cross-reactivity.

In one embodiment, the term "antibody" includes antibody fragments, as are known in the art, including Fab, Fab₂, single chain antibodies (Fv for example), chimeric antibodies, etc., either produced by the modification of whole antibodies or those synthesized de novo using recombinant DNA technologies.

Methods of preparing polyclonal antibodies are known lo the skilled artisan. Polyclonal antibodies can be raised in a mammal, for example, by one or more injections of an immunizing agent and, if desired, an adjuvant. Typically, the immunizing agent aπd/σr adjuvant will be injected In the mammal by multiple subcutaneous or iπtraperitoneal injections. The immunizing agent may include a protein encoded by a nucleic acid of the figures or fragment thereof or a fusion protein thereof. It may be useful to conjugate the Immunizing agent lo a protein known to be immunogenic in the mammal being immunized. Examples of such immunogenic proteins include but are not limited to keyhole limpet hemocyanin, serum albumin, bovine thyroglobulin, and soybean trypsiπ inhibitor. Examples of adjuvants which may be employed include Freund's complete adjuvant and MPL-TDM adjuvant (monophosphoryl Lipid A, synthetic trehalose dicorynomycolate). The immunization protocol may be selected by one skilled in the art without undue experimentation.

The antibodies may, alternatively, be monoclonal antibodies. Monoclonal antibodies may be prepared using hybridoma methods, such as those described by Kohler and Milstein. Nature, 256:495 (1975).

In a hybridoma method, a mouse, hamster, or other appropriate host animal, is typically Immunized with an immunizing agent to elicit lymphocytes that produce or are capable of producing antibodies that will specifically bind to the immunizing agent. Alternatively, the lymphocytes may be immunized In vitro. The immunizing agent will typically include a polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid of Tables 1, 2, and 3 or fragment thereof or a fusion protein thereof. Generally, either peripheral blood lymphocytes ("PBLs") are used if cells of human origin are desired, or spleen cells or lymph node cells are used if non-human mammalian sources are desired. The lymphocytes are then fused with an immortalized cell line using a suitable fusing agent, such as polyethylene glycol, to form a hybridoma cell [Coding, Monoclonal Antibodies: Principles and Practice, Academic Press, (1966) pp. 59-103]. immortalized cell lines are usually transformed mammalian cells, particularly myeloma cells of rodent, bovine and human origin. Usually, rat or mouse myeloma cell lines are employed. The hybridoma ceJls may be cultured in a suitable culture medium that preferably contains one or more substances that inhibit the growth or survival of the unfused, immortalized cells. For example, if the parental cells lack the enzyme hypoxanthine gυanine phosphorlbosyl transferase (HGPRT or HPRT), the culture medium for the hybridomas typically will include hypoxanthine, amiπopterin, and thymidtne ("HAT medium"), which substances prevent the growth of HGPRT-deficient cells.

In one embodiment, the antibodies are bispecific antibodies, Bispecific antibodies are monoclonal, preferably human or humanized, antibodies that have binding spe ficities for at least two different antigens. In the present case, one of the binding specificities is for a protein encoded by a nucleic acid of the Tables 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, or a fragment thereof, the other one is for any other antigen, and preferably for a cell-surface protein or receptor or receptor subunit. preferably one that is tumor spedfic. Alternatively, one of the binding specifidties is for a protein having a sequence as depicted in

Tables 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7.

In a preferred embodiment, the antibodies to Gnas proteins are capable of reducing or eliminating the biological function of Gnas proteins, as is described below. That is, the addition of anti-Gnas protein antibodies (either polyclonal or preferably monoclonal) to Gnas proteins (or cells containing Gnas proteins) may reduce or eliminate th« Gnas protein activity. Generally, at least a 25% decrease in activity it preferred, with at least about 50% being particularly preferred and about a 95-100% decrease being especially preferred.

In a preferred embodiment the antibodies to the Gnas proteins are humanized antibodies. Humanized forms of non-human (e.g., murine) antibodies are chimeric molecules of Immunoglobulins, immunoglobulin chains or fragments thereof (such as Fv, Fab, Fab', F(ab'). or other antigen binding subsequences of antibodies) which contain minimal sequence derived from non-human immunoglobulin^, Humanized antibodies include human immunoglobulins (recipient antibody) in which residues form a complementary determining region (CDR) of the recipient are replaced by residues from a CDR of a non-human species (donor antibody) such as mouse, rat or rabbit having the desired specificity, affinity and capacity. In some instances, Fv framework residues of the human immunoglobulin are replaced by corresponding non-human residues. Humanized antibodies may also comprise residues which are found neither In the recipient antibody nor in the imported CDR or framework sequences. In general, the humanized antibody will comprise substantially all of at least one, and typically two, variable domains, in which all or substantially all of the CDR regions correspond to those of a non-human immunoglobulin and all or substantially all of the framework residues (FR) regions are those of a human immunoglobulin consensus sequence, The humanized antibody optimally also will comprise at least a portion of an immunoglobulin constant region (Fc), typically that of a human immunoglobulin [Jones et al, Nature, 321:522-525 (1966); Riechmann et al., Nature, 332:323-329 (1988); and Presta, Curr. Op. Struct. Biol.. 2:593-596 (1992)].

Methods for humanizing non-human antibodies are well known in the art. Generally, a humanized antibody has one or more amino acid residues introduced into it from a source which is non-human. These non-human amino acid residues are often referred to as import residues, which are typically taken from an Import variable domain. Humanizatlon can be essentially performed following the method of Winter and co-workers [Jones et al., Nature, 321 :522-525 (1986); Riechmann et al., Nature,

332:323-327 (1963); Verhoeyen et al,, Science, 239:1534-1536 (1988)]. by substituting rodent CDRs or CDR sequences for the coσesponding sequences of a human antibody. Accordingly, such humanized antibodies are chimeric antibodies (U.S. Patent No. 4,816.567), wherein substantially less than an Intact human variable domain has been substituted by the corresponding sequence from a non-human species. In practice, humanized antibodies are typically human antibodies in which some

CDR residues and possibly some FR residues are substituted by residues from analogous sites in rodent antibodies.

Human antibodies can also be produced using various techniques known in the art. Including phage display libraries [Hoogenboom and Winter, J. Mol. Biol., 227:381 (1991); Marks et al., J. Mol. Biol., 222:581 (1991)]. The techniques of Cole et al. and Bosmer et al- are also available for the preparation of human monoclonal antibodies [Cole et al., Monodonal Antibodies and Cancer Therapy. Alan R. Liss, p. 77 (1985) and Boerner et al., J. Immunol., l47(1):δS-95 (1991)]. Similarly, human antibodies can be made by introducing human immunoglobulin loci into transgenic animals, e.g.. mice in which the endogenous immunoglobulin genes have been partially or completely inactivated. Upon challenge, human antibody production is observed, which closely resembles that seen In humans in all respects, including gene rearrangement, assembly, and antibody repertoire. This approach is described, for example, In U.S. Patent Nos. 5,545,807; 5,545,806; 5,569.825; 5,625,126; 5,633.425; 5.661,016, and in the following scientific publications: Marks <at al., Bio/Technology 10. 779-783 (1992); Lonb^βrg et al., Nature 366 856-859 (1994); Morrison, Nature 368, 812-13 (1994); Fishwild βt al., Nature Biotechnology 14, 845-51 (1936): Neuberger, Nature Biotechnology 14. 826 (1998); Lonberg and Huszar. Intern. Rev. Immunol. 13 65-93 (1995).

By immunotherapy is meant treatment of lymphoma with an antibody raised against a Gnas protein. As used herein, immunotherapy can be passive or active. Passive immunotherapy as defined herein is the passive transfer of antibody to a reoipient (patient). Active immunization is the induction of antibody and/or T-cell responses in a recipient (patient). Induction of an immune response Is the result of providing the recipient with an antigen to which antibodies are raised. As appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. the antigen may be provided by injecting a polypeptide against which antibodies are desired to be raised into .a recipient, or contacting the recipient wilh a nucleic add capable of expressing the antigen and under conditions for expression of the antigen.

In one embodiment, oncogenes which encode secreted molecules may be inhibited by raising antibodies against Gnas proteins that are secreted proteins as described above. In a preferred embodiment, the secreted protein Is NESP55. Without being bound by theory, antibodies used for treatment, bind and prevent the secreted protein from binding to its receptor, thereby inactivating the secreted Gnas protein.

In another preferred embodiment, the antibody is conjugated to a therapeutic moiety. In one aspect the therapeutic moiety is a small molecule thai modulates the activity of the Gnas protein. In another aspect the therapeutic moiety modulates the activity of molecules associated with or in close proximity to the Gnas protein. The therapeutic moiety may inhibit enzymatic activity such as protease or protein kinase activity associated with lymphoma.

In a preferred embodiment, the therapeutic moiety may also be a cylotoxic agent. In this method, targeting the cytotoxic agent to tumor tissue or cells, results in a reduction in the number of afflicted cells, thereby reducing symptoms assodaled with lymphoma. Cytotoxic agents are numerous and varied and Include, but are not limited to. cytotoxic drugs or toxins or active fragments of such toxins, Suitable toxins and their corresponding fragments include diphtheria A chain, exotσxiπ A chain, ricin A chain, abrin A chain, curciπ, crotin, pheπcmyciπ. enomycin and the like. Cytotoxic agents a/so include radiochemicaJs made by conjugating radioisotopes to antibodies raised against Gnas proteins, or binding of a radionuclide to a chelating agent that has been covalently attached to the antibody. Targeting the therapeutic moiety to transmembrane Gnas proteins not only serves to Increase the local concentration of therapeutic moiery In the lymphoma, but also serves to reduce deleterious side effects that may be associated with the therapeutic moiety. In a preferred embodiment, the Gnas protein against which the antibodies are raised is an Intracellular protein. In this case, the antibody may be conjugated to a protein which facilitates entry into the cell. In one case, the antibody enters the cell by endocytosis. In another embodiment, a nucleic acid encoding the antibody is administered to the individual or cell. Moreover, wherein the Gnas protein can be targeted within a cell, i.e., Ihe nucleus, an antibody thereto contains a signal for that target localization, i e., a nudear localization signal.

The Gnas antibodies of the invention specifically bind to Gnas proteins. By "specifically bind" herein is meant that the antibodies bind to the protein with a binding constant in the range of at least 10"'- 10^"* M^"\ with a preferred range being 10" -^' 10^"3 M"\

In a preferred embodiment, the Gnas protein is purified or isolated after expression. Gnas proteins may be isolated or purified in a variety of ways known to those skilled in the art depending on what other components are present in the sample. Standard purification methods include electrophoretic, molecular, immunological and chromatographic techniques, Including ion exchange, hydrophobic, affinity, and reverse-phase HPLC chromatography, and chromatofocusing. For example, the Gnas protein may be purified using s standard anti-G_sa antibody column. Ultrafiltration and diafiltration techniques, in conjunction with protein concentration, are also useful. For general guidance in suitable purification techniques, see Scopes, R., Protein Purification, Springer-Verlag, NY (1982). The degree of purification necessary will vary depending on the use of the Gnas protein. In some Instances no purification will be necessary.

Once expressed and purified if necessary, Ihe Gnas proteins and GNAS nucleic acidβ are useful in a number of applications.

In one aspect, the expression levels of genes are determined for different cellular states In the lymphoma phenotype; that Is, the expression levals of genes in normal tisβue and in lymphoma tissue (and in some cases, for varying severities of lymphoma that relate to prognosis, as outlined below) are evaluated to provide expression profiles. An expression profile of a particular cell state or point of development is essentially a "fingerprint" of the state; while two slates may have any particular gene similarly expressed, the evaluation of a number of genes simultaneously allows the generation of a gene expression profile that is unique to Ihe slate of the cell. By comparing expression profiles of cells in different states, information regarding which genes are important (including both up- and down- regulation of genes) in each of these states is obtained. Then, diagnosis may be done or confirmed: does tissue from a particular patient have the gene expression profile of normal or lymphoma tissue. "Differential expression," or grammatical equivalents as used herein, refers to both qualitative as well as quantitative differences m the genes' temporal and/or cellular expression patterns withm and among the cells Thus, a differentially expressed gene can qualitatively have Its expression altered, including an activation or inactivation, in, for example, normal versus lymphoma tissue. That is. genes may be turned on or turned off in a particular state, relative to another state. As is apparent to the skilled artisan, any comparison of two or more states can be made. Such a qualitatively regulated gene will exhibit an expression pattern within a state or cell type which is detectable by standard techniques In one such stale or cell type, but is not delectable in both. Alternatively, the determination is quantitative in that expression is increased or decreased; that is, the expression of the gene is either upregulateα, resulting in an increased amount of transcript, or ownregulated, resulting in a decreased amount of transcript. The degree to which expression differs need only be large enough to quantify via standard characterization techniques as outlined below, such as by use of Affymetnx GeneChip™ expression arrays, Lockhart, Nature Biotechnology, 14:1675-1680 (1996), hereby expressly incorporated by reference. Other techniques include, but are not limited to, quantitative reverse iraπscriptase PCR. Northern analysis and RNase protection As outlined above, preferably the change in expression (l.e upregulatlcn or downregulation) is at least about 50%, more preferably at least about 100%, more preferabty at least about 150%, more preferably, at least about 200%, with from 300 to at least 1000% being especially preferred.

As will be appreciated by those in the art, this may be done by evaluation at either the gene transcript, or the protein level; that is, the amount of gene expression may be monitored using nucleic acid probes to the DNA or RNA equivalent of the gene transcript, and the quantification of gene expression levels, or, alternatively, the final gene product itself (protein) can be monitored, for example through the use of antibodies to Gnas proteins and standard immunσassays (ELISAs, etc ) or other techniques, including πass spectroscopy assays, 2D gal eϊectrophoresis assays, etc. Thus, the proteins corresponding to GNAS genes, i e those identified as being important a lymphoma phenotype can be evaluated in a lymphoma diagnostic test

In a preferred embodiment, gene expression monitoring is done and a number of genes, i e an exprossion profile, is monitored simultaneously, although multiple protein expression monitoring can be done as well Similarly, these assays may be done on an individual basis as well

In this embodiment, the GNAS nudeic add probes may be attached to biochips as outlined herein for the detection and quantification of GNAS sequences in a particular cell The assays are done as is known in the art As wiι» be apprβciateα by those the art, any number of different GNAS sequences may be used as probes, witπ single sequance assays bβmg used m some cases, and a plurality of the sequences described herein being used in other embodimenls. In addition, white solid-phase assays are described, any number of solution based assays may be done as well.

In a preferred embodiment, both solid and solution based assays may be used to detect GNAS sequences that are up-regulated or down-regulated in lymphoma as compared to normal lymphoid tissue. In instances where the GNAS sequence has been altered but shows the same expression profile or an altered expression profile, the protein will be detected as outlined herein.

In a preferred embodiment nucleic acids encoding Gnas proteins are detected. Although DNA or RNA encoding the Gnas proteins may be detected, of particular interest-are methods wherein the mRNA encoding a Gnas protein is detected. The presence of mRNA in a sample is en indication that the GNAS gene has been transcribed to form the mRNA and suggests that the protein is expressed.

Probes lo detect the mRNA can be any nucleotide/deoxynucleotide probe that is complementary to and base pairs wilh the mRNA and includes but Is not limited lo oligonucleotides. cDNA or RNA. Probes also should contain a detectable label, as defined herein- In one method the mRNA is detected after immobilizing the nudeic acid to be examined on a solid support such as nylon membranes and hybridizing the probe with the sample. Following washing to remove the noπ- spβcifϊcal'y bound probe, the label is detected. In another method detection of the mRNA is performed in sliu. In this method perrneabilized cells or tissue samples are contacted with a detectably labeled nucleic acid prohe for sufficient time to allow the probe to hybridize with the target mRNA. Following washing to remove the non-specificaliy bound probe, the label is detected. For example a digoxygenin labeled nboprσbe (RNA probe) that is complementary to the mRNA encoding a Grias protein is detected by binding the digoxygenin with an anti-digαxygenm secondary antibody and developed with nitro blue tekrazolium and 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-lndoyl phosphate.

In a preferred embodiment, the Gnas proteins, antibodies, GNAS nucleic adds, modified Gnas proteins and cells containing GNAS sequences are used in diagnostic assays. This can be done on an individual gene or corresponding polypeptide level, or as sgts of assays.

As described and defined herein, Gnas proteins find use as markers of lymphoma. Detection of these proteins in putative lymphomϊc tissue or patients allows for a determination or diagnosis of lymphoma. Numerous methods known to those of ordinary skϊl In the art find use in detecting lymphoma. In one embodiment, antibodies are used to detect Gnas proteins. A preferred method separates proteins from a sample or patient by eiectrophoresis on a gel (typically a denaturing and reducing protein gel, but may be any other type of gel including isoelectric focusing gels and the like). Following separation of proteins, Ihe Gnas protein is detected by immuπoblotting with antibodies raised against the Gnas protein. Methods of immunoblotting are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In another preferred method, antibodies to Gnas proteins find use in in situ imaging techniques. In this method cells are contacted with from one to many antibodies to the Gnas protein(s), Followir g washing to remove non-specific antibody binding, tho presence of the antibody or antibodies is delected. In one embodiment the antibody is detected by incubating with a secondary antibody that contains a detectable label. In another method Ihe primary antibody to the Grjas proteln(s) cc ntains a detectable label. In another preferred embodiment each one of multiple primary antibodies contains a distinct and detectable label. This metfiod finds particular use in simultaneous screening for a plurality of Gnβs proteins. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, numerous other histoiogical imaging techniques are useful in the invention.

In a preferred embodiment the label Is detected in a fluorometer which has the ability to detect and distinguish emissions of different wavelengths, in addition, a fluorescence activated cell sorter, (FACS) can be used in the method.

In another preferred embodiment, antibodies find use In diagnosing lymphoma from blood sarrjples. As previously described, certain Gnas proteins are secreled/circulatiπg molecules, i.e. NESPS5 or fragments thereof. Blood samples, therefore, are useful as samples to be probed or tested for the presence of secreted Gnas proteins. Antibodies can be used to detect the Gnas by any of the previously described immunoassay techniques including ELISA, Immunoblottiπg (Western blotting), immunoprecipitation, BIACORE technology and the like, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art.

In a preferred emboαiment, in situ hybridization of labeled Gnas nucleic acid probes to tissue arrays Is done. For example, arrays of tissue samples, including leukernia/lymphoma tisεue and/or norrψal tissue, are made. In situ hybridization as is known In the art can then be done.

It is understood that when comparing the expression fingerprints between an Individual and a standard, the skilled artisan can make a diagnosis as well as a prognosis. It is further understood that the genes which Indicate the diagnosis may differ from those which indicate the prognosis.

In a preferred embodiment, the Gnas proteins, antibodies, GNAS nucleic acids, modified Gnas proteins and cells containing GNAS sequences are used in prognosis assays. As above, gene expression profiles can be generated that correlate to lymphoma severity, in terms of long term prognosis. Again, This may be done cπ either a protein or gene level, with Ihe use of genes beirg preferred. As above, the GNAS probes are attached lo biochips for the detection and quantification of GNAS sequences in a tissue or patient. The assays proceed as outlined for diagnosis. In a preferred embodiment, any of the GNAS sequences as described herein are used in drug screening assays. The Gnas proteins, antibodies, GNAS nucleic acids, modified Gnas proteins and cells containing GNAS sequences are used in drug screening assays or by evaluating the effect of drug candidates on a "gene expression profile" or expression profile of polypeptides. In one embodiment, the expression profiles are used, preferably in conjunction with high throughput screening techniques to allow monitoring for expression profile series after treatment with a candidale agent, Zlokamlk, et al.. Science 279, 34-8 (1998), Heid, et ai., Genome Res., 6:986-994 (1996).

In a preferred embodiment, the Gnas protems, antibodies, GNAS nucleic acids, modified Gnas proteins and calls containing. the native or modified Gnβs proteins are used in screening assays. That is, the present invention provides novel methods for screening for compositions which modulate the lymphoma phenotype. As above, this can be done by screening for modulators of gene expression or for modulators of protein activity. Similarly, this may be done on an individual gene or protein level or by evaluating the effect of drug candidates on a "gene expression profile". In a preferred embodiment, the expression profiles are used, preferably in conjunction with high throughput screening techniques to allow monitoring for expression profile genes after treatment with a candidate agent, see Zlokamik, supra.

Having identified the GNAS genes herein, a variety of assays to evaluate the effects of agents on gene expression may be executed. In a preferred embodiment, assays may be run on an individual gene or protein level. That is, having identified a particular gene as aberrantly regulated in lymphoma, candidate bioβctive agents may be screened to modulate the gene's response. "Modulation" thus includes both an increase and a decrease in gene expression or activity. The preferred amount of modulation will depend on the original change of the gene expression in normal versus tumor tissue, with changes of at least 10%, preferably 50%, more preferably 100-300%, and in some embodiments 300-1000% or greater. Thus, If a gene exhibits a 4 fold increase in tumor compared to normal tissue, a decrease of about four fold is desired; a 10 fold decrease in tumor compared to normal tissue gives a 10 fold increase in expression for a candidate agent is desired, etc. Alternatively, where Ihe GNAS sequence has been altered but shows the same expression profile or-an altered expression profile, the protein will be detected as outlined herein.

As will be appreciated by Ihose In the art, this may be done by evaluation at either the gene or the protein level: that is, the amount of gene expression may be monitored using nucleic acid probes and

Ihe quantification of gene expression levels, or, alternatively, the level of the gene produd itself can be monitored, for example through the use of antibodies to Gnas proteins and standard immunoassays. Alternatively, binding and bioacrjvity assays with the protein may be done as outlined below In a preferred embodiment, gene expression monitoring is done and a number of genes, i,e. an expression profile, is monitored simultaneously, although multiple protein expression monitoring can be done as well.

In this embodiment, the GNAS nucleic acid probes are attached to biochips as outlined herein for the detection and quantification of GNAS sequences in a particular cell. The assays are further described below.

Generally, in a preferred embodiment, a candidate bioactive agent is added to the cells prior to analysis. Moreover, screens are provided to identify a candidate bioactive agent which modulates lymphoma, modulates Gnas proteins, binds to a Gnas protein, or interferes between the binding of a Gnas protein and an antibody.

The term "candidate bioactive agent" or "drug candidate" or grammatical equivalents as used herein describes any molecule, e.g., protein, oligcpeptide, small organic or inorganic molecule, polysaccharide, polynucleotide, etc to be tested for bioactive agents that are capable of directly or indirectly altering either Che lymphoma phenotype. binding to and/or modulating the bioactivity of a Gnas protein, or the expression of a GNAS sequence, including both nucleic acid sequences end protein sequences. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the candidate agent suppresses a iymphσrπa/feukemia associated (LA) phenotype, for example to a normal tissue fingerprint. Similarly, the candidate agent preferably suppresses s severe LA phenotype. Generally a plurality of assay mixtures are run In parallel with different agent concentrations to obtain a differential response to the various concentrations. Typically, one o? these concentrations serves as a negative control, i.e., at zero concentration or below the level of αetectioπ.

In one aspect, a candidate agent will neutralize the effect of an Gnas protein. By "neutralize" is meant that activity of a protein is either inhibited or counter acted against so as to have substantially no effect on a cell.

Candidate agents encompass numerous chemical classes, though typically they are organic or inorganic molecules, preferably small organic compounds having a mo'ecυiar weight of more than 100 and less than about 2,500 daltons. Preferred small molecules are less than 2000, or less than 1500 or lass than 1000 or less than 500 D. Candidate agents comprise functional groups necessary for structural interaction with proteins, particularly hycrogen bonding, and typically include at least an amine, carbonyl, hydroxyl or carboxyl group, preferably at least two of Ihe functional chemical groups.

The candidate agents often comprise cyclical carbon or heterocyclic structures and/or aromatic or polyaromatic structures substituted ill one or more of the above functional groups. Candidate agents are also found among biomoleculgs including peptides, saccharldes, fatty acids, stero ds, purines, pyri idlnes, derivatives, structural analogs or combinations thereof. Particularly preferred are peptides.

Candidate agents are opiaineα τrom a wide variety of sources including libraries of synthetic dr natural compounds. For example, numerous means are available for random and directed synthesis of a wide variety of organic compounds and biomolecules, including expression of randomized oligonudeotldes. Alternatively, libraries of natural compounds in (he form of bacterial, fungal, -lent and animal extracts are available or readily produced. Additionally, natural or synthetically prc uced libraries and compounds are readily modified Ihrough conventional chemical, physical and biochemical means. Known pharmacological agents may be subjected to directed or random chemical modifications, such as acylatioπ, alkylation, esterification. amidHϊcation to produce βtructural analogs.

In a preferred embodiment, the candidate bioactive agtnts are proteins. By "protein" herein is meant at least two covalently attached amino acids, which includes proteins, polypeptides, ollgopeptidas and peptides. The protein may be made up of naturally occurring amino acids and peptide bonds, or synthetic peptidomimβtic structures. Thus "amino acid", or "peptide residue", as used herein means both naturally occurring and synthetic amino acids. For example, homo-phenylalanine, citrulline and noreleuciπe are considered amino acids for the purposes of the invention. "Amino acid" also Includes imino add residues such as praline and hydroxyprollne. The side chains may be In either the [R) or the (S) configuration, In the preferred embodiment, the amino acids are in the (S) or L-configutation. If non-naturally occurring side chains are used, non-amino acid substituents may be used, for qxample to prevent or retard in vivo degradations.

In a preferred embodiment, the candidate bioactive agents are naturally occurring proteins or fragments of naturally occurring proteins. Thus, for example, cellular extracts containing proteins, or random or directed digests of proteiπaceous cellular extracts, may e used. In this way libraries of procaryotϊc and eucaryotic proteins may be made for screening in the methods of the invention.

Particularly preferred in Ihis embodiment are libraries of bacterial, fungal, viral, and mammalian proteins, with the latter being preferred, and human proteins being especially preferred.

In a preferred embodiment, the candidate bioactive agents are peptides of from about 5 to abσuϊ 30 amino a ds, with from about 5 to about 20 amino adds being preferred, and from about 7 to about 15 being particularly preferred. The peptides may be digests of naturally occurring proteins as is outlined above, random peptides, or "biased" random peptides. By "randomized" or grammatical equivalants herein is meant that each nucleic acid and peptide consists of essentially random nucleotides ar d a ino acids, respectively. Since generally these random peptides (or nucleic acids, discussed elow) are chemically synthesized they may incorporate any nucleotide or amino acid at any position. The synthetic process can be designed to generate randomized proteins or nudeic acids to allow the formation of all or most of the possible combinations over the length of the sequence, thus forming ^a library of randomized candidate bioactive prσte'naceσus agents

cross-linking, prolines for SH-3 domains, seπnes, ihreonmes, tyroslnes or histidmes for phosphorylation sites, etc , or to puπnes, etc

In a preferred embodiment, the candidate bioactive agents are nucleic acids, as defined above

As described above generally for proteins, nucleic acid candidate bioactive agents may be naturally occurring nucleic acids, random nucloic acids, or "biased" random nucleic acids For example] digests of procaryotic oreucaryotlc genomes may oe used as is outlined above for proteins

In a preferred embodiment, the candidate bioactive agents are organic chemical moieties, a wide variety of which are available in the literature

in assays for altering the exDressior profile of one cr more GNAS genes, after the candidate ag¹ ent has been added and the cells allowed to incubate for some period of time, the sample containing the target sequences lo be analyzed is added to the biochip If squired, the target sequence is prepared using known techniques Por example, the sample may btt treated to lyse the cells, using known lysis buffers electroporation, etc with purification and/or amplification such as PCR occurring as needed, as will be appreciated by those in :ne an For example, an in vitro transcription with labels cova ently attached to the nucleosides is done Generally, the nucleic acids are labeled with a Jabel as defined herein, with biotiπ-FITC or PE, cy3 ard cy5 being particularly preferred

In a preferred embodiment, the target sequence is labeled with, for example, a fluorescent, chemlluπrnescent, chemical, or radioact've signal to provide a means of detecting the target sequence's specific binding lo a probe The label also can be an enzyme, such as alkaline phosphatase or horseradish peroxidase wmch when provided with an appropriate substrate produces s product that can be detected Mternstive'v, the label can be a 'abeled compound or small mo|ecule

- 05 - such as an enzyme Inhibitor, that binds but is not catalyzed or altered by the enzyme. The la sei also can be a moiety or compound, 3uch as, an epitope tag or bioϋn which specifically binds to streptavidin. For the example of btotin, the slreptavidin is labeled as described above, thereby, providing a detectable signal for the bound target sequence. As known in the art. unbound labeled ςfrentavidin is removed prior to analysis.

As will be appreciated by those in the art, these assays can be direct hybridization assays or ιan comprise "sandwich assays", which include the use of multiple probes, as is generally outlined in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,68_.1.702. 5,597,909. 5,545,730, 5,594,117, 5,501,584, 5,671,670, 5,580,731, 5,571,670, 5,591 ,584, 5,624,802, 5,635,352. 5,594,-118, 5,359,100, 5,124,246 and 5,681,697, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference. In this embodiment, in general, the target nucleic acid is pπipared ag outlined above, and then added to the biochip comprising a plurality of nucleic acid probes, under conditions'lhat allow the formation of a hybridization complex.

A variety of hybridization conditions may be used in the present invention, including high, moderate and low stringency conditions as outlined above. The assays are generally run under stringency conditions which allows formation of the label probe hybridization complex only in the presence of target. Stringency can be controlled by altering a step parameter that is a thεrmodynamic variable, including, but not limited (σ, temperature, formamide concentration, salt concentration, chaotroplc salt concentration pH, organic solvent concentration, etc.

These parameters may also be used to control non-specific binding, as is generally outlined iπ|U.S, Patent No. 5,581,697. Thus It may be desirable to perform certain steps at higher stringency conditions to reduce non-specific binding,

The reactions outlined herein may be accomplished in a variety of ways, as will be appreciated by those in the art. Components of the reaction may be added simultaneously, or sequentially, in any order, with preferred embodiments outlined below. In addition, the reaction may include a variety of other reagents may be included In the assays. These include reagents like salts, buffers, neutral proteins, e.g. albumin, detergents, etc which may be used to facilitate optimal hybridization and detection, and/or reduce non-specific or background interactions. Also reagents that otherwise improve the effldency of the assay, such as protease inhibitors, πuclease inhibitors, anti-microfcial agents, etc., may be used, depending on the sample preparation methods and purity of the target In addition, either solid phase or solution based (I.e., kinetic PCR) assays may be used.

Once the assay is run, the data Is analyzed lo determine the expression levels, end changes in expression levels as between states, of individual genes, forming a gene expression profile. In a preferred embodiment, as for the diagnosis end prognosis approbations, having identified the differentially expressed gene(s) or mutated gene(s) important In any one state, screens can be run to alter the expression of the genes individually. That is, screening for modulation of regulation of expression of a single gene can be done. Thus, for example, particularly in the case of target genes whose presence or absence is unique between two states, screening is dona for modulators of the target gene expression.

In addition screens can be done for novel genes that are induced In response to a candidate agent. After identifying a candidate agent based upon its ability to suppress a GNAS expression pattern leading to a normal expression pattern, or modulate a single GNAS gene expression profile so as to mimic the expression of the gene from normal tissue, a screen as described above can be performed to identify genes that are specifically modulated In response to the agent. Comparing expression profiles between normal tissue and agent treated LA tissue reveals genes that are not expressed in normal tissue or LA tissue, but are expressed In ageht treated tissue. These agent specific sequences can be identified and used by any of the methods described herein for GNAS genes or proteins. In particular these sequences and the proteins they encode find use In marking or identifying agent treated cells. In addition, antibodies can be raised against the agent induced proteins and used to target novel therapeutics to the treated LA tissue sample.

Thus, in one embodiment, a candidate agent is administered to a population of LA celts, that thus has an associated GNAS expression profile. B "administration" or "contacting" herein is meant that the candidate agent is added to the cells In such a manner as lo allow the agent to act upon the call, hether by uptake and intracellular action, or by action at the cell surface. In some embodiments, nucleic acid encoding a proteiπaceoυs candidate agent (i.e, a peptide) may be put Into a viral construct such as a retroviral construct and added to the cell, such that expression of the peptide agent Is accomplished; see PCT US97/010¹9, hereby expressly incorporated by reference.

Once the candidate agent has been administered to the cells, the cells can be washed if desired and are allowed to incubate under preferably physiological conditions for some period of time. The cells are then harvested and a new gena expression profile is generated, as outlined herein.

Thus, for example, LA tissue may be screened for agents that reαuce or suppress the LA phenotype. A change in at least one gene of the expression profile indicates that (he agent has an effect on GNAS activity. By defining sucn a signature for the LA phenotype, screens for new drugs that alter the phenotype can be devised. With this approach, the drug target need not be known and need not be represented in the original expression screening platform, nor does the level of transcript for the target protein need to change. In a preferred embodiment, as outlined above, screens may be done on Individual genes and gene products (proteins), That is, having identified a particular differentially expressed gene as important in a particular state, screening of modulators of either the expression of the gene or the gene product itself can be done. The Gnas product may be a fragment, or alternatively, be the full length protein to the fragment encoded by the nucleic acids of the figures. Preferably, the Gnas is a fragment. In another the sequences are sequence variants as further described herein.

Preferably, the Gnas Is a fragment of approximately 14 to 24 amino acids long. More preferably the fragment Is a soluble fragment. Preferably, the fragment includes a non-tranβmembranβ region. In a preferred embodiment, the fragment has an N-terminal Cys to aid In solubility. In one embodiment, the c-termiπus of the fragment is kept as a free acid and the n-termlπus is a free amine to aid in coupling, i.e .. to cysteine.

In one embodiment the Gnas proteins are conjugated to an immunogenic agent as discussed herein. In one embodiment the Gnas protein is conjugated to BSA.

In a preferred embodiment, screening for agents that alter the biological function of the expression product of the GNAS gene is done. Again, having identified the importance of a gene in a particular state, screening for agents thai bind and/or modulate the biological activity of the gene product can ba run as is more fully outlined below.

In a preferred embodiment, screens are designed to first find candidate agents that can bind to Gnas proteins, and then these agents may be used in assays that evaluate the ability of the candidate agent to modulate the Gnas activity and ihe lymphoma phenotype. Thus, as will be appreciated by those in ths art, there are a number of different assays which may be run; binding assays and activity assays.

In a preferred embodiment, binding assays are done. In general, purified or isolated gene product is used; that is, the gene products of one or more GNAS nucleic acids are made. In general, this Is done as la known In the art. For example, antibodies are generated to Ihe protein gene products, and standard immunoassays are run to determine the amount of protein present. Alternatively, calls comprising the Gnas proteins can be used In the assays.

Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the methods comprise combining a Gnas protein and a candidate bioactive agent, and determining the binding of the candidate agent to the Gnas protein. Preferred embodiments utilize human or mouse Gnas proteins, although other mammalian proteins may also be used, for example for the development of animal models of human disease. In some embodiments, as outlined herein, variant or derivative Gnas proteins may be uaεd Generally, in a preferred embodiment of the methods herein, the Gnas protein or the candidate agεnt is non-diffusably bound to an insoluble support having isolated sample receiving areas (e.g. a microtiter plate, an array, etc.). The insoluble supports may be made of any composiliαn to which the compositions can be bound, is readily separated from soluble material, and is otherwise compatible with the overall method of screening. The surface of auch supports may be solid or porous and of any convenient shape. Examples of suitable insoluble supports include microϋler plates, arrays, membranes and beads. These are typically made of glass, plastic (e.g., polystyrene), polysaccharides, nylon or nitrocellulose. Teflon™, etc. Microliter plates and arrays are especially convenient because a large number of assays can be carrier out simultaneously, using small amounts of reagents and samples. Thσ particular manner of binding of the composition is not crucial so long as it is compatible with the reagents and overall methods of ihi Invention, maintains Ihe activity of the composition and is nondiffusaole. Preferred methods of fc'ndiπg include the use of antibodies (which do not sterically block either the ligand binding site or activation sequence when the protein is bound lo the support), direct binding to "sticky^* or ionic supports, chemical crσssliπkiπg, the synthesis of the protein or agent on the surface, etc. Following binding of the protein or agent, excess unbound material is removed by washing The sample receiving sreas may then be blocked through incubation with bovine serum albumin (8SA), casein or other innocuous protein or other moiety.

In a preferred embodiment, ⁽he Gnas protein is bound to Ihe support, and a candidate bioactive agent is added to the assay, Alternatively, the candidate agent is bound to the support and the Gnas protein is added. Novel binding agents include specific antibodies, non-natural binding agents identified in screens of chemical libraries, peotfde analogs, etc. Of particular interest are screening assays for agents that have a low toxiαty for human cells. A wide variety of assays may be used for this purpose, including labeled in vitro protein-protein binding assays, electrophoretic mobility shift assays, immupoassays for protein binding, functional assays (phosphorylation assays, etc.) and the like.

The determination of the binding of the candidate bioactive agent to the Gnes protein may be done in a number of ways. In a preferred embodiment, the candidate bioactive agent is labeled, and binding determined directly. For example, this may be done by attaching all or a portion of the Gnas protein to a solid support, adding a labeled candidate agent (for example a fluorescent label), washing off excess reagenl, and determining whether the laDεi is present on the solid support. Various blocking and washing steps may be utilized as Is known in ths art.

By "labeled" herein is masnt that the compound is either directly or indirectly labeled with a label which provides a detectable signal, e.g. radioisotope, fluorescers, enzyme, antibodies, particles such as magnetic particles, cnemiluminescers or specific binding molecules, etc. Specific binding molecules include pairs, such as biotin and streptavidin digoxin and antidigoxiπ etc. For the specific binding members, the complementary member would normally be labeled with a molecule which pro ides for detection, in accordance with known procedures, as outlined above. The label can directly αr indirectly provide a detectable signal.

In some embodiments, only one Of trie components is labeled. For example, the proteins (oij proteiπaceous candidate agents) a be labeled at tyrosine positions using ^,zsl, or with fluorpphores. Alternatively, more than one component may be labeled with drfferenVlabels; using ^,Ml for th proteins, for example, and a fluorophor for the candidate agents.

In a preferred embodiment, the binding of the ^"candidate bioactive agent Is determined throuih the use of competitive binding assays. In this embodiment, the competitor Is a binding moiety known to bind to the target molecule (i.e. Gnas protein), such as an antibody; peptide, binding partner, ligand etc.

Under certain circumstances, there may be competitive binding as between the bioactive agsnt and the binding moiety, with the binding moiety displacing the bioactive agent. ^•

In one embodiment, the candidate bioaclive agent^'is labeled. Either the candidate bioactive agent, or Ihe competitor, or both, is added first to the protein for a time sufficient lo allow binding, if present. Incubations may be performed at any temperature which Facilitates optimal activity, typically between 4 and 40°C. Incubation periods are selected for optimum activity, but may also be optimized to facilitate rapid high through put screening Typically between 0.1 and 1 hour will be sufficient. Excess reagent is generally removed or washed away. The second component is then added, and the presence or absence of the labeled component is followed, to indicate binding.

In a preferred embodiment, the competitor is added first, followed by the candidate bioactive agent. Displacement of the competitor is an indication that the candidate bioactive agent is binding to the Gnas protein and thus Is capable of binding to, and potentially modulating, the activity of the Gnas protein. In this embodiment, either component can be labeled. Thus, for example, If the competitor is labeled, the presence of label

the wash solution indicates displacement by the agent. Alt^ernatively. If the candidate bioaclive agent is labeled, the presence of the label on the support indicates displacemenL

In an alternative embodiment the candidate bioactive agent is added first, with incubation and washing, followed by the competitor. The absence of binding by the competitor may iπdica e that the bioactive agent is bound lo the Gnas protein with a higher affinity. Thus, if the candidate bioactϊvg agent is labeled, Ihe presence of Ihe label on the support, coupled with a lack of competlloij binding. may indicate that the candidate agent is capable of binding to the Gnas protein. In a preferred embodiment, the methods comprise differential screening to identity bioactive agents that are capable of modulating the activity of the Gnas proteins. In this embodiment, the methods comprise combining a Gnas protein and a competitor in a first sample. A second sample comprises a candidate bioactive agent a ^Qnas protein and a competitor. The binding of the competitor Is determined for both samples, anc a change, or difference in binding between the two samples indicates the presence of an egent capable of binding to the Gnas protein and potentially modulating its activity. That is, If the binding of the competitor is different In the second sample relative to the first sample, the agent is capable of binding to the Gnas protein.

Alternatively, a preferred embodiment utilizes differential screening to identify drug candidates that bind to the native Gnas proteins, but cannot binα to modified Gnas proteins, The structure of the Gnas protein may be modeled, and used in rational drug design to synthesize agents that interact with that site. Drug candidates th3t affect Gnas bioactsviiy are also identified by screening drugs far the ability to either enhance or reduce the activity of the protein.

Positive controls and negative controls may be used in Ihe assays. Preferably all control and test samples are performed in at least triplicate to obtain statistically significant results. Incubation of all samples is for a time sufficient for the binding of the agent to the protein. Following incubation, all samples are washed free of non-specificaliy bound material and the amount of bound, generally labeled agent determined. For example, where a radlolabel is employed, the samples may be counted in a scintillation counter to dete^rmine the amount of bound compound.

A variety of other reagents may be included in the screening assays. These include reagents like salts, neutral proteins, e.g. albumin, detergents, etc which may be used lo facilitate optimal protein-protein binding and/or reduce non-specific or background interactions. Also reagents that otherwise improve the efficiency of the assay, such as protease inhibitors, nuclease Inhibitors, anli-microblal agents, etc., may be used. The mixture of components may be added in any order that provides for the requisite binding.

Screening for agents that modulate the activity of Gnas proteins ay also be done. In a preferred embodiment, methods for screening for a bioactive agent capable of modulating the activity of Gnas proteins comprise the steps of adding a candidate bioactive agent to a sample of Gnas proteins, as above, and determining sn alteration in the biological activity of Gnas proteins, "Modulating the activity of a Gnas protein" includes an inciease in activity, a decrease in activity, or a change in the type or kind of BcMvity present. Thus, in this embodiment, the candidate agent should both bind to Gnas proteins (although this may not be necessary), and alter Its biological or biochemical activity as defined herein. The methods indud^β both in vitro screening methods, as are generally outlined above, and in vivo screening of cells for alterations in the presence, distribution, activity or amount of Gnas proteins.

Thus, in this embodiment, the methods comprise combining a Gnas sample and a candidate bioactive agent, and evaluating the effect on ύnas activity. By "Gnas activity" or grammatical equivalents herein is meant one of the Gnβs protein's biological activities, including, but not limited to, its role in lymphoma, including cell division, preferably (n lymphoid tissue, cell proliferation, tumor growth and transformation of cells. In one embodfrnent, Gnas activity includos activation of or by a protein encoded by a nuclefcacϊd of the tables. An Inhibitor of Gnas activity is the Inhibition of any one or more Gnas activities.

in a preferred embodiment, the activity of the Gnas protein Is increased; in another preferred embodiment, the activity of the Gnas protein is decreased, Thus, bioactive agents that are antagonists are preferred in some embodiments, and bioactive agents that are agonists may be preferred In other embodiments.

In a preferred embodiment the invention provides methods for screening for bioactive agents capable of modulating the activity of Gnas proteins. The methods comprise adding a candidate bioactive agent, as defined above, to a cell comprising Gnas proteins. Preferred cell types include almost any cell. The cells contain a recombinant nucleic acid that encodes a Gnas protein. In a preferred embodiment, a library of candidate agents are tested on a plurality of cells.

In one aspect, the assays are evaluated in the presence or absence or previous or subsequent exposure of physiological signals, for example hormones, antibodies, peptides, antigens, cytokines, growth factors, action potentials, pharmacological agents Including che otherapeutics, radiation, carc^'mogenics, or other cells (i.e. cell-cell contacts). In another example, the determinations are determined at different εtages of Ihe cell cycle process.

In this way. bioactive agents are identified. Compounds with pharmacological activity are able to enhance or interfere with the activity of Gnas proteins,

In one embodiment, a method of Inhibiting lymphoma cancer cell division Is provided. The method comprises administration of a lymphoma cancer inhibitor. In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises administration of a Gnas Inhibitor. In another embodiment, a method of inhibiting tumor growth is provided. The method comprises administration of a lymphoma cancer inhibitor, in a preferred embodiment, the method comprises administration of a Gnas inhibitor.

In a further embodiment, methods of treating cells or Individuals with cancar are provided. The method comprises administration of a lymphoma cancer inhibitor. In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises administration of a Gnas inhibitor.

In one embodiment a lymphoma cancer inhibitor is an antibody as discussed above. In another embodiment, the lymphoma cancer Inhibitor is an antisense molecule. Antisense molecules as used herein include antisense or sense ollgonucleoϋdes comprising a singe-stranded nucleic add sequence (either RNA or DNA) capable of binding to target mRNA (sense) or DNA (antisense) sequences for lymphoma cancer molecules. Antisense or sense oligonucleotides, according to the present invention, comprise a fragment generally at least about 14 nucleotides, preferably from about 14 to 30 nucleotides. The ability to derive, an antisense or a sense oligonucleotide, based upon a cDNA sequence encoding a given protein is described In, for example, Stein and Cohen, Cancer Res. 48:2659. (1988) and van der Krol et al., BIoTechniquεs 6:958, (1966).

Antisense molecules may be introduced into a cell containing thθ target nudβotide sequence by formation of a conjugate with a ligand binding molecule, as described in WO 91/04753. Suitable ligand binding molecules include, but are not limited to, cell surface receptors, growth factors, other cytokines, or other ligands that bind to cell surface receptors, Preferably, conjugation of the ligand binding molecule does not substantially interfere with the ability of the ligand binding molecule to bind to its corresponding molecule or receptor, or block entry of the sense or antisense oligonucleotide or its conjugated version into the cell. Alternatively, a sense or an antisenoe oligonucleotide may be introduced into a cell containing the target nucleic acid sequence by formation of an ollgoπucleotide- lipid complex, as described in WO 90/10448. It Is understood that the use of antisense molecules or knock out and knock in models may also be usad in screening assays as discussed above, in addition to methods of treatment.

The compounds having the desired pharmacological activity may be administered !n a physiologically acceptable carrier to a host, as previously described. The agents may be administered in a variety of ways, orally, parenlerally e.g., subcutaneously, inlraperitoneally, intravascularly, etc. Depending upon the manner of introduction, the compounds may be foπmulated In a variety of ways. The concentration of therapeutically active compound in the formulation may vary from about 0.1-100% wgt/vol. The agents may be administered alone or in combination with other treatments, I.e., radiation. The pharmaceutical compositions can be prepared in various forms, such as granules, tablets, pills, suppositories, capsules, suspensions, salves, lotions and the like. Pharmaceutical grade organic or inorganic carriers and/or diluents suitable for oral and topical use can be used to make up compositions containing the therapeutically-actlve compounds. Oiluents known to fhθ art include aqueous media, vegetable and animal oils and fats. Stabilizing agents, wetting and emulsifying agents, salts for varying the osmotic pressure or buffers for securing an adequate pH value, and skin penetration enhancers can be used as auxiliary agents.

Without being bound by theory, it appears that the various GNAS sequences are important in lymphoma. Accordingly, disorders based on .mutant or variant GNAS genes may be determined. In one embodiment, the invention provides methods for identifying cells containing variant GNAS genes comprising determining all or part of the sequence of at least one endogenous GNAS genes in a cell. As will be appredated by those in the art, this may be done using any number of sequencing techniques. In β preferred embodiment, the invention provides methods of identifying the GNAS genotype of an Individual comprising determining all or part of the sequence of at least one GNAS gene of the individual. This Is generally done in at least one tissue of the individual, and may Include the evaluation of a number of tissues or different samples of the same tissue. The method may Include comparing the sequence of the sequenced GNAS gene to a known GNAS gene, I.e., a wild- type gene. As will be appreciated by those in the art, alterations in the sequence of some oncogenes can be an indication of either the presence of the disease, or propensity to develop the disease, or prognosis evaluations. •

The sequence of all or part of the GNAS gene can then be compared to the sequence of a known GNAS gene to determine if any differences exist. This can be done using any number of known homology programs, such as Bestfit, etc. in a preferred embodiment, the presence of a difference in the sequence between the GNAS gene of the patient and the known GNAS gene is indicative of a disease state or a propensity for a disease state, as outlined herein.

In a preferred embodiment, the GNAS genes are used as probes to determine the number of copies of the GNAS gene in the genome. For example, some cancers exhibit chromosomal deletions or insertions, resulting In an alteration in the copy number of a gene.

In another preferred embodiment GNAS genes are used as probes to determine the chromosomal location of the GNAS genes. Information such as chromosomal location finds use in providing a diagnosis or prognosis In particular when chromosomal abnormalities such as traπslocatloπs, and the like are identified in GNAS gene loci. Thus, in one embodiment, methods of modulating GNAS in cells or organisms a e provided. In one embodiment, the methods comprise administering to a cell an aπti-G_ta antibody that reduces or eliminates the biological activity of an endogenous Gnas protein. Alternatively, the methods comprise administering to a cell or organism a recombinant nucleic acid encoding a Gnas protein. As will be appreciated by those in the art, this may be accomplished in any number of ways, In a preferred embodiment, for example when the GNAS sequence is down-regulated In lymphpma, the activity of the GNAS gene is increased by Increasing the amount of GNAS In the cell, for example by overexpresβiπg the endogenous GNAS or by administering a gene encoding the GNAS sequence, using known gene-therapy techniques, for example. In a preferred embodiment, the gene therapy techniques include .the incorporation of the exogenous gene using enhanced homologous recombination (EHR), for example as described In PCT/US93/0386Θ, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Alternatively, for example when the GNAS sequence is up-regulated in lymphoma. the activity of the endogenous GNAS gene is decreased, for example by the administration of a GNAS antisense nucleic acid.

In one embodiment, the Gnas proteins of the present invention may be used to generate polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies to Gnas proteins, which are useful as described herein. Similarly, the Gnas proteins can be coupled, using standard technology, to affinity chromatography columns. These columns may then be used to purify Gnas antibodies. In a preferred embodiment, the antibodies are generated to epitopes unique to a Gnas protein: that is, the antibodies show little or no cross-reactivity to other proteins. These antibodies find use in a number of applications. For example, the Gnas antibodies may be coupled to standard affinity chromatography columns and used to purify Gnas proteins. The antibodies may also be used as blocking polypeptides, as outlined above, since they will specifically bind to the Gnas protein.

ln one embodiment, a therapeutically effective dose of a Gnas or modulator thereof is administered to a patient. By "therapeutically effective dose" herein Is meant a dose that produces the effects for which it is administered. The exact dose will depend on the purpose of the treatment and will be ascertainable by one skilled in the art using known techniques. As is known In the art, adjustments for Gnas degradation, systemic versus localized delivery, and rate of new protease synthesis, as well as the age, body weight, general health, sex, diet, time of administration, drug interaction and the severity of the condition may be necessary, and will be ascertainable with routine experimentation by those skilled in the art.

A "patient" for the purposes of ⁽he present invention Includes both humans and other animals, particularly mammals, and organisms. Thus the methods are applicable to both human therapy and veterinary applications. In the preferred embodiment the patient Is a mammal, end in the most preferred embodiment the patient is human.

The administration of the Gnas proteins and modulators of the present invention can be done in a variety of ways as discussed above, including, but not limited to, orally, subcutaneously, intravenously, intraπasatly, traπsdermally, intraperitoneairy, intramuscularly, intrapulmonary, vaginally. rectally, or intraocularly. In some instances, for example, in the treatment of wounds and inflammation, ihe Gnas proteins and modulators may be directly applied as a solution or spray.

The pharmaceutical compositions of the present Invention comprise a Gnβs protein in a form suitable for administration <o a patient. In the preferred embodiment the pharmaceutical compositions are In a water soluble form, such as being present as pharmaceutically acceptable salts, which is meant to

Indude both acid and base addition calts. "Pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt" refers to those salts that retain the biological effectiveness of the free bases and that are not biologically or otherwise undesirable, formed with inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid and the like, and organic acids such as acetic acid, propionic acid, glycolic acid, pyruvic acid, oxalic a d, maleic acid, malonic acid, succinic a d, fumaric add. tartaric acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, cinnamic add, mandellc acid, methBnesulfoπtc odd, ethanesulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, salicylic acid and the like. "Pharmaceutically acceptable base addition salts" include those derived from inorganic bases such as sodium, potassium, lithium, ammonium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, aluminum salts and the like. Particularly preferred are the ammonium, potassium, sodium, caldum, and magnesium salts. Salts derived from pharmaceutically acceptable organic non-toxic bases include salts of primary, secondary, and tertiary amines, substituted amines including naturally occurring substituted amines, cyclic amines and basic ion exchange resins, such as isopropylamine, trimelhylamlne, diethylamine, triethylamine. tripropylamiπe, and ethanolamihe.

The pharmaceutical compositions may also include one or more of the following: earner proteins such as serum albumin; buffers; fillers such as microcrystalllna cellulose, lactose, com and other starches; binding agents; sweeteners and other flavoring agents; coloring agents; and polyethylene glycol. Additives are well known in th^'e art, and are used in a variety of formulations.

In a preferred embodiment. Gnas proteins and modulators are administered as therapeutic agents, and can be formulated as outlined above. Similarly, GNAS genes (including both the full-length sequence, partial sequences, or regulatory sequences of the GNAS coding regions) can be administered in gene therapy applications, as is known in the art. These GNAS genes can Include antisense applications, either as gene therapy (i.e. for incorporation into the genome) or as antisenae compositions, as will be appreciated by those in the art.

In a preferred ambodimeπt, GNAS genes are administered as DNA vaccines, either single genes or combinations of GNAS gaπes. Naked DNA vaccines are generally known in the art. Brower, Nature Biotechnology, 19:1304-1305 (1998).

In one embodiment GNAS genes of the present invention are used as DNA vaccines. Methods for the use of genes as DNA vaccines are wall known to one of ordinary skill in the art, and include placing a GNAS gene or portion of a GNAS gene under the control of a promoter for expression In a LA patient The GNAS gene used for DNA vaccines can encode full-length Gnas proteins, but more preferably encodes portions of the Gnas proteins Including peptides derived irσm the Gnβ3 protein, in a preferred embodiment a patient fs immunized with a DNA vaccine comprising a plurality of nucleotide sequences derived from a GNAS gene. Similarly, it is possible to immunize a patient with a plurality of GNAS genes or portions thereof as defined herein. Without being bound by theory, expression of the polypeptide encoded by the DNA vaccine, cytotoxic T-cells, helper T-cells and antibodies are induced which recognize and destroy or eliminate cells expressing Gnas proteins.

In a preferred embodiment, the DNA vaccines include a gene encoding an adjuvant molecule with the DNA vaccine, Such adjuvant molecules include cytokines that increase the immunogenic response to the Gnas polypeptide encoded by the DNA vaccine. Additional or alternative adjuvants are known to those of ordinary skill in the art and find use in the invention.

In another preferred embodiment GNAS genes find use in generating animal models of L phoma.

As is appreciated by one of ordinary skill in thθ art, when the GNAS gene identified is repressed or diminished in tissue, gene therapy technology wherein antisense RNA directed to the GNAS gene will also diminish or repress expression of the gene. An animal generated as such serves as an animal model of lymphoma that finds use in screening bioactive drug candidates. Similarly, gene knockout technology, for example as a result of homologous recombination wilh an appropriate gene targeting vector, will result in the absence of a Gnas protein. When desired, tissue-specific expression or knockout of a Gnas protein may be necessary,

It is also possible that a Gnβs protein is overexpressed In lymphoma. As such, transgenic animals can be generated that overexpress a Gnas protein. Depending on the desired expression level, promoters of various strengths can be employed to express the transgene. Also, the number of copiei of the integrated transgene can be determined and compared for a determination of the expression level of the transgene. Animals generated by such methods find use as animal πjiodels of GNAS and are additionally useful in screening for bioactive molecules to treat lymphoma.

A GNAS nucleic acid sequence of the invention Is depicted in Table 1 as SEQ ID NO. 1. Tn nucleic acid sequence shown is from mouse.

TABLE 1

A contig assembled from the mouse EST database by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) having homology with all or parts of the G AS nucleic acid sequence of the invention is depicted in Table 2 as SEQ ID NO. 2. SEQ ID NO. 3 represents the amino acid sequence of a protein encoded by SEQ ID NO. 2 and corresponds to mouse G protein Xl^.

TABLE 2

MOUSE

SAGRES REF SEQ SEQUENCE AG# IDS

GCAGATAAGAAACGCAGCAAGCTCATCGACAAGCAACTGGAGGAGGAGAAGATGGACTAC ATGTGTACACACCGCCTGCTGCTTCTAGGTGCTGGAGAGTCTGGCAAAAGCACCATrGTG

AAGCAGATGAGGATCCTGCATGTRAATGGGTTTAACGGAGATAGΤGAC3AAGGCCACTAM GTGCAGGACATCAAAAACAACCTGAAGGAGGCCATTGA CCATTGTGGCCGCCATGAGC AACCTGGTGCCCCCTGTGGAGCTGGCCAACCCTGAGAACCAGTTCAGAGTGGACTACATT CTGAGCGTGATGAACGTGCCGAACTTTGACTTCCCACCTGAATTCTATGAGCATGCCAAG

GCTCTGTGGGAGGATGAGGGAGTQCGTGCCTQCTACGAGCGCTCCMTGAGTACCAGCTG

ATTGACTGTGCCCAGTACTTCCTGGACAAGATTGATGTGATCAAGCAGGCCGACTACGTG CCAAGTGACCAGGACCTGCTTCGCTGCCGTGTCCTGACCTCTGGAATCTTTGAGACCAAG TTCCAGGTGGACAAAGTCAACTTCCACATGTTCGATGTGGGCGGCCAGCGCOATGAGCGC CGCAAGTGGATCCAGTGCRRC TGATGTGACTGCCATCATCTTCGTGGTGGCCAGCAGC

AGCTAC^CATQGTCATTCGGGAGGACAACCAGACTMCCGCCTGCAGGAGGCTCTGAAC

CTCnCAAGAGWTCTGGMCMCAGATGGCTG∞r^CCATCTCTGTGATTCTCITCCTC AAGCAAGACCTGCTTG-rrGΛGAAAGTCCTCGCTGGCAAATCGAAGATTGAGGACTAC rrTCCAGAGTTCGCTCGCTACACCACTCCTGAGGATGC⁽3ACTCCCGAGCCGGGAGAGGAC

CCACGCGTGACCCGGGCCAAGTΛCπTCATTCGGGATGADTTTCTGAGAATCAGCACrGCT

AGTGGAGATGGGCGCCACTACTGCTACCCTCACTTTACCTGCGCCGTGGACACTGAGAAC

ATCCGCCGTGTCTTCAACGACTGCCGTGACATCATCCAGCGCATσCATCTCCGCCAATAC

GAGCTGtrrCTAAGAAGGGAACACCCAAATTTMTTCAQCCTTAAGCACAATTAATTAAGA

GTGAAACGTAATTGTACAAGCAGTTGGTCACCCACCATAGGGCATGATCAACACCGCAAC

CTTTCC I I rrTCCCCCAGTGArrCTGAAAMCCCCTCTTCCCTTCAGCTTGCTTAGATGT

TCCAAATrrAGTAAQCTTMGGCGGCCTACΛGAAGAAAAAGAAAAAAAAGGCCACAAAAG

TTCCCTCTCACTTTCAGTAAATAAMTAAAAGCAGCAACAGAAATAAAGAAATAAATGAA

ATrCAAAATGA TAMTATTGTGrrTGTGCAGCArrAAAAAATCAATAAAAATCAAAAAT

GAGCAAAAAAAAAAA

MEGSFTTATAVEGXVPSPERGDGSSTQPEAMOAKPAPAAQAVSTGSDAGAPTDSAMLTDSQSD AGE0GTAPGTPSD Q5DPEELEEAPAVRADPDQGAAPVAPATPAESESEGSRDPAAEPASEAVP ATTAESASGAAPVTQvεPAAAAVSAT EPAARAAPlTPkEPTTRAVPSARAHPAAGAVPGAPAM SASAP^VAARAAYAGPLVWGARSLSATPAAFΛSLPARAAAAAR SAARAVMGRSASAAPSRA

H RPPSPEIQVADPPTPRPPPRPTA PDKYERGRSCCRYEASSGICEIESSSOESEEGATGCFQ WLLRRNRRPGLPRSHTVGSNPVRNFFTRAFGSCFGLSECTRSRSUSPGKA DPMEEBR QMRK EAIEMREQKRAO KRSKUD QLEEEK OYMCTHRLL GAGESGKSTIV QMRILMVNGFNGDS EKATKVQDIKMNUKEALETIVAA SNLVPPVELANPENQFRVDYILSVMNVPNFDFPPEFYEHAKAL.

WεθEGVRACYERSNeYQLIDCAQYF DKlOVlKaAOYVPSθaDL RCRVt.TSGIFETKFQVDKVNF HMFOVGGQRDERRKWIQCFNOVTA!lFVVASSSYN VIREDNC!TNRLQEALN!.FKSIWNNRWLRTI SVILFLNKQOLi-AEKV G SKIEDYFPEFARYTTPEDATPEPGEDPRVTRAKYFIRDEFLRlSTASG OGRHYCYPHFTCAVDTeNIRRVFNDCRDIIQRMHLRQYELL

Also suitable for use in the present invention is Genbank Accession No. AF116268. A contig assembled from the human EST database by the NCBI having homology with all or parts of the GNAS nucleic add sequence of the invention is depicted in Table 3 as SEQ ID NO. A. SEQ ID NO. 5 represents the amino add sequence of a protein encoded by SEQ ID NO. 4 and corresponds to human G protein Xl_α;.

TABLE 3

HUMAN

SAGRES REF SEQ SEQUENCE TAG# ID#

S000056 F37 TGGAGACCGAACCGCCTCACAACGAGCCCATCCCCGTCGAGAATGATGGCGAGGCCTGT GGACCCCCAGAGGTCTCCAGACCCMCTTTCAGGTCCTCAACCCGGCARRCAGGGAAGCT GGAGCCCATQGAAGCTACAGCCCACCTCCTGAGGAAGCAATGCCCTTCΑAGGCTGAACAG CCR^GCTTGGGAR^CRRRCTGGCCTACACTGGAGCAGCCTGGATTCCCCAGTGGGGTCCAT

GCAGGCCTTGCCAKGSTYSGSCCAGCACTCATGGAGCCCGGAGCCTTCAGTGGTGCCAGA

CCAGGCCTGGGAGGATACAGCCCTCCACCAGAAGAAGCTATGCCCTTTGAGTTTGACCAG

CCTGCCCAGAGAGGCTGCAGTCAACTTCTCTTACAGGTCCCAGACCTrGCTCCAGGAGGC

CCAGGTGCTGCAQGGGTCCCCGQAGCTCCTCCCGAGGAGCCCCAAGCCCTCAGGCCTGCA

AAGGCTGGCTCCAGAGGAGGCTACAGCCCTCCCCCTGAGGAGACTATGCCATTTGAGCTT

GATGGAGAAGGATTTQGGGACGACAGCCCACCCCCGGGGCTTTCCCGAGTTATCQCACAA

GTCGACGGCAGCAGCCAGTTCGCGGCAGTCGCGGCCTCGAGTGCGGTCCGCCTCACTCCC

GCCGCG CGCGCCTCCCCTCTGGGTCCCAGGCGCCATCGGCAGCCCATCCCAAGAGGCT

GTCAGACCTCCTTCTAACTTCACGGGCAGCAGCCCCTGGATGGAeATCTCCGGACCCCCG

TrCGAGATTGGCAGCGCCCCCGCTGGGGTCGACGACACTCCCGTCAACATQGACAGCCCC

CCAATCGCGCTTGACGGCCCGCCCATCAAGGTCTCCGGAGCCCCAGATAAGAGAGAGCGA

GCAGAGAGACCCCCAGnTGAQQAGGAAGCAGCAGAGATGGAAGGAGCCGCTGATGCCGCG

GAGGGAGGAAMGTACCCTCrcCGGGGTACGGATCCCCTGCCGCCGGGGCAGCCTCAGCG

GATACCGCTGCCAGGGCAGCCCCTGCAGCCCCAGCCGATCCTGACTCCGGGGCAACCCCA

GAAGATCCCGACTCCGGGACAGCACCAGCCGATCCTGACTCCGGGGCΛTTCGCAGCCGAT

CCCGACTCCGGGGCAGCCCCTGCCGCCCCAGCCGATCCCGACTCCGGGGCGGCCCCTGAC

GCCCCAGCCGATCCCGACTCCGGGGCGGCCCCTGACGCCCCAGCCGATCCAGATGCCGGG

GCGGCCCCTGAGGCTCCCGCCGCCCCTGCGGCTGCTGAGACCCGGGCAGCCCATGTCGCC

CCAGCTGCGCCAGACGCAGGGGCTCCCACTGCCCCAGCCGCTTCTGCCACCCGGGCAGCC

CAAGTCCGCCGGGCGGCCTCTGCAGCCCCTGCCTCCGGGGCCAGACGCAAGATCCATCTC

AGACCCCCCAGCCCCGAGATCCAGGCTGCCGATCCGCCTACTCCGCGGCCTACTCGCGCG

TCTGCCTGGCCGGGCAAGTCCGAGAGCAGCCGCGGCCGCCGCGTGTACTACGATGAAGQG

GTGGCCAGCAGCGACGATGACTCCAGCGGAGACGAGTCCGACGATGGGACCTCCGGATGC

CTCCGCTGGTTTCAGCATCGGCGAAATCGCCGCCGCCGAAAGCCCCAGCGCAACTTACTC

CGCMCTTTCTCGTGCAAGCCTTCGGGGGCTGCTTCGGTCαATCTGAGA^QTCCCCAGCCC

AAAGCCTCGCGCTCTCTCAAGGTCAAGAAGGTACCCCTGGCGGAGAAQCGCAGACAGATG

CGCAAAGAAGCCCTGGAGAAGCGGGCCCAGΛAGCGCGCAGAGAAGAAACGCAGTAAGCTC

ATCGACAAACAACTCCAGGACGAAAAGATGGGCTACATGTQTACGCACCGCCTGCTGCTT

CTAG EISGPPFEIGSAPAGVODTPVNMDSPPIALDGPPIKVSQAPO RERAERPPVEEEAAEMEGAAOA AEGGKVPSPGYGSPAAGAASAOTAARAAPAAPADPOSQATPEDPOSGTAPAOPDSGAFAAOPDS GAAPAAPAOPDS^QAAPDAPA^QPOSGAAPDAPADPOAGAAPEAPAAPAAAETRAAHVAPAAPOAG APrAPAASATRAA^QVRRAASAAPASGARR IHLRPPSPEIQAADPPTPRPTRASA RGKSESSRG

Table 4 demonstrates the nucleic acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 6) and amino a d sequence (SEQ ID NO; 7) of NESP55 from mouse. SEQ ID NO: 7 represents the protein encoded by SEQ ID NO: 6.

TABLE 4

Table 5 demonstrates the nucleic acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 8) and ammo acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 9) of NESP55 from human SE^Q ID NO- 9 represents the protein encoded by SEQ ID NO' 8

Table 6 demonstrates the nucleic acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 10) and amlno acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 11) of GNASI from mouse. SEQ ID NO. 11 represents the protein encoded by SEQ ID NO' 10

ABLE a

- S3 -

Table 7 demonstrates the nucleic acid sequence (SEQ ID NO; 12) and amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 13) of GNASI from human. SEQ ID NO: 13 represents the protein encoded by SEQ ID NO: 12.

TABLE 7

Also suitable for use in the present invention Is Genbank Accession No AJ224868

All references cited herein are Incorporated by reference,

Claims

CLAIMSWe claim;

1. A method of screening drug candidates comprising: a) providing a cell that expresses a GNAS gene selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS, 1 , 2, 4, 6. 8, 10 and 12, or fragment thereof, b) adding a drug candidate to said cell; and c) determining the effect of said drug candidate on the expression of said GNAS gene.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein said determining comprises comparing the level of expression in the absence of said drug candidate to the level of expression In the presence of said drug candidate.

3. A method of screening for a bioactive agent capable of binding to a Gnas protein, wherein said Gnas protein is encoded by a nucleic acid selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS. 1 , 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12, said method comprising: a) combining said Gnas protein and a candidate bioactive agent; and b) determining the binding of said candidate agent to said Gnas protein.

4. A method for screening for a bioactive agent capable of modulating the activity of a Gnas protein, wherein said Gnas protein is encoded by a nucleic acid selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS. 1, 2, 4, 6. 8, 10 and 12, said method comprising: a) combining said Gnas protein and a candidate bioactive agent; and b) determining the effect of said candidate agent on the bioactivlty of said Gnas protein.

5. A method of evaluating the effect of a candidate lymphoma drug comprising: a) administering said drug to a patient; b) removing a cell sample from said patient; and c) determining alterations in the expression or activation of a gene selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS. 1 , 2. 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12.

6. A method of diagnosing lymphoma comprising: a) determining the expression of a GNAS gena selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS. 1, 2, 4, 6. 8, 10 and 12, or a polypeptide encoded thereby in a first tissue type or a first individual; and b) comparing said expression of said gene(a) from a second normal tissue type from said first individual or a second unaffected individual; wherein a difference in said expression indicates that the first Individual has lymphoma.

7. A method for inhibiting the activity of a Gnas protein, wherein said Gnas protein is encoded by a nucleic acid selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS. 1. 2. 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12, said method comprising binding an inhibitor to said Gnas protein.

8. A method of treating lymphoma comprising administering to a patient an inhibitor of Gnas protein, wherein said Gnas protein is encoded by a nucleic acid selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS. 1 , 2, 4, 6,

8, 10 and 12.

9. A method of neutralizing the effect of a Gnas protein, wherein said Gnas protein Is encoded by a nucleic acid selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS. 1 , 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12, comprising contacting an agent specific for said Gnas protein with said GnsiS protein In an amount sufficient to effect neutralization.

10. A polypeptide which specifically binds to a Gnas protein encoded by a nucleic acid selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS. 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12.

11. A polypeptide according to claim 10 comprising an antibody which spedfically binds to a Gnas protein encoded by a nucleic acid selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS. 1 , 2, 4. 6, a. ^'10 and 12.

12. A biochip comprising one or more nudeic acid segments selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS. 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12.

13. A method of diagnosing lymphomas or a propensity to lymphomas by sequencing at least one GNAS gene of an individual.

14. A method of determining GNAS gene copy number comprising adding a GNAS gene probe to a sample of genomic DNA from an individual under conditions suitable fcr hybridization.