WO2011051276A1

WO2011051276A1 - Colon and rectal tumor markers and methods of use thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2011051276A1
Application number: PCT/EP2010/066144
Authority: WO
Inventors: Renata Grifantini; Piero Pileri; Susanna Campagnoli; Alberto Grandi; Matteo Parri; Andrea Pierleoni; Renzo Nogarotto
Original assignee: Externautics S.P.A.
Priority date: 2009-10-26
Filing date: 2010-10-26
Publication date: 2011-05-05
Also published as: EP2494351A1; US20130022983A1; EP2494351B1

Abstract

Newly identified proteins as markers for the detection of colon and rectal tumors, or as therapeutic targets for treatment thereof; affinity ligands capable of selectively interacting with the newly identified markers, as well as methods for tumor diagnosis and therapy using such ligands.

Description

COLON AND RECTAL TUMOR MARKERS AND METHODS OF USE

THEREOF

The present invention relates to newly identified proteins as markers for the detection of colon and rectal tumors, or as targets for their treatment. Also provided are affinity ligands capable of selectively interacting with the newly identified markers, as well as methods for tumor diagnosis and therapy using such ligands.

Background of the invention

Tumor markers (or biomarkers)

Tumor markers are substances that can be produced by tumor cells or by other cells of the body in response to cancer. In particular, a protein biomarker is either a single protein or a panel of different proteins that could be used to unambiguously distinguish a disease state. Ideally, a biomarker would have both a high specificity and sensitivity, being represented in a significant percentage of the cases of given disease and not in healthy state.

Biomarkers can be identified in different biological samples, like tissue biopsies or preferably biological fluids (saliva, urine, blood-derivatives and other body fluids), whose collection does not necessitate invasive treatments. Tumor marker levels may be categorized in three major classes on the basis of their clinical use. Diagnostic markers can be used in the detection and diagnosis of cancer. Prognostics markers are indicative of specific outcomes of the disease and can be used to define predictive models that allow the clinicians to predict the likely prognosis of the disease at time of diagnosis. Moreover, prognosis markers are helpful to monitor the patient response to a drug therapy and facilitate a more personalized patient management. A decrease or return to a normal level may indicate that the cancer is responding to therapy, whereas an increase may indicate that the cancer is not responding. After treatment has ended, tumor marker levels may be used to check for recurrence of the tumor. Finally, therapeutic markers can be used to develop tumor-specific drugs or affinity ligand (i.e. antibodies) for a prophylactic intervention.

Currently, although an abnormal tumor marker level may suggest cancer, this alone is usually not enough to accurately diagnose cancer and their measurement in body fluids is frequently combined with other tests, such as a biopsy and radioscopic examination. Frequently, tumor marker levels are not altered in all of people with a certain cancer disease, especially if the cancer is at early stage. Some tumor marker levels can also be altered in patients with noncancerous conditions. Most biomarkers commonly used in clinical practice do not reach a sufficiently high level of specificity and sensitivity to unambiguously distinguish a tumor from a normal state.

To date the number of markers that are expressed abnormally is limited to certain types/subtypes of cancer, some of which are also found in other diseases, (http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet).

For example, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels are often used to screen men for prostate cancer, but this is controversial since elevated PSA levels can be caused by both prostate cancer or benign conditions, and most men with elevated PSA levels turn out not to have prostate cancer.

Another tumor marker, Cancer Antigen 125, (CA 125), is sometimes used to screen women who have an increased risk for ovarian cancer. Scientists are studying whether measurement of CA 125, along with other tests and exams, is useful to find ovarian cancer before symptoms develop. So far, CA 125 measurement is not sensitive or specific enough to be used to screen all women for ovarian cancer. Mostly, CA 125 is used to monitor response to treatment and check for recurrence in women with ovarian cancer. Finally, human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2) is a marker protein overproduced in about 20% of breast cancers, whose expression is typically associated with a more aggressive and recurrent tumors of this class.

Routine screening test for tumor diagnosis

Screening tests are a way of detecting cancer early, before there are any symptoms. For a screening test to be helpful, it should have high sensitivity and specificity. Sensitivity refers to the test's ability to identify people who have the disease. Specificity refers to the test's ability to identify people who do not have the disease. Different molecular biology approaches such as analysis of DNA sequencing, small nucleotide polymorphyms, in situ hybridization and whole transcriptional profile analysis have done remarkable progresses to discriminate a tumor state from a normal state and are accelerating the knowledge process in the tumor field. However so far different reasons are delaying their use in the common clinical practice, including the higher analysis complexity and their expensiveness. Other diagnosis tools whose application is increasing in clinics include in situ hybridization and gene sequencing.

Currently, Immuno-HistoChemistry (IHC), a technique that allows the detection of proteins expressed in tissues and cells using specific antibodies, is the most commonly used method for the clinical diagnosis of tumor samples. This technique enables the analysis of cell morphology and the classification of tissue samples on the basis of their immunoreactivity. However, at present, IHC can be used in clinical practice to detect cancerous cells of tumor types for which protein markers and specific antibodies are available. In this context, the identification of a large panel of markers for the most frequent cancer classes would have a great impact in the clinical diagnosis of the disease.

Anti-cancer therapies

In the last decades, an overwhelming number of studies remarkably contributed to the comprehension of the molecular mechanisms leading to cancer. However, this scientific progress in the molecular oncology field has not been paralleled by a comparable progress in cancer diagnosis and therapy. Surgery and/or radiotherapy are the still the main modality of local treatment of cancer in the majority of patients. However, these treatments are effective only at initial phases of the disease and in particular for solid tumors of epithelial origin, as is the case of colon, lung, breast, prostate and others, while they are not effective for distant recurrence of the disease. In some tumor classes, chemotherapy treatments have been developed, which generally relies on drugs, hormones and antibodies, targeting specific biological processes used by cancers to grow and spread. However, so far many cancer therapies had limited efficacy due to severity of side effects and overall toxicity. Indeed, a major effort in cancer therapy is the development of treatments able to target specifically tumor cells causing limited damages to surrounding normal cells thereby decreasing adverse side effects. Recent developments in cancer therapy in this direction are encouraging, indicating that in some cases a cancer specific therapy is feasible. In particular, the development and commercialization of humanized monoclonal antibodies that recognize specifically tumor-associated markers and promote the elimination of cancer is one of the most promising solutions that appears to be an extremely favorable market opportunity for pharmaceutical companies. However, at present the number of therapeutic antibodies available on the market or under clinical studies is very limited and restricted to specific cancer classes. So far licensed monoclonal antibodies currently used in clinics for the therapy of specific tumor classes, show only a partial efficacy and are frequently associated with chemotherapies to increase their therapeutic effect. Administration of Trastuzumab (Herceptin), a commercial monoclonal antibody targeting HER2, a protein overproduced in about 20% of breast cancers, in conjunction with Taxol adjuvant chemotherapy induces tumor remission in about 42% of the cases. Bevacizumab (Avastin) and Cetuximab (Erbitux) are two monoclonal antibodies recently licensed for use in humans, targeting the endothelial and epithelial growth factors respectively that, combined with adjuvant chemotherapy, proved to be effective against different tumor diseases. Bevacizumab proved to be effective in prolonging the life of patients with metastatic colorectal, breast and lung cancers. Cetuximab demostrated efficacy in patients with tumor types refractory to standard chemotherapeutic treatments (Adams G.P. and Weiner L.M. (2005) Monoclonal antibody therapy cancer. Nat Biotechnol. 23: 1 147-57).

In summary, available screening tests for tumor diagnosis are uncomfortable or invasive and this sometimes limits their applications. Moreover tumor markers available today have a limited utility in clinics due to either their incapability to detect all tumor subtypes of the defined cancers types and/or to distinguish unambiguously tumor vs. normal tissues. Similarly, licensed monoclonal antibodies combined with standard chemotherapies are not effective against the majority of cases. Therefore, there is a great demand for new tools to advance the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Experimental approaches commonly used to identify tumor markers Most popular approaches used to discover new tumor markers are based on genome -wide transcription profile or total protein content analyses of tumor. These studies usually lead to the identification of groups of m NAs and proteins which are differentially expressed in tumors. Validation experiments then follow to eventually single out, among the hundreds of RNAs/proteins identified, the very few that have the potential to become useful markers. Although often successful, these approaches have several limitations and often, do not provide firm indications on the association of protein markers with tumor. A first limitation is that, since frequently mRNA levels not always correlate with corresponding protein abundance (approx. 50% correlation), studies based on transcription profile do not provide solid information regarding the expression of protein markers in tumor (1 , 2, 3, 4).

A second limitation is that neither transcription profiles nor analysis of total protein content discriminate post-translation modifications, which often occur during oncogenesis. These modifications, including phosphorylations, acetylations, and glycosylations, or protein cleavages influence significantly protein stability, localization, interactions, and functions (5).

As a consequence, large scale studies generally result in long lists of differentially expressed genes that would require complex experimental paths in order to validate the potential markers. However, large scale genomic/proteomic studies reporting novel tumor markers frequently lack of confirmation data on the reported potential novel markers and thus do not provide solid demonstration on the association of the described protein markers with tumor.

The approach that we used to identify the protein markers included in the present invention is based on an innovative immuno-proteomic technology. In essence, a library of recombinant human proteins has been produced from E. coli and is being used to generate polyclonal antibodies against each of the recombinant proteins.

The screening of the antibodies library on TMAs carrying clinical samples from different patients affected by the tumor under investigation leads to the identification of specific tumor marker proteins. Therefore, by screening TMAs with the antibody library, the tumor markers are visualized by immuno-histochemistry, the classical technology applied in all clinical pathology laboratories. Since TMAs also include healthy tissues, the specificity of the antibodies for the tumors can be immediately appreciated and information on the relative level of expression and cellular localization of the markers can be obtained. In our approach the markers are subjected to a validation process consisting in a molecular and cellular characterization.

Altogether, the detection of the marker proteins disclosed in the present invention selectively in tumor samples and the subsequent validation experiments lead to an unambiguous confirmation of the marker identity and confirms its association with defined tumor classes. Moreover this process provides an indication of the possible use of the proteins as tools for diagnostic or therapeutic intervention. For instance, markers showing a surface cellular localization could be both diagnostic and therapeutic markers against which both chemical and antibody therapies can be developed. Differently, markers showing a cytoplasmic expression could be more likely considered for the development of tumor diagnostic tests and chemotherapy/small molecules treatments.

Summary of the invention

The present invention provides new means for the detection and treatment of colo-rectal tumors based on the identification of protein markers specific for these tumor types, namely:

1) Angiopoietin-like 7 (ANGPTL7);

2) Chromosome 9 open reading frame 46 (C9orf46);

3) Solute carrier family 39 (zinc transporter), member 10 (SLC39A10);

4) Two pore segment channel 2 (TPCN2);

5) DPY- 19-like 3 (DPY19L3);

6) Uncharacterized protein FLJ42986 (FLJ42986);

7) Chromosome 18 open reading frame 19 (C18orfl9);

8) Olfactomedin-like 1 (OLFML1);

9) Collagen, type XX, alpha 1 (COL20A1);

10) DENN/MADD domain containing IB (DENND1B);

1 1) LY6/PLAU domain containing 4 (LYPD4); 12) Putative uncharacterized protein (FLJ37107);

13) Chromosome 6 open reading frame 98 (C6orf98);

14) Family with sequence similarity 69, member B (Fam69B);

15) multiple EGF-like-domains 8 (MEGF8);

16) Killer cell lectin-like receptor subfamily G member 2 (C-type lectin domain family 15 member B) (KL G2);

17) Endoplasmic reticulum metallopeptidase 1 (ERMP1);

18) Chromosome 14 open reading frame 135 (C 14orfl35).

The invention also provides a method for the diagnosis of these cancer types, comprising a step of detecting the above-identified markers in a biological sample, e.g. in a tissue sample of a subject suspected of having or at risk of developing malignancies or susceptible to cancer recurrences.

In addition, the tumor markers identify novel targets for affinity ligands which can be used for therapeutic applications, especially in the treatment of colon and rectum proliferative diseases. Also provided are affinity ligands, particularly antibodies, capable of selectively interacting with the newly identified protein markers.

Detailed disclosure of the invention

The present invention is based on the surprising finding of antibodies that are able to specifically stain tumor tissues from patients, while negative or very poor staining is observed in normal tissues from the same patients. These antibodies have been found to specifically bind to proteins for which no previous association with tumor has been reported. Hence, in a first aspect, the invention provides a tumor marker, which can be used alone or in combination in the detection of colo-rectal tumor and which is selected from the group consisting of:

i) ANGPTL7, SEQ ID NO: l , or a different isoform having sequence identity of at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% to SEQ ID NO: l ; or a nucleic acid molecule containing a sequence coding for a angiopoietin-like 7 protein, said encoding sequence being preferably SEQ ID NO: 2;

ii) C9orf46, SEQ ID NO:3, or a different isoform having sequence identity of at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% to SEQ ID NO:3; or a nucleic acid molecule containing a sequence coding for a C9orf46 protein, said encoding sequence being preferably SEQ ID NO: 4; iii) SLC39A10 in one of its variant isoforms SEQ ID NO:5 or SEQ ID NO:6, or a different isoform having sequence identity of at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% to SEQ ID NO:5 or SEQ ID NO:6; or a nucleic acid molecule containing a sequence coding for a SLC39A10 protein, said encoding sequence being preferably selected from SEQ ID NO: 7 and SEQ ID NO: 8;

iv) TPCN2, in one of its variant isoforms SEQ ID NO:9 or SEQ ID NO: 10, or a different isoform having sequence identity of at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% to SEQ ID NO:9 or SEQ ID NO: 10; or a nucleic acid molecule containing a sequence coding for a TPCN2 protein, said encoding sequence being preferably selected from SEQ ID NO: 1 1 and SEQ ID NO: 12;

v) DPY19L3, in one of its variant isoforms SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID

NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, or a different isoform having sequence identity of at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% to any of SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15 or SEQ ID NO: 16, or a nucleic acid molecule containing a sequence coding for a DPY19L3 protein, said encoding sequence being preferably selected from SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19 and SEQ ID NO:20;

vi) FLJ42986, SEQ ID NO:21 or a different isoform having sequence identity of at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% to SEQ ID NO:21 , or a nucleic acid molecule containing a sequence coding for a FLJ42986 protein, said encoding sequence being preferably SEQ ID NO:22;

vii) C18orfl9, in one of its variant isoforms SEQ ID NO:23 or SEQ ID NO:24, or a different isoform having sequence identity of at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% to SEQ ID NO:23 or SEQ ID NO:24, or a nucleic acid molecule containing a sequence coding for a C18orfl9 protein, said encoding sequence being preferably selected from SEQ ID NO:25 and SEQ ID NO:26;

viii) OLFML1 , SEQ ID NO:27 or a different isoform having sequence identity of at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% to SEQ ID NO:27, or a nucleic acid molecule containing a sequence coding for a OLFML1 protein, said encoding sequence being preferably SEQ ID NO:28;

ix) COL20A1 , in one of its variant isoforms SEQ ID NO:29, SEQ ID

NO:30, SEQ ID NO:31 , or a different isoform having sequence identity of at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% to any of SEQ ID NO:29, SEQ ID NO:30 or SEQ ID NO:31 , or a nucleic acid molecule containing a sequence coding for a COL20A1 protein, said encoding sequence being preferably selected from SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO:33 and SEQ ID NO:34;

x) DENND1B; in one of its variant isoforms SEQ ID NO:35, SEQ ID NO:36, SEQ ID NO:37, SEQ ID NO:38, or a different isoform having sequence identity of at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% to any of SEQ ID NO:35, SEQ ID NO:36, SEQ ID NO:37 or SEQ ID NO:38, or a nucleic acid molecule containing a sequence coding for a DENND 1B protein, said encoding sequence being preferably selected from SEQ ID NO:39, SEQ ID NO:40, SEQ ID NO:41 and SEQ ID NO:42; xi) LYPD4, in one of its variant isoforms SEQ ID NO:43 or SEQ ID NO:44, or a different isoform having sequence identity of at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% to SEQ ID NO:43 or SEQ ID NO:44, or a nucleic acid molecule containing a sequence coding for a LYPD4 protein, said encoding sequence being preferably selected from isoforms SEQ ID NO:45 and SEQ ID NO:46;

xii) FLJ37107, SEQ ID NO:47, or a different isoform having sequence identity of at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% to SEQ ID NO:47, or a nucleic acid molecule containing a sequence coding for a FLJ37107 protein, said encoding sequence being preferably SEQ ID NO:48;

xiii) C6orf98, SEQ ID NO:49, or a different isoform having sequence identity of at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% to SEQ ID NO:49, or a nucleic acid molecule containing a sequence coding for a C6orf98 protein, said encoding sequence being preferably SEQ ID NO:50;

xiv) Fam69B, SEQ ID NO:51 , SEQ ID NO:52, or a different isoform having sequence identity of at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% to SEQ ID NO:51 or SEQ ID NO:52, or a nucleic acid molecule containing a sequence coding for a Fam69B, protein, said encoding sequence being preferably selected from SEQ ID NO:53 and SEQ ID NO:54; xv) MEGF8, SEQ ID NO:55, SEQ ID NO:56, SEQ ID NO:57, or a different isoform having sequence identity of at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% to any of SEQ ID NO:55, SEQ ID NO:56 or SEQ ID NO: 57, or a nucleic acid molecule containing a sequence coding for a MEGF8, protein, said encoding sequence being preferably selected from SEQ ID NO:58, SEQ ID NO:59 and SEQ ID NO:60.

xvi) KL G2, SEQ ID: NO 61 , SEQ ID NO: 62 or a different isoform having sequence identity of at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% to SEQ ID: NO 61 or SEQ ID: NO 62, or a nucleic acid molecule containing a sequence coding for a KL G2 protein, said encoding sequence being preferably selected from SEQ ID NO: 63 and SEQ ID NO: 64;

xvii) ERMP 1 , SEQ ID NO: 65, SEQ ID NO:66 or SEQ ID NO: 67, or a different isoform having sequence identity of at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% to SEQ ID NO:65 or SEQ ID NO:66 SEQ ID NO:67 or a nucleic acid molecule containing a sequence coding for a ERMP1 , protein, said encoding sequence being preferably selected from SEQ ID NO:68, SEQ ID NO:69, SEQ ID NO:70;

xviii) C14orfl35, in one of its variant isoforms SEQ ID NO:71 , SEQ ID NO:72, SEQ ID NO:73, SEQ ID NO:74, SEQ ID NO:75 or a different isoform having sequence identity of at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% to any of SEQ ID NO:71 , SEQ ID NO:72, SEQ ID NO:73, SEQ ID NO:74, SEQ ID NO:75 or a nucleic acid molecule containing a sequence coding for a C14orfl35 protein, said encoding sequence being preferably selected from SEQ ID NO:76, SEQ ID NO:77, SEQ ID NO:78, SEQ ID NO:79 and SEQ ID NO:80.

As used herein, "Percent (%) amino acid sequence identity" with respect to the marker protein sequences identified herein indicates the percentage of amino acid residues in a full-length protein variant or isoform according to the invention, or in a portion thereof, that are identical with the amino acid residues in the specific marker sequence, after aligning the sequences and introducing gaps, if necessary, to achieve the maximum percent sequence identity, and not considering any conservative substitutions as part of the sequence identity. Alignment for purposes of determining percent amino acid sequence identity can be achieved in various ways that are within the skill in the art, for instance, using publicly available computer software such as BLAST, BLAST-2, ALIGN or Megalign (DNASTAR) software. Those skilled in the art can determine appropriate parameters for measuring alignment, including any algorithms needed to achieve maximal alignment over the full length of the sequences being compared. Identity between nucleotide sequences is preferably determined by the Smith- Waterman homology search algorithm as implemented in the MPSRCH program (Oxford Molecular), using an affine gap search with parameters gap open penalty = 12 and gap extension penalty = 1.

Angiopoietin-like 7 (ANGPTL7, synonyms: Angiopoietin-related protein 7 Precursor, Angiopoietin-like factor, Cornea-derived transcript 6 protein; Gene ID: ENSG00000171819; Transcript ID: ENST00000376819; Protein ID:ENSP00000366015) is a member of the angiopoietin like family, whose role either in promoting or inhibiting angiogenesis is still under investigation (6). So far ANGPTL7 mRNA has been detected in some tissues including neural tissues, keratoconus cornea, trabecular meshwork, melanotic melanoma and uterus endometrial cancer, while evidences on protein expression are limited to corneal stroma (7). Based on available data, ANGPTL7 is a protein without previous known association with colon tumor classes and is preferably used as a marker for colon cancers. As described below, an antibody generated towards the ANGPTL7 protein shows a selective immunoreactivity in histological preparation of colo-rectal cancer tissues, which indicates the presence of this protein in these cancer samples and makes ANGPTL7 and its antibody highly interesting tools for specifically distinguishing colorectal cancer from a normal state. Moreover expression analysis showed that this protein is secreted by tumor cells lines. Therefore ANGPTL7 can be detected in body fluids of oncologic patients and can be conveniently used to develop diagnostic tools. Chromosome 9 open reading frame 46 (C9orf46; synonyms: Transmembrane protein C9orf46; Gene ID: ENSG00000107020; Transcript ID:ENST00000223864; Protein ID: ENSP00000223864) is a poorly characterized protein. So far expression of C9orf46 has only been reported at transcriptional level in a genome scale study on the expression profile of metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma (8) while no data are available on the expression of its encoded product. Based on available scientific publications, C9orf46 is a protein without previous known association with colon tumor and is preferably used as a marker for colon tumors, and in general for cancers of these types. As described below, an antibody generated towards c9orf46 protein shows a selective immuno re activity in histological preparations of colon cancer tissue, which indicates the presence of this protein in these cancer samples.

Solute carrier family 39 member 10 (SLC39A10, synonyms: Zinc transporter ZIP 10 Precursor, Zrt- and Irt-like protein 10, ZIP- 10, Solute carrier family 39 member 10; gene ID: ENSG00000196950; transcript IDs: ENST00000359634, ENST00000409086; protein ID: ENSP00000352655, ENSP00000386766) belongs to a subfamily of proteins that show structural characteristics of zinc transporters. It is an integral membrane protein likely involved in zinc transport. While other members of the zinc transport family have been at least partially studied in tumors, little is known about the association of SLC39A10 with this disease. SLC39A10 m NA has been shown to increase moderately in breast cancer tissues as compared to normal samples (approximately 1.5 fold). Loss of SLC39A10 transcription in breast cell lines has been shown to reduce the cell migratory activity (9).

SLC39A10 is also mentioned in a patent application reporting long lists of differentially transcribed genes in tumor cells by using genome-scale transcription profile analysis (e.g. in Publication Number: US20070237770A1). However, in these published studies analysis of SLC39A10 expression is restricted to mRNA, whilst to the best of our knowledge, no data have been reported documenting the presence of SLC39A10 protein in tumor cells. The lack of correlation between mRNA and protein expression, besides being a general fact, has been specifically demonstrated for LIV-1 , another member of the zinc transporter family, suggesting that a similar phenomenon could be extended to other proteins of this class (10). Moreover no evidence exists on the association of SLC39A10 protein with other tumors, such as colon tumor classes.

In the present invention we disclose SLC39A10 as a protein without previous known association with colon tumor and preferably used as a marker for colon tumors, and in general for cancers of these types. As described below, an antibody generated towards the SLC39A10 protein shows a selective immunoreactivity in histological preparation of colo-rectal cancer tissues, which indicates the presence of SLC39A10 in these cancer samples and makes SLC39A10 protein and its antibody highly interesting tools for specifically distinguishing these cancer types from a normal state. Moreover, localization analysis of tumor cell lines showed that the protein is exposed on the cell surface and accessible to the binding of affinity ligands, such as specific antibodies. This indicates that SLC39A10 is a candidate markers for the development of therapeutic tools.

Two pore segment channel 2 (TPCN2; synonyms: Voltage-dependent calcium channel protein TPC2; Gene ID: ENSG00000162341 ; Transcript ID: ENST00000294309, ENST00000356782; Protein ID:ENSP00000294309, ENSP00000349231) is a putative cation-selective ion channel so far marginally characterized. TPCN2 transcript was found up-regulated in a large scale study in which the transcription profile of oral carcinoma was investigated (1 1). TPCN2 transcript is also included among the genes showing differential expression and been reported in a large-scale study, focused on the gene expression profiling of multiple myeloma (patent application number: US20US20080280779A1). However, available data are limited to TPCN2 transcript, while no data document the expression of TPCN2 proteins in tumor. Based on our knowledge, in the present invention we disclose TPCN2 as a protein with no previous known association with colon tumor and preferably used as a marker for colon tumor, and in general for cancers of this type. As described below, an antibody generated towards TPCN2 protein shows a selective immunore activity in histological preparation of colo rectal cancer tissue, which indicates the presence of this protein in these cancer samples.

Protein dpy- 19 homolog 3 (DPY19L3; synonym: Dpy- 19-like protein 3; Gene ID: ENSG00000178904; Transcript IDs: ENST00000319326, ENST00000392250, ENST00000342179, ENST00000392248; Protein IDs: ENSP00000315672, ENSP00000376081. ENSP00000344937,

ENSP00000376079). A DPY19L3 transcript has been reported as differentially expressed in multiple myeloma (Publication Number: US20080280779A1). However not data are available at level of protein expression. In the present invention we disclose DPY19L3 protein associated with colon tumor and preferably used as a marker for colon tumors, and in general for these cancer types. As described below, an antibody generated towards DPY19L3 protein shows a selective immunore activity in histological preparation of colon cancer tissue, which indicates the presence of this protein in these cancer samples. Moreover, localization analysis of tumor cell lines showed that the protein is exposed on the cell surface and accessible to the binding of affinity ligands, such as specific antibodies. This indicates that DPY19L3 is a candidate marker for the development of therapeutic tools.

Uncharacterized protein FLJ42986 (FLJ42986, Gene ID: ENSG00000196460; Transcript ID: ENST00000376826; Protein ID:ENSP00000366022). is an uncharacterized protein without previous known association with colon tumor classes and is preferably used as a marker for colon tumor, and in general for these cancer types. As described below, an antibody generated towards FLJ42986 protein shows a selective immuno re activity in histological preparations of colon cancer tissues, which indicates the presence of this protein in these cancer samples;

Chromosome 18 open reading frame 19 (C18orfl 9; synonyms: uncharacterized protein C 18orfl9; Gene ID: ENSG00000177150; Transcript IDs: ENST00000322247, ENST00000402563; Protein IDs: ENSP00000323635, ENSP000003861 15) is an hypothetical protein so far poorly characterized. A C18orfl9 nucleotide sequence is mentioned in patent application on lung cancer (Publication number: EP 1498424 (A2)), while no data have been reported for C18orfl9 in other tumor classes. Based on the above, we disclose C18orfl9 as a protein without previous known association with colon tumors and preferably used as a marker for colon tumor and in general for this cancer types. As described below, an antibody generated towards C18orfl 9 protein shows a selective immunoreactivity in histological preparation of colon cancer tissues, which indicates the presence of this protein in these cancer samples.

Olfactomedin-like 1 (OLFML1 ; synonym: Olfactomedin-like protein 1 Precursor Gene ID: ENSG00000183801 ;

ENSG00000183801 :ENST00000329293 peptide:ENSP0000033251 1) belongs to the olfactomedin-like domain family. Expression of this protein has been detected by immunohistochemical staining on human small intestine, indicating that the protein localizes preferentially in the intestinal villi (12). This protein is mentioned in different patent applications listing hundreds of human sequences (e.g. US7129325, US7166703, US7244816, US7309762). However at present no previous data have been reported supporting the association of OLFMLl protein with tumor samples. In the present invention we disclose OLFMLl as a protein without previous known association with tumor and preferably used as a marker for colon tumor and in general for this cancer types. As described below, an antibody generated towards OLFMLl protein shows a selective immunore activity in histological preparation of colon cancer tissue, which indicates the presence of this protein in these cancer samples.

Collagen, type XX, alpha 1 (COL20A1 ; Synonyms: Collagen alpha- 1 (XX) chain Precursor; Gene ID: ENSG00000101203; Protein IDs: ENSP00000323077; ENSP00000346302; ENSP00000351767; Transcript IDs: ENST00000326996; ENST00000354338; ENST00000358894), belongs to the family of collagenous domain-, a Fibronectin type III domain-, a heparin binding domain-, a von Willebrand type A domain-containing proteins. COL20A1 is a protein without previous known association with colon tumors and is preferably used as a marker for colon tumor and in general for these cancer types. As described below, an antibody generated towards COL20A1 protein shows a selective immunore activity in histological preparation of colon cancer tissue, which indicates the presence of this protein in these cancer samples.

DENN/MADD domain containing IB (DENNDIB; synonyms: DENN domain-containing protein IB, Protein FAM31B, C lorf218; Gene ID: ENSG00000162701. Transcript IDs: ENST00000294738, ENST00000367396, ENST00000400967, ENST00000235453; Protein IDs: ENSP00000294738, ENSP00000356366, ENSP00000383751 , ENSP00000235453) is a poorly characterized protein without previous known association with tumor and is preferably used as a marker for colon tumor and in general for this cancer types. As described below, an antibody generated towards DENND IB protein shows a selective immunoreactivity in histological preparation of colon cancer tissues, which indicates the presence of this protein in these cancer samples. Immunoreactivity extended at the secretion products of tumor cells, suggesting that the proteins is specifically released by tumor.

LY6/PLAU domain containing 4 (LYPD4; synonyms: SMR; Gene ID:

ENSG00000183103; Transcript ID: ENST00000343055, ENST00000330743; Protein ID: ENSP00000339568, ENSP00000328737) is a poorly characterized protein. This protein is mentioned in different patent applications listing hundreds/thousands of human secreted proteins (e.g. US7368531 , US7189806, i S 7045603.. US7329404, US7343721). However, in these patent applications, no data are provided supporting the association of LYPD4 with tumor. Based on this, we disclose LYPD4 as a protein without previous known association with tumor and preferably used as a marker for colon tumor and in general for these cancer types. As described below, an antibody generated towards LYPD4 protein shows a selective immunoreactivity in histological preparation of colon cancer tissues with a characteristic staining of secretions in tumor samples, which indicates the presence of this protein in these cancer samples.

Putative uncharacterized protein FLJ37107 - (FLJ37107; synonyms: LOC284581 ; Gene ID: ENSG00000177990, Transcript ID: gi|58218993|ref|NM_001010882.1 , Protein ID: gi|58218994|ref|NP_001010882.1 | hypothetical protein LOC284581 [Homo sapiens], gi|74729692|sp|Q8N9Il . l |YA028_HUMAN) is an uncharacterized protein without previous known association with tumor and is preferably used as a marker for colon tumor and in general for these cancer types. As described below, an antibody generated towards FLJ37107 protein shows a selective immunoreactivity in histological preparation of colon cancer tissues, which indicates the presence of this protein in these cancer samples.

Chromosome 6 open reading frame 98 (C6orf98; synonym: dJ45H2.2; Gene ID: EG:387079, da ENSG00000222029 has 1 transcript: ENST00000409023, associated peptide: ENSP00000386324 and 1 exon: ENSE00001576965) is an uncharacterized protein. Analysis of human genome databases (E.g. EnsEmbl) erroneously assigns C6orf98 as SYNE1. Although SYNE nucleic acid sequences overlap with C6O F98 transcript, the encoded proteins show no match. In fact C6orf98 locus maps on an SYNE1 untranslated region (intron) and its product derives from a different reading frame than those annotated for SYNE1 isoforms in public databases. C6orf98 is a protein without previous known association with tumor and is preferably used as a marker for colon tumor and in general for these cancer types. As described below, an antibody generated towards C6orf98 protein shows a selective immune-reactivity in histological preparation of colon cancer tissues, which indicates the presence of this protein in these cancer samples.

Family with sequence similarity 69, member B (Fam69B; synonym: C9orfl36; Gene ID: ENSG00000165716; Transcript IDs: ENST00000371692, ENST00000371691 ; Protein IDs:ENSP00000360757, ENSP00000360756) is an hypothetical protein without previous known association with tumor. This protein has been recently associated with Type 2 diabetes mellitus disease (13) and included in patent application on diabetes (Patent publication number: WO2008065544A2). In the present invention we disclose FAM69B as associated with tumor and preferably used as a marker for colon tumor and in general for these cancer types. As described below, an antibody generated towards Fam69B protein shows a selective immunoreactivity in histological preparation of colon cancer, which indicates the presence of this protein in these cancer samples.

Multiple EGF-like-domains 8 (MEGF8; synonyms: Multiple epidermal growth factor-like domains 8 Precursor, EGF-like domain-containing protein 4, Multiple EGF-like domain protein 4; C19orf49, SBP1 ; Gene ID: ENSG00000105429; Transcript IDs:ENST00000334370, ENST00000378073, ENST00000251268; Protein IDs: ENSP00000334219, ENSP00000367313, ENSP00000251268) is an uncharacterized protein. MEGF8 has been described in a patent application (Publication number: JP2002360254) describing the involvement of a molecule having a plexin domain in diverse functions, including growth of the heart and the skeleton, angioplasty, growth and metastasis of cancer by identifying the molecule having the plexin domain. However, no supportive data have been provided. MEGF8 sequence has been also included in a patent application (Publication number US20070154889A1) based on transcription analysis in melanoma, without supporting data at the level of protein expression. As described below, an antibody generated towards MEGF8 protein shows a selective immunoreactivity in histological preparation of colon cancer tissues, which indicates the presence of this protein in this cancer type.

Based on the above, we disclose MEGF8 as a protein without previous known association with colo-rectal tumors and is preferably used as a marker for colon tumor and in general for these cancer types.

Killer cell lectin-like receptor subfamily G member 2 (C-type lectin domain family 15 member B) (KL G2, synonyms: CLEC15B, FLJ44186; GENE ID: ENSG00000188883; Transcript IDs: ENST00000340940, ENST00000393039; Protein IDs: ENSP00000339356, ENSP00000376759) is a poorly characterized protein. A KLRG2 sequence is included in a patent application on the use of an agent with tumor-inhibiting action of a panel of targets associated with different tumors, whose expression is mainly shown at RNA level (Publication number WO2005030250). However no data are provided documenting the presence of KLRG2 protein in the tumors. Moreover, no experimental evidence is given on the specificity of the proposed anti-tumor agent for KLRG2. Based on these considerations, in the present invention we disclose KLRG2 as a protein without previous known association with tumor class under investigation and preferably used as a marker for colony tumor, and in general for cancers of this type. As described below, an antibody generated towards KLRG2 protein shows a selective immuno re activity in histological preparation of colon cancer tissues, which indicates the presence of this protein in this cancer type. Immuno staining accumulates at the plasma membrane of tumor cells, providing a first indication of the surface localization of this protein.

Moreover, localization analysis of tumor cell lines showed that the protein is exposed on the cell surface and accessible to the binding of specific antibodies. Finally, silencing of KLRG2 significantly reduced the invasiveness and proliferation properties of tumor cells lines. Based on the above evidences, KLRG2 is a promising target for the development of anti-cancer therapies being exposed to the action of affinity ligand and being involved in cellular processes relevant for tumor development.

Endoplasmic reticulum metallopeptidase 1 (ERMP1 , synonyms: FLJ23309, FXNA, KIAA1815; GENE ID: ENSG00000099219; Transcript IDs: ENST00000214893, ENST00000339450, ENST00000381506; Protein IDs: ENSP00000214893, ENSP00000340427, ENSP00000370917) is a transmembrane metallopeptidase, so far described as localized to the endoplasmic reticulum. ERMP1 transcript has been found differentially expressed in the rat ovary at the time of folliculogenesis. A lower level of ERMP1 transcript in the rat ovary resulted in substantial loss of primordial, primary and secondary follicles, and structural disorganization of the ovary, suggesting that is required for normal ovarian histogenesis (1 1). ERMP1 has been also included in a patent application (US 2003064439) on novel nucleic acid sequences encoding melanoma associated antigen molecules. However in this publication, no solid data documented the relation of ERMP 1 protein with tumor. Based on available information, E MP1 protein has never been previously associated with tumor. In the present invention, differently with published scientific data, we disclose ERMP1 as a protein associated with tumor, preferably used as a marker for colon tumor, and in general for cancers of this type. As described below, an antibody generated towards ERMP 1 protein shows a selective immunoreactivity in histological preparation of colon cancer tissues, which indicates the presence of this protein in this cancer type. In particular our immunoistochemistry analysis of colon tissues indicates that the protein shows plasma membrane localization, indicating that this protein is a promising targets for anticancer therapy. Moreover, localization analysis of tumor cell lines showed that the protein is exposed on the cell surface and accessible to the binding of specific antibodies. Finally, silencing of ERMP1 significantly reduced the migration/invasiveness and proliferation properties of tumor cells lines. Based on the above evidences, ERMP 1 is a promising target for the development of anti-cancer therapies being exposed to the action of affinity ligand and being involved in cellular processes relevant for tumor development.

Chromosome 14 open reading frame 135 (C 14orfl35, Pecanex-like protein C14orfl 35, synonyms: Hepatitis C virus F protein-binding protein 2, HCV F protein-binding protein 2; Gene ID: ENSG00000126773; Transcript IDs: ENST00000317623, ENST00000404681 ; Protein IDs: ENSP00000317396, ENSP00000385713) is a uncharacterized protein. This protein is mentioned in a patent application on ovarian tumor (Application number: US2006432604A). In the present invention we report C14orfl35 as a protein without previous known association with colon tumor and preferably used as a marker for colon tumor, and in general for cancers of this type. As described below, an antibody generated towards C14orfl 35 protein shows a selective immunoreactivity in histological preparation of colon cancer tissues, which indicates the presence of this protein in these cancer samples.

By localization analysis of tumor cell lines the protein was found exposed on the cell surface and accessible to the binding of specific antibodies. This suggests a possible use of this proteins as target for anticancer therapy based on affinity ligands (e.g. antibodies).

A further aspect of this invention is a method of screening a tissue sample for malignancy, which comprises determining the presence in said sample of at least one of the above-mentioned tumor markers. This method includes detecting either the marker protein, e.g. by means of labeled monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies that specifically bind to the target protein, or the respective mRNA, e.g. by means of polymerase chain reaction techniques such as RT-PCR. The methods for detecting proteins in a tissue sample are known to one skilled in the art and include immunoradiometric, immunoenzymatic or immunohistochemical techniques, such as radioimmunoassays, immunofluorescent assays or enzyme-linked immunoassays. Other known protein analysis techniques, such as polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), Western blot (WB) or Dot blot are suitable as well. Preferably, the detection of the protein marker is carried out with the immune -histochemistry technology, particularly by means of High Through-Put methods that allow the analyses of the antibody immune- reactivity simultaneously on different tissue samples immobilized on a microscope slide. Briefly, each Tissue Micro Array (TMA) slide includes tissue samples suspected of malignancy taken from different patients, and an equal number of normal tissue samples from the same patients as controls. The direct comparison of samples by qualitative or quantitative measurement, e.g. by enzimatic or colorimetric reactions, allows the identification of tumors.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of screening a sample of colon or colo-rectal tissue for malignancy, which comprises determining the presence in said sample of a tumor marker selected from ANGPTL7, C9orf46, SLC39A10, TPCN2, DPY19L3, FLJ42986, C 18orfl9, OLFML1 , COL20A1 , DENND1B, LYPD4, C6orf98, FAM69B, MEGF8, KLRG2, ERMP1 and C14orfl35 proteins, variants or isoforms or combinations thereof as described above.

A further aspect of the invention is a method in vitro for determining the presence of a tumor in a subject, which comprises the steps of:

(1) providing a sample of the tissue suspected of containing tumor cells;

(2) determining the presence of a tumor marker as above defined, or a combination thereof in said tissue sample by detecting the expression of the marker protein or the presence of the respective mRNA transcript;

wherein the detection of one or more tumor markers in the tissue sample is indicative of the presence of tumor in said subject.

The methods and techniques for carrying out the assay are known to one skilled in the art and are preferably based on immunoreactions for detecting proteins and on PCR methods for the detection of mRNAs. The same methods for detecting proteins or mRNAs from a tissue sample as disclosed above can be applied.

A further aspect of this invention is the use of the tumor markers herein provided as targets for the identification of candidate antitumor agents. Accordingly, the invention provides a method for screening a test compound which comprises contacting the cells expressing a tumor-associated protein selected from: Angiopoietin-like 7 (ANGPTL7); Chromosome 9 open reading frame 46 (C9orf46); Solute carrier family 39 (zinc transporter), member 10 (SLC39A10); Two pore segment channel 2 (TPCN2); DPY- 19-like 3 (DPY19L3); Uncharacterized protein FLJ42986 (FLJ42986); Chromosome 18 open reading frame 19 (C18orfl 9); Olfactomedin-like 1 (OLFML1); Collagen, type XX, alpha 1 (COL20A1); DENN/MADD domain containing IB (DENND1B); LY6/PLAUR domain containing 4 (LYPD4); Putative uncharacterized protein (FLJ37107); Chromosome 6 open reading frame 98 (C6orf98); Family with sequence similarity 69, member B (Fam69B); Multiple EGF-like-domains 8 (MEGF8); Killer cell lectin-like receptor subfamily G member 2 (C-type lectin domain family 15 member B) (KLRG2); Endoplasmic reticulum metallopeptidase 1 (ERMPl), Chromosome 14 open reading frame 135 (C14orfl 35).

with the test compound, and determining the binding of said compound to said cells. In addition, the ability of the test compound to modulate the activity of each target molecule can be assayed.

A further aspect of the invention is an antibody or a fragment thereof, which is able to specifically recognize and bind to one of the tumor-associated proteins described above. The term "antibody" as used herein refers to all types of immunoglobulins, including IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD and IgE. Such antibodies may include polyclonal, monoclonal, chimeric, single chain, antibodies or fragments such as Fab or scFv. The antibodies may be of various origin, including human, mouse, rat, rabbit and horse, or chimeric antibodies. The production of antibodies is well known to one skilled in the art. For the production of antibodies in experimental animals, various hosts including goats, rabbits, rats, mice, and others, may be immunized by injection with polypeptides of the present invention or any fragment or oligopeptide or derivative thereof which has immunogenic properties or forms a suitable epitope. Monoclonal antibodies may be produced following the procedures described in Kohler and Milstein, Nature 265:495 (1975) or other techniques known in the art.

The antibodies to the tumor markers of the invention can be used to detect the presence of the marker in histologic preparations or to distinguish tumor cells from normal cells. To that purpose, the antibodies may be labeled with radiocative, fluorescent or enzyme labels.

In addition, the antibodies can be used for treating proliferative diseases by modulating, e.g. inhibiting or abolishing the activity of a target protein according to the invention. Therefore, in a further aspect the invention provides the use of antibodies to a tumor-associated protein selected from: Angiopoietin-like 7 (ANGPTL7); Chromosome 9 open reading frame 46 (C9orf46); Solute carrier family 39 (zinc transporter), member 10 (SLC39A10); Two pore segment channel 2 (TPCN2); DPY- 19-like 3 (DPY19L3); Uncharacterized protein FLJ42986 (FLJ42986); Chromosome 18 open reading frame 19 (C 18orfl9); Olfactomedin-like 1 (OLFML1); Collagen, type XX, alpha 1 (COL20A1); DENN/MADD domain containing IB (DENND1B); LY6/PLAUR domain containing 4 (LYPD4); Putative uncharacterized protein (FLJ37107); Chromosome 6 open reading frame 98 (C6orf98); Family with sequence similarity 69, member B (Fam69B); Multiple EGF-like-domains 8 (MEGF8), Killer cell lectin-like receptor subfamily G member 2 (C-type lectin domain family 15 member B) (KLRG2); Endoplasmic reticulum metallopeptidase 1 (ERMP l); Chromosome 14 open reading frame 135 (C14orfl35).

for the preparation of a therapeutic agent for the treatment of proliferative diseases. For use in therapy, the antibodies can be formulated with suitable carriers and excipients, optionally with the addition of adjuvants to enhance their effects.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a diagnostic kit containing suitable means for detection, in particular the polypeptides or polynucleotides, antibodies or fragments or derivatives thereof described above, reagents, buffers, solutions and materials needed for setting up and carrying out the immunoassays, nucleic acid hybridization or PCR assays described above. Parts of the kit of the invention can be packaged individually in vials or bottles or in combination in containers or multicontainer units.

Description of the Figures

Figure 1. Analysis of purified ANGPTL7 recombinant protein expressed in E. coli

Left panel: Comassie staining of purified His-tag ANGPTL7 fusion protein separated by SDS-PAGE; Right panel: WB on the recombinant ANGPTL7 protein stained with anti- ANGPTL7 antibody. Arrow marks the protein band of the expected size.

Molecular weight markers are reported on the left.

Figure 2. Staining of colon tumor TMA with anti-ANGPTL7 antibodies

Staining of colon tumor TMA with anti-ANGPTL7 antibodies. Examples of TMA of tumor (lower panel) and normal tissue samples (upper panel) stained with anti-ANGPTL7 antibodies. The antibody stains specifically tumor cells (in dark gray).

Figure 3. Expression and secretion of ANGPTL7 in transiently transfected HeLa cells

Detection of ANGPTL7 in total protein extracts and cell culture supernatant from HeLa cells transfected with the empty pcDNA3 vector (lane 1 , total extract; lane 3, supernatant) or the plasmid construct encoding the ANGPTL7 gene (lanes 2, total extract; lane 4, supernatant), stained with anti- ANGPTL7 antibody. Arrow marks the protein band of the expected size. Molecular weight markers are reported on the left.

Figure 4. Analysis of purified C9orf46 recombinant protein expressed in E. coli

Left panel: Comassie staining of purified His-tag C9orf46 fusion protein separated by SDS-PAGE; Right panel: WB on the recombinant C9orf46 protein stained with anti- C9orf46 antibody. Arrow marks the protein band of the expected size. Molecular weight markers are reported on the left.

Figure 5. Staining of colon tumor TMA with anti-C9orf46 antibodies

Examples of TMA of tumor (lower panel) and normal tissue samples

(upper panel) stained with anti-C9orf46 antibodies. The antibody stains specifically tumor cells (in dark gray).

Figure 6. Expression analysis of C9orf46 in colon tumor cell lines and colon tissue homogenates

Western blot analysis of C9orf46 expression in total protein extracts from: A) COLO-205 colon tumor cells (corresponding to 2xl0⁵ cells) (lanel);

B) HeLa cells (corresponding to 2xl0⁵ cells) transfected with the empty pcDNA3 vector (lane 1) or with the plasmid construct encoding the C9orf46 gene (lane 2); C) Normal (lane l=Pt#l ; lane 2=Pt#2) or cancerous colon tissues from patients (lane 3=Pt#l ; lane 4=Pt#2); stained with anti-C9orf46 antibody. Arrow marks the expected C9orf46 band. Molecular weight markers are reported on the left.

Figure 7. Analysis of purified SLC39A10 recombinant protein expressed in E. coli

Left panel: Comassie staining of purified His-tag SLC39A10 fusion protein separated by SDS-PAGE; Right panel: WB on the purified recombinant protein stained with anti-SLC39A10 antibody. Arrow marks the protein band of the expected size. The low molecular weight bands correspond to partially degraded forms of SLC39A10 protein. Molecular weight markers are reported on the left.

Figure 8. Staining of colon tumor TMA with anti-SLC39A10 antibodies

Examples of TMA of tumor (lower panel) and normal tissue samples (upper panel) stained with anti-SLC39A10 antibodies. The antibody stains specifically tumor cells (in dark gray).

Figure 9. Expression and cell localization of SLC39A10 in transfected cells. Confocal microscopy analysis of HeLa cells transfected with the empty pcDNA3 vector (upper panels) or with the plasmid construct encoding the SLC39A10 gene (lower panels) stained with secondary antibodies (left panels) and with anti-SLC39A10 antibodies (right panels). Arrowheads mark surface-specific localization.

Figure 10. Expression and localization of SLC39A10 in cell lines derived from colon tumors

Flow cytometry analysis of SLC39A10 cell surface localization in COLO-205 (left graph) and HCC-2998 (right graph) cells stained with a negative control antibody (filled curve) or with anti-SLC39A10 antibody (empty curve). X axis, Fluorescence scale; Y axis, Cells (expressed as % relatively to major peaks).

Figure 11. Analysis of purified TPCN2 recombinant protein expressed in E. coli

Left panel: Comassie staining of purified His-tag TPCN2 fusion protein separated by SDS-PAGE; Right panel: WB on the purified recombinant TPCN2 protein stained with anti-TPCN2 antibodies. Arrow marks the protein band of the expected size. Molecular weight markers are reported on the left.

Figure 12. Staining of colon tumor TMA with anti-TPCN2 antibodies

Examples of TMA of tumor (lower panel) and normal tissue samples (upper panel) stained with anti-TPCN2 antibodies. The antibody stains specifically tumor cells (in dark gray).

Figure 13. Analysis of purified DPY19L3 recombinant protein expressed in E. coli

Left panel: Comassie staining of purified His-tag DPY19L3 fusion protein separated by SDS-PAGE; Right panel: WB on the recombinant DPY19L3 protein stained with anti-DPY19L3 antibodies. Arrow marks the protein band of the expected size. Molecular weight markers are reported on the left.

Figure 14. Staining of colon tumor TMA with anti-DPY19L3 antibodies

Examples of TMA of tumor (lower panel) and normal tissue samples (upper panel) stained with DPY19L3 antibodies. The antibodies stain specifically tumor cells (in dark gray).

Figure 15. Expression and localization of DPY19L3 in colon tumor cell lines

Flow cytometry analysis of DPY19L3 cell surface localization in OVCAR-5 (left graph) and OVCAR-8 (right graph) cells stained with a control antibody (filled curve) or with anti-DPY19L3 antibody (empty curve). X axis, Fluorescence scale; Y axis, Cells (expressed as % relatively to major peaks).

Figure 16. Analysis of purified FLJ42986 recombinant protein expressed in E. coli

Left panel: Comassie staining of purified His-tag FLJ42986 fusion protein espressed in E. coli separated by SDS-PAGE; Right panel: WB on the purified recombinant FLJ42986 protein stained with anti-FLJ42986 antibodies. Arrow marks the protein band of the expected size. Molecular weight markers are reported on the left.

Figure 17. Staining of colon tumor TMA with anti-FLJ42986 antibodies

Examples of TMA of tumor (lower panel) and normal tissue samples

(upper panel) stained with anti-FLJ42986 antibodies. The antibodies stain specifically tumor cells (in dark gray).

Figure 18. Analysis of purified C18orfl9 recombinant protein expressed in E.coli

Left panel: Comassie staining of purified His-tag C18orfl 9 fusion protein separated by SDS-PAGE; Right panel: WB on the purified C 18orfl9 protein stained with anti-C18orfl9 antibodies. Arrow marks the protein band of the expected size. Molecular weight markers are reported on the left.

Figure 19. Staining of colon tumor TMA with anti-C18orfl9 antibodies

Examples of TMA of tumor (lower panel) and normal tissue samples (upper panel) stained with anti-C18orfl9 antibodies. The antibodies stain specifically tumor cells (in dark gray).

Figure 20. Analysis of purified OLFML1 recombinant protein expressed in E. coli

Left panel: Comassie staining of purified His-tag OLFML1 protein separated by SDS-PAGE; Right panel: WB on the purified protein stained with anti-OLFMLl antibodies. Arrow marks the protein band of the expected size. The low molecular weight bands correspond to partially degraded forms of the OLFML1 protein. Molecular weight markers are reported on the left.

Figure 21. Staining of colon tumor TMA with anti-OLFMLl antibodies

Examples of TMA of tumor (lower panel) and normal tissue samples

(upper panel) stained with anti-OLFMLl antibodies. The antibodies stain specifically tumor cells (in dark gray).

Figure 22. Analysis of purified COL20A1 recombinant protein expressed in E. coli

Left panel: Comassie staining of purified His-tag COL20A1 fusion protein separated by SDS-PAGE; Right panel: WB on the purified recombinant protein stained with anti- COL20A1 antibodies. Arrow marks the protein band of the expected size. The high molecular weight band is consistent with a dimeric form of the protein. Molecular weight markers are reported on the left.

Figure 23. Staining of colon tumor TMA with anti-COL20Al antibodies

Examples of TMA of tumor (lower panel) and normal tissue samples

(upper panel) stained with anti-COL20Al antibodies. The antibodies stain specifically tumor cells (in dark gray).

Figure 24. Analysis of purified DENND1B recombinant protein expressed in E.coli

Left panel: Comassie staining of purified His-tag DENND1B fusion protein espressed in E. coli separated by SDS-PAGE; Right panel: WB on the purified recombinant DENND1B protein stained with anti-DENND lB antibodies. Arrow marks the protein band of the expected size. The low molecular weight band corresponds to a partially degraded form of DENND1B protein. Molecular weight markers are reported on the left.

Figure 25. Staining of colon tumor TMA with anti-DENNIB antibodies

Examples of TMA of tumor (lower panel) and normal tissue samples (upper panel) stained with anti-DENNDlB antibodies. The antibodies stain specifically tumor cells and their secretion products (in dark gray).

Figure 26. Analysis of purified LYPD4 recombinant protein expressed in E. coli

Left panel: Comassie staining of purified His-tag LYPD4 fusion protein separated by SDS-PAGE; Right panel: WB on the purified recombinant LYPD4 protein stained with anti-LYPD4 antibodies. Arrow marks the protein band of the expected size. Molecular weight markers are reported on the left.

Figure 27. Staining of colon tumor TMA with anti-LYPD4 antibodies

Examples of TMA of tumor (lower panel) and normal tissue samples (upper panel) stained with anti-LYPD4 antibodies. The antibodies stain specifically tumor cells and their secretion products (in dark gray).

Figure 28. Analysis of purified FLRJ37107 recombinant protein expressed in E. coli

Left panel: Comassie staining of purified His-tag FLRJ37107 fusion protein separated by SDS-PAGE; Right panel: WB on the purified recombinant protein stained with anti-FLRJ37107 antibodies. Arrow marks the protein band of the expected size. Molecular weight markers are reported on the left.

Figure 29. Staining of colon tumor TMA with anti-FLRJ37107 antibodies

Examples of TMA of tumor (lower panel) and normal tissue samples (upper panel) stained with anti- FLRJ37107 antibodies. The antibodies stain specifically tumor cells (in dark gray).

Figure 30. Analysis of purified C6orf98 recombinant protein expressed in E. coli

Left panel: Comassie staining of purified His-tag C6orf98 fusion protein separated by SDS-PAGE; Right panel: WB on the purified recombinant protein stained with anti-C6orf98 antibodies. Arrow marks the protein band of the expected size. Molecular weight markers are reported on the left.

Figure 31. Staining of colon tumor TMA with anti-C60rf98 antibodies

Examples of TMA of tumor (lower panel) and normal tissue samples (upper panel) stained with anti-C6orf98 antibodies. The antibodies stain specifically tumor cells (in dark gray).

Figure 32. Analysis of purified Fam69B recombinant protein expressed in E. coli

Left panel: Comassie staining of purified His-tag Fam69B fusion protein separated by SDS-PAGE; Right panel: WB on the purified recombinant protein stained with anti-Fam69B antibodies. Arrow marks the protein band of the expected size. The low molecular weight bands correspond to partially degraded forms of Fam69B protein. Molecular weight markers are reported on the left.

Figure 33. Staining of colon tumor TMA with anti-FAM69B antibodies

Examples of TMA of tumor (lower panel) and normal tissue samples (upper panel) stained with anti-Fam69B antibodies. The antibodies stain specifically tumor cells (in dark gray).

Figure 34. Analysis of purified MEGF8 recombinant protein expressed in E. coli

Left panel: Comassie staining of purified His-tag MEGF8 fusion protein espressed in E. coli separated by SDS-PAGE; Right panel: WB on the recombinant protein stained with anti- MEGF8 antibodies. Arrow marks the protein band of the expected size. The low molecular weight bands correspond to partially degraded forms of MEGF8 protein. Molecular weight markers are reported on the left.

Figure 35. Staining of colon tumor TMA with anti- MEGF8 antibodies

Examples of TMA of tumor (lower panel) and normal tissue samples (upper panel) stained with anti- MEGF8 antibodies. The antibodies stain specifically tumor cells (in dark gray).

Figure 36. Analysis of purified KLRG2 recombinant protein expressed in E.coli

Left panel: Comassie staining of purified His-tag KLRG2 fusion protein separated by SDS-PAGE; Right panel: WB on the recombinant protein stained with anti- KLRG2 antibody. Arrow marks the protein band of the expected size. Molecular weight markers are reported on the left.

Figure 37. Staining of colon tumor TMA with anti-KLRG2 antibodies. Examples of TMA of tumor (lower panel) and normal tissue samples (upper panel) stained with anti-KL G2 antibodies. The antibody-stains specifically tumor cells. Immunoreactivity accumulates at the plasma membrane (in dark gray).

Figure 38. Expression and localization of KLRG2 in tumor cell lines Panel A: Western blot analysis of KLRG2 expression in total protein extracts separated by SDS-PAGE from HeLa cells (corresponding to 2xl0⁵ cells) transfected with the empty pcDNA3 vector (lane 1), with the plasmid construct encoding the isoform 2 of the KLRG2 gene (lane 2); or with the plasmid construct encoding the isoforml of the KLRG2 gene (lane 3);

Panel B: Western blot analysis of KLRG2 expression in total protein extracts separated by SDS-PAGE from HCT-15 (lane 1) and COLO-205 (lane 2) tumor cells (corresponding to 2xl0⁵ cells). Arrows mark the expected KLRG2 bands. Molecular weight markers are reported on the left.

Panel C: Flow cytometry analysis of KLRG2 cell surface localization in OVCAR-8 cells stained with a control antibody (filled curve or with anti-KLRG2 antibody (empty curve). X axis, Fluorescence scale; Y axis, Cells (expressed as % relatively to major peaks).

Figure 39. KLRG2 confers malignant cell phenotype The proliferation and the migration/invasiveness properties of MCF7 cell line were assessed after transfection with KLRG2-siRNA and a scramble siRNA control using the MTT and the Boyden in vitro invasion assay, respectively.

Panel A. Cell migration/invasiveness measured by the Boyden migration assay. The graph represents the reduced migration/invasiveness of MCF7 treated with the KLRG2-specific siRNA. Small boxes under the columns show the visual counting of the migrated cells.

Panel B. Cell proliferation determined by the MTT incorporation assay. The graph represents the reduced proliferation of the MCF7 tumor cells upon treatment with KLRG2-siRNA, as determined by spectrophotometric reading. Figure 40. Analysis of purified ERMPl recombinant protein expressed in E.coli

Left panel: Comassie staining of purified His-tag ERMP l fusion protein separated by SDS-PAGE; Right panel: WB on the recombinant protein stained with anti-ERMPl antibody. Arrow marks the protein band of the expected size. Molecular weight markers are reported on the left.

Figure 41. Staining of colon tumor TMA with anti-ERMPl antibodies. Examples of TMA of tumor (lower panel) and normal tissue samples (upper panel) stained with anti-ERMPl antibodies. The antibody stains specifically tumor cells and accumulates at the plasma membrane (in dark gray).

Figure 42. Expression and localization of ERMPl in tumor cell lines

Panel A: Western blot analysis of ERMP l expression in total protein extracts separated by SDS-PAGE from HEK-293T cells (corresponding to 2xl0⁵ cells) transfected with the empty pcDNA3 vector (lane 1) or with the plasmid construct encoding the ERMPl gene (lane 2);

Panel B: Western blot analysis of ERMPl expression in total protein extracts separated by SDS-PAGE from COLO-205 (lane 1) tumor cells (corresponding to 2xl0⁵ cells). Arrow marks the ERMPl band. Molecular weight markers are reported on the left.

Panel C: Flow cytometry analysis of ERMPl cell surface localization in HCC-2998 tumor cells stained with a control antibody (filled curve or with anti-ERMPl antibody (empty curve). X axis, Fluorescence scale; Y axis, Cells (expressed as % relatively to major peaks).

Figure 43. ERMPl confers malignant cell phenotypes

The proliferation and the invasive properties of the MCF7 cell line were assessed after transfection with ERMP l -siRNA and a scramble siRNA control using the MTT and the Boyden in vitro invasion assay, respectively. Panel A. Cell migration/invasiveness measured by the Boyden migration assay. The graph represents the reduced migration/invasiveness of MCF7 treated with the E MP1 -specific siRNA. Small boxes above the columns show the visual counting of the migrated cells.

Panel B. Cell proliferation determined by the MTT incorporation assay.

The graph represents the reduced proliferation of the MCF7 tumor cells upon treatment with ERMPl -siRNA, as determined by spectrophotometric reading.

Figure 44. Analysis of purified C14orfl35 recombinant protein expressed in E coli

Left panel: Comassie staining of purified His-tag C14orfl 35 recombinant protein separated by SDS-PAGE; Right panel: WB on the purified recombinant C14orfl 35 protein stained with anti-C14orfl 35 antibody Arrow marks the protein band of the expected size. Molecular weight markers are reported on the left.

Figure 45. Staining of colon tumor TMA with anti-C14orfl35 antibodies. Examples of TMA of colon tumor (lower panel) and normal tissue samples (upper panel) stained with anti-C14orfl35 antibodies. The antibody-stains specifically tumor cells (in dark gray).

The following examples further illustrate the invention.

EXAMPLES

Example 1. Generation of recombinant human protein antigens and antibodies to identify tumor markers

Methods

The entire coding region or suitable fragments of the genes encoding the target proteins, were designed for cloning and expression using bioinformatic tools with the human genome sequence as template (Lindskog M et al (2005). Where present, the leader sequence for secretion was replaced with the ATG codon to drive the expression of the recombinant proteins in the cytoplasm of E. coli. For cloning, genes were PC -amplified from templates derived from Mammalian Gene Collection (http://mgc.nci.nih.gov/) clones or from cDNAs mixtures generated from pools of total RNA derived from Human testis, Human placenta, Human bone marrow, Human fetal brain, using specific primers. Clonings were designed so as to fuse a 10 histidine tag sequence at the 5' end, annealed to in house developed vectors, derivatives of vector pSP73 (Promega) adapted for the T4 ligation independent cloning method (Nucleic Acids Res. 1990 October 25; 18(20): 6069-6074) and used to transform E.coli NovaBlue cells recipient strain. E. coli tranformants were plated onto selective LB plates containing 100 με E.coli clones were identified by restriction enzyme analysis of purified plasmid followed by DNA sequence analysis. For expression, plasmids were used to transform BL21-(DE3) E.coli cells and BL21 -(DE3) E. coli cells harbouring the plasmid were inoculated in ZYP-5052 growth medium (Studier, 2005) and grown at 37°C for 24 hours. Afterwards, bacteria were collected by centrifugation, lysed into B-Per Reagent containing 1 mM MgC12, 100 units DNAse I (Sigma), and 1 mg/ml lysozime (Sigma). After 30 min at room temperature under gentle shaking, the lysate was clarified by centrifugation at 30.000 g for 40 min at 4°C. All proteins were purified from the inclusion bodies by resuspending the pellet coming from lysate centrifugation in 40 mM TRIS-HCl, 1 mM TCEP {Tris(2- carboxyethyl)-phosphine hydrochloride, Pierce} and 6M guanidine hydrochloride, pH 8 and performing an IMAC in denaturing conditions. Briefly, the resuspended material was clarified by centrifugation at 30.000 g for 30 min and the supernatant was loaded on 0.5 ml columns of Ni-activated Chelating Sepharose Fast Flow (Pharmacia). The column was washed with 50 mM TRIS-HCl buffer, 1 mM TCEP, 6M urea, 60 mM imidazole, 0.5M NaCl, pH 8. Recombinant proteins were eluted with the same buffer containing 500 mM imidazole. Proteins were analysed by SDS-Page and their concentration was determined by Bradford assay using the BIORAD reagent (BIORAD) with a bovine serum albumin standard according to the manufacturer's recommendations. The identity of recombinant affinity purified proteins was further confirmed by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), using standard procedures.

To generate antisera, the purified proteins were used to immunize CD 1 mice (6 week-old females, Charles River laboratories, 5 mice per group) intraperitoneally, with 3 protein doses of 20 micrograms each, at 2 week-interval. Freund's complete adjuvant was used for the first immunization, while Freund's incomplete adjuvant was used for the two booster doses. Two weeks after the last immunization animals were bled and sera collected from each animal was pooled.

Results

Gene fragments of the expected size were obtained by PCR from specific clones of the Mammalian Gene Collection or, alternatively, from cDNA generated from pools of total RNA derived from Human testis, Human placenta, Human bone marrow, Human fetal brain, using primers specific for each gene.

For the ANGPTL7 gene, a fragment corresponding to a fragment corresponding to nucleotides 318 to 1277 of the transcript SEQ ID ENST00000376819 and encoding a protein of 320 residues, corresponding to the amino acid region from 26 to 346 of ENSP00000366015 sequence was obtained.

For the C9orf46 gene, a fragment corresponding to nucleotides 439 to 663 of the transcript ENST00000107020 and encoding a protein of 75 residues, corresponding to the amino acid region from 73 to 147 of ENSP00000223864 sequence was obtained.

For the SLC39A10 gene, a DNA fragment corresponding to nucleotides 154- 1287 of the transcript ENST00000359634 and encoding a protein of 378 residues, corresponding to the amino acid region from 26 to 403 of ENSP00000352656 sequence was obtained.

For the TPCN2 gene, a fragment corresponding to nucleotides 1050 to 1421 of the transcript ENST00000294309 and encoding a protein of 124 residues, corresponding to the amino acid region from 312 to 435 of ENSP00000294309 sequence was obtained.

For the DPY19L3 gene, a fragment corresponding to nucleotides 158 to 463 of the transcript ENST00000392250 and encoding a protein of 102 residues, corresponding to the amino acid region from 1 to 102 of ENSP00000376081 sequence was obtained.

For the FLJ42986 gene, a fragment corresponding to nucleotides 1287 to 1717 of the transcript ENST00000376826 and encoding protein of 144 residues, corresponding to the amino acid region from 30 to 173 of ENSP00000366022 sequence was obtained.

For the C 18orfl 9 gene, a fragment corresponding to nucleotides 389 to 784 of the transcript ENST00000322247 and encoding a protein of 132 residues, corresponding to the amino acid region from 1 to 132 of ENSP00000323635 sequence was obtained.

For the OLFML1 gene, a fragment corresponding to nucleotides 473 to 1600 of the transcript ENST00000329293 and encoding a protein of 376 residues, corresponding to the amino acid region from 27 to 402 of ENSP0000033251 1 sequence was obtained.

For the COL20A1 gene, a fragment corresponding to nucleotides 577 to 1095 of the transcript ENST00000354338 and encoding a protein of 173 residues, corresponding to the amino acid region from 193 to 365 of ENSP00000346302 sequence was obtained.

For the DENND 1B gene, a fragment corresponding to nucleotides 563 to 1468 of the transcript ENST00000235453 and encoding a protein of 302 residues, corresponding to the amino acid region from 95 to 396 of ENSP00000235453 sequence was obtained.

For the LYPD4 gene, a fragment corresponding to nucleotides 1290 to 1950 of the transcript ENST00000330743 and encoding a protein of 220 residues, corresponding to the amino acid region from 27 to 246 of ENSP00000328737 sequence was obtained.

For the FLJ37107 gene, a fragment corresponding to nucleotides 661-972of the transcript gi|58218993|ref|NM_001010882.1 and encoding a protein of 104 residues, corresponding to the amino acid region from 1 to 104of gi|58218994|ref|NP_001010882.1 sequence was obtained.

For the C6orf98 gene, a fragment corresponding to nucleotides 67 to

396 of the transcript ENST00000409023 and encoding a protein of 1 10 residues, corresponding to the amino acid region from 22 to 132 of ENSP00000386324 sequence was obtained.

For the Fam69B gene, a fragment corresponding to nucleotides 233 to 688 of the transcript ENST00000371692 and encoding a protein of 152 residues, corresponding to the amino acid region from 49 to 200 of ENSP00000360757 sequence was obtained.

For the MEGF8 gene, a fragment corresponding to nucleotides 2213 to 3857 of the transcript ENST00000251268 and encoding a protein of 615 residues, corresponding to the amino acid region from 1 to 615 of ENSP00000251268 sequence was obtained.

For the KL G2 gene, a fragment corresponding to nucleotides 70 to 849 of the transcript ENST00000340940 and encoding a protein of 260 residues, corresponding to the amino acid region from 1 to 260 of ENSP00000339356 sequence was obtained.

For the ERMP 1 gene, a fragment corresponding to nucleotides 55 to 666 of the transcript ENST00000339450 and encoding a protein of 204 residues, corresponding to the amino acid region from 1 to 204 of ENSP00000340427 sequence was obtained.

For the C14orfl35 gene, a fragment corresponding to nucleotides 2944 to 3336 of the transcript ENST00000317623 and encoding a protein of 131 residues, corresponding to the amino acid region 413 to 543 of ENSP00000317396 sequence was obtained.

A clone encoding the correct amino acid sequence was identified for each gene/gene fragment and, upon expression in E. coli, a protein of the correct size was produced and subsequently purified using affinity chromatography (Figures 1 ; 4; 7; 1 1 ; 13; 16; 18; 20; 22; 24; 26; 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 40, 44 left panels). Antibodies generated by immunization specifically recognized their target proteins in Western blot (WB) (Figures 1 ; 4; 7; 1 1 ; 13; 16; 18; 20; 22; 24; 26; 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 40, 44 right panels).

Example 2. Tissue profiling by immune-histochemistry

Methods

The analysis of the antibodies' capability to recognize their target proteins in tumor samples was carried out by Tissue Micro Array (TMA), a miniaturized immuno-histochemistry technology suitable for HTP analysis that allows to analyse the antibody immuno-reactivity simultaneously on different tissue samples immobilized on a microscope slide.

A tissue microarray was prepared containing formalin- fixed paraffin-embedded cores of human tissues from patients affected by colo-rectal cancer and corresponding normal tissues as controls and analyzed using the specific antibody sample. In total, the TMA design consisted in 10 colon tumor samples and 10 normal tissues from 5 well pedigreed patients (equal to two tumor samples and 2 normal tissues from each patient) to identify promising target molecules differentially expressed in cancer and normal cells. The direct comparison between tumor and normal tissues of each patient allowed the identification of antibodies that stain specifically tumor cells and provided indication of target expression in colo-rectal tumor.

In addition, to further confirm the data, a second TMA was used containing 100 formalin- fixed paraffin-embedded cores of colon tumor tissues from 50 patients (equal to two tissue samples from each patient).

All formalin fixed, paraffin embedded tissues used as donor blocks for

TMA production were selected from the archives at the IEO (Istituto Europeo Oncologico, Milan). Corresponding whole tissue sections were examined to confirm diagnosis and tumour classification, and to select representative areas in donor blocks. Normal tissues were defined as microscopically normal (non- neoplastic) and were generally selected from specimens collected from the vicinity of surgically removed tumors. The TMA production was performed essentially as previously described (Kononen J et al (1998) Nature Med. 4:844-847; Kallioniemi OP et a/ (2001) Hum. MoT Genet. 10:657-662). Briefly, a hole was made in the recipient TMA block. A cylindrical core tissue sample (1 mm in diameter) from the donor block was acquired and deposited in the recipient TMA block. This was repeated in an automated tissue arrayer "Galileo TMA CK 3500"( Bio ep, Milan) until a complete TMA design was produced. TMA recipient blocks were baked at 42 <0>C for 2 h prior to sectioning. The TMA blocks were sectioned with 2-3 μηι thickness using a waterfall microtome (Leica), and placed onto poli-L-lysinated glass slides for immuno-histochemical analysis. Automated immunohistochemistry was performed as previously described (Kampf C. et al (2004) Clin. Proteomics 1 :285-300). In brief, the glass slides were incubated for 30' min in 60°C, de-paraffinized in xylene (2 x 15 min) using the Bio-Clear solution (Midway. Scientific, Melbourne, Australia), and re-hydrated in graded alcohols. For antigen retrieval, slides were immersed 0.01 M Na-citrate buffer, pH 6.0 at 99°C for 30 min Slides were placed in the Autostainer (R) (DakoCytomation) and endogenous peroxidase was initially blocked with 3% H2O2, for 5 min. Slides were then blocked in Dako Cytomation Wash Buffer containing 5% Bovine serum albumin (BSA) and subsequently incubated with mouse antibodies for 30' (dilution 1 :200 in Dako Real ™ dilution buffer). After washing with DakoCytomation wash buffer, slides were incubated with the goat anti-mouse peroxidase conjugated Envision(R) for 30 min each at room temperature (DakoCytomation). Finally, diaminobenzidine (DakoCytomation) was used as chromogen and Harris hematoxylin (Sigma- Aldrich) was used for counterstaining. The slides were mounted with Pertex(R) (Histolab).

The staining results have been evaluated by a trained pathologist at the light microscope, and scored according to both the percentage of immunostained cells and the intensity of staining. The individual values and the combined score (from 0 to 300) were recorded in a custom-tailored database. Digital images of the immunocytochemical findings have been taken at a Leica DM LB light microscope, equipped with a Leica DFC289 color camera.

Results

TMA analysis showed that the antibodies specific for the recombinant proteins (see Example 1) are strongly immune-reactive on colon cancer tissues from patients with varying frequencies, indicating the presence of the target proteins in colon tumors tissues, while no or poor reactivity was detected in normal tissues. Based on this finding, the detection of target proteins in tissue samples can be associated with the colon-rectum tumor/s.

The capability of target-specific antibodies to stain tumor tissues is summarized in Table I (the table reports the percentage of positive tumor tissue samples after staining with the target-specific antibodies).

Representative examples of microscopic enlargements of tissue samples stained by each antibody are reported in Figures 2; 5; 8; 12; 14; 17; 19; 21 ; 23; 25; 27; 29, 31 , 33; 35; 37; 41 ;45. Table I.

Percentage of colon

tumor samples

Gene showing positive

IHC staining

1 ANGPTL7 70*

2 C90RF46 30

3 SLC39A10 15

4 TPCN2 100

5 DPY19L3 68

6 FLJ42986 80

7 C18orfl9 60

8 OLFML1 20

9 COL20A1 100

10 DENND1B 20*

11 LYPD4 100*

12 FLJ37107 100

13 C6orf98 100

14 Fam69B 67

15 MEGF8 80

16 KLRG2 10**

17 ERMP1 34**

18 C14orfl35 16

(*) The antibody stains both colon tumor cells and secretion products, indicating that the corresponding proteins are specifically released by tumor cells.

(**) The antibody stains the plasma membrane of tumor cells

Example 3. Expression and cell localization of target protein in transfected mammalian cells

Methods

The expression of target proteins was assessed by Western blot analysis on total protein extracts from eukaryotic cells transiently transfected with plasmid constructs containing the complete coding sequences of the genes encoding the target proteins. Where indicated, expression and localization of target proteins were investigated by confocal microscopy analysis of transfected cells.

Examples of this type of experiments are given for ANGPTL7 (corresponding to Transcript ID ENST00000376819), C9orf46 (corresponding to Transcript ID ENST00000223864), SLC39A10 (corresponding to Transcript ID ENST00000359634) KL G2 (two cloned sequences corresponding to Transcripts ENST00000340940 and ENST00000393039, corresponding to two transcript variants) and ERMP1 (cloned sequence corresponding to Transcripts ENST00000339450).

To this aim, cDNA were generated from pools of total RNA derived from Human testis, Human placenta, Human bone marrow, Human fetal brain, in reverse transcription reactions and the entire coding regions were PCR- amplified with specific primers pairs. PCR products were cloned into plasmid pcDNA3 (Invitrogen). HeLa and HEK293T cell lines were grown in DMEM-10% FCS supplemented with 1 mM Glutamine were transiently transfected with preparation of the resulting plasmid and with the empty vector as negative control using the Lipofectamine-2000 transfection reagent (Invitrogen). After 48 hours, cells were collected, lysed with PBS buffer containing 1% Triton X100 and expression of target proteins was assessed by Western blot analysis on total cell extracts (corresponding to lxlO⁶ cells) using marker-specific antibodies. In the case of ANGPTL7, cell culture supernatants were also collected and used for the analysis.

Western blot was performed by separation of the protein extracts on pre-cast SDS-PAGE gradient gels (NuPage 4-12% Bis-Tris gel, Invitrogen) under reducing conditions, followed by electro-transfer to nitrocellulose membranes (Invitrogen) according to the manufacturer's recommendations. The membranes were blocked in blocking buffer composed of lx PBS-0.1% Tween 20 (PBST) added with 10% dry milk, for 1 h at room temperature, incubated with the antibody diluted 1 :2500 in blocking buffer containing 1 % dry milk and washed in PBST-1%. The secondary H P-conjugated antibody (goat anti-mouse immunoglobulin/HRP, Perkin Elmer) was diluted 1 :5000 in blocking buffer and chemiluminescence detection was carried out using a Chemidoc-IT UVP CCD camera (UVP) and the Western lightning^Tm cheminulescence Reagent Plus (Perkin Elmer), according to the manufacturer's protocol.

Surface localization of target proteins was assessed in transfected cells by cell surface staining and confocal microscopy.

Cells were plated on glass cover slips and after 48 h were washed with PBS and fixed with 3% /?-formaldheyde solution in PBS for 20 min at RT. Cells were incubated overnight at 4°C with marker-specific polyclonal antibodies (1 :200). Cells were then stained with Alexafluor 488-labeled goat anti-mouse antibodies (Molecular Probes). DAPI (Molecular Probes) was used to visualize nuclei; Live/Dead® red fixable (Molecular Probes) was used to visualize membrane. The cells were mounted with glycerol plastine and observed under a laser-scanning confocal microscope (LeicaSP5).

Results

The complete coding sequences for the target proteins C9orf46,

ANGPTL7, SLC39A10, KLRG2 and ERMP 1 were cloned in a eukaryotic expression vector and the derived plasmids were used for transient transfection of HeLa or HEK293T cells. Expression of target protein ERMP1 was analysed in transfected HEK-293T cells while expression of the other proteins was analyzed in transfected HeLa cells.

Western blot analysis confirmed that the marker-specific antibodies recognized specifically their target proteins. Concerning C9orf46, a band of the expected size was visible detected by the specific antibodies in total extracts from HeLa cells transfected with plasmid encoding the proteins while the same band was very faintly detected in HeLa cells transfected with the empty pcDNA3 plasmid (Figure 6B). In the case of ANGPTL7, a weak specific protein band was visible in the cell extracts of transfected HeLa cells, while a very intense protein band was detected in the cell supernatant, indicating that the protein is almost completely secreted by transfected cells (Figure 3).

In the case of KLRG2, specific protein bands of expected size were detected in cells transfected with either of the two plasmids encoding the two annotated KLRG2 variants (Figure 38A). As for cells transfected with ERMP1 -encoding plasmid, a specific band of high molecular mass was specifically detected by the anti-ERMP l antibody in HEK-293T transfected cells, while the same band was weaker in untransfected cells and corresponds to the endogenous cell expression . Since this protein has a theoretical molecular weight of approximately lOOKDa, the observed electrophoretic pattern suggests that ERMP1 protein forms stable aggregates and/or carries post-translational modification groups that alter its migration properties on SDS-PAGE (Figure 42A). Expression of protein SLC3910 was carried by confocal microscopy of transfected cells. The anti-SLC39A10 antibody specifically detected its target protein expressed by transfected cells, while no staining was visible in cell transfected with the empty pcDNA3 vector untransfected cells. In particular, the antibody mainly stained the surface of transfected cells (Figure 9).

Example 4. Detection of target protein in colon tumor tissue homogenates

The presence of protein bands corresponding to the marker proteins was also investigated in tissue homogenates of colon tumor biopsies as compared to normal tissues from patients. Homogenates were prepared by mechanic tissue disruption in buffer containing 40 mM T IS-HCl, 1 mM TCEP {Tris(2-carboxyethyl)-phosphine hydrochloride, Pierce} and 6M guanidine hydrochloride, pH 8. Western blot was performed by separation of the total protein extracts (20 g/lane) proteins were detected by specific antibodies. A representative example of this type of experiments is given for C9orf46.

Results

Antibodies specific for C9orf46 detected a specific protein band which showed a higher expression level in colon tumor homogenates, compared to normal tissues from the same patients, confirming the abundance of the marker proteins in colon tumor. Results are reported in Figure 6C.

Example 5. Expression and localization of target proteins in tumor cell lines

Expression of target proteins was assessed by WB and/or flow cytometry analysis of tumor cell lines, including the and the cell lines OVCAR-5 and OVCAR-8 and the colon tumor cell lines HCT- 15, COLO-205, HCC-2998. Cells were cultured under ATCC recommended conditions, and sub-confluent cell mono-layers were detached with PBS-0.5 mM EDTA for subsequent analysis. For Western blot, cells were lysed by several freeze-thaw passages in PBS-1% Triton. Total protein extracts were loaded on SDS-PAGE (2xl0⁵ cells/lane), and subjected to WB with specific antibodies as described above.

For flow cytometry analysis cells (2xl 0⁴ per well) were pelletted in 96 U-bottom microplates by centrifugation at 200 x g for 5 min at 4°C and incubated for 1 hour at 4°C with the appropriate dilutions of the marker-specific antibodies. The cells were washed twice in PBS-5% FCS and incubated for 20 min with the appropriate dilution of R-Phycoerythrin (PE)-conjugated secondary antibodies (Jackson Immuno Research, PA, USA) at 4°C. After washing, cells were analysed by a FACS Canto II flow cytometer (Becton Dickinson). Data were analyzed with FlowJo 8.3.3 program.

Results

Example of the expression analysis is represented for C9orf46, ERMP 1 , KLRG2 and SLC39A10.

Western blot analysis of C9orf46 showed that a protein band of the expected size was detected in total protein extracts of of COLO-205 cells, confirming the marker expression in cell lines derived from colon tumor (Figure 6A).

Concerning ERMP1 , both Western blot and flow cytometry analysis are represented. Western blot analysis shows a band of high molecular mass detected in the colon cell line Colo205, showing an electrophoretic pattern similar to that reported in transfected cells (see Example 3). This evidence further confirms the tendency of this proteins to form aggregates (Figure 42B). Flow cytometry analysis indicates that ERMP1 is detected on the surface of the colon HCC-1998 cell line (Figure 42C). Concerning KLRG2, two major protein bands were detected in the colon tumor cell lines HCT-15 and COLO-205, that could be ascribed to the annotated KLRG2 variants (Figure 38B). Flow cytometry analysis indicates that this protein is detected on the surface of OVCAR-8 cell line (Figure 38C). Finally, expression and localization of SLC39A10 and DPY19L3 was analysed by flow cytometry by their specific antibodies. Results show that SLC39A10 is detected on the surface of the COLO-205 and HCC-2998 cell lines (Figure 10) while DPY19L3 was detected on the surface of the OVCAR-5 and OVCAR-8 cell lines (Figure 15).

Example 6. Expression of the marker proteins confers malignant cell phenotype

To verify that the proteins included in the present invention can be exploited as targets for therapeutic applications, the effect of marker depletion was evaluated in vitro in cellular studies generally used to define the role of newly discovered proteins in tumor development. Marker-specific knock-down and control tumor cell lines were assayed for proliferation and the migration/invasiveness properties using the MTT and the Boyden in vitro invasion assays, respectively.

Method

Expression of marker genes were silenced in tumor cell lines by the si NA technology and the influence of the reduction of marker expression on cell parameters relevant for tumor development was assessed in in vitro assays. The expression of marker genes was knocked down in a panel of epithelial tumor cell lines previously shown to express the tumor markers using a panel of marker-specific siRNAs (whose target sequences are reported in Table II) using the HiPerfect transfection reagent (QIAGEN) following the manufacturer's protocol. As control, cells treated with irrelevant siRNA (scrambled siRNA) were analysed in parallel. At different time points (ranging from 24 to 72 hours) post transfection, the reduction of gene transcription was assessed by quantitative RT-PCR (Q-RT-PCR) on total RNA, by evaluating the relative marker transcript level, using the beta-actin, GAPDH or MAPK genes as internal normalization control. Afterwards, cell proliferation and migration/invasiveness assays were carried out to assess the effect of the reduced marker expression. Cell proliferation was determined using the MTT assay, a colorimetric assay based on the cellular conversion of a tetrazolium salt into a purple colored formazan product. Absorbance of the colored solution can be quantified using a spectrophotometer to provide an estimate of the number of attached living cells. Approximately 5 x 10³ cells/1 ΟΟμΙ were seeded in 96-well plates in DMEM with 10% FCS to allow cell attachment. After overnight incubation with DMEM without FCS, the cells were treated with 2,5% FBS for 72 hours. Four hours before harvest 15 μΕ of the MTT dye solution (Promega) were added to each well. After 4-hour incubation at 37°C, the formazan precipitates were solubilized by the addition of 100 of solubilization solution (Promega) for lh at 37°C,. Absorbance at 570 nm was determined on a multiwell plate reader (SpectraMax, Molecular Devices).

Cell migration/invasiveness was tested using the Boyden in vitro invasion assay, as compared to control cell lines treated with a scramble si NA. This assay is based on a chamber of two medium-filled compartments separated by a microporous membrane. Cells are placed in the upper compartment and are allowed to migrate through the pores of the membrane into the lower compartment, in which chemotactic agents are present. After an appropriate incubation time, the membrane between the two compartments is fixed and stained, and the number of cells that have migrated to the lower side of the membrane is determined. For this assay, a transwell system, equipped with 8-μηι pore polyvinylpirrolidone-free polycarbonate filters, was used. The upper sides of the porous polycarbonate filters were coated with 50 g/cm² of reconstituted Matrigel basement membrane and placed into six-well culture dishes containing complete growth medium. Cells (lxlO⁴ cells/well) were loaded into the upper compartment in serum-free growth medium. After 16 h of incubation at 37°C, non invading cells were removed mechanically using cotton swabs, and the microporous membrane was stained with Diff-Quick solution. Chemotaxis was evaluated by counting the cells migrated to the lower surface of the polycarbonate filters (six randomly chosen fields, mean ± SD).

Results

Examples of this analysis are reported for ERMP1 and KLRG2 in the tumor cell line MCF7. Gene silencing experiments with marker-specific siRNA reduced marker transcription (approximately 30-40 fold reduction), as determined by Q-RT PCR. Table II reports the sequences targeted by the si NA molecules. The reduction of the expression of either of the two genes significantly impairs the proliferation and the invasive phenotype of the MCF7 cell line (Figures 39 and 43). This indicates that both proteins are involved in tumor development and are therefore likely targets for the development of anti-cancer therapies.

Table II

NCBI gene siRNA Target Sequence

CGAGGACAATCTGGATATCAA

KLRG2

CTGGAGCCCTCGAGCAAGAAA

CCCGTGGTTCATCTGATATAA

AAGGACTTTGCTCGGCGTTTA

ERMP1

TACGTGGATGTTTGTAACGTA

CTCGTATTGGCTCAATCATAA

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Claims

1. A tumor marker for use in the detection of colon or rectal tumors, which is selected from the group consisting of:

iv) TPCN2, in one of its variant isoforms SEQ ID NO:9 or SEQ ID

NO: 10, or a different isoform having sequence identity of at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% to SEQ ID NO:9 or SEQ ID NO: 10; or a nucleic acid molecule containing a sequence coding for a TPCN2 protein, said encoding sequence being preferably selected from SEQ ID NO: 1 1 and SEQ ID NO: 12;

v) DPY19L3, in one of its variant isoforms SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, or a different isoform having sequence identity of at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% to any of SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15 or SEQ ID NO: 16, or a nucleic acid molecule containing a sequence coding for a DPY19L3 protein, said encoding sequence being preferably selected from SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19 and SEQ ID NO:20;

vii) C18orfl9, in one of its variant isoforms SEQ ID NO:23 or SEQ ID

NO:24, or a different isoform having sequence identity of at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% to SEQ ID NO:23 or SEQ ID NO:24, or a nucleic acid molecule containing a sequence coding for a C18orfl9 protein, said encoding sequence being preferably selected from SEQ ID NO:25 and SEQ ID NO:26;

ix) COL20A1 , in one of its variant isoforms SEQ ID NO:29, SEQ ID NO:30, SEQ ID NO:31 , or a different isoform having sequence identity of at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% to any of SEQ ID NO:29, SEQ ID NO:30 or SEQ ID NO:31 , or a nucleic acid molecule containing a sequence coding for a COL20A1 protein, said encoding sequence being preferably selected from SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO:33 and SEQ ID NO:34;

x) DENND1B; in one of its variant isoforms SEQ ID NO:35, SEQ ID NO:36, SEQ ID NO:37, SEQ ID NO:38, or a different isoform having sequence identity of at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% to any of SEQ ID NO:35, SEQ ID NO:36, SEQ ID NO:37 or SEQ ID NO:38, or a nucleic acid molecule containing a sequence coding for a DENND 1B protein, said encoding sequence being preferably selected from SEQ ID NO:39, SEQ ID NO:40, SEQ ID NO:41 and SEQ ID NO:42;

xi) LYPD4, in one of its variant isoforms SEQ ID NO:43 or SEQ ID NO:44, or a different isoform having sequence identity of at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% to SEQ ID NO:43 or SEQ ID NO:44, or a nucleic acid molecule containing a sequence coding for a LYPD4 protein, said encoding sequence being preferably selected from isoforms SEQ ID NO:45 and SEQ ID NO:46;

xiv) Fam69B, SEQ ID NO:51 , SEQ ID NO:52, or a different isoform having sequence identity of at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% to SEQ ID NO:51 or SEQ ID NO:52, or a nucleic acid molecule containing a sequence coding for a Fam69B, protein, said encoding sequence being preferably selected from SEQ ID NO:53 and SEQ ID NO:54; xv) MEGF8, SEQ ID NO:55, SEQ ID NO:56, SEQ ID NO:57, or a different isoform having sequence identity of at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% to any of SEQ ID NO:55, SEQ ID NO:56 or SEQ ID NO:57, or a nucleic acid molecule containing a sequence coding for a MEGF8, protein, said encoding sequence being preferably selected from SEQ ID NO:58, SEQ ID NO:59 and SEQ ID NO:60.

xvi) KL G2, SEQ ID: NO 61 , SEQ ID NO:62 or a different isoform having sequence identity of at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% to SEQ ID: NO 61 or SEQ ID: NO 62, or a nucleic acid molecule containing a sequence coding for a KLRG2 protein, said encoding sequence being preferably selected from SEQ ID NO: 63 and SEQ ID NO: 64;

xvii) ERMP 1 , SEQ ID NO: 65, SEQ ID NO:66 or SEQ ID NO: 67, or a different isoform having sequence identity of at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% to SEQ ID NO:65 or SEQ ID NO:66 SEQ ID NO:67 or a nucleic acid molecule containing a sequence coding for a ERMP 1 , protein, said encoding sequence being preferably selected from SEQ ID NO:68, SEQ ID NO:69, SEQ ID NO:70;

xviii) C14orfl 35, in one of its variant isoforms SEQ ID NO:71 , SEQ ID NO:72, SEQ ID NO:73, SEQ ID NO:74, SEQ ID NO:75 or a different isoform having sequence identity of at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% to any of SEQ ID NO:71 , SEQ ID NO:72, SEQ ID NO:73, SEQ ID NO:74, SEQ ID NO:75 or a nucleic acid molecule containing a sequence coding for a C14orfl35 protein, said encoding sequence being preferably selected from SEQ ID NO:76, SEQ ID NO:77, SEQ ID NO:78, SEQ ID NO:79 and SEQ ID NO:80.

2. A method of screening a colon or rectal tissue sample for malignancy, said method comprising determining the presence in said sample of at least one of the above-mentioned tumor markers or a combination thereof.

3. A method according to claim 2, wherein the tumor marker is a protein, said method being based on immunoradiometric, immunoenzymatic or immunohistochemical techniques.

4. A method according to claim 3, wherein the tumor marker is a nucleic acid molecule, said method being based on polymerase chain reaction techniques.

5. A method in vitro for determining the presence of a colon or rectal tumor in a subject, which comprises the steps of:

(a) providing a sample of the tissue suspected of containing tumor cells;

(b) determining the presence of a tumor marker according to claim 1 or a combination thereof as per claims 2 in said tissue sample by detecting the expression of the marker protein or the presence of the respective m NA transcript;

6. A method of screening a test compound as an antitumor candidate, which comprises contacting cells expressing a tumor marker protein according to claim 1 with the test compound, and determining the binding of said compound to said cells.

7. An antibody or a fragment thereof which is able to specifically recognize and bind to one of the tumor marker proteins according to claim 1.

8. An antibody according to claim 7, which is either monoclonal or polyclonal.

9. The use of an antibody according to claim 7 or 8, for the preparation of a therapeutic agent for the treatment of proliferative diseases.

10. A diagnostic kit containing an antibody according to claims 8-9 and/or an oligonucleotide complementary to a nucleic acid molecule encoding a tumor marker according to claim 1 , and optionally reagents, buffers, solutions and materials to carry out an immunoassay or a PCR assay.

11. A siRNA molecule having a sequence complementary to one of SEQ ID NOs:81 through SEQ ID NO: 86, for use in tumor-gene silencing.