Clifford William Schweinfest

US Patent:

6720413, Apr 13, 2004

Filed:

Mar 4, 1998

Appl. No.:

09/034418

Inventors:

Clifford W. Schweinfest - Mount Pleasant SC
Takis S. Papas - Charleston SC
Paul L. Baron - Charleston SC
Dennis K. Watson - Mount Pleasant SC

Assignee:

MUSC Foundation for Research Development - Charleston SC

International Classification:

C12N 1512

US Classification:

536 235, 4353201, 435325, 4352523, 43525233, 435 691

Abstract:

The present invention relates to a novel gene, CaSm, that is highly expressed in cancer tissues and cell lines, especially pancreatic cancer. The full length cDNA of CaSm encodes a protein of 133 amino acids. CaSm contains the two Sm motifs found in the common snRNP proteins, with the greatest homology to the Sm G protein (60% similarity). The present invention further encompasses CaSm peptides, fusion proteins, host cell expression systems, antibodies to CaSm, antisense CaSM molecules, and compounds that modulate CaSm gene expression or CaSm activity. Antisense CaSm RNA is able to alter the transformed phenotype of pancreatic cancer cells by reducing their ability to form large colonies in soft agar when compared to untransfected cells. The present invention also encompasses methods for disease diagnosis, drug screening and the treatment of cancer.

US Patent:

58310150, Nov 3, 1998

Filed:

Sep 11, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/711928

Inventors:

Clifford W. Schweinfest - Hampstead MD
Takis S. Papas - Potomac MD

Assignee:

The United State of America as represented by the Department of Health
and Human Services - Washington DC

International Classification:

C07K 412
C07K 1447

US Classification:

530350

Abstract:

A new down-regulated gene called DRA, for down regulated in adenoma, maps to chromosome 7 and is believed to encode a tumor suppressor. The DRA gene encodes a highly hydrophobic protein with charged clusters located primarily in the carboxyl terminus. Additionally, the expression of the mRNA product appears to be strictly limited to the mucosa of normal colon and it is down-regulated early in colon tumorigenesis. Absence of the DRA polypeptide in tissue that usually expresses it can be used as an indicator of tissue abnormality. The DRA gene and cDNA may also have therapeutic capabilities as well.

US Patent:

62108875, Apr 3, 2001

Filed:

Nov 2, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/184937

Inventors:

Clifford W. Schweinfest - Hampstead MD
Takis S. Papas - Potomac MD

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and
Human Services - Washington DC

International Classification:

C12Q 168
C07H 2102
C07H 2104

US Classification:

435 6

Abstract:

A new down-regulated gene called DRA, for down regulated in adenoma, maps to chromosome 7 and is believed to encode a tumor suppressor. The DRA gene encodes a highly hydrophobic protein with charged clusters located primarily in the carboxyl terminus. Additionally, the expression of the mRNA product appears to be strictly limited to the mucosa of normal colon and it is down-regulated early in colon tumorigenesis. Absence of the DRA polypeptide in tissue that usually expresses it can be used as an indicator of tissue abnormality. The DRA gene and cDNA may also have therapeutic capabilities as well.

US Patent:

55697550, Oct 29, 1996

Filed:

Apr 17, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/424567

Inventors:

Clifford W. Schweinfest - Hampstead MD
Takis S. Papas - Potomac MD

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health
and Human Services - Washington DC

International Classification:

C12N 1512
C12N 1511
C07K 14435

US Classification:

536 235

Abstract:

A new down-regulated gene called DRA, for down regulated in adenoma, maps to chromosome 7 and is believed to encode a tumor suppressor. The DRA gene encodes a highly hydrophobic protein with charged clusters located primarily in the carboxyl terminus. Additionally, the expression of the mRNA product appears to be strictly limited to the mucosa of normal colon and it is down-regulated early in colon tumorigenesis. Absence of the DRA polypeptide in tissue that usually expresses it can be used as an indicator of tissue abnormality. The DRA gene and cDNA may also have therapeutic capabilities as well.