Map3ks as modifiers of the p53 pathway and methods of use

Abstract

Human MAP3K genes are identified as modulators of the p53 pathway, and thus are therapeutic targets for disorders associated with defective p53 function. Methods for identifying modulators of p53, comprising screening for agents that modulate the activity of MAP3K are provided.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent applications 60/296,076 filed Jun. 5, 2001, 60/328,605 filed Oct. 10, 2001, 60/357,253 filed Feb. 15, 2002, and 60/361,196 filed Mar. 1, 2002. The contents of the prior applications are hereby incorporated in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The p53 gene is mutated in over 50 different types of human cancers, including familial and spontaneous cancers, and is believed to be the most commonly mutated gene in human cancer (Zambetti and Levine, FASEB (1993) 7:855-865; Hollstein, et al., Nucleic Acids Res. (1994) 22:3551-3555). Greater than 90% of mutations in the p53 gene are missense mutations that alter a single amino acid that inactivates p53 function. Aberrant forms of human p53 are associated with poor prognosis, more aggressive tumors, metastasis, and short survival rates (Mitsudomi et al., Clin Cancer Res October 2000; 6(10):4055-63; Koshland, Science (1993) 262:1953).

[0003] The human p53 protein normally functions as a central integrator of signals including DNA damage, hypoxia, nucleotide deprivation, and oncogene activation (Prives, Cell (1998) 95:5-8). In response to these signals, p53 protein levels are greatly increased with the result that the accumulated p53 activates cell cycle arrest or apoptosis depending on the nature and strength of these signals. Indeed, multiple lines of experimental evidence have pointed to a key role for p53 as a tumor suppressor (Levine, Cell (1997) 88:323-331). For example, homozygous p53 "knockout" mice are developmentally normal but exhibit nearly 100% incidence of neoplasia in the first year of life (Donehower et al., Nature (1992) 356:215-221).

[0004] The biochemical mechanisms and pathways through which p53 functions in normal and cancerous cells are not fully understood, but one clearly important aspect of p53 function is its activity as a gene-specific transcriptional activator. Among the genes with known p53-response elements are several with well-characterized roles in either regulation of the cell cycle or apoptosis, including GADD45, p21[Waf1/Cip1, cyclin G, Bax, IGF-BP3, and MDM2 (Levine, Cell (1997) 88:323-331).

[0005] Protein kinases (PKs) play a crucial role in regulating cellular processes, including growth factor response, cytoskeletal changes, gene expression, and metabolism. PKs have very similar sequences and can be grouped based on specificity for the acceptor amino acid. Most PKs phosphorylate either serine/threonine or tyrosine. However, some PKs, referred to as mixed-lineage kinases, have features of both serine/threonine and tyrosine PKs. All PKs have Src homology (SH) domains and can also be grouped as receptors or nonreceptors. Receptor PKs have a transmembrane region, an extracellular ligand-binding domain, and an intracellular catalytic domain.

[0006] Mitogen activated protein kinase kinase kinase 12 (MAP3K12), is a dual leucine zipper-bearing kinase, and a member of the mixed lineage protein kinase (MLK) (Reddy, U. and Pleasure, D., (1994) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 202: 613-620). MAP3K12 contains a COOH-terminal and NH2-terminal proline-rich domains suggestive of src homology 3 (SH3) domain binding regions, and can be autophosphorylated on serine and threonine residues (Holzman, L. et al., (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269: 30808-30817). This kinase activates the SAPK/JNK signaling pathway, and may play a role in neuronal differentiation (Hirai, S., (1996) Oncogene 12: 641-650).

[0007] MAP3K13 protein, also called LZK (leucine zipper-bearing kinase) contains double leucine/isoleucine zippers, has no apparent signal sequence or transmembrane region but does contain a kinase catalytic domain, and an acidic domain at its C-terminal end (Sakuma, H. et al., (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272: 28622-28629). MAP3K13 shares 86.4% amino acid identity with MAP3K12 and like MAP3K12 it is also a member of the mixed-lineage kinase family of proteins which contain similarities to both serine/threonine and tyrosine kinases (Sakuma, H. et al., (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272: 28622-28629). These kinases activate the phosphorylation event of c-Jun and turn on JNK-1 (Sakuma, H. et al., (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272: 28622-28629).

[0008] MAP3K12 and MAP3K13 are both highly conserved genes that have been found in organisms from yeast to man. MAP3K12 has been implicated in neuronal cell death (Xu, Z. et al. (2001) Mol Cell Biol 21:4713-24).

[0009] The ability to manipulate the genomes of model organisms such as Drosophila provides a powerful means to analyze biochemical processes that, due to significant evolutionary conservation, has direct relevance to more complex vertebrate organisms. Due to a high level of gene and pathway conservation, the strong similarity of cellular processes, and the functional conservation of genes between these model organisms and mammals, identification of the involvement of novel genes in particular pathways and their functions in such model organisms can directly contribute to the understanding of the correlative pathways and methods of modulating them in mammals (see, for example, Mechler B M et al., 1985 EMBO J 4:1551-1557; Gateff E. 1982 Adv. Cancer Res. 37: 33-74; Watson K L., et al., 1994 J Cell Sci. 18: 19-33; Miklos G L, and Rubin G M. 1996 Cell 86:521-529; Wassarman D A, et al., 1995 Curr Opin Gen Dev 5: 44-50; and Booth D R. 1999 Cancer Metastasis Rev. 18: 261-284). For example, a genetic screen can be carried out in an invertebrate model organism having underexpression (e.g. knockout) or overexpression of a gene (referred to as a "genetic entry point") that yields a visible phenotype. Additional genes are mutated in a random or targeted manner. When a gene mutation changes the original phenotype caused by the mutation in the genetic entry point, the gene is identified as a "modifier" involved in the same or overlapping pathway as the genetic entry point. When the genetic entry point is an ortholog of a human gene implicated in a disease pathway, such as p53, modifier genes can be identified that may be attractive candidate targets for novel therapeutics.

[0010] All references cited herein, including sequence information in referenced Genbank identifier numbers and website references, are incorporated herein in their entireties.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] We have discovered genes that modify the p53 pathway in Drosophila, and identified their human orthologs, hereinafter referred to as MAP3Ks. The invention provides methods for utilizing these p53 modifier genes and polypeptides to identify candidate therapeutic agents that can be used in the treatment of disorders associated with defective p53 function. Preferred MAP3K-modulating agents specifically bind to MAP3K polypeptides and restore p53 function. Other preferred MAP3K-modulating agents are nucleic acid modulators such as antisense oligomers and RNAi that repress MAP3K gene expression or product activity by, for example, binding to and inhibiting the respective nucleic acid (i.e. DNA or mRNA).

[0012] MAP3K-specific modulating agents may be evaluated by any convenient in vitro or in vivo assay for molecular interaction with a MAP3K polypeptide or nucleic acid. In one embodiment, candidate p53 modulating agents are tested with an assay system comprising a MAP3K polypeptide or nucleic acid. Candidate agents that produce a change in the activity of the assay system relative to controls are identified as candidate p53 modulating agents. The assay system may be cell-based or cell-free. MAP3K-modulating agents include MAP3K related proteins (e.g. dominant negative mutants, and biotherapeutics); MAP3K-specific antibodies; MAP3K-specific antisense oligomers and other nucleic acid modulators; and chemical agents that specifically bind MAP3K or compete with MAP3K binding target. In one specific embodiment, a small molecule modulator is identified using a kinase assay. In specific embodiments, the screening assay system is selected from a binding assay, an apoptosis assay, a cell proliferation assay, an angiogenesis assay, and a hypoxic induction assay.

[0013] In another embodiment, candidate p53 pathway modulating agents are further tested using a second assay system that detects changes in the p53 pathway, such as angiogenic, apoptotic, or cell proliferation changes produced by the originally identified candidate agent or an agent derived from the original agent. The second assay system may use cultured cells or non-human animals. In specific embodiments, the secondary assay system uses non-human animals, including animals predetermined to have a disease or disorder implicating the p53 pathway, such as an angiogenic, apoptotic, or cell proliferation disorder (e.g. cancer).

[0014] The invention further provides methods for modulating the p53 pathway in a mammalian cell by contacting the mammalian cell with an agent that specifically binds a MAP3K polypeptide or nucleic acid. The agent may be a small molecule modulator, a nucleic acid modulator, or an antibody and may be administered to a mammalian animal predetermined to have a pathology associated the p53 pathway.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Genetic screens were designed to identify modifiers of the p53 pathway in and Drosophila in which p53 was overexpressed in the wing (Ollmann M, et al., Cell 2000 101: 91-101). The CG8789 gene was identified as a modifier of the p53 pathway. Accordingly, vertebrate orthologs of these modifiers, and preferably the human orthologs, MAP3K genes (i.e., nucleic acids and polypeptides) are attractive drug targets for the treatment of pathologies associated with a defective p53 signaling pathway, such as cancer.

[0016] In vitro and in vivo methods of assessing MAP3K function are provided herein. Modulation of the MAP3K or their respective binding partners is useful for understanding the association of the p53 pathway and its members in normal and disease conditions and for developing diagnostics and therapeutic modalities for p53 related pathologies. MAP3K-modulating agents that act by inhibiting or enhancing MAP3K expression, directly or indirectly, for example, by affecting a MAP3K function such as enzymatic (e.g., catalytic) or binding activity, can be identified using methods provided herein. MAP3K modulating agents are useful in diagnosis, therapy and pharmaceutical development.

[0017] Nucleic Acids and Polypeptides of the Invention

[0018] Sequences related to MAP3K nucleic acids and polypeptides that can be used in the invention are disclosed in Genbank (referenced by Genbank identifier (GI) number) as GI#s 5454183 (SEQ ID NO:1), 13645287 (SEQ ID NO:4), and 4758695 (SEQ ID NO:5) for nucleic acid, and GI#s 5454184 (SEQ ID NO:8) and 4758696 (SEQ ID NO:9) for polypeptides. Further, sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 3, 6, and 7 can also be used in the invention.

[0019] MAP3Ks are kinase proteins with kinase domains. The term "MAP3K polypeptide" refers to a full-length MAP3K protein or a functionally active fragment or derivative thereof. A "functionally active" MAP3K fragment or derivative exhibits one or more functional activities associated with a full-length, wild-type MAP3K protein, such as antigenic or immunogenic activity, enzymatic activity, ability to bind natural cellular substrates, etc. The functional activity of MAP3K proteins, derivatives and fragments can be assayed by various methods known to one skilled in the art (Current Protocols in Protein Science (1998) Coligan et al., eds., John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Somerset, N.J.) and as further discussed below. For purposes herein, functionally active fragments also include those fragments that comprise one or more structural domains of a MAP3K, such as a kinase domain or a binding domain. Protein domains can be identified using the PFAM program (Bateman A., et al., Nucleic Acids Res, 1999, 27:260-2; http://pfam.wustl.edu). For example, the kinase domain of MAP3K from GI# 5454184 (SEQ ID NO:8) is located at approximately amino acid residues 125-366 (PFAM 00069). Likewise, the kinase domain of MAP3K from GI# 4758696 (SEQ ID NO:9) is located at approximately amino acid residues 168-409. Methods for obtaining MAP3K polypeptides are also further described below. In some embodiments, preferred fragments are functionally active, domain-containing fragments comprising at least 25 contiguous amino acids, preferably at least 50, more preferably 75, and most preferably at least 100 contiguous amino acids of any one of SEQ ID NOs:8 or 9 (a MAP3K). In further preferred embodiments, the fragment comprises the entire kinase (functionally active) domain.

[0020] The term "MAP3K nucleic acid" refers to a DNA or RNA molecule that encodes a MAP3K polypeptide. Preferably, the MAP3K polypeptide or nucleic acid or fragment thereof is from a human, but can also be an ortholog, or derivative thereof with at least 70% sequence identity, preferably at least 80%, more preferably 85%, still more preferably 90%, and most preferably at least 95% sequence identity with MAP3K. Normally, orthologs in different species retain the same function, due to presence of one or more protein motifs and/or 3-dimensional structures. Orthologs are generally identified by sequence homology analysis, such as BLAST analysis, usually using protein bait sequences. Sequences are assigned as a potential ortholog if the best hit sequence from the forward BLAST result retrieves the original query sequence in the reverse BLAST (Huynen M A and Bork P, Proc Natl Acad Sci (1998) 95:5849-5856; Huynen M A et al., Genome Research (2000) 10:1204-1210). Programs for multiple sequence alignment, such as CLUSTAL (Thompson J D et al, 1994, Nucleic Acids Res 22:46734680) may be used to highlight conserved regions and/or residues of orthologous proteins and to generate phylogenetic trees. In a phylogenetic tree representing multiple homologous sequences from diverse species (e.g., retrieved through BLAST analysis), orthologous sequences from two species generally appear closest on the tree with respect to all other sequences from these two species. Structural threading or other analysis of protein folding (e.g., using software by ProCeryon, Biosciences, Salzburg, Austria) may also identify potential orthologs. In evolution, when a gene duplication event follows speciation, a single gene in one species, such as Drosophila, may correspond to multiple genes (paralogs) in another, such as human. As used herein, the term "orthologs" encompasses paralogs. As used herein, "percent (%) sequence identity" with respect to a subject sequence, or a specified portion of a subject sequence, is defined as the percentage of nucleotides or amino acids in the candidate derivative sequence identical with the nucleotides or amino acids in the subject sequence (or specified portion thereof), after aligning the sequences and introducing gaps, if necessary to achieve the maximum percent sequence identity, as generated by the program WU-BLAST-2.0a19 (Altschul et al., J. Mol. Biol. (1997) 215:403-410; http://blast.wustl.edulblast/(README.html) with all the search parameters set to default values. The HSP S and HSP S2 parameters are dynamic values and are established by the program itself depending upon the composition of the particular sequence and composition of the particular database against which the sequence of interest is being searched. A % identity value is determined by the number of matching identical nucleotides or amino acids divided by the sequence length for which the percent identity is being reported. "Percent (%) amino acid sequence sinilarity" is determined by doing the same calculation as for determining % amino acid sequence identity, but including conservative amino acid substitutions in addition to identical amino acids in the computation.

[0021] A conservative amino acid substitution is one in which an amino acid is substituted for another amino acid having similar properties such that the folding or activity of the protein is not significantly affected. Aromatic amino acids that can be substituted for each other are phenylalanine, tryptophan, and tyrosine; interchangeable hydrophobic amino acids are leucine, isoleucine, methionine, and valine; interchangeable polar amino acids are glutamine and asparagine; interchangeable basic amino acids are arginine, lysine and histidine; interchangeable acidic amino acids are aspartic acid and glutamic acid; and interchangeable small amino acids are alanine, serine, threonine, cysteine and glycine.

[0022] Alternatively, an alignment for nucleic acid sequences is provided by the local homology algorithm of Smith and Waterman (Smith and Waterman, 1981, Advances in Applied Mathematics 2:482-489; database: European Bioinformatics Institute http://www.ebi.ac.uk/MPsrch/; Smith and Waterman, 1981, J. of Molec.Biol., 147:195-197; Nicholas et al., 1998, "A Tutorial on Searching Sequence Databases and Sequence Scoring Methods" (www.psc.edu) and references cited therein.; W. R. Pearson, 1991, Genomics 11:635-650). This algorithm can be applied to amino acid sequences by using the scoring matrix developed by Dayhoff (Dayhoff: Atlas of Protein Sequences and Structure, M. O. Dayhoff ed., 5 suppl. 3:353-358, National Biomedical Research Foundation, Washington, D.C., USA), and normalized by Gribskov (Gribskov 1986 Nucl. Acids Res. 14(6):6745-6763). The Smith-Waterman algorithm may be employed where default parameters are used for scoring (for example, gap open penalty of 12, gap extension penalty of two). From the data generated, the "Match" value reflects "sequence identity."

[0023] Derivative nucleic acid molecules of the subject nucleic acid molecules include sequences that hybridize to the nucleic acid sequence of any of SEQ ID NOs:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 The stringency of hybridization can be controlled by temperature, ionic strength, pH, and the presence of denaturing agents such as formamide during hybridization and washing. Conditions routinely used are set out in readily available procedure texts (e.g., Current Protocol in Molecular Biology, Vol. 1, Chap. 2.10, John Wiley & Sons, Publishers (1994); Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning, Cold Spring Harbor (1989)). In some embodiments, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention is capable of hybridizing to a nucleic acid molecule containing the nucleotide sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 under stringent hybridization conditions that comprise: prehybridization of filters containing nucleic acid for 8 hours to overnight at 65.degree. C. in a solution comprising 6.times. single strength citrate (SSC) (1.times.SSC is 0.15 M NaCl, 0.015 M Na citrate; pH 7.0), 5.times. Denhardt's solution, 0.05% sodium pyrophosphate and 100 .mu.g/ml herring sperm DNA; hybridization for 18-20 hours at 65.degree. C. in a solution containing 6.times.SSC, 1.times. Denhardt's solution, 100 .mu.g/ml yeast tRNA and 0.05% sodium pyrophosphate; and washing of filters at 65.degree. C. for 1 h in a solution containing 0.2.times.SSC and 0.1% SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate).

[0024] In other embodiments, moderately stringent hybridization conditions are used that comprise: pretreatment of filters containing nucleic acid for 6 h at 40.degree. C. in a solution containing 35% formamide, 5.times.SSC, 50 mM Tris-HCl (pH7.5), 5 mM EDTA, 0.1% PVP, 0.1% Ficoll, 1% BSA, and 500 .mu.g/ml denatured salmon sperm DNA; hybridization for 18-20 h at 40.degree. C. in a solution containing 35% formamide, 5.times.SSC, 50 mM Tris-HCl (pH7.5), 5 mM EDTA, 0.02% PVP, 0.02% Ficoll, 0.2% BSA, 100 .mu.g/ml salmon sperm DNA, and 10% (wt/vol) dextran sulfate; followed by washing twice for 1 hour at 55.degree. C. in a solution containing 2.times.SSC and 0.1% SDS.

[0025] Alternatively, low stringency conditions can be used that comprise: incubation for 8 hours to overnight at 37.degree. C. in a solution comprising 20% formamide, 5.times.SSC, 50 mM sodium phosphate (pH 7.6), 5.times. Denhardt's solution, 10% dextran sulfate, and 20 .mu.g/ml denatured sheared salmon sperm DNA; hybridization in the same buffer for 18 to 20 hours; and washing of filters in 1.times.SSC at about 37.degree. C. for 1 hour.

[0026] Isolation, Production, Expression, and Mis-Expression of MAP3K Nucleic Acids and Polypeptides

[0027] MAP3K nucleic acids and polypeptides, useful for identifying and testing agents that modulate MAP3K function and for other applications related to the involvement of MAP3K in the p53 pathway. MAP3K nucleic acids and derivatives and orthologs thereof may be obtained using any available method. For instance, techniques for isolating cDNA or genomic DNA sequences of interest by screening DNA libraries or by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are well known in the art. In general, the particular use for the protein will dictate the particulars of expression, production, and purification methods. For instance, production of proteins for use in screening for modulating agents may require methods that preserve specific biological activities of these proteins, whereas production of proteins for antibody generation may require structural integrity of particular epitopes. Expression of proteins to be purified for screening or antibody production may require the addition of specific tags (e.g., generation of fusion proteins). Overexpression of a MAP3K protein for assays used to assess MAP3K function, such as involvement in cell cycle regulation or hypoxic response, may require expression in eukaryotic cell lines capable of these cellular activities. Techniques for the expression, production, and purification of proteins are well known in the art; any suitable means therefore may be used (e.g., Higgins S J and Hames B D (eds.) Protein Expression: A Practical Approach, Oxford University Press Inc., New York 1999; Stanbury P F et al., Principles of Fermentation Technology, 2.sup.nd edition, Elsevier Science, New York, 1995; Doonan S (ed.) Protein Purification Protocols, Humana Press, New Jersey, 1996; Coligan J E et al, Current Protocols in Protein Science (eds.), 1999, John Wiley & Sons, New York). In particular embodiments, recombinant MAP3K is expressed in a cell line known to have defective p53 function (e.g. SAOS-2 osteoblasts, H1299 lung cancer cells, C33A and HT3 cervical cancer cells, HT-29 and DLD-1 colon cancer cells, among others, available from American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), Manassas, Va.). The recombinant cells are used in cell-based screening assay systems of the invention, as described further below.

[0028] The nucleotide sequence encoding a MAP3K polypeptide can be inserted into any appropriate expression vector. The necessary transcriptional and translational signals, including promoter/enhancer element, can derive from the native MAP3K gene and/or its flanking regions or can be heterologous. A variety of host-vector expression systems may be utilized, such as mammalian cell systems infected with virus (e.g. vaccinia virus, adenovirus, etc.); insect cell systems infected with virus (e.g. baculovirus); microorganisms such as yeast containing yeast vectors, or bacteria transformed with bacteriophage, plasmid, or cosmid DNA. A host cell strain that modulates the expression of, modifies, and/or specifically processes the gene product may be used.

[0029] To detect expression of the MAP3K gene product, the expression vector can comprise a promoter operably linked to a MAP3K gene nucleic acid, one or more origins of replication, and, one or more selectable markers (e.g. thymidine kinase activity, resistance to antibiotics, etc.). Alternatively, recombinant expression vectors can be identified by assaying for the expression of the MAP3K gene product based on the physical or functional properties of the MAP3K protein in in vitro assay systems (e.g. immunoassays).

[0030] The MAP3K protein, fragment, or derivative may be optionally expressed as a fusion, or chimeric protein product (i.e. it is joined via a peptide bond to a heterologous protein sequence of a different protein), for example to facilitate purification or detection. A chimeric product can be made by ligating the appropriate nucleic acid sequences encoding the desired amino acid sequences to each other using standard methods and expressing the chimeric product. A chimeric product may also be made by protein synthetic techniques, e.g. by use of a peptide synthesizer (Hunkapiller et al., Nature (1984) 310:105-111).

[0031] Once a recombinant cell that expresses the MAP3K gene sequence is identified, the gene product can be isolated and purified using standard methods (e.g. ion exchange, affinity, and gel exclusion chromatography; centrifugation; differential solubility; electrophoresis, cite purification reference). Alternatively, native MAP3K proteins can be purified from natural sources, by standard methods (e.g. immunoaffinity purification). Once a protein is obtained, it may be quantified and its activity measured by appropriate methods, such as immunoassay, bioassay, or other measurements of physical properties, such as crystallography.

[0032] The methods of this invention may also use cells that have been engineered for altered expression (mis-expression) of MAP3K or other genes associated with the p53 pathway. As used herein, mis-expression encompasses ectopic expression, over-expression, under-expression, and non-expression (e.g. by gene knock-out or blocking expression that would otherwise normally occur).

[0033] Genetically Modified Animals

[0034] Animal models that have been genetically modified to alter K expression may be used in in vivo assays to test for activity of a candidate p53 modulating agent, or to further assess the role of MAP3K in a p53 pathway process such as apoptosis or cell proliferation. Preferably, the altered MAP3K expression results in a detectable phenotype, such as decreased or increased levels of cell proliferation, angiogenesis, or apoptosis compared to control animals having normal MAP3K expression. The genetically modified animal may additionally have altered p53 expression (e.g. p53 knockout). Preferred genetically modified animals are mammals such as primates, rodents (preferably mice), cows, horses, goats, sheep, pigs, dogs and cats. Preferred non-mammalian species include zebrafish, C. elegans, and Drosophila. Preferred genetically modified animals are transgenic animals having a heterologous nucleic acid sequence present as an extrachromosomal element in a portion of its cells, i.e. mosaic animals (see, for example, techniques described by Jakobovits, 1994, Curr. Biol. 4:761-763.) or stably integrated into its germ line DNA (i.e., in the genomic sequence of most or all of its cells). Heterologous nucleic acid is introduced into the germ line of such transgenic animals by genetic manipulation of, for example, embryos or embryonic stem cells of the host animal.

[0035] Methods of making transgenic animals are well-known in the art (for transgenic mice see Brinster et al., Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA 82: 4438-4442 (1985), U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,736,866 and 4,870,009, both by Leder et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,873,191 by Wagner et al., and Hogan, B., Manipulating the Mouse Embryo, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., (1986); for particle bombardment see U.S. Pat. No., 4,945,050, by Sandford et al.; for transgenic Drosophila see Rubin and Spradling, Science (1982) 218:348-53 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,670,388; for transgenic insects see Berghammer A. J. et al., A Universal Marker for Transgenic Insects (1999) Nature 402:370-371; for transgenic Zebrafish see Lin S., Transgenic Zebrafish, Methods Mol Biol. (2000);136:375-3830); for microinjection procedures for fish, amphibian eggs and birds see Houdebine and Chourrout, Experientia (1991) 47:897-905; for transgenic rats see Hammer et al., Cell (1990) 63:1099-1112; and for culturing of embryonic stem (ES) cells and the subsequent production of transgenic animals by the introduction of DNA into ES cells using methods such as electroporation, calcium phosphate/DNA precipitation and direct injection see, e.g., Teratocarcinomas and Embryonic Stem Cells, A Practical Approach, E. J. Robertson, ed., IRL Press (1987)). Clones of the nonhuman transgenic animals can be produced according to available methods (see Wilmut, I. et al. (1997) Nature 385:810-813; and PCT International Publication Nos. WO 97/07668 and WO 97/07669).

[0036] In one embodiment, the transgenic animal is a "knock-out" animal having a heterozygous or homozygous alteration in the sequence of an endogenous MAP3K gene that results in a decrease of MAP3K function, preferably such that MAP3K expression is undetectable or insignificant. Knock-out animals are typically generated by homologous recombination with a vector comprising a transgene having at least a portion of the gene to be knocked out. Typically a deletion, addition or substitution has been introduced into the transgene to functionally disrupt it. The transgene can be a human gene (e.g., from a human genomic clone) but more preferably is an ortholog of the human gene derived from the transgenic host species. For example, a mouse MAP3K gene is used to construct a homologous recombination vector suitable for altering an endogenous MAP3K gene in the mouse genome. Detailed methodologies for homologous recombination in mice are available (see Capecchi, Science (1989) 244:1288-1292; Joyner et al., Nature (1989) 338:153-156). Procedures for the production of non-rodent transgenic mammals and other animals are also available (Houdebine and Chourrout, supra; Pursel et al., Science (1989) 244:1281-1288; Simms et al., Bio/Technology (1988) 6:179-183). In a preferred embodiment, knock-out animals, such as mice harboring a knockout of a specific gene, may be used to produce antibodies against the human counterpart of the gene that has been knocked out (Claesson M H et al., (1994) Scan J Immunol 40:257-264; Declerck P J et al., (1995) J Biol Chem. 270:8397400).

[0037] In another embodiment, the transgenic animal is a "knock-in" animal having an alteration in its genome that results in altered expression (e.g., increased (including ectopic) or decreased expression) of the MAP3K gene, e.g., by introduction of additional copies of MAP3K, or by operatively inserting a regulatory sequence that provides for altered expression of an endogenous copy of the MAP3K gene. Such regulatory sequences include inducible, tissue-specific, and constitutive promoters and enhancer elements. The knock-in can be homozygous or heterozygous.

[0038] Transgenic nonhuman animals can also be produced that contain selected systems allowing for regulated expression of the transgene. One example of such a system that may be produced is the cre/loxP recombinase system of bacteriophage P1 (Lakso et al., PNAS (1992) 89:6232-6236; U.S. Pat. No. 4,959,317). If a cre/loxP recombinase system is used to regulate expression of the transgene, animals containing transgenes encoding both the Cre recombinase and a selected protein are required. Such animals can be provided through the construction of "double" transgenic animals, e.g., by mating two transgenic animals, one containing a transgene encoding a selected protein and the other containing a transgene encoding a recombinase. Another example of a recombinase system is the FLP recombinase system of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (O'Gorman et al. (1991) Science 251:1351-1355; U.S. Pat. No. 5,654,182). In a preferred embodiment, both Cre-LoxP and Flp-Frt are used in the same system to regulate expression of the transgene, and for sequential deletion of vector sequences in the same cell (Sun X et al (2000) Nat Genet 25:83-6).

[0039] The genetically modified animals can be used in genetic studies to further elucidate the p53 pathway, as animal models of disease and disorders implicating defective p53 function, and for in vivo testing of candidate therapeutic agents, such as those identified in screens described below. The candidate therapeutic agents are administered to a genetically modified animal having altered MAP3K function and phenotypic changes are compared with appropriate control animals such as genetically modified animals that receive placebo treatment, and/or animals with unaltered MAP3K expression that receive candidate therapeutic agent.

[0040] In addition to the above-described genetically modified animals having altered MAP3K function, animal models having defective p53 function (and otherwise normal MAP3K function), can be used in the methods of the present invention. For example, a p53 knockout mouse can be used to assess, in vivo, the activity of a candidate p53 modulating agent identified in one of the in vitro assays described below. p5.sup.3 knockout mice are described in the literature (Jacks et al., Nature 2001;410:1111-1116, 1043-1044; Donehower et al., supra). Preferably, the candidate p53 modulating agent when administered to a model system with cells defective in p53 function, produces a detectable phenotypic change in the model system indicating that the p53 function is restored, i.e., the cells exhibit normal cell cycle progression.

[0041] Modulating Agents

[0042] The invention provides methods to identify agents that interact with and/or modulate the function of MAP3K and/or the p53 pathway. Such agents are useful in a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic applications associated with the p53 pathway, as well as in further analysis of the MAP3K protein and its contribution to the p53 pathway. Accordingly, the invention also provides methods for modulating the p53 pathway comprising the step of specifically modulating MAP3K activity by administering a MAP3K-interacting or -modulating agent.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, MAP3K-modulating agents inhibit or enhance MAP3K activity or otherwise affect normal MAP3K function, including transcription, protein expression, protein localization, and cellular or extra-cellular activity. In a further preferred embodiment, the candidate p53 pathway-modulating agent specifically modulates the function of the MAP3K. The phrases "specific modulating agent", "specifically modulates", etc., are used herein to refer to modulating agents that directly bind to the MAP3K polypeptide or nucleic acid, and preferably inhibit, enhance, or otherwise alter, the function of the MAP3K. The term also encompasses modulating agents that alter the interaction of the MAP3K with a binding partner or substrate (e.g. by binding to a binding partner of a MAP3K, or to a protein/binding partner complex, and inhibiting function).

[0044] Preferred MAP3K-modulating agents include small molecule compounds; MAP3K-interacting proteins, including antibodies and other biotherapeutics; and nucleic acid modulators such as antisense and RNA inhibitors. The modulating agents may be formulated in pharmaceutical compositions, for example, as compositions that may comprise other active ingredients, as in combination therapy, and/or suitable carriers or excipients. Techniques for formulation and administration of the compounds may be found in "Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences" Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa., 19.sup.th edition.

[0045] Small Molecule Modulators

[0046] Small molecules, are often preferred to modulate function of proteins with enzymatic function, and/or containing protein interaction domains. Chemical agents, referred to in the art as "small molecule" compounds are typically organic, non-peptide molecules, having a molecular weight less than 10,000, preferably less than 5,000, more preferably less than 1,000, and most preferably less than 500. This class of modulators includes chemically synthesized molecules, for instance, compounds from combinatorial chemical libraries. Synthetic compounds may be rationally designed or identified based on known or inferred properties of the MAP3K protein or may be identified by screening compound libraries. Alternative appropriate modulators of this class are natural products, particularly secondary metabolites from organisms such as plants or fungi, which can also be identified by screening compound libraries for MAP3K-modulating activity. Methods for generating and obtaining compounds are well known in the art (Schreiber S L, Science (2000) 151: 1964-1969; Radmann J and Gunther J, Science (2000) 151:1947-1948).

[0047] Small molecule modulators identified from screening assays, as described below, can be used as lead compounds from which candidate clinical compounds may be designed, optimized, and synthesized. Such clinical compounds may have utility in treating pathologies associated with the p53 pathway. The activity of candidate small molecule modulating agents may be improved several-fold through iterative secondary functional validation, as further described below, structure determination, and candidate modulator modification and testing. Additionally, candidate clinical compounds are generated with specific regard to clinical and pharmacological properties. For example, the reagents may be derivatized and re-screened using in vitro and in vivo assays to optimize activity and minimize toxicity for pharmaceutical development.

[0048] Protein Modulators

[0049] Specific MAP3K-interacting proteins are useful in a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic applications related to the p53 pathway and related disorders, as well as in validation assays for other MAP3K-modulating agents. In a preferred embodiment, MAP3K-interacting proteins affect normal MAP3K function, including transcription, protein expression, protein localization, and cellular or extra-cellular activity. In another embodiment, MAP3K-interacting proteins are useful in detecting and providing information about the function of MAP3K proteins, as is relevant to p53 related disorders, such as cancer (e.g., for diagnostic means).

[0050] An MAP3K-interacting protein may be endogenous, i.e. one that naturally interacts genetically or biochemically with a MAP3K, such as a member of the MAP3K pathway that modulates MAP3K expression, localization, and/or activity. MAP3K-modulators include dominant negative forms of MAP3K-interacting proteins and of MAP3K proteins themselves. Yeast two-hybrid and variant screens offer preferred methods for identifying endogenous MAP3K-interacting proteins (Finley, R. L. et al. (1996) in DNA Cloning-Expression Systems: A Practical Approach, eds. Glover D. & Hames B. D (Oxford University Press, Oxford, England), pp. 169-203; Fashema S F et al., Gene (2000) 250:1-14; Drees B L Curr Opin Chem Biol (1999) 3:64-70; Vidal M and Legrain P Nucleic Acids Res (1999) 27:919-29; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,928,868). Mass spectrometry is an alternative preferred method for the elucidation of protein complexes (reviewed in, e.g., Pandley A and Mann M, Nature (2000) 405:837-846; Yates J R 3.sup.rd, Trends Genet (2000) 16:5-8).

[0051] An MAP3K-interacting protein may be an exogenous protein, such as a MAP3K-specific antibody or a T-cell antigen receptor (see, e.g., Harlow and Lane (1988) Antibodies, A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; Harlow and Lane (1999) Using antibodies: a laboratory manual. Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press). MAP3K antibodies are further discussed below.

[0052] In preferred embodiments, a MAP3K-interacting protein specifically binds a MAP3K protein. In alternative preferred embodiments, a MAP3K-modulating agent binds a MAP3K substrate, binding partner, or cofactor.

[0053] Antibodies

[0054] In another embodiment, the protein modulator is a MAP3K specific antibody agonist or antagonist. The antibodies have therapeutic and diagnostic utilities, and can be used in screening assays to identify MAP3K modulators. The antibodies can also be used in dissecting the portions of the MAP3K pathway responsible for various cellular responses and in the general processing and maturation of the MAP3K.

[0055] Antibodies that specifically bind MAP3K polypeptides can be generated using known methods. Preferably the antibody is specific to a mammalian ortholog of MAP3K polypeptide, and more preferably, to human MAP3K. Antibodies may be polyclonal, monoclonal (mAbs), humanized or chimeric antibodies, single chain antibodies, Fab fragments, F(ab').sub.2 fragments, fragments produced by a FAb expression library, anti-idiotypic (anti-Id) antibodies, and epitope-binding fragments of any of the above. Epitopes of MAP3K which are particularly antigenic can be selected, for example, by routine screening of MAP3K polypeptides for antigenicity or by applying a theoretical method for selecting antigenic regions of a protein (Hopp and Wood (1981), Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 78:3824-28; Hopp and Wood, (1983) Mol. Immunol. 20:483-89; Sutcliffe et al., (1983) Science 219:660-66) to the amino acid sequence shown in any of SEQ ID NOs:8 or 9. Monoclonal antibodies with affinities of 10.sup.8 M.sup.-1 preferably 10.sup.9 M.sup.-1 to 10.sup.10 M.sup.-1, or stronger can be made by standard procedures as described (Harlow and Lane, supra; Goding (1986) Monoclonal Antibodies: Principles and Practice (2d ed) Academic Press, New York; and U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,381,292; 4,451,570; and 4,618,577). Antibodies may be generated against crude cell extracts of MAP3K or substantially purified fragments thereof. If MAP3K fragments are used, they preferably comprise at least 10, and more preferably, at least 20 contiguous amino acids of a MAP3K protein. In a particular embodiment, MAP3K-specific antigens and/or immunogens are coupled to carrier proteins that stimulate the immune response. For example, the subject polypeptides are covalently coupled to the keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) carrier, and the conjugate is emulsified in Freund's complete adjuvant, which enhances the immune response. An appropriate immune system such as a laboratory rabbit or mouse is immunized according to conventional protocols.

[0056] The presence of MAP3K-specific antibodies is assayed by an appropriate assay such as a solid phase enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) using immobilized corresponding MAP3K polypeptides. Other assays, such as radioimmunoassays or fluorescent assays might also be used.

[0057] Chimeric antibodies specific to MAP3K polypeptides can be made that contain different portions from different animal species. For instance, a human immunoglobulin constant region may be linked to a variable region of a murine mAb, such that the antibody derives its biological activity from the human antibody, and its binding specificity from the murine fragment. Chimeric antibodies are produced by splicing together genes that encode the appropriate regions from each species (Morrison et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (1984) 81:6851-6855; Neuberger et al., Nature (1984) 312:604-608; Takeda et al., Nature (1985) 31:452454). Humanized antibodies, which are a form of chimeric antibodies, can be generated by grafting complementary-determining regions (CDRs) (Carlos, T. M., J. M. Harlan. 1994. Blood 84:2068-2101) of mouse antibodies into a background of human framework regions and constant regions by recombinant DNA technology (Riechmann L M, et al., 1988 Nature 323: 323-327). Humanized antibodies contain .about.10% murine sequences and .about.90% human sequences, and thus further reduce or eliminate immunogenicity, while retaining the antibody specificities (Co MS, and Queen C. 1991 Nature 351: 501-501; Morrison S L. 1992 Ann. Rev. Immun. 10:239-265). Humanized antibodies and methods of their production are well-known in the art (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,530,101, 5,585,089, 5,693,762, and 6,180,370).

[0058] MAP3K-specific single chain antibodies which are recombinant, single chain polypeptides formed by linking the heavy and light chain fragments of the Fv regions via an amino acid bridge, can be produced by methods known in the art (U.S. Pat. No. 4,946,778; Bird, Science (1988) 242:423-426; Huston et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (1988) 85:5879-5883; and Ward et al., Nature (1989) 334:544-546).

[0059] Other suitable techniques for antibody production involve in vitro exposure of lymphocytes to the antigenic polypeptides or alternatively to selection of libraries of antibodies in phage or similar vectors (Huse et al., Science (1989) 246:1275-1281). As used herein, T-cell antigen receptors are included within the scope of antibody modulators (Harlow and Lane, 1988, supra).

[0060] The polypeptides and antibodies of the present invention may be used with or without modification. Frequently, antibodies will be labeled by joining, either covalently or non-covalently, a substance that provides for a detectable signal, or that is toxic to cells that express the targeted protein (Menard S, et al., Int J. Biol Markers (1989) 4:131-134). A wide variety of labels and conjugation techniques are known and are reported extensively in both the scientific and patent literature. Suitable labels include radionuclides, enzymes, substrates, cofactors, inhibitors, fluorescent moieties, fluorescent emitting lanthanide metals, chemiluminescent moieties, bioluminescent moieties, magnetic particles, and the like (U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,817,837; 3,850,752; 3,939,350; 3,996,345; 4,277,437; 4,275,149; and 4,366,241). Also, recombinant immunoglobulins may be produced (U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,567). Antibodies to cytoplasmic polypeptides may be delivered and reach their targets by conjugation with membrane-penetrating toxin proteins (U.S. Pat. No. 6,086,900).

[0061] When used therapeutically in a patient, the antibodies of the subject invention are typically administered parenterally, when possible at the target site, or intravenously. The therapeutically effective dose and dosage regimen is determined by clinical studies. Typically, the amount of antibody administered is in the range of about 0.1 mg/kg--to about 10 mg/kg of patient weight. For parenteral administration, the antibodies are formulated in a unit dosage injectable form (e.g., solution, suspension, emulsion) in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle. Such vehicles are inherently nontoxic and non-therapeutic. Examples are water, saline, Ringer's solution, dextrose solution, and 5% human serum albumin. Nonaqueous vehicles such as fixed oils, ethyl oleate, or liposome carriers may also be used. The vehicle may contain minor amounts of additives, such as buffers and preservatives, which enhance isotonicity and chemical stability or otherwise enhance therapeutic potential. The antibodies' concentrations in such vehicles are typically in the range of about 1 mg/ml to about 10 mg/ml. Immunotherapeutic methods are further described in the literature (U.S. Pat. No. 5,859,206; WO0073469).

[0062] Nucleic Acid Modulators

[0063] Other preferred MAP3K-modulating agents comprise nucleic acid molecules, such as antisense oligomers or double stranded RNA (dsRNA), which generally inhibit MAP3K activity. Preferred nucleic acid modulators interfere with the function of the MAP3K nucleic acid such as DNA replication, transcription, translocation of the MAP3K RNA to the site of protein translation, translation of protein from the MAP3K RNA, splicing of the MAP3K RNA to yield one or more mRNA species, or catalytic activity which may be engaged in or facilitated by the MAP3K RNA.

[0064] In one embodiment, the antisense oligomer is an oligonucleotide that is sufficiently complementary to a MAP3K mRNA to bind to and prevent translation, preferably by binding to the 5' untranslated region. MAP3K-specific antisense oligonucleotides, preferably range from at least 6 to about 200 nucleotides. In some embodiments the oligonucleotide is preferably at least 10, 15, or 20 nucleotides in length. In other embodiments, the oligonucleotide is preferably less than 50, 40, or 30 nucleotides in length. The oligonucleotide can be DNA or RNA or a chimeric mixture or derivatives or modified versions thereof, single-stranded or double-stranded. The oligonucleotide can be modified at the base moiety, sugar moiety, or phosphate backbone. The oligonucleotide may include other appending groups such as peptides, agents that facilitate transport across the cell membrane, hybridization-triggered cleavage agents, and intercalating agents.

[0065] In another embodiment, the antisense oligomer is a phosphothioate morpholino oligomer (PMO). PMOs are assembled from four different morpholino subunits, each of which contain one of four genetic bases (A, C, G, or T) linked to a six-membered morpholine ring. Polymers of these subunits are joined by non-ionic phosphodiamidate intersubunit linkages. Details of how to make and use PMOs and other antisense oligomers are well known in the art (e.g. see WO99/18193; Probst J C, Antisense Oligodeoxynucleotide and Ribozyme Design, Methods. (2000) 22(3):271-281; Summerton J, and Weller D. 1997 Antisense Nucleic Acid Drug Dev. :7:187-95; U.S. Pat. No. 5,235,033; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,378,841).

[0066] Alternative preferred MAP3K nucleic acid modulators are double-stranded RNA species mediating RNA interference (RNAi). RNAi is the process of sequence-specific, post-transcriptional gene silencing in animals and plants, initiated by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) that is homologous in sequence to the silenced gene. Methods relating to the use of RNAi to silence genes in C. elegans, Drosophila, plants, and humans are known in the art (Fire A, et al., 1998 Nature 391:806-811; Fire, A. Trends Genet. 15,358-363 (1999); Sharp, P. A. RNA interference 2001. Genes Dev. 15, 485490 (2001); Hammond, S. M., et al., Nature Rev. Genet. 2, 110-1119 (2001); Tuschl, T. Chem. Biochem. 2,239-245 (2001); Hamilton, A. et al., Science 286, 950-952 (1999); Hammond, S. M., et al., Nature 404, 293-296 (2000); Zamore, P. D., et al., Cell 101, 25-33 (2000); Bernstein, E., et al., Nature 409, 363-366 (2001); Elbashir, S. M., et al., Genes Dev. 15, 188-200 (2001); WO0129058; WO9932619; Elbashir S M, et al., 2001 Nature 411:494-498).

[0067] Nucleic acid modulators are commonly used as research reagents, diagnostics, and therapeutics. For example, antisense oligonucleotides, which are able to inhibit gene expression with exquisite specificity, are often used to elucidate the function of particular genes (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,165,790). Nucleic acid modulators are also used, for example, to distinguish between functions of various members of a biological pathway. For example, antisense oligomers have been employed as therapeutic moieties in the treatment of disease states in animals and man and have been demonstrated in numerous clinical trials to be safe and effective (Milligan J F, et al, Current Concepts in Antisense Drug Design, J Med Chem. (1993) 36:1923-1937; Tonkinson J L et al., Antisense Oligodeoxynucleotides as Clinical Therapeutic Agents, Cancer Invest. (1996) 14:54-65). Accordingly, in one aspect of the invention, a MAP3K-specific nucleic acid modulator is used in an assay to further elucidate the role of the MAP3K in the p53 pathway, and/or its relationship to other members of the pathway. In another aspect of the invention, a MAP3K-specific antisense oligomer is used as a therapeutic agent for treatment of p53-related disease states.

[0068] Assay Systems

[0069] The invention provides assay systems and screening methods for identifying specific modulators of MAP3K activity. As used herein, an "assay system" encompasses all the components required for performing and analyzing results of an assay that detects and/or measures a particular event. In general, primary assays are used to identify or confirm a modulator's specific biochemical or molecular effect with respect to the MAP3K nucleic acid or protein. In general, secondary assays further assess the activity of a MAP3K modulating agent identified by a primary assay and may confirm that the modulating agent affects MAP3K in a manner relevant to the p53 pathway. In some cases, MAP3K modulators will be directly tested in a secondary assay.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment, the screening method comprises contacting a suitable assay system comprising a MAP3K polypeptide with a candidate agent under conditions whereby, but for the presence of the agent, the system provides a reference activity (e.g. kinase activity), which is based on the particular molecular event the screening method detects. A statistically significant difference between the agent-biased activity and the reference activity indicates that the candidate agent modulates MAP3K activity, and hence the p53 pathway.

[0071] Primary Assays

[0072] The type of modulator tested generally determines the type of primary assay.

[0073] Primary Assays for Small Molecule Modulators

[0074] For small molecule modulators, screening assays are used to identify candidate modulators. Screening assays may be cell-based or may use a cell-free system that recreates or retains the relevant biochemical reaction of the target protein (reviewed in Sittampalam G S et al., Curr Opin Chem Biol (1997) 1:384-91 and accompanying references). As used herein the term "cell-based" refers to assays using live cells, dead cells, or a particular cellular fraction, such as a membrane, endoplasmic reticulum, or mitochondrial fraction. The term "cell free" encompasses assays using substantially purified protein (either endogenous or recombinantly produced), partially purified or crude cellular extracts. Screening assays may detect a variety of molecular events, including protein-DNA interactions, protein-protein interactions (e.g., receptor-ligand binding), transcriptional activity (e.g., using a reporter gene), enzymatic activity (e.g., via a property of the substrate), activity of second messengers, immunogenicty and changes in cellular morphology or other cellular characteristics. Appropriate screening assays may use a wide range of detection methods including fluorescent, radioactive, calorimetric, spectrophotometric, and amperometric methods, to provide a read-out for the particular molecular event detected.

[0075] Cell-based screening assays usually require systems for recombinant expression of MAP3K and any auxiliary proteins demanded by the particular assay. Appropriate methods for generating recombinant proteins produce sufficient quantities of proteins that retain their relevant biological activities and are of sufficient purity to optimize activity and assure assay reproducibility. Yeast two-hybrid and variant screens, and mass spectrometry provide preferred methods for determining protein-protein interactions and elucidation of protein complexes. In certain applications, when MAP3K-interacting proteins are used in screens to identify small molecule modulators, the binding specificity of the interacting protein to the MAP3K protein may be assayed by various known methods such as substrate processing (e.g. ability of the candidate MAP3K-specific binding agents to function as negative effectors in MAP3K-expressing cells), binding equilibrium constants (usually at least about 10.sup.7 N.sup.-1, preferably at least about 10.sup.8 M.sup.-1, more preferably at least about 10.sup.9 M.sup.-1), and immunogenicity (e.g. ability to elicit MAP3K specific antibody in a heterologous host such as a mouse, rat, goat or rabbit). For enzymes and receptors, binding may be assayed by, respectively, substrate and ligand processing.

[0076] The screening assay may measure a candidate agent's ability to specifically bind to or modulate activity of a MAP3K polypeptide, a fusion protein thereof, or to cells or membranes bearing the polypeptide or fusion protein. The MAP3K polypeptide can be full length or a fragment thereof that retains functional MAP3K activity. The MAP3K polypeptide may be fused to another polypeptide, such as a peptide tag for detection or anchoring, or to another tag. The MAP3K polypeptide is preferably human MAP3K, or is an ortholog or derivative thereof as described above. In a preferred embodiment, the screening assay detects candidate agent-based modulation of MAP3K interaction with a binding target, such as an endogenous or exogenous protein or other substrate that has MAP3K -specific binding activity, and can be used to assess normal MAP3K gene function.

[0077] Suitable assay formats that may be adapted to screen for MAP3K modulators are known in the art. Preferred screening assays are high throughput or ultra high throughput and thus provide automated, cost-effective means of screening compound libraries for lead compounds (Fernandes P B, Curr Opin Chem Biol (1998) 2:597-603; Sundberg S A, Curr Opin Biotechnol 2000, 11:47-53). In one preferred embodiment, screening assays uses fluorescence technologies, including fluorescence polarization, time-resolved fluorescence, and fluorescence resonance energy transfer. These systems offer means to monitor protein-protein or DNA-protein interactions in which the intensity of the signal emitted from dye-labeled molecules depends upon their interactions with partner molecules (e.g., Selvin P R, Nat Struct Biol (2000) 7:7304; Fernandes P B, supra; Hertzberg R P and Pope A J, Curr Opin Chem Biol (2000) 4:445-451).

[0078] A variety of suitable assay systems may be used to identify candidate MAP3K and p53 pathway modulators (e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 6,165,992 (kinase assays); U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,550,019 and 6,133,437 (apoptosis assays); and U.S. Pat. No. 6,020,135 (p53 modulation), among others). Specific preferred assays are described in more detail below.

[0079] Kinase assays. In some preferred embodiments the screening assay detects the ability of the test agent to modulate the kinase activity of a MAP3K polypeptide. In further embodiments, a cell-free kinase assay system is used to identify a candidate p53 modulating agent, and a secondary, cell-based assay, such as an apoptosis or hypoxic induction assay (described below), may be used to further characterize the candidate p53 modulating agent. Many different assays for kinases have been reported in the literature and are well known to those skilled in the art (e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 6,165,992; Zhu et al., Nature Genetics (2000) 26:283-289; and WO0073469). Radioassays, which monitor the transfer of a gamma phosphate are frequently used. For instance, a scintillation assay for p56 (1ck) kinase activity monitors the transfer of the gamma phosphate from gamma-.sup.33P ATP to a biotinylated peptide substrate; the substrate is captured on a streptavidin coated bead that transmits the signal (Beveridge M et al., J Biomol Screen (2000) 5:205-212). This assay uses the scintillation proximity assay (SPA), in which only radio-ligand bound to receptors tethered to the surface of an SPA bead are detected by the scintillant immobilized within it, allowing binding to be measured without separation of bound from free ligand.

[0080] Apoptosis assays. Assays for apoptosis may be performed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated digoxigenin-11-dUTP nick end labeling TUNEL) assay. The TUNEL assay is used to measure nuclear DNA fragmentation characteristic of apoptosis (Lazebnik et al., 1994, Nature 371, 346), by following the incorporation of fluorescein-dUTP (Yonehara et al., 1989, J. Exp. Med. 169, 1747). Apoptosis may further be assayed by acridine orange staining of tissue culture cells Lucas, R., et al., 1998, Blood 15:4730-41). An apoptosis assay system may comprise a cell that expresses a MAP3K, and that optionally has defective p53 function (e.g. p53 is over-expressed or under-expressed relative to wild-type cells). A test agent can be added to the apoptosis assay system and changes in induction of apoptosis relative to controls where no test agent is added, identify candidate p53 modulating agents. In some embodiments of the invention, an apoptosis assay may be used as a secondary assay to test a candidate p53 modulating agents that is initially identified using a cell-free assay system. An apoptosis assay may also be used to test whether MAP3K function plays a direct role in apoptosis. For example, an apoptosis assay may be performed on cells that over- or under-express MAP3K relative to wild type cells. Differences in apoptotic response compared to wild type cells suggests that the MAP3K plays a direct role in the apoptotic response. Apoptosis assays are described further in U.S. Pat. No. 6,133,437.

[0081] Cell proliferation and cell cycle assays. Cell proliferation may be assayed via bromodeoxyuridine (BRDU) incorporation. This assay identifies a cell population undergoing DNA synthesis by incorporation of BRDU into newly-synthesized DNA. Newly-synthesized DNA may then be detected using an anti-BRDU antibody (Hoshino et al., 1986, Int. J. Cancer 38, 369; Campana et al., 1988, J. Immunol. Meth. 107, 79), or by other means.

[0082] Cell Proliferation may also be examined using [.sup.3H]-thymidine incorporation (Chen, J., 1996, Oncogene 13:1395-403; Jeoung, J, 1995, J. Biol. Chem. 270:18367-73). This assay allows for quantitative characterization of S-phase DNA syntheses. In this assay, cells synthesizing DNA will incorporate [.sup.3H]-thymidine into newly synthesized DNA. Incorporation can then be measured by standard techniques such as by counting of radioisotope in a scintillation counter (e.g., Beckman L S 3800 Liquid Scintillation Counter).

[0083] Cell proliferation may also be assayed by colony formation in soft agar (Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning, Cold Spring Harbor (1989)). For example, cells transformed with MAP3K are seeded in soft agar plates, and colonies are measured and counted after two weeks incubation.

[0084] Involvement of a gene in the cell cycle may be assayed by flow cytometry (Gray J W et al. (1986) Int J Radiat Biol Relat Stud Phys Chem Med 49:237-55). Cells transfected with a MAP3K may be stained with propidium iodide and evaluated in a flow cytometer (available from Becton Dickinson).

[0085] Accordingly, a cell proliferation or cell cycle assay system may comprise a cell that expresses a MAP3K, and that optionally has defective p53 function (e.g. p53 is over-expressed or under-expressed relative to wild-type cells). A test agent can be added to the assay system and changes in cell proliferation or cell cycle relative to controls where no test agent is added, identify candidate p53 modulating agents. In some embodiments of the invention, the cell proliferation or cell cycle assay may be used as a secondary assay to test a candidate p53 modulating agents that is initially identified using another assay system such as a cell-free kinase assay system. A cell proliferation assay may also be used to test whether MAP3K function plays a direct role in cell proliferation or cell cycle. For example, a cell proliferation or cell cycle assay may be performed on cells that over- or under-express MAP3K relative to wild type cells. Differences in proliferation or cell cycle compared to wild type cells suggests that the MAP3K plays a direct role in cell proliferation or cell cycle.

[0086] Angiogenesis. Angiogenesis may be assayed using various human endothelial cell systems, such as umbilical vein, coronary artery, or dermal cells. Suitable assays include Alamar Blue based assays (available from Biosource International) to measure proliferation; migration assays using fluorescent molecules, such as the use of Becton Dickinson Falcon HTS FluoroBlock cell culture inserts to measure migration of cells through membranes in presence or absence of angiogenesis enhancer or suppressors; and tubule formation assays based on the formation of tubular structures by endothelial cells on Matrigel.RTM. (Becton Dickinson). Accordingly, an angiogenesis assay system may comprise a cell that expresses a MAP3K, and that optionally has defective p53 function (e.g. p53 is over-expressed or under-expressed relative to wild-type cells). A test agent can be added to the angiogenesis assay system and changes in angiogenesis relative to controls where no test agent is added, identify candidate p53 modulating agents. In some embodiments of the invention, the angiogenesis assay may be used as a secondary assay to test a candidate p53 modulating agents that is initially identified using another assay system. An angiogenesis assay may also be used to test whether MAP3K function plays a direct role in cell proliferation. For example, an angiogenesis assay may be performed on cells that over- or under-express MAP3K relative to wild type cells. Differences in angiogenesis compared to wild type cells suggests that the MAP3K plays a direct role in angiogenesis.

[0087] Hypoxic induction. The alpha subunit of the transcription factor, hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), is upregulated in tumor cells following exposure to hypoxia in vitro. Under hypoxic conditions, HIF-1 stimulates the expression of genes known to be important in tumour cell survival, such as those encoding glyolytic enzymes and VEGF. Induction of such genes by hypoxic conditions may be assayed by growing cells transfected with MAP3K in hypoxic conditions (such as with 0.1% O2, 5% CO2, and balance N2, generated in a Napco 7001 incubator (Precision Scientific)) and normoxic conditions, followed by assessment of gene activity or expression by Taqman.RTM.. For example, a hypoxic induction assay system may comprise a cell that expresses a MAP3K, and that optionally has a mutated p53 (e.g. p53 is over-expressed or under-expressed relative to wild-type cells). A test agent can be added to the hypoxic induction assay system and changes in hypoxic response relative to controls where no test agent is added, identify candidate p53 modulating agents. In some embodiments of the invention, the hypoxic induction assay may be used as a secondary assay to test a candidate p53 modulating agents that is initially identified using another assay system. A hypoxic induction assay may also be used to test whether MAP3K function plays a direct role in the hypoxic response. For example, a hypoxic induction assay may be performed on cells that over- or under-express MAP3K relative to wild type cells. Differences in hypoxic response compared to wild type cells suggests that the MAP3K plays a direct role in hypoxic induction.

[0088] Cell adhesion. Cell adhesion assays measure adhesion of cells to purified adhesion proteins, or adhesion of cells to each other, in presence or absence of candidate modulating agents. Cell-protein adhesion assays measure the ability of agents to modulate the adhesion of cells to purified proteins. For example, recombinant proteins are produced, diluted to 2.5 g/mL in PBS, and used to coat the wells of a microtiter plate. The wells used for negative control are not coated. Coated wells are then washed, blocked with 1% BSA, and washed again. Compounds are diluted to 2.times. final test concentration and added to the blocked, coated wells. Cells are then added to the wells, and the unbound cells are washed off. Retained cells are labeled directly on the plate by adding a membrane-permeable fluorescent dye, such as calcein-AM, and the signal is quantified in a fluorescent microplate reader.

[0089] Cell-cell adhesion assays measure the ability of agents to modulate binding of cell adhesion proteins with their native ligands. These assays use cells that naturally or recombinantly express the adhesion protein of choice. In an exemplary assay, cells expressing the cell adhesion protein are plated in wells of a multiwell plate. Cells expressing the ligand are labeled with a membrane-permeable fluorescent dye, such as BCECF, and allowed to adhere to the monolayers in the presence of candidate agents. Unbound cells are washed off, and bound cells are detected using a fluorescence plate reader.

[0090] High-throughput cell adhesion assays have also been described. In one such assay, small molecule ligands and peptides are bound to the surface of microscope slides using a microarray spotter, intact cells are then contacted with the slides, and unbound cells are washed off. In this assay, not only the binding specificity of the peptides and modulators against cell lines are determined, but also the functional cell signaling of attached cells using immunofluorescence techniques in situ on the microchip is measured (Falsey J R et al., Bioconjug Chem. May-June 2001; 12(3):346-53).

[0091] Primary Assays for Antibody Modulators

[0092] For antibody modulators, appropriate primary assays test is a binding assay that tests the antibody's affinity to and specificity for the MAP3K protein. Methods for testing antibody affinity and specificity are well known in the art (Harlow and Lane, 1988, 1999, supra). The enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) is a preferred method for detecting MAP3K-specific antibodies; others include FACS assays, radioimmunoassays, and fluorescent assays.

[0093] Primary Assays for Nucleic Acid Modulators

[0094] For nucleic acid modulators, primary assays may test the ability of the nucleic acid modulator to inhibit or enhance MAP3K gene expression, preferably mRNA expression. In general, expression analysis comprises comparing MAP3K expression in like populations of cells (e.g., two pools of cells that endogenously or recombinantly express MAP3K) in the presence and absence of the nucleic acid modulator. Methods for analyzing mRNA and protein expression are well known in the art. For instance, Northern blotting, slot blotting, ribonuclease protection, quantitative RT-PCR (e.g., using the TaqMan.RTM., PE Applied Biosystems), or microarray analysis may be used to confirm that MAP3K mRNA expression is reduced in cells treated with the nucleic acid modulator (e.g., Current Protocols in Molecular Biology (1994) Ausubel F M et al., eds., John Wiley & Sons, Inc., chapter 4; Freeman W M et al., Biotechniques (1999) 26:112-125; Kallioniemi O P, Ann Med 2001, 33:142-147; Blohm D H and Guiseppi-Elie, A Curr Opin Biotechnol 2001, 12:41-47). Protein expression may also be monitored. Proteins are most commonly detected with specific antibodies or antisera directed against either the MAP3K protein or specific peptides. A variety of means including Western blotting, ELISA, or in situ detection, are available (Harlow E and Lane D, 1988 and 1999, supra).

[0095] Secondary Assays

[0096] Secondary assays may be used to further assess the activity of MAP3K-modulating agent identified by any of the above methods to confirm that the modulating agent affects MAP3K in a manner relevant to the p53 pathway. As used herein, MAP3K-modulating agents encompass candidate clinical compounds or other agents derived from previously identified modulating agent. Secondary assays can also be used to test the activity of a modulating agent on a particular genetic or biochemical pathway or to test the specificity of the modulating agent's interaction with MAP3K.

[0097] Secondary assays generally compare like populations of cells or animals (e.g., two pools of cells or animals that endogenously or recombinantly express MAP3K) in the presence and absence of the candidate modulator. In general, such assays test whether treatment of cells or animals with a candidate MAP3K-modulating agent results in changes in the p53 pathway in comparison to untreated (or mock- or placebo-treated) cells or animals. Certain assays use "sensitized genetic backgrounds", which, as used herein, describe cells or animals engineered for altered expression of genes in the p53 or interacting pathways.

[0098] Cell-Based Assays

[0099] Cell based assays may use a variety of mammalian cell lines known to have defective p53 function (e.g. SAOS-2 osteoblasts, H1299 lung cancer cells, C33A and HT3 cervical cancer cells, HT-29 and DLD-1 colon cancer cells, among others, available from American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), Manassas, Va.). Cell based assays may detect endogenous p53 pathway activity or may rely on recombinant expression of p53 pathway components. Any of the aforementioned assays may be used in this cell-based format. Candidate modulators are typically added to the cell media but may also be injected into cells or delivered by any other efficacious means.

[0100] Animal Assays

[0101] A variety of non-human animal models of normal or defective p53 pathway may be used to test candidate MAP3K modulators. Models for defective p53 pathway typically use genetically modified animals that have been engineered to mis-express (e.g., over-express or lack expression in) genes involved in the p53 pathway. Assays generally require systemic delivery of the candidate modulators, such as by oral administration, injection, etc.

[0102] In a preferred embodiment, p53 pathway activity is assessed by monitoring neovascularization and angiogenesis. Animal models with defective and normal p53 are used to test the candidate modulator's affect on MAP3K in Matrigel.RTM. assays. Matrigel.RTM. is an extract of basement membrane proteins, and is composed primarily of laminin, collagen IV, and heparin sulfate proteoglycan. It is provided as a sterile liquid at 4.degree. C., but rapidly forms a solid gel at 37.degree. C. Liquid Matrigel.RTM. is mixed with various angiogenic agents, such as bFGF and VEGF, or with human tumor cells which over-express the MAP3K The mixture is then injected subcutaneously(SC) into female athymic nude mice (Taconic, Germantown, N.Y.) to support an intense vascular response. Mice with Matrigel.RTM. pellets may be dosed via oral (PO), intraperitoneal (IP), or intravenous (IV) routes with the candidate modulator. Mice are euthanized 5-12 days post-injection, and the Matrigel.RTM. pellet is harvested for hemoglobin analysis (Sigma plasma hemoglobin kit). Hemoglobin content of the gel is found to correlate the degree of neovascularization in the gel.

[0103] In another preferred embodiment, the effect of the candidate modulator on MAP3K is assessed via tumorigenicity assays. In one example, xenograft human tumors are implanted SC into female athymic mice, 6-7 week old, as single cell suspensions either from a pre-existing tumor or from in vitro culture. The tumors which express the MAP3K endogenously are injected in the flank, 1.times.10.sup.5 to 1.times.10.sup.7 cells per mouse in a volume of 100 .mu.L using a 27 gauge needle. Mice are then ear tagged and tumors are measured twice weekly. Candidate modulator treatment is initiated on the day the mean tumor weight reaches 100 mg. Candidate modulator is delivered IV, SC, IP, or PO by bolus administration. Depending upon the pharmacokinetics of each unique candidate modulator, dosing can be performed multiple times per day. The tumor weight is assessed by measuring perpendicular diameters with a caliper and calculated by multiplying the measurements of diameters in two dimensions. At the end of the experiment, the excised tumors maybe utilized for biomarker identification or further analyses. For immunohistochemistry staining, xenograft tumors are fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde, 0.1M phosphate, pH 7.2, for 6 hours at 4.degree. C., immersed in 30% sucrose in PBS, and rapidly frozen in isopentane cooled with liquid nitrogen.

[0104] Diagnostic and Therapeutic Uses

[0105] Specific MAP3K-modulating agents are useful in a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic applications where disease or disease prognosis is related to defects in the p53 pathway, such as angiogenic, apoptotic, or cell proliferation disorders. Accordingly, the invention also provides methods for modulating the p53 pathway in a cell, preferably a cell pre-determined to have defective p53 function, comprising the step of administering an agent to the cell that specifically modulates MAP3K activity. Preferably, the modulating agent produces a detectable phenotypic change in the cell indicating that the p53 function is restored, i.e., for example, the cell undergoes normal proliferation or progression through the cell cycle.

[0106] The discovery that MAP3K is implicated in p53 pathway provides for a variety of methods that can be employed for the diagnostic and prognostic evaluation of diseases and disorders involving defects in the p53 pathway and for the identification of subjects having a predisposition to such diseases and disorders.

[0107] Various expression analysis methods can be used to diagnose whether MAP3K expression occurs in a particular sample, including Northern blotting, slot blotting, ribonuclease protection, quantitative RT-PCR, and microarray analysis. (e.g., Current Protocols in Molecular Biology (1994) Ausubel F M et al., eds., John Wiley & Sons, Inc., chapter 4; Freeman W M et al., Biotechniques (1999) 26:112-125; Kallioniemi O P, Ann Med 2001, 33:142-147; Blohm and Guiseppi-Elie, Curr Opin Biotechnol 2001, 12:41-47). Tissues having a disease or disorder implicating defective p53 signaling that express a MAP3K, are identified as amenable to treatment with a MAP3K modulating agent. In a preferred application, the p53 defective tissue overexpresses a MAP3K relative to normal tissue. For example, a Northern blot analysis of mRNA from tumor and normal cell lines, or from tumor and matching normal tissue samples from the same patient, using full or partial MAP3K cDNA sequences as probes, can determine whether particular tumors express or overexpress MAP3K. Alternatively, the TaqMan.RTM. is used for quantitative RT-PCR analysis of MAP3K expression in cell lines, normal tissues and tumor samples (PE Applied Biosystems).

[0108] Various other diagnostic methods may be performed, for example, utilizing reagents such as the MAP3K oligonucleotides, and antibodies directed against a MAP3K, as described above for: (1) the detection of the presence of MAP3K gene mutations, or the detection of either over- or under-expression of MAP3K mRNA relative to the non-disorder state; (2) the detection of either an over- or an under-abundance of MAP3K gene product relative to the non-disorder state; and (3) the detection of perturbations or abnormalities in the signal transduction pathway mediated by MAP3K.

[0109] Thus, in a specific embodiment, the invention is drawn to a method for diagnosing a disease in a patient, the method comprising: a) obtaining a biological sample from the patient; b) contacting the sample with a probe for MAP3K expression; c) comparing results from step (b) with a control; and d) determining whether step (c) indicates a likelihood of disease. Preferably, the disease is cancer, most preferably a cancer as shown in TABLE 1. The probe may be either DNA or protein, including an antibody.

EXAMPLES

[0110] The following experimental section and examples are offered by way of illustration and not by way of limitation.

[0111] I. Drosophila p53 Screen

[0112] The Drosophila p53 gene was overexpressed specifically in the wing using the vestigial margin quadrant enhancer. Increasing quantities of Drosophila p53 (titrated using different strength transgenic inserts in 1 or 2 copies) caused deterioration of normal wing morphology from mild to strong, with phenotypes including disruption of pattern and polarity of wing hairs, shortening and thickening of wing veins, progressive crumpling of the wing and appearance of dark "death" inclusions in wing blade. In a screen designed to identify enhancers and suppressors of Drosophila p53, homozygous females carrying two copies of p53 were crossed to 5663 males carrying random insertions of a piggyBac transposon (Fraser M et al., Virology (1985) 145:356-361). Progeny containing insertions were compared to non-insertion-bearing sibling progeny for enhancement or suppression of the p53 phenotypes. Sequence information surrounding the piggyBac insertion site was used to identify the modifier genes. Modifiers of the wing phenotype were identified as members of the p53 pathway. CG8789 was an enhancer of the wing phenotype. Human orthologs of the modifiers, are referred to herein as MAP3K.

[0113] BLAST analysis (Altschul et al., supra) was employed to identify Targets from Drosophila modifiers. [For example, representative sequences from MAP3K, GI#5454184 (SEQ ID NO:8) and GI#4758696 (SEQ ID NO:9) share 52% and 37% amino acid identity, respectively, with the Drosophila.CG8789.

[0114] Various domains, signals, and functional subunits in proteins were analyzed using the PSORT (Nakai K., and Horton P., Trends Biochem Sci, 1999, 24:34-6; Kenta Nakai, Protein sorting signals and prediction of subcellular localization, Adv. Protein Chem. 54, 277-344 (2000)), PFAM (Bateman A., et al., Nucleic Acids Res, 1999, 27:260-2; http://pfam.wustl.edu), SMART (Ponting C P, et al., SMART: identification and annotation of domains from signaling and extracellular protein sequences. Nucleic Acids Res. Jan. 1, 1991; 27(1):229-32), TM-HMM (Erik L. L. Sonnhammer, Gunnar von Heijne, and Anders Krogh: A hidden Markov model for predicting transmembrane helices in protein sequences. In Proc. of Sixth Int. Conf. on Intelligent Systems for Molecular Biology, p 175-182 Ed J. Glasgow, T. Littlejohn, F. Major, R. Lathrop, D. Sankoff, and C. Sensen Menlo Park, Calif.: AAAI Press, 1998), and dust (Remm M, and Sonnhammer E. Classification of transmembrane protein families in the Caenorhabditis elegans genome and identification of human orthologs. Genome Res. November 2000; 10(11):1679-89) programs. Using PFAM, the kinase domain of MAP3K from GI# 5454184 (SEQ ID NO:8) is located at approximately amino acid residues 125-366 (PFAM 00069). Likewise, the kinase domain of MAP3K from GI# 4758696 (SEQ ID NO:9) is located at approximately amino acid residues 168-409.

[0115] II. High-Throughput In Vitro Fluorescence Polarization Assay

[0116] Fluorescently-labeled MAP3K peptide/substrate are added to each well of a 96-well microliter plate, along with a test agent in a test buffer (10 mM HEPES, 10 mM NaCl, 6 mM magnesium chloride, pH 7.6). Changes in fluorescence polarization, determined by using a Fluorolite FPM-2 Fluorescence Polarization Microtiter System (Dynatech Laboratories, Inc), relative to control values indicates the test compound is a candidate modifier of MAP3K activity.

[0117] III. High-Throughput In Vitro Binding Assay.

[0118] .sup.33P-labeled MAP3K peptide is added in an assay buffer (100 mM KCl, 20 mM HEPES pH 7.6, 1 mM MgCl.sub.2, 1% glycerol, 0.5% NP-40, 50 mM beta-mercaptoethanol, 1 mg/ml BSA, cocktail of protease inhibitors) along with a test agent to the wells of a Neutralite-avidin coated assay plate and incubated at 25.degree. C. for 1 hour. Biotinylated substrate is then added to each well and incubated for 1 hour. Reactions are stopped by washing with PBS, and counted in a scintillation counter. Test agents that cause a difference in activity relative to control without test agent are identified as candidate p53 modulating agents.

[0119] IV. Immunoprecipitations and Immunoblotting

[0120] For coprecipitation of transfected proteins, 3.times.10.sup.6 appropriate recombinant cells containing the MAP3K proteins are plated on 10-cm dishes and transfected on the following day with expression constructs. The total amount of DNA is kept constant in each transfection by adding empty vector. After 24 h, cells are collected, washed once with phosphate-buffered saline and lysed for 20 min on ice in 1 ml of lysis buffer containing 50 mM Hepes, pH 7.9, 250 mM NaCl, 20 mM-glycerophosphate, 1 mM sodium orthovanadate, 5 mM p-nitrophenyl phosphate, 2 mM dithiothreitol, protease inhibitors (complete, Roche Molecular Biochemicals), and 1% Nonidet P40. Cellular debris is removed by centrifugation twice at 15,000.times. g for 15 min. The cell lysate is incubated with 25 .mu.l of M2 beads (Sigma) for 2 h at 4.degree. C. with gentle rocking.

[0121] After extensive washing with lysis buffer, proteins bound to the beads are solubilized by boiling in SDS sample buffer, fractionated by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, transferred to polyvinylidene difluoride membrane and blotted with the indicated antibodies. The reactive bands are visualized with horseradish peroxidase coupled to the appropriate secondary antibodies and the enhanced chemiluminescence (ECL) Western blotting detection system (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech).

[0122] V. Kinase Assay

[0123] A purified or partially purified MAP3K is diluted in a suitable reaction buffer, e.g., 50 mM Hepes, pH 7.5, containing magnesium chloride or manganese chloride (1-20 mM) and a peptide or polypeptide substrate, such as myelin basic protein or casein (1-10 .mu.g/ml). The final concentration of the kinase is 1-20 nM. The enzyme reaction is conducted in microtiter plates to facilitate optimization of reaction conditions by increasing assay throughput. A 96-well microtiter plate is employed using a final volume 30-100 .mu.l. The reaction is initiated by the addition of .sup.33P-gamma-ATP (0.5 .mu.Ci/ml) and incubated for 0.5 to 3 hours at room temperature. Negative controls are provided by the addition of EDTA, which chelates the divalent cation (Mg2.sup.+ or Mn2+) required for enzymatic activity. Following the incubation, the enzyme reaction is quenched using EDTA. Samples of the reaction are transferred to a 96-well glass fiber filter plate (MultiScreen, Millipore). The filters are subsequently washed with phosphate-buffered saline, dilute phosphoric acid (0.5%) or other suitable medium to remove excess radiolabeled ATP. Scintillation cocktail is added to the filter plate and the incorporated radioactivity is quantitated by scintillation counting (Wallac/Perkin Elmer). Activity is defined by the amount of radioactivity detected following subtraction of the negative control reaction value (EDTA quench).

[0124] VI. Expression Analysis

[0125] All cell lines used in the following experiments are NCI (National Cancer Institute) lines, and are available from ATCC (American Type Culture Collection, Manassas, Va. 20110-2209). Normal and tumor tissues were obtained from Impath, UC Davis, Clontech, Stratagene, and Ambion.

[0126] TaqMan analysis was used to assess expression levels of the disclosed genes in various samples.

[0127] RNA was extracted from each tissue sample using Qiagen (Valencia, Calif.) RNeasy kits, following manufacturer's protocols, to a final concentration of 50 ng/.mu.l. Single stranded cDNA was then synthesized by reverse transcribing the RNA samples using random hexamers and 500 ng of total RNA per reaction, following protocol 4304965 of Applied Biosystems (Foster City, Calif., http://www.appliedbiosystems.com/).

[0128] Primers for expression analysis using TaqMan assay (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, Calif.) were prepared according to the TaqMan protocols, and the following criteria: a) primer pairs were designed to span introns to eliminate genomic contamination, and b) each primer pair produced only one product.

[0129] Taqman reactions were carried out following manufacturer's protocols, in 25 .mu.l total volume for 96-well plates and 10 .mu.l total volume for 384-well plates, using 300 nM primer and 250 nM probe, and approximately 25 ng of cDNA. The standard curve for result analysis was prepared using a universal pool of human cDNA samples, which is a mixture of cDNAs from a wide variety of tissues so that the chance that a target will be present in appreciable amounts is good. The raw data were normalized using 18S rRNA (universally expressed in all tissues and cells).

[0130] For each expression analysis, tumor tissue samples were compared with matched normal tissues from the same patient. A gene was considered overexpressed in a tumor when the level of expression of the gene was 2 fold or higher in the tumor compared with its matched normal sample. In cases where normal tissue was not available, a universal pool of cDNA samples was used instead. In these cases, a gene was considered overexpressed in a tumor sample when the difference of expression levels between a tumor sample and the average of all normal samples from the same tissue type was greater than 2 times the standard deviation of all normal samples (i.e., Tumor--average(all normal samples)>2.times.STDEV- (all normal samples) ).

[0131] Results are shown in Table 1. Results from various batches of mRNA are represented for each batch. Data presented in bold indicate that greater than 50% of tested tumor samples of the tissue type indicated in row 1 exhibited over expression of the gene listed in column 1, relative to normal samples. Underlined data indicates that between 25% to 49% of tested tumor samples exhibited over expression. A modulator identified by an assay described herein can be further validated for therapeutic effect by administration to a tumor in which the gene is overexpressed. A decrease in tumor growth confirms therapeutic utility of the modulator. Prior to treating a patient with the modulator, the likelihood that the patient will respond to treatment can be diagnosed by obtaining a tumor sample from the patient, and assaying for expression of the gene targeted by the modulator. The expression data for the gene(s) can also be used as a diagnostic marker for disease progression. The assay can be performed by expression analysis as described above, by antibody directed to the gene target, or by any other available detection method.

1 TABLE 1 . breast . . colon . . lung . . ovary GI#5454183 (SEQ ID NO: 1) TaqExp_100501 2 11 . 4 30 . 1 13 . 1 7 GI#13645287 (SEQ ID NO: 4) TaqExp_100501 3 11 . 1 30 . 2 13 . 3 7

[0132]

Sequence CWU 1

1

9 1 3365 DNA Homo sapiens 1 agcatccgga gcggagctgc agcagcgccg ccttttgtgc tgcggccgcg gagcccccga 60 gggcccagtg ttcaccatca taccaggggc cagaggcgat ggcttgcctc catgagaccc 120 gaacaccctc tccttccttt gggggctttg tgtctaccct aagtgaggca tccatgcgca 180 agctggaccc agacacttct gactgcactc ccgagaagga cctgacgcct acccatgtcc 240 tgcagctaca tgagcaggat gcagggggcc cagggggagc agctgggtca cctgagagtc 300 gggcatccag agttcgagct gacgaggtgc gactgcagtg ccagagtggc agtggcttcc 360 ttgagggcct ctttggctgc ctgcgccctg tctggaccat gattggcaaa gcctactcca 420 ctgagcacaa gcagcagcag gaagaccttt gggaggtccc ctttgaggaa atcctggacc 480 tgcagtgggt gggctcaggg gcccagggtg ctgtcttcct ggggcgcttc cacggggagg 540 aggtggctgt gaagaaggtg cgagacctca aagaaaccga catcaagcac ttgcgaaagc 600 tgaagcaccc caacatcatc actttcaagg gtgtgtgcac ccaggctccc tgctactgca 660 tcctcatgga gttctgcgcc cagggccagc tgtatgaggt actgcgggct ggccgccctg 720 tcaccccctc cttactggtt gactggtcca tgggcatcgc tggtggcatg aactacctgc 780 acctgcacaa gattatccac agggatctca agtcacccaa catgctaatc acctacgacg 840 atgtggtgaa gatctcagat tttggcactt ccaaggagct gagtgacaag agcaccaaga 900 tgtcctttgc agggacagta gcctggatgg cccctgaggt gatccgcaat gaacctgtgt 960 ctgagaaggt cgacatctgg tcctttggcg tggtgctatg ggaactgctg actggtgaga 1020 tcccctacaa agacgtagat tcctcagcca ttatctgggg tgtgggaagc aacagtctcc 1080 atctgcccgt gccctccagt tgcccagatg gtttcaagat cctgcttcgc cagtgctgga 1140 atagcaaacc acgaaatcgc ccatcattcc gacagatcct gctgcatctg gacattgcct 1200 cagctgatgt actctccaca ccccaggaga cttactttaa gtcccaggca gagtggcggg 1260 aagaagtaaa actgcacttt gaaaagatta agtcagaagg gacctgtctg caccgcctag 1320 aagaggaact ggtgatgagg aggagggagg agctcagaca cgccctggac atcagggagc 1380 actatgaaag gaagctggag agagccaaca acctgtatat ggaacttaat gccctcatgt 1440 tgcagctgga actcaaggag agggagctgc tcaggcgaga gcaagcttta gagcggaggt 1500 gcccaggcct gctgaagcca cacccttccc ggggcctcct gcatggaaac acaatggaga 1560 agcttatcaa gaagaggaat gtgccacaga atctgtcacc ccatagccaa aggccagata 1620 tcctcaaggc ggagtctttg ctccctaaac tagatgcagc cctgagtggg gtggggcttc 1680 ctgggtgtcc taaggccccc ccctcaccag gacggagtcg ccgtggcaag acccgtcacc 1740 gcaaggccag cgccaagggg agctgtgggg acctgcctgg gcttcgtaca gctgtgccac 1800 cccatgaacc tggaggacca ggaagcccag ggggcctagg agggggaccc tcagcctggg 1860 aggcctgccc tcccgccctc cgtgggcttc atcatgacct cctgctccgc aaaatgtctt 1920 catcgtcccc agacctgctg tcagcagcac tagggtcccg gggccggggg gccacaggcg 1980 gagctgggga tcctggctca ccacctccgg cccggggtga caccccacca agtgagggct 2040 cagcccctgg ctccaccagc ccagattcac ctgggggagc caaaggggaa ccacctcctc 2100 cagtagggcc tggtgaaggt gtggggcttc tgggaactgg aagggaaggg acctcaggcc 2160 ggggaggaag ccgggctggg tcccagcact tgaccccagc tgcactgctg tacagggctg 2220 ccgtcacccg aagtcagaaa cgtggcatct catcggaaga ggaggaagga gaggtagaca 2280 gtgaagtaga gctgacatca agccagaggt ggcctcagag cctgaacatg cgccagtcac 2340 tatctacctt cagctcagag aatccatcag atggggagga aggcacagct agtgaacctt 2400 cccccagtgg cacacctgaa gttggcagca ccaacactga tgagcggcca gatgagcggt 2460 ctgatgacat gtgctcccag ggctcagaaa tcccactgga cccacctcct tcagaggtca 2520 tccctggccc tgaacccagc tccctgccca ttccacacca ggaacttctc agagagcggg 2580 gccctcccaa ttctgaggac tcagactgtg acagcactga attggacaac tccaacagcg 2640 ttgatgcctt gcgcccccca gcttccctcc ctccatgaaa gccactcgta ttccttgtac 2700 atagagaaat atttatatgg attatatata tatacatata tatatatata tgcgccacat 2760 aatcaacaga aagatggggc tgtcccagcc gtaagtcagg ctcgagggag actgatcccc 2820 tgaccaattc acctgataaa ctctagggac actggcagct gtggaaatga atgaggcaca 2880 gccgtagagc tgtggctaag ggcaagcccc ttcctgcccc accccattcc ttatattcag 2940 caagcaacaa ggcaatagaa aagccagggt tgtctttata ttctttatcc ccaaataata 3000 gggggtgggg ggaggggcgg tgggaggggc aggagagaaa accacttaga ctgcactttt 3060 ctgttccgtt tactctgttt acacattttg cacttgggag gagggaggct aaggctgggt 3120 cctcccctct gaggtttctc aggtggcaat gtaactcatt tttttgtccc accatttatc 3180 ttctctgccc aagccctgtc ttaaggccca gggggaggtt aggagactga tagcatgtga 3240 tggctcaggc tgaagaaccg gggttctgtt taagtccctg cttttatcct ggtgcctgat 3300 tggggtgggg actgtcctac tgtaacccct gtgaaaaacc ttgaaaaata acactccatg 3360 cagga 3365 2 2830 DNA Homo sapiens misc_feature (33)..(33) "n" is A, C, G, or T 2 cgagggccca gtgttcacca tcataccagg ggncagaggc gatggcttgc ctccatgaga 60 cccgaacacc ctctccttcc tttgggggct ttgtgtctac cctaagtgag gcatccatgc 120 gcaagctgga cccagacact tctgactgca ctcccgagaa ggacctgacg cctacccagt 180 gtgtacttcg agatgtggta ccccttggtg ggcagggtgg gggagggccc agcccctccc 240 caggtggaga gccgccccct gagccttttg ccaacagtgt cctgcagcta catgagcagg 300 atgcaggggg cccaggggga gcagctgggt cacctgagag tcgggcatcc agagttcgag 360 ctgacgaggt gcgactgcag tgccagagtg gcagtggctt ccttgagggc ctctttggct 420 gcctgcgccc tgtctggacc atgattggca aagcctactc cactgagcac aagcagcagc 480 aggaagacct ttgggaggtc ccctttgagg aaatcctgga cctgcagtgg gtgggctcag 540 gggcccaggg tgctgtcttc ctggggcgct tccacgggga ggaggtggct gtgaagaagg 600 tgcgagacct caaagaaacc gacatcaagc acttgcgaaa gctgaagcac cccaacatca 660 tcactttcaa gggtgtgtgc acccaggctc cctgctactg catcctcatg gagttctgcg 720 cccagggcca gctgtatgag gtactgcggg ctggccgccc tgtcaccccc tccttactgg 780 ttgactggtc catgggcatc gctggtggca tgaactacct gcacctgcac aagattatcc 840 acagggatct caagtcaccc aacatgctaa tcacctacga cgatgtggtg aagatctcag 900 attttggcac ttccaaggag ctgagtgaca agagcaccaa gatgtccttt gcagggacag 960 tagcctggat ggcccctgag gtgatccgca atgaacctgt gtctgagaag gtcgacatct 1020 ggtcctttgg cgtggtgcta tgggaactgc tgactggtga gatcccctac aaagacgtag 1080 attcctcagc cattatctgg ggtgtgggaa gcaacagtct ccatctgccc gtgccctcca 1140 gttgcccaga tggtttcaag atcctgcttc gccagtgctg gaatagcaaa ccacgaaatc 1200 gcccatcatt ccgacagatc ctgctgcatc tggacattgc ctcagctgat gtactctcca 1260 caccccagga gacttacttt aagtcccagg cagagtggcg ggaagaagta aaactgcact 1320 ttgaaaagat taagtcagaa gggacctgtc tgcaccgcct agaagaggaa ctggtgatga 1380 ggaggaggga ggagctcaga cacgccctgg acatcaggga gcactatgaa aggaagctgg 1440 agagagccaa caacctgtat atggaactta atgccctcat gttgcagctg gaactcaagg 1500 agagggagct gctcaggcga gagcaagctt tagagcggag gtgcccaggc ctgctgaagc 1560 cacacccttc ccggggcctc ctgcatggaa acacaatgga gaagcttatc aagaagagga 1620 atgtgccaca gaagctgtca ccccatagca aaaggccaga tatcctcaag acggagtctt 1680 tgctccctaa actagatgca gccctgagtg gggtggggct tcctgggtgt cctaagggcc 1740 ccccctcacc aggacggagt cgccgtggca agacccgtca ccgcaaggcc agcgccaagg 1800 ggagctgtgg ggacctgcct gggcttcgta cagctgtgcc accccatgaa cctggaggac 1860 caggaagccc agggggccta ggagggggac cctcagcctg ggaggcctgc cctcccgccc 1920 tccgtgggct tcatcatgac ctcctgctcc gcaaaatgtc ttcatcgtcc ccagacctgc 1980 tgtcagcagc actagggtcc cggggccggg gggccacagg cggagctggg gatcctggct 2040 caccacctcc ggcccggggt gacaccccac caagtgaggg ctcagcccct ggctccacca 2100 gcccagattc acctggggga gccaaagggg aaccacctcc tccagtaggg cctggtgaag 2160 gtgtggggct tctgggaact ggaagggaag ggacctcagg ccggggagga agccgggctg 2220 ggtcccagca cttgacccca gctgcactgc tgtacagggc tgccgtcacc cgaagtcaga 2280 aacgtggcat ctcatcggaa gaggaggaag gagaggtaga cagtgaagta gagctgacat 2340 caagccagag gtggcctcag agcctgaaca tgcgccagtc actatctacc ttcagctcag 2400 agaatccatc agatggggag gaaggcacag ctagtgaacc ttcccccagt ggcacacctg 2460 aagttggcag caccaacact gatgagcggc cagatgagcg gtctgatgac atgtgctccc 2520 agggctcaga aatcccactg gacccacctc cttcagaggt catccctggc cctgaaccca 2580 gctccctgcc cattccacac caggaacttc tcagagagcg gggccctccc aattctgagg 2640 actcagactg tgacagcact gaattggaca actccaacag cgttgatgcc ttgcggcccc 2700 cagcttccct ccctccatga aagccactcg tattccttgt acatagagaa atatttatat 2760 aaattatata tatatacata tatatatata tatgcgccac ataatcaaca gaaagatggg 2820 gctgtcccag 2830 3 2732 DNA Homo sapiens 3 cgagggccca gtgttcacca tcataccagg ggccagaggc gatggcttgc ctccatgaga 60 cccgaacacc ctctccttcc tttgggggct ttgtgtctac cctaagtgag gcatccatgc 120 gcaagctgga cccagacact tctgactgca ctcccgagaa ggacctgacg cctacccatg 180 tcctgcagct acatgagcag gatgcagggg gcccaggggg agcagctggg tcacctgaga 240 gtcgggcatc cagagttcga gctgacgagg tgcgactgca gtgccagagt ggcagtggct 300 tccttgaggg cctctttggc tgcctgcgcc ctgtctggac catgattggc aaagcctact 360 ccactgagca caagcagcag caggaagacc tttgggaggt cccctttgag gaaatcctgg 420 acctgcagtg ggtgggctca ggggcccagg gtgctgtctt cctggggcgc ttccacgggg 480 aggaggtggc tgtgaagaag gtgcgagacc tcaaagaaac cgacatcaag cacttgcgaa 540 agctgaagca ccccaacatc atcactttca agggtgtgtg cacccaggct ccctgctact 600 gcatcctcat ggagttctgc gcccagggcc agctgtatga ggtactgcgg gctggccgcc 660 ctgtcacccc ctccttactg gttgactggt ccatgggcat cgctggtggc atgaactacc 720 tgcacctgca caagattatc cacagggatc tcaagtcacc caacatgcta atcacctacg 780 acgatgtggt gaagatctca gattttggca cttccaagga gctgagtgac aagagcacca 840 agatgtcctt tgcagggaca gtagcctgga tggcccctga ggtgatccgc aatgaacctg 900 tgtctgagaa ggtcgacatc tggtcctttg gcgtggtgct atgggaactg ctgactggtg 960 agatccccta caaagacgta gattcctcag ccattatctg gggtgtggga agcaacagtc 1020 tccatctgcc cgtgccctcc agttgcccag atggtttcaa gatcctgctt cgccagtgct 1080 ggaatagcaa accacgaaat cgcccatcat tccgacagat cctgctgcat ctggacattg 1140 cctcagctga tgtactctcc acaccccagg agacttactt taagtcccag gcagagtggc 1200 gggaagaagt aaaactgcac tttgaaaaga ttaagtcaga agggacctgt ctgcaccgcc 1260 tagaagagga actggtgatg aggaggaggg aggagctcag acacgccctg gacatcaggg 1320 agcactatga aaggaagctg gagagagcca acaacctgta tatggaactt aatgccctca 1380 tgttgcagct ggaactcaag gagagggagc tgctcaggcg agagcaagct ttagagcgga 1440 ggtgcccagg cctgctgaag ccacaccctt cccggggcct cctgcatgga aacacaatgg 1500 agaagcttat caagaagagg aatgtgccac agaagctgtc accccatagc aaaaggccag 1560 atatcctcaa gacggagtct ttgctcccta aactagatgc agccctgagt ggggtggggc 1620 ttcctgggtg tcctaagggc cccccctcac caggacggag tcgccgtggc aagacccgtc 1680 accgcaaggc cagcgccaag gggagctgtg gggacctgcc tgggcttcgt acagctgtgc 1740 caccccatga acctggagga ccaggaagcc cagggggcct aggaggggga ccctcagcct 1800 gggaggcctg ccctcccgcc ctccgtgggc ttcatcatga cctcctgctc cgcaaaatgt 1860 cttcatcgtc cccagacctg ctgtcagcag cactagggtc ccggggccgg ggggccacag 1920 gcggagctgg ggatcctggc tcaccacctc cggcccgggg tgacacccca ccaagtgagg 1980 gctcagcccc tggctccacc agcccagatt cacctggggg agccaaaggg gaaccacctc 2040 ctccagtagg gcctggtgaa ggtgtggggc ttctgggaac tggaagggaa gggacctcag 2100 gccggggagg aagccgggct gggtcccagc acttgacccc agctgcactg ctgtacaggg 2160 ctgccgtcac ccgaagtcag aaacgtggca tctcatcgga agaggaggaa ggagaggtag 2220 acagtgaagt agagctgaca tcaagccaga ggtggcctca gagcctgaac atgcgccagt 2280 cactatctac cttcagctca gagaatccat cagatgggga ggaaggcaca gctagtgaac 2340 cttcccccag tggcacacct gaagttggca gcaccaacac tgatgagcgg ccagatgagc 2400 ggtctgatga catgtgctcc cagggctcag aaatcccact ggacccacct ccttcagagg 2460 tcatccctgg ccctgaaccc agctccctgc ccattccaca ccaggaactt ctcagagagc 2520 ggggccctcc caattctgag gactcagact gtgacagcac tgaattggac aactccaaca 2580 gcgttgatgc cttgcggccc ccagcttccc tccctccatg aaagccactc gtattccttg 2640 tacatagaga aatatttata taaattatat atatatacat atatatatat atatgcgcca 2700 cataatcaac agaaagatgg ggctgtccag cc 2732 4 3378 DNA Homo sapiens 4 gttttggagc cctctcttaa gtcagaactc tgtcccaaaa atcttctgag tgtcatctca 60 ggactttggt tatactcatg gcacgatggc caactttcag gagcacctga gctgctcctc 120 ttctccacac ttacccttca gtgaaagcaa aaccttcaat ggactacaag atgagctcac 180 agctatgggg aaccaccctt ctcccaagct gctcgaggac cagcaggaaa aggggatggt 240 acgaacagag ctaatcgaga gcgtgcacag ccccgtcacc acaacagtgt tgacgagcgt 300 aagtgaggat tccagggacc agtttgagaa cagcgttctt cagctaaggg aacacgatga 360 atcagagacg gcggtgtctc aggggaacag caacacggtg gacggagaga gcacaagcgg 420 aactgaagac ataaagattc agttcagcag gtcaggcagt ggcagtggtg ggtttcttga 480 aggactattt ggatgcttaa ggcctgtatg gaatatcatt gggaaggcat attccactga 540 ttacaaattg cagcagcaag atacttggga agtgccattt gaggagatct cagagctgca 600 gtggctgggt agtggagccc aaggagcggt cttcttgggc aagttccggg cggaagaggt 660 ggccatcaag aaagtgagag aacagaatga gacggatatc aagcatttga ggaagttgaa 720 gcaccctaac atcatcgcat tcaagggtgt ttgtactcag gccccatgtt attgtattat 780 catggaatac tgtgcccatg gacaactcta cgaggtctta cgagctggca ggaagatcac 840 acctcgattg ctagtagact ggtccacagg aattgcaagt ggaatgaatt atttgcacct 900 ccataaaatt attcatcgtg atctcaaatc acctaatgtt ttagtgaccc acacagatgc 960 ggtaaaaatt tcagattttg gtacatctaa ggaactcagt gacaaaagta ccaagatgtc 1020 atttgctggc acggtcgcat ggatggcgcc agaggtgata cggaatgaac ctgtctctga 1080 aaaagttgat atatggtctt ttggagtggt gctttgggag ctgctgacag gagagatccc 1140 ttacaaagat gtagattctt cagccattat ctggggtgtt ggaagcaaca gcctccacct 1200 tccagttcct tccacttgcc ctgatggatt caaaatcctt atgaaacaga cgtggcagag 1260 taaacctcga aaccgacctt cttttcggca gacactcatg catttagaca ttgcctctgc 1320 agatgtactt gccaccccac aagaaactta cttcaagtct caggctgaat ggagagaaga 1380 agtgaaaaaa cattttgaga agatcaaaag tgaaggaact tgtatacacc ggttagatga 1440 agaactgatt cgaaggcgca gagaagagct caggcatgcg ctggatattc gtgaacacta 1500 tgagcggaag cttgagcggg cgaataattt atacatggaa ttgagtgcca tcatgctgca 1560 gctagaaatg cgggagaagg agctcattaa gcgtgagcaa gcagtggaaa agaagtatcc 1620 tgggacctac aaacgacacc ctgttcgtcc tatcatccat cccaatgcca tggagaaact 1680 catgaaaagg aaaggagtgc ctcacaaatc tgggatgcag accaaacggc cagacttgtt 1740 gagatcagaa gggatcccca ccacagaagt ggctcccact gcatcccctt tgtccggaag 1800 tcccaaaatg tccacttcta gcagcaagag ccgatatcga agcaaaccac gccaccgccg 1860 agggaatagc agaggcagcc atagtgactt tgccgcaatc ttgaaaaacc agccagccca 1920 ggaaaattca ccccatccca cttacctgca ccaagctcaa tcccaatacc cttctcttca 1980 tcaccataat tctctgcagc agcaatacca gcagccccct cctgccatgt cccagagtca 2040 ccatcccaga ctcaatatgc acggacagga catagcaacc tgcgccaaca acctgaggta 2100 tttcggccca gcagcagccc tgcggagccc actcagcaac catgctcaga gacagctgcc 2160 cggctcgagc cctgacctca tctccacagc catggctgca gactgctgga gaagttctga 2220 gcctgacaag ggccaagctg gtccctgggg ctgttgccag gctgacgctt atgacccctg 2280 ccttcagtgc aggccagaac agtatgggtc cttagacata ccctctgctg agccagtggg 2340 gaggagccct gacctttcca agtcaccagc acataatcct ctcttggaaa acgcccagag 2400 ttctgagaaa acggaagaaa atgaattcag cggctgtagg tctgagtcat ccctcggcac 2460 ctctcatctc ggcacccctc cagcgctacc tcgaaaaaca aggcctctgc agaagagtgg 2520 agatgactcc tcagaagagg aagaagggga agtagatagt gaagttgaat ttccacgaag 2580 acagaggccc catcgctgta tcagcagctg ccagtcatat tcaaccttta gctctgagaa 2640 tttctctgtg tctgatggag aagagggaaa taccagtgac cactcaaaca gtcctgatga 2700 gttagctgat aaacttgaag accgcttggc agagaagcta gacgacctgc tgtcccagac 2760 gccagagatt cccattgaca tatcctcaca ctcggatggg ctctctgaca aggagtgtgc 2820 cgtgcgccgt gtgaagactc agatgtctct gggcaagctg tgtgtggagg aacgtggcta 2880 tgagaacccc atgcagtttg aagaatcgga ctgtgactct tcagatgggg agtgttctga 2940 tgccacagtt aggaccaata aacactacag ctctgctacc tggtaatgaa ggaatacaca 3000 tcctgaagat ctcgtgacta tactggcatt tcagatccac cccaccccca gactcatccc 3060 actctctccc agcattttgt ctgggaagag agactacccc atctttacca ccccctagaa 3120 atgagctgca ataacaggaa catgagactt cgcaaatctc tggaaaataa tatccaaatg 3180 aaattaagtc tcactgaaca tttcaatcaa gaatggcagg gatctatttt attgaatatt 3240 ctagctactg taacattgat atttattttt gtttgacatt ttaacacttt gtactgcaaa 3300 gagtgaacta tatatgagat agagagacaa taatttcttg caaaaaaaaa aagagataaa 3360 agaaagaaca gaaaaaaa 3378 5 3569 DNA Homo sapiens misc_feature (3283)..(3283) "n" is A, C, G, or T 5 aatttacatc cattcatgaa tctgtgacgt cagcaagcct ttgggctcct ttgcggtggg 60 ctggaggatt gtgtgggtgg aatccccctc ccctttattt ttccaattct gcaaggcttt 120 taaaattcac cttacatctt ttcaaagcaa gaaaatggaa cagcatgtgt aggaattctt 180 cgttgttgtt ttggagccct ctcttaagtc agaactctgt cccaaaaatc ttctgagtgt 240 catctcagga ctttggttat actcatggca cgatggccaa ctttcaggag cacctgagct 300 gctcctcttc tccacactta cccttcagtg aaagcaaaac cttcaatgga ctacaagatg 360 agctcacagc tatggggaac cacccttctc ccaagctgct cgaggaccag caggaaaagg 420 ggatggtacg aacagagcta atcgagagcg tgcacagccc cgtcaccaca acagtgttga 480 cgagcgtaag tgaggattcc agggaccagt ttgagaacag cgttcttcag ctaagggaac 540 acgatgaatc agagacggcg gtgtctcagg ggaacagcaa cacggtggac ggagagagca 600 caagcggaac tgaagacata aagattcagt tcagcaggtc aggcagtggc agtggtgggt 660 ttcttgaagg actatttgga tgcttaaggc ctgtatggaa tatcattggg aaggcatatt 720 ccactgatta caaattgcag cagcaagata cttgggaagt gccatttgag gagatctcag 780 agctgcagtg gctgggtagt ggagcccaag gagcggtctt cttgggcaag ttccgggcgg 840 aagaggtggc catcaagaaa gtgagagaac agaatgagac ggatatcaag catttgagga 900 agttgaagca ccctaacatc atcgcattca agggtgtttg tactcaggcc ccatgttatt 960 gtattatcat ggaatactgt gcccatggac aactctacga ggtcttacga gctggcagga 1020 agatcacacc tcgattgcta gtagactggt ccacaggaat tgcaagtgga atgaattatt 1080 tgcacctcca taaaattatt catcgtgatc tcaaatcacc taatgtttta gtgacccaca 1140 cagatgcggt aaaaatttca gattttggta catctaagga actcagtgac aaaagtacca 1200 agatgtcatt tgctggcacg gtcgcatgga tggcgccaga ggtgatacgg aatgaacctg 1260 tctctgaaaa agttgatata tggtcttttg gagtggtgct ttgggagctg ctgacaggag 1320 agatccctta caaagatgta gattcttcag ccattatctg gggtgttgga agcaacagcc 1380 tccaccttcc agttccttcc acttgccctg atggattcaa aatccttatg aaacagacgt 1440 ggcagagtaa acctcgaaac cgaccttctt ttcggcagac actcatgcat ttagacattg 1500 cctctgcaga tgtacttgcc accccacaag aaacttactt caagtctcag gctgaatgga 1560 gagaagaagt gaaaaaacat tttgagaaga tcaaaagtga aggaacttgt atacaccggt 1620 tagatgaaga actgattcga aggcgcagag aagagctcag gcatgcgctg gatattcgtg 1680 aacactatga gcggaagctt gagcgggcga ataatttata catggaattg agtgccatca 1740 tgctgcagct agaaatgcgg gagaaggagc tcattaagcg tgagcaagca gtggaaaaga 1800 agtatcctgg gacctacaaa cgacaccctg ttcgtcctat catccatccc aatgccatgg 1860 agaaactcat gaaaaggaaa ggagtgcctc acaaatctgg gatgcagacc aaacggccag 1920 acttgttgag atcagaaggg atccccacca cagaagtggc tcccactgca tcccctttgt 1980 ccggaagtcc caaaatgtcc acttctagca gcaagagccg atatcgaagc aaaccacgcc 2040 accgccgagg gaatagcaga ggcagccata gtgactttgc cgcaatcttg aaaaaccagc 2100 cagcccagga aaattcaccc catcccactt acctgcacca agctcaatcc caataccctt 2160 ctcttcatca ccataattct ctgcagcagc aataccagca gccccctcct gccatgtccc 2220 agagtcacca tcccagactc aatatgcacg gacaggacat agcaacctgc gccaacaacc 2280 tgaggtattt cggcccagca gcagccctgc ggagcccact cagcaaccat gctcagagac 2340 agctgcccgg ctcgagccct gacctcatct

ccacagccat ggctgcagac tgctggagaa 2400 gttctgagcc tgacaagggc caagctggtc cctggggctg ttgccaggct gacgcttatg 2460 acccctgcct tcagtgcagg ccagaacagt atgggtcctt agacataccc tctgctgagc 2520 cagtggggag gagccctgac ctttccaagt caccagcaca taatcctctc ttggaaaacg 2580 cccagagttc tgagaaaacg gaagaaaatg aattcagcgg ctgtaggtct gagtcatccc 2640 tcggcacctc tcatctcggc acccctccag cgctacctcg aaaaacaagg cctctgcaga 2700 agagtggaga tgactcctca gaagaggaag aaggggaagt agatagtgaa gttgaatttc 2760 cacgaagaca gaggccccat cgctgtatca gcagctgcca gtcatattca acctttagct 2820 ctgagaattt ctctgtgtct gatggagaag agggaaatac cagtgaccac tcaaacagtc 2880 ctgatgagtt agctgataaa cttgaagacc gcttggcaga gaagctagac gacctgctgt 2940 cccagacgcc agagattccc attgacatat cctcacactc ggatgggctc tctgacaagg 3000 agtgtgccgt gcgccgtgtg aagactcaga tgtctctggg caagctgtgt gtggaggaac 3060 gtggctatga gaaccccatg cagtttgaag aatcggactg tgactcttca gatggggagt 3120 gttctgatgc cacagttagg accaataaac actacagctc tgctacctgg taatgaagga 3180 atacacatcc tgaagatctc gtgactatac tggcatttca gatccacccc acccccagac 3240 tcatcccact ctctcccagc attttgtctg ggaagagaga ctnacccatc tttacccacc 3300 ccctagaaat gagctgcaat aacaggaaca tgagacttcg caaatctctg gaaaataata 3360 tccaaatgaa attaagtctc actgaacatt tcaatcaaga atggcaggga tctattttat 3420 tgaatattct agctactgta acattgatat ttatttttgt ttgacatttt aacactttgt 3480 actgcaaaga gtgaactata tatgagatag agagacaata atttcttgca aaaaaaaaaa 3540 gagataaaag aaagaacaaa aaaaaaaaa 3569 6 2910 DNA Homo sapiens 6 acgatggcca actttcagga gcacctgagc tgctcctctt ctccacactt acccttcagt 60 gaaagcaaaa ccttcaatgg actacaagat gagctcacag ctatggggaa ccacccttct 120 cccaagctgc tcgaggacca gcaggaaaag gggatggtac gaacagagct aatcgagagc 180 gtgcacagcc ccgtcaccac aacagtgttg acgagcgtaa gtgaggattc cagggaccag 240 tttgagaaca gcgttcttca gctaagggaa cacgatgaat cagagacggc ggtgtctcag 300 gggaacagca acacggtgga cggagagagc acaagtggaa ctgaagacat aaagattcag 360 ttcagcaggt caggcagtgg cagtggtggg tttcttgaag gactatttgg atgcttaagg 420 cctgtatgga atatcattgg gaaggcatat tccactgatt acaaattgca gcagcaagat 480 acttgggaag tgccatttga ggagatctca gagctgcagt ggctgggtag tggagcccaa 540 ggagcggtct tcttgggcaa gttccgggcg gaagaggtgg ccatcaagaa agtgagagaa 600 cagaatgaga cggatatcaa gcatttgagg aagttgaagc accctaacat catcgcattc 660 aagggtgttt gtactcaggc cccatgttat tgtattatca tggaatactg tgcccatgga 720 caactctacg aggtcttacg agctggcagg aagatcacac ctcgattgct agtagactgg 780 tccacaggaa ttgcaagtgg aatgaattat ttgcacctcc ataaaattat tcatcgtgat 840 ctcaaatcac ctaatgtttt agtgacccac acagatgcgg taaaaatttc agattttggt 900 acatctaagg aactcagtga caaaagtacc aagatgtcat ttgctggcac ggtcgcatgg 960 atggcgccag aggtgatacg gaatgaacct gtctctgaaa aagttgatat atggtctttt 1020 ggagtggtgc tttgggagct gctgacagga gagatccctt acaaagatgt agattcttca 1080 gccattatct ggggtgttgg aagcaacagc ctccaccttc cagttccttc cacttgccct 1140 gatggattca aaatccttat gaaacagacg tggcagagta aacctcgaaa ccgaccttct 1200 tttcggcaga cactcatgca tttagacatt gcctctgcag atgtacttgc caccccacaa 1260 gaaacttact tcaagtctca ggctgaatgg agagaagaag tgaaaaaaca ttttgagaag 1320 atcaaaagtg aaggaacttg tatacaccgg ttagatgaag aactgattcg aaggcgcaga 1380 gaagagctca ggcatgcgct ggatattcgt gaacactatg agcggaagct tgagcgggcg 1440 aataatttat acatggaatt gagtgccatc atgctgcagc tagaaatgcg ggagaaggag 1500 ctcattaagc gtgagcaagc agtggaaaag aagtatcctg ggacctacaa acgacaccct 1560 gttcgtccta tcatccatcc caatgccatg gagaaactca tgaaaaggaa aggagtgcct 1620 cacaaatctg ggatgcagac caaacggcca gacttgttga gatcagaagg gatccccacc 1680 acagaagtgg ctcccactgc atcccctttg tccggaagtc ccaaaatgtc cacttctagc 1740 agcaagagcc gatatcgaag caaaccacgc caccgccgag ggaatagcag aggcagccat 1800 agtgactttg ccgcaatctt gaaaaaccag ccagcccagg aaaattcacc ccatcccact 1860 tacctgcacc aagctcaatc ccaataccct tctcttcatc accataattc tctgcagcag 1920 caataccagc agccccctcc tgccatgtcc cagagtcacc atcccagact caatatgcac 1980 ggacaggaca tagcaacctg cgccaacaac ctgaggtatt tcggcccagc agcagccctg 2040 cggagcccac tcagcaacca tgctcagaga cagctgcccg gctcgagccc tgacctcatc 2100 tccacagcca tggctgcaga ctgctggaga agttctgagc ctgacaaggg ccaagctggt 2160 ccctggggct gttgccaggc tgacgcttat gacccctgcc ttcagtgcag gccagaacag 2220 tatgggtcct tagacatacc ctctgctgag ccagtgggga ggagccctga cctttccaag 2280 tcaccagcac ataatcctct cttggaaaac gcccagagtt ctgagaaaac ggaagaaaat 2340 gaattcagcg gctgtaggtc tgagtcatcc ctcggcacct ctcatctcgg cacccctcca 2400 gcgctacctc gaaaaacaag gcctctgcag aagagtggag atgactcctc agaagaggaa 2460 gaaggggaag tagatagtga agttgaattt ccacgaagac agaggcccca tcgctgtatc 2520 agcagctgcc agtcatattc aacctttagc tctgagaatt tctctgtgtc tgatggagaa 2580 gagggaaata ccagtgacca ctcaaacagt cctgatgagt tagctgataa acttgaagac 2640 cgcttggcag agaagctaga cgacctgctg tcccagacgc cagagattcc cattgacata 2700 tcctcacact cggatgggct ctctgacaag gagtgtgccg tgcgccgtgt gaagactcag 2760 atgtctctgg gcaagctgtg tgtggaggaa cgtggctatg agaaccccat gcagtttgaa 2820 gaatcggact gtgactcttc agatggggag tgttctgatg ccacagttag gaccaataaa 2880 cactacagct ctgctacctg gtaatgaagg 2910 7 333 DNA Homo sapiens 7 tacctataca tggagtattg tgcccatgga caactctacg aggtcttacg agctggcagg 60 aagatcacac ctcgattgct agtagactgg tccacaggaa ttgcaagtgg aatgaattat 120 ttgcacctcc ataaaattat tcatcgtgat ctcaaatcac ctaatgtttt agtgacccac 180 acagatgcgg taaaaatttc agattttggt acatctaagg aactcagtga caaaagtacc 240 aagatgtcat ttgctggcac ggtcgcatgg atggcgccag aggtgatacg gaatgaacct 300 gtctctgaaa aagttgatat ctggtctatg gta 333 8 859 PRT Homo sapiens 8 Met Ala Cys Leu His Glu Thr Arg Thr Pro Ser Pro Ser Phe Gly Gly 1 5 10 15 Phe Val Ser Thr Leu Ser Glu Ala Ser Met Arg Lys Leu Asp Pro Asp 20 25 30 Thr Ser Asp Cys Thr Pro Glu Lys Asp Leu Thr Pro Thr His Val Leu 35 40 45 Gln Leu His Glu Gln Asp Ala Gly Gly Pro Gly Gly Ala Ala Gly Ser 50 55 60 Pro Glu Ser Arg Ala Ser Arg Val Arg Ala Asp Glu Val Arg Leu Gln 65 70 75 80 Cys Gln Ser Gly Ser Gly Phe Leu Glu Gly Leu Phe Gly Cys Leu Arg 85 90 95 Pro Val Trp Thr Met Ile Gly Lys Ala Tyr Ser Thr Glu His Lys Gln 100 105 110 Gln Gln Glu Asp Leu Trp Glu Val Pro Phe Glu Glu Ile Leu Asp Leu 115 120 125 Gln Trp Val Gly Ser Gly Ala Gln Gly Ala Val Phe Leu Gly Arg Phe 130 135 140 His Gly Glu Glu Val Ala Val Lys Lys Val Arg Asp Leu Lys Glu Thr 145 150 155 160 Asp Ile Lys His Leu Arg Lys Leu Lys His Pro Asn Ile Ile Thr Phe 165 170 175 Lys Gly Val Cys Thr Gln Ala Pro Cys Tyr Cys Ile Leu Met Glu Phe 180 185 190 Cys Ala Gln Gly Gln Leu Tyr Glu Val Leu Arg Ala Gly Arg Pro Val 195 200 205 Thr Pro Ser Leu Leu Val Asp Trp Ser Met Gly Ile Ala Gly Gly Met 210 215 220 Asn Tyr Leu His Leu His Lys Ile Ile His Arg Asp Leu Lys Ser Pro 225 230 235 240 Asn Met Leu Ile Thr Tyr Asp Asp Val Val Lys Ile Ser Asp Phe Gly 245 250 255 Thr Ser Lys Glu Leu Ser Asp Lys Ser Thr Lys Met Ser Phe Ala Gly 260 265 270 Thr Val Ala Trp Met Ala Pro Glu Val Ile Arg Asn Glu Pro Val Ser 275 280 285 Glu Lys Val Asp Ile Trp Ser Phe Gly Val Val Leu Trp Glu Leu Leu 290 295 300 Thr Gly Glu Ile Pro Tyr Lys Asp Val Asp Ser Ser Ala Ile Ile Trp 305 310 315 320 Gly Val Gly Ser Asn Ser Leu His Leu Pro Val Pro Ser Ser Cys Pro 325 330 335 Asp Gly Phe Lys Ile Leu Leu Arg Gln Cys Trp Asn Ser Lys Pro Arg 340 345 350 Asn Arg Pro Ser Phe Arg Gln Ile Leu Leu His Leu Asp Ile Ala Ser 355 360 365 Ala Asp Val Leu Ser Thr Pro Gln Glu Thr Tyr Phe Lys Ser Gln Ala 370 375 380 Glu Trp Arg Glu Glu Val Lys Leu His Phe Glu Lys Ile Lys Ser Glu 385 390 395 400 Gly Thr Cys Leu His Arg Leu Glu Glu Glu Leu Val Met Arg Arg Arg 405 410 415 Glu Glu Leu Arg His Ala Leu Asp Ile Arg Glu His Tyr Glu Arg Lys 420 425 430 Leu Glu Arg Ala Asn Asn Leu Tyr Met Glu Leu Asn Ala Leu Met Leu 435 440 445 Gln Leu Glu Leu Lys Glu Arg Glu Leu Leu Arg Arg Glu Gln Ala Leu 450 455 460 Glu Arg Arg Cys Pro Gly Leu Leu Lys Pro His Pro Ser Arg Gly Leu 465 470 475 480 Leu His Gly Asn Thr Met Glu Lys Leu Ile Lys Lys Arg Asn Val Pro 485 490 495 Gln Asn Leu Ser Pro His Ser Gln Arg Pro Asp Ile Leu Lys Ala Glu 500 505 510 Ser Leu Leu Pro Lys Leu Asp Ala Ala Leu Ser Gly Val Gly Leu Pro 515 520 525 Gly Cys Pro Lys Ala Pro Pro Ser Pro Gly Arg Ser Arg Arg Gly Lys 530 535 540 Thr Arg His Arg Lys Ala Ser Ala Lys Gly Ser Cys Gly Asp Leu Pro 545 550 555 560 Gly Leu Arg Thr Ala Val Pro Pro His Glu Pro Gly Gly Pro Gly Ser 565 570 575 Pro Gly Gly Leu Gly Gly Gly Pro Ser Ala Trp Glu Ala Cys Pro Pro 580 585 590 Ala Leu Arg Gly Leu His His Asp Leu Leu Leu Arg Lys Met Ser Ser 595 600 605 Ser Ser Pro Asp Leu Leu Ser Ala Ala Leu Gly Ser Arg Gly Arg Gly 610 615 620 Ala Thr Gly Gly Ala Gly Asp Pro Gly Ser Pro Pro Pro Ala Arg Gly 625 630 635 640 Asp Thr Pro Pro Ser Glu Gly Ser Ala Pro Gly Ser Thr Ser Pro Asp 645 650 655 Ser Pro Gly Gly Ala Lys Gly Glu Pro Pro Pro Pro Val Gly Pro Gly 660 665 670 Glu Gly Val Gly Leu Leu Gly Thr Gly Arg Glu Gly Thr Ser Gly Arg 675 680 685 Gly Gly Ser Arg Ala Gly Ser Gln His Leu Thr Pro Ala Ala Leu Leu 690 695 700 Tyr Arg Ala Ala Val Thr Arg Ser Gln Lys Arg Gly Ile Ser Ser Glu 705 710 715 720 Glu Glu Glu Gly Glu Val Asp Ser Glu Val Glu Leu Thr Ser Ser Gln 725 730 735 Arg Trp Pro Gln Ser Leu Asn Met Arg Gln Ser Leu Ser Thr Phe Ser 740 745 750 Ser Glu Asn Pro Ser Asp Gly Glu Glu Gly Thr Ala Ser Glu Pro Ser 755 760 765 Pro Ser Gly Thr Pro Glu Val Gly Ser Thr Asn Thr Asp Glu Arg Pro 770 775 780 Asp Glu Arg Ser Asp Asp Met Cys Ser Gln Gly Ser Glu Ile Pro Leu 785 790 795 800 Asp Pro Pro Pro Ser Glu Val Ile Pro Gly Pro Glu Pro Ser Ser Leu 805 810 815 Pro Ile Pro His Gln Glu Leu Leu Arg Glu Arg Gly Pro Pro Asn Ser 820 825 830 Glu Asp Ser Asp Cys Asp Ser Thr Glu Leu Asp Asn Ser Asn Ser Val 835 840 845 Asp Ala Leu Arg Pro Pro Ala Ser Leu Pro Pro 850 855 9 966 PRT Homo sapiens 9 Met Ala Asn Phe Gln Glu His Leu Ser Cys Ser Ser Ser Pro His Leu 1 5 10 15 Pro Phe Ser Glu Ser Lys Thr Phe Asn Gly Leu Gln Asp Glu Leu Thr 20 25 30 Ala Met Gly Asn His Pro Ser Pro Lys Leu Leu Glu Asp Gln Gln Glu 35 40 45 Lys Gly Met Val Arg Thr Glu Leu Ile Glu Ser Val His Ser Pro Val 50 55 60 Thr Thr Thr Val Leu Thr Ser Val Ser Glu Asp Ser Arg Asp Gln Phe 65 70 75 80 Glu Asn Ser Val Leu Gln Leu Arg Glu His Asp Glu Ser Glu Thr Ala 85 90 95 Val Ser Gln Gly Asn Ser Asn Thr Val Asp Gly Glu Ser Thr Ser Gly 100 105 110 Thr Glu Asp Ile Lys Ile Gln Phe Ser Arg Ser Gly Ser Gly Ser Gly 115 120 125 Gly Phe Leu Glu Gly Leu Phe Gly Cys Leu Arg Pro Val Trp Asn Ile 130 135 140 Ile Gly Lys Ala Tyr Ser Thr Asp Tyr Lys Leu Gln Gln Gln Asp Thr 145 150 155 160 Trp Glu Val Pro Phe Glu Glu Ile Ser Glu Leu Gln Trp Leu Gly Ser 165 170 175 Gly Ala Gln Gly Ala Val Phe Leu Gly Lys Phe Arg Ala Glu Glu Val 180 185 190 Ala Ile Lys Lys Val Arg Glu Gln Asn Glu Thr Asp Ile Lys His Leu 195 200 205 Arg Lys Leu Lys His Pro Asn Ile Ile Ala Phe Lys Gly Val Cys Thr 210 215 220 Gln Ala Pro Cys Tyr Cys Ile Ile Met Glu Tyr Cys Ala His Gly Gln 225 230 235 240 Leu Tyr Glu Val Leu Arg Ala Gly Arg Lys Ile Thr Pro Arg Leu Leu 245 250 255 Val Asp Trp Ser Thr Gly Ile Ala Ser Gly Met Asn Tyr Leu His Leu 260 265 270 His Lys Ile Ile His Arg Asp Leu Lys Ser Pro Asn Val Leu Val Thr 275 280 285 His Thr Asp Ala Val Lys Ile Ser Asp Phe Gly Thr Ser Lys Glu Leu 290 295 300 Ser Asp Lys Ser Thr Lys Met Ser Phe Ala Gly Thr Val Ala Trp Met 305 310 315 320 Ala Pro Glu Val Ile Arg Asn Glu Pro Val Ser Glu Lys Val Asp Ile 325 330 335 Trp Ser Phe Gly Val Val Leu Trp Glu Leu Leu Thr Gly Glu Ile Pro 340 345 350 Tyr Lys Asp Val Asp Ser Ser Ala Ile Ile Trp Gly Val Gly Ser Asn 355 360 365 Ser Leu His Leu Pro Val Pro Ser Thr Cys Pro Asp Gly Phe Lys Ile 370 375 380 Leu Met Lys Gln Thr Trp Gln Ser Lys Pro Arg Asn Arg Pro Ser Phe 385 390 395 400 Arg Gln Thr Leu Met His Leu Asp Ile Ala Ser Ala Asp Val Leu Ala 405 410 415 Thr Pro Gln Glu Thr Tyr Phe Lys Ser Gln Ala Glu Trp Arg Glu Glu 420 425 430 Val Lys Lys His Phe Glu Lys Ile Lys Ser Glu Gly Thr Cys Ile His 435 440 445 Arg Leu Asp Glu Glu Leu Ile Arg Arg Arg Arg Glu Glu Leu Arg His 450 455 460 Ala Leu Asp Ile Arg Glu His Tyr Glu Arg Lys Leu Glu Arg Ala Asn 465 470 475 480 Asn Leu Tyr Met Glu Leu Ser Ala Ile Met Leu Gln Leu Glu Met Arg 485 490 495 Glu Lys Glu Leu Ile Lys Arg Glu Gln Ala Val Glu Lys Lys Tyr Pro 500 505 510 Gly Thr Tyr Lys Arg His Pro Val Arg Pro Ile Ile His Pro Asn Ala 515 520 525 Met Glu Lys Leu Met Lys Arg Lys Gly Val Pro His Lys Ser Gly Met 530 535 540 Gln Thr Lys Arg Pro Asp Leu Leu Arg Ser Glu Gly Ile Pro Thr Thr 545 550 555 560 Glu Val Ala Pro Thr Ala Ser Pro Leu Ser Gly Ser Pro Lys Met Ser 565 570 575 Thr Ser Ser Ser Lys Ser Arg Tyr Arg Ser Lys Pro Arg His Arg Arg 580 585 590 Gly Asn Ser Arg Gly Ser His Ser Asp Phe Ala Ala Ile Leu Lys Asn 595 600 605 Gln Pro Ala Gln Glu Asn Ser Pro His Pro Thr Tyr Leu His Gln Ala 610 615 620 Gln Ser Gln Tyr Pro Ser Leu His His His Asn Ser Leu Gln Gln Gln 625 630 635 640 Tyr Gln Gln Pro Pro Pro Ala Met Ser Gln Ser His His Pro Arg Leu 645 650 655 Asn Met His Gly Gln Asp Ile Ala Thr Cys Ala Asn Asn Leu Arg Tyr 660 665 670 Phe Gly Pro Ala Ala Ala Leu Arg Ser Pro Leu Ser Asn His Ala Gln 675 680 685 Arg Gln Leu Pro Gly Ser Ser Pro Asp Leu Ile Ser Thr Ala Met Ala 690 695 700 Ala Asp Cys Trp Arg Ser Ser Glu Pro Asp Lys Gly Gln Ala Gly Pro 705 710 715 720 Trp Gly Cys Cys Gln Ala Asp Ala Tyr Asp Pro Cys Leu Gln Cys Arg 725 730 735 Pro Glu Gln Tyr Gly Ser Leu Asp Ile Pro Ser Ala Glu Pro Val Gly 740 745 750 Arg Ser Pro Asp Leu Ser Lys Ser Pro Ala His Asn Pro Leu Leu Glu 755 760 765 Asn Ala Gln Ser Ser Glu Lys Thr Glu Glu Asn Glu Phe Ser Gly Cys 770 775 780 Arg Ser Glu Ser Ser Leu Gly Thr Ser His Leu Gly Thr Pro Pro Ala 785 790 795 800 Leu Pro Arg Lys Thr Arg Pro Leu Gln Lys Ser Gly Asp Asp Ser Ser 805 810 815 Glu Glu Glu Glu Gly Glu Val Asp Ser Glu Val Glu Phe Pro Arg Arg 820 825 830 Gln Arg Pro His Arg Cys Ile Ser Ser Cys Gln Ser Tyr Ser Thr Phe

835 840 845 Ser Ser Glu Asn Phe Ser Val Ser Asp Gly Glu Glu Gly Asn Thr Ser 850 855 860 Asp His Ser Asn Ser Pro Asp Glu Leu Ala Asp Lys Leu Glu Asp Arg 865 870 875 880 Leu Ala Glu Lys Leu Asp Asp Leu Leu Ser Gln Thr Pro Glu Ile Pro 885 890 895 Ile Asp Ile Ser Ser His Ser Asp Gly Leu Ser Asp Lys Glu Cys Ala 900 905 910 Val Arg Arg Val Lys Thr Gln Met Ser Leu Gly Lys Leu Cys Val Glu 915 920 925 Glu Arg Gly Tyr Glu Asn Pro Met Gln Phe Glu Glu Ser Asp Cys Asp 930 935 940 Ser Ser Asp Gly Glu Cys Ser Asp Ala Thr Val Arg Thr Asn Lys His 945 950 955 960 Tyr Ser Ser Ala Thr Trp 965

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method of identifying a candidate p53 pathway modulating agent, said method comprising the steps of: (a) providing an assay system comprising a purified MAP3K polypeptide or nucleic acid or a functionally active fragment or derivative thereof; (b) contacting the assay system with a test agent under conditions whereby, but for the presence of the test agent, the system provides a reference activity; and (c) detecting a test agent-biased activity of the assay system, wherein a difference between the test agent-biased activity and the reference activity identifies the test agent as a candidate p53 pathway modulating agent.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the assay system comprises cultured cells that express the MAP3K polypeptide.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein the cultured cells additionally have defective p53 function.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the assay system includes a screening assay comprising a MAP3K polypeptide, and the candidate test agent is a small molecule modulator.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein the assay is a kinase assay.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the assay system is selected from the group consisting of an apoptosis assay system, a cell proliferation assay system, an angiogenesis assay system, and a hypoxic induction assay system.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the assay system includes a binding assay comprising a MAP3K polypeptide and the candidate test agent is an antibody.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein the assay system includes an expression assay comprising a MAP3K nucleic acid and the candidate test agent is a nucleic acid modulator.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein the nucleic acid modulator is an antisense oligomer.

10. The method of claim 8 wherein the nucleic acid modulator is a PMO.

11. The method of claim 1 additionally comprising: (d) administering the candidate p53 pathway modulating agent identified in (c) to a model system comprising cells defective in p53 function and, detecting a phenotypic change in the model system that indicates that the p53 function is restored.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein the model system is a mouse model with defective p53 function.

13. A method for modulating a p53 pathway of a cell comprising contacting a cell defective in p53 function with a candidate modulator that specifically binds to a MAP3K polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence selected from group consisting of SEQ ID NOS: 8 and 9, whereby p53 function is restored.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the candidate modulator is administered to a vertebrate animal predetermined to have a disease or disorder resulting from a defect in p53 function.

15. The method of claim 13 wherein the candidate modulator is selected from the group consisting of an antibody and a small molecule.

16. The method of claim 1, comprising the additional steps of: (d) providing a secondary assay system comprising cultured cells or a non-human animal expressing MAP3K, (e) contacting the secondary assay system with the test agent of (b) or an agent derived therefrom under conditions whereby, but for the presence of the test agent or agent derived therefrom, the system provides a reference activity; and (f) detecting an agent-biased activity of the second assay system, wherein a difference between the agent-biased activity and the reference activity of the second assay system confirms the test agent or agent derived therefrom as a candidate p53 pathway modulating agent, and wherein the second assay detects an agent-biased change in the p53 pathway.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein the secondary assay system comprises cultured cells.

18. The method of claim 16 wherein the secondary assay system comprises a non-human animal.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein the non-human animal mis-expresses a p53 pathway gene.

20. A method of modulating p53 pathway in a mammalian cell comprising contacting the cell with an agent that specifically binds a MAP3K polypeptide or nucleic acid.

21. The method of claim 20 wherein the agent is administered to a mammalian animal predetermined to have a pathology associated with the p53 pathway.

22. The method of claim 20 wherein the agent is a small molecule modulator, a nucleic acid modulator, or an antibody.

23. A method for diagnosing a disease in a patient comprising: (a) obtaining a biological sample from the patient; (b) contacting the sample with a probe for MAP3K expression; (c) comparing results from step (b) with a control; (d) determining whether step (c) indicates a likelihood of disease.

24. The method of claim 23 wherein said disease is cancer.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein said cancer is a cancer as shown in Table 1 as having >25% expression level.