Tumour Suppressor Gene Identified on Chromosome 18

Abstract

The invention provides an isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1, or active fragment thereof, which encodes a polypeptide active in suppressing cellular proliferation. In particular, TSG18 functions as a tumour suppressor gene as well as having a role in immune/autoimmune/inflammatory disorders. It also provides variants of such DNA molecules which retain their function, polypeptides encoded by the DNA molecules and antibodies thereto, as well as the use of these molecules in diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic procedures and other uses such as screening for candidate pharmaceuticals.