Cancer biomarker genes and gene products and methods for using the same

1. A method of diagnosing or prognosing cancer comprising obtaining a biological sample from a subject suspected of having cancer, measuring the expression of Transmembrane protein 163 (Tmem163) and Podoplanin (Pdpn) biomarker gene or gene products in the biological sample, and comparing the expression of the Tmem163 and Pdpn biomarker gene or gene products in the biological sample to the expression of the Tmem163 and Pdpn biomarker gene or gene products in a control sample to determine whether there is an increase in the expression of Tmem163 and Pdpn, wherein increased expression of the Tmem163 and Pdpn biomarker gene or gene products in the biological sample compared to expression in the control sample is indicative of cancer.

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising measuring the expression of one or more of the biomarker gene or gene products selected from the group of RIKEN cDNA 1700012B09 gene (1700012B09Rik), SPARC related modular calcium binding 2 (Smoc2), Proline-serine-threonine phosphatase-interacting protein 2 (Pstpip2), Myelin and lymphocyte protein (Mal), Leptin receptor (Lepr), Embryonic lethal abnormal vision-like 2 (Elav12), Immunoglobulin superfamily member 11 (Igsf11), v-maf protein B (Mafb), Similar to RIKEN cDNA 2810457106 (LOC677224), RIKEN cDNA 4930408021 gene (4930408021Rik), ELMO domain containing 1 (Elmod1), ATPase type 13A4 (Atp13a4), Kinase insert domain protein receptor (Kdr), Complement component 9 (C9), Fibroblast growth factor 7 (Fgf7), DNA segment Chr 10 Brigham & Women's Genetics 1379 expressed (D10Bwg1379e), SRY-box containing gene 11 (Sox11), Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 20 (Cc120), Semaphorin 3E (Sema3e), EPH receptor A4 (Epha4), Netrin 1 (Ntn1), Chaperone ABC1 activity of bc1 complex homolog (Cabc1), Sprouty homolog 1 (Spry1), Lysyl oxidase-like 1 (Loxl1), Par-3 partitioning defective 3 homolog B (Pard3b), Platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta polypeptide (Pdgfrb), DNA segment Chr 4 Brigham & Women's Genetics 0951 expressed (D4Bwg0951e), G protein-coupled receptor 126 (Gpr126), Epidermal growth factor receptor (Egfr), Inter-alpha trypsin inhibitor heavy chain 2 (Itih2), Erythrocyte membrane protein band 4.1-like 3 (Epb4113), Interleukin 1 receptor-like 1 (Il1r11), Wingless-related MMTV integration site 5A (Wnt5a), Transmembrane protein 56 (Tmem56), Vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (Vcam1), Serum deprivation response (Sdpr), and Four and a half LIM domains 1 (Fhl1).

3. A kit for detecting cancer cells comprising

(a) an agent that binds a Transmembrane protein 163 (Tmem163) biomarker gene or gene product; and

(b) an agent that binds a Podoplanin (Pdpn) biomarker gene or gene product.

4. The kit of claim 3 , wherein said agent is an antibody.

5. The kit of claim 3 , further comprising an agent that binds a biomarker gene or gene product selected from the group of RIKEN cDNA 1700012B09 gene (1700012B09Rik), SPARC related modular calcium binding 2 (Smoc2), Proline-serine-threonine phosphatase-interacting protein 2 (Pstpip2), Myelin and lymphocyte protein (Mal), Leptin receptor (Lepr), Embryonic lethal abnormal vision-like 2 (Elav12), Immunoglobulin superfamily member 11 (Igsf11), v-maf protein B (Mafb), Similar to RIKEN cDNA 2810457106 (LOC677224), RIKEN cDNA 4930408021 gene (4930408021Rik), ELMO domain containing 1 (Elmod1), ATPase type 13A4 (Atp13a4), Kinase insert domain protein receptor (Kdr), Complement component 9 (C9), Fibroblast growth factor 7 (Fgf7), DNA segment Chr 10 Brigham & Women's Genetics 1379 expressed (D10Bwg1379e), SRY-box containing gene 11 (Sox11), Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 20 (Cc120), Semaphorin 3E (Sema3e), EPH receptor A4 (Epha4), Netrin 1 (Ntn1), Chaperone ABC1 activity of bc1complex homolog (Cabc1), Sprouty homolog 1 (Spry1), Lysyl oxidase-like 1 (Loxl1), Par-3 partitioning defective 3 homolog B (Pard3b), Platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta polypeptide (Pdgfrb), DNA segment Chr 4 Brigham & Women's Genetics 0951 expressed (D4Bwg0951e), G protein-coupled receptor 126 (Gpr126), Epidermal growth factor receptor (Egfr), Inter-alpha trypsin inhibitor heavy chain 2 (Itih2), Erythrocyte membrane protein band 4.1-like 3 (Epb41l3), Interleukin 1 receptor-like 1 (Il1rl1), Wingless-related MMTV integration site 5A (Wnt5a), Transmembrane protein 56 (Tmem56), Vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (Vcam1), Serum deprivation response (Sdpr), and Four and a half LIM domains 1 (Fhl1).

6. A method of identifying an agent capable of inhibiting tumor cell migration comprising contacting a cell expressing Transmembrane Protein 163 (TMEM163) with a test compound and determining whether the test compound interferes with the cell migration promoting activity of TMEM163.

7. A method for inhibiting tumor cell growth in vitro comprising contacting a tumor cell expressing Transmembrane Protein 163 (TMEM163) in vitro with an agent that inhibits the expression of TMEM163 or the cell migration promoting activity of TMEM163.

8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the agent is an anti-TMEM163 antagonistic antibody.

9. The method of claim 7 , wherein the agent is a siRNA molecule targeted to TMEM163.