R2R1/2 en diagnóstico y terapia

Un método in vitro de identificación u obtención de agentes que modulan la expresión de los genes de R2R1 y/o R2R2, comprendiendo dicho método las etapas de poner en contacto los genes de R2R1 y/o R2R2 con un agente de ensayo y detectar cualquier modulación de la expresión génica de R2R1/2, en donde el gen de R2R1/2 está codificado por una secuencia seleccionada del grupo que consiste en las designadas SEQ ID NO: 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10 y 11, o una secuencia al menos el 70 % idéntica a las mismas. The present invention stems from the finding that two genes designated R2R1and R2R2, play important roles in tissue development and cancer biology. In particular, the inventors have discovered that these two genes are expressed in pulmonary cells and are required for late branching morphogenesis of pulmonary epithelium and endothelium and support the development/maintenance of the refined three dimensional architecture of the lung. These genes are essential in the squamous differentiation program and development/ maintenance of the progenitor (Krtl4 expressing) cell pool. Moreover, the inventors have identified crucial roles for these genes in cancer biology, particularly processes associated with the acquisition of an immortal and metastatic phenotype (including cancer progression and metastasis) and pulmonary and cardiac development. Accordingly, the invention provides compounds and methods for use in the treatment of cardiac and pulmonary diseases and well as in cancer.