Differential splicing generates new transmembrane receptor and extracellular matrix-related targets for antibody-based therapy of cancer.

Alternative splicing has been shown to be deregulated in cancer and a link to growth stimulation has been established. Here we describe transmembrane and extracellular matrix-related targets generated by alternative splicing with a restricted pattern of expression in normal tissues and a deregulated pattern of expression in cancer as possible targets for therapeutic intervention with antibody-related agents. We focus on isoforms of transmembrane and extracellular matrix proteins, such as CD44, Claudin 18, L1 cell adhesion molecule and epithelial cellular adhesion molecule, fibronectin, tenascin, osteopontin and versican as well as transmembrane tyrosine kinases, such as fibroblast growth factor receptors, epidermal growth factor receptor and receptor d'origin nantais.