SSX was initially identified as a melanoma associated tumour antigen MEL2 and in the SS18/SSX fusion gene of synovial sarcoma. It consists of a family of nine, highly homologous X chromosome genes, being SSX1, SSX2 and SSX4 the most commonly expressed in tumours. In normal tissue, SSX expression is restricted to germ cells, trophoblasts, and mesenchymal stem cells. In malignant cells, SSX expression is over-represented in sarcomas. SSX expression is epigenetically regulated by methylation and histone deacetylation. To investigate the oncogenic properties of SSX. Validate it as tumour target and identify lead compounds. RNAi system for conditional silencing of SSX expression, Protein analysis and Mass Spec, PCR arrays, tumour xenographs and drug library screening.Aim
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