PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide reagents or methods for identification of new gene mutation such as translocation or deletion bringing about fusion or mutant proteins associated with development of human cancer, especially solid cancer including lung cancer such as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and reagents and methods for studying or detecting such fusion proteins.SOLUTION: Novel gene deletion mutations occurring in human chromosome 2 that result in fusion proteins combining part of Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) with a secondary protein is identified in the human solid tumor non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Secondary proteins involved in the ALK fusions include Echinoderm Microtubule-Associated Protein-Like 4 (EML-4) and TRK-Fused Gene (TFG).
