Role of BRCA1 in Chromatin Remodeling

Inventor: Ramin Shiekhattar

Tech ID: SR-0001

Description: BRCA1 is a tumor suppressor gene that is linked to familial breast cancer and ovarian cancers. This gene has been implicated in a variety of DNA repair mechanisms, but the mechanism by which BRCA1 induces its broad range of effects on DNA repair has not been known. Wistar researchers have determined that BRCA1 complexes with a mammalian protein complex, SWI/SNF, that modulates cellular proliferation by regulating chromatin remodeling. BRCA1 is associated with the SWI/SNF complex through direct interaction with the BRG1 subunit of this complex. These findings identify one mechanism by which dysfunctional BRCA1 may block the controlled regulation of cellular growth and suggest that mutations in the BRG1 subunit of the SWI/SNF complex may be associated with increased likelihood of cancer.

Key Words: Cancer, screening, target, therapeutic

Applications and Advantages: Screens for mutations in the BRG1 subunit of the SWI/SNF complex may be useful to identify individuals at high risk for certain cancers. Additionally, the interaction between BRCA1 and BRG1 may be a useful target for design of new anti-cancer agents.

Intellectual Property Status:International patent application number (designating Australia, Canada, EPO, Japan and the U.S.) PCT/US01/22684 has been published.

Licensing Opportunity: This technology is available for licensing and for sponsored research support to further develop the technology.

Contact:

Meryle J. Melnicoff
Director, Business Development
The Wistar Institute
3601 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: (215) 898-0049
Fax: (215) 573-2456
melnicoff@wistar.org

Last updated: Aug-02