Method for Stable Silencing of Mammalian Genes

Inventors: Frank J. Rauscher, III, and Kasirajan Ayyanathan

Tech ID: RF-02001

Description: Wistar scientists have developed a method for using a hormone-inducible system to stably silence gene expression in mammalian cells. This method utilizes DNA constructs that encode a KRAB (Kruppel-Associated Box) domain that binds to a KAP1 repressor, a target gene to be silenced, and the ligand-binding domain of a hormone receptor. When cells containing these constructs are treated with the hormone, the target gene is silenced and this silenced state is maintained after at least 40 cell divisions.

The KRAB-KAP repressor system does not naturally target mammalian genes. However this limitation can be overcome by using a two plasmid system composed of a hormone-regulated chimeric repressor and a target (or reporter) gene that is linked to the DNA-binding domain of the chimeric repressor.

Key Words: Research tool, gene silencing, gene expression, drug screening, high-throughput screening, gene therapy

Applications and Advantages: This system can be used as research tool to study cell differentiation or the effects of silencing a gene of interest after a specific treatment. Additionally this system may be used for drug screening to identify compounds that compensate for or reactivate a silenced gene. This system also has potential applications for gene therapy and production of knock-out mammals.

Intellectual Property Status: A provisional patent application has been filed.

Licensing Opportunity: This technology is available for non-exclusive or exclusive license. Non-exclusive licenses are preferred for use of the technology as a research tool.

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