Monoclonal Antibody to Phosphorylated p53

Inventors: L. Otvos, H. Ertl, M. Thurin, and R. Hoffman

Tech ID: OL-98001

Description: The gene for the tumor suppressor protein p53 encodes a nuclear phosphoprotein that is altered by mutation or deletion in about 50% of human tumors. When single point mutations modify p53 structure and function, post-translational modifications of mutated p53 molecules are expected to interfere even more strongly with its function of controlling cell growth and division. The most prominent post-translational modification of p53 is phosphorylation at one or more of many sites along the protein.

Wistar researchers developed a double-phosphorylated peptide that is phosphorylated at the Ser378 and Ser392 sites of human p53. This peptide was then used to generate a highly sensitive monoclonal antibody (mAb p53-18) to p53 protein. This antibody can be used to distinguish the phosphorylated from the non-phosphorylated forms of p53. Since sera from cancer patients preferentially label the double-phosphorylated p53 peptide, the mAb p53-18 may be useful in developing cancer diagnostics.

Key Words: Antibody, research tool, diagnostic, immunoassay, research reagent, cancer

Applications and Advantages: mAb p53-18 is a useful reagent for cancer research. Additionally it may be useful for development of cancer diagnostics or therapeutics.

Intellectual Property Status: A US patent application has been filed on production and uses of antibodies to multi-phosphorylated p53. International patent applications are pending.

Licensing Opportunity: Wistar is seeking sponsored research support and/or a licensee for the therapeutic and diagnostic applications of Bau.

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: Nov. 99