Novel Mitotic Checkpoint Gene

Inventors: Thanos Halazonetis and Daniel Scolnick

Tech ID: HT-99001

Description: Wistar researchers have identified a new mitotic checkpoint gene, chfr, that is expressed in normal tissues but is either absent or mutated in many cancer cell lines. When dividing cells that express the wild-type chfr are exposed to nocodazole, which inhibits microtubule formation, they become arrested at prophase, while cells that lack a functional chfr gene proceed through the cell cycle and division.

The restoration of normal chfr function may be a useful target for cancer therapy. Loss of chfr function in tumor cells may be indicative of cancers that are sensitive to chemotherapy.

Key Words: Cancer, therapeutic, diagnostic, screening tool, drug development target, gene therapy

Applications and Advantages: Since abnormal chfr is found only in cancer cells, it may be a target for development of new therapeutic agents or for gene therapy. Additionally, detection of chfr mutations may be useful for identifying cancers that are sensitive to certain chemotherapeutic agents, such as taxol.

Intellectual Property Status:Pending U.S. patent application and published PCT application number PCT/US00/16391.

Licensing Opportunity: This technology is available for licensing on a nonexclusive basis.

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