Version 2.1.0.0

Abstract

Abstract: DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): In the study of gene function, conditional control of gene expression provides improved experimental design and cleaner results than irreversible gene deletion or mutation. However, existing conditional expression systems suffer from inconsistent performance; moreover, they introduce experimental artifacts due to the need for sustained application of small-molecule inducers. The objective of this proposal is to construct a mammalian genetic toggle switch - a conditional expression system in which expression of a transgene can be reversibly switched between stable on and stable off states. The toggle switch will be constructed as a plasmid containing two mutually inhibitory transcription units, each transcription unit consisting of a constitutive promoter and a repressor of the other transcription unit. Because this system will be switched using only transient application of inducing compounds, it will avoid experimental artifacts introduced by existing switches. In addition, the toggle's unique gene-network design will provide for tighter and more consistent control of gene switching. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION: Application of the toggle switch in cell-based assays and whole animal studies will help biopharmaceutical researchers confirm or refute suspected links between genes and disease and thus accelerate efforts to prioritize potential drug targets for further development.

Thesaurus Terms:
gene expression, gene induction /repression, genetic regulatory element, technology /technique development
genetic regulation, plasmid
biotechnology

Institution:	CELLICON BIOTECHNOLOGIES, INC.
	650 BEACON ST, 4 FLR
	BOSTON, MA 02215
Fiscal Year:	2002
Department:
Project Start:	01-FEB-2002
Project End:	31-JAN-2003
ICD:	NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF GENERAL MEDICAL SCIENCES
IRG:	ZRG1