Version 2.1.1.0

Abstract

Grant Number:	9R44GM069782-02
PI Name:	MACH, JENNIFER M.
PI Email:	mach@chromatininc.com
PI Title:
Project Title:	Mini-chromosome Vectors for gene delivery in Soybean

Abstract: DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): In yeast and mammalian cells, artificial chromosomes have been used to investigate the role of centromere DNA in chromosome inheritance. In human and mouse cell lines, these studies demonstrated a requirement for repetitive DNA; yet it remains difficult to predict which repeats will provide autonomous chromosome maintenance throughout the tissues of an organism. The immediate goal of this research is to develop a rapid, cost-effective and high throughput mini-chromosome system that tests centromere sequence function in cells, tissues and whole organisms. Plants are ideal for this effort-i) their centromere DNA is organized in arrays similar to those of mammals; ii) they can be transformed in large numbers; iii) they can be regenerated from individual somatic cells; iv) they produce gametes from multiple independent cell lineages, making it possible to analyze mitotic and meiotic chromosome transmission in sectors; and v) they are tolerant of aneuploidy, facilitating the introduction of additional chromosomes. The proposed research will characterize circular and linear mini-chromosome constructs in plant cells, monitoring their inheritance, capacity for gene expression, and structural integrity. The long-term, Phase III goals are to engineer these mini-chromosomes to use plants to produce products important for human health, such as vaccines, pharmaceuticals, or neutraceuticals.

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Institution:	CHROMATIN, INC.
	2201 W CAMPBELL PARK DR, #307
	CHICAGO, IL 60612
Fiscal Year:	2003
Department:
Project Start:	01-APR-2002
Project End:	31-MAY-2005
ICD:	NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF GENERAL MEDICAL SCIENCES
IRG:	ZRG1

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