Synthetic mammalian retrotransposon gene

Retrotransposons are infectious pieces of DNA that can insert themselves (a process referred to as retrotransposition) into the genomes of their hosts, which include all mammals, such as human beings. Key to the retrotransposition process is the retrotransposon's ORF2 protein, encoded by the ORF2 gene, which encodes the needed retrotransposition machinery. JHU scientists in collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania, report the successful construction of a mammalian retrotransposon with a synthetic ORF2 gene that retrotransposes approximately 100-fold more efficiently than a native L1 retrotransposon. The synthetic ORF2 gene is approximately 3800 base pairs long and was designed to optimize ORF2 gene expression, which is very poor in the native element. It was constructed entirely from synthetic DNA. The partially synthetic L1 retrotransposon (psL1) works 100 times better than the natural L1 retrotransposon. Description (Set) Proposed Use (Set) This invention provides: 1) A vastly improved genetic analysis system for gene discovery in mammals 2) A method of discovering potential ?anticancer? tumor suppressor genes 3) A novel method for delivering DNA to humans and other mammals, including gene therapy Patent (Set) WO 2005/049789

Inventor(s): Inventor (Set) Boeke, Jef D

Type of Offer: Licensing



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