Host cells transformed with sterol regulatory elements
US5215910A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 1, 1990 |
| Grant date | Jun 1, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 1, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC12N15/85
- WIPO fieldBiotechnology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Disclosed are discreet functionally translocatable DNA segments, termed Sterol Regulatory Elements (SRE's), which are fused to heterologous structural genes to provide sterol regulatory capability to the thus formed hybrid gene. The hybrid genes respond to sterols by decreasing the production of messenger RNA. The SRE segments contain as their primary functional nucleotide sequence, a 16 bp sequence referred to as direct repeat 2, isolated from the 5' regions of the human LDL receptor gene. DNA segments which include this 16 nucleotide long sequence similarly confer sterol regulatory capability to previously known promoters such as the HSV TK promoter. Also disclosed are discreet sequences which confer positive transcription promotion to heterologous structural genes and promoters without conferring sterol responsivity. Methods are disclosed for employing these genetic control elements in a myriad of embodiments which provide for a fine-tune control of heterologous genes. Methods are also disclosed for employing the SRE in a screening assay for drugs capable of stimulating the cell to synthesize LDL receptors.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.