Cholesterol disposal fusion enzymes

US5547868A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The Regents of the University of California · US

Inventors

• Walter Miller · San Francisco, US
• Jennifer A. Harikrishna · Kuala Lumpur, MY
• Stephen M. Black · Miami, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 9, 1993
• Grant date: Aug 20, 1996
• Expiry date: Jun 9, 2013

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C07K2319/00
• WIPO field: Biotechnology
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Fusion enzymes having multiple segments of different biological activity including one segment having P450scc activity and at least one segment having electron-transfer activity for transferring electrons to P450scc are described along with genetic constructs for production of such enzymes and methods for their use. Methods of their use include cholesterol degradation in vitro or in vivo as well as conversion of cholesterol to other useful steroidal products including pregnenolone.