Methods for identifying non-essential genes of the human cytomegalovirus genome and for screening for inhibitors of human cytomegalovirus
US5843637A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 5, 1995 |
| Grant date | Dec 1, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 5, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2333/045
- WIPO fieldBiotechnology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
This invention relates to a method for identifying non-essential genes of the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) genome through the insertion of a .beta.-glucuronidase marker gene into a specified HCMV gene, such that, if the product of the HCMV gene is not expressed, the gene is identified as non-essential for replication of HCMV. This invention also relates to a method of screening for compounds which inhibit HCMV by the insertion of the .beta.-glucuronidase marker gene into a HCMV gene, such that the enzyme marker is expressed and cleaves a conjugate chemical substrate in an assay system to yield a detectable fluorescing product or to result in a color change. This invention further provides the gene responsible in HCMV early cytopathic effect.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.