Methods relating tosterol regulatory element binding proteins

US5891631A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The Board of Regents of the University of Texas System · US

Inventors

• Joseph L. Goldstein · Dallas, US
• Michael S. Brown · Dallas, US
• Michael R. Briggs · San Diego, US
• Xiaodong Wang · Zhejiang, CN

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 14, 1996
• Grant date: Apr 6, 1999
• Expiry date: Jun 14, 2016

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C12N2830/85
• WIPO field: Biotechnology
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A sterol regulatory element (SRE) binding protein (SREBP) which activates transcription from SREs, such as SRE-1 of the low intensity lipoprotein (LDL) receptor gene, is disclosed, as are DNA segments encoding SREBPs such as an SREBP-1 or SREBP-2. Also described are methods for using SREBP to promote SRE-mediated transcription and LDL receptor production in the presence of sterols, and screening assay for the identification of further agents with such properties. The SREBP and other agents may be used to reduce plasma cholesterol levels and to treat various medical problems associated with hypercholesterolemia.