Use of eukaryotic genes affecting spindle formation or microtubule function during cell division for diagnosis and treatment of proliferative diseases

US7479369B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Cenix Bioscience GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Christophe Echeverri · Dresden, DE
• Anthony Hyman · Dresden, DE
• Pierre Gönczy · Lausanne, CH
• Birte Sönnichsen · Dresden, DE
• Steven Jones · West Chester, US
• Andrew J. L. Walsh · Dresden, DE
• Liisa Koski · Dresden, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 15, 2004
• Grant date: Jan 20, 2009
• Expiry date: Sep 15, 2024

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C12N2320/12
• WIPO field: Biotechnology
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The present invention relates to the significant functional role of several C. elegans genes and of their corresponding gene products in spindle formation or microtubule function during cell division that could be identified by means of RNA-mediated interference (RNAi) and to the identification and isolation of functional orthologs of said genes including all biologically functional derivatives thereof The invention further relates to the use of said genes and gene products (including said orthologs) in the development or isolation of anti-proliferative agents, particularly their use in appropriate screening assays, and their use for diagnosis and treatment of proliferative and other diseases. In particular, the invention relates to the use of small interfering RNAs derived from said genes for the treatment of proliferative diseases.