B-Raf Gene-Targeted Human Cancer Cells for Identification and Testing of Novel Anticancer Drugs
Section: For Industry
Category(ies): Cancer Diagnostics | Cell Lines
Reference #: WATO439504
OTC Contact: Tracy L. Bruehs, M.S., J.D. (Directory Information | Send a Message)
Description
Georgetown University is seeking a partner to license "B-Raf Gene-Targeted Human Cancer Cells for Identification and Testing of Novel Anticancer Drugs." This invention provides isogenic human endometrial cancer cells that are genetically identical except for the presence or complete absence of their endogenous B-Raf gene. Such cell lines are valuable for the identification and testing of novel B-Raf inhibitors.
Applications
- Isogenic cell lines allow identification and testing of B-Raf inhibitors.
- Cells were created by gene targeting rather than siRNA/shRNA, resulting in complete abrogation of B-Raf expression.
- Parental cells serve as ideal isogenic controls.
Advantages
Stage of Development
Oncogenic mutations of B-Raf are found in a wide range of common human cancers. As such, oncogenic B-Raf is an ideal drug target in that it provides a gain of function found in human cancer cells but not in the patient?s normal tissues. We have employed human somatic cell gene targeting to create an isogenic set of human endometrial cancer cells that differ only in the presence or absence of their endogenous B-Raf gene. Such cells are well suited for use in high throughput screens to identify novel B-Raf targeted agents, and for secondary screens to test inhibitors identified in in-vitro assays.
Relevant Publications
Lee, C., Kim, J.S., Waldman, T. B-Raf is dispensable for K-Ras-mediated oncogenesis in human cancer cells. Cancer Res 64:1932-7, 2004.
