K-Ras Gene-Targeted Human Cancer Cells for Identification and Testing of Novel Anticancer Drugs

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Categories: “Research Tools

Reference #: 2004-039

OTC Contact: Tracy L. Bruehs, M.S., J.D. (Directory Information | Send a Message)

Description

“K-Ras Gene-Targeted Human Cancer Cells for Identification and Testing of Novel Anticancer Drugs” provides isogenic human endometrial cancer cells that are genetically identical except for the presence or absence of their endogenous K-Ras oncogene. Such cell lines are valuable for the identification and testing of novel compounds that specifically target human cancer cells with oncogenic mutations in K-Ras.

Applications

Advantages

Oncogenic mutations of K-Ras are found in a wide range of common human cancers. As such, oncogenic K-Ras is an ideal drug target in that it provides a gain of function found in human cancer cells but not in the patients’ normal tissues. Despite this, to date no effective K-Ras targeted compounds have been identified. This is, in part, due to the lack of appropriate controlled experimental systems for the identification and testing of such novel agents. 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 K-Ras oncogene. Such cells are well suited for use in high throughput screens to identify novel K-Ras targeted agents, and for secondary screens to test compounds identified in in-vitro assays.

Stage of Development

Development complete; ready for licensing.

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.

Inventors

Jung-Sik Kim, Todd Waldman