TECHNOLOGY BRIEF

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Description: The production of active T7 and T7-like RNA polymerase enzyme from cloned genes and their use in the in vivo expression of target genes are disclosed. The AT7 Gene Expression System@ is used for the over-expression of genes that are under the control of T7 and T7-like promoter sequences. Widely used in molecular genetics, biotechnology and in manufacturing of recombinant proteins, this system is noted for its reliability and adaptability.

Commercial, Technical and Competitive Merit: Being the most widely used bacterial expression system for both research and commercial efforts, this system has proved applicable to almost all endeavors. Because the expression of the target gene can be tightly controlled by close regulation of the expression of the RNA polymerase gene, even very toxic gene products can be manufactured in large quantities. In addition to bacterial expression systems, specially designed vectors can be used to control the expression of target genes in a variety of eukaryotic cells. Co-transfection of eukaryotic cells with cloned RNA polymerase genes and cloned target genes can lead to the over-expression of a needed RNA, a specifically designed antisense RNA or a needed therapeutic protein. Difficult to express proteins have been successfully produced using the AT7 system@. Commercial suppliers have specifically designed unique hosts and vectors to make the system readily accessible and useable by all who need large quantities of a specific RNA or protein product.

Inventors: F. William Studier, Parichehre Davanloo, Alan H. Rosenberg, Barbara A. Moffatt and John J. Dunn.

Patent Status: U.S. Patent Nos. 4,952,496; 5,693,489 and 5,869,320

License Status: Three different license programs are available for commercial users of the T7 Gene Expression system. A research use license covers in-house use of the T7 system for purely research purposes; a commercial use license covers use of the T7 system for the manufacture of commercial products (proteins, RNAs or end products that are produced by the T7 protein products); and a distribution license grants the rights to make, use and sell enabling materials.

Literature References: Davanloo, P., et al., (1984) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 81, 2035-2039; Studier, F. W. and Moffatt, B. A. (1986) J. Mol. Biol. 189, 113-130; Rosenberg, A. H., et al., (1987) Gene 56, 125-135; Dunn, J. J., et al., (1988) Gene 68, 259.