The University of Geneva is offering this technology for licensing or for collaboration. The technology is a method for the inducible control of permanent gene expression using a single transgene.

Development Phase : Research

Patent Status : Application

Benefits :
Simplified experimental designs

May be used to either inactivate or activate genes

Independent of the proliferative state of the cells

Does not require the permanent administration of an inductive substance

Delivery of therapeutic genes could become easier

References :
Nucleic Acids Res. ( 2000) 28:E99.

Contact :

Dr. Alexandra Richardson
tel: +41-22-705-7258
fax: +41-22-329-4290
Unitec
Office of Technology Transfer
University of Geneva
24 rue du General Dufour
Ch-1211 Geneva 4/Switzerland

e-mail: alexandra.richardson@unige.ch

Inducible control of permanent gene expression using a single transgene

Experimental or therapeutic designs involving the conditional expression of genes often require the use of two different transgenes (the so-called binary systems); this can represent a major undertaking. We have shown a novel use of a "molecular switch" that can function to both block the expression of a gene and subsequently, upon administration of an inducer agent, irreversibly activate the expression of this very same gene. The same approach could be used to achieve the reverse purpose, i.e. to irreversibly inactivate a gene that is constitutively active.

Because of its simplicity (only a single transgene is required), this technique should be useful in vivo and in experimental animals or clinical conditions of gene therapy. The permanent expression of a transgene is induced at a chosen time, thus bypassing the requirement for constant administration of the inducer molecule.

Potential Commercial Uses:

Any situation requiring the conditional expression of genes:

In basic research involving either in vitro or in vivo experiments;

In gene or cell therapy, since delivery of the therapeutic DNA to the target cells is simpler (only a single transgene is used), and the inducer drug does not need to be administered permanently;

In agricultural bioengineering, to generate transgenic crops.