A vector DNA that expresses the luciferase gene under the influence of a hypoxia inducible promoter sequence from the nitric oxide synthase gene has been used to transform various human tumor cell lines

Low concentrations of oxygen (hypoxia) are a major pathophysiological condition conducive for angiogenesis, necessary for tumor growth and metastasis of cancer cells.

 

A new technology comprising of a vector DNA (pGL2-TK-HRE) that expresses the luciferase gene under the influence of a hypoxia inducible promoter sequence from the nitric oxide synthase gene has been used to transform various human tumor cell lines such as U251-HRE and PC3-HRE.  These cells express little to none luciferase under normal oxygen levels, but stably express significantly higher levels under low oxygen levels.

 

The transformed cell lines can be used to screen and develop drugs and small molecules that inhibit angiogenesis, an attractive target for cancer therapy.  The technology can also be used in gene therapy where the therapeutic gene is being expressed under a hypoxia inducible promoter.

 

Advantages: 

•    Quantitative

•    Robust, stably express luciferase

•    Can be used in vivo

 

Applications: 

•    Early detection of angiogenesis

•    Cancer therapeutics

•    Gene therapy

 

Market: 

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in America, after heart disease. Every year, more than a million people are diagnosed with cancer.  Over 50% of the cases reported in the US affect the lung, breast, prostate and colorectal.  Although the number of deaths reported is declining 553,888 cancer deaths in 2004 compared to 556,902 in 2003, the total number of all cancer deaths among women is rising.

 

With the help of the new technology early detection, therapy and monitoring of cancer combating efforts would be possible.

 

Development Status: 

Developed.

HHS Reference No. E-220-2003/0 – Research Tool.  Patent protection is not being sought for this technology.

 

Inventor: 

Giovanni Melillo (NCI)

Licensees Sought:  

Available for non-exclusive licensing.