Novel Method of Gene Expression

Description

University of Alberta researchers have developed a novel method of gene regulation that is based solely on temperature-induced alteration of a functional RNA molecule. The regulation mechanism is active at low temperature and completely inactive at normal growth temperature. This method of gene regulation is fundamentally different than RNA interference (RNAi).

The invention has been demonstrated through the fusion of functional RNA (and a protein coding open reading frame) to a constitutive E. coli promoter, which resulted in a construct that exhibited temperature-regulated expression in E. coli at ~25C. Research results suggest the gene regulation mechanism could be incorporated into any inducible system in E. coli allowing additional regulation of expression by alteration of temperature.

Advantages

The regulation system is much less complex than RNAi.
Reduced possibility of background, leaky expression.
Only RNA is necessary to convey temperature regulated expression in a heterologous system, even in the presence of constitutive transcription.
Does not involve regulation of DNA transcription.

Potential Markets

Companies distributing cell lines and vectors may wish to add this technology to their suite of research tools. The technology may also be of use in genetic screenings.

Protection Status

Patent(s) pending

Product Number

2005-052

Contact Information

Darrell Petras
(780) 492-9913
darrell.petras@TECedmonton.com

DISCLAIMER:

Although care has been taken in the preparation of this material to be as accurate as possible, the contents of this document are provided for information purposes only, and neither the University of Alberta nor the inventors offer any warranty, written or implied, as to the accuracy of the said contents.