A Mouse Model of UV-Inducible Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma
Description of Invention:
The current invention embodies a genetically engineered mouse harboring a hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor transgene ("HGF/SF"). The Met signaling pathway, which has been implicated in the development of human melanoma, is chronically activated in the HGF/SF mice. Upon exposure to a single neonatal dose of erythrogenic UV radiation, the mice develop cutaneous malignant melanoma which is consistent with the epidemiology and pathogenesis of melanomas observed in humans. The mice, therefore, represent a valuable model for studying the development of malignant melanoma in humans, for determining the consequences of ultraviolet radiation, and for assessing the efficacy of therapeutic agents and vaccines against melanoma. While no patent rights are available for this invention, breeding pairs of mice are available for licensing via Biological Materials License Agreements.
Inventors:
Glenn Merlino et al. (NCI)
Patent Status:
DHHS Reference No. E-281-2000/0 -- Research Material
Portfolios: Internal Medicine Cancer
Internal Medicine-Therapeutics-Skin Disorders-Other Cancer -Research Materials Internal Medicine-Therapeutics
For Additional Information Please Contact: Sabarni K. Chatterjee Ph.D.
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Blvd, Suite 325
Rockville, MD 20852-3804
Phone: 301/435-5587
Email: chatterjeesa@mail.nih.gov
Fax: 301/402-0220
