RASS1: A Novel Tumor Suppressor Gene Activated by Ras to Promote Apoptosis
Description of Invention:
Mutant ras oncogenes are frequently associated with human cancers, and activated Ras proteins have been found to mediate a broad array of biological effects. These effects are generated due to the ability of activated Ras to interact with numerous effector proteins, and the disclosed invention directly relates to such a novel effector, namely, RASS1. While many of Ras' activities are linked to cell growth and cell transformation, this putative tumor suppressor gene and its protein product seem to be effectors which mediate apoptotic cell death. The patent application contains composition of matter claims as well as method claims, all of which are directed to the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer as well as providing data for cancer susceptibility or prognosis following diagnosis of a cancer. The application also provides claims directed toward gene therapy applications for this technology.
Inventors:
Geoffrey J. Clark and Michelle Vos (NCI)
Patent Status:
DHHS Reference No. E-237-2000/0 --
U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/251,971 filed 07 Dec 2000
PCT Application No. PCT/US01/48514 filed 07 Dec 2001, which published as WO 02/46223 on 13 Jun 2002
U.S. Patent Application No. 10/433,836 filed on 09 Oct 2003
Portfolios: Cancer
Cancer -Diagnostics Cancer -Therapeutics
For Additional Information Please Contact: John Stansberry Ph.D.
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Boulevard, Suite 325
Rockville, MD 20852-3804
Phone: (301)435-5236
Email: stansbej@mail.nih.gov
Fax: (301) 402-0220
