A Novel Human DNA Polymerase, POL IOTA, Involved in DNA Repair and Mutagenesis
Description of Invention:
The NIH announces the identification of a novel DNA polymerase called POL IOTA, that is highly error prone and may be responsible for causing mutations that ultimately lead to human cancer formation.
The polymerase could be useful as a target for chemotherapeutic agents that block the polymerase's enzyme activity. This in turn could lead to an increase in the cure rate of cancer patients. In addition, a diagnostic assay could be developed to identify enzyme expression patterns and their mutations, so as to recognize humans with an increased risk of cancers. Therefore, the polymerase could be used as a research tool, or with more development, into a kit that could be used in both research and clinical labs.
Inventors:
Drs. Roger Woodgate and John McDonald (NICHD)
Patent Status:
DHHS Reference No. E-229-2001/0 -- Research Tool
Portfolios: Cancer
Cancer -Diagnostics-In Vitro Cancer -Diagnostics
For Additional Information Please Contact: Sury Vepa PhD
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Blvd, Suite 325
Rockville, MD 20852-3804
Phone: 301/435-5020
Email: vepas@mail.nih.gov
Fax: 301/402-0220
