Drug Discovery & Development
HERG CDNA with Native PolyA Tail
WARF: P05401US
Inventors: Gail Robertson, Eugenia Jones, Blake Anson
The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) is seeking commercial partners interested in developing the full-length cDNA of HERG1a.
Overview
The human ERG gene encodes a potassium channel that is expressed in the heart. Mutations in the HERG channel are a common cause of long QT syndrome, a disorder associated with delayed cardiac repolarization, prolonged electrocardiographic QT intervals, and the development of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death. Because unintended block of HERG channel activity by drugs can also lead to potentially fatal arrhythmias, HERG expression systems are a useful early screen in drug development.
The Invention
UW-Madison researchers have developed the full-length cDNA of HERG1a. This cDNA has been cloned and expressed in Xenopus oocytes, human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293) and Chinese hamster ovary cells. It is similar to a previously cloned cDNA, except that a polyadenylation signal has been removed from its vector sequence. The removal of this sequence does not affect HERG expression levels in heterologous systems.
Applications
- Testing lead compounds and drugs for their potential to block activity of the HERG-1 cardiac potassium channel
Key Benefits
- May be used to develop methods for genetic screening of individuals carrying mutations in HERG genes
- May enable development of gene therapies for individuals with certain cardiac arrhythmias associated with dysfunctional HERG proteins
Additional Information
For More Information About the Inventors
For current licensing status, please contact Jennifer Gottwald at [javascript protected email address] or 608-960-9854