SK 674. Diagnostic and Therapeutic Applications of Retinol Dehydratase

Summary of Invention

The invention relates to retinol dehydratase and the DNA molecule that encodes it. Retinol dehydratase is the enzyme that synthesizes the retro-retinoid anhydroretinol in the Spodoptera frugiperda insect cell line Sf-21. The DNA molecule can be incorporated into a DNA expression system and a host for recombinant production of anhydroretinol dehydratase.

The isolated retinol dehydratase protein or polypeptide of the present invention can be combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or used alone for administration to mammals, particularly humans, for preventing cell growth and/or uncontrolled cell growth in cells, which are growth dependent on retinol and/or 14-hydroxy-4,14-retroretinol.

Advantages

• Rapid determination of the disease without determining the antibody response in a given individual.
• The present invention can be utilized in conjunction with gene therapy regimens.

Area of Application

Therapeutic and diagnostic.

Stage of Development

In vivo expression and biophysical/biochemical studies completed.

Lead Inventor

Dr. Felix Grun

Patent Information

US patent 5,928,931.

Contact Information

Jeff Horenstein, PhD
Tel: 212-639-6181; Fax: 212-717-3439
E-mail: horenstj@mskcc.org