Targeted Modification of Genomes with Lactococcus Lactis Ll.LtrB Group II Intron (TARGETRON)

Introduction

Functional genomic disciplines seek to understand the contributions of genes and their protein products in healthy and disease conditions. Due to evolutionary conservation, model organisms provide simplified systems for analysis, while still producing relevant results. Gene function can be assessed by two principal methods: gain of function and loss of function methodologies. Gain of function approaches seek to express novel genes in organisms or overexpress the corresponding gene in a model organism. Loss of function approaches focus on gene disruption. In both approaches, the physiologic consequences of the gene manipulation is measured. Yeast represents a favored eukaryotic genetic system. The group II intron LtrB is a ribozyme that catalyzes its own splicing and is able to insert itself into essentially any gene in various species. In order to use group II introns to manipulate eukaryotic genomes, the catalytically active ribonucleoprotein (RNP) particles must be expressed. Manners to apply these technologies in eukaryotic cells are limited.

Invention Description

Our invention enables high-throughput screening of genomes for the purpose of targeted modifications of DNA with the LI.LtrB group II intron (targetron). A computer algorithm identifies suitable targets for a specific, regulatable chromosomal gene delivery or for desired gene disruption. The algorithm design tailors targetrons for genetic engineering, functional genomics, and potential gene therapy in living organisms, including mammalian cells, yeast, zebrafish, and oocyte nuclei.

Benefits

• Targeted and efficient modification of genomes
• Does not require the use of antiobiotic-resistance gene as a selection marker

Features

• Computer algorithm using LI.LtrB group II intron for target identification

IP Status

Copyrighted method

UT Researcher

Alan Lambowitz, Ph.D., Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin
Jiri Perutka, Ph.D., Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin

For further information please contact:

University of Texas,
Austin, USA
Website : www.otc.utexas.edu