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AssigneeArch Development Corporation
InventorsRalph R. Weichselbaum, Douglas K. Bishop
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The present invention relates to the interaction of Rad51 and Xrcc3 to form a complex that mediates DNA repair in eukaryotic cells. A functional Rad51/Xrcc3 complex can be introduced into a cell to increase the resistance of the cell to DNA damaging agents. The invention also provides for a clinical application of a regimen combining Rad51 and Xrcc3 to reduce the side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in a patient. In addition, the invention discloses methods for identifying candidate substances that interact with the Rad51/Xrcc3 complex. In another embodiment of the invention, preventing the formation of the Rad51/Xrcc3 complex increases the susceptibility of a cell to DNA damaging agents. This strategy can be used in combination with a DNA damaging agent or factor to kill cancerous cells.
A method of producing a functional Rad51/Xrcc3 complex comprising:
A method of inhibiting the formation of a functional Rad51/Xrcc3 complex comprising:
A method for identifying a candidate substance that modulates Rad51/Xrcc3 complex formation comprising:
A method for preventing or treating cellular damage in an animal patient exposed to a DNA damaging agent comprising administering to said patient a pharmaceutically acceptable composition comprising Rad51 or Xrcc3.
A method for treating an animal patient with cancer comprising contacting cancer cells in said patient with a pharmaceutically acceptable composition comprising Rad51 antisense RNA or Xrcc3 antisense RNA, wherein said antisense RNA blocks the formation of a functional Rad51/Xrcc3 complex.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.