Telomere repeat binding factors and diagnostic and therapeutic use thereof
AssigneeThe Rockefeller University
InventorsTitia De Lange, Dominique Broccoli, Agata Smogorzenska
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a novel nucleotide sequence encoding a telomeric protein which binds a repeat region of telomeric sequences, and to the protein encoded thereby. Also included within the invention are expression vectors for the production of the telomeric protein and host cells transformed with the nucleotide sequence. In addition, antibodies, probes and antagonists specific for the telomeric protein are contemplated. Methods of identifying antagonists of the telomeric protein, diagnostic methods of identifying the telomeric protein in a sample, and therapeutic uses of the telomeric protein, particularly in the treatment of aging and cancer, are also contemplated.
Claims15
An isolated nucleic acid encoding a vertebrate telomere repeat binding factor (TRF) having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:27, or an amino acid sequence that is at least 80% identical to that of SEQ ID NO:27, and comprising the following characteristics:
- a) a basic N-terminal domain;
- b) a dimerization domain;
- and
- c) a Myb domain;
- wherein when the basic N-terminal domain is removed, the TRF detectably binds to the telomere repeat sequence (TTAGGG)12.
An isolated nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a basic N-terminal domain of a vertebrate telomere repeat binding factor (TRF), that has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:37, or SEQ ID NO:37 with a conservative amino acid substitution.
An isolated nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a dimerization domain of a vertebrate telomere repeat binding factor (TRF) that has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:45, or SEQ ID NO:45 with a conservative amino acid substitution.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.