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US 6,887,688 B2Granted
Light controlled gene expression utilizing heterologous phytochromes
AssigneeThe Regents of the University of California
InventorsJohn Clark Lagarias, Takayuki Kochi, Nicole Frankenberg, Gregory A. Gambetta, Beronda L. Montgomery
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Abstract
This invention relates to the field of gene expression. In particular this invention relates to the use of heterologous phytochromes to translocate polypeptides into the nucleus of a cell. Where the polypeptides comprise transactivators or repressors this invention provides a system for light-directed gene expression.
Claims12
A method of transporting a polypeptide into the nucleus of a cell, said method comprising:
- expressing, in a cell, a phytochrome apoprotein attached to said polypeptide;
- and
- exposing said cell to light whereby said phytochrome apoprotein attached to said polypeptide migrates from the cytoplasm of said cell into the cell nucleus thereby transporting said polypeptide into the nucleus of said cell, wherein said cell is a cell whose wild-type does not comprise a phtyochrome.
A method of regulating the transcription of a gene in response to light, said method comprising:
- expressing, in a cell, a phytochrome apoprotein attached to a heterologous transactivator or repressor;
- and
- exposing said cell to light whereby said phytochrome apoprotein attached to said heterologous transactivator or repressor migrates from the cytoplasm of said cell into the cell nucleus and said transactivator or said repressor alters expression of a gene in said nucleus.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.