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Leading Research Institutes Develop DamID: a Novel Protein-Genome Interaction Mapping Technology
Seattle, USA; Amsterdam, Netherlands; London, UK, 14 Aug 2006 – Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, The Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI) and Cancer Research Technology Limited (CRT) today have released details of the development and commercialisation of a powerful protein-genome interaction mapping technology termed ‘DamID.’
DamID, developed by scientists at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and the NKI, maps protein-genome interactions using tethered DNA adenine methyltransferase to create unique tags, which mark binding sites. This novel technology addresses current limitations of existing techniques to identify in vivo genome binding sites of proteins.
The technology has been validated in both Drosophila and mammalian systems and studies published in a series of peer-reviewed, high-impact journals. DamID has direct application within the fields of transcription, DNA replication, chromatin modelling, chromosome segregation and genomic maintenance. Genomic tiling arrays have also been utilised to map genome-wide protein binding with an approximate resolution of 1 kb. Such analyses facilitate the construction of transcriptional regulatory networks.
CRT has been granted exclusive rights to commercialise this new technology and intends to partner with life science reagents companies to ensure that DamID is available to commercial and academic research communities alike. Revenues generated will be shared with the NKI and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.
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Enquiries
Contact Dr. Nick Gower for further information
ngower@cancertechnology.com
+44 (0)20 7269 2918
Notes to Editors
About DamID
DamID is based on the creation of a fusion protein consisting of Escherichia coli DNA adenine methyltransferase (Dam) and the chromatin protein or transcription factor of interest. Dam methylates adenines in the sequence GATC, an event that does not occur naturally in most eukaryotes. Upon expression of the fusion protein in cultured cells or in an intact organism such as Drosophila, the protein of interest targets Dam to the native DNA binding sites of the protein. This results in the sequence specific local methylation of adenine residues. Subsequent screening for methylated adenines using a sensitive microarray-based readout identifies sequences that were bound by the chromatin protein or transcription factor of interest. When genomic tiling arrays are used, maps of protein binding can be obtained with an approximate resolution of 1 kb, thus allowing the construction of transcriptional regulatory networks. A PCR based detection method is also available to probe targeted methylation of individual genomic loci.
About Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center’s interdisciplinary teams of world-renowned scientists and humanitarians work together to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, HIV/AIDS and other diseases. Center researchers, including three Nobel laureates, bring a relentless pursuit and passion for health, knowledge and hope to their work and to the world. For more information, please visit www.fhcrc.org.
About The Netherlands Cancer Institute
The Netherlands Cancer Institute - Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital (NKI-AVL) combines a scientific research laboratory with a specialised clinic. It is the only dedicated cancer center in the Netherlands. The primary objective of the NKI-AVL is to make a substantial contribution to combating cancer through a unique interaction of scientific research and clinical application. For more information, please visit www.nki.nl.
About Cancer Research Technology
Cancer Research Technology Limited (CRT) is an oncology-focused development and commercialisation company that realises cancer patient benefit from publicly- funded research worldwide. CRT works closely with leading international cancer scientists, their institutes and funding bodies to protect, develop and commercialise oncology-related discoveries. CRT is wholly owned by Cancer Research UK, the largest independent funder of cancer research in the world. Further information about CRT can be found at www.cancertechnology.com.
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