Description:
Researchers at Princeton University have developed a novel technique for the
measurement of tri-nucleotide repeat expansion. Princeton is currently seeking
industrial collaborators to commercialize this technology.
An ever increasing number of human genetic diseases are attributable to the
expansion of tri-nucleotide repeats (TNR's). For example, fragile X syndrome,
the second leading cause of mental retardation, is due to the expansion of a CGG
tract. Myotonic muscular dystrophy, the most common dystrophy in adults, is
likewise caused by an expansion of a CTG tract. Moreover, expansions of CGG
tracts induce breakage a five known human chromosomal loci, some of which
correlate to human disease. Accordingly, there is a need for a model system that
can be used to study tri-nucleotide expansions and their association with
chromosome fragility and breakage.
The Princeton technology provides such an assay capable of the measurement of
the rate of breakage or fragility at a specific tri-nucleotide tract by a simple
and cheap genetic assay. Moreover, the assay can be used to detect
tri-nucleotide repeat expansions. The assay is sensitive to genes and conditions
that affect either expansion or fragility.
Patent protection is pending.
For more information please contact:
John F. Ritter
Associate Director
Office of Technology Licensing and Intellectual Property
Princeton University
4
New South Building
Princeton, NJ 08544-0036
(609) 258-1570
(609) 258-1159 fax
jritter@princeton.edu