Patent Evaluation: Tumour-Susceptible Animals for Cancer Therapy

Summary

Novelty: Tumour-susceptible animals containing tumour suppressor gene mutation(s) are disclosed. The animals may be used in carcinogen screening assays and in the development of anticancer agents or cancer therapies.

Biology: Chimaeric mice (p53 homozygous or heterozygous) were monitored for spontaneous tumour formation. Types of tumour and age of mice when first observed are reported in tabular form. In vitro and in vivo assays for carnogenic agents, using cell lines or chimaeric animals are also disclosed, but no biological data are provided.

Chemistry: The tumour suppressor gene is a p53 gene. The animal cell is an embryonic stem cell ATCC CRL 10631. Generation of p53 gene constructs, their transfer into cells, and construction of mouse chimaeras from transformed cells is described. Chimaeras were interbred and homozygotes and heterozygotes identified.