REAGENTS TO INDUCE AND QUANTITATE NOTCH SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION IN MAMMALIAN CELLS
UCLA Technology Available For Licensing

BACKGROUND:  The Notch signaling pathway has been shown to be crucially important for normal development and is associated with several human inherited and late onset diseases. Four distinct Notch receptors (Notch 1-4) have been identified in humans and in mouse. In addition, there are multiple vertebrate Notch ligands: Delta-like 1-4 (Dll1-4), jagged1, and jagged 2. Research tools to study Notch signaling are important for further understanding of the pathway and its contribution to human disease and development.

INNOVATION:  UCLA Researchers have successfully cloned the cDNA of the vertebrate Notch ligands Dll1, Dll2, Dll3, Jagged1 and Jagged2. The cDNA constructs for Jagged 1 and Dll1 (Delta 1) have been used to stably transfect L cell lines.

In combination with a Notch1 construct, these cell lines can be used to induce, measure and study ligand-induced Notch signaling. Jagged1 and Delta1 cells can be co-cultured with many different cell types. The co-culture system is an excellent method to test inhibitors of Notch signaling that target gamma-secretase, the enzyme responsible for generating the activated form of Notch that functions in downstream signaling. Inhibitors of gamma-secretase are applicable to Alzheimer's disease.

POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS 

Related Papers (Selected)

Reference: UCLA Case No. 2004-351

For additional technical details and current licensing
availability, please contact the following UCLA office:

UCLA Office of Intellectual Property
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Los Angeles, CA 90095-7231
Tel: 310-794-0558 Fax: 310-794-0638
email: ncd@research.ucla.edu
NCD URL:   http://www.research.ucla.edu/tech/ucla04-351.htm

Lead Inventor: Geraldine A. Weinmaster

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Copyright © 2007 The Regents of the University of California.

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