An Inducible/Reversible Transgenic Mouse Model of BCR/ABL Leukemia (BIDMC 133)

Category:    Research Tools

KeyWords:  Animal Model;  Cancer;  

BIDMC ID:    133

Abstract:

This technology is a tetracycline responsive mouse model of leukemia. Crossbreeding of two phenotypically normal mouse lines in the presence of tetracycline results in a tetracycline inducible/reversible BCR/ABL mouse. Expression of BCR/ABL is induced by withdrawal of tetracycline at which time the mice develop a lymphoproliferative disorder progressing to overt leukemia in 2.5-8 weeks. The leukemic phenotype is reversed by re-administration of tetracycline, with complete remission occurring in 2-5 days. Incidence of disease in the transgenic mice is 100% and the onset/remission of disease is rapid, making this an ideal tool for drug testing.

Inventor:   Daniel G. Tenen, M.D. and Claudia S. Huettner, M.D.

Commercial Opportunity:

Cancer; Drug Screening and Leukemia Research

Competitive Advantages:

This mouse model has the following important possible uses: 1. In vivo testing of anti-leukemic drugs prior to clinical trial. 2. Investigation of early transforming effects of the BCR/ABL oncogene and signal transduction pathways activated by this gene. In previously described models of BCR/ABL transformation, the oncogene is not inducible, and there have been significant problems with embryonic toxicity and development of fatal disease in founder animals.

Related Publications:

Reference:  Huettner, CS., Zhang, P., Van Etten, RA., and Tenen, DG. (2000) Reversibility of acute B-cell leukaemia induced by BCR-ABL1. Nat Genet 24(1):57-60.

State of Development:

Related Technology URL:

http://research.bidmc.harvard.edu/research/ResearchPIInfo.ASP?Submit=Display&PersonID=690

Patent Status:

Not Filed

TVO Contact Info:
     Jodi E Hecht
     Licensing Associate
     jehecht@bidmc.harvard.edu
     Phone: 617-667-4197   Fax: 617-667-0646

     Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
     Technology Ventures Office  Room: BR-0200
     330 Brookline Avenue
     Boston, MA 02215