Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1997-2008
Title: Frances M. Sladek: A Pioneer in Liver Enriched Transcription Factors
Introduction
Frances M. Sladek is a distinguished inventor known for her significant contributions to the field of molecular biology. She is based in Riverside, California, and has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of liver enriched transcription factors. With a total of five patents to her name, her work has had a profound impact on genetic research and therapeutic developments.
Latest Patents
One of her latest patents focuses on the liver enriched transcription factor, HNF-4 (hepatocyte nuclear factor 4). This protein is enriched in liver extracts and plays a crucial role in binding to sites necessary for the transcription of the transthyretin (TTR) and apolipoprotein CIII (apoCIII) genes. The research conducted by Sladek and her team has led to the purification of the HNF-4 protein, which weighs 54 kD, and the isolation of a cDNA clone encoding this protein. HNF-4 is classified as a member of the steroid hormone receptor superfamily, characterized by an unusual amino acid in the conserved 'knuckle' of the first zinc finger. Notably, HNF-4 does not bind significantly to estrogen, thyroid hormone, or glucocorticoid response elements, suggesting it may represent a new subfamily. The protein binds to its recognition site as a dimer and activates transcription in a sequence-specific manner in nonhepatic (HeLa) cells. Furthermore, HNF-4 mRNA is present in the kidney and intestine, as well as the liver, but is absent in other tissues. DNA binding data indicate that HNF-4 could be identical to liver factor A1 (LF-A1), which regulates the transcription of several important genes.
Career Highlights
Frances M. Sladek has made significant strides in her career, particularly through her work at The Rockefeller University. Her research has not only expanded the scientific community's understanding of transcription factors but has also paved the way for potential therapeutic applications in treating liver-related diseases.
Collaborations
Throughout her career, Sladek has collaborated with notable scientists, including Weimin Zhong and James E. Darnell, Jr. These collaborations have further enriched her research and contributed to the advancement of knowledge in her field.
Conclusion
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