Human Gene Therapy Research Institute

John P Levy

Charles J Link

Charles J Link, Jr

Tatiana Seregina

Suming Wang

The present invention describes an efficient retroviral or viral based method that allows easy and quick identification of gene transfer in living, transduced mammalian cells. Retroviral and viral vector producer cells were generated containing a gene for an improved humanized red-shifted, Green Fluorescent Protein (hRGFP) which increases the resulting fluorescence yield after excitation. This humanized, red-shifted GFP (hRGFP) gene was cloned into several vectors and transfected into various packaging cell lines to produce vibrant green fluorescence after excitation with blue light at 450-490 nm. These vectors represent a substantial advance over currently available gene transfer marking systems or wild-type GFP marker systems none of which have been stably transfected into cells.

Vehicles for stable transfer of green fluorescent protein gene and methods of use for same

The invention discloses methods and compositions for killing tumor cells in animals. Through transfer techniques, cancer cells are engineered to express an epitope which is targeted by natural antibodies causing complement destruction of transformed tumor cells that is typically associated with hyperacute xenograft rejection.

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West Des Moines, IA, United States of America

John P Levy