http://www.wistar.org/tech_transfer/...ies/tech4.html
Novel Variants of p53 Tumor Suppressor Protein
Inventor: Thanos Halazonetis
Tech ID: HT-9500, HT-98001, HT-9436
Description: Inactivation of the p53 tumor suppressor protein, by mutation or by viruses, has been identified in over one-half of all human tumors. The inactivated protein usually has reduced DNA-binding capacity, which renders it ineffective in regulating cell division and cell growth. Delivery of the p53 gene to tumor cells has led to the elimination of the tumor in both animal models and some early clinical studies. One limitation of p53 gene therapy is that many tumors express high levels of the inactive mutant p53 protein, which can form complexes with and inactivate the normal protein that is introduced during therapy.
Wistar researchers have developed several p53 variants that have increased potency relative to the normal protein.