19 April 2000
First Mammalian lifespan gene isolated
Knockout mice for a gene identified by a group lead by Dr Pier Guiseppe Pelicci at the European Institute of oncology have shown a dramatic [who is targeted? Important for language] extension in their natural lifespan without any identifiable physiological changes. This is the first time a mammalian gene has been shown to have such a direct affect on the lifespan of a mammal.
The discovery was disclosed in a report in Nature (18th November) and has been followed up by the National Press (The Times – 18th November) [Daily Telegraph (others)].
Dr Pelicci continues to characterise the function of this important gene that is a splice variant [too technical] of the SHC locus and has been termed p66shc. The function of the gene appears to be linked with the production of Reactive Oxygen Species and their cumulative damaging effects on the cell. The group has further identified the mechanism for activation of the gene.
Cancer Research Ventures Limited (CRV), a technology transfer company which was formed as a spin out company from Cancer Research Campaign Technology Ltd, has been working with Dr. Pelicci’s department in Milan for some time as its agent for intellectual property management and point of contact for commercial partners. This is just one of several key research areas in which CRV has been acting as a consultant for the Department. A patent covering the p66shc gene has been applied for. CRV is now actively seeking commercial partners to help the group develop this discovery for use in the fight against age related disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Werner’s syndrome.
Further Details Available:
CRV are happy to provide further non-confidential information relating to this discovery. Academics who have an interest in this field should contact Dr Pelicci at The European Institute of Oncology in Milan (+39 02 57489831) for further information. Any whilst any commercial party requiring further information relating to licensing or research collaboration the commercial potential or development of this work should contact Cancer Research Ventures (Tel: +44 171 317 5089 Fax: +44 171 487 4637).
Contact: Simon Youlton +44 207 269 3074
Email: syoulton@cancertechnology.com
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