TECHNOLOGYProduction of Recombinant Baculoviruses
Overview
This invention pertains to methods that facilitate production of recombinant baculoviruses that have been engineered for use as biological control agents. Specifically the invention concerns the construction of a system for regulating gene expression employing the tetracycline gene (tet) operator-repressor system. The tetracycline repressor is DNA-binding protein with affinity for the tet operator sequence. The tet repressor regulates the expression of the genes by binding to operator site(s) which overlap a promoter. This allows RNA polymerase to bind to the promoter sequences and mediate mRNA transcription.Field data indicates that regulation of expression of baculovirus is more effective at controlling insect damage to both cotton and tomatoes than are viruses wherein toxin is expressed during production.
On September 5, 2000, DuPont graciously donated this technology and patent application to the University of Maryland, College Park. For more information Office of Technology Commercialization at 301 405-3947 or by e-mail: [email protected].
Contact Info
UM Ventures
0134 Lee Building
7809 Regents Drive
College Park, MD 20742
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (301) 405-3947 | Fax: (301) 314-9502