News Release

Genetic 'switch' key to biotech patent royalties

Peer-Reviewed Publication

University of Alaska Fairbanks

Fairbanks, Alaska- The first royalties for a genetic sequencing patent that acts like a molecular switch to expose encrypted characteristics of genes has netted University of Alaska Fairbanks biochemist John Keller $10,000. He received royalties from Research Corporation Technologies, a biotech company in Tucson, Ariz. examining how Keller's patented sequence can be used to improve medical research and treatment.

The patent, issued jointly in 1993 to Keller and the university, covers a genetic sequence that can turn on or off the expression of genetic traits encoded in sections of DNA. Keller's lab pioneered genetic engineering in the state when the first gene cloning experiments were conducted at UAF in 1987.

Recognized as the double-helical structure of heredity, DNA resembles a spiraling ladder with alternating phosphates and sugars forming the legs and nucleotide base pairs making up the rungs. Although the nucleotide pairs are represented by only four letters–A,C,T and G– they combine in infinite varieties to create the language of life.

Keller's "switch" is actually a repressor protein that grabs a section of nucleotide base pairs and prevents further decoding of genetic characteristics encrypted in the nucleotide pairs. The only way to release the switch protein is to introduce an amino acid called a "2,2-dialkylglycine." This tongue-tying amino acid hooks into the repressor protein, loosening its hold on the targeted section of DNA and thereby allowing the decoding process to continue. The process is also reversible, Keller said.

In his lab at UAF, Keller worked with several students to successfully clone and control the switch in the bacteria E. coli. The strain of E. coli used in Keller's research differs from the beneficial strain existing in the digestive tract of humans or toxic strains that can exist in poorly prepared food.

Now researchers at Life Technologies Inc., a Maryland laboratory under contract with Research Corporation Technologies, are testing whether the switch can work as part of the DNA in more developed organisms.

"The big question is whether the switch will work in higher cell types, like those found in plants, animals and humans," Keller said. "If not, we'll look at whether it can be altered with further genetic engineering experiments to make it work."

The potential, commercial applications by biotechnical companies licensing Keller's patented process are wide ranging. Keller has had discussions with several other biotech companies about uses, but "before industries invest they want to find out more details about how this switch works," he said.

Although biotechnology is a small but growing area of study at UAF, the advancements in medicine and biotechnology made from Keller's research could have international repercussions.

"For example, the switch could be used in the production of medically important proteins such as insulin in microorganisms," Keller said. "Or it could be used to turn on, or turn off, a crop plant's resistance to a herbicide."

After finishing his bachelor's degree in chemistry at Ohio State University, Keller went on to complete his doctoral degree in chemistry at the University of Wisconsin- Madison in 1976. Three years later, he came to UAF and has been teaching in the chemistry and biochemistry department ever since.

A popular professor known for a laid-back style students easily relate to– he often teaches in Teva sandals and socks– Keller has brought more than 40 high school, undergraduate and graduate students with him into the lab, giving them hands-on experience conducting research in a breakthrough field. He has mentored 15 different graduate students, guiding their research in organic chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology.

As the only university in the state to have its curriculum accredited by the American Chemical Society, UAF's undergraduate and graduate programs in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology and environmental chemistry rank among the most competitive in the Pacific Northwest. Part of the proceeds from patent royalties will be used to fund student research.

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CONTACT: Professor John Keller, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, at 907-474-6042, or Jillian Swope, University Relations, at 907-474-7778.


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