Researchers at Princeton University have developed a novel technique for the measurement of tri-nucleotide repeat expansion. Princeton is currently seeking industrial collaborators to commercialize this technology.

        An ever increasing number of human genetic diseases are attributable to the expansion of tri-nucleotide repeats (TNR's). For example, fragile X syndrome, the second leading cause of mental retardation, is due to the expansion of a CGG tract. Myotonic muscular dystrophy, the most common dystrophy in adults, is likewise caused by an expansion of a CTG tract. Moreover, expansions of CGG tracts induce breakage a five known human chromosomal loci, some of which correlate to human disease. Accordingly, there is a need for a model system that can be used to study tri-nucleotide expansions and their association with chromosome fragility and breakage.

        The Princeton technology provides such an assay capable of the measurement of the rate of breakage or fragility at a specific tri-nucleotide tract by a simple and cheap genetic assay. Moreover, the assay can be used to detect tri-nucleotide repeat expansions. The assay is sensitive to genes and conditions that affect either expansion or fragility.

        Patent protection is pending.

        For more information please contact:
                 John F. Ritter
             Associate Director
             Office of Technology Licensing and Intellectual Property
             Princeton University
             4 New South Building
             Princeton, NJ 08544-0036
             (609) 258-1570
             (609) 258-1159 fax
             jritter@princeton.edu

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