Mutation Sequence Licensed for Molecular Diagnostic Products

A nonexclusive license has been obtained for a mutation of a kinase-encoding gene found in colorectal cancer.

The mutation sequence will be incorporated into existing molecular diagnostic products. The mutation can be detected by testing DNA from tumor biopsies and resected tumor tissues.

The BRAF protein is involved in sending signals in cells and in cell growth. The BRAF gene may be mutated and the BRAF protein altered, as an inherited mutation, which causes birth defects, or as an acquired mutation (oncogene) in adults, which causes cancer. The V600E mutation in the BRAF oncogene results in a constitutively active BRAF protein that is a protooncogene serine/threonine-protein kinase. The presence of this mutation has been shown to impact prognosis and the prediction of therapeutic response in colorectal cancer. BRAF mutation also predicts a poorer prognosis in thyroid cancer and is a unique prognostic and diagnostic genetic marker for this cancer.

Asuragen, Inc., (Austin, TX, USA) obtained the license from Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD, USA). The agreement allows Asuragen to expand its range of mutation testing for different cancers. Asuragen has integrated the BRAF mutation into its Luminex-based Signature KRAS Mutations assay to expand coverage of the important epidermal growth factor receptor/mitogen activated protein kinase (EGFR/MAPK) signaling pathway. Asuragen will also offer BRAF mutation testing in its services laboratory for clinical trials and companion diagnostics studies.

Rollie Carlson Ph.D., president of Asuragen said, "The integration of BRAF into our existing multiplex tests on the Luminex platform allows us to provide rapid and streamlined tests for a number of clinical and research applications".

Related Links:
Asuragen, Inc.
Johns Hopkins University