Products Useful for Modulating Expression of Exogenous Genes in Mammalian Systems

Inventors: Ronald Evans and David No
Potential Uses: Gene Expression
Modulation of exogenous gene expression in mammalian and other systems using modified ecdysone receptors

This invention relates to various methods for modulating the expression of an exogenous gene in a mammalian subject employing modified ecdysone receptors. The invention method is useful in a wide variety of applications where inducible in vivo expression of an exogenous gene is desired, such as in vivo therapeutic methods for delivering recombinant proteins into a variety of cells within a patient. Advantages of ecdysteroid use include the lipophilic nature of the compounds, short half-lives, and favorable pharmacokinetics that prevent storage and expedite clearance. The invention also relates to modified ecdysone receptors, nucleic acids encoding modified ecdysone receptors, modified ecdysone response elements, gene transfer vectors, recombinant cells, and transgenic animals containing nucleic acids encoding modified ecdysone receptor.