Patent ID: 6011018
Filing Date: 2000-01-04
Classification: A01K,A61K,C07D,C07F,C07H,C07K,C12N,C12P

Abstract:
A method for inducing expression of a target gene encoding a secreted protein or a cell surface protein, comprising the steps of:(A ) providing a host animal containing a cell comprising(I) a target gene which encodes a secreted protein or a cell surface protein, and(II) a genetic construct encoding a chimeric protein comprising(a) at least one ligand-binding domain which binds to a selected ligand to form a ligand-crosslinked protein complex including the chimeric protein, wherein the ligand has one or more of the following characteristics:(i) the ligand is not a protein,(ii) the ligand has a molecular weight less than 5 kD, and(iii) the ligand is membrane permeable; and(b) an action domains, which is heterologous with respect to at least one of the ligand-binding domain,wherein, transcription of the target gene is regulated in a manner dependent on the expression of the chimeric protein and the presence of the ligand; and(B) administering to the animal the ligand in an amount effective to form the ligand cross-linked complex and induce expression of the target gene.