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Title: Cloning and expression of the gene for bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase

Patent ·
OSTI ID:872140

This application describes a means to clone a functional gene for bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase. Active T7 RNA polymerase is produced from the cloned gene, and a plasmid has been constructed that can produce the active enzyme in large amounts. T7 RNA polymerase transcribes DNA very efficiently and is highly selective for a relatively long promoter sequence. This enzyme is useful for synthesizing large amounts of RNA in vivo or in vitro, and is capable of producing a single RNA selectively from a complex mixture of DNAs. The procedure used to obtain a clone of the R7 RNA polymerase gene can be applied to other T7-like phages to obtain clones that produce RNA polymerases having different promoter specificities, different bacterial hosts, or other desirable properties. T7 RNA polymerase is also used in a system for selective, high-level synthesis of RNAs and proteins in suitable host cells.

Research Organization:
Associated Universities, Inc., Upton, NY (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC02-76CH00016
Assignee:
Brookhaven Science Associates LLC (Upton, NY)
Patent Number(s):
US 5869320
Application Number:
08/784,201
OSTI ID:
872140
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (6)

Cloning and expression of the gene for bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase. journal April 1984
Organization and Expression of Bacteriophage T7 DNA journal January 1983
Bacteriophage T7 DNA replication in vitro. Stimulation of DNA synthesis by T7 RNA polymerase. journal August 1980
Complete nucleotide sequence of bacteriophage T7 DNA and the locations of T7 genetic elements journal June 1983
Nucleotide sequence of the gene for bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase journal February 1984
Bacteriophage SP6-specific RNA polymerase. I. Isolation and characterization of the enzyme. journal May 1982