A unique mouse model bearing a tissue-specific targeting and temporal controllable AKT kinase activation system.

University of Kansas
posted on 06/07/2006

A transgenic mouse model has been created where the inactive form of Akt kinase can be activated or inactivated in order to study its function virtually in any tissue or organ.

Suggested Uses

This mouse model enables a study of the AKT kinase action in virtually all tissues or organs, and has wide application in cancer research.

Advantages

* Unique animal model for studying Akt function in cell-specific manner * Permits tissue-specific expression and temporally controlled activation of the transgenic Akt * Useful for all studies of Akt kinase activities in virtually all types of tissues or organs * Green fluorescent protein is integrated as a tissue-specific knockout marker

Innovation Details

Detailed Description

The anti-apoptotic Akt kinase is commonly activated by survival factors following plasma membrane relocalization. Once activated, Akt appears to prevent or delay apoptosis by phosphorylation-dependent inhibition or activation of multiple signaling molecules involved in apoptosis. With this in mind, a KUMC scientist has developed a conditional allele of Akt, called iAkt, which can be activated following administration of a specific ligand. Furthermore, the inventor created a transgenic mouse model to selectively express the iAkt system in specific tissues. The inactive form of Akt in the mouse model can be activated or inactivated in order to study its function virtually in any tissue or organ depending on the specificity of Cre expression.

File Number: 05KUMC009

Other Information: *State of Development* Available for exclusive and non-exclusive license

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This innovation currently is not available for online licensing. Please contact Aswini Betha at University of Kansas for more information.

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