Inventors:
Andrew H. Limper - Rochester MN
Edward B. Leof - Rochester MN
Charles F. Thomas - Rochester MN
Michael P. Gustafson - Rochester MN
Assignee:
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research - Rochester MN
International Classification:
C12Q 100, G01N 3353, C12N 912, C12N 900
Abstract:
A nucleic acid and corresponding polypeptide that aids in the regulation of the cell cycle in Pneumocystis carinii is described. Antibodies generated against a unique carboxyl-terminus region of the polypeptide have specific binding affinity for P. carinii Cdc2 polypeptide and are beneficial in diagnosing and monitoring P. carinii infection in patients. Expression of P. carinii Cdc2 polypeptide in cdc2-mutant yeast and other cdc2-mutant organisms provides a useful model for studying the life cycle of P. carinii and for identifying novel therapeutics.