Description of Invention:
The inventors have identified MATER, a gene that plays an important role in fertility, and have shown that antibodies against MATER protein are detected at higher frequencies in women experiencing infertility and irregular menstrual periods than in healthy women. The discovery of MATER as an important factor in autoimmune-mediated ovarian dysfunction will facilitate diagnosis and treatment of these disorders. In addition to its critical role in ovarian autoimmunity, the inventors have also discovered that the MATER gene plays an essential role in embryonic development.

The invention discloses the MATER gene, MATER protein and MATER-specific antibodies. Also disclosed are methods and kits for evaluating female infertility through detection of an abnormal autoimmune response, an abnormal MATER gene, or abnormal MATER protein expression.

Applications:

• Diagnostic test for women suffering from infertility or irregular menstrual periods
• Tool for the study of early embryonic development
• Tool for the development of MATER-based contraceptives.

Development Status:
Established research test, ready for additional clinical research and commercial development.

Inventors:
Lawrence M Nelson (NICHD)
Zhi-bin Tong (NICHD)


Patent Status:
HHS, Reference No. E-239-2000/0
HHS, Reference No. E-239-2000/1
US, , Patent No. 7,189,812, Issued 13 Mar 2007
US, , Patent No. 7,217,811, Issued 15 May 2007
US, , Patent No. 7,531,635, Issued 12 May 2009
US, , Patent No. 7,432,067, Issued 07 Oct 2008


Relevant Publication:

1. Zhi-Bin Tong et al. A mouse gene encoding an oocyte antigen associated with autoimmune premature ovarian failure. Endocrinology. 1999 Aug;140(8):3720-3726. [ PubMed abs ]
2. Zhi-Bin Tong et al. Developmental expression and subcellular localization of mouse MATER, an oocyte-specific protein essential for early development. Endocrinology. 2004 Mar;145(3):1427-1434. [ PubMed abs ]
3. Zhi-Bin Tong et al. A human homologue of mouse Mater, a maternal effect gene essential for early embryonic development. Hum Reprod. 2002 Apr; 17(4):903-911. [ PubMed abs ]
4. Zhi-Bin Tong et al. Mater, a maternal effect gene required for early embryonic development in mice. Nat Genet. 2000 Nov;26(3):267-268. [ PubMed abs ]

Licensing Status:
Available for licensing.


Portfolios:
Internal Medicine
Internal Medicine - Diagnostics
Rare Diseases



For Additional Information Please Contact:
Tara Kirby Ph.D.
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Blvd. Suite 325,
Rockville, MD 20852
United States
Email: tk200h@nih.gov
Phone: 301-435-4426
Fax: 301-402-0220


Ref No: 692

Updated: 03/2007