THE WOODLANDS, Texas and WEST POINT, Pa., Jan. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Lexicon Genetics Incorporated and Merck Genome Research Institute (MGRI) today announced Lexicon's delivery of 14 lines of knockout mice from its OmniBank(R) library of 60,000 mouse embryonic stem cell clones. The knockout mice were produced under a previously-signed agreement with MGRI and are intended to empower researchers worldwide to move from gene sequence to function. A committee of leading scientists appointed by MGRI determined which lines of OmniBank mice were to be chosen.

"We are pleased to have delivered the first OmniBank mice under our agreement with MGRI," stated Arthur T. Sands, M.D., Ph.D., Lexicon's President and Chief Executive Officer. "A number of additional lines are near delivery, including those from MGRI's most recent selections, within the next few months. Our agreement with MGRI allows researchers access to resources for defining the function of a large number of very interesting genes with potential implications for our understanding of human diseases."

"We expect the Lexicon mouse models provided under the auspices of this program will be of great utility across a broad spectrum of biomedical research," said C. Thomas Caskey, M.D., President of MGRI. "MGRI has prioritized genes with potential roles in cancer, neurologic disease and mammalian development, as well as genes related to the control of basic cellular processes. We believe these genes may have great promise in leading to the discovery of new drugs. The Lexicon mouse models provide one of the most informative approaches to functional genomics."

Distribution of Mice

Under original terms of the agreement, MGRI has agreed to pay Lexicon a total of $8.0 million for the production of 150 lines of OmniBank mice, of which the committee has now selected a total of 75. The OmniBank mice produced under the agreement will be made available to researchers throughout the world through one or more not-for-profit distributors selected by MGRI for that purpose. MGRI has designated The Jackson Laboratory as the breeder and distributor of the initial 14 lines of mice delivered by Lexicon.

Lexicon's OmniBank Library

Lexicon's OmniBank database and mouse clone library presently contain more than 60,000 embryonic stem (ES) cell clones stored in liquid nitrogen and identified by DNA sequence in a relational database. Each OmniBank ES cell clone may be grown into a "knockout" mouse, a mouse whose DNA has been altered to eliminate the function of a specific gene. Knockout mice can provide valuable predictive information as to which gene products are valid drug targets or therapeutic proteins for pharmaceutical development.

Gene Mutations to be Delivered

The 14 lines of OmniBank mice being delivered to The Jackson Laboratory include mice with mutations in the following genes:

Endobrevin, important for relaying signals at nerve junctions. Grg4 (groucho-related gene 4), related to a fly gene that is part of a pathway that has been implicated in development, cancer and Alzheimer's disease in humans. MIP (lense major intrinsic protein), a major component of the lens and when it functions improperly can result in cataracts. Dystonin, a protein that when mutated causes a progressive loss of muscular control similar to the progressive loss of ability to control movement seen in Parkinson's or Lou Gehrig's disease. MSI (mouse sterol isomerase), an enzyme involved in cholesterol synthesis. Human Conradi-Hunermann Syndrome is a disease caused by mutations in the MSI gene. Thrombospondin-3, a member of a family of secreted proteins thought to play a role in blood vessel formation. Regulation of blood vessel formation is critical for processes such as wound healing but also for growth of large tumors. Secretogranin III, a member of a family of proteins that play a role in regulated secretory pathways involved in the secretion of hormones and neuropeptides. Anf-R (atrial natriuretic factor receptor), which acts as the receptor for atrial natriuretic peptide, a peptide known to function as a diuretic and vasodilator that can affect blood pressure. Pecam (platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule), an adhesion molecule expressed in several cell types and thought to play a role in blood vessel formation, inflammation, and white blood cell movement to areas of infection. PSP94 (prostate secretory protein of 94 amino acids), which has been shown to inhibit the growth of a prostate cancer cell line by causing programmed cell death. Vegf-C (vascular endothelial growth factor C), part of the secreted vascular endothelial growth factor family and is thought to play a role in formation of blood vessels and lymphatic vesicles important for the transfer of disease fighting white blood cells. FKBP12, a target of immunosuppressive drugs such as FK506 and cyclosporin A, that are given to organ transplant patients to prevent rejection. Bendless, first identified as a fly protein critical for the formation of proper connections between nerves. Raidd, thought to play a role in programmed cell death, a process critical for proper development as well as the destruction of cancerous cells.

Lexicon Genetics Incorporated (www.lexicon-genetics.com) is a pioneer in the design, development and application of high-throughput gene trapping and mutagenesis technologies for gene discovery and functional genomics. Lexicon employs its proprietary Human Gene Trap(TM) database, OmniBank(R) library of gene-trapped mouse clones and bioinformatics software in an integrated technology platform for drug discovery and drug target validation. Lexicon also provides OmniBank(R) access through the Internet to subscribers at leading academic and not-for-profit institutions throughout the world. Lexicon Genetics Incorporated, founded in 1995, is a privately held company based in The Woodlands, Texas, U.S.A.

Merck Genome Research Institute (www.mgri.org) promotes and sponsors projects which will enable scientists to develop assays and methodologies which can be applied broadly across genomics research in order to improve the accuracy and speed in which functional associations can be made with sequences of genetic information.

The Jackson Laboratory (www.jax.org), founded in 1929, is a world leader in mammalian genetics research. With more than 980 employees, the nonprofit, independent facility has a mission to improve the quality of human life through discoveries arising from its own genetic research and by enabling the research and education of others.