Lucigen secures patent on gene cloning product

Lucigen, a Madison-based maker of molecular biology enzymes and kits, recently received a patent for its pJAZZ cloning vector, a product that gives researchers the ability to stably reproduce large or challenging sequences of DNA and study genes that were previously inaccessible.

According to Lucigen, conventional vector systems often fail to give good results with tough-to-clone DNA sequences from humans, parasites, plants, and other organisms. Many of the hard-to-access genes are related to disease pathways with the potential for gene therapy.

The pJAZZ technology, which now is available for licensing, “opens the door to new discoveries and possible cures,” says Lucigen President Jeff Williams.

Other possible applications include creating biological products such as bio-fuels or high-strength fibers derived from spider silk genes.