Ataxia telangiectasia mutated and Rad3 Related (ATR) protein kinase is essential for regulating DNA damage checkpoints during the cell cycle. ATR, is phosphorylated at threonine 1989 site (T1989) in response to DNA damage and ATR activation leads to activation of downstream substrates, signaling cascades and cell cycle arrest. ATR is a potential target for anticancer therapeutics to induce cancer cell death by inhibiting cell cycle arrest pathways in response to chemotherapeutics.

Researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) have developed a monoclonal antibody against ATR. The invention antibody specifically binds to the phosphorylated threonine 1989 position. The antibody can be used in immunoassays to detect ATR in a sample, to determine the inhibitory activity of ATR agents, and to measure the effectiveness of an ATR modulator agent or ATR inhibitor as therapeutics. 

Competitive Advantages:

• Antibody works in Western Blot on crude lysates and in IFA.
• Antibody works for standard processed preclinical and clinical samples.
• Antibody staining pattern specificity can be demonstrated with available blocking phosphopeptides. 

Commercial Applications:

• Improved method to detect a rare, genetic disease that is debilitating and often life-shortening. 
• Antibody for detection of pATR-T1989 in biological samples, including biopsies. 
• Antibody for determination of activation of ATR by phosphorylation of T1989 by DNA damaging agents or genotoxic chemotherapeutic agents.
• Antibody for measuring ATR activation, inhibition or modulation.