C11259: Genetically Encoded Cell-based Sensor for Fatty Acid Metabolites Value Proposition: • Simple cell-based reporter assays to measure malonyl-CoA and Acyl-CoA
• High throughput screening for drugs that target important metabolic pathways
• Large market since no simple cell-based assays exists to date
Technical Details:
BACKGROUND
Metabolomics is the scientific study of chemical processes involving metabolites, and the measurement of the levels of intracellular metabolites is rapidly becoming an important tool for gaining functional insight into cell biology. Spatial and temporal information about specific metabolic increases and decreases provides complements to genomic and proteomic studies and provides direct information on metabolic phenotypes. Despite the importance of metabolomics, to date there are few reported methods for measuring metabolite activity. Problems associated with measuring metabolites are mainly due to cellular metabolites being highly polar, poorly detected, and similar in their physiochemical characteristics. Additionally, there are hundreds of metabolites that coexist in cells which complicates the analysis. There is currently a need for a high-throughput assay to measure metabolites in single cells.
TECHNOLOGY
Scientists at Johns Hopkins University have developed cell-based reporter assays (sensors) for detecting metabolites (malonyl-CoA and Acyl-CoA). These techniques are unique and broadly applicable, because they are simple cell-based reporter assays to measure medically important metabolic pathways. These reporters will enable high throughput screening for drugs that target important metabolic pathways (e.g. diabetes or cancer drugs) or to identity off target effects of preclinical drugs. Furthermore, life scientists interested in exploring new metabolic pathway modulators will be interested in using these assays for basic research.
Looking for Partners:
Commercial applications include simple cell-based reporter assays to measure medically important metabolic pathways that will enable a high throughput screening for drugs that target these pathways (e.g. diabetes or cancer drugs) or to identity off target effects of preclinical drugs. This assay will additionally be useful for life scientists interested in exploring new metabolic pathway modulators.
Publications/Associated Cases:
None available
