C11682: Ultraviolet Light Controlled Activation of Intracellular SignalingNovelty:
This invention is an Ultraviolet light controlled method to locally activate GTPases in a specific region of the cell.
Value Proposition:
Currently, no techniques or tools exist to control the activities of Rho GTPase signaling molecules at precise locations to study cellular growth, differentiation, migration and metastasis. This technology uses ultraviolet light to activate Rho GTPase and produce spatially localized signaling events for a wide variety of applications. Other advantages include:
• Rapid activation allows for real-time observations of cell signaling process;
• Precise spatiotemporal control of cell signaling activation allows specific targeting of cells in question; and
• Wide range of applications allows for use in hybrid experiments.
Technical Details:
Johns Hopkins researchers have discovered a method of achieving spatially localized activation of Rho-GTPases. It employs a photocaged rapamycin conjugate that releases rapamycin when irradiated with UV radiation. The released rapamycin diffuses to the plasma membrane where it causes dimerization between FRB (membrane anchored) and FKBP-protein. Activation of GTPases can thus be made to occur at the regions of the cell boundary irradiated with UV thereby enabling studies of their roles in signaling. The technology can also be used to target other signaling proteins using available probes- making it a powerful tool for studying intracellular signaling events.
Looking for Partners:
To develop and commercialize the technology as a component of research kits.
Stage of Development:
Discovery
Data Availability:
Under CDA/NDA
Publications/Associated Cases:
J Am Chem Soc. 2011 Jan 12;133(1):12-4.
