C11722: High-efficiency Inducible Cell Fusion Culture SystemNovelty:
This invention embodies a new culture system that induces cell-cell fusion in transfected cells with high efficiency. In addition to the newfound ability to fuse normally non-fusing Drosophila S2R+ cells, this system provides insight into the mechanisms and interactions involved in cell-cell fusion.
Value Proposition:
Cell-cell fusion is critical for the conception, development and physiology of multicellular organisms and is involved in processes as diverse as fertilization, formation of bone, muscle and placenta, and immune responses.The disclosed invention is a highly efficient inducible cell-fusion culture system and makes use of the interaction between cellular fusogen and the actin cytoskeleton, both of which are essentially required for cell-cell fusion. The additional features are:
•Demonstration of cell fusion induction in the normally non-fusing Drosophila S2R+ cells.
•This system utilizes co-expression of a certain factor to induce nearly 100% fusion in transfected cells.
Technical Details:
Johns Hopkins researchers have developed a high-efficiency, inducible cell-cell fusion culture system in normally non-fusing Drosophila S2R+ cells. The novel insights into the mechanisms and interactions involved in cell-cell fusion provided by this system can form a basis for further discoveries of the regulation of cell fusion in vivo.
Looking for Partners:
To develop and commercialize the technology as a tool to develop chemicals to modulate cell-cell fusion efficiency to treat diseases in which cell fusion is a therapeutic option, such as infertility, osteoporosis, immune diseases, and muscle degenerative diseases.
Stage of Development:
Discovery
Data Availability:
Under CDA/NDA
Publications/Associated Cases:
Not available at this time
