C11757: Cell Membrane Lipid “Liberation” for Research UseNovelty:
This invention is a method of manipulating the availability of lipids in the plasma membrane on a timescale of seconds.
Value Proposition:
Currently, there is no technique to effectively change the lipid availability (lipid liberation) in the plasma membrane on a timescale of seconds. This technology rapidly removes lipid binding proteins in the plasma membrane, increasing the amount of available lipids. Other advantages include:
• Rapid removal of lipid binding proteins allows for real-time observation of membrane change in living cells;
• Allows for the effective manipulation of membrane without disrupting cell integrity; and
• Allows for the study of the direct impact of one lipid species on the cell.
Technical Details:
Johns Hopkins researchers have designed a novel method to increase the availability of specific membrane lipids. This technique offers a powerful approach for studies of complex functions of membrane lipids as a signaling molecule. It involves use of a chemically-inducible dimerization technique to rapidly remove lipid binding proteins from the plasma membrane, thus increasing the amount of free lipids at the plasma membrane. Proof of principle studies showed that availability of phosphoinositides and phosphatidylserine was increased. Using this newly developed technique (lipid liberation), and phosphoinositide signaling as a model system.
Looking for Partners:
To develop and commercialize the technology as a research tool for molecular studies.
Stage of Development:
Prototype
Data Availability:
Under CDA/NDA
Publications/Associated Cases:
Sci Signal. 2011 Dec 13;4(203):ra87.
J Am Chem Soc. 2011 Jan 12;133(1):12-4.
