Genetically Encoded Cell Death Reporter

Introduction Determining cell viability is critical to a wide variety of scientific disciplines. Currently, cell viability is assessed by incubating the cells of interest with a chemical dye or stain that reacts differently with living cells compared to dead cells. The stained cells are then analyzed using traditional microscopy or by using a flow cytometer to conduct the live/dead analysis. Chemical viability stains are limited to single cell systems because of their poor ability to penetrate complex multicellular structures such as intact organisms. In addition, the stains are often toxic to the organism so you must discard your sample after measuring. Technology description Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a genetically coded fluorescent reporter that can be used to study the death of individual cells within an organism based on measuring ion concentrations in the cytoplasm. This method is applicable for detecting viability in single cells, individual cells within a multicellular organism, or the entire organism. No exogenous stains or chemicals are necessary. Therefore, this technology could be extended to a high throughput system to screen for cell death either in individual cells or in a small multicellular organism such as C. elegans. Business Opportunity Applications for this reporter comprise of any biological study that assays cell viability, including toxicology assays, disease studies and treatment efficacy studies. Intellectual Property Position There is a U.S. patent pending on this technology.

Type of Offer: Licensing



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