Use of Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer to Directly Monitor the Receptor-Mediated Activation of Heterotrimeric G-proteins in Living Cells

Techniques to visualize heterotrimeric G-protein signaling in cells has not proven effective thus far. The best technique to date, calcium imaging, requires cells to be loaded with a fluorescent calcium-sensitive dye. Activation of certain G-protein coupled receptors. Can elicit transient increases in calcium and a fluorescent signal. These signals are often weak. Development of a reliable method to determine receptor binding would prove very valuable. Johns Hopkins University researchers have developed a method that requires no dyes and is a direct readout of receptor occupation, and there are no intermediate steps. Given the conserved structure of GPCRs this method should be generally applicable. In addition to novel drug screening and GPCR de-ophaning, this technique should be applicable to studies of multiple stimulus processing, olfactory coding and neuronal circuits.

Inventor(s): Devreotes, Peter N.

Type of Offer: Licensing



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