Forward Trafficking Motifs and their Uses

This technology demonstrates the existence of such dominant forward trafficking signal (FTS) motifs that can override an ER retention signal. Novel amino acid sequence motifs are been identified that elevate cell surface protein expression as much as 100-fold. The invention provides amino acid sequence motifs that can direct targeting of intracellular polypeptides to and through membranes, including cell surface membranes. Background The inability to express a membrane receptor on a cell-surface represents one of the most common and well known mechanisms of action caused by genetic mutations in human diseases. Signals that dominantly retain cell-surface proteins in intracellular compartments (i.e., intracellular retention) have been studied extensively. These signals, in many cases, confer endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retention (or localization). Little is known as to whether there are either motifs or machinery that zipcode the plasma membrane expression of surface receptors. In a few cases where forward trafficking signals were suggested, the evidence is consistent with the belief that a retention signal is dominant over a forward trafficking signal. Description (Set) Proposed Use (Set) The technology may be useful for (1) surface expression of ER-resident viral protein for vaccine production, (2) improvement of secretory protein production, (3) generation of cell lines with elevated receptor surface expression for assays and compound screening.

Inventor(s): Li, Min

Type of Offer: Licensing



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