Covalent Tethers for Isolating Homogeneous Proteins

Recent advances in technology have led to methods for generating large sets of genomic and proteomic samples. This has created a need for tools that facilitate rapid screening and analysis of these large sets of samples. Immobilization of proteins and nucleic acids on a solid phase is a useful way to perform separation of biomolecules, screen for enzymatic activity, or interrogate for binding events. However, immobilization of macromolecules on a membrane surface with maximum retention of their activity and structural integrity still presents a challenge. Direct covalent attachment of protein molecules to a solid support results in a random orientation of the protein and, often, in structural deformation due to multisite immobilization. Proteins can also be bound to membranes through noncovalent interactions, such as streptavidin/biotin or recombinant affinity-tagged proteins, but the binding interactions may not be stable, resulting in leaching of protein off the surface. This invention defines a new protein tethering technology that solves these problems by allowing robust oriented attachment of many proteins to a variety of surfaces.

Benefits
Many experimental approaches in biology and applications in diagnostics and drug discovery require proteins immobilized on substrates. Of particular relevance is the recent introduction of protein microarrays, prepared by immobilizing hundreds or thousands of different proteins to a common substrate, that allow highly parallel experiments with small amounts of proteins and reagents. Protein microarrays have a big potential to increase the throughput of proteomic research. The rapidly expanding market for microarray technologies could surpass the $5 billion level by the end of the decade.

Stage of Development
This technology is part of an active and ongoing research program and has been demonstrated to work in proof-of-concept experiments which include a working prototype. It is available for developmental research support or licensing under either exclusive or non-exclusive terms.

Additional Info
See http://www.chem.utah.edu/chemistry/faculty/poulter/poulter.html

Inventor(s): C. Dale Poulter, Guillermo Roberto Labadie, Cecile Gauchet, Rochelle Frances Hawkins Bohaty

Type of Offer: Licensing



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