Method to Identify Compounds Regulating Actin Polymerization
Tech ID: 96-06
Summary - The polymerization/depolymerization process of actin microfilaments is regulated by various molecules involved in cellular signal transduction. Research scientists at National Jewish Health have identified which heterotrimeric G protein subunits are involved in stimulating Rho-dependent actin polymerization. The activity of such subunit can be used as the basis for the development of an assay aimed at the discovery of compounds affecting actin polymerization.
Potential Applications - Assay to identify compounds regulating actin polymerization. Such compounds could therefore be useful in the treatment of diseases where actin polymerization is targeted such as cancer, respiratory distress syndrome, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Advantages of Invention - The assay is simple enough that it can be adapted for the screening of compound libraries in a high throughput fashion.
State of Development - Scientists have demonstrated by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy that microinjection of GTPases-deficient G protein a12 or a13 subunits into quiescent Swiss 3T3 cells induces actin polymerization and focal adhesion formation.
Further R&D Required - Development of an assay.
Licensing Potential - Available for licensing on an exclusive or non-exclusive basis.
Patent Status - U.S. Patent # 5,851,786.
Inventors - Gary Johnson, PhD
Publication - Buhl et al. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270(42): 24631-24634 .
For Further Information, Contact:
Emmanuel Hilaire, PhD
Licensing Associate
Intellectual Property and Technology Commercialization Program
National Jewish Health
1400 Jackson Street, Room M206a
Denver, CO 80206
Voice: (303) 398-1053
Fax: (303) 270-2352
hilairee@njc.org
