Background
Adenosine diphosphate ribose (ADPR) is a biologically important molecule that is known to regulate oxidative stress, calcium homeostasis, and mitochondrial function. Very little is known about ADPR signaling because it is a fast and transient process. Our innovation addresses this challenge by streamlining the development of fluorescent biosensors, including for the critical NAD+ derived metabolite ADPR. By leveraging our platform, multiple sensor development efforts can be consolidated into one, expediting the process.
Invention description
Grounded in evolutionary principles, our approach exploits conserved structural changes to develop genetically encoded sensors, specifically for molecules like adenosine diphosphate ribose (free ADPR). This methodology has already yielded success with sensors for three distinct molecules, with potential for further development of single fluorescent protein biosensors for various other molecules.
Features
Our invention comprises a sensor that undergoes changes in fluorescence intensity upon binding to free ADPR. These sensors are genetically encoded, allowing for precise subcellular targeting and continuous monitoring of metabolic processes.
Benefits
- Pharmaceutical xcreening: Precision screening of drugs targeting metabolic pathways that involve changes in free ADPR levels, aiding novel therapeutics discovery
- Industrial applications: Dynamic monitoring of industrial molecule production, enhancing process efficiency
- Biomedical research and industrial advancements: Our platform offers transformative solutions, advancing biomedical research and industry.
Commercial applications
- Biotech/pharma: Streamline drug discovery by targeting metabolic pathways, including free ADPR.
- Some prominent examples include intracellular CD38 and SARM1.
- Agri & agrochem: Enhance crop productivity by monitoring plant metabolism, including free ADPR levels.
- Environmental monitoring: Detect and remediate environmental pollutants, assessing free ADPR in environmental contexts.
- Food & beverage: Ensure product quality, develop ingredients by monitoring free ADPR levels.
- Personalized healthcare: Track metabolic markers like free ADPR for tailored treatments.
Opportunity
The University of Texas at Austin seeks a commercial or industry partner to further develop and commercialize this innovative platform for free adenosine diphosphate ribose biosensors.
