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A cell-free system for assaying ion channel function

Award Information
Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Branch: National Institutes of Health
Contract: 1R43GM068322-01
Agency Tracking Number: GM068322
Amount: $199,200.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N/A
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: N/A
Award Year: 2003
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
INTEGRAL MOLECULAR 3701 MARKET ST, STE 340
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19104
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 BENJAMIN DORANZ
 (215) 966-6018
 bdoranz@integralmolecular.com
Business Contact
 BENJAMIN DORANZ
Phone: (215) 966-6018
Email: BDORANZ@INTEGRAMOLCULAR.COM
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Ion channels function as signaling intermediaries that are involved in nerve signal propagation, muscle contraction, cardiopulmonary regulation, and cell metabolism. Their importance is underscored by the existence of dozens of ion channel-specific drugs that treat important neurological and cardiovascular diseases. Despite their importance in human health, ion channels remain complex and difficult proteins to study. Ion channels are topologically complex membrane proteins that span the lipid bilayer of the cell several times, often form oligomers, and contain complex regulatory elements within their tertiary structure. Living cells are typically necessary for ion channel assays because the cellular lipid membrane maintains both ion channel structure and the differences in ion concentration that are the basis of cellular electrical signals. However, cells have inherent limitations for nano- and micro-scale applications. A better way to study ion channels is needed within microfluidic drug screening devices, for detecting ion and voltage changes in subcellular compartments too small to be measured directly, and for emerging nanotechnology applications.

The purpose of this proposal is to enable the measurement of ion channel function on the nano-scale for application within microfluidic devices and at subcellular locations. We have developed a novel technology, the lipoparticle that makes it possible to present ion channels and other membrane proteins in native conformation in a stable, nano-scale format. In research that has spanned the past five years, we have defined the basic characteristics of lipoparticles as drug discovery tools. We have incorporated ion channels into lipoparticles, but have had no way of measuring their ability to function. We propose here to develop a nano-scale sensor for detecting ion channel function.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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