Fiscal Year:
2001
Title:
A Novel Approach to mRNA Isolation using PNAs
Agency:
HHS
Contract:
N/A
Award Amount:
$93,197.00
Abstract:
DESCRIPTION (Applicant's abstract): Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) have a number
of features that suggest they would be ideal probes for purifying mRNA. In this
revised format we have demonstrated the use of phosphono PNAs (pPNAs) in an RNA
isolation procedure that improves the recovery of RNAs with secondary structure
at the poly A region and RNAs with short poly A tails. We have developed a
procedure for isolating mRNA (free of genomic DNA) from cells and tissue using
pPNAs, and provided this kit to the research community. The goal of this
revised Phase I study is to further develop the pPNA technology as to enable
isolation of mRNA in a high-throughput format. Also by incorporating a novel
PNA-like monomer on the base of trans-4-hyroxy-L-proline (HypNA) into the pPNA
backbone we hope to be able to purify mRNA from plant Total RNA. This
development of PNA technology would enable the HypNA-pPNA chimera to hybridize
with plant mRNA molecules regardless of the presence of plant polyphenolics. In
Phase II of this study, we would hope to further develop this technology such
that it can be used in a novel approach to mRNA isolation from bacterial cells
as well as to develop HypNA-pPNAs chimeras for array technology.
PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION:
Any group that is trying to obtain a complete set of transcripts may find an application for pPNA
technology. This may include those working on the Mammalian Gene Collection (MGC). We
already supply the first two versions of the kit, Maxi and Midi mVADER, to the research
community. Any future products generated from this proposal will also be provided to the
research community. With the 96-well format this kit will allow high throughput analysis of
gene expression for drug screening and functional genomics-applications. This kit would also
facilitate those interested in generating mRNA for array profiles or for those interested in
studying quantitative RT-PCR. We believe that the invading properties of pPNAs will enable
capture of plant mRNA molecules even in the presence of lipopolysaccharides and polyphenolics. The successful application of pPNA technology to plant biotechnology would
certainly increase the market potential of this product.
Principal Investigator:
Dorothy M. Archdeacon
Small Business Information at Submission:
ACTIVE MOTIF, LLC
5431-C AVENIDA ENCINAS CARLSBAD, CA 92008
EIN/Tax ID:
330858864
DUNS:
N/A
Number of Employees:
N/A
Woman-Owned:
No
Minority-Owned:
No
HUBZone-Owned:
No