AN ARTIFICIAL SEQUENCE-BASED PROTEIN RECEPTOR ARRAY

DESCRIPTION (applicant's abstract): Our goal under this SBIR is to demonstrate
the feasibility of using a novel Artificial Sequence-based Protein REceptor
(ASPIRE) for the creation of a "protein chip." The development of new protein
separation technology is essential to bridge the gap between genomics and
rational disease diagnostics and treatment. Preliminary results indicate that
we can design an artificial receptor, based solely on the predicted protein
sequence, capable of purifying a target protein from a cell lysate. To prove
that such a receptor will be useful for large-scale high-throughput proteome
separation and analysis, we plan to 1) demonstrate that the technology is
applicable to 6-10 representative proof of principle proteins; 2) optimize the
critical receptor properties for efficient separation of complex samples; and
3) create an array of receptors capable of separating labeled proteins. Our
data indicate that a chip based on the ASPIRE technology will be roughly 250x
faster and lOx more sensitive than two-dimensional gel electrophoresis paired
with mass spectrometry. In addition to the analysis of protein expression
patterns, ASPIRE protein chips will allow researchers to conduct large-scale
parallel analysis of posttranslational modifications and intracellular
trafficking control much of cell regulation. We expect that this technology
will have far-reaching implications for basic research, drug development, and
disease diagnosis.

PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION:
The market for proteomics is estimated at $4 billion and is rapidly growing. A
protein chip enabling proteomics would allow for 1) rapid identification of
molecular causes of disease and therapeutic targets 2) efficient screening of
small molecules for therapeutic efficacy and toxicity, and 3) rational diagnostic
and treatment strategies based on individual molecular profiling.