Method of determining a protein in a sample

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes a method to identify and determine proteins in complex biological samples using specially modified aptamers. The aptamers are functionalized at their 5'-end with a labelled, photo-activatable crosslinker. When exposed to ultraviolet light, the aptamer crosslinks to its target protein, which is then detected or isolated using the label (such as biotin) via techniques like magnetic bead enrichment. This approach allows highly specific, efficient, and generalizable identification of target proteins in mixtures, including living cells.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Proteome-wide identification of unknown protein targets for aptamers in cell lysates, tissues, or whole organisms.
• Isolation and enrichment of specific proteins from complex samples for subsequent analysis.
• Labeling and visualization of cell surface proteins in living cells, exosomes, or microvesicles.
• Magnetic cell sorting based on presence of specific cell surface proteins through aptamer labeling and magnetic bead capture.
• Validation and study of aptamer-protein interactions in biological research and drug discovery.
• Development of biomarker assays for disease diagnostics by identifying and quantifying relevant proteins.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Broad applicability to many different aptamer-protein pairs without requiring pair-specific optimization.
• Maintains high affinity and specificity of aptamer-protein binding despite chemical modification.
• Works efficiently in complex mixtures—including living cells and tissues, not limited to purified proteins.
• Allows identification, visualization, and enrichment of proteins using a single protocol.
• Enables proteome-wide screening or biomarker discovery with high throughput and specificity.
• Can be adapted for cell sorting and other separation methods, potentially expanding tools for diagnostics and therapy research.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of determining a protein in a sample and the use of the method for the identification of aptamer target proteins.