TECHNOLOGYFluorescence-Based Assay to Screen for Mitochondrial Protective Compounds
Overview
The UMB inventors have developed an enzymatic assay which is a sensitive method for detecting mitochondrial damage. It is based on coupled enzymatic reactions that produce a detectable fluorescence signal in the presence of the reduced or oxidized form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH/NAD) and can detect nanomolar levels of pyridine nucleotides. The assay was used to measure the calcium-induced swelling effects on isolated rat brain or liver mitochondria, which was shown to be blocked by cyclosporin A or Bongkrekic acid, which are inhibitors of mitochondrial permeability transition that leads to apoptosis.
Applications
-Screening for compounds that protect mitochondria against calcium-related damage leading to apoptosis.
-Screening for compounds with protective effect in brain damage induced by hypoglycemic coma, focal ischemia, and trauma.
Advantages
-Simple, reliable, and sensitive assay.
-Suitable for high throughput drug screening.
-May be employed as a kit.
Stage of Development
The assay is suitable to use with isolated mitochondria.
R&D Required
Additional research for adaptation as a screening kit.
Licensing Potential
UMB seeks development partner for licensing and/or sponsored research.
Contact Info
Office of Technology Transfer
620 W Lexington St., 4th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21201
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (410) 706-2380
