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Development of novel bioanalytical assays with single-molecule readout for biomarker detection and drug candidate characterization

Speaker: Olov Wahlsten, PhD, Chalmers

Time: Thu 2017-09-28 09.15 - 10.00

Location: FB42

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Abstract:

Bioanalytical assays with single-molecule readout for studying molecular interactions have in the past decades received increasing attention. The high sensitivity often offered by this readout scheme has for example enabled ultra-sensitive analyte detection, having important implications for monitoring early disease progression and the effects of drug treatment. In addition, single-molecule studies of molecular interactions with membrane protein receptors have proven useful for the development of new and more effective drugs. Ultra-sensitive detection as well as the possibility to unravel heterogeneities in molecular interactions, offered by single-molecule readout schemes, are both key components for the future of personalized health care and the discovery of new disease biomarkers.

This seminar focuses on the development of new bioanalytical assays with single-molecule readout, with the purpose of enabling studies of molecular interactions with membrane protein receptors (an important class of drug targets) and to detect diagnostically relevant biomarkers and pathogens. Lipid assemblies, either in the form of liposomes or supported lipid bilayers, have been exploited for their compatibility and flexibility offered in the context of studying many essential biological interactions.

In the seminar two surface-based assays will be presented - both utilizing total internal fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy for studying molecular interactions with a low-abundant and sensitive class of membrane proteins; G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Further, a solution-based detection scheme, based on a home-built dual-color fluorescence microscopy setup, will be presented. With this new instrumentation two detection schemes, based on Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), for biomarker detection (phospholipase and miRNA) were realized. In addition, a third scheme for detection of virus particles via induced colocalization of fluorescent liposomes, will be presented.

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Belongs to: Department of Applied Physics
Last changed: Sep 21, 2017