Glycans are carbohydrates or carbohydrate portions, comprised of a large number of monosaccharides. They are particularly relevant in medicine, where different glycosylation patterns are indicative of different medical conditions, such as tumors or viral infections. Developing a technology for the detection of various glycosylation patterns would thus greatly aid diagnostics.
We have upgraded our innovative approach to designing new types of protein nanostructures based on a defined sequence of interconnected segments. In pairs, these form coiled-coils that assemble into a designed de novo coiled-coil protein origami (CCPO). Such a structure serves as a stable framework for the attachment of various bio-specific protein domains with target recognition, for example glycan recognition domains.
Our technology includes the development and production of CCPO and its functionalization with lectins, a group of proteins that can recognise various glycans specific for certain tumor cells, viral infections, or other diseases. In addition to its high analytical sensitivity, our technology has another advantage: lectins can also interact with glycans that are still bound to proteins or cells.
Developed by: Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology.
Technology readiness level: TRL3.
Status of intellectual property: Patent pending.
Cooperation opportunities: Joint development or intellectual property licensing.