University of New Mexico Center for Molecular Discovery
Project Overview
PI: SKLAR, LARRY A. (lsklar at salud.unm.edu)Grant Number: U54010708
Project Title: University New Mexico Center for Molecular Discovery
Abstract:
We have developed innovative flow cytometric tools for discovery research that enable homogeneous analysis of ligand binding and protein-protein interaction, HT sample handling, high content analysis, and real-time measurements of cell response. We have already achieved delivery rates of ?l sized samples from multiwell plates at rates up to 100 samples/min end point assays and multiplex rates up to 1000/min. We have completed screens on several small molecule libraries, discovering novel small molecules that bind to a GPCR peptide receptor. Our experience indicates that virtually any molecular assembly or cell response can be displayed in a format compatible with flow cytometry. Moreover, by creating a suspension array of particles, assays and responses can be highly multiplexed or performed on complex cell populations without loss of throughput. Our novel sampling approach (HyperCyt®) makes flow cytometry an attractive platform for drug discovery, proteomics, and real-time analysis of molecular interactions. Flow cytometry is particularly convenient for alternately assessing both cellular and molecular activities of small molecules. To our knowledge, there is no single competing technology that offers the versatility of flow cytometry for Molecular Library Initiative screening or that has the potential of being available to such a large number of laboratories that house flow cytometers (20,000 world-wide). Our team brings together expertise that spans biomedical, biophysical, chemical, computational, instrumentation and engineering disciplines. The team represents an established group already working together through 1R24EB00264, a BRP previously funded to develop high throughput flow cytometry. The BRP is currently applied to our own targets in GPCR signaling pathways. Our screening center will be composed of three scientific teams (Core 1, Assay Optimization; Core 2, Screening and Automation; Core 3, Cheminformatics and Chemistry) and an Integrating core lead by PI, Larry Sklar, who will oversee the Center. Core 1, led by Co-PI Eric Prossnitz, will optimize NIH target assays for high throughput flow cytometry. Core 2, led by Co-PIs Bruce Edwards and Herbert Tanner will perform HT screens and automate the flow cytometry platform. Core 3, led by Co-PIs Tudor Oprea and Jeffrey Arterburn will integrate cheminformatics and synthetic chemistry teams to increase the overall efficiency of the discovery process.
Thesaurus Terms: genetic library, genetic screening cell surface receptor, combinatorial chemistry, cooperative study, protein protein interaction, proteomics, small molecule flow cytometry, high throughput technology
Other MLPCN Centers
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NIH Chemical Genomics Center (Comprehensive)
The Comprehensive Center for Chemical Probe Discovery and Optimization at Scripps (Comprehensive)
Johns Hopkins Ion Channel Center (Sp. Screening)
Southern Research Specialized Biocontainment Screening Center (Sp. Screening)
Kansas Specialized Chemistry Center (Sp. Chemistry)
Vanderbilt Specialized Chemistry Center for Accelerated Probe Development (Sp. Chemistry)