University of California

Ramanujan S Hegde

Vishwanath R Lingappa

D Thomas Rutkowski

William J Welch

Methods and compositions are provided for identifying novel conformers of proteins not known to exist as different conformers. By using chimeric genes replacing a native signal sequence with a different signal sequence resulting in the production of a conformer, one can compare the native protein with the product of the chimeric gene. Where the conformations are different, the different protein may be used for production of antibodies, elucidation of mechanisms associated with the native and different conformer protein, assays for the presence of the different conformer in physiological samples, identification of compounds specifically binding to the conformer, particularly drugs, etc. Where the formation of the conformer is associated with a diseased state, the conformer may be used in screens to identify compounds as drug candidates.

Conformational and topological protein regulation

Thermotolerant phenotypes are developed in cells, tissues, organs and organisms by the administration of benzoquinonoid ansamycins such as herbimycin A and any of various analogs. The general stress tolerance resulting from this inducement offers benefits in a variety of ways, including rendering surgical patients more able to withstand the rigors of surgery, prolonging the shelf life of organs excised from organ donors, and prolonging the viability of tissue-cultured cells and organs.

Growing community of inventors

Rockville, MD, United States of America

Ramanujan S Hegde