The ability to regulate the structure, function, and/or localization of a biological molecule in an organism could be used to treat many diseases or facilitate basic research. One such example is to turn on or off gene expression in a specific cell or region in an human/organism. Current methods to accomplish this feat are limited and do not allow for specific activation at a given time and locality.
The Dmochowski Lab has developed a new method to “cage” and “uncage” molecules, using a photo-activated linker. This linker is attached to the molecule, such as antisense RNA.
The molecule is then caged, silencing it or altering its activity. Exposure to specific wavelengths of light will activate the photolinker to release the molecule.
Dmochowski lab has designed a Ruthenium-based compound, RuBEP, that is a synthetically versatile photolinker. The photolinker can be tuned to be activated at a large range of visible and near-IR wavelengths, allowing for better tissue penetration and reducing toxicity issues.
The photoactivation is incredibly rapid and efficient, occurring on the order of 20 nanoseconds. The photolinker is easily attached using click chemistry and can be used with a variety of biologics, including peptides, oligonucleotides, oligosaccharides, and lipids.
Stage of Development:
Proof of concept, in vivo data
Intellectual Property:
Provisional application, file date 8/2014
Reference Media:
Griepenburg, J.C., et al. Chem. Sci. 2015, 6, 2342-2346
Desired Partnerships:
- License
- Sponsored research