Abstract:
The present invention pertains to novel yeast cells which are useful for the expression of heterologous G protein coupled receptors. The yeast cells of the present invention can be used in screening assays which can be used to screen for modulators of G protein coupled receptors. Specifically, the invention provides novel yeast cells which express a heterologous G protein coupled receptor and mutant and/or chimeric G protein subunit molecules which serve to functionally integrate the heterologous into the pheromone signaling pathway of the yeast cell. The invention also provides for the expression of heterologous G protein coupled receptors which are functionally integrated into the yeast cell membrane using a yeast α factor leader sequence. Drug discovery assays using the subject yeast cells are also provided.
Abstract:
The present invention makes available a rapid, effective assay for screening and identifying pharmaceutically effective compounds that specifically interact with and modulate the activity of a cellular receptor or ion channel. The subject assay enables rapid screening of large numbers of polypeptides in a library to identifying those polypeptides which induce or antagonize receptor bioactivity. The subject assay is particularly amenable for identifying surrogate ligands for orphan receptors.
Abstract:
Yeast cells are engineered to express both a surrogate of a pheromone system protein (e.g., enzymes involved in maturation of α-factor, transporters of a-factor, pheromone receptors, etc.) and a potential peptide modulator of the surrogate, in such a manner that the inhibition or activation of the surrogate affects a screenable or selectable trait of the yeast cells. Various additional features improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the screening/selection system.
Abstract:
Modified forms of G protein-coupled receptors which display altered ligand binding and/or coupling properties are provided as well as cells expressing such receptors and assays utilizing these cells for screening and identifying pharmaceutically effective compounds that specifically modulate the activity of a these modified forms of G protein coupled receptors. Yeast or mammalian cells can be used to express such receptors. The subject assays enable rapid screening of large numbers of compounds (e.g., compounds in a library) to identify those which are receptor agonists or antagonists. Compositions of matter, such as these novel receptors, novel recombinant yeast cells and novel gene constructs, are also provided. The instant assays provide a convenient format for discovering compounds which can be useful in modulating cellular function, as well as in understanding the pharmacology of compounds that specifically interact with these modified forms G protein coupled receptors.
Abstract:
The present invention makes available a rapid, effective assay for screening and identifying pharmaceutically effective compounds that specifically interact with and modulate the activity of a cellular receptor or ion channel. The subject assay enables rapid screening of large numbers of polypeptides in a library to identifying those polypeptides which induce or antagonize receptor bioactivity. The subject assay is particularly amenable for identifying surrogate ligands for orphan receptors.
Abstract:
The invention provides variant regulator proteins of secondary metabolite production and nucleic acids encoding said variant regulator proteins. In particular, the invention provides variant regulator molecules of the lovE protein.
Abstract:
Mammalian adenylyl cyclases are functionally expressed in yeast cells. The yeast cells may be used to screen for inhibitors or activators of the adenylyl cyclase, or of a regulator of adenylyl cyclase which is functionally co-expressed in the yeast cell. Methods of identifying such inhibitors, activators and regulators are also disclosed.
Abstract:
The present disclosure provides technologies for identifying, characterizing and/or sorting pellet-forming microorganisms such as bacteria and/or fungi (e.g., yeast) in liquid culture, and particularly under fermentation conditions. In some embodiments, the pellet-forming microorganisms produce one or more commercial products. For example, in some embodiments the pellet-forming microorganisms produce one or more organic acids, carotenoid compounds, essential fatty acids, industrial enzymes, active pharmaceuticals, extracellular carbohydrates, and insecticidal compounds, etc. In many embodiments, the organisms are sorted while in their pellet form.