Rapid Liquid Crystal Detection of Ras

描述(由申请人提供)：我们建议开发一种新的、快速(&lt；30分钟)、精密敏感(飞秒)、无标记的平台技术，使用液晶对关键信号蛋白RAS进行定量。在这个方案中，我们将开发一种方法，将溶液中的RAS快速捕获到微米或纳米尺寸的磁性颗粒上，然后使用液晶检测纳米结构表面上捕获的RAS。该方法包括直接检测RAS，不需要二次抗体，并将允许快速检测小样本体积中的低浓度蛋白质，如肿瘤细胞裂解物。在第二阶段，我们将把这项技术扩展到检测其他信号蛋白以及同时确定它们的激活状态。这项技术的要素很容易适应高通量系统，通过了解它们在细胞信号通路上的作用，适合于识别和开发治疗性化合物。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): We propose to pursue the development of a novel, rapid (<30 min) exquisitely sensitive (femtogram), label-free platform technology using liquid crystals for the quantification of Ras, a key signaling protein. In this proposal, we will develop a method for the rapid capture of Ras from solution onto micro or nano-sized magnetic particles and then detect the captured Ras on nanostructured surfaces using liquid crystals. The approach involves direct detection of Ras, does not require secondary antibodies, and will permit rapid detection of low concentrations of proteins in small sample volumes, such as tumor cell lysates. In Phase 2, we will expand the technology to detection of other signaling proteins as well as simultaneous determination of their state of activation. The elements of this technology are readily adaptable to high throughput systems suitable for the identification and development of therapeutic compounds through an understanding of their action on cell signaling pathways.