A Novel Method to Functionally Screen Pooled Libraries of Synthetic, Genetically-encoded Signaling Molecules and Systems

Invention Novelty

This technology contains a method of screening pooled libraries of synthetic, genetically-encoded constructs and assessing functional effects of the variants on cell activity. This approach can be used to screen a large number synthetic signaling molecule that alters cell behavior and function.

Value Proposition

Synthetic signaling proteins, such as chimeric antigen receptors, can be used to engineer cells for therapeutic functions. Design and optimization; however, can be challenging and time-consuming since it requires individual testing of each variant. To improve and accelerate this process, investigators at UCSF have developed a method to screen a pooled library of synthetic constructs that have been transferred into a host cell type of interest.

This invention provides the following advantages:

-Rapid screening of a large number of synthetic variant genes

-Method for pooling variants and testing activity as a group

-Supports customization of functional read-out assays including in vitro cell characterization and in vivo mouse models

Technology Description

The Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco have developed a method of assembling a library of constructs that are each linked to a DNA barcode, and then transferred into the cell of interest. Since each variant construct can be tracked with a DNA barcode, a large number of variants can be tested simultaneously at the single-cell level. In addition, functional assays both in vitro and in vivo can be tailored to detect optimization of a given parameter. This method can be used for rapid optimization of synthetic signaling gene systems.

Looking for Partners

To develop and commercialize the technology as a research tool

Stage of Development

Proof of Principal

Data Availability

Under CDA/NDA

Patent Status

Additional Patents Pending