mrc

iCLIP is an in vivo method that can be used to study protein-RNA interactions, enabling the precise identification of the RNA nucleotides involved in protein binding. The method is distinct from other CLIP methods in that it employs an innovative method to prepare cDNA libraries, resulting in precise protein-RNA cross-link site determination, Opportunity 391

A unique set of tools are provided with a patent position allowing development of further assays and models to characterise regulation by methylation and agents proposed to disrupt methylation processes. MRC researchers have shown that a very limited set of genes critically rely on de novo methylation of their CpG island promoters by Dnmt3b to initiate and maintaining gene silencing during development and in differentiating ES cells. Such gene promoters are not marked by repressive histone modifications and are activated by ubiquitous transcription factors when unmethylated, consistent with DNA methylation being the primary and causal mechanism of directing gene silencing. The data demonstrates for the first time a causal role for DNA methylation in regulating germline restricted genes but argues against a general function for MeCPs in implementing methylation dependent repression. With this information and the gene promoters for genes subject to this regulation we have constructed a set of tools that allow the analysis of genes that are subject to epigenetic control only through de novo methylation. Opportunity 470

The kinase LRRK2 is important in Parkinson’s Disease research and drug discovery. Scientists at the MRC Protein Phosphorylation Unit have developed assays which are useful in researching the activity and function of LRRK2, and in screening for LRRK2 inhibitors. Opportunity 452

The invention relates to a single-stranded DNA binding protein (SSB) which has been modified in order to attach a fluorescent label which results in an increase in fluorescence in the presence of single-stranded DNA. The formation and maintenance of ssDNA is an important part of many biological processes including, for example, DNA repair and DNA replication. Methods to assay for the ssDNA product generated by, for example, DNA repair enzymes, helicases and polymerases are therefore of great importance in the study of these enzymatic reactions, both to understand mechanisms of action and to develop inhibitors for therapeutic intervention. Opportunity 267

An emulsion based technique (“High throughput screening in emulsions”) for selection of polymerases exhibiting desired characteristics. The method can be adapted to select polymerases under various conditions, to meet the constant need for new enzymes with different properties from the wild type. Selected polymerases developed by the method are also available for licensing. Opportunity 243

A modular platform of stacking rotatable wheels with multiple slots for high-throughput independent imaging of live specimens Opportunity 484

In vitro compartmentalization (IVC) is an emulsion based technology that generates cell-like compartments in vitro. These compartments are designed such that each contains no more than one gene. When the gene is transcribed and/or translated, its products (RNAs and/or proteins) become ‘trapped’ with the encoding gene inside the compartment. By coupling the genotype (DNA) and phenotype (RNA, protein), compartmentalization allows the selection and evolution of phenotype. Opportunity 246

A novel mouse model of inducible bacterial infection of the middle ear (otitis media) for preclinical testing. The Junbo mouse is specifically predisposed to otitis media and the middle ear can be efficiently infected with human otopathogens by intranasal challenge. The model is suitable for high throughput antibiotic and vaccine research. Opportunity 483

Scientists at MRC’s National Institute for Medical Research have developed a reagentless protein-based biosensor for the detection of ADP, useful in the study of reactions catalysed by ATPases and kinases to understand mechanism of action and develop inhibitors for therapeutic intervention. Opportunity 447

Scientists at the Medical Research Council (MRC) Laboratories of Human Nutrition Research in Cambridge have developed a novel platform technology that allows the physicochemical characteristics of minerals to be tailored to optimize them for a variety of biological applications including use in antiperspirants. Opportunity 434

Scientists at the Medical Research Council’s (MRC) Laboratory for Molecular Biology in Cambridge have developed a range of novel research tools for profiling deubiquitinases including DUB assays based on physiological di-ubiquitin substrates with vastly improved properties over commonly used methods and engineered E2 ubiquitin conjugating enzymes with increased efficiency of ubiquitin polymerisation. Our novel assay technologies which are based on fluorescence anisotropy and FRET are applicable for high-through-put screening and can expedite drug discovery for DUBs and other proteins involved in ubiquitination. Opportunity 450

A novel affinity technology that can efficiently staple together, capture or immobilise multiple proteins, useful as a platform technology with a vast number of potential applications including use as a research tool, as part of a diagnostic platform or for in vivo drug delivery. Opportunity 306