System and method for identifying proteins involved in force-initiated signal transduction
Lead Inventors: Michael SheetzDescription: A cytoskeletal system composed of purified components which allows for the identification of key proteins involved in mechanotransduction is described.The method of identifying proteins involved in mechanotransduction comprises a cytoskeleton network deficient in force-dependent proteins. The cytoskeleton network is contacted with exogenous proteins and a force is applied. Exogenous proteins that bind to the cytoskeleton network when the force is applied are identified as proteins involved in mechanotransduction. A method of identifying an agent that inhibits/enhances mechanotransduction is provided.The method can provide insight into the treatment of wounds (e.g. injuries/post-surgical lesions), cancer, and sensory disorders, (e.g. paralysis, hearing loss and poor vision) and into the healing of bone fractures.
Description: A cytoskeletal system composed of purified components which allows for the identification of key proteins involved in mechanotransduction is described.The method of identifying proteins involved in mechanotransduction comprises a c...
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