Invention:
University of Arizona researchers have created human embryonic kidney cells expressing the human FP prostanoid receptors. These G-coupled receptors are widely found in smooth muscle such as the gastrointestinal tract and in bronchial tissue. As such, the new cell lines are expected to be a useful research tool for investigating receptor activity: they can be used in functional studies of receptor activation and second messenger signaling. They will also provide a sensitive and reliable measure of the potential for drugs to interact with the receptor.
Human embryonic kidney cells were transformed with plasmids containing each of the alternative mRNA splice variants of the prostanoid receptors. The plasmid conferred neomycin resistance on the cells, allowing selection of transformed cells. Transformation was confirmed using a variety of standard techniques.
Applications:
- Useful in research into receptor activity and signaling
Advantages:
- Sensitive and reliable measure of the potential for drugs to interact with the receptors
- Stably transformed cell lines
Related UA technology: UA04-053
Status: State of Development. Have stable cell lines expressing the receptors.
