High-Throughput Assay for Detection and Monitoring of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in Water Sources

There is growing awareness that a wide variety of synthetic and natural compounds that may be present in water sources, such as streams, wells, and ground water, may lead to adverse health effects, including increased cancer risk. Even low concentrations of these compounds are of concern, as they may have biological effects at concentrations of parts per billion or less. In particular, the presence of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the environment is under examination for potential adverse effects on human health, such as immune suppression, impaired fertility, and increased incidence of cancer, diabetes, and obesity. However, these compounds are often laborious and difficult to measure and thus are not commonly monitored. In addition, even if such compounds are detected, only the known compound itself is typically measured, neglecting its metabolites which are more likely to be found in water samples and retain endocrine disrupting activity.   Inventors at the NCI ’s Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression have developed a novel assay methodology for detecting EDCs in contaminated water. The assay utilizes fluorescently labeled nuclear steroid receptor constructs in a high-throughput, mammalian cell-based format. Detection and measurements are ba sed on translocation of the fluorescent marker from the cytoplasm to the nucleus in the presence of a ligand that interacts with a specific steroid receptor. Overall, this assay has the capability to detect ...
Source: NIH OTT Licensing Opportunities - Category: Research Authors: Tags: Diagnostics Licensing Desired & Collaboration Desired Collaboration Sought NCI Source Type: research