INNOVATION: UCLA researchers have developed a process in identifying gastrointestinal receptors. Currently, there is no system available to detect individual sensory receptors in the gut wall. It has only been possible to demonstrate their existence by electrical recording of impulses generated by perfusion of the gut lumen with individual nutrients and drugs, but such recordings do not identify the cells or molecules that originate these signals. In addressing this challenge, the above mentioned researchers have also designed an in vitro screening method to test the identified receptors for specific activation by food components and/or drug ingredients. The information derived from this "ligand testing" enables the following applications:

APPLICATIONS:

1. Screening of drug ingredients or food components that activate desirable effects for use in gastrointestinal and related applications (e.g., mucosal healing, regulated food intake, regulated secretion of digestive enzymes, and drug tolerability).

2. Rational design of drug ingredients and components that bypass the undesired effects that they naturally elicit or of novel therapeutic compounds that modify the function of receptors that induce the undesirable side effects

DEVELOPMENT TO DATE: Knockout mice in the receptors can be created to determine the effects on gut development, function, and behavior regulated by each receptor and its luminal ligand. Alteration, absence, and mutation of specific receptors for specific ligands can also be studied in gastrointestinal diseases.

Related Papers (Selected) Expression of bitter taste receptors of the T2R family in the gastrointestinal tract and enteroendocrine STC-1 cells. more...

Reference: UCLA Case No. 2000-459

PCT Publication Number: WO 03/031604 A1