Detection and removal of lead using lead-binding proteins
OwnerAdrian Lowe, Gerard Colpas +3inventors
InventorsAdrian Lowe, Gerard Colpas, Maureen Hamilton, Michael Salcius, Mitchell Sanders
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Abstract
Thymosin beta-4 (TB4), Thymosin beta-9 (TB9), and acyl-CoA binding protein (ACBP) are two proteins that possess the ability to bind lead in human tissue. These two proteins have a high affinity lead-binding region with a dissociation constant (Kd) of about 10−9 M that allows for a strong interaction between the metal and the protein. These proteins and their analogs and lead-binding fragments can be used to detect and remove lead from various media.
Claims38
A lead-binding polypeptide comprising the motif EX1X2E-liner-EX3X4E, wherein each of X1, X2, X3, and X4 are residues capable of forming an alpha helix, and wherein the linker contains a turn motif.
A device for detecting and/or removing lead in a sample, comprising a matrix to which is affixed one or more lead-binding proteins, wherein said one or more lead-binding proteins comprises a polypeptide having the motif EX1X2E-linker-EX3X4E, wherein each of X1, X2, X3, and X4 are residues capable of forming an alpha helix, and wherein the linker contains a turn motif.
A device for detecting and/or removing lead in a sample, comprising a matrix to which is affixed one or more lead-binding proteins, wherein said one or more lead-binding proteins comprises a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of acyl-CoA binding protein, thymosin beta-4, and thymosin beta-9, or lead-binding fragments or variants thereof.
A method for detecting the presence of lead in a sample, comprising:
- a) contacting the sample with one or more lead-binding proteins under conditions sufficient for lead in the sample to bind to the lead-binding protein, wherein said one or more lead-binding proteins comprises a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of acyl-CoA binding protein, thymosin beta-4, and thymosin beta-9, or lead-binding fragments or variants thereof;
- and
- b) detecting the presence of lead in said sample.
A method for detecting the presence of lead in a sample, comprising:
- a) contacting the sample with one or more detectably labeled lead-binding proteins under conditions sufficient for binding of lead to said lead-binding protein, wherein said one or more lead-binding proteins are attached to a solid substrate, and wherein said one or more lead-binding proteins comprises a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of acyl-CoA binding protein, thymosin beta-4, and thymosin beta-9, or lead-binding fragments or variants thereof, and
- b) detecting the presence of lead in the sample by detecting said detectable label.
A method for removing lead from a sample, comprising contacting said sample with one or more lead-binding proteins affixed to a matrix, wherein said one or more lead-binding proteins comprises a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of acyl-CoA binding protein, thymosin beta-4, and thymosin beta-9, or lead-biding fragments or variants thereof;
- wherein lead in said sample binds to said binding protein, whereby lead is removed from said sample.
A device for detecting the presence of lead in a sample, said device comprising:
- a) a solid substrate having attached thereto a matrix;
- b) a matrix comprising a ligand, wherein said ligand is diffusable through said matrix and detectable, wherein said ligand specifically binds to lead, and wherein said ligand is localized to a specific area of said matrix;
- and
- c) one or more lead-binding proteins immobilized in said matrix and localized to a specific area of said matrix different from said ligand, wherein said one or more lead-binding proteins comprises a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of acyl-CoA binding protein, thymosin beta-4, and thymosin beta-9, or lead-binding fragments or variants thereof.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.