System and method for performing G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) cell assays using waveguide-grating sensors

Abstract

The present invention includes a system and method that uses optical LID biosensors to monitor in real time agonist-induced GPCR signaling events within living cells. Particularly, the present invention includes a system and method for using an optical LID biosensor to screen compounds against a target GPCR within living cells based on the mass redistribution due to agonist-induced GPCR activation. In an extended embodiment, the present invention discloses different ways for self-referencing the optical LID biosensor to eliminate unwanted sensitivity to ambient temperature, pressure fluctuations, and other environmental changes. In yet another extended embodiment, the present invention discloses different ways for screening multiple GPCRs in a single type of cell or multiple GPCRs in multiple types of cells within a single medium solution. In still yet another extended embodiment, the present invention discloses different ways to confirm the physiological or pharmacological effect of a compound against a specific GPCR within living cells.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.