Enriching Low-Abundance Serum & Plasma Proteins 　　AWARD: $30,000 USD | DEADLINE: 10/01/11 | ACTIVE SOLVERS: 254 | POSTED: 8/01/11 　　Source: InnoCentive Challenge ID: 9932714 Type: Theoretical-licensing 　　Detailed Description & Requirements 　　Concentrations of proteins in serum and plasma span up to 10 orders of magnitude – e.g. from serum albumin (50 mg/ml) to some cytokines and chemokines (<5 pg/ml) 　　Protein molecules most useful to researchers exist at levels that are approximately at or below the 10,000 pg/ml range. Detection and quantification of these low-abundance proteins is obscured by the presence of high abundance proteins. Current methods for reducing the concentration of high-abundance proteins are either inefficient, targeted at certain proteins, or introduce bias and other artifacts. 　　The Seeker is looking to identify novel methods to reliably reduce or eliminate high abundance proteins so that detection of protein analytes present at the 1-10 ng/ml scale or lower may be accurately detected. 　　The Seeker envisages that a sample preparation techniques may be the most likely route to a solution. However, alternative approaches are also welcomed. The Seeker is highly experienced in sample preparation technologies for reduction of high-abundance proteins & is not interested in simple proposals of commercially available, or published, technologies and techniques. 　　The Seeker is aware of the following ‘sample enrichment’ technologies for reducing the concentration of high abundance proteins from serum & plasma. The techniques are listed together with their limitations for the Seeker: 　　Immunoaffinity depletions– depletions are extremely specific to the antigens the antibodies target. Commercially available kits commonly deplete 6-20 high abundance proteins with more than 90% efficiency. Although this enables detection of more low-abundance proteins, the column-based process induces some bias in low-abundance protein populations. 　　Dye affinity depletions- Depletion of albumin using immobilized dyes such as Cibacron Blue. Limitations are that only albumin is depleted and proteins/peptides that interact with albumin are removed. 　　Lectin affinity enrichments– low-abundance glycoproteins can be concentrated from serum/plasma using various lectin-binding procedures. Although efficient and specific, lectin enrichment introduces bias in the processed sample and results vary greatly depending on the techniques used. 　　Peptide/nucleotide affinity reagents–methods based on interactions between abundant proteins and synthetic peptides or nucleotides (i.e. aptamers). Aptamers are fraught with non-specific and low affinity interactions and therefore are not desirable as a method of enrichment. 　　The Seeker is not interested in a literature review and suggestions of possible techniques. Instead, the seeker requires a novel technology or technique that will dramatically (99.9% efficient) reduce, or eliminate, high abundance (>10 ng/ml) proteins from serum & plasma. Although a ‘universal’ solution is preferred, the Seeker is also interested in solutions that reduce or eliminate only certain classes of protein. 　　Sample size and source is important – proposed technologies should be amenable to working with 50-1000 µl. Although human plasma and serum are the priority samples, the Seeker would ideally like to employ the successful technology on other mammalian sera and plasma. 　　A ready-to-use method that offers good ease of use, efficacy and reproducibility is desired. However, the Seeker is willing to develop promising technologies and protocols in partnership with Seekers they judge suitable. 　　Proposed solutions should fulfill the following Technical Requirements: 　　1. Sample preparation technologies must: 　　a. Be novel (not described in literature or commercially available) 　　b. Be suitable for use with 50-1000 µl volumes 　　c. Deplete high abundance proteins (>10 ng/ml) or large groups of proteins by 99.9% or more 　　d. Not deplete or denature the low-abundance proteins. The Seeker is willing to accept some slight modification of low-abundance proteins or some bias in low-abundance proteins following the procedure. However, any bias or modification must be highly reproducible. 　　2. Prepare sample that are: 　　a. Depleted of proteins present at concentrations above 10 ng/ml 　　b. Suitable for use in Mass Spectrometry 　　3. The method should be adaptable for high throughput applications. Cost must not be prohibitive. 　　Project Criteria 　　This is a Theoretical Challenge that requires only a written proposal to be submitted. 　　The submitted proposal should include the following: 　　· A thorough description of the proposed method(s) or technologies & their mechanisms of action. 　　· A listing of any specialized reagents or materials required, including suppliers if known 　　· An extensive protocol for use of the technology or a roadmap for development of a suitable technology. 　　· A list of the technologies limitations for the stated application. 　　· A detailed explanations as to why Solver believes that the proposed solution meets the Requirements listed above. Literature references supporting the approach should be included. 　　· Solvers who propose a solution similar to the methods listed above should include explanations as to how their proposed solution overcomes their limitations. 　　· References to practical experience which a Solver may have in the field and an indication of the Solver’s availability to collaborate with the Seeker in developing a solution. 　　The proposal should not include any personal identifying information (name, username, company, address, phone, email, personal website, resume, etc.) 　　The Challenge award will be contingent upon theoretical evaluation of the proposal by the Seeker. 　　To receive an award, the Solvers will not have to transfer their exclusive IP rights to the Seeker. Instead, they will grant to the Seeker non-exclusive license to practice their solutions. 　　应征稿件请直接上传到：https://www.innocentive.com