Advantages
• Highly Soluble Trimers: Enables the preparation of soluble branched ubiquitin trimers, which have been difficult to obtain using conventional methods.
• Strict Structural Control: Allows for the preparation of homogeneous, well-defined entities with precise control over both the branched structure and chain length.
• Broad Applications: Offers high potential for application in research involving deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs), ubiquitin-binding domains (UBDs), and targeted protein degradation (TPD).
Key Data
Highly Soluble Branched Ubiquitin Trimers
The synthesized branched ubiquitin trimers remained soluble at concentrations of ca. 1.4–1.5 mg/mL
While previous chemical synthesis caused target branched ubiquitin trimers to aggregate and become insoluble, this technology yields them in a stable, soluble state without aggregation. Furthermore, ultrafiltration efficiently purifies the target product by leveraging molecular weight differences.
Partnaring Model
Current Status
● Successfully demonstrated the precision synthesis and high-purity purification of branched ubiquitin trimers in a soluble state.
● Structural evaluation is currently underway utilizing CD (Circular Dichroism) spectrum measurements.
Next Steps
● Expand the technology to multiple theoretically possible branched structures of ubiquitin trimers.
● Establish a comprehensive technical platform capable of supplying structurally defined, homogeneous branched ubiquitin chains.
Future Outlook & Applications
We plan to advance the following initiatives building upon this technological foundation:
1. Supply and provision of well-defined branched ubiquitin chains.
2. Expansion and scaling of synthesis and supply technologies for branched ubiquitin chains.
3. Application to DUB/UBD analysis and targeted protein degradation (TPD) research.
4. Collaborative research focused on the evaluation and screening of targeted protein degraders.
We are actively seeking corporate partners interested in:
● Utilizing branched ubiquitin chains
● Receiving reference standard supplies
● Applying this technology to drug discovery research
● Engaging in collaborative research and development
We welcome you to contact us to initiate technical discussions and explore potential synergy.
Background and Technology
While "branched ubiquitin chains" are drawing attention as next-generation drug discovery targets, supplying high-purity samples has been a major barrier due to their high propensity for aggregation and the structural limitations of conventional enzymatic synthesis. This technology addresses these challenges through a proprietary hybrid synthesis strategy, enabling the successful preparation of highly pure, soluble branched ubiquitin trimers.
Principal Investigator
Professor Tetsuo Narumi
Department of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, National University Corporation Shizuoka University