Dr. Thorsten Eggert and Dr. Thomas Drepper: Marker Proteins as Fluorescent Reporters

Dr. Thorsten Eggert, evocatal GmbH, Düsseldorf, and Dr. Thomas Drepper, Heinrich-Heine-University of Düsseldorf, have developed new anaerobic fluorescent proteins that allow the analysis of cellular processes, even without oxygen. These “fluorescent reporters” allow, for the first time, a more extensive look at the oxygen-free processes of life, and can be used as probes to develop novel tumor agents or investigate oxygen-limited environmental processes.

In research and diagnostics, fluorescent proteins are used as "highlighters" in living cells. The ability to visualize these marker proteins allows to understand complex dynamic processes at the cellular and molecular level in vivo. Since molecular oxygen was strictly required for the development of the fluorescence, up to now conventional fluorescent markers could not be used in anaerobic (oxygen-free) systems.

Dr. Thorsten Eggert and Dr. Thomas Drepper have developed proteins that also fluoresce in the absence of oxygen. These novel anaerobic fluorescent proteins can be applied in fundamental as well as industrial research. In bioindustry, for example, production and fermentation processes can be monitored and optimized. In the environmental industry, these “fluorescent reporters" can be used as biosensors, for example, for labeling and localizing anaerobic bacteria that are able to break down pollutants. In the area of biomedicine, it could be possible to use the fluorescent markers to develop anaerobic microorganisms whichcan selectively attack cancer cells inside of solid human tumors.

Potential users in the industrial sector include companies developing new food and food additives or productuds for healt care, e.g. , mouth and body hygiene. Additionally, the fluorescent probes can be use for research and development in the pharmaceutical industry andbiotechnology.

The fluorescent proteins which are available under the trademark evoglow® are forming a new market segment. Moderate estimations place the value at the German market at €250,000 to 500,000, annually. Other relevant markets include other European countries, as well as Asia and the United States.