For Immediate Release

LifeSensors Launches DiUbiquitin Substrate

A Novel Fluorescent Assay for Ubiquitin Isopeptide Bond Cleavage

MALVERN, PA -- June 30, 2010 --LifeSensors, Inc., a biotechnology company, announces the launch of its novel, physiologically-relevant diubiquitin substrates for measuring isopeptide bond cleavage after filing for patent applications.  This breakthrough technology, for both basic research and drug discovery targeting the ubiquitin proteasome pathway, offers sensitive, rapid, and robust fluorescent readouts of isopeptidase or de-ubiquitylase (DUB) activity.

Protein modification by the ubiquitin-proteasome system is a central mechanism involved in the regulation of critical cellular functions. De-ubiquitylases (DUBs) play a role in this regulation by cleaving the isopeptide linkage that joins the ubiquitin(s) to its target substrate. Currently, methods for measuring de-ubiquitylase activity utilize ubiquitin linked by a linear bond to small fluorophores (e.g. rhodamine and AMC).These substrates do not mimic true ubiquitin isopeptide bonds and have thus hindered drug discovery efforts. In addition, these substrates do not distinguish the activity of certain DUBs for different types of polyubiquitin chain substrates. Measuring true isopeptide bond cleavage in a high throughput manner has been a vital missing component in DUB research.

LifeSensors is proud to announce the launch of a novel, internally quenched fluorescence (IQF) substrate for measuring DUB activity. These substrates utilize ubiquitin molecules linked by true isopeptide bonds, making them more physiologically relevant than previous substrates. These DiUbiquitins represent a new class of substrates for measuring cleavage of an isopeptide bond in a homogeneous and continuous assay platform. They can be used for standard biochemical (kinetic) assays and have also been validated for high throughput screening in 96- and 384 well plates.

Pricing and Availability
DiUbiquitin panels from LifeSensors feature an array of different diubiquitin molecules that are linked via isopeptide bond, at either K48 or K63, the best characterized forms of poly-ubiquitin linkages. There are currently six versions of both the K48 and K63 substrates available. Trial panels for substrate evaluation including control enzyme are also available at discounted pricing. Please visit http://www.lifesensors.com/product-family-desc.php?id=67 to learn more about all substrates available to monitor DUB enzymatic activity.

LifeSensors, Inc. is the leading producer of innovative research tools for the ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like protein pathways. Its prokaryotic and eukaryotic protein expression platforms SUMOpro and SUMOstar are used worldwide to overcome bottlenecks in protein production. LifeSensors’ novel technologies enable research once not possible using a wide variety of high quality tools including enzymes, substrates and inhibitors. For more information, visit http://www.lifesensors.com.

Contact:
Marc Scholtyssek, Director of Sales and Marketing
610-644-8845 x305
Scholtyssek@lifesensors.com
LifeSensors, Inc.
271 Great Valley Parkway,
www.lifesensors.com