Scientists from the University of Granada have developed a methodology that allows phosphate ions to be measured – in real time and none-invasively – in the interior of osteoblasts, the precursors of bone cells
Thanks to this methodology, specialists can avoid techniques base don radioactive treatments, which were the only ones that measured the phosphate concentration inside osteoblasts, but which have many drawbacks
Scientists from the University of Granada (UGR) have opened the door to the development of new drugs against osteoporosis, one of the most common chronic illnesses in the world, especially among women 65 or over.
The researchers, from the University of Granada’s Department of Physio-Chemistry, have patented a new methodology that allows specialists to measure – none-invasively and in real time – the concentration of phosphate ions inside living cells. The scientific importance of measuring phosphate ions is based precisely on the fact that it can be applied in evaluating the bio-availability of drugs used in certain illnesses, among which is osteoporosis.
Currently, there are only invasive treatments to calculate phosphate concentration within osteoblasts, which are the precursors to bone cells. To do this, radioactive phosphorus is used, which has serious drawbacks. The methodology developed by the University of Granada researchers has managed something unachievable until now.
Fluorescence Microscopy
The methodology is based on using a substance that gives out fluorescence, generated via prior agitation using a pulse laser. The time the fluorescence lasts is a signal of the phosphate concentration within the cellular cytoplasm. To measure this time period, a special fluorescence microscope is needed. The University of Granada’s Faculty of Pharmacy has this equipment. It is very expensive to use and is the only such instrumentation in Andalusia.
Following this important scientific breakthrough, patented via the University of Granada’s Research Results Transference Office (OTRI), the researchers are looking for pharmaceutical companies that are currently working on the development of drugs to measure the bio-availability of phosphate.
The main autor of this scientific breakthrough, University of Granada professor, Jose Maria Alvarez Pez, points out that “our methodology is the only one that uses a technique that, in real time and none-invasively, allows the detection of phosphate ions inside living cells. We believe that this technique will help to develop new drugs to combat illnesses such as osteoporosis”.
References:
Real-Time Phosphate Sensing in Living Cells using Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM)
Jose M. Paredes, Maria D. Giron, Maria J. Ruedas-Rama, Angel Orte, Luis Crovetto, Eva M. Talavera, Rafael Salto, and Jose M. Alvarez-Pez
Journal of Physical Chemistry B 2013, 117, 8143−8149
dx.doi.org/10.1021/jp405041c
Photos attached:
1: The University of Granada researchers, authors of the patent, standing next to the fluorescence microscope, in the Faculty of Pharmacy.
2: The scientists, in their laboratory at the University of Granada.
Contact details:
José María Álvarez Pez
Departament of Physio-Chemistry, University of Granada
Tel. (+34) 958 243831
E-mail: jalvarez@ugr.es
