Technologies

Technology

Researchers at the University of Louisville have developed a refined method for the detection and purification of UCN3. UCN3 is a previously identified urine biomarker capable of detecting obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children. Through this detection method at UofL, there is potential for concentrating and isolating a highly pure fraction of UCN3 for downstream applications.

Market Opportunities

UofL researchers are working to utilize UCN3 as a key biomarker that is both efficient and effective in detecting OSA. Human urocortin-3 is a 38 amino acid peptide that is related to the corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) gene and binds to the CRF type 2 receptor. The peptide may play a role in appetite suppression and the effects of stress. However, the peptide is typically found in low abundance and such a low abundance typically results in the peptide being purified along with a number of interfering proteins and contaminants. Accordingly, a purification method that allows urocortin-3 to be obtained while also removing interfering proteins and contaminants would be both highly desirable and beneficial. Researchers at the University of Louisville have developed an improved purification method for the detection of UCN3.