Targeted protein degradation (TPD) and induced proximity research requires robust high-throughput protein assays capable of screening many samples, degrader concentrations, and time points. Characterization of endogenous targets is challenged by laborious and time-consuming methods like traditional Western blots, which are semi-quantitative and often poorly reproducible. In this talk, we discuss how Simple Western™ Technology provides fully automated protein degradation analysis, providing reliable and reproducible quantitative protein expression data along with size resolution for added specificity. Specifically, we demonstrate how to build PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) screening using Simple Western Platform. We will show how Leo, a brand-new Simple Western Instrument capable of fully automated analysis of protein expression in 96 lysate samples in 3 hours, was used to accelerate assessment of PROTACs to eliminate AR (Androgen Receptor) by proteasomal degradation. We will close with how Simple Western was used in the development of p300-targeting PROTACs with enhanced sensitivity and onset of degradation.
Dr. Rachel Doidge is a senior research biologist with extensive experience in drug discovery and bioassay design. Rachel's expertise covers a wide range of compound screening assays with particular focus on biomarker detection and designing bespoke bioassays for compound screening.
Dr. Chris Heger is the Director of Applications Science for the Analytical Solutions Division of Bio-Techne. Chris received his Ph.D. in Pharmacology from Cornell University and completed his post-doctoral training at the NCI. He then joined Bio-Techne, where he has worked for 12 years. Chris currently leads the Applications Science group, chartered with applications and content development, fostering collaborations, and providing custom analytical solutions. He is a member of Bio-Techne’s Science and Technology Council and is a technical expert for Bio- Techne Corporate Development.
Dr. Joel Cresser-Brown is a Product Manager at Tocris Bioscience, a Bio-Techne brand, where he oversees the development of research tools and technologies to enable targeted protein degradation (TPD) and induced proximity research. Prior to joining Bio-Techne, Joel completed a Ph.D. in Chemical Biology, where he developed novel protease inhibitors targeting immune cells towards treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, followed by a postdoctoral research position exploring small molecule binding to ion channels by cryo-electron microscopy.
Sy Mukherjee is a veteran healthcare journalist who has been covering the space with a focus on biopharma, drug development, digital health, and the intersection of medicine and technology across the health industry for more than a decade. He has served roles as: the first editor of the industry trade publication BioPharma Dive; a biopharma/digital health/healthcare-specialized reporter at Fortune Magazine for nearly six years, where he authored a biopharma/digital health newsletter, wrote articles for Fortune.com, and reported for the print magazine issue (including two cover stories focused on the digital health revolution and the intersection of data, biology, and health systems), and helped plan, cover, and moderate events at the annual Brainstorm Health conference. Additionally, he served as a consultant at the boutique path-to-market strategy life sciences consultancy IDEA Pharma, focusing on stakeholder-oriented strategic communications for biotech and pharma clients.
Sy has extensive experience moderating webinars and panels at both small and high-profile venues, including panels at Fortune Brainstorm Health and the Biden Cancer Summit. He is currently an independent and freelance journalist still focused on the same space that he's covered for his entire career.