Molecules (proteins) that bind to DNA in our cells play a crucial role in viral and microbial infections, rare diseases, and cancer: developing drugs that interfere with the function of these proteins would allow us tackle many medical challenges. Single-molecule approaches have greatly advanced our understanding of DNA processes in academic research, but traditional single-molecule methods fall short in drug development due to limited throughput and reliance on indirect measurements.
NanoLoom addresses these limitations, unlocking the potential of single-molecule techniques for drug development. By informing drug development strategies, NanoLoom aims to meet unmet medical needs and strengthen pandemic preparedness, ultimately promoting long-term societal well-being.
Our innovative NanoLoom platform, based on DNA curtain technology and DNA-PAINT labeling, enables long-time observation of DNA-protein interactions across thousands of DNA molecules, providing an unprecedented in vitro setting for assessing efficacy and mechanisms of action for new or existing drugs.
Within the Biotech Booster program, we will refine and validate the NanoLoom workflow, and conduct proof-of-concept studies using RNA polymerase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis to demonstrate the platform’s potential in drug repurposing. We will also focus on optimizing data analysis methods, conducting market validation, and preparing for broader commercial applications in both academic and pharmaceutical settings.