FRET-based glucose-detection molecules

Abstract

Proteins (20) having glucose-binding sites (28) that bind to glucose (30) are described.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Some applications of the present invention relate generally to sensor molecules for detecting an analyte in a body. More specifically, some applications of the present invention relate to sensor molecules that provide an optical signal that is indicative of detection of the analyte.

BACKGROUND

The monitoring of various medical conditions often requires measuring the levels of various components within the blood. In order to avoid invasive repeated blood drawing, implantable sensors aimed at detecting various components of blood in the body have been developed. More specifically, in the field of endocrinology, in order to avoid repeated “finger-sticks” for drawing blood to assess the concentrations of glucose in the blood in patients with diabetes mellitus, implantable glucose sensors have been discussed.

One method for sensing the concentration of an analyte such as glucose relies on Forster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET). FRET involves the transfer of energy from an excited fluorophore (the donor) to another fluorophore (the acceptor) when the donor and acceptor are in close proximity to each other, leading to light emission by the acceptor. (F clarity and correctness, this FRET-based emission is not referred to herein as fluorescence.) Because of the high sensitivity of the FRET signal to the relative proximity of the fluorophores it is often used in biological research as a measurement tool. For example, the concentration of an analyte such as glucose can be measured by creating a fused sensor which includes two fluorophores and a third moiety which has specific binding site for the analyte. The conformational change of the fused sensor which results from the binding of the analyte changes the distance between the fluorophores, affecting the FRET signal and thus enabling the measurement of the analyte concentration.

PCT Patent Application Publication WO 2006/006166 to Gross et al., which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a protein which includes a glucose binding site, cyan fluorescent protein (CFP), and yellow fluorescent protein (YFP). The protein is configured such that binding of glucose to the glucose binding site causes a reduction in a distance between the CFP and the YFP. Apparatus is described for detecting a concentration of a substance in a subject, the apparatus comprising a housing adapted to be implanted in the subject. The housing comprises a Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) measurement device and cells genetically engineered to produce, in situ, a FRET protein having a FRET complex comprising a fluorescent protein donor, a fluorescent protein acceptor, and a binding site for the substance.

An alternative approach to glucose sensing has been discussed e.g. by Y J Heo et al., in “Towards Smart Tattoos: Implantable Biosensors for Continuous Glucose Monitoring,” Adv. Healthcare Mater. 2013 January; 2(1):43-56 (Epub Nov. 26, 2012). Heo et al. provide a review of the efforts to develop analyte monitoring methods, which include placing a fluorescent material sensitive to a target analyte, e.g., glucose, under the skin and reading the optical signal through the skin, thus enabling measurement of the analyte.

In recent years, improved far-red fluorophores, having a significant portion of their emission spectrum above 650 nm, have been developed in order to exploit optical properties of biological tissue and enable in-vivo deep imaging, including, e.g., TagRFP, mRuby, mRuby2, mPlum, FusionRed, mNeptune, mNeptune2.5, mCardinal, Katushka, mKate, mKate2, mRaspberry and others. The relative emission of these fluorophores at an optical window above 650 nm is typically 10-50%, enabling sufficiently-effective detection through the skin. Additionally, infrared phytochromes such as iRFP, IFP1.4, and IFP2.0 have been developed which further push the emission spectrum into the infrared; however, these phytochromes depend on the availability of biliverdin, possibly complicating their practical use. Red fluorophores may effectively be used in conjunction with shorter-wavelengths fluorophores (e.g., green) to create FRET couples that can be used to develop different types of biosensors, as shown for example by Lam et al.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

FRET-based glucose-detection molecules are described. Each molecule provides a FRET-based signal that is indicative of glucose concentration, and is sensitive within physiologically-relevant ranges and temperatures.

There is therefore provided, in accordance with an application of the present invention, a protein having a glucose-binding site, the protein having SEQ ID No. 1.

There is further provided, in accordance with an application of the present invention, a protein having a glucose-binding site, the protein having SEQ ID No. 2.

There is further provided, in accordance with an application of the present invention, a protein having a glucose-binding site, the protein having SEQ ID No. 3.

There is further provided, in accordance with an application of the present invention, a protein having a glucose-binding site, the protein having SEQ ID No. 4.

There is further provided, in accordance with an application of the present invention, a protein having a glucose-binding site, the protein having SEQ ID No. 5.

There is further provided, in accordance with an application of the present invention, a protein having a glucose-binding site, the protein having SEQ ID No. 6.

There is further provided, in accordance with an application of the present invention, a protein having a glucose-binding site, the protein including an amino acid chain, the amino acid chain including an amino acid sequence greater than 98 percent identical to SEQ ID No. 9, and residue 16 of SEQ ID No. 9 is disposed at the glucose-binding site, and is a hydrophilic amino acid.

In an application, the amino acid sequence is SEQ ID No. 9.

In an application, amino acid 16 of SEQ ID No. 9 is a polar amino acid.

In an application, amino acid 16 of SEQ ID No. 9 is an uncharged polar amino acid.

In an application, amino acid 16 of SEQ ID No. 9 is Gln.

In an application, amino acid 16 of SEQ ID No. 9 is Asn.

In an application, amino acid 16 of SEQ ID No. 9 is an amidic amino acid.

In an application, amino acid 16 of SEQ ID No. 9 is Gln.

In an application, amino acid 16 of SEQ ID No. 9 is Asn.

In an application:

• • the amino acid sequence is a first amino acid sequence,
  • the amino acid chain further includes a second amino acid sequence that is greater than 98 percent identical to SEQ ID No. 11, and
  • the first amino acid sequence is closer to an N-terminal end of the protein than is the second amino acid sequence.

In an application, the N-terminal end of the second amino acid sequence begins immediately after the C-terminal end of the first amino acid sequence.

In an application, the amino acid chain further includes a fluorophore amino acid sequence that defines a fluorophore and is disposed between the C-terminal end of the first amino acid sequence and the N-terminal end of the second amino acid sequence.

In an application, the fluorophore amino acid sequence is a donor-fluorophore amino acid sequence, and defines a donor fluorophore.

In an application, the amino acid chain further includes an acceptor-fluorophore amino acid sequence that defines an acceptor fluorophore, and:

• • the first amino acid sequence is between the donor-fluorophore amino acid sequence and the acceptor-fluorophore amino acid sequence, and
  • the acceptor fluorophore is excitable by the donor fluorophore by Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET).

In an application, the amino acid chain further includes a linker sequence that connects the acceptor-fluorophore amino acid sequence to the first sequence, and has SEQ ID No. 8.

There is further provided, in accordance with an application of the present invention, a protein having a glucose-binding site, the protein including an amino acid chain, the amino acid chain including an amino acid sequence greater than 98 percent identical to SEQ ID No. 9, and residue 16 of SEQ ID No. 9 is disposed at the glucose-binding site, and is Val.

There is further provided, in accordance with an application of the present invention, a protein having a glucose-binding domain, the protein including an amino acid chain, the amino acid chain including, in order: SEQ ID No. 7; SEQ ID No. 9; SEQ ID No. 10; and SEQ ID No. 11.

In an application, the amino acid chain further includes a Val-Ser-Lys sequence before SEQ ID No. 7.

In an application, the amino acid chain further includes SEQ ID No. 8 between SEQ ID No. 7 and SEQ ID No. 9.

In an application, the amino acid chain further includes a Ser-Lys sequence between SEQ ID No. 9 and SEQ ID No. 10.

In an application, the amino acid chain further includes a Met-Val sequence between SEQ ID No. 9 and the Ser-Lys sequence.

In an application, the amino acid chain further includes a Glu-Leu sequence between SEQ ID No. 10 and SEQ ID No. 11.

In an application, the amino acid chain further includes a Tyr-Lys sequence between the Glu-Leu sequence and SEQ ID No. 11.

There is further provided, in accordance with an application of the present invention, a protein having a glucose-binding domain, the protein including an amino acid chain, the amino acid chain including, in order:

• • optionally, a Val-Ser-Lys sequence;
  • SEQ ID No. 7;
  • optionally, SEQ ID No. 8;
  • SEQ ID No. 9;
  • optionally, a Met-Val sequence;
  • optionally, a Ser-Lys sequence;
  • SEQ ID No. 10;
  • optionally, a Glu-Leu sequence;
  • optionally, a Tyr-Lys sequence; and
  • SEQ ID No. 11.

There is further provided, in accordance with an application of the present invention, a protein having a glucose-binding site, the protein including an amino acid chain, the amino acid chain including:

• • a donor fluorophore region that has an amino acid sequence that defines a donor fluorophore;
  • an acceptor fluorophore region that has an amino acid sequence that defines an acceptor fluorophore that is excitable by the donor fluorophore by Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET);
  • a glucose-binding region that has an amino acid sequence that at least in part defines the glucose-binding site; and
  • a linker sequence having SEQ ID No. 8 that connects the acceptor fluorophore region to the glucose-binding region.

In an application, the glucose-binding region has SEQ ID No. 9.

In an application, the linker sequence connects a C-terminal end of the amino acid sequence of the acceptor fluorophore region, to an N-terminal end of the amino acid sequence of the glucose-binding region.

In an application, the donor fluorophore is at least 98% identical to Clover.

In an application, the acceptor fluorophore is at least 98% identical to mKate2.

In an application, the acceptor fluorophore is at least 98% identical to mNeptune2.5.

There is further provided, in accordance with an application of the present invention, a protein having a glucose-binding site, the protein including:

• • a donor fluorophore region that has a donor-fluorophore amino acid sequence that defines a donor fluorophore;
  • an acceptor fluorophore region that has an acceptor-fluorophore amino acid sequence that defines an acceptor fluorophore that (i) is excitable by the donor fluorophore by Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET), and (ii) has a peak emission wavelength in the red-to-far-red spectrum;
  • a glucose-binding region that defines the glucose-binding site, the glucose-binding region having a glucose-binding-region amino acid sequence that includes SEQ ID No. 9; and:
  • the protein has an amino acid sequence in which the glucose-binding-region amino acid sequence is disposed between the donor-fluorophore amino acid sequence and the acceptor-fluorophore amino acid sequence, and
  • the protein is configured to reduce a distance between the first fluorophore region and the second fluorophore region in response to binding of glucose to the glucose-binding site.

In an application, amino acid 16 of SEQ ID No. 9 is Val.

In an application, amino acid 16 of SEQ ID No. 9 is a polar amino acid.

In an application, amino acid 16 of SEQ ID No. 9 is an uncharged polar amino acid.

In an application, amino acid 16 of SEQ ID No. 9 is Gln.

In an application, amino acid 16 of SEQ ID No. 9 is Asn.

In an application, residue 16 of SEQ ID No. 9 is a hydrophilic amino acid.

In an application, amino acid 16 SEQ ID No. 9 is an amidic amino acid.

In an application, amino acid 16 of SEQ ID No. 9 is Gln.

In an application, amino acid 16 of SEQ ID No. 9 is Asn.

The present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of applications thereof, taken together with the drawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a generalized FRET-based glucose-detection molecule that represents the FRET-based glucose-detection molecules described herein, in accordance with some applications of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a graph that illustrates, in a generalized manner, FRET behavior of the generalized molecule (and of the molecules that it represents), in accordance with some applications of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a generalized amino acid chain of the generalized molecule, in accordance with some applications of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a set of graphs which show, for some of the glucose-detecting molecules described, a FRET:F ratio at different glucose concentrations, measured at 35 degrees C., in accordance with some applications of the invention; and

FIGS. 5A-B are graphs showing function of some of the glucose-detecting molecules at different temperatures, in accordance with some applications of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Reference is made to FIG. 1, which is a schematic illustration of a generalized FRET-based glucose-detection molecule 20 that represents the FRET-based glucose-detection molecules described herein, in accordance with some applications of the invention. Molecule 20 (as may each of the molecules that it represents) may be used in glucose-detecting implants, e.g., implanted subcutaneously in a subject. Molecule 20 (as do each of the molecules that it represents) comprises a glucose-binding region 22, a donor fluorophore region 23 that comprises a donor fluorophore 24, and an acceptor fluorophore region 25 that comprises an acceptor fluorophore 26. Molecule 20 (e.g., glucose-binding region 22) comprises a glucose-binding site 28. In the disassociated state of molecule 20 (state A), fluorophores 24 and 26 are not in a proximity to each other that allows FRET. Binding of a glucose molecule 30 to glucose-binding site 28 results in a conformational change in molecule 20 to its associated state (state B), bringing fluorophores 24 and 26 into a proximity that allows FRET.

A substantial portion (e.g., at least 20 percent, e.g., at least 40 percent, e.g., at least 80 percent) and/or the peak of the emission spectrum of acceptor fluorophore 26 is in the red and/or far-red spectrum (e.g., has a wavelength above 620 nm, such as above 650 nm, e.g., 620-850 nm, such as 650-800 nm). This facilitates, for example, the use of the molecules described herein within a subcutaneous implant, and transcutaneous detection of emission from fluorophore 26, e.g., by a skin-mounted detector. For example, the gene encoding any of the FRET-based glucose-detection molecules described herein may be inserted into mammalian cells, e.g., human cells, such as into the AAVS1 locus on chromosome 19, and the cells housed within the subcutaneous implant, such that the cells express the molecule. For some applications, the cells are human Retinal Pigment Epithelial (RPE) cells. For such applications, the gene encoding the molecule typically further comprises a nucleotide sequence that encodes a signal peptide that promotes secretion of the molecule, as is known in the art. (The signal peptide is typically cleaved during or after secretion such that it does not feature in the mature molecule.) For some applications, the signal peptide is SEQ ID No. 12, which is described in Barash et al. (Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2002 Jun. 21; 294(4):835-42) and whose amino acid sequence is:

MWWRLWWLLLLLLLLWPMVW A 21

For some applications, the molecules described herein are used in combination with devices and techniques described in the following references, which are incorporated herein by reference:

• • PCT application IL2015/051022 to Brill, which published as WO 2016/059635;
  • U.S. Pat. No. 7,951,357 to Gross et al.;
  • US Patent Application Publication 2010/0160749 to Gross et al.;
  • US Patent Application Publication 2010/0202966 to Gross et al.;
  • US Patent Application Publication 2011/0251471 to Gross et al.;
  • US Patent Application Publication 2012/0059232 to Gross et al.;
  • US Patent Application Publication 2013/0006069 to Gil et al.;
  • PCT Publication WO 2006/006166 to Gross et al.;
  • PCT Publication WO 2007/110867 to Gross et al.;
  • PCT Publication WO 2010/073249 to Gross et al.;
  • PCT Publication WO 2013/001532 to Gil et al.;
  • PCT Publication WO 2014/102743 to Brill et al.;
  • U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/588,211, filed Jul. 14, 2004;
  • U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/658,716, filed Mar. 3, 2005;
  • U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/786,532, filed Mar. 27, 2006;
  • U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/746,691, filed Dec. 28, 2012; and
  • U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/944,936, filed Feb. 26, 2014.

Quantitative detection of FRET-based emission is typically performed (e.g., by a detector unit) by comparing (i) emission from the acceptor fluorophore in response to excitation of the donor fluorophore (i.e., due to FRET), with (ii) emission from the acceptor fluorophore in response to direct excitation of the acceptor fluorophore (which is referred to herein as fluorescence), which serves as a control, e.g., for variations such as distance between the molecule and the detector. The donor fluorophore is excited using light of a particular wavelength range (e.g., 430-520 nm), and direct excitation of the acceptor fluorophore is achieved using light of a different wavelength (e.g., 530-620 nm). The detector may measure (i) and then (ii), or vice versa. The ratio between (i) and (ii) is referred to herein as the “FRET:Fluorescence ratio” (“FRET:F ratio”).

For some applications, acceptor fluorophore 26 is (or is based on, e.g., is greater than 98 percent identical to) the “mKate2” fluorophore. For some applications, acceptor fluorophore 26 is (or is based on, e.g., is greater than 98 percent identical to) the “mNeptune2.5” fluorophore. Typically, donor fluorophore 24 is (or is based on, e.g., is greater than 98 percent identical to) the “Clover” fluorophore.

Reference is also made to FIG. 2, which is a graph that illustrates, in a generalized manner, FRET behavior of molecule 20 (and of the molecules that it represents), in accordance with some applications of the invention. Three important features of molecules suitable for FRET-based glucose detection are:

• • (1) High contrast. That is, a large difference between the FRET:F ratio in the disassociated state and the FRET:F ratio in the associated state (referred to herein as “delta ratio” (“dR”)). In FIG. 2, this is represented as the difference between the highest FRET:F ratio and the lowest FRET:F ratio on the curve.
  • (2) High sensitivity at physiologically-relevant glucose concentrations when at physiologically-relevant temperatures. In FIG. 2, this is represented by the glucose concentration at the mid-point (which is the steepest part) of the curve. This concentration is referred to herein as “Kd”.
  • (3) Consistency across physiologically-relevant temperatures. That is, the FRET:F ratio at a particular glucose concentration should change as little as possible across temperatures that the molecule may experience.

For such a molecule that is to be used in a subcutaneous implant, the physiologically-relevant temperatures are 32-38 degrees C., e.g., 34-36 degrees C., such as 35 degrees C. It is hypothesized by the inventors that a Kd, at 35 degrees C., of 2-10 mM glucose (e.g., 3-9 mM) is advantageous for such a molecule that is to be used in a subcutaneous implant.

In order to obtain an optimal biosensor, the inventors generated 300 different protein molecules in a bacterial expression system. The molecules included different FRET pairs (donor and acceptor fluorophores), and different links (e.g., linker sequences) between the various portions of the molecules (e.g., between fluorophore amino acid sequences and glucose-binding-region amino acid sequences). The molecules were evaluated for their suitability, e.g., by testing dR, Kd, and for some, consistency across physiologically-relevant temperatures.

As a result of the above experimental approach, the following FRET-based glucose-detection molecules were identified by the inventors as useful FRET-based glucose-detection molecules:

Molecule D274 is defined by SEQ ID No. 1, whose amino acid sequence is as follows:

VSELIKENMHMKLYMEGTVNNHHFKCTSEGEGKPYEGTQTMRIKAVEGGPLPFAFDILAT 60
SFMYGSKTFINHTQGIPDFFKQSFPEGFTWERVTTYEDGGVLTATQDTSLQDGCLIYNVK 120
IRGVNFPSNGPVMQKKTLGWEASTETLYPADGGLEGRADMALKLVGGGHLICNLKTTYRS 180
KKPAKNLKMPGVYYVDRRLERIKEADKETYVEQHEVAVARYCDLPSKLGHRADTRIGVTI 240
YKYDDNQMSVVRKAIEQDAKAAPDVQLLMNDSQNDQSKQNDQIDVLLAKGVKALAINLVD 300
PAAAGTVIEKARGQNVPVVFFNKEPSRKALDSYDKAYYVGTDSKESGIIQGDLIAKHWAA 360
NQGWDLNKDGQIQFVLLKGEPGHPDAEARTTYVIKELNDKGIKTEQLQLDTAMWDTAQAK 420
DKMDAWLSGPNANKIEVVIANNDAMAMGAVEALKAHNKSSIPVFGVDALPEALALVKSGA 480
LAGTVLNDANNQAKATFDLAKNLADSKGEELFTGVVPILVELDGDVNGHKFSVRGEGEGD 540
ATNGKLTLKFICTTGKLPVPWPTLVTTFGYGVACFSRYPDHMKQHDFFKSAMPEGYVQER 600
TISFKDDGTYKTRAEVKFEGDTLVNRIELKGIDFKEDGNILGHKLEYNFNSHNVYITADK 660
QKNGIKANFKIRHNVEDGSVQLADHYQQNTPIGDGPVLLPDNHYLSHQSALSKDPNEKRD 720
HMVLLEFVTAAGITHGMDELGAADGTNWKIDNKVVRVPYVGVDKDNLAEFSKK 773

Molecule D277 is defined by SEQ ID No. 2, whose amino acid sequence is as follows:

VSELIKENMHMKLYMEGTVNNHHFKCTSEGEGKPYEGTQTMRIKAVEGGPLPFAFDILAT 60
SFMYGSKTFINHTQGIPDFFKQSFPEGFTWERVTTYEDGGVLTATQDTSLQDGCLIYNVK 120
IRGVNFPSNGPVMQKKTLGWEASTETLYPADGGLEGRADMALKLVGGGHLICNLKTTYRS 180
KKPAKNLKMPGVYYVDRRLERIKEADKETYVEQHEVAVARYCDLPSKLGHKLNGMDEADT 240
RIGVTIYKYDDNQMSVVRKAIEQDAKAAPDVQLLMNDSQNDQSKQNDQIDVLLAKGVKAL 300
AINLVDPAAAGTVIEKARGQNVPVVFFNKEPSRKALDSYDKAYYVGTDSKESGIIQGDLI 360
AKHWAANQGWDLNKDGQIQFVLLKGEPGHPDAEARTTYVIKELNDKGIKTEQLQLDTAMW 420
DTAQAKDKMDAWLSGPNANKIEVVIANNDAMAMGAVEALKAHNKSSIPVFGVDALPEALA 480
LVKSGALAGTVLNDANNQAKATFDLAKNLADSKGEELFTGVVPILVELDGDVNGHKFSVR 540
GEGEGDATNGKLTLKFICTTGKLPVPWPTLVTTFGYGVACFSRYPDHMKQHDFFKSAMPE 600
GYVQERTISFKDDGTYKTRAEVKFEGDTLVNRIELKGIDFKEDGNILGHKLEYNFNSHNV 660
YITADKQKNGIKANFKIRHNVEDGSVQLADHYQQNTPIGDGPVLLPDNHYLSHQSALSKD 720
PNEKRDHMVLLEFVTAAGITHGMDELGAADGTNWKIDNKVVRVPYVGVDKDNLAEFSKK 779

Molecule D278 is defined by SEQ ID No. 3, whose amino acid sequence is as follows:

VSELIKENMHMKLYMEGTVNNHHFKCTSEGEGKPYEGTQTMRIKAVEGGPLPFAFDILAT 60
SFMYGSKTFINHTQGIPDFFKQSFPEGFTWERVTTYEDGGVLTATQDTSLQDGCLIYNVK 120
IRGVNFPSNGPVMQKKTLGWEASTETLYPADGGLEGRADMALKLVGGGHLICNLKTTYRS 180
KKPAKNLKMPGVYYVDRRLERIKEADKETYVEQHEVAVARYCDLPSKLGHKLNGMDEADT 240
RIGVTIYKYDDNQMSVVRKAIEQDAKAAPDVQLLMNDSQNDQSKQNDQIDVLLAKGVKAL 300
AINLVDPAAAGTVIEKARGQNVPVVFFNKEPSRKALDSYDKAYYVGTDSKESGIIQGDLI 360
AKHWAANQGWDLNKDGQIQFVLLKGEPGHPDAEARTTYVIKELNDKGIKTEQLQLDTAMW 420
DTAQAKDKMDAWLSGPNANKIEVVIANNDAMAMGAVEALKAHNKSSIPVFGVDALPEALA 480
LVKSGALAGTVLNDANNQAKATFDLAKNLADSKGEELFTGVVPILVELDGDVNGHKFSVR 540
GEGEGDATNGKLTLKFICTTGKLPVPWPTLVTTFGYGVACFSRYPDHMKQHDFFKSAMPE 600
GYVQERTISFKDDGTYKTRAEVKFEGDTLVNRIELKGIDFKEDGNILGHKLEYNFNSHNV 660
YITADKQKNGIKANFKIRHNVEDGSVQLADHYQQNTPIGDGPVLLPDNHYLSHQSALSKD 720
PNEKRDHMVLLEFVTAAGITHGMDGAADGTNWKIDNKVVRVPYVGVDKDNLAEFSKK 777

Molecule D279 is defined by SEQ ID No. 4, whose amino acid sequence is as follows:

VSELIKENMHMKLYMEGTVNNHHFKCTSEGEGKPYEGTQTMRIKAVEGGPLPFAFDILAT 60
SFMYGSKTFINHTQGIPDFFKQSFPEGFTWERVTTYEDGGVLTATQDTSLQDGCLIYNVK 120
IRGVNFPSNGPVMQKKTLGWEASTETLYPADGGLEGRADMALKLVGGGHLICNLKTTYRS 180
KKPAKNLKMPGVYYVDRRLERIKEADKETYVEQHEVAVARYCDLPSKLGHRADTRIGVTI 240
YKYDDNQMSVVRKAIEQDAKAAPDVQLLMNDSQNDQSKQNDQIDVLLAKGVKALAINLVD 300
PAAAGTVIEKARGQNVPVVFFNKEPSRKALDSYDKAYYVGTDSKESGIIQGDLIAKHWAA 360
NQGWDLNKDGQIQFVLLKGEPGHPDAEARTTYVIKELNDKGIKTEQLQLDTAMWDTAQAK 420
DKMDAWLSGPNANKIEVVIANNDAMAMGAVEALKAHNKSSIPVFGVDALPEALALVKSGA 480
LAGTVLNDANNQAKATFDLAKNLADGEELFTGVVPILVELDGDVNGHKFSVRGEGEGDAT 540
NGKLTLKFICTTGKLPVPWPTLVTTFGYGVACFSRYPDHMKQHDFFKSAMPEGYVQERTI 600
SFKDDGTYKTRAEVKFEGDTLVNRIELKGIDFKEDGNILGHKLEYNFNSHNVYITADKQK 660
NGIKANFKIRHNVEDGSVQLADHYQQNTPIGDGPVLLPDNHYLSHQSALSKDPNEKRDHM 720
VLLEFVTAAGITHGMDGAADGTNWKIDNKVVRVPYVGVDKDNLAEFSKK 769

Molecule D137 is defined by SEQ ID No. 5, whose amino acid sequence is as follows:

VSKGEELIKENMHTKLYMEGTVNNHHFKCTHEGEGKPYEGTQTNRIKVVEGGPLPFAFDI 60
LATCFMYGSKTFINHTQGIPDFFKQSFPEGFTWERVTTYEDGGVLTVTQDTSLQDGCLIY 120
NVKLRGVNFPSNGPVMQKKTLGWEASTETLYPADGGLEGRCDMALKLVGGGHLHCNLKTT 180
YRSKKPAKNLKMPGVYFVDRRLERIKEADNETYVEQHEVAVARYCDLPSKLGHKLNGMDE 240
ADTRIGVTIYKYDDNAMSVVRKAIEQDAKAAPDVQLLMNDSQNDQSKQNDQIDVLLAKGV 300
KALAINLVDPAAAGTVIEKARGQNVPVVFFNKEPSRKALDSYDKAYYVGTDSKESGIIQG 360
DLIAKHWAANQGWDLNKDGQIQFVLLKGEPGHPDAEARTTYVIKELNDKGIKTEQLQLDT 420
AMWDTAQAKDKMDAWLSGPNANKIEVVIANNDAMAMGAVEALKAHNKSSIPVFGVDALPE 480
ALALVKSGALAGTVLNDANNQAKATFDLAKNLADMVSKGEELFTGVVPILVELDGDVNGH 540
KFSVRGEGEGDATNGKLTLKFICTTGKLPVPWPTLVTTFGYGVACFSRYPDHMKQHDFFK 600
SAMPEGYVQERTISFKDDGTYKTRAEVKFEGDTLVNRIELKGIDFKEDGNILGHKLEYNF 660
NSHNVYITADKQKNGIKANFKIRHNVEDGSVQLADHYQQNTPIGDGPVLLPDNHYLSHQS 720
ALSKDPNEKRDHMVLLEFVTAAGITHGMDELYKGAADGTNWKIDNKVVRVPYVGVDKDNL 780
AEFSKK                           786

Molecule D138 is defined by SEQ ID No. 6, whose amino acid sequence is as follows:

VSKGEELIKENMHTKLYMEGTVNNHHFKCTHEGEGKPYEGTQTNRIKVVEGGPLPFAFDI 60
LATCFMYGSKTFINHTQGIPDFFKQSFPEGFTWERVTTYEDGGVLTVTQDTSLQDGCLIY 120
NVKLRGVNFPSNGPVMQKKTLGWEASTETLYPADGGLEGRCDMALKLVGGGHLHCNLKTT 180
YRSKKPAKNLKMPGVYFVDRRLERIKEADNETYVEQHEVAVARYCDLPSKLGHKLNGMDE 240
ADTRIGVTIYKYDDNAMSVVRKAIEQDAKAAPDVQLLMNDSQNDQSKQNDQIDVLLAKGV 300
KALAINLVDPAAAGTVIEKARGQNVPVVFFNKEPSRKALDSYDKAYYVGTDSKESGIIQG 360
DLIAKHWAANQGWDLNKDGQIQFVLLKGEPGHPDAEARTTYVIKELNDKGIKTEQLQLDT 420
AMWDTAQAKDKMDAWLSGPNANKIEVVIANNDAMAMGAVEALKAHNKSSIPVFGVDALPE 480
ALALVKSGALAGTVLNDANNQAKATFDLAKNLADMVSKGEELFTGVVPILVELDGDVNGH 540
KFSVRGEGEGDATNGKLTLKFICTTGKLPVPWPTLVTTFGYGVACFSRYPDHMKQHDFFK 600
SAMPEGYVQERTISFKDDGTYKTRAEVKFEGDTLVNRIELKGIDFKEDGNILGHKLEYNF 660
NSHNVYITADKQKNGIKANFKIRHNVEDGSVQLADHYQQNTPIGDGPVLLPDNHYLSHQS 720
ALSKDPNEKRDHMVLLEFVTAAGITHGMDGAADGTNWKIDNKVVRVPYVGVDKDNLAEFS 780
KK                               782

Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which is a schematic illustration of a generalized amino acid chain 60 of generalized molecule 20, in accordance with some applications of the invention. Amino acid chain 60 is thereby a generalization of the amino acid chains of the FRET-based glucose-detection molecules described hereinabove, in accordance with some applications of the invention. It is to be understood that FIG. 3 is intended to show certain features of the amino acid chain of each of the FRET-based glucose-detection molecules described hereinabove, in order to schematically illustrate commonalities and differences between the FRET-based glucose-detection molecules described herein. In particular, it is to be understood that FIG. 3 is intended to illustrate presence or absence of certain sequences, and/or the order in which certain sequences within the amino acid chains are disposed with respect to each other, and is not intended to represent the relative lengths of those sequences.

An acceptor-fluorophore amino acid sequence 66 defines acceptor fluorophore region 25 (and thereby acceptor fluorophore 26), and is located near (e.g., at) the N-terminus of chain 60. Further along chain 60 is a glucose-binding-region amino acid sequence 62a, which defines glucose-binding site 28. Still further along chain 60 is a donor-fluorophore amino acid sequence 64, which defines donor fluorophore region 23 (and thereby donor fluorophore 24). Still further along chain 60, near (e.g., at) the C-terminus of chain 60 is a second glucose-binding-region amino acid sequence 62b. Glucose-binding region 22 is derived from E. coli mg1B (galactose binding protein), whose sequence is modified, inter alia by division into sequences 62a and 62b, with sequence 66 therebetween. Although glucose-binding site 28 is defined by sequence 62a, glucose-binding region 22 as a whole may be considered to be defined by sequences 62a and 62b together. Sequences 66, 62a, 64, and 62b are present in all of the molecules described hereinabove, and in the order shown in FIG. 3.

Generalized amino acid chain 60 also comprises sequences 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, and 80, which are each present in at least one of the molecules described hereinabove, in the order shown with respect to the other sequences that are present in the molecule.

Sequence 70 is present only in molecules D137 and D138, in which the sequence is at the N-terminal end of the molecule. Sequence 70 may also define part of the acceptor fluorophore.

Sequence 72 is present only in molecules D137, D138, D277, and D278, in which the sequence connects sequence 66 to sequence 62a.

Sequence 74 is present only in molecules D137 and D138, in which the sequence connects sequence 62a to the subsequent sequence.

Sequence 76 is present only in molecules D274, D277, D278, D137, and D138, in which the sequence connects the previous sequence (sequence 62a, for D274, D277, and D278; sequence 74 for D137 and D138) to sequence 64.

Sequence 78 is present only in molecules D137, D274, and D277, in which the sequence connects sequence 64 to the subsequent sequence (sequence 62b for D274 and D277; sequence 80 for D137).

Sequence 80 is present only in molecule D137, in which the sequence connects sequence 78 to sequence 62b.

Therefore:

• • sequence 70 may be described as an N-terminal sequence that is present in a subset of the molecules described hereinabove;
  • sequence 72 may be described as a linker sequence that links sequences 66 and 62a in a subset of the molecules described hereinabove;
  • sequences 74 and 76 may be described as linker sequences that link sequences 62a and 64 in subsets of the molecules described hereinabove; and
  • sequences 78 and 80 may be described as linker sequences that link sequences 64 and 62b in subsets of the molecules described hereinabove.

Sequence 70 has the following amino acid sequence:

VSK 3

Typically, sequence 66 has SEQ ID No. 7, whose amino acid sequence is:

XXELIKENMHXKLYMEGTVNNHHFKCTXEGEGKPYEGTQTXRIKXVEGGPLPFAFDILAT 60
XFMYGSKTFINHTQGIPDFFKQSFPEGFTWERVTTYEDGGVLTXTQDTSLQDGCLIYNVK 120
XRGVNFPSNGPVMQKKTLGWEASTETLYPADGGLEGRXDMALKLVGGGHLXCNLKTTYRS 180
KKPAKNLKMPGVYXVDRRLERIKEADXETYVEQHEVAVARYCDLPSKLGHX 231

In SEQ ID No. 7, each X represents a residue that may be one or another amino acid, according to the following:

• • 1—X can be G or V (both of which are aliphatic)
  • 2—X can be E or S
  • 11—X can be T or M
  • 28—X can be H or S
  • 41—X can be N or M
  • 45—X can be V or A (both of which are aliphatic)
  • 61—X can be C or S
  • 104—X can be V or A (both of which are aliphatic)
  • 121—X can be L or I (both of which are aliphatic)
  • 158—X can be C or A
  • 171—X can be H or I
  • 194—X can be F or Y (both of which are aromatic)
  • 207—X can be N or K
  • 231—X can be K or R (both of which are basic)

Sequence 72 has SEQ ID No. 8, whose amino acid sequence is:

LNGMDE 6

As described hereinabove, sequence 72 may be described as a linker sequence that links sequences 66 and 62a, i.e., that links acceptor fluorophore region 25 to glucose-binding region 22 (and thereby to the rest of the molecule) in a manner that facilitates FRET-based glucose detection functionality. It is hypothesized that sequence 72 may also be used in other FRET-based glucose-detection molecules, by linking other acceptor fluorophore regions (i.e., regions that define other fluorophores) to glucose-binding region 22.

Typically, sequence 62a has SEQ ID No. 9, whose amino acid sequence is:

ADTRIGVTIYKYDDNXMSVVRKAIEQDAKAAPDVQLLMNDSQNDQSKQNDQIDVLLAKGV 60
KALAINLVDPAAAGTVIEKARGQNVPVVFFNKEPSRKALDSYDKAYYVGTDSKESGIIQG 120
DLIAKHWAANQGWDLNKDGQIQFVLLKGEPGHPDAEARTTYVIKELNDKGIKTEQLQLDT 180
AMWDTAQAKDKMDAWLSGPNANKIEVVIANNDAMAMGAVEALKAHNKSSIPVFGVDALPE 240
ALALVKSGALAGTVLNDANNQAKATFDLAKNLAD 274

In SEQ ID No. 9, residue 16 (represented by an X) may be a hydrophilic, polar (e.g., uncharged polar), and/or amidic amino acid, such as Q (e.g., as for molecules D274, D277, D278, and D279), or N (e.g., as described hereinbelow). For some applications, residue 16 is A (e.g., as for molecules D137 and D138). Alternatively, and as described hereinbelow, residue 16 may be V.

Sequence 74 has the following amino acid sequence:

MV 2

Sequence 76 has the following amino acid sequence:

SK 2

Sequence 64 has SEQ ID No. 10, whose amino acid sequence is:

GEELFTGVVPILVELDGDVNGHKFSVRGEGEGDATNGKLTLKFICTTGKLPVPWPTLVTT 60
FGYGVACFSRYPDHMKQHDFFKSAMPEGYVQERTISFKDDGTYKTRAEVKFEGDTLVNRI 120
ELKGIDFKEDGNILGHKLEYNFNSHNVYITADKQKNGIKANFKIRHNVEDGSVQLADHYQ 180
QNTPIGDGPVLLPDNHYLSHQSALSKDPNEKRDHMVLLEFVTAAGITHGMD 231

Sequence 78 has the following amino acid sequence:

EL 2

Sequence 80 has the following amino acid sequence:

YK 2

Sequence 62b has SEQ ID No. 11, whose amino acid sequence is:

GAADGTNWKIDNKVVRVPYVGVDKDNLAEFSKK 33

There is therefore provided, in accordance with some applications of the invention, a protein having a glucose-binding domain, the protein having an amino acid chain, the amino acid chain comprising, in order: SEQ ID No. 7; SEQ ID No. 9; SEQ ID No. 10; and SEQ ID No. 11. For some such applications:

• • the amino acid chain further comprises sequence 70 before SEQ ID No. 7;
  • the amino acid chain further comprises SEQ ID No. 8 between SEQ ID No. 7 and SEQ ID No. 9;
  • the amino acid chain further comprises sequence 76 between SEQ ID No. 9 and SEQ ID No. 10 (and may further comprise sequence 74 between SEQ ID No. 9 and sequence 76); and/or
  • the amino acid chain further comprises sequence 78 between SEQ ID No. 10 and SEQ ID No. 11 (and may further comprise sequence 80 between sequence 78 and SEQ ID No. 11).

In accordance with some applications of the invention, a protein is provided having a glucose-binding domain, the protein having an amino acid chain, the amino acid chain comprising, in order:

• • optionally, sequence 70;
  • SEQ ID No. 7;
  • optionally, SEQ ID No. 8;
  • SEQ ID No. 9;
  • optionally, sequence 74;
  • optionally, sequence 76;
  • SEQ ID No. 10;
  • optionally, sequence 78;
  • optionally, sequence 80; and
  • SEQ ID No. 11.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4, which is a set of graphs which show, for some of the molecules described hereinabove, the FRET:F ratio (y axis) at different glucose concentrations, measured at 35 degrees C.

The measurements were performed on proteins that were extracted from E. coli (in which they were produced) and purified in 50 mM Tris (pH 7.6, 1 mM CaCl_2, 100 mM NaCl_2). Measurements were performed using an Infinite (R) 200 plate reader or on a fluoroscopic microscope. FRET-based emission was measured by applying excitation at 475 nm and detecting emission at 640-800 nm. Direct fluorescence of the acceptor fluorophore was measured by applying excitation at 575 nm and detecting emission at 640-800 nm. Curves were generated from the measured points (typically 10) by a non-linear interpolation, and Kd and dR were extracted.

The data may be summarized as follows:

	D137:	Kd = 37.8 mM glucose	dR = 46 percent
	D138:	Kd = 79.7 mM glucose	dR = 54 percent
	D274:	Kd = 2.7 mM glucose	dR = 47 percent
	D277:	Kd = 7.2 mM glucose	dR = 38 percent
	D278:	Kd = 5.8 mM glucose	dR = 37 percent
	D279:	Kd = 9.9 mM glucose	dR = 37 percent

As described hereinabove, sequences 62a and 62b are derived from E. coli mg1B (divided between sequence 62a and sequence 62b). mg1B is described, inter alia, in Vyas N K et al. (Science. 1988 Dec. 2; 242(4883):1290-5), and Deuschle K et al. (Protein Sci. 2005 September; 14(9):2304-14), and is archived at The Universal Protein Resource (UniProt; uniprot.org/uniprot/) as P0AEE5. These references are incorporated herein by reference.

In mg1B, residues 16 and 183 are key residues of the glucose-binding site. In the FRET-based glucose detection molecules described herein, these residues correspond to residues 16 and 183, respectively, of sequence 62a (e.g., of SEQ ID No. 9). Throughout this patent application, unless stated otherwise, reference to “residue 16” refers to this residue 16 (either the residue 16 of sequence 62a, or the corresponding residue in mg1B).

In wild-type mg1B, residue 16 is F (Phe/Phenylalanine). In D137 and D138, residue 16 is A (Ala/Alanine), which has been previously described (e.g., Deuschle K et al). In D274, D277, D278, and D279, residue 16 is Q (Gln/Glutamine), which (i) unlike F or A, is hydrophilic, (ii) unlike F or A, is polar (e.g., uncharged polar), and (iii) unlike F or A, is amidic. It is hypothesized by the inventors that the advantageous reduction in Kd between (i) D137 and D138, and (ii) D274, D277, D278, and D279 (which brings the Kd of these molecules into the desirable range described hereinabove) is due to the substitution of the hydrophobic phenylalanine or alanine, with the hydrophilic, polar (e.g., uncharged polar), and amidic glutamine.

There is therefore provided, a glucose-binding molecule comprising an amino acid chain that has a glucose-binding-region amino acid sequence having SEQ ID No. 9, in which residue 16 is glutamine.

Placement of N (Asn/Asparagine) at residue 16 of sequence 62a was also tested. In a similar FRET-based glucose-detection molecule (of which molecule 20 is also representative), the following variants of residue 16 of sequence were performed at room temperature:

D198 (16 = A):	Kd = 3.2 mM glucose	dR = 29.1 percent
D241 (16 = Q):	Kd = 0.3 mM glucose	dR = 21.4 percent
D267 (16 = N):	Kd = 9.4 mM glucose	dR = 32.3 percent
D263 (16 = V):	Kd = 7.9 mM glucose	dR = 31.7 percent

It is to be noted that because these tests were performed at room temperature, the results are not directly comparable with those described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, which derive from tests performed at higher temperatures. Nonetheless, at least due to the demonstrated functionality of molecule D267, there is provided a glucose-binding molecule comprising an amino acid chain that has a glucose-binding-region amino acid sequence having SEQ ID No. 9, in which residue 16 is a hydrophilic, polar (e.g., uncharged polar), and/or amidic amino acid.

The results from molecule D263 suggest that for some applications, residue 16 may be valine. Nonetheless, the inventors hypothesize that the presence of a hydrophilic, polar (e.g., uncharged polar), and/or amidic amino acid (e.g., glutamine) at residue 16 of sequence 62a (i.e., of SEQ ID No. 9) makes molecules based on molecule 20 particularly suitable for in vivo FRET-based glucose-detection.

Reference is made to FIGS. 5A-B, which are graphs showing function of some of the glucose-detecting molecules at different temperatures, in accordance with some applications of the invention. dR and Kd were measured for D274, D277, D278 and D279 at different temperatures, as described hereinabove, mutatis mutandis. FIG. 5A shows dR for molecules D274, D277, D278 and D279 at different temperatures, and FIG. 5B shows Kd for the same molecules at the same temperatures. Between 31 and 38 degrees C., the respective dR of molecules D277, D278 and D279 remained somewhat stable, whereas the dR of molecule D274 increased with temperature. Kd increased with temperature for all four molecules; the change was greatest for D279, and smallest for D274.

The understanding of temperature-based changes in Kd and dR for a particular FRET-based glucose detection molecule, and/or the identification of molecules with relatively temperature-stable Kd and/or dR is hypothesized by the inventors to improve the accuracy of FRET-based glucose-detection systems in which such molecules are used.

Reference is again made to FIGS. 1-5B. As described hereinabove, the FRET-based glucose-detection molecules described herein are configured for use in a glucose-detecting implant, e.g., that operates with an extracorporeal (e.g., skin-mounted) detector that detects light emitted from the acceptor fluorophore. It is to be noted that the scope of the invention includes not only the protein sequences described herein, but also (i) gene sequences that encode these protein sequences, (ii) cells (e.g., mammalian cells) containing such gene sequences, and (iii) implants containing these protein sequences or gene sequences, and/or cells containing these protein sequences or gene sequences.

Additionally, the present disclosure contemplates sequences having at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, sequence identity to a reference sequence, wherein the reference sequence may include, for example, any of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12, or any of sequences 70, 66, 72, 62a, 74, 76, 64, 78, 80, or 62b.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather, the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features described hereinabove, as well as variations and modifications thereof that are not in the prior art, which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description.

Claims

1. A protein having a glucose-binding site, the protein comprising an amino acid chain, the amino acid chain comprising an amino acid sequence greater than 98 percent identical to SEQ ID No. 9, wherein residue 16 of SEQ ID No. 9 is located at the glucose-binding site, and is a hydrophilic amino acid other than Cys.

2. The protein of claim 1, wherein the amino acid sequence is SEQ ID No. 9.

3. The protein of claim 1, wherein amino acid 16 of SEQ ID No. 9 is a polar amino acid.

4. The protein of claim 3, wherein amino acid 16 of SEQ ID No. 9 is an uncharged polar amino acid.

5. The protein of claim 4, wherein amino acid 16 of SEQ ID No. 9 is Gln.

6. The protein of claim 4, wherein amino acid 16 of SEQ ID No. 9 is Asn.

7. The protein of claim 1, wherein amino acid 16 of SEQ ID No. 9 is an amidic amino acid.

8. The protein of claim 7, wherein amino acid 16 of SEQ ID No. 9 is Gln.

9. The protein of claim 7, wherein amino acid 16 of SEQ ID No. 9 is Asn.

10. The protein of claim 1, wherein: the amino acid sequence is a first amino acid sequence,the amino acid chain further comprises a second amino acid sequence that is greater than 98 percent identical to SEQ ID No. 11, andthe first amino acid sequence is closer to an N-terminal end of the protein than is the second amino acid sequence.

11. The protein of claim 10, wherein the N-terminal end of the second amino acid sequence begins immediately after the C-terminal end of the first amino acid sequence.

12. The protein of claim 10, wherein the amino acid chain further comprises a fluorophore amino acid sequence that defines a fluorophore and is located between the C-terminal end of the first amino acid sequence and the N-terminal end of the second amino acid sequence.

13. The protein of claim 12, wherein the fluorophore amino acid sequence is a donor-fluorophore amino acid sequence, and defines a donor fluorophore.

14. The protein of claim 13, wherein the amino acid chain further comprises an acceptor-fluorophore amino acid sequence that defines an acceptor fluorophore, wherein: the first amino acid sequence is between the donor-fluorophore amino acid sequence and the acceptor-fluorophore amino acid sequence, andthe acceptor fluorophore is excitable by the donor fluorophore by Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET).

15. The protein of claim 14, wherein the amino acid chain further comprises a linker sequence that connects the acceptor-fluorophore amino acid sequence to the first sequence, and has SEQ ID No. 8.

16. A protein having a glucose-binding domain, the protein comprising an amino acid chain, the amino acid chain comprising, in order: SEQ ID No. 7; SEQ ID No. 9; SEQ ID No. 10; and SEQ ID No. 11.

17. The protein of claim 16, wherein the amino acid chain further comprises a Val-Ser-Lys sequence before SEQ ID No. 7.

18. The protein of claim 16, wherein the amino acid chain further comprises SEQ ID No. 8 between SEQ ID No. 7 and SEQ ID No. 9.

19. The protein of claim 16, wherein the amino acid chain further comprises a Ser-Lys sequence between SEQ ID No. 9 and SEQ ID No. 10.

20. The protein of claim 19, wherein the amino acid chain further comprises a Met-Val sequence between SEQ ID No. 9 and the Ser-Lys sequence.

21. The protein of claim 16, wherein the amino acid chain further comprises a Glu-Leu sequence between SEQ ID No. 10 and SEQ ID No. 11.

22. The protein of claim 21, wherein the amino acid chain further comprises a Tyr-Lys sequence between the Glu-Leu sequence and SEQ ID No. 11.