High-throughput cell-based screening platform for GLUT5 inhibitors and activators
A dual-fluorescence trafficking assay platform for screening dietary compounds that modulate GLUT5, a fructose transporter implicated in diabetes and cancer. The platform enables high-throughput identification of GLUT5 inhibitors and activators by visualizing and quantifying transporter movement between the cell membrane and intracellular compartments in human intestinal cell lines.
Overview
Dietary fructose consumption is linked to metabolic disorders and cancer. GLUT5 is the transporter responsible for fructose uptake across the intestinal lining, making it a compelling target for dietary and therapeutic intervention. This offering is a high-throughput cell-based screening platform designed to evaluate dietary compounds for their ability to modulate GLUT5 activity. By tracking GLUT5 trafficking between the cell surface and intracellular compartments, the platform provides a functional readout for identifying both inhibitors and activators, supporting research into diabetes management, cancer control, and metabolic health.
Technical specifications
- Dual-fluorescence tagging system using mRFP and EGFP to monitor GLUT5 movement between the plasma membrane and endolysosomal compartments in live cells.
- Construct optimization through systematic testing of tag placement at the N-terminus, C-terminus, or both ends to preserve native GLUT5 structure and function.
- Stable expression in human small intestine-derived cell lines such as HIEC, ensuring physiologically relevant screening conditions.
- High-throughput imaging and quantification using the BioTek Cytation Cell Imaging system, combining fluorescence microplate reader capabilities with advanced microscopy.
- Confocal microscopy and fluorescence microplate reader workflows for detailed visualization and quantitative analysis of protein trafficking dynamics.
- Controlled experimental conditions including fructose exposure and lysosomal inhibitor treatments to establish baseline GLUT5 trafficking behavior.
Technology readiness level
The platform builds on established dual-fluorescence protein trafficking methodologies previously validated for other glucose transporters. Current development focuses on generating and characterizing stably expressing GLUT5 cell lines, with an estimated 1 to 1.5 years required to establish more than three validated cell lines. The team seeks funding for parental cell line acquisition, equipment upgrades, and key research personnel. Once cell lines are established, the platform is positioned for high-throughput screening of dietary-derived GLUT5 modulators.
About pharmaplanter technologies inc
PharmaPlanter Technologies is a platform biotechnology company based in Burnaby, British Columbia, focused on translating early-stage scientific discoveries into viable biopharmaceutical products. The company develops integrated platforms including recombinant protein development, iPSC organoid culture, gene editing, and a proprietary gas vesicle (GV) nanoparticle scaffold for therapeutic delivery. By bridging discovery and development through specialized R&D, CRO services, and collaborative growth initiatives, PharmaPlanter aims to support emerging biotech ventures and advance translational innovation. Their technology suite is designed to integrate advanced therapeutic modeling with novel delivery methods, such as mucosal vaccination and personalized cancer immunotherapy.
The company addresses significant medical needs across areas like microbiome restoration, mucosal immunity, oncology, and metabolic regulation. Their clinical and preclinical pipeline includes oral fecal microbiota transplantation for gastrointestinal disorders, nasal gas vesicle-based vaccines for respiratory viruses, and intradermal cancer immunotherapies. By providing the infrastructure and scientific expertise necessary for complex drug development, PharmaPlanter enables its partners and clients to navigate the transition from scientific theory to clinical application, utilizing targeted delivery kinetics to optimize immune responses and therapeutic efficacy.
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