Rapid diagnostic/detection of bacteria or fungi
Trana Discovery has researched developing rapid diagnostics that utilize the fact that all bacteria have a specific group of unique and essential tRNAs. These are not routine tRNA, but genetically encoded to contain modifications in their ASL (anticodon stem loop) region. A rapid diagnostic platform is being developed around the target specific ASL. In our current pursuit to identify a selctive antibiotic, Staph aureus was chosen and it contains a unique ASLArgUCU. Monoclonal antibodies (MAB) have been generated to identify ASLArgUCU in an Elisa assay. In practice, a clinical sample would be lysed and incubated with the antibody. Typical amplification is not necessary as each bacterium contains ~10,000 tRNA/mL. Experiments have demonstrated sensitivity at a bacterial count of 10 – 100 CFU/mL within 10 minutes. Selectivity has also been demonstrated with clones able to distinguish between S. aureus vs. S. epidermidis and/or E. coli. This could be done with any bacteria/fungi of interest to the collaborative partner.
About Trana Discovery, Inc.
Trana Discovery is a drug discovery technology company that provides a proprietary platform for identifying treatments for bacterial, viral, and fungal infectious diseases. The platform works by screening molecular libraries to identify compounds that bind to the anticodon stem loop (ASL) of organism-specific transfer RNA (tRNA), a mechanism of action that prevents pathogen propagation. By targeting these unique, highly conserved regions of tRNA, the technology aims to develop highly selective anti-infective agents that kill specific pathogens while minimizing disruption to normal host flora and avoiding traditional resistance issues.
The company was spun out of North Carolina State University in 2005 to commercialize its tRNA-based discovery platform. It addresses the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance by providing targeted, narrow-spectrum solutions for human and agricultural applications. Trana Discovery operates with an executive management team of industry veterans and utilizes a deferred compensation model with independent agents, focusing its research efforts on developing effective therapeutics for infectious diseases where current treatment options are limited or ineffective.
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