Development of a new biosensor for endocrine disruptors

The present project aims at constructing biosensors for the detection of endocrine disruptors in the environment. The primary measuring design would be to utilize the ligand-induced conformational change of the ligand-binding domain of oestrogen receptors for detecting oestrogens, anti-oestrogens, and compounds with other functionalities in relation to oestrogen receptors. Recombinant ligand binding domain will be labelled with fluorophores at specific sites, thereby rendering possible detection of ligand-specific conformational changes and thus allowing detection of endocrine disruptors inducing conformations related to specific physiological responses. It is anticipated that this type of biosensor may be a prototype for other biosensors capable of detecting specific conformations. Samarbejdspartner: Peter Andreasen (AU)