The EPO has just published the splitFAST patent application.  The inventors, Prof. Arnaud Gautier and Dr. Alison Tebo, indeed leveled up FAST into splitFAST.  splitFAST is a fluorescence complementation system for visualizing protein-protein interactions in living cells.  Moreover, splitFAST displays rapid and reversible complementation.  This hence allows the real-time visualization of both formation and dissociation of transient protein assemblies.

Gautier and Tebo initially disclosed splitFAST in Nature Communications 2019.  The paper discloses various applications of splitFAST: interaction between a membrane protein and a cytosolic protein, interactions from the MAPK signaling pathway, real-time monitoring of the MEK1-ERK2 interaction, real-time monitoring of transient Ca-dependent interactions, apoptosis biosensor.

FAST patents belong to ENS and Institut Curie of PSL Research University, Sorbonne Université, and CNRS.  Whereas The Twinkle Factory is the exclusive, worldwide, licensee.  The splitFAST patent application initiates the third patent family of a fast expanding portfolio. The portfolio also comprises of the princeps patent and a patent for non-permeant fluorogens.  Both families are now being delivered in Europe, the USA and Japan.  This comprehensive IP is the outcome of FLUOSWITCH, a multi-year project supported by ERC.  Gautier is indeed a laureate of a multi-million ERC Consolidator grant.

The Twinkle Factory develops a catalog of fluorogens to implement FAST and splitFAST.  Besides, The Twinkle Factory also grants sub-licenses.

Check the publication: EP 3,719,007 – Split photoactive yellow protein complementation system and uses thereof.

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