LITE-1 and GUR-3 Polypeptides for Broad-Spectrum UV Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current compositions and methods for preventing UV light damage are inadequate, as they do not effectively absorb UVA and UVB light, which can cause skin cancer, premature aging, and immune system suppression, despite the importance of limiting skin exposure to UV radiation.

Innovation Solution

Compositions comprising LITE-1 and/or GUR-3 polypeptides, which are capable of absorbing UVA and UVB light, are developed. These polypeptides are used in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications to protect skin and eyes from UV damage, with LITE-1 being a seven-transmembrane gustatory receptor homolog that directly absorbs UV light and GUR-3 being modified to enhance photosensitivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional sunscreen compositions are used, then some UV protection is provided, but they do not effectively absorb both UVA and UVB light

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUV radiation absorptionVSAvoideffectiveness of UV protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines LITE-1 polypeptide (which absorbs UVB light) with GUR-3 polypeptide (which absorbs UVA light) to create a composite photoprotective material that simultaneously covers both UVA and UVB spectra, resolving the limitation of conventional sunscreens that cannot effectively absorb both types of UV radiation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a universal photoprotective composition that provides broad-spectrum UV protection by integrating multiple photoreceptor proteins with different spectral absorption characteristics, making a single composition effective against both UVA and UVB radiation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Use of energy by moving object

If LITE-1 polypeptide is used for UVB protection, then exceptional photon capture efficiency is achieved, but the composition requires combination with GUR-3 for complete UVA and UVB coverage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephoton capture efficiencyVSAvoidcomposition structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges LITE-1 polypeptide (optimized for UVB absorption with exceptional photon capture efficiency) and GUR-3 polypeptide (optimized for UVA absorption) into a single composite composition, achieving both high efficiency and broad spectrum coverage while managing composition complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If GUR-3 is modified to enhance photosensitivity, then UVA absorption is improved, but the modification process increases complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUVA absorptionVSAvoidpolypeptide modification process

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies GUR-3 polypeptide by changing specific amino acid parameters (substitutions, deletions, or additions) to enhance its photosensitivity and UVA absorption capability, accepting increased manufacturing complexity as a trade-off for improved protective function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The LITE-1 and GUR-3 polypeptides provide effective absorption of UVA and UVB light, conferring photo-sensitivity and protecting against UV-induced damage, with LITE-1 showing exceptional efficiency in photon capture and resistance to bleaching, and GUR-3 being engineered to promote photosensitivity, thus offering a novel solution for UV protection.

Implementation Method 1

LITE-1, a seven-transmembrane gustatory receptor (GR) homolog, mediates UV light-induced avoidance behavior in C. elegans. Experiments conducted during the course of developing embodiments for the present disclosure determined that LITE-1 directly absorbs both UVA and UVB light with an extinction coefficient 10-100 times that of opsins and cryptochromes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

compositions comprising LITE-1 and/or GUR-3 polypeptides, which are capable of absorbing UVA and UVB light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12042554B2Compositions and methods for blocking ultraviolet radiation

Publication Date: 2024.07.23 THE RGT UNIV OF MICHIGAN

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to compositions capable of absorbing UVA and UVB light. In particle, the present disclosure relates to UV screening compositions comprising at least a portion of LITE-1 polypeptides which are capable of absorbing UV light (e.g., UV-A and/or UV-B light).