Patent ID: 6204067
Filing Date: 2001-03-20
Classification: G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of selecting for an agent which binds to the estrogen receptor but which dissipates a transmembrane pH gradient to a lesser extent than does tamoxifen, wherein the method comprises:(a) choosing an agent which binds to the estrogen receptor,(b) choosing a vesicle and conditions wherein the pH inside the vesicle differs from the pH outside the vesicle, whereby a transmembrane pH gradient is formed,(c) employing conditions under which tamoxifen dissipates the transmembrane pH gradient in the vesicle of step (b), and, in the absence of tamoxifen, contacting the agent of step (a) with the vesicle of step (b),(d) measuring any change in the magnitude of the transmembrane pH gradient of the vesicle when contacted with the agent, and comparing the change measured to that seen when the vesicle is separately contacted with tamoxifen,(e) selecting for the agent when the comparison of step (d) indicates that the agent dissipates the transmembrane pH gradient to a lesser extent than does tamoxifen.