In vitro selection and optional indentification of polypeptides using solid support carriers

Abstract

The present invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule or a polypeptide that is selected from a method that includes cell-free expression of nucleic acid molecules immobilized on a sold support system. The present invention also relates to a molecular library that has a solid support system having a plurality of nucleic acid molecules immobilized thereon.

1 . A nucleic acid molecule or polypeptide selected according to a method comprising the steps of: 
 (a) providing a solid support having immobilized nucleic acid molecules thereon, the solid support comprising a binding molecule capable of interacting with at least the desired polypeptide or a molecule attached thereto;    (b) producing polypeptides from said immobilized nucleic acid molecules by cell free expression, said desired polypeptides interacting with said binding molecule;    (c) isolating the solid support carrying both the desired polypeptide and the nucleic acid encoding it; and optionally    (d) recovering said nucleic acid and/or said desired polypeptide.    
     
     
         2 . A molecular library comprising a solid support system having immobilised thereon a plurality of nucleic acid molecules and associated with each of said nucleic acid molecules and also immobilised on said support system means for biospecific interaction with the expression product of one or more of said nucleic acid molecules.  
     
     
         3 . A library as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the solid support system is particulate.  
     
     
         4 . A library as claimed in  claim 3  wherein immobilised on each solid support particle is a nucleic acid molecule and means for biospecific interaction with the expression product of one or more of said nucleic acid molecules.  
     
     
         5 . A library as claimed in  claim 4  wherein the immobilised means for biospecific interaction is a target molecule for the expression product of one or more of said nucleic acid molecules.