Blogs for April 2010

Novus Biologicals is excited to announce the release of a new line of Antibody Purification Kits, for use with our popular Lightning Link Antibody Labeling Kits. These new kits allow researchers to label any antibody, regardless of the buffer or concentration, using the quick and easy Lightning Link method. Antibodies are sometimes only available at low concentrations and often contain low molecular weight substances that interfere in labeling reactions with enzymes, biotin, streptavidin and fluorophores. The Antibody Concentration and Clean Up Kits allow for quick and easy concentration of antibodies or proteins. The Kit can also be used to reduce the concentration of many unwanted additives often...

Enzyme antibodies are widely used in both apoptosis and cancer studies, as disruption of the proteins regulating apoptosis is known to lead to formation of tumor cells in certain cancers. We at Novus Biologicals are continually growing our enzyme antibody database offerings.

Recently, a seemingly basic antibody study into the mechanism of action of WT1 (the Wilms tumour oncogene) revealed that the protease HtrA2 may have a hitherto unknown role as a 'cell cleaning' enzyme, able to eradicate WT1, thus preventing development of cancer. The Wilms tumor is an embryonic cancer identified by mutation of WT1, a transcription protein that normally acts as a tumor suppressor during kidney development. WT1 has...

The Bestrophin 1 to 4 group of proteins are membrane-bound globulins, encoded by the BEST genes 1 to 4. We at Novus Biologicals have a range of products for Best research on our antibody database; mainly targeted to Best-1.

Bestrophin antibodies are routinely used in tagging studies for retinal epithelial cells, as well as ocular disease research; in particular, macular degeneration caused by mutations of Best-1. This protein, which is encoded by the BEST1 (also known as VMD2) gene, is found in the basolateral retinal membrane where it aids regulation of voltage-dependant (anion) Calcium channels. It plays an additional role in ocular development. Over 120 mutations of Best-1 have been recorded. They are responsible for a wide range of ocular disease phenotypes, the most publicised of which is Best vitelliform macular dystrophy.

The recently discovered FTO (Fat mass and obesity orientated) gene is of great interest to antibody research groups, throwing clearer insight into the reasons why some people have difficulty losing weight, even when following a healthy lifestyle.

Studies into serotonin (5-HT) are equally important, and its importance has been realised in a number of antibody studies into causes of weight gain. 5-HT receptors are located in the hypothalamus, which is a primary expression site for FTO. A number of research groups are currently looking at the way these two proteins may interact.

Recently, more than 70 obese volunteers signed up to a Sheffield sports centre to take part in a genetic study being conducted by the city's Hallam University. The research, which started early in 2009 and is ongoing, looks at changes in participants' motivation, compared to the levels of serotonin that is naturally...

Human derived antibodies are widely used in disease research. These tend to be associated with cancer cell lines, such as the MCF7 breast tumour line, for which we provide both antibodies and whole cell lysate. The cells that are generated are identical in every respect to the originals, meaning reproducible results can be obtained years after the original cell lines were harvested.

When it comes to in vivo studies, however, it is generally accepted that genetically similar results are only obtainable from genetically homogenous laboratory strains (Zucker rats, ob-ob mice etc.) The idea of a genetically homogenous human strain would seem to be unfeasible, but one does, in fact, exist, in the Old Order Amish people of North America.

The Amish are a pure-bred race who can trace their ancestry back to a small group of 18th century Europeans. Their mode of living has remained remarkably...

At Novus Biologicals, we have over 9,000 products on our transduction antibody database. Signal transducers are proteins that facilitate movement of signals, i.e. molecules that cause a reaction, from outside to inside the cell, where they cause changes to cellular function and activity in either the cytoplasm or the nucleus. Transduction pathways are usually activated by complex enzyme cascades, and new proteins are constantly being developed. Thus, our antibody catalogue is constantly being updated.

There are three classes of cell signalling proteins, differentiated according to the methods of transduction. The first group, steroid hormone transducers, diffuse across the cell membrane, binding to receptors within the cellular matrix. Upon binding to their ligands, these receptors are released from binding proteins, such as HSP90, via a conformational shift. A nuclear localisation sequence is...