Blogs for July 2010

The G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) family constitutes one of the largest protein families in the mammalian kingdom, with over 800 proteins so far discovered. Our GPCR antibody catalog covers all 6 classes, with antibodies raised against Metabotropic Glutamate/Pheromone receptors; Rhodopsin-like receptors; Secretin receptors; Fungal Mating Pheromone receptors; cAMP receptors and Frizzled/Smoothened receptors. The majority are of the Class A (Rhodopsin-like) class.

GPCRs are a major focus for antibody suppliers. They are fundamental to many life processes, enabling cells to react to changes in their environment by activating intracellular signalling pathways (generally the cAMP or phosphatidylinositol signal transduction pathways), or by binding extracellular molecules (ligands.) Ligands include hormones, odors, neurotransmitters and light-sensitive chemicals.

We at Novus Biologicals have a large antibody database devoted to signalling pathways. These underpin every area of molecular biological research, including cancer. Among our cell signalling antibodies is one targeted to DLL4 (Delta-like protein 4). DLL4 is a homologue of the Drosophila delta gene, known to encode DSL-domain ligands on the Notch signaling pathway. It has been shown to play an important role in regulating the angiogenesis, especially those of malignant tumors.

For a tumor to grow beyond a few millimeters in size, new blood vessels must be grown, or the tumor cells will be starved of nutrients and oxygen. DLL4 plays an important role in this. When a new blood vessel begins to sprout from an existing one, DLL4 is expressed in the tip cells. This blocks neighboring cells from forming new...

Novus Biologicals recently added novel GAT (Genomic Antibody Technology) reagents to our antibody catalog, following the formation of a partnership with SDIX, creators of the technique. SDIX's GAT antibodies represent a totally new way to think about protein immunogens.

GAT utilises bioinformatic analysis to select the optimum amino acid sequence for the target protein. The science of bioinformatics, in which statistical computer programs are used to extract biological information from electronic data provided, has become enormously sophisticated since it was first developed in the 1970s, and is the perfect tool for Genomic Antibody Technology. SDIX's HAWK program chooses the optimal 100 aa sequence to create a native antigen.

Ago2, also called eIF2C2, antibody is one of 37 reagents targeted to the Argonaute protein family that we at Novus Biologicals have in our antibody catalogue. Argonaute proteins are encoded by genes which play an important role in regulating the control of gene expression by miRNA (microRNA). Recently, a new antibody study showed that the role of Ago2 may be to help generate production of miRNA, rather than simply moderate its function.

Micro RNAs are short, highly conserved RNA molecules that regulate gene expression by binding to complementary 3’ UTR (three prime untranslated regions) of the relevant messenger RNA (mRNA). They were first described in 1993, but it was not until the 2000s that they were recognized as a distinct bio-regulatory group.

Recently, we at Novus Biologicals became partners with Strategic Diagnostics Inc (SDIX), one of the largest antibodyproducers in the US. The objective was to extend our antibody database by over 800 of SDIX's polyclonal cancer antibodies, created by their unique Genomic Antibody Technology (GAT) system, as well as creating novel GAT immunoglobulins against targets specific to our own antibody catalog. However, what exactly is GAT, and why is it so superior?

With ever more sophisticated assay testing and data retrieval techniques becoming established in the life sciences arena, it’s obvious the reagents must be of a similar quality. In cancer studies especially, it is alterations in protein structure which scientists are looking for. To separate potential oncogenes from normal, non-cancer causing proteins, it’s important that the targets for which antibodies are developed are as near their natural state as possible.