Stem cell antibodies are raised against specific stem cell marker proteins, which are used to identify and isolate stem cells in vitro. We at Novus Biologicals have over 6000 products on our antibody database specific to adult and embryonic stem cell research.

Whereas adult stem cells can only differentiate into one cell type, embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have the unique ability to differentiate into a large variety. Stem cells can be genetically manipulated into specific cell lines. A recent development was the creation of ESC-like cell lines from adult stem cells.

Stem cells are found in both healthy and diseased tissue. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are expressed in both solid tumours and leukaemias, and are of particular interest as they are resistant to many therapies, and are thought to drive metastatic spread of cancer cells. Hypoxia is closely linked to CSC research, as disruptions of hypoxic pathways are linked to anti-apoptosis and the development of cancer cells. Stem cells are often found in hypoxic environments in vivo.

This has relevance in the culturing of stem cells for in vitro assays, since low oxygen pressures can affect cultures in a number of ways. This includes decreased spontaneous differentiation rates, and a reduction in the dedifferentiation of tumour cells being generated for cancer cell lines. Hypoxia can also improve the generation rate of pluripotent stem cell generation.

Thus, controlled hypoxia in stem cell culture can be seen as beneficial. However, at present it is difficult to control oxygen levels to precise levels, and therefore hypoxia markers must be utilised.

At Novus Biologicals, we have an extensive antibody catalogue, with many specifically for embryonic stem cell research.

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-1have been recorded. They are responsible for a wide range of ocular disease phenotypes, the most publicised of which is Best vitelliform macular dystrophy.

Recently, antibody research on another Bestrophin protein, Best-2, has suggested mutation may play a therapeutic role. The Best-2 gene encodes an anion channel in the plasma membrane of non-pigmented retinal epithelial cells, thus it plays a similar role to Best-1. Studies showed that disruptions to the Best-2 protein structure caused a reduction in intraocular pressure in mice, due to alterations in aqueous drainage and flow.

In studies conducted by Zhang et al, antibody suppliers provided rabbit polyclonal antibodies targeted to human Best-2 antigen. Human donor eye tissues were used to examine expression of human Best-2. The immunoassay results indicated that human Best-2 was expressed only in the non-pigmented epithelial cells, and may reduce intra-ocular pressure in humans in a similar way to that seen in mice. This suggests it may prove useful in the development of novel glaucoma therapies.

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 unchanged since then, giving them a degree of genetic purity that is on par with a laboratory animal model, and means comparable antibody results can be obtained from a number of individuals.

The University of Maryland has been using Amish volunteers since the 1990s to investigate human clinical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity. A recent study, published in 2008, looked at the effect of increased activity on the FTO ‘fat’ gene. Despite their active lifestyle, Amish people are as obese as other Caucasian Americans.

The products we at Novus Biologicals have on our antibody database are mainly used for human research. The Maryland Amish data forms a unique contribution to this.