Antibodies

The unfolded protein response (UPR) is a eukaryotic cell mechanism that copes with ER stress and is initiated by three ER-localized sensors: PKR-like ER kinase (PERK), activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), and inositol-requiring enzyme 1 alpha (IRE1 alpha). The UPR-responsive downstream signaling is regulated through the ATF6 and IRE1-XBP1 pathways.

Macrophage mannose receptor 1 (MRC1), also known as CD206, is a Pattern Recognition Receptor (PRR). PRRs are expressed by antigen processing and presentation cells, and are activated upon detection of Pathogen-Associated Molecular Patterns (PAMPs). PAMPs are molecular sequences shared by large groups of pathogens, which are essential for microbial survival and/or pathogenicity and include cell wall components such as glycoproteins.

LOX is a copper-dependent amine oxidase enzyme that executes post-translational oxidative deamination on peptidyl lysine residues in precursors of fibrous collagen and elastin. LOX is secreted into the extracellular environment in an inactive form, where it is processed into an active form. Its activity is crucial for maintaining both the tensile and elastic properties of connective tissue residing within skeletal, pulmonary, and cardiovascular systems.

The nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB) is a ubiquitous transcription factor essential for the activation of immune and inflammatory responses. NFkB activity is inhibited when it is associated with IkB proteins in the cell cytoplasm. IkB proteins are phosphorylated by the IkB kinase complex. The IKK serine protein kinase consists of alpha and beta subunits (IKK alpha and IKK beta). These subunits interact with each other and together, are essential for NFkB activation. IKK alpha is expressed in variety of human tissues.

In the synthesis pathway for the catecholamines - dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine, tyrosine hydroxylase is the rate-limiting enzyme. Through alternative mRNA splicing, a wide molecular diversity of TH isoforms are generated that are tissue-specific and carry varied enzymatic activities, allowing for differential neurotransmitter availability at various synapses.

LAMP2 belongs to the family of membrane glycoproteins who confer selectins with carbohydrate ligands. LAMP2 has been implicated in tumor cell metastasis, as well as overall protection, maintenance, and adhesion of the lysosome. It appears that LAMP2 may protect the lysosomal membrane from autophagy, as well as maintain the required acidic environment necessary for proper function.  LAMP2 is a single-pass type I membrane protein that shuttles between endosomes, lysosomes, and the plasma membrane.

CD45, also known as T200 or the Leukocyte Common Antigen (LCA), is encoded by the Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Receptor type C (PTPRC) gene. The protein is expressed exclusively on cells of the haematopoietic system, and is one of the most abundant leukocyte cell surface glycoproteins (1). Different isoforms of CD45 are found on specific lymphocyte sub-populations, and are generated by alternative splicing. (2). At least four variants of the human protein can be distinguished by electrophoresis, with molecular weights ranging from 180-220kDa (3).

TRPM8 is a transmembrane homo-tetramer ion channel that is activated by cold temperatures, cooling agents, and menthol stimuli. It belongs to a subgroup within the larger family of TRP cation channels (including the TRPV1 capsaicin receptor) that are named after the melastatin protein. These proteins are also known chanzymes due to their C-terminus enzyme domains. TRPM8 contains a voltage sensor as well as a binding domain for channel agonists such as menthol and icilin.

Melanoma is caused by DNA damage to melanin producing cells. Common warning signs of melanoma are changes in color, size, and shape of skin/moles, new growth areas on the skin, and sores that do not heal. Protection from sun exposure and ultraviolet rays as well as regularly examining changes to skin are important for prevention.

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The protein encoded by SNF5 is a component of the chromatin-remodeling protein complex responsible for relieving repressive chromatin structures by allowing the transcriptional machinery to access targets more effectively. SNF5 has been found to be a tumor suppressor, and mutations within it are associated with some malignant tumors. Two transcript variants encoding different isoforms exist. Scurr’s group published interesting findings on effector proteins in senescence in Cell¹.