Antibodies

Integrins are a group of trans-membrane receptors which encompass alpha and beta subunits acting as adhesion particles in addition to various other important cellular functions. Integrins are recognized to enable cell-cell, cell-ECM, cell-pathogen interface along with signaling through the plasma membrane comprising of critical cellular functions such as differentiation, migration in addition to survival. Several investigators have documented variations in integrin expression and function in several cancers.

Florescence activated cell sorting or Flow cytometry is responsible for many of the current innovations made against HIV. Newer-generation FACS machines, proficient of using multi-color panels, are allowing researchers to measure lymphocyte subsets more precisely and cost-effectively. In the case of HIV, flow cytometry can identify which cell subsets are affected by the infection among individual patients.

The extracellular matrix ECM) is the material found in the extracellular environment of all tissues and organs. The composition of the extracellular framework of all vertebrates is dominated by a class of molecules known as collagens, each with unique features suited for a particular function and location.

PINK1 (PTEN-induced putative kinase 1) is a mitochondrial directed serine-threonine kinase, that regulates normal mitochondrial function and transport vital to normal performance of neurons and neuronal survival. PINK1 has been shown to be localized to the cytosol, endoplasmic reticulum and the mitochondria. Some investigators have associated PINK1 localization to the intermembrane space, outer membrane insertion with a kinase domain facing towards the cytosol.

GFP (green florescent protein), originally discovered in the jellyfish Aequorea victoria, (1) is one of the most extensively investigated and exploited proteins in the area of life sciences. GFP is well known for its proficiency emit fluorescence and has proven itself as an indicating marker of gene expression and protein target in intact cells and organisms.

LC3B, also known as microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta (MAP1LC3B), is an autophagy gene that contributes appreciably to protein degradation. Autophagy is a highly synchronized and dynamic catabolic degradation activity that plays an essential role in cellular maintenance, development, antigen presentation and cell death.

Florescence activated cell sorting or Flow cytometry permits concurrent measurements of numerous florescence and light scattered events by illuming single cells or molecules in suspension as they flow through a sensing area. Distinct cells or particles could be tangibly separated corresponding to their biochemical properties and biological parameters, while the light is scattered on the molecules either in the form of forward or side scatter.

Think B lymphocytes just produce antibodies? Think again! Although, of course, B cells are vital for the humoral immune response, many studies in recent years have begun to uncover antibody-independent actions of B cells: regulating T cells and thus also playing a part in cellular immunity. For example, B cell depletion therapy, a new treatment for autoimmune disorders, has been found to influence T cells in addition to antibody titers.

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptors 1 and 2 (VEGFR1 and VEGFR2) are related family members of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family of membrane receptor tyrosine kinases. They are key regulators of physiological angiogenesis during fundamental developmental processes such as embryogenesis, skeletal growth, and reproductive functions.

Studies on leukemias and other blood related malignancies is one of the most relevant investigational and medicinal applications of flow cytometry. In the bone marrow, normal blood cells undergo a progressive series of differentiation and branch off as myeloid, B and T cells. Hematological disorders can arise at any stage of the cell, while the differentiating cell will express a distinctive marker depending on the stage of differentiation.