Antibody suppliers

Transient receptor potential A1 (TRPA1) is an ion channel found on the plasma membrane of many cell types that functions in diverse sensory processes such as pain and temperature. The TRPA1 ion channel is specifically expressed in nociceptive neurons, as well as neurons who express the related protein TRPV1. In fact, Brierly et al used a TRPA1 antibody to discover that this ion channel is largely present on smaller neurons vs larger ones (1).

DNA methylation plays a critical role the long-term silencing of transcription and is essential for processes such as embryonic development, germline differentiation, and tissue maturation.

Cell death via apoptosis is a basic cellular function occurring through the cell death receptor family and their ligands which signal through downstream adaptor molecules and the caspase protease family. Caspases have a precursor form composed of a prodomain, and large and small catalytic subunit, and are activated through a cleavage adjacent to an aspartate to liberate units and allow formation of an a2b2 tetramer. Caspase 3 is a cytoplasmic caspase with two isoforms (one acts as a dominant negative inhibitor), and is involved in the activation cascade for apoptosis execution.

Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (PECAM1), also known as cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31), is a cell-surface glycoprotein expressed on platelets, monocytes, neutrophils, some types of T-cells and NK (natural killer) cells. It makes up a large portion of the endothelial cell intercellular junctions. CD31/PECAM1 is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily and plays many different roles involving leukocyte migration under most inflammatory conditions, angiogenesis, integrin activation, atherosclerosis and thrombopoiesis.

Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a secretory glycoprotein that is a family member of the TNF receptor (TNFR) superfamily. Osteoprotegerin protects bone by blocking osteoclastogenesis and increasing bone density. Unlike other TNFRs, osteoprotegerin lacks a transmembrane domain as well as any apparent cell-associated signals. High levels of osteoprotegerin mRNA are found in specialized tissues such as lung, heart, kidney, and placenta. There is evidence that osteoprotegerin plays a role in degenerative arterial disease.

KLF4 (Kruppel-like factor 4, Epithelial zinc finger protein EZF) is a zinc finger transcription factor thought to be involved in developmental differentiation and proliferation. It is considered a pluripotency reprogramming factor (PRF) due to its ability to change cell fate via gene expression conversion. Other PRFs including Sox2, Oct4 and KLF4, as well as a discussion about their capabilities, are reviewed by Jauch et al in hopes of enabling the engineering and optimization of PRFs¹.

Prostate cancer is caused by malignant cells developing in prostate tissue. Common warning signs of prostate cancer include problems with urination (sudden urges, pain, blood in urine, difficulty urinating), experiencing pain in the back and pelvis, and feeling tired/dizzy. There are different tests utilized to diagnose prostate cancer including PSA screening, TRUS, DRE, and biopsy.

Breast cancer is caused by malignant cells developing in breast tissue. It is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, but advancements in treatment options have seen the death rate decline since the 1990s. Common warning signs of breast cancer include lumps, changes in breast size or shape, discoloration, dimpling of the skin, new concentrated pain in the breast, and rash on the nipple.  Yearly mammograms and self-exams are an important part of early detection of breast cancer.

The CXCR7 (C-X-C chemokine receptor type 7) proinflammatory protein is a member of the G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) family. It is a transmembrane protein first identified as the EBV-induced gene-1, and while it was originally classified as an orphan receptor, it is now known to be a novel and alternate receptor for the chemokines CXCL11 and CXCL12.

After working on several thousand experiments to test products, rigorously quality testing data, and validating products in the lab at Novus Biologicals, we have developed a list of things that only scientists will understand from spending time in a lab. Happy April Fools' Day and enjoy our top 10 list!

By: Amelia Zommer, Sam Garcia, Andrew Cosgrove and Lisa Ikariyama