Antibody News

Novus Biologicals recently added a new  PMP22 antibody, conjugated to Biotin, to our antibody database. PMP22 (Peripheral Myelin Protein 22) is important to the structure of the myelin sheath in peripheral nerves, and is encoded by the PMP22 gene.

The PMP22 gene is co-expressed with MBP (myelin basic protein) genes during regeneration and development of peripheral nerves. PMP22 is expressed throughout the compact myelin component of the peripheral nervous system, being produced by Schwann cells (which also produce the closely studied Po glycoprotein). Mutations and modifications to gene levels cause various hereditary demyelinating conditions, including Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, Dejerine-Sottas syndrome and HNPP (Hereditary Neuropathy with liability to Pressure Palsies). A duplicate PMP22 gene will cause CMT disease, while a deleted copy causes HNPP.

What Are Rabbit Monoclonal Antibodies?

Although monoclonal antibodies are still conventionally raised against mice, using rabbits as hosts for raising monoclonal antibodies is becoming increasingly popular. We at Novus Biologicals have numerous rabbit monoclonal antibodies in our antibody catalog. The principle for making rabbit monoclonals is similar to the way mice monoclonals are produced. Hybridoma cells are created by the fusion of rabbit B-cells and fusion partner cells, a procedure similar to that of mice hosts. However, creating a transgene plasmacytoma cell line proves to be a necessary but difficult procedure to produce functional fusion partner cells. The hybridoma cells are then screened to select clones with the greatest affinity to the antigen being studied, before being purified and individualized (e.g. by...

At Novus Biologicals, we recently added a new RNA Polymerase II antibody (clone 4H8) to our antibody catalog. RNAPII is an essential transcription enzyme, catalyzing the transcription of DNA during the elongation stage of mRNA synthesis (known as the RNA polymerase II elongation complex.) RNAPII transcription is commonly recognized as the primary site of gene expression in eukaryotes, and is the most studied of the RNA polymerase enzymes.

Western Blot: RNA polymerase II

The initiation phase of RNAP II requires numerous...

We at Novus Biologicals are constantly updating our antibody catalog in order to provide as comprehensive a database as possible for molecular biology researchers. Not all our antibodies are derived from proteins found in mammalian or human tissue. Some are derived from single-celled or non-eucaryotic organisms which produce harmful effects when introduced to humans or animals.

This is the case with aflatoxin antibodies. Aflatoxin is a naturally occurring fungal toxin produced by the Aspergillus moulds A. flavus and A. parasiticus. At least 13 aflatoxins are known to exist in nature, with aflatoxin B1 being the most toxic to humans. Unfortunately, the A. flavus spores which produce the toxin are widely found in human habitats, commonly where grain is grown under poor conditions such as drought.

We at Novus Biologicals are one of the leading antibody suppliers for products targeted to apoptosis. These products are regularly used by cancer research groups - apoptosis is fundamental to developing therapies that will kill tumor cells. Caspase proteins, which play a key role in apoptosis, are therefore regularly featured in our antibody catalog.

The caspases collectively belong to the cysteine protease enzyme family, and exist normally in an inactive state, until activated. They can be divided into three groups: initiator caspases, effector caspases and cytokine processors. Initiators are the first to be activated. They then cleave the effectors, which in turn cleave and activate apoptosis-promoting proteins. The cytokine processors (CPs) are a specialized group which play a role in the inflammatory response by activating pro-inflammatory cytokine...

We at Novus Biologicals recently created excitement when we added TMEM97 antibody to our database. We are the first antibody suppliers to offer a product targeted to TMEM97.

TMEM97 (transmembrane protein 97, also known as MAC30) is a multi-cross transmembrane protein that is widely distributed in normal tissues. It is of particular interest in cancer research, as it has been seen to be expressed in several cancers including ovarian, breast, pancreatic, renal and colonic cancers.

However, TMEM97 antibodies may also have a role to play in the study of heart disease, as TMEM97 was recently identified as one of 20 proteins that functionally regulate intracellular cholesterol levels (1). Plasma cholesterol levels, which are known to play a role in heart disease when elevated, are tightly linked to cellular levels. Researchers therefore set out to identify candidate...

Novus Biologicals is excited to announce the release of a new line of Antibody Purification Kits, for use with our popular Lightning Link Antibody Labeling Kits. These new kits allow researchers to label any antibody, regardless of the buffer or concentration, using the quick and easy Lightning Link method. Antibodies are sometimes only available at low concentrations and often contain low molecular weight substances that interfere in labeling reactions with enzymes, biotin, streptavidin and fluorophores. The Antibody Concentration and Clean Up Kits allow for quick and easy concentration of antibodies or proteins. The Kit can also be used to reduce the concentration of many unwanted additives often...

Enzyme antibodies are widely used in both apoptosis and cancer studies, as disruption of the proteins regulating apoptosis is known to lead to formation of tumor cells in certain cancers. We at Novus Biologicals are continually growing our enzyme antibody database offerings.

Recently, a seemingly basic antibody study into the mechanism of action of WT1 (the Wilms tumour oncogene) revealed that the protease HtrA2 may have a hitherto unknown role as a 'cell cleaning' enzyme, able to eradicate WT1, thus preventing development of cancer. The Wilms tumor is an embryonic cancer identified by mutation of WT1, a transcription protein that normally acts as a tumor suppressor during kidney development. WT1 has...

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

The recently discovered FTO (Fat mass and obesity orientated) gene is of great interest to antibody research groups, throwing clearer insight into the reasons why some people have difficulty losing weight, even when following a healthy lifestyle.

Studies into serotonin (5-HT) are equally important, and its importance has been realised in a number of antibody studies into causes of weight gain. 5-HT receptors are located in the hypothalamus, which is a primary expression site for FTO. A number of research groups are currently looking at the way these two proteins may interact.

Recently, more than 70 obese volunteers signed up to a Sheffield sports centre to take part in a genetic study being conducted by the city's Hallam University. The research, which started early in 2009 and is ongoing, looks at changes in participants' motivation, compared to the levels of serotonin that is naturally...

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...

At Novus Biologicals, we have over 9,000 products on our transduction antibody database. Signal transducers are proteins that facilitate movement of signals, i.e. molecules that cause a reaction, from outside to inside the cell, where they cause changes to cellular function and activity in either the cytoplasm or the nucleus. Transduction pathways are usually activated by complex enzyme cascades, and new proteins are constantly being developed. Thus, our antibody catalogue is constantly being updated.

There are three classes of cell signalling proteins, differentiated according to the methods of transduction. The first group, steroid hormone transducers, diffuse across the cell membrane, binding to receptors within the cellular matrix. Upon binding to their ligands, these receptors are released from binding proteins, such as HSP90, via a conformational shift. A nuclear localisation sequence is...