EliKine™ ELISA kits – the new addition to Abbkine’s scientific research kit family

EliKine™ series of ELISA kits are the latest scientific research products from Abbkine Scientific Co. Ltd. The company recently announced the launch of EliKine™ ELISA kits, designed to enhance scientific research processes. EliKine™ series of ELISA kits exert high sensibility and specificity, with a comprehensive selection of ELISA kits available for the quantification of cytokines, hormones and other proteins, to meet experiment demands. The kits use colorimetric method of detection, suitable for multiple samples types-Plasma, Serum, Cell culture supernatants and other biological fluids.

EliKine sandwich ELISA kits depend on paired capture and biotinylated detection antibodies, which are both specific to the antigen with different epitopes, while competitive ELISA kits employ the competitive inhibition enzyme immunoassay technique with featured and specific detection antibodies. Exclusive EliKine™ streptavidin-HRP conjugate, and HRP substrate with other optimal components make EliKine portfolio be one of the best and most economical choices for ELISA assay researchers. The complete, ready-to-use ELISA Kits reduce assay time and are available in either 1 or 10 pre-coated plate options.

EliKine™ ELISA kits have several features which are unique and distinguish from others. The features of EliKine™ ELISA kits are highlighted below:

• High efficiency, sensibility and specificity


• Optimized proposal for high repeatability, more stable


• 8 test pre-coated package for easy entrance


• Strip microplate format with greater flexibility


• Suitable for multiple types of samples


• Professional technical support and after-sales service

Components of EliKine™ Sandwich ELISA Kits include:

• 96-well strip microplate pre-coated with capture antibody


• Biotinylated detect antibody


• Analyte standard


• EliKine™ streptavidin-HRP conjugate


• Standard diluent


• Assay buffer


• HRP substrate


• Stop solution


• Wash buffer


• Plate cover

Other information about EliKine™ ELISA kits and other research products from Abbkine can be found on www.abbkine.com.

About Abbkine Scientific Co. Ltd

Abbkine Scientific Co. Ltd was founded in 2012 by a team of scientists and marketing experts in the life science field in California, USA. Headquartered in China, Abbkine has effectively combined cutting edge technology from United States with China's manufacturing engineering and cost advantages to provide innovative, high quality assay kits, recombinant proteins, antibodies and other research tools to accelerate life science fundamental research and drug discovery.

EliKine™ Human IL-6 ELISA Kit joins the Abbkine Scientific family

IL-6 gene encodes a cytokine, which functions in inflammation as well as the maturation of B cells. This is in addition to the encoded protein being shown to be an endogenous pyrogen capable of inducing fever in people with autoimmune diseases or infections. The - IL 6 Elisa kit is designed having the researcher or investigator in mind.

With human reactivity and colorimetric method of detection and limit of detection of 2 pg/mL, the kit employs a two-site sandwich ELISA to quantitate IL-6 in samples. The BSF2 Elisa kit as it is also referred to as has a calibration range of 3.125 pg/ml-200 pg/ml.

The IL6 Elisa kit has multiple steps standard sandwich ELISA assay with a working time of 3-5 hours, depending on the experience of the operation person. The sample type includes Cell culture supernatants, other biological fluids, Plasma, Serum.

The features and benefits of the kit include its high sensitivity and excellent specificity for detection of Human IL-6. The kit also has no significant cross-reactivity or interference between Human IL-6 and analogues.

Components of the kits include:

• Human IL-6 microplate


• Human IL-6 standard


• Human IL-6 detect antibody


• EliKine™ Streptavidin-HRP


• Standard diluent


• Assay buffer


• HRP substrate


• Stop solution


• Wash buffer


• Plate covers

Other information about the kit and other research products from Abbkine can be found on the company’s website.

About Abbkine Scientific Co. Ltd

Abbkine Scientific Co. Ltd was founded in 2012. The company set up by a number of scientists and marketing experts in the field of life science in California, USA. The company is headquartered in China and has combined innovative technology from United States with China's manufacturing engineering and cost advantages, providing high quality assay kits, recombinant proteins, antibodies and other research tools to accelerate life science fundamental research and drug discovery.

EliKine™ Human CRP ELISA Kit Review

C-Reactive Protein (CRP), also known as Pentraxin 1, is a secreted pentameric protein that functions as a sensor and activator for the innate immune response. In humans, it is a major acute-phase protein; its circulating concentration is dramatically elevated at the onset of inflammation. In mice, however, serum CRP levels increase only slightly during inflammation, and the analogous acute phase role is filled by Pentraxin 2. CRP binds, opsonizes, and induces the phagocytosis of bacteria and apoptotic cells. It regulates activation of the classical complement pathway by binding several proteins in the complement cascade as well as Fc gamma RI, Fc gamma RIIA, and Fc gamma RIIB on macrophages and dendritic cells. It also promotes dendritic cell maturation and humoral immunity. In cardiovascular disease, CRP binds to oxidized LDL, exacerbates tissue damage in myocardial infarction, and inhibits the repair of injured vascular endothelium.

EliKine™ Human CRP ELISA Kit employs a two-site sandwich ELISA to quantitate CRP in samples. An antibody specific for CRP has been pre-coated onto a microplate. Standards and samples are pipetted into the wells and any CRP present is bound by the immobilized antibody. After removing any unbound substances, a biotin-conjugated antibody specific for CRP is added to the wells. After washing, proprietary EliKine™ Streptavidin-HRP conjugates is added to the wells. Following a wash to remove any unbound streptavidin-enzyme reagent, a substrate solution is added to the wells and color develops in proportion to the amount of CRP bound in the initial step. The color development is stopped and the intensity of the color is measured.

An accidental opportunity, I found Abbkine ELISA Kit. For first time, I just want to try it. I ordered the Human CRP ELISA Kit from Abbkine and want to detect endogenous CCL3 level in human cell culture supernatant. Quite unexpectedly, it brings me a good experience. The delivery time is very short. The experiment went well and I got satisfying results. The kit has high sensitivity and the price is cheaper than other brands. I want to recommend it to my friends.

Review of IDE Monoclonal Antibody

Abbkine Scientific is a renowned research and life science company, offering several research solutions to investigators and researchers across the globe. The brand has grown to become one of the trusted names in the field of life science research, thanks to its innovative research tools and products. The Chinese based scientific research company recently announced the official launch of its new product – the IDE Monoclonal Antibody.

The IDE Monoclonal Antibody also referred to as IDE antibody or Insulin-degrading enzyme antibody follows the trend of premium quality and efficiency the Abbkine brand is known for. The Insulin protease antibody like its counterparts from the scientific research giant is designed to simplify and enhance research processes, consequently helping to achieve more results.

The IDE Monoclonal Antibody has been scrutinized by several people, with scientific researchers and investigators particularly reviewing the product. A more comprehensive review of the newly-launched IDE Monoclonal Antibody is done below.

Background of IDE Monoclonal Antibody

IDE encodes a zinc metallopeptidase, which degrades intracellular insulin, subsequently terminating insulin activity. It also participates in intercellular peptide signaling by degrading diverse peptides like glucagon, amylin, bradykinin, and kallidin. The preferential affinity of insulin degrading enzyme for insulin leads to insulin-mediated inhibition of the degradation of other peptides such as beta-amyloid. However, deficiencies in the function of this protein are associated with Alzheimer's disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, mutations in IDE have not been discovered to be the cause for these diseases. Insulin degrading enzyme localizes primarily to the cytoplasm but in some cell types, localizes to the extracellular space, peroxisome, cell membrane as well as mitochondrion. Alternative splicing will result in multiple transcript variants encoding distinct isoforms. Additional transcript variants have been described however, have not been experimentally verified.

Features of the IDE Monoclonal Antibody

The IDE Monoclonal Antibody has several features. Some of the features it shares with its counterparts, while others are unique to the antibody and distinguish it from others.

The features of IDE Monoclonal Antibody are highlighted below:

• Immunogen - Synthetic Peptide


• Host – Mouse


• Reactivity – Human


• Applications – IF, IHC-p, WB


• Colonality – Monoclonal


• Isotype – Mouse IgG1


• Formulation – liquid solution


• Concentration – 1 mg/ml


• Storage buffer – PBS, pH 7.4, containing 0.02% sodium azide as Preservative and 50% Glycerol

Pros of IDE Monoclonal Antibody

The product has been identified to have several pros, especially when compared with its counterparts from other manufacturers. The durability of the product is one of such pros. This is so as it lasts for as long as one year at -20°C from date of shipment if stored under the right condition.

The product’s availability in a liquid solution with flexible dilutions also helps investigators and researchers alike in terms of flexibility.

The antibody is also reported to be affinity-purified from mouse ascites by affinity-chromatography using specific immunogen.

Cons of IDE Monoclonal Antibody

There is currently no report of negative effects from the use of IDE Monoclonal Antibody. However, it is worth noting that the manufacturers have warned against the use of the product for human or clinical diagnosis, as it is strictly for research purposes only.

Conclusion

The IDE Monoclonal Antibody is another great product from Abbkine Scientific Company Limited. It tends to satisfy the needs of most scientific investigators and researchers.

Structural basis of MsbA-mediated lipopolysaccharide transport

Topics overview: Type II CRISPR–Cas and Cas1–Cas2-mediated spacer, right-handed signalling pathway, how MC1R activity is modulated by ultraviolet irradiation, how ILC2 responses are regulated by other stimuli, MsbA-mediated lipopolysaccharide transport.

1. How type II CRISPR–Cas establish immunity through Cas1–Cas2-mediated spacer integration

CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) and the nearby cas (CRISPR-associated) operon establish an RNA-based adaptive immunity system in prokaryotes. Molecular memory is created when a short foreign DNA-derived prespacer is integrated into the CRISPR array as a new spacer. Whereas the RNA-guided CRISPR interference mechanism varies widely among CRISPR-Cas systems, the spacer integration mechanism is essentially identical. The conserved Cas1 and Cas2 proteins form an integrase complex consisting two distal Cas1 dimers bridged by a Cas2 dimer in the middle. The prespacer is bound by Cas1-Cas2 as a dual forked DNA, and the terminal 3’-OH of each 3’-overhang serves as an attacking nucleophile during integration. Importantly, the prespacer is preferentially integrated into the leader-proximal region of the CRISPR array, guided by the leader sequence and a pair of inverted repeats (IRs) inside the CRISPR repeat. Spacer integration in the most well-studied Escherichia coli Type I-E CRISPR system further relies on the bacterial Integration Host Factor (IHF). In Type II-A CRISPR, however, Cas1-Cas2 alone integrates spacer efficiently in vitro; other Cas proteins (Cas9 and Csn2) play accessory roles in prespacer biogenesis. Focusing on the Enterococcus faecalis Type II-A system, here Yibei Xiao at Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University in New York, USA and his colleagues report four structure snapshots of Cas1-Cas2 during spacer integration. EfaCas1-Cas2 selectively binds to a splayed 30-bp prespacer bearing 4-nt 3’-overhangs. Three molecular events take place upon encountering a target: Cas1-Cas2/prespacer first searches for half-sites stochastically, then preferentially interacts with the leader-side CRISPR repeat and catalyzes a nucleophilic attack that connects one strand of the leader-proximal repeat to the prespacer 3’-overhang. Recognition of the spacer half-site requires DNA bending and leads to full integration. The team derive a mechanistic framework explaining the stepwise spacer integration process and the leader-proximal preference.

Read more, please click http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/vaap/ncurrent/full/nature24020.html

2. A right-handed signalling pathway drives heart looping in vertebrates

Most animals show external bilateral symmetry, which hinders the observation of multiple internal left–right (L/R) asymmetries that are fundamental to organ packaging and function. In vertebrates, left identity is mediated by the left-specific Nodal–Pitx2 axis that is repressed on the right-hand side by the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) inducer Snail1 . Despite some existing evidence, it remains unclear whether an equivalent instructive pathway provides right-hand-specific information to the embryo. Here Oscar H. Ocaña at Instituto de Neurociencias (CSIC-UMH) in Alicante, Spain and his colleagues show that, in zebrafish, BMP mediates the L/R asymmetric activation of another EMT inducer, Prrx1a, in the lateral plate mesoderm with higher levels on the right. Prrx1a drives L/R differential cell movements towards the midline, leading to a leftward displacement of the cardiac posterior pole through an actomyosin-dependent mechanism. Downregulation of Prrx1a prevents heart looping and leads to mesocardia. Two parallel and mutually repressed pathways, respectively driven by Nodal and BMP on the left and right lateral plate mesoderm, converge on the asymmetric activation of the transcription factors Pitx2 and Prrx1, which integrate left and right information to govern heart morphogenesis. This mechanism is conserved in the chicken embryo, and in the mouse SNAIL1 acts in a similar manner to Prrx1a in zebrafish and PRRX1 in the chick. Thus, a differential L/R EMT produces asymmetric cell movements and forces, more prominent from the right, that drive heart laterality in vertebrates, the authors suggest.

Read more, please click http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v549/n7670/full/nature23454.html

3. Palmitoylation-dependent activation of MC1R prevents melanomagenesis

The melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R), a G-protein-coupled receptor, has a crucial role in human and mouse pigmentation. Activation of MC1R in melanocytes by α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH)stimulates cAMP signalling and melanin production and enhances DNA repair after ultraviolet irradiation. Individuals carrying MC1R variants, especially those associated with red hair colour, fair skin and poor tanning ability (denoted as RHC variants), are associated with higher risk of melanoma. However, how MC1R activity is modulated by ultraviolet irradiation, why individuals with red hair are more prone to developing melanoma, and whether the activity of RHC variants might be restored for therapeutic benefit are unknown. Here Shuyang Chen at Boston University School of Medicine in Massachusetts, USA and his colleagues demonstrate a potential MC1R-targeted intervention strategy in mice to rescue loss-of-function MC1R in MC1R RHC variants for therapeutic benefit by activating MC1R protein palmitoylation. MC1R palmitoylation, primarily mediated by the protein-acyl transferase ZDHHC, is essential for activating MC1R signalling, which triggers increased pigmentation, ultraviolet-B-induced G1-like cell cycle arrest and control of senescence and melanomagenesis in vitro and in vivo. Using C57BL/6J-Mc1re/eJ mice, in which endogenous MC1R is prematurely terminated, expressing Mc1r RHC variants, they show that pharmacological activation of palmitoylation rescues the defects of Mc1r RHC variants and prevents melanomagenesis. The results highlight a central role for MC1R palmitoylation in pigmentation and protection against melanoma.

Read more, please click http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nature23887.html

4. The neuropeptide neuromedin U stimulates innate lymphoid cells and type 2 inflammation

The type 2 cytokines interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-9 and IL-13 have important roles in stimulating innate and adaptive immune responses that are required for resistance to helminth infection, promotion of allergic inflammation, metabolic homeostasis and tissue repair. Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) produce type 2 cytokines, and although advances have been made in understanding the cytokine milieu that promotes ILC2 responses, how ILC2 responses are regulated by other stimuli remains poorly understood. Here Christoph S. N. Klose at Cornell University in New York , USA and his colleagues demonstrate that ILC2s in the mouse gastrointestinal tract co-localize with cholinergic neurons that express the neuropeptide neuromedin U (NMU). In contrast to other haematopoietic cells, ILC2s selectively express the NMU receptor 1 (NMUR1). In vitro stimulation of ILC2s with NMU induced rapid cell activation, proliferation, and secretion of the type 2 cytokines IL-5, IL-9 and IL-13 that was dependent on cell-intrinsic expression of NMUR1 and Gαq protein. In vivo administration of NMU triggered potent type 2 cytokine responses characterized by ILC2 activation, proliferation and eosinophil recruitment that was associated with accelerated expulsion of the gastrointestinal nematode Nippostrongylus brasiliensis or induction of lung inflammation. Conversely, worm burden was higher in Nmur1−/− mice than in control mice. Furthermore, use of gene-deficient mice and adoptive cell transfer experiments revealed that ILC2s were necessary and sufficient to mount NMU-elicited type 2 cytokine responses. Together, these data indicate that the NMU–NMUR1 neuronal signalling circuit provides a selective mechanism through which the enteric nervous system and innate immune system integrate to promote rapid type 2 cytokine responses that can induce anti-microbial, inflammatory and tissue-protective type 2 responses at mucosal sites.

Read more, please click http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nature23676.html

5. Structural basis of MsbA-mediated lipopolysaccharide transport

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria is critical for the assembly of their cell envelopes. LPS synthesized in the cytoplasmic leaflet of the inner membrane is flipped to the periplasmic leaflet by MsbA, an ATP-binding cassette transporter. Despite substantial efforts, the structural mechanisms underlying MsbA-driven LPS flipping remain elusive. Here Wei Mi at Harvard Medical School in Massachusetts, USA and his colleagues use single-particle cryo-electron microscopy to elucidate the structures of lipid-nanodisc-embedded MsbA in three functional states. The 4.2 Å-resolution structure of the transmembrane domains of nucleotide-free MsbA reveals that LPS binds deep inside MsbA at the height of the periplasmic leaflet, establishing extensive hydrophilic and hydrophobic interactions with MsbA. Two sub-nanometre-resolution structures of MsbA with ADP-vanadate and ADP reveal an unprecedented closed and an inward-facing conformation, respectively. Their study uncovers the structural basis for LPS recognition, delineates the conformational transitions of MsbA to flip LPS, and paves the way for structural characterization of other lipid flippases.

Read more, please click http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nature23649.html

Abbkine Scientific announces new product launch - IFKine™ Green Donkey Anti-Mouse IgG

The IFKine™ Green Donkey Anti-Mouse IgG is the latest member of the Abbkine family, with the company recently announcing the official launch of the product. The Green dye Donkey Anti-Mouse IgG is one the antibodies from the scientific research giant designed to make researches easier, more effective and result-oriented.

Otherwise known as Dylight 488 Antibody, the product is designed to absorb light maximally at 493 nm and fluoresce with a peak around 518 nm. Like other antibodies from Abbkine, the IFKine™ Green Antibody as it is also known is hosted by an animal and in this case, the donkey.

The antibody is recommended for all immunofluorescence procedures requiring a green-fluorescing dye, with the immunogen being Mouse IgG whole molecule. Available in liquid solution, the product can be applied in FCM, ICC, IF.

The antibody is polyclonal with mouse reactivity and has been affinity purified using solid phase Mouse IgG (H&L) with finally > 95% purity based on SDS-PAGE. One of the major benefits of this series of antibody is that they make sure the best fluorescent performance, with its donkey host and other species of serum/IgG absorbed making IFKine™ secondary antibodies ideal for use in fluorence staining, especially in fluorence multiple labeling.

The antibody reacts with whole molecule mouse IgG and reacts with light chains of all other mouse immunoglobulins.

About Abbkine Scientific Co. Ltd

Abbkine Scientific Co. Ltd headquartered in China. Founded in 2012, the company was set up by a team of scientists and marketing experts in the field of life science. The company has been able to combine cutting edge technology from United States with China's manufacturing engineering and cost advantages, providing innovative, high quality assay kits, recombinant proteins, antibodies to enhance life science.

EliKine™ Human TNF-α ELISA Kit review

TNFa is synthesized as a 26 kDa, type II transmembrane protein that is 233 amino acids in length. It contains a 30 amino acid (aa) cytoplasmic domain, a 26 aa transmembrane segment, and a 177 aa extracellular region. TNFa is assembled intracellularly to form a transmembrane, non-covalently-linked homotrimeric protein. The 157 aa residue soluble form of TNFa (sTNF-αis released from the C-terminus of the transmembrane protein through the activity of TNFa-converting enzyme (TACE), a membrane -bound disintegrin metalloproteinase.

EliKine™ Human TNF-α ELISA Kit employs a two-site sandwich ELISA to quantitate TNF-α in samples. An antibody specific for TNF-α has been pre-coated onto a microplate. Standards and samples are pipetted into the wells and any TNF-α present is bound by the immobilized antibody. After removing any unbound substances, a biotin-conjugated antibody specific for TNF-α is added to the wells. After washing, proprietary EliKine™ Streptavidin-HRP conjugates is added to the wells. Following a wash to remove any unbound streptavidin-enzyme reagent, a substrate solution is added to the wells and color develops in proportion to the amount of TNF-α bound in the initial step. The color development is stopped and the intensity of the color is measured.

EliKine™ Human TNF-α ELISA Kit was purchased to detect TNFA in Human serum. It meets our requirements very well. The detection range of this kit is from 7.8 pg/ml to 500 pg/ml. The minimum detectable dose of Human TNFA is typically less than 4 pg/mL. No significant cross-reactivity or interference was found during the test. The design of 12 strips of 8 wells 96 well polystyrene microplates is very flexible. The unused wells can be stored at 2-8 ˚C for up to one month. Compared to other brand, the price is reasonable.

Minimum information about a single amplified genome (MISAG) and a metagenome-assembled genome (MIMAG) of bacteria and archaea

Topics overview: REAP-seq, miRNA expression and promoters in primary mammalian cells, Control of stereochemistry substantially increases the efficacy of antisense oligonucleotides, atlas of B-cell clonal lineages, MISAG and MIMAG of bacteria and archaea.

1. Multiplexed quantification of proteins and transcripts in single cells

Vanessa M Peterson at Merck & Co., Inc. in Massachusetts, USA and his colleagues present a tool to measure gene and protein expression levels in single cells with DNA-labeled antibodies and droplet microfluidics. Using the RNA expression and protein sequencing assay (REAP-seq), they quantified proteins with 82 barcoded antibodies and >20,000 genes in a single workflow. They used REAP-seq to assess the costimulatory effects of a CD27 agonist on human CD8+ lymphocytes and to identify and characterize an unknown cell type.

Read more, please click http://www.nature.com/nbt/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nbt.3973.html

2. An integrated expression atlas of miRNAs and their promoters in human and mouse

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs with key roles in cellular regulation. As part of the fifth edition of the Functional Annotation of Mammalian Genome (FANTOM5) project, Derek de Rie at RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies in Yokohama, Japan and his colleagues created an integrated expression atlas of miRNAs and their promoters by deep-sequencing 492 short RNA (sRNA) libraries, with matching Cap Analysis Gene Expression (CAGE) data, from 396 human and 47 mouse RNA samples. Promoters were identified for 1,357 human and 804 mouse miRNAs and showed strong sequence conservation between species. They also found that primary and mature miRNA expression levels were correlated, allowing us to use the primary miRNA measurements as a proxy for mature miRNA levels in a total of 1,829 human and 1,029 mouse CAGE libraries. They thus provide a broad atlas of miRNA expression and promoters in primary mammalian cells, establishing a foundation for detailed analysis of miRNA expression patterns and transcriptional control regions.

Read more, please click http://www.nature.com/nbt/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nbt.3947.html

3. Control of phosphorothioate stereochemistry substantially increases the efficacy of antisense oligonucleotides

Whereas stereochemical purity in drugs has become the standard for small molecules, stereoisomeric mixtures containing as many as a half million components persist in antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapeutics because it has been feasible neither to separate the individual stereoisomers, nor to synthesize stereochemically pure ASOs. Here Naoki Iwamoto at Wave Life Sciences in Massachusetts, USA and his colleagues report the development of a scalable synthetic process that yields therapeutic ASOs having high stereochemical and chemical purity. Using this method, they synthesized rationally designed stereopure components of mipomersen, a drug comprising 524,288 stereoisomers. They demonstrate that phosphorothioate (PS) stereochemistry substantially affects the pharmacologic properties of ASOs. They report that Sp-configured PS linkages are stabilized relative to Rp, providing stereochemical protection from pharmacologic inactivation of the drug. Further, they elucidated a triplet stereochemical code in the stereopure ASOs, 3′-SpSpRp, that promotes target RNA cleavage by RNase H1 in vitro and provides a more durable response in mice than stereorandom ASOs.

Read more, please click http://www.nature.com/nbt/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nbt.3948.html

4. An atlas of B-cell clonal distribution in the human body

B-cell responses result in clonal expansion, and can occur in a variety of tissues. To define how B-cell clones are distributed in the body, Wenzhao Meng at Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania in Pennsylvania, USA and his colleagues sequenced 933,427 B-cell clonal lineages and mapped them to eight different anatomic compartments in six human organ donors. They show that large B-cell clones partition into two broad networks—one spans the blood, bone marrow, spleen and lung, while the other is restricted to tissues within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract (jejunum, ileum and colon). Notably, GI tract clones display extensive sharing of sequence variants among different portions of the tract and have higher frequencies of somatic hypermutation, suggesting extensive and serial rounds of clonal expansion and selection. Their findings provide an anatomic atlas of B-cell clonal lineages, their properties and tissue connections. This resource serves as a foundation for studies of tissue-based immunity, including vaccine responses, infections, autoimmunity and cancer.

Read more, please click http://www.nature.com/nbt/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nbt.3942.html

5. Minimum information about a single amplified genome (MISAG) and a metagenome-assembled genome (MIMAG) of bacteria and archaea

Robert M Bowers at Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute in California, USA and his colleagues present two standards developed by the Genomic Standards Consortium (GSC) for reporting bacterial and archaeal genome sequences. Both are extensions of the Minimum Information about Any (x) Sequence (MIxS). The standards are the Minimum Information about a Single Amplified Genome (MISAG) and the Minimum Information about a Metagenome-Assembled Genome (MIMAG), including, but not limited to, assembly quality, and estimates of genome completeness and contamination. These standards can be used in combination with other GSC checklists, including the Minimum Information about a Genome Sequence (MIGS), Minimum Information about a Metagenomic Sequence (MIMS), and Minimum Information about a Marker Gene Sequence (MIMARKS). Community-wide adoption of MISAG and MIMAG will facilitate more robust comparative genomic analyses of bacterial and archaeal diversity.

Read more, please click http://www.nature.com/nbt/journal/v35/n8/full/nbt.3893.html

Peroxiredoxin 1 Monoclonal Antibody – the latest addition to the Abbkine family

Abbkine Scientific Company Limited, a Chinese-based research company has announced the addition of a new member of its antibody family, the Peroxiredoxin 1 Monoclonal Antibody. Also known as the PRDX1 antibody, the Peroxiredoxin-1 antibody is designed to make the process of investigation and research easier for scientists, helping to yield more results.

The antibody is formulated using the PRDX1, a substance that encodes a part of the peroxiredoxin family of antioxidant enzymes that reduce alkyl hydroperoxides and hydrogen peroxide. Peroxiredoxin 1 has also been identified to function as an antioxidant protection in cells, contributing to the antiviral activity of CD8(+) T-cells.

The product is a Proliferation-associated gene protein antibody, helping to fight possible development or progression of cancer. Available in liquid solution, the antibody has human, mouse and rat reactivity, with applications including IF, IHC-p, and WB.

The optimal working dilutions of the monoclonal antibody can be determined experimentally by the research or investigator as the case may be. However, the suggested starting dilutions are WB: 1:1000-3000, IF: 1:100-200.

The antibody was made using state-of-the-art technology as it has been affinity-purified from mouse ascites by affinity-chromatography using specific immunogen.

The product can remain stable for one year if stored under the right condition at -20°C. Abbkine has declared that the product is solely for research purpose and should not be used in human or for diagnostic purposes.

About Abbkine Scientific Co. Ltd

Abbkine Scientific is a scienitific research company originally established in California, USA in 2012 before moving its headquarters to China due to increasing demand for its products from Asia Pacific. The company through the combination of China’s manufacturing engineering and cost advantages and cutting edge technology from United States has been able to provide state-of-the-art scientific research solutions that include high quality assay kits, recombinant proteins, and antibodies.

EliKine™ Human CD54 ELISA Kit review

ICAM-1 (intercellular adhesion molecule-1), also known as CD54, is a transmembrane protein that is upregulated on endothelial and epithelial cells at sites of inflammation. It mediates the vascular adhesion and paracellular migration of leukocytes expressing activated LFA-1 (CD11a/CD18) and Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18). It also binds several non-integrin ligands including CD43/Sialophorin, Fibrinogen, Hyaluronan, rhinoviruses, and Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes. Soluble ICAM-1 promotes angiogenesis and serves an indicator of vascular endothelial cell activation or damage. Elevated levels of soluble ICAM-1 are associated with cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, organ transplant dysfunction, oxidant stress, increased abdominal fat mass, hypertension, liver disease, certain malignancies, and cerebral malaria.

Human CD54 ELISA Kit employs a two-site sandwich ELISA to quantitate CD54 in samples. An antibody specific for CD54 has been pre-coated onto a microplate. Standards and samples are pipetted into the wells and any CD54 present is bound by the immobilized antibody. After removing any unbound substances, a biotin-conjugated antibody specific for CD54 is added to the wells. After washing, proprietary EliKine™ Streptavidin-HRP conjugates is added to the wells. Following a wash to remove any unbound streptavidin-enzyme reagent, a substrate solution is added to the wells and color develops in proportion to the amount of CD54 bound in the initial step. The color development is stopped and the intensity of the color is measured.

We always see many brands who provide Elisa Kits, so it maybe a little difficult to choose an appropriate one. Abbkine maybe a good selection for you. I ever purchased several antibodies form Abbkine, and have to say this is a trustworthy brand. Recently, I ordered a EliKine™ Human CD54 ELISA Kit and want to detect the CD54 in the serum sample. Experiments show that Abbkine ELISA kit has high sensitivity and excellent specificity. No significant cross-reactivity or interference between Human CD54 and analogues was observed. I really appreciate this experience, I will continue to support Abbkine products.

EliKine™ Rat TNF-α ELISA Kit Review

TNFa is synthesized as a 26 kDa, type II transmembrane protein that is 233 amino acids in length. It contains a 30 amino acid (aa) cytoplasmic domain, a 26 aa transmembrane segment, and a 177 aa extracellular region. TNFa is assembled intracellularly to form a transmembrane, non-covalently-linked homotrimeric protein. The 157 aa residue soluble form of TNFa (sTNF-αis released from the C-terminus of the transmembrane protein through the activity of TNFa-converting enzyme (TACE), a membrane -bound disintegrin metalloproteinase. Rat cells known to express TNF-αinclude B cells, colonic columnar epithelial cells, NK and CD3 CD56 hepatic natural T cells, macrophages, monocytes and monocyte-derived dendritic cells, CD4 and CD8 T cells, mast cells, neutrophils, keratinocytes, plasma cells, and adipocytes.

EliKine™ Rat TNF-α ELISA Kit employs a two-site sandwich ELISA to quantitate TNF-α in samples. An antibody specific for TNF-α has been pre-coated onto a microplate. Standards and samples are pipetted into the wells and any TNF-α present is bound by the immobilized antibody. After removing any unbound substances, a biotin-conjugated antibody specific for TNF-α is added to the wells. After washing, proprietary EliKine™ Streptavidin-HRP conjugates is added to the wells. Following a wash to remove any unbound streptavidin-enzyme reagent, a substrate solution is added to the wells and color develops in proportion to the amount of TNF-α bound in the initial step. The color development is stopped and the intensity of the color is measured.

EliKine™ Rat TNF-α ELISA Kit was purchased to detect TNFA in Rat serum. It meets our requirements very well. The detection range of this kit is from 31.25 pg/ml to 2000 pg/ml. The minimum detectable dose of Rat TNFA is typically less than 16 pg/mL. No significant cross-reactivity or interference was found during the test. The design of 12 strips of 8 wells 96 well polystyrene microplates is very flexible. The unused wells can be stored at 2-8 ˚C for up to one month.

NFkB p65 Monoclonal Antibody is the latest antibody from Abbkine Scientific

Leading scientific research company, Abbkine Scientific Co. Ltd has announced the launch of another antibody named NFkB p65 Monoclonal Antibody. The product joins the long list of scientific products manufactured by Abbkine to make scientific research easier and more effective.

Nuclear factor NF-kappa-B p65 subunit antibody is made for the easy detection of endogenous p65 proteins, one feature that has stand it out from the competition.

The company is famous for producing different scientific research solutions and the Nuclear Factor NF Kappa B p65 Subunit antibody otherwise known as relA antibody is not an exception. The antibody comes with different features that have made it endearing to most researchers and investigators.

The p65 NF kappaB antibody has a recombinant protein immunogen, with applications that include IF, IHC-p, IP, WB. Abbkine Scientific has subsequently advised investigators and researchers to determine the optimal working dilutions while suggesting starting dilutions of WB: 1:500-2000, IP:1:200.

The antibody is monoclonal and has been affinity-purified from mouse ascites by affinity-chromatography using specific immunogen. Available in a liquid solution, Nuclear factor NF-kappa-B p65 subunit antibody has a concentration of 1 mg/ml.

If stored at a stable condition of -20°C, the product can remain for up to a year from the date of shipment. The product is exclusively made for research use only and should not be used in human or clinical diagnosis.

About Abbkine Scientific Co. Ltd

Abbkine Scientific is a company founded by a team of scientists and marketing experts. Headquartered in China, the company has been able to provide innovative and effective scientific research products and tools to investigators, helping to accelerate studies in animal and human health.

EliKine™ Human CCL3 ELISA Kit Review

Macrophage Inflammatory Proteins (MIP) belong to the family of chemotactic cytokines known as chemokines. In humans, there are two major forms, MIP-1alpha and MIP-1beta that are now officially named CCL3 and CCL4 respectively. C-C motif chemokine 3 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the CCL3 gene. Macrophage inflammatory protein-1 is a so-called monokine that is involved in the acute inflammatory state in the recruitment and activation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Diseases associated with CCL3 include Hiv-1 and Whiplash. Among its related pathways are PEDF Induced Signaling and LDL Oxidation in Atherogenesis. CCL3 is a cytokine belonging to the CC chemokine family that is involved in the acute inflammatory state in the recruitment and activation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes through binding to the receptors CCR1, CCR4 and CCR5.

Human CCL3 ELISA Kit employs a two-site sandwich ELISA to quantitate CCL3 in samples. An antibody specific for CCL3 has been pre-coated onto a microplate. Standards and samples are pipetted into the wells and any CCL3 present is bound by the immobilized antibody. After removing any unbound substances, a biotin-conjugated antibody specific for CCL3 is added to the wells. After washing, proprietary EliKine™ Streptavidin-HRP conjugates is added to the wells. Following a wash to remove any unbound streptavidin-enzyme reagent, a substrate solution is added to the wells and color develops in proportion to the amount of CCL3 bound in the initial step. The color development is stopped and the intensity of the color is measured.

Several days ago, I ordered the Human CCL3 ELISA Kit from Abbkine and want to detect endogenous CCL3 level in human Plasma sample. This is my first time to use Abbkine Elisa kit, so I just want to try it. Quite unexpectedly, it brings me a good experience. I received the product soon after the order. The experiment went well and I got satisfying results. The kit has high sensitivity and the price is cheaper compared with other brands. I want to recommend it to my friends.

EliKine™ Mouse TGF-β1 ELISA Kit review

TGF-β is capable of producing a variety of effects and virtually all cell types respond to this factor in some way. The inappropriate presence of active TGF-β1 has been implicated in a variety of pathological conditions Because of the necessity for regulating its activity tightly, TGF-β is secreted by cells in the form of an inactive complex. This complex consists of TGF-β1 associated non-covalently with a protein designated the latency associated peptide (LAP). TGF-β1 and LAP represent components of a pro-peptide that is cleaved in a post-golgi compartment prior to secretion. LAP and TGF-β1 each consist of a disulfide-linked homodimer and the association of these two components renders TGF-β1 inactive and inaccessible to anti-TGF-β antibodies.

EliKine™ Mouse TGF-β1 ELISA Kit employs a two-site sandwich ELISA to quantitate TGF-β1 in samples. An antibody specific for TGF-β1 has been pre-coated onto a microplate. Standards and samples are pipetted into the wells and any TGF-β1 present is bound by the immobilized antibody. After removing any unbound substances, a biotin-conjugated antibody specific for TGF-β1 is added to the wells. After washing, proprietary EliKine™ Streptavidin-HRP conjugates is added to the wells. Following a wash to remove any unbound streptavidin-enzyme reagent, a substrate solution is added to the wells and color develops in proportion to the amount of TGF-β1 bound in the initial step. The color development is stopped and the intensity of the color is measured.

EliKine™ Mouse TGF-β1 ELISA Kit was used to detect TGFB1 in mouse serum. It meets our requirements very well. The detection range of this kit is from 5.625 pg/ml to 1000 pg/ml. The minimum detectable dose of Mouse TGFB1 is typically less than 8 pg/mL. No significant cross-reactivity or interference was found during the test. The design of 12 strips of 8 wells 96 well polystyrene microplates is very flexible. The unused wells can be stored at 2-8 ˚C for up to one month.

Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Atrial and Ventricular Cardiomyocytes Develop from Distinct Mesoderm Populations

Topics overview: Functions of Regulatory T cells (Tregs), Why diseases and cancer are inherent parts of the aging process, Host Genetics and Gut Microbiome, Functions of Mesoderm Populations, Glial Contributions to Schizophrenia

1. Metabolic Regulation of Tregs in Cancer: Opportunities for Immunotherapy

The promising outcomes observed in cancer immunotherapy are evidence that the immune system provides a powerful arsenal for the restriction of tumor outgrowth; however, the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) is known to impair antitumor immunity and impede the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies. Regulatory T cells (Tregs), which prevent overt immune responses and autoimmunity, accumulate aberrantly in some types of tumor to suppress antitumor immunity and support the establishment of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Ablation of Tregs has been shown to not only unleash antitumor immunity and interrupt formation of an immunosuppressive TME, but also lead to severe autoimmune disorders. Therefore, it is essential to develop approaches to specifically target intratumoral Tregs. Herein, Haiping Wang at Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne in Vaud, Switzerland and his colleagues summarize the immunomodulatory functions of Tregs in the TME and discuss how metabolic regulation of Tregs can facilitate intratumoral Treg accumulation.

Tregs are a subtype of CD4 T cells important for the prevention of autoimmunity. Their immunosuppressive activity can also promote tumor progression. Targeting Tregs is an attractive approach to unleash host antitumor immunity. Since Tregs are also important in other tissues, specific targeting of intratumoral Tregs is required. Metabolic stress in the TME can prevent the antitumor activity of intratumoral tumor-specific T cells. The competition for nutrients between T cells and cancer cells and production of immunosuppressive metabolites by cancer cells might contribute to declined effector functions of intratumoral tumor-specific T cells.

Read more, please click http://www.cell.com/trends/cancer/abstract/S2405-8033(17)30122-X

2. NAD+ Deficits in Age-Related Diseases and Cancer

The phenomenon of aging has gained widespread attention in recent times. Although significant advances have been made to better understand aging and its related pathologies including cancer, there is not yet a clear mechanism explaining why diseases and cancer are inherent parts of the aging process. Finding a unifying equation that could bridge aging and its related diseases would allow therapeutic development and solve an immense human health problem to live longer and better. In this review, Amanda Garrido at Spanish National Cancer Research Centre in Madrid, Spain and his colleagues discuss NAD+ reduction as the central mechanism that may connect aging to its related pathologies and cancer. NAD+ boosters would ensure and ameliorate health quality during aging.

The increase in life expectancy during the last decades was accompanied by a rise in the incidence of diseases related to aging, including cancer. Diseases and cancer are inherent parts of the aging process and aging can be considered as a disease among other diseases while we age. NAD+ levels are described to decrease during aging, likely through changes in metabolic reactions leading to NAD+ synthesis. Models for age-related diseases and cancer show reductions in NAD+ pools. Boosting NAD+ through precursors such as NAM, NMN or NR may increase longevity and prevent age-related diseases and cancer in animal models. Beneficial effects of dietary restriction on lifespan and cancer may converge to increases in NAD+ levels.

Read more, please click http://www.cell.com/trends/cancer/fulltext/S2405-8033(17)30105-X

3. Host Genetics and Gut Microbiome: Challenges and Perspectives

The mammalian gut is colonized by trillions of microorganisms collectively called the microbiome. It is increasingly clear that this microbiome has a critical role of in many aspects of health including metabolism and immunity. While environmental factors such as diet and medications have been shown to influence the microbiome composition, the role of host genetics has only recently emerged in human studies and animal models. In this review, Alexander Kurilshikov at University of Groningen in Groningen, The Netherlands and his colleagues summarize the current state of microbiome research with an emphasis on the effect of host genetics on the gut microbiome composition. They focus particularly on genetic determinants of the host immune system that help shape the gut microbiome and discuss avenues for future research.

A proportion of gut bacteria are heritable. The impact of host genetics on the gut microbiome in humans is being revealed through genome-wide association studies. The effect size of host genetics on the microbiome appears to be modest. Several associations are found between the microbiome and genes associated with diet, innate immunity, vitamin D receptors, and metabolism. A consistent genetic signal comes from pattern recognition receptor molecules, particularly C-type lectins.

Read more, please click http://www.cell.com/trends/immunology/fulltext/S1471-4906(17)30106-0

4. Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Atrial and Ventricular Cardiomyocytes Develop from Distinct Mesoderm Populations

The ability to direct the differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) to the different cardiomyocyte subtypes is a prerequisite for modeling specific forms of cardiovascular disease in vitro and for developing novel therapies to treat them. Here Jee Hoon Lee at McEwen Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Princess Margaret Cancer Center in Toronto, Canada and his colleagues have investigated the development of the human atrial and ventricular lineages from hPSCs, and they show that retinoic acid signaling at the mesoderm stage of development is required for atrial specification. Analyses of early developmental stages revealed that ventricular and atrial cardiomyocytes derive from different mesoderm populations that can be distinguished based on CD235a and RALDH2 expression, respectively. Molecular and electrophysiological characterization of the derivative cardiomyocytes revealed that optimal specification of ventricular and atrial cells is dependent on induction of the appropriate mesoderm. Together these findings provide new insights into the development of the human atrial and ventricular lineages that enable the generation of highly enriched, functional cardiomyocyte populations for therapeutic applications.

Read more, please click http://www.cell.com/cell-stem-cell/fulltext/S1934-5909(17)30282-5

5. Human iPSC Glial Mouse Chimeras Reveal Glial Contributions to Schizophrenia

In this study, Martha S. Windrem at Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center in New York, USA and her colleagues investigated whether intrinsic glial dysfunction contributes to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia (SCZ). Their approach was to establish humanized glial chimeric mice using glial progenitor cells (GPCs) produced from induced pluripotent stem cells derived from patients with childhood-onset SCZ. After neonatal implantation into myelin-deficient shiverer mice, SCZ GPCs showed premature migration into the cortex, leading to reduced white matter expansion and hypomyelination relative to controls. The SCZ glial chimeras also showed delayed astrocytic differentiation and abnormal astrocytic morphologies. When established in myelin wild-type hosts, SCZ glial mice showed reduced prepulse inhibition and abnormal behavior, including excessive anxiety, antisocial traits, and disturbed sleep. RNA-seq of cultured SCZ human glial progenitor cells (hGPCs) revealed disrupted glial differentiation-associated and synaptic gene expression, indicating that glial pathology was cell autonomous. Their data therefore suggest a causal role for impaired glial maturation in the development of schizophrenia and provide a humanized model for its in vivo assessment.

Read more, please click http://www.cell.com/cell-stem-cell/fulltext/S1934-5909(17)30238-2