Abstract:
The present invention relates to methods for detecting the activity of an ion channel in a cell. The methods comprise providing a loading buffer solution to a cell that has an ion channel. The loading buffer comprises at least one thallium indicator (e.g., an environmentally sensitive, luminescent dye) and a physiological concentration of chloride ions. The methods further comprise providing a stimulus buffer to the cell, wherein the stimulus buffer comprises thallium (e.g., thallium ions). Providing the stimulus buffer causes thallium influx into the cell through the ion channel. After providing the stimulus buffer, the luminescence (e.g., fluorescence) of the dye in the cell is detected. The luminescence of the dye can change in the presence or absence of thallium. The methods may be used to measure influx or efflux of thallium through an ion channel.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to compounds that are substrates for an enzyme, and upon reaction with the enzyme provide a detectable response, such as an optically detectable response. In particular, the compounds have utility in detecting the presence of a β-lactamase in a sample. In addition to the compounds, methods are disclosed for analyzing a sample for the presence of a β-lactmase, for example, as an indicator of expression of a nucleic acid sequence including a sequence coding for a β-lactmase. Kits are disclosed that include the disclosed compounds and additional components, for example, cells, antibodies, a β-lactmase or instructions for using the components in an assay.
Abstract:
The present invention provides methods and fluorescent compounds that facilitate detecting and labeling of a fusion protein by being capable of selectively binding to an affinity tag. The fluorescent compounds have the general formula A(B)n, wherein A is a fluorophore, B is a binding domain that is a charged chemical moiety, a protein or fragment thereof and n is an integer from 1-6 with the proviso that the protein or fragment thereof not be an antibody or generated from an antibody. The present invention provides specific fluorescent compounds and methods used to detect and label fusion proteins that contain a poly-histidine affinity tag. These compounds have the general formula A(L)m(B)n wherein A is a fluorophore, L is a linker, B is an acetic acid binding domain, m is an integer from 1 to 4 and n is an integer from 1 to 6. The acetic acid groups interact directly with the positively charged histidine residues of the affinity tag to effectively label and detect a fusion protein containing such an affinity tag when present in an acidic or neutral environment.
Abstract:
Provided herein are methods, compositions and kits for use in the site-specific labeling of glycoproteins comprising a combination of enzyme-mediated incorporation of modified sugars comprising a chemical handle and cycloaddition chemistry with a labeling molecule comprising a reactive group, a metal ion chelator, and/or a fluorophore.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein are compounds, compositions, methods, and kits for detecting reactive oxygen species (ROS) by conventional fluorescence microscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, flow cytometry, and/or high content imaging. The compounds disclosed herein are novel reduced nucleic acid binding cyanine dyes, which dyes are probes for detecting ROS and measuring oxidative stress in cells either in vitro and/or in vivo. Also described herein are processes for preparing novel reduced dyes, i.e., ROS probes, for use in the disclosed compositions, methods and kits.
Abstract:
Alkynyl-derivatized cap analogs, alkynyl-modified capped RNA, 1,4-disubstituted triazole-derivatized capped RNA, methods of preparation, methods of isolation, and uses thereof are provided. The “click” modification facilitates detection and isolation of capped RNAs and the 1,4-disubstituted triazole derivatives formed by the “click” reaction are useful for producing RNA transcripts and encoded protein.
Abstract:
Disclosed are benzoxazole-based compounds, kits, and methods of producing and using the described compounds in fluorescence-based detection of analytes (e.g., metal ions). Also disclosed are uses of benzoxazole-based compounds as ratiometric metal ion indicators.
Abstract:
Provided in certain embodiments are new methods for forming azido modified nucleic acid conjugates of reporter molecules, carrier molecules or solid support. In other embodiments are provided methods for enzymatically labeling nucleic acids with an azide group.
Abstract:
The present invention generally relates to methods of functionalizing proteins, particularly antibodies, at oligosaccharide linkages, methods of humanizing antibodies by modifying glycosylation, as well as to novel antibodies linked to modified oligosaccharides. The invention further relates to kits that may be used to produce the antibodies of the invention.
Abstract:
According to the present teachings, systems and methods for protein melt analysis are provided that utilizing a dye. In some embodiments, a method comprises preparing a sample by mixing at least one protein with a dye, and applying a controlled heating, while recording the fluorescence emission of the sample.