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Bio-Rad’s MicroRotorfor cell instrument enables scientists to enrich low abundance proteins for biomarker discovery

Bio-Rad
27 Jul 2006
Kerry Parker
CEO

Product news

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (AMEX: BIO and BIOb), a multinational manufacturer and distributor of life science research products and clinical diagnostics, today announced the capability of its MicroRotofor™ cell instrument to enrich low-abundance proteins for biomarker discovery.

Biomarker discovery requires the ability to dig deeper into the proteome to find proteins that are of relatively low-abundance. The effective study of low-abundance proteins often requires a fractionation step to reduce sample complexity and improve the concentration of low-abundance proteins.

With the MicroRotofor cell, formerly undetectable proteins can be enriched to levels that allow analysis by 2-D gel electrophoresis/mass spectrometry (2-D/MS) and liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), methods that are commonly used in proteomics for the separation and identification of proteins. The MicroRotofor cell is applied upstream of both 2-D/MS and LC-MS/MS workflows.

About the MicroRotofor Cell Instrument

The MicroRotofor cell is a preparative isoelectric focusing device that fractionates complex protein samples in free solution. Whether used alone or as a part of a broader separation or purification scheme, the MicroRotofor cell offers rapid, simple, and effective fractionation and the enrichment of proteins from complex protein mixtures.

The majority of proteomics research, whether gel-based or another approach is used, requires fractionation to increase protein resolution for downstream experimentation. The MicroRotofor cell fractionates by liquid-phase IEF, which is particularly beneficial for proteins that are insoluble or otherwise do not separate well in other, gel-based IEF media.

Key benefits of fractionation:

  • Allows researchers to enrich low-abundance proteins
  • Reduces sample complexity
  • Increases the effective protein sample load
  • Increases sample resolution and dynamic range of detection

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ElectrophoresisElectrophoresis equipment is used to separate mixtures of protein, DNA or RNA, based on their electric charge, size and other physical characteristics, by passing them through a medium such as a polyacrylamide gel, an agarose gel or a capillary tube. Electrophoresis equipment includes horizontal and vertical gel electrophoresis chambers, isoelectric focusing systems, 2D electrophoresis and capillary electrophoresis instruments. Precast gels with a gradient can be used or gels can be hand cast. Samples are run alongside ladders or markers to identify the approximate size of a molecule. Separated proteins and nucleic acids in the gel can be stained or probed with fluorescent markers and then imaged and detected using gel documentation instruments, transilluminators, densitometers and scanners. Find the best electrophoresis equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.LC-MSLC-MS (liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry) systems and equipment are used for separation and quantitative analysis of complex mixtures, combining liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Quantify proteins, contaminants, pesticides or screen for drug metabolites with a high level of sensitivity. LC-MS systems and equipment include reverse phase, normal phase and specialized columns integrated with various MS detectors such as time-of-flight (TOF), quadrupole, orbitrap or ion trap mass analyzers. LC-MS/MS instruments equipped with a qTOF or triple quadrupole analyzer give greater sensitivity and resolving power to your analysis. Find the best LC-MS equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.ProteomicsProteomics is the systemic bioinformatics study of proteins and amino acids, including their structure, size, function and identification. Tools used in proteomics include chromatography, blotting and gels, protein arrays, mass spectrometry and ELISA and associated analysis software. Analyzers and proteomic systems should be sensitive, high resolution, fast and may be automated for high-throughput.BiomarkersBiomarkers are biological markers which can be measured and evaluated to indicate a biological state. The use of biomarkers in research and diagnosis can indicate a normal or disease state or drug response of cells / tissues. Biomarkers include genetic markers, cell surface markers such as antigens, antibodies or receptors and secreted molecules such as cytokines. An assay system is required for identification of biomarkers. :

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