Eagle Biosciences Blog | EagleBio

New Product Series

Product Category Spotlight: easYmers

Through our collaboration with ImmunAware, we are excited to offer a new range of products: easYmer MHC Tetramers. This product allows laboratories to easily generate monomers using their choice of peptide. The resulting monomers can also be easily tetramerized using fluorophore conjugated streptavidin. These tetramers can then be used to stain cognate T cells for flow cytometry. easYmers allow end users to rapidly produce large quantities of pMHC monomers with a single epitope, to produce and screen pMHC monomers with many different peptide epitope candiates in parallel, and to validate peptide HLA bonding.

Click here to view our available easYmer MHC tetramer kits.

If you have questions about easYmers or if you’re looking for a specific kit, contact us and we’ll be happy to assist.

Supplier Agreement Announcements

Eagle Welcomes ImmunAware!

by Eagle Biosciences

Eagle Biosciences, Inc. is excited to announce that we have partnered with ImmunAware, based in Denmark, to offer their line of easYmer MHC tetramer products in the U.S. and Canada.

About ImmunAware

ImmunAware originated from the Experimental Immunology lab at the University of Copenhagen. They specialize in major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. They offer a broad range of peptide-MHC class I and II complexes as either biotinylated monomers, or as tetramers. Their easYmer product line allows laboratories to generate their own peptide-MHC monomers and tetramers.

About easYmers

easYmers contain an active formulation of peptide receptive HLA-I molecules that facilitates monomer generation. The resulting monomers are easily tetramerized with fluorophore conjugated streptavidin for use in flow cytometry for T-cell analysis. easYmer reagents can also be used to evaluate specific peptide-HLA I binding.

Technical Spotlight

Technical Spotlight: Metal Enhanced Fluorescence Assays

by Eagle Biosciences

What is Metal Enhanced Fluorescence?

Metal Enhanced Fluorescence (MEF) is based on the reaction of excitation light with electrons of metal nano-structures to generate strong electromagnetic fields, also known as LSPs (localized surfaced plasmons). When LSPs are bound to the surface of the metal nano-structure, it creates a plasmonic structure, which can enhance the signal of the phosphores more than 100 times.

About our FluoBolt™ MEF Assays

Eagle Biosciences proudly offers a line of Metal Enhanced Fluorescence Immunoassays from our partner, Fianostics. These products from the FluoBolt™ line are highly sensitive, single-step assays that require no enzyme substrates. FluoBolt™ MEFs are completely compatible with the 96-well ELISA format and provide a stable signal over time.

We currently offer the following FluoBolt™ MEF Immunoassays:

With many more to come!

Publication Spotlight

Norepinephrine ELISA Used in Recent Study

by Eagle Biosciences

The Eagle Biosciences Noradrenaline (Norepinephrine) Sensitive ELISA was used in a recent study. This highly sensitive assay kit is part of our veterinary and neurobiology product lines. It is intended for the detection of noradrenaline (norepinephrine) in biological samples including serum, plasma, tissue, and cell culture samples of mice and rats.

Renal Denervation and CD161a Immune Ablation Prevent Cholinergic Hypertension and Renal Sodium Retention

Abstract

Cholinergic receptor activation leads to premature development of hypertension and infiltration of pro-inflammatory CD161a+/CD68+ M1 macrophages into the renal medulla. Renal inflammation is implicated in renal sodium retention and the development of hypertension. Renal denervation is known to decrease renal inflammation. To determine the role of CD161a+/CD68+ macrophages and renal sympathetic nerves in cholinergic-hypertension & renal sodium retention. Bilateral renal denervation (RND) and immune ablation of CD161a+ immune cells was performed in young prehypertensive SHR followed by infusion of either saline or nicotine (15mg/kg/day) for two weeks. Immune ablation was conducted by injection of unconjugated azide-free antibody targeting rat CD161a. Blood pressure was monitored by tail cuff plethysmography. Tissues were harvested at the end of infusion. Nicotine induced premature hypertension, renal expression of the sodium-potassium-chloride co-transporter (NKCC2), increases in renal sodium retention, and infiltration of CD161a+/CD68+ macrophages into the renal medulla of animals. All of these effects were abrogated or prevented by RND and ablation of CD161a+ immune cells. Cholinergic activation of CD161a+ positive immune cells leads to the premature development of hypertension in SHR, at least partly, through increased renal expression of NKCC2 and renal sodium retention. Effects on chemotaxis of CD161a+ macrophages to the renal medulla, decreased renal expression of NKCC2, and renal sodium retention appear to play a part in the prevention of cholinergic hypertension as a result of RND. The CD161a+ immune cells are necessary and essential for this pro-hypertensive nicotine-mediated inflammatory response. Cholinergic receptor activation leads to premature development of hypertension and infiltration of pro-inflammatory CD161a+/CD68+ M1 macrophages into the renal medulla. Renal inflammation is implicated in renal sodium retention and the development of hypertension. Renal denervation is known to decrease renal inflammation. To determine the role of CD161a+/CD68+ macrophages and renal sympathetic nerves in cholinergic-hypertension and renal sodium retention. Bilateral renal denervation (RND) and immune ablation of CD161a+ immune cells was performed in young prehypertensive SHR followed by infusion of either saline or nicotine (15mg/kg/day) for two weeks. Immune ablation was conducted by injection of unconjugated azide-free antibody targeting rat CD161a. Blood pressure was monitored by tail cuff plethysmography. Tissues were harvested at the end of infusion. Nicotine induced premature hypertension, renal expression of the sodium-potassium-chloride co-transporter (NKCC2), increases in renal sodium retention, and infiltration of CD161a+/CD68+ macrophages into the renal medulla of animals. All of these effects were abrogated or prevented by RND and ablation of CD161a+ immune cells. Cholinergic activation of CD161a+ positive immune cells leads to the premature development of hypertension in SHR, at least partly, through increased renal expression of NKCC2 and renal sodium retention. Effects on chemotaxis of CD161a+ macrophages to the renal medulla, decreased renal expression of NKCC2, and renal sodium retention appear to play a part in the prevention of cholinergic hypertension as a result of RND. The CD161a+ immune cells are necessary and essential for this pro-hypertensive nicotine-mediated inflammatory response.

Raikwar, NS;Braverman, C;Snyder, PM;Fenton, RA;Meyerholz, DK;Abboud, FM;Harwani, SC; (2019). Renal Denervation and CD161a Immune Ablation Prevent Cholinergic Hypertension and Renal Sodium Retention. Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.. doi:10.1152/ajpheart.00234.2019.

Biomarker Spotlight

Biomarker Spotlight: Noggin

by Eagle Biosciences

Noggin is a secreted homodimeric glycoprotein that is involved in the development of many body tissues, including nerve tissue, muscles, and bones. Noggin is crucial during embryogenesis and is involved in the regulation of several developmental processes, including neural tube formation, cardiomycyte growth, skeletal development, and joint formation. Noggin is highly conserved in vertebrates, and is found in certain areas of the central nervous system, lungs, skeletal muscles, and skin of adults.

Why is it important?

Research has shown that noggin plays a role in learning, cognition, bone development, and neural tube function, as well as nervous system, somite and skeletal development. A lack of noggin during embryo development can lead to stunted bone growth, missing skeletal elements, or failure to develop articulating joints. Mutations of the noggin gene can cause joint fusions, multiple synostosis, proximal symphalangism and other deformities or syndromes.

In adult patients, increased levels of noggin in plasma have been linked to obesity.

NOGGIN has also been linked to:
Bone Tumors
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)

Eagle Biosciences offers a highly sensitive Metal Enhanced Direct Sandwich Fluorescence Immunoassay to test for Noggin.
FluoBolt-Noggin Fluorescence Immunoassay

Uncategorized

GFAP: Novel Test for a Newly Identified Meningoencephalomyelitis

by Eagle Biosciences

GFAP: Novel Test for a Newly Identified Meningoencephalomyelitis

Mayo Clinic

Meningoencephalomyelitis is swelling of the brain or spinal cord caused by an autoimmune reaction. Symptoms include headaches, progressive weakness, confusion and blurred vision. This condition can be treated with steroid therapy, but it is often misdiagnosed as meningitis, encephalitis, myelitis, or a variety of other conditions.

Researchers have developed a unique test to detect a novel form of the disease known as autoimmune glilial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) astrocytopathy. This test would be part of encephalitis and myelopathy evaluations. The recommended test involves a test of the patient’s spinal fluid, as well as a serum test.

Toman, Barbara J. “GFAP: Novel Test for a Newly Identified Meningoencephalomyelitis.” Mayo Clinic Laboratories, https://news.mayocliniclabs.com/2019/06/28/gfap/.

Eagle Biosciences offers the most sensitive assays available worldwide in simple-to-use ELISA and Chemiluminescence formats for detecting GFAP:

Biomarker Spotlight

Biomarker Spotlight: GFAP

by Eagle Biosciences

Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) is a monomeric intermediate protein found in the astroglial cells of the Central Nervous System. Astroglial cells are found in the white and gray matter of the brain. GFAP and other intermediate filaments provide support and nourishment for cells in the brain and spinal cord.

Why is GFAP Important?

Astroglial cells produce GFAP when an injury or trauma damages the cells of the central nervous system. Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) is a promising research brain-specific glial-derived biomarker for TBI (traumatic brain injury) in adults and children. Studies have demonstrated that GFAP is released into serum following a TBI within an hour of injury and remains elevated for several days after injury. All indications are the GFAP is an interesting biomarker for indication of a TBI and retinal stress.

Eagle Biosciences offers the most sensitive assays available worldwide in simple-to-use ELISA and Chemiluminescence formats for detecting GFAP:

Supplier Agreement Announcements

Eagle Welcomes StressMarq!

by Eagle Biosciences

Eagle Biosciences, Inc is excited to collaborate with Canadian biotech StressMarq as their U.S. distributor. With access to their extensive portfolio of over 7,000 items, this partnership enables us to offer a wide variety of cutting-edge products.

Their product catalog includes:
• Antibodies
• Antibody Conjugates
• Assay Kits
• Proteins
• Small Molecules
• And much more

About StressMarq

Stressmarq Biosciences Inc. is headquartered in Victoria, BC, Canada. They continually produce cutting edge research products that undergo rigorous quality controls to ensure their products meet the highest standards. Their mission statement is to provide “Discovery through partnership, and Excellence through quality.”

Eagle Biosciences has access to all of Stressmarqs’ products. Don’t see what you need online? Contact us for more information and we can get it for you!

Uncategorized

Functional Leptin ELISA Utilized in a Clinical Study

by Eagle Biosciences

Eagle Biosciences Functional Leptin ELISA Assay Kit was utilized in a clinical study to monitor those with functional leptin deficiency. Circulating leptin levels in the body are crucial for maintaining body weight. This clinical study was developed to test for a valid diagnostic tool to detect functionally leptin in those who have defective leptin receptor binding. To view more information about our Leptin ELISA Assay Kit click here.

Abstract:

Context and aims: Functional leptin deficiency is characterized by high levels of circulating immunoreactive leptin (irLep), but a reduced bioactivity of the hormone due to defective receptor binding. As a result of the fact that affected patients can be successfully treated with metreleptin, it was aimed to develop and validate a diagnostic tool to detect functional leptin deficiency.

Methods: An immunoassay capable of recognizing the functionally relevant receptor-binding complex with leptin was developed (bioLep). The analytical quality of bioLep was validated and compared to a conventional assay for immune-reactive leptin (irLep). Its clinical relevance was evaluated in a cohort of lean and obese children and adults as well as in children diagnosed with functional leptin deficiency and their parents.

Results: In the clinical cohort, a bioLep/irLep ratio of 1.07 (range: 0.80–1.41) was observed. Serum of patients with non-functional leptin due to homozygous amino acid exchanges (D100Y or N103K) revealed high irLep but non-detectable bioLep levels. Upon treatment of these patients with metreleptin, irLep levels decreased, whereas levels of bioLep increased continuously. In patient relatives with heterozygous amino acid exchanges, a bioLep/irLep ratio of 0.52 (range: 0.48–0.55) being distinct from normal was observed.

Conclusions: The new bioLep assay is able to diagnose impaired leptin bioactivity in severely obese patients with a homozygous gene defect and in heterozygous carriers of such mutations. The assay serves as a diagnostic tool to monitor leptin bioactivity during treatment of these patients.

Wabitsch, M., Pridzun, L., Ranke, M., Schnurbein, J. V., Moss, A., Brandt, S., . . . Kratzsch, J. (2017). Measurement of immunofunctional leptin to detect and monitor patients with functional leptin deficiency. European Journal of Endocrinology,176(3), 315-322. doi:10.1530/eje-16-0821

Uncategorized

Calretinin: A Potential Biomarker for Mesothelioma

by Eagle Biosciences

Mesothelioma is a malignant lung cancer that is commonly associated with previous asbestos exposure. Often it is not diagnosed until too late to treat in a patient. Calretinin has recently been in the spotlight as a potential biomarker for early detection of mesothelioma.

Two recent studies used Eagle Bioscience’s Calretinin ELISA Assay kit analyzing the accuracy of using Calretinin as a prediagnostic technique for mesothelioma:

Biomarkers for Predicting Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma in a Mexican Population.
Aguilar-Madrid, Guadalupe, et al. “Biomarkers for Predicting Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma in a Mexican Population .” International Journal of Medical Sciences, vol. 15, no. 9, 2018, pp. 883–891.

Prediagnostic detection of mesothelioma by circulating calretinin and mesothelin – a case-control comparison nested into a prospective cohort of asbestos-exposed workers.
Johnen, G., Burek, K., Raiko, I., Wichert, K., Pesch, B., Weber, D. G., . . . Brüning, T. (2018). Prediagnostic detection of mesothelioma by circulating calretinin and mesothelin – a case-control comparison nested into a prospective cohort of asbestos-exposed workers. Scientific Reports,8(1).

Learn more about our Calretinin ELISA Assay kit here.