Combination of cDNA Expression Library and Whatman Protein Microarray Technology Facilitates Analysis of Autoimmune Diseases.FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Profiling Of Autoantigen autoantigen /au·to·an·ti·gen/ (-an´ti-jen) an antigen that despite being a normal tissue constituent is the target of a humoral or cell-mediated immune response, as in autoimmune disease. Biomarkers Will Further Scientists' Understanding of Poorly Recognized Diseases, Facilitating Diagnosis And Early Treatment Whatman plc, a global leader in separations and protein array technology, today announced that the combination of two promising technologies, Whatman/Schleicher & Schuell FAST(R) Slides and the Protagen AG UNIclone human protein expression library, has enabled the discovery of novel autoantigens associated with the autoimmune disease autoimmune disease, any of a number of abnormal conditions caused when the body produces antibodies to its own substances. In rheumatoid arthritis, a group of antibody molecules called collectively RF, or rheumatoid factor, is complexed to the individual's own gamma alopecia areata alopecia ar·e·a·ta n. Hair loss in circumscribed, noninflamed areas of the scalp, eyebrows and beard. Also called alopecia circumscripta. . The promising results of the study, published in Molecular and Cellular Proteomics 4:1382-1390 and available online at http://www.mcponline.org, suggest that these two resources, used in tandem Adv. 1. in tandem - one behind the other; "ride tandem on a bicycle built for two"; "riding horses down the path in tandem" tandem , will help scientists better understand the causes of various autoimmune diseases Autoimmune diseases A group of diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, in which immune cells turn on the body, attacking various tissues and organs. Mentioned in: Complement Deficiencies, Premature Menopause . Ultimately, innovations in this area will lead to significant advances in patient diagnosis and treatment. Advances in protein array technology are allowing scientists to target specific genes from the tens of thousands discovered in 2003 by the Human Genome Project. The success of Protagen AG and Ruhr University Bochum teams in their analysis of alopecia areata suggests that the combination of cDNA expression libraries and protein microarrays will lead to increased understanding of many other autoimmune diseases, including diabetes mellitus diabetes mellitus Disorder of insufficient production of or reduced sensitivity to insulin. Insulin, synthesized in the islets of Langerhans (see Langerhans, islets of), is necessary to metabolize glucose. In diabetes, blood sugar levels increase (hyperglycemia). , multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis rheumatoid arthritis Chronic, progressive autoimmune disease causing connective-tissue inflammation, mostly in synovial joints. It can occur at any age, is more common in women, and has an unpredictable course. , and psoriasis. "In our autoimmune study, we found that the Whatman/Schleicher & Schuell's FAST(R) Slides were the best microarray surface to use in our UNIchip(R) AV-400 products," said Christoph Huels, CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. of Protagen AG. "This combined product, designed to reduce the time and costs associated with antibody development, is an ideal example of the protein array technology that is facilitating industry research and discovery." Afflicting af·flict tr.v. af·flict·ed, af·flict·ing, af·flicts To inflict grievous physical or mental suffering on. [Middle English afflighten, from afflight, between five and seven percent of the world's population, autoimmune diseases arise from a person's overactive o·ver·ac·tive adj. Active to an excessive or abnormal degree: an overactive child. o immune response immune response n. An integrated bodily response to an antigen, especially one mediated by lymphocytes and involving recognition of antigens by specific antibodies or previously sensitized lymphocytes. to substances and tissues normally present in the body. Because the diseases affect multiple body systems, their symptoms are often misleading. As such, autoimmune diseases remain among the most poorly understood and poorly recognized illnesses. "We expect that the combination of cDNA expression libraries and protein microarray technology will facilitate the autoantigen profiling of many other autoimmune diseases, leading to advanced diagnostics based on microarray technology," added Martin Tricarico, Vice President of Business Development of Whatman. "In such a scenario, a doctor could use standardized autoimmune disease arrays to diagnose and treat patients more quickly. These potential benefits make this an exciting time for both proteomics and autoimmune research." About Whatman Whatman is a global leader in separations technology and is known in the scientific community for providing innovative life science products and solutions. With the acquisition of Schleicher & Schuell, Whatman offers a more comprehensive product range to its customers worldwide and enters the proteomics market with Schleicher & Schuell's core competency in protein chip technologies. For more information visit us at www.whatman.com. About Protagen AG: Based in Dortmund, Germany, Protagen AG is counted among the worlds leading biotechnology companies. Established in 1997, Protagen AG constantly translates the latest technologies in proteomics, protein biochips, and bioinformatics into services and products from which the entire life science industry and research institutes can profit. The current market position has been achieved by a corporate policy that is marked by quality concepts in addition to outstanding expertise. The team at Protagen AG thus consistently strives towards the goal of always bringing the best possible quality in services and products to the market. On this foundation, Protagen AG can and will continue to grow with its customers. For more information visit www.protagen.com. |
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