LI-COR Introduces Three IRDye(R) Near-Infrared Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (NIR-FRET) Protease Substrates.LINCOLN, Neb., Nov. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Protease substrates provide a sensitive method to detect protease activity, measure potency of inhibitors and screen compound collections for discovery of drug candidates. LI-COR Biosciences now offers three different IRDye NIR-FRET Protease Substrates: IRDye 800CW/QC-1 HIV-1, IRDye 800CW/QC-1 BACE n., a., & 1. See Base. , and IRDye 800CW/QC-1 CSP-3."These substrates have low intrinsic fluorescence due to self-quenching of the conjugated dye by our novel IRDye QC-1 quencher," says Jim Wiley, LI-COR strategic marketing manager. "These new substrates can be used for the highly sensitive detection of protease activity via near-infrared fluorescence detection on the Odyssey(R) Infrared Imaging System, Aerius(R) Automated Imaging System, or other imaging systems with near infrared detection capabilities." "NIR NIR Near Infrared NIR National Inventory Report NIR National Identity Register (UK) NIR Near-Infrared Reflectance NIR Non-Ionizing Radiation NIR Net International Reserves NIR National Internet Registry NIR Northern Ireland Railways detection dramatically reduces background, scattering and interference from other compounds," says Wiley. He notes that all three substrates have excellent water solubility. HIV-1 protease performs an essential step in the life cycle of HIV HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), either of two closely related retroviruses that invade T-helper lymphocytes and are responsible for AIDS. There are two types of HIV: HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1 is responsible for the vast majority of AIDS in the United States. virus by cleaving Gag and Gas-Pol polyproteins into the constituent proteins that make up infectious virus particles. Anti-AIDS drugs targeting HIV-1 protease substantially suppress HIV viral replication and dramatically reduce mortality among HIV infected patients. Beta-Secretase (BACE-1) has been identified as a key enzyme that mediates a critical step in the formation of Beta-amyloid (ABeta40/42) by acting upon the Beta-amyloid precursor protein (Beta-APP). Deposits of Beta-amyloid form plaques in the brain that lead to damage and death of nerve cells. Plaques are one of the abnormal structures that are characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. Since the discovery of the function of Beta-Secretase, it has been established as a validated therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease. Caspases are a family of intracellular cysteine cysteine (sĭs`tēn), organic compound, one of the 20 amino acids commonly found in animal proteins. Only the l-stereoisomer participates in the biosynthesis of mammalian protein. proteases that are vital in the process of apoptosis (programmed cell death pro·grammed cell death n. See apoptosis. programmed cell death proposed system of cell death, often including poly(ADP)-ribosylation, ensures that a cell will not survive if it is so badly damaged that its recovery would harm the ). Caspase-3 functions as the most downstream executioner in the caspase-apoptosis signaling cascade. Activation of Caspase-3 by upstream initiator caspases (Caspases 2, 8, 9) results in the final execution of cell death. Insufficient or accelerated apoptosis is implicated in a variety of diseases such as cancer, immune system diseases and nervous system disease. About LI-COR Biosciences LI-COR(R) Biosciences is a leading manufacturer of near-infrared imaging platforms, analysis software, and LI-COR IRDye(R) infrared dye reagents for genomic, proteomic, and molecular imaging applications. LI-COR pioneered the development of near-infrared fluorescence detection systems for DNA sequencing and today provides systems for drug discovery, protein research, small animal imaging, and undergraduate training. LI-COR instruments for photosynthesis, carbon dioxide analysis and light measurement are recognized worldwide for standard-setting innovation in plant science research and environmental monitoring. Founded in 1971, the privately held company privately held company A firm whose shares are held within a relatively small circle of owners and are not traded publicly. is based in Lincoln, Nebraska, with subsidiaries in Germany and the United Kingdom. LI-COR systems are used in over 100 countries and are supported by a global network of distributors. CONTACT: D. Doc Chaves, Director of Marketing Communications of LI-COR Biosciences, +1-402-467-0750, doc.chaves@licor.com Web site: http://www.licor.com/ |
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