Improved Method for the Study of Protein Expression

Berlin (June 14, 2004) - The RZPD Deutsches Ressourcenzentrum für Genomforschung GmbH (German Resource Center for Genome Research) is the first institution worldwide to provide a service for the compilation of protein expression profiles by means of dedicated antibody chips. These biochips enable valuable insights into the progression of diseases, for example cancer or cardiovascular diseases. This is achieved by direct comparison of the protein expression in healthy tissue with that in diseased tissue. Alongside diagnostic applications the chips open up new opportunities to identify proteins relevant to cell development, to carry out toxicological studies (effects of chemical compounds, i.e. a new medicament to be tested, on gene activity) or to determine the influence of environmental factors on the cell's protein expression pattern.

This method represents a major step forward in functional genome analysis since it allows for the detection of the cell's actual protein contents at any given point in time. The current transcriptomics method in which the amount of RNA, or more precisely, changes in the RNA levels of particular genes are detected often does not reflect the cell proteome's real composition. On top of that, post-translational modifications of proteins (phosphorylations, glycosylations, etc.), which play a major role in the cell's regulatory processes, are not detectable on transcriptional level.

The new chip technology that is now applied by the RZPD uses antibodies, which have been validated with different immunological methods, and that are spotted on glass surfaces or other matrices. The immobilised antibodies then bind to their specific fluorescence-marked antigen. Detection is achieved, like in gene chips, with quantitative fluorescence measurement.

The RZPD uses Becton Dickinson Bioscience's BD antibody chip (512 Ab) and it is currently in the process of validating further assays. Consequently, the RZPD is ideally positioned to flexibly and broadly respond to the most varied protein profiling requests by external partners.

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About the RZPD:
RZPD - German Resource Center for Genome Research (Deutsches Ressourcenzentrum für Genomforschung), Berlin, is the largest and most modern service center for genome research in Europe. Based on one of the largest clone collections worldwide, it provides high quality research material, high throughput technology and automation solutions for academic institutions as well as for industry. The RZPD's portfolio includes clones of genomic and cDNA libraries, expression clones with full open reading frames, siRNA resources, colony, DNA, and protein arrays, genomic and cDNA pools, micro-arrays, expression profiling, Affymetrix service, high-throughput PCR, and cDNA library generation. All data generated with the RZPD's materials is stored in a primary database and is cross-referenced with records from other public sources. The RZPD does not claim intellectual property on the results arising from the work with the material provided. The RZPD is certified to meet the requirements and to comply with the quality standards set out by ISO 9001:2000.

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Further Information:

RZPD Berlin and Heidelberg
Deutsches Ressourcenzentrum für Genomforschung GmbH
Dr. Johannes Maurer - Scientific Managing Director
Heubnerweg 6
D-14059 Berlin
Tel.: +49-30-32639-251
Fax: +49-30-32639-262
eMail: j.maurer@rzpd.de 


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