This study was financed by Oryzon Genomics. S.A., Hoffman-La Roche, and partially supported by the CIIP-20152001 and RETOS collaboration program RTC-2015-3332-1.

<ol>
	<li>Shi, Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Histone+demethylation+mediated+by+the+nuclear+amine+oxidase+homolog+LSD1.">Histone demethylation mediated by the nuclear amine oxidase homolog LSD1.</a> Cell. 119 (7), 941-953 (2004).</li><li>Maiques-Diaz, A., Somervaille, T. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=LSD1:+biologic+roles+and+therapeutic+targeting.">LSD1: biologic roles and therapeutic targeting.</a> Epigenomics. 8 (8), 1103-1116 (2016).</li><li>Maes, T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=ORY-1001,+a+Potent+and+Selective+Covalent+KDM1A+Inhibitor,+for+the+Treatment+of+Acute+Leukemia.">ORY-1001, a Potent and Selective Covalent KDM1A Inhibitor, for the Treatment of Acute Leukemia.</a> Cancer Cell. 33 (3), 495-511 (2018).</li><li>Sugino, N. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+novel+LSD1+inhibitor+NCD38+ameliorates+MDS-related+leukemia+with+complex+karyotype+by+attenuating+leukemia+programs+via+activating+super-enhancers.">A novel LSD1 inhibitor NCD38 ameliorates MDS-related leukemia with complex karyotype by attenuating leukemia programs via activating super-enhancers.</a> Leukemia. 31 (11), 2303-2314 (2017).</li><li>Kleppe, M., Shank, K., Efthymia, P., Riehnhoff, H., Levine, R. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Lysine-Specific+Histone+Demethylase,+LSD1,+(KDM1A)+As+a+Novel+Therapeutic+Target+in+Myeloproliferative+Neoplasms.">Lysine-Specific Histone Demethylase, LSD1, (KDM1A) As a Novel Therapeutic Target in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms.</a> Blood. 126, 601 (2015).</li><li>Jutzi, J. S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=LSD1+Inhibition+Prolongs+Survival+in+Mouse+Models+of+MPN+by+Selectively+Targeting+the+Disease+Clone.">LSD1 Inhibition Prolongs Survival in Mouse Models of MPN by Selectively Targeting the Disease Clone.</a> HemaSphere. 2 (3), 54 (2018).</li><li>Mohammad, H. P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=DNA+Hypomethylation+Signature+Predicts+Antitumor+Activity+of+LSD1+Inhibitors+in+SCLC.">DNA Hypomethylation Signature Predicts Antitumor Activity of LSD1 Inhibitors in SCLC.</a> Cancer Cell. 28 (1), 57-69 (2015).</li><li>Rivers, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=RN-1,+a+potent+and+selective+lysine-specific+demethylase+1+inhibitor,+increases+&#947;-globin+expression,+F+reticulocytes,+and+F+cells+in+a+sickle+cell+disease+mouse+model.">RN-1, a potent and selective lysine-specific demethylase 1 inhibitor, increases &#947;-globin expression, F reticulocytes, and F cells in a sickle cell disease mouse model.</a> Experimental Hematology. 43 (7), 546-553 (2015).</li><li>Rivers, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Oral+administration+of+the+LSD1+inhibitor+ORY-3001+increases+fetal+hemoglobin+in+sickle+cell+mice+and+baboons.">Oral administration of the LSD1 inhibitor ORY-3001 increases fetal hemoglobin in sickle cell mice and baboons.</a> Experimental Hematology. 67, 60-64 (2018).</li><li>Buesa, C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+dual+LSD1/MAO-B+inhibitor+ORY-2001+prevents+the+development+of+the+memory+deficit+in+samp8+mice+through+induction+of+neuronal+plasticity+and+reduction+of+neuroinflammation.">The dual LSD1/MAO-B inhibitor ORY-2001 prevents the development of the memory deficit in samp8 mice through induction of neuronal plasticity and reduction of neuroinflammation.</a> Alzheimer&#8217;s &amp; Dementia. 11 (7), P905 (2015).</li><li>Schmidt, D. M., McCafferty, D. G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Trans-2-Phenylcyclopropylamine+is+a+mechanism-based+inactivator+of+the+histone+demethylase+LSD1.">Trans-2-Phenylcyclopropylamine is a mechanism-based inactivator of the histone demethylase LSD1.</a> Biochemistry. 46 (14), 4408-4416 (2007).</li><li>Forneris, F., Binda, C., Vanoni, M. A., Battaglioli, E., Mattevi, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Human+histone+demethylase+LSD1+reads+the+histone+code.">Human histone demethylase LSD1 reads the histone code.</a> Journal of Biological Chemistry. 280 (50), 41360-41365 (2005).</li><li>Gonz#225;lez, E. C., Maes, T., Crusat, C. M., Mu#241;oz, A. O. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Oryzon+Genomics,+Methods+to+determine+kdm1a+target+engagement+and+chemoprobes+useful+therefor.">Oryzon Genomics, Methods to determine kdm1a target engagement and chemoprobes useful therefor.</a> , (2016).</li><li>Mascaró, C., Ortega, A., Carceller, E., Rruiz Rodriguez, R., Cicero, F., Lunardi, S., Yu, L., Hilbert, M., Maes, T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Chemoprobe-based+assays+of+histone+lysine+demethylase+1A+target+occupation+enable+in+vivo+pharmacokinetics+and+-dynamics+studies+of+KDM1A+inhibitors.">Chemoprobe-based assays of histone lysine demethylase 1A target occupation enable in vivo pharmacokinetics and -dynamics studies of KDM1A inhibitors.</a> Journal of Biological Chemistry. , (2019).</li><li>Rodriguez-Suarez, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Development+of+Homogeneous+Nonradioactive+Methyltransferase+and+Demethylase+Assays+Targeting+Histone+H3+Lysine+4.">Development of Homogeneous Nonradioactive Methyltransferase and Demethylase Assays Targeting Histone H3 Lysine 4.</a> Journal of Biomolecular Screening. 17 (1), 49-58 (2011).</li><li>Lynch, J. T., Cockerill, M. J., Hitchin, J. R., Wiseman, D. H., Somervaille, T. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=CD86+expression+as+a+surrogate+cellular+biomarker+for+pharmacological+inhibition+of+the+histone+demethylase+lysine-specific+demethylase+1.">CD86 expression as a surrogate cellular biomarker for pharmacological inhibition of the histone demethylase lysine-specific demethylase 1.</a> Analytical Biochemistry. 442 (1), 104-106 (2013).</li><li>Schulz-Fincke, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Structure-activity+studies+on+N-Substituted+tranylcypromine+derivatives+lead+to+selective+inhibitors+of+lysine+specific+demethylase+1+(LSD1)+and+potent+inducers+of+leukemic+cell+differentiation.">Structure-activity studies on N-Substituted tranylcypromine derivatives lead to selective inhibitors of lysine specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) and potent inducers of leukemic cell differentiation.</a> European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. 144, 52-67 (2018).</li><li>Ishii, T., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=CETSA+quantitatively+verifies+in+vivo+target+engagement+of+novel+RIPK1+inhibitors+in+various+biospecimens.">CETSA quantitatively verifies in vivo target engagement of novel RIPK1 inhibitors in various biospecimens.</a> Scientific Report. 7, 13000 (2017).</li><li>Maes, T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=ORY-2001:+An+Epigenetic+drug+for+the+treatment+of+cognition+defects+in+Alzheimer&#8217;s+disease+and+other+neurodegenerative+disorders.">ORY-2001: An Epigenetic drug for the treatment of cognition defects in Alzheimer&#8217;s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.</a> Alzheimer&#8217;s &amp; Dementia. 12 (7), P1192 (2017).</li></ol>

The author Tamara Maes is an executive director and shareholder, and the authors Cristina Mascar&#243; and Raquel Ruiz Rodriguez are employees of Oryzon Genomics S.A. Oryzon Genomics S.A. develops KDM1A inhibitors and holds patents covering compounds and methods used in this Article.

The protocol presented here was developed to directly measure KDM1A target engagement using a novel KDM1A chemoprobe capture based ELISA. The method has been validated on cultured human cell lines and ex vivo samples from human, rat and mouse and baboon (including PBMCs, lung, brain, skin, tumors), but can be readily applied to other species in which the KDM1A antibody target epitopes and catalytic center are conserved. As OG-881 is an activity based chemoprobe, the sample quality is important and proper manipulation and...

Lysine specific demethylase 1 (KDM1A)1 is a demethylase involved in the control of gene transcription. This protein has emerged as a candidate pharmacological target2 in oncology; including Acute Myeloid Leukemia3 (AML), Myelodysplasia Syndrome (MDS)4, Myelofibrosis (MF)5,6, Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)7; in Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)8,9, and in central nervous system diseases including Alzheimer&#39;s Disease (AD), Multiple Sclerosis (MS); and in aggression10.
Most of the KDM1A inhibiting compounds in clinical development are cyclopropylamine derivatives and inhibit the protein by covalent binding to its flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) cofactor11. Inhibition of KDM1A induces gene expression changes, but these changes vary enormously across tissues, cell types, or disease cases. Inhibition of KDM1A also changes histone marks12, yet these changes are generally produced locally at a specific site in the genome, and are again, highly tissue and cell specific.
The protocol was developed to directly measure KDM1A target engagement in biological samples and has been optimized for the use with cyclopropylamine derived inhibitors. The assay is based on ELISA technology and analyzes, in parallel, Total and Free (i.e. unbound by inhibitor) KDM1A in a native protein extract from a biological sample in a solid phase assay. As a first step, the biological sample is lysed in the presence of the biotinylated KDM1A selective chemoprobe OG-88113,14, derived from the selective KDM1A inhibitor ORY-1001 (iadademstat), a potent inhibitor of KDM1A in clinical development for the treatment of oncological disease. The chemoprobe has an IC50 for KDM1A of 120 nM and includes a FAD binding moiety linked to a biotinylated polyethylene glycol (PEG)-tail. The chemoprobe exclusively binds to the free KDM1A, but not to the inhibitor-bound KDM1A in the sample. After the chemoprobe binding, the KDM1A containing complexes in the sample are captured on microtiter plates with streptavidin coated surface to determine free KDM1A, or on plates coated with a monoclonal anti-KDM1A capture antibody to determine total KDM1A. After washing, both plates are incubated with an anti-KDM1A detection antibody, washed again, and incubated with a secondary HRP-conjugated donkey anti-rabbit IgG antibody for detection using a luminescent substrate and quantification by measuring relative light units (RLU) in a luminometer (Figure 1).
<img alt="Figure 1" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/59390/59390fig1.jpg" /> 
Figure 1. Schema of ELISA Enzyme linked chemoprobe immunoabsorbent assay for KDM1A target engagement: A) Determination of total KDM1A using sandwich ELISA and B) Determination of free KDM1A using chemoprobe ELISA. <a href="https://www.jove.com/files/ftp_upload/59390/59390fig1large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
A standard curve is included in both ELISA plates to verify the linearity of each assay. The determination of KDM1A target engagement in each sample is then calculated as a relative value to the pre-dose or vehicle treated sample.

<table>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
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			<td>Thermo Scientific</td>
			<td>#25300-062</td>
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			<td>Roche</td>
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			<td>96 deep well storage block</td>
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			<td>Biotinylated KDM1A probe OG-881</td>
			<td>Oryzon Genomics S.A.</td>
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			<td>Bovine Serum Albumin</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td># 3117057001</td>
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			<td>Bovine Serum Albumin Standard</td>
			<td>Thermo Scientific</td>
			<td>#23208)</td>
			<td></td>
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			<td>Bradford Protein Assay</td>
			<td>BioRad</td>
			<td>#500-0001</td>
			<td></td>
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			<td>Cell lysis buffer 10X</td>
			<td>Cell Signaling</td>
			<td>#9803</td>
			<td></td>
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		<tr>
			<td>Centrifuge for 96- well plates</td>
			<td>Hettich</td>
			<td>Rotina 420R</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Flask</td>
			<td>Thermo Scientific</td>
			<td>#156499</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Full length, enzymatically active human Recombinant LSD1 / KDM1A</td>
			<td>Active Motif</td>
			<td>#31426</td>
			<td></td>
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			<td>Graphpad Prism 5 Project</td>
			<td>GraphPad Software</td>
			<td>NA</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Luminol-Enhacer and Peroxide Solution (Chemiluminescent Substrate)</td>
			<td>Thermo Scientific</td>
			<td>#37074</td>
			<td></td>
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			<td>Micro Centrifuge</td>
			<td>Eppendorf</td>
			<td>5415 R</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Microplate reader Infinite 200-Tecan</td>
			<td>Tecan</td>
			<td>Infinite 200</td>
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			<td>Mouse monoclonal capture antibody Anti-KDM1A (N-terminal epitope)</td>
			<td>Abcam</td>
			<td>#ab53269</td>
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			<td>Needle G18 gauge blunt</td>
			<td>BD</td>
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			<td>ORY-1001 (iadademstat)</td>
			<td>Oryzon Genomics S.A.</td>
			<td>NA</td>
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			<td>PBMC separation tubes 10 ml</td>
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			<td>PBMC separation tubes 50 ml</td>
			<td>Greiner bio-one</td>
			<td>#227288</td>
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			<td>PBS 1x</td>
			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td>#D8537</td>
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			<td>Plate shaker</td>
			<td>Heidolph Instruments</td>
			<td>Rotamax 120</td>
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			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td>#P7949</td>
			<td></td>
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			<td>Rabbit monoclonal detection antibody Anti-KDM1A (C-terminal epitope)</td>
			<td>Cell Signaling</td>
			<td>#672184BF-100</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Secondary antibody Peroxidase-conjugated Donkey Anti-rabbit IgG</td>
			<td>Thermo Scientific</td>
			<td>#31458</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Spectrophotometer cuvette 1.5</td>
			<td>Deltalab</td>
			<td>#302100</td>
			<td></td>
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			<td>Spectrophotometer for cuvette</td>
			<td>GE Healthcare</td>
			<td>GeneQuant 1300</td>
			<td></td>
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			<td>Streptavidin</td>
			<td>Promega</td>
			<td>#Z704A</td>
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			<td>Syringe</td>
			<td>BD</td>
			<td>#303172</td>
			<td></td>
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			<td>Type 1 ultrapure water</td>
			<td>Millipore</td>
			<td>Milli-Q Advantage A10</td>
			<td></td>
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			<td>Ultrasonic cleaner</td>
			<td>VWR</td>
			<td>USC200T</td>
			<td></td>
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direct measurement of kdm1a target engagement using chemoprobe-based immunoassays

The assessment of the target engagement, defined as the interaction of a drug with the protein it was designed for, is a basic requirement for the interpretation of the biological activity of any compound in drug development or in basic research projects. In epigenetics, target engagement is most often assessed by the analysis of proxy markers instead of measuring the union of the compound to the target. Downstream biological readouts that have been analyzed include the histone mark modulation or gene expression changes. KDM1A is a lysine demethylase that removes methyl groups from mono- and dimethylated H3K4, a modification associated with the silencing of gene expression. Modulation of the proxy markers is dependent on the cell type and function of the genetic make-up of the cells investigated, which can make interpretation and cross-case comparison quite difficult. To circumvent these problems, a versatile protocol is presented to assess the dose effects and dynamics of the direct KDM1A target engagement. The assay described makes use of a KDM1A chemoprobe to capture and quantify uninhibited enzyme, can be broadly applied to cells or tissue samples without the need for genetic modification, has an excellent window of detection, and can be used both for basic research and analysis of clinical samples.

The Linearity of Total and Free KDM1A determination.
A Standard Series was prepared as described in step 5.3.2., using 0 to 2500 pg of full-length human recombinant KDM1A enzyme. The RLU values of Total and Free rKDM1A were assessed to verify the linearity (Figure 2A and 2B). Data are represented as mean from 3 experiments with 3 technical replicates (n) &#177; SD. ...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Direct Measurement of KDM1A Target Engagement Using Chemoprobe-based Immunoassays at JoVE.com

Direct Measurement of KDM1A Target Engagement Using Chemoprobe-based Immunoassays

Here, we present a protocol to measure KDM1A target engagement in a human or animal cell, tissue or blood samples treated with KDM1A inhibitors. The protocol employs chemoprobe tagging of the free KDM1A enzyme and direct quantification of the target occupation using chemoprobe-based immunoassays and can be used in preclinical and clinical studies.

The assessment of the target engagement, defined as the interaction of a drug with the protein it was designed for, is a basic requirement for the ...

direct-measurement-kdm1a-target-engagement-using-chemoprobe-based

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Biochemistry

7.2K Views.  Oryzon Genomics. Here, we present a protocol to measure KDM1A target engagement in a human or animal cell, tissue or blood samples treated with KDM1A inhibitors. The protocol employs chemoprobe tagging of the free KDM1A enzyme and direct quantification of the target occupation using chemoprobe-based immunoassays and can be used in preclinical and clinical studies.

Video: Direct Measurement of KDM1A Target Engagement Using Chemoprobe-based Immunoassays

Covalent Binding of Antibodies to Cellulose Paper Discs and Their Applications in Naked-eye Colorimetric Immunoassays

This report presents two methods for the covalent immobilization of capture antibodies on cellulose filter paper grade No. 1 (medium-flow filter paper) discs and grade No. 113 (fast-flow filter paper) discs. These cellulose paper discs were grafted with amine functional groups through a silane coupling technique before the antibodies were immobilized on them. Periodate oxidation and glutaraldehyde cross-linking methods were used to graft capture antibodies on the cellulose paper discs. In order to ensure the maximum binding capacity of the capture antibodies to their targets after immobilization, the effects of various concentrations of sodium periodate, glutaraldehyde, and capture antibodies on the surface of the paper discs were investigated. The antibodies that were coated on the amine-functionalized cellulose paper discs through a glutaraldehyde cross-linking agent showed enhanced binding activity to the target when compared to the periodate oxidation method. IgG (in mouse reference serum) was used as a reference target in this study to test the application of covalently immobilized antibodies through glutaraldehyde. A new paper-based, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was successfully developed and validated for the detection of IgG. This method does not require equipment, and it can detect 100 ng/ml of IgG. The fast-flow filter paper was more sensitive than the medium-flow filter paper. The incubation period of this assay was short and required small sample volumes. This naked-eye, colorimetric immunoassay can be extended to detect other targets that are identified with conventional ELISA.

In this manuscript, periodate oxidation and glutaraldehyde cross-linking methods for covalent immobilization of antibodies on paper discs are presented. The binding activity of immobilized antibodies was evaluated. Based on these results, a glutaraldehyde cross-linking method was used to develop a novel paper-based immunoassay for immunoglobulin G (IgG) detection.

This report presents two methods for the covalent immobilization of capture antibodies on cellulose filter paper grade No. 1 (medium-flow filter paper) ...

Measurement of Mitochondrial Oxygen Consumption in Permeabilized Fibers of Drosophila Using Minimal Amounts of Tissue

The fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, represents an emerging model for the study of metabolism. Indeed, drosophila have structures homologous to human organs, possess highly conserved metabolic pathways and have a relatively short lifespan that allows the study of different fundamental mechanisms in a short period of time. It is, however, surprising that one of the mechanisms essential for cellular metabolism, the mitochondrial respiration, has not been thoroughly investigated in this model. It is likely because the measure of the mitochondrial respiration in Drosophila usually requires a very large number of individuals and the results obtained are not highly reproducible. Here, a method allowing the precise measurement of mitochondrial oxygen consumption using minimal amounts of tissue from Drosophila is described. In this method, the thoraxes are dissected and permeabilized both mechanically with sharp forceps and chemically with saponin, allowing different compounds to cross the cell membrane and modulate the mitochondrial respiration. After permeabilization, a protocol is performed to evaluate the capacity of the different complexes of the electron transport system (ETS) to oxidize different substrates, as well as their response to an uncoupler and to several inhibitors. This method presents many advantages compared to methods using mitochondrial isolations, as it is more physiologically relevant because the mitochondria are still interacting with the other cellular components and the mitochondrial morphology is conserved. Moreover, sample preparations are faster, and the results obtained are highly reproducible. By combining the advantages of Drosophila as a model for the study of metabolism with the evaluation of mitochondrial respiration, important new insights can be unveiled, especially when the flies are experiencing different environmental or pathophysiological conditions.

In this paper, a method to measure oxygen consumption using high-resolution respirometry in permeabilized thoraxes of Drosophila is described. This technique requires a minimal amount of tissue compared to the classic mitochondrial isolation technique and the results obtained are more physiologically relevant.

The fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, represents an emerging model for the study of metabolism. Indeed, drosophila have structures homologous to human ...

A Direct Force Probe for Measuring Mechanical Integration Between the Nucleus and the Cytoskeleton

The mechanical properties of the nucleus determine its response to mechanical forces generated in cells. Because the nucleus is molecularly continuous with the cytoskeleton, methods are needed to probe its mechanical behavior in adherent cells. Here, we discuss the direct force probe (DFP) as a tool to apply force directly to the nucleus in a living adherent cell. We attach a narrow micropipette to the nuclear surface with suction. The micropipette is translated away from the nucleus, which causes the nucleus to deform and translate. When the restoring force is equal to the suction force, the nucleus detaches and elastically relaxes. Because the suction pressure is precisely known, the force on the nuclear surface is known. This method has revealed that nano-scale forces are sufficient to deform and translate the nucleus in adherent cells, and identified cytoskeletal elements that enable the nucleus to resist forces. The DFP can be used to dissect the contributions of cellular and nuclear components to nuclear mechanical properties in living cells.

In this protocol, we describe a micropipette method to directly apply a controlled force to the nucleus in a living cell. This assay allows interrogation of nuclear mechanical properties in the living, adherent cell.

The mechanical properties of the nucleus determine its response to mechanical forces generated in cells. Because the nucleus is molecularly continuous ...

Using High Content Imaging to Quantify Target Engagement in Adherent Cells

Quantitating the interaction of small molecules with their intended protein target is critical for drug development, target validation and chemical probe validation. Methods that measure this phenomenon without modification of the protein target or small molecule are particularly valuable though technically challenging. The cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) is one technique to monitor target engagement in living cells. Here, we describe an adaptation of the original CETSA protocol, which allows for high throughput measurements while retaining subcellular localization at the single cell level. We believe this protocol offers important advances to the application of CETSA for in-depth characterization of compound-target interaction, especially in heterogeneous populations of cells.

Measurements of drug target engagement are central to effective drug development and chemical probe validation. Here, we detail a protocol for measuring drug-target engagement using high content imaging in a microplate-compatible adaption of the cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA).

Quantitating the interaction of small molecules with their intended protein target is critical for drug development, target validation and chemical probe ...

High Sensitivity Measurement of Transcription Factor-DNA Binding Affinities by Competitive Titration Using Fluorescence Microscopy

Accurate quantification of transcription factor (TF)-DNA interactions is essential for understanding the regulation of gene expression. Since existing approaches suffer from significant limitations, we have developed a new method for determining TF-DNA binding affinities with high sensitivity on a large scale. The assay relies on the established fluorescence anisotropy (FA) principle but introduces important technical improvements. First, we measure a full FA competitive titration curve in a single well by incorporating TF and a fluorescently labeled reference DNA in a porous agarose gel matrix. Unlabeled DNA oligomer is loaded on the top as a competitor and, through diffusion, forms a spatio-temporal gradient. The resulting FA gradient is then read out using a customized epifluorescence microscope setup. This improved setup greatly increases the sensitivity of FA signal detection, allowing both weak and strong binding to be reliably quantified, even for molecules of similar molecular weights. In this fashion, we can measure one titration curve per well of a multi-well plate, and through a fitting procedure, we can extract both the absolute dissociation constant (KD) and active protein concentration. By testing all single-point mutation variants of a given consensus binding sequence, we can survey the entire binding specificity landscape of a TF, typically on a single plate. The resulting position weight matrices (PWMs) outperform those derived from other methods in predicting in vivo TF occupancy. Here, we present a detailed guide for implementing HiP-FA on a conventional automated fluorescent microscope and the data analysis pipeline.

Here we present a novel method for determining binding affinities at equilibrium and in solution with high sensitivity on a large scale. This improves the quantitative analysis of transcription factor-DNA binding. The method is based on automated fluorescence anisotropy measurements in a controlled delivery system.

Accurate quantification of transcription factor (TF)-DNA interactions is essential for understanding the regulation of gene expression. Since existing ...

Cortisol Measurement in Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) Fur

Optimal methods of hormone extraction used to measure stress in animals across sample types are not always the same. Australia&#39;s iconic marsupial species, the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus), faces prolonged exposure to anthropogenic-induced stressors and assessment of chronic stress in wild populations is urgently warranted. One of the most effective ways to measure chronic stress is through analyzing the glucocorticoid hormone cortisol in hair or fur, as it supports physiological and behavioral responses. This laboratory validation study aims to test current techniques to validate an optimal hormone extraction method to be used as a non-invasive measure of cortisol in koala fur. It is recognized that using non-invasive techniques to measure stress hormones is preferred over traditional, invasive techniques due to their ideal practical and ethical standpoints. Additionally, it is comparatively easier to acquire fur from koalas than it is to acquire samples of their blood. This study used samples of koala fur acquired from the Adelaide Koala and Wildlife Hospital to run a number of hormone extraction techniques in an attempt to validate an optimal cortisol extraction method. Results showed that 100% methanol provided the most optimal solvent extraction compared to 100% ethanol or 100% isopropanol based on parallelism results. In conclusion, this method of cortisol extraction from koala fur provided a reliable non-invasive assay that could be used to study chronic stress in koalas.

Cortisol Measurement in Koala Phascolarctos cinereus Fur

We present a protocol to determine the optimal extraction solvent to measure cortisol from koala fur. The solvents used in this protocol are methanol, ethanol and isopropanol. Determining an optimal extraction solvent will aid in reliably measuring fur to determine the impact of chronic stress on koalas.

Optimal methods of hormone extraction used to measure stress in animals across sample types are not always the same. Australia&#39;s iconic marsupial ...

A Semi-Quantitative Drug Affinity Responsive Target Stability (DARTS) assay for studying Rapamycin/mTOR interaction

Drug Affinity Responsive Target Stability (DARTS) is a robust method for detection of novel small molecule protein targets. It can be used to verify known small molecule-protein interactions and to find potential protein targets for natural products. Compared with other methods, DARTS uses native, unmodified, small molecules and is simple and easy to operate. In this study, we further enhanced the data analysis capabilities of the DARTS experiment by monitoring the changes in protein stability and estimating the affinity of protein-ligand interactions. The protein-ligand interactions can be plotted into two curves: a proteolytic curve and a dose-dependence curve. We have used the mTOR-rapamycin interaction as an exemplary case for establishment of our protocol. From the proteolytic curve we saw that the proteolysis of mTOR by pronase was inhibited by the presence of rapamycin. The dose-dependency curve allowed us to estimate the binding affinity of rapamycin and mTOR. This method is likely to be a powerful and simple method for accurately identifying novel target proteins and for the optimization of drug target engagement.

A Semi-Quantitative Drug Affinity Responsive Target Stability DARTS assay for studying Rapamycin/mTOR interaction

In this study, we enhanced the data analysis capabilities of the DARTS experiment by monitoring the changes in protein stability and estimating the affinity of protein-ligand interactions. The interactions can be plotted into two curves: a proteolytic curve and a dose-dependence curve. We have used mTOR-rapamycin interaction as an exemplary case.

Drug Affinity Responsive Target Stability (DARTS) is a robust method for detection of novel small molecule protein targets. It can be used to verify known ...

High-Throughput Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence and Direct Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy Using a Photonic Chip

Total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) is commonly used in single molecule localization based super-resolution microscopy as it gives enhanced contrast due to optical sectioning. The conventional approach is to use high numerical aperture microscope TIRF objectives for both excitation and collection, severely limiting the field of view and throughput. We present a novel approach to generating TIRF excitation for imaging with optical waveguides, called chip-based nanoscopy. The aim of this protocol is to demonstrate how chip-based imaging is performed in an already built setup. The main advantage of chip-based nanoscopy is that the excitation and collection pathways are decoupled. Imaging can then be done with a low magnification lens, resulting in large field of view TIRF images, at the price of a small reduction in resolution. Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) were imaged using direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (dSTORM), showing a resolution comparable to traditional super-resolution microscopes. In addition, we demonstrate the high-throughput capabilities by imaging a 500 &#181;m x 500 &#181;m region with a low magnification lens, providing a resolution of 76 nm. Through its compact character, chip-based imaging can be retrofitted into most common microscopes and can be combined with other on-chip optical techniques, such as on-chip sensing, spectroscopy, optical trapping, etc. The technique is thus ideally suited for high throughput 2D super-resolution imaging, but also offers great opportunities for multi-modal analysis.

Chip-based super-resolution optical microscopy is a novel approach to fluorescence microscopy and offers advantages in cost effectiveness and throughput. Here, the protocols for chip preparation and imaging are shown for TIRF microscopy and localization-based super-resolution microscopy.

Total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) is commonly used in single molecule localization based super-resolution microscopy as it gives enhanced ...

Fixed Target Serial Data Collection at Diamond Light Source

Serial data collection is a relatively new technique for synchrotron users. A user manual for fixed target data collection at I24, Diamond Light Source is presented with detailed step-by-step instructions, figures, and videos for smooth data collection.

We present a comprehensive guide to fixed target sample preparation, data collection, and data processing for serial synchrotron crystallography at Diamond beamline I24.

Serial data collection is a relatively new technique for synchrotron users. A user manual for fixed target data collection at I24, Diamond Light Source is ...

Measurement of Protein Import Capacity of Skeletal Muscle Mitochondria

Mitochondria are key metabolic and regulatory organelles that determine the energy supply as well as the overall health of the cell. In skeletal muscle, mitochondria exist in a series of complex morphologies, ranging from small oval organelles to a broad, reticulum-like network. Understanding how the mitochondrial reticulum expands and develops in response to diverse stimuli such as alterations in energy demand has long been a topic of research. A key aspect of this growth, or biogenesis, is the import of precursor proteins, originally encoded by the nuclear genome, synthesized in the cytosol, and translocated into various mitochondrial sub-compartments. Mitochondria have developed a sophisticated mechanism for this import process, involving many selective inner and outer membrane channels, known as the protein import machinery (PIM). Import into the mitochondrion is dependent on viable membrane potential and the availability of organelle-derived ATP through oxidative phosphorylation. Therefore its measurement can serve as a measure of organelle health. The PIM also exhibits a high level of adaptive plasticity in skeletal muscle that is tightly coupled to the energy status of the cell. For example, exercise training has been shown to increase import capacity, while muscle disuse reduces it, coincident with changes in markers of mitochondrial content. Although protein import is a critical step in the biogenesis and expansion of mitochondria, the process is not widely studied in skeletal muscle. Thus, this paper outlines how to use isolated and fully functional mitochondria from skeletal muscle to measure protein import capacity in order to promote a greater understanding of the methods involved and an appreciation of the importance of the pathway for organelle turnover in exercise, health, and disease.

Mitochondria are key metabolic organelles that exhibit a high level of phenotypic plasticity in skeletal muscle. The import of proteins from the cytosol is a critical pathway for organelle biogenesis, essential for the expansion of the reticulum and the maintenance of mitochondrial function. Therefore, protein import serves as a barometer of cellular health.

Mitochondria are key metabolic and regulatory organelles that determine the energy supply as well as the overall health of the cell. In skeletal muscle, ...