2D gel imager used in drug discovery project

Published: 2-Apr-2012

To determine the effectiveness of new drugs

Scientists at a UK university are using Syngene’s G:BOX imaging system to help visualise protein signals, which will detect how cells in the human body react to new drugs.

The researchers are using a high resolution G:BOX system to analyse fluorescent and chemiluminescent proteins on Western blots.

The system is also being used to visualise proteins on 1D and 2D protein gels stained with Coomassie blue and agarose gels of DNA stained with Sybr Safe and Ethidium bromide. The information from the gels and blots is being used to determine the effectiveness of new therapeutics, which could potentially speed up drug development.

‘We are using DNA-based reporter plasmids to help construct an integrated array of sensors. When a drug excites the sensors a unique protein expression signature pattern is produced and these are being used to compile a reference catalogue of signature patterns,” said one of the researchers.

‘To study this protein expression, we run a large number of 1D and 2D protein gels so we need an easy to use, yet accurate imaging system.’

The researchers have found that they can easily view our blots and accurately quantify protein expression, without needing a manual and an hour to get up and running, which has helped them advance the project.

Laura Sullivan, Syngene’s divisional manager, said: ‘Thousands of drugs are tested each year but only a fraction are used to treat patients and this is why any new technology to reduce the time and expense of detecting those effective drugs is so important. We are delighted that our imaging system is playing a role in this project.’

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