Invention:
University of Arizona researchers have developed antibodies specific to the calpain small subunit. They have developed two hybridoma clones which produce antibodies specific to the 28kDa small subunit of both mu and m-calpain.
Background:
As calpains have been proposed to be proteases important in apoptotic reactions in human cells, further research into their action is essential to understanding apoptotic reactions in diseases such as cancer and HIV. The antibodies are a useful tool in further understanding the mechanisms of these diseases, and developing treatments for them.
Applications:
- Antibodies are specific to two types of calpain, but specifically affect the autolysis of m-calpain
Advantages:
- Monoclonal antibodies as a versatile research tool
- Important tool in the study of the mechanism of calpains, and in autolysis studies
