- In Vivo Metabolic
Regulation and Obesity - Islet Development,
Biology, and
Immunology - Complications of
Diabetes - Oxidative stress
- Signal transduction
and Gene Regulation - Clinical Research
- Translational Research
Luminex Applications: Cytokines
(Il-6, TNF Alpha, MCP-1);
adipokines (adiponectin and resistin);
cardiac markers; insulin, leptin,
Glucagon, GLP-1, Amylin, and C-peptide.
These are multi-plexed assays using x-map technology via the Luminex100 system. The reactants (antibodies, oligonucleotides, substrates, etc.) of these assays are attached to the surfaces of tiny, fluorescent, microspheres. Each set of microspheres carry a unique biological reagent distinguishable by internal dye ratios. Identification of an analyte is based upon specific fluorescent emission spectra of the bead associated with the analyte. Two laser beams with high speed digital signal processors and computer algorithms distinguish which assay is being carried on each microsphere while quantifying the reaction based on fluorescent reporter signals. This instrumentation allows for the analysis of multiple analytes from a single microliter aliquot of sample. The sensitivity for luminex detection is reduced by 15% when compared to conventional RIA and is currently used per investigator request or when sample volume is limited and sensitivity is not an issue. Because this system offers a wide variety of analyses, principal investigators are responsible for their own quality control samples pertinent to the analysis requested. The Core provides assistance with interpretation of data and advisement concerning appropriate methods.
