New Product Release: Far-Red FLICA Caspase-1 Assay

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - ICT is pleased to announce the release of a far-red fluorescence-emitting inhibitor probe for the in vitro detection of activated caspase-1 (ICE) enzyme.

FLICA^® 660 Caspase-1 Assay

Toss the lysate methods. Our new Far-Red FLICA™ 660 Caspase-1 Assay allows for the rapid and reliable detection of caspase-1 enzyme (ICE) in whole, living cells or tissue samples. Perform multiplexing studies with blue, green, or orange-labeled biomarkers via flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy.

Caspase-1-positive THP-1 cells fluoresce red with
the inhibitor-based FLICA 660 Caspase-1 Probe
(Copyright 2012 ImmunoChemistry Technologies, LLC)  

• Far-red caspase-1 probe excites at 660 nm, emits at 690 nm
• Perform multiplexing studies with green-labeled biomarkers like GFP
• Whole cell assay leaves cellular system intact for accurate analysis
• Analyze via flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy

View assay details and data: http://www.immunochemistry.com/products/flica-660-caspase-1-detection-assay-kit-far-red-fluorescence.html

Technical Tips for Measuring Caspase-1 with FLICA™

Caspase-1 (ICE) Detection

Caspase-1, originally identified as Interleukin -1β Converting Enzyme or ICE (1, 2), plays a role in processing a wide variety of proteins, most notably several cytokines (3-5) and enzymes within the glycolytic pathway (6). The creation of the inflammasome during host responses to pathogens leads to the activation of caspase-1 (7, 8) and the class of cell death known as pyroptosis. Inflammation-related disease models have illustrated a role for caspase-1 in asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and other disorders (7, 8).

A popular method of detecting caspase-1 activation in living cell samples is the FLICA assay from ImmunoChemistry Technologies. These whole cell assays utilize fluorescent-labeled caspase-1 inhibitor probes to form covalent bonds with activated caspase-1 enzymes within living, intact cells. I have collected a short list of technical recommendations that we have shared over the years with scientists using this assay in their research. Please contact us with any questions!

Recent Citations for MitoPT and Antigen Coating Buffer

Our products were recently cited in several journals. The first two used our MitoPT JC-1 kits to assess mitochondrial membrane permeability.

Stijlemans B, Caljon G, Natesan SKA, Saerens D, Conrath K, Perez-Morga D, Skepper JN, Nikolaou A, Brys L, Pays E, Magez S, Field MC, De Baetselier P, Muyldermans S. (2011). High Affinity Nanobodies against the Trypanosome brucei VSG Are Potent Trypanolytic Agents that Block Endocytosis. PLoS Pathog. doi:10.1371/journal.ppat.1002072. [Full Text]

Rosado-Berrios CA, Velez C, Zayas B. (2011). Mitochondrial permeability and toxicity of diethylhexyl and monoethylexyl phthalates on TK6 human lymphoblasts cells. Toxicol in Vitro. doi:10.1016/j.tiv.2011.08.001. [Abstract]

An article in the Journal of Neuroimmunology used our Antigen Coating Buffer to dilute and coat the recombinant GRP94 protein.

Suzuki S, Utsugisawa K, Iwasa K, Satoh T, Nagane Y, Yoshikawa H, Kuwana M, Suzuki N. (2011). Autoimmunity to endoplasmic reticulum chaperone GRP94 myasthenia gravis. J. Neuroimmunol. doi:10.1016/j.jneuroim.2011.06.011. [Abstract]

Products Used:

• MitoPT JC-1 Assay Kit (ICT# 924, 911)
• Antigen Coating Buffer (ICT# 6246, 6247, 6248, 6249)

Fun Holiday Correlation: FLICA-Staining and Brining a Turkey

Greetings to you in this festive holiday week!  As I imagine to be true for labs and offices around the country, holiday traditions have been a lively point of conversation among ICT scientists, colleagues, and customers this month.  In particular, the great tradition of preparing a holiday feast - with a turkey - has garnered a lot of attention:

• The logistics of arranging dinner for 25 humans and 6+ four-legged friends.
• "Yams" vs. "sweet potatoes."
• To bag or not to bag.
• How not to use a turkey fryer. [Have you seen William Shatner's video?] 
• And brining a turkey - "... wait, isn't brining for pickles?"

That last topic led me to a fun realization...

Measuring Caspase-1 Activity

Caspase-1 (ICE)

• Originally identified as Interleukin -1β Converting Enzyme or ICE
• Cleaves IL-1 beta and IL-18 into active forms
• Creation of the inflammasome during host responses to pathogens leads to the activation of caspase-1
• Active caspase-1 plays an antimicrobial role during infection, leading to pyroptosis
• Inflammation-related disease models have illustrated a role for caspase-1 in asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and other disorders

Activated THP-1 cells show caspase-1 (ICE) activity with the green fluorescent FAM-FLICA Caspase-1 Detection Assay

Nature Lab Offers 2011

Each fall, the Nature Publishing Group assembles a group of exclusive research product offers from worldwide laboratory suppliers and distributes them as Nature Lab Offers.  Look for your copy of 2011 Nature Lab Offers with the September and October U.S. editions of Nature and Nature Methods, or view Lab Offers online!

See your copy of Nature Lab Offers to learn about ICT's 2011 Lab Offer on ELISA Solutions™ for immunoassay development and in vitro diagnostic test manufacturing.

Build a Better Assay with ELISA Solutions™

Tools for Fluorescence-based Apoptosis and Caspase Detection

Apoptosis is an evolutionarily conserved form of cell suicide responsible for various biological processes including the normal turnover of cells and the proper functioning of the immune system.  This process of shutting down old, diseased, or otherwise disfunctional cells is mediated by a cascade of proteolytic enzymes known as cysteine proteases, or caspases. Pro-apoptotic signals activate the enzymatic cascade resulting in the cleavage of protein substrates, leading to the disassembly of the cell (1-4). Caspases have been identified in organisms ranging from C. elegans to humans. Members of the