- Enables time-course visualization and quantification of matrix degradation by normal and cancerous cell types
- Provides simplified and standardized method for invadopodia and podosome degradation studies
- Includes fluorescently-labeled gelatin and reagents for co-localizing the actin cytoskeleton and nuclei with degradation sites
Billerica, MA—June 28, 2011 — EMD Millipore, the Life Science division of Merck KGaA of Darmstadt, Germany, today announced the launch of the QCM™ Gelatin Invadopodia Assays designed to standardize and enhance the study of cell invasion. The assays are the first and only commercially available kits for studying invadopodia.
Cell invasion into the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM) is accompanied by the formation of protrusions of localized protease activity, called invadopodia in cancerous cell types and podosomes in non-malignant cells. A common method for visualizing invadopodia and podosome formation involves plating cells onto a fluorescently-labeled matrix, such as gelatin. Localized protease activity then causes degradation of the matrix and loss of fluorescence signal.
The new QCM™ Gelatin Invadopodia Assays provide a simplified and standardized protocol for affixing a thin layer of pre-labeled fluorescein (green) or Cy3 (red) gelatin to a glass substrate, as well as reagents for co-localizing the actin cytoskeleton and nuclei with degradation sites. The kits enable visualization of degradation produced by normal and malignant cell types. This degradation can be quantified by image analysis methods and used to track proteolytic time course studies, as well as modulator effects on invadopodia formation and ECM degradation.
“Conjugating fluorescent molecules to gelatin is a tedious process and difficult to execute in a standardized manner,” described Luke Armstrong Ph.D., Senior R&D Manager for Cell Based Assay Development. “With the new assay kits, the gelatin is provided pre-labeled, allowing for consistent preparation of homogenously fluorescent matrices on a range of user-defined glass surfaces. Researchers now have a simple and standardized process for visualizing matrix degradation, observing co-localization of the actin cytoskeleton and matrix degradation sites, and exploring the effect of modulators on this invasive activity.”
For more information on EMD Millipore QCM™ Gelatin Invadopodia Assays, please visit www.millipore.com/catalogue/item/ECM670 or www.millipore.com/catalogue/item/ECM671.
DOWNLOAD DATA IMAGES FOR THE QCM™ GELATIN INVADOPODIA ASSAY KIT
Modulation of Degradation
Co-Localization of Degradation with Invadopodia
About EMD Millipore
EMD Millipore is the Life Science division of Merck KGaA of Germany and offers a broad range of innovative, performance products, services and business relationships that enable our customers' success in research, development and production of biotech and pharmaceutical drug therapies. Through dedicated collaboration on new scientific and engineering insights, and as one of the top three R&D investors in the Life Science Tools industry, EMD Millipore serves as a strategic partner to customers and helps advance the promise of life science.
Headquartered in Billerica, Massachusetts, the division has around 10,000 employees, operations in 67 countries and 2010 revenues of $2.2 billion. EMD Millipore is known as Merck Millipore outside of the U.S. and Canada.
Note: Merck KGaA or Merck shall mean Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
Contact
Leslie Eisenberg (Feinstein Kean Healthcare)
Phone: +1 617 244 3872
Email: [email protected]