This protocol describes a stepwise procedure to prepare nucleic acids encapsulated in a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-shielded nanolipoparticle (NLP) that contain a bioresponsive lipid and ligand. This process provides several advantages for systemic gene delivery. The in vivo circulation time is extended. Also, low pH-sensitive lipids enhance DNA unpacking and endosomal escape. Finally, ligands inserted into the NLP surface can target gene delivery to specific tissues or cells in vivo. - [Read Bioresponsive Targeted Charge Neutral Lipid Vesicles for Systemic Gene Delivery Protocol]
There are two major forms of laser scanning microscopy: confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and multiphoton laser scanning microscopy (MPLSM). Information on: X-t scans and X-Y scans; Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy; Multiphoton Laser Scanning Microscopy; MPLSM requires no pin hole; Advantages of MPLSM over CLSM. - [Read Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy]
Protocol first describes the vector preparation and, then, describes the insert preparation. Vital to have an excellent vector in order to produce a sequencing library. Protocol employs the male-specific coliphage M13 as the sequencing vector. M13 is a filamentous phage with a single-stranded, circular genome. M13 is widely used as a vector because many versions are available commercially and because M13 has certain advantages. - [Read Construction of the Sequencing Library Protocol]
Treating cells with paraformaldehyde leads to the establishment of chemical cross-links between free amino groups. When the cross-links join different molecules, a latticework of interactions occurs that holds the overall architecture of the cell together. Commercial formaldehyde solutions are not recommended, because they lack the advantages of using a variable-length polymer, and the cells will simultaneously be fixed with the alcohol (usually methanol). - [Read Fixing Attached Cells in Paraformaldehyde Protocol]
Most biological specimens are relatively transparent, so details of internal and intracellular morphology are difficult to image in untreated living specimens using simple bright-field techniques. Fluorescence microscopy offers greater advantages and possibilities for increasing contrast and determining the specific localization of molecules in cells. Article outlines the three methods most commonly used to introduce an appropriate label into Drosophila tissue without perturbing the process. - [Read Fluorescent Reagents for Live Cell Imaging and Their Introduction into Cells]
Advantages of Freezing Cell Cultures, Practical Aspects of Cell Freezing, Cryoprotection, Storage Vessels, Labeling and Recordkeeping, Recovery, Managing a Cell Repository, cell selection, Problem Solving Suggestions.
Corning. by John A. Ryan - [Read General Guide for Cryogenically Storing Animal Cell Cultures]
Describes the basic principles of in situ hybridization and advantages and disadvantages of different methodologies that can be used. Includes: Probe Selection; Probe Generation; Probe Labels; Fixation of Tissue; Hybridization and Washing; Control Procedures. - [Read In situ Hybridization]
Protocol describes how to assay for kinase activity within a polyacrylamide gel, rather than in solution. The advantages to an in-gel assay are that an apparent molecular weight can be assigned to the kinase activity and that multiple kinase activities can be distinguished. Includes protocol hints. - [Read In-Gel Kinase Assay]
Quick and reliable method to analyze meiotic segregation patterns in Coprinus cinereus using the polymerase chain reaction. The advantages of this method include: 1. The tissue is grown and lyophilized in the same tube, which facilitates the simultaneous analysis of many segregants. 2. Only one extraction step is necessary. 3. The markers are scored by gel electrophoresis, thereby bypassing Southern analysis. - [Read Method to Analyze Meiotic Segregation Patterns in Coprinus cinereus Using PCR]
Native Aequorin. NanoLight Technology. Aequorin has advantages over other Ca2+ indicators, for example, low leakage rate from cells, lack of intracellular
compartmentalization or sequestration and it does not disrupt cell functions or embryo development. - [Read Native Aequorin]
Nonviral, DNA-mediated gene transfer is an alternative to viral delivery systems for expressing new genes in cells and tissues. The Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system combines the advantages of viruses and naked DNA molecules for gene therapy purposes; however, efficacious delivery of DNA molecules to animal tissues can still be problematic. Here we describe the hydrodynamic delivery procedure for the SB transposon system that allows efficient delivery to the liver in the mouse. - [Read Preferential Delivery of the Sleeping Beauty transposon System to Livers of Mice by Hydrodynamic i]
The principle behind the pressure cooker method described here is to use extended periods of heat to break some of the subcellular structures that block antibody access. This approach is appropriate for handling specimens on glass slides. The major advantages of the pressure cooker method are the ability to handle a large number of slides simultaneously, the convenience of using metal racks, and the avoidance of any hot spots that are found in the microwave. - [Read Unmasking Hidden Epitopes Using the Pressure Cooker Protocol]
This protocol describes nuclear and cytoplasmic fractionation of tissue culture cells and a method for Western blot detection of proteins using the Odyssey Infrared Imaging System. This protocol was used to detect expression of the "small" Tap protein in 293T, HeLa and COS cells. The Odyssey system has several advantages over the more widely used chemiluminescent detection methods. - [Read Western Blot Analysis of Sub-Cellular Fractionated Samples Using the Odyssey Infrared Imaging System]