For cells grown in tissue culture, the most useful method of lysis is treating with detergents, as described in this protocol. Non-ionic detergents, such as NP-40, solubilize the plasma and intracellular membranes, break many weak intermolecular bonds, and solubilize most of the commonly studied protein antigens. RIPA lysis buffer may be used as a more rigorous extraction buffer to release all but the insoluble proteins of the cell and to break most weak noncovalent interactions. - [Read Lysing Tissue-Culture Cells for Immunoprecipitation Protocol]
Protocol for preparation of DNA for pulsed-field gel electrophoresis: isolation of intact DNA from yeast. Yeast cells are first treated enzymatically to break down the cell walls and then resuspended in low-melting-temperature agarose plugs. The DNA is liberated by infusing the plugs with lysis buffer and proteases. This method is used to prepare both conventional and artificial yeast chromosomes. - [Read Preparation of DNA for Pulsed-field Gel Electrophoresis: Isolation of Intact DNA from Yeast]
The liver of a rat is cannulated and perfused in situ with buffer, following which it is excised and perfused in a closed system with a collagenase solution. After a period of time the liver begins to break up, at which point it is transferred to a measuring cylinder and culture medium is added. It is then gently agitated to cause the release of cells which are subsequently filtered and allowed to settle out. The parenchymal and non-parenchymal cells form two distinct layers which can be separat - [Read The Isolation and Culture of Rat Hepatic Cells Protocol]
Several methods have been developed to "retrieve" antigens that have been masked by fixation. The principle behind using the microwave oven method described here is to use extended periods of heat to break some of the subcellular structures that block antibody access. Be aware that any of the antigen retrieval methods should be avoided wherever possible, because they may introduce artifactual false-positive staining. - [Read Unmasking Hidden Epitopes Using the Microwave Oven Protocol]
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]