Analysis of DNA Fragmentation Using Agarose Gel Electrophoresis Shailaja Kasibhatla et al. This protocol provides a qualitative method for assessing cell death by detecting DNA fragments using agarose gel electrophoresis. One of the classic features of apoptosis is the cleavage of the genomic DNA into oligonucleosomal fragments represented by multiples of 180-200 bp. Visualizing these fragments can aid in characterizing an apoptotic event. May be combined with more quantitative methods. - [Read Analysis of DNA Fragmentation Using Agarose Gel Electrophoresis (Subscription Required)]
This assay is used when working with phage vectors carrying the beta-gal gene. If the cloning event disrupts a normally functional copy of the gene in the vector the resulting plaques would appear clear in the assay. If the phages contain a functional beta-gal gene they will form blue rings around their plaques. Any strain which is not an overproducer of beta-gal will work as indicator host bacteria; a single chromosomal copy of the gene is not a problem. - [Read Assay for Phage Containing the Beta-galactosidase Gene]
This assay is used when working with phage vectors carrying the beta-galactosidase gene (often used for immunological screening). If the cloning event disrupts a normally functional copy of the gene in the vector the resulting plaques would appear clear in the assay. If the phages contain a functional beta-galactosidase gene they will form blue rings around their plaques. Any strain which is not an overproducer of beta- galactosidase will work as indicator host bacteria. - [Read Assay for Phage Containing the Beta-galactosidase Gene Protocol]
Detection of Phosphatidylserine Externalization During Apoptosis. Shailaja Kasibhatla et al. An early event in apoptosis is the externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS), a phospholipid normally restricted to the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane. This apoptotic event can be monitored using Annexin V, a PS-specific binding protein. This protocol uses Annexin V-FITC as a probe, but Annexin V-biotin is also available, and binding can be revealed using streptavidin-FITC or oth - [Read Detection Of Phosphatidylserine Externalization During Apoptosis (Subscription Required)]
This kinase assay is meant to determine whether an agonist or event can influence the autophosphorylation of FAK. The addition of 1 μl of polyGT to the kinase reaction mix will determine the activity of the enzyme against a substrate. Includes information on: Harvest, Immunoprecipitation, Kinase Reaction and Antibody Detection of FAK. - [Read FAK Autophosphorylation Assay]
To identify the YAC subclones containing both a human insert and a portion of either the left or right arm of the pYAC4 vector. Identification of these clones is necessary in order to do YAC chromosome walking, and is also useful in the determination of whether a particular YAC clone has a contiguous human insert or whether a co-cloning event has occurred. Vector arm sequences are identified using pBR322 fragments from a BamHI-PvuII double digest. - [Read Identification of End Clones in YAC Subclone Libraries Protocol]
Exponentially growing cells are asynchronous with respect to the cell cycle stage. Detection of cell cycle-related events is improved by enriching the culture for cells at the stage during which the particular event occurs. Methods for synchronizing cells are provided here, including those based on morphological features of the cell. - [Read Methods for Synchronizing Cells at Specific Stages of the Cell Cycle]
Quality Control Considerations for Cell Culture- http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/Area_of_Interest/Life_Science/Cell_Culture/Key_Resources/ECACC_Handbook/Cell_Culture_Techniques_9.html#Quality%20Control
Quality control considerations for cell culture. Includes: Provenance and Integrity of Cell Lines; Avoidance of Microbial Contamination; Environmental Monitoring; What to do in the event of contamination; - [Read Quality Control Considerations for Cell Culture]
In Vitro Translated Xenopus Mos Kinase Assay Protocol. In response to progesterone, immature Xenopus oocytes mature to eggs that can be fertilized. The Mos protein kinase is essential for oocyte maturation, most likely due to its ability to activate the MAP kinase cascade. This MAP kinase cascade eventually leads to the activation of Cdc2/cyclin B and entry into M phase. In this protocol, tagged Mos kinase is translated in vitro, immunopurified, and used in a kinase assay.
The DNA Ligation protocol described here contains the steps required to join together using ligase enzyme both plasmid DNA and insert DNA fragments in order to create a new plasmid. This new ligated plasmid can be transformed after into competent bacteria to produce DNA for mini, midi or maxi-prep isolation.
The protocol gives general considerations for the design of targeting vectors for transgenic mice. The protocol shares tips in the design of knock-out and knock-in vectors and some of their strategies for producing homologously recombined embryonic stem cells.