In this protocol, cells transfected with a luciferase reporter plasmid are lysed in a detergent-containing buffer. Luciferase in the extract catalyzes an oxidation reaction in which D-luciferin is converted to oxyluciferin, with production of light at 556 nm that can be quantified in a luminometer. - [Read Assay for Luciferase in Extracts of Mammalian Cells Protocol]
The cyclooxygenase (COX) reaction can be monitored by measurement of oxygen consumption, peroxidase co-substrate oxidation or prostaglandin (PG) detection. This protocol describes a procedure measuring cyclooxygenase activity by quantifying PGE2 produced by enzymatic conversion of arachidonic acid, in the presence or absence of potential inhibitors. - [Read ELISA Method to Measure Inhibition of the COX Enzymes Protocol]
The blot is blocked to prevent nonspecific adsorption of the immunological reagents. Antibodies are then bound to the proteins immobilized on the membrane, and the antigen is detected by labeling the antibodies with conveniently identified tags. Common labeling methods for chemiluminescent detection include anti-immunoglobulin antibody-coupled enzymes such as horseradish peroxidase, which catalyzes the oxidation of luminol and in turn releases light. - [Read Immunoblotting: Antigen Detection Using Chemiluminescence Protocol]
This protocol describes a simple chemical oxidation method for labeling antibodies with iodine. Iodide-125 (supplied as NaI) is oxidized to form iodine-125 (I2), which attacks tyrosyl and histidyl side chains. The iodinated antibodies are easily detected and quantitated using gamma counters or film. They are used primarily in immunoassays, but other techniques can be adapted conveniently to the iodine detection method. - [Read Labeling Antibodies with Iodine Protocol]