structures Protocols

Category: Bioinformatics

Using AFPredictor, it was demonstrated that ‘ordered surface carbons’ (OSCs) are a distinguishing feature of AFPs and, more specifically, their ice-binding surfaces. AFPredictor identified AFPs from within a large set of structures with greater than 99% specificity. Furthermore, it was used to identify a novel ice-binding protein by screening a library of homology modeled structures based on cDNA sequences obtained from cold-acclimated winter rye (Secale cereale). - [Read A Computational Screening protocol for Antifreeze/Ice-Structuring Proteins]

Category: Cell Culture Protocols: Cell Staining Protocols

Counterstains are used to help differentiate the various cell types of subcellular structures seen in cell staining. They are essential for tissue sections, allowing the identification of the cell types, but also may be helpful in other staining reactions. - [Read Counterstains Protocol]

Category: Microscopy Protocols: Live-Cell Imaging Protocols

Using confocal laser-scanning microscope & GFP fusion proteins in time-lapse imaging to visualize the behavior of organelles and to track membrane-bound transport intermediates that bud off from organelles. Practical issues related to construction & expression of GFP fusion proteins are discussed. Essential for optimizing the brightness and expression levels of GFP fusion proteins so that intracellular membrane-bound structures containing these fusion proteins can be readily visualized. - [Read Imaging of Organelle Membrane Systems and Membrane Traffic in Living Cells]

Category: Molecular Biology Protocols: Carbohydrate Protocols

Immunostaining thin layer chromatograms TLC is a very sensitive detection technique of functionally active carbohydrate ligands of protein receptors. Carbohydrate structures are detected in glycolipids from complex mixtures of molecules extracted from the relevant target tissue. Proteins analyzed can be antibodies, chimeric Ig proteins, selectins, lectins, toxins, and other carbohydrate binding proteins. John L. Magnani~GlycoTech Corporation, Rockville, Maryland - [Read Immunostaining Thin Layer Chromatograms Of Glycolipids]

Category: Neuroscience Protocols

This tutorial has images in which the structures are labelled.  You are to identify the structures by clicking on the name of the structure. - [Read Neuroanatomy Tutorial]

Category: Cell Biology and Cell Culture

Protocol for the isolation of the lipid-rich microdomains of the plasma membrane, notably caveolae and lipid rafts. Methods for the isolation of lipid rafts are based on the insolubility of these structures in the nonionic detergent TritonX-100. Either the intact cells are treated with a detergent-containing solution or a post-nuclear supernatant is prepared from a cell homogenate and then Triton X-100 is added to this supernatant. - [Read S20 Purification of detergent-insoluble lipid rafts from cells and tissues.]

Category: Staining Protocols: Simple Staining Protocols

Protocol for simple staining. Smear is stained with a solution of a single dye which stains all cells the same color. Differentiation of cell types or structures is not the objective of the simple stain. However, certain structures which are not stained by this method may be easily seen, for example, endospores and lipid inclusions. - [Read Simple Staining Protocol]

Category: Immunohistochemistry Protocols: Antigen Retrieval Protocols

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]

Category: Immunohistochemistry Protocols: Antigen Retrieval Protocols

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]

Category: Immunohistochemistry Protocols: Antigen Retrieval Protocols

Fixation can mask epitopes. However, it is often possible to re-expose them using a gentle incubation with proteases, which removes obstructing structures and allows antibody access, as described here. Many proteases can be used for this procedure, including very crude preparations of proteases, such as pronase. However, using a better-characterized protease, such as trypsin, allows a more controlled reaction and better comparison between experiments. - [Read Unmasking Hidden Epitopes with Proteases Protocol]