Time: 2024-08-13
Scientists at the University of Birmingham have introduced a groundbreaking technique called Protein - tag Degree of Labelling ( ProDOL ) for counting labeled proteins in living cells . This innovative method offers a precise and reliable way to determine the labeling efficiencies of proteins with fluorescent markers in microscopy , revolutionizing protein quantification in biological research.
The development of ProDOL by a team of researchers from Cardiovascular Sciences and the School of Chemistry has garnered significant attention in the scientific community . This new approach is poised to enhance the accuracy and reliability of protein labeling , addressing the limitations of existing methods and providing valuable insights into cellular functions.
Professor Dirk - Peter Herten , the lead researcher at Cardiovascular Sciences , University of Birmingham , emphasized the significance of ProDOL in advancing biomedical research . This innovative technique is poised to become a standard tool in the field , facilitating more insightful studies of cellular functions and signaling processes.
The versatility of ProDOL enables its application across various cell types and experimental conditions , opening up new research possibilities in understanding diseases such as inflammation , immune deficiencies , and cardiovascular diseases . By providing accurate measurements of protein copy numbers , ProDOL is set to play a crucial role in improving our knowledge of cellular mechanisms and disease pathways.
In a recent study , ProDOL was utilized to investigate how the HIV-1 virus impacts the response of CD4 T immune cells . Collaborating with experts from Heidelberg University Hospital and the German Cancer Research Center , the researchers demonstrated the effectiveness of ProDOL in measuring total and activated copy numbers of helper proteins in immune cells.
The study , funded by prestigious institutions such as the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft ( DFG ) and the Academy of Medical Sciences , highlights the value of ProDOL in advancing scientific research . The contributions of various researchers and organizations have been instrumental in supporting the development and application of this cutting - edge technique in biomedical research.