Released on = November 2, 2006, 10:17 am

Press Release Author = Debra Thai

Industry = Biotech

Press Release Summary = Current EnzoLyteT MMP assay kits can sensitively detect the
activity of MMPs but have been limited in their specificity by the cross-reactions
between different MMPs. With the introduction of EnzoLyte PlusTM MMP assay kits,
AnaSpec presents an optimized solution for the identification of specific MMPs.

Press Release Body = Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) belong to a family of secreted
or membrane-associated zinc endopeptidases capable of digesting extracellular matrix
components (1,2). These enzymes are responsible for connective tissue deterioration,
bone remodeling, and damaged tissue repair. They are also involved in a number of
diseases, such as tumor development and metastasis (3-6) as well as in rheumatoid
arthritis (7,8).

EnzoLyte PlusT MMP assay kits provide an innovative solution for researchers who
need to identify the activity of a specific MMP in a complex biological sample
containing multiple MMPs and other peptidases. EnzoLyte PlusT MMP Assay Kits
integrate the specificity of a monoclonal antibody with the sensitivity of a
fluorescence peptide substrate, detecting the presence of a particular MMP in
biological samples, including serum, plasma, tissue homogenate, cell lysate, and
synovial fluid.

The enhanced selectivity is possible through the inclusion of a monoclonal anti
human-MMP coated 96-well plate (12 x 8 black strips). The antibody specifically
captures the proenzyme and active forms of an MMP from a mixed biological sample.
The wells are washed and subsequent addition and cleavage of the FRET peptide gives
a fluorimetric reading that reflects the proteolytic activity of the specifically
captured MMP. AnaSpec's unique 5-FAM/QXLTM 520 FRET peptides provide highly
sensitive fluorescence readouts at an emission wavelength of 520 nm with a
convenient excitation of 490 nm. Experimental data confirms that these kits can
measure subnanogram quantities of specific human MMPs, with no cross-reaction to
other MMPs.

AnaSpec currently offers the following MMP-specific assay kits:

EnzoLyte PlusT 520 MMP-1 Assay Kit
EnzoLyte PlusT 520 MMP-9 Assay Kit
EnzoLyte PlusT 520 MMP-13 Assay Kit

For more information visit our website.

References

1. Woessner, JF. Jr. and CJ. Taplin, J. Biol. Chem. 263, 16918 (1988).
2. Woessner, JF. Jr., FASEB J. 5, 2145 (1991).
3. Matrisian, LM. et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A 83, 9413 (1986).
4. Collier, IE. et al., J. Biol. Chem. 263, 6579 (1988).
5. Salo, T. et al. J. Biol. Chem. 258, 3058 (1983).
6. Salo, T. et al. J. Biol. Chem. 260, 8526 (1985).
7. Chin, JR.et al. J. Biol. Chem. 260, 12367 (1985).
8. Okada, Y.et al. J. Biol. Chem. 261, 14245 (1986).



Web Site = http://www.anaspec.com

Contact Details = 2149 O\'Toole Ave.
San Jose, CA 95131
Tel: 408-452-5055
Fax: 408-452-5059
info@anaspec.com
www.anaspec.com