ab65387 PLTP Inhibitor Drug Screening Kit Instructions for Use For the rapid, sensitive and accurate detection of PLTP inhibition by various compounds This product is for research use only and is not intended for diagnostic use. 1 Table of Contents 1. Overview 3 2. Protocol Summary 3 3. Components and Storage 4 4. Assay Protocol 5 5. Data Analysis 7 6. Troubleshooting 8 2 1. Overview Plasma phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) is thought to play a major role in the facilitated transfer of phospholipids between lipoproteins and in the modulation of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particle size and composition. PLTP-facilitated lipid transfer activity is related to HDL and LDL metabolism, as well as lipoprotein lipase activity, adiposity, and insulin resistance. Abcam’s Drug Screening Kit utilizes Rabbit serum as PLTP activity source to screen PLTP inhibitors. The assay uses a Donor Molecule containing a fluorescent self-quenched phospholipid that is transferred to an acceptor molecule in the presence of PLTP. PLTP-mediated transfer of the fluorescent phospholipid to the acceptor molecule results in an increase in fluorescence (Ex/ Em = 465/ 535 nm). Inhibitor of PLTP will inhibit the lipid transfer and therefore decrease fluorescence intensity. The kit provides sufficient reagents for 100 PLTP inhibitor screening assays. 2. Protocol Summary Standard Curve Preparation Sample Preparation Prepare and Add Reaction Mix Measure Fluorescence 3 3. Components and Storage A. Kit Components Item Quantity PLTP Donor Molecule 1 mL PLTP Acceptor Molecule 1 mL PLTP Assay Buffer (10X) 5 mL Positive Control (Rabbit Serum) 300 µL * Store kit at +20°C B. Additional Materials Required • Microcentrifuge • Pipettes and pipette tips • Fluorescent microplate reader • 96-well plate • Isopropanol • Orbital shaker 4 4. Assay Protocol Note: We recommend using a microtiter plate for the assay. The microtiter plates should be sealed as tightly as possible with plate sealer and incubated in a sealed, humidified chamber to prevent evaporation. If using a regular fluorometer for sample reading, the samples should be diluted to 500 µl with 1X PLTP Assay Buffer before reading. 1. Standard Curve Preparation: A standard curve is prepared by making serial dilutions of the donor molecule in isopropanol (not included) and subsequently recording the fluorescence intensity of each dilution, using isopropanol alone as a blank. a) Prepare 6 test tubes labeled T0 to T5, each contains 0.2 ml of isopropanol; the tube labeled T5 should contain an additional 0.2 ml of isopropanol. b) Add 2 µl Donor Molecule to T5, vortex to mix well. c) Transfer 0.2 ml from T5 to T4. Mix and then transfer 0.2 ml from T4 to T3. Mix and then transfer 0.2 ml from T3 to T2. Mix and then transfer 0.2 ml from T2 to T1. The Donor Molecule solution contains 0.1 mM labeled lipids and thus the standard curve samples contain 0, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100 pmol Donor Molecule. 5 d) Read the fluorescence intensity (Ex/Em: 465/535) of the standard samples from T0 to T5. e) Apply the fluorescence intensity values of the standard curve directly to your results to express specific activity of the plasma sample (moles/µl plasma/hr). 2. Sample Preparation: Prepare each testing sample in 160 µl of dH2O. Add 3 µl of Rabbit Serum. Prepare a blank that contains no Rabbit serum as background. Prepare a positive control assay containing 3 µl of Rabbit Serum, but no testing inhibitors. 3. Reaction Mix: Prepare a Master Mix for each assay containing the following: Donor Molecule 10 µl Acceptor Molecule 10 µl 10X PLTP Assay Buffer 20 µl Mix well. Add 40 µl of the Master Mix into each sample including the blank and positive control also as prepared in Step 2. Mix well and incubate at 37°C for 30-60 min. 6 5. Measurement: Measure the fluorescence intensity of the blank, test samples, and positive control using a fluorescence plate reader or fluorometer (Ex/Em: 465/535). Note: Due to the nature of the self-quenched probe, background fluorescence is usually high and therefore fluorescence intensity from each sample should be corrected by subtracting the background fluorescence intensity (without Rabbit serum). The increase in fluorescence intensity with PLTP (Rabbit Serum) is usually 1.5-2.0 fold over blank (Organic solvent may increase background readings and therefore proper control may be needed if the testing inhibitor is prepared in organic solvent). 5. Data Analysis Compare the fluorescence intensity of the testing inhibitor with positive control to determine the inhibition efficiency of the testing inhibitors. 7 6. Troubleshooting Problem Reason Solution Assay not working Assay buffer at wrong temperature Assay buffer must not be chilled - needs to be at RT Protocol step missed Plate read at incorrect wavelength Unsuitable microtiter plate for assay Unexpected results Re-read and follow the protocol exactly Ensure you are using appropriate reader and filter settings (refer to datasheet) Fluorescence: Black plates (clear bottoms) Luminescence: White plates Colorimetry: Clear plates If critical, datasheet will indicate whether to use flat- or U-shaped wells Measured at wrong wavelength Use appropriate reader and filter settings described in datasheet Samples contain impeding substances Unsuitable sample type Sample readings are outside linear range Troubleshoot and also consider deproteinizing samples Use recommended samples types as listed on the datasheet Concentrate/ dilute samples to be in linear range 8 Problem Reason Solution Samples with inconsistent readings Unsuitable sample type Refer to datasheet for details about incompatible samples Use the assay buffer provided (or refer to datasheet for instructions) Samples prepared in the wrong buffer Samples not deproteinized (if indicated on datasheet) Cell/tissue samples not sufficiently homogenized Too many freezethaw cycles Samples contain impeding substances Samples are too old or incorrectly stored Lower/ Higher readings in samples and standards Not fully thawed kit components Out-of-date kit or incorrectly stored reagents Reagents sitting for extended periods on ice Incorrect incubation time/temperature Incorrect amounts used Use the 10kDa spin column (ab93349) Increase sonication time/ number of strokes with the Dounce homogenizer Aliquot samples to reduce the number of freeze-thaw cycles Troubleshoot and also consider deproteinizing samples Use freshly made samples and store at recommended temperature until use Wait for components to thaw completely and gently mix prior use Always check expiry date and store kit components as recommended on the datasheet Try to prepare a fresh reaction mix prior to each use Refer to datasheet for recommended incubation time and/or temperature Check pipette is calibrated correctly (always use smallest volume pipette that can pipette entire volume) 9 Standard curve is not linear Not fully thawed kit components Pipetting errors when setting up the standard curve Incorrect pipetting when preparing the reaction mix Air bubbles in wells Concentration of standard stock incorrect Errors in standard curve calculations Use of other reagents than those provided with the kit Wait for components to thaw completely and gently mix prior use Try not to pipette too small volumes Always prepare a master mix Air bubbles will interfere with readings; try to avoid producing air bubbles and always remove bubbles prior to reading plates Recheck datasheet for recommended concentrations of standard stocks Refer to datasheet and re-check the calculations Use fresh components from the same kit For further technical questions please do not hesitate to contact us by email (technical@abcam.com) or phone (select “contact us” on www.abcam.com for the phone number for your region). 10 UK, EU and ROW Email: technical@abcam.com Tel: +44 (0)1223 696000 www.abcam.com US, Canada and Latin America Email: us.technical@abcam.com Tel: 888-77-ABCAM (22226) www.abcam.com China and Asia Pacific Email: hk.technical@abcam.com Tel: 108008523689 (中國聯通) www.abcam.cn Japan Email: technical@abcam.co.jp Tel: +81-(0)3-6231-0940 www.abcam.co.jp Copyright © 2012 Abcam, All Rights Reserved. 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