ABCG5 Analysis Service

About ABCG5

ABCG5 (ATP-Binding Cassette Subfamily G Member 5) is a critical half-transporter protein that forms a heterodimer with ABCG8 to regulate cholesterol and plant sterol homeostasis. This dimer, expressed in hepatocytes and enterocytes, actively limits intestinal absorption of dietary sterols and promotes their excretion into bile. Mutations in the ABCG5 gene are linked to sitosterolemia, a rare genetic disorder characterized by elevated plasma plant sterol levels, xanthomas, and premature atherosclerosis. Understanding ABCG5 function is pivotal for advancing research targeting lipid metabolism, cardiovascular diseases, and genetic disorders.

The enterohepatic flux of sterols and the regulation mediated by ABCG5/ABCG8. (OA Literature)Fig.1 Enterohepatic sterol flux and regulation of ABCG5 ABCG8.1

Key Pathways

LXR (Liver X Receptor) Signaling Pathway

The LXR signaling pathway is a master regulator of lipid metabolism, and ABCG5 is a key downstream target. When cellular cholesterol levels rise, LXRs are activated by binding to oxysterols. Activated LXRs then translocate to the nucleus and bind to LXR response elements in the promoter region of the ABCG5 gene.

Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway

The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is essential for tissue development and cell fate determination. During embryonic development and tissue regeneration, Wnt ligands bind to cell-surface receptors, leading to the stabilization and nuclear translocation of β-catenin. In the context of ABCG5, this pathway can influence the differentiation of cells involved in cholesterol transport.

MAPK Pathway

The MAPK pathway is a well-known stress-response signaling cascade. It can be activated by various stressors, including oxidative stress, inflammation, and changes in nutrient availability. When activated, the MAPK pathway can phosphorylate transcription factors and other regulatory proteins. In relation to ABCG5, this phosphorylation can modulate its expression and function.

PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway

The PI3K/Akt signaling pathway is a central regulator of cell growth, survival, and metabolism. It is activated by growth factors, insulin, and other stimuli. In the context of ABCG5, the PI3K/Akt pathway can influence cholesterol metabolism. Akt can phosphorylate transcription factors that regulate ABCG5 expression. Moreover, it can affect the trafficking and localization of ABCG5 within cells.

Applications

Unraveling the Mysteries of Sitosterolemia

Sitosterolemia, a rare and often overlooked autosomal recessive disorder, presents a unique challenge in the medical field. This condition arises due to biallelic mutations in either the ABCG5 or ABCG8 genes. ABCG5 analysis emerges as a pivotal tool in deciphering the complex molecular underpinnings of sitosterolemia.

Cardiovascular Research

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Among the myriad of factors contributing to its development, dysregulated ABCG5 activity has emerged as a key player. Understanding the precise mechanisms by which ABCG5 dysregulation contributes to ASCVD is vital for developing interventions aimed at restoring normal sterol transport and preventing the progression of cardiovascular disease.

Biliary Pathophysiology

The biliary system plays a critical role in the digestion and absorption of dietary fats, as well as the elimination of waste products from the body. One of the key functions of bile is to solubilize cholesterol, allowing it to be efficiently excreted from the liver into the intestine. By elucidating the role of ABCG5 in biliary pathophysiology, researchers can develop strategies to prevent gallstone formation and improve the overall health of the biliary system.

Nutritional Genomics

Nutritional genomics is an emerging field that explores the intricate relationship between genetics and nutrition. ABCG5 polymorphisms have been identified as significant modulators of individual responses to dietary sterols.

Pivotal Technology

Quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR)

qRT-PCR is a gold-standard method for measuring ABCG5 mRNA levels. It uses fluorescent dyes or probes to detect amplified DNA in real-time, enabling accurate quantification across samples. By designing specific primers for ABCG5, researchers can determine its expression in different tissues, like the liver and intestine. This helps in understanding how various factors, such as diet or drugs, influence ABCG5 transcription. The high sensitivity and specificity of qRT-PCR make it ideal for detecting even small changes in gene expression, providing crucial insights into ABCG5 regulation at the mRNA level.

Western Blotting

Western blotting is a widely used technique to analyze ABCG5 protein expression. After separating proteins by SDS-PAGE, they are transferred to a membrane and probed with specific antibodies against ABCG5. This method allows for the detection of ABCG5 protein in cell lysates or tissue homogenates. It can provide information on the protein's molecular weight, quantity, and post - post-translational modifications. By comparing ABCG5 protein levels under different experimental conditions, researchers can assess the impact on ABCG5 function at the protein level.

Immunohistochemistry (IHC)

IHC is a powerful tool for visualizing the spatial distribution of ABCG5 within tissues. It uses antibodies conjugated to enzymes or fluorescent dyes to label ABCG5 in tissue sections. With IHC, researchers can determine the cell types and sub-subcellular locations where ABCG5 is expressed. This localization information is essential for understanding the physiological role of ABCG5 in cholesterol transport and its potential involvement in diseases related to lipid metabolism.

Flow Cytometry

Flow cytometry enables the quantification and characterization of ABCG5 on the surface of individual cells. Cells are labeled with fluorescently-tagged antibodies against ABCG5 and then passed through a flow cytometer. This technique can provide data on the percentage of cells expressing ABCG5, as well as the intensity of ABCG5 expression on each cell. It is useful for studying ABCG5 expression in different cell populations, such as immune cells or cancer cells. Flow cytometry can also be used to sort cells based on ABCG5 expression for further analysis, helping to elucidate the role of ABCG5 in cell-specific functions.

FAQs

  1. What is the purpose of the ABCG5 analysis service?

    The ABCG5 analysis service aims to precisely quantify and characterize ABCG5, a protein crucial for cholesterol transport. It helps researchers understand its role in lipid metabolism and related diseases. By analyzing ABCG5, scientists can gain insights into how it regulates cholesterol efflux from cells, which is vital for maintaining lipid balance in the body and preventing conditions like atherosclerosis.

  2. What samples are suitable for ABCG5 analysis?

    A variety of biological samples work well. Tissue samples from the liver and intestine are common, as ABCG5 is highly expressed there. Cell cultures, like hepatocyte or enterocyte lines, are also suitable. Blood samples can be used to detect ABCG5-related markers in circulation. Each sample type offers unique information for comprehensive ABCG5 analysis.

  3. How accurate is the ABCG5 analysis service?

    Our ABCG5 analysis service is highly accurate. We employ advanced techniques such as quantitative PCR for mRNA quantification and Western blotting for protein detection. Strict quality control measures are in place throughout the process, from sample handling to data analysis, ensuring reliable and reproducible results.

  4. What techniques are used in the ABCG5 analysis?

    We use a combination of methods. For gene expression analysis, real-time PCR is applied to measure ABCG5 mRNA levels precisely. Immunohistochemistry helps visualize ABCG5 distribution in tissues. Flow cytometry can be used to analyze ABCG5 expression on the cell surface. These techniques provide a multi-dimensional view of ABCG5.

  5. What information is included in the ABCG5 analysis report?

    The ABCG5 analysis report contains detailed information. It includes the levels of ABCG5 mRNA and protein in the samples. There are also descriptions of the distribution of ABCG5 in tissues, if applicable. Additionally, any detected genetic mutations and their potential implications are discussed.

Contact us to customize your ABCG5 analysis plan.

Reference

  1. Williams, Kori, Allison Segard, and Gregory A. Graf. "Sitosterolemia: Twenty years of discovery of the function of ABCG5 ABCG8." International journal of molecular sciences 22.5 (2021): 2641. Distributed under Open Access license CC BY 4.0, without modification. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22052641

For Research Use Only.


Related Services:

Online Inquiry
Name:
Phone:
*E-mail Address:
*Service & Products Interested:
Project Description:
Inquiry Basket
Happy Holidays
Happy Holidays close ad