AGO4 Analysis Services

Argonaute proteins involve in the biogenesis of small regulatory RNAs, regulate gene expression and defend against foreign pathogen invasion via small RNA-mediated gene silencing pathways. Nowadays, Creative Biolabs provides high-quality lab argonaute protein 4 (AGO4) analysis services for global clients to support your project.

Background

AGO4 gene encodes a member of the argonaute family of proteins which play an important role in RNA interference. The AGO4 protein is ubiquitously expressed in skin, bone marrow and other tissues. Among its related pathways are RET signaling and signaling by GPCR. AGO4 is associated with some diseases, such as Cartilage-Hair Hypoplasia. As Fig.1 shown, argonaute proteins are characterized by amino-terminal (N), PAZ, MID and PIWI domains.

Fig.1 Structure of an argonaute protein.¹

Diagnostic Power

Argonaute proteins bind small RNAs and mediate cleavage of complementary target RNAs. The human AGO4 is catalytically inactive. Scientists generated AGO2-AGO4 chimeras and analyzed their cleavage activity in vitro. Several specific features that inactivate AGO4 have been identified: the catalytic center, short sequence elements in the N-terminal domain, and an AGO4-specific insertion in the catalytic domain.

Fig.2 Function of argonaute protein domain.

We Have Your Biomarker Assay Needs Covered

Argonaute proteins constitute a highly conserved subfamily of AGO1-4 which plays a major role in RNA silencing pathways, repressing translation through the interaction with microRNAs and short interfering RNAs. As a key player in these pathways, the abnormal expression or mis-modifications of argonaute proteins lead to the disorder of small RNA biogenesis and functions, therefore influencing multiply biological processes and cancer development. Currently, Creative Biolabs provides the following AGO4 analysis services for global clients.

1. Full-length AGO4 Activation Assay

2. AGO4 PIWI Domain Activation Assay

The AGO4 PIWI domain lacks residues that are critical for cleavage activity (DEGR instead of DEDH). To unravel the structural basis for the cleavage incompetence of AGO4, Creative Biolabs provides AGO4 PIWI domain activation assay.

3. AGO4 Post-Translational Modification (PTM) Analysis

Like other argonaute proteins, AGO4 also undergo PTMs in multiple amino acid residues, mainly including phosphorylation, ubiquitylation and hydroxylation.

4. AGO4 Autoantibody Detection

Previous studies indicated that AGO-Abs could be potential biomarkers of autoimmunity. AGO-Abs were reported in the serum of patients with scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus, and other rheumatologic autoimmune diseases.

5. AGO4 Expression Analysis Service

Creative Biolabs has rich experience in antibody development and performing lab-assays. Antibodies that detect AGO4 can be used in several scientific applications such as WB, IHC, ICC, ELISA and IP. These antibodies target AGO4 in human, rat and mouse samples. Our AGO4 monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies are developed in mouse and rabbit.

Creative Biolabs also provides highly sensitive, custom-defined multiplexing options for the measurement of a range of analytes. Services are offered as an integrated service end-point or as a stand-alone option. Please don't hesitate to contact us today to develop custom solution for specific needs. We will work to accommodate your request.

Reference

1. From Wikipedia: By Opabinia regalis - Self created from PDB entry 1U04 using the freely available visualization and analysis package VMD raytraced with POV-Ray 3.6, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1u04-argonaute.png

For Research Use Only.