Protein Detection On-Demand Webinars

Jun  | 2017

• Presenters: Dr. Jeffrey A. Borgia, Department of Pathology, Department of Cell and Molecular Medicine, Rush University Medical Center; and Dr. Wen-Rong Lie, Principal Scientist, Merck
• Abstract

  In this webinar, Dr. Borgia will discuss a study in which he evaluates differences in receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling in A549 cells using pretreatment sera from cases of lung adenocarcinoma at various stages compared to controls. This research was designed to explore the hypothesis that circulating concentrations of decoy receptors and/or ligands, as well as disease-specific ligand degradation, all regulate RTK signaling in vivo.
  
  What will you learn?

  • Hear about recent research on tyrosine kinase signaling in patients with lung adenocarcinoma
  • Associations of circulating biomarker levels with disease progression in lung cancer
  • Results from the evaluation of the matching patient sera to stimulate RTK signaling
  • Discuss potential mechanisms leading to disparity in these findings
  • Gain insight into how to successfully integrate multiplexed immunoassays into your cancer research workflow
  • Learn about best practices for running multiplex protein detection assays to generate the highest quality data

Dec  | 2016

• Presenters: Dr. Karen L. Jones, University of California-Davis; and Dr. Anthony Saporita, Merck R&D
• Abstract

  Under normal conditions, the maternal immune system is uniquely regulated during pregnancy to maintain a pathogen-free, yet noninflammatory environment for the developing fetus. However, factors such as cytokines and chemokines produced during gestation can have developmental consequences for the fetus. In particular, maternal immune dysregulation during pregnancy has been frequently associated with increased risk of autism spectrum disorders. This webinar will discuss the relationship between the maternal immune environment and autism risk, highlighting findings from the largest population-based prospective study to date to have examined the relationship between mid-gestational maternal cytokines and chemokines and risk for autism.
  
  During the webinar, the viewers will:

  • Hear about recent research on the effects of in utero prenatal cytokine/chemokine levels
  • Gain insight into how to successfully integrate multiplexed assays into your research
  • Learn best practices for running multiplex protein detection assays to generate the best data

Jun  | 2016

• Presenter: Timothy Bushnell, PhD, Research Director, University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC); Amedeo Cappione III, PhD, Senior Scientist, Merck
• Abstract

  Target-specific antibodies, conjugated to affinity or fluorogenic small-molecule tags, are powerful tools for quantifying and localizing proteins. Antibody labeling kits are popular, but can be time-consuming and risk sample loss. In this webinar, Dr. Timothy Bushnell (University of Rochester Medical Center) will discuss the state of the art in multicolor panel design, and address important considerations and inherent challenges. Dr. Amedeo Cappione III (Merck) will then outline an alternative method for small-scale protein labeling based upon continuous flow diafiltration in a centrifugal filter. The method is simple, fast, and has few hands-on requirements, without sacrificing labeling efficiency, final yield, or conjugate performance.

Mar  | 2016

• Presenter: Douglas Macdonald, Ph.D, Director of Drug Discovery and Development, CHDI Foundation / CHDI Management
• Abstract

  Huntingtin protein (HTT) lowering is a key therapeutic strategy for Huntington’s disease (HD). Reducing the amount of the disease-causing mutant expanded HTT protein in the brain of patients is predicted to slow the progression of the disease. Several therapeutic approaches are being employed to lower HTT. To enable the advancement of therapeutics to the clinic, translatable HTT-lowering pharmacodynamic and proximal biomarkers are being explored.
  
  A key requirement for such studies is a robust method to measure HTT protein levels in select tissues. We have developed a sensitive and selective assay that measures polyglutamine-expanded HTT protein using the Singulex Single Molecule Counting technology, which displays increased sensitivity over other immunoassay-based methods. This assay may prove to be of utility in measuring HTT in CNS tissues (e.g., CSF) to demonstrate that the delivery of a HTT-lowering therapy does, in fact, lower the amount of HTT in the brains of HD patients.
  
  In this webinar you will learn:

  • How Singulex Single Molecule Counting technology works
  • Tips on developing and running assays on the Singulex platform
  • Critical immunoassay performance parameters you should consider when validating assays for translational/clinical studies

Oct  | 2015

• Presenter: Vivian Nguyen, Ph.D, Research Assistant Professor, University of Arizona, Dept. of Neurology

Oct  | 2015

• Presenters: Kristian Doyle, Ph.D. University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ;
  and Thuy-Vi Nguyen, Ph.D. University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
• Abstract

  Unraveling how the immune and nervous systems interact has helped advance our understanding of many mechanisms within the brain, from development to diseases. Inflammation and immune responses in the nervous system have been linked to a variety of brain disorders, including neurodegeneration, traumatic brain injury, stroke, and cognitive decline. Our knowledge of immune-related pathologies in the brain and the ability to identify biomarkers for disease and inflammation are key for forming meaningful mechanistic conclusions. In this webinar, our expert panel will share their experience researching neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration-related biomarkers, and will discuss methodologies for tracking pathological changes and quantifying specific inflammatory mediators, such as T cells, cytokines, and antibodies.

July | 2015

• Presenters: Nissi M. Varki, M.D., University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA; and Kevin D. Long, Ph.D., Merck, Temecula, CA
• Abstract

  Though it has been used for more than 70 years, immunohistochemistry (IHC) is still an essential research and diagnostic tool in many scientific laboratories. Understanding the basic principles underlying IHC and how to address the technical aspects of experimental design are key to producing high-quality, reproducible data. IHC is used in a variety of fields— from cancer diagnostics to neuroscience research—but some common advice can be applied across-the-board. Many variables are vital for generating valuable results and require optimization when designing IHC experiments, such as fixing tissue, choosing the proper antibodies, and defining the proper controls. In this webinar, we will hear from experts who will share their insights into the key aspects of assay design.

May | 2015

• Presenters: Dr. Aled Clayton, Exosome Biology Group, Cardiff University and Dr. Amedeo Cappione III, Senior Scientist, Merck
• Abstract

  There has been controversy about the biological relevance of exosomes and other extracellular vesicles (EVs), but there is now substantial evidence pointing to EVs as cell-to-cell communication devices with key roles in a variety of disease settings. Although such evidence continues to grow each year, the study of EVs remains challenging. There are several approaches for concentrating vesicles generated in vitro or those present in biological fluids, including ultracentrifugation combined with a density gradient, chromatography and precipitation-based approaches. The tools used to analyze the specimen are also diverse, including particle analyzers, array methods for phenotyping the specimen quickly, and traditional western blotting and electron microscopy tools. The challenge is to obtain a sufficient quantity of vesicles of defined purity for downstream analyses or functional assessment. In this webinar, Dr. Aled Clayton (Cardiff University) will discuss some of the most common methods for preparing and characterizing EVs, along with their particular advantages and challenges. In addition, Dr. Clayton will discuss The International Society for Extracellular Vesicles’ recommended best practices with respect to these issues. Dr. Amedeo Cappione, III (Merck) will then describe a recently developed protocol for enriching EV samples using centrifugal ultrafiltration, monitoring enrichment by IR spectrometry and rapid western blot analysis, followed by relative quantitation using flow cytometry. The ultimate choice of approach, however, should be driven by the research question/application, and these aspects will also be discussed.

Apr | 2015

• Presenter: John Allinson, Head of Biomarker Strategy at Drug Development Services LGC and Sonali Nayak, Technical Services Manager, Bioscience Division, Merck
• Abstract

  You’ve just purchased a multiplex assay to quantify your protein analytes of interest and want to validate the panel for your research or clinical study. Due to the complexity introduced by the nature of multiplexed vs. single-plex assays, what criteria do you need to consider to ensure that your data are precise, reproducible, and accurate? Attend this webinar to hear John Allinson (LGC), renowned clinical biomarker assay expert, discuss the power of multiplex assays employing the Luminex xMAP® technology. Using MILLIPLEX® MAP multiplexed assays as an example, Mr. Allinson will address potential challenges and solutions to be considered when validating off-the-shelf multiplexed biomarker assays for clinical and translational research. You will learn key factors to consider when developing and validating your assay method, including reference to standard material, sample stability and collection integrity, validation and QC samples, and the validity of reference standards.

Nov | 2014

• Presenters: Dr. Mitch McGill, postdoctoral fellow in the laboratory of Hartmut Jaeschke at the University of Kansas Medical Center; and Dr. Venkata Sabbisetti, Instructor in Renal Division at Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School
• Abstract

  The kidney is a major site of organ damage caused by drug toxicity. Over the past decade, several novel kidney injury biomarkers have been identified and validated in rat models, but there has been a lack of reliable assays to quantitatively assess these biomarkers in mouse models, which are more widely used than rat in the drug development process. This 1-hour webinar will describe some of the major laboratory methods, particularly bead-based assays, employing biomarkers to study toxicity resulting from organ injury.

Oct | 2014

• Presenter: Katherine Ruby, Ph.D., Protein Specialist, Merck
• Abstract

  Analyzing protein using infrared (IR) spectrometry is a decades-old technique, and is known to be an accurate, information-rich alternative to other assays for total protein. Now, anyone, even without spectroscopy training, can exploit IR-based protein quantitation for even complex biological samples, using the new Direct Detect® spectrometer.

Oct | 2014

• Presenters: Dr. Alexander Lazarev, Ph.D., Vice President of Research and Development at Pressure BioSciences; and Ivona Strug, Ph.D., Senior Biochemical Scientist, Merck
• Abstract

  Analyzing proteomic samples using infrared (IR)-based spectroscopy can be an accurate, information-rich alternative to other assays for total protein. Now, anyone, even without spectroscopy training, can exploit IR-based protein quantitation for even complex biological samples, using the new Direct Detect® spectrometer. In this webinar, you will learn how this intuitive, benchtop system quantitates protein using infrared spectra to measure amide bonds in protein chains, an intrinsic component of every protein. You will also learn how to quickly gauge the reliability of your data with a peek at the shape of the IR spectrum. Finally, even if your protein sample contains detergents, reducing agents and other buffer components that interfere with traditional protein quantitation assays, this video shows you exactly how to set up the Direct Detect® system so that you can still measure protein concentrations accurately.

Mar | 2014

• Presenters: Gregory Sempowski, Ph.D., Associate Professor at Duke University Medical Center and Alan Tunnicliffe-Bruens, Ph.D., Field Technology Manager, Protein Analysis and Detection, Merck
• Abstract

  Biomarker analysis has come a long way since ELISAs, which require large sample volumes and are limited to detecting a single analyte per well. Now, multiplex assays such as those based on Luminex® xMAP® technology can quantify up to 50 unique protein analytes in a single well.
  
  In this webinar the audience will learn how analysis using the Luminex® xMAP® technology can result in quicker, more cost-effective and accurate assay data for basic research, pre-clinical/translational work and immune monitoring in clinical trials.
  
  The first speaker, Dr. Greg Sempowski (Duke University Medical Center) will discuss his experience of how the use of multiplexed cytokine assays has enhanced his research, and the need for a standardized system that can come from proficiency testing. Then, Dr. Alan Tunnicliffe-Bruens (Merck) will outline how a carefully developed, broad Luminex® assay portfolio can increase consistency and accuracy, whilst being easy for any user to manage.
  
  During the webinar you will learn:

  • The principles of Luminex® technology, and some tips for success.
  • The broad range of applications for all levels of immunology research and clinical trial immune monitoring laboratories.
  • How external testing programs can help you to ensure that your data are reliable.

Oct | 2013

• Presenters: Dr. Brian Haab, Associate Professor, Van Andel Research Institute Center for Translational Medicine and Dr. Beatriz M. Carreno , Research Associate Professor, Washington University School of Medicine
• Abstract

  Multiplex assays allow simultaneous detection of multiple analytes (up to hundreds) in a single run, and can be used for studying proteins or nucleic acids. In this webinar, Dr. Brian Haab (Van Andel Research Institute) will discuss some of the major technologies used to discover and validate protein biomarkers in a multiplex format (e.g., antibody arrays and bead-based technologies), describing important considerations for each, including the relative requirements for specificity, sensitivity, throughput, and multiplexing; the process of ensuring valid and reproducible results; and the practicality and flexibility of the platforms. Dr. Beatriz Carreno (Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis) will then discuss the use of MILLIPLEX® MAP assays, based on the Luminex® xMAP® technology, to study the characteristics of a novel melanoma-specific dendritic cell vaccine and the identification of potential biomarkers of clinical efficacy. Dr. Debra MacIvor (Product Manager with Merck) will briefly describe the breadth of the MILLIPLEX® MAP cancer research portfolio.

Sep | 2013

• Presenter: Jessica Fredericks, Ph.D., Technical Scientist, Merck
• Abstract

  Western blotting is a powerful and sensitive technique used to detect low amounts of proteins in complex samples or to monitor protein expression and purification. Attend this complimentary webcast and gain technical insight into the science and optimization of Western blotting. Topics will include:

  • Transferring small and large proteins
  • The importance of blocking effectively
  • Maximizing sensitivity while reducing background
  • Choosing the right detection reagents

May | 2013

• Presenters: Dr. Paul Wingfield, Dir. of NIAMS Protein Expression Lab, NIH and Nuno Goncalves, Manager of Novel Biomolecular Detection, Merck
• Abstract

  Quantitation of proteins in solution is required daily in thousands of labs worldwide. Most researchers learn some protein quantitation techniques during their first lab experience and simply continue to use the same techniques as a result of habit. However, some techniques will yield inaccurate data depending on the nature of the proteins and the presence of other species in the sample. In this webinar, Dr. Paul Wingfield (Director of the NIAMS Protein Expression Laboratory at the NIH) will compare the most commonly used methods for protein detection and quantitation, discuss how each assay works and outline the advantages and limitations of each method. Nuno Goncalves (Merck) will then describe a new protein detection and quantitation technology based on the IR signal of protein amide bonds. The technique is rapid and accurate, accommodates many typical interfering molecules without prior purification, and requires only microscale volumes of sample. Dr. Paul Wingfield and Nuno Goncalves will answer your questions live during the webinar so be sure to attend and get answers from the experts!
  
  What you will learn in this webinar:

  • How to choose an appropriate technique for detecting and quantifying proteins. What is the basis of each technique (what does it actually measure)?
  • Ways to detect and quantify protein in the presence of potentially interfering substances (e.g., detergents, buffers, reducing agents) and other bio-macromolecules (e.g., nucleic acids, lipids, carbohydrates)
  • How to remove or correct for the effects of chemical species that often interfere with protein quantitation
  • Time and sample volume considerations for the various methods
  • How to assess and verify absolute vs. relative quantitation

  
  Who should attend:

  • Any researcher who works with proteins and/or peptides
  • Scientists who work with complex mixtures (e.g., proteins with detergents, lipids or nucleic acids)
  • Protein chemists and biochemists who need to be able to quantitate protein samples precisely and accurately
  • Laboratory course instructors and technicians who teach protein detection and quantitation methods to students