Lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) are caused by genetic mutations in many different genes and can occur with significant lysosomal dysfunction. One of its main consequences is the accumulation of material in the lysosome that damages the cells in each LSD. Therefore, it is useful to be able to reliably quantify the relative levels of storage burden resulting from lysosomal dysfunction. Such measurements allow the assessment not only of the different stages of disease progression, but also of therapeutic strategies. Mapping the progressive accumulation of storage material within the brain can reveal important information about the site of the pathology. Such measurements have traditionally been achieved by western blot analysis of brain homogenates by biochemical methods, but this approach necessarily disrupts the anatomical integrity of the tissue. Therefore, new methods need to be developed to quantitatively assess the level of stored material in histological preparations.
Fig. 1. Schematic representation of quantifying storage material accumulation in tissue sections. (Cooper JD, et al., 2015)
Quantification Services for Storage Material Accumulation in Tissue Sections
CD BioSciences is committed to providing a comprehensive service for quantifying the accumulation of stored material in tissue sections for our clients worldwide. Our goal is to help you directly visualize stained stored material in an easy way and image analysis for quantification. Our advanced imaging and analysis platform will ensure your 100% satisfaction.
Our skilled scientists develop a variety of staining methods for the detection of accumulated material in lysosomes. In addition, we optimize these methods to provide quantitative data on storage burden levels.
- Direct Detection of Material Accumulated in Lysosomes
This method is applicable to materials with autofluorescent properties. We use fluorescence properties across multiple wavelengths to stain and label different cell phenotypes and determine which cell types accumulate storage material by confocal microscopy. - Immunohistochemical Detection of Material Accumulated in Lysosomes
We provide immunohistochemical detection of key components of the accumulated material, including primary storage products and secondary components. In addition, we stain for alternative markers of the stored material itself, such as one of the lysosome-associated membrane proteins (LAMP-1 or LAMP-2), or lysosomal enzymes for which reliable antibodies are present (e.g., histone D). - Quantification of Material Accumulated in Lysosomes
We offer semi-automated threshold image analysis methods that can easily and quickly help you quantify the relative level of storage burden.
Advantages of Our Services
- The direct detection method does not rely on staining procedures that stain too deeply.
- A combination of powerful, flexible thresholding tools.
- Simple and effective method for quantification.
- Economically feasible with free software package.
- Typically used to assess the level of glial activation identified by immunohistochemistry within the brain.
Our professional services for the quantification of storage material accumulation in tissue sections have been well received by customers. Our highly skilled and dedicated scientific staff ensures that the most appropriate method and technology is selected for each specialized lysosomal project. If you have any special requirements about our services, please feel free to contact us. We are looking forward to working together with your attractive projects.