As aging is a multifaceted process that engenders numerous biological changes, it becomes essential to explore its underlying mechanisms at a molecular level. The intricate nature of telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes, has drawn significant attention in aging research. Telomeres are protein-DNA complexes that protect chromosome ends from illicit ligation and resection. Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein enzyme that synthesizes telomeric DNA to counter telomere shortening.
Fig. 1 Schematic showing the composition of complexes involved in chromosome end protection and end replication. (Smith EM, et al., 2020)
CD BioSciences provides a comprehensive understanding of telomere structures by examining telomeric shelterin complexes, chromatin organization, RNA transcripts, telomere attrition, and telomerase activity.
Telomerase Activity Assay Services
CD BioSciences' expertise in telomerase activity assay empowers comprehensive assessment of telomerase function in aging, providing a deeper understanding of its implications in age-associated diseases and cellular senescence. One of our key methodologies involves the telomere repeat amplification protocol (TRAP), a widely used technique that enables the detection and quantification of telomerase activity in various sample types. We have also combined this approach with other techniques, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), electrochemical detection, and real-time PCR, which allows us to perform reliable and detailed analysis of telomerase activity in aging studies.
Analysis of Telomeric Shelterin Complexes
Using high-resolution mass spectrometers, Western blot analysis, and immunofluorescence staining, we offer the analysis of shelterin protein complexes in aging. Our advanced techniques enable precise quantification of shelterin protein expression levels, such as TRF1, TRF2, TIN2, POT1, TPP1, and RAP1, offering valuable insights into their regulation and potential alterations during the aging process. In addition, we provide telomere protection assays and shelterin complex interaction studies.
Analysis of Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Proteins
Our focus on the analysis of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) proteins in aging demonstrates our commitment to understanding the fundamental molecular mechanisms underlying the aging process. With a wealth of expertise and technologies, we offer comprehensive analysis services that span sample collection and preparation, TERT protein analysis, and meticulous data interpretation.
Telomeric Chromatin Analysis Services
We can characterize the organization of telomeric chromatin by negative staining electron microscopy, magnetic tweezers, and single-particle cryo-electron microscopy, to provide valuable insights into the structural arrangement and dynamics of telomeric chromatin. We also offer ChIP-seq services for aging research identifying and quantifying telomere-associated protein interactions and histone modifications to reveal the molecular basis of cellular senescence and age-related genomes.
Telomeric RNA Transcript Analysis Services
RNA transcripts have a complex and dynamic structure that changes with age. We employ transmission electron microscopy (TEM), circular dichroism (CD), and nuclease digestion to investigate the structure of RNA transcripts of the C-rich and G-rich strands of telomeric DNA. Our comprehensive profiling analysis includes the identification of novel RNA transcripts and the characterization of their expression patterns across different cell types and tissues.
At CD BioSciences, our commitment to excellence in telomere structure analysis services is underscored by our comprehensive and advanced technologies and multidisciplinary expertise. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us or make an online inquiry.
Reference
- Smith EM, et al. Structural biology of telomeres and telomerase. Cell Mol Life Sci, 2020, 77 (1): 61-79.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
