Active Motif
HOME Your CartYOUR CART    0 Items Login | Register
Transcriptional Regulation

TransAM™ GATA

 

The GATA family consists of six members, GATA 1-6, that bind to the (A/T)GATA(A/G) nucleotide motif. GATA family members are grouped into two subfamilies based on structural and expression comparisons. GATA-1, -2 and -3 are expressed predominantly in hematopoietic cells, and regulate differentiation and gene expression in T-lymphocytes, erythroids and megakaryocytes. GATA-4, -5 and -6 are found mainly in the heart and gut, and are involved in regulation of cardiogenesis and gut development. The TransAM GATA Family Kit measures GATA-1, -2 and –3, while TransAM GATA-4 is specific for studying GATA-4.

 

The TransAM™ advantage

Historically, transcription factor studies have been conducted using gelshift, Western blot and reporter plasmid transfections, which are time-consuming, do not allow for high-throughput and provide only semi-quantitative results. TransAM assays are up to 100 times more sensitive than gelshift techniques, and can be completed in less than 5 hours. Because TransAM is an ELISA-based assay*, there is no radioactivity, and the high-throughput stripwell format enables simultaneous screening of 1-96 samples. Inconsistencies due to variable reporter plasmid transfections are eliminated, along with the need to construct stable cell lines.

Why use TransAM?

  • Up to 100-fold more sensitive than gelshift assays
  • Eliminates the use of radioactivity and the need to run gels
  • Results in less than five hours
  • Colorimetric readout enables easy, quantitative analysis with spectrophotometry
  • 96-stripwell format enables both high and low throughput

How TransAM™ Kits work

The TransAM format is perfect for assaying transcription factor binding to a consensus-binding site. TransAM Kits contain a 96-stripwell plate to which the consensus-binding site oligo has been immobilized. Activated nuclear extract is added to each well and the transcription factor of interest binds specifically to this bound oligonucleotide. A primary antibody specific for an epitope on the bound and active form of the transcription factor is then added followed by subsequent incubation with secondary antibody and Developing Solution to provide an easily quantified, sensitive colorimetric or chemiluminescent readout (Figure 1).

TransAM flow chart
 
Figure 1: Flow chart of the TransAM process.

 

* Technology covered under EAT-filed patents and licensed to Active Motif. Use of TransAM in NFκB-related drug discovery may be covered under U.S. Patent No. 6,150,090 and require a license from Ariad Pharmaceuticals (Cambridge, MA, USA).