Cell Biology

The cell cycle is an ordered set of events by which cells undertake growth and division into two daughter cells. In eukaryotes, the cell cycle is described by five phases: G0, G1, S, G2, and M. In G0 phase, cells have entered a quiescent state or are not dividing. During G1 period, the cells grow and accumulate nutrients for the subsequent S phase, where DNA replication occurs. The gap between S and M phases is termed G2 period, during which the cells continue to grow and prepare for mitosis that occurs in M phase. All these processes are elaborately controlled to ensure proper cell development and renewal. The key molecules that program cell cycle are cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), whereas inhibitors that prevent improper cell division are two families of genes, the Cip / Kip family and the INK4 family. Notably, these inhibitor genes are also termed tumor suppressor genes as they are instrumental in the prevention of tumor formation.

Cell death occurs when a cell is no longer able to sustain essential life functions. Cells can die through one of several biochemically distinct pathways, with apoptosis and necrosis being the two most commonly studied mechanisms. While the term “autophagic cell death” would suggest death by autophagy, this form of cell killing occurs only in specific cases, as autophagy is generally considered a pro-survival process. Aside from these three modalities, other forms of cell death described by terms such as “mitotic catastrophe” or “excitotoxicity” are present in the literature. However, more research will have to be done to determine whether these and other named processes truly represent distinct death pathways.

C Reactive Protein antibody (GTX101262)

Autophagy has been implicated in many different diseases, including neurodegeneration, cardiac myopathy, autoimmune disease and cancer. The role of autophagy in cancer is complex and paradoxical. While autophagic deficiency has been shown to promote tumorigenesis in animal models, autophagy may actually support tumor growth by enhancing cancer cell survival in the face of nutrient depletion or accumulation of toxic molecules. GeneTex is proud to introduce our antibodies for autophagy research.

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DFNA5 antibody

Cat No. GTX64590

DFNA5 antibody, N-term

Cat No. GTX81693

DFNA5 antibody, C-term

Cat No. GTX46489

The subcellular location of a protein may suggest potential roles for that factor in one or more cellular processes. Organelle protein-specific antibodies are essential for establishing colocalization of a particular protein of interest with an organelle, thereby contributing crucial insight into its possible function(s). In addition, these organelle marker antibodies can often be used in cell fractionation studies analyzed by western blot alone or after immunoprecipitation.

Cytosol

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

Pyroptosis is a programmed cell death process executed by inflammatory caspases upon initiation of canonical or non-canonical mechanisms. It is triggered by specific inflammatory caspases (caspase-1, -4, -5, -11) that are distinct from those responsible for apoptosis. Both the canonical and non-canonical pathways lead to the activation of gasdermin D (GSDMD), which forms pores that cause cellular leakage and lysis. The canonical sequence involves pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs)- and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs)-mediated inflammasome formation leading to caspase-1 activation, GSDMD cleavage, and IL-1β and IL-18 maturation. The non-canonical string of events is characterized by direct interaction of the other three caspases with Gram-negative bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) with subsequent GSDMD activation. The resultant extracellular release of cytoplasmic components unleashes a local inflammatory cascade that can become systemic, underscoring the importance of pyroptosis’ normal function in mobilizing immune cells against pathogens. Nevertheless, pyroptosis can also contribute to inflammation-related pathology, including cancer progression and autoimmune disease.

GeneTex is proud to offer an outstanding selection of antibodies to study pyroptosis and inflammation biology. These antibodies are validated for various applications to facilitate your efforts in this exciting field. Please see the highlighted products below

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