New Line of Lipid Microparticles

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a well-recognized ‘eat me’ signal exposed on the outer surface of dying cells. A phagocytic cell recognizes PS through several protein receptors on its surface. This binding initiates a cascade of signaling events inside the phagocyte cell that results in the engulfment and internalization of the apoptotic body. Neighboring cells then use the ingested material after it is further broken down and recycled. Despite the origin of the name, phagocytosis, non-cellular particles like microbeads can also be ingested. This provides an avenue to develop new tools to help researchers better understand the details of apoptosis, phagocytosis, and efferocytosis.
As the sole authorized distributor of Echelon Bioscience in India, we are delighted to introduce the latest launch of Lipid Microparticles Phosphatidylserine (PS) and Phosphatidylcholine (PC) to their Lipid-Protein Interaction Tools product line.
These standard lipid microparticles are approximately 3 µm in size with attached phospholipids and the option of a fluorophore. This size and the added fluorescence accommodate analysis with typical flow cytometry and microscopy methods. As PS is typically only found on the extracellular face of the cell during apoptosis, the PS microparticles mimic this apoptotic signal. Conversely, the PC microparticles should be ingested at a much lower frequency.
A common method of measuring apoptosis in cells involves the use of the anticoagulant protein Annexin V. This protein specifically binds to phosphatidylserine (PS) and is utilized to measure the externalization of PS from the cellular membrane’s inner to outer leaflets. This externalization of PS to the outer membrane is indicative of a disruption of the membrane's standard asymmetry and is a hallmark of apoptosis. Similarly, Annexin V can be used as a confirmatory readout of PS bound to a microparticle.

For more details, please connect with us at info@biotechnolabs.com

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