Breakthrough identification of important protein

For the first time, researchers from the University of Copenhagen have managed to develop a secure way of measuring the protein apo-M in our blood. The protein is interesting because it may prove important to research into diseases such as multiple sclerosis, arteriosclerosis and diabetes.

'We know that apo-M is of importance to the development of arteriosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. Previously, we have discovered that apo-M carries a small fatty molecule, S1P, which plays a part in both diabetes and sclerosis. Whether or not apo-M is of importance, remains to be seen, however, our new and secure measuring methods open up completely new perspectives on the research being conducted in these areas', Associate Professor Christina Christoffersen from the Department of Biomedicine at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences explains.

Efficient and correct measuring of apo-M -- or apolipoprotein M which is its name proper, has long proven a challenge to researchers across the globe. However, the Danish researchers have utilized a sandwich of commercial antibodies to identify the protein and this method has just been described in the renowned American Journal of Lipid Research.

Simply order and start

'The protein is attached to the good cholesterol, HDL, which makes measuring it difficult. It is folded like a small funnel, but expressed in popular terms, we have managed to unfold it, which makes it much easier to identify', Christina Christoffersen elaborates.

Even though it has taken several years to develop this method, it is so simple that researchers all over the world can start using it immediately.

'These antibodies are actually commercially available, so all you have to do is order them and start measuring," Christina Christoffersen concludes.