Blog - Page 10 of 12 - Vector Laboratories

The Sialylation Pathways in Pancreatic Cancer and Their Role in Tumor Microenvironment Differentiation

Hikmet Emre Kaya, PhD July 21, 2021

Hypersialylation of glycans is one of the key drivers in cell differentiation in cancer, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells. In this article, we review a study investigating how this mechanism led to the differentiation of tumor monocytes into malignant tumor macrophages associated with low survival rates in patients.

Investigating Cross-Reactive Antibodies of SARS-CoV-2 with LIBRA-seq

Byron Hsu July 14, 2021

In this publication highlight, we review the use of LIBRA-seq to characterize monoclonal antibodies from a recovered SARS-CoV donor, expanding our understanding of cross-reactive antibodies for coronavirus.

The Life of a Histotechnologist: One Thin Section

Edna M. Kunkel July 14, 2021

Eric Peterson has long held an interest in the underpinnings of life, found enjoyment in science fiction, and taken a practical approach to career choices rooted in economics. He is not the guy who plotted his career path from start-to-finish; instead, he chose a career in the growing field of technology and was confident that there was a stable market for scientific professionals.

Dial up the Contrast with Counterstaining

Susan Harrison Uy, PhD July 7, 2021

When scientists detect targets of interest with immunohistochemistry (IHC), antibody binding and substrate detection alone often produce a perplexing picture where the target lacks context. Luckily there’s a solution. Counterstaining IHC samples after enzymatic detection spatially orients the target within its surroundings, which can help guide researchers as they analyze their results.

Macrophage-derived Microparticles to Improve the Efficacy of Anti-PD-1 Antibodies in Tumors

Hikmet Emre Kaya, PhD June 30, 2021

In this publication highlight, we review a study examining the impact of macrophage-derived microparticles on the tumor microenvironment and their synergistic effect on anti-PD-1 antibody activity.

A Simple Guide to Immunohistochemistry Substrate Selection

Camila Suhett, PhD June 30, 2021

This blog discusses different factors to consider—enzyme, sensitivity, color, method of visualization, and stability—when selecting the appropriate substrate (and, consequently, color) for your experiment.

Getting to the Specifics: Blocking for Immunohistochemistry

Susan Harrison Uy, PhD June 23, 2021

When performing IHC, scientists aspire to reduce background or non-specific staining on the specimen. Explore how you can block the sources of non-specific signals increases the signal-to-noise ratio for optimal results.

Prioritizing gene therapy to help families, including her own

Edna M. Kunkel June 16, 2021

When Courtney Young was a senior in high school, her 15 year old cousin was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). This diagnosis provided her with a strong motivation to pursue a future in science, which ultimately led to her interest in muscle biology and associated diseases. Since then, her interest has never faltered and she is now the CEO of gene therapy startup company MyoGene Bio, which focuses on the development of cutting edge genetic therapies for muscle diseases. For Courtney, this initiative continues to be personal, with the hope of someday being able to help her cousin who suffers from DMD, the most common form of muscular dystrophy.

An Introduction to Bioconjugation: Answering Your Questions

Susan Harrison Uy, PhD June 9, 2021

Bioconjugation offers a way to chemically link two molecules to form a single hybrid, where at least one of the molecules in the partnership is a biomolecule. The resulting product retains the activity of each component, yet also gains novel functionality that is not possible with either molecule alone. In a recent webinar, Dr. Craig Pow, Director of Technical Services at Vector Laboratories provided an introduction to bioconjugation and its applications, as well as key factors to success.

Reduce TissueBetter Immunofluorescence at the Speed of Light

Carolyn M. Walsh, PhD June 2, 2021

When everything goes right, looking through the microscope at your immunofluorescence-stained tissue is no less beautiful than peering through a telescope at the night sky. Unfortunately, experimental issues can obscure that pristine view of your microscopic “galaxy” so much that that you can’t tell the difference between Halley’s Comet and the Big Dipper! Never fear, we’re here to help.