Human Proprotein Convertase 9/PCSK9 Quantikine ELISA Kit Summary

Product Summary

The Quantikine Human PCSK9 immunoassay is a 4.5 hour solid phase ELISA designed to measure PCSK9 in cell culture supernates, cell lysates, serum, and plasma. It contains NS0-expressed recombinant human PCSK9 and has been shown to accurately quantitate the recombinant factor. Results obtained using natural PCSK9 showed linear curves that were parallel to the standard curves obtained using the Quantikine kit standards. These results indicate that this kit can be used to determine relative mass values for naturally occurring PCSK9.

Preparation and Storage

Background: Proprotein Convertase 9/PCSK9

Proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin 9 (PCSK9), also named neural apoptosis-regulated convertase 1 (NARC-1), is a member of the proteinase K subfamily of subtilisin-related serine endoproteases. The full-length protein has 692 amino acids, including a signal peptide, a pro- domain, and a catalytic domain. PCSK9 is highly expressed in the liver, intestine, and kidney. It is initially synthesized as a soluble 74 kDa precursor protein. In the endoplasmic reticulum, it undergoes autocatalytic intramolecular cleavage to generate a 14 kDa pro- domain and a 60 kDa catalytic domain. These two domains remain associated when PCSK9 is secreted outside the cells (1-3). The primary physiologic function of PCSK9 is to mediate the degradation of low density lipoprotein receptor (LDL R). Early observations indicated that gain-of-function missense mutations in the PCSK9 gene can cause an autosomal dominant form of hypercholesterolemia (4, 5). The expression of PCSK9 was observed to be up-regulated by the sterol regulatory element binding proteins (SREBPs), a family of transcription factors that are responsible for the upregulation of genes involved in cholesterol and fatty acid metabolism, such as the LDL R gene (6, 7). Further experimental evidence revealed that in mice, when the PCSK9 gene was knocked out, the number of LDL R in hepatocytes increased, whereas when PCSK9 was over-expressed, the amount of LDL R protein was reduced in the liver (8, 9). In humans, genetic analyses have shown that individuals who have nonsense or loss-of-function mutations in the PCSK9 gene have significantly lower plasma LDL cholesterol levels (10, 11). These investigations clearly indicated that PCSK9 plays a key role in reducing the hepatic LDL R levels. Recently, the underlying mechanism has been uncovered: under normal physiologic conditions, the LDL R is internalized on the cell surface and directed to the endosomes in order to be recycled back to the cell surface. PCSK9 binds to the EGF domain of the LDL R and prevents LDL R from being sorted to the endosomes. Instead, the PCSK9/LDL R complex is redistributed to the lysosomes for degradation (12-14). As such, PCSK9 regulates the amount of LDL R in the circulation and modulates cholesterol levels. Serum PCSK9 concentrations have been found to be directly associated with cholesterol levels (15, 16). Since individuals with loss-of-function PCSK9 mutations have strikingly reduced risk of coronary heart diseases, PCSK9 has become an attractive drug target in recent years (17, 18). One approach is to generate small molecules that are able to interfere with PCSK9 autoactivation and its interaction with LDL R. Other approaches aiming to reduce the amounts of PCSK9 in the circulation, such as small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), have also shown promise (19, 20).

Assay Procedure

Refer to the product datasheet for the complete assay procedure.

Bring all reagents and samples to room temperature before use. It is recommended that all samples, standards, and controls be assayed in duplicate.

1、Prepare all reagents, standard dilutions, and samples as directed in the product insert.

2、Remove excess microplate strips from the plate frame, return them to the foil pouch containing the desiccant pack, and reseal.

3、Add 50 μL of Assay Diluent to each well.

4、Add 50 μL of Standard, control, or sample to each well. Cover with a plate sealer, and incubate at room temperature for 2 hours.

5、Aspirate each well and wash, repeating the process 4 times for a total of 5 washes.

6、Add 100 μL of Conjugate to each well. Cover with a new plate sealer, and incubate at room temperature for 2 hours.

7、Aspirate and wash 5 times.

8、Add 100 μL Substrate Solution to each well.

9、Add 100 μL of Stop Solution to each well. Read at 450 nm within 30 minutes. Set wavelength correction to 540 nm or 570 nm.