AffinityImmuno Products

Introduction

ANGPTL8, also known by the earlier names Lipasin, TD26, and betatrophin, is a liver- and adipose-derived hormone that governs how the body handles circulating triglycerides. It appears to work chiefly by restraining lipoprotein lipase activity, which slows triglyceride clearance from blood and can redirect fatty acids toward storage in adipose tissue during the shift from fasting to feeding; consistent with this role, overexpressing the gene in mice raises blood triglycerides while eliminating it lowers them. The protein was originally named betatrophin after early reports suggested it could drive pancreatic beta-cell proliferation, but later studies found no evidence that ANGPTL8 is required for beta-cell growth or that adding extra protein expands beta-cell mass, so that proposed function has not held up. Genetic variation in the gene has nonetheless been associated with type 1 and type 2 diabetes risk, keeping ANGPTL8 an active subject of research into the links between lipid handling and glucose control.

Although early reports that ANGPTL8 drives pancreatic beta-cell proliferation (the source of its ‘betatrophin’ name) have not held up in later studies, genetic variation in the gene remains associated with type 1 and type 2 diabetes risk, keeping it an active subject in research connecting lipid handling to glucose control.

Principle of the Assay

This kit uses a sandwich enzyme immunoassay format in which the microtiter plate wells are pre-coated with a capture antibody specific to Human ANGPTL8. Standards or samples are pipetted into the wells, allowing any ANGPTL8 present to bind the immobilized capture antibody. A biotin-conjugated detection antibody, also specific to Human ANGPTL8, is then added and binds a second epitope on the captured analyte. Avidin conjugated to horseradish peroxidase (HRP) is subsequently introduced and binds the biotin label. Upon addition of TMB substrate solution, HRP drives a colorimetric reaction exclusively in wells containing ANGPTL8, biotin-conjugated detection antibody, and avidin-HRP conjugate. The reaction is stopped by the addition of a sulphuric acid solution, and absorbance is measured at 450 nm (± 10 nm). ANGPTL8 concentrations in unknown samples are determined by comparing their optical density values against a standard curve.