GALE (UDP-galactose-4-epimerase) is a key enzyme in galactose metabolism, catalyzing the reversible epimerization of UDP-glucose to UDP-galactose and UDP-N-acetylglucosamine to UDP-N-acetylgalactosamine . GALE antibodies are immunological tools designed to detect this enzyme in various experimental and clinical contexts. These antibodies are critical for studying GALE's role in metabolic disorders, cancer progression, and cellular processes.
GALE operates as a homodimer, utilizing NAD+ as a cofactor for its bidirectional enzymatic activity . Deficiencies in GALE lead to epimerase-deficiency galactosemia, a rare metabolic disorder characterized by impaired galactose processing .
Parameter | Details | Sources |
---|---|---|
Host Species | Mouse (IgG2b), Rabbit (IgG) | |
Reactivity | Human, Mouse, Rat, Pig, Rabbit | |
Molecular Weight | 38 kDa (calculated and observed) | |
Immunogen | Recombinant GALE fusion protein |
GALE antibodies are validated for:
GALE is upregulated in high-grade gliomas (e.g., glioblastoma multiforme) and correlates with poor prognosis . Key observations include:
Osteoarthritis: GALE modulates proteoglycan synthesis in chondrocytes, suggesting a role in cartilage degradation .
Anti-α-Gal Response: While not directly linked to GALE, anti-α-gal antibodies (targeting Galα1-3Galβ1-4GlcNAc) are structurally distinct but highlight carbohydrate-antibody interactions relevant to immunology .
Mouse Anti Human Antibodies are secondary antibodies that are generated by immunizing mice with human immunoglobulins. These antibodies are affinity-purified and have well-characterized specificity for human immunoglobulins .
Mouse Anti Human Antibodies are commonly used in various laboratory techniques, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry . These secondary antibodies offer increased versatility, enabling users to employ many detection systems such as horseradish peroxidase (HRP), alkaline phosphatase (AP), and fluorescence . They also provide greater sensitivity through signal amplification, as multiple secondary antibodies can bind to a single primary antibody .
The production of Mouse Anti Human Antibodies involves immunizing the host animal (mouse) with a pooled population of human immunoglobulins. These antibodies can be further purified and modified through techniques such as immunoaffinity chromatography, antibody fragmentation, and label conjugation to generate highly specific reagents .
In some cases, the use of mouse antibodies in humans can lead to the development of Human Anti-Mouse Antibodies (HAMA). The HAMA response is essentially an allergic reaction to the mouse antibodies, which can range from mild forms like a rash to more severe and life-threatening responses such as kidney failure .