Preparation of the first antibody against carotenoids and elucidation of their target molecules in tissues and cells by visualization

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26660094
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Exploratory Research
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Bioorganic chemistry
• Research Institution: Tohoku University
• Principal Investigator: Yamashita Mari 東北大学, (連合)農学研究科(研究院), 教授 (50192430)
• Co-Investigator(Renkei-kenkyūsha): KONOKI KEIICHI 東北大学, 大学院農学研究科, 准教授 (40292825) ; CHO YUKO 東北大学, 大学院農学研究科, 助教 (60323086)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: カロテノイド / 抗体 / フコキサンチン / レチノイン酸 / 免疫染色

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We prepared antibodies against carotenoids to quantify them and to elucidate their target molecules by visualization of them in tissues and cells. The anti-fucoxanthin and anti-retinoic acid antibodies were prepared by immunization of rabbits by their protein conjugates. These antibodies individually showed specific reactivities to fucoxanthin or retinoic acid. The localization of retinoic acid in mouse neuroblastoma cell line was visualized using this anti-retionoic acid antibody. Retinoic acid was specifically detected in cytoplasm by this antibody when the neuroblastoma cell was treated with retinoic acid to promote neurite outgrowth.

Free Research Field

天然物化学