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Kinase Activity Assay

What Is Kinase Activity Assay?

The Kinase Activity Assay is a biochemical detection method of kinase activity (the enzymes that move phosphate molecules from ATP to a substrate (usually protein). The process - known as phosphorylation - governs a range of cell functions, such as signal transduction, cell growth and differentiation. Kinases are also implicated in a variety of pathologies, and are therefore prime candidates for drug discovery and production. Accurate measurement of kinase function is crucial for cell signaling mechanisms and drug discovery for diseases mediated by kinases, especially cancers.

Kinase activity assays are essential for several reasons:

  • Cellular Signaling: These tests offer clues into kinase-controlled signaling circuits. Scientists can figure out, by measuring the activity of kinases, how these enzymes exert their effects upon cellular mechanisms and interactions.
  • Finding Therapeutic Targets: Since dysregulation of kinases is a hallmark of many conditions including cancer, such tests can be essential to discovering targets.
  • Measure Efficacy of Drugs: Kinase activity assays enable the scientists to measure the inhibition of drug candidates by individual kinases, thus revealing their therapeutic activity and mechanism of action.
  • Biomarker Development: Kinase activity changes can be used as biomarkers for various diseases. Recording such changes can also assist with early diagnosis and treatment monitoring.

Overview of kinase phosphorylation

Protein Array's Near-Infrared Microarray Protein Chip Technology Platform

At Protein Array, we utilize advanced near-infrared microarray protein chip technology for our Kinase Activity Assays. With this platform, multiple kinase activity can be measured simultaneously in one experiment to deliver much more throughput and efficiencies. Our platform is sensitive and specific, allowing scientists to pick up minute fluctuations in kinase function that can be crucial to diagnosis or therapy evaluation.

Our Kinase Activity Assays offer several advantages:

  • High Throughput: Our microarray platform can analyze thousands of samples in real time enabling big data studies and drug discovery at the speed of light.
  • Sensitivity: The near-infrared detection technology measures low-abundance kinases with high precision with stable results at very small sample inputs.
  • Unbiased Measurement: Unlike traditional antibody-based assays, our platform does not require prior knowledge of specific kinases involved. This allows for a more comprehensive evaluation of kinase activity across various signaling pathways.
  • Versatility: Our assays can be adapted to measure different types of kinases and substrates, making them suitable for a wide range of research applications.

Examples of Array Combination

CombinationMain Objective
1. Kinase Substrate Array + Phospho-Specific Antibody Array- Identify which substrates a kinase can phosphorylate in vitro
- Monitor phosphorylation changes in multiple substrates simultaneously
2. Receptor Tyrosine Kinase (RTK) Array + Phospho-Kinase Array- Evaluate activation of multiple RTKs
- Link RTK activation to downstream kinase signaling
3. Peptide Library Array + Kinase Inhibitor Array- Screen a broad peptide library to map kinase substrate specificity
- Test inhibitors against multiple kinases' substrate profiles
4. Kinase–Phosphatase Array + Functional Readout (Coupled Assay Array)- Explore interplay between kinases and phosphatases
- Determine net phosphorylation states under different regulatory conditions
5. Phospho-Proteomics (High-Density) Array + Cell Lysate-Based Assay- Profile phosphorylation changes in a high-throughput manner
- Compare multiple cell lysates or treatment conditions simultaneously

Application Scenarios of the Kinase Activity Assay

The applications of Kinase Activity Assays are diverse and impactful:

  • Drug Screening: Our assays are ideal for screening compound libraries to identify potential kinase inhibitors. They can assess the efficacy and selectivity of these compounds against specific kinases.
  • Mechanism of Action Studies: if they can track how inhibitors regulate kinase activity, researchers can get a glimpse into their mechanisms of action, important to tailor treatments accordingly.
  • Pathway Analysis: How various kinases interact in signaling circuits can tell us important things about cellular activity and pathogenesis.
  • Biomarker Research: The ability to monitor kinase activity changes over time makes these assays valuable tools in biomarker discovery and validation efforts.

Microarray Service Workflow

Leveraging the advanced near-infrared microarray protein chip technology platform from Protein Array, Creative Diagnostics' kinase activity assays provide a powerful tool for researchers seeking to understand and manipulate kinase signaling pathways. Our advanced technology and comprehensive services empower scientists to advance their drug discovery efforts and deepen their understanding of cellular mechanisms.

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