Tau (Phospho-Ser396)Colorimetric Cell-Based ELISA Kit

From Assay Genie, this cell-based ELISA kit is designed to detect tau protein phosphorylated at serine 396 in cultured cells, with a colorimetric readout measured at 450 nm. It is described as a convenient, lysate-free, high-throughput and sensitive assay that measures the relative amounts of phosphorylated tau in cells and can be used to screen the effects of treatments, inhibitors (such as siRNA or chemicals) or activators on tau phosphorylation. The qualitative, indirect ELISA format uses target-specific primary antibodies together with HRP-conjugated secondary antibodies that catalyze a colorimetric reaction upon substrate addition.

Reactivity has been demonstrated with human, mouse and rat samples, and a monoclonal anti-GAPDH antibody is included as an internal positive control for normalising target absorbance values. After the HRP colour step, a Crystal Violet whole-cell staining method can be used to determine cell density, allowing absorbance values to be normalised to cell numbers and correcting for plating differences. The procedure is intended for adherent cells, and the manufacturer states a dynamic range of more than 5000 cells. Because the assay is qualitative, multiple normalisation methods are required, as described in the product documentation.

Phosphorylation of tau at serine 396 is implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, where abnormal phosphorylation contributes to the formation of neurofibrillary tangles. The kit is therefore positioned for research into disease mechanisms, progression and the development of targeted therapies in tau-related neurodegeneration.