LDL Uptake Assay Kit (Cell-Based)

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is a large spherical macromolecule that serves as a ‘shuttle’ to transport hydrophobic molecules (lipids and cholesterol) throughout the body via the aqueous environment of the bloodstream. An LDL particle consists of a hydrophobic core of cholesterol esters (with long-chain fatty acids linked to the hydroxyl group) and triglycerides surrounded by an amphipathic shell containing the 510 kDa protein Apolipoprotein B-100, various phospholipids and non-esterified cholesterol molecules. LDL is taken up by cells such as hepatocytes, macrophages, and endothelial cells by specific receptor-mediated endocytosis. High levels of LDL have been associated with arterial inflammation, which leads to cardiovascular diseases (CVD) like atherosclerosis, ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction. LDL particles can migrate through inflamed vascular endothelial tight junctions, where they become oxidized and attract circulating monocytes. Monocytes differentiate into activated macrophages, which further accumulate LDL and become foam cells, leading to arterial wall thickening/scaring and formation of fibrous fatty plaques. Current CVD preventative therapies include decreasing LDL with statins, which prevent endogenous cholesterol biosynthesis by inhibiting H mg-CoA reductase. However, drugs that inhibit LDL uptake by macrophages or enhance LDL clearance by increasing hepatic LDL reuptake are also being investigated. BioVision’s LDL Uptake Assay Kit enables measurement of receptor-mediated LDL uptake by various cell types. The kit contains fluorescent human LDL, which is covalently-labeled with a bright, highly photostable fluorophore that can be detected when taken up by cells (Ex/Em = 488/523 nm). Unlabeled human LDL is included in the kit for validation of specific labeled LDL uptake. The kit contains a complete set of reagents sufficient for performing 100 reactions and a 96-well polylysine-coated black cell culture plate with a thin, microscopy-grade clear bottom.