Total Glycosaminoglycans Assay Kit (Colorimetric)

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) or mucopolysaccharides are long, linear, negatively charged polysaccharides consisting of repeating disaccharide units. Based on their core disaccharide structure, GAGs are categorized into four groups, sulfated GAGs including heparin/heparan sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, keratan sulfate and non-sulfated GAGs including hyaluronic acid, respectively. They are the most abundant heteropolysaccharides in the human eye. They are a key constituent of the extracellular matrix and act as a filler substance between cells and fibers in tissues. They vary in molecular mass (10-100 kDa), disaccharide construction, sulfation and have diverse functions. GAGs are the structural scaffolds and provide support and adhesiveness in bone, corneas, skin and connective tissues. Additionally, GAGs play an important role in many biological processes including cell signaling, cell growth and proliferation, anti-coagulation, angiogenesis, tumor progression, etc. GAGs are degraded in the lysosome via four different pathways. However, patients with the lysosomal storage disorder known as mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) have impaired lysosomal break down of GAGs and hence have higher levels of GAGs in their tissues or urine. Abnormal accumulation of GAGs in cells, blood and connective tissues over time can lead to permanent cell damage that can affect appearance, movement and functioning of organs. BioVision’s Total Glycosaminoglycans Assay Kit can measure the total amount of GAGs including sulfated GAGs such as chondroitin sulfate, heparan sulfate etc. and non-sulfated GAGs such as hyaluronic acid in various biological samples. In this assay, GAGs interacts with a specific probe to form a colored product that is measured by absorbance at 400 nm. The colored signal is directly proportional to the GAG concentration in the sample. The kit offers a simple, rapid, sensitive and convenient way to measure the total amount of GAGs in various sample types. It can detect as low as 1 μg of chondroitin sulfate or hyaluronic acid under the assay conditions.