Human Cystatin-C Rapid ELISA Assay

Cystatin C (CST3, formerly gamma trace, post-gamma-globulin, or neuroendocrine basic polypeptide) is a protein encoded by the Cystatin C gene and was originally described as a constituent of normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and of urine from patients with renal failure. Cystatin C has a low molecular weight (approximately 13.3 kDa) and is removed from the bloodstream by glomerular filtration in the kidneys. In humans, all cells with a nucleus (cell core containing the DNA) produce Cystatin C as a chain of 120 amino acids. It is found in virtually all tissues and bodily fluids. Cystatin C, which belongs to the type II cystatin gene family, is a potent inhibitor of lysosomal proteinases (enzymes from a special subunit of the cell that break down proteins) and probably one of the most important extracellular inhibitors of cysteine proteases (it prevents the breakdown of proteins outside the cell by a specific type of protein degrading enzymes) . Moreover, Cystatin C is involved in network reorganization in the epileptic dentate gyrus.

The Biosensis Cystatin C Rapid enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) Kit is a sandwich ELISA that allows the quantification of Cystatin C in less than 4 hours in human saliva only if used as directed, with a simplified protocol and no loss of sensitivity or specificity. This kit has not been tested for other applications. It has been configured for research use only and is not to be used in diagnostic or clinical procedures.