Functional Molecular Assays
Functional Molecular Assays - Related Videos
09:16
Investigating Angiogenesis on a Functional and Molecular Level by Leveraging the Scratch Wound Migration Assay and the Spheroid Sprouting Assay
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Cited by 1 •
2024
This study presents the two-dimensional (2D) scratch wound migration assay and the three-dimensional (3D) spheroid sprouting assay, along with their respective downstream analysis methods, including RNA extraction and immunocytochemistry, as suitable assays to study angiogenesis in vitro.
08:32
Extraction of Tissue Antigens for Functional Assays
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2012
A simple protocol for preparing extracts of human tissue to be used as a source of antigens in functional T-cell assays is described. This method allows T-cell responses to tissue-derived antigens to be measured in vitro.
03:49
A Molecular-Based Assay for Quantifying Influenza A and B Viruses
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2025
The video demonstrates an assay for quantifying influenza viruses A and B. This assay employs nicking endonuclease amplification with influenza-specific primers and target detection using molecular beacon probes.
12:02
Molecular Evolution of the Tre Recombinase
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Cited by 4 •
2008
Here we report the generation of Tre recombinase through directed, molecular evolution. Tre recombinase recognizes a pre-defined target sequence within the LTR sequences of the HIV-1 provirus, resulting in the excision and eradication of the provirus from infected human cells. While still in its infancy, directed molecular evolution will allow the creation of custom enzymes that will serve as tools of molecular surgery and molecular medicine.
08:13
Evaluation of Zebrafish Kidney Function Using a Fluorescent Clearance Assay
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Cited by 29 •
2015
The zebrafish is a popular tool to model chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, their small size makes it impossible to evaluate renal function using traditional methods. We describe a fluorescent dye kidney clearance assay1 that allows quantitative analysis of zebrafish kidney function in CKD.
FAQs
Activity measurements show whether a molecule produces a biological effect under defined conditions, rather than merely confirming that it is present. This distinction can help researchers identify active disease mechanisms, determine whether immune factors influence infection, and evaluate whether a treatment changes a relevant response. The result connects molecular detection with functional consequences.
The readout depends on the process being studied and may include enzymatic activity, gene expression, protein signaling, binding, or pathogen replication. These measurements capture different levels of biological response, from molecular interactions to changes associated with infection. Selecting an appropriate readout helps align the assay with questions about immune activity, host responses, or treatment effects.
They distinguish processes by measuring the specific response produced after a target, cell, or biological sample encounters defined conditions. For example, an assay can examine antibody neutralization, cytokine activity, host–pathogen interactions, or pathogen replication. Comparing these functional outcomes helps separate simple molecular presence from effects that are relevant to immune defense or infectious disease progression.
A typical workflow establishes a molecular target, cell, or biological sample under defined conditions, exposes it to the relevant experimental situation, and quantifies the resulting biological response. The measured change may involve enzymatic activity, gene expression, protein signaling, binding, or pathogen replication. This sequence links the experimental condition to a functional outcome.
For antibody neutralization, the assay measures whether antibodies produce a functional effect related to infection or pathogen replication. For cytokine activity, it examines the biological response associated with cytokine signaling. In both cases, the important outcome is not simply detecting the immune molecule, but determining how its activity affects a relevant molecular, cellular, or infectious process.
These assays are useful when researchers need to determine whether a treatment changes a biological process, whether host factors influence infection, or how immune defenses affect infectious outcomes. Measurements of protein signaling, gene expression, binding, or pathogen replication can reveal functional effects and help evaluate therapeutic candidates in the context of active disease mechanisms.