Thermo Scientific™ Invitrogen™ Human IGF-1 ELISA Kit

The Invitrogen™ Human IGF-1 ELISA Kit is a reliable sandwich ELISA designed for the quantitative detection of Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) in various human biological samples, including serum, plasma, and supernatants. IGF-1 is a crucial growth factor involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, and metabolism, making this kit ideal for research in growth regulation, metabolic pathways, and disease mechanisms.

Key Features

1. High Sensitivity and Precision:

• Analytical Sensitivity: Detects as low as 0.1 ng/mL.
• Assay Range: Measures between 0.1–30 ng/mL.
• Intraassay CV: <10%.
• Interassay CV: <12%.

2. Broad Sample Compatibility:

• Suitable for serum, plasma, and cell culture supernatants.
• Requires only 50 µL per sample.

3. Comprehensive Kit Design:

• Includes a pre-coated 96-well microplate, standards, and reagents, streamlining the workflow.
• Compatible with most colorimetric microplate readers.

4. Reliable Assay Format:

• Sandwich ELISA Methodology: Ensures specific and accurate detection of both natural and recombinant human IGF-1.

Applications

1. Clinical and Disease Research:

• Growth Disorders: Study IGF-1 levels in growth hormone-related deficiencies or excesses.
• Cancer Research: Investigate IGF-1's role in tumor growth and cell proliferation.
• Metabolic Disorders: Analyze IGF-1 activity in metabolic syndromes and diabetes.
• Neurodegeneration: Explore correlations between low IGF-1 levels and Alzheimer’s disease.

2. Cellular and Molecular Studies:

• Cell Proliferation: Assess IGF-1's effects on cell growth and survival.
• AKT Signaling Pathway: Investigate IGF-1 as a potent activator of AKT for anti-apoptotic studies.
• Tissue Growth and Repair: Study IGF-1's role in muscle, bone, and cartilage development.

3. Drug Discovery and Development:

• Therapeutic Targets: Assess drug efficacy targeting IGF-1 pathways.
• Biomarker Discovery: Identify IGF-1 as a biomarker for therapeutic responses.

Kit Components

• Pre-Coated 96-Well Plate: Immobilized with an antibody specific to IGF-1.
• Standards: For generating a standard curve for accurate quantification.
• Biotinylated Detection Antibody: Specific to IGF-1.
• HRP-Conjugated Streptavidin (SAV-HRP): Amplifies the detection signal.
• Assay Diluent Concentrate: Ensures proper sample preparation.
• Wash Buffer: Removes unbound components during washing.
• TMB Substrate Solution: Produces a colorimetric signal.
• Stop Solution: Stabilizes the signal for accurate OD readings.
• Adhesive Plate Covers: Minimize evaporation during incubation steps.

Performance Specifications

Assay Principle

This ELISA kit employs a sandwich ELISA technique:

1. Capture Antibody Pre-coating:
   • The microplate is pre-coated with an antibody specific to IGF-1, which captures the target protein from the sample.
2. Sample and Standard Binding:
   • Add standards or samples to the wells, where IGF-1 binds to the pre-coated antibody.
3. Detection Antibody Binding:
   • A biotinylated antibody binds to a different epitope of the IGF-1 molecule, forming a sandwich complex.
4. Signal Amplification:
   • SAV-HRP binds to the biotinylated antibody, amplifying the detection signal.
5. Colorimetric Detection:
   • Add TMB substrate, which reacts with HRP to produce a measurable color change.
6. Quantification:
   • Measure the optical density (OD) at 450 nm, and calculate IGF-1 concentration using the standard curve.

Storage Conditions

• Store kit components at 2–8°C as per manufacturer instructions.
• Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles to preserve reagent integrity.

Advantages of the Kit

1. High Sensitivity:
   • Detects very low levels of IGF-1, suitable for detailed biomarker studies.
2. Reproducible Results:
   • Low intra- and interassay variability ensures reliable data.
3. Versatile Sample Compatibility:
   • Works seamlessly with serum, plasma, and supernatants.
4. Streamlined Workflow:
   • Pre-coated plates and ready-to-use reagents simplify assay setup.
5. Wide Applications:
   • Supports research in growth regulation, metabolism, and disease mechanisms.

Biological Importance of IGF-1

Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1):

• Function: Stimulates cell growth, survival, and differentiation in muscle, bone, and cartilage.
• Pathways: Potent activator of the AKT signaling pathway, promoting cell survival and inhibiting apoptosis.
• Clinical Relevance:
  • Low IGF-1 levels are linked to Alzheimer’s disease and metabolic disorders.
  • Dysregulation of IGF-1 pathways is implicated in cancers and growth abnormalities.
• Gene Symbol: IGF1 (Gene ID: 3479).
• Aliases: IGF-I, Somatomedin-C, Mechano Growth Factor (MGF).
• UniProt ID: P05019.

The Invitrogen™ Human IGF-1 ELISA Kit is an essential tool for researchers studying growth regulation, metabolism, and diseases associated with IGF-1 dysregulation. Its high sensitivity, specificity, and versatility make it a reliable choice for academic and clinical research applications.