Signaling Pathways in Fibrosis Analysis Service Based on SPR Technology

Fibrosis can occur in a wide range of organs and the main pathological changes are an increase in fibrous connective tissue and a decrease in parenchymal active cells in the organ tissue. This can lead to structural damage and loss or even failure of organ function, posing a serious threat to human health and life. The living organism consists of two parts: the parenchyma and the interstitial layer. The parenchymal layer is the main structural and functional cells of the organ (e.g. the parenchymal layer of the liver is the hepatocytes). The interstitial layer, on the other hand, consists of the interstitial cells and the extracellular matrix (mainly collagen, proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans, glycoproteins and elastin), which are distributed between the parenchymal cells and act mainly as mechanical support and connections. In addition, the extracellular matrix constitutes the microenvironment that maintains the physiological activity of cells, serves as a bridge for intercellular Signaling, is involved in various physiopathological processes and plays an important role in the repair of tissue trauma and fibrosis.

Fig.1 Schematic representation of the therapeutic pro-fibrotic signaling pathway in fibroblasts (Cannito, S.; et al, 2017)

Cellular damage to tissue from any cause may lead to degeneration, necrosis and inflammation of the tissue. If the damage is minimal, normal parenchymal cells surrounding the damaged cells will proliferate and repair, and this repair can fully restore normal structure and function. However, if the damage is large or if repeated damage exceeds the regenerative capacity of the surrounding parenchymal cells, the interstitial fibrous connective tissue (extracellular matrix) will proliferate to repair the defective tissue. Eventually the tissue undergoes the pathological change of fibrosis. In essence, therefore, fibrosis is a reparative response of tissue cells to tissue damage in order to protect the relative integrity of tissues and organs. Although the proliferating fibrous connective tissue repairs the defect, it no longer has the structure and function of the original organ parenchyma cells. If this reparative response is excessive, overpowering and out of control, it can cause fibrosis, leading to a decline in organ function. Fibrosis is therefore a pathological process that results primarily from necrosis of the parenchymal cells of the organ due to inflammation and an abnormal increase and excessive deposition of extracellular matrix in the tissue. In mild conditions it becomes fibrosis, while in severe conditions it can even lead to the destruction of tissue structure and organ sclerosis.

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) for signaling pathways in fibrosis analysis service

Fibrosis can develop into a variety of organ diseases such as lung, liver, kidney, heart, gastrointestinal, eye and other organs. Fibrosis progresses from deposition of extracellular matrix to sclerosis of the tissues, eventually leading to organ insufficiency and failure. When fibrotic disease progresses to an advanced stage it is often an irreversible process, which is why early detection and treatment of fibrosis is so important. When an organ undergoes fibrosis, many Signaling pathways are involved and it is these Signaling pathways that guide the development of fibrotic disease. Signaling pathways are therefore a major focus of fibrotic disease research. In addition drug screening using Signaling pathways as targets has provided new directions and ideas for new drug development. Our unique high-throughput SPR technology platform can provide you with molecular interactions analysis services to help you analyse Signaling pathways at the molecular level in fibrotic disease research. The general process we can see in the diagram below.

Fig.2 BIAchip™ in the process of fibrosis analysis service

In addition to some of the Signaling pathways shown in the figure above, there are a number of pending Signaling pathways awaiting investigation. These Signaling pathways are all potential targets for fibrotic disease and only by understanding the mechanisms of the Signaling pathways can downstream target screening and target-based drug screening be undertaken. Compared to other molecular interactions platforms, SPR technology has some advantages.

First of all, the biggest advantage of the SPR technology is its high throughput, which can save a lot of screening time for samples. On the other hand, the ability to perform parallel and identical screens ensures that the results are comparable and referable.

Secondly, the ultra-high sensitivity of SPR technology ensures the accuracy of the results, so there is no need to worry when analysing small molecular weight samples. Moreover, we can guarantee the accuracy of the data.

Finally, we would love to hear your ideas and will try to put them into practice as much as possible. Thanks to the flexibility and expandability of SPR technology, we can offer you an exclusive and customised service. You will receive a one-to-one service from our experts and we will give you feedback within 2-3 days after placing your order.

Choosing SPR technology platform of Creative Proteomics, you will greatly save time and money costs owing to high-throughput intermolecular interaction detection. All services are available on a 24/7/365 basis. If you have any questions or suggestions about our SPR services, please feel free to contact us right now.

For research use only. Not intended for any clinical use.