New technique to isolate intact lysosomes from cell culture

The correct function of our cells depends on the precise coordination of many complex processes and organelles

Given that many diseases are caused by defects in lysosomal function, it is not surprising that researchers have been actively trying to understand these organelles for decades

A more advanced technique, called "immunoprecipitation," relies on modifying the surface proteins of lysosomes so that they can be captured by magnetic beads coated with specialized antibodies

Fortunately, a team of scientists led by Professor Shinya Maenosono of the Japan Institute of Advanced Science and Technology (JAIST) has embarked on research and developed a new strategy to rapidly isolate intact lysosomes in high purity

Their strategy was to use magnetic plasmonic hybrid nanoparticles (MPNPs) made of silver and iron-cobalt alloys and coated with a compound called aminodextran (aDxt)

To make this approach feasible, it is critical that MPNPs are located only within the lysosome and not within other organelles

The team then analyzed the effect of temperature and magnetic separation time on the protein composition of the extracted lysosomes

Overall, this new technique will help researchers explore the fragile metabolites of lysosomes and how they change in response to stimuli

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