Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is a 36 kDa molecule that is highly conserved between species. PCNA was first identified as the antigen for a subpopulation of autoantibodies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (Miyachi, 1978; Takasaki, 1984; Ogata, 1987). It has since been determined that PCNA serves as a co-factor for DNA polymerase delta in S-phase as well as during DNA synthesis associated with mechanisms involved in DNA damage repair (Tan, 1987; Bravo, 1987). The temporal specificity of PCNA expression makes it an ideal marker for cell proliferation. PCNA begins to accumulate during the G1 phase of the cell cycle, is most abundant during the S phase, and declines during the G2/M phase (Kurki, 1988). Since the half-life of PCNA exceeds 20 hours, it may be possible to detect the protein in non-cycling cells.
Synonyms: Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen, DNA Polymerase delta Processivity Factor
Storage: 2-8C
Application: Western blot: 1:250-1:1000. Nuclear extracts are preferred over whole cell protein extracts. Immunohistochemistry: 1:20-1:200. Recommended for paraffin embedded tissue sections only. May be used on material fixed in a wide range of fixatives including formalin (buffered and unbuffered), methacarn and Bouin's reagent. The time of fixation can markedly affect the intensity of PCNA immunoreactivity. Staining is reduced (and may be abolished) if sections are baked onto glass slides. Air-drying overnight on poly-L-lysine coated slides is recommended. 60 minute incubation at 25C with standard ABC technique is recommended. Immunoprecipitation Indirect Flow Cytometry Optimal working dilutions must be determined by the end user.
Legal Information: CHEMICON is a registered trademark of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
Other Notes: Concentration: Please refer to the Certificate of Analysis for the lot-specific concentration.