Dispase
Dispase
Dispase (pronunciation: /dɪs'peɪz/) is a non-specific protease enzyme that is often used in tissue culture to dissociate cells.
Etymology
The term "Dispase" is derived from the name of the bacterium from which it is isolated, Bacillus polymyxa. The suffix "-ase" is commonly used in biochemistry to denote enzymes.
Function
Dispase is a neutral protease that cleaves the peptide bonds in proteins. It is particularly effective at cleaving the bonds between collagen and fibronectin, two proteins that are abundant in the extracellular matrix of tissues. This makes Dispase an effective tool for dissociating cells in tissue culture.
Usage
In the field of cell biology, Dispase is often used in combination with other enzymes, such as collagenase and trypsin, to dissociate cells from tissues. This is a crucial step in many experimental procedures, including the establishment of primary cell cultures and the isolation of specific cell types for further study.
Dispase is also used in the preparation of single-cell suspensions for flow cytometry, a technique that allows researchers to analyze the properties of individual cells within a population.
Related Terms
- Protease: A type of enzyme that performs proteolysis, the breakdown of proteins into smaller polypeptides or single amino acids.
- Collagen: The main structural protein in the extracellular space in the various connective tissues in the body.
- Fibronectin: A high-molecular weight glycoprotein of the extracellular matrix that binds to membrane-spanning receptor proteins called integrins.
- Extracellular matrix: A three-dimensional network of extracellular macromolecules such as collagen and glycoproteins that provide structural and biochemical support to surrounding cells.
- Cell biology: A branch of biology that studies the different structures and functions of the cell.
- Collagenase: An enzyme that breaks the peptide bonds in collagen.
- Trypsin: A serine protease found in the digestive system of many vertebrates, where it hydrolyzes proteins.
- Flow cytometry: A technique used to detect and measure physical and chemical characteristics of a population of cells or particles.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Dispase
- Wikipedia's article - Dispase
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