Introduction

This invention relates to a monospecific antibody and method of production using as antigen an isoform of the human FAD (Flavin Adenin Dinucleotide) synthase (or synthetase). The antibody permits a rapid and simple analysis feasible by any laboratories allowing to the identification and quantification of FAD synthase isoforms level in biological samples.

Technical features

The antiserum is directed against human FAD synthase or FMN:ATP adenylyl transferase, a collection of enzymatic isoforms involved in FAD biosynthesis. It specifically reacts with the isoforms in human (and rat) biopsies, cellular extracts, plasma, and blood lysates, liquor. It is able to immune-react with both domains contained in the longest isoforms. Methods for measuring FAD synthase activity require specific competences in enzymology and spectrofluorometric assay, thus are time and money consuming. The antibody permits a rapid and simple analysis for FAD synthase detection and/or quantification. The antibody could make possible the precocious diagnosis of human pathologies which could be caused by the deficiency of the FAD synthase protein, like the RR-MADD, which, if early diagnosed, can be treated with the simple ingestion of riboflavin in high doses.

Possible Applications

• To clarify the aspects of the FAD synthase cellular biochemistry not yet solved (expression variations, other isoform existence, tissues/organ specificity);
• Production of diagnostic kits/microchips for recognizing of the protein for the applications in molecular diagnostics/pharmacological research.

Advantages

• It is the best molecular test available;
• The major efficiency and specificity is determined, probably, by the presence of more than one specific epitopes on the entire protein and by its major immunogenicity;
• It recognizes isoforms from model organisms like S. cerevisiae and C. elegans.