B lymphoid tyrosine kinase, better known by its abbreviated form BLK, is a crucial element in the workings of the respective B-cells, a type of white blood cell. Scientists have attributed it to the Src family due to its significant role as a non-receptor tyrosine kinase. Notably, BLK plays a critical function in B-cell receptor signaling. The signaling process enables B-cells to generate and secrete antibodies that protect our bodies against different infectious agents, including viruses and bacteria.
Research shows that BLK is encoded by the BLK gene, influencing other processes like triggering specific immune responses. Over-expressed or insufficient BLK (resulting from mutation or malfunction of the BLK gene) can lead to various health conditions. For instance, overexpression of BLK in humans has been tied to autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis.
There is also an association of aberrant BLK with various forms of cancer, particularly breast cancer. In such scenarios, cancer cells manipulate their environment to foster progression and survival through genetic and epigenetic alterations. In the case of breast cancer cells, abnormal BLK activity is observed, indicating the vital role of BLK in disease progression.
Investigating BLK levels can be helpful for diagnosing several ailments, especially those associated with the immune system. It is also necessary for exploring treatments for these conditions. Accordingly, researchers, biomedical professionals, and clinicians employ various modern detection methods to identify and quantify BLK. Specifically, these techniques use principles related to molecular biology, biochemistry, and immunology.
One of the most popularly used methods to detect BLK is the technique known as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). This process usually utilizes an antibody that is specific to the BLK protein. Upon contact with the sample (such as tissue or serum), any present BLK will bind with the antibody, providing quantification following a sequence of color development steps. In this though simple but powerful process, the level of BLK in a sample can be accurately determined.
Other methods of BLK detection include immunohistochemistry (IHC) and western blotting. IHC technique allows for the visualization of BLK in tissue sections, thereby offering insights into the distribution and abundance of the protein in different cells and tissues. This process often uses a BLK-specific antibody to stain the determined protein on tissues embedded in paraffin. On the other hand, the western blotting technique quantifies proteins such as BLK in a sample and also enables the researcher to confirm the protein-size.
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