Description
Key facts
Sample types:Cell culture supernatant, Other biological fluids, Plasma, Serum, Urine, Tissue Lysate, Cell Lysate,
Sensitivity:> 0.2 nmol/well
Product details:
Branched Chain Amino Acid Assay Kit / BCAA Assay Kit ab83374 provides a simple convenient means of measuring the BCAA's in biological samples.
The BCAA assay protocol uses an enzyme reaction in which BCAA is oxidatively deaminated, producing NADH which reduces a probe, generating a colored product (λmax = 450 nm).
The Branched Chain Amino Acid Assay Kit measures BCAA's in the range of 0 to 10 nmol per sample with a detection limit of ~0.2 nmol (~10 μM BCAA in sample). BCAA's are present in serum ~ 0.1-0.4 mM each (~0.125-1.5 mM combined).
BCAA assay protocol summary:
- add samples and standards to wells
- add reaction mix and incubate for 30 min
- analyze with a microplate reader
This product is manufactured by BioVision, an Abcam company and was previously called K564 Branched Chain Amino Acid (Leu/Ile/Val) Colorimetric Assay Kit. K564-100 is the same size as the 100 test size of ab83374.
The branched-chain amino acids or BCAA's, refer to the amino acids with non-linear aliphatic side-chains, namely leucine, isoleucine and valine. These three essential amino acids make up approximately 1/3 of skeletal muscle in the human body.
The Safety Datasheet for this product has been updated for certain countries. Please check the current version in the Support and downloads section.
Properties and Storage Information:
Shipped at conditions-Blue Ice, Appropriate short-term storage conditions--20°C, Appropriate long-term storage conditions--20°C, Storage information--20°C
Supplementary Information:
This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.
Branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) are a group of essential amino acids including leucine isoleucine and valine. People also refer to BCAAs as branched chain amino. With a combined molecular mass of around 131–131.18 Da each they exhibit a unique branched chain structure. BCAAs are prevalent throughout the body especially in muscle tissue where they account for a significant portion of total amino acids. The BCAA name refers to their branched aliphatic side chain a structural characteristic that differentiates them from other amino acids used in protein synthesis.
Biological function summary
Branched chain amino acids serve important roles beyond being building blocks for protein. BCAAs as part of a complex metabolic family play a critical role in muscle metabolism and energy production. They are involved in protein synthesis by activating key pathways and regulators like mTOR a well-known protein complex responsible for cell growth and proliferation. By serving as substrates for gluconeogenesis and energy BCAAs impact energy homeostasis particularly during periods of increased physical demand when body muscles require amino chain supplement.
Pathways
Branched chain amino acids engage with various metabolic processes and signaling pathways important for maintaining homeostasis. A notable involvement lies in the mTOR signaling pathway where BCAAs especially leucine act as significant regulators influencing energy metabolism and protein synthesis. The insulin signaling pathway also features interactions with BCAAs highlighting a connection between these amino acids and metabolic regulators like insulin reflecting their role in energy balance and nutrient sensing within cells.
Altered levels of branched chain amino acids link to several metabolic disorders particularly diabetes and obesity. Elevated BCAA levels in the bloodstream associate with insulin resistance a condition precursory to type 2 diabetes indicating a potential biomarker role in this pathway disturbance. Additionally obesity research shows a relationship between high BCAA levels and metabolic dysfunctions. The interplay between BCAAs and proteins like insulin and mTOR provides insights into their contribution to the pathophysiology of these metabolic conditions.
