The Receptor for Advanced Glycosylated End Products (RAGE) is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily of cell surface molecules that binds molecules that have been irreversibly modified by non-enzymatic glycation and oxidation, and are know as advanced glycation end products (AGEs).  It is expressed by endothelium, mononuclear phagocytes, neurons and smooth muscle cells.  Whereas RAGE is present at high levels during development, especially in the central nervous system, its levels decline during maturity.

The increased expression of RAGE is associated with several pathological states, such as diabetic vasculopathy, retinopathy and neuropathy, and other disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease and immune/inflammatory reactions of the vessel walls.  In diabetic tissues, the production of RAGE is due to the overproduction of AGEs that eventually overwhelm the protective properties of RAGE.  This results in oxidative stress and endothelial cell dysfunction that leads to vascular disease in diabetics.  In the brain, RAGE also binds amyloid beta (Ab).  Because Ab is overproduced in neurons and vessels in the brains of Alzheimer disease, this leads to the hyperstimulation of RAGE.  The RAGE-Ab interaction is thought to result in oxidative stress leading to neuronal degeneration.

A goat antiserum to a synthetic peptide that corresponds to amino acids 42-59 of the N-terminus of human RAGE protein is currently available. This antiserum has been shown to be immunoreactive with the unconjugated immunizing peptide by ELISA.  It will also immunolabel vessels from diabetic tissues and vessels and neurons from the brains of AD patients in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues. This antibody should be a valuable tool for scientists working to understand the role of RAGE in diabetes and AD.

This antiserum was produced using proprietary methodology whereby the peptide is attached to a carrier that elicits minimal immunoreactivity so that the antiserum has a higher degree of specificity for the peptide.  Since there is no overwhelming production of interfering antibodies to the carrier, this antiserum can routinely be used without further purification.  Pseud-Immune™ control immune serum (Cat no. GPA018E) from a mock immunized animal is available to be used in conjunction with this antibody as well as the immunizing peptide (Cat no. HSP017N), which can be used to neutralize immunoreactivity.

Manufacturing Reference:

Southwest Immunology, Inc., unpublished results.