TeloTAGGG^™ Telomere Length Assay

Telomeres, the specialized DNA protein structures located at the end of eukaryotic chromosomes, consist of small, tandemly repeated DNA sequences. Numerous telomere sequences have been identified that display very few sequence variations, even between phylogenetically divergent organisms such as Tetrahymena (sequence: TTGGGG) and humans (sequence: TTAGGG).
Because DNA polymerase is unable to replicate the very ends of linear DNA, it was suggested that chromosomal ends progressively shorten with each replication cycle (called the “end-replication problem”). This phenomenon, which has been demonstrated in vitro and in vivo, seems to be linked to the limited proliferative capacity of normal somatic cells (“mitotic clock”). Since germ-line cells, stem cells, and tumor cells all exhibit a prolonged or even infinite life span, it was suggested that these cells must possess a particular mechanism for maintaining telomere length.
Maintaining stable telomere length is associated with the activation of telomerase. This enzyme is a ribonucleoprotein that compensates for the loss of telomeric DNA by adding repeat sequences to the chromosome ends, using its intrinsic RNA component as a template for DNA synthesis.
Telomeres play an essential role in the stable maintenance of eukaryotic chromosomes within a cell by specifically binding to structural proteins. These proteins cap the ends of linear chromosomes, preventing nucleolytic degradation, end-to-end fusion, irregular recombination, and other events that are normally lethal to a cell.
Analysis of telomere length in research samples of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells reveals that telomere length decreases with increased age in the donor, reflecting the replicative history of those cells. In several disorders (e.g., Down′s syndrome, ataxia telangiectasia, and HIV infection), accelerated telomere loss has been described, suggesting the reduction in telomere length may be related to the immune dysfunction associated with these disorders. This kit is intended to increase scientific knowledge about these relationships.

Assay time: Approximately 18 hours
Sample material: Cell cultures and other biological samples

Nonradioactive chemiluminescent assay to determine telomere length.

The kit utilizes Southern analysis of terminal restriction fragments (TRF) that are obtained by the digestion of genomic DNA using frequently cutting restriction enzymes.
Step 1: Digestion of genomic DNA
Purified genomic DNA is digested by an optimized mixture of frequently cutting restriction enzymes. The enzymes have been selected in such a way that telomeric DNA and sub-telomeric DNA is not cut. This is due to the special sequence characteristics of the repeats. Non-telomeric DNA is digested to low molecular-weight fragments.
Step 2: Gel electrophoresis and Southern blotting
Following DNA digestion, the DNA fragments are separated by gel electrophoresis, then transferred to a nylon membrane by Southern blotting.
Step 3: Hybridization and chemiluminescence detection
The blotted DNA fragments are hybridized to a digoxigenin (DIG)-labeled probe that is specific for telomeric repeats, then incubated with a DIG-specific antibody covalently coupled to alkaline phosphatase. Finally, the immobilized telomere probe is visualized by a highly sensitive chemiluminescent substrate for alkaline phosphatase, CDP-Star. The average TRF length can be determined by comparing the signals to a molecular-weight standard.

The TeloTAGGG^™ Telomere Length Assay is designed for use in the following life science research applications:

• Sensitive detection of telomeric DNA (telomeric sequence: TTAGGG) in cell cultures and other biological research samples
• Determination of the telomere length of DNA in cell cultures and other biological research samples

1 kit containing 15 components.

Sequence and length of the probe are confidential. The DIG labeled MW in the Kit is a mixture of DIG MW III and VII

Working concentration: Working concentration of conjugate depends on application and substrate

The following concentrations should be taken as a guideline:

• Dot blot: 100 ng/ml
• ELISA: 100 ng/ml
• Western blot: 100 ng/ml

Working solution: TAE buffer
0.04 M Tris-acetate, 0.001 M EDTA, pH 8.0
HCl solution
0.25 M HCl
For a 200 cm² blot about 250 ml of solution are needed.
Denaturation solution
0.5 M NaOH, 1.5 M NaCl
For a 200 cm² blot about 500 ml of solution are needed.
Neutralization solution
0.5 M Tris-HCl, 3 M NaCl, pH 7.5
For a 200 cm² blot about 500 ml of solution are needed.
20x SSC
3 M NaCl, 0.3 M Sodium citrate, pH 7.0
2x SSC
Dilute 20x SSC (Solution 5) 1:10 with autoclaved, redistilled water.
DIG Easy Hyb granules
Reconstitute the granules (Bottle 8) with 64 ml autoclaved, redistilled water and incubate at 37 °C until complete reconstitution. Prepare the solution several hours before use.
Stringent wash buffer I
2x SSC, 0.1% SDS
Stringent wash buffer II
0.2x SSC, 0.1% SDS
Washing buffer, 1x
Dilute an appropriate volume of washing buffer, 10x (Bottle 10) 1:10 with autoclaved, redistilled water.
Blocking solution, 1x
Dilute an appropriate volume of blocking buffer, 10x (Bottle 12) 1:10 with maleic acid buffer, 1x (Solution 12).
Maleic acid buffer, 1×
Dilute an appropriate volume of maleic acid buffer, 10x (Bottle 11) 1:10 with autoclaved, redistilled water.
Anti-DIG-AP, working solution
For reducing background by aggregated antibody, please spin vial for 5 min at 13,000 rpm before use.
Dilute an appropriate volume of Anti-DIG-AP (Bottle 13) with blocking solution, 1x (Solution 11) to a final concentration of 75 mU/ml (1:10,000).
Detection buffer, 1x
Dilute an appropriate volume of detection buffer, 10x (Bottle 14) 1:10 with autoclaved, redistilled water.
Storage conditions (working solution): TAE buffer:
Stable at 15 to 25 °C
HCl solution
Stable at 15 to 25 °C
Denaturation solution
Stable at 15 to 25 °C
Neutralization solution
Stable at 15 to 25 °C
20x SSC
Stable at 15 to 25 °C
2x SSC
Stable at 15 to 25 °C
DIG Easy Hyb
Stable at 15 to 25 °C for 3 months
Stringent wash buffer I
Stable at 15 to 25 °C
Stringent wash buffer II
stable at 15 to 25 °C
Washing buffer, 1x
Stable at 15 to 25 °C
Blocking solution, 1x
Prepare just before use. Do not store
Maleic acid buffer, 1×
Stable at 15 to 25 °C
Anti-DIG-AP, working solution
Prepare just before use. Do not store
Detection buffer, 1x
Stable at 15 to 25 °C

For life science research only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

Manufactured under license from Geron Corporation.

TeloTAGGG is a trademark of Roche