Detection and Estimation of Newly Synthesized Soluble Elastin Using a Hydroxyproline Label

Abstract

In recent years, as more has been learned about the occurrence and character of soluble elastin, it has become possible to begin looking at the biochemistry of synthesis and secretion of this protein in ways which were previously not feasible. One of the prerequisites for this sort of investigation is a reliable and, if possible, convenient assay system by which the protein can be detected and estimated. Newly synthesized, radio-actively labelled soluble elastin has been identified in several ways; by the addition of unlabelled carrier and subsequent purification of the protein (1), by its ability to serve as a substrate for lysyl oxidase (2) and by electrophoresis on Polyacrylamide gels in the presence of sodium dodecylsulphate (3). The technique that we have been using, and which we think offers some advantages over others, is a variation on the last of these three methods.