For our new users of QPatch Compact, we have produced five new video tutorials to help you get started with planar patch clamp experiments on QPatch Compact. Besides the new video tutorials, on the new QPatch Compact Support Site, you have access to safety instructions, user manual incl. test protocols, and troubleshooting guides.
In a new application report, written together with Dr. Aamir Ahmed from Kings College London, UK, we obtained automated patch clamp (APC) recordings using the fragile and scarce Wnt proteins. Wnt 9B, 5A and 10B, were all shown to activate ion channel currents in PC3 cells.
Wingless-related integration site (Wnt) comprises a diverse family of secreted signaling proteins (350–400 amino acids, 35-45 kDa), which act as close-range signaling molecules. Wnt signal activation initiates a complex downstream signal cascade in eukaryotic cells and is critical in the development of many diseases, including cancer.
It was possible to obtain both manual and automated patch clamp recordings of fragile and scarce Wnt proteins after a thorough optimization of the protein handling.
We highlight aspects of the handling of Wnt proteins optimized for APC testing, which could also be applied to other large molecules (e.g. peptide toxins, nanobodies, antibodies).
You can find all relevant Wnt signaling (and other large molecules) publications and posters here
With QPatch Compact, anyone can learn to patch-clamp in less than half an hour. The ready-to-use system offers the flexibility of manual patch clamp with the robustness and ease of use known from the QPatch and Qube automated patch clamping solutions.
QPatch Compact is a semi-automated patch-clamp solution enabling you to conduct up to 8 experiments at the same time, either synchronized to increase replicates or independent to increase information content in a short time.
The software helps you set up and analyze your experiments. All you must do is prepare the cells and handle the pipetting. QPatch Compact does the rest.
Imagine a benchtop instrument that you simply plug in and conduct your experiments without needing an antivibration table, micromanipulator, faraday cage, etc.
QPatch Compact gives you: