Quantification of endogenous retinoids.

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Physiology

Background:

• Retinoids are essential for numerous physiological processes, including development, immune function, cell proliferation, differentiation, and reproduction.
• Accurate quantification of retinoids is challenging due to their sensitivity and the presence of biologically distinct geometric isomers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe standardized procedures for reliable and accurate quantification of retinoids.
• To provide sample-specific strategies for optimizing retinoid assays.
• To offer methods for evaluating assay performance.

Main Methods:

• Detailed protocols for handling retinoids, preparing standard solutions, and collecting/harvesting samples.
• Procedures for sample extraction, high-sensitivity detection, and resolution of geometric retinoid isomers.
• Strategies for optimizing quantification based on specific sample types.

Main Results:

• Established reliable and accurate methods for retinoid quantification.
• Demonstrated applicability of the methods across diverse organisms (mice, zebrafish, rat, rabbit, human) and cell cultures.
• Provided comprehensive guidelines for assay validation.

Conclusions:

• The described retinoid quantification methods are robust and widely applicable.
• Accurate retinoid measurement, particularly of retinoic acid, can offer insights into diseases like Alzheimer's, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cancer.