What should you look for in a native lipoprotein reagent?
A lipoprotein is a particle, not a single protein. It is built from lipids and apolipoproteins, and its size, lipid composition, and apolipoprotein content all affect how it interacts with antibodies and receptors. Source material, purification, and handling can shift those properties.
That means two preparations labeled "human LDL" can both meet their release specifications and still behave differently in your method. A purity number is a starting point. How the material was made and characterized matters just as much.
It also helps to be clear about the format you need. An intact lipoprotein particle, an isolated apolipoprotein, and a modified preparation such as oxidized LDL answer different experimental questions.
Which native human lipoproteins does Athens manufacture?
Athens Bioscience manufactures five classes of native human plasma-derived lipoproteins for research and assay development. The table below compares their primary apolipoproteins, biological characteristics, and common applications to help researchers select the appropriate starting material.
| Lipoprotein | Major Apolipoproteins | Key Characteristics | Common research and assay applications |
|---|---|---|---|
LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) | ApoB-100 | Cholesterol-rich particle | Antibody screening, LDL receptor binding, cellular uptake, LDL assay development |
HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) | ApoA-I, ApoA-II | Small, dense particle involved in lipid transport | HDL recognition, lipid transport research, lipoprotein separation assays |
VLDL (Very-Low-Density Lipoprotein) | ApoB-100, ApoC, ApoE | Triglyceride-rich particle | Triglyceride-rich lipoprotein research, assay specificity testing |
Lp(a) (Lipoprotein(a)) | ApoB-100, apo(a) | LDL-like particle containing apo(a); isoform variability | Lp(a) immunoassay development, antibody evaluation, specificity testing |
Chylomicrons | ApoB-48, ApoC, ApoE | Large, triglyceride-rich particle | Lipase research, triglyceride metabolism, ApoB-48 specificity testing |
**These are general biological characteristics and potential research applications, not lot-specific analytical specifications or validated performance claims.
We also manufacture native ApoA-I, ApoA-II, ApoB, ApoC-II, ApoC-III, and ApoE. If your project needs both particles and individual apolipoproteins, you can source and troubleshoot them with one manufacturer.
How does Athens characterize lipoproteins?
SDS-PAGE is useful for looking at protein components, but standard sample prep breaks the particle apart. It can't show how the intact lipoprotein behaves.
So we also run native agarose gel electrophoresis. Under non-denaturing conditions, lipoproteins migrate according to their electrophoretic mobility. We compare each preparation against lipoprotein reference materials to confirm the expected migration and check for unexpected bands.
No single test tells you whether a material will work in your assay. Native agarose migration does not, by itself, establish particle size, lipid composition, oxidation state, or assay performance. For an antibody-based method, the presence of a specific epitope may matter more than a general purity value. Tell us which characteristics your method depends on, and we'll review the documentation we have and talk through whether more testing makes sense.
Our broader approach is covered in our white paper, Beyond Purity: How We Characterize Native Proteins.
What should you know about Lp(a)?
Apo(a) isn't the same size in everyone. The number of kringle IV type 2 repeats varies between individuals, which produces apo(a) isoforms of different sizes. Depending on the epitopes an antibody recognizes, that variation can change how an immunoassay responds.
We purify Lp(a) from selected donors with elevated Lp(a) concentrations. Each preparation is characterized according to our established quality control procedures. Because apo(a) isoform composition can vary between donors, researchers with specific isoform or donor requirements should contact us to discuss available materials and documentation.
How should native lipoproteins be handled?
LDL is susceptible to oxidation, and oxidized LDL interacts differently with receptors and antibodies. Chylomicrons are large, triglyceride-rich particles, so ask us about product-specific handling before you plan storage or shipping. Follow the storage instructions and lot documentation that come with each product. If you plan to change buffer, storage, or handling, talk to us first.
What changes when you move from evaluation to production?
A lipoprotein that works in your first experiment still has to be available when you validate and scale. Purchasing needs change at that point. These are much easier to sort out before your assay reaches production:
- Volume. How much will you need for feasibility, validation, and ongoing production?
- Lots. Can you qualify multiple lots, or does your process need a single lot? Lot reservation may be available under a supply agreement.
- Specifications. Which characteristics must be documented before material enters your workflow?
- Formulation. Do you have buffer, concentration, or packaging requirements?
- Timing. Is this a one-time purchase or a recurring need?
Quantities, lead times, and any additional testing are confirmed for each requirement.
Talk to us about your lipoprotein requirements
Tell us which lipoprotein you need, your application, an approximate quantity, and your timeline. Whether you're testing a material for the first time or planning ongoing production, we'll walk you through available lots, evaluation quantities, and bulk or recurring supply.