What is the Origin of Ligand-Binding Assays?

The technique is rooted in radioligand binding studies developed in the mid-20th century, which revolutionized the study of hormone receptors and signaling. The term "ligand" is derived from the Latin word ligare, meaning "to bind." The principle relies on the specific and saturable nature of molecular recognition between a hormone and its receptor.

What is the Mechanism of Ligand-Binding Assays?

The core mechanism involves incubating a known quantity of the binding partner (e.g., an antibody or receptor) with a sample containing the unknown ligand and a known, labeled version of the ligand. The unlabeled ligand in the sample competes with the labeled ligand for binding sites. By measuring the amount of labeled ligand bound, one can inversely calculate the concentration of the unlabeled ligand in the original sample, providing a precise quantitative measure of the hormone.

Ligand-Binding Assays ∞ Area

Ligand-Binding Assays

Meaning

Ligand-Binding Assays (LBAs) are a fundamental class of biochemical techniques used to measure the specific interaction and affinity between a hormone or signaling molecule, known as the ligand, and its target receptor or binding protein. These assays quantify the concentration of a substance based on its ability to bind to a high-affinity binding partner, often utilizing labeled ligands for detection. LBAs are indispensable in endocrinology for measuring circulating hormone levels and characterizing the binding properties of novel therapeutic agents. They are the bedrock of many diagnostic tests for hormonal imbalances.