ASP4 (Napsin A) is a member of the pepsin family A1 of aspartic proteases. Key functions include:
Maturation of surfactant protein B in type II pneumocytes.
Phagocytosis by alveolar macrophages.
Protein catabolism in renal proximal tubules .
Napsin A expression is regulated by thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF1) in the lung and is restricted to specific tissues and cancer types, making it a valuable diagnostic marker .
The MSVA-112R clone is a recombinant rabbit monoclonal antibody widely validated for immunohistochemistry (IHC). Key specifications include:
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Clone | MSVA-112R |
| Host Species | Rabbit |
| Reactivity | Human |
| Cellular Localization | Cytoplasmic |
| Dilution Range | 1:100 – 1:200 |
| Positive Control | Kidney (proximal tubules) |
| Negative Control | Colon (epithelial cells) |
This antibody exhibits high specificity, with no cross-reactivity in tissues such as brain, liver, or pancreas .
ASP4 antibodies are critical for distinguishing tumor types. Key findings from a study of 11,957 tumors across 115 categories :
| Tumor Type | Positivity Rate | Clinical Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Lung adenocarcinoma | 85.6% | Distinguishes adenocarcinoma vs. squamous cell carcinoma |
| Ovarian clear cell carcinoma | 70% | Supports diagnosis of ovarian clear cell lineage |
| Papillary renal cell carcinoma | 40% | Potential marker for renal tumors |
| Small cell lung carcinoma | 20% | Limited utility; potential false positives |
Metastatic renal cell carcinomas may mimic lung adenocarcinoma due to Napsin A positivity .
Entrapped alveolar macrophages in lung tumors can cause false positives .
IHC staining with MSVA-112R reveals distinct patterns :
| Tissue Type | Staining Result |
|---|---|
| Lung | Strong cytoplasmic staining in type II pneumocytes and macrophages |
| Kidney | Moderate-to-strong staining in proximal tubules |
| Epididymis | Luminal pole positivity in cauda epididymis |
| Colon | Negative |
Prognostic Value: Low Napsin A expression correlates with poor prognosis in papillary and clear cell renal cell carcinomas .
Therapeutic Potential: ASP4 is being explored as a target for bispecific antibodies in cancers like NSCLC and ovarian carcinoma .
Technical Considerations: Optimal antigen retrieval (pH 7.8 buffer, 121°C) is critical for reliable staining .
While MSVA-112R is the best-characterized clone, other commercial antibodies (e.g., Boster Bio A07115-1 ) show variable reactivity across species.
Here’s a structured FAQ collection for ASP4 Antibody tailored to academic research scenarios, incorporating methodological guidance and data-driven insights:
Experimental Design:
Use in vitro BBB models (e.g., co-cultures of endothelial cells and astrocytes) .
Employ Angiopep-conjugated analogs (e.g., Angiopep-2) to enhance BBB transit, as demonstrated in peptide therapeutic conjugates .
Validate penetration via LC-MS/MS quantification in brain parenchyma post-administration.
Data Contradiction Analysis:
Methodological Answer:
Signal Amplification:
Control Framework:
Positive control: Tissue/line with confirmed high target expression.
Endogenous control: Co-stain with a constitutively expressed marker (e.g., β-actin)4.
Negative controls: Include secondary-only and isotype-matched antibodies4.
Conjugate Optimization:
Quality Assurance Steps:
Panel Design: