ACCS, or 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase-like protein 1, is a 57324 MW protein belonging to the class-I pyridoxal-phosphate-dependent aminotransferase family . Also known as ACC synthase-like protein 1, ACCS has several synonyms including PHACS . This protein plays important roles in metabolic pathways related to aminotransferase activity.
Anti-ACCS antibodies are critical research tools that enable:
Detection of ACCS expression in various cell and tissue types
Analysis of ACCS protein levels under different experimental conditions
Investigation of ACCS localization within cells and tissues
Studying potential roles of ACCS in disease mechanisms
It's important to note that there is potential confusion in nomenclature, as ACC can also refer to other proteins in the literature, including BMS1 ribosome biogenesis factor , which highlights the importance of antibody specificity validation.
ACCS antibodies are validated and optimized for multiple applications in molecular and cellular biology research:
Western Blot (WB): Recommended dilutions typically range from 1:500-1:2000 . This technique allows detection of ACCS protein in cell or tissue lysates with high specificity.
Immunohistochemistry (IHC): Used at dilutions of 1:50-1:200 , enabling visualization of ACCS in fixed tissue sections.
ELISA: Allows quantitative measurement of ACCS in solution.
Immunocytochemistry (ICC): Enables detection of ACCS in cultured cells.
Immunofluorescence: Combines with fluorescent secondary detection systems for visualization of ACCS localization.
Each application requires specific optimization of antibody concentration, incubation conditions, and detection methods to achieve reliable results.
When selecting an ACCS antibody, species reactivity is a critical consideration:
Many commercially available ACCS antibodies react with human, mouse, and rat ACCS proteins
Cross-species reactivity varies between products and should be verified prior to use
Researchers should carefully match the antibody's species reactivity to their experimental model. For example, antibody A10077 from Boster is reactive to ACCS in human, mouse, and rat , making it versatile for comparative studies across these species.
Sequence homology between species should also be considered, as regions of high conservation may result in cross-reactivity even when not explicitly stated in product specifications.
Rigorous validation is essential for reliable results with ACCS antibodies. A comprehensive validation approach includes:
Positive controls: Use cell lines or tissues known to express ACCS
Negative controls: Include samples lacking ACCS expression
Peptide competition assays: Pre-incubate antibody with immunizing peptide to block specific binding
Multiple antibody validation: Test different antibodies targeting distinct ACCS epitopes
Knockout/knockdown verification: Test in samples with genetically reduced ACCS
Reputable manufacturers validate antibodies across multiple applications. For example, Boster validates all antibodies on WB, IHC, ICC, Immunofluorescence, and ELISA with known positive and negative samples to ensure specificity and high affinity .
Additionally, bioinformatic approaches are increasingly important in antibody validation. Text mining methods can extract statements about antibody specificity issues from literature to create knowledge bases alerting users about potentially problematic antibodies .
| Factor | Monoclonal Antibodies | Polyclonal Antibodies |
|---|---|---|
| Specificity | High specificity to single epitope | Recognize multiple epitopes |
| Batch consistency | High lot-to-lot reproducibility | More batch-to-batch variation |
| Sensitivity | Potentially lower sensitivity | Often higher sensitivity |
| Application versatility | May work in limited applications | Generally more versatile across applications |
| Effect of epitope modifications | More vulnerable to epitope loss | More robust to single epitope modifications |
| Production complexity | Complex production process | Simpler production process |
| Background signal | Typically lower background | Potentially higher background |
Selection depends on your specific research needs:
Choose monoclonal antibodies (like Mouse Anti-ACCS Recombinant Antibody from Creative Biolabs ) when highest specificity is required
Consider polyclonal antibodies (like Rabbit Polyclonal Anti-ACCS Antibody ) when detecting proteins with low expression levels or when epitope accessibility may be compromised
Immunogen information is crucial for several reasons:
Epitope prediction: Helps predict which region of ACCS the antibody will recognize
Cross-reactivity assessment: Allows evaluation of potential cross-reactivity with similar proteins
Application compatibility: Some epitopes are more suitable for certain applications (e.g., conformational epitopes for native applications)
Blocking experiments: Essential information for designing peptide competition assays
For example, the BosterBio antibody uses recombinant full-length Human ACCS as the immunogen , suggesting it might recognize multiple epitopes throughout the protein. This comprehensive coverage can be advantageous for detection but might increase risk of cross-reactivity with related proteins.
When selecting an antibody, researchers should evaluate whether the immunogen represents the full protein or a specific peptide region, and consider how this matches their experimental needs.
For optimal Western blot results with ACCS antibodies, follow these methodological guidelines:
Sample preparation:
Gel electrophoresis:
Use 10% SDS-PAGE gels suitable for ~57 kDa proteins
Load 20-50 μg total protein per lane
Transfer conditions:
Transfer to PVDF or nitrocellulose membranes
Use standard transfer conditions (100V for 1 hour or 30V overnight)
Blocking:
Block with 5% non-fat milk or BSA in TBST for 1 hour at room temperature
Antibody incubation:
Detection:
Use enhanced chemiluminescence (ECL) detection reagents
Optimize exposure time to avoid saturation
These conditions should be optimized for each specific antibody and experimental system.
A robust experimental design using ACCS antibodies requires multiple controls:
| Control Type | Purpose | Implementation |
|---|---|---|
| Positive control | Verify antibody functionality | Include samples known to express ACCS (based on literature) |
| Negative control | Confirm specificity | Include samples not expressing ACCS |
| Loading control | Normalize protein loading | Probe for housekeeping proteins (β-actin, GAPDH) |
| Primary antibody omission | Detect non-specific secondary binding | Omit primary antibody in parallel samples |
| Peptide competition | Verify epitope specificity | Pre-incubate antibody with immunizing peptide |
| Isotype control | Assess non-specific binding | Use matched isotype non-targeting antibody |
| Genetic knockdown | Ultimate specificity test | Test antibody in ACCS-knockdown samples |
For IHC applications, additional tissue-specific controls should be included, and antigen retrieval methods should be optimized based on fixation conditions.
Boster validates their antibodies with known positive control and negative samples to ensure specificity and high affinity , providing a good baseline for control selection.
Systematic dilution optimization is crucial for each application:
For Western Blot:
Start with the manufacturer's recommended range (1:500-1:2000)
Prepare a dilution series (e.g., 1:500, 1:1000, 1:2000)
Run identical blots with positive control samples
Compare signal-to-noise ratio at each dilution
Select dilution with strongest specific signal and minimal background
For IHC:
Test on known positive tissues with appropriate negative controls
Evaluate specific staining versus background
Adjust antigen retrieval methods if necessary
Document optimal conditions for reproducibility
For other applications:
ELISA: Perform checkerboard titration of coating antigen and primary antibody
ICC/IF: Test multiple fixation methods alongside antibody dilutions
Flow cytometry: Titrate to determine optimal concentration by signal separation
Document all optimization experiments methodically to ensure reproducibility across experiments.
Recent advances in computational biology are revolutionizing antibody engineering, with applications for ACCS antibodies:
Sequence-structure-function prediction:
Data mining applications:
Integration with experimental data:
These approaches can significantly reduce the time and resources needed for antibody development and optimization while improving specificity and reducing cross-reactivity.
Several emerging technologies have potential applications for ACCS antibody-based research:
Antibody-Cell Conjugation (ACC):
Multiplexed detection systems:
Simultaneous detection of multiple proteins including ACCS
Provides contextual information about protein interaction networks
Reduces sample requirements and enables spatial correlation
Single-molecule detection:
Super-resolution microscopy combined with specific antibodies
Enables visualization of individual ACCS molecules in cellular context
Provides insights into molecular clustering and protein-protein interactions
Advanced validation technologies:
CRISPR-based knockout validation
Mass spectrometry verification of antibody targets
Automated high-throughput antibody characterization platforms
These technologies represent the cutting edge of antibody-based research and offer new possibilities for studying ACCS in complex biological systems.
A multi-modal approach to ACCS analysis provides more robust and informative results:
Complementary protein detection methods:
Combine antibody-based detection (WB, IHC) with mass spectrometry
Use proximity ligation assays to study ACCS interaction partners
Complement protein detection with RNA analysis (qPCR, RNA-seq)
Functional validation approaches:
Correlate ACCS protein levels (antibody detection) with enzymatic activity assays
Combine localization studies (IF with ACCS antibodies) with live-cell imaging
Use antibody-based pull-down assays followed by interaction partner identification
Integrated multi-omics:
Correlate antibody-detected ACCS levels with transcriptomic profiles
Integrate proteomic and metabolomic data to understand ACCS function
Use systems biology approaches to contextualize ACCS in broader pathways
Orthogonal validation strategies:
Validate antibody findings with CRISPR-based tagging of endogenous ACCS
Compare antibody-detected localization with fluorescent protein fusions
Use in situ hybridization to correlate protein and mRNA localization
This multi-modal approach reduces reliance on antibody specificity alone and provides a more complete understanding of ACCS biology.
| Issue | Possible Causes | Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| No signal | Low ACCS expression | Use more sensitive detection methods; increase protein loading |
| Epitope masking | Try different antibodies targeting different epitopes | |
| Antibody degradation | Use fresh aliquots; store according to manufacturer recommendations | |
| Inefficient transfer (WB) | Optimize transfer conditions; verify with staining | |
| High background | Insufficient blocking | Increase blocking time; try different blocking reagents |
| Antibody concentration too high | Increase dilution; reduce incubation time | |
| Non-specific binding | Add 0.05-0.1% Tween-20 to antibody diluent | |
| Secondary antibody issues | Use more specific secondary; pre-adsorb against tissues | |
| Multiple bands | Protein degradation | Add fresh protease inhibitors; keep samples cold |
| Post-translational modifications | Verify with literature; use phospho-specific antibodies if needed | |
| Cross-reactivity | Try monoclonal antibodies; perform peptide competition | |
| Inconsistent results | Batch variation | Use same lot when possible; revalidate new lots |
| Protocol variability | Standardize protocols; document all parameters |
For unresolvable issues, consider alternative methods for ACCS detection or verification, such as mass spectrometry or genetic tagging approaches.
When faced with contradictory results using different ACCS antibodies:
Evaluate antibody characteristics:
Compare epitope regions targeted by each antibody
Assess validation data for each antibody
Consider antibody format (monoclonal vs. polyclonal)
Review production methods and immunogen information
Analyze experimental conditions:
Determine if application conditions favor certain epitopes
Assess whether denaturation might affect epitope accessibility
Consider fixation effects on epitope recognition
Investigate biological variables:
Determine if results reflect different isoforms or post-translational modifications
Consider cell type-specific or context-dependent expression patterns
Examine potential splicing variants that might affect epitope presence
Resolution strategies:
Use orthogonal techniques (mass spectrometry, RNA analysis)
Perform genetic knockdown/knockout validation
Consult literature for known issues with specific antibodies
Design experiments to specifically address the discrepancy
Text mining methods can extract statements about antibody specificity issues from literature to help identify problematic antibodies and explain contradictory results .
Quantitative analysis of ACCS expression requires rigorous methodological approaches:
Western blot quantification:
Use digital image analysis software (ImageJ, Image Lab)
Normalize ACCS band intensity to loading controls
Include standard curves for absolute quantification
Ensure signal is within linear detection range
Perform statistical analysis across multiple biological replicates
IHC/ICC quantification:
Use digital pathology software for unbiased analysis
Quantify staining intensity and distribution
Compare to validated scoring systems if available
Use machine learning approaches for complex pattern recognition
Perform blinded scoring by multiple observers
ELISA data analysis:
Generate standard curves using purified ACCS protein
Ensure samples fall within linear range of detection
Calculate concentrations using regression analysis
Account for sample dilution factors
Perform appropriate statistical analysis
Flow cytometry analysis:
Use appropriate gating strategies
Quantify using mean fluorescence intensity
Include fluorescence minus one (FMO) controls
Consider using quantitative beads for absolute quantification
For all quantitative analyses, appropriate statistical methods should be applied, and biological significance should be distinguished from statistical significance.
Integration of ACCS antibodies with cutting-edge imaging approaches offers exciting research possibilities:
Super-resolution microscopy:
STORM/PALM techniques with fluorophore-conjugated ACCS antibodies
Nanoscale resolution of ACCS localization within cellular compartments
Multi-color imaging to study co-localization with interaction partners
Expansion microscopy:
Physical expansion of specimens labeled with ACCS antibodies
Enables super-resolution imaging on conventional microscopes
Preserves spatial relationships between ACCS and cellular structures
Correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM):
Combine fluorescence imaging of ACCS with ultrastructural context
Immunogold labeling for electron microscopy validation
Precise localization at subcellular and organellar levels
Intravital imaging:
Use of compatible ACCS antibody fragments for in vivo imaging
Real-time visualization of ACCS dynamics in living tissues
Potential for therapeutic monitoring applications
Multiplexed imaging technologies:
Cyclic immunofluorescence for simultaneous detection of dozens of proteins
Mass cytometry imaging for highly multiplexed tissue analysis
Spatial transcriptomics combined with protein detection
These approaches move beyond simple detection to provide spatial, temporal, and contextual information about ACCS biology.
Data mining is becoming increasingly crucial for antibody research and could significantly impact ACCS antibody applications:
Antibody sequence optimization:
Specificity improvement:
Application-specific optimization:
Mining experimental protocols to identify optimal conditions for specific applications
Analyzing public data repositories for ACCS expression patterns across tissues and conditions
Building predictive models for antibody performance in different experimental settings
Literature-based discovery:
Automated extraction of ACCS-related findings from published literature
Identification of knowledge gaps and contradictions in existing research
Generation of novel hypotheses based on integrated knowledge
These data mining approaches can dramatically accelerate research progress and improve experimental design reliability.
While current research primarily focuses on ACCS antibodies as research tools, several potential translational applications might emerge:
Diagnostic applications:
Development of ACCS-based diagnostic assays if disease associations are established
Inclusion in multiplexed protein panels for disease classification
Potential biomarker for specific metabolic or cellular stress conditions
Therapeutic targeting approaches:
Monitoring applications:
Use in pharmacodynamic studies to assess treatment effects on metabolic pathways
Companion diagnostic development if ACCS modulation becomes therapeutically relevant
Prognostic indicator development if expression correlates with disease outcomes
Research tool evolution:
Development of highly specific recombinant antibody fragments
Creation of intrabodies for live-cell tracking of ACCS
Engineering of biosensor antibodies that report on ACCS activity rather than just presence
These applications represent speculative but plausible future directions for ACCS antibody research based on evolving technologies in the antibody field.
Reproducibility in ACCS antibody research requires attention to several critical factors:
Antibody selection and validation:
Choose antibodies with extensive validation data
Independently validate specificity in your experimental system
Document antibody details (supplier, catalog number, lot, concentration)
Experimental design:
Include all appropriate controls
Design experiments with sufficient statistical power
Blind analysis where possible to reduce bias
Protocol standardization:
Document all experimental conditions in detail
Maintain consistent procedures across experiments
Use automation where possible to reduce variability
Data reporting:
Report all experimental details according to field standards
Include raw data or make it available upon request
Present both positive and negative results
Resource sharing:
Share detailed protocols through repositories
Consider antibody validation initiatives
Contribute to community knowledge about antibody performance
A comprehensive research strategy integrates ACCS antibody data with complementary approaches:
Multi-level validation:
Verify protein expression (antibody detection) with mRNA expression
Confirm localization with orthogonal methods
Validate functional findings with multiple techniques
Systems biology integration:
Place ACCS findings in broader pathway contexts
Correlate protein levels with metabolic profiles
Integrate with interactome data
Translational relevance:
Connect basic research findings to physiological contexts
Consider disease relevance of ACCS expression patterns
Correlate with clinical parameters when appropriate
Technological complementarity:
Use antibody detection alongside newer technologies
Apply computational approaches to interpret complex datasets
Develop predictive models incorporating antibody-derived data