ADHFE1 (Alcohol Dehydrogenase Iron Containing 1) encodes hydroxyacid-oxoacid transhydrogenase, which is responsible for the oxidation of 4-hydroxybutyrate in mammalian tissues. It belongs to the iron-containing alcohol dehydrogenase family . The protein is significant in research because:
It catalyzes the cofactor-independent reversible oxidation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) to succinic semialdehyde (SSA) coupled with the reduction of 2-ketoglutarate (2-KG) to D-2-hydroxyglutarate (D-2-HG)
It has been implicated in several cancer types including breast, gastric, and colorectal cancer
ADHFE1 has four isoforms produced by alternative splicing with molecular weights of 50, 45, 32, and 27 kDa . Understanding its function and expression patterns is critical for research in oncology, metabolism, and cellular differentiation.
Commercial ADHFE1 antibodies have specific characteristics researchers should consider:
When selecting an ADHFE1 antibody, researchers should consider validation data for their specific application and tissue/cell type of interest, as performance can vary significantly between manufacturers .
ADHFE1 antibodies undergo multiple validation steps to ensure specificity and reliability:
Western Blot Validation: Confirms correct molecular weight bands (primarily 50 kDa, with secondary bands at 40-45 kDa) in relevant tissue/cell lysates including HT-29 cells, mouse/rat kidney and liver tissues
Immunohistochemistry Validation: Demonstrated in human colon tissue, colon cancer tissue, and liver tissue with specific staining patterns
Orthogonal Validation: Some antibodies undergo RNAseq validation to confirm specificity by comparing antibody signal with mRNA expression
Cross-reactivity Testing: Evaluated against protein arrays containing hundreds of human recombinant protein fragments to ensure specificity
Tissue Arrays: High-quality antibodies are tested on tissue arrays containing dozens of normal human tissues and common cancer types
Researchers should review validation data specific to their intended application before selecting an ADHFE1 antibody for their experiments .
For optimal Western blot detection of ADHFE1, follow this methodological approach:
Sample Preparation:
Prepare lysates from tissues (kidney, liver) or cell lines (HT-29, U-87 MG) known to express ADHFE1
Use a lysis buffer containing protease inhibitors to prevent degradation
Load 20-30 μg of total protein per lane on a 12% SDS-PAGE gel
Protocol:
Transfer proteins to PVDF membrane overnight at 4°C
Block with 5% nonfat milk in PBS with 0.5% Tween 20 for 1 hour at room temperature
Incubate with primary ADHFE1 antibody at dilutions of 1:500-1:2000 or 0.04-0.4 μg/mL overnight at 4°C
Wash 3 times (10 minutes each) with PBS-T
Incubate with secondary antibody (anti-rabbit) at 1:4000 dilution for 1 hour at room temperature
Wash 3 times (10 minutes each) with PBS-T
Visualize using chemiluminescent detection system
Expected Results:
Primary band at 50 kDa
Signal strength varies by tissue type, with highest expression in adipose tissue, liver, and kidney
For validation, use positive controls from kidney or liver tissue, and consider knockdown/knockout samples as negative controls to confirm specificity .
Optimizing IHC protocols for ADHFE1 detection requires tissue-specific adjustments:
General Protocol:
Deparaffinize and rehydrate 3-5 μm tissue sections
Perform antigen retrieval using TE buffer pH 9.0 (preferred) or citrate buffer pH 6.0 (alternative)
Apply primary ADHFE1 antibody at dilutions of 1:100-1:400 or 1:2500-1:5000 (tissue-dependent)
Incubate overnight at 4°C
Apply secondary antibody for 30 minutes at room temperature
Develop with DAB chromogen kit
Tissue-Specific Considerations:
For optimal results, include positive control tissues (liver or kidney) and negative controls (antibody diluent only) with each staining run. Scoring should consider both staining intensity and percentage of positive cells .
To effectively monitor ADHFE1 expression changes in cellular experiments, multiple complementary approaches should be employed:
1. Quantitative RT-PCR:
Design primers spanning exon-exon junctions to avoid genomic DNA amplification
Use reference genes stable under your experimental conditions (GAPDH, β-actin)
Calculate relative expression using the 2^(-ΔΔCT) method
This approach successfully detected ADHFE1 expression changes during adipocyte differentiation and in cancer studies
2. Western Blot Analysis:
Quantify ADHFE1 protein levels relative to loading controls (β-actin, GAPDH)
Use densitometry software for accurate quantification
Monitor both the 50 kDa primary band and any secondary bands at 40-45 kDa
This method effectively detected ADHFE1 changes in vector-transfected cell lines
3. Immunofluorescence:
Co-stain with mitochondrial markers to confirm subcellular localization
Include DAPI nuclear counterstain
This approach confirmed mitochondrial localization of ADHFE1
Experimental Design Considerations:
Include time-course analyses for dynamic processes (e.g., differentiation, drug treatments)
Use positive controls such as cells with known ADHFE1 expression (HT-29, AGS cells)
Consider genetic manipulation approaches (shRNA knockdown, overexpression) to validate findings
For drug treatments affecting ADHFE1, monitor at multiple timepoints and concentrations
This multi-modal approach provides comprehensive data on ADHFE1 expression changes while confirming specificity through complementary techniques.
ADHFE1 antibodies are powerful tools for investigating cancer metabolism due to ADHFE1's role in producing D-2-hydroxyglutarate (D-2HG), a cancer-associated oncometabolite. Here's a methodological approach:
Metabolic Flux Analysis with ADHFE1 Detection:
Manipulate ADHFE1 expression through overexpression or knockdown in cancer cell lines
Perform stable isotope tracing using ¹³C-labeled glutamine or glucose
Quantify metabolite changes using mass spectrometry
Correlate metabolic changes with ADHFE1 protein levels via Western blot
Research has shown that ADHFE1 overexpression leads to:
Increased D-2HG production (14.3-fold increase in acetyl-CoA levels)
Elevated NADPH/NADP ratio
Accumulation of TCA metabolites generated by reductive glutamine metabolism
Redox Status Assessment:
Measure mitochondrial ROS production using fluorescent probes
Correlate ROS levels with ADHFE1 expression detected by immunoblotting
Assess the relationship between hypoxia, ADHFE1 levels, and metabolic adaptation
Studies show ADHFE1 induces moderate but significant increases in mitochondrial ROS, contributing to EMT in breast cancer cells .
Therapeutic Response Monitoring:
Treat cancer cells with chemotherapeutic agents (e.g., cisplatin)
Measure ADHFE1 expression changes via Western blot
Correlate with drug sensitivity (IC₅₀ values)
Research indicates that ADHFE1 knockdown reduces cisplatin resistance in gastric cancer cells (IC₅₀ decreased from 7.62 to 5.05 μg/mL), while overexpression increases resistance (IC₅₀ increased to 11.58 μg/mL) .
This approach provides insights into how ADHFE1 contributes to metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells and potential therapeutic vulnerabilities.
The relationship between ADHFE1 and MYC signaling in cancer can be investigated using these methodological approaches:
Co-expression Analysis:
Perform dual immunostaining for ADHFE1 and MYC in tissue sections
Quantify correlation coefficient between staining intensities
Compare expression patterns across multiple tumor samples
Research has shown that ADHFE1 and MYC co-amplification occurs in breast tumors, with MYC induction increasing ADHFE1 expression .
Genetic Manipulation Experiments:
Use inducible MYC expression systems:
Use MYC knockdown systems:
Promoter Analysis:
Perform chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) to assess MYC binding to the ADHFE1 promoter
Use reporter assays to evaluate ADHFE1 promoter activity with MYC manipulation
Interestingly, research suggests MYC may not directly activate the ADHFE1 promoter but may regulate ADHFE1 through its effects on iron metabolism
Functional Synergy Assessment:
Perform tumor xenograft studies with cells expressing:
Control vector
ADHFE1 overexpression
MYC overexpression
Both ADHFE1 and MYC
Measure tumor growth rates and metabolite production (particularly 4HB and 2-hydroxyglutarate)
Studies have shown ADHFE1 and MYC enhance tumor growth synergistically while increasing intratumor levels of 4HB and 2-hydroxyglutarate .
These approaches provide comprehensive insights into the mechanistic relationship between ADHFE1 and MYC signaling in cancer progression.
To investigate ADHFE1's role in tumor metastasis, particularly liver metastasis, researchers can employ the following methodological approaches:
Clinical Sample Analysis:
Measure serum ADHFE1 levels in patients with and without metastasis using ELISA
Correlate with established metastasis markers (CEA, CA199, AFP)
Calculate diagnostic sensitivity and specificity
Research has shown serum ADHFE1 can discriminate gastric cancer patients with liver metastasis with 75.00% sensitivity and 86.92% specificity (AUC = 0.863) . ADHFE1 levels correlate positively with established markers (rCEA = 0.810, rCA199 = 0.788, rAFP = 0.765) .
In Vitro Migration and Invasion Assays:
Manipulate ADHFE1 expression in cancer cell lines using overexpression vectors or shRNA
Perform Transwell migration and invasion assays
Quantify cell numbers and compare between experimental groups
Studies show silencing ADHFE1 significantly suppresses migration and invasion of cancer cells, while overexpression enhances these processes .
Angiogenesis Assessment:
Collect conditioned media from cells with manipulated ADHFE1 expression
Perform tube formation assays using endothelial cells
Quantify angiogenic potential through tube length, branch points, and loop formation
Research demonstrates that ADHFE1 overexpression significantly enhances angiogenesis while silencing inhibits it . Since the liver is supplied by a dual blood system of arteries and portal veins, angiogenesis is critical for liver metastasis .
In Vivo Metastasis Models:
Establish orthotopic tumor models with ADHFE1-manipulated cell lines
Monitor metastatic spread using bioluminescence imaging
Quantify metastatic burden through histological analysis of the liver
Correlate metastatic potential with ADHFE1 expression
Xenograft studies have shown that cells with ADHFE1 knockdown develop smaller tumors compared to controls, indicating ADHFE1's role in tumor progression .
Therapeutic Response Monitoring:
Treat metastatic cancer patients with chemotherapy
Monitor serum ADHFE1 levels before and after treatment
Correlate changes with treatment response
Studies show serum ADHFE1 levels decrease after chemotherapy in patients with liver metastasis, indicating its potential as a response biomarker .
These approaches provide comprehensive insights into ADHFE1's role in metastasis and could help develop targeted interventions.
Researchers may encounter several challenges when detecting ADHFE1. Here are common issues and methodological solutions:
Studies show that in vitro translation of different ADHFE1 constructs (using M1 or M2 as start sites) produces different protein species, confirming the presence of multiple isoforms .
Issue: ADHFE1 expression can be low in certain tissues/cell types
Solution:
Issue: Some antibodies may cross-react with other iron-containing proteins
Solution:
Issue: High background can obscure specific ADHFE1 signals
Solution:
Optimize antigen retrieval (TE buffer pH 9.0 preferred over citrate buffer)
Increase blocking time (5% BSA or 10% normal serum)
Add 0.1-0.3% Triton X-100 to reduce non-specific binding
Include avidin/biotin blocking for biotin-based detection systems
Use polymer-based detection systems instead of avidin-biotin methods
Issue: ADHFE1 detection varies significantly between tissue types
Solution:
Adjust antibody concentration based on tissue type (lower for high-expressing tissues)
Optimize fixation time for each tissue type
Use tissue-specific positive controls (kidney/liver for high expression)
Consider tissue-specific antigen retrieval protocols
Validate with orthogonal methods (e.g., RT-PCR) to confirm expression patterns
Implementing these methodological solutions will significantly improve ADHFE1 detection reliability across different experimental systems.
Ensuring ADHFE1 antibody specificity across diverse cellular contexts requires systematic validation approaches:
Genetic Manipulation Controls:
Generate ADHFE1 knockdown/knockout cells using:
Use these as negative controls alongside wild-type cells
Confirm knockdown efficiency by qRT-PCR before antibody validation
Verify disappearance or significant reduction of the target band/signal
Studies have successfully used ADHFE1 knockdown cells to validate antibody specificity in colorectal and breast cancer research .
Overexpression Controls:
Generate cells overexpressing tagged ADHFE1 (HA-tag, FLAG-tag)
Use dual detection with tag-specific and ADHFE1-specific antibodies
Confirm co-localization of signals
Compare band patterns with endogenous ADHFE1
Research has shown that HA-tagged ADHFE1 expression in COS cells produced protein products of the same mass found upon in vitro transcription and translation, confirming antibody specificity .
Cross-Validation with Multiple Antibodies:
Use antibodies from different vendors targeting distinct epitopes
Compare staining patterns and band profiles
Confirm consistent results across antibodies
If discrepancies exist, investigate using additional validation methods
Cell Type-Specific Considerations:
Orthogonal Method Validation:
Compare protein detection with mRNA expression (RNA-seq, qRT-PCR)
Validate subcellular localization with fractionation studies
Confirm function through enzymatic activity assays
Use mass spectrometry to verify protein identity in immunoprecipitated samples
Implementing these comprehensive validation approaches ensures reliable ADHFE1 detection across experimental systems and prevents misinterpretation of results due to antibody non-specificity.
When interpreting ADHFE1 antibody data in cancer research, several methodological pitfalls require careful consideration:
Issue: ADHFE1 has contradictory roles in different cancer types
Methodological Solution:
Issue: ADHFE1 function may be regulated by PTMs not detected by all antibodies
Methodological Solution:
Issue: ADHFE1 correlation with tumor stage varies by cancer type
Methodological Solution:
Perform multivariate analyses accounting for confounding variables
Use sufficiently large sample sizes with adequate representation across stages
Calculate hazard ratios with appropriate confidence intervals
Note that in gastric cancer, ADHFE1 correlates with TNM stage, lymph node metastasis, and liver metastasis (HR: 2.61; 95% CI: 1.15-5.95)
Issue: ADHFE1 function is intimately linked to cellular metabolism
Methodological Solution:
Issue: ADHFE1 expression is regulated by multiple mechanisms
Methodological Solution:
Check for gene amplification, methylation status, and MYC co-expression
Perform integrated multi-omics analyses
Note that while ADHFE1 genomic amplification occurs in some tumors, it doesn't always correlate with protein expression
Consider that in basal-like breast tumors, ADHFE1 amplification may be more significant for protein expression
Issue: ADHFE1's therapeutic potential requires careful validation
Methodological Solution:
Validate in multiple cell lines and patient-derived xenografts
Assess effects on non-malignant cells
Use appropriate dosing and timing for in vivo studies
Note that while ADHFE1 knockdown increases sensitivity to cisplatin in gastric cancer (IC₅₀ decreasing from 7.62 to 5.05 μg/mL), comprehensive studies across cancer types are needed
ADHFE1 antibodies can provide valuable insights into the protein's role in metabolic diseases through these methodological approaches:
Adipose Tissue Metabolism:
Compare ADHFE1 expression between:
White and brown adipose tissues
Normal and obese subjects
Different adipose depots (subcutaneous vs. visceral)
Correlate with metabolic parameters (insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance)
Research has shown that ADHFE1 transcript is restricted to white and brown adipose tissues, liver, and kidney, with 40% downregulation in white adipose tissue of ob/ob obese mice compared to C57BL/6 mice .
Experimental Design for Adipocyte Studies:
Differentiate preadipocytes using standard protocols
Collect samples at multiple timepoints (0, 2, 4, 6, 8 days)
Perform Western blot for ADHFE1 with parallel gene expression analysis
Correlate ADHFE1 expression with differentiation markers
Studies demonstrate differentiation-dependent expression of ADHFE1 during in vitro brown and white adipogenesis, with PI 3-kinase-mediated signals maintaining basal ADHFE1 transcript levels in adipocytes .
Metabolic Pathway Analysis:
Use ADHFE1 antibodies for co-immunoprecipitation to identify interaction partners
Perform immunofluorescence to assess co-localization with metabolic enzymes
Correlate ADHFE1 expression with metabolic intermediates
Investigate connections to:
D-2-Hydroxyglutaric Aciduria Studies:
Compare ADHFE1 expression and localization in patient vs. control samples
Assess relationship between ADHFE1 levels and D-2HG accumulation
Investigate potential therapeutic interventions targeting ADHFE1
ADHFE1 is associated with D-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria and combined D-2 and L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria , suggesting its importance in these rare metabolic disorders.
Methodological Approach for Clinical Samples:
Collect tissue or blood samples from patients with metabolic disorders
Perform ADHFE1 immunohistochemistry or Western blot
Correlate expression with metabolic parameters and disease severity
Consider genetic variants that may affect ADHFE1 function
This systematic approach using ADHFE1 antibodies can reveal novel connections between this protein and various metabolic diseases, potentially identifying new therapeutic targets.
Advanced techniques for investigating ADHFE1's subcellular localization and functional impact include:
High-Resolution Imaging Approaches:
Super-Resolution Microscopy:
Use STORM or PALM imaging with fluorophore-conjugated ADHFE1 antibodies
Achieve 20-30 nm resolution to precisely map mitochondrial localization
Co-stain with mitochondrial markers (MitoTracker, TOM20) for confirmation
Live-Cell Imaging with Tagged ADHFE1:
Generate cells expressing fluorescent protein-tagged ADHFE1 (GFP, mCherry)
Perform time-lapse imaging to monitor dynamic localization
Use FRAP (Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching) to assess protein mobility
Research has demonstrated that ADHFE1 localizes to mitochondria, which is critical for its metabolic functions .
Subcellular Fractionation with Immuno-detection:
Isolate pure mitochondrial, cytosolic, and nuclear fractions
Perform Western blot with ADHFE1 antibody
Use fraction-specific markers (VDAC, α-tubulin, lamin) to confirm purity
Quantify relative distribution across compartments
Protease Protection Assays:
Isolate intact mitochondria
Perform selective membrane permeabilization
Subject to protease treatment
Detect ADHFE1 by Western blot
Determine intra-mitochondrial localization (matrix, inner membrane, intermembrane space)
Proximity Labeling with ADHFE1:
Generate cells expressing ADHFE1 fused to BioID or APEX2
Activate proximity labeling to biotinylate neighboring proteins
Purify biotinylated proteins using streptavidin
Identify interaction partners by mass spectrometry
Confirm key interactions by co-immunoprecipitation with ADHFE1 antibodies
Functional Assessment Following Localization Disruption:
Generate ADHFE1 mutants lacking mitochondrial targeting sequences
Confirm mislocalization using immunofluorescence
Assess impact on:
D-2HG production
Mitochondrial ROS generation
Metabolic pathway alterations
Cellular differentiation and EMT
These techniques would reveal how ADHFE1's mitochondrial localization affects its function in producing D-2HG and influencing cellular metabolism, which is particularly relevant given ADHFE1's role in increasing mitochondrial ROS and promoting EMT in cancer cells .
Integrating ADHFE1 antibody data with multi-omics approaches requires sophisticated methodological strategies:
Integrative Proteogenomic Analysis:
Correlate ADHFE1 protein expression (immunohistochemistry, Western blot) with:
Genomic alterations (copy number, mutations)
Epigenetic modifications (methylation status)
Transcriptional profiles (RNA-seq)
Perform pathway enrichment analysis to identify networks involving ADHFE1
Studies show that while genomic amplification of ADHFE1 occurs in some breast tumors, it doesn't always correlate with protein expression except in basal-like subtypes .
Metabolomics Integration:
Measure cellular metabolites using mass spectrometry in samples with varying ADHFE1 expression
Specifically quantify D-2HG levels and TCA cycle intermediates
Correlate metabolite profiles with ADHFE1 protein levels detected by antibodies
Map changes onto metabolic pathway maps
Research shows ADHFE1 overexpression leads to significant metabolic rewiring, including:
14.3-fold increase in acetyl-CoA
Elevated NADPH/NADP ratio
Accumulation of TCA metabolites from reductive glutamine metabolism
Experimental Design for Multi-omics:
| Omics Layer | Technique | ADHFE1-Specific Focus | Integration Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Genomics | WGS, targeted sequencing | Copy number, mutations | Correlation with protein expression |
| Epigenomics | Methylation arrays, ChIP-seq | Promoter methylation, histone modifications | Association with expression levels |
| Transcriptomics | RNA-seq, qRT-PCR | Transcript levels, splice variants | Protein-mRNA correlation |
| Proteomics | MS/MS, antibody arrays | Protein expression, PTMs | Central integration point |
| Metabolomics | LC-MS, GC-MS | D-2HG, TCA metabolites | Pathway impact analysis |
Single-Cell Multi-omics Approach:
Perform single-cell proteomics including ADHFE1 detection
Correlate with scRNA-seq data
Identify cell subpopulations with distinctive ADHFE1 expression patterns
Map cellular heterogeneity in tumor samples
Clinical Sample Integration:
Collect matched tissue samples for multi-omics analysis
Perform tissue microarray analysis with ADHFE1 antibody
Correlate with patient outcomes and treatment responses
Develop predictive models incorporating ADHFE1 protein levels
Research shows ADHFE1 serves as an indicator for poor prognosis and liver metastasis in gastric cancer, with serum levels decreasing after chemotherapy .
Network Analysis Approach:
Identify ADHFE1-interacting proteins through IP-MS
Map ADHFE1 in protein-protein interaction networks
Correlate network perturbations with disease progression
Identify potential therapeutic targets within the network
This comprehensive integration of ADHFE1 antibody data with multi-omics approaches provides a systems-level understanding of ADHFE1's role in disease progression and identifies potential intervention points for therapeutic development.