The ADNP Antibody, Biotin conjugated is a specialized immunological reagent designed for detecting the activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP) in biological samples. ADNP, a 123-kDa protein encoded by the ADNP gene, plays a critical role in neuroprotection, immune regulation, and chromatin remodeling . Its biotin-conjugated form leverages the high-affinity streptavidin-biotin interaction, enabling enhanced sensitivity in assays such as Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and flow cytometry .
Biotin conjugation involves covalently attaching biotin molecules to the antibody’s lysine residues or Fc region. This process preserves antibody specificity while enabling detection via streptavidin-based reporters (e.g., HRP, fluorophores) . The Z-domain conjugation method (using protein A derivatives) ensures site-specific labeling of the antibody’s Fc region, minimizing interference with antigen-binding sites .
The unconjugated ADNP antibody (Proteintech) detects a 135–145 kDa band corresponding to ADNP in human, mouse, and rat samples .
Biotinylated variants (e.g., Novus NB200-141F) enhance signal-to-noise ratios when paired with streptavidin-HRP .
A study using the ZBPA-biotinylated antibody demonstrated specific nuclear and cytoplasmic staining in placental and neuronal tissues, with no cross-reactivity .
The biotin-conjugated antibody facilitates multiplex assays via streptavidin-fluorophore conjugates (e.g., PE, APC) . Research highlights its utility in analyzing ADNP expression in Th2 cells during allergic responses .
Biotinylated ADNP antibodies are used in antibody-dependent neutrophil phagocytosis (ADNP) assays to study immune complex clearance .
The Quant*Tag™ Biotin Kit (Meso Scale Discovery) measures biotin-protein ratios (B/P) with high sensitivity, ensuring optimal conjugation efficiency .
Capillary isoelectric focusing (cIEF) detects unconjugated antibody contamination, critical for reducing background noise in assays .
ADNP (Activity-dependent neuroprotector homeobox) is a multifunctional protein with a molecular weight of approximately 123 kDa that plays crucial roles in neuroprotection and transcriptional regulation. The protein is involved in maintaining a healthy nervous system and protecting against neurodegenerative processes . Additionally, ADNP has recently been identified as having significant functions in immune cell specialization, particularly in promoting type 2 cytokine production . This dual role in both neuronal health and immune function makes ADNP antibodies valuable tools for interdisciplinary research spanning neuroscience and immunology fields.
ADNP antibodies are employed across multiple experimental techniques, primarily:
| Application | Typical Dilution Range | Common Cell/Tissue Types |
|---|---|---|
| Western Blot (WB) | 1:500-1:8000 | HEK-293T, HeLa, U-251 MG cells |
| Immunohistochemistry (IHC) | 1:200-1:800 | Human stomach tissue, neural tissues |
| Immunofluorescence (IF/ICC) | 1:300-1:1200 | HeLa, U2OS cells |
| Immunoprecipitation (IP) | 5-10 μL/mg of lysate | Various cell lysates |
The antibodies have demonstrated reactivity with human, mouse, and rat samples, making them versatile tools for comparative studies across species .
Biotin conjugation provides several methodological advantages for ADNP antibody applications:
Amplified Signal Detection: The strong affinity between biotin and streptavidin/avidin (Kd ≈ 10^-15 M) allows for signal amplification in detection systems, improving sensitivity particularly in tissues with low ADNP expression.
Multi-platform Compatibility: Biotin-conjugated ADNP antibodies can be used with various streptavidin-conjugated reporter molecules (fluorophores, enzymes, quantum dots), enabling flexibility across detection methods.
Reduced Background: The biotin-streptavidin system often provides cleaner results with less non-specific binding compared to conventional secondary antibody approaches, particularly important when studying ADNP in complex neural tissues.
Multiplexing Capability: Facilitates concurrent detection of ADNP with other proteins of interest in co-localization studies, which is valuable when investigating ADNP's interaction with chromatin remodeling complexes.
Optimizing Western blot protocols for biotin-conjugated ADNP antibodies requires attention to several parameters:
Sample Preparation: ADNP is a high molecular weight protein (observed at 135-145 kDa) , requiring careful optimization of:
Gel percentage (7-8% acrylamide recommended)
Extended transfer times (1-2 hours at 100V or overnight at 30V)
Use of transfer buffers containing SDS (0.1%) to facilitate movement of large proteins
Blocking Strategy: BSA-free formulations are recommended, as commercial BSA may contain endogenous biotin that could interfere with detection . A 5% non-fat dry milk or commercial biotin-free blockers are preferred.
Detection System Selection:
For chemiluminescent detection: Streptavidin-HRP (1:5000-1:10000)
For fluorescent detection: Streptavidin-conjugated fluorophores (1:1000-1:2000)
Antibody Titration: Despite manufacturer recommendations, each lab should perform titration experiments specifically for their sample types. For ADNP detection, a methodical approach testing 3-4 dilutions within the recommended range (1:500-1:8000) is advised .
Positive Controls: Include HeLa or U-251 MG whole cell lysates as positive controls, which consistently demonstrate strong ADNP expression bands at the expected molecular weight .
When conducting immunofluorescence with biotin-conjugated ADNP antibodies, consider these protocol modifications:
Endogenous Biotin Blocking: Prior to antibody incubation, block endogenous biotin using a commercial biotin blocking kit or by sequential incubation with unconjugated avidin followed by biotin.
Nuclear Localization Optimization: Since ADNP is predominantly localized to the nucleus , optimize permeabilization steps:
Use 0.1-0.3% Triton X-100 in PBS for 10-15 minutes at room temperature
Alternatively, employ methanol fixation (ice-cold, 10 minutes) for simultaneous fixation and permeabilization
Signal Amplification Systems:
Standard: Streptavidin-conjugated fluorophore
Enhanced sensitivity: Tyramide signal amplification (TSA) using streptavidin-HRP followed by fluorescent tyramide substrate
Super-resolution applications: Use streptavidin-conjugated small fluorophores (Alexa Fluor 647 or Janelia Fluor dyes)
Co-localization Considerations: When examining ADNP interaction with chromatin remodeling complexes like CHD4-BRG1 , select secondary detection reagents that minimize spectral overlap.
Controls: Include peptide competition controls to validate specific nuclear staining patterns, especially important when investigating subtle changes in ADNP localization during neuronal differentiation.
For optimal detection of ADNP in neural tissues:
Fixation Protocol:
Fresh tissue: 4% paraformaldehyde, 24 hours at 4°C
Perfusion fixation: 4% paraformaldehyde in PBS, followed by 24-hour post-fixation
Antigen Retrieval:
Section Thickness:
For wide-field microscopy: 5-10 μm sections
For confocal microscopy: 20-40 μm sections to observe complete cellular morphology
Signal Enhancement Strategies:
For low abundance detection: Use TSA amplification system
For aged tissue samples: Extended antigen retrieval (up to 30 minutes) may be necessary
Recommended Controls:
Positive tissue control: Human hippocampus shows reliable ADNP expression
Negative control: Primary antibody omission
Absorption control: Pre-incubation with immunizing peptide
Recent research has established ADNP's role in chromatin remodeling through interaction with the CHD4-BRG1 complex . For ChIP-seq applications:
Cross-linking Optimization:
Standard formaldehyde cross-linking (1%, 10 minutes) works for strong DNA-protein interactions
For weaker or transient interactions, try dual cross-linking with DSG (disuccinimidyl glutarate, 2 mM) for 30 minutes followed by formaldehyde
Chromatin Fragmentation:
Target fragment size: 200-500 bp
Sonication parameters: 25-30 cycles of 30 seconds ON/30 seconds OFF (Bioruptor)
Enzymatic fragmentation alternatives: Use micrococcal nuclease for more consistent fragmentation
Immunoprecipitation Protocol:
Pre-clearing: Incubate chromatin with streptavidin beads to remove naturally biotinylated proteins
Antibody incubation: Use 5-10 μg biotin-conjugated ADNP antibody per ChIP reaction
Beads: Streptavidin magnetic beads provide optimal capture efficiency
Sequential ChIP Considerations:
Data Analysis Focus:
Motif analysis should include homeobox binding sites
Integration with histone modification data (particularly H3K4me3 and H3K27ac)
Correlation with expression data from ADNP-deficient models
Researchers often encounter discrepancies when comparing ADNP antibody results between techniques. Here are strategies to reconcile inconsistencies:
Molecular Weight Discrepancies:
Antibody Epitope Accessibility Issues:
| Fixation Method | Epitope Accessibility | Recommended Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Paraformaldehyde | Good for C-terminal epitopes | IF, IHC |
| Methanol | Better for internal epitopes | Flow cytometry, IF |
| Unfixed (native) | Best for conformational epitopes | IP, ChIP |
Validation Through Multiple Approaches:
Protocol-Specific Considerations:
Reporting Standards:
Document antibody catalog numbers, lot numbers, and dilutions
Specify exact sample preparation methods
Include positive and negative controls in all data presentations
To study ADNP's dual role in neuronal protection and immune regulation , multiplex approaches are valuable:
Multiplex Immunofluorescence Strategies:
Tyramide-based sequential staining: Allows for up to 6-7 targets on the same tissue section
Antibody stripping between rounds: Use glycine-SDS buffer (pH 2.0) or commercial antibody stripping solutions
Spectral unmixing: Utilize multispectral imaging systems to separate closely overlapping fluorophores
Flow Cytometry Applications:
For cell type-specific ADNP detection in complex populations (brain or immune tissues)
Surface marker panel: CD4, CD8, B220, CD11c, GFAP (depending on target cell types)
Intracellular ADNP detection: After surface staining, fix/permeabilize with commercial kits optimized for nuclear proteins
Recommended biotin-streptavidin conjugates: APC or BV421 for minimal overlap with common surface marker fluorophores
Cytokine-Transcription Factor Correlations:
| Target | Purpose | Optimal Fluorophore Pair |
|---|---|---|
| ADNP | Transcription factor | Biotin-Streptavidin-BV421 |
| GATA3 | Th2 lineage factor | AF488 |
| IL-13 | Effector cytokine | PE |
| IL-5 | Effector cytokine | PE-Cy7 |
| IL-4 | Effector cytokine | APC |
Mass Cytometry (CyTOF) Approach:
For high-dimensional analysis without fluorescence spillover concerns
Metal-tagged antibodies against ADNP plus 30-40 additional markers
Data analysis using dimensionality reduction (tSNE, UMAP) and clustering algorithms
Correlation of ADNP expression with functional markers across neural and immune cell subsets
Single-Cell Multi-omics Integration:
CITE-seq or REAP-seq for simultaneous protein (including ADNP) and transcriptome analysis
Correlation of ADNP protein levels with target gene expression
Identification of cell subpopulations with unique ADNP-associated functional states
Researchers frequently encounter these technical issues:
High Background Signal:
Problem: Endogenous biotin in tissues/cells competing with biotin-conjugated antibody
Solution: Implement avidin-biotin blocking step prior to primary antibody incubation
Alternative approach: Use different conjugate (e.g., directly labeled fluorescent antibody)
Weak or Absent Signal:
Non-specific Bands in Western Blot:
Variable Staining Intensity Across Experiments:
Detection System Interference:
Rigorous validation approaches include:
Genetic Controls:
Peptide Competition Assays:
Pre-incubate antibody with 5-10x molar excess of immunizing peptide
Include both specific peptide and irrelevant peptide controls
Apply to all detection methods (WB, IHC, IF, IP) for comprehensive validation
Cross-antibody Validation:
Compare results using antibodies targeting different ADNP epitopes
Expected concordance: Similar localization and molecular weight detection
Investigate discrepancies through epitope mapping
Application-specific Controls:
Reproducibility Across Biological Models:
For rigorous and reproducible research with ADNP antibodies, implement these quality control metrics:
Antibody Characterization Documentation:
Complete antibody reporting table including:
Performance Metrics:
Signal-to-noise ratio: Minimum 5:1 for quantitative applications
Reproducibility: CV% <15% between technical replicates
Dynamic range: Linear detection range covering at least 2 orders of magnitude
Sensitivity: LOD determination using titrated recombinant ADNP
Experimental Controls Table:
Biotin Conjugation Quality Metrics:
Degree of labeling (DOL): Optimal range 4-8 biotin molecules per antibody
Post-conjugation functionality: Comparison with unconjugated antibody performance
Stability assessment: Performance monitoring after repeated freeze-thaw cycles
Method-specific Validations:
WB: Linearity of detection with protein loading titration
IHC/IF: Z-stack confirmation of true nuclear localization
IP: Mass spectrometry confirmation of pulled-down protein identity
ChIP: qPCR validation of enrichment at known ADNP binding sites
ADNP syndrome is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in the ADNP gene. Biotin-conjugated ADNP antibodies can advance this research through:
Patient-derived Cell Model Characterization:
iPSC-derived neurons from ADNP syndrome patients
Quantitative assessment of ADNP protein levels, localization, and co-factor interactions
Comparison with isogenic corrected lines to establish causality
Mutation-specific Effects on Protein Function:
Detection of truncated ADNP proteins resulting from frameshift mutations
Analysis of mutant ADNP cellular localization
Co-immunoprecipitation studies to assess altered protein-protein interactions
Animal Model Validation:
Confirmation of ADNP expression patterns in heterozygous ADNP mouse models
Correlation of protein levels with behavioral phenotypes
Developmental time-course studies during critical neurodevelopmental windows
Therapeutic Development Applications:
Screening for compounds that stabilize mutant ADNP protein
Evaluation of gene therapy approaches that restore ADNP levels
Assessment of NAP (NAPVSIPQ) peptide effects on ADNP stability and function
Biomarker Development:
Correlation of peripheral blood ADNP levels with neurological symptoms
Extracellular vesicle-associated ADNP as potential liquid biopsy marker
Longitudinal monitoring of ADNP expression during therapeutic interventions
To understand cell-type specific ADNP functions:
Single-cell Protein Analysis Platforms:
Imaging Mass Cytometry: Metal-tagged ADNP antibodies for tissue section analysis at subcellular resolution
CODEX multiplexed imaging: Up to 40-50 proteins including ADNP in spatial context
Microfluidic antibody capture: Quantification of ADNP from individual cells
Multi-omics Integration Strategies:
CITE-seq: Surface protein + transcriptome from same cells
ASAP-seq: ATAC + protein including nuclear factors like ADNP
Spatial transcriptomics with protein detection: Visium with immunofluorescence overlay
Neuronal Subtype Classification:
Brain single-cell atlas integration: Map ADNP expression across defined neuronal subtypes
Activity-dependent regulation: Combine ADNP detection with immediate early gene expression
Developmental trajectory analysis: ADNP levels across neuronal maturation states
Immune Cell Specialization Studies:
Computational Analysis Approaches:
Trajectory inference: Pseudotime ordering of cells based on ADNP and other markers
Regulatory network reconstruction: ADNP as node in cell-type specific gene regulatory networks
Causal inference: Interventional data analysis for ADNP-dependent cellular states
Recent findings demonstrating ADNP's recruitment of the CHD4-BRG1 complex open new research directions:
Proximity Ligation Assay (PLA) Applications:
Direct visualization of ADNP-CHD4 or ADNP-BRG1 interactions in situ
Quantification of interaction frequency across cell types and states
Triple-PLA to simultaneously detect ADNP-CHD4-BRG1 complex formation
ChIP-seq and Related Technologies:
Sequential ChIP (ChIP-reChIP): ADNP followed by CHD4 or BRG1
CUT&RUN or CUT&Tag: Higher resolution mapping of ADNP binding sites
HiChIP: Integration of chromatin interaction data with ADNP binding
Functional Genomics Approach:
CRISPR interference at ADNP binding sites: Effect on chromatin accessibility and gene expression
Protein domain mutations: Structure-function analysis of ADNP domains required for chromatin remodeler recruitment
Inducible degradation systems: Acute ADNP depletion to study immediate effects on chromatin status
Chromatin Accessibility Analysis:
ATAC-seq in ADNP-deficient versus wild-type cells
DNase hypersensitivity with ADNP ChIP-seq overlay
Histone modification changes (H3K27ac, H3K4me3) following ADNP manipulation
Live-cell Imaging Strategies:
FRAP (Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching): ADNP dynamics at chromatin
Single-molecule tracking: ADNP search and residence times on chromatin
Optogenetic recruitment: Force ADNP localization to specific genomic loci and monitor chromatin changes