ADNP (Activity-dependent neuroprotector homeobox) is a multifunctional protein critical for neurodevelopment, chromatin remodeling, and immune regulation. The FITC (fluorescein isothiocyanate)-conjugated ADNP antibody is a fluorescently labeled reagent designed to detect ADNP in research applications such as flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and functional assays. FITC enables visualization of antibody-antigen binding via green fluorescence emission (495 nm excitation, 519 nm emission) .
Antibody-dependent neutrophil phagocytosis (ADNP): Quantifies phagocytic activity using FITC-conjugated beads and flow cytometry. Phagocytic scores integrate fluorescence intensity and cell uptake .
Disease studies: Used to analyze ADNP expression in multiple sclerosis (MS), where reduced ADNP levels correlate with disease progression .
ADNP (Activity-Dependent Neuroprotector Homeobox) is a critical protein involved in brain development and neuroprotection. FITC-conjugated ADNP antibodies provide direct fluorescent visualization without requiring secondary antibodies, simplifying experimental workflows and reducing background noise. The FITC (Fluorescein isothiocyanate) conjugate has an excitation maximum at 495 nm and emission maximum at 519 nm, providing bright green fluorescence in immunofluorescence applications . These antibodies are particularly valuable for multi-color immunofluorescence experiments where direct detection eliminates potential cross-reactivity issues.
ADNP antibodies with FITC conjugation can be utilized across several experimental approaches:
Immunocytochemistry/Immunofluorescence: Direct visualization of ADNP protein in cellular contexts
Western Blotting: Detection of ADNP protein in cell or tissue lysates
Immunoprecipitation: Isolation of ADNP and associated protein complexes
The choice of application should be guided by experimental goals and the specific properties of the antibody, with optimal dilutions determined empirically for each application and experimental system.
When selecting an ADNP antibody with FITC conjugation, researchers should consider:
Researchers should select antibodies that have been validated for their specific application and experimental model to ensure reliable results.
ADNP antibodies with FITC conjugation should be stored at 4°C in the dark to preserve fluorescence activity . FITC is particularly sensitive to photobleaching, so minimizing light exposure during storage and handling is critical. Most manufacturers recommend avoiding freeze-thaw cycles as they can compromise antibody performance. When working with these reagents:
Store in single-use aliquots to minimize freeze-thaw cycles
Protect from prolonged light exposure during experiments
Follow manufacturer's specific storage recommendations for concentration and buffer conditions
Monitor for signs of photobleaching or decreased signal over time
Proper storage significantly impacts experimental reproducibility and signal intensity.
Optimizing fixation and permeabilization protocols is critical for successful ADNP detection. Based on research practices with FITC-conjugated antibodies:
Recommended Fixation Protocol:
Fix cells with 4% paraformaldehyde for 15-20 minutes at room temperature
Wash 3× with PBS to remove excess fixative
Permeabilize with 0.1-0.3% Triton X-100 for 10 minutes
Block with 5% normal serum (matching secondary antibody host if using unconjugated primaries)
Apply FITC-conjugated ADNP antibody at empirically determined dilution
Incubate overnight at 4°C in a humidified chamber protected from light
Wash thoroughly to reduce background
Mount with anti-fade medium containing DAPI for nuclear counterstaining
These conditions preserve ADNP epitopes while maintaining cellular architecture. For nuclear ADNP detection, ensure complete nuclear permeabilization. Alternative fixatives such as methanol may be tested if paraformaldehyde yields suboptimal results, though this should be empirically determined for each antibody.
When encountering weak or nonspecific signals with FITC-conjugated ADNP antibodies, systematic troubleshooting is essential:
For Weak Signals:
Increase antibody concentration incrementally (starting with manufacturer recommendations)
Extend incubation time to overnight at 4°C
Optimize antigen retrieval methods if using fixed tissues
Reduce washing stringency while maintaining sufficient steps to remove unbound antibody
Ensure sample preparation preserves the epitope recognized by the antibody
For Nonspecific Signals:
Increase blocking time and concentration (5-10% normal serum)
Add 0.1-0.3% BSA to antibody dilution buffer
Use more stringent washing conditions (higher salt concentration in PBS)
Pre-adsorb the antibody with non-specific proteins
Include appropriate negative controls (non-immune rabbit IgG-FITC)
Reduce antibody concentration
For both issues, evaluate fixation methods as overfixation can mask epitopes while underfixation may cause structural deterioration.
Advantages:
Limitations:
No signal amplification compared to secondary antibody detection methods
Limited flexibility in fluorophore selection once conjugated
Potential reduced sensitivity compared to tyramide signal amplification methods
Higher cost compared to unconjugated primary + secondary approach
Shorter shelf-life due to photobleaching concerns of conjugated fluorophore
For multi-labeling experiments specifically targeting ADNP alongside other proteins, researchers should carefully plan fluorophore combinations to avoid spectral overlap. When using ADNP-FITC antibodies (excitation 495 nm, emission 519 nm) , pair with fluorophores having minimal spectral overlap, such as those in the far-red range.
Quantifying ADNP expression via flow cytometry with FITC-conjugated antibodies requires careful experimental design:
Recommended Protocol:
Prepare single-cell suspensions from your samples
Fix cells with 2-4% paraformaldehyde for 15 minutes at room temperature
Permeabilize with 0.1% saponin or 0.1% Triton X-100 in PBS
Block with 2% BSA in PBS for 30 minutes
Incubate with ADNP-FITC antibody at optimized concentration for 1 hour at room temperature in the dark
Wash three times with PBS containing 0.1% of the permeabilization agent
Analyze by flow cytometry using appropriate compensation controls
Analysis Considerations:
Include unstained and isotype controls (rabbit IgG-FITC)
Use median fluorescence intensity (MFI) rather than mean for more robust quantification
Consider using fluorescent calibration beads to standardize across experiments
For multi-parameter analysis, include fluorescence minus one (FMO) controls
Analyze at least 10,000 events per sample for statistical reliability
This approach allows for quantitative assessment of ADNP expression across different experimental conditions or cell populations.
Robust experimental design requires appropriate controls to validate ADNP-FITC antibody specificity and performance:
Essential Controls:
Additionally, when examining ADNP expression in experimental manipulations, include appropriate biological controls that represent baseline conditions. Document acquisition parameters consistently across all samples and controls to enable valid comparisons.
Fixation methods significantly impact ADNP epitope accessibility and antibody binding:
Comparison of Fixation Methods:
The specific ADNP epitope targeted by the antibody influences fixation compatibility. For antibodies targeting amino acids 702-731 or 867-1102 , paraformaldehyde fixation generally provides reliable results, but optimization may be required for specific experimental systems.
Validating antibody specificity is crucial for generating reliable scientific data. For ADNP-FITC antibodies, consider these complementary approaches:
Western blot analysis: Confirm the antibody detects a band of the expected molecular weight (~124 kDa for full-length ADNP)
RNA interference: Compare antibody staining in cells with normal versus reduced ADNP expression via siRNA knockdown
Genetic models: Use ADNP knockout or overexpression systems to verify proportional signal changes
Peptide competition: Pre-incubate antibody with the immunizing peptide before staining to block specific binding
Multi-antibody validation: Compare staining patterns with antibodies targeting different ADNP epitopes
Mass spectrometry validation: Confirm identity of immunoprecipitated proteins using LC-MS/MS
Cross-reactivity testing: Verify species specificity matches manufacturer claims for human or mouse reactivity
Implementing multiple validation approaches provides stronger evidence for antibody specificity than any single method alone.
Integrating ADNP detection with complementary methodologies enhances research depth:
Multimodal Research Approaches:
Correlative microscopy: Combine immunofluorescence with electron microscopy to link ADNP localization with ultrastructural features
Functional assays: Pair ADNP immunodetection with electrophysiology in neuronal cultures to correlate expression with functional outcomes
Transcriptomic integration: Compare ADNP protein levels with mRNA expression using RT-qPCR or RNA-seq
Co-immunoprecipitation studies: Use ADNP antibodies for immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry to identify interaction partners
ChIP-seq analysis: For nuclear ADNP, combine with chromatin immunoprecipitation to identify DNA binding sites
Live imaging: Complement fixed-cell ADNP-FITC studies with live-cell imaging using fluorescent protein-tagged ADNP
Multiplexed detection: Implement techniques like imaging mass cytometry or cyclic immunofluorescence for highly multiplexed protein detection including ADNP
Each approach provides distinct but complementary information that, when integrated, offers a more complete understanding of ADNP biology in the experimental system.
The epitope recognized by ADNP antibodies significantly influences their utility across applications. Available FITC-conjugated ADNP antibodies target distinct regions:
Epitope Considerations:
Structural accessibility: C-terminal epitopes may be more accessible in native proteins, while internal epitopes might require denaturation for optimal detection
Post-translational modifications: Modifications near the epitope may alter antibody binding; central and C-terminal ADNP regions contain multiple phosphorylation sites
Protein interactions: Epitopes involved in protein-protein interactions may be masked in certain cellular contexts
Processing variants: ADNP undergoes proteolytic processing; antibodies targeting different regions may detect distinct forms
Cross-reactivity: Epitope conservation across species determines cross-reactivity potential; the AA 702-731 epitope shows reactivity with mouse ADNP , while the AA 867-1102 epitope is human-specific
Understanding the specific epitope recognized helps predict antibody performance across applications and experimental conditions.
Optimizing antibody dilutions is critical for balancing specific signal detection with background minimization:
Systematic Optimization Protocol:
Titration series: Prepare a geometric dilution series (e.g., 1:50, 1:100, 1:200, 1:400) based on manufacturer recommendations
Control inclusion: For each dilution, include appropriate negative controls to assess background
Quantitative assessment: Calculate signal-to-noise ratio by dividing specific signal intensity by background signal
Visual evaluation: Assess staining pattern clarity and background across dilutions
Replicate testing: Confirm optimal dilution across multiple samples and experimental days
Batch testing: When receiving new antibody lots, perform abbreviated titration to confirm optimal dilution
For most applications, manufacturers suggest starting with ELISA or Western blotting to establish basic reactivity before proceeding to more complex applications like immunocytochemistry .
When employing ADNP-FITC antibodies for high-resolution microscopy techniques:
Super-Resolution Considerations:
Photobleaching mitigation: FITC is prone to photobleaching; use anti-fade mounting media containing oxygen scavengers
Sample preparation: For techniques like STED or STORM, optimize fixation to minimize sample movement and autofluorescence
Labeling density: For single-molecule localization microscopy, adjust antibody concentration to achieve appropriate labeling density
Buffer conditions: For techniques requiring specific imaging buffers, test FITC signal stability in these conditions
Chromatic aberration: When combining with other fluorophores, implement chromatic aberration correction
Reference standards: Include fluorescent beads as fiducial markers for drift correction and channel alignment
Quantitative imaging: For intensity-based comparisons, include calibration standards and maintain consistent acquisition parameters
For optimal results in techniques like structured illumination microscopy (SIM) or stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy, sample preparation quality is paramount to achieving the theoretical resolution limits of these techniques.
ADNP and ADNP2 (ADNP Homeobox 2) share significant sequence homology, creating potential cross-reactivity challenges:
Strategies to Ensure Specificity:
Epitope selection: Choose antibodies targeting regions with minimal homology between ADNP and ADNP2; the central region (AA 702-731) shows less conservation than homeobox domains
Validation in knockout systems: Test antibody specificity in ADNP or ADNP2 knockout cells
Competitive blocking: Use recombinant proteins or peptides corresponding to ADNP2 to pre-absorb potential cross-reactive antibodies
Western blot verification: Confirm the detected band matches the expected molecular weight difference between ADNP (~124 kDa) and ADNP2 (~114 kDa)
Parallel detection: Use antibodies specifically targeting unique regions of each protein as comparative controls
Mass spectrometry validation: Confirm the identity of immunoprecipitated proteins by peptide mass fingerprinting
siRNA knockdown: Perform selective knockdown of either ADNP or ADNP2 to verify antibody specificity
Careful attention to these specificity considerations is essential for accurate interpretation of experimental results, particularly in systems where both proteins may be expressed.
Integrating ADNP Protein Detection with Neutrophil Function Assays:
Dual-purpose experiment design: Combine neutrophil functional assays with ADNP protein detection using FITC-conjugated antibodies
Flow cytometry adaptation: Modify the high-throughput ADNP assay described in the literature to include ADNP protein detection in specific neutrophil subpopulations
Neutrophil activation markers: Pair ADNP protein detection with neutrophil activation markers to correlate expression with functional state
Stimulation responses: Monitor changes in ADNP protein levels following various immune stimuli used in neutrophil functional assays
Live-cell imaging: Track ADNP localization during neutrophil phagocytosis using membrane-permeable fluorescent ADNP-binding peptides
This cross-disciplinary approach could reveal potential relationships between ADNP protein expression and neutrophil function in various physiological and pathological contexts.
Multiplexed detection requires careful planning of fluorophore combinations to avoid spectral overlap:
Multiplex Optimization Strategies:
Spectral compatibility: FITC (excitation 495 nm, emission 519 nm) pairs well with fluorophores emitting in far-red or near-infrared ranges
Recommended fluorophore combinations:
FITC (ADNP) + TRITC/Cy3 + Cy5 + DAPI
FITC (ADNP) + PE + APC + DAPI
Signal balancing: Adjust antibody concentrations to achieve comparable signal intensities across channels
Sequential detection: For challenging combinations, implement sequential detection protocols with antibody stripping between rounds
Spectral unmixing: For confocal microscopy with significant overlap, utilize spectral unmixing algorithms
Control samples: Prepare single-color controls for each fluorophore to establish compensation parameters
Antibody selection: Choose primary antibodies from different host species to avoid cross-reactivity of secondary antibodies
Proper planning of multiplexed experiments enhances data quality while maximizing information obtained from limited samples.
Quantitative analysis of ADNP expression requires rigorous methodological approaches:
Quantification Methodologies:
Fluorescence intensity measurement:
Measure integrated or mean fluorescence intensity within defined regions of interest
Apply background subtraction using adjacent negative regions
Report relative rather than absolute values unless using calibration standards
Expression pattern analysis:
Quantify nuclear vs. cytoplasmic localization ratio
Measure colocalization with other markers using Pearson's or Mander's coefficients
Analyze distribution patterns using intensity line profiles
Population analysis:
In flow cytometry, report percentage of positive cells and median fluorescence intensity
For tissue sections, quantify percentage of positive cells per defined area
Consider cell-by-cell analysis rather than whole-field averaging
Standardization approaches:
Include fluorescent calibration standards in each experiment
Normalize to housekeeping proteins when appropriate
Maintain identical acquisition settings across all compared samples
Statistical Analysis Framework:
Experiment design considerations:
A priori power analysis to determine required sample size
Randomization and blinding procedures to minimize bias
Inclusion of appropriate positive and negative controls
Data normality assessment:
Shapiro-Wilk or Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests to determine distribution
Q-Q plots for visual assessment of normality
Consider log-transformation for skewed distributions
Comparative statistics:
For two groups: t-test (parametric) or Mann-Whitney U test (non-parametric)
For multiple groups: ANOVA with post-hoc tests (parametric) or Kruskal-Wallis with post-hoc tests (non-parametric)
For repeated measures: Repeated measures ANOVA or mixed-effects models
Correlation analyses:
Pearson correlation for linear relationships in normally distributed data
Spearman correlation for non-parametric data or non-linear relationships
Multiple regression for complex relationships with potential confounding variables
Advanced approaches:
Cluster analysis for identifying expression patterns
Machine learning for complex pattern recognition in large datasets
Bayesian methods for integrating prior knowledge with experimental data
Transparent reporting of all statistical methods, including specific tests, significance thresholds, and software tools, is essential for reproducibility.
ADNP-FITC conjugated antibodies serve as valuable tools in diverse neuroscience research applications:
Current Research Applications:
Neurodevelopmental studies:
Tracking ADNP expression during critical developmental windows
Examining ADNP localization in neural progenitor cells versus differentiated neurons
Investigating ADNP in syndromic neurodevelopmental disorders
Neurodegenerative disease research:
Analyzing ADNP expression changes in Alzheimer's disease models
Studying ADNP interaction with tau protein in tauopathies
Examining ADNP in cellular stress responses relevant to neurodegeneration
ADNP syndrome investigations:
Characterizing cellular consequences of ADNP mutations
Developing cellular models for drug screening
Monitoring potential therapies aimed at restoring ADNP function
Basic neurobiology:
Examining ADNP subcellular localization in response to neuronal activity
Studying ADNP involvement in dendritic spine formation and synaptic plasticity
Investigating interactions between ADNP and chromatin remodeling complexes
These applications leverage the direct visualization capabilities of FITC-conjugated antibodies to monitor ADNP expression and localization across developmental stages and disease conditions.
Recent research has expanded ADNP investigation into oncology:
Cancer Research Applications:
Expression profiling:
Characterizing ADNP expression across cancer types and stages
Correlating expression with clinical outcomes and treatment responses
Identifying potential prognostic significance
Molecular mechanisms:
Investigating ADNP's role in cell cycle regulation and apoptosis resistance
Studying ADNP interaction with p53 pathway components
Examining ADNP involvement in DNA damage response pathways
Therapeutic targeting:
Developing peptide-based approaches targeting ADNP protein-protein interactions
Exploring ADNP as a biomarker for treatment stratification
Investigating potential for ADNP-directed immunotherapies
Epigenetic regulation:
Analyzing ADNP's role in chromatin remodeling in cancer cells
Studying interactions with histone modification enzymes
Examining potential synergy with epigenetic-targeted therapies
FITC-conjugated ADNP antibodies facilitate these investigations through direct visualization of expression patterns and subcellular localization in cancer cells and tissues, supporting both basic and translational oncology research.
Live-cell imaging with FITC-conjugated antibodies presents unique challenges but offers valuable insights into dynamic ADNP behaviors:
Recommended Protocol:
Cell preparation:
Culture cells in fluorescence-compatible imaging dishes or chambers
Use phenol red-free media to reduce background fluorescence
Maintain physiological conditions during imaging (temperature, CO₂, humidity)
Antibody delivery options:
Microinjection of ADNP-FITC antibodies (most precise but technically challenging)
Cell-penetrating peptide conjugation to facilitate membrane crossing
Gentle permeabilization with digitonin followed by antibody incubation
Electroporation for temporary membrane permeabilization
Optimization considerations:
Use minimal effective antibody concentration to reduce interference with endogenous protein function
Include non-binding FITC-IgG controls to assess potential functional effects of antibody presence
Perform viability assessments to ensure imaging conditions maintain cell health
Compare fixed and live cell patterns to validate approach
Imaging parameters:
Minimize exposure time and illumination intensity to reduce phototoxicity
Implement time-lapse intervals appropriate for the expected dynamics
Consider spinning disk confocal for reduced photobleaching and phototoxicity
While challenging, live-cell ADNP imaging can provide unique insights into protein dynamics not accessible through fixed-cell approaches.
Western blotting for ADNP requires specific optimization due to its high molecular weight and sometimes low abundance:
Optimized Western Blot Protocol:
Sample preparation:
Include protease inhibitors in lysis buffers
For nuclear ADNP, use nuclear extraction protocols
Sonicate samples to shear DNA and release DNA-bound ADNP
Gel electrophoresis:
Use lower percentage gels (6-8%) to resolve high molecular weight ADNP (~124 kDa)
Extend running time to achieve good separation in high molecular weight range
Include molecular weight markers covering 100-150 kDa range
Transfer optimization:
Implement extended transfer times for high molecular weight proteins
Consider wet transfer systems for more efficient transfer of large proteins
Use methanol-free transfer buffers to improve large protein transfer
Detection considerations:
Block membranes thoroughly (5% BSA often performs better than milk for phospho-proteins)
Incubate with ADNP-FITC antibodies overnight at 4°C
Shield from light during all steps after FITC-antibody addition
Image using fluorescence scanners with appropriate filter sets
Controls and validation:
Include positive control lysates (e.g., brain tissue extracts)
Run recombinant ADNP when available as size reference
Consider using ADNP-overexpressing cell lines as additional controls
This optimized protocol addresses the specific challenges of detecting ADNP while leveraging the direct visualization capabilities of FITC conjugation .
Different fluorophore conjugates offer distinct advantages depending on experimental goals:
Comparative Fluorophore Analysis:
Selection should be based on specific experimental requirements, equipment specifications, and planned multiplexing strategies. For standard applications with common equipment, FITC-conjugated ADNP antibodies provide a cost-effective and widely compatible option .
Selecting the optimal ADNP-FITC antibody requires evaluation of several critical factors:
Selection Framework:
Epitope considerations:
Validation evidence:
Extent of validation data provided by manufacturer
Published literature using the specific antibody
Validation across multiple applications
Species validation matching experimental models
Technical specifications:
FITC:protein ratio (affects brightness and potential interference)
Antibody concentration and recommended dilutions
Purification method (affects specificity and background)
Buffer compatibility with planned applications
Application-specific performance:
Cost considerations:
Price per experiment based on recommended dilutions
Shipping and storage requirements
Availability and lead time
Requesting validation data from manufacturers and conducting small-scale pilot studies with multiple antibodies may be valuable for critical applications or novel experimental systems.
Transparent reporting is essential for experimental reproducibility and data interpretation:
Documentation Best Practices:
Antibody identification:
Complete catalog information including manufacturer, catalog number, and lot number
Clone identification for monoclonal antibodies
Host species and antibody class/isotype
FITC conjugation specifications and method
Validation documentation:
Description of validation methods performed (western blot, blocking peptides, etc.)
Inclusion of validation controls in supplementary materials
Reference to previous validations in literature when applicable
Experimental conditions:
Detailed protocols including antibody dilutions, incubation times, and temperatures
Buffer compositions and pH values
Blocking reagents and concentrations
Counterstaining methodologies
Imaging and analysis parameters:
Microscope specifications and settings (exposure times, gain settings)
Image processing methods (background subtraction, normalization)
Quantification methodologies and statistical approaches
Software tools with version numbers
Resource sharing:
Consideration of depositing images in public repositories
Availability of detailed protocols through protocol sharing platforms
Disclosure of any modifications to manufacturer's recommended protocols
These documentation practices enhance reproducibility and facilitate appropriate interpretation of results by the scientific community.
The future landscape of ADNP antibody technology offers promising directions:
Emerging Developments:
Enhanced conjugation technologies:
Site-specific conjugation methods preserving antibody function
Photoactivatable or photoswitchable fluorophore conjugates for super-resolution applications
Conjugation with brighter, more photostable next-generation fluorophores
Refined specificity:
Development of conformation-specific antibodies distinguishing ADNP functional states
Antibodies specific to post-translationally modified ADNP forms
Highly selective antibodies distinguishing between ADNP and ADNP2
Functional antibodies:
Intrabodies designed for live-cell tracking without functional interference
Function-blocking antibodies targeting specific ADNP interactions
Cell-penetrating antibody formats for live-cell applications
Multimodal detection:
Dual-labeled antibodies combining fluorescence with other detection modalities
Antibody fragments with reduced size for improved tissue penetration
Nanobody alternatives offering smaller size and potentially improved access to restricted epitopes
High-throughput applications:
Integration with advanced tissue clearing and 3D imaging technologies
Adaptation for high-content screening applications
Compatibility with automated staining and imaging platforms