FAX1 is a chloroplast envelope membrane protein involved in fatty acid export from chloroplasts to the endoplasmic reticulum. Its function is essential for lipid biosynthesis and membrane assembly in plants .
Property | Description |
---|---|
Gene ID | At1g06120 |
Protein Name | Fatty Acid Export 1 (FAX1) |
Localization | Chloroplast envelope |
Biological Role | Facilitates fatty acid transport; critical for lipid metabolism and signaling |
The α-At-FAX1 antibody was generated using synthetic peptides corresponding to the N-terminal region of the FAX1 protein. Key characteristics include:
Host Species: Rabbit
Formats: Polyclonal antiserum (purified IgG available)
Immunogen: N-terminal peptide of At-FAX1 (custom-designed for minimal cross-reactivity) .
Western Blot: Detects FAX1 (~25 kDa) in chloroplast membrane fractions of Arabidopsis .
Localization Studies: Confirms FAX1’s presence in the inner chloroplast envelope via immunofluorescence .
Knockout Phenotype: fax1 mutants exhibit upregulated lipid biosynthesis genes (e.g., At1g06120, At3g06510), suggesting compensatory mechanisms .
Complementation: FAX1 antibody validated rescue of lipid export defects in transgenic lines expressing FAX1 orthologs from Pisum sativum .
The antibody demonstrates cross-reactivity with homologs in:
Brassicaceae: Brassica napus, Brassica rapa
Solanaceae: Solanum lycopersicum, Solanum tuberosum
Lipid Trafficking: FAX1 mediates fatty acid export from chloroplasts, linking plastid metabolism to endoplasmic reticulum lipid synthesis .
Stress Responses: FAX1 expression is modulated under abiotic stress, implicating it in membrane remodeling during environmental challenges .
Species | Reactivity | Application Validated |
---|---|---|
Arabidopsis thaliana | High | WB, IF, ELISA |
Brassica napus | Moderate | WB |
Spinacia oleracea | Low | IF (chloroplast enrichment) |
AT1G05120 encodes a Helicase protein with RING/U-box domain-containing protein in Arabidopsis thaliana, which plays critical roles in DNA metabolism, repair mechanisms, and potential regulatory functions in plant development. The protein contains both helicase domains (involved in unwinding nucleic acids) and RING/U-box domains (typically involved in ubiquitination pathways). This dual functionality suggests its importance in coordinating DNA processing with protein degradation pathways. Understanding AT1G05120 function contributes to our knowledge of plant genomic stability maintenance and stress response mechanisms .
Antibodies against plant proteins like AT1G05120 are typically generated through a multi-step process involving antigen design, immunization, and validation. For AT1G05120, researchers must first identify unique, surface-exposed epitopes that distinguish it from related helicase proteins. Synthetic peptides or recombinant protein fragments are then used to immunize host animals (typically rabbits for polyclonal antibodies). The specificity for Arabidopsis thaliana is critical, as demonstrated by the PHY7343S and PHY7349S antibody preparations, which are validated specifically against this model organism . The antibody production process includes multiple purification steps to ensure minimal cross-reactivity with other plant proteins.
The AT1G05120 antibody is typically supplied in lyophilized form, which ensures maximum stability during shipping and long-term storage. For optimal preservation of antibody activity, researchers should store the lyophilized product at the recommended temperature immediately upon receipt. It is critical to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles which can degrade antibody performance. For working solutions, aliquoting is strongly recommended to prevent repeated freeze-thaw cycles that compromise antibody function . Storage recommendations mirror those used for other research antibodies, where stability is paramount for reproducible experimental outcomes.
Antibody conformation significantly impacts experimental design and interpretation when using AT1G05120 antibody. Similar to other research antibodies like MAb A32, the binding capability of AT1G05120 antibody depends on the conformational state of the target epitope. When designing experiments, researchers must consider whether their preparation method preserves the native conformation of the helicase protein . For instance, denaturing conditions in Western blotting may reduce antibody binding if the epitope is conformational rather than linear. Conversely, native conditions in immunoprecipitation may enhance antibody performance. Experimental protocols should be optimized based on whether the AT1G05120 antibody recognizes conformational or linear epitopes.
For optimal Western blotting results with AT1G05120 antibody, researchers should implement a carefully optimized protocol. Begin with sample preparation using a buffer containing protease inhibitors to prevent degradation of the helicase protein. For protein separation, use 8-10% SDS-PAGE gels which provide better resolution for the expected molecular weight range of AT1G05120. Transfer to PVDF membrane is preferred over nitrocellulose due to better protein retention. For blocking, use 5% non-fat milk in TBST for 1 hour at room temperature. Dilute the AT1G05120 antibody to 1:1000-1:2000 in blocking buffer and incubate overnight at 4°C. After washing, use an appropriate HRP-conjugated secondary antibody at 1:5000 dilution. Similar to approaches documented with other antibodies, optimization of antigen retrieval and exposure techniques will maximize signal-to-noise ratio .
Optimizing immunohistochemistry (IHC) protocols with AT1G05120 antibody requires careful attention to fixation, antigen retrieval, and detection methods. For plant tissues, use 4% paraformaldehyde fixation for 24 hours, followed by paraffin embedding and sectioning at 5-7 μm thickness. Conduct antigen retrieval using citrate buffer (pH 6.0) at 95°C for 20 minutes to expose masked epitopes. Block with 5% normal serum from the same species as the secondary antibody. Dilute AT1G05120 antibody to 1:100-1:200 and incubate overnight at 4°C in a humidified chamber. For detection, choose fluorescent or enzymatic systems based on your microscopy setup and sensitivity requirements. Always include a negative control by omitting the primary antibody and a positive control with known AT1G05120 expression patterns .
When conducting immunoprecipitation (IP) experiments with AT1G05120 antibody, several controls are essential for result validation. The following controls should be incorporated:
Control Type | Purpose | Implementation |
---|---|---|
Input Control | Verifies target protein presence in starting material | Reserve 5-10% of lysate prior to IP |
Negative Control | Tests for non-specific binding | Perform parallel IP with non-immune IgG from same species |
Isotype Control | Evaluates antibody specificity | Use irrelevant antibody of same isotype |
Knockout/Knockdown Control | Confirms antibody specificity | Use material from AT1G05120 knockout/knockdown plants |
Reciprocal IP | Validates protein interactions | IP with antibodies against suspected interacting partners |
These controls help distinguish true results from artifacts, similar to validation strategies used with other antibodies in research settings .
For ELISA applications using AT1G05120 antibody, researchers should first determine the optimal coating concentration by titrating purified AT1G05120 protein (typically 1-10 μg/ml) in carbonate buffer (pH 9.6). Coat 96-well plates overnight at 4°C, then block with 3% BSA in PBS for 2 hours at room temperature. Prepare a standard curve using recombinant AT1G05120 protein and dilute samples appropriately. Add AT1G05120 antibody at 1:500-1:2000 dilution and incubate for 2 hours at room temperature. After washing with PBST, add HRP-conjugated secondary antibody at 1:5000 dilution. Develop with TMB substrate and measure absorbance at 450 nm. This approach allows for quantitative analysis of AT1G05120 protein levels, following methodological principles similar to those established for other research antibodies .
Non-specific binding with AT1G05120 antibody can be systematically addressed through several troubleshooting approaches. First, adjust antibody concentration – excessive antibody promotes non-specific interactions. Implement a titration series between 1:500 and 1:5000 to identify optimal dilution. Second, modify blocking conditions by testing alternative blocking agents such as 5% BSA, 5% normal serum, or commercial blocking reagents. Increasing the blocking time from 1 hour to overnight can reduce background. Third, optimize washing procedures by increasing wash duration and volume, potentially adding 0.1-0.5% Triton X-100 to washing buffer for membrane permeabilization. Finally, consider pre-adsorption by incubating the AT1G05120 antibody with plant extract from species lacking the target protein, which can remove antibodies responsible for cross-reactivity .
Resolving contradictory results between AT1G05120 antibody detection and gene expression data requires a systematic investigation of multiple factors. First, consider post-transcriptional regulation – protein abundance often correlates poorly with mRNA levels due to variations in translation efficiency and protein stability. Second, examine potential post-translational modifications that might mask antibody epitopes. Third, evaluate subcellular localization differences, as compartmentalization may affect antibody accessibility in certain assays. Fourth, implement complementary detection methods such as mass spectrometry to independently verify protein presence. Fifth, assess antibody batch variation by requesting validation data from manufacturers or performing in-house validation with positive and negative controls. Finally, consider temporal dynamics, as mRNA and protein levels may peak at different timepoints following stimulation or developmental progression .
AT1G05120 antibody can be leveraged for multi-protein complex analysis through several sophisticated approaches. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) represents the foundation, where AT1G05120 antibody captures the target protein along with its interacting partners from native cell lysates. For enhanced stringency, tandem affinity purification can be implemented by engineering dual-tagged AT1G05120 constructs. Proximity-dependent biotin identification (BioID) offers an alternative by fusing AT1G05120 to a biotin ligase, which biotinylates proximal proteins for subsequent purification and identification. For in situ visualization of protein complexes, proximity ligation assay (PLA) combines AT1G05120 antibody with antibodies against suspected interacting partners. These methods should be complemented with appropriate controls, including reciprocal Co-IPs and validation in AT1G05120 knockout lines to establish specificity .
Using AT1G05120 antibody across different plant species requires careful consideration of evolutionary conservation and epitope preservation. Begin with sequence alignment analysis to determine the conservation of the epitope recognized by AT1G05120 antibody across target species. Higher sequence identity (>70%) suggests greater likelihood of cross-reactivity. Perform preliminary Western blots with samples from multiple species to empirically determine cross-reactivity patterns. For species with lower homology, higher antibody concentrations may be required, though this increases non-specific binding risk. When designing cross-species experiments, include positive controls from Arabidopsis thaliana alongside experimental samples. The specificity information provided for AT1G05120 antibody indicates it has been validated specifically for Arabidopsis thaliana, making validation in other species essential before experimental use .
Quantitative data from AT1G05120 antibody experiments should be normalized using a multi-faceted approach to ensure reliable interpretation. First, employ loading controls appropriate to the experimental context – housekeeping proteins like actin or tubulin for Western blots, or total protein staining methods like Ponceau S. For immunohistochemistry, normalize signal intensity to cell count or tissue area. In ELISA applications, implement standard curves using recombinant AT1G05120 protein of known concentration. For relative quantification across experimental conditions, express results as fold-change relative to control samples. When analyzing protein complexes, normalize interaction partners to the amount of immunoprecipitated AT1G05120. Statistical analysis should include tests for normal distribution before applying parametric or non-parametric methods as appropriate .
The statistical analysis of AT1G05120 antibody signal data should be tailored to the experimental design and data distribution. For comparing two experimental groups, Student's t-test is appropriate if data follows normal distribution; otherwise, use non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test. For multi-group comparisons, apply ANOVA followed by post-hoc tests (Tukey's or Bonferroni) for normally distributed data, or Kruskal-Wallis with Dunn's post-hoc for non-parametric analysis. When analyzing time-course experiments, repeated measures ANOVA or mixed-effects models are recommended. For correlation studies between AT1G05120 levels and other variables, use Pearson's or Spearman's correlation coefficients based on data normality. Additionally, robust statistical approaches like bootstrapping can address limitations in sample size. Always report effect sizes alongside p-values to provide complete interpretation of biological significance .
Validating the specificity of AT1G05120 antibody results requires implementing multiple complementary approaches. First, use genetic knockouts or knockdowns of AT1G05120 as negative controls – the antibody signal should be absent or significantly reduced in these samples. Second, employ peptide competition assays by pre-incubating the antibody with excess synthetic peptide corresponding to the epitope, which should abolish specific binding. Third, confirm results using multiple antibodies targeting different epitopes of AT1G05120. Fourth, verify protein identity in immunoprecipitation experiments using mass spectrometry. Fifth, corroborate protein expression patterns with localization data from fluorescent protein fusion studies. These validation strategies help distinguish specific signals from artifacts, ensuring the reliability of research findings .