The ATAT1 Antibody, FITC conjugated is a fluorescently labeled antibody targeting Alpha-tubulin N-acetyltransferase 1 (ATAT1), a key enzyme responsible for acetylating α-tubulin at lysine 40. This post-translational modification regulates microtubule dynamics, influencing cellular processes such as cell migration, axonal transport, and stress responses. The antibody is conjugated with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), enabling its use in fluorescence-based applications like flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and microscopy.
The antibody binds specifically to ATAT1, enabling visualization or detection in cellular or tissue samples. The FITC conjugation involves covalent attachment of the dye to primary amines (lysine residues) on the antibody. Optimal conjugation ratios (3–6 FITC molecules per antibody) balance solubility and fluorescence efficiency, avoiding internal quenching .
FITC Preparation: Dissolve 10 mg FITC in 1 mL anhydrous DMSO.
Reaction: Add FITC to antibody at 40–80 µg FITC/mg antibody, mix, and incubate 1 hour at room temperature .
Purification: Remove unbound FITC via gel filtration or dialysis.
F/P Ratio: Determined by absorbance at 280 nm (protein) and 495 nm (FITC) .
ATAT1 acetylates α-tubulin at lysine 40, promoting microtubule destabilization and dynamics. This acetylation is critical for:
Sperm flagellar function: ATAT1-deficient mice show impaired sperm motility .
Cell migration: ATAT1 acetylation at clathrin-coated pits facilitates directional locomotion .
Axonal transport: ATAT1-enriched vesicles regulate acetylation in axons, modulating organelle transport velocities and run lengths .
ATAT1 mediates tubulin hyperacetylation under stress (e.g., high salt, glucose, oxidative stress), mitigating replication stress and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers . Overexpression in A549 cells reduces γH2AX (DNA damage marker) and EMT-related proteins like α-SMA and vimentin .
ATAT1 is transported via motile vesicles (e.g., lysosomes, dense core vesicles) along microtubules, enabling localized acetylation. Knockdown disrupts axonal transport, increasing pausing times and reducing flux .
IHC/IF: Detects ATAT1 in rat/mouse testis, human A549 cells, and photoreceptor cells .
FC: Intra-cellular staining in A431 cells (0.40 µg/10⁶ cells) .
Knockout Models: Atat1−/− mice lack α-tubulin acetylation in sperm flagella and exhibit mild dentate gyrus deformation .
In Vitro Assays: Vesicular fractions from WT mice acetylate microtubules, while Atat1−/− fractions show reduced activity .
ATAT1 (Alpha-tubulin N-acetyltransferase 1) specifically acetylates 'Lys-40' in alpha-tubulin on the lumenal side of microtubules. This enzyme plays several critical roles in cellular function:
Promotes microtubule destabilization and accelerates microtubule dynamics, which may be independent of its acetylation activity
Enters microtubules through each end and diffuses throughout the lumen
Selectively acetylates long/old microtubules due to its slow enzymatic rate
Required for normal sperm flagellar function
Promotes directional cell locomotion and chemotaxis through AP2A2-dependent acetylation of alpha-tubulin at clathrin-coated pits concentrated at the leading edge of migrating cells
Research has demonstrated that ATAT1 is indispensable for tubulin hyperacetylation in response to cellular stressors including high salt, high glucose, and hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress .
ATAT1 antibody, FITC conjugated is primarily used in the following applications:
ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay): For quantitative detection of ATAT1 in samples
Flow cytometry: For analysis of ATAT1 expression at the single-cell level
Immunofluorescence microscopy: For visualization of ATAT1 localization in cells and tissues
While ELISA is the most commonly validated application, researchers have adapted these antibodies for various specialized techniques depending on their specific experimental requirements.
The ATAT1 antibody, FITC conjugated typically shows the following characteristics:
Species reactivity: Primarily human, though some cross-reactivity with mouse and rat has been reported
Molecular weight detection: Approximately 42-47 kDa (observed range)
Immunogen: Usually a recombinant fragment of human ATAT1 protein (amino acids 194-238)
Researchers should verify the specific reactivity parameters for their chosen antibody, as cross-reactivity with other proteins in the acetyltransferase family may occur depending on the epitope recognized.
For researchers investigating microtubule acetylation dynamics using ATAT1 antibody, FITC conjugated:
Dual staining approach: Combine ATAT1 antibody with acetylated tubulin antibodies to correlate enzyme localization with substrate modification. This allows tracking of both the enzyme and its activity product.
Live cell imaging optimization:
Use lower antibody concentrations (1:500-1:1000) to minimize potential interference with enzyme function
Employ microinjection techniques rather than cell permeabilization when possible
Utilize low-intensity illumination to prevent photobleaching of the FITC conjugate
Vesicular transport analysis: Since ATAT1 is enriched in vesicles that transport along axons, researchers should design time-lapse imaging protocols to capture the dynamic movement of ATAT1-positive vesicles along microtubules .
Stress response studies: When examining stress-induced tubulin hyperacetylation, include appropriate positive controls (cells exposed to high salt, high glucose, or oxidative stress) and negative controls (Atat1 knockout cells) to validate antibody specificity under these conditions .
When employing ATAT1 antibody, FITC conjugated in neuronal research:
Fixation protocol optimization:
For cultured neurons: 4% paraformaldehyde for 15 minutes at room temperature preserves both microtubule structure and ATAT1 localization
For tissue sections: 2% paraformaldehyde with 0.1% glutaraldehyde maintains both enzyme localization and neuronal architecture
Subcellular localization considerations:
ATAT1 exists in both cytosolic and vesicle-associated pools
The cytosolic ATAT1 is predominantly located at the external surface of vesicles, not encapsulated within the vesicular lumen
Mild proteinase K digestion can be employed to distinguish between internal and external vesicle proteins, with ATAT1 showing sensitivity to this treatment
Axonal transport experimental design:
ATAT1 is crucial for proper axonal transport, and knockout/knockdown of Atat1 impairs both anterograde and retrograde transport
Researchers should consider the bidirectional nature of ATAT1's role in axonal transport when designing experiments
The acetyl mimic α-tubulin K40Q can rescue transport deficits in ATAT1-deficient neurons, providing a valuable control for specificity
The binding domain of ATAT1 has significant implications for antibody selection and experiment design:
| Isoform | AP2 Binding Domain | Vesicular Enrichment | Antibody Target Region | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 & 2 | Present (aa 307-387) | Moderate | N-terminal | Clathrin-coated vesicle studies |
| 3 & 4 | Absent | High | aa 242-333 | General vesicular transport studies |
| All | Catalytic domain (aa 1-196) | Variable | N-terminal | Enzymatic activity studies |
A comprehensive validation strategy for ATAT1 antibody, FITC conjugated should include:
Genetic validation:
Peptide competition assays:
Pre-incubate antibody with excess immunizing peptide before application
Loss of signal confirms epitope specificity
Western blot confirmation:
Immunofluorescence validation:
Functional validation:
When performing flow cytometry with ATAT1 antibody, FITC conjugated, the following controls are critical:
Isotype control:
Unstained control:
Single-color controls:
When performing multicolor cytometry, include single-stained samples for compensation
Critical for accurate signal separation in FITC channel
Biological controls:
Titration controls:
To differentiate specific binding from background when using ATAT1 antibody, FITC conjugated:
Optimize blocking conditions:
Implement appropriate negative controls:
Signal quantification strategies:
Spectral considerations:
For optimal performance of ATAT1 antibody, FITC conjugated:
Storage recommendations:
Buffer composition:
Light sensitivity precautions:
Store FITC-conjugated antibodies in amber vials or wrapped in aluminum foil
Minimize exposure to light during all handling steps to prevent photobleaching
Work under reduced ambient lighting when possible
Reconstitution of lyophilized antibodies:
Use sterile ddH₂O or buffer recommended by the manufacturer
Allow complete dissolution before use (typically 5-10 minutes at room temperature)
Centrifuge briefly to collect all liquid at the bottom of the vial
To determine the optimal dilution for ATAT1 antibody, FITC conjugated:
Application-specific titration approach:
Titration methodology:
Sample-specific considerations:
Higher antibody concentrations may be needed for fixed tissues compared to cell lines
Primary cells often require more antibody than established cell lines
Expression level of target protein impacts optimal dilution
Signal intensity assessment:
For troubleshooting problems with ATAT1 antibody, FITC conjugated:
Weak or no signal:
Verify target protein expression in your sample
Increase antibody concentration or incubation time
Check fluorescence microscope/flow cytometer settings (FITC channel)
Ensure proper permeabilization for intracellular targets
Consider alternative fixation methods that better preserve the epitope
High background:
Increase blocking time or concentration
Reduce primary antibody concentration
Include additional wash steps
Use centrifugation to remove cell debris before analysis
Consider autofluorescence quenching reagents
Non-specific binding:
Verify antibody specificity using knockout/knockdown controls
Increase blocking agent concentration
Add 0.1-0.5% Tween-20 to wash buffers
Filter antibody solutions to remove aggregates
FITC-specific issues:
FITC is pH-sensitive (optimal at pH 8.0), check buffer pH
Photobleaching can occur; minimize light exposure
FITC has relatively low photostability compared to Alexa Fluors; consider alternative conjugates for prolonged imaging
ATAT1 antibody, FITC conjugated is particularly valuable for investigating vesicular transport mechanisms:
Live cell imaging applications:
Quantitative vesicular transport analysis:
Vesicular proteomics integration:
Methodological approach:
When using ATAT1 antibody, FITC conjugated to investigate neurodevelopmental processes:
Developmental timing:
Region-specific considerations:
Neuronal migration analysis:
Experimental approaches:
For cortical development studies, combine ATAT1 antibody, FITC conjugated with markers for neural stem/progenitor cells (Sox2, Tbr2) and lamination (Cux1, Cux2, Tbr1, Ctip2)
For migration studies, pulse-chase experiments with BrdU or EdU labeling
For cellular architecture analysis, combine with Golgi staining or neuronal tracing methods
For studying stress-induced tubulin modifications using ATAT1 antibody, FITC conjugated:
Experimental stress induction protocols:
Time-course analysis considerations:
Multi-parameter analysis:
Controls and validation:
When comparing ATAT1 antibody, FITC conjugated to STAT protein antibodies (STAT1, STAT6) in flow cytometry:
Protocol considerations:
Signal intensity and resolution:
Dilution optimization:
Control considerations:
| Parameter | ATAT1-FITC | STAT1-FITC | STAT6-FITC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixation | PFA (4%) | Methanol (80%) | Methanol (80%) |
| Optimal Dilution | 1:50-1:500 | 1:50-1:100 | 1:50 |
| Permeabilization | 0.1% Triton X-100 | 0.1% Triton X-100 | 0.1% Triton X-100 |
| Blocking | 10% normal serum | 10% normal serum | 10% normal serum |
| Incubation Time | 30-60 min | 30 min | 30 min |
| Primary Applications | Vesicular transport | Immune signaling | Cytokine signaling |
When comparing FITC conjugation to other fluorophores for ATAT1 antibodies:
Spectral characteristics:
Sensitivity and brightness:
FITC has moderate brightness (lower than PE, Alexa Fluor 488)
FITC shows higher background autofluorescence in some tissues
PE offers 5-10× higher brightness but is more susceptible to photobleaching
Alexa Fluor dyes provide greater photostability and brightness
Application-specific considerations:
For flow cytometry: PE or APC-Cy7 may provide better separation of populations
For imaging: Alexa Fluor 488 offers better photostability than FITC
For multiplexing: Far-red fluorophores (Alexa 647) reduce spectral overlap
Technical limitations:
FITC is pH-sensitive (optimal at pH 8.0)
FITC photobleaches more rapidly than newer fluorophores
Biological samples often have higher autofluorescence in the FITC/GFP channel
Alexa Fluor conjugates are generally more expensive but offer superior performance
When comparing antibody validation approaches across different research applications:
Application-specific validation hierarchy:
Validation stringency requirements:
Technical validation approaches:
Cross-platform consideration: