The ATP2A3 antibody is widely used to investigate:
Calcium Homeostasis: SERCA3 maintains cytosolic calcium levels by transporting Ca²⁺ into the ER lumen, critical for muscle excitation and hormone secretion .
Cancer Biology: ATP2A3 downregulation correlates with cervical and prostate tumorigenesis, while its overexpression triggers ER stress and apoptosis in cancer cells .
Endocrine Disorders: In aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs), ATP2A3 upregulation drives aldosterone synthesis via CYP11B2 regulation .
Prostate Cancer: ATP2A3 overexpression induced by salinomycin (an anti-cancer agent) triggers ER stress, cell cycle arrest (↓cyclin D1/E1), and apoptosis in PC-3 and DU145 cells .
Diagnostic Potential: Weak ATP2A3 expression but strong ER stress markers (BIP, ATF4) were observed in prostate cancer tissues, suggesting compensatory mechanisms during tumor progression .
APA Biomarker: Machine learning identified ATP2A3 as a key upregulated gene in aldosterone-producing adenomas. Silencing ATP2A3 reduced aldosterone secretion by 1.46–1.94-fold in adrenal cells .
Regulatory Mechanism: Angiotensin II stimulation increased ATP2A3 expression 9.15-fold, linking calcium signaling to pathological aldosterone production .
Functional Validation: The antibody confirmed SERCA3’s role in calcium transport using adrenal tissue from sodium-restricted pigs, where ATP2A3 mRNA and protein levels rose significantly .
Immunohistochemistry: The antibody showed specific staining in human adrenal glands, prostate tissues, and endothelial/epithelial cells .
Western Blotting: Detected ATP2A3 upregulation in salinomycin-treated cells, with dose- and time-dependent expression patterns .
ATP2A3 (SERCA3) is a magnesium-dependent enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of ATP coupled with the transport of calcium from the cytosol into the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum lumen. This protein contributes significantly to calcium sequestration involved in muscular excitation and contraction processes. The protein has a calculated molecular weight of approximately 109-114 kDa . ATP2A3 plays a crucial role in calcium signaling pathways and has been implicated in Alzheimer's disease pathways . The protein functions as an intracellular pump located in the sarcoplasmic or endoplasmic reticula of muscle cells, where it regulates calcium homeostasis essential for proper cellular function.
Based on current research tools, ATP2A3 antibodies are available in several formats:
These antibodies are rigorously validated through various techniques including Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence to ensure specificity and reproducibility in experimental applications .
For optimal antibody performance and longevity, ATP2A3 antibodies should generally be stored as follows:
For short-term storage (up to 2 weeks), maintain refrigerated at 2-8°C . For long-term storage, store at -20°C in small aliquots to prevent freeze-thaw cycles that can degrade antibody quality and performance . Most manufacturers supply ATP2A3 antibodies in stabilizing buffers, such as PBS with 0.09% sodium azide and additives like 2% sucrose or glycerol solutions to maintain antibody integrity . It is crucial to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles as this significantly reduces antibody efficacy. When working with the antibody, it is advisable to remove only the amount needed for immediate experiments and keep the main stock frozen .
ATP2A3 antibodies have been validated for multiple research applications with specific optimized protocols:
Western Blotting (WB): Most ATP2A3 antibodies are validated for WB with recommended dilutions ranging from 1:2000 to 1:50-1:200 depending on the specific antibody. The expected band size is approximately 114 kDa.
Immunohistochemistry (IHC-P): ATP2A3 antibodies have been validated for use on paraformaldehyde-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections with typical working dilutions of 1:25 to 1:50-1:200 .
Immunocytochemistry/Immunofluorescence (ICC-IF): Several ATP2A3 antibodies have been validated for cellular localization studies through immunofluorescence techniques .
ELISA: Some monoclonal antibodies against ATP2A3 demonstrate high sensitivity in ELISA applications, with detection limits for recombinant GST-tagged ATP2A3 reported at approximately 0.3 ng/ml .
Validation testing typically includes positive controls such as HL-60, Jurkat, and K562 cell lines, which express detectable levels of ATP2A3 protein .
Optimizing immunohistochemistry with ATP2A3 antibodies requires a systematic approach to reduce background while enhancing specific signal detection:
Accurate quantification of ATP2A3 expression requires selecting appropriate techniques based on research objectives:
Western Blotting with Densitometry: For semi-quantitative analysis, Western blotting using standardized lysate loading (20 μg per lane ) with normalization to housekeeping proteins provides reliable comparative data. Densitometric analysis should include standard curves with recombinant ATP2A3 protein for absolute quantification.
Quantitative Immunohistochemistry: For tissue-specific expression patterns, quantitative IHC combining the validated dilutions (1:25-1:200 ) with digital image analysis offers spatial information alongside expression levels. Automated systems measuring staining intensity and distribution patterns should be calibrated using control tissues with known expression levels.
ELISA-Based Quantification: For highly sensitive detection, sandwich ELISA using monoclonal capture antibodies with detection limits around 0.3 ng/ml provides precise quantification of soluble ATP2A3 in protein extracts.
Multiplexed Protein Assays: For contextual analysis of ATP2A3 within signaling networks, multiplexed approaches combining ATP2A3 detection with other calcium signaling proteins provides comprehensive pathway activity assessment.
Mass Spectrometry: For absolute quantification without antibody dependence, targeted proteomic approaches can quantify ATP2A3 peptides with high specificity and sensitivity, particularly valuable when comparing multiple SERCA isoforms simultaneously.
Each approach should incorporate appropriate reference standards and statistical analysis methods to ensure reliable cross-sample comparisons.
Non-specific binding in Western blots can significantly complicate ATP2A3 detection and quantification. A systematic troubleshooting approach includes:
Antibody Validation: Confirm antibody specificity using multiple cell lines with known ATP2A3 expression. Validated positive controls include HL-60, Jurkat, and K562 cell lines . Consider using ATP2A3 knockdown or knockout samples as negative controls.
Blocking Optimization: Standard 5% non-fat dry milk in TBST has been validated for ATP2A3 Western blots , but persistent non-specific binding may require alternative blocking agents such as 5% BSA or commercial blocking solutions.
Antibody Dilution Adjustment: Begin with the manufacturer's recommended dilution (e.g., 1:2000 ) but systematically test higher dilutions if non-specific bands persist. Extending primary antibody incubation time while increasing dilution can maintain specific signals while reducing background.
Stringent Washing: Implement additional washing steps with higher detergent concentrations (up to 0.1% Tween-20) in TBS buffer to remove weakly bound antibodies causing non-specific signals.
Membrane Optimization: PVDF membranes may exhibit different non-specific binding profiles compared to nitrocellulose. Testing both membrane types can identify the optimal platform for ATP2A3 detection.
Sample Preparation Refinement: ATP2A3 is a transmembrane protein requiring effective solubilization. Ensure complete denaturation by heating samples to 95°C for 5 minutes in SDS-PAGE loading buffer containing reducing agents before gel loading.
Cross-Reactivity Assessment: If persistent bands appear at unexpected molecular weights, consider potential cross-reactivity with other SERCA family members or splice variants. Peptide competition assays can confirm antibody specificity.
Robust experimental design for ATP2A3 expression studies requires comprehensive controls:
Positive Expression Controls: Include cell lines with confirmed ATP2A3 expression such as HL-60, Jurkat, and K562 in all experiments to validate detection methods and establish expression baseline.
Negative Controls:
Technical negatives: Include secondary antibody-only controls to assess non-specific binding
Biological negatives: Where available, incorporate ATP2A3 knockout or knockdown samples
Antibody Validation Controls:
Normalization Controls:
For Western blots: House-keeping proteins appropriate to the cellular compartment (ER membrane proteins preferred over cytosolic proteins)
For qPCR: Multiple reference genes validated for stability in the specific experimental conditions
Treatment/Condition Controls:
Vehicle controls for all treatments affecting calcium signaling
Time-matched controls for kinetic studies of ATP2A3 expression changes
Cross-Isoform Controls: Include detection of other SERCA family members (SERCA1, SERCA2) to understand isoform-specific regulation and potential compensatory mechanisms.
Subcellular Localization Controls: When performing immunofluorescence, include co-staining with established ER/SR markers to confirm proper subcellular localization of ATP2A3 signals.
Designing experiments to elucidate ATP2A3's specific contributions to calcium signaling requires multifaceted approaches:
Expression Modulation Strategies:
Implement CRISPR-Cas9 mediated knockout of ATP2A3 while monitoring calcium fluctuations with fluorescent indicators
Design isoform-specific siRNA knockdown experiments comparing effects of ATP2A3 silencing versus other SERCA family members
Create stable overexpression systems with tagged ATP2A3 constructs to assess dose-dependent effects on calcium dynamics
Functional Activity Assessments:
Employ microsomal preparation techniques to isolate ER/SR-enriched fractions for direct measurement of ATP2A3-mediated calcium uptake kinetics
Use calcium ionophores and chelators in combination with real-time calcium imaging to assess ATP2A3 contribution to calcium store maintenance
Implement patch-clamp techniques in combination with ATP2A3 modulation to measure effects on store-operated calcium entry
Pharmacological Manipulation:
Design dose-response experiments with thapsigargin (a known SERCA inhibitor) to compare ATP2A3 sensitivity versus other SERCA isoforms
Implement calcium pump activators in ATP2A3-expressing versus non-expressing cells to determine isoform-specific responses
Pathway Integration Analysis:
Combine ATP2A3 modulation with stimulation of various calcium signaling pathways (e.g., IP3-mediated, ryanodine receptor-mediated) to determine pathway-specific contributions
Perform proteomic analysis of ATP2A3 interaction partners in different cell types to identify cell-specific regulatory mechanisms
Disease-Relevant Models:
Design experiments in Alzheimer's disease models to assess ATP2A3's contribution to calcium dysregulation, as ATP2A3 has been implicated in Alzheimer's disease pathways
Investigate ATP2A3 expression and function in muscle excitation/contraction coupling disorders to determine pathophysiological relevance
Technological Approaches:
Implement optogenetic tools to achieve temporally precise modulation of calcium signaling while monitoring ATP2A3 activity
Utilize FRET-based biosensors positioned at ER/SR membranes to directly monitor ATP2A3-mediated calcium transport in real-time
Understanding the fundamental differences between polyclonal and monoclonal ATP2A3 antibodies is crucial for selecting the appropriate reagent:
For detecting native ATP2A3 in complex tissues, polyclonal antibodies often provide superior sensitivity due to recognition of multiple epitopes that remain accessible even after fixation and processing. This makes them particularly valuable for immunohistochemistry applications . Conversely, the consistent epitope recognition of monoclonal antibodies makes them ideal for quantitative applications where reproducibility is paramount, such as in ELISA-based detection systems with sensitivity reaching 0.3 ng/ml .
When designing critical experiments, consider using both antibody types as complementary approaches to strengthen research findings and confirm specificity of the observed ATP2A3 signals.
Comprehensive validation of a new ATP2A3 antibody requires a systematic multi-step approach:
Epitope Analysis and Sequence Verification:
Confirm the immunogen sequence used (e.g., "synthetic peptide between 13-47 amino acids from human ATP2A3" or "synthetic peptide directed towards the middle region of human ATP2A3" )
Perform sequence homology analysis to assess potential cross-reactivity with other SERCA family members and across species
Western Blot Validation:
Immunoprecipitation Analysis:
Perform IP-Western to confirm ability to recognize native protein
Conduct reverse IP followed by mass spectrometry to identify all proteins pulled down
Immunohistochemistry/Immunofluorescence Validation:
Test on known positive tissues (human brain has been validated )
Optimize fixation conditions (paraformaldehyde fixation has been validated )
Compare staining pattern with existing literature and other validated ATP2A3 antibodies
Perform co-localization studies with ER/SR markers to confirm expected subcellular distribution
Specificity Testing:
Test reactivity against recombinant ATP2A3 protein and related SERCA isoforms
Assess cross-reactivity across species using the predicted sequence homology information
For human ATP2A3 antibodies, sequence homology analysis shows varying cross-reactivity: Dog (86%), Horse (86%), Pig (79%), Rat (79%), Bovine (79%), Guinea pig (79%), Rabbit (77%)
Application-Specific Optimization:
Reproducibility Assessment:
Test multiple antibody lots if available
Compare results across different experimental conditions and biological samples
Ensuring reproducible results with ATP2A3 antibodies requires careful consideration of multiple experimental variables:
Antibody-Related Factors:
Lot-to-lot variability: Particularly significant for polyclonal antibodies ; maintain records of antibody lot numbers for all experiments
Storage conditions: Improper storage leading to antibody degradation; strictly adhere to manufacturer recommendations for temperature (-20°C for long-term ) and aliquoting to avoid freeze-thaw cycles
Age and stability: Antibody efficacy may decrease over time even with proper storage; validate older antibodies against fresh lots periodically
Sample Preparation Factors:
Fixation methods: For IHC/IF, fixation duration and conditions significantly impact epitope accessibility; standardize fixation protocols (formaldehyde fixation has been validated )
Protein extraction efficiency: ATP2A3 is a membrane protein requiring effective solubilization; use consistent extraction buffers and protocols
Protein degradation: Include protease inhibitors in all extraction steps to prevent variable ATP2A3 degradation
Technical Execution Factors:
Antigen retrieval methods: For IHC, standardize heat-mediated antigen retrieval with citrate buffer (pH 6.0)
Blocking conditions: Maintain consistent blocking solutions (3% BSA has been validated ) and durations
Antibody incubation parameters: Standardize dilutions (e.g., 1:2000 for WB ), temperature (37°C has been used ), and duration (1 hour has been validated )
Detection systems: Maintain consistent secondary antibodies and detection chemistries
Quantification Factors:
Image acquisition settings: For microscopy-based applications, standardize exposure settings, gain, and objectives
Analysis algorithms: For quantitative applications, use consistent analysis pipelines and thresholding methods
Normalization approach: Select appropriate loading controls and normalization methods consistently
Biological Variation Management:
Cell culture conditions: Cell density, passage number, and growth conditions can alter ATP2A3 expression
Tissue heterogeneity: In complex tissues, cellular composition variability can affect apparent ATP2A3 levels
Calcium signaling state: ATP2A3 function and potentially its detection may be influenced by cellular calcium levels and signaling activity
Implementing detailed standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all ATP2A3 antibody experiments and maintaining comprehensive records of all experimental conditions is essential for maximizing reproducibility.
ATP2A3/SERCA3 plays a crucial role in maintaining calcium homeostasis through its function as a calcium pump. To effectively use ATP2A3 antibodies in studying these mechanisms:
Subcellular Localization Studies:
Implement co-immunofluorescence with ATP2A3 antibodies (dilution 1:25-1:200 ) alongside markers for ER/SR, Golgi, and plasma membrane to map compartment-specific calcium regulation
Use super-resolution microscopy techniques to visualize ATP2A3 distribution within membrane microdomains and potential colocalization with other calcium channels and pumps
Perform time-course studies following calcium perturbations to track potential redistribution of ATP2A3
Expression-Function Correlation Studies:
Combine ATP2A3 immunodetection with live-cell calcium imaging using fluorescent indicators (Fura-2, Fluo-4) to correlate expression levels with calcium transient characteristics
Implement FRET-based calcium sensors targeted to specific subcellular compartments to measure ATP2A3's contribution to organelle-specific calcium pools
Correlate ATP2A3 expression (as measured by calibrated immunofluorescence) with calcium uptake kinetics in microsomal preparations
Compensatory Mechanism Investigation:
Use multiplexed immunodetection to simultaneously quantify ATP2A3 alongside other calcium transporters (PMCA, NCX, other SERCA isoforms) to identify coordinated regulation
Apply ATP2A3 antibodies in tissues/cells from disease models with calcium dysregulation to assess adaptive changes in expression and localization
Combine with phospho-specific antibodies against known regulatory sites on ATP2A3 to correlate activity modulation with expression levels
Tissue-Specific Function Analysis:
Apply validated ATP2A3 antibodies (e.g., in human brain tissue ) to identify cell-type specific expression patterns that correlate with specialized calcium signaling functions
Implement multi-color immunohistochemistry to identify potential cell-cell interactions mediated by differential ATP2A3 expression
Compare ATP2A3 expression patterns in tissues with distinct calcium signaling requirements (e.g., smooth muscle, endothelial cells, immune cells)
Pathophysiological Applications:
Use ATP2A3 antibodies to assess expression changes in disease models with known calcium homeostasis disruption, particularly those associated with Alzheimer's disease pathways
Implement proximity ligation assays to detect ATP2A3 interactions with regulatory proteins under normal and pathological conditions
Implementation of ATP2A3 antibodies in translational and biomarker research requires specific methodological considerations:
Tissue Microarray (TMA) Applications:
Validate ATP2A3 antibodies specifically for TMA applications using known positive tissues (brain, tonsil )
Establish standardized immunohistochemistry protocols with precise antibody dilutions (1:25-1:200 ), incubation times, and detection systems
Implement automated staining platforms to ensure consistency across large sample cohorts
Develop standardized scoring systems for ATP2A3 expression that account for both intensity and distribution patterns
Biofluid-Based Biomarker Development:
Validate sandwich ELISA systems using monoclonal ATP2A3 antibodies for detection of potential secreted/released ATP2A3 in patient samples
Establish sensitivity limits (reported as low as 0.3 ng/ml ) and dynamic range in relevant biological matrices
Perform spike-recovery experiments to validate quantification accuracy in complex biological fluids
Assess pre-analytical variables affecting ATP2A3 stability in clinical samples
Clinical Correlation Studies:
Standardize tissue collection, processing, and storage procedures to minimize pre-analytical variables affecting ATP2A3 detection
Implement digital pathology approaches for objective quantification of ATP2A3 immunostaining
Design appropriate statistical approaches for correlating ATP2A3 expression with clinical parameters, accounting for potential confounding variables
Validate findings across independent patient cohorts using identical antibodies and protocols
Therapeutic Target Validation:
Develop cell-based assays incorporating ATP2A3 antibodies to screen for compounds affecting expression or post-translational modifications
Implement immunohistochemistry protocols in preclinical models to assess pharmacodynamic effects of compounds targeting calcium signaling pathways
Evaluate ATP2A3 expression as a potential predictive biomarker for response to calcium pathway-targeting therapeutics
Multi-omics Integration:
Correlate protein-level expression data from ATP2A3 antibody-based assays with transcriptomic and proteomic datasets
Implement systems biology approaches to position ATP2A3 expression changes within broader pathway alterations
Combine with calcium signaling functional readouts to develop integrated biomarker signatures
Reproducibility Considerations:
Adhere to REMARK guidelines for biomarker studies involving ATP2A3 antibodies
Implement rigorous validation across multiple antibody lots and detection platforms
Document detailed methodological parameters to enable reproduction in different laboratory settings
Understanding the tissue-specific expression patterns of ATP2A3 is crucial for experimental design and interpretation:
Tissue Expression Profiles:
ATP2A3/SERCA3 shows distinct tissue-specific expression patterns that must be considered when designing experiments and selecting appropriate controls
Validated expression has been documented in:
Experimental Design Implications:
Positive Control Selection: When validating ATP2A3 antibodies or studying expression changes, incorporate tissue-appropriate positive controls
Expression Level Considerations: ATP2A3 expression levels vary significantly across tissues, requiring:
Adjusted antibody dilutions based on target tissue (ranging from 1:25 for low-expression tissues to 1:200 for high-expression tissues)
Modified detection systems appropriate to expression level (standard detection for high-expression; amplified detection for low-expression)
Careful selection of exposure times and imaging parameters to avoid saturation in high-expressing tissues while maintaining sensitivity for low-expressing tissues
Isoform Considerations:
Splice Variant Awareness: Alternative splicing results in multiple ATP2A3 transcript variants encoding different isoforms
Epitope Selection: Consider whether the antibody epitope (N-terminal , middle region ) is present in all relevant isoforms in the target tissue
Isoform Specificity: Design experiments to distinguish ATP2A3 from other SERCA family members that may be co-expressed in the same tissue
Subcellular Distribution Patterns:
ATP2A3 primarily localizes to sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum membranes, but the specific ER subdomains may vary by tissue type
Experimental designs should incorporate appropriate subcellular markers to confirm expected localization patterns in each tissue context
Fixation and permeabilization protocols may require tissue-specific optimization to preserve both antigenicity and subcellular architecture
Pathological State Considerations:
ATP2A3 expression may be altered in disease states, particularly in pathways related to calcium dysregulation and Alzheimer's disease
Comparison between normal and pathological tissues should include careful matching of tissue regions, fixation conditions, and processing methods
Include gradient analysis of expression changes in relation to disease progression markers
Understanding these tissue-specific variations is essential for proper experimental design, appropriate control selection, and accurate interpretation of ATP2A3 antibody-based research findings.
The landscape of protein detection and functional analysis is rapidly evolving, offering new opportunities for ATP2A3 research:
Advanced Imaging Technologies:
Super-resolution microscopy: Techniques such as STORM, PALM, and STED microscopy can resolve ATP2A3 distribution within ER/SR subdomains at nanometer resolution, far exceeding conventional confocal microscopy limits
Expansion microscopy: Physical expansion of specimens can reveal ATP2A3 organization relative to other calcium handling proteins with standard microscopy equipment
Live-cell ATP2A3 imaging: Development of minimally disruptive tagging strategies (e.g., split-GFP, HaloTag) compatible with ATP2A3 function to monitor dynamics in living cells
Next-Generation Antibody Technologies:
Recombinant antibody fragments: Single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) and nanobodies against ATP2A3 offering improved tissue penetration and reduced background
Bivalent antibody constructs: Engineered antibodies recognizing two distinct ATP2A3 epitopes simultaneously to enhance specificity
Conformation-specific antibodies: Designed to recognize ATP2A3 in specific functional states (e.g., calcium-bound versus unbound)
Single-Cell Analysis Applications:
Single-cell proteomics: Mass cytometry (CyTOF) with ATP2A3 antibodies for high-dimensional analysis of expression relative to other calcium signaling proteins at single-cell resolution
Spatial transcriptomics integration: Correlation of ATP2A3 protein expression with spatial transcriptomic data to understand regulatory mechanisms
Multimodal single-cell analysis: Integrated measurement of ATP2A3 expression, calcium dynamics, and functional readouts in individual cells
Functional Genomics Approaches:
CRISPR screening: Genome-wide or focused screens to identify regulators of ATP2A3 expression and function
CRISPR base editing: Precise modification of ATP2A3 regulatory elements to dissect expression control mechanisms
CRISPR activation/inhibition: Targeted modulation of ATP2A3 expression without altering the genomic sequence
Biosensor Development:
Activity-based sensors: Development of fluorescent or bioluminescent reporters specifically monitoring ATP2A3 catalytic activity rather than just expression
Conformation-sensitive probes: Sensors detecting ATP2A3 structural changes during calcium transport cycle
Proximity-based assays: Implementation of split luciferase or FRET-based approaches to monitor ATP2A3 interactions with regulatory partners
These emerging technologies promise to advance ATP2A3 research beyond current limitations, offering unprecedented insights into expression patterns, regulatory mechanisms, and functional roles in calcium homeostasis and signaling pathways.