The At1g51650 gene encodes a 18-kDa subunit of Complex I, part of the membrane arm that facilitates electron transfer and proton pumping . Key characteristics include:
Localization: Integrated into the mitochondrial inner membrane.
Homology: Shares structural similarities with mammalian Complex I subunits, underscoring conserved mitochondrial functions across eukaryotes .
The At1g51650 antibody was produced using the following methodology :
Immunogen: A recombinant protein corresponding to the C-terminal region (Glu37–Asn154) of the 18-kDa subunit, fused to GST.
Host: Rabbit.
Validation:
Studies using the At1g51650 antibody revealed:
Subcomplex Identification: Four stable subcomplexes (200, 400, 450, and 650 kDa) were detected in Arabidopsis mutants, suggesting modular assembly pathways .
Turnover Dynamics: The 200-kDa subcomplex exhibited a shorter half-life (~24 hours) compared to intact Complex I (~168 hours), indicating its role as an assembly intermediate .
In at1g51650 knockdown lines:
Growth Defects: Delayed flowering and reduced rosette size due to impaired ATP synthesis .
Respiratory Deficiencies: 60–70% reduction in NADH dehydrogenase activity, confirmed via in-gel assays .
Co-immunoprecipitation studies identified interactions with:
A typical workflow for using the At1g51650 antibody includes :
Mitochondrial Isolation: Differential centrifugation of plant homogenates.
Protein Solubilization: Dodecylmaltoside treatment to extract membrane proteins.
Electrophoresis:
Blue Native-PAGE: Separates intact complexes.
SDS-PAGE: Resolves individual subunits.
Immunodetection:
Parameter | Wild-Type Arabidopsis | at1g51650 Mutant |
---|---|---|
Complex I Activity | 100% | 30–40% |
ATP Synthase Assembly | Normal | Disrupted |
Subunit Abundance | 100% | 15–20% |
Storage: Stable at -80°C for long-term use; avoid freeze-thaw cycles.
Limitations: Not suitable for detecting denatured epitopes in fixed tissues.
Cross-Reactivity: Validated only in Arabidopsis; untested in other plant species .
The At1g51650 antibody has enabled:
The AT1G51650 antibody specifically targets the ATP synthase subunit epsilon, mitochondrial protein in plants. This protein is a component of the mitochondrial ATP synthase complex, which plays a crucial role in energy production through oxidative phosphorylation . The antibody is commonly used in plant molecular biology research to study mitochondrial function, energy metabolism, and related cellular processes. When implementing this antibody in your research, remember that it recognizes the epsilon subunit specifically, which allows for targeted analysis of this component within the larger ATP synthase complex.
The AT1G51650 antibody demonstrates cross-reactivity with multiple plant species, making it versatile for comparative studies. Based on specificity and cross-reaction data, the antibody can be effectively used with the following plant species:
Product Code | Cross-Reactive Species |
---|---|
PHY0599S | Arabidopsis thaliana, Medicago truncatula, Solanum lycopersicum, Vitis vinifera, Glycine max, Populus trichocarpa |
PHY7155S | Arabidopsis thaliana, Brassica napus, Brassica rapa, Solanum tuberosum, Solanum lycopersicum, Cucumis sativus, Gossypium raimondii, Nicotiana tabacum |
The diverse cross-reactivity profile makes this antibody particularly valuable for comparative studies across different plant families . When designing experiments involving multiple species, preliminary validation through Western blotting is recommended to confirm recognition efficiency across your specific samples.
For optimal research results, proper storage and handling of the AT1G51650 antibody are critical. The antibody is typically supplied in lyophilized form and should be handled according to these guidelines:
Store the lyophilized antibody in a manual defrost freezer
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles as they may compromise antibody functionality
The product is shipped at 4°C, and upon receipt, it should be immediately stored at the recommended temperature
When reconstituting the lyophilized antibody, use sterile techniques and store aliquots to minimize freeze-thaw cycles
Following these storage protocols is essential for maintaining antibody stability and ensuring reproducible experimental results across extended research projects.
The AT1G51650 antibody can be employed in multiple experimental techniques commonly used in plant molecular biology research. Based on antibody characteristics and research applications, the following techniques are compatible:
Western Blotting: The primary application for detecting ATP synthase epsilon subunit in protein extracts
Immunohistochemistry (IHC): For visualizing the protein's localization in plant tissue sections
Immunoprecipitation (IP): To isolate the target protein and its interacting partners
ELISA: For quantitative detection of the target protein
Immunofluorescence: For subcellular localization studies in fixed cells or tissues
When implementing any of these techniques, optimization of antibody dilution is essential. Start with the manufacturer's recommended dilution and adjust based on your specific experimental conditions and sample types. For complex plant tissues with high polyphenol content, additional blocking steps may be necessary to reduce background signal.
Sample preparation significantly impacts the success of experiments using the AT1G51650 antibody. For optimal results with plant samples, follow these methodological guidelines:
For protein extraction, use buffers containing protease inhibitors to prevent degradation of the target protein
Include reducing agents like DTT or β-mercaptoethanol in sample buffers for Western blotting
For mitochondrial enrichment protocols (recommended for higher sensitivity):
Homogenize plant tissue in isolation buffer (0.3M sucrose, 50mM HEPES, 2mM EDTA, pH 7.5)
Perform differential centrifugation to isolate the mitochondrial fraction
Verify mitochondrial enrichment using known markers
For fixed tissue preparations, optimize fixation time to maintain epitope accessibility while preserving tissue architecture
These methodological considerations help ensure that the epitope recognized by the antibody remains intact and accessible throughout the experimental procedure, leading to more reliable and reproducible results.
The ATP synthase epsilon subunit plays a crucial role in energy production, making the AT1G51650 antibody valuable for investigating mitochondrial responses to environmental stresses. Advanced research applications include:
Quantitative analysis of ATP synthase subunit expression changes under various stress conditions
Correlation between ATP synthase complex integrity and mitochondrial function during stress
Comparative analysis across stress-tolerant and stress-sensitive plant varieties
Investigation of post-translational modifications of the epsilon subunit under stress conditions
For effective stress response studies, establish time-course experiments with careful controls. Western blot quantification should be normalized to stable mitochondrial markers rather than whole-cell housekeeping proteins. Combine antibody-based detection with functional assays (oxygen consumption, ATP production) to correlate protein expression with mitochondrial performance.
When introducing the AT1G51650 antibody to a new plant species or experimental system, rigorous validation is essential. Advanced researchers should employ these methodological approaches:
Perform Western blot analysis with:
Positive controls from validated species (e.g., Arabidopsis thaliana)
Negative controls lacking the target protein (if available, knockout/knockdown lines)
Peptide competition assays to confirm specific binding
Compare immunolocalization patterns with established mitochondrial markers
Validate target detection through mass spectrometry analysis of immunoprecipitated proteins
Compare reactivity across tissue types and developmental stages to establish baseline patterns
These validation steps are particularly important when working with plant species not listed in the cross-reactivity data or when investigating tissues with complex protein compositions.
The ATP synthase epsilon subunit is essential for proper assembly and function of the ATP synthase complex. Advanced research using this antibody can investigate:
Temporal sequence of ATP synthase complex assembly during plant development
Coordination between nuclear and mitochondrial genomes in encoding ATP synthase components
Impact of mutations in related subunits on epsilon subunit incorporation
Effects of retrograde signaling on ATP synthase assembly under various conditions
For assembly studies, combine the AT1G51650 antibody with antibodies against other ATP synthase subunits and utilize techniques such as Blue Native-PAGE followed by Western blotting to analyze intact complexes. This approach allows for the assessment of complex assembly states rather than just individual subunit expression.
Despite its specificity, all antibodies carry potential cross-reactivity risks that should be systematically addressed:
Perform side-by-side comparisons across different plant species using consistent protein loading
Include appropriate molecular weight markers to confirm target band identity
For novel applications, consider these additional validation steps:
When publishing, report all validation steps performed and discuss any unexpected bands or staining patterns to maintain transparency about potential cross-reactivity issues.
Quantitative analysis of Western blots or immunohistochemistry using the AT1G51650 antibody requires awareness of several methodological constraints:
To overcome these challenges, researchers should:
Establish a standard curve with known concentrations of recombinant protein
Use multiple technical and biological replicates
Employ appropriate statistical analyses for semi-quantitative Western blot data
Consider complementary approaches like mass spectrometry for absolute quantification
When signal strength is insufficient despite confirmed presence of the target protein, systematic troubleshooting is necessary:
Antibody concentration: Optimize by testing a range of dilutions, typically starting with 1:500 to 1:2000 for Western blotting
Sample preparation modifications:
Increase protein loading (up to 50μg for total protein extracts)
Use mitochondrial enrichment to concentrate the target protein
Optimize extraction buffer components to improve protein solubility
Detection system enhancements:
For each modification, include appropriate controls to ensure that any improvements in signal are specific to the target protein rather than increased background.
Distinguishing specific from non-specific binding is crucial for accurate data interpretation. Advanced researchers should employ these analytical approaches:
Compare observed band patterns with theoretical molecular weights for the target protein
Perform peptide competition assays by pre-incubating the antibody with excess target peptide
Include samples with different expression levels of the target protein (natural variation or engineered)
Analyze samples from related species with known sequence differences in the target protein
When non-specific binding is detected, optimize blocking conditions (type of blocking agent, concentration, and incubation time) and washing stringency (salt concentration and detergent levels in wash buffers).
The AT1G51650 antibody can serve as a valuable component in integrated multi-omics studies of plant mitochondrial function:
Proteomics integration:
Use the antibody for immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry to identify interaction partners
Compare antibody-based quantification with mass spectrometry-based protein abundance measurements
Transcriptomics correlation:
Analyze correlation between transcript levels of AT1G51650 and protein abundance under various conditions
Metabolomics connections:
Correlate ATP synthase epsilon subunit levels with ATP/ADP ratios and TCA cycle metabolites
Phenomics applications:
When designing such integrated studies, ensure consistent sample handling across different analytical platforms and develop robust statistical frameworks for correlating data across omics layers.
When extending AT1G51650 antibody applications to plant species beyond those listed in cross-reactivity data, researchers should:
Perform sequence homology analysis of the target protein across species to predict likelihood of antibody recognition
Optimize protein extraction protocols specific to the new species, accounting for differences in:
Cell wall composition
Secondary metabolite profiles
Protein-to-non-protein ratio in tissues
Test multiple antibody concentrations over a wider range than typically used
Consider epitope retrieval techniques if standard protocols yield poor results
Validate results using orthogonal approaches (e.g., mass spectrometry identification of the target protein)
This systematic approach to protocol adaptation increases the likelihood of successful antibody application in new species while maintaining scientific rigor.