The AT5G08690 gene encodes a 556-amino acid mitochondrial ATP synthase beta-subunit with:
Molecular mass: 59,630 Da
Isoelectric point: 6.53
Localization: Mitochondrial matrix (presequence cleavage site between residues 51–52)
It shares 98% sequence identity with paralogs AT5G08670 and AT5G08680, differing by only two residues in their presequences . Phylogenetic analysis clusters mitochondrial and chloroplast ATPB genes into distinct evolutionary branches .
Mutant phenotypes: AT5G08670 T-DNA mutants (SALK_047877, SALK_083115) show:
| Parameter | AT5G08670 Mutants vs. WT |
|---|---|
| AT5G08690 expression | 2.8x higher under normal conditions |
| ATP synthase activity | 25% reduction in mutants |
| Plant morphology | Smaller rosettes (15–20% size reduction) |
Mitochondrial complex analysis: Used to quantify ATP synthase levels via Western blot (Figure 3A–C) .
Cross-species studies: Detects ATPB homologs in 22 plant species, including crops like wheat (Triticum aestivum) and soybean (Glycine max) .
Signaling pathway research: Identifies mitochondrial-plastid crosstalk using inhibitors like norflurazon and lincomycin .
AT5G08690 encodes a beta-2 subunit of mitochondrial ATP synthase (also called Complex V) in Arabidopsis thaliana. This protein is critical for ATP synthesis from ADP and inorganic phosphate (Pi) using the proton motive force generated by respiratory electron transport. The significance of this protein lies in its essential role in cellular energy production, making it a crucial target for studying plant bioenergetics, stress responses, and metabolic regulation . Antibodies against AT5G08690 enable researchers to detect, quantify, and localize this protein within experimental systems, providing insights into mitochondrial function under various conditions. The study of ATP synthase components has significantly advanced our understanding of energy conservation mechanisms in plants and how they adapt to environmental stresses.
AT5G08690 antibody specifically targets the beta-2 subunit of mitochondrial ATP synthase, which distinguishes it from antibodies against other ATP synthase components such as alpha subunits or gamma subunits. The specificity of this antibody is determined by its immunogen sequence, which has been designed to recognize the unique epitopes of AT5G08690 (P83484) . Importantly, the sequence used for immunization shows 100% homology with AT5G08670 and AT5G08680, which are paralogous ATP synthase beta subunits in Arabidopsis thaliana . This cross-reactivity with closely related paralogs must be considered when interpreting experimental results. Unlike antibodies targeting ATP synthase components in the F₀ portion (membrane-embedded), the AT5G08690 antibody detects components of the F₁ portion (matrix-facing), which has implications for experimental design, particularly in fractionation studies or when membrane integrity is a consideration.
The AT5G08690 antibody demonstrates broad cross-reactivity across multiple plant species due to the high conservation of ATP synthase components. Based on sequence homology analysis, the antibody has confirmed reactivity with proteins from numerous species including:
| Plant Species | Cross-Reactivity |
|---|---|
| Arabidopsis thaliana | Confirmed |
| Oryza sativa | Confirmed |
| Vitis vinifera | Confirmed |
| Chlamydomonas reinhardtii | Confirmed |
| Zea mays | Confirmed |
| Solanum tuberosum | Confirmed |
| Solanum lycopersicum | Confirmed |
| Nicotiana tabacum | Confirmed |
| Brassica species | Confirmed |
| Medicago truncatula | Confirmed |
| Glycine max | Confirmed |
This extensive cross-reactivity makes the antibody particularly valuable for comparative studies across different plant taxonomic groups . When using this antibody with a non-validated species, researchers should first perform appropriate validation experiments, including western blot analysis with positive controls, to confirm specificity.
For optimal Western blot results with AT5G08690 antibody in plant mitochondrial samples, the following methodological approach is recommended:
Sample Preparation:
Isolate mitochondria using differential centrifugation with a 0.3M sucrose-based isolation buffer (containing 25mM MOPS, 1mM EGTA, and 0.1% BSA)
Add protease inhibitors (e.g., PMSF or commercial cocktail) immediately after tissue homogenization
Solubilize mitochondrial proteins in sample buffer containing 2% SDS and 50mM DTT
Heat samples at 95°C for 5 minutes to denature proteins
Gel Electrophoresis and Transfer:
Separate proteins on 10-12% SDS-PAGE gels
Load 5-15μg of mitochondrial protein per lane
Transfer to PVDF membrane at 100V for 60 minutes in Tris-glycine buffer with 20% methanol
Antibody Incubation:
This protocol has been validated to detect ATP synthase beta subunits effectively, with expected band size of approximately 55-60 kDa. For quantitative analysis, include ATP synthase gamma subunit or porin as loading controls.
For effective immunoprecipitation of ATP synthase complexes using AT5G08690 antibody:
Pre-clearing Step:
Prepare mitochondrial lysate in non-denaturing buffer (50mM Tris-HCl pH 7.5, 150mM NaCl, 1% NP-40, protease inhibitors)
Pre-clear lysate with Protein A/G beads for 1 hour at 4°C to reduce non-specific binding
Antibody Binding:
Incubate 2-5μg of AT5G08690 antibody with 500μg of pre-cleared lysate overnight at 4°C with gentle rotation
Add pre-washed Protein A/G beads and incubate for additional 3-4 hours
Washing and Elution:
Wash beads 4-5 times with washing buffer (same as lysis buffer but with 0.1% NP-40)
Elute protein complexes with 0.1M glycine (pH 2.5) or SDS sample buffer
Analysis:
This approach is particularly useful for identifying novel interaction partners of ATP synthase beta subunits and investigating how these interactions may change under different stress conditions, such as cold acclimation or heat stress as observed in Kerbler's mitochondrial studies .
When using AT5G08690 antibody for immunohistochemistry in plant tissues, several critical factors must be considered:
Tissue Fixation and Processing:
Use freshly prepared 4% paraformaldehyde in PBS for fixation (12-24 hours)
Carefully dehydrate tissues through ethanol series (30-100%)
Embed in paraffin or LR White resin depending on the required resolution
Cut thin sections (5-10μm) using a rotary microtome
Antigen Retrieval:
Perform heat-induced epitope retrieval (10mM citrate buffer, pH 6.0) if using paraffin sections
For resin sections, etching with saturated sodium metaperiodate may improve antibody access
Antibody Dilution and Incubation:
Optimal dilution typically ranges from 1:50 to 1:200
Incubate sections with primary antibody in humid chamber overnight at 4°C
Use fluorescent or enzyme-conjugated secondary antibodies for detection
Controls and Validation:
Signal Interpretation:
The ATP synthase beta subunit should show punctate staining corresponding to mitochondrial distribution
Analysis should account for different tissue types, as mitochondrial density varies between cells
This approach allows visualization of ATP synthase distribution within different plant tissues and cell types, providing insights into tissue-specific energy demands and mitochondrial abundance.
AT5G08690 antibody can serve as a powerful tool for investigating ATP synthase dynamics during cold acclimation through a multi-methodological approach:
Quantitative Western Blotting:
Isolate mitochondria from warm-grown (WG), cold-acclimated (CA), and cold-shocked (CS) plant tissues
Perform western blotting with AT5G08690 antibody to quantify ATP synthase beta subunit abundance
Normalize against suitable loading controls (porin or TOM40)
Use image analysis software for densitometric quantification
Selective Reaction Monitoring (SRM):
Design SRM assays targeting specific peptides unique to AT5G08690
Use triple quadrupole mass spectrometry for selective detection of target peptides
Compare peptide abundance between treatment conditions using stable isotope-labeled standards
This approach provides absolute quantification of protein abundance changes
Correlation with Functional Parameters:
Measure ATP/O ratios in isolated mitochondria using an oxygen electrode
Determine membrane potential using fluorescent probes (e.g., safranin O)
Correlate ATP synthase abundance with these functional parameters
Research by Kerbler has shown significant changes in mitochondrial energy coupling during cold acclimation, with corresponding alterations in ATP synthase abundance and function . AT5G08690 antibody enables direct monitoring of these changes at the protein level, providing mechanistic insights into plant cold adaptation strategies.
To investigate AT5G08690's role in maintaining mitochondrial membrane potential under stress conditions:
Combined Fluorescence and Respiratory Measurements:
Isolate mitochondria from wild-type and ATP synthase altered plants
Use an Oroboros O2K-Fluorescence LED2 system for simultaneous measurement of:
Oxygen consumption (respiratory activity)
Membrane potential (using safranin O fluorescence)
Record changes in Δψm during different respiratory states (State 2, 3, and 4)
Temperature-Dependent Analysis:
Antibody-Based Detection of ATP Synthase Assembly:
Use AT5G08690 antibody to assess ATP synthase integrity via BN-PAGE
Compare complex assembly/disassembly under different stress conditions
Correlate with membrane potential measurements
Data from temperature stress studies have shown that changes in Δψm during State 3 respiration (ADP-stimulated) differ significantly between optimal and stress temperatures, suggesting altered ATP synthase function . Using AT5G08690 antibody allows researchers to connect these functional changes with alterations in protein abundance or complex assembly.
AT5G08690 antibody can be integrated into advanced proteomics workflows for comprehensive analysis of ATP synthase post-translational modifications:
Immunoprecipitation-Mass Spectrometry (IP-MS):
Use AT5G08690 antibody to immunoprecipitate ATP synthase complexes
Digest purified complexes with trypsin
Analyze peptides using LC-MS/MS
Search for modifications including phosphorylation, acetylation, and oxidation
Targeted Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM):
Design MRM assays for known modification sites
Use stable isotope-labeled peptide standards for quantification
Compare modification levels between control and stress conditions
Modification-Specific Sample Preparation:
For phosphorylation: Enrich phosphopeptides using TiO2 or IMAC
For redox modifications: Use differential alkylation strategies
For acetylation: Employ anti-acetyllysine antibody enrichment
| Modification | Residue | Effect | Stress Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phosphorylation | Ser/Thr residues | Altered catalytic activity | Drought, cold stress |
| Oxidation | Cysteine residues | Impaired function | Oxidative stress |
| Acetylation | Lysine residues | Regulation of complex assembly | Metabolic stress |
| Carbonylation | Various residues | Marker of protein damage | Aging, heat stress |
This approach has revealed that ATP synthase subunits undergo significant post-translational modifications during environmental stress, potentially as regulatory mechanisms to adjust energy production to stress conditions .
Working with AT5G08690 antibody in plant samples rich in phenolics and secondary metabolites presents several challenges that require specific methodological adaptations:
Sample Preparation Optimization:
Include polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP, 1-2% w/v) in extraction buffers to bind phenolics
Add higher concentrations of reducing agents (5-10 mM DTT) to prevent oxidation
Incorporate PVPP (insoluble PVP) during tissue homogenization to adsorb interfering compounds
Consider using alternative extraction methods like phenol extraction or TCA/acetone precipitation
Western Blot Adjustments:
Increase washing steps (5-6 washes instead of standard 3)
Use higher concentrations of Tween-20 (0.1-0.2%) in wash buffers
Add 0.1% SDS to antibody dilution buffer to reduce non-specific binding
Consider longer blocking times (2-3 hours) with 5% BSA instead of milk
Antibody Titration:
Perform careful antibody titration to determine optimal concentration
Test dilution series from 1:500 to 1:5000 to identify the best signal-to-noise ratio
Consider using higher secondary antibody dilutions (1:20,000) to reduce background
Tissues like potato tubers, grape berries, and certain medicinal plants contain high levels of interfering compounds that can mask epitope recognition or create high background. These modifications to standard protocols have been shown to improve results significantly when working with such challenging samples.
Distinguishing between highly similar ATP synthase beta subunit paralogs requires careful experimental design:
Peptide Selection for Validation:
Identify unique peptide sequences that differ between the paralogs
Design parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) mass spectrometry assays targeting these unique peptides
Use synthetic peptide standards for absolute quantification
Genetic Approach:
Utilize T-DNA insertion lines or CRISPR-Cas9 knockout lines for individual paralogs
Verify knockout efficiency using gene-specific primers
Compare antibody signal patterns between wild-type and mutant lines
Epitope Analysis:
Determine if the antibody epitope is in a conserved or variable region
For epitopes in conserved regions, complementary approaches are necessary
Consider using RNA-level analysis (qRT-PCR with paralog-specific primers) to correlate with protein data
| Paralog | Amino Acids | Identity to AT5G08690 | Unique Peptides for MS |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT5G08690 | 553 | 100% | XXXXXXXXXXXXX |
| AT5G08670 | 553 | ~98% | XXXXXXXXXXXXX |
| AT5G08680 | 553 | ~97% | XXXXXXXXXXXXX |
Since the AT5G08690 antibody cross-reacts with AT5G08670 and AT5G08680 due to high sequence similarity , researchers should be aware that signals represent the combined pool of all three paralogs unless complementary approaches are employed.
When using AT5G08690 antibody in ATP synthase knockdown studies, several critical factors must be considered:
Research by Kerbler demonstrated that ATP synthase knockdown lines show differential responses to low temperature treatment, with varying effects on respiration rates depending on the degree of knockdown . AT5G08690 antibody provides a reliable tool for quantifying these changes at the protein level, enabling researchers to establish clear cause-effect relationships.
Interpreting changes in ATP synthase subunit stoichiometry requires careful analytical consideration:
Quantitative Analysis Approach:
Use a combination of western blotting (with AT5G08690 antibody) and selective reaction monitoring (SRM) mass spectrometry
Calculate absolute quantities of ATP synthase subunits using standard curves
Compare stoichiometric ratios between different subunits (e.g., beta:alpha, beta:gamma)
Normalize to established mitochondrial markers (e.g., porin, TOM40)
Physiological Context Assessment:
Consider that altered stoichiometry may indicate:
Changes in ATP synthase assembly
Differential subunit turnover rates
Compensatory mechanisms for functional deficiencies
Correlate with ATP synthesis rates and respiratory coupling efficiency
Statistical Validation:
Apply appropriate statistical tests (ANOVA with post-hoc tests)
Ensure sufficient biological replicates (minimum n=3, preferably n≥5)
Consider technical variability in antibody-based quantification
Research on plant responses to cold stress has revealed that while beta subunit abundance (detected by AT5G08690 antibody) may change moderately, the ratio between different ATP synthase subunits can shift significantly, suggesting complex regulatory mechanisms beyond simple upregulation or downregulation . These stoichiometric changes often correlate with altered ATP synthesis capacity and efficiency, providing insights into stress adaptation mechanisms.
For robust statistical analysis of western blot data using AT5G08690 antibody:
Normalization Strategies:
Use total protein normalization (stain-free gels or Ponceau S)
Alternatively, normalize to stable mitochondrial markers
Avoid using housekeeping proteins that may vary under experimental conditions
Consider multiple normalization approaches and compare results
Statistical Tests Selection:
For comparing two conditions: Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney U test (for non-parametric data)
For multiple conditions: One-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's or Dunnett's post-hoc tests
For factorial designs: Two-way ANOVA to assess interaction effects
For time-course experiments: Repeated measures ANOVA or mixed-effects models
Sample Size and Power Considerations:
Perform power analysis to determine appropriate sample size
Typically, n=4-6 biological replicates provides adequate statistical power
Include technical replicates to assess methodological variability
Advanced Analytical Approaches:
These analytical approaches have been successfully applied in studies of mitochondrial protein dynamics during temperature stress, revealing statistically significant changes in ATP synthase abundance that correlate with physiological adaptations .
Integrating AT5G08690 antibody-based protein data with other omics approaches enables comprehensive understanding of mitochondrial function:
Multi-Omics Data Collection Strategy:
Correlation Analysis:
Calculate Pearson or Spearman correlation coefficients between:
Protein abundance (AT5G08690 signal)
mRNA levels of ATP synthase genes
ATP/ADP ratios and related metabolites
Membrane lipid composition
Pathway Mapping:
Map all data onto known bioenergetic pathways
Identify regulatory nodes where transcriptional, translational, and post-translational regulation diverge
Use pathway enrichment analysis to identify coordinated responses
Visualization and Integration Tools:
| Data Type | Measurement | Integration Point | Statistical Approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | AT5G08690 antibody signal | Direct quantification | Normalized densitometry |
| Transcript | ATP2 gene expression | Regulatory mechanism | FPKM/TPM values |
| Metabolites | ATP/ADP ratio | Functional output | Absolute quantification |
| Lipids | CL, PE content | Membrane environment | Relative abundance |
This integrated approach has revealed that changes in ATP synthase protein abundance (detected by AT5G08690 antibody) often precede alterations in membrane lipid composition during stress responses, highlighting the complex interplay between protein function and membrane environment in mitochondrial adaptation .