AVPI1 (UniProt IDs: Q3SZR0, Q5T686) is a 16773–21.5 kDa protein encoded by the AVPI1 gene (NCBI Gene ID: 60370). It is also known as PP5395, VIP32, or VIT32 . Antibodies targeting AVPI1 are primarily used in:
Western blot (WB)
Immunohistochemistry (IHC)
Flow cytometry (FC)
Immunofluorescence (IF)
AVPI1 is implicated in:
MAP Kinase Activation: Modulates cellular responses to vasopressin .
ENaC Regulation: Downregulates epithelial sodium channels, influencing ion homeostasis .
Cell Cycle Control: Associates with proliferation pathways .
Species Reactivity: AvivaSysBio’s antibody cross-reacts with bovine samples, while others are human-specific .
Molecular Weight Discrepancy: Observed variations (16.8 kDa vs. 21.5 kDa) may arise from isoform differences or post-translational modifications .
Protocol Optimization: Antigen retrieval methods (e.g., TE buffer pH 9.0) significantly impact IHC results .
AVPI1 (arginine vasopressin induced 1) is a protein that may be involved in multiple cellular processes including MAP kinase activation, epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) down-regulation, and cell cycling . It has also been referred to as NPD013, PP5395, VIP32, and VIT32 in research literature . The human AVPI1 protein has a calculated molecular weight of approximately 21.5 kDa and is encoded by a gene located on chromosome 10 .
AVPI1 antibodies have been validated for several research applications:
For optimal results, each antibody should be titrated in your specific testing system to obtain optimal performance .
Commercial AVPI1 antibodies have been developed with reactivity to multiple species:
When working with non-human samples, it is advisable to confirm cross-reactivity experimentally if not explicitly validated by the manufacturer.
A comprehensive validation approach should include multiple strategies:
Positive controls: Use tissues known to express AVPI1, such as human lung cancer tissue which has been documented to show positive IHC staining
Overexpression validation: Compare staining in cells transfected with AVPI1 expression vectors versus control-transfected cells. HEK293T cells have been successfully used for this purpose
Western blot analysis: Confirm that the antibody detects a band of the expected molecular weight (approximately 21.5 kDa for human AVPI1)
Peptide competition: Pre-incubate the antibody with the immunizing peptide to block specific binding
Knockout/knockdown validation: Compare staining in wild-type cells versus AVPI1 knockout or knockdown cells
Based on published protocols, the following conditions have been recommended:
Antigen retrieval: Use TE buffer at pH 9.0 as the preferred method. Alternatively, citrate buffer at pH 6.0 may also be effective
Antibody dilution: Start with a dilution range of 1:50-1:500 and optimize for your specific tissue type
Detection system: Both chromogenic (HRP-based) and fluorescent detection systems have been successfully used
Controls: Include positive tissue controls (e.g., human lung cancer tissue) and appropriate negative controls
Given that AVPI1 may be involved in MAP kinase activation , consider these experimental approaches:
Co-immunoprecipitation studies: Identify physical interactions between AVPI1 and components of MAP kinase cascades
Phosphorylation analysis: After AVPI1 knockdown or overexpression, assess phosphorylation status of MAP kinase pathway proteins (ERK1/2, p38, JNK) using phospho-specific antibodies
Domain mapping: Generate truncated or mutated versions of AVPI1 to identify regions critical for MAP kinase regulation
Stimulation experiments: Expose cells to growth factors or stressors known to activate MAP kinase pathways, then analyze changes in AVPI1 expression, localization, or post-translational modifications
Proximity ligation assay: Detect in situ protein-protein interactions between AVPI1 and MAP kinase components
AVPI1 has been detected in human cancer tissues, with documented expression in lung cancer specimens using immunohistochemistry . The Human Protein Atlas provides expression data across multiple cancer types . When studying AVPI1 in cancer contexts, consider:
Comparing expression levels between tumor and matched normal adjacent tissue
Correlating expression with clinicopathological parameters
Investigating potential prognostic significance
Examining co-expression with related signaling molecules
The choice of antigen retrieval method can significantly impact AVPI1 detection in immunohistochemistry:
Heat-induced epitope retrieval (HIER):
Protocol optimization:
Heating time: Typically 10-20 minutes
Temperature: 95-100°C
Cooling: Slow return to room temperature
Buffer volume: Ensure tissue sections are completely immersed
Compare both methods using control tissues with known AVPI1 expression to determine which provides the highest signal specificity and lowest background for your specific tissue type.
When experiencing weak or absent signal in Western blot despite expecting AVPI1 expression:
Protein extraction optimization:
Use lysis buffers containing appropriate detergents (RIPA, NP-40)
Include protease inhibitor cocktail
Maintain cold temperature throughout extraction
Technical adjustments:
Protein loading: Increase loaded protein amount (start with 25-50 μg)
Transfer parameters: Optimize for low molecular weight proteins (~21.5 kDa)
Membrane type: PVDF may provide better retention for certain antibodies
Blocking agent: Try alternatives (BSA vs. milk) if background is problematic
Primary antibody incubation: Extend to overnight at 4°C
Detection system: Consider more sensitive chemiluminescence reagents
Controls:
Based on manufacturer recommendations:
Storage buffer: PBS with 0.02% sodium azide and 50% glycerol at pH 7.3
Stability: Typically stable for one year after shipment when properly stored
Aliquoting: For most preparations, aliquoting is unnecessary for -20°C storage
Freeze-thaw cycles: Minimize repeated freeze-thaw cycles
For co-localization studies using AVPI1 antibodies with other markers:
Primary antibody selection:
Choose AVPI1 antibodies raised in different host species than your other target antibodies
If using multiple rabbit antibodies, consider directly conjugated antibodies or sequential immunostaining protocols
Protocol optimization:
Titrate each primary antibody individually before combining
Test different fixation methods to preserve both antigens
Optimize antigen retrieval conditions compatible with both targets
Use appropriate controls to confirm specificity of each signal
Cross-reactivity prevention:
Include additional blocking steps between sequential antibody applications
Consider using fragment antibodies (Fab) to prevent cross-reactivity
Use highly cross-adsorbed secondary antibodies
Given AVPI1's potential role in ENaC down-regulation , these methodological approaches would be valuable:
Expression correlation studies:
Measure AVPI1 and ENaC subunit expression levels in the same tissues/cells
Use qPCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence for comprehensive analysis
Functional assays:
Electrophysiological measurements of ENaC activity after AVPI1 modulation
Amiloride-sensitive current recordings in cells with AVPI1 knockdown or overexpression
Surface biotinylation assays to measure ENaC membrane expression
Interaction studies:
Co-immunoprecipitation of AVPI1 with ENaC subunits
Proximity ligation assays to detect potential interactions in situ
GST pull-down assays with recombinant proteins
The search results indicate connections between arginine vasopressin receptor systems and neurological functions , suggesting potential relevance for AVPI1 studies in neuroscience:
Experimental design considerations:
Technical recommendations:
For brain tissue IHC, optimize fixation time carefully to preserve antigenicity
Consider perfusion fixation for optimal preservation of neural tissue
When examining neuronal cultures, co-stain with neuronal markers to confirm cell type-specific expression
Validation approaches:
Include positive control tissues with known AVPI1 expression
Compare expression patterns with related proteins in the vasopressin signaling pathway
Based on research showing involvement of the related arginine-vasopressin receptor 1a (Avpr1a) in visceral hypersensitivity , researchers studying AVPI1 in this context should consider:
Tissue selection:
Methodological approaches:
Correlate AVPI1 expression with pain ratings or behavioral measures
Examine co-expression with Avpr1a in relevant tissues
Consider neuronal hyperresponsiveness assessments in the enteric nervous system
Translational relevance:
Compare findings between preclinical models and human patient samples
Investigate potential as a therapeutic target for visceral pain conditions