At5g44390 (UniProt: Q9FKU9) is a protein in Arabidopsis thaliana that belongs to the Berberine bridge enzyme-like family (BBE-like 25, AtBBE-like 25). It is classified within the oxygen-dependent FAD-linked oxidoreductase family and is primarily localized to the cell wall as a secreted protein. The protein plays roles in plant defense mechanisms and secondary metabolism pathways, making it an important target for studying plant response to various environmental stressors. Research on At5g44390 contributes to our understanding of plant biochemical pathways involved in development and stress responses, which has implications for improving crop resilience and productivity.
The At5g44390 antibody has been tested and validated for several research applications:
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA): For quantitative detection of At5g44390 protein in complex biological samples .
Western Blotting (WB): For identification and semi-quantitative analysis of At5g44390 protein expression in plant tissue extracts .
Both applications allow researchers to study protein expression patterns, tissue distribution, and changes in protein levels under different experimental conditions. When designing experiments, it's essential to optimize protocols specifically for plant tissue extracts, as the cellular composition differs significantly from animal tissues. Standard blocking solutions containing 3-5% BSA or non-fat milk in TBST buffer typically work well for reducing background signal in these applications.
For optimal antibody performance and longevity, follow these storage and handling recommendations:
Upon receipt, store the antibody at -20°C or -80°C for long-term storage .
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles that can lead to protein denaturation and loss of antibody activity .
The antibody is supplied in a liquid form containing preservative (0.03% Proclin 300) and stabilizers (50% Glycerol, 0.01M PBS, pH 7.4) .
When working with the antibody, keep it on ice and return to storage promptly after use.
For Western blotting applications, dilution ratios typically range from 1:1000 to 1:5000, but optimal dilutions should be determined empirically for your specific experimental conditions.
Proper storage and handling practices are critical for maintaining antibody specificity and sensitivity, particularly for plant-specific antibodies that may have limited commercial availability and long lead times (14-16 weeks for At5g44390 antibody) .
When designing experiments with the At5g44390 antibody, include the following controls to ensure reliable and interpretable results:
Positive Control: Use wild-type Arabidopsis thaliana tissue samples known to express At5g44390 protein. Root or leaf extracts from Col-0 ecotype plants grown under standard conditions often provide suitable positive controls.
Negative Control: Include samples from:
At5g44390 knockout mutant plants (if available)
Non-plant tissue or unrelated protein samples
Primary antibody omission control (to assess secondary antibody specificity)
Loading Control: For Western blot experiments, include detection of a housekeeping protein such as actin, tubulin, or GAPDH to normalize for loading variations.
Specificity Controls: Pre-absorption of the antibody with the immunizing peptide/recombinant protein can confirm binding specificity. This approach is particularly valuable when antibody cross-reactivity is suspected.
Including these controls helps validate experimental findings and addresses potential concerns about antibody specificity, which is crucial when submitting findings for peer review or publication .
Optimizing Western blotting protocols for At5g44390 detection requires careful consideration of several experimental parameters:
Extraction Buffer Composition:
For cell wall-associated proteins like At5g44390, use extraction buffers containing:
50 mM Tris-HCl (pH 8.0)
150 mM NaCl
1% Triton X-100
Protease inhibitor cocktail
Consider adding 2-5% β-mercaptoethanol to reduce disulfide bonds
Tissue-Specific Considerations:
| Tissue Type | Recommended Modifications | Expected Protein Yield |
|---|---|---|
| Leaf | Add 2% PVPP to remove phenolic compounds | Moderate |
| Root | Increase grinding time; add 0.5% SDS | Variable |
| Flowers | Use gentler homogenization; add 5 mM EDTA | Low-Moderate |
| Seeds | Extended extraction time; add 4M urea | Low |
Transfer Optimization:
For secreted proteins like At5g44390, semi-dry transfer systems with 15% methanol in transfer buffer often yield better results
Transfer at 15V for 45-60 minutes for proteins between 30-70 kDa
Detection System Selection:
Chemiluminescent detection offers good sensitivity for plant proteins expressed at low levels
Consider using HRP-conjugated secondary antibodies with enhanced chemiluminescent substrates
Blocking Parameters:
Test both 5% non-fat milk and 3% BSA in TBST to determine optimal blocking conditions
Extended blocking times (2-3 hours at room temperature or overnight at 4°C) may reduce background
These optimizations address the challenges associated with extracting and detecting cell wall-associated proteins like At5g44390, which can be difficult to solubilize and may require specialized extraction protocols .
Investigating At5g44390 protein interactions requires specialized techniques addressing the challenges of studying cell wall-localized proteins:
Co-Immunoprecipitation (Co-IP):
Use crosslinking agents like formaldehyde (1-2%) or DSP (dithiobis[succinimidyl propionate]) to stabilize transient interactions
Extract protein complexes using optimized buffer systems containing:
50 mM HEPES (pH 7.5)
150 mM NaCl
1 mM EDTA
0.5% NP-40
Protease inhibitor cocktail
Immunoprecipitate with At5g44390 antibody bound to Protein A/G beads
Analyze co-precipitated proteins by mass spectrometry
Proximity-Based Labeling:
Generate fusion constructs of At5g44390 with BioID or TurboID biotin ligase
Express in Arabidopsis to biotinylate proximal proteins
Purify biotinylated proteins using streptavidin beads
This approach is particularly useful for studying cell wall protein interactions
Yeast Two-Hybrid (Y2H) Screening:
Despite limitations for secreted proteins, using truncated versions lacking signal peptides can identify potential cytoplasmic interaction partners
Split-ubiquitin Y2H systems may be more appropriate for membrane-proximal interactions
Bimolecular Fluorescence Complementation (BiFC):
Generate fusion constructs of At5g44390 and candidate interacting proteins with split fluorescent protein fragments
Transiently express in Arabidopsis protoplasts or Nicotiana benthamiana leaves
Visualize protein interactions through fluorescence microscopy
When interpreting results, consider that as a secreted protein localized to the cell wall, At5g44390 interactions may be transient or dependent on specific cellular conditions related to plant defense or secondary metabolism pathways.
A comprehensive strategy to investigate At5g44390 function should combine antibody-based detection methods with genetic manipulation approaches:
Experimental Design Framework:
| Approach | Method | Purpose | Key Controls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antibody-based | Immunohistochemistry | Tissue localization | Secondary antibody only; At5g44390 knockout |
| Antibody-based | Protein expression analysis | Expression patterns under stress | Loading controls; time-course samples |
| Genetic | T-DNA insertion lines | Loss-of-function analysis | Wild-type; complementation lines |
| Genetic | CRISPR/Cas9 editing | Precise functional domain analysis | Off-target analysis; wild-type |
| Combined | Complementation + antibody detection | Functional domain mapping | Empty vector; wild-type protein expression |
Experimental Procedure Integration:
Begin with phenotypic characterization of At5g44390 knockout/knockdown lines under various conditions
Use the antibody to confirm protein absence in mutant lines and quantify expression in wild-type plants
Complement mutant lines with native or modified At5g44390 constructs
Analyze protein expression, localization, and function in complemented lines using the antibody
Oxidoreductase Activity Assessment:
As At5g44390 belongs to the oxygen-dependent FAD-linked oxidoreductase family, design specific enzyme activity assays:
Measure enzyme kinetics using purified native protein or recombinant protein
Assess FAD binding using spectrophotometric methods
Compare activity in wild-type extracts versus knockout lines
Use the antibody to immunodeplete the protein and test for loss of specific enzymatic activities
Stress Response Studies:
Subject plants to various stressors (pathogen infection, drought, salinity)
Monitor At5g44390 protein levels using the antibody via Western blotting
Compare phenotypic responses between wild-type and knockout plants
Perform transcriptome analysis to identify genes co-regulated with At5g44390
This integrated approach combines the specificity of antibody-based detection with the functional insights provided by genetic manipulation, offering a more comprehensive understanding of At5g44390's biological role .
When encountering problems with At5g44390 antibody applications, systematic troubleshooting can help identify and resolve issues:
Low or No Signal in Western Blot:
Increase antibody concentration (try 1:500 instead of 1:1000)
Optimize protein extraction using cell wall-specific extraction buffers containing detergents suitable for secreted proteins
Extend primary antibody incubation time (overnight at 4°C)
Enhance detection sensitivity with amplified chemiluminescent substrates
Verify target protein expression in your specific experimental conditions
Check protein transfer efficiency using reversible total protein stains
High Background:
Increase blocking time and concentration (5% BSA for 2 hours)
Add 0.1-0.3% Tween-20 to wash buffers
Perform additional washing steps (5-6 washes, 10 minutes each)
Try alternative blocking agents (casein, commercial blocker formulations)
Decrease secondary antibody concentration
Pre-absorb primary antibody with plant extract lacking At5g44390
Multiple Bands or Unexpected Band Size:
Consider post-translational modifications (At5g44390 may undergo glycosylation)
Test reducing vs. non-reducing conditions to assess disulfide bonding
Evaluate protein degradation by adding additional protease inhibitors
Use freshly prepared samples and avoid freeze-thaw cycles
Optimize gel percentage to better resolve proteins in your target's molecular weight range
Variability Between Experiments:
Standardize protein extraction protocols rigorously
Use the same antibody lot number when possible
Implement quantitative loading controls
Develop a standard curve using recombinant At5g44390 protein
Document all experimental conditions meticulously
Cross-Reactivity Concerns:
Validate results using genetic knockouts of At5g44390
Perform peptide competition assays using the immunizing antigen
Consider testing the antibody on other plant species to assess specificity
Use alternative antibody preparations (C-terminal vs. N-terminal) if available
Each troubleshooting approach should be documented systematically, with one variable modified at a time to identify the specific source of the issue .
To effectively study At5g44390 expression patterns across development and stress conditions, implement a multi-faceted experimental design:
Developmental Expression Analysis:
Collect tissue samples at key developmental stages:
Seedling (3, 7, and 14 days)
Vegetative growth (rosette leaves at different positions)
Reproductive transition (inflorescence emergence)
Flowering (flowers at stages 1-12)
Silique development (early, mid, mature)
Senescence
Process all samples in parallel using standardized protein extraction protocols
Perform Western blot analysis with At5g44390 antibody, including appropriate loading controls
Quantify relative protein abundance across developmental stages
Stress Response Experimental Design:
| Stress Type | Treatment Conditions | Sampling Timepoints | Controls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drought | Withhold water for 3, 7, 10 days | 0, 3, 7, 10 days | Well-watered plants |
| Salt | 150 mM NaCl solution | 0, 6, 12, 24, 48 hours | Water-treated plants |
| Cold | 4°C exposure | 0, 6, 12, 24, 48 hours | Plants at 22°C |
| Pathogen | P. syringae infiltration | 0, 12, 24, 48, 72 hours | Mock-infiltrated plants |
| Wounding | Mechanical damage | 0, 1, 3, 6, 24 hours | Unwounded plants |
Tissue-Specific Expression:
Use both protein extraction followed by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry with the At5g44390 antibody
For immunohistochemistry, prepare thin sections of different tissues embedded in paraffin or resin
Include appropriate negative controls (primary antibody omission, pre-immune serum)
Compare protein localization patterns with published transcriptomic data
Genetic Background Comparisons:
Analyze At5g44390 expression in different Arabidopsis ecotypes (Col-0, Ws, Ler)
Include known mutants affecting pathways potentially related to At5g44390 function
Create transgenic lines with promoter-reporter constructs to complement antibody-based detection
Variables to Control:
Standardize growth conditions (light intensity, photoperiod, temperature, humidity)
Harvest tissues at the same time of day to control for circadian effects
Use plants of identical age for stress treatments
Process all samples using identical extraction and detection protocols
This comprehensive experimental design employs the At5g44390 antibody as a key tool while incorporating appropriate controls and multiple analytical approaches to produce robust, reproducible findings about protein expression patterns .
Accurate quantification of At5g44390 protein levels requires rigorous methodology to ensure comparability across samples and experiments:
Standardized Protein Extraction Protocol:
For cell wall-localized proteins like At5g44390, use sequential extraction:
First extract: 50 mM Tris-HCl pH 8.0, 150 mM NaCl, 1% Triton X-100
Second extract: Add 1% SDS to remaining pellet
Pool extracts or analyze separately depending on research question
Process all samples simultaneously under identical conditions
Use consistent sample-to-buffer ratios (e.g., 100 mg tissue per 300 μl buffer)
Quantification Methodology:
Determine total protein concentration using Bradford or BCA assay
Prepare standard curves with each assay to ensure linearity within your sample range
Load equal amounts of total protein (20-50 μg) for all samples
Include gradient standards of recombinant At5g44390 protein (if available) for absolute quantification
Western Blot Optimization for Quantification:
Use PVDF membranes for better protein retention and quantification linearity
Optimize antibody concentration to ensure signal remains in linear range
Employ digital imaging systems with appropriate dynamic range
Use technical replicates (multiple lanes of same sample) to assess technical variability
Data Analysis Framework:
| Quantification Method | Advantages | Limitations | Software Tools |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normalized band intensity | Simple, widely accepted | Limited dynamic range | ImageJ, Image Lab |
| Density ratio to loading control | Controls for loading variation | Assumes constant expression of reference protein | ImageJ with Analyze Gels function |
| Standard curve method | Provides absolute quantification | Requires purified recombinant protein | Excel, GraphPad Prism |
| Multiplex fluorescent detection | Simultaneous target and control detection | Requires specialized equipment | LI-COR Image Studio |
Statistical Analysis:
Perform experiments with at least 3 biological replicates
Use appropriate statistical tests based on data distribution (t-test, ANOVA)
Report both fold-changes and absolute values when possible
Include error bars representing standard deviation or standard error
Calculate and report p-values for statistical significance
Validation Approaches:
Confirm key findings using alternative methods (e.g., ELISA, immunoprecipitation)
Consider using mass spectrometry-based quantification for critical comparisons
Correlate protein levels with mRNA expression data when available
These best practices ensure that quantitative comparisons of At5g44390 protein levels are scientifically sound and reproducible across different experimental conditions .
Distinguishing specific from non-specific binding is critical for accurate data interpretation when using the At5g44390 antibody:
Validation Controls:
Genetic knockout validation: Compare Western blot signals between wild-type and confirmed At5g44390 knockout lines
Peptide competition assay: Pre-incubate antibody with excess immunizing peptide before application
Antibody dilution series: Specific signals typically maintain relative intensity across dilutions while non-specific signals often diminish disproportionately
Signal Characteristics Analysis:
| Signal Characteristic | Likely Specific Binding | Potential Non-specific Binding |
|---|---|---|
| Band molecular weight | Matches predicted size (± post-translational modifications) | Multiple random bands or major bands at unexpected sizes |
| Signal consistency | Reproducible across experiments | Variable appearance between replicates |
| Background pattern | Clean background with minimal additional bands | Smeared or ladder-like pattern |
| Response to blocking | Maintained signal with increased blocking | Reduced signal with increased blocking |
| Tissue specificity | Follows expected biological distribution | Appears uniformly across all tissues |
Technical Approaches:
Use two different antibodies targeting separate epitopes of At5g44390
Compare polyclonal (recognizes multiple epitopes) to monoclonal (single epitope) antibodies if available
Test antibody specificity on dot blots with purified recombinant At5g44390 protein
Perform immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry to confirm identity of detected proteins
Confounding Factors to Consider:
Cross-reactivity with related Berberine bridge enzyme-like family members
Alternative splice variants or post-translational modifications affecting antibody recognition
Protein degradation products generating fragments detected by the antibody
High protein concentration effects leading to non-specific interactions
Optimized Blocking Strategy:
Test multiple blocking agents (BSA, non-fat milk, commercial blockers)
Add 0.1-0.2% Tween-20 to reduce hydrophobic interactions
Consider adding 5% normal serum from the secondary antibody host species
For plant tissues specifically, add 1% polyvinylpyrrolidone to reduce phenolic compound interference
By systematically implementing these approaches, researchers can confidently distinguish specific At5g44390 detection from non-specific antibody interactions, improving data reliability and interpretation .
Discrepancies between protein detection using the At5g44390 antibody and transcript analysis (RT-PCR or RNA-seq) are common in biological research and require careful interpretation:
Biological Explanations for Discrepancies:
Post-transcriptional regulation: mRNA may be transcribed but not efficiently translated
Protein stability differences: Protein may have longer/shorter half-life than its mRNA
Temporal delay: Protein accumulation typically lags behind transcript induction
Tissue-specific translational control: mRNA may be present but translated only in specific contexts
Subcellular localization: As a secreted protein, At5g44390 may be difficult to extract completely
Technical Considerations:
| Factor | Impact on Protein Detection | Impact on Transcript Detection |
|---|---|---|
| Extraction efficiency | Cell wall proteins require specialized extraction | RNA extraction typically more standardized |
| Detection sensitivity | Western blot may miss low abundance proteins | qRT-PCR can detect low-copy transcripts |
| Quantification range | Often narrower dynamic range | Typically wider dynamic range |
| Specificity | Potential cross-reactivity with related proteins | Primer design affects specificity |
| Sample preparation | Protein degradation during extraction | RNA degradation during extraction |
Resolution Strategies:
Temporal analysis: Sample at multiple timepoints to detect potential delays between transcription and translation
Use multiple antibodies targeting different epitopes of At5g44390
Implement polysome profiling to assess translational status of At5g44390 mRNA
Perform absolute quantification of both transcript and protein
Create reporter gene fusions to monitor protein stability
Integrated Data Analysis Approach:
Calculate protein-to-mRNA ratios across conditions to identify regulatory patterns
Compare fold-changes rather than absolute values between transcript and protein
Examine correlation patterns within specific tissue types or treatments
Consider proteome-wide analyses to determine if discrepancy is specific to At5g44390 or represents a broader cellular response
Experimental Validation:
Generate transgenic plants expressing epitope-tagged At5g44390 under its native promoter
Use both antibody-based detection and reporter-based visualization
Employ cell-fractionation approaches to ensure complete extraction
Consider protein degradation inhibitors to assess turnover rates
When reporting these discrepancies in publications, clearly describe both transcript and protein detection methodologies, acknowledge limitations, and propose biological mechanisms that might explain the observed differences .
While At5g44390 is a secreted cell wall protein and not typically expected to interact directly with DNA, there are scenarios where ChIP experiments might be valuable:
Experimental Design Considerations:
Generate epitope-tagged versions of At5g44390 (FLAG, HA, or MYC tags) expressed under native promoter
Use native At5g44390 antibody or commercial anti-epitope antibodies for immunoprecipitation
Implement formaldehyde crosslinking (1-2%, 10-15 minutes) to capture potential transient interactions
Include appropriate controls (non-specific IgG, input chromatin)
Protocol Optimization for Plant Tissues:
Modify standard ChIP protocols to accommodate plant cell wall complexities:
Extended nuclei isolation steps with additional grinding
Increase crosslinking time slightly (15-20 minutes) compared to standard protocols
Use sonication parameters optimized for plant chromatin (typically requiring longer sonication times)
Test different extraction buffers optimized for cell wall proteins
Application Scenarios:
| Research Question | Experimental Approach | Controls Needed | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indirect DNA association through protein complexes | Sequential ChIP (Re-ChIP) | Single ChIP controls | Enrichment of specific genomic regions |
| Stress-induced nuclear translocation | Compare ChIP under normal vs. stress conditions | Cellular fractionation validation | Differential binding patterns under stress |
| Involvement in chromatin remodeling pathways | ChIP followed by sequencing (ChIP-seq) | IgG ChIP-seq, input controls | Genome-wide binding profile |
Data Analysis Considerations:
Use peak-calling algorithms designed for plant ChIP-seq data
Implement more stringent filtration criteria due to potential non-specific binding
Compare binding profiles with RNA-seq data to identify potential regulatory relationships
Validate key findings with independent methods (e.g., EMSA, DNA-protein pulldown)
Potential Limitations:
As a primarily secreted protein, nuclear localization may be limited or context-dependent
Higher background may be expected compared to typical transcription factor ChIP
Protein abundance in nuclear fraction may be limiting factor
Cross-reactivity with related BBE-like proteins could confound results
Alternative Approaches:
Consider DamID (DNA adenine methyltransferase identification) as an antibody-independent approach
Employ CUT&RUN technology, which often provides better signal-to-noise ratio in challenging scenarios
Use proximity labeling approaches to identify DNA-associated proteins that interact with At5g44390
While challenging due to the protein's primary localization, properly optimized ChIP experiments could reveal unexpected nuclear functions or interactions of At5g44390 under specific conditions .
The study of At5g44390 can benefit from several cutting-edge antibody-based technologies and approaches:
Advanced Imaging Applications:
Super-resolution microscopy: Use fluorescently-labeled At5g44390 antibodies with techniques like STORM or PALM to achieve nanometer-scale resolution of protein localization in the cell wall
Expansion microscopy: Physically expand plant tissues to improve resolution with standard confocal microscopy
Live-cell imaging: Combine nanobody technology with fluorescent proteins to track At5g44390 dynamics in living cells
Correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM): Precisely localize At5g44390 at ultrastructural level
Proximity-Based Interaction Mapping:
BioID or TurboID fusion proteins: Generate At5g44390 fusion constructs to biotinylate proximal proteins
APEX2 proximity labeling: Create At5g44390-APEX2 fusions for electron microscopy-compatible proximity labeling
Split-BioID systems: Investigate conditional interactions based on specific stimuli or developmental stages
These approaches are particularly valuable for cell wall proteins where traditional interaction methods may fail
Single-Cell Protein Analysis:
| Technique | Application to At5g44390 | Technical Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Mass cytometry (CyTOF) | Quantify At5g44390 across cell populations | Requires metal-conjugated antibody |
| Single-cell Western blotting | Analyze protein heterogeneity | Microfluidic device optimization needed |
| Microproteomics | Targeted protein analysis in specific cells | Limited by tissue isolation techniques |
| Antibody-based FACS | Isolate cells expressing At5g44390 | Protocol adaptation for plant protoplasts |
Protein Modification Analysis:
Develop modification-specific antibodies (phospho, glyco, etc.) for At5g44390
Implement multiplexed detection systems to simultaneously quantify different modified forms
Apply targeted mass spectrometry approaches to identify and quantify post-translational modifications
Map modification sites to functional domains to understand regulatory mechanisms
Therapeutic and Biotechnological Applications:
Engineer antibody fragments (nanobodies, scFvs) targeting At5g44390 for in vivo modulation
Develop antibody-based biosensors for real-time monitoring of At5g44390 activity
Create immunomodulatory tools to alter At5g44390 function in specific tissues
Explore applications in plant biotechnology and crop improvement
Machine Learning Integration:
Implement deep learning algorithms to analyze complex immunohistochemistry patterns
Develop predictive models for protein-protein interactions based on antibody-derived data
Use artificial intelligence to optimize antibody-based detection protocols
These emerging technologies promise to overcome current limitations in studying cell wall-localized proteins like At5g44390 and may reveal unexpected functions and regulatory mechanisms not accessible with conventional approaches .