The BHLH23 antibody targets a protein encoded by the BHLHE23 gene, which is a member of the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor family . These transcription factors are characterized by two highly conserved domains: the basic domain, which is involved in DNA binding, and the helix-loop-helix domain, which mediates dimerization . BHLH23, also known as BHE23, is implicated in transcriptional regulation .
BHLH23 antibodies are used in various research applications, including:
Western Blot (WB): BHLH23 antibodies can detect the BHLH23 protein in cell lysates . For example, an Anti-BHLH3 Antibody (N-term) was used at 1:1000 dilution with human brain lysate, and at 1:2000 dilution with mouse brain lysate, yielding a predicted band size of approximately 50 kDa .
Immunofluorescence (IF): BHLH23 antibodies can be used to visualize the localization of BHLH23 protein within cells . In one experiment, MCF-7 cells were stained with BHLH3 Antibody (N-term) at a 1:25 dilution, which showed BHLH3 immunoreactivity localized significantly to the nucleus .
Flow Cytometry (FC): BHLH23 antibodies can be used to quantify BHLH23 protein expression in cells . A flow cytometric analysis of NCI-H460 cells was performed using BHLH3 Antibody (N-term), which provided data compared to a negative control cell population .
The protein encoded by the BHLHE23 gene belongs to the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) family of transcription factors . These proteins are known to form dimers that bind to specific DNA sequences, thereby regulating gene expression . BHLHE41, also known as DEC2/SHARP1, a protein which BHLH23 antibody is reactive to, may function as a transcriptional repressor, repressing both basal and activated transcription .
BHLH23 belongs to the basic helix-loop-helix family of transcription factors that regulate crucial developmental processes in Arabidopsis thaliana. The significance of this protein lies in its role in transcriptional regulation of plant development, stress responses, and metabolic processes. Researchers utilize BHLH23 Antibody to elucidate protein expression patterns, subcellular localization, and interaction networks with other transcription factors and regulatory elements .
For maintaining optimal BHLH23 Antibody activity, researchers should adhere to the following storage protocol:
Store antibody aliquots at -20°C for long-term preservation
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles by preparing single-use aliquots
For short-term use (1-2 weeks), storage at 4°C is acceptable
Add glycerol (final concentration 50%) for cryoprotection if extended storage is necessary
Maintain sterile conditions and use appropriate preservatives (0.02% sodium azide) for diluted working solutions
Proper storage significantly impacts antibody performance in experimental applications such as Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, and immunohistochemistry .
Validation of BHLH23 Antibody specificity requires a multi-faceted approach:
Control samples validation:
Test with positive control (wild-type Arabidopsis tissue expressing BHLH23)
Use negative controls (BHLH23 knockout or knockdown lines)
Include secondary antibody-only controls to assess non-specific binding
Cross-reactivity assessment:
Multi-technique confirmation:
Compare signal patterns across Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and ELISA
Correlate protein detection with mRNA expression data
Verify molecular weight matches theoretical prediction for BHLH23
This systematic approach ensures the observed signals truly represent BHLH23 protein rather than experimental artifacts .
Optimizing BHLH23 Antibody for detecting low-abundance proteins requires advanced methodological refinements:
Sample preparation enhancements:
Implement subcellular fractionation to concentrate nuclear proteins
Use protease inhibitor cocktails optimized for plant tissues
Consider protein precipitation methods (TCA/acetone) for concentration
Signal amplification strategies:
Employ tyramide signal amplification (TSA) for immunohistochemistry
Utilize highly sensitive chemiluminescent substrates for Western blotting
Optimize primary antibody concentration through titration experiments (1:500-1:2000)
Extend primary antibody incubation time (overnight at 4°C)
Background reduction techniques:
Test alternative blocking agents (5% BSA, 5% non-fat milk, commercial blockers)
Increase washing stringency with higher salt concentrations or detergent
Use specialized low-background detection systems
Consider monovalent Fab fragments to reduce non-specific binding
Each optimization parameter should be systematically tested and documented to develop a reproducible protocol for your specific experimental system .
Resolving contradictory results between techniques requires systematic troubleshooting:
Methodological differences analysis:
Evaluate epitope accessibility in different techniques
Consider fixation effects on protein conformation
Assess denaturing conditions' impact on antibody recognition
Analyze buffer composition differences between techniques
Technical validation strategy:
Perform epitope mapping to identify recognition sites
Test alternative antibody lots or sources
Use genetic controls (BHLH23 overexpression, CRISPR knockout lines)
Implement orthogonal detection methods (protein mass spectrometry)
Interpretation framework:
| Factor | Western Blotting | Immunohistochemistry | Resolution Approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein denaturation | Complete denaturation | Native conformation | Test non-denaturing Western conditions |
| Epitope accessibility | High | Variable | Use antigen retrieval methods |
| Cross-reactivity risk | Molecular weight discrimination | Limited size discrimination | Pre-adsorb antibody with related proteins |
| Background sources | Non-specific bands | Matrix interactions | Optimize blocking conditions for each technique |
| Sensitivity | Moderate-high | Variable | Compare detection limits with recombinant standards |
This systematic approach helps reconcile apparently contradictory results by identifying technique-specific limitations .
The optimal BHLH23 Antibody ChIP protocol consists of the following key steps:
Chromatin preparation:
Cross-link plant tissue with 1% formaldehyde for 10 minutes
Quench with 0.125M glycine for 5 minutes
Isolate nuclei using extraction buffer (0.25M sucrose, 10mM Tris-HCl pH 8.0, 10mM MgCl₂, 1% Triton X-100)
Sonicate chromatin to 200-500bp fragments
Verify fragmentation by agarose gel electrophoresis
Immunoprecipitation:
Pre-clear chromatin with protein A/G beads for 2 hours at 4°C
Incubate pre-cleared chromatin with 5μg BHLH23 Antibody overnight at 4°C
Add protein A/G beads and incubate for 3 hours at 4°C
Perform stringent washing series (low salt, high salt, LiCl, TE buffers)
Elute protein-DNA complexes and reverse cross-links
DNA purification and analysis:
Purify DNA using phenol-chloroform extraction or commercial kits
Quantify enrichment by qPCR using primers for predicted BHLH23 binding sites
Include input control, IgG control, and positive control regions
For genome-wide analysis, proceed with library preparation for ChIP-seq
This protocol enables identification of direct BHLH23 binding sites across the Arabidopsis genome .
For protein interaction studies with BHLH23 Antibody, several complementary approaches are recommended:
Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP):
Prepare plant lysates under non-denaturing conditions
Immunoprecipitate BHLH23 using optimized buffer conditions (20mM Tris-HCl pH 7.5, 150mM NaCl, 1mM EDTA, 1mM EGTA, 1% Triton X-100)
Analyze co-precipitated proteins by:
Western blotting for suspected interaction partners
Mass spectrometry for unbiased interaction discovery
Include appropriate negative controls (IgG, unrelated antibody)
Proximity ligation assay (PLA):
Fix and permeabilize plant tissues or protoplasts
Incubate with BHLH23 Antibody and antibody against potential interaction partner
Apply species-specific PLA probes and perform rolling circle amplification
Visualize interaction signals by fluorescence microscopy
Quantify signal frequency to assess interaction strength
Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR):
Purify BHLH23 protein via immunoaffinity chromatography
Assess direct binding kinetics to potential partners
Measure association and dissociation constants
Conduct competition experiments to validate specificity
These approaches provide complementary data on BHLH23 protein interactions, from in vivo cellular context to detailed binding parameters .
A comparative analysis of BHLH family antibodies reveals important performance differences:
| Antibody | Catalog Code | Specificity | Western Blot | IHC Performance | Cross-Reactivity | Recommended Dilution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BHLH23 | CSB-PA886798XA01DOA | High | Excellent | Good | Minimal | 1:1000 (WB), 1:200 (IHC) |
| BHLH47 | CSB-PA886734XA01DOA | High | Good | Very Good | Some with BHLH44 | 1:500 (WB), 1:100 (IHC) |
| BHLH35 | CSB-PA645318XA01DOA | Moderate | Good | Moderate | Some with BHLH34 | 1:800 (WB), 1:150 (IHC) |
| BHLH30 | CSB-PA865821XA01DOA | High | Very Good | Good | Minimal | 1:1000 (WB), 1:200 (IHC) |
| BHLH19 | CSB-PA631969XA01DOA | Moderate | Moderate | Good | Some with BHLH20 | 1:500 (WB), 1:100 (IHC) |
Key performance insights:
BHLH23 Antibody demonstrates superior Western blot performance with minimal background
BHLH47 Antibody shows stronger signal in immunohistochemistry applications
BHLH35 and BHLH19 require more optimization to address specificity concerns
All antibodies benefit from overnight incubation at 4°C for optimal sensitivity
This comparative analysis helps researchers select the most appropriate antibody based on their specific experimental requirements .
When choosing between antibody-based and nucleic acid-based methods for BHLH23 research, consider:
Research question alignment:
Protein expression levels → BHLH23 Antibody methods
Transcriptional regulation → RNA-seq, qRT-PCR
Post-translational modifications → Antibody-based techniques
Protein localization → Immunohistochemistry with BHLH23 Antibody
DNA binding sites → ChIP with BHLH23 Antibody
Technical considerations:
Sensitivity thresholds for detection requirements
Availability of appropriate controls
Equipment and expertise constraints
Tissue-specific limitations (e.g., lignified tissues)
Integrated research strategy:
| Research Goal | Antibody-Based Method | Nucleic Acid Method | Integrated Approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expression profiling | Western blot, IHC | qRT-PCR, RNA-seq | Correlate protein with mRNA levels |
| Regulatory network | Co-IP, ChIP | RNA-seq, yeast one-hybrid | Combine ChIP-seq with RNA-seq |
| Functional analysis | Antibody inhibition | CRISPR/RNAi | Compare protein depletion with gene knockout |
| Evolutionary study | Cross-species reactivity | Sequence comparison | Align protein conservation with sequence conservation |
This framework helps researchers develop comprehensive experimental strategies that leverage the complementary strengths of both antibody-based and nucleic acid-based approaches .