CA8 Antibody

Shipped with Ice Packs
In Stock

Product Specs

Buffer
PBS with 0.1% Sodium Azide, 50% Glycerol, pH 7.3. Store at -20°C. Avoid freeze / thaw cycles.
Lead Time
We typically dispatch products within 1-3 business days of receiving your order. Delivery times may vary depending on your location and preferred shipping method. For precise delivery estimates, please contact your local distributor.
Synonyms
CA VIII antibody; CA-VIII antibody; Ca8 antibody; CAH8_HUMAN antibody; CALS antibody; Carbonic anhydrase related protein antibody; Carbonic anhydrase VIII antibody; Carbonic anhydrase-related protein antibody; CARP antibody; MGC120502 antibody; MGC99509 antibody
Target Names
CA8
Uniprot No.

Target Background

Function
CA8 Antibody does not exhibit carbonic anhydrase catalytic activity.
Gene References Into Functions
  • Research has shown increased expression of CA8 in more aggressive types of human osteosarcoma (OS) cells, with a correlation between CA8 expression levels and disease stages, indicating higher expression in later stages of the disease (PMID: 26711783).
  • CA8 overexpression has been found to desensitize neuronal cells to STS-induced apoptotic stress, and it enhances cell migration and invasion capabilities in neuronal cells (PMID: 24794067).
  • Overexpression of CA8 in MERRF cybrids significantly reduces cell death (PMID: 24476000).
  • A study has expanded the neurological and radiological phenotype associated with CA8 mutations (PMID: 21812104).
  • A review article summarizes previous research on CARP VIII, encompassing its structure, role in neurodegeneration and cancer, as well as bioinformatic and expression analyses (PMID: 20819067).
  • The crystal structure of human carbonic anhydrase-related protein VIII reveals the basis for catalytic silencing (PMID: 19360879).
  • Overexpression of Carbonic anhydrase-related protein VIII has been shown to promote colon cancer cell growth (PMID: 17219437).
  • Research suggests that variations in the CA8 and CA10 loci may be significant determinants of osteoporosis in Japanese women (PMID: 19172221).
  • A study involving a consanguineous Iraqi family revealed affected siblings exhibiting mild mental retardation and congenital ataxia characterized by quadrupedal gait. The mutation S100P has been associated with proteasome-mediated degradation, likely representing a null mutation (PMID: 19461874).

Show More

Hide All

Database Links

HGNC: 1382

OMIM: 114815

KEGG: hsa:767

STRING: 9606.ENSP00000314407

UniGene: Hs.654388

Involvement In Disease
Cerebellar ataxia, mental retardation, and dysequilibrium syndrome 3 (CMARQ3)
Protein Families
Alpha-carbonic anhydrase family

Q&A

What is CA8/Carbonic Anhydrase VIII and why is it significant in research?

Carbonic Anhydrase VIII (CA8) is a unique member of the carbonic anhydrase family that lacks traditional carbonic anhydrase enzymatic activity due to the absence of catalytic zinc coordinating residues . Despite its structural similarity to other carbonic anhydrases, CA8 functions as an IP3R1-binding protein (also known as CARP) and is highly expressed in Purkinje cells in the cerebellum . Its significance stems from its regulatory role in calcium signaling - it binds to IP3R1 and reduces the receptor's affinity for its ligand IP3 . CA8 has gained research attention because defects in this protein are associated with cerebellar ataxia mental retardation and dysequilibrium syndrome type 3 (CMARQ3) . The protein consists of 290 amino acids with a calculated molecular weight of approximately 32 kDa, though in some detection methods it can appear at slightly different sizes (36-50 kDa) depending on experimental conditions .

What applications are CA8 antibodies validated for?

CA8 antibodies have been validated for multiple experimental applications across various research settings. Based on available data, these antibodies are suitable for:

  • Western Blot (WB): Validated for detection of CA8 in human and mouse cerebellum tissue lysates

  • Immunohistochemistry (IHC): Successfully used for tissue staining, particularly in brain tissues

  • Immunofluorescence (IF): Applicable for cellular localization studies

  • Immunoprecipitation (IP): Useful for protein isolation and interaction studies

  • ELISA: Validated for quantitative detection of CA8

  • Mass Cytometry (CyTOF): Demonstrated positive results in ovarian cancer tissue and various normal tissues

For optimal results, each laboratory should determine appropriate dilutions. For Western blot applications, antibody concentrations ranging from 0.5-5 μg/mL have been successfully employed depending on the specific antibody clone .

What is the species reactivity profile of commercially available CA8 antibodies?

Available CA8 antibodies demonstrate varied species reactivity profiles depending on the specific antibody clone and manufacturer. Based on the search results, the following reactivity patterns have been documented:

AntibodyConfirmed ReactivityPredicted Reactivity
ABIN6740749Human, Mouse, Rat, Cow, Dog, ZebrafishGuinea Pig, Horse, Monkey, Rabbit, Bat, Chicken, Pig
AF2187Human, MouseNot specified
MAB2187Human, MouseNot specified
12391-1-APHuman, Mouse, RatNot specified
CPTC-CA8-1/2HumanNot specified

The high degree of sequence conservation of CA8 across species (as high as 100% identity in many mammals and 92% in some non-mammalian vertebrates) explains the broad cross-reactivity observed with many antibodies . This makes certain antibodies particularly valuable for comparative studies across multiple model organisms .

What sample types are suitable for CA8 detection using antibodies?

CA8 antibodies have been validated for detection in multiple sample types:

  • Brain tissue lysates: Particularly cerebellum tissue, where CA8 is highly expressed

  • Cell lysates: From cell lines expressing endogenous or recombinant CA8

  • Tissue sections: For immunohistochemistry applications in normal and pathological samples

  • Recombinant protein: For antibody characterization and as positive controls

Notably, CA8 has been successfully detected in various normal tissues beyond the brain, including colon, pancreas, breast, lung, testis, endometrium, and kidney, as well as in cancer tissues (breast, colon, ovarian, lung, and prostate) . For optimal results, proper sample preparation protocols should be followed based on the specific application and antibody being used.

How can Western blot protocols be optimized for specific detection of CA8?

Optimizing Western blot protocols for CA8 detection requires attention to several critical parameters:

Lysate preparation and loading:

  • For brain tissue lysates (particularly cerebellum), a concentration of 0.2 mg/mL has been successfully used

  • Include protease inhibitors to prevent degradation of CA8 during sample preparation

  • Use reducing conditions, as demonstrated in successful detection protocols

Antibody selection and dilution:

  • For polyclonal antibodies like AF2187, a concentration of 0.5 μg/mL has shown specific detection

  • For monoclonal antibodies like MAB2187, a concentration of 1 μg/mL has been effective

  • CPTC-CA8-2 has shown positive results at a 1:500 dilution

Detection system optimization:

  • Use appropriate secondary antibodies: HRP-conjugated Anti-Goat IgG (for AF2187) or Anti-Mouse IgG (for MAB2187)

  • Immunoblot Buffer Group 1 has been successfully used in published protocols

  • PVDF membranes have been successfully employed for CA8 detection

Band interpretation:

  • Expect the main CA8 band at approximately 32-36 kDa in most standard conditions

  • In Simple Western systems, additional bands at 41 and 50 kDa have been observed

  • Compare with positive controls (recombinant CA8 protein) to confirm specificity

Following these optimized protocols will help ensure specific detection of CA8 while minimizing background and non-specific signals.

What are the critical considerations for immunohistochemical detection of CA8 in neural tissues?

Immunohistochemical detection of CA8 in neural tissues requires careful attention to several factors:

Tissue fixation and preparation:

  • Optimized fixation protocols are crucial as overfixation may mask epitopes

  • For CA8 detection in cerebellum, standard formalin fixation followed by paraffin embedding has been successful

  • Antigen retrieval methods may be necessary and should be optimized

Antibody selection:

  • Monoclonal antibodies CPTC-CA8-1 and CPTC-CA8-2 have been validated for IHC applications by the Human Protein Atlas

  • Polyclonal antibody 12391-1-AP has also demonstrated suitability for IHC applications

Signal interpretation:

  • CA8 shows strong expression in Purkinje cells of the cerebellum

  • Co-localization studies with IP3R1 may provide additional information about CA8 distribution and function

  • Compare staining patterns with published references to confirm specificity

Controls:

  • Include known positive tissues (cerebellum) and negative controls (tissues with minimal CA8 expression)

  • Consider using genetic models (CA8 knockout or knockdown) as negative controls where available

  • Include isotype controls to assess non-specific binding

For advanced applications like double immunostaining, additional optimization steps including careful selection of secondary antibodies to avoid cross-reactivity will be necessary.

How do monoclonal and polyclonal CA8 antibodies compare in research applications?

The choice between monoclonal and polyclonal CA8 antibodies significantly impacts experimental outcomes:

Monoclonal Antibodies (e.g., MAB2187, CPTC-CA8-1/2):

  • Advantages: Consistent lot-to-lot performance, high specificity for a single epitope, reduced background in some applications

  • Optimal applications: IHC of specific structures, quantitative analyses, applications requiring high reproducibility

  • Performance observations: Clone 308320 (MAB2187) effectively detects a specific 36 kDa band in Western blot

  • CPTC-CA8-1 and CPTC-CA8-2 have shown positive results in IHC evaluations by the Human Protein Atlas

Polyclonal Antibodies (e.g., AF2187, ABIN6740749, 12391-1-AP):

  • Advantages: Recognition of multiple epitopes, potentially higher sensitivity, better tolerance to protein denaturation

  • Optimal applications: Western blotting of denatured proteins, detection of proteins present in low abundance

  • Performance observations: AF2187 detects bands at 36 kDa in standard Western blot and additional bands at 41 and 50 kDa in Simple Western systems

  • The C-terminal targeted ABIN6740749 offers broad species reactivity

Comparative considerations:

  • For critical quantitative studies, monoclonals may offer better reproducibility

  • For maximum sensitivity or detection of CA8 across multiple species, polyclonals may be advantageous

  • When studying potential post-translational modifications, polyclonals recognizing multiple epitopes may detect more variants

  • For co-localization studies with IP3R1, antibodies raised against non-binding regions of CA8 may be preferred

Selection should be based on the specific experimental requirements, with consideration for the epitope recognized by each antibody clone.

What experimental controls are essential when studying CA8 in neurological disorders?

When investigating CA8 in neurological disorders, particularly cerebellar ataxia-related conditions, implementing robust controls is critical:

Positive controls:

  • Wild-type cerebellum tissue: Known to express high levels of CA8, particularly in Purkinje cells

  • Recombinant CA8 protein: Useful for antibody validation and as a standard in quantitative studies

  • Cell lines with confirmed CA8 expression: Important for validating detection methods

Negative controls:

  • CA8 knockout or knockdown models: Essential for confirming antibody specificity

  • Tissues with minimal CA8 expression: To establish detection thresholds

  • Secondary antibody-only controls: To assess background staining

Disease-specific controls:

  • Age-matched control samples: Essential when studying neurodegenerative conditions

  • Samples representing disease progression stages: To track CA8 alterations over time

  • Samples from related neurological disorders: To identify CA8 changes specific to the disorder of interest

Technical validation controls:

  • Loading controls for Western blots: To ensure equal protein loading across samples

  • Housekeeping gene expression: For normalization in transcriptional studies

  • Multiple antibodies targeting different CA8 epitopes: To confirm consistent detection patterns

Inclusion of these controls will strengthen experimental design and increase confidence in findings related to CA8's role in neurological disorders, particularly those involving cerebellar dysfunction.

What approaches can resolve discrepancies in CA8 molecular weight detection?

Researchers frequently encounter variations in CA8 molecular weight detection across different experimental platforms. Understanding and resolving these discrepancies requires systematic approaches:

Observed variations:

  • Standard Western blot: CA8 typically detected at approximately 36 kDa

  • Simple Western system: Additional bands observed at 41 and 50 kDa

  • Calculated molecular weight: 32 kDa based on amino acid sequence

Potential causes and resolution strategies:

  • Post-translational modifications:

    • Phosphorylation, glycosylation, or other modifications may alter migration patterns

    • Resolution: Use phosphatase or glycosidase treatments to confirm modification status

    • Compare migration patterns under different reducing conditions

  • Alternative splicing:

    • Different CA8 isoforms may exist with varied molecular weights

    • Resolution: Use isoform-specific primers in RT-PCR to confirm expression of variants

    • Compare detection patterns across different tissues known to express specific isoforms

  • Methodological variations:

    • Different electrophoresis systems and conditions can affect protein migration

    • Resolution: Run samples on multiple gel types (gradient vs. fixed percentage)

    • Include recombinant CA8 protein as a migration standard

  • Antibody-specific detection:

    • Different antibody clones may recognize distinct forms of CA8

    • Resolution: Compare detection patterns using multiple antibodies targeting different epitopes

    • Perform immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry to confirm protein identity

When reporting results, researchers should clearly specify their detection method, antibody used, and observed molecular weight to facilitate meaningful comparison across studies.

How can co-immunoprecipitation protocols be optimized for studying CA8-IP3R1 interactions?

Given CA8's functional relationship with IP3R1, optimizing co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) protocols is essential for advancing understanding of their physiological interactions:

Lysate preparation considerations:

  • Use gentle lysis buffers to preserve protein-protein interactions (e.g., RIPA buffer with reduced detergent concentration)

  • Include phosphatase inhibitors, as phosphorylation may influence binding interactions

  • Prepare lysates from cerebellum tissue or Purkinje cell-enriched cultures where both proteins are abundantly expressed

Antibody selection:

  • For CA8 pull-down: The 12391-1-AP antibody has been validated for immunoprecipitation applications

  • Choose antibodies targeting epitopes away from the interaction interface to avoid interference with binding

  • Confirm antibody specificity in both Western blot and IP applications before co-IP experiments

Technical optimization:

  • Pre-clear lysates to reduce non-specific binding

  • Consider crosslinking approaches for transient interactions

  • Compare native versus crosslinked conditions to assess interaction stability

  • Include appropriate controls (IgG control, lysates from tissues with low CA8 expression)

Verification approaches:

  • Reciprocal co-IP (pull down with IP3R1 antibody and detect CA8, and vice versa)

  • Validate interactions using alternative methods (proximity ligation assay, FRET)

  • Consider using recombinant tagged proteins for in vitro binding studies to complement co-IP findings

These optimized approaches will help establish the specificity and physiological relevance of CA8-IP3R1 interactions, particularly in the context of cerebellar function and related pathologies.

What strategies can address non-specific binding or high background when using CA8 antibodies?

Non-specific binding and high background are common challenges when working with CA8 antibodies. Implementing the following targeted strategies can significantly improve signal-to-noise ratio:

For Western blot applications:

  • Increase blocking time or concentration (5% BSA or milk in PBS-T)

  • Optimize antibody dilution through careful titration experiments

  • Consider using alternative membranes (PVDF has been successful for CA8 detection)

  • Include 0.1% BSA in antibody solutions to reduce non-specific binding

  • Increase washing steps duration and frequency (5-6 washes of 5-10 minutes each)

  • Pre-adsorb antibodies with non-target tissue lysates when cross-reactivity is observed

For immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence:

  • Use tissue-specific blocking solutions containing serum from the same species as the secondary antibody

  • Implement endogenous peroxidase quenching for HRP-based detection systems

  • Reduce primary antibody concentration and increase incubation time

  • For mouse tissue: Consider using mouse-on-mouse blocking kits when using mouse monoclonals

  • Optimize antigen retrieval conditions (method, pH, duration)

  • Implement Sudan Black B treatment to reduce autofluorescence in neural tissues

General optimization considerations:

  • For polyclonal antibodies: Consider affinity purification against the immunogen

  • Validate antibody specificity using knockout/knockdown controls

  • Use multiple antibodies targeting different epitopes to confirm staining patterns

  • Implement careful negative controls (no primary antibody, isotype controls)

These systematic approaches will help distinguish specific CA8 signals from background, particularly in complex neural tissues where CA8 is expressed in specific cell populations.

How can researchers distinguish between CA8 and other carbonic anhydrase family members in experimental studies?

Distinguishing CA8 from other carbonic anhydrase family members requires careful experimental design due to structural similarities despite functional differences:

Antibody selection strategies:

  • Choose antibodies raised against unique regions of CA8 that show minimal sequence homology with other family members

  • C-terminal targeted antibodies like ABIN6740749 may offer improved specificity

  • Validate antibody specificity against recombinant proteins of multiple CA family members

  • Perform pre-adsorption controls with recombinant proteins of related CA family members

Expression pattern analysis:

  • Leverage CA8's distinctive expression pattern (high in cerebellum, particularly Purkinje cells)

  • Compare with known distribution patterns of other CA family members

  • Analyze co-expression patterns with cell-type specific markers

Functional discrimination approaches:

  • Unlike other CA family members, CA8 lacks carbonic anhydrase activity due to absence of catalytic zinc coordinating residues

  • Design functional assays that distinguish enzymatically active CAs from the inactive CA8

  • Assess IP3R1 binding capacity, which is characteristic of CA8 but not other CA family members

Molecular techniques for specific detection:

  • Design primers/probes targeting unique regions for qPCR discrimination

  • Use CRISPR-Cas9 to specifically tag or modify endogenous CA8

  • Implement RNA-seq analysis to comprehensively profile expression of all CA family members

These multi-faceted approaches ensure accurate identification of CA8 in experimental systems, preventing misattribution of signals to other carbonic anhydrase family members.

What approaches can validate CA8 antibody specificity in the absence of knockout models?

When knockout models are unavailable, researchers can implement alternative validation strategies to confirm CA8 antibody specificity:

RNA interference approaches:

  • siRNA or shRNA knockdown of CA8 in cell culture models

  • Compare antibody signal between knockdown and control cells via Western blot or immunocytochemistry

  • Quantify reduction in signal intensity correlating with knockdown efficiency

Overexpression systems:

  • Transfect cells with CA8 expression constructs (tagged or untagged)

  • Compare antibody staining between transfected and non-transfected cells

  • Use multiple antibodies to confirm consistent detection patterns

Peptide competition assays:

  • Pre-incubate antibody with excess immunizing peptide or recombinant CA8 protein

  • Compare signal between blocked and unblocked antibody conditions

  • Specific signals should be significantly reduced or eliminated

Multi-antibody validation approach:

  • Compare staining patterns using multiple antibodies targeting different CA8 epitopes

  • Consistent patterns across multiple antibodies suggest specific detection

  • For example, compare results from N-terminal vs. C-terminal targeting antibodies

Mass spectrometry verification:

  • Perform immunoprecipitation with the CA8 antibody

  • Analyze precipitated proteins by mass spectrometry

  • Confirm presence of CA8 peptides and assess co-precipitated proteins

Tissue-specific validation:

  • Compare staining intensity across tissues with known differential CA8 expression

  • High signal in cerebellum (especially Purkinje cells) with lower signal in other brain regions

  • Correlate protein detection with mRNA expression data from public databases

These complementary approaches provide robust validation when genetic knockout models are unavailable, ensuring confident interpretation of experimental results.

How can CA8 antibodies be employed in studies of cerebellar ataxia and related disorders?

CA8 antibodies offer valuable tools for investigating cerebellar ataxia, particularly CMARQ3, which is directly linked to CA8 mutations :

Clinical and translational applications:

  • Immunohistochemical analysis of post-mortem tissues from ataxia patients to assess CA8 expression patterns

  • Comparison of CA8 distribution between patient and control tissues to identify pathological alterations

  • Assessment of CA8-IP3R1 co-localization in disease states to determine if interaction is disrupted

Experimental model characterization:

  • Validation of animal models of CA8-related disorders through protein expression profiling

  • Characterization of cellular and subcellular CA8 distribution in mutant models

  • Assessment of developmental expression patterns in normal and pathological states

Therapeutic development applications:

  • Monitoring CA8 expression changes in response to experimental therapeutics

  • Evaluating restoration of normal CA8-IP3R1 interactions following treatment

  • Screening for compounds that stabilize mutant CA8 or restore its function

Methodological approaches:

  • Multiplexed immunofluorescence with markers of Purkinje cell health

  • Temporal analysis of CA8 expression during disease progression

  • Combined analysis of CA8 protein levels and calcium signaling dynamics

These applications position CA8 antibodies as essential tools in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying cerebellar ataxias and developing targeted therapeutic approaches.

What considerations apply when using CA8 antibodies in studies of cancer tissues?

Recent evidence suggests CA8 may have relevance in cancer research, with detection reported in various cancer tissues . When applying CA8 antibodies in cancer studies, researchers should consider:

Tissue-specific expression patterns:

  • CA8 has been detected in multiple cancer types including breast, colon, ovarian, lung, and prostate cancers

  • Compare expression between matched normal and tumor tissues from the same patient

  • Assess correlation with tumor grade, stage, and other clinical parameters

Methodological optimization:

  • For CyTOF applications, CPTC-CA8-1 has shown positive results at 1:100 dilution of 0.5mg/mL stock

  • Optimize antigen retrieval for FFPE cancer tissue sections, which may require different conditions than normal tissues

  • Consider using tissue microarrays for high-throughput screening across multiple cancer types

Functional correlation studies:

  • Investigate relationship between CA8 expression and calcium signaling in cancer cells

  • Assess potential correlation with tumor cell proliferation, migration, or invasion

  • Evaluate association with treatment response or resistance mechanisms

Validation approaches:

  • Confirm antibody specificity in cancer tissues using multiple antibodies

  • Correlate protein detection with mRNA expression data from cancer genomics databases

  • Use cancer cell lines with manipulated CA8 expression as controls

Technical considerations:

  • Be aware of potential non-specific binding in necrotic tumor regions

  • Include appropriate positive controls (cerebellum tissue) and negative controls

  • Consider the impact of tumor heterogeneity on CA8 expression interpretation

These considerations will enhance the reliability and interpretability of CA8 detection in cancer research applications, potentially opening new avenues for understanding calcium signaling dysregulation in tumorigenesis.

What are the key considerations for using CA8 antibodies in developmental neuroscience research?

CA8's role in cerebellar function makes it a compelling target for developmental neuroscience research. When using CA8 antibodies in this context, researchers should consider:

Developmental expression profiling:

  • Design experiments to track CA8 expression across different developmental stages

  • Compare expression patterns between embryonic, postnatal, and adult tissues

  • Correlate CA8 expression with key developmental milestones in cerebellar maturation

Cell-type specific analysis:

  • Implement co-labeling with markers of different neural cell types

  • Focus on Purkinje cell development, where CA8 is predominantly expressed

  • Assess potential expression in neural progenitors and migrating neurons

Subcellular localization studies:

  • Use high-resolution imaging to track CA8 subcellular distribution during development

  • Monitor co-localization with IP3R1 throughout developmental stages

  • Assess potential changes in localization during neuronal maturation

Functional correlation approaches:

  • Correlate CA8 expression with calcium signaling development

  • Investigate relationship between CA8 expression and dendritic arborization in Purkinje cells

  • Assess impact of CA8 manipulation on developmental milestones

Technical optimization:

  • Adapt fixation and permeabilization protocols for embryonic and early postnatal tissues

  • Implement tissue clearing techniques for 3D reconstruction of expression patterns

  • Consider the higher cellular density of developing tissues when optimizing antibody dilutions

These approaches will advance understanding of CA8's role in neurodevelopment, potentially revealing insights into how its dysfunction contributes to developmental neurological disorders.

How do different detection methods for CA8 compare in sensitivity and specificity?

Various detection methods offer distinct advantages for CA8 analysis, with important considerations for selecting the optimal approach:

Detection MethodObserved SensitivitySpecificity ConsiderationsOptimal ApplicationsKey Protocol Elements
Standard Western BlotDetects CA8 at ~36 kDa in brain lysatesShows good specificity with optimized protocolsProtein expression quantification, molecular weight determination0.5-1 μg/mL antibody concentration, reducing conditions
Simple Western SystemDetects additional bands at 41 and 50 kDaMay reveal modified forms not visible in standard WBHigher throughput analysis, automated quantification5 μg/mL antibody concentration, 12-230 kDa separation system
ImmunohistochemistryCell-type specific detection in tissue sectionsBackground can be higher in certain tissuesSpatial distribution analysis, pathology assessmentValidated in cerebellum tissue with multiple antibodies
Mass Cytometry (CyTOF)Single-cell resolution in tissue samplesHighly specific with metal-labeled antibodiesMultiplexed analysis with numerous markers1:100 dilution of 0.5mg/mL stock
ImmunoprecipitationCan detect native protein complexesSpecificity depends on antibody and conditionsProtein-protein interaction studiesValidated for CA8-IP3R1 interaction studies
ELISAQuantitative detectionSandwich formats offer improved specificityHigh-throughput quantificationMultiple antibodies validated

Key considerations for method selection:

  • For basic expression studies: Standard Western blot offers reliable detection with established protocols

  • For detailed localization: IHC or IF provides cellular and subcellular resolution

  • For interaction studies: IP or proximity ligation assays are optimal for CA8-IP3R1 binding

  • For multiplex analysis: CyTOF allows simultaneous detection of CA8 with multiple markers

Method selection should be guided by the specific research question, available sample types, and required sensitivity and specificity thresholds.

What experimental approaches can elucidate CA8's functional role beyond traditional antibody applications?

While antibodies are valuable tools for CA8 detection, combining them with complementary approaches provides deeper functional insights:

Genetic manipulation approaches:

  • CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to introduce specific CA8 mutations

  • Conditional knockout models to study cell-type specific functions

  • Targeted knock-in of tagged CA8 for live imaging studies

  • Expression of mutant forms associated with CMARQ3 for pathophysiological studies

Advanced imaging techniques:

  • FRET-based assays to monitor CA8-IP3R1 interaction dynamics in real-time

  • Calcium imaging to assess the impact of CA8 manipulation on IP3-mediated calcium signaling

  • Super-resolution microscopy for nanoscale localization of CA8 relative to IP3R1

  • Live-cell imaging with tagged CA8 to track trafficking and interaction dynamics

Biochemical and structural approaches:

  • Surface plasmon resonance to quantify CA8-IP3R1 binding kinetics

  • Hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry to map interaction interfaces

  • X-ray crystallography or cryo-EM of CA8-IP3R1 complexes

  • In vitro reconstitution assays to assess direct functional impacts on calcium signaling

Systems biology approaches:

  • Proteomics analysis of CA8 interactome beyond IP3R1

  • Transcriptomics following CA8 manipulation to identify downstream pathways

  • Computational modeling of CA8's impact on calcium signaling networks

  • Multi-omics integration to place CA8 in broader cerebellar function context

These complementary approaches, when combined with traditional antibody applications, provide a comprehensive understanding of CA8's functional roles in normal physiology and disease states.

How should researchers approach the validation of novel CA8 antibodies for specialized applications?

Comprehensive validation of novel CA8 antibodies, particularly for specialized applications, requires systematic multi-step approaches:

Initial characterization:

  • ELISA against immunizing peptide/protein to confirm binding

  • Western blot using recombinant CA8 protein to confirm specificity and determine sensitivity

  • Comparison with existing validated antibodies using the same detection methods

  • Cross-reactivity testing against related carbonic anhydrase family members

Application-specific validation:

  • For Western blot: Test across multiple sample types including cerebellum tissue and cell lines

  • For IHC/IF: Validate in tissues with known CA8 expression patterns, focusing on Purkinje cells

  • For IP: Confirm ability to precipitate CA8 and co-precipitate known binding partners like IP3R1

  • For mass cytometry: Validate metal conjugation efficiency and epitope accessibility

Stringent specificity controls:

  • Test in CA8 knockout/knockdown models if available

  • Perform peptide competition assays

  • Compare staining patterns with in situ hybridization data

  • Validate across multiple species if cross-reactivity is claimed

Performance documentation:

  • Determine optimal working dilutions for each application

  • Establish detection limits and linear range for quantitative applications

  • Document lot-to-lot variation for polyclonal antibodies

  • Assess storage stability and freeze-thaw tolerance

Advanced validation for specialized applications:

  • For proximity ligation assays: Validate with known interaction partners

  • For multiplexed imaging: Test for antibody cross-talk with other detection channels

  • For live cell applications: Confirm epitope accessibility in non-fixed conditions

  • For phospho-specific detection: Validate with phosphatase treatments and phosphomimetic mutants

Thorough validation following these guidelines ensures reliable performance in specialized research applications and supports reproducible CA8 research outcomes.

How might CA8 antibodies contribute to advancing personalized medicine for cerebellar disorders?

CA8 antibodies hold significant potential for advancing personalized approaches to cerebellar disorders, particularly CA8-associated CMARQ3 and related conditions:

Diagnostic applications:

  • Development of antibodies specific to common CA8 mutations

  • Implementation in diagnostic panels for ataxia and related movement disorders

  • Correlation of CA8 expression patterns with clinical phenotypes and disease progression

Pharmacodynamic biomarker development:

  • Monitoring CA8 protein levels in accessible samples (CSF, exosomes) during clinical trials

  • Assessing restoration of normal CA8-IP3R1 interaction as a treatment response marker

  • Development of phospho-specific antibodies to track CA8 activation state during treatment

Therapeutic stratification:

  • Identification of patient subgroups based on CA8 expression patterns

  • Correlation of CA8 variants with response to calcium signaling modulators

  • Prediction of treatment outcomes based on CA8 functional status

Novel therapeutic development:

  • Therapeutic antibody development targeting function-modulating CA8 epitopes

  • Screening compounds that stabilize mutant CA8 protein

  • Identification of small molecules that modulate CA8-IP3R1 interaction

Implementation considerations:

  • Development of standardized clinical assays with consistent sensitivity/specificity

  • Creation of reference standards for quantitative CA8 detection

  • Validation across diverse patient populations

Quick Inquiry

Personal Email Detected
Please use an institutional or corporate email address for inquiries. Personal email accounts ( such as Gmail, Yahoo, and Outlook) are not accepted. *
© Copyright 2025 TheBiotek. All Rights Reserved.