CAF2 facilitates the splicing of group II introns in chloroplast transcripts, working in concert with CRS2 (chloroplast RNA splicing 2). Key intron targets include:
| Intron | Function | Splicing Dependency | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ndhB | NADH dehydrogenase subunit B synthesis | CAF2-dependent | |
| petB | Cytochrome b6f complex assembly | CAF2-dependent | |
| rps12-1 | Ribosomal protein S12 maturation | CAF2-dependent |
Immunoprecipitation studies using the At1g23400 antibody demonstrated CAF2 forms stable complexes with its target introns in vivo .
The antibody has been experimentally verified in multiple applications:
| Application | Protocol Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Western Blot | 1:1000–1:2000 dilution; detects 64 kDa band | |
| Immunoprecipitation | 0.5–4.0 µg per 1–3 mg protein lysate | |
| Co-IP | Identifies CRS2–CAF2–intron RNA complexes |
Intron Specificity: CAF2 exhibits conserved splicing functions between Arabidopsis and maize, with orthologs sharing >60% sequence similarity .
Complex Formation: Co-immunoprecipitation confirmed CAF2 binds ndhB, petB, and rps12-1 introns but not atpF (a CRS1-dependent intron) .
Structural Insights: The antibody helped map CRM domain interactions critical for RNA binding and splicing activity .
AT1G23400 is a coding sequence in the Arabidopsis thaliana genome. The protein encoded by this gene has been cataloged in multiple databases including KEGG, RefGene, UniProt, and TAIR . Antibodies targeting this protein are essential research tools that enable detection, localization, and functional analysis of the AT1G23400 gene product. Similar to antibodies used in other research contexts, AT1G23400 antibodies allow researchers to:
Determine protein expression levels and patterns
Visualize subcellular localization
Identify protein-protein interactions
Analyze post-translational modifications
Perform immunoprecipitation for downstream analysis
For plant molecular biologists, these antibodies provide a means to study AT1G23400's role in plant development, stress responses, or other biological processes in Arabidopsis, which serves as a model organism for plant research.
Validation of antibody specificity is a critical step before using any antibody in research applications. For AT1G23400 antibodies, consider these methodological approaches:
Western blot with positive and negative controls:
Use recombinant AT1G23400 protein as a positive control
Include lysates from wild-type plants and AT1G23400 knockout/knockdown plants
Confirm the antibody detects a band of the expected molecular weight only in samples containing the target protein
Immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry:
Perform IP with the AT1G23400 antibody and identify pulled-down proteins
Verify that AT1G23400 is among the most abundant proteins identified
Immunostaining comparisons:
Compare staining patterns between wild-type and knockout/knockdown plants
Include peptide competition assays where pre-incubation of the antibody with the immunizing peptide should eliminate specific staining
Similar validation approaches are used for other research antibodies, as seen in studies of antibodies against human proteins like AT1R, where researchers validated antibody specificity through knockout models .
Optimal sample preparation is essential for successful application of AT1G23400 antibodies in plant tissue experiments:
For protein extraction and Western blotting:
Use buffer systems containing appropriate detergents (0.1-1% Triton X-100 or NP-40) to solubilize membrane-associated proteins
Include protease inhibitors to prevent degradation during extraction
Optimize extraction conditions based on the subcellular localization of AT1G23400 (e.g., cytosolic, membrane-associated, or nuclear)
For immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence:
Test multiple fixation methods (e.g., paraformaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, or methanol)
Optimize antigen retrieval techniques if necessary
Consider tissue-specific permeabilization protocols
For fresh tissue samples:
Process immediately after collection
Flash freeze in liquid nitrogen for later processing
Store at -80°C to preserve protein integrity
These methodological considerations parallel those used in other antibody-based research, such as the techniques used for detecting CAR-engineered cells with anti-CAR linker antibodies .
Optimizing immunoprecipitation (IP) protocols for AT1G23400 antibody requires methodical consideration of several parameters:
Antibody coupling strategy:
Direct coupling to beads (e.g., NHS-activated Sepharose)
Indirect capture using Protein A/G beads
Comparison of both methods to determine which yields better results
Buffer optimization:
Test various lysis buffers with different salt concentrations (150-500 mM NaCl)
Evaluate detergent types and concentrations (0.1-1% NP-40, Triton X-100, or digitonin)
Include appropriate protease and phosphatase inhibitors
Incubation conditions:
Compare short (2-4 hours) versus overnight incubations at 4°C
Determine optimal antibody-to-lysate ratio through titration experiments
Washing stringency:
Develop a washing protocol that minimizes background while maintaining specific interactions
Consider a series of washes with decreasing salt concentrations
This methodological approach is similar to that employed in studies using antibodies against other proteins, where researchers must optimize conditions for specific binding while minimizing non-specific interactions .
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) in plant tissues presents unique challenges due to cell wall structures and autofluorescence. For AT1G23400 antibody applications, consider these methodological recommendations:
Tissue fixation and processing:
Compare chemical fixatives (4% paraformaldehyde, 2% glutaraldehyde)
Optimize fixation time to balance antigen preservation and tissue penetration
Test different embedding media (paraffin, cryo-embedding, or resin)
Antigen retrieval techniques:
Heat-induced epitope retrieval (citrate buffer, pH 6.0)
Enzymatic retrieval methods (proteinase K, cellulase/pectinase)
Combined approaches for complex tissues
Signal detection optimization:
Compare chromogenic (DAB, AEC) versus fluorescent detection systems
Implement strategies to reduce plant tissue autofluorescence
Use tyramide signal amplification for low-abundance proteins
Controls:
Include tissue from AT1G23400 knockout/knockdown plants
Perform peptide competition experiments
Use secondary antibody-only controls to assess background
These approaches parallel techniques used in IHC experiments with other research antibodies, such as those detecting angiotensin receptor type 1 in mice tissues, where specificity was confirmed using knockout models .
Understanding protein-protein interactions involving AT1G23400 requires carefully designed experimental approaches:
Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP):
Optimize lysis conditions to preserve native protein interactions
Consider crosslinking approaches for transient interactions
Use reciprocal Co-IP with antibodies against suspected interaction partners
Validate interactions with multiple techniques
Proximity ligation assay (PLA):
Combine AT1G23400 antibody with antibodies against potential interacting partners
Optimize antibody dilutions to reduce background signal
Include appropriate controls (single antibody, non-interacting protein pairs)
Bimolecular Fluorescence Complementation (BiFC) as a complementary approach:
Design fusion constructs for AT1G23400 and potential interaction partners
Compare BiFC results with antibody-based methods
Mass spectrometry following immunoprecipitation:
Use quantitative approaches to distinguish specific from non-specific interactions
Implement appropriate statistical analyses to identify significant interactors
Similar methodological considerations are employed in studies of protein-protein interactions in other systems, where multiple complementary approaches are used to validate interaction partners .
When confronting weak or absent signals in Western blots using AT1G23400 antibody, implement this systematic troubleshooting approach:
Sample preparation optimization:
Increase protein concentration or loading amount
Test different extraction buffers to improve protein solubilization
Verify protein integrity using total protein stains (Ponceau S, SYPRO Ruby)
Ensure complete transfer to membrane with transfer verification stains
Antibody conditions optimization:
Titrate antibody concentration (try 1:500, 1:1000, 1:2000, 1:5000)
Extend primary antibody incubation time (overnight at 4°C)
Test different blocking reagents (5% milk, 5% BSA, commercial blockers)
Optimize secondary antibody dilution and incubation time
Detection system enhancement:
Switch between chemiluminescence, fluorescence, or chromogenic detection
Use enhanced chemiluminescence (ECL) substrates with higher sensitivity
Increase exposure time within reasonable limits
Try signal amplification systems
Technical considerations:
Verify that the antibody recognizes the species-specific variant of AT1G23400
Confirm that the epitope is not masked by post-translational modifications
Consider whether the protein expression level is below detection threshold
Similar troubleshooting approaches have been applied to other challenging antibody applications, as evidenced in studies using antibodies against low-abundance proteins .
Distinguishing specific from non-specific binding is critical for reliable interpretation of AT1G23400 antibody results:
Control experiments:
Compare results between wild-type and AT1G23400 knockout/knockdown samples
Perform peptide competition assays by pre-incubating the antibody with immunizing peptide
Include isotype control antibodies to identify Fc-mediated binding
Analytical approaches:
Analyze band pattern in Western blots (specific binding typically yields discrete bands)
Compare observed molecular weight with predicted weight
Assess signal distribution in immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence against known localization patterns
Cross-validation methods:
Use multiple antibodies targeting different epitopes of AT1G23400
Compare antibody results with tagged protein expression systems
Correlate antibody detection with mRNA expression data
Signal-to-noise optimization:
Titrate antibody to find optimal concentration
Modify washing procedures (increase wash duration or stringency)
Adjust blocking conditions to reduce background
Researchers have used similar approaches when validating antibodies against other proteins, such as in studies of AT1R antibodies where specificity was verified using AT1Ra/b knockout mice .
When faced with discrepancies between antibody-based results and other techniques, approach the analysis methodically:
Technique-specific limitations assessment:
Antibody experiments may detect protein levels, while qPCR measures mRNA
Post-translational modifications might affect antibody recognition but not gene expression
Protein localization might differ from expression patterns due to trafficking
Technical validation:
Repeat experiments with biological and technical replicates
Use alternative antibodies targeting different epitopes of AT1G23400
Employ complementary techniques (e.g., mass spectrometry, RNA-seq)
Biological variables consideration:
Evaluate temporal dynamics (protein vs. mRNA half-life differences)
Account for tissue-specific or developmental stage-specific variations
Consider stress or experimental conditions that might affect correlation
Integrated data analysis:
Develop a model that incorporates all available data
Weight evidence based on method reliability and reproducibility
Consider which techniques directly measure the parameter of interest
Similar analytical approaches have been employed in studies where researchers observed discrepancies between antibody-based detection methods and other molecular techniques .
Investigating protein-protein interactions involving AT1G23400 during stress responses requires specialized approaches:
Time-course experiments:
Apply stress treatments (drought, salt, pathogen, temperature) with time-point sampling
Use AT1G23400 antibody for co-immunoprecipitation at each time point
Analyze interaction dynamics through quantitative proteomics
Create interaction network maps showing temporal changes
In situ interaction detection:
Combine AT1G23400 antibody with antibodies against suspected interaction partners
Use proximity ligation assay (PLA) to visualize interactions in planta
Correlate interaction patterns with subcellular localization changes during stress
Cross-linking strategies:
Apply in vivo crosslinking to capture transient interactions
Use formaldehyde or photoactivatable crosslinkers depending on interaction characteristics
Combine with AT1G23400 immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry
Functional validation:
Couple interaction data with phenotypic analysis of mutants
Test interaction-disrupting mutations on stress response outcomes
Develop computational models integrating interaction and expression data
These advanced methods parallel approaches used in studies of protein interactions in other systems, such as those examining angiotensin receptor interactions in immune responses .
Developing and using phospho-specific antibodies targeting AT1G23400 requires specialized knowledge:
Phosphorylation site identification:
Analyze AT1G23400 sequence for potential phosphorylation motifs
Conduct phosphoproteomic analysis to identify actual phosphorylation sites
Prioritize evolutionary conserved sites or those in functional domains
Antibody development strategy:
Design phosphopeptides containing the phosphorylated residue(s) of interest
Consider multiple conjugation approaches and carrier proteins
Implement rigorous screening against phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated peptides
Validation requirements:
Test antibody specificity against wild-type, phospho-null mutants, and phospho-mimetic versions
Use lambda phosphatase treatment as a negative control
Verify phosphorylation-dependent recognition using kinase and phosphatase treatments
Application considerations:
Optimize sample preparation to preserve phosphorylation (phosphatase inhibitors)
Consider enrichment strategies for low-abundance phosphorylated forms
Develop quantitative assays to measure phosphorylation stoichiometry
Similar technical considerations are employed in developing phospho-specific antibodies against other proteins, where antibody specificity is rigorously tested against phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated forms .
Integrating antibody-based approaches with CRISPR-engineered plants provides powerful insights into AT1G23400 function:
Engineered variant detection:
Generate CRISPR lines with epitope tags, point mutations, or domain deletions in AT1G23400
Use wild-type AT1G23400 antibody to compare expression/localization between variants
Develop variant-specific antibodies for mutations affecting protein function
Functional domain analysis:
Create a series of domain deletion or substitution variants via CRISPR
Use AT1G23400 antibody to assess effects on protein stability, localization, and interactions
Combine with phenotypic analysis to link molecular changes to function
Allelic series experiments:
Generate CRISPR lines with varying degrees of AT1G23400 modification
Quantify protein expression using calibrated AT1G23400 antibody assays
Correlate expression levels with phenotypic outcomes
Cell-type specific analysis:
Combine CRISPR tissue-specific promoters with AT1G23400 antibody detection
Use immunohistochemistry to verify cell-type specific effects
Develop quantitative single-cell assays using AT1G23400 antibody
This integrated approach combines modern genome editing with traditional antibody-based detection, similar to methods used in studies where antibodies were employed to characterize engineered variants of proteins like CAR receptors .
Advanced imaging approaches using AT1G23400 antibody can reveal unprecedented insights into protein dynamics:
Super-resolution microscopy applications:
Optimize AT1G23400 antibody labeling for STORM, PALM, or STED microscopy
Develop dual-color super-resolution to visualize protein-protein interactions at nanoscale
Compare resolution limits between different super-resolution techniques
| Super-resolution Technique | Resolution Limit | Advantages for AT1G23400 Study | Key Optimization Steps |
|---|---|---|---|
| STORM | 10-20 nm | Single-molecule localization | Secondary antibody labeling density |
| STED | 30-80 nm | Live cell compatibility | Photobleaching reduction |
| SIM | 100-130 nm | Fast acquisition | Signal-to-noise ratio |
Live-cell imaging strategies:
Develop membrane-permeable labeled antibody fragments (Fabs)
Compare nanobody-based approaches with conventional antibodies
Optimize intracellular delivery methods for AT1G23400 antibodies
Correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM):
Label AT1G23400 with antibodies compatible with both fluorescence and EM
Develop workflows for relocating the same cells between imaging modalities
Implement computational approaches for multi-modal image registration
Expansion microscopy:
Adapt plant tissue preparation for physical expansion
Optimize AT1G23400 antibody labeling for expanded specimens
Develop analysis pipelines for expanded tissue datasets
These advanced imaging approaches parallel developments in other fields where antibodies are used with cutting-edge microscopy, providing unprecedented spatial resolution of protein localization and interactions .