CAM7 antibody refers to a monoclonal immunoglobulin designed to bind CEACAM-7, a member of the CEACAM family expressed in epithelial and immune cells. CEACAM-7 plays roles in cell-cell adhesion, tumor suppression, and modulation of inflammatory responses .
The antibody demonstrates specificity in detecting CEACAM-7 on transfected HEK293 cells. In comparative studies:
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 97.7% positivity in CEACAM-7-transfected cells vs. 1.3% in controls .
Secondary Antibody Compatibility: Phycoerythrin-conjugated anti-mouse IgG (Catalog # F0102B) .
Validated in human thymus tissue sections, showing plasma membrane-localized staining under optimized protocols .
Transfected Cell Model: HEK293 cells co-expressing CEACAM-7 and eGFP showed robust antibody binding, confirming target specificity .
Negative Controls: Mouse IgG1 isotype controls exhibited minimal background staining (<2%) .
While other antibodies (e.g., anti-CD7 , anti-SLAMF7 , or anti-VAMP7 ) target distinct proteins, the CAM7 antibody’s uniqueness lies in its ability to:
CEACAM7 (also known as CGM2) is a member of the carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule family. It functions as a calcium-independent cell adhesion molecule by mediating homophilic binding, which contributes to the maintenance of tissue architecture and stability . This protein is part of the immunoglobulin superfamily and plays important roles in cellular interactions. Understanding the biological function of CEACAM7 is essential for researchers designing experiments to investigate its role in normal physiology and disease states.
CEACAM7 antibodies are commonly used in several laboratory applications:
Western blotting (WB): For detecting CEACAM7 protein in cell or tissue lysates
Immunohistochemistry on paraffin-embedded sections (IHC-P): For visualizing CEACAM7 expression in tissue sections
Immunoprecipitation: For isolating CEACAM7 from complex mixtures
The rabbit polyclonal CEACAM7 antibody described in the literature is suitable for Western blot and IHC-P applications with human samples and recognizes an immunogen corresponding to recombinant fragment protein within human CEACAM7 amino acids 100-250 .
When performing Western blot analysis with CEACAM7 antibodies, researchers should expect to observe a band at approximately 29 kDa, which is the predicted molecular weight of the CEACAM7 protein . This information is crucial for proper interpretation of Western blot results. Variations from this expected size may indicate post-translational modifications, alternative splicing, or potential non-specific binding.
CEACAM7 antibodies have been validated for use with:
Human tissue samples (particularly colorectal and stomach cancer tissues)
Human serum samples
Recombinant CEACAM7 protein
When using CEACAM7 antibodies for IHC-P, successful staining has been documented in paraffin-embedded human colorectal cancer tissue and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded human stomach cancer tissue using DAB (3,3'-diaminobenzidine) as the detection method .
Optimization of antibody concentration is critical for obtaining specific signals while minimizing background. Based on documented research protocols:
For Western blotting: Begin with a concentration of 2 μg/mL when detecting recombinant human CEACAM7 protein or CEACAM7 in human serum
For IHC-P: Start with a concentration of 20 μg/ml for human colorectal and stomach cancer tissues
Optimization process:
Perform a titration experiment using 2-fold serial dilutions (e.g., 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 μg/mL)
Include appropriate positive controls (tissues known to express CEACAM7) and negative controls (tissues known not to express CEACAM7 or primary antibody omission)
Evaluate signal-to-noise ratio at each concentration
Select the concentration that provides the strongest specific signal with minimal background
Validating antibody specificity is essential to ensure reliable experimental results. For CEACAM7 antibodies, consider the following approaches:
Epitope mapping: Confirm the antibody recognizes the expected region (e.g., amino acids 100-250 of human CEACAM7)
Cross-reactivity testing: Evaluate potential cross-reactivity with other CEACAM family members due to sequence homology
Knockout/knockdown validation: Test the antibody in CEACAM7 knockout or knockdown samples to confirm signal absence
Multiple antibody approach: Use antibodies targeting different epitopes of CEACAM7 to corroborate findings
Recombinant protein controls: Include purified recombinant CEACAM7 as a positive control in Western blots
Non-specific binding can complicate interpretation of results when using CEACAM7 antibodies. Here's a methodological approach to troubleshooting:
Optimize blocking conditions:
Test different blocking agents (BSA, non-fat dry milk, normal serum)
Extend blocking time (1-2 hours at room temperature or overnight at 4°C)
Increase washing stringency:
Use detergent-containing wash buffers (0.05-0.1% Tween-20 in PBS or TBS)
Increase number and duration of washes
Antibody dilution optimization:
Further dilute primary antibody (if background is high)
Test shorter incubation times (1-2 hours at room temperature instead of overnight)
For Western blots specifically:
Add 0.1-0.5% SDS to antibody diluent to reduce hydrophobic interactions
Pre-adsorb antibody with proteins from non-relevant species
For IHC-P applications:
Perform antigen retrieval optimization (test different buffers and conditions)
Include an endogenous peroxidase blocking step
Consider using more specific detection systems
Understanding the differences between polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies is important for experimental design:
| Characteristic | Polyclonal CEACAM7 Antibodies | Monoclonal CEACAM7 Antibodies |
|---|---|---|
| Recognition | Multiple epitopes within CEACAM7 | Single epitope within CEACAM7 |
| Sensitivity | Generally higher sensitivity due to multiple epitope binding | May have lower sensitivity but more consistent |
| Specificity | Potential for cross-reactivity with homologous regions in other proteins | Higher specificity for a particular epitope |
| Batch-to-batch variability | Higher variability between production lots | Lower variability between production lots |
| Robustness to antigen changes | More tolerant to minor changes in antigen (denaturation, fixation) | More susceptible to epitope loss due to processing |
| Applications | Excellent for IHC-P and WB | Superior for applications requiring high specificity |
The rabbit polyclonal CEACAM7 antibody described in the literature recognizes the recombinant fragment protein within human CEACAM7 amino acids 100-250 , offering good sensitivity for applications like Western blotting and IHC-P.
When investigating CEACAM7 in cancer tissues, consider the following methodological approach:
Sample selection:
Experimental controls:
Positive control tissues with known CEACAM7 expression
Negative control tissues (CEACAM7-negative)
Technical controls (primary antibody omission)
Multiple detection methods:
Combine IHC-P (for localization) with Western blotting (for semi-quantification)
Consider complementing with mRNA expression analysis (qRT-PCR)
Quantification approach:
Use digital image analysis for objective quantification of IHC staining
Establish clear scoring criteria (e.g., H-score, percentage positivity)
Ensure blinded scoring by multiple observers
Clinicopathological correlation:
Correlate CEACAM7 expression with patient demographics, tumor stage, grade, and outcome measures
Lessons from other antibody-based immunotherapeutic studies can be adapted to CEACAM7 research:
Antibody engineering approaches:
Chimerization techniques: Similar to the CD7 chimeric antibody that demonstrated in vivo function in rheumatoid arthritis patients, CEACAM7 antibodies could be engineered with human constant regions to reduce immunogenicity
Antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) development: Following the approach used for anti-CD7 ADCs, where a novel conjugate (J87-Dxd) was generated using a cleavable maleimide-GGFG peptide linker
Functional assays:
Therapeutic potential evaluation:
While maintaining a research focus (not commercial), these methodological considerations are important:
Expression system selection:
Antibody format determination:
Full-length antibodies: Suitable for applications requiring effector functions
Fab fragments: Appropriate when faster clearance and tissue penetration are priorities
Antibody-drug conjugates: Consider when enhanced cytotoxicity is desired
Fc modification considerations:
Evaluate the need for Fc modifications to enhance or reduce specific effector functions
Consider how these modifications affect half-life and biodistribution
Methodological testing sequence:
In vitro binding assays → internalization studies → functional assays → toxicity screening → in vivo efficacy models
When faced with discrepancies between platforms (e.g., IHC-P showing positive results but Western blot showing negative results), consider:
Systematic troubleshooting approach:
Verify antibody integrity (avoid freeze-thaw cycles, check expiration)
Confirm target protein is not lost during sample preparation
Evaluate epitope accessibility in different applications
Resolution strategies:
Use multiple antibodies targeting different CEACAM7 epitopes
Complement antibody-based methods with nucleic acid detection (RT-PCR, RNA-seq)
Consider post-translational modifications that might affect epitope recognition
Data interpretation framework:
Western blot detects denatured protein while IHC may detect native conformation
Some epitopes may be masked in certain applications
Expression levels may be below detection threshold in some assays
When analyzing CEACAM7 expression data from clinical samples:
Quantitative analysis of IHC data:
H-score calculation (staining intensity × percentage of positive cells)
Automated image analysis for objective quantification
Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to determine optimal cutoff values
Statistical tests for group comparisons:
For normally distributed data: t-test (two groups) or ANOVA (multiple groups)
For non-normally distributed data: Mann-Whitney U test (two groups) or Kruskal-Wallis test (multiple groups)
For paired samples: Paired t-test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test
Survival analysis approaches:
Kaplan-Meier curves with log-rank test for comparing survival between groups
Cox proportional hazards regression for multivariate analysis
Competing risk analysis when multiple outcome events are possible
Sample size considerations:
Power calculations based on expected effect size
Consideration of multiple testing correction (e.g., Bonferroni, False Discovery Rate)
Advanced multi-parameter approaches for CEACAM7 investigation:
Multiplex immunofluorescence methodology:
Combine CEACAM7 antibody with markers for cell types, activation states, and other CEACAM family members
Use spectral unmixing to resolve overlapping fluorophores
Implement tyramide signal amplification for enhanced sensitivity
Mass cytometry (CyTOF) integration:
Label CEACAM7 antibody with rare earth metals
Combine with dozens of other markers for high-dimensional analysis
Apply dimensionality reduction techniques (tSNE, UMAP) for data visualization
Spatial transcriptomics correlation:
Correlate CEACAM7 protein expression with spatial gene expression data
Map CEACAM7-expressing cells within tissue microenvironments
Single-cell analysis considerations:
Combine single-cell RNA-seq with antibody-based protein detection (CITE-seq)
Integrate CEACAM7 antibodies into single-cell proteomics workflows
Emerging methodological approaches for CEACAM7 antibody research:
Recombinant antibody technologies:
Phage display selection for identifying high-affinity CEACAM7-binding antibody fragments
Yeast display for affinity maturation of existing CEACAM7 antibodies
Synthetic antibody libraries to generate CEACAM7 antibodies with novel properties
Proximity-based detection methods:
Proximity ligation assay (PLA) for detecting CEACAM7 interactions with binding partners
Enzyme complementation assays for studying CEACAM7 dynamics
Optogenetic and chemogenetic approaches:
Photo-activatable antibody fragments for spatiotemporal control of CEACAM7 targeting
Antibody-based chemical-induced dimerization systems
Nanobody development:
Single-domain antibodies against CEACAM7 for improved tissue penetration
Site-specific labeling strategies for nanobody-based imaging
Integrative approaches for CEACAM7 research:
Multi-omics integration framework:
Correlate protein expression data from CEACAM7 antibody studies with transcriptomics, epigenomics, and proteomics data
Implement computational approaches (network analysis, pathway enrichment) to contextualize CEACAM7 in biological systems
Consider temporal dynamics when integrating data from different platforms
Functional validation methodology:
Use CEACAM7 antibodies in conjunction with genetic manipulation (CRISPR/Cas9, RNAi)
Correlate antibody-based detection with functional assays (adhesion, migration, proliferation)
Develop conditional systems for temporal control of CEACAM7 function
Translational research considerations:
Correlate CEACAM7 expression with clinical parameters and outcomes
Evaluate potential as diagnostic, prognostic, or predictive biomarker
Assess therapeutic targeting potential based on expression patterns