Antibodies, or immunoglobulins, are proteins produced by B cells that play a crucial role in the immune system by recognizing and binding to specific antigens. They are composed of two heavy chains and two light chains, forming a Y-shaped structure. The variable regions of the antibody determine its specificity, while the constant regions (Fc region) interact with immune cells and complement proteins .
Basic Structure: Each antibody consists of two heavy chains (approximately 50 kDa) and two light chains (approximately 25 kDa), connected by disulfide bonds .
Function: Antibodies can neutralize pathogens by blocking their entry into cells or marking them for destruction by other immune cells.
In plant biology, antibodies can be used to study protein expression and localization. For example, if an antibody were developed against a protein encoded by the AT1G25240 locus, it could be used to investigate the protein's role in Arabidopsis.
If research were conducted on an "At1g25240 Antibody," it would likely involve:
Western Blotting: To detect the protein in plant extracts.
Immunofluorescence: To visualize the protein's localization within plant cells.
| Application | Description | Potential Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Western Blot | Detection of AT1G25240 protein in Arabidopsis extracts | Confirmation of protein expression |
| Immunofluorescence | Localization of AT1G25240 protein in plant tissues | Understanding protein distribution and function |
| ELISA | Quantification of AT1G25240 protein levels | Monitoring changes in protein expression under different conditions |
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At1g25240 is a gene that encodes a putative clathrin assembly protein in Arabidopsis thaliana. The protein consists of 376 amino acids and is believed to play a crucial role in clathrin-mediated endocytosis and cellular trafficking pathways. Its significance in research stems from its involvement in fundamental cellular processes that regulate membrane dynamics and protein transport. Understanding this protein helps elucidate mechanisms of vesicular trafficking in plant cells, which impacts numerous physiological processes including hormone signaling, pathogen response, and nutrient uptake. The protein has the UniProt accession Q9FRH3 and goes by the full name "Putative clathrin assembly protein At1g25240."
Based on available research tools, there are several types of antibodies targeting the At1g25240 protein. These include:
N-terminal targeting antibodies (X-Q9FRH3-N): These are combinations of mouse monoclonal antibodies that recognize epitopes at the N-terminus of the protein.
C-terminal targeting antibodies (X-Q9FRH3-C): These antibody combinations target the C-terminal region of the protein.
Middle region targeting antibodies (X-Q9FRH3-M): These target non-terminal sequences within the protein.
Each antibody type is available as a combination of individual monoclonal antibodies raised against synthetic peptide antigens from the corresponding regions of the target protein. These combinations can be used directly or deconvoluted into individual monoclonal antibodies after epitope determination if needed for specific applications.
Validating a new At1g25240 antibody requires a systematic approach to ensure specificity and sensitivity. The methodology should include:
Initial ELISA screening: Confirm antibody-antigen interaction with a titer of approximately 10,000, which corresponds to detection capability of around 1 ng of target protein on Western blots.
Western blot validation: Test the antibody on plant tissue samples known to express At1g25240, alongside negative controls such as knockout mutants if available. Look for a single band at the expected molecular weight (approximately 42 kDa for the native protein).
Immunoprecipitation: Confirm the antibody can pull down the native protein from plant cell lysates.
Immunolocalization: Perform immunofluorescence microscopy to verify that the antibody localizes to expected cellular compartments, particularly to clathrin-coated vesicles and the plasma membrane.
Cross-reactivity testing: Examine potential cross-reactivity with related proteins, especially other clathrin assembly proteins.
The validation should include both wild-type plants and, if available, plants with altered expression of At1g25240 to confirm specificity of the antibody response.
At1g25240 antibodies can be instrumental in investigating how clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) responds to various stress conditions in plants. The methodological approach involves:
Stress treatment protocols: Subject plants to different stressors (drought, salt, pathogen exposure) using standardized protocols.
Temporal analysis: Collect tissue samples at defined time points (0, 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 hours) after stress induction.
Protein expression profiling: Use At1g25240 antibodies in Western blot analysis to quantify changes in protein abundance relative to control proteins (e.g., actin, tubulin).
Subcellular localization changes: Employ immunofluorescence microscopy with the antibodies to track potential relocalization of the clathrin assembly protein during stress response.
Co-immunoprecipitation: Use At1g25240 antibodies to pull down protein complexes under stress conditions, followed by mass spectrometry to identify stress-specific interaction partners.
Phosphorylation state analysis: Combine At1g25240 antibodies with phospho-specific detection methods to determine if stress alters the post-translational modification status of the protein.
This comprehensive approach allows researchers to understand how membrane trafficking adapts during stress responses, potentially revealing mechanisms for improving plant resilience.
When using At1g25240 antibodies for cross-species studies, researchers should consider several methodological aspects:
Sequence homology analysis: First, conduct bioinformatic analysis of protein sequence conservation across target species. For example, Momordica charantia (bitter melon) expresses a homologous putative clathrin assembly protein (LOC111023025) that may cross-react with Arabidopsis-derived antibodies.
Epitope conservation assessment: Analyze specific epitope regions recognized by the antibodies to determine conservation across species. The sequence MKLWKRASGALKDRKTLFTIGFSRKT... should be compared with potential homologs in target species.
Validation in each species: Perform Western blot analysis with positive and negative controls for each new species before proceeding with experimental applications.
Titration optimization: Determine optimal antibody concentrations for each species, as binding affinity may vary due to sequence differences.
Alternative detection strategies: Consider using multiple antibodies targeting different regions (N-terminal, C-terminal, and middle region) to increase detection reliability across species.
Control experiments: Include recombinant protein controls from each species to calibrate detection sensitivity.
This systematic approach ensures reliable comparative analysis of clathrin assembly proteins across plant lineages, potentially revealing evolutionary conservation or divergence of trafficking mechanisms.
Integrating At1g25240 antibodies with cutting-edge imaging technologies enables sophisticated analysis of clathrin assembly dynamics in plant cells. The methodological framework includes:
Super-resolution microscopy preparation:
Sample fixation: Optimize fixation protocols (4% paraformaldehyde, 20 minutes) to preserve native protein distribution
Permeabilization: Fine-tune cell wall digestion and membrane permeabilization to maximize antibody penetration while maintaining structural integrity
Blocking: Use specific blocking agents (3% BSA, 0.1% Triton X-100) to minimize background signal
Structured illumination microscopy (SIM) protocol:
Primary antibody incubation: Apply At1g25240 antibodies at 1:500 dilution overnight at 4°C
Secondary antibody selection: Use fluorophore-conjugated antibodies optimized for SIM imaging
Multi-channel imaging: Include markers for plasma membrane and endosomal compartments
Live-cell imaging approaches:
Antibody fragment generation: Produce Fab fragments from At1g25240 antibodies for live-cell applications
Conjugation strategies: Direct labeling with small fluorophores (Alexa Fluor 647) for minimal interference
Microinjection techniques: Deliver labeled antibody fragments into living plant cells
Correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM):
Immunogold labeling: Use At1g25240 antibodies with gold nanoparticle-conjugated secondary antibodies
Serial section preparation: Generate ultrathin sections (70-100 nm) of embedded plant tissue
Registration procedures: Align fluorescence and electron microscopy data for precise correlation
This integrative approach allows visualization of clathrin assembly protein dynamics at unprecedented resolution, revealing the spatial organization and temporal dynamics of endocytic machinery in plant cells.
For successful immunoprecipitation (IP) of At1g25240 protein complexes, researchers should follow these methodological guidelines:
Tissue extraction buffer optimization:
| Component | Concentration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Tris-HCl pH 7.5 | 50 mM | Buffering |
| NaCl | 150 mM | Ionic strength |
| EDTA | 1 mM | Chelating agent |
| EGTA | 1 mM | Calcium chelator |
| NP-40 or Triton X-100 | 0.5-1% | Membrane solubilization |
| Protease inhibitors | 1× | Prevent degradation |
| Phosphatase inhibitors | 1× | Preserve phosphorylation |
| DTT | 1 mM | Reducing agent |
Antibody coupling strategies:
Direct coupling: Conjugate At1g25240 antibodies to activated agarose or magnetic beads (5 μg antibody per 25 μl bead volume)
Indirect coupling: Use Protein A/G beads to capture antibody-antigen complexes
Crosslinking: Apply DSS or BS3 crosslinkers to prevent antibody leaching during elution
Incubation parameters:
Pre-clearing: Incubate lysate with beads alone for 1 hour at 4°C to reduce non-specific binding
Immunocapture: Mix lysate with antibody-coupled beads for 4 hours or overnight at 4°C with gentle rotation
Washing stringency: Perform 4-5 washes with decreasing detergent concentrations (0.5% to 0.1%)
Elution methods:
Denaturing: Use SDS sample buffer at 95°C for 5 minutes
Native: Apply excess antigen peptide (0.1-0.5 mg/ml) or low pH glycine buffer (pH 2.5)
Troubleshooting strategies:
Low yield: Increase starting material or extend incubation time
High background: Add additional pre-clearing steps or increase wash stringency
Protein degradation: Supplement with additional protease inhibitors and work at 4°C throughout
This detailed protocol establishes conditions that preserve native protein interactions while minimizing non-specific binding, enabling reliable analysis of At1g25240-associated protein complexes.
Cross-reactivity is a common challenge when working with antibodies against plant proteins. For At1g25240 antibodies, researchers can employ these methodological approaches to address specificity concerns:
Absorption controls:
Pre-absorb antibodies with the immunizing peptide (10-50 μg/ml) to confirm signal specificity
Perform parallel experiments with absorbed and non-absorbed antibody preparations
Compare signal reduction patterns to identify potential cross-reactive epitopes
Genetic validation strategies:
Test antibodies on At1g25240 knockout/knockdown lines as negative controls
Use overexpression lines as positive controls with enhanced signal
Employ CRISPR-edited plant lines with epitope modifications to confirm binding sites
Cross-species testing protocol:
Analyze antibody performance in species with known sequence differences in the target region
Create a cross-reactivity profile based on sequence homology and experimental validation
Use this data to predict potential false positives in experimental systems
Epitope mapping approach:
Generate a peptide array covering the full At1g25240 sequence
Test antibody binding to each peptide to identify specific recognition motifs
Compare these motifs against the plant proteome to identify potential cross-reactive proteins
Signal validation matrix:
| Validation Method | Expected Result for Specific Signal | Potential Cross-Reactivity Indicator |
|---|---|---|
| Western blot size | Single band at 42 kDa | Additional bands at unexpected sizes |
| Peptide competition | Complete signal abolishment | Partial signal reduction |
| Knockout control | No signal | Persistent signal |
| Orthogonal antibodies | Identical localization pattern | Divergent localization patterns |
| Mass spectrometry | Confirmation of target identity | Identification of unexpected proteins |
By implementing this comprehensive cross-reactivity assessment framework, researchers can establish confidence in the specificity of their At1g25240 antibody signals and develop strategies to mitigate any identified issues.
Accurate quantification of At1g25240 protein levels requires rigorous methodological approaches. Researchers should implement the following protocols:
Western blot quantification:
Sample preparation: Standardize tissue collection, extraction buffer composition, and protein determination methods
Loading controls: Include both housekeeping proteins (actin, tubulin) and total protein stains (Ponceau S, SYPRO Ruby)
Technical replication: Run 3-4 technical replicates per biological sample
Standard curve generation: Include a dilution series of recombinant At1g25240 protein (0.1-10 ng)
Imaging parameters: Use a linear dynamic range detection system and avoid signal saturation
Analysis software: Apply ImageJ or similar tools with background subtraction and normalization
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA):
Format selection: Sandwich ELISA using capture antibodies targeting different epitopes than detection antibodies
Standard curve preparation: Use purified recombinant At1g25240 protein (1-1000 ng/ml)
Sample dilution series: Test multiple dilutions to ensure readings fall within the linear range
Antibody optimization: Determine optimal concentrations through checkerboard titration
Data analysis: Apply four-parameter logistic regression for standard curve fitting
Flow cytometry:
Cell preparation: Optimize protoplast isolation to maintain protein integrity
Fixation and permeabilization: Test multiple fixatives (paraformaldehyde, methanol) and permeabilization agents
Antibody labeling: Use directly conjugated antibodies or minimal fluorophore:antibody ratios
Controls: Include isotype controls and competition with immunizing peptide
Analysis parameters: Set consistent gating strategies across experiments
Quantitative multiplexed immunofluorescence:
Target multiplexing: Combine At1g25240 antibody with markers for subcellular compartments
Signal calibration: Include calibration beads with known fluorophore numbers
Image acquisition: Standardize exposure settings, detector gain, and optical configurations
Quantification: Apply automated segmentation and intensity measurement algorithms
This systematic approach to protein quantification enables reliable measurement of At1g25240 expression levels across experimental conditions, providing robust data for comparative analyses.
When analyzing developmental changes in At1g25240 protein expression or localization, researchers should apply the following interpretive framework:
Developmental expression profile analysis:
Establish a comprehensive timeline of At1g25240 expression across key developmental stages
Normalize protein levels to appropriate stage-specific reference proteins
Distinguish between changes in total protein abundance versus shifts in subcellular distribution
Consider tissue-specific expression patterns that may emerge during development
Correlation with developmental markers:
Analyze co-expression patterns with known developmental regulators
Plot At1g25240 levels against established developmental milestones
Test for statistical significance of expression changes at developmental transitions
Functional interpretation strategies:
Connect expression patterns to corresponding developmental processes requiring vesicular trafficking
Evaluate whether changes represent constitutive adaptation or responsive regulation
Consider post-translational modifications that may affect antibody recognition during development
Common interpretation pitfalls:
Avoid attributing all binding pattern changes to altered expression (consider epitope masking)
Account for tissue composition changes that may affect apparent expression levels
Control for developmental changes in cell wall/membrane permeability affecting antibody accessibility
Integrative data visualization:
| Developmental Stage | At1g25240 Level | Subcellular Localization | Associated Developmental Processes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seed germination | Moderate | Primarily plasma membrane | Cell elongation, vesicle trafficking |
| Seedling growth | High | Plasma membrane and early endosomes | Auxin transport, nutrient uptake |
| Vegetative growth | Moderate | Distributed in vesicular patterns | Maintenance of cell polarity |
| Flowering transition | Variable | Tissue-dependent redistribution | Reproductive organ development |
| Senescence | Decreasing | Predominantly vacuolar | Cellular remodeling, nutrient recycling |
This comprehensive analytical approach helps distinguish between biologically meaningful changes in At1g25240 function during development and technical artifacts that may arise from tissue-specific factors affecting antibody performance.
Integrating antibody-based protein data with other -omics datasets enables comprehensive systems-level understanding of At1g25240 function. Researchers should implement the following integration methodology:
Multi-omics data acquisition planning:
Coordinated sampling: Collect material for different -omics analyses from the same experimental units
Temporal alignment: Synchronize sampling timepoints across platforms
Metadata standardization: Maintain consistent experimental annotation across all datasets
Data preprocessing harmonization:
Normalization strategies: Apply platform-appropriate normalization while preserving biological variation
Missing value handling: Implement consistent approaches across datasets (imputation or filtering)
Batch effect correction: Use ComBat, SVA, or related algorithms to minimize technical variation
Cross-platform correlation analysis:
Pairwise correlation: Calculate Pearson/Spearman correlations between At1g25240 protein levels and transcript abundance
Time-lagged correlation: Apply dynamic time warping for temporal datasets
Multi-level correlation: Analyze relationships across protein, transcript, metabolite, and phenotype levels
Network integration approaches:
Protein-centric networks: Build interaction networks with At1g25240 as a focal point
Co-expression modules: Identify modules showing coordinated regulation with At1g25240
Pathway enrichment: Map integrated data to known biological pathways and cellular processes
Integrative visualization strategies:
| Integration Level | Recommended Visualization | Analytical Output |
|---|---|---|
| Protein-transcript | Scatter plots with regression | Correlation metrics, discordance identification |
| Temporal dynamics | Heatmaps with hierarchical clustering | Temporal response patterns, co-regulated genes |
| Pathway mapping | Overlay diagrams on cellular pathways | Functional context, regulatory relationships |
| Network visualization | Force-directed graphs | Protein-protein interactions, regulatory hubs |
| Multi-omics integration | Circos plots or Sankey diagrams | System-wide relationships, information flow |
Causal inference methods:
Bayesian networks: Infer directional relationships between molecular components
Structural equation modeling: Test hypothesized causal structures
Granger causality: Assess temporal precedence in time-series data This integrated systems biology approach contextualizes At1g25240 antibody data within the broader cellular machinery, revealing functional relationships and regulatory mechanisms that would not be apparent from protein analysis alone.