Diabetes and Insulin Resistance: Genetic variants in CAPN10 are linked to T2DM risk and insulin resistance .
Metabolic Syndrome: Associated with hypertension, cholesterol levels, and obesity .
CAPN10 regulates insulin secretion and proinsulin processing .
Its enzymatic activity impacts cytoskeletal remodeling and signal transduction .
Specificity: Confirmed via Western blot showing a single band at ~57 kDa .
Cross-Reactivity: No significant cross-reactivity reported in human samples .
Supporting Studies: Used in population-based surveys linking CAPN10 polymorphisms to metabolic traits .
CAPN10 (Calpain-10) is a calcium-regulated non-lysosomal thiol-protease that catalyzes limited proteolysis of substrates involved in cytoskeletal remodeling and signal transduction. It was identified as the first candidate susceptibility gene for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) . CAPN10 belongs to the calpain family but is considered atypical as it lacks the calmodulin-like calcium-binding domain found in typical calpain members, instead having a divergent C-terminal domain .
The significance of CAPN10 in research stems from its role in multiple cellular processes. It processes microtubule associated protein 1 (MAP1) family proteins into heavy and light chains and regulates their binding activities to microtubules and actin filaments . This functionality is critical for proper actin dynamics and cytoskeletal organization. Additionally, studies with pancreatic islets from CAPN10 knockout mice demonstrated significantly increased insulin secretion at both high and low glucose levels, suggesting CAPN10 deficiency affects insulin secretion through abnormal actin reorganization .
CAPN10 possesses several distinctive characteristics that differentiate it from other calpain family members:
Calcium-independence: Unlike typical calpain members that require calcium for proteolytic activity, CAPN10 exhibits proteolytic activity both with and without Ca²⁺. In vitro assays show CAPN10 is capable of cleaving MAP1B even in the presence of 5 mM EDTA, confirming it does not require Ca²⁺ or other metal ions for its proteolytic activity .
Structural uniqueness: CAPN10 lacks the calmodulin-like calcium-binding domain (domain IV) that is well conserved among typical calpain members. Instead, it has a divergent C-terminal domain, making it structurally similar to calpains 5 and 6 .
Substrate specificity: CAPN10 specifically processes MAP1 family proteins (MAP1A, MAP1B, and MAP1S) into heavy and light chains, regulating their binding activities to microtubules and actin filaments .
Role in cytoskeletal dynamics: CAPN10 regulates actin dynamics through MAP1B cleavage. When CAPN10 is knocked down or knocked out, there is increased formation of thick actin stress fibers and reduced actin dynamics, as demonstrated by fluorescence recovery after photo-bleaching (FRAP) analysis .
These unique characteristics make CAPN10 a particularly interesting target for research into cytoskeletal regulation and metabolic disorders.
CAPN10 gene polymorphisms have been associated with susceptibility to type 2 diabetes in multiple studies, though the relationship varies by population:
A study in the Korean population identified a novel 111/121 diplotype (SNP-43, -19, and -63) associated with a high risk of T2DM with an odds ratio of 2.580 (95% confidence interval = 1.602-4.155, P = 0.001) . Interestingly, this differed from the high-risk haplotype (112/121) identified in Mexican-Americans, which was not significant in the Korean population .
Population genetics studies of CAPN10 have revealed two distinct deviations from the standard neutral model:
A significant deficit of variation in the haplotype class defined by the derived allele at SNP44, suggesting this haplotype was quickly driven to high frequency by positive natural selection. Interestingly, the derived allele at SNP44 is protective against diabetes .
A local excess of polymorphism and linkage disequilibrium decay in intron 13, potentially explained by long-standing balancing selection that maintains multiple selected alleles .
These findings suggest that different CAPN10 genetic variants may have been subject to different selective pressures across human evolution, possibly related to energy metabolism and storage efficiency (the "thrifty genotype" hypothesis).
When working with biotin-conjugated CAPN10 antibodies, researchers should consider the following experimental conditions for optimal results:
Storage conditions:
Store at -20°C for up to 1 year from the date of receipt
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
For short-term storage, some products can be kept at 4°C for up to one month
Buffer compatibility:
Most biotin-conjugated antibodies are supplied in PBS containing components such as:
For conjugation reactions, use Hepes, MES, MOPS, or other amine-free buffers. Tris buffer can be used up to 20mM with minimal reduction in coupling efficiency
Antibody concentration:
For western blotting, the recommended dilution range for CAPN10 antibodies is typically 1:500-1:2000
For ELISA applications, dilutions may be much higher (e.g., 1:40000)
Sample preparation:
Ensure purification of antibodies before conjugation to avoid labeling of contaminant proteins
Avoid ascites fluid, serum, or hybridoma culture media for conjugation procedures
For optimal conjugation results, antibody concentrations of 1-4 mg/ml are generally recommended
Detection systems:
For biotin-conjugated antibodies, streptavidin-labeled molecules (such as Streptavidin-HRP) are used for detection
In ELISA applications, the biotin-conjugated CAPN10 antibody serves as a detection antibody in a sandwich format
Proximity labeling using biotin-conjugated antibodies represents an innovative approach for identifying protein interactions in fixed cells and primary tissues. When using biotin-conjugated CAPN10 antibodies for proximity labeling, consider these methodological aspects:
Biotinylation by Antibody Recognition (BAR) technique:
BAR is a novel, proximity-based labeling approach that uses antibodies to guide biotin deposition onto adjacent proteins in fixed cells and primary tissues
Unlike traditional proximity labeling methods that require fusion gene insertion, BAR does not require genetic manipulation, making it suitable for primary human tissue samples
Protocol considerations:
Fixation: Begin with proper fixation of cells or tissue samples to preserve cellular architecture while maintaining protein antigenicity
Primary antibody binding: Use anti-CAPN10 antibody to target the protein of interest
Secondary detection: Apply biotin-conjugated secondary antibody or directly use biotin-conjugated anti-CAPN10 antibody
Proximity labeling: The biotin moiety allows identification of proteins in close proximity to CAPN10
Detection and analysis: Use streptavidin-conjugated enzymes or fluorophores to detect biotinylated proteins
Optimization strategies:
Test multiple antibody concentrations to balance specific binding with background signal
Include appropriate controls: no-primary-antibody control, isotype control, and a known interaction control
For differential proteomics applications, consider comparing wild-type vs. CAPN10 knockdown/knockout samples to identify specific interactions
Validation approaches:
Confirm specificity of biotinylation pattern using independent methods (co-IP, confocal microscopy)
Analyze biotinylated proteins by mass spectrometry to identify interacting partners
Validate key interactions using orthogonal techniques like co-immunoprecipitation or FRET
This methodology is particularly valuable for studying CAPN10 interactions with cytoskeletal components such as MAP1 family proteins and their role in actin dynamics.
Measuring CAPN10 enzymatic activity presents unique challenges due to its atypical calcium-independent proteolytic mechanism. Biotin-conjugated CAPN10 antibodies can be integrated into several methodological approaches:
ELISA-based activity assays:
Substrate capture method:
Immobilize known CAPN10 substrates (e.g., recombinant MAP1 family proteins) on a plate
Add sample containing CAPN10
Detect substrate cleavage using biotin-conjugated antibodies that recognize either intact substrate or cleavage products
Measure signal using streptavidin-HRP and appropriate substrate
Activity-dependent antibody recognition:
Some antibodies may preferentially recognize the active form of CAPN10
Use biotin-conjugated versions of such antibodies to detect the proportion of active enzyme
In vitro digestion assay protocol:
Prepare recombinant MAP1B (or other known CAPN10 substrate)
Incubate with recombinant wild-type CAPN10 or inactive C73S mutant (as control)
Test activity both with and without Ca²⁺ and with EDTA to confirm calcium independence
Analyze cleavage products by western blot using biotin-conjugated antibodies
Quantify the ratio of full-length to cleaved substrate as a measure of enzymatic activity
Considerations for experimental design:
Include proper controls:
Optimize substrate concentration and incubation time to ensure linearity of the assay
Account for potential interactions with other calpain family members, particularly in complex samples
The C73S mutant is particularly valuable as a negative control since this mutation affects a conserved cysteine residue at the putative catalytic center of CAPN10 .
CAPN10 biotin-conjugated antibodies provide valuable tools for studying the role of CAPN10 in regulating actin dynamics and cytoskeletal organization, particularly through its processing of MAP1 family proteins:
Immunofluorescence co-localization studies:
Biotin-conjugated CAPN10 antibodies can be used alongside actin and tubulin markers to visualize their spatial relationships
In wild-type cells, processed MAP1B co-localizes with tubulin, while in Capn10⁻/⁻ cells, unprocessed MAP1B co-localizes with actin stress fibers
Protocol approach:
Fix cells using formaldehyde or other appropriate fixatives
Permeabilize cell membranes
Block non-specific binding sites
Incubate with biotin-conjugated CAPN10 antibody and other primary antibodies
Detect using streptavidin-conjugated fluorophores and appropriate secondary antibodies
Analyze using confocal microscopy
Actin dynamics studies:
Combine biotin-conjugated CAPN10 antibodies with fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) to assess CAPN10's role in actin reorganization
FRAP analysis has shown that CAPN10 siRNA significantly reduces fluorescence recovery rate in cells expressing GFP-actin, indicating reduced actin dynamics
Methodology:
Transfect cells with GFP-actin
Knockdown CAPN10 using siRNA
Perform FRAP on actin stress fibers
Measure recovery rate and mobile fraction
Confirm CAPN10 knockdown efficiency using biotin-conjugated antibodies
MAP1 processing analysis:
Western blot protocol using biotin-conjugated antibodies:
The combination of these approaches provides comprehensive analysis of CAPN10's role in cytoskeletal dynamics.
The reliability of CAPN10 biotin-conjugated antibodies for detecting different isoforms depends on several factors including epitope location, specificity, and validation status:
CAPN10 isoform complexity:
Multiple alternative transcript variants have been described for the CAPN10 gene
Different antibodies may recognize distinct epitopes present in some but not all isoforms
Epitope considerations:
N-terminal directed antibodies:
Several commercial antibodies target the N-terminal region of CAPN10
These may detect multiple isoforms that share the N-terminus
Example: Anti-CAPN10 antibody (N-Term) from St John's Laboratory (STJ91979) is generated against a synthesized peptide derived from the N-terminal region of human Calpain 10
Full-length protein antibodies:
Molecular weight detection:
Calculated molecular weight of CAPN10 is approximately 75 kDa
Observed molecular weights vary:
Validation status:
Check manufacturer validation data for each antibody
Western blot validation in multiple cell lines helps confirm specificity
Cross-validation with antibodies targeting different epitopes
Validation in knockout/knockdown samples is particularly valuable:
When selecting a biotin-conjugated CAPN10 antibody for isoform detection, researchers should carefully review the immunogen information and validation data to ensure the antibody can detect their isoform(s) of interest.
Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) using biotin-conjugated CAPN10 antibodies requires careful optimization to identify interacting partners while minimizing background. Here are the key technical considerations:
Protein complex preservation:
Lysis buffer selection:
Use gentle, non-denaturing lysis buffers that preserve protein-protein interactions
Consider buffers containing 1% NP-40 or 0.5% Triton X-100 with physiological salt concentrations
Include protease inhibitors to prevent degradation of CAPN10 and its interacting partners
Calcium considerations:
While CAPN10 is atypical and can function without calcium, include calcium chelators (EDTA/EGTA) in some conditions to distinguish calcium-dependent and independent interactions
Compare results with and without calcium to identify differential interactions
Pull-down strategy optimization:
Direct vs. indirect approach:
Direct: Use biotin-conjugated CAPN10 antibody for direct capture followed by streptavidin beads
Indirect: Use unconjugated CAPN10 antibody for capture, followed by biotin-conjugated secondary antibody and streptavidin beads
Controls:
IgG control: Use species-matched biotin-conjugated IgG
Blocking peptide control: Pre-incubate antibody with immunizing peptide
CAPN10 knockout/knockdown samples: Ideal negative control
Input sample: Include to verify protein expression
Elution and detection strategies:
Gentle elution methods:
Competition with biotin: For streptavidin-biotin based systems
Mild elution buffers: Maintain integrity of co-immunoprecipitated complexes
Western blot detection:
Avoid detecting the heavy and light chains of the IP antibody by using:
HRP-conjugated protein A/G
Light chain-specific secondary antibodies
TrueBlot® detection system
Mass spectrometry preparation:
Consider on-bead digestion to minimize contamination
Include crosslinking before lysis for transient interactions
Validation of interactions:
Perform reciprocal Co-IP experiments (pull down with antibody against interacting protein)
Confirm interactions with known partners like MAP1 family proteins
Use proximity ligation assay (PLA) as an orthogonal method to validate interactions in situ
When specifically investigating interactions between CAPN10 and MAP1 family proteins, researchers should include controls to distinguish between interactions with full-length versus processed forms of these proteins.
When troubleshooting issues with biotin-conjugated CAPN10 antibodies in western blot applications, consider the following methodological approaches to common problems:
High background signal:
Streptavidin reactivity optimization:
Increase blocking time/concentration (use 5% BSA in TBS-T)
Add avidin/biotin blocking step to reduce endogenous biotin
Try different streptavidin-HRP dilutions (typically 1:5000-1:20000)
Consider adding 0.05-0.1% SDS to the antibody diluent
Washing optimization:
Increase number and duration of washes
Use higher salt concentration in wash buffer
Add 0.05% SDS to wash buffer for more stringent washing
Weak or no signal:
Sample preparation:
Verify protein expression in your sample (use positive control)
Optimize protein loading (30-50 μg total protein typically)
Consider enrichment methods before loading
Ensure complete protein transfer (stain membrane post-transfer)
Antibody detection system:
Wrong molecular weight:
CAPN10 calculated molecular weight is approximately 75 kDa
Observed molecular weights may vary:
Multiple bands:
Distinguish between isoforms and degradation products by:
Including freshly prepared lysates with protease inhibitors
Comparing with recombinant protein control
Performing peptide competition assay
Testing in knockout/knockdown samples
Protocol optimization checklist:
Sample preparation: Fresh preparation, include protease inhibitors
Protein loading: 30-50 μg total protein per lane
Transfer conditions: Semi-dry or wet transfer optimized for high molecular weight proteins
Blocking: 5% BSA in TBS-T for 1-2 hours at room temperature
Primary antibody: 1:500-1:2000 dilution, overnight at 4°C
Washing: 3-5 times, 5-10 minutes each with TBS-T
Detection reagent: Streptavidin-HRP at 1:5000-1:20000
Exposure: Start with short exposures and increase as needed