DNAJC7 (DnaJ Heat Shock Protein Family Member C7) is a co-chaperone protein involved in cellular stress response and protein quality control. Antibodies targeting DNAJC7 are critical tools for studying its role in neurodegenerative diseases, particularly amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). These antibodies enable detection and analysis of DNAJC7 expression, localization, and interactions in experimental models .
Target: DNAJC7 (UniProt ID: Q8IXX5)
DNAJC7 facilitates client protein folding via interactions with HSP70 chaperones. Mutations in DNAJC7 are genetically linked to ALS, implicating its dysfunction in motor neuron degeneration .
Genetic Evidence: Rare DNAJC7 variants (e.g., p.Arg156His) were identified in ALS patients, suggesting a loss-of-function mechanism .
Pathogenic Mechanisms: DNAJC7 dysfunction may disrupt protein homeostasis, leading to toxic aggregate accumulation in neurons .
A 2023 study evaluating 614 commercial antibodies (including DNAJC7 reagents) revealed:
The DNAJC7 Antibody (#80718, Cell Signaling Technology) demonstrates:
Specificity: Endogenous detection across human, mouse, and rat samples .
Utility: Used to quantify DNAJC7 expression in ALS patient-derived cells and animal models .
Protein language models (pLMs) have been employed to evolve antibodies with enhanced affinity and reduced immunogenicity, though not yet applied to DNAJC7 .
STRING: 7955.ENSDARP00000104413
UniGene: Dr.92571
DNAI7 antibodies have been rigorously validated for several applications in molecular and cellular biology research. Based on current literature and manufacturer specifications, DNAI7 antibodies are suitable for Western Blot (WB), Immunohistochemistry with paraffin-embedded tissues (IHC-P), and Immunocytochemistry (ICC) .
For Western blotting applications, optimal results are typically achieved using a dilution of 1/500, as demonstrated with rat brain tissue lysate samples. The predicted band sizes for DNAI7 detection are 25 kDa, 53 kDa, and 83 kDa, with an observed band size of approximately 84 kDa in experimental settings .
For IHC-P applications, a 1/100 dilution has shown effective staining in human lymph node tissue samples .
Most commercially available DNAI7 antibodies demonstrate reactivity with human and rat samples . The protein sequence homology between species is significant, with mouse and rat DNAI7 sharing approximately 84% identity with human DNAI7 . This high degree of conservation makes many anti-human DNAI7 antibodies suitable for cross-species applications, though optimization may be required for specific experimental settings.
| Species | Reactivity | Sequence Identity to Human DNAI7 |
|---|---|---|
| Human | Confirmed | 100% |
| Rat | Confirmed | 84% |
| Mouse | Predicted | 84% |
For optimal DNAI7 detection, consider the following methodological approach:
Use freshly prepared tissue or cell lysates whenever possible
Include protease inhibitors in your lysis buffer to prevent protein degradation
For membrane-associated proteins like DNAI7, employ a lysis buffer containing mild detergents (0.5-1% NP-40 or Triton X-100)
Perform tissue homogenization or cell lysis at 4°C to minimize proteolysis
Centrifuge lysates at high speed (>10,000 × g) to remove cellular debris
Quantify protein concentration using Bradford or BCA assay prior to loading for Western blot analysis
For Western blotting, reducing conditions are recommended based on experimental evidence with DNAI7 detection .
Nonspecific binding is a common challenge with DNA-conjugated antibodies, including those targeting DNAI7. Research has shown that nonspecific binding is particularly problematic in nuclear regions and can vary depending on the antibody . To minimize this issue, consider implementing the following optimization strategies:
Convert single-stranded conjugated DNA to double-stranded DNA by hybridizing complementary DNA strands before antibody incubation
Add dextran sulfate (0.02-0.5%) to compete for electrostatic interactions with positively charged molecules
Include sheared salmon sperm DNA (100-500 μg/ml) as a blocking agent
Increase buffer ionic strength by adding NaCl (100-500 mM)
Use high molecular weight (>500 kDa or 9-20 kDa) dextran sulfate for more consistent performance
A comparative study demonstrated that these modifications significantly reduced nonspecific nuclear signals while preserving specific target signals in immunofluorescence applications .
For optimal DNAI7 detection in tissue samples, fixation method selection is critical. The following approach is recommended based on current research practices:
For IHC-P applications: 10% neutral buffered formalin fixation for 24-48 hours, followed by paraffin embedding
For frozen sections: 4% paraformaldehyde fixation for 10-15 minutes
For cultured cells: 4% paraformaldehyde (10 minutes) or methanol/acetone (1:1, -20°C, 10 minutes)
Post-fixation antigen retrieval methods such as heat-induced epitope retrieval (HIER) with citrate buffer (pH 6.0) or EDTA buffer (pH 9.0) may enhance staining intensity and specificity for formalin-fixed samples .
Rigorous validation of DNAI7 antibodies is essential for ensuring experimental reliability. A comprehensive validation approach includes:
Specificity testing:
Knockdown/knockout controls using siRNA or CRISPR-Cas9
Peptide competition assays with the immunogen
Western blot analysis confirming expected molecular weight(s)
Application-specific validation:
Cross-species reactivity assessment:
Documentation:
Maintain detailed records of all validation experiments
Document lot-to-lot variability when replacing antibody stocks
DNAI7 (CASC1) is involved in cilia function regulation through its association with the multisubunit axonemal dynein complex . Axonemal dyneins are force-generating proteins that produce movement in respiratory cilia, similar to other dynein family members that generate force toward the minus ends of microtubules .
Key functional aspects of DNAI7 include:
Participation in the regulation of cilia motility and structure
Association with microtubule-dependent cellular processes
Possible roles in intracellular transport mechanisms
Understanding these functions is crucial for research into ciliopathies and related disorders affecting ciliary function.
Recent advances in multiplexed protein imaging offer powerful approaches for studying DNAI7 in complex cellular contexts. DNA-barcoded antibodies combined with hybridization chain reaction (HCR) methods provide a framework for multiplexed detection .
To implement DNAI7 antibodies in multiplexed protocols:
Antibody conjugation:
Protocol optimization:
Signal amplification:
Imaging considerations:
Employ sequential imaging or spectrally distinct fluorophores
Consider photobleaching strategies for iterative detection of multiple targets
This approach enables visualization of DNAI7 alongside other proteins of interest in both cultured cells and tissue sections .
Detection of DNAI7 in primary cilia presents several technical challenges:
Low abundance:
DNAI7 may be expressed at relatively low levels in some cell types
Signal amplification strategies may be necessary for reliable detection
Structural complexity:
Cilia are complex structures with densely packed proteins
Antibody accessibility to target epitopes may be limited
Fixation sensitivity:
Ciliary structures can be disrupted by harsh fixation methods
Mild fixation protocols (e.g., 2% PFA for 10 minutes) may better preserve ciliary architecture
Background issues:
Validation concerns:
Proper controls should include cells lacking primary cilia (e.g., through IFT88 knockdown)
Co-staining with established ciliary markers (acetylated tubulin, ARL13B) helps confirm ciliary localization
To investigate DNAI7 interactions with other dynein complex components, consider implementing the following experimental design:
Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP):
Use anti-DNAI7 antibodies to pull down protein complexes
Analyze precipitated proteins by Western blot or mass spectrometry
Include appropriate controls (IgG, lysate input)
Proximity ligation assay (PLA):
Combine DNAI7 antibodies with antibodies against potential interacting partners
Visualize protein-protein interactions in situ with single-molecule sensitivity
Quantify interaction signals using appropriate imaging software
FRET/BRET analysis:
Generate fluorescent/bioluminescent fusion proteins with DNAI7 and potential partners
Measure energy transfer as an indicator of protein proximity
Validate results with mutant constructs lacking interaction domains
Cross-linking mass spectrometry:
Apply protein cross-linking reagents to stabilize transient interactions
Digest complexes and analyze by mass spectrometry
Map interaction interfaces at amino acid resolution
Yeast two-hybrid or mammalian two-hybrid screening:
Screen for novel DNAI7 interaction partners
Validate candidates with orthogonal methods (Co-IP, PLA)
Robust experimental design requires appropriate controls to ensure valid interpretation of results:
Negative controls:
Primary antibody omission
Isotype-matched control antibodies
DNAI7 knockdown or knockout samples (siRNA, shRNA, CRISPR)
Secondary antibody-only controls
Positive controls:
Tissues/cells known to express DNAI7 (e.g., ciliated respiratory epithelium)
Recombinant DNAI7 protein for Western blot standardization
DNAI7 overexpression systems
Experimental validation controls:
Multiple antibodies targeting different DNAI7 epitopes
Peptide competition assays
Cross-species validation in tissues with known conservation
Technical controls:
Loading controls for Western blot (β-actin, GAPDH)
Nuclear counterstains for microscopy (DAPI, Hoechst)
Ciliary markers for co-localization (acetylated tubulin, ARL13B)
Inclusion and proper documentation of these controls significantly enhances the reliability and reproducibility of research findings.
For accurate quantitative analysis of DNAI7 expression, consider these methodological approaches:
Western blot quantification:
Use validated loading controls appropriate for your experimental system
Implement linear range detection methods (avoid saturation)
Apply normalization to total protein using stain-free technology or Ponceau S
Employ densitometry software with background subtraction
qRT-PCR analysis:
Design primers specific to DNAI7 (consider isoform specificity)
Validate primer efficiency using standard curves
Select appropriate reference genes based on experimental conditions
Apply the ΔΔCt or standard curve method for quantification
Immunofluorescence quantification:
Use consistent image acquisition parameters
Apply automated analysis workflows to minimize bias
Measure integrated density or mean fluorescence intensity
Normalize to cell number or area as appropriate
Flow cytometry:
Optimize antibody concentration using titration experiments
Include fluorescence-minus-one (FMO) controls
Measure median fluorescence intensity for population analysis
Consider cell cycle phase when interpreting results
Each of these approaches has strengths and limitations that should be considered based on the specific research questions being addressed.
When encountering weak or absent signals in DNAI7 detection, consider the following troubleshooting approaches:
Antibody-related factors:
Verify antibody quality and storage conditions
Test increased antibody concentration
Try alternative antibody clones or lots
Sample preparation:
Optimize protein extraction method for your specific tissue/cell type
Use freshly prepared samples when possible
Include protease inhibitors during extraction
Detection enhancement:
Implement signal amplification methods (HRP polymers, tyramide signal amplification)
For IHC/ICC, optimize antigen retrieval methods (HIER, enzymatic retrieval)
Extend primary antibody incubation time (overnight at 4°C)
Protocol modifications:
Adjust blocking conditions to reduce background
Optimize buffer composition (detergent concentration, salt concentration)
Modify washing steps (duration, number of washes)
Technical considerations:
Verify detection system functionality with positive control antibodies
Check for instrument sensitivity issues in imaging systems
Consider target abundance and expression level variability
Nonspecific binding is a significant challenge in DNAI7 immunostaining, particularly with DNA-conjugated antibodies. The following approaches have demonstrated efficacy in reducing background:
Blocking optimization:
Use 5-10% serum from the species of secondary antibody origin
Add 0.1-0.3% Triton X-100 or 0.05% Tween-20 for membrane permeabilization
Include 1-3% BSA to reduce nonspecific protein interactions
DNA-conjugated antibody specific strategies:
Washing modifications:
Increase washing duration and frequency
Add 0.05-0.1% Tween-20 to wash buffers
Use higher salt concentration in wash buffers (150-500 mM NaCl)
Antibody dilution optimization:
Perform antibody titration experiments to determine optimal concentration
Prepare antibody dilutions in blocking buffer rather than basic buffer
Tissue/cell preparation:
Optimize fixation conditions (duration, fixative concentration)
Implement appropriate antigen retrieval methods
Consider tissue-specific autofluorescence quenching methods
A systematic approach testing these variables can significantly improve signal-to-noise ratio in DNAI7 detection .
Distinguishing specific from nonspecific bands in DNAI7 Western blots requires systematic validation:
Size verification:
Control experiments:
Run parallel lanes with DNAI7 knockdown/knockout samples
Include recombinant DNAI7 protein as positive control
Perform peptide competition assays with immunizing peptide
Sample preparation optimization:
Test multiple lysis buffers with different detergent compositions
Compare reducing vs. non-reducing conditions
Include phosphatase inhibitors to preserve post-translational modifications
Protocol improvements:
Optimize transfer conditions for high molecular weight proteins
Adjust blocking time and concentration
Test different membrane types (PVDF vs. nitrocellulose)
Technical considerations:
Use freshly prepared samples and reagents
Ensure consistent loading with appropriate controls
Consider gradient gels for better resolution of target protein
Methodical application of these approaches facilitates accurate identification of specific DNAI7 bands .