zgc:153521 is a secreted protein in zebrafish (Danio rerio) with UniProt Number A0JMH2 and Entrez Gene ID 777620 . This protein is part of the zebrafish gene collection, which contains fully sequenced and annotated genes. The importance of zgc:153521 stems from its potential role in developmental processes, as zebrafish serve as an excellent model organism for studying vertebrate development and disease mechanisms. Zebrafish models have been particularly valuable in studying conditions like tuberculosis , where specialized antibodies enable tracking of protein expression patterns during development and disease progression.
The commercially available zgc:153521 antibody is typically a rabbit polyclonal antibody produced against recombinant Danio rerio (zebrafish) zgc:153521 protein . This antibody is primarily used for:
The antibody is typically purified by antigen affinity chromatography and is supplied with positive controls (recombinant antigen) and negative controls (pre-immune serum) to validate experimental results .
When using zgc:153521 antibody with zebrafish samples, researchers should:
Sample preparation: For adult zebrafish studies, consider using longitudinal tissue sections similar to those employed in tuberculosis model studies . For embryonic studies, whole-mount preparations may be more appropriate.
Fixation optimization: Test both 4% paraformaldehyde (PFA) and alternative fixatives, as epitope accessibility can vary significantly. For developmental studies tracking protein expression over time, consistent fixation protocols are essential.
Antibody validation: Perform Western blot analysis to confirm specific binding at the expected molecular weight. Include appropriate controls:
Positive control: recombinant zgc:153521 protein
Negative control: pre-immune serum
Tissue-specific negative control: tissues known not to express the target
Signal detection: For fluorescent applications, minimize autofluorescence by comparing multiple secondary antibody conjugates (Cy3 has been used successfully with similar zebrafish antibodies ).
Proper experimental controls are critical for ensuring reliable results:
Technical controls:
No primary antibody control
Isotype control (irrelevant rabbit IgG at matching concentration)
Blocking peptide competition assay (pre-incubating antibody with immunizing peptide)
Biological controls:
Quantification controls: Include standardized proteins of known concentration when performing quantitative Western blot analysis.
For comprehensive studies of developmental processes or disease mechanisms:
Dual immunofluorescence: zgc:153521 antibody can be paired with other antibodies (e.g., markers of inflammation or cell death) to study protein co-localization, following protocols similar to those used in zebrafish tuberculosis models .
Transcriptome correlation: Combine antibody-based protein detection with RNA-seq approaches, as demonstrated in zebrafish infection models where whole genome-level transcriptome analysis revealed relationships between protein expression and gene regulation .
Cross-platform validation: Validate antibody-based findings with complementary approaches:
qRT-PCR for gene expression
In situ hybridization for spatial localization
Transgenic reporter lines for real-time visualization
High background signal:
Increase blocking concentration (5-10% normal serum)
Optimize antibody concentration through titration experiments
Try alternative blocking reagents (BSA, milk, commercial blockers)
Increase washing duration and frequency
Weak or no signal:
Test multiple antigen retrieval methods (heat-induced vs. enzymatic)
Modify antibody incubation conditions (time, temperature, concentration)
Ensure protein is not lost during sample preparation
Verify that the target epitope is accessible under your experimental conditions
Cross-reactivity issues:
Perform peptide competition assays
Test antibody on tissues known to lack the target
Consider pre-absorption with related proteins
Zebrafish are valuable model organisms for studying human diseases, particularly infectious diseases like tuberculosis and developmental disorders. The zgc:153521 antibody can be employed to:
Track protein expression changes during disease progression, as demonstrated in M. marinum infection studies in zebrafish where tissue sections were analyzed at different timepoints .
Evaluate treatment efficacy by monitoring protein expression changes following therapeutic interventions.
Study protein localization in response to stressors, similar to studies examining granuloma formation in zebrafish tuberculosis models .
Investigate signal pathway activation, particularly in immune response studies where antibody detection can complement transcriptional analysis of immune response elements .
When studying developmental processes:
Temporal resolution: Plan collection timepoints carefully to capture dynamic expression changes. In zebrafish embryos, consider that zygotic transcription begins around 3 hours post-fertilization (hpf) .
Spatial distribution: Whole-mount preparations can provide valuable spatial information, but may require extended antibody incubation times and specialized permeabilization protocols.
Quantification challenges: Develop consistent imaging and quantification strategies, potentially using automated image analysis tools to reduce bias.
Developmental context: Interpret findings in light of concurrent developmental events, as protein function may vary depending on developmental stage.
Quantitative analysis of zgc:153521 expression requires:
Western blot quantification:
Use appropriate loading controls (housekeeping proteins)
Employ standard curves with recombinant protein for absolute quantification
Apply digital image analysis with software that accounts for non-linear signal response
Immunohistochemistry quantification:
Establish consistent image acquisition parameters
Develop tissue-specific scoring systems (e.g., H-score, Allred score)
Consider automated analysis tools to reduce bias
Statistical approaches:
Account for biological and technical variability
Apply appropriate statistical tests based on data distribution
Consider sample size calculations to ensure adequate power
Multiple bioinformatic resources can enhance interpretation of antibody-based findings:
Sequence and structure databases:
Functional prediction tools:
Gene Ontology resources for predicted functions
Pathway analysis tools to place findings in broader biological context
Comparative genomics to identify homologs in other species
Integration with transcriptomic data: