CD9 (cluster of differentiation 9) is a transmembrane glycoprotein with four hydrophobic domains, belonging to the tetraspanin family. It plays roles in:
Cell adhesion and motility: Interacts with integrins (e.g., αIIb/β3 in platelets) to regulate aggregation .
Tumor suppression: Overexpression inhibits metastasis in solid tumors .
Neurological processes: Supports Schwann cell migration and neuronal differentiation .
The biotin-conjugated antibody facilitates detection via streptavidin-based assays, enhancing sensitivity in techniques like flow cytometry and Western blotting .
All clones exhibit specificity for human CD9, with no reported cross-reactivity to other tetraspanins .
CD9 Antibody conjugated to biotin is widely used in immunological assays such as flow cytometry (FACS), Western blotting (WB), immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunocytochemistry (ICC), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). These applications leverage the antibody's ability to bind specifically to the CD9 molecule, a member of the tetraspanin family involved in cell adhesion, motility, and signaling pathways . The biotin conjugation enhances detection sensitivity by enabling interactions with streptavidin-based systems, which are commonly used for signal amplification in these assays .
CD9 is a transmembrane protein that interacts with integrins and other membrane proteins to regulate processes such as cell adhesion, migration, and fusion. Its presence on exosome membranes makes it a critical marker for extracellular vesicle studies . Researchers need to account for its broad tissue distribution and functional diversity when designing experiments to avoid misinterpretation of results due to off-target effects or overlapping functions with other tetraspanins like CD63 and CD81 .
Most commercially available CD9 antibodies are reactive with human samples but may also show cross-reactivity with mouse, rat, or other species due to conserved epitopes within the tetraspanin family . Researchers should verify the antibody's specificity through validation experiments such as Western blotting or IHC using positive and negative controls from the intended species .
To achieve optimal signal-to-noise ratios in flow cytometry experiments using biotin-conjugated antibodies, researchers should perform a biotin blocking step after binding the antibody to streptavidin-coated beads or surfaces. This step prevents nonspecific binding of endogenous biotin-containing molecules, which can interfere with assay specificity . Additionally, careful titration of antibody concentrations and validation using isotype controls are recommended .
CD9 is a prominent marker for EVs due to its abundant expression on exosome membranes. Researchers studying EVs must ensure that their isolation protocols preserve the integrity of exosomes while minimizing contamination from other cellular components. Validation of antibody specificity for EV-bound CD9 versus cell-surface CD9 is crucial . Additionally, researchers should note that expression levels of CD9 vary depending on the cell type of origin, which may influence experimental outcomes .
CD9 has been implicated both as an inhibitor and facilitator of cell fusion in different contexts—e.g., inhibiting myotube fusion during muscle regeneration while enhancing sperm-egg fusion during fertilization . To resolve contradictions in data, researchers should design experiments that account for tissue-specific expression patterns and interactions with co-factors like integrins or other tetraspanins (e.g., CD81). Comparative studies across different cell types or developmental stages may also provide clarity .
Validation involves running Western blot assays with known positive control samples (e.g., human colon cancer tissue lysates) and negative controls where CD9 expression is absent or knocked down via siRNA techniques. Researchers should confirm that observed bands correspond to the expected molecular weight (~25 kDa) under reducing conditions . Using secondary antibodies conjugated to HRP or fluorescent dyes can enhance detection sensitivity .
Antigen retrieval methods vary depending on tissue type and fixation conditions. For human colon cancer tissue sections stained with biotin-conjugated CD9 antibodies, heat-mediated retrieval using EDTA buffer (pH 8.0) or citrate buffer (pH 6.0) has been shown to improve epitope accessibility without damaging tissue morphology . It is recommended that researchers optimize retrieval protocols based on empirical testing across different samples .
Although manufacturers do not routinely measure the number of biotin molecules per antibody structure, estimates range from 3–6 molecules per antibody depending on conjugation conditions . Researchers requiring precise quantification can use mass spectrometry or HPLC-based methods to determine biotinylation levels experimentally .
Observed discrepancies in band sizes (~23–27 kDa versus expected ~25 kDa) may arise due to post-translational modifications like glycosylation or alternative splicing variants of CD9 . Researchers should perform deglycosylation assays or use peptide mapping techniques to confirm the identity of detected bands . Including molecular weight markers and loading controls ensures accurate interpretation of results.
Flow cytometry data analysis requires robust statistical methods such as gating strategies based on fluorescence intensity thresholds and multivariate analysis for comparing populations stained with biotin-conjugated antibodies versus isotype controls . Software tools like FlowJo or FCS Express can facilitate data visualization and quantitative comparisons across experimental groups .
Biotin-conjugated antibodies should be stored at -20°C in buffers containing cryoprotectants like glycerol or trehalose to prevent freeze-thaw degradation . Avoid exposure to light as it may degrade biotin molecules over time . Aliquoting into smaller volumes minimizes repeated freeze-thaw cycles during experimental use.
Nonspecific staining may result from inadequate blocking steps or high antibody concentrations. Researchers should optimize blocking conditions using serum from the host species of secondary antibodies (e.g., goat serum for anti-rabbit secondary antibodies) . Serial dilutions of primary antibodies can help identify optimal working concentrations while minimizing background signals.