CDH11 antibodies bind to the extracellular domain of Cadherin-11, a type II classical cadherin encoded by the cdh11 gene (16q22.1). Key features include:
Structural specificity: Target epitopes within the EC domain (Phe23-Thr617), enabling Ca²⁺-dependent homophilic adhesion inhibition .
Mechanistic action: Disrupt CDH11-mediated interactions with β-catenin, fibronectin, and syndecan-4, suppressing metastasis and cancer stem cell (CSC) phenotypes .
Epigenetic modulation: Anti-CDH11 antibodies increase miR-335/CDH11 ratios, downregulating pro-metastatic pathways .
Tumor stratification: CDH11 promoter methylation status predicts survival in osteosarcoma (OS) and head/neck cancers .
Immunohistochemistry: Validated in human placenta, prostate cancer (PC-3), and breast tumors .
Breast cancer: Anti-CDH11 antibodies inhibit the HOXC8-CDH11-Trio-Rac axis, reducing lung/bone metastasis in murine models (p < 0.001) .
Gastric cancer: Conflicting roles observed—CDH11 silencing suppresses early-stage tumors but promotes invasion in advanced GC via stromal interactions .
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC): CDH11 mutations (e.g., S76F, G323R) serve as prognostic biomarkers for lymphatic invasion .
Rheumatoid arthritis: CDH11⁺ fibroblasts drive synovial hyperplasia; antibody blockade reduced joint erosion in preclinical models .
Atherosclerosis: CDH11 deficiency alters immune profiles (↑CD4⁺ T cells, ↓anti-inflammatory macrophages) but exacerbates plaque inflammation .
Therapeutic optimization: Humanized anti-CDH11 antibodies (e.g., SYN0012) require phase I trials for safety/efficacy in metastatic cancers .
Biomarker validation: Large-scale studies needed to reconcile CDH11’s dual roles in early vs. late-stage tumors .
Immune modulation: CDH11’s interaction with MHC class II in macrophages (↑H2-Aa, H2-Ab1) suggests combinatorial immunotherapy potential .
Applications : Western blot
Sample type: cells
Review: the CDH11 protein exhibited notably higher expression in the metastatic OSCC tissues than in the non-metastatic OSCC tissues.
CDH11 (Cadherin-11), also known as OB-cadherin (osteoblast cadherin), is a type II classical cadherin that functions in calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion. This 796 amino acid transmembrane protein has a molecular weight of approximately 88-110 kDa . CDH11 is primarily expressed in brain tissue but is also found in various other tissues, including synovial tissues, and is involved in:
Calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion via plasma membrane adhesion molecules
Cell differentiation processes, particularly in mesenchymal stem cells
Regulation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)
CDH11 mediates these functions through interaction with cytoplasmic proteins including β-catenin and p120 catenin, activating downstream signaling pathways such as MAPK and NF-κB .
CDH11 antibodies have been validated for multiple applications across various research settings:
When selecting an antibody for a specific application, researchers should consult validation data for each antibody and optimize dilutions for their specific experimental conditions .
Proper storage and handling of CDH11 antibodies is critical for maintaining their activity and specificity:
Temperature requirements: Most CDH11 antibodies should be stored at 2-8°C (refrigerated) . Some antibody formats may require storage at -80°C for long-term preservation .
Storage buffer considerations: Antibodies are typically supplied in buffers containing stabilizers such as BSA. Some antibodies are available in PBS-only formulations for conjugation purposes .
Avoid freeze-thaw cycles: Repeated freezing and thawing can damage antibody structure and reduce activity. Most fluorophore-conjugated antibodies should never be frozen .
Concentration considerations: Working dilutions should be prepared fresh before use, while stock solutions should remain at recommended storage conditions.
Light sensitivity: Fluorophore-conjugated CDH11 antibodies (PE, APC, Alexa Fluor) should be protected from prolonged light exposure to prevent photobleaching .
Always consult product-specific information for optimal storage and handling recommendations for particular antibody clones or formats.
Determining optimal antibody dilutions is critical for obtaining specific signals while minimizing background. For CDH11 antibodies, consider:
Western Blot Optimization:
Begin with manufacturer-recommended dilutions (typically 1:1000-1:2000)
Use positive control samples with known CDH11 expression (PC-3 prostate cancer cell line shows strong CDH11 expression)
Test serial dilutions (e.g., 1:500, 1:1000, 1:2000, 1:5000)
Use reducing conditions and Immunoblot Buffer Group 1 for optimal results
Expected band size: approximately 110-137 kDa depending on cell type and post-translational modifications
Immunohistochemistry Optimization:
Start with 8-15 μg/mL concentration for paraffin-embedded sections
Include appropriate antigen retrieval methods
Test different incubation times and temperatures (overnight at 4°C often yields best results)
Include positive control tissues (placenta or prostate cancer tissues)
Flow Cytometry Optimization:
Begin with 5 μL per million cells or 5 μL per 100 μL whole blood
Include appropriate isotype controls (e.g., PE Mouse IgG1, κ Isotype for PE-conjugated anti-CDH11)
Test on cells with known CDH11 expression (H460 lung cancer cells)
As noted across multiple antibody datasheets: "Optimal dilutions should be determined by each laboratory for each application" .
Proper controls are critical for interpreting results obtained with CDH11 antibodies:
Positive Controls:
Cell lines: PC-3 (prostate cancer), H460 (lung cancer), and MCF7/MDA-MB-231 (breast cancer) cells express detectable levels of CDH11
Tissues: Human placenta, prostate cancer, and ovary tissues show CDH11 expression
Recombinant proteins: Purified recombinant CDH11 can be used as a positive control in immunoblotting and ELISA applications
Negative Controls:
Primary antibody omission: To assess non-specific binding of secondary antibody
Isotype controls: For flow cytometry, use appropriate isotype-matched non-specific antibodies (PE Mouse IgG1, κ Isotype for PE-conjugated anti-CDH11)
CDH11 knockdown/knockout: siRNA-mediated CDH11 silencing to confirm antibody specificity
Specificity Controls:
Cross-reactivity testing: Some antibodies show <5% cross-reactivity with related cadherins (e.g., recombinant human Cadherin-7)
Blocking peptides: Pre-incubation of antibody with immunizing peptide should eliminate specific staining
Multiple antibody validation: Using different antibody clones targeting distinct epitopes of CDH11 to confirm findings
Implementing these controls helps ensure the reliability and reproducibility of experimental results with CDH11 antibodies.
CDH11 expression and localization show notable differences between normal tissues and various disease states:
Normal Tissues:
Brain: CDH11 is primarily expressed in neuroblasts and neural tissues
Placenta: Shows discrete CDH11 localization patterns in specific cell types
Osteoblasts: As "OB-cadherin," CDH11 plays a role in normal bone development
Cancer:
Breast cancer: CDH11 is associated with invasive breast carcinoma and shows increased expression compared to normal breast tissue
Prostate cancer: Strong membranous staining in PC-3 cells and prostate cancer tissues
Glioblastoma: CDH11 expression affects prognosis in newly diagnosed primary glioblastoma
Inflammatory Diseases:
Rheumatoid arthritis: CDH11 is upregulated in synovial fibroblasts and contributes to inflammatory responses through MAPK and NF-κB activation
CDH11 stimulates synovial fibroblasts to produce chemokines, cytokines, and matrix metalloproteinases
Localization Differences:
Normal cells: Primarily membranous localization
Cancer cells: Often shows altered distribution with cytoplasmic localization in addition to membranous staining
EMT processes: CDH11 expression increases during epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, correlating with increased vimentin and fibronectin expression
Immunohistochemical analysis using CDH11 antibodies can help visualize these differences, with methods such as the Anti-Mouse or Anti-Goat HRP-DAB Cell & Tissue Staining Kits providing clear visualization when counterstained with hematoxylin .
CDH11 regulates multiple signaling pathways that contribute to cancer progression and metastasis:
Wnt/β-catenin Pathway:
CDH11 expression correlates with increased β-catenin levels in metastatic breast cancer
Anti-CDH11 antibody treatment suppresses β-catenin expression in metastatic breast cancer cells
By targeting β-catenin and CDH11, researchers can regulate canonical Wnt-signaling pathway activity
TGF-β Signaling:
CDH11 regulates TGF-β1 expression and affects cellular differentiation through TGF-β receptor II (TGF-β-RII) pathway
TGF-β1 increases CDH11 expression by activating SMAD2/3-Snail signaling pathway
This bidirectional regulation creates a feedback loop promoting metastatic potential
MAPK and NF-κB Activation:
CDH11 induces IL-6 production through MAPK signaling and NF-κB activation
CDH11 synergizes with pro-inflammatory molecules (TNF-α, IL-1β) to enhance expression of inflammatory mediators
This inflammatory signaling contributes to metastatic niche formation
Rho/ROCK Pathway:
CDH11 can activate serum response factor (SRF) and smooth muscle cell proteins through the Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) pathway
This pathway regulates cytoskeletal reorganization required for cell migration
miR-335 Regulatory Axis:
A negative correlation exists between CDH11 and microRNA-335 (miR-335)
Anti-CDH11 antibody treatment increases the miR-335/CDH11 ratio
This regulatory axis influences expression of metastasis-associated genes including β-catenin and vimentin
Experimental approaches to study these pathways include:
Western blot analysis of pathway components after CDH11 manipulation
Phosphorylation-specific antibodies to assess pathway activation
Reporter assays for transcriptional activity
Co-immunoprecipitation to detect protein-protein interactions
In vivo metastasis models with pathway inhibitors
Anti-CDH11 antibodies have shown promising therapeutic potential in cancer research models through multiple mechanisms:
Suppression of Metastasis:
In vivo administration of anti-CDH11 antibody (1 mg/kg, 5 times per week) significantly reduced distant metastasis in mice bearing MCF7 or MDA-MB-231 breast cancer xenografts
Treatment was initiated on day 8 post-tumor inoculation via intravenous delivery
Anti-CDH11 monoclonal antibody (clone 2C67) was effective at suppressing metastatic spread
Molecular Mechanism of Action:
Anti-CDH11 antibody suppresses expression of:
Increases miR-335/CDH11 ratio, enhancing anti-metastatic effects
Inhibition of Cancer Stem Cell-like Phenotype:
Treatment with anti-CDH11 antibody abrogates cancer stem cell (CSC)-like traits in breast cancer cells
Reduces CD44high/CD24low population as measured by flow cytometry
Inhibits mammosphere formation capacity
Experimental Protocols:
For in vitro studies:
For in vivo studies:
Combination approaches:
Anti-CDH11 antibody can be combined with miR-335 mimics for enhanced anti-metastatic effects
Potential synergy with conventional chemotherapeutics
This therapeutic approach highlights CDH11 as a promising target for metastasis-limiting treatments in breast cancer and potentially other CDH11-expressing malignancies .
Investigating CDH11's role in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) requires multiple complementary methodologies:
Cell Culture Models:
Co-culture systems: Culturing breast cancer cells (MCF7, MDA-MB-231) with cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) for 72 hours induces EMT with increased CDH11 expression
3D culture systems: Better recapitulate the in vivo tumor microenvironment than 2D cultures
TGF-β1 treatment: Activates SMAD2/3-Snail signaling pathway to increase CDH11 expression and promote EMT
Protein Expression Analysis:
Western blot protocol:
Harvest protein (20 μg/lane) from parental or manipulated cells
Separate using 10% SDS/PAGE gel
Transfer to PVDF membrane
Block with 5% skim milk in TBST for 1 hour at room temperature
Incubate with primary antibodies against:
CDH11 (1:1000, clone 2C67)
E-cadherin (1:1000, epithelial marker)
Vimentin (1:1000, mesenchymal marker)
β-catenin (1:2000)
Other EMT markers (Snail, Slug, etc.)
Immunofluorescence/Immunocytochemistry:
Dual labeling of CDH11 with epithelial markers (E-cadherin) and mesenchymal markers (vimentin)
Track cellular localization changes during EMT progression
Use fluorescently-labeled CDH11 antibodies (PE, APC, or Alexa Fluor 647 conjugates)
Functional Assays:
Migration assays: Boyden chamber or wound healing assays to assess increased motility
Invasion assays: Matrigel-coated transwell systems to quantify invasive capacity
Mechanical testing: Atomic force microscopy to measure changes in cell stiffness during EMT
Gene Expression Manipulation:
CDH11 knockdown: siRNA-mediated silencing to assess dependency of EMT on CDH11
CDH11 overexpression: Transfection with CDH11 expression vectors
miR-335 modulation: Using miR-335 mimics or inhibitors to regulate CDH11 expression
Flow Cytometry Analysis:
Harvest 1×106 breast cancer cells after relevant treatments or manipulations
Incubate with 10 μl anti-CD44-PE and anti-CD24-FITC antibodies at room temperature for 30 min
Wash and resuspend in 200 μl PBS
Analyze with flow cytometer to quantify CD44high/CD24low EMT/stem-like population
In Vivo Models:
Orthotopic xenograft models with immunocompromised mice
Assessment of circulating tumor cells and distant metastasis
Treatment with anti-CDH11 antibodies or miR-335 mimics to assess reversal of EMT
These methodologies, used in combination, provide comprehensive insights into CDH11's role in promoting and maintaining EMT during cancer progression.
The relationship between CDH11 and microRNA-335 (miR-335) represents a critical regulatory axis in metastatic potential:
Inverse Correlation:
A strong negative correlation exists between CDH11 and miR-335 expression in metastatic breast cancer models
As miR-335 levels decrease, CDH11 expression increases, promoting metastatic phenotypes
Chen et al. identified this relationship and demonstrated its functional significance
Molecular Mechanism:
miR-335 likely targets CDH11 mRNA directly or indirectly for degradation or translational repression
Ectopic expression of miR-335 suppresses:
This coordinated suppression attenuates both metastatic potential and cancer stem cell-like traits
Experimental Evidence:
Transfection with miR-335 mimic reduces CDH11 expression and metastatic capacity in breast cancer cells
Conversely, inhibition of miR-335 results in increased metastatic potential
Anti-CDH11 antibody treatment increases miR-335 expression, suggesting a feedback loop
In vivo studies show that administration of miR-335 mimic suppresses tumorigenesis and inhibits cancer metastasis
Therapeutic Ratio Concept:
The miR-335/CDH11 ratio is more predictive of metastatic potential than either marker alone
Enhanced miR-335/CDH11 ratio correlates with suppression of:
Anti-CDH11 antibody therapy significantly increases this ratio, contributing to its efficacy
Experimental Approaches to Study This Relationship:
Dual luciferase reporter assays to confirm direct miR-335 targeting of CDH11
Site-directed mutagenesis of predicted miR-335 binding sites in CDH11 3'UTR
qRT-PCR analysis of miR-335 and CDH11 expression levels after various treatments
Western blot analysis of downstream effectors
In vivo delivery of miR-335 mimic using polyethylenimine (in vivo-jetPEI®) carrier
This inverse relationship provides a mechanistic basis for developing therapeutic strategies targeting either CDH11 (through antibodies) or miR-335 (through mimics), with potential for combination approaches to maximize anti-metastatic effects .
Validating CDH11 antibody specificity is critical for generating reliable research data. Recommended validation methods include:
Genetic Approaches:
siRNA knockdown: Transfect cells with CDH11-specific siRNA and confirm reduction in antibody signal
CRISPR/Cas9 knockout: Generate CDH11 knockout cell lines as negative controls
Overexpression systems: Transfect CDH11-negative cells with CDH11 expression vectors
Biochemical Validation:
Western blot analysis:
Peptide competition assays: Pre-incubate antibody with immunizing peptide to confirm specificity
Immunoprecipitation:
Perform IP followed by mass spectrometry to confirm target identity
Reciprocal IP with different CDH11 antibodies to verify consistent pulldown
Cross-reactivity Testing:
Test on related cadherin family members
Use known positive and negative control cell lines:
Multiple Application Concordance:
Compare staining patterns across multiple techniques (WB, IHC, IF, Flow cytometry)
Consistent results across techniques strengthen confidence in antibody specificity
Tissue Expression Pattern:
Verify expected tissue expression patterns in normal human tissues
CDH11 is expressed mainly in brain but also found in other tissues including placenta
A comprehensive validation approach using multiple methods provides the strongest evidence for antibody specificity and ensures reliable research outcomes.
Troubleshooting CDH11 antibody staining issues requires systematic approach based on the specific application:
Western Blot Troubleshooting:
Immunohistochemistry Troubleshooting:
Flow Cytometry Troubleshooting:
General Considerations:
Storage issues: Antibody degradation can occur with improper storage or repeated freeze-thaw cycles
Secondary antibody mismatch: Ensure secondary antibody correctly matches the host species of primary antibody
Fixation sensitivity: Some epitopes may be sensitive to particular fixatives
Batch variability: Different lots of the same antibody may show performance variations
When troubleshooting, change only one variable at a time and include appropriate positive and negative controls to systematically identify and resolve issues.
Selecting the appropriate CDH11 antibody clone requires careful consideration of multiple factors:
Epitope Recognition:
Extracellular domain antibodies:
Intracellular domain antibodies:
Useful for detecting CDH11 in fixed/permeabilized samples
Often better for detecting processed forms of CDH11
Full-length protein antibodies:
Clone Performance in Specific Applications:
Species Reactivity:
Human-specific antibodies: Most research focuses on human CDH11
Mouse-reactive antibodies: Necessary for mouse models
Multi-species reactive:
Validation Status:
Level of validation varies between commercially available antibodies
Consider antibodies with validation in knockout/knockdown systems
Check for validation in multiple applications and cell types
Review published literature using specific clones
Monoclonal vs. Polyclonal Considerations:
Monoclonal antibodies:
Polyclonal antibodies:
Functional Applications:
Neutralizing/blocking antibodies:
Non-neutralizing antibodies:
Better for detection applications without interfering with function
Researchers should carefully review validation data, published studies, and manufacturer recommendations before selecting a CDH11 antibody clone for their specific research question.
CDH11 antibodies are increasingly being used to investigate inflammatory diseases, particularly rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other inflammatory conditions:
Rheumatoid Arthritis Research:
CDH11 is expressed in synovial fibroblasts and contributes to inflammatory joint destruction
Antibodies detect upregulation of CDH11 in RA synovial tissue compared to osteoarthritis or normal joints
CDH11 stimulates synovial fibroblasts to produce pro-inflammatory mediators:
Inflammatory Signaling Pathway Analysis:
CDH11 antibodies help elucidate how CDH11 activates:
These pathways synergize with other pro-inflammatory molecules such as TNF-α and IL-1β
Immunoprecipitation with CDH11 antibodies followed by proteomics can identify novel interaction partners
Sex-Specific Inflammatory Regulation:
Studies have shown that estrogen can enhance CDH11-mediated inflammatory responses
CDH11 antibodies help track differential expression and activity between male and female patients
This research may explain sex-dependent differences in inflammatory disease prevalence and severity
Therapeutic Targeting in Inflammatory Diseases:
Similar to cancer applications, anti-CDH11 antibodies may have therapeutic potential in inflammatory diseases
Methodological approaches:
In vitro: Treating synovial fibroblasts with anti-CDH11 antibodies and measuring inflammatory mediator production
Ex vivo: Culturing patient-derived synovial tissue with anti-CDH11 antibodies
In vivo: Animal models of inflammatory arthritis treated with anti-CDH11 antibodies
Fibrosis and Tissue Remodeling:
CDH11 plays a role in fibrotic diseases through regulation of extracellular matrix production
Antibodies help track CDH11 expression in models of pulmonary, renal, and hepatic fibrosis
Dual staining with fibroblast markers helps identify CDH11-expressing cells in fibrotic tissues
Methodological approaches for studying CDH11 in inflammatory contexts include immunohistochemistry of affected tissues, ELISA measurement of inflammatory mediators after CDH11 manipulation, and co-culture systems modeling complex inflammatory microenvironments.
Several innovative technological approaches are enhancing CDH11 antibody specificity and utility:
Recombinant Antibody Technology:
Single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) targeting CDH11 offer improved tissue penetration
Humanized anti-CDH11 antibodies reduce immunogenicity for therapeutic applications
Site-specific conjugation techniques for attaching fluorophores or drugs at defined positions, improving consistency
Multiplex Detection Systems:
Cytometric bead arrays using CDH11 antibodies:
Mass cytometry (CyTOF) compatible anti-CDH11 antibodies for high-dimensional analysis
Single-Cell Applications:
TotalSeq™ antibodies (e.g., TotalSeq™-C0131 anti-human CDH11)
Compatible with single-cell RNA sequencing for simultaneous protein and gene expression analysis
Enables correlation between CDH11 protein levels and transcriptome changes at single-cell resolution
Advanced Imaging Applications:
Super-resolution microscopy compatible antibody formats
Proximity ligation assays (PLA) to detect CDH11 interactions with binding partners with nanometer resolution
Multiplexed immunofluorescence with Alexa Fluor® 647 anti-human CDH11 for co-localization studies
Therapeutic Delivery Innovations:
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) targeting CDH11 for selective delivery of cytotoxic agents to CDH11-expressing cells
Bispecific antibodies targeting CDH11 and immune effector cells for enhanced immune responses against CDH11-positive tumors
Combination with nanoparticle delivery systems:
Conjugation-Ready Formats:
Antibodies in PBS-only buffer (BSA and azide-free) at defined concentrations (1 mg/mL)
Ready for conjugation to various tags, fluorophores, or functional groups
Enables customized applications beyond standard commercial offerings
These technological advances are expanding the research and therapeutic applications of CDH11 antibodies beyond traditional detection methods, allowing for more sophisticated experimental designs and potential clinical translation.
CDH11 plays critical roles in normal development across multiple tissue types, with antibodies providing essential tools for elucidating these functions:
Neural Development:
CDH11 is primarily expressed in the developing brain and neuroblasts
Immunohistochemistry with CDH11 antibodies reveals expression patterns in:
Neural crest cells during migration
Specific neuronal populations during circuit formation
Boundary regions between developing brain structures
These studies suggest roles in neural patterning and circuit formation
Mesenchymal Differentiation:
CDH11 is necessary for mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation into specific lineages
Antibody-based studies show that CDH11:
Bone Development:
As "OB-cadherin," CDH11 plays crucial roles in osteoblast function and bone formation
CDH11 antibodies help track:
Expression patterns during different stages of osteoblast differentiation
Alterations in CDH11 localization during mineralization processes
Interactions with other adhesion molecules in developing bone
Placental Development:
TGF-β1 increases CDH11 expression by activating SMAD2/3-Snail signaling pathway, promoting differentiation of human trophoblast cells
Immunohistochemical studies with CDH11 antibodies reveal specific localization patterns in placental tissues
Methodological Approaches:
Temporal expression analysis:
Immunohistochemical staining of tissues at different developmental stages
Western blot analysis of protein extracts from embryonic tissues
Co-localization studies:
Dual immunofluorescence with developmental marker antibodies
Confocal microscopy to determine precise cellular localization
Functional perturbation:
Application of blocking anti-CDH11 antibodies to developing organ cultures
Assessment of developmental outcomes after CDH11 disruption
Understanding CDH11's normal developmental roles provides context for its pathological functions in diseases like cancer and inflammatory conditions. CDH11 antibodies serve as critical tools for mapping expression patterns, tracking protein dynamics, and functionally perturbing CDH11 activity in developmental systems.