COL16 antibodies are polyclonal reagents primarily raised in rabbits, targeting specific epitopes within the collagen’s structure. Key properties include:
Clonality: All listed antibodies are polyclonal, ensuring broad epitope recognition .
Validation: Antibodies are validated for specificity via Western blotting (WB), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF-P) . For example, ab231044 detects bands at 110–229 kDa in human serum, consistent with COL16A1 isoforms .
A competitive ELISA using a monoclonal PRO-C16 antibody (targeting the C-terminal) revealed elevated serum COL16 levels in:
Colorectal Cancer (CRC): Median PRO-C16 = 14.7 ng/mL (P = 0.0026 vs. controls) .
Ulcerative Colitis (UC): Median PRO-C16 = 15.8 ng/mL (P < 0.0001 vs. controls) .
| Group | PRO-C16 (ng/mL) | Statistical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Healthy Controls (n=50) | 11.4 | Reference |
| CRC Patients (n=50) | 14.7 | P = 0.0026 |
| UC Patients (n=39) | 15.8 | P < 0.0001 |
This suggests COL16 remodeling is a hallmark of ECM dysregulation in gastrointestinal pathologies .
Cell-Matrix Interactions: COL16 antibodies (e.g., ab231044) have been used to demonstrate COL16A1’s role in mediating cell adhesion and integrin signaling .
Disease Models: Proteintech’s 19802-1-AP detected COL16 in human placenta and mouse skin tissues, supporting its utility in developmental and fibrotic studies .
Specificity: Antibodies like ABIN7443410 are validated using recombinant COL16 (Val1434–Gly1604) expressed in E. coli .
Cross-Reactivity: Most antibodies show reactivity across human, mouse, and rat samples .
Dilution Ranges:
Q: How should I design an experiment to study the role of COL16 antibodies in tissue samples? A: To study COL16 antibodies, use a combination of Western Blotting (WB), Immunohistochemistry (IHC), and Immunofluorescence (IF) to assess protein expression and localization. Ensure that the antibody is specific to COL16 and validated for your tissue type. For example, rabbit polyclonal antibodies against COL16 are effective for WB and IHC applications .
Q: How do I interpret conflicting data from different studies using COL16 antibodies? A: When encountering conflicting data, consider factors such as antibody specificity, experimental conditions, and sample preparation. Ensure that the antibodies used are validated for the specific application and tissue type. Also, evaluate the study design, sample size, and statistical analysis methods to identify potential sources of discrepancy .
Q: What methods can I use to validate the specificity of COL16 antibodies? A: Validate antibody specificity by using controls such as peptide blocking assays or comparing results across different antibody clones. Additionally, use orthogonal methods like mass spectrometry to confirm protein identity. Ensure that the antibody reacts specifically with COL16 and not with other collagens .
Q: How can I investigate the mechanistic role of COL16 in cellular processes using COL16 antibodies? A: To explore the mechanistic role of COL16, use techniques like co-immunoprecipitation to identify interacting proteins. Additionally, employ cell culture models where COL16 expression is manipulated (e.g., knockdown or overexpression) to observe changes in cellular behavior. This can provide insights into COL16's role in cell adhesion and ECM remodeling .
Q: Can COL16 antibodies be used as biomarkers for diseases like colorectal cancer? A: While COL16 has been associated with altered ECM remodeling in diseases like colorectal cancer, its use as a biomarker requires further validation. Studies have shown elevated levels of COL16-related peptides in serum from patients with GI disorders, suggesting potential for biomarker development .
Q: How do I assess the cross-reactivity of COL16 antibodies across different species? A: Assess cross-reactivity by testing the antibody against tissues from various species. For example, some COL16 antibodies show reactivity with human, mouse, and rat samples . Use Western Blotting or IHC to evaluate antibody binding across species.
Q: What is the optimal dilution range for COL16 antibodies in different applications? A: The optimal dilution for COL16 antibodies varies by application. For Western Blotting, dilutions of 1:500 to 1:3000 are recommended, while for Immunofluorescence, 1:50 to 1:500 is suitable . Always titrate the antibody to find the optimal concentration for your specific experimental conditions.
Q: How should COL16 antibodies be stored and handled to maintain their efficacy? A: Store COL16 antibodies at -20°C in a buffer containing sodium azide and glycerol to prevent degradation. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, and aliquot if necessary .
Q: Can COL16 antibodies be used in multiplex assays to study complex tissue environments? A: Yes, COL16 antibodies can be used in multiplex assays to study complex interactions within tissues. Use techniques like multiplex IHC or IF to co-stain for COL16 and other proteins of interest. This allows for a more comprehensive understanding of tissue architecture and protein interactions .
| Application | Recommended Dilution Range |
|---|---|
| Western Blot (WB) | 1:500 - 1:3000 |
| Immunofluorescence (IF) | 1:50 - 1:500 |
| Immunohistochemistry (IHC) | 1:10 - 1:100 |
| Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) | 1:100 - 1:200 |