COX8A is a nuclear-encoded, 7.6–8 kDa mitochondrial protein composed of 69 amino acids . It forms part of the cytochrome c oxidase (COX) complex, which catalyzes the transfer of electrons from cytochrome c to molecular oxygen, generating water and a proton gradient essential for ATP synthesis . Mutations in the COX8A gene are associated with mitochondrial disorders such as Leigh syndrome and epilepsy .
COX8A antibodies are employed in studies investigating mitochondrial dysfunction, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Notable applications include:
Western Blot: Quantifying COX8A expression in mitochondrial extracts .
Immunohistochemistry: Mapping COX8A localization in tissues like heart, liver, and brain .
ELISA: Detecting COX8A in biological samples for diagnostic or therapeutic monitoring .
Recent studies highlight COX8A’s role in:
Mitochondrial Disorders: Mutations in COX8A correlate with Complex IV deficiency and Leigh syndrome .
Cancer: Overexpression of COX8A observed in hepatocellular carcinoma, linked to altered oxidative phosphorylation .
Neurodegeneration: COX8A antibodies used to study mitochondrial dynamics in Alzheimer’s disease models .
COX8A Antibody is a component of cytochrome c oxidase, the terminal enzyme in the mitochondrial electron transport chain responsible for driving oxidative phosphorylation. The respiratory chain comprises three multisubunit complexes: succinate dehydrogenase (complex II, CII), ubiquinol-cytochrome c oxidoreductase (cytochrome b-c1 complex, complex III, CIII), and cytochrome c oxidase (complex IV, CIV). These complexes work together to transfer electrons from NADH and succinate to molecular oxygen, generating an electrochemical gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane that drives transmembrane transport and ATP synthesis.
Cytochrome c oxidase, specifically, catalyzes the reduction of oxygen to water. Electrons originating from reduced cytochrome c in the intermembrane space (IMS) are transferred through the dinuclear copper A center (CU(A)) of subunit 2 and heme A of subunit 1 to the active site in subunit 1. This active site, a binuclear center (BNC), is formed by heme A3 and copper B (CU(B)). The BNC reduces molecular oxygen to 2 water molecules using 4 electrons from cytochrome c in the IMS and 4 protons from the mitochondrial matrix.
COX8A (Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 8A) is one of the nuclear-coded polypeptide chains of cytochrome c oxidase, the terminal oxidase in mitochondrial electron transport. This protein has a calculated molecular weight of 8 kDa and is encoded by the COX8A gene (Gene ID: 1351) . The importance of COX8A in research stems from its fundamental role in mitochondrial function and cellular respiration. As part of the cytochrome c oxidase complex, it contributes to ATP production and cellular energy metabolism. Research into COX8A can provide insights into mitochondrial disorders, metabolic diseases, and conditions associated with impaired cellular respiration .
COX8A antibodies are primarily used in several key applications:
Western Blotting (WB): Typically used at dilutions of 1:1000-1:4000 for detecting COX8A protein in tissue lysates
Immunohistochemistry (IHC): Used at dilutions of 1:20-1:200 for tissue sections
Immunofluorescence (IF): Used for cellular localization studies
ELISA: Used at approximately 1 μg/ml for quantitative analysis
These applications enable researchers to investigate COX8A expression, localization, and interactions across various experimental contexts .
Most commercially available COX8A antibodies show confirmed reactivity with:
Species | Confirmed Applications |
---|---|
Human | WB, IHC, IF, ELISA |
Mouse | WB, IHC, ELISA |
Rat | WB, IHC |
These antibodies have been specifically tested and validated in these species, with documented evidence of successful application in research publications . When planning experiments with other species, cross-reactivity testing is recommended as part of preliminary validation studies.
For optimal preservation of COX8A antibody activity, follow these storage guidelines:
Store at -20°C in the buffer provided (typically PBS with 0.02% sodium azide and 50% glycerol at pH 7.3)
Antibodies are generally stable for at least one year when stored properly
Aliquoting is recommended for antibodies provided without glycerol to prevent freeze-thaw damage, though it is unnecessary for antibodies already formulated with 50% glycerol
Avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles as they can degrade antibody performance
Proper storage ensures maintained specificity and sensitivity for experimental applications over extended periods.
Optimizing Western blot protocols for COX8A detection requires careful consideration of several factors:
Sample Preparation:
Protein Loading and Transfer:
Use 10-20 μg of total protein per lane
Since COX8A is a small protein (8 kDa), use higher percentage gels (15-20%) for better resolution
Transfer to PVDF membranes at lower voltage for extended time to ensure efficient transfer of small proteins
Antibody Dilution and Incubation:
Detection System:
Enhanced chemiluminescence (ECL) systems work well for COX8A detection
For low expression samples, consider using more sensitive detection systems like ECL Plus or femto-ECL substrates
These optimization steps will help ensure specific and sensitive detection of COX8A protein in your samples.
Successful immunohistochemical staining of COX8A depends on several critical factors:
Tissue Processing and Fixation:
Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues show good results
Fresh frozen sections may provide better epitope preservation
Antigen Retrieval:
Blocking and Antibody Dilution:
Controls:
Detection Systems:
HRP-polymer based detection systems provide good signal amplification with low background
DAB (3,3'-diaminobenzidine) substrate produces a stable brown signal well-suited for COX8A visualization
Following these guidelines will help achieve specific and consistent COX8A staining in tissue sections.
Validating the specificity of a COX8A antibody is crucial for reliable experimental results. A comprehensive validation approach includes:
Positive and Negative Controls:
Molecular Weight Verification:
Multiple Detection Methods:
Compare results across different applications (WB, IHC, IF)
Consistent patterns across different methods strengthen confidence in antibody specificity
Peptide Competition Assay:
Pre-incubate the antibody with its immunizing peptide
Specific signals should be abolished or significantly reduced
Cross-Reactivity Assessment:
Reproducibility Testing:
Perform replicate experiments under identical conditions
Compare results with published literature using the same antibody
These validation steps will provide comprehensive evidence for antibody specificity and reliability in your experimental system.
COX8A antibodies serve as valuable tools in investigating mitochondrial disorders through several sophisticated approaches:
Comparative Expression Analysis:
Quantify COX8A levels in affected versus healthy tissues using Western blotting
Correlate expression changes with disease severity or progression
Compare COX8A expression with other respiratory chain components to identify specific defects
Structural Analysis of Respiratory Complexes:
Use COX8A antibodies in blue native PAGE to assess complex IV assembly
Combine with antibodies against other cytochrome c oxidase subunits to evaluate stoichiometry
Implement immunoprecipitation to isolate intact complexes for further analysis
Tissue-Specific Pathology:
Functional Correlation Studies:
Pair antibody-based detection with functional assays (oxygen consumption, ATP production)
Correlate COX8A expression levels with cytochrome c oxidase enzymatic activity
Investigate compensatory mechanisms in response to COX8A alterations
Therapeutic Response Monitoring:
Track changes in COX8A expression during treatment interventions
Use as a biomarker for mitochondrial response to therapies
Recent research has used COX8A antibodies to investigate mitochondrial dysfunction in various conditions, including cardiac pressure overload models, which revealed stage-dependent mitochondrial changes in diseased ventricles .
Investigating COX8A post-translational modifications (PTMs) requires specialized techniques that can be implemented using available antibodies:
Modification-Specific Detection:
Use antibodies that specifically recognize modified forms of COX8A (when available)
Employ 2D gel electrophoresis to separate modified variants based on charge differences
Apply mass spectrometry following immunoprecipitation to identify specific modifications
PTM Enrichment Strategies:
Phosphorylation: Use phospho-enrichment techniques (TiO₂, IMAC) before antibody detection
Glycosylation: Apply lectin affinity techniques to isolate glycosylated proteins
Ubiquitination: Use tandem ubiquitin binding entities (TUBEs) followed by COX8A antibody detection
Functional Impact Assessment:
Correlate PTM patterns with COX8A activity or complex assembly
Investigate how modifications affect protein-protein interactions within the respiratory complex
Study how modifications change in response to cellular stress or disease conditions
Site-Directed Mutagenesis Validation:
Create mutants at potential modification sites
Compare antibody reactivity between wild-type and mutant proteins
Assess functional consequences of preventing specific modifications
Recent research has identified O-GlcNAcylation as an important PTM affecting mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, highlighting the relevance of studying such modifications in COX8A and related proteins . Additionally, MALDI-MS tissue imaging has been used alongside immunological techniques to identify protein modifications in disease states .
Proximity Ligation Assay (PLA) offers a powerful approach to study COX8A interactions within the mitochondrial respiratory complexes:
Experimental Design for PLA with COX8A:
Pair COX8A antibody with antibodies against potential interaction partners
Ensure antibodies are from different host species (e.g., rabbit anti-COX8A with mouse anti-partner protein)
Fix and permeabilize cells to allow antibody access to mitochondrial proteins
Optimization Parameters:
Controls and Validation:
Positive control: Use antibodies against known interaction partners in complex IV
Negative control: Omit one primary antibody
Specificity control: Use cells with COX8A knockdown
Advanced Applications:
Quantitative PLA: Count interaction spots per cell to measure interaction strength
Multiplexed PLA: Combine with immunofluorescence to correlate interactions with cellular structures
Temporal analysis: Track interaction dynamics during mitochondrial stress or disease progression
Data Analysis:
Use appropriate image analysis software to quantify PLA signals
Normalize signals to mitochondrial mass or content
Perform statistical analysis to validate significance of interactions
This technique has been valuable in understanding protein interactions in mitochondrial complexes and can provide spatial resolution not achievable with co-immunoprecipitation approaches.
Researchers commonly encounter several issues when working with COX8A antibodies. Here are the problems and their solutions:
Weak or No Signal in Western Blot:
Problem: COX8A is a small protein (8 kDa) that may transfer poorly or run off standard gels
Solution: Use high percentage gels (15-20%), optimize transfer conditions for small proteins, and consider using PVDF membranes instead of nitrocellulose
Problem: Insufficient protein loading
Solution: Increase protein loading to 20-30 μg for tissues with lower expression; use skeletal muscle or heart tissue as positive controls
Multiple Bands or Non-specific Binding:
High Background in Immunohistochemistry:
Problem: Insufficient blocking or high antibody concentration
Solution: Extend blocking time, use higher dilution of antibody (1:50-1:200), and optimize antigen retrieval (try both TE buffer pH 9.0 and citrate buffer pH 6.0)
Problem: Endogenous peroxidase activity
Solution: Ensure complete quenching of endogenous peroxidases with H₂O₂ before antibody incubation
Inconsistent Results Between Experiments:
Problem: Variability in antibody performance across lots
Solution: Validate each new lot against previous results, maintain consistent experimental conditions, and consider using standardized positive controls
Problem: Unstable antibody due to improper storage
Solution: Store at -20°C in aliquots to prevent freeze-thaw cycles, and use glycerol-containing storage buffer
Poor Cellular Localization in Immunofluorescence:
Problem: Inadequate permeabilization for mitochondrial access
Solution: Optimize permeabilization conditions using different detergents and concentrations
Problem: Epitope masking due to fixation
Solution: Compare different fixation methods (paraformaldehyde, methanol, or acetone)
Implementing these solutions will help overcome common technical challenges when working with COX8A antibodies.
Interpreting unexpected molecular weight variations of COX8A requires careful analysis of several potential factors:
Post-translational Modifications:
Observation: Bands appearing slightly higher than the expected 8 kDa
Interpretation: May indicate phosphorylation, glycosylation, or other modifications
Validation: Treat samples with appropriate enzymes (phosphatases, glycosidases) to confirm modification type
Protein Processing:
Protein Complexes:
Observation: High molecular weight bands that resist standard denaturation
Interpretation: May represent stable complexes containing COX8A
Validation: Use more stringent denaturation conditions or crosslinking studies to confirm complex formation
Isoforms and Splice Variants:
Antibody Cross-reactivity:
Observation: Bands at sizes inconsistent with COX8A or its modifications
Interpretation: May represent cross-reactivity with related proteins
Validation: Peptide competition assays or comparison with other COX8A antibodies recognizing different epitopes
Understanding these factors is crucial for accurate data interpretation, especially in disease models where protein processing or modification may be altered.
Addressing antibody cross-reactivity issues is crucial for obtaining reliable results in COX8A studies:
Epitope Analysis:
Validation Through Multiple Approaches:
Specificity Testing:
Technical Optimization:
Increase antibody dilution to reduce non-specific binding (1:2000-1:4000 for WB, 1:100-1:200 for IHC)
Optimize blocking conditions (consider different blocking agents like BSA, non-fat milk, or commercial blockers)
Increase washing stringency (longer washes, higher salt concentration, addition of detergents)
Data Interpretation With Cross-reactivity in Mind:
Be cautious when interpreting novel findings that contradict established COX8A expression patterns
Consider the possibility of detecting related proteins (e.g., other COX subunits)
Acknowledge potential cross-reactivity limitations in research publications
Recent studies have highlighted that antibody cross-reactivity can lead to misinterpretation of results, emphasizing the importance of rigorous validation strategies . Implementing these approaches will help ensure that findings attributed to COX8A are indeed specific to this protein.
COX8A antibodies have facilitated several important discoveries in mitochondrial disease research:
Cardiac Pressure Overload Studies:
Recent research has used COX8A antibodies to investigate stage-dependent mitochondrial changes in response to pressure overload between diseased right and left ventricles in rat models. These studies revealed differential expression patterns of COX8A that correlate with disease progression and severity, providing insights into cardiac mitochondrial adaptations during heart failure .
Metabolic Disease Investigations:
COX8A antibodies have been employed to study lactational high weight loss effects on follicular development in reproductive biology. The research demonstrated that mitochondrial dysfunction in ovarian cells contributes to impaired follicular development, with COX8A serving as a key marker for assessing mitochondrial integrity. The studies also identified butyrate supplementation as a potential mitigating intervention .
Cancer Metabolism Research:
In hepatocellular carcinoma research, COX8A antibodies have helped reveal how post-translational modifications, particularly O-GlcNAcylation on proteins like Rab3A, affect mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and metastasis. These findings connect mitochondrial function to cancer progression mechanisms .
Biomarker Development:
MALDI-MS tissue imaging studies have integrated antibody-based techniques to identify biliverdin reductase B overexpression in prostate cancer, establishing methodologies where COX8A and other mitochondrial proteins serve as comparative markers for metabolic alterations in cancer tissues .
Therapeutic Target Identification:
A FRET-based respirasome assembly screen identified spleen tyrosine kinase as a potential target to improve muscle mitochondrial respiration and exercise performance in mice. COX8A antibodies were instrumental in validating the assembly and function of respiratory complexes in these studies .
These applications demonstrate how COX8A antibodies have evolved from basic research tools to essential reagents for understanding disease mechanisms and identifying therapeutic targets.
COX8A plays a significant role in exercise physiology, with antibody-based studies revealing several key aspects:
Mitochondrial Adaptation to Exercise:
Research using COX8A antibodies has demonstrated that this protein's expression changes in response to exercise training, reflecting mitochondrial biogenesis and enhanced oxidative capacity. Western blot analyses comparing sedentary and trained muscle tissues show quantifiable differences in COX8A levels that correlate with improved respiratory function .
Muscle Fiber Type Specificity:
Immunohistochemical studies using COX8A antibodies have revealed fiber type-specific expression patterns, with higher levels typically found in type I (slow-twitch, oxidative) muscle fibers compared to type II (fast-twitch, glycolytic) fibers. This distribution pattern helps explain the differential oxidative capacity across muscle fiber types .
Respirasome Assembly and Function:
A groundbreaking FRET-based respirasome assembly screen identified spleen tyrosine kinase as a target to improve muscle mitochondrial respiration and exercise performance in mice. COX8A antibodies were crucial in these studies for monitoring respiratory complex assembly and stability under different experimental conditions .
Exercise Intolerance Mechanisms:
In models of exercise intolerance, COX8A antibodies have helped identify structural and functional abnormalities in mitochondrial complexes. These findings have contributed to understanding how mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to reduced exercise capacity in various pathological conditions .
Training-Induced Adaptations:
Comparative studies between untrained and endurance-trained subjects have used COX8A antibodies to quantify mitochondrial content and function, providing molecular evidence for the adaptive responses that enhance oxygen utilization and energy production with regular exercise.
These discoveries highlight the utility of COX8A antibodies in exercise physiology research, bridging molecular biology and physiological performance measures to deepen our understanding of how mitochondrial adaptations contribute to exercise capacity.
COX8A antibodies can be effectively integrated into multiplexed imaging protocols for comprehensive mitochondrial research:
Multi-epitope Mitochondrial Imaging:
Combine COX8A antibodies with antibodies against other respiratory chain components
Use differentially labeled secondary antibodies (with distinct fluorophores)
Implement spectral unmixing for closely overlapping emission spectra
This approach enables simultaneous visualization of multiple respiratory complex components to assess their spatial relationships and relative abundance
Organelle Interaction Studies:
Pair COX8A antibodies with markers for other organelles (ER, lysosomes, peroxisomes)
Apply proximity analysis algorithms to quantify inter-organelle contacts
Combine with live-cell imaging of mitochondrial dynamics followed by fixed-cell immunofluorescence
These techniques reveal how mitochondria interact with other cellular compartments in various physiological and pathological states
Quantitative Super-resolution Microscopy:
Use COX8A antibodies in STORM, PALM, or STED microscopy
Apply DNA-PAINT or Exchange-PAINT for multiplexed super-resolution imaging
Develop image analysis pipelines for nanoscale distribution patterns
This approach provides unprecedented resolution of mitochondrial ultrastructure and protein organization beyond the diffraction limit
Tissue-level Heterogeneity Analysis:
Apply COX8A antibodies in multiplexed IHC or immunofluorescence of tissue sections
Use cyclic immunofluorescence (CycIF) or multiplexed ion beam imaging (MIBI)
Implement machine learning algorithms for pattern recognition and classification
These methods reveal tissue-specific and cell-type-specific variations in mitochondrial content and composition
Functional-Structural Correlations:
Combine COX8A immunostaining with functional probes (membrane potential, ROS, calcium indicators)
Use multimodal imaging platforms that integrate functional and structural data
Apply correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) for ultrastructural context
This integrated approach connects mitochondrial protein composition to functional outcomes at multiple scales
Implementation of these multiplexed imaging approaches using COX8A antibodies enables comprehensive characterization of mitochondrial structure, function, and dynamics in complex biological systems.
The future of COX8A antibody applications in research is evolving toward several promising directions:
Integration with Single-cell Technologies:
Combining COX8A antibody-based detection with single-cell sequencing and proteomics will enable unprecedented analysis of mitochondrial heterogeneity at the individual cell level. This integration will reveal how mitochondrial composition varies across cell populations and how this heterogeneity contributes to tissue function and disease states .
Advanced Spatial Biology Applications:
Emerging spatial proteomics techniques will incorporate COX8A antibodies into multiplexed imaging platforms that provide spatial context for mitochondrial proteins. These approaches will map the distribution and co-localization patterns of respiratory complex components in tissues, offering insights into region-specific mitochondrial specialization .
In vivo Imaging Developments:
The development of COX8A antibody fragments and alternatives (nanobodies, affimers) compatible with in vivo imaging will enable real-time tracking of mitochondrial dynamics in living organisms. These tools will bridge the gap between molecular mechanisms and physiological outcomes in intact biological systems.
Therapeutic Monitoring Applications:
COX8A antibodies will increasingly serve as tools for monitoring mitochondrial responses to emerging therapeutics targeting respiratory function. Their application in precision medicine approaches will help stratify patients and predict treatment responses based on mitochondrial phenotypes .
Artificial Intelligence Integration:
The combination of COX8A antibody-based imaging with artificial intelligence and machine learning will enhance the extraction of complex patterns from mitochondrial data. These computational approaches will uncover subtle mitochondrial abnormalities that may serve as early disease indicators before clinical manifestations appear.
These emerging directions highlight the continuing evolution of COX8A antibodies from basic research tools to sophisticated reagents for addressing complex biological questions and clinical challenges.
Implementing robust quality control measures is essential when using COX8A antibodies across different experimental systems:
Implementing these quality control measures will enhance data reliability and reproducibility when using COX8A antibodies across different experimental systems and research applications.
Advances in antibody technology are poised to significantly impact future COX8A research in several key ways:
Recombinant Antibody Development:
The shift toward recombinant antibody technology will produce COX8A antibodies with exceptional batch-to-batch consistency. Unlike traditional polyclonal antibodies that show variation between lots, recombinant antibodies are generated from defined sequences, ensuring reproducible performance across studies and laboratories. This consistency will address one of the major challenges in current mitochondrial research .
Single-domain Antibodies and Fragments:
The development of nanobodies, single-chain variable fragments (scFvs), and Fab fragments against COX8A will enable applications not possible with conventional antibodies. These smaller binding molecules can access restricted epitopes within mitochondrial complexes and penetrate samples more effectively. Their reduced size also makes them ideal for super-resolution microscopy, where the distance between fluorophore and target impacts resolution.
Intracellular Antibody Delivery Systems:
Advanced delivery methods will enable live-cell applications of COX8A antibodies. Cell-penetrating peptides, lipid nanoparticles, and genetic encoding of intrabodies will allow researchers to track COX8A dynamics in living cells without fixation artifacts. This capability will transform our understanding of mitochondrial adaptations to changing cellular conditions.
Multispecific Antibody Formats:
Bispecific and multispecific antibodies targeting COX8A along with other mitochondrial proteins will enable sophisticated detection of protein complexes and proximities. These reagents will provide new insights into the assembly and regulation of respiratory complexes under normal and pathological conditions.
Integration with Emerging Analytical Platforms:
COX8A antibodies will be increasingly incorporated into high-throughput and high-content analytical platforms. Adaptation for use in CyTOF, multiplexed IHC/IF systems, and spatial proteomics will generate multidimensional datasets that capture both the abundance and spatial context of COX8A in complex biological systems .