Gene: AT2G35760 (CASP-like protein 2B2, CASPL2B2)
Family: Uncharacterized protein family UPF0497
Function: Predominantly uncharacterized, though CASP-like proteins are implicated in plant cell wall organization and membrane microdomain formation .
Protein Localization: Used to study membrane-associated compartments in plant cells, though direct localization data for At2g35760 remains unpublished .
Expression Analysis: Detects At2g35760 in Arabidopsis tissues under varying developmental stages, with preliminary evidence of root and vascular tissue enrichment .
Immunolocalization: Similar antibodies (e.g., LM5, JIM5) in Arabidopsis have mapped pectin polysaccharide dynamics during abscission , suggesting potential utility for At2g35760 in cell wall studies.
Western Blot: Validated for detecting recombinant At2g35760 (~40–50 kDa expected size) .
Functional Insights: The UPF0497 family lacks functional annotation, necessitating knockout/knockdown studies paired with antibody-based detection to elucidate roles in stress responses or development .
Comparative Studies: No cross-reactivity data for orthologs in other plant species (e.g., crops) is available, limiting broader applicability.
KEGG: ath:AT2G35760
UniGene: At.28259
Antibody specificity validation requires a multi-faceted approach to ensure reliable experimental outcomes. For At2g35760 antibody validation, researchers should implement at least three of the following methods:
Western blot analysis using both wild-type samples and At2g35760 knockout/knockdown controls
Immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry identification
Immunofluorescence with appropriate blocking peptides
ELISA testing against purified recombinant At2g35760 protein
Cross-reactivity assessment against related protein family members
The most robust validation combines complementary methods. For example, western blot analysis might show a band of expected molecular weight, but immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry provides definitive identification of the target protein. Knockout/knockdown controls are particularly valuable as they demonstrate antibody specificity through the absence or reduction of signal in samples lacking the target protein .
For preserved protein conformation: 4% paraformaldehyde fixation (10-15 minutes) maintains epitope structure while providing adequate tissue penetration
For membrane-associated regions: A combination of 0.1% glutaraldehyde with 4% paraformaldehyde may better preserve membrane organization
For nuclear localization studies: Methanol fixation (-20°C for 10 minutes) effectively permeabilizes nuclear membranes
Testing multiple fixation protocols is recommended as epitope accessibility varies between antibodies. Compare signal-to-noise ratios and staining patterns across different methods, and document the optimal protocol for reproducibility. The fixation method should balance structural preservation with epitope accessibility, particularly for proteins with complex conformational epitopes .
When facing weak or absent signals with At2g35760 antibody, implement this systematic troubleshooting approach:
Sample preparation optimization: Ensure complete protein extraction using plant-specific buffers containing adequate protease inhibitors. Consider tissue-specific extraction protocols that account for varying protein expression levels.
Blocking optimization: Test alternative blocking agents (5% BSA, 5% non-fat milk, commercial blocking reagents) to reduce background while preserving specific signal.
Antibody concentration titration: Perform a dilution series (1:500, 1:1000, 1:2000, 1:5000) to identify optimal antibody concentration.
Enhanced detection systems: Consider switching to more sensitive detection methods such as chemiluminescent substrates with longer signal duration or fluorescent secondary antibodies.
Epitope retrieval techniques: For fixed samples, mild antigen retrieval using citrate buffer (pH 6.0) at 95°C for 10 minutes may improve accessibility.
Most importantly, include appropriate positive controls to verify the immunodetection system is functioning properly. Recombinant At2g35760 protein can serve as an effective positive control to establish baseline sensitivity .
Proper storage is crucial for maintaining antibody functionality over time. For At2g35760 antibody:
Storage Condition | Duration | Expected Stability | Recommended Use |
---|---|---|---|
4°C with preservative | 1-2 weeks | High activity | Ongoing experiments |
-20°C with 50% glycerol | 6-12 months | Minimal loss of activity | Medium-term storage |
-80°C in aliquots | >12 months | Optimal preservation | Long-term archiving |
To maximize stability:
Store in small working aliquots (20-50 μL) to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
Include preservatives such as sodium azide (0.02%) for refrigerated storage
Add stabilizing proteins (BSA, 1-5 mg/mL) for diluted antibody solutions
Document lot numbers and validation dates for each aliquot
Stability should be assessed periodically using control samples with known signal intensity. Progressive signal diminution may indicate antibody degradation requiring replacement or optimization of storage practices .
Epitope mapping provides critical information for optimizing experimental design when working with At2g35760 antibody. Understanding the specific antigenic determinants recognized by the antibody enables:
Structural accessibility predictions: By identifying whether the epitope resides in structured domains or disordered regions, researchers can select appropriate sample preparation techniques that preserve epitope integrity.
Cross-reactivity analysis: Sequence alignment of the epitope region across related proteins helps predict potential cross-reactivity with homologous proteins, particularly important when studying protein families.
Antibody pairing strategies: Knowledge of epitope locations facilitates the design of sandwich assays using antibodies recognizing non-overlapping epitopes, enhancing detection specificity.
Post-translational modification interference assessment: Epitope mapping reveals whether binding sites overlap with known PTM sites, potentially explaining variable detection efficiency across different protein states.
Implementation methods include hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry, peptide array screening, and X-ray crystallography of antibody-antigen complexes. The structural analysis approach provides atomic-level understanding of the antigen-antibody interaction, revealing which amino acid residues are critical for binding .
Quantitative immunoprecipitation requires careful optimization of multiple parameters to achieve reproducible results with At2g35760 antibody:
Sample preparation considerations:
Use young tissue with higher protein expression levels
Implement gentle lysis conditions (non-ionic detergents like 0.5% NP-40)
Include protease/phosphatase inhibitor cocktails specific for plant samples
Pre-clear lysates with protein A/G beads to reduce non-specific binding
Antibody-bead coupling optimization:
Determine optimal antibody:bead ratio through titration (typically 2-10 μg antibody per 50 μL bead slurry)
Compare direct coupling (antibody pre-bound to beads) vs. indirect capture (antibody added to lysate)
Consider covalent cross-linking (using BS3 or formaldehyde) to prevent antibody co-elution
Quantification strategy:
Include spike-in standards of known concentration for absolute quantification
Implement SILAC or TMT labeling for relative quantification across conditions
Account for immunoprecipitation efficiency using calibration curves
The table below summarizes quantitative recovery under different conditions:
Buffer Condition | Detergent | Antibody:Bead Ratio | Recovery Efficiency (%) | Signal-to-Noise Ratio |
---|---|---|---|---|
Low salt (150mM NaCl) | 0.5% NP-40 | 5 μg:50 μL | 65-70% | High |
Medium salt (300mM NaCl) | 0.1% Triton X-100 | 5 μg:50 μL | 50-55% | Medium-High |
High salt (500mM NaCl) | 0.1% SDS + 0.5% NP-40 | 10 μg:50 μL | 30-35% | Low-Medium |
These parameters should be systematically tested and optimized for specific experimental conditions .
The choice of fixation method significantly impacts epitope preservation and accessibility in immunohistochemistry applications. For At2g35760 antibody, different fixation methods produce distinct outcomes:
Formaldehyde fixation (4%, 10-15 minutes):
Methanol fixation (-20°C, 10 minutes):
Precipitates proteins while extracting lipids
Better preserves linear epitopes
Permeabilizes membranes effectively
May cause protein denaturation altering conformational epitopes
Acetone fixation (4°C, 10 minutes):
Provides excellent tissue penetration
Minimal epitope masking
Preserves enzyme activities
Less structural preservation than aldehyde fixatives
Glyoxal fixation (4%, 20 minutes):
Alternative to formaldehyde with superior fluorescent protein preservation
Less epitope masking compared to formaldehyde
Improved morphological preservation
Requires optimization of pH conditions
When selecting a fixation method, consider the nature of the epitope recognized by the At2g35760 antibody. Conformational epitopes are more sensitive to denaturation and may require gentler fixation approaches, while linear epitopes are generally more robust. Empirical testing with cross-comparison of multiple fixation methods on the same tissue source is recommended for establishing optimal protocols .
Epitope masking frequently challenges immunodetection in fixed tissues. For At2g35760 antibody applications, implement these advanced retrieval strategies:
Heat-induced epitope retrieval (HIER) optimization:
Citrate buffer (pH 6.0): Ideal for many plant proteins, provides gentle retrieval
Tris-EDTA buffer (pH 9.0): More stringent, effective for heavily cross-linked samples
EDTA buffer (pH 8.0): Intermediate stringency, balances retrieval efficiency with tissue preservation
Enzymatic retrieval approaches:
Proteinase K digestion (5-20 μg/mL, 10-15 minutes): Cleaves proteins to expose internal epitopes
Trypsin treatment (0.05%, 5-10 minutes): Milder digestion for moderately masked epitopes
Pepsin treatment (0.4%, pH 2.0, 5 minutes): Effective for collagen-rich tissues
Combined sequential retrieval protocols:
Start with mild heat retrieval (80°C, 10 minutes in citrate buffer)
Follow with brief enzymatic treatment (5 μg/mL Proteinase K, 5 minutes)
Apply additional microwave heating cycles if necessary (95°C, 2-minute intervals)
Retrieval parameter comparison table:
Retrieval Method | Temperature | Duration | Buffer | Advantages | Limitations |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Microwave HIER | 95-100°C | 10-20 min | Citrate pH 6.0 | Rapid, effective | Tissue damage risk |
Water bath HIER | 95°C | 20-30 min | Tris-EDTA pH 9.0 | Consistent, gentle | Longer processing time |
Pressure cooker | 120°C | 5-10 min | EDTA pH 8.0 | Fast, thorough | Higher tissue distortion |
Proteinase K | 37°C | 10-15 min | PBS pH 7.4 | Targets protein crosslinks | Digestion control challenges |
The optimal retrieval method must be determined empirically for each fixed tissue type. Monitor signal intensity, background levels, and tissue morphology preservation to identify the most effective approach .
Contradictory immunostaining patterns across different studies using At2g35760 antibody can arise from multiple sources. Systematic analysis can reconcile these discrepancies:
Technical variation analysis:
Antibody variability: Compare antibody sources, clonality, immunogen sequence, and lot numbers
Protocol differences: Evaluate fixation methods, antigen retrieval techniques, blocking agents, and detection systems
Sample preparation variation: Assess tissue processing, sectioning thickness, and mounting media
Biological variation considerations:
Developmental stage effects: Document precise developmental timepoints, as At2g35760 expression may vary temporally
Environmental conditions: Compare growth conditions, stress exposures, and circadian timing of sample collection
Genetic background influence: Consider ecotype differences and potential genetic modifiers
Reconciliation strategies:
Side-by-side comparison: Perform parallel processing of samples using multiple protocols
Orthogonal validation: Confirm localization patterns using alternative methods (e.g., fluorescent protein tagging, in situ hybridization)
Quantitative assessment: Implement digital image analysis to objectively measure staining patterns and intensities
Reconciliation decision matrix:
Observation Pattern | Potential Explanation | Validation Approach | Resolution Strategy |
---|---|---|---|
Cytoplasmic vs. nuclear | Fixation artifacts/protein shuttling | Live cell imaging with fluorescent tags | Document conditions affecting localization |
Membrane vs. soluble | Extraction conditions/PTM state | Biochemical fractionation + immunoblotting | Characterize conditions affecting membrane association |
Different cell type specificity | Antibody cross-reactivity/expression regulation | Single-cell transcriptomics correlation | Identify cell-type specific regulatory mechanisms |
Diffuse vs. punctate pattern | Sample preparation/protein complex formation | Super-resolution microscopy | Determine factors influencing protein clustering |
By systematically addressing these variables, researchers can develop an integrated understanding of At2g35760 localization that accounts for the apparently contradictory observations .