DAPP1 Antibody, FITC conjugated refers to a fluorescently labeled antibody targeting the Dual Adapter for Phosphotyrosine and 3-phosphoinositide (DAPP1) protein, with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) covalently attached. FITC, a green fluorescent dye, enables visualization of DAPP1 in applications such as flow cytometry, immunofluorescence microscopy, and Western blotting.
DAPP1: A 32 kDa adapter protein critical in signaling pathways, including B-cell receptor signaling and lipid metabolism .
FITC: Absorbs light at 495 nm and emits at 525 nm, providing high quantum efficiency for detection .
Applications:
Localization studies in cell signaling
Quantitative analysis of DAPP1 expression levels
Multiplex detection in combination with other fluorescent probes
FITC reacts with primary amines (e.g., lysine residues) on antibodies via isothiocyanate chemistry, forming stable thiourea bonds . The reaction is pH-dependent (optimal at pH 9.2–9.5) and requires anhydrous conditions to prevent hydrolysis .
Dialysis: Purify antibody in PBS or labeling buffer (pH 9.2) to remove NH₄⁺ ions .
Purification: Remove unbound FITC via dialysis or size-exclusion chromatography .
FITC-DAPP1 antibodies enable quantification of DAPP1 expression on cell surfaces or intracellular compartments. For example:
DAPP1 (Dual Adaptor for Phosphotyrosine and 3-Phosphoinositides) is a 280 amino acid protein that contains a putative myristoylation site at its N-terminus, followed by an Src homology (SH2) domain and a pleckstrin homology (PH) domain at its C-terminus . This protein, also known as BAM32 (B-cell Adapter Molecule of 32 kDa), functions as a key adaptor protein in B-cell signaling pathways.
DAPP1 exhibits high-affinity interactions with phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PtdIns(3,4,5)P₃) and phosphatidylinositol 3,4-bisphosphate (PtdIns(3,4)P₂), but not with other phospholipids . Its dual-binding capability to both tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins (via the SH2 domain) and 3-phosphoinositides (via the PH domain) makes it a critical regulator in B-cell antigen receptor (BCR) signaling downstream of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) .
For effective FITC conjugation to DAPP1 antibodies, follow this methodological approach:
Buffer Preparation: Use 0.1M sodium carbonate buffer at pH 9.0. Avoid stored buffer older than one week as pH fluctuations can occur .
Antibody Preparation: Ensure the DAPP1 antibody is pure and free of contamination. Dissolve at 2 mg/ml in the carbonate buffer. Avoid buffers containing amines or azides that may compete with the labeling reaction .
FITC Solution: Prepare fresh 1 mg/ml FITC in anhydrous DMSO immediately before use. Never use stored FITC solutions .
Conjugation Reaction:
Purification: Remove unconjugated FITC through dialysis or gel filtration. For optimal results, separate different F/P ratio populations through gradient DEAE Sephadex chromatography .
DAPP1-FITC conjugated antibodies are particularly valuable in the following research applications:
*Exact dilutions should be experimentally determined for each specific antibody and application.
The FITC conjugation enables direct fluorescent detection without secondary antibodies, streamlining experimental workflows while maintaining specificity for DAPP1 detection .
When designing experiments with DAPP1-FITC antibodies, include these essential controls:
Isotype Control: Use a FITC-conjugated antibody of the same isotype (e.g., IgG for most DAPP1 antibodies) but with irrelevant specificity to assess non-specific binding .
Blocking Control: Pre-incubate the DAPP1-FITC antibody with the immunizing peptide to confirm specificity, as demonstrated in validation studies showing complete signal blocking .
Negative Cell/Tissue Control: Include samples known not to express DAPP1 or samples where DAPP1 has been knocked down/out.
Positive Control: Use cell lines with confirmed DAPP1 expression (e.g., Ramos or IM-9 cells) as demonstrated in validation studies .
Autofluorescence Control: Include unstained samples to account for natural cellular fluorescence in the FITC spectrum.
For optimal stability and performance of DAPP1-FITC conjugated antibodies:
Storage Temperature: Store aliquoted antibody at -20°C for long-term storage. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles that can degrade both the antibody and the fluorophore .
Short-term Storage: For ongoing experiments, store at 4°C for up to one week .
Protection from Light: FITC is photosensitive; always store in amber vials or wrapped in aluminum foil to prevent photobleaching .
Aliquoting: Upon receipt, divide into small single-use aliquots to minimize freeze-thaw cycles.
Buffer Considerations: Most commercial preparations contain stabilizers, but avoid buffers with sodium azide for applications sensitive to respiratory chain inhibition .
DAPP1-FITC antibodies can be valuable tools for studying pH-dependent cellular processes, particularly in tumor microenvironments where local acidity affects molecular interactions:
pH-Dependent Fluorescence: FITC fluorescence intensity is inherently pH-sensitive, decreasing at lower pH. This property can be harnessed as an internal pH indicator when using DAPP1-FITC antibodies in environments with varying acidity .
Experimental Design:
Calibrate fluorescence intensity against standard pH buffers
Use ratiometric imaging with a pH-insensitive fluorophore as reference
Compare DAPP1-FITC binding patterns at normal (pH 7.4) versus acidic (pH 6.0) conditions
Application in Cancer Research: Similar to studies with other pH-dependent conjugates, DAPP1-FITC antibodies could potentially exploit the inherent acidity of solid tumors for selective binding. Research has shown pH-dependent increases in fluorescence levels when using fluorescent antibodies in acidic tumor environments .
Methodology for pH-Selective Studies:
When incorporating DAPP1-FITC antibodies into multi-color flow cytometry panels:
Spectral Considerations:
FITC excitation maximum: 494 nm
FITC emission maximum: 519 nm
Compatible lasers: 488 nm (blue)
Avoid fluorophores with significant spectral overlap (e.g., GFP, Alexa Fluor 488)
Panel Design Recommendations:
Channel | Recommended Fluorophores | Compensation Considerations |
---|---|---|
FITC | DAPP1-FITC | Primary channel |
PE | Minimal spillover | 5-10% compensation typically needed |
APC | Excellent separation | Minimal compensation required |
BV421 | Good separation | Minimal compensation required |
PE-Cy7 | Good separation | Moderate compensation may be needed |
Optimization Steps:
Perform single-color controls for accurate compensation
Titrate DAPP1-FITC antibody to determine optimal concentration
Include FMO (Fluorescence Minus One) controls to set accurate gates
Technical Considerations:
FITC can photobleach during sorting; consider using reduced laser power
FITC fluorescence is pH-sensitive; maintain consistent buffer conditions
If studying cells with high autofluorescence, consider alternative fluorophores
DAPP1 function is regulated through phosphorylation, particularly at Tyr139, which affects its methodological detection using antibodies:
Phosphorylation-Specific Detection:
Experimental Considerations:
Insulin treatment (0.01U/ml for 2 minutes) induces DAPP1 phosphorylation as demonstrated in validation studies
Phosphatase inhibitors must be included in all buffers during sample preparation
Denaturing conditions in Western blotting may affect epitope accessibility differently for phosphorylated versus non-phosphorylated forms
Dual Detection Strategy:
Use phospho-DAPP1 antibody conjugated to one fluorophore
Use total DAPP1-FITC antibody
Calculate the ratio of phosphorylated to total DAPP1 as a measure of activation
Methodological Validation:
Treatment with phosphatase confirms specificity of phospho-antibody
Blocking peptides distinguishing between phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated epitopes
When selecting FITC for DAPP1 antibody conjugation, consider these comparative advantages and limitations:
Methodological recommendation: If performing multi-parameter analysis or working in acidic environments, newer generation fluorophores may be preferable. For standard applications with neutral pH, FITC remains a cost-effective and well-characterized option with established protocols .
Comprehensive validation of DAPP1-FITC antibody specificity requires multiple complementary approaches:
Western Blot Validation:
Genetic Validation:
Test antibody in DAPP1 knockout/knockdown systems
Perform rescue experiments with DAPP1 overexpression
Compare antibody performance across species based on epitope conservation
Cross-Reactivity Assessment:
Test in cells with varying DAPP1 expression levels
Evaluate potential cross-reactivity with structurally similar proteins
Confirm specificity across different sample types (cell lines, primary cells, tissues)
Application-Specific Validation:
For flow cytometry: Compare surface vs. intracellular staining patterns
For IHC/ICC: Compare staining patterns with in situ hybridization results
For IP experiments: Confirm pull-down of known interaction partners
Documentation Requirements:
Record lot-specific validation data
Maintain positive and negative control data
Document all optimization parameters (dilutions, incubation times, buffers)
DAPP1-FITC antibodies provide valuable tools for investigating the dynamic role of DAPP1 in B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling pathways:
Subcellular Localization Studies:
Track DAPP1 translocation following BCR stimulation using live-cell imaging
Co-localization experiments with other signaling components (e.g., PI3K, PIP3)
Compare wild-type versus mutant DAPP1 localization patterns
Signaling Kinetics Analysis:
Time-course experiments measuring DAPP1 phosphorylation and localization
Correlation with downstream signaling events
Effect of pharmacological inhibitors on DAPP1 dynamics
Methodological Protocol for BCR Stimulation Studies:
Isolate B cells and equilibrate in serum-free media
Stimulate BCR with anti-IgM (10 μg/ml) for varying time points (0-30 min)
Fix cells and permeabilize for intracellular staining with DAPP1-FITC antibody
Analyze by flow cytometry or confocal microscopy
Functional Studies Integration:
Correlate DAPP1 localization/phosphorylation with calcium flux measurements
Integrate with phospho-specific antibodies against other signaling components
Connect to functional outcomes (proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation)
This approach provides comprehensive understanding of how DAPP1 regulates B-cell antigen receptor signaling downstream of PI3K activation .
Issue | Potential Causes | Methodological Solutions |
---|---|---|
Low Signal Intensity | Insufficient antibody concentration | Titrate antibody to determine optimal concentration Increase incubation time Ensure proper storage of antibody to prevent degradation |
High Background | Non-specific binding Autofluorescence | Include proper blocking steps (5% BSA or serum) Increase washing steps and duration Use appropriate isotype controls Consider autofluorescence quenching reagents |
Inconsistent Results | Variable DAPP1 expression Degradation of antibody pH fluctuations affecting FITC | Standardize cell culture/preparation conditions Aliquot antibody to avoid freeze-thaw cycles Maintain consistent buffer pH conditions |
Photobleaching | Excessive exposure to light Prolonged imaging sessions | Minimize exposure during preparation Use anti-fade mounting media Consider decreased laser power with increased detector gain |
Cross-Reactivity | Epitope similarity with other proteins | Validate using knockout/knockdown controls Perform peptide competition assays Compare with alternative antibody clones |
When experiencing weak signals specifically in Western blotting, researchers should consider that some DAPP1 epitopes may be masked by protein folding or post-translational modifications. In such cases, different denaturing conditions or epitope retrieval methods may improve detection .