DCHS1 Antibody, FITC conjugated is primarily optimized for immunofluorescence (IF), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) applications . The antibody demonstrates strong fluorescence signal when targeting the human DCHS1 protein, particularly in fibroblasts where DCHS1 is predominantly expressed . The conjugation with FITC provides excitation/emission values of 499/515 nm and is compatible with the 488 laser line commonly available in confocal microscopy setups . For optimal results in immunofluorescence applications, dilutions of 1:50-1:100 are typically recommended, though these should be empirically determined for each experimental system .
DCHS1 Antibody, FITC conjugated should be stored at -20°C for long-term preservation of activity . For short-term usage (within one week), the antibody can be stored at 4°C after thawing . To minimize degradation through freeze-thaw cycles, it is recommended to aliquot the antibody before freezing . Most commercial preparations contain buffer components such as glycerol (40-50%), BSA (0.1-0.5%), and sodium azide (0.01-0.05%) to maintain stability . FITC conjugates are particularly sensitive to photobleaching, so protection from light exposure during storage and handling is essential for maintaining fluorescence intensity .
When designing immunofluorescence experiments with DCHS1 Antibody, FITC conjugated, multiple controls should be incorporated:
Positive tissue control: Human fibroblast cultures or tissue samples known to express DCHS1 should be included .
Negative tissue control: Melanocytes or keratinocytes, which do not express DCHS1, can serve as biological negative controls .
Isotype control: A FITC-conjugated rabbit IgG isotype antibody should be used at the same concentration to assess non-specific binding .
Blocking peptide control: Pre-incubation of the antibody with the immunizing peptide (amino acids 2964-2981 of human DCHS1) should abolish specific staining .
Autofluorescence control: Unstained samples should be examined to establish baseline cellular autofluorescence in the FITC channel.
These controls help distinguish specific DCHS1 staining from technical artifacts and are essential for publication-quality data .
Investigation of the DCHS1-LIX1L-SEPT9 (DLS) protein complex requires sophisticated co-localization approaches. The FITC-conjugated DCHS1 antibody can be effectively combined with differentially labeled antibodies against LIX1L and SEPT9 in multi-color immunofluorescence experiments . Research findings demonstrate that DCHS1 interacts with LIX1L through its cytoplasmic tail (amino acids 2962-3191), while LIX1L simultaneously binds to SEPT9, forming a tripartite complex crucial for DCHS1 stabilization .
For optimal visualization of this complex:
Perform co-transfection experiments with DCHS1-V5, LIX1L-FLAG, and SEPT9-HA in appropriate cell lines (e.g., HEK293T cells) .
Use the FITC-conjugated DCHS1 antibody (green channel) alongside spectrally distinct secondary antibodies for detecting the epitope tags of LIX1L and SEPT9.
Employ confocal microscopy with appropriate channel separation to minimize bleed-through.
Quantify co-localization using established coefficients (Pearson's, Mander's, etc.).
Notably, biochemical validation through co-immunoprecipitation has confirmed that DCHS1 protein stability is enhanced only in the presence of LIX1L, suggesting that the complete complex formation is necessary for proper DCHS1 function .
DCHS1 mutations have been identified as causative factors in mitral valve prolapse (MVP) . When investigating these mutations using FITC-conjugated DCHS1 antibodies, researchers should implement the following methodological approach:
Patient-derived samples: Obtain valve tissue or patient-derived iPSCs from individuals with confirmed DCHS1 mutations.
3D culture systems: Establish valve interstitial cell (VIC) cultures or organoids that recapitulate valve development.
Comparative immunofluorescence: Use DCHS1 Antibody, FITC conjugated at 1:100 dilution to compare subcellular localization between wild-type and mutant DCHS1 .
Co-staining protocols: Implement dual-labeling with markers of cell migration (e.g., focal adhesion proteins) and extracellular matrix components (e.g., collagens, elastin).
Live-cell imaging: For dynamic studies, consider using cells transfected with DCHS1-GFP constructs alongside fixed-cell analysis with the FITC-conjugated antibody.
Research has demonstrated that DCHS1 mutations affect cell migration patterns involved in valve formation, leading to mitral valve deformities . The FITC-conjugated antibody allows visualization of altered DCHS1 localization in mutant cells, particularly at cell-cell junctions where DCHS1 normally functions as an adhesion molecule .
FAT4 and DCHS1 form a ligand-receptor pair with critical functions in kidney development . To investigate this signaling pathway using FITC-conjugated DCHS1 antibodies, researchers should consider:
Embryonic kidney explant cultures: Utilize ex vivo culture systems of developing kidneys from wild-type, Fat4-/-, or Dchs1-/- mouse models.
Spatial distribution analysis: Apply DCHS1 Antibody, FITC conjugated (1:100) alongside FAT4 staining to map their expression domains in the developing kidney .
Quantitative co-localization: Implement high-resolution confocal microscopy with quantitative analysis of protein distribution at tissue boundaries.
RET signaling assessment: Include phospho-ERK (pERK) staining as a readout of RET signaling activity, which is modulated by FAT4-DCHS1 interaction .
Recent research has revealed that FAT4 and DCHS1 interact to suppress the formation of duplex kidneys by regulating RET signaling . In Fat4-/- mutants, increased levels of pERK indicate enhanced RET signaling, with genetic background influencing the phenotypic outcome . The FITC-conjugated DCHS1 antibody enables precise localization of DCHS1 protein in relation to these signaling events, particularly at the ureteric bud where RET signaling occurs.
High background is a frequent challenge when using FITC-conjugated antibodies. For DCHS1 Antibody, FITC conjugated, common causes and solutions include:
For particularly challenging samples, a sequential double blocking strategy may be employed: first with 2% BSA in PBS for 1 hour, followed by 10% normal rabbit serum for 30 minutes before antibody application .
When transitioning from two-step (primary + secondary) to direct detection with FITC-conjugated DCHS1 antibody, several protocol adjustments are necessary:
Concentration adjustments: FITC-conjugated primary antibodies typically require 2-3 fold higher concentrations than unconjugated versions; start with 1:50 dilution and optimize empirically .
Incubation modifications:
Signal amplification options:
If signal intensity is insufficient, consider tyramide signal amplification (TSA)
Alternatively, anti-FITC antibodies conjugated to brighter fluorophores can be used as a secondary enhancement step
Photobleaching mitigation:
Multiplexing considerations:
Quantification of DCHS1 expression using FITC-conjugated antibodies requires standardized approaches to account for tissue heterogeneity:
Standardized image acquisition:
Cell-type specific analysis:
Subcellular quantification approaches:
Normalization strategies:
Advanced computational analysis:
Different conjugates of DCHS1 antibodies exhibit distinct performance characteristics across applications:
Research has demonstrated that for examining DCHS1's role in mitral valve development, FITC conjugates allow simultaneous visualization of DCHS1 with extracellular matrix components, providing critical spatial information that cannot be achieved with single-color chromogenic methods .
Investigating DCHS1-FAT4 interactions presents unique challenges requiring careful experimental design:
Trans-interaction considerations:
Tissue boundary analysis:
Functional readouts:
Genetic manipulation approaches:
Research has established that DCHS1-FAT4 interactions regulate kidney development by modulating RET signaling, with background-specific modifiers influencing phenotypic outcomes . These interactions are conserved from Drosophila to mammals, involving homologs of Dachsous (DCHS1, DCHS2) and Four-jointed (FJX1) .
Validating species cross-reactivity of DCHS1 Antibody, FITC conjugated requires systematic verification across multiple experimental platforms:
Sequence homology analysis:
Graduated validation approach:
Tissue-specific considerations:
Technical optimization by species:
DCHS1 Antibody, FITC conjugated offers significant potential for integration with emerging single-cell technologies:
Single-cell phenotyping in tissue context:
Flow cytometry applications:
Spatial transcriptomics integration:
Live-cell applications:
This integration would enable unprecedented insights into how DCHS1 contributes to cell fate decisions and morphogenetic processes during heart valve formation, kidney development, and other contexts where DCHS1 plays critical roles .
DCHS1 undergoes several post-translational modifications (PTMs), including glycosylation, that affect its function and localization . Investigating these PTMs requires specialized approaches:
PTM-specific detection strategies:
Develop dual labeling protocols combining FITC-conjugated DCHS1 antibody with glycosylation-specific lectins
Implement proximity ligation assays to detect specific modified forms
Compare total DCHS1 (detected by the FITC-conjugated antibody) with modified subpopulations
Sample preparation considerations:
Enzymatic treatment controls:
Quantification approaches:
Develop ratiometric imaging methods comparing modified vs. total DCHS1
Implement intensity correlation analysis between DCHS1 and PTM markers
Apply machine learning-based classification of subcellular distribution patterns
Understanding DCHS1 PTMs is particularly relevant for heart valve development research, as glycosylation may influence DCHS1-FAT4 interactions and subsequent signaling events critical for proper valve morphogenesis .