KEGG: ath:AT2G03955
STRING: 3702.AT2G03955.1
At2g03955 Antibody (product code CSB-PA652773XA01DOA) is a research antibody specifically developed against the At2g03955 protein found in Arabidopsis thaliana, commonly known as Mouse-ear cress. This antibody recognizes the protein encoded by the At2g03955 gene locus and is available in both concentrated (0.1ml) and standard (2ml) preparations . This antibody should not be confused with other Arabidopsis antibodies targeting similar gene loci such as At2g03932 (CSB-PA651996XA01DOA) or At2g03937 (CSB-PA684161XA01DOA).
While specific application data for At2g03955 is limited in the provided search results, antibodies for Arabidopsis proteins are typically employed in various immunological techniques including:
Western blotting for protein expression analysis
Immunoprecipitation for protein-protein interaction studies
Immunohistochemistry for localization studies
Flow cytometry for quantitative analysis (similar to methods described for AGTR-2 antibodies)
ChIP (Chromatin Immunoprecipitation) for DNA-protein interaction studies
The optimal dilution ratios should be determined empirically for each application, as is standard practice with research antibodies.
While specific storage information for At2g03955 Antibody is not provided in the search results, research-grade antibodies typically require careful handling to maintain functionality. Based on standard protocols for similar research antibodies:
| Storage Parameter | Recommended Condition |
|---|---|
| Storage temperature | -20°C (long-term) |
| Working temperature | 4°C (short-term) |
| Freeze-thaw cycles | Minimize (ideally <5) |
| Light exposure | Protect from light |
| Buffer conditions | pH 7.2-7.4 PBS with preservatives |
| Aliquoting | Recommended for repeated use |
Proper storage and handling significantly affect experimental reproducibility and reliability in immunological assays.
When conducting experiments with At2g03955 Antibody, rigorous control measures are essential for data validation:
Positive Controls:
Known samples expressing the At2g03955 protein
Recombinant At2g03955 protein (if available)
Negative Controls:
Samples from knockout or knockdown At2g03955 Arabidopsis lines
Wild-type samples of non-Arabidopsis plant species
Isotype control antibodies (similar to approaches used with AGTR-2 antibody protocols)
Technical Controls:
Secondary antibody-only controls to assess non-specific binding
Blocking peptide competition assays to confirm specificity
Gradient dilution series to determine optimal antibody concentration
Implementation of these controls helps distinguish specific signals from background noise and validates experimental findings.
Cross-reactivity represents a significant challenge in plant antibody research due to protein sequence similarities across gene families:
Sequence Homology Analysis:
Compare the At2g03955 protein sequence with related proteins in Arabidopsis and other species
Identify regions of high similarity that might contribute to cross-reactivity
Experimental Verification:
Perform Western blot analysis using extracts from:
Wild-type Arabidopsis
At2g03955 knockout/knockdown lines
Related Arabidopsis varieties
Compare banding patterns to identify non-specific interactions
Absorption Controls:
Pre-incubate antibody with purified target protein
Compare immunostaining patterns before and after absorption
Dilution Optimization:
Test multiple antibody dilutions to identify the optimal signal-to-noise ratio
Document the dilution series results for protocol optimization
Efficient protein extraction is critical for successful immunological detection of plant proteins:
| Extraction Parameter | Recommended Approach |
|---|---|
| Buffer composition | Tris-HCl (pH 7.5), NaCl, EDTA, glycerol, β-mercaptoethanol |
| Protease inhibitors | Complete cocktail including PMSF, aprotinin, leupeptin |
| Cell disruption | Liquid nitrogen grinding followed by mechanical homogenization |
| Detergent selection | Triton X-100 or CHAPS depending on subcellular localization |
| Centrifugation | Sequential steps (1,000×g, 10,000×g, 100,000×g) for fraction separation |
| Sample storage | -80°C with glycerol in single-use aliquots |
The extraction method should be optimized based on the subcellular localization and biochemical properties of the At2g03955 protein.
A comprehensive experimental design for developmental expression studies would include:
Tissue Sampling Strategy:
Collect multiple tissue types (roots, stems, leaves, flowers, siliques)
Sample at defined developmental stages (seedling, vegetative, reproductive)
Include biological replicates (minimum n=3) for statistical validity
Quantitative Analysis Methods:
Data Normalization:
Use constitutively expressed proteins (actin, tubulin, GAPDH) as loading controls
Implement tissue-specific reference genes for transcript analysis
Employ standard curves with recombinant protein (if available)
Statistical Analysis:
Apply appropriate statistical tests (ANOVA, t-tests) to expression data
Calculate confidence intervals for biological replicates
Perform correlation analysis between protein and transcript levels
When facing inconsistent immunoblotting results, a systematic troubleshooting approach is essential:
Antibody Validation:
Verify antibody specificity through epitope mapping
Test different antibody lots for consistency
Consider testing alternative antibodies targeting different epitopes
Sample Preparation Variables:
Evaluate different protein extraction methods
Test multiple sample buffer compositions
Assess the impact of reducing/non-reducing conditions
Investigate protein degradation through time-course experiments
Technical Parameters:
Optimize transfer conditions (buffer composition, time, voltage)
Test different membrane types (PVDF vs. nitrocellulose)
Vary blocking reagents (BSA vs. non-fat milk)
Adjust incubation times and temperatures
Data Reconciliation:
| Discrepancy Type | Investigation Approach |
|---|---|
| Unexpected band size | Assess post-translational modifications, splice variants |
| Variable signal intensity | Standardize protein loading, exposure times |
| Inconsistent results between experiments | Implement stricter protocol controls |
| Signal in negative controls | Increase stringency of washing steps, blocking conditions |
Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) represents a powerful approach for identifying protein-protein interactions:
Sample Preparation:
Use mild lysis buffers to preserve protein-protein interactions
Include reversible crosslinking agents if interactions are transient
Pre-clear lysates to reduce non-specific binding
Immunoprecipitation Strategy:
Compare direct IP (antibody-protein) vs. indirect methods (antibody-bead conjugation)
Test different bead types (Protein A/G, magnetic vs. agarose)
Optimize antibody concentrations and incubation conditions
Include appropriate controls (IgG control, knockout lines)
Interaction Validation:
Confirm results with reciprocal Co-IP experiments
Verify interactions through orthogonal methods (yeast two-hybrid, BiFC)
Assess the effects of environmental conditions on interaction dynamics
Mass Spectrometry Analysis:
Implement stringent filtering to eliminate common contaminants
Require multiple peptide identification for confident protein assignment
Use quantitative approaches to distinguish specific from non-specific interactions
Compare results against known interactome databases
Proper quantitative analysis ensures reproducibility and statistical validity:
Signal Quantification:
Use appropriate software (ImageJ, ImageQuant) for densitometry
Apply background subtraction methods consistently
Normalize signals to loading controls or total protein stains
Consider using housekeeping gene products like actin or GAPDH for normalization
Statistical Approaches:
| Analysis Type | Recommended Method |
|---|---|
| Group comparisons | ANOVA with post-hoc tests |
| Pairwise comparisons | Student's t-test or non-parametric alternatives |
| Correlation analysis | Pearson's or Spearman's coefficients |
| Time-course data | Repeated measures ANOVA |
Data Visualization:
Present original immunoblot images alongside quantified data
Use box plots or violin plots for distribution visualization
Indicate statistical significance levels clearly
Include error bars representing standard deviation or SEM
Reproducibility Considerations:
Report the number of independent biological replicates
Describe technical replication strategy
Document any excluded data points with justification
Cross-ecotype comparisons require careful experimental design and data interpretation:
Genetic Variation Assessment:
Compare At2g03955 gene sequences across ecotypes
Identify SNPs or other variations that might affect antibody binding
Consider potential splice variants or post-translational modifications
Experimental Standardization:
Grow all ecotypes under identical controlled conditions
Harvest tissues at equivalent developmental stages
Process all samples simultaneously using standardized protocols
Include universal controls across all experiments
Data Normalization Strategies:
Use conserved reference genes for transcript analysis
Implement multiple normalization controls for protein quantification
Consider normalization to total protein content
Interpretation Frameworks:
Contextualize expression differences with phenotypic variations
Correlate expression patterns with known ecotype-specific traits
Consider evolutionary and adaptive significance of expression differences
Multi-omics integration provides deeper insights into gene function and regulation:
Correlation Analysis:
Calculate correlation coefficients between protein abundance and transcript levels
Identify conditions where protein/mRNA correlations diverge
Investigate potential post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms
Temporal Dynamics:
Compare the timing of transcript induction versus protein accumulation
Analyze protein turnover rates in relation to transcript stability
Develop mathematical models to describe transcript-to-protein relationships
Pathway Integration:
Map expression data onto known biological pathways
Identify co-regulated genes and proteins
Infer regulatory relationships based on expression patterns
Visualization Approaches:
| Data Type | Visualization Method |
|---|---|
| Co-expression networks | Force-directed graphs |
| Multi-condition comparisons | Heatmaps with hierarchical clustering |
| Time-series data | Line plots with confidence intervals |
| Multi-omics integration | Circos plots or multi-layer networks |
Scaling immunological methods for high-throughput screening requires systematic optimization:
Assay Miniaturization:
Adapt protocols to 96-well or 384-well formats
Optimize reagent volumes and incubation times
Develop automated sample handling procedures
Implement parallel processing workflows
Detection Methods:
Consider fluorescence-based detection for improved sensitivity
Explore multiplexing with additional antibodies
Implement automated image acquisition and analysis
Develop quantitative readouts suitable for large datasets
Quality Control:
Include positive and negative controls in every plate
Calculate Z-factors to assess assay robustness
Implement drift correction across multiple plates
Develop standard operating procedures for consistency
Data Management:
Create structured databases for result storage
Implement automated analysis pipelines
Develop visualization tools for rapid result interpretation
Ensure compliance with data sharing standards
ChIP applications require specific adaptations for plant chromatin:
Chromatin Preparation:
Optimize crosslinking conditions for plant tissues
Develop efficient nuclei isolation protocols
Determine optimal sonication parameters for desired fragment sizes
Verify chromatin quality through DNA purification and sizing
Immunoprecipitation Optimization:
Test antibody binding capacity to crosslinked epitopes
Optimize antibody:chromatin ratios
Compare different bead types and blocking conditions
Include appropriate controls (input, IgG, non-target regions)
Data Analysis:
Implement normalization strategies for ChIP-qPCR
Develop appropriate analytical workflows for ChIP-seq
Use peak calling algorithms optimized for plant genomes
Validate binding sites through motif analysis
Functional Interpretation:
Correlate binding sites with gene expression data
Map binding sites relative to transcription start sites
Identify co-occurring transcription factor binding motifs
Integrate with epigenetic data (DNA methylation, histone modifications)
Immunohistochemistry in plant tissues presents unique challenges:
Tissue Preparation:
Optimize fixation conditions for different plant tissues
Develop sectioning protocols that preserve antigenicity
Consider whole-mount approaches for intact organ imaging
Test different embedding media for optimal morphology preservation
Antigen Retrieval:
Evaluate heat-induced versus enzymatic antigen retrieval
Optimize buffer compositions for plant cell wall penetration
Determine optimal retrieval durations for different tissues
Assess the impact of retrieval methods on tissue morphology
Signal Development:
Compare chromogenic versus fluorescent detection systems
Implement counterstaining strategies for tissue orientation
Optimize signal amplification methods for low-abundance targets
Consider multiplexing with cellular markers for co-localization studies
Quantitative Analysis:
Develop image analysis pipelines for signal quantification
Implement cell-type specific measurement strategies
Use z-stack imaging for three-dimensional expression analysis
Apply statistical methods for comparing expression across tissues
Emerging single-cell technologies offer new opportunities for protein-level analysis:
Sample Preparation Considerations:
Adapt protoplast isolation protocols for single-cell applications
Optimize fixation methods that maintain antigenicity
Develop microfluidic approaches for cell isolation and processing
Implement barcode-based strategies for multiplexed analysis
Detection Technologies:
Data Analysis Frameworks:
Implement dimensionality reduction techniques for visualization
Develop clustering algorithms for cell-type identification
Create trajectory analysis methods for developmental studies
Design statistical approaches for handling technical variation
Validation Strategies:
Correlate single-cell findings with bulk tissue measurements
Implement orthogonal validation through RNA-protein co-detection
Use genetic models to confirm specificity of detected signals
Develop computational approaches to account for technical artifacts
CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing provides powerful validation approaches:
Target Design:
Select gRNA sites that cause complete protein disruption
Consider generating epitope-specific mutations to confirm antibody binding site
Design strategies for creating tagged versions of the endogenous protein
Implement multiplexed editing for gene family studies
Validation Strategy:
| Editing Approach | Validation Method |
|---|---|
| Complete knockout | Western blot signal absence |
| Epitope modification | Altered antibody binding pattern |
| Domain deletion | Size shift in detected protein |
| Endogenous tagging | Co-localization with tag-specific antibodies |
Off-target Assessment:
Computationally predict potential off-target sites
Sequence top predicted off-target regions
Assess expression changes in related gene family members
Perform whole-genome sequencing for comprehensive analysis
Phenotypic Characterization:
Correlate molecular validation with phenotypic changes
Implement complementation studies to confirm specificity
Design rescue experiments with modified protein versions
Consider tissue-specific or inducible systems for lethal modifications