DGAT1 is a 55 kDa membrane-bound enzyme encoded by the DGAT1 gene (UniProt: O75907). It facilitates the conversion of diacylglycerol (DAG) and fatty acyl-CoA into triglycerides (TGs), a process critical for energy storage and lipid homeostasis . Key functional insights include:
Metabolic regulation: DGAT1 deficiency improves insulin sensitivity but exacerbates ER stress under high-fat diets .
Lipid droplet dynamics: DGAT1 inhibition reduces lipid droplet formation in cancer cells, inducing apoptosis .
Disease associations: Biallelic DGAT1 mutations cause severe congenital diarrhea and protein-losing enteropathy .
Obesity and diabetes: DGAT1 inhibitors like T-863 reduce adiposity and improve glucose tolerance in obese mice .
Hepatic steatosis: DGAT1 knockdown exacerbates ER stress but protects against diet-induced obesity .
Glioblastoma (GBM): High DGAT1 expression correlates with poor survival. DGAT1 inhibition suppresses tumor growth by blocking lipid droplet formation .
Prostate cancer: DGAT1 overexpression amplifies microtubule-organizing centers (MTOCs), promoting tumor migration. Antibody-based DGAT1 inhibition disrupts this process .
Rotavirus (RV) infection: DGAT1 degradation by RV enhances viral replication and disrupts intestinal nutrient absorption. Antibodies confirm DGAT1 loss in infected cells .
Mutation analysis: The DGAT1 p.L105P mutation reduces enzyme stability, linked to severe pediatric diarrhea .
Specificity: DGAT1 antibodies show minimal cross-reactivity with DGAT2, a functionally distinct isoform .
Validation: Western blot bands at 50–55 kDa confirm target specificity (e.g., ab59034 in human duodenum lysates) .
Limitations: Some antibodies (e.g., NB110-41487) are unsuitable for IHC in paraffin-embedded tissues .
DGAT1 antibodies will remain pivotal in exploring:
Therapeutic targeting: Small-molecule inhibitors for metabolic and oncologic diseases.
Viral mechanisms: How pathogens exploit DGAT1 for replication.
Genetic diagnostics: Rapid screening for DGAT1 mutations in pediatric diarrhea cases.
DGAT1's Role in Triacylglycerol Synthesis and Regulation:
DGAT1 (Diacylglycerol O-Acyltransferase 1) is a key enzyme in triglyceride synthesis, catalyzing the final step in the glycerol phosphate pathway by joining diacylglycerol with fatty acyl-CoA . The enzyme plays a critical role in lipid metabolism, with localization primarily in the endoplasmic reticulum membrane as a multi-pass membrane protein . DGAT1's significance extends beyond basic lipid metabolism to multiple disease contexts, including obesity, diabetes, and cancer research. Recent studies highlight its role in prostate cancer progression and as a potential therapeutic target . Understanding DGAT1 function is essential for research into metabolic disorders, lipid storage diseases, and the development of targeted therapies.
DGAT1 antibodies have been successfully validated across multiple experimental techniques:
For research requiring high specificity, antibodies like NB110-41487 and 11561-1-AP have demonstrated consistent reactivity across human, mouse, and rat samples . When designing experiments, researchers should consider that some DGAT1 antibodies may not be applicable for paraffin-embedded IHC sections, necessitating optimization for specific applications .
Post-translational modifications
Protein cleavage events
Relative charges affecting migration
Experimental conditions and buffer systems
It's important to note that these variations are normal and expected. To confirm specificity, researchers should include positive control lysates from cells known to express DGAT1 (such as HepG2 cells) . Additionally, using appropriate molecular weight markers and validating results with knockdown/knockout controls will help ensure accurate identification of DGAT1 bands.
Optimal sample preparation varies by application:
For Western Blot:
Harvest cells at 70-80% confluence
Lyse cells in RIPA buffer supplemented with protease inhibitors
Sonicate briefly to shear DNA and reduce viscosity
Centrifuge at 14,000g for 15 minutes at 4°C
Collect supernatant and determine protein concentration
Denature samples at 95°C for 5 minutes in reducing sample buffer
For Immunocytochemistry/Immunofluorescence:
Fix cells in 10% formalin for 10 minutes at room temperature
Permeabilize with PBS containing 0.05% Triton X-100 for 5 minutes
Block with 1-5% BSA or normal serum for 30-60 minutes
Incubate with primary antibody overnight at 4°C
For Immunohistochemistry:
Use antigen retrieval with TE buffer pH 9.0 or alternatively citrate buffer pH 6.0
Block endogenous peroxidase activity with hydrogen peroxide
Proper sample preparation is crucial for maintaining DGAT1's native structure and epitope accessibility.
Optimizing DGAT1 detection in tissues with variable expression requires careful consideration of multiple factors:
Signal Amplification Systems:
For low-expressing tissues, employ tyramide signal amplification (TSA) to enhance detection sensitivity by 10-100 fold
Consider polymer-based detection systems for IHC applications to minimize background while maximizing signal
Antigen Retrieval Optimization:
Conduct systematic comparison of heat-induced epitope retrieval (HIER) methods:
Test both citrate buffer (pH 6.0) and TE buffer (pH 9.0)
Optimize retrieval time (10-30 minutes) and temperature (95-121°C)
For particularly challenging samples, employ enzyme-based retrieval with proteinase K as a complementary approach
Antibody Concentration Titration:
Perform serial dilutions ranging from 1:20 to 1:500
For each new tissue type, establish a tissue-specific titration curve
Determine optimal signal-to-noise ratio for each specimen type
Dual Labeling Strategies:
These optimization strategies should be systematically documented and validated with appropriate positive and negative controls, including tissues from DGAT1 knockout models when available.
Rigorous validation of DGAT1 antibody specificity requires a comprehensive set of controls:
Positive Controls:
Cell lines with confirmed DGAT1 expression (e.g., HepG2, as demonstrated in validated scientific data images)
Tissues with known high DGAT1 expression (liver, adipose tissue)
Recombinant DGAT1 protein as a reference standard
Negative Controls:
DGAT1 knockout/knockdown samples (essential for definitive validation)
Primary antibody omission controls
Isotype controls to assess non-specific binding
Tissues known to have minimal DGAT1 expression
Peptide Competition Assay:
Pre-incubate the DGAT1 antibody with excess immunizing peptide
Compare staining between blocked and unblocked antibody
Specific binding should be significantly reduced or eliminated
Orthogonal Validation:
Correlate protein detection with mRNA expression data
Confirm findings using alternative antibodies targeting different DGAT1 epitopes
Validate subcellular localization using fractionation followed by Western blot
Implementation of these controls ensures that experimental observations reflect genuine DGAT1 expression rather than technical artifacts or cross-reactivity.
Designing robust experiments to investigate DGAT1's role in lipid metabolism disorders requires a multifaceted approach:
In Vitro Models:
Cell Selection:
Lipid Challenge Protocols:
Genetic Manipulation:
Employ CRISPR/Cas9 for DGAT1 knockout
Use siRNA for transient knockdown
Develop stable overexpression models to study gain-of-function effects
In Vivo Approaches:
Animal Models:
High-fat diet-induced obesity models
Genetic models (ob/ob, db/db mice)
Conditional tissue-specific DGAT1 knockout models
Intervention Studies:
Analytical Methods:
Lipidomics to profile triglyceride species
Metabolic flux analysis using isotope tracers
Combination of imaging, biochemical, and molecular techniques
This experimental framework enables systematic investigation of DGAT1's mechanistic contributions to lipid metabolism disorders while providing multiple lines of evidence.
Recent research has uncovered an unexpected relationship between DGAT1, lipid droplets, and microtubule-organizing centers (MTOCs) . When investigating this novel connection, researchers should consider these methodological approaches:
Co-localization Studies:
Perform triple immunofluorescence staining for:
Employ super-resolution microscopy (STED, SIM) for detailed spatial relationships
Quantify co-localization using Pearson's correlation coefficient or Manders' overlap
Functional Interaction Analysis:
Biochemical Verification:
Immunoprecipitate DGAT1 and probe for MTOC components
Fractionate cells to isolate ER, lipid droplets, and MTOCs
Analyze composition using mass spectrometry
Disruption Strategies:
This methodological framework will help elucidate the mechanistic basis of the newly discovered signaling communication system between lipid droplets and non-centrosomal MTOCs in various cellular contexts.
When performing Western blots for DGAT1, researchers may encounter several technical challenges:
For optimal results, researchers should note that the theoretical molecular weight of DGAT1 is 55 kDa, but the observed weight may vary between 50-57 kDa due to post-translational modifications and experimental conditions .
For precise subcellular localization of DGAT1, optimize your immunofluorescence protocol with these considerations:
Fixation Method Comparison:
Permeabilization Optimization:
Co-localization Markers:
Pair DGAT1 staining with:
ER markers (calnexin, PDI, KDEL)
Lipid droplet markers (BODIPY, PLIN2/3)
Golgi markers for transitioning DGAT1
Use spectrally distinct fluorophores with minimal overlap
Signal Enhancement Techniques:
Apply tyramide signal amplification for low-abundance detection
Use high-sensitivity cameras with extended exposure times
Implement deconvolution algorithms for improved signal-to-noise ratio
Quantification Methods:
Establish objective parameters for co-localization analysis
Perform line scans across cellular structures
Apply Pearson's or Manders' coefficients for statistical analysis
For reliable subcellular localization, use the recommended antibody dilution of 1:40-1:100 and include appropriate controls to confirm specificity of the observed patterns .
Selection of the appropriate DGAT1 antibody clone should be guided by specific experimental requirements:
Application-Based Selection:
Epitope Considerations:
For studying specific domains: Select antibodies targeting relevant regions
For detecting potential isoforms: Use antibodies targeting different regions
For conformational studies: Consider antibodies raised against native protein
Cross-Species Research:
Technical Requirements:
Experimental Validation:
The choice between different clones should be documented and justified based on the specific research objectives and technical requirements of each experimental system.
Recent research has revealed DGAT1 as a promising target in cancer metabolism studies, particularly in prostate cancer research . Researchers can employ DGAT1 antibodies in several specialized applications:
Expression Profiling Across Cancer Types:
Perform systematic immunohistochemical analysis of DGAT1 expression in tumor tissue microarrays
Compare DGAT1 levels between normal epithelium and cancer cells
Research has shown a stepwise increase in DGAT1 protein when comparing normal prostate epithelium to prostate cancer cell lines (LNCaP and PC-3)
Correlation with Metabolic Phenotypes:
Mechanistic Studies:
Translational Applications:
Develop DGAT1 as a potential biomarker for aggressive cancer phenotypes
Evaluate DGAT1 inhibition as a therapeutic strategy
Investigate combinations with conventional therapies
This methodological framework leverages DGAT1 antibodies to explore the link between lipid metabolism, cytoskeletal organization, and cancer progression, potentially leading to novel therapeutic approaches.
When studying metabolic diseases using DGAT1 antibodies, researchers should consider these methodological aspects:
Model Selection and Characterization:
High-fat diet models: Document diet composition, feeding duration, and metabolic parameters
Genetic models: Verify genotype and characterize metabolic baseline
Cell culture models: Select appropriate cells (hepatocytes, adipocytes, myocytes) and validate metabolic responses
Consider C2C12 muscle cells for lipid storage studies as demonstrated in published research
Experimental Conditions:
Analytical Approaches:
Quantitative Western blot: Express DGAT1 relative to appropriate housekeeping proteins
Tissue immunohistochemistry: Compare DGAT1 expression across metabolic states
Immunofluorescence: Co-localize DGAT1 with lipid droplets and metabolic organelles
Consider dynamic measures (pulse-chase, metabolic flux) over static measurements
Data Interpretation:
Account for tissue-specific regulation of DGAT1
Consider post-translational regulation that may not reflect mRNA levels
Integrate findings with other lipogenic/lipolytic pathway components
Document statistical approaches for analyzing DGAT1 protein abundance differences
Validation Approaches:
Confirm antibody specificity in disease models where protein expression may be altered
Include biological replicates across different metabolic states
Validate key findings with complementary techniques (activity assays, genetic modulation)
These methodological considerations ensure robust and reproducible findings when investigating DGAT1's role in metabolic disease pathophysiology.
To effectively study DGAT1 inhibition using antibody-based detection, researchers should implement this comprehensive experimental design:
Inhibitor Selection and Characterization:
Choose between commercially available or novel DGAT1 inhibitors
Determine IC50 values in relevant cell models
Verify target engagement using enzymatic activity assays
Document inhibitor specificity (e.g., DGAT1 vs. DGAT2 selectivity)
Treatment Protocol Design:
Establish dose-response relationships (typically 4-6 concentrations spanning 2 logs)
Determine time-course effects (acute vs. chronic inhibition)
Include appropriate vehicle controls
Consider washout experiments to assess reversibility
Multi-parameter Assessment:
Quantification Methods:
For Western blot: Densitometric analysis normalized to loading controls
For microscopy:
Validation Approaches:
Complement pharmacological inhibition with genetic approaches
Test multiple inhibitors with different chemical scaffolds
Perform rescue experiments with DGAT1 overexpression
Include positive controls (e.g., cells with known sensitivity to DGAT1 inhibition)
This experimental framework enables comprehensive characterization of DGAT1 inhibition effects while minimizing potential artifacts and ensuring robust, reproducible results.
Multiplex immunofluorescence with DGAT1 antibodies requires careful planning to obtain reliable co-localization data:
By following these recommendations, researchers can generate reliable multiplexed immunofluorescence data revealing DGAT1's relationships with other cellular components in normal and disease states.
Recent research employing DGAT1 antibodies has revealed important connections between obesity, lipid metabolism, and cancer progression:
Mechanistic Studies:
Therapeutic Target Validation:
Translational Research Applications:
DGAT1 antibodies enable screening of patient-derived samples to:
Assess DGAT1 expression as a potential biomarker
Correlate expression with clinical outcomes
Identify patient subsets likely to benefit from DGAT1-targeted therapies
Emerging Research Directions:
Investigation of DGAT1 in additional cancer types
Exploration of combinatorial approaches targeting both DGAT1 and related metabolic enzymes
Development of antibody-drug conjugates targeting DGAT1-expressing cells
Study of DGAT1's role in tumor microenvironment and immune cell function
These research applications highlight how DGAT1 antibodies are instrumental in uncovering the complex relationships between lipid metabolism alterations in obesity and their impact on cancer development and progression.
Despite significant progress, several methodological challenges persist in DGAT1 research:
Antibody Specificity Issues:
Challenge: Distinguishing between DGAT1 and related acyltransferases (especially DGAT2)
Solution:
Complex Subcellular Localization:
Challenge: DGAT1 distributes between ER membrane, lipid droplets, and potentially other compartments
Solution:
Implement super-resolution microscopy techniques
Perform subcellular fractionation followed by Western blot
Use organelle-specific markers for co-localization studies
Apply live-cell imaging with fluorescently tagged DGAT1
Post-translational Regulation:
Challenge: Antibodies detect protein presence but not activity state
Solution:
Complement antibody detection with activity assays
Develop phospho-specific antibodies for regulatory modifications
Correlate protein levels with enzymatic activity
Integrate proteomics data to identify modification sites
Tissue Heterogeneity:
Challenge: Variable DGAT1 expression across cell types within tissues
Solution:
Apply single-cell analysis techniques
Use laser capture microdissection prior to analysis
Implement spatial transcriptomics alongside protein detection
Develop computational tools for heterogeneity assessment
Technical Limitations in Inhibitor Studies:
Challenge: Differentiating direct inhibition from secondary effects
Solution:
Design time-course experiments to distinguish primary from secondary effects
Employ target engagement assays alongside antibody detection
Use genetic complementation to validate inhibitor specificity
Implement systems biology approaches to map pathway perturbations
Addressing these methodological challenges requires integration of multiple techniques and careful experimental design to ensure robust and reproducible findings in DGAT1 research.
The recently uncovered relationship between DGAT1, lipid droplets, and microtubule-organizing centers represents an exciting research frontier . To investigate this connection, researchers can employ these specialized approaches:
Multi-parameter Imaging Analysis:
Triple Immunofluorescence Protocol:
Quantitative Parameters:
Mechanistic Dissection Studies:
Perturbation Experiments:
Protein Interaction Analysis:
Dynamic Process Investigation:
Live-cell Imaging Applications:
Fluorescently tagged DGAT1 combined with ER and MTOC markers
Time-lapse microscopy during lipid loading/depletion
FRAP (Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching) to assess protein dynamics
Cell Cycle Analysis:
Translational Extensions:
Tissue-based Analysis:
Examine DGAT1-MTOC relationships in normal versus tumor tissues
Correlate patterns with clinical outcomes
Assess effects of metabolic interventions (diet, exercise, drugs)
Therapeutic Targeting Strategies:
Combination approaches targeting both DGAT1 and MTOC components
Time-dependent intervention strategies
Biomarker development for patient stratification
This research framework enables systematic investigation of this newly discovered "biosensor function" of MTOCs in assessing intracellular lipid content , potentially revealing novel therapeutic targets at the intersection of metabolism and cell structure.
When selecting a DGAT1 antibody for your research, consider these critical factors to ensure optimal results:
Application Compatibility:
For Western blot: Both NB110-41487 and 11561-1-AP antibodies show strong performance
For immunofluorescence: NB110-41487 has validated protocols at 1:40-1:100 dilution
For Simple Western: NB110-41487 at 1:50 dilution is recommended
For IHC: 11561-1-AP at 1:50-1:500 dilution with appropriate antigen retrieval
Species Reactivity:
Epitope Characteristics:
Technical Specifications:
Validation Evidence:
By carefully evaluating these factors against your specific research objectives, you can select the optimal DGAT1 antibody to ensure robust, reproducible results across your experimental program.
Emerging advances in DGAT1 antibody technology are poised to transform both metabolic disorder and cancer research:
Next-Generation Antibody Formats:
Recombinant antibodies with enhanced specificity and batch-to-batch consistency
Single-domain antibodies (nanobodies) for improved access to conformational epitopes
Bispecific antibodies simultaneously targeting DGAT1 and related pathway components
These technologies will enable more precise characterization of DGAT1's complex roles in lipid metabolism and cancer progression
Multiplex Detection Systems:
Advanced multiplexing technologies allowing simultaneous detection of DGAT1 with 10+ other proteins
Spatial proteomics approaches for tissue-level analysis of DGAT1 distribution
Single-cell Western blot technologies for heterogeneity assessment
These approaches will reveal DGAT1's context-dependent functions within complex tissue environments
Therapeutic Applications:
Development of antibody-drug conjugates targeting DGAT1-expressing cells in tumors
Intrabodies directed against DGAT1 for cell-type specific modulation
Combination therapies targeting DGAT1 alongside other metabolic enzymes
Such approaches may exploit the newly discovered connections between DGAT1, lipid droplets, and MTOCs
Diagnostic and Predictive Applications:
DGAT1 antibody-based companion diagnostics for patient stratification
Liquid biopsy approaches for monitoring treatment response
Automated image analysis platforms for quantitative DGAT1 assessment
These applications may help identify patients most likely to benefit from DGAT1-targeted therapies
Mechanistic Discovery Platforms:
Antibody-enabled proteomics to map DGAT1 interaction networks
DGAT1 proximity labeling for identifying novel partners
CRISPR screening combined with antibody-based detection for genetic modifier discovery
Such approaches will accelerate our understanding of DGAT1's role in the newly discovered signaling system between lipid droplets and non-centrosomal MTOCs