The DIR23 antibody is a commercially available custom antibody (Product ID: CSB-PA282624XA01DOA) developed by Cusabio for research purposes. It targets a protein encoded by the DIR23 gene in Arabidopsis thaliana (Mouse-ear cress), with the UniProt accession number Q84TH6 .
No peer-reviewed studies validating DIR23’s efficacy or characterizing its epitope were identified.
The antibody’s role in published Arabidopsis research is unclear, as it is not cited in major databases like PubMed or PMC.
DIR23’s potential utility can be inferred from studies on other antibodies:
IL-23 Antibodies: Monoclonal antibodies targeting cytokines (e.g., risankizumab, guselkumab) highlight the importance of affinity and epitope specificity in therapeutic applications .
CD23 Antibodies: Research on FcεRII-binding antibodies demonstrates rigorous validation workflows, including flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry .
To advance DIR23’s utility, the following steps are recommended:
Epitope Mapping: Confirm the antibody’s binding site using techniques like X-ray crystallography or phage display.
Functional Assays: Test DIR23 in Arabidopsis models to assess its impact on plant processes (e.g., pathogen response or development).
Cross-Reactivity Studies: Evaluate specificity across plant species to determine broader applicability.
DHRS3, also known as retSDR1 (Retinal short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase 1), is an enzyme that catalyzes the reduction of all-trans-retinal to all-trans-retinol in the presence of NADPH . This enzymatic activity positions DHRS3 as a critical component in the retinoid metabolism pathway, which is essential for numerous biological processes including vision, cellular differentiation, and embryonic development. Understanding DHRS3's function is fundamental to interpreting experimental results when using DHRS3 antibodies in research settings.
DHRS3 antibodies are primarily utilized in immunohistochemistry on paraffin-embedded tissues (IHC-P) and immunocytochemistry/immunofluorescence (ICC/IF) . They allow researchers to visualize the expression and localization of DHRS3 in various human tissues and cell lines. For instance, DHRS3 expression has been successfully detected in human thyroid tissue, placenta, and A549 lung carcinoma cells using antibodies like ab236603 at dilutions of approximately 1/100 . These applications enable researchers to investigate DHRS3's expression patterns across different cellular contexts and potential involvement in pathological conditions.
Many commercially available DHRS3 antibodies are developed against recombinant fragment proteins within the human DHRS3 amino acid sequence. For example, the antibody ab236603 is raised against a recombinant fragment corresponding to amino acids 1-200 of human DHRS3 . Understanding the specific epitope recognition is crucial when designing experiments, as it affects the antibody's ability to detect different isoforms, post-translationally modified variants, or denatured forms of the protein depending on the experimental context.
Antibody validation is a critical step before employing DHRS3 antibodies in research. A comprehensive validation approach should include:
Western blot analysis with positive and negative control samples to confirm the antibody detects bands of expected molecular weight
Immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry to confirm target identity
Knockdown or knockout models to demonstrate signal reduction
Testing across multiple applications (IHC, ICC, WB) to confirm consistent detection patterns
Cross-reactivity assessment in tissues known to express or not express DHRS3
For DHRS3, testing the antibody on tissues with known expression patterns like thyroid and placenta can provide confidence in specificity . Additionally, comparing staining patterns with multiple antibodies targeting different epitopes of DHRS3 can strengthen validation results.
For optimal results in IHC-P applications with DHRS3 antibodies, standard formalin fixation followed by paraffin embedding is generally suitable . Antigen retrieval methods may include:
Heat-induced epitope retrieval (HIER) using citrate buffer (pH 6.0) or EDTA buffer (pH 9.0)
Enzymatic antigen retrieval with proteinase K (particularly useful for membrane proteins)
The specific antibody datasheet should be consulted for optimized protocols, as some antibodies may have unique requirements. For instance, the ab236603 antibody has been successfully used on paraffin-embedded human thyroid and placenta tissues, suggesting standard HIER methods are compatible . Researchers should perform titration experiments to determine the optimal antibody dilution, typically starting with manufacturer recommendations (e.g., 1/100 dilution for ab236603).
Understanding epitope stability across experimental conditions is crucial for accurate results. To evaluate this:
Compare native versus denatured detection capabilities using native PAGE and SDS-PAGE Western blots
Test detection in reducing versus non-reducing conditions to assess dependence on disulfide bonds
Examine sensitivity to different fixatives (paraformaldehyde, methanol, acetone) in ICC applications
Perform epitope mapping using peptide arrays or truncated protein constructs
Evaluate pH sensitivity by testing staining at different buffer pH values
For DHRS3 antibodies specifically, comparing performance across applications like IHC-P and ICC/IF can provide insights into epitope stability . If an antibody works well in both applications, it suggests the epitope remains accessible in both paraffin-embedded fixed tissues and in differently fixed cell preparations.
While specific binding affinity data for DHRS3 antibodies isn't provided in the search results, we can draw parallels from studies of other antibodies. Research on IL-23 antibodies demonstrates how differences in binding affinity significantly impact experimental outcomes. For instance, risankizumab and guselkumab exhibited 5-fold higher affinity for IL-23 compared to ustekinumab and tildrakizumab, resulting in more potent inhibition of IL-23 signaling .
For DHRS3 antibodies, determining the binding affinity (KD value) using techniques like surface plasmon resonance (SPR) or bio-layer interferometry (BLI) would provide valuable information for comparing different antibody options. Higher-affinity antibodies typically offer greater sensitivity in applications like IHC and ICC/IF, particularly when target protein expression is low.
When working with sequence data for antibodies targeting DHRS3, researchers should focus on several key aspects:
CDR3 sequences are particularly important as they contribute significantly to antigen specificity
V, D, and J gene usage information helps understand the antibody's origin and potential cross-reactivity
Full-length protein sequences enable detailed epitope mapping and structural analysis
The IEDB (Immune Epitope Database) provides valuable resources for analyzing antibody sequence data, presenting information on receptor ID, species, receptor type, and CDR3s of each chain . When examining DHRS3 antibody sequences, researchers should note the CDR3 regions as these determine the specificity for DHRS3 epitopes. Comparing these sequences across different DHRS3 antibodies can help explain variations in binding properties and cross-reactivity profiles.
Recent advances in computational antibody design are revolutionizing how researchers develop new antibodies. The IgDiff antibody variable domain diffusion model represents cutting-edge technology in de novo antibody design . This model:
Extends protein backbone diffusion frameworks to handle multiple chains
Produces highly designable antibodies with novel binding regions
Generates structures with backbone dihedral angles showing good agreement with reference antibody distributions
Creates antibodies that express with high yield when tested experimentally
For researchers interested in developing new DHRS3 antibodies, these computational approaches could potentially accelerate the design process beyond traditional hybridoma or phage display methods. By incorporating DHRS3 structural data, these models could generate antibodies with optimized binding properties for specific research applications or therapeutic purposes.
When working with DHRS3 antibodies, researchers might encounter several challenges:
High background signal: This can be addressed by optimization of blocking reagents (BSA, serum, commercial blockers), increasing washing steps, or diluting the antibody further.
Weak or absent signal: Try various antigen retrieval methods, increase antibody concentration, extend incubation time, or switch to more sensitive detection systems.
Non-specific binding: Perform additional control experiments (isotype controls, peptide blocking), increase blocking stringency, or try alternative antibodies targeting different DHRS3 epitopes.
Inconsistent results between applications: Some antibodies work better in certain applications than others. For example, the ab236603 antibody is validated for IHC-P and ICC/IF but may not perform optimally in other applications . Consider application-specific antibody selection or optimization.
Cross-reactivity with related proteins: Validate specificity through Western blotting against recombinant DHRS3 and related family members, or use genetic approaches (siRNA, CRISPR) to confirm target specificity.
Studies on neutralizing antibodies, particularly in the context of COVID-19, provide valuable methodological insights applicable to DHRS3 antibody research. Research from Emory University demonstrated that neutralizing antibodies develop within six days of COVID-19 infection and focus on the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the viral spike protein .
For DHRS3 research, similar approaches could be employed to:
Identify functionally important domains of DHRS3 by developing domain-specific antibodies
Test antibodies for their ability to inhibit DHRS3's enzymatic activity (reduction of all-trans-retinal)
Establish correlations between antibody binding characteristics and functional outcomes
Develop screening assays to identify antibodies that modulate DHRS3 activity rather than merely binding the protein
Understanding how antibodies can neutralize enzyme function provides a framework for developing DHRS3 antibodies that not only detect the protein but can also modulate its activity for mechanistic studies.