DISP1 antibodies are immunoreagents designed to detect and quantify the DISP1 protein, a 12-transmembrane domain transporter involved in the secretion and distribution of cholesterol-modified Hh ligands . These antibodies are widely used in molecular biology to study DISP1's function in embryonic development, tissue patterning, and disease mechanisms .
DISP1 antibodies have been used to validate DISP1's role in basolateral Shh secretion in polarized epithelial cells . Knockdown experiments using RNAi or dominant-negative DISP1 constructs show accumulation of Shh in source cells, confirming its transport role .
Structural studies (e.g., cryo-EM) reveal DISP1's open extracellular domains (ECDs) and cholesterol-binding sites, highlighting its similarity to RND transporters like PTCH1 .
DISP1 haploinsufficiency is linked to midline defects in humans, though complete loss-of-function mutations are rare .
Antibody-based assays identified no significant association between DISP1 rs17162912 and serotonin reuptake inhibitor response .
Western Blot: Use 1:500–1:3,000 dilution with lysates from HEK-293 or HeLa cells .
Immunohistochemistry: Antigen retrieval with TE buffer (pH 9.0) or citrate buffer (pH 6.0) .
Structural Dynamics: DISP1 forms trimers, akin to bacterial RND transporters, with conserved aspartic acid residues critical for proton translocation .
Genetic Interactions: Disp1 hypomorphic alleles exacerbate Hh-dependent phenotypes, while reducing Ptch1 dosage restores Shh signaling in mutants .
In Vitro Secretion: DISP1-deficient fibroblasts retain Shh intracellularly, confirming its necessity for ligand release .
DISP1 (dispatched homolog 1) is a 1524 amino acid, 171 kDa transmembrane protein that plays a critical role in the Hedgehog signaling pathway. It functions primarily in the secretion and paracrine distribution of cholesterol-modified Hedgehog ligands during embryonic development. The protein is encoded by the DISP1 gene (Gene ID: 84976) and shares homology with its Drosophila counterpart .
Research utilizing DISP1 antibodies has significant relevance in developmental biology, cancer research, and congenital disorder investigations. The protein's large molecular weight (observed at 150-171 kDa in experimental conditions) and transmembrane nature present specific challenges for antibody-based detection that researchers must account for in experimental design .
DISP1 antibody (such as the 12041-1-AP clone) has been validated for multiple research applications with human samples. The primary validated applications include:
| Application | Validation Status | Recommended Dilution | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Blot (WB) | Validated | 1:500-1:3000 | Positive detection in HEK-293 and HeLa cells |
| Immunohistochemistry (IHC) | Validated | 1:50-1:500 | Positive detection in human kidney tissue |
| ELISA | Validated | Application-specific | Titration recommended |
It is essential to note that the optimal dilution is highly dependent on sample type and experimental conditions. Researchers should perform titration experiments to determine optimal antibody concentration for their specific experimental setup .
For Western Blot applications using DISP1 antibody, researchers should follow these methodological guidelines:
Sample preparation: Prepare protein lysates from target cells (HEK-293 and HeLa cells have shown positive results) using standard lysis buffers containing protease inhibitors.
Protein separation: Due to DISP1's high molecular weight (150-171 kDa), use a low percentage (6-8%) SDS-PAGE gel or gradient gel to ensure proper resolution.
Transfer: Employ wet transfer methods using low methanol buffer to facilitate efficient transfer of high molecular weight proteins.
Blocking: Block membranes with 5% non-fat milk or BSA in TBST for 1 hour at room temperature.
Primary antibody incubation: Dilute DISP1 antibody at 1:500-1:3000 in blocking buffer and incubate overnight at 4°C.
Detection: Use appropriate secondary antibody (anti-rabbit IgG) and visualization system.
Researchers should anticipate bands in the 150-171 kDa range, which corresponds to the observed molecular weight of the DISP1 protein .
For optimal immunohistochemical detection of DISP1 in tissue samples, antigen retrieval is a critical step. The recommended protocols include:
Primary recommendation: TE buffer pH 9.0 for heat-induced epitope retrieval (HIER).
Alternative method: Citrate buffer pH 6.0 can be used if the primary method yields suboptimal results.
When performing IHC with DISP1 antibody:
Use a dilution range of 1:50-1:500, with optimization recommended for each tissue type
Human kidney tissue has been confirmed as a positive control
Incubate sections with primary antibody overnight at 4°C to maximize specific binding
Use appropriate secondary detection systems compatible with rabbit IgG
To maintain optimal reactivity and specificity, DISP1 antibody requires specific storage and handling conditions:
| Parameter | Recommended Condition | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Storage temperature | -20°C | Stable for one year after shipment |
| Buffer composition | PBS with 0.02% sodium azide and 50% glycerol, pH 7.3 | |
| Aliquoting | Not necessary for -20°C storage | Small volume (20μl) sizes contain 0.1% BSA |
| Freeze-thaw cycles | Minimize | Excessive cycles can diminish antibody activity |
| Working solution | Keep on ice when in use | Return to -20°C promptly after use |
The antibody is supplied in liquid form and has undergone antigen affinity purification to ensure specificity. Following these handling guidelines will help maintain antibody performance throughout the research project timeline .
Validating antibody specificity is crucial for ensuring reliable research results. For DISP1 antibody validation, researchers should implement a multi-faceted approach:
Positive and negative controls:
Use cell lines with known DISP1 expression (HEK-293, HeLa) as positive controls
Include DISP1 knockout or knockdown samples as negative controls
Consider tissue specificity (kidney tissue has confirmed positivity)
Molecular weight verification:
Confirm band appearance at the expected molecular weight (150-171 kDa)
Be aware that post-translational modifications may cause slight variations in observed weight
Peptide competition assay:
Pre-incubate antibody with the immunizing peptide (DISP1 fusion protein Ag2670)
Specific signal should be significantly reduced or eliminated
Orthogonal method validation:
Confirm findings using alternative detection methods (e.g., mass spectrometry)
Compare results with alternative antibody clones if available
Genetic manipulation validation:
When investigating DISP1 antibody-antigen interactions, researchers should consider several critical factors:
Structural complexity: DISP1 is a multi-pass transmembrane protein, which presents unique challenges for epitope accessibility and antibody binding. The three-dimensional conformation significantly impacts antibody recognition.
Epitope mapping considerations:
The 12041-1-AP antibody targets a specific fusion protein region (Ag2670)
Native protein folding may affect epitope accessibility differently than in denatured conditions
Cross-reactivity assessment:
Verify specificity against related proteins in the dispatched family
Consider potential non-specific interactions with membrane proteins of similar structural motifs
Quantitative binding analysis:
Assess antibody affinity using surface plasmon resonance or bio-layer interferometry
Determine binding kinetics to understand association/dissociation rates
Model quality evaluation:
These considerations are essential for proper interpretation of results and experimental reproducibility when studying DISP1 using antibody-based methods.
Non-specific binding is a common challenge in DISP1 antibody applications that can compromise data interpretation. Here's a methodological approach to troubleshooting:
Optimize blocking conditions:
Test different blocking agents (BSA, non-fat milk, normal serum)
Increase blocking time or concentration if background is high
Consider specialized blocking reagents for membrane proteins
Adjust antibody concentration:
Perform thorough titration experiments (starting with recommended dilutions of 1:500-1:3000 for WB)
Balance signal strength with background minimization
Consider longer incubation times with more dilute antibody
Modify washing procedures:
Increase number of washes or washing buffer stringency
Add low concentrations of detergents to reduce hydrophobic interactions
Implement longer washing steps to remove weakly bound antibody
Sample preparation refinement:
Ensure complete protein denaturation for WB applications
For native applications, verify membrane protein solubilization is appropriate
Remove lipid content that may cause non-specific hydrophobic interactions
Cross-validation strategies:
For researchers conducting large-scale or high-throughput studies involving DISP1 antibody, several advanced methodological approaches can be implemented:
Protein array technology:
Automated Western Blot systems:
Implement capillary-based automated Western technologies for higher reproducibility
Utilize microfluidic platforms for reduced sample consumption
Apply computational image analysis for standardized quantification
Multiplex immunoassays:
Develop bead-based multiplex assays for simultaneous detection of DISP1 and related proteins
Implement appropriate controls to account for potential cross-reactivity
Validate assay specificity through spike-recovery experiments
High-content imaging:
Apply automated microscopy for IHC/ICC applications
Implement machine learning algorithms for pattern recognition and quantification
Develop standardized analysis pipelines for consistent data interpretation
Quality control considerations:
Integrating DISP1 antibody-derived data with complementary molecular profiling approaches provides a more comprehensive understanding of biological systems. Researchers should consider these methodological strategies:
Multi-omics integration framework:
Correlate DISP1 protein expression (antibody-based) with transcriptomic data
Integrate proteomic and interactome data to place DISP1 in functional networks
Apply computational algorithms to identify regulatory relationships
Spatial analysis integration:
Combine IHC data with spatial transcriptomics
Correlate antibody staining patterns with tissue microenvironment features
Implement digital pathology tools for quantitative spatial analysis
Temporal profiling strategies:
Design time-course experiments measuring DISP1 expression during development or disease progression
Correlate protein-level changes with transcriptional dynamics
Apply mathematical modeling to infer causal relationships
Functional validation approaches:
Complement antibody detection with CRISPR-based functional studies
Verify protein-protein interactions using proximity ligation assays
Combine antibody detection with functional readouts of Hedgehog pathway activity
Data harmonization techniques:
This integrated approach enables researchers to place DISP1 antibody findings within a broader biological context and generate more robust hypotheses for future investigation.
DISP1 antibody applications continue to evolve as our understanding of Hedgehog signaling pathways deepens. Current research frontiers include:
Developmental biology: Investigating DISP1's role in embryonic patterning and tissue specification through detailed spatiotemporal expression analysis.
Cancer research: Exploring DISP1's contribution to aberrant Hedgehog signaling in various malignancies, with potential therapeutic implications.
Stem cell biology: Examining DISP1's function in maintaining stemness and directing differentiation through paracrine signaling mechanisms.
Precision medicine: Correlating DISP1 expression patterns with patient outcomes and treatment responses in Hedgehog-dependent pathologies.
Drug development: Using DISP1 antibodies to screen for compounds that modulate Hedgehog ligand secretion as a novel therapeutic approach.
These applications highlight the continued importance of high-quality, well-validated DISP1 antibodies in advancing our understanding of fundamental biological processes and disease mechanisms .
To ensure reliable and reproducible results, researchers should implement rigorous quality control metrics when using DISP1 antibody:
Batch-to-batch consistency:
Validate each new antibody lot against previous lots
Document and compare key performance parameters across experiments
Maintain reference samples for standardized comparisons
Sensitivity assessments:
Determine limit of detection in relevant experimental systems
Quantify signal-to-noise ratio under standardized conditions
Assess linearity of response across a range of antigen concentrations
Reproducibility metrics:
Calculate intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation
Implement positive controls with known DISP1 expression levels
Establish acceptable performance ranges for key experimental readouts
Specificity validation:
Regularly perform peptide competition assays
Compare results with orthogonal detection methods
Validate against genetic knockout or knockdown systems when available
Application-specific quality controls: