DOF (DNA-binding One Zinc Finger) transcription factors are plant-specific proteins critical for regulating biological processes such as nitrogen metabolism, stress responses, and developmental pathways . These proteins contain a conserved N-terminal zinc finger domain for DNA binding and a variable C-terminal region for transcriptional regulation .
Structure: ~200–400 amino acids with a Cys2/Cys2 zinc finger motif .
DNA Binding: Recognizes AAAG/T core motifs in promoter regions .
Interactions: Collaborate with TFs like MYB, bZIP, and WRKY to modulate gene expression .
If "DOF1.8" refers to a specific isoform or ortholog within the DOF family, an antibody targeting it would likely:
Target Epitope: Bind to conserved regions (e.g., the DOF domain) or isoform-specific sequences.
Applications:
Validation: Requires specificity tests (e.g., knockout mutants) to avoid cross-reactivity with other DOF isoforms .
While no DOF1.8-specific antibody is documented, studies on related DOF proteins highlight standard workflows:
Study: Transgenic Arabidopsis expressing HA-tagged Dof1 used anti-HA antibodies for Western blotting and nuclear localization .
Results: Confirmed Dof1 expression and its role in nitrogen assimilation (Table 1).
| Parameter | Control Plants | Dof1 Transgenic Plants |
|---|---|---|
| Glutamine (μmol/g FW) | 4.22 ± 1.28 | 12.77 ± 3.61* |
| Total Amino Acids | 17.81 ± 2.41 | 40.02 ± 6.59* |
| Nitrogen Content | 4.7 mg/g FW | 6.0 mg/g FW* |
| *P < 0.05 vs. control |
DOF1.8 (AT1G64620) is a member of the plant-specific DOF (DNA-binding with One Finger) transcription factor family. DOF transcription factors regulate various physiological processes, including nitrogen assimilation, carbon metabolism, and response to biotic and abiotic stresses. DOF factors typically bind to the 5′-T/AAAAG-3′ core sequences in gene promoters, as demonstrated in studies with other DOF family members . The DOF1.8 antibody enables researchers to detect, quantify, and study the localization and interactions of this protein in plant tissues, providing insights into its functional role in plant development and stress responses. Unlike many other transcription factors, DOF proteins are plant-specific, making them particularly interesting for understanding unique aspects of plant regulatory networks and potential targets for crop improvement .
Several techniques can be employed to detect and characterize DOF1.8 protein expression:
Western Blotting: This technique uses DOF1.8 antibody to detect the protein in plant tissue extracts following SDS-PAGE separation. The antibody is typically used at dilutions between 1:1000-1:5000, and detection can be performed using chemiluminescent or fluorescent methods . Protein extraction should be performed using appropriate buffers containing protease inhibitors to prevent degradation during sample preparation .
Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR): While this technique detects mRNA rather than protein, it can be used in conjunction with protein detection methods to correlate transcript and protein levels. Total RNA is extracted from plant tissues using kits such as the Plant Total RNA Extraction Kit, followed by cDNA synthesis and PCR with DOF-specific primers .
Immunohistochemistry: This method enables visualization of the spatial distribution of DOF1.8 in different plant tissues and subcellular compartments using the specific antibody and appropriate detection systems.
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA): Commercially available DOF1.8 antibodies are validated for ELISA applications, allowing quantitative analysis of protein levels across different samples .
Immunoprecipitation: DOF1.8 antibody can be used to isolate the protein from complex mixtures for further analysis or to study protein-protein interactions through co-immunoprecipitation approaches .
DOF1.8 shares the characteristic DOF domain with other family members but has unique features that distinguish it:
Sequence Characteristics: While all DOF proteins contain a conserved zinc finger domain, DOF1.8 has specific sequence variations outside this domain that contribute to its unique function. The DOF1.8 antibody (Gene Symbol: AT1G64620, UniProt Number: Q84JQ8) specifically recognizes this protein based on these unique regions .
Functional Specialization: Unlike DOF1 which has been implicated primarily in nitrogen assimilation and carbon metabolism , or OsDes1 which contributes to stay-green phenotypes and disease resistance in rice , DOF1.8 may have evolved specialized functions in Arabidopsis.
Expression Patterns: DOF proteins often show tissue-specific or condition-specific expression patterns that contribute to their specialized roles. Studying these patterns using DOF1.8 antibody can reveal insights into its unique biological functions.
Target Gene Specificity: While all DOF proteins bind to similar core sequences (5′-T/AAAAG-3′), differences in the regions flanking the DOF domain can confer specificity for different target genes, resulting in distinct physiological roles .
For optimal Western blot results when using DOF1.8 antibody:
Protein Extraction:
SDS-PAGE Separation:
Transfer and Blocking:
Transfer proteins to PVDF membranes
Block with 5% non-fat milk in TBST buffer for 1-2 hours at room temperature
Antibody Incubation:
Detection:
When encountering non-specific binding with DOF1.8 antibody:
Increase Blocking Stringency:
Extend blocking time to 2-3 hours
Try different blocking agents (BSA instead of milk, or commercial blocking solutions)
Add 0.1-0.3% Tween-20 to reduce non-specific hydrophobic interactions
Optimize Antibody Concentration:
Perform a dilution series (1:500, 1:1000, 1:2000, 1:5000) to identify the optimal concentration
Reduce antibody concentration if background is high while maintaining specific signal
Modify Washing Conditions:
Increase wash duration and number of washes (e.g., 5 washes for 5-10 minutes each)
Use higher salt concentration in wash buffer to reduce non-specific ionic interactions
Include Competitive Controls:
Validate with Genetic Controls:
If available, use samples from DOF1.8 knockout/knockdown plants as negative controls
Compare wild-type and overexpression lines to confirm signal specificity
For RNA extraction and RT-PCR analysis of DOF gene expression:
RNA Extraction:
cDNA Synthesis:
PCR Primer Design:
Design gene-specific primers for DOF1.8, ensuring they span exon-exon junctions to avoid genomic amplification
Verify primer specificity using primer-BLAST or similar tools
Test primers using positive control templates
PCR Conditions:
Data Analysis:
DOF1.8 antibody can be used in ChIP experiments to identify genomic regions bound by this transcription factor:
Chromatin Preparation:
Cross-link plant tissue with 1% formaldehyde to preserve protein-DNA interactions
Extract nuclei and shear chromatin to fragments of 200-500 bp using sonication
Verify fragmentation efficiency by agarose gel electrophoresis
Immunoprecipitation:
Pre-clear chromatin with protein A/G beads to reduce non-specific binding
Incubate chromatin with DOF1.8 antibody (typically 2-5 μg per reaction)
Include appropriate controls (non-immune IgG, input chromatin)
Capture antibody-protein-DNA complexes using protein A/G beads
Wash extensively to remove non-specifically bound material
DNA Recovery and Analysis:
Reverse cross-links by heating at 65°C
Treat with proteinase K and RNase A
Purify DNA using phenol-chloroform extraction or column purification
Analyze enriched regions by qPCR targeting specific promoters containing the 5′-T/AAAAG-3′ motif
For genome-wide analysis, perform ChIP-seq and identify binding sites using peak-calling algorithms
Validation of Binding Sites:
For generating recombinant DOF1.8 protein:
Expression System Selection:
Bacterial systems (E. coli): Cost-effective but may have folding issues with eukaryotic proteins
Yeast systems: Better for eukaryotic proteins requiring post-translational modifications
Plant-based expression: Most authentic for plant proteins but typically lower yield
Mammalian cell cultures: Used for complex proteins requiring extensive modifications
Vector Design and Cloning:
Protein Expression:
Protein Purification:
Use affinity chromatography based on the chosen tag
Perform additional purification steps (ion exchange, size exclusion) if needed
Verify purity by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting
Confirm identity by mass spectrometry
Antibody Production:
Immunize animals (typically rabbits for polyclonal antibodies) with the purified protein
Include appropriate adjuvants to enhance immune response
Collect antisera and purify antibodies using protein A/G or antigen affinity columns
Validate antibody specificity using Western blotting against recombinant protein and plant extracts
Dual-luciferase reporter assays can effectively assess DOF1.8 transcriptional activity:
Reporter Construct Design:
Effector Construct Preparation:
Transfection and Expression:
Luciferase Activity Measurement:
Lyse cells and measure both firefly and Renilla luciferase activities using a dual-luciferase assay kit
Calculate the LUC/REN ratio to normalize for transfection efficiency and cell number
Compare ratios between DOF1.8-expressing cells and controls to determine transcriptional activation or repression
Validation and Specificity Analysis:
Perform site-directed mutagenesis of the DOF binding sites in the promoter
Test multiple target promoters to establish specificity patterns
Correlate with ChIP and EMSA results to confirm direct binding
For successful immunoprecipitation with DOF1.8 antibody:
Protein Extraction and Sample Preparation:
Use appropriate extraction buffers containing detergents (e.g., 0.1% Triton X-100) and protease inhibitors
Optimize cell lysis conditions while maintaining protein-protein interactions
Clear lysates by centrifugation (e.g., 12,000g for 15 min at 4°C)
Pre-clear lysates with protein A/G beads to reduce non-specific binding
Antibody Binding:
Determine optimal antibody amount (typically 2-5 μg per 500 μg of total protein)
Incubate lysate with DOF1.8 antibody overnight at 4°C with gentle rotation
For co-IP studies, consider cross-linking antibody to beads to prevent interference during elution
Capture and Washing:
Add pre-washed protein A/G beads and incubate for 2-4 hours at 4°C
Perform multiple stringent washes to remove non-specifically bound proteins
Use increasing stringency buffers (varying salt and detergent concentrations)
Elution and Analysis:
Controls and Validation:
Include negative controls (pre-immune serum or irrelevant antibody of same isotype)
Where possible, include samples from DOF1.8 knockout/knockdown plants
Verify specificity using reciprocal co-IP experiments
For quantifying DOF1.8 protein expression:
Western Blot Quantification:
Prepare a standard curve using known amounts of recombinant DOF1.8 protein
Ensure samples are within the linear range of detection
Include appropriate loading controls (actin, tubulin) for normalization
Use digital imaging and densitometry software for quantification
Calculate relative or absolute expression levels based on standard curves
ELISA-Based Quantification:
Develop a sandwich ELISA using DOF1.8 antibody
Create standard curves with purified recombinant DOF1.8 protein
Process samples in triplicate for statistical validity
Calculate concentrations based on the standard curve
This method allows high-throughput analysis of multiple samples
Transcript-Protein Correlation Analysis:
Perform parallel analyses of mRNA (by qRT-PCR) and protein levels
Calculate correlation coefficients to identify post-transcriptional regulation
This approach can reveal important regulatory mechanisms affecting DOF1.8 expression
Tissue-Specific Analysis:
Extract proteins from different tissues using standardized protocols
Adjust extraction methods to account for tissue-specific differences
Normalize protein loading based on total protein content rather than single reference proteins
Consider using tissue-specific reference proteins for more accurate normalization
Experimental Design Considerations:
Include biological replicates (at least three) for statistical validity
Control for developmental stage, time of day, and environmental conditions
When comparing across conditions, maintain identical sample processing protocols
Several methods can be employed to study DOF1.8 interactions:
Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA):
Express and purify recombinant DOF1.8 protein (e.g., as MBP-fusion)
Design DNA probes containing the 5′-T/AAAAG-3′ binding motif
Label probes with biotin or radioactive isotopes
Incubate protein and probe, then separate on non-denaturing gels
Detect shifted bands indicating protein-DNA interaction
Include competition assays with unlabeled probes to confirm specificity
Co-Immunoprecipitation (Co-IP):
Use DOF1.8 antibody to precipitate the protein from plant extracts
Analyze co-precipitated proteins by mass spectrometry or Western blotting
For co-expressed proteins, use tagged versions and corresponding antibodies
Include appropriate controls (pre-immune serum, IgG) to identify non-specific interactions
Yeast Two-Hybrid (Y2H) Assays:
Clone DOF1.8 as bait fusion with DNA-binding domain
Screen against prey libraries or specific candidate interactors
Validate positive interactions by directed Y2H and alternative methods
This approach can identify novel protein partners
Pull-Down Assays:
Express DOF1.8 with affinity tags (His, GST, MBP)
Immobilize on appropriate matrix and incubate with plant extracts
Elute and identify bound proteins by mass spectrometry
Confirm interactions by reciprocal pull-downs
Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP):
Comparing DOF1.8 with other DOF family members:
Evolutionary Relationships:
DOF1.8 (AT1G64620) is one of many DOF transcription factors found in Arabidopsis
Phylogenetic analysis can reveal its relationships to other members like DOF1, which has been more extensively studied
Cross-species comparisons with DOF factors like OsDes1 in rice can provide insights into conserved functions
Functional Differences:
DOF1 has been shown to improve nitrogen assimilation and carbon metabolism when overexpressed
OsDes1 contributes to stay-green phenotypes and disease resistance in rice
DOF1.8's specific functions can be compared using similar experimental approaches
Validation using DOF1.8 antibody to confirm protein expression in transgenic lines is essential
Expression Patterns:
Different DOF family members show distinct tissue and developmental expression patterns
Transcript abundance of DOF genes can be analyzed across tissues (roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits) using transcriptome data and validated at the protein level
These patterns often correlate with specialized functions
Target Gene Specificity:
While all DOF proteins bind similar core sequences (5′-T/AAAAG-3′), they may target different genes
ChIP experiments using DOF1.8 antibody can identify its specific binding sites
Comparative ChIP analysis between different DOF factors can reveal unique and shared targets
Protein-Protein Interactions:
DOF factors often function through interactions with other proteins
Co-IP using DOF1.8 antibody can identify its specific interaction partners
Comparing interaction networks can help explain functional differences among family members
Studying DOF1.8 in plant stress responses:
Expression Analysis Under Stress:
Monitor DOF1.8 protein levels using the antibody in plants exposed to various stresses
Compare with transcript levels to identify post-transcriptional regulation
Analyze tissue-specific expression changes to identify primary responsive tissues
Genetic Approaches:
Target Gene Identification:
Perform ChIP with DOF1.8 antibody under control and stress conditions
Identify stress-responsive genes directly regulated by DOF1.8
Validate by examining expression of these genes in DOF1.8 transgenic lines
Look for enrichment of specific pathways among target genes
Protein Modifications and Interactions:
Investigate post-translational modifications of DOF1.8 during stress
Use immunoprecipitation with DOF1.8 antibody followed by mass spectrometry
Identify stress-specific protein interactions using co-IP approaches
Study how these modifications affect DNA binding or protein stability
Comparative Studies with Known Stress-Responsive DOF Factors:
DOF1.8 antibody applications in developmental and metabolic studies:
Developmental Expression Profiling:
Track DOF1.8 protein levels across different developmental stages
Perform immunohistochemistry to determine tissue and cell-specific localization
Correlate expression patterns with developmental transitions or metabolic changes
Metabolic Engineering Applications:
DOF transcription factors like DOF1 have been shown to improve nitrogen assimilation and carbon metabolism
Use DOF1.8 antibody to verify protein expression in transgenic plants
Monitor changes in target metabolic pathways in plants with altered DOF1.8 expression
Measure key enzymes like phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) and pyruvate kinase (PK), which are regulated by some DOF factors
Target Metabolic Pathway Analysis:
Identify DOF1.8 target genes involved in specific metabolic pathways
Measure enzyme activities in plants with altered DOF1.8 expression
Quantify relevant metabolites using targeted metabolomics
Create a metabolic model of DOF1.8 function based on these data
Nitrogen and Carbon Metabolism:
DOF factors like DOF1 regulate genes involved in nitrogen assimilation and carbon metabolism
Measure nitrogen content, amino acid levels, and carbon levels in plants with altered DOF1.8 expression
Compare with the effects of other DOF family members
Use DOF1.8 antibody to confirm protein expression levels in experimental plants
Developmental Phenotyping:
Characterize developmental phenotypes in DOF1.8 transgenic plants
Correlate phenotypes with changes in gene expression and metabolism
Use DOF1.8 antibody to confirm protein expression in specific tissues
Compare with known functions of other DOF family members
Integrating CRISPR-Cas9 and DOF1.8 antibody research:
Gene Editing Applications:
Design CRISPR-Cas9 constructs targeting DOF1.8 gene
Generate knockout, knockdown, or base-edited variants
Use DOF1.8 antibody to confirm absence or modification of the protein
Characterize phenotypic effects of precise genetic modifications
Domain Function Analysis:
Create targeted mutations in specific functional domains of DOF1.8
Use the antibody to confirm expression of the modified protein
Assess how mutations affect protein stability, localization, and function
Compare with wild-type protein in various functional assays
Promoter Editing:
Modify the DOF1.8 promoter to alter expression patterns
Use the antibody to quantify resulting changes in protein levels
Correlate with phenotypic effects to understand dosage sensitivity
Create tissue-specific or condition-specific expression variants
Tagged Endogenous DOF1.8:
Use CRISPR to insert epitope tags into the endogenous DOF1.8 locus
Compare detection using DOF1.8 antibody versus tag-specific antibodies
Study protein dynamics under native regulation
Use for ChIP-seq or protein interaction studies with minimal disruption
Multiplexed Editing:
Simultaneously modify DOF1.8 and interacting partners or target genes
Use DOF1.8 antibody in combination with other antibodies to study network effects
Characterize genetic interactions through sequential or combinatorial editing
Develop systems biology models of DOF1.8 regulatory networks
Studying post-translational modifications (PTMs) of DOF1.8:
Immunoprecipitation and Mass Spectrometry:
Use DOF1.8 antibody to immunoprecipitate the protein from plant extracts
Analyze by LC-MS/MS to identify PTMs like phosphorylation, ubiquitination, or SUMOylation
Compare modification patterns under different conditions or developmental stages
Identify specific modified residues for functional characterization
PTM-Specific Detection Methods:
Immunoprecipitate DOF1.8 and probe with antibodies against common PTMs
For ubiquitination studies, co-transform plants with tagged ubiquitin constructs
Use proteasome inhibitors like MG132 to stabilize ubiquitinated proteins
Detect modifications using appropriate antibodies (anti-phospho, anti-ubiquitin)
Functional Impact Analysis:
Generate site-directed mutants of modified residues
Express in plant systems and use DOF1.8 antibody to confirm expression
Compare DNA binding, protein stability, and transcriptional activity
Correlate with physiological functions in planta
Enzymes Responsible for Modifications:
Identify kinases, E3 ligases, or other modifying enzymes
Perform in vitro modification assays with purified components
Validate in vivo using genetic approaches
Use DOF1.8 antibody to monitor modification status
Dynamics of Modifications:
Study how PTMs change in response to stimuli or developmental cues
Use quantitative proteomics approaches
Create modification-specific antibodies for key PTMs if necessary
Develop models of how PTMs regulate DOF1.8 function
Integrating proteomics with DOF1.8 antibody research:
Immunoprecipitation Coupled to Mass Spectrometry (IP-MS):
Use DOF1.8 antibody to isolate protein complexes
Identify interacting partners through LC-MS/MS analysis
Quantify changes in interactions under different conditions
Validate key interactions through orthogonal methods
Quantitative Proteomics:
Compare proteomes of wild-type and DOF1.8 transgenic plants
Identify differentially expressed proteins as potential downstream targets
Use stable isotope labeling or label-free quantification
Correlate proteomic changes with transcriptomic data
Targeted Protein Quantification:
Develop selected reaction monitoring (SRM) or parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) assays
Quantify DOF1.8 and related proteins across multiple samples
Monitor specific peptides unique to DOF1.8
Study protein turnover using pulse-chase approaches
Protein Modification Analysis:
Enrich for specific modifications using appropriate techniques
Use DOF1.8 antibody to verify presence in enriched fractions
Apply multi-dimensional separation techniques for comprehensive analysis
Quantify stoichiometry of various modified forms
Spatial Proteomics:
Combine tissue fractionation with proteomics analysis
Use DOF1.8 antibody to track the protein across subcellular compartments
Study redistribution in response to stimuli
Integrate with imaging approaches for validation
Investigating DOF1.8 in climate change-related stress responses:
Elevated CO₂ and Temperature Effects:
Monitor DOF1.8 protein expression under elevated CO₂ and temperature conditions
Use DOF1.8 antibody to quantify protein levels and study localization changes
Perform ChIP-seq to identify targets under these conditions
Compare with other transcription factors involved in climate adaptation
Drought and Water Stress Responses:
Analyze DOF1.8 expression during progressive drought stress
Study its role in regulating water use efficiency and drought-responsive genes
Investigate if DOF1.8 modulates ABA signaling pathways
Compare phenotypes of DOF1.8 transgenic plants under water-limited conditions
Multiple Stress Integration:
Examine how DOF1.8 responds to combined stresses typical of climate change
Investigate protein-protein interactions under multiple stress conditions
Determine if DOF1.8 participates in stress memory or priming mechanisms
Use the antibody to track protein accumulation during recurring stress events
Comparative Analysis Across Ecotypes:
Study DOF1.8 protein expression in ecotypes from different climatic zones
Use the antibody to quantify variation in protein levels and stress responses
Correlate with natural variation in stress tolerance
Identify potential adaptive changes in protein sequence or regulation
Crop Improvement Applications:
Test if DOF1.8 orthologs in crop species confer climate resilience
Use knowledge from model plants to engineer improved stress responses
Develop high-throughput screening methods using the antibody
Create transgenic crops with modified DOF1.8 expression for field testing
Emerging technologies enhancing DOF1.8 antibody applications:
Single-Cell Proteomics:
Apply DOF1.8 antibody in single-cell protein analysis
Study cell-type specific expression patterns
Investigate heterogeneity in response to environmental signals
Combine with single-cell transcriptomics for integrated analysis
Super-Resolution Microscopy:
Use fluorescently-labeled DOF1.8 antibody for high-resolution imaging
Study subnuclear localization and dynamics
Track protein movement in response to signals
Visualize co-localization with interacting partners at nanometer resolution
Protein-Protein Interaction Visualization:
Apply proximity labeling techniques (BioID, TurboID) with DOF1.8
Use DOF1.8 antibody to validate expression of fusion proteins
Identify proteins in close proximity within living cells
Map dynamic interaction networks under different conditions
Nanobody Development:
Generate camelid single-domain antibodies (nanobodies) against DOF1.8
Use these smaller antibodies for applications requiring tissue penetration
Express nanobodies in planta as intrabodies to track or modulate DOF1.8 function
Develop nanobody-based biosensors for real-time monitoring
Computational Antibody Engineering:
Apply machine learning to predict optimal epitopes for DOF1.8 antibody generation
Design antibodies with improved specificity for closely related DOF proteins
Develop computational tools to predict cross-reactivity across species
Create antibodies optimized for specific applications (ChIP, Western blot, imaging)
Integrating DOF1.8 into plant regulatory networks:
Multi-Omics Integration:
Combine ChIP-seq using DOF1.8 antibody with RNA-seq and metabolomics
Build comprehensive regulatory models incorporating transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and metabolic data
Identify key nodes where DOF1.8 interfaces with other regulatory systems
Validate predictions through targeted experiments
Network Motif Analysis:
Identify recurring regulatory patterns involving DOF1.8
Study feed-forward loops, feedback mechanisms, and regulatory cascades
Use DOF1.8 antibody to monitor protein levels in different network contexts
Compare with network architectures of other transcription factor families
Hormone Signaling Integration:
Investigate how DOF1.8 intersects with hormone signaling pathways
Study protein-protein interactions with components of hormone signaling
Use the antibody to monitor DOF1.8 levels after hormone treatments
Develop models of how hormonal and transcriptional networks coordinate
Evolutionary Network Comparisons:
Compare DOF1.8 regulatory networks across plant species
Identify conserved core functions versus species-specific adaptations
Use antibodies to study protein expression in different species
Relate network differences to physiological and ecological adaptations
Synthetic Biology Applications:
Design synthetic regulatory circuits incorporating DOF1.8
Use DOF1.8 antibody to monitor protein expression in engineered systems
Create novel regulatory connections to achieve desired plant traits
Test the robustness and predictability of engineered networks