KEGG: ath:AT1G58807
UniGene: At.22095
RDL5 antibody is a research tool used for the detection and study of RDL5 protein in Arabidopsis thaliana (Mouse-ear cress). The antibody is available in different formats (polyclonal, monoclonal) and can be used in various experimental techniques including Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and ELISA.
From the available data, RDL5 antibodies are typically used in plant biology research to study protein expression patterns, localization, and function. The antibody recognizes specific epitopes on the RDL5 protein, allowing researchers to track its presence in different tissues or under various experimental conditions.
Methodologically, researchers should:
Validate the antibody specificity before use with positive and negative controls
Optimize working dilutions for each experimental application
Consider cross-reactivity profiles when studying related plant species
Optimizing Western blot protocols for RDL5 antibody requires systematic adjustment of several parameters:
Sample preparation: Plant tissues require specific extraction buffers containing protease inhibitors to prevent degradation of RDL5 protein
Gel percentage: Choose 10-12% SDS-PAGE gels for optimal separation
Transfer conditions: Use PVDF membranes for plant proteins (as seen in antibody detection protocols for similar plant proteins)
Blocking: 5% non-fat milk or BSA in TBST typically works well
Antibody dilution: Start with 1:1000 dilution and adjust based on signal-to-noise ratio
Incubation time: Overnight at 4°C often provides optimal results
Detection method: HRP-conjugated secondary antibodies with enhanced chemiluminescence systems
When troubleshooting weak signals, consider:
Increasing protein loading (30-50 μg total protein)
Reducing washing stringency
Extending primary antibody incubation time
Using signal enhancement systems
Proper controls are essential for interpreting results with RDL5 antibody:
Control Type | Purpose | Implementation |
---|---|---|
Positive Control | Verify antibody reactivity | Use wild-type Arabidopsis thaliana tissue known to express RDL5 |
Negative Control | Assess non-specific binding | Use RDL5 knockout/knockdown plant tissue |
Loading Control | Normalize protein amounts | Detect constitutively expressed proteins like actin or tubulin |
Secondary Antibody Control | Evaluate background | Omit primary antibody but include secondary antibody |
Blocking Peptide Control | Confirm specificity | Pre-incubate antibody with immunizing peptide |
Isotype Control | Assess non-specific binding | Use non-relevant antibody of same isotype |
Including these controls enables proper data interpretation and increases confidence in experimental results, particularly when submitting findings for publication.
Cross-reactivity validation is critical when studying protein complexes involving RDL5:
Sequence analysis: Perform in silico analysis of epitope regions against related proteins to predict potential cross-reactivity
Recombinant protein testing: Express and purify related proteins and test antibody reactivity
Immunoprecipitation-Mass Spectrometry (IP-MS): Perform IP with RDL5 antibody followed by MS to identify all captured proteins
Competitive binding assays: Pre-incubate antibody with purified related proteins before application
Western blot analysis in knockout/knockdown systems: Compare banding patterns in wildtype vs. modified systems
For complex plant protein studies, consider:
Using multiple antibodies targeting different epitopes of RDL5
Employing reciprocal co-immunoprecipitation with antibodies against suspected interaction partners
Combining with proximity ligation assays to confirm protein-protein interactions in situ
This comprehensive approach helps distinguish between true interactions and artifacts caused by antibody cross-reactivity.
When adapting RDL5 antibody for ChIP experiments, consider these methodological aspects:
Crosslinking optimization: Plant tissues may require modified fixation protocols (1-3% formaldehyde for 10-15 minutes)
Chromatin fragmentation: Sonication parameters need optimization for plant cell walls (typically 10-15 cycles)
Antibody validation: Confirm that RDL5 antibody recognizes fixed epitopes
Pre-clearing step: Extended pre-clearing with protein A/G beads may reduce background
Antibody amount: Typically 2-5 μg per ChIP reaction, but requires titration
Washing stringency: Adjust salt concentration based on expected binding strength
Elution conditions: Optimize to maintain DNA integrity while releasing protein-DNA complexes
For plant ChIP experiments specifically:
Include tissue-specific positive control regions
Consider nuclear isolation before crosslinking to improve signal-to-noise ratio
Perform sequential ChIP if studying RDL5 as part of a protein complex
The success of ChIP experiments with RDL5 antibody depends heavily on antibody specificity and epitope accessibility in the crosslinked chromatin context.
When facing contradictory results between methods (e.g., Western blot vs. immunofluorescence), consider:
Epitope accessibility differences: The RDL5 epitope may be masked in certain experimental conditions
Protein conformation: Native vs. denatured states may affect antibody recognition
Post-translational modifications: Different methods may preferentially detect modified forms
Cross-reactivity profiles: Background signals may vary between techniques
Method sensitivities: Detection thresholds differ between techniques
Reconciliation strategies include:
Using multiple antibodies targeting different RDL5 epitopes
Employing orthogonal techniques (e.g., mass spectrometry) for validation
Performing genetic manipulation (CRISPR, RNAi) to confirm antibody specificity
Conducting careful titration experiments across methods
Verifying with recombinant protein standards
Document methodological differences systematically:
Method | Buffer Conditions | Sample State | Detection System | Potential Artifacts |
---|---|---|---|---|
Western Blot | Denaturing | Linear proteins | Chemiluminescence | Size artifacts, transfer issues |
IHC/IF | Mild fixatives | Fixed, 3D structure | Fluorescence | Autofluorescence, fixation artifacts |
IP | Native/mild | Native conformation | Various | Non-specific binding, co-IP contaminants |
ELISA | Variable | Usually native | Colorimetric/fluorescent | Matrix effects, hook effect |
This systematic approach helps identify the most likely explanation for discrepancies.
For multiplex immunoassays studying plant stress responses with RDL5 antibody:
Antibody compatibility assessment:
Test for cross-reactivity between antibodies in the multiplex panel
Ensure secondary antibody specificity when using multiple primary antibodies
Validate each antibody individually before combining
Panel design considerations:
Include markers for different stress response pathways
Select antibodies with minimal spectral overlap if using fluorescent detection
Consider using directly conjugated primary antibodies to reduce background
Sample preparation optimization:
Develop extraction protocols that preserve all target epitopes
Consider native vs. denaturing conditions based on assay requirements
Include phosphatase/protease inhibitors to preserve post-translational modifications
Technical implementation:
Use sequential detection for challenging combinations
Employ tyramide signal amplification for low-abundance targets
Consider microfluidic platforms for reduced sample requirements
Data analysis strategies:
Implement proper normalization across multiple targets
Apply appropriate statistical methods for multivariate data
Use machine learning approaches for pattern recognition in complex datasets
This approach enables comprehensive profiling of stress response pathways while minimizing technical artifacts from antibody interactions.
Non-specific binding in RDL5 antibody immunoprecipitation can be addressed through systematic optimization:
Pre-clearing optimization:
Extend pre-clearing time with beads alone (2-4 hours)
Use the same species serum as the antibody was raised in
Include competing proteins (BSA, gelatin) in pre-clearing buffer
Buffer optimization:
Adjust salt concentration (150-500 mM NaCl)
Modify detergent type and concentration (0.1-1% NP-40, Triton X-100)
Add reducing agents to minimize disulfide-based interactions
Bead selection:
Compare magnetic vs. agarose beads
Test protein A vs. protein G vs. combination beads
Consider directly conjugated antibody approaches
Washing protocol development:
Implement gradient washing with increasing stringency
Increase number of washes (5-7 washes)
Include detergent switches between washes
Elution strategy:
Compare different elution methods (pH, ionic strength, competing peptide)
Optimize elution time and temperature
Consider sequential elutions to maximize recovery
Comparative analysis of different approaches can be documented in a data table:
Approach | Impact on Non-Specific Binding | Effect on Target Recovery | Implementation Complexity |
---|---|---|---|
Extended pre-clearing | High improvement | Minimal loss | Low |
Salt concentration increase | Moderate improvement | Moderate loss | Low |
Detergent optimization | High improvement | Variable | Moderate |
Multiple wash steps | High improvement | Moderate loss | Low |
Peptide competition | Very high improvement | High specificity | High |
This systematic approach enables identification of optimal conditions for specific RDL5 immunoprecipitation.
When RDL5 antibody performs inconsistently across tissue types, consider these approaches:
Tissue-specific extraction optimization:
Develop customized extraction buffers for different tissues
Adjust mechanical disruption methods (grinding, sonication)
Implement tissue-specific protease inhibitor cocktails
Consider density gradient fractionation for enrichment
Fixation protocol adjustment (for histological applications):
Optimize fixative type and concentration for each tissue
Adjust fixation time and temperature
Test antigen retrieval methods specifically for each tissue
Blocking strategy customization:
Test different blocking agents (milk, BSA, normal serum)
Adjust blocking time and temperature
Consider tissue-specific auto-fluorescence blockers
Signal enhancement approaches:
Implement tyramide signal amplification
Use high-sensitivity detection systems
Consider biotin-streptavidin amplification systems
Data normalization strategies:
Develop tissue-specific loading controls
Implement quantitative internal standards
Use recombinant protein spikes for calibration
This methodical approach acknowledges that tissue-specific factors (protein content, interfering compounds, structural characteristics) impact antibody performance and allows for rational optimization.
Implementing RDL5 antibody in super-resolution microscopy requires specific considerations:
Conjugation strategy selection:
Direct fluorophore conjugation (optimal for STORM/PALM)
Secondary antibody approach (simpler but potentially larger complex)
Click chemistry approaches (minimal structural interference)
Fluorophore selection criteria:
Photostability characteristics for extended imaging
Spectral properties compatible with imaging system
Quantum yield and brightness appropriate for single-molecule detection
Sample preparation optimization:
Test fixation protocols that preserve nanoscale structure
Optimize permeabilization to maintain structural integrity
Evaluate clearing techniques for thick plant tissues
Labeling density control:
Titrate antibody concentration for optimal labeling density
Consider under-labeling strategies for STORM/PALM
Implement strategies to verify stochastic blinking behavior
Image acquisition parameters:
Optimize laser power to balance photobleaching and signal
Adjust frame rates based on fluorophore switching kinetics
Determine optimal number of frames for reconstruction
Data processing approaches:
Select appropriate reconstruction algorithms
Implement drift correction strategies
Apply clustering analysis for quantification
This approach enables visualization of RDL5 protein distribution at nanoscale resolution, providing insights into its precise localization and potential interaction domains within plant subcellular structures.
Developing quantitative assays for RDL5 protein requires addressing several methodological considerations:
Standard curve development:
Express and purify recombinant RDL5 protein
Characterize standard by absolute methods (amino acid analysis)
Prepare stable standards with verified long-term consistency
Extraction efficiency normalization:
Implement spike recovery experiments
Develop internal standards for normalization
Assess matrix effects across sample types
Assay format selection and optimization:
Compare sandwich ELISA vs. competitive ELISA formats
Evaluate direct vs. indirect detection strategies
Optimize antibody pairs for maximal sensitivity and specificity
Dynamic range considerations:
Establish linear range of detection
Implement sample dilution protocols
Develop high-sensitivity detection for low-abundance samples
Validation requirements:
Determine intra- and inter-assay variation
Establish minimum detection limits
Verify parallelism between standards and samples
Performance characteristics can be documented in a validation table:
Parameter | Acceptance Criteria | Verification Method |
---|---|---|
Specificity | No cross-reactivity with related proteins | Western blot with recombinant proteins |
Sensitivity | LOD < 10 ng/ml | Serial dilution analysis |
Precision | CV < 15% intra-assay, < 20% inter-assay | Repeated testing of control samples |
Accuracy | 80-120% recovery | Spike recovery experiments |
Linearity | R² > 0.98 over working range | Serial dilution of high-concentration sample |
Stability | < 20% drift over 6 months | Long-term testing of reference materials |