The DTX1 Antibody, Biotin conjugated is a specialized immunological reagent designed for detecting and quantifying the DTX1 protein (Deltex homolog 1) in biological samples. DTX1 is an E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase critical for regulating Notch signaling pathways, which influence cell fate determination, neurogenesis, and cancer development . This antibody is conjugated to biotin, enabling its use in combination with streptavidin-based detection systems for applications such as ELISA, Western blot (WB), and immunohistochemistry (IHC) .
The biotin-conjugated DTX1 antibody is optimized for sandwich ELISA formats. In such assays:
Primary Antibody: Captures DTX1 from serum or lysate samples.
Detection: Biotin-streptavidin-HRP conjugates enable colorimetric detection (e.g., TMB substrate) .
Sensitivity: Quantifies DTX1 down to pg/mL concentrations in human serum or plasma .
| Parameter | Result | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Recovery Rate | 85–105% in serum, EDTA plasma, and heparin plasma | |
| Cross-Reactivity | Minimal interference with DTX1 analogs |
Observed Bands: ~67 kDa, corresponding to full-length DTX1 .
Applications: Analyzes DTX1 expression in breast cancer cell lines (e.g., BT474, HCC1937) .
Dilution: 1:150–1:600 for human tissues (e.g., colon, gliomas, testis) .
Antigen Retrieval: TE buffer (pH 9.0) or citrate buffer (pH 6.0) .
Findings: Low DTX1 expression correlates with advanced tumor grades and lymph node metastasis in breast cancer .
The biotin conjugation enables high-affinity binding to streptavidin, which is often coupled to enzymes (e.g., HRP) or fluorescent probes. This allows:
Signal Amplification: Streptavidin-HRP amplifies the detection signal in ELISA.
Multi-Step Detection: Sequential addition of primary antibody, biotin-streptavidin conjugate, and chromogenic substrate .
| Step | Process |
|---|---|
| 1. Coating | Capture antibody binds to plate wells. |
| 2. Sample Incubation | DTX1 in samples binds to capture antibody. |
| 3. Detection | Biotin-conjugated DTX1 antibody binds to DTX1. |
| 4. Signal Generation | Streptavidin-HRP adds substrate (e.g., TMB), producing a measurable color change. |
Lower DTX1 Expression: Correlates with tumor aggressiveness (grade, stage, lymph node metastasis) and poor metastasis-free survival .
Mechanism: DTX1 suppresses Notch signaling by inhibiting receptor recycling via Rab4a . Reduced DTX1 promotes Notch1 accumulation at the cell surface, driving oncogenic pathways .
DTX1 Function: Acts as a negative regulator of Notch1 by targeting its cytoplasmic domain for degradation .
Experimental Evidence:
The optimal Western blot protocol for biotin-conjugated DTX1 antibody follows standard Western blotting procedures up to the gel transfer step, after which specific modifications are required. Block the membrane in 1% non-fat dry milk in TBST for one hour at room temperature with gentle shaking. After washing three times with TBST (5 minutes each), dilute the biotin-conjugated DTX1 antibody in 1% non-fat dry milk in TBST at an empirically determined optimal concentration. Incubate the membrane with this primary antibody solution for two hours to overnight at room temperature with gentle shaking. Following three 10-minute TBST washes, incubate with streptavidin-HRP conjugate (typically diluted 1:5000 to 1:15,000 from a 1 mg/ml stock) in 1% non-fat dry milk in TBST for 60 minutes at room temperature. After washing, develop the blots with a suitable substrate solution and document using film or a CCD camera .
DTX1 functions as a negative regulator of Notch1 signaling by inhibiting receptor recycling to the cell surface. Research has demonstrated that DTX1 depletion increases Notch signaling by elevating receptor cell-surface levels approximately twofold compared to control cells . Mechanistically, DTX1 prevents Notch1 recycling following receptor internalization by inhibiting the Rab4a-mediated recycling pathway . This negative regulation is critical in various cellular processes, including cancer development, making DTX1 antibodies valuable tools for studying Notch pathway regulation. When designing experiments using DTX1 antibodies, researchers should consider that alterations in DTX1 expression will directly impact Notch signaling intensity and receptor localization, potentially affecting experimental outcomes, particularly in cancer research contexts .
For optimal DTX1 antibody binding, sample preparation should preserve the native conformation of the DTX1 protein while ensuring sufficient exposure of the target epitope. Based on existing protocols, researchers should:
For cellular lysates: Use a lysis buffer containing protease inhibitors to prevent protein degradation, avoiding harsh detergents that might denature the target protein.
For tissue samples: Utilize either fresh-frozen tissues or properly fixed paraffin-embedded sections. For immunohistochemistry applications, standard dilutions range from 1:50 to 1:200 .
Consider the immunogen sequence (PPVSKSDVKPVPGVPGVCRKTKKKHLKKSKNPEDVVRRYMQKVKNPP) when designing extraction protocols to ensure epitope preservation .
For subcellular localization studies: Gentle fixation methods are recommended to maintain DTX1's native distribution between cytoplasmic and nuclear compartments, as DTX1 localization changes can impact experimental interpretation .
Biotin-conjugated DTX1 antibody offers multiple approaches for investigating DTX1's role in breast cancer progression:
Comparative Expression Analysis: Quantify DTX1 expression across breast cancer cell lines (HCC1937, T47D, MDA-MB-468, BT474) versus normal breast epithelial cells (MCF-10A) to establish correlation patterns with invasiveness. Research shows significantly lower DTX1 expression in breast cancer cells compared to normal breast epithelial cells, with expression levels inversely correlating with proliferation rates .
Functional Studies: Use the antibody in combination with DTX1 overexpression/knockdown experiments to monitor changes in cancer phenotypes. Studies demonstrate that BT474 cells with DTX1 knockdown showed 141% increased growth rate compared to control cells, while HCC1937 cells overexpressing DTX1 showed reduced growth to 62% of control levels .
Migration and Invasion Assays: Apply the antibody to detect DTX1's involvement in cellular invasion mechanisms. Lower DTX1 expression significantly promotes invasive behavior (126% increase in invasion for DTX1-knockdown cells) while DTX1 overexpression reduces invasion by 71% compared to controls .
Clinical Correlation Studies: Combine antibody-based DTX1 detection with patient outcome data to establish prognostic significance, as lower DTX1 levels have been associated with advanced breast cancer stages .
Notch Pathway Interaction Analysis: Utilize the antibody to investigate how DTX1 modulates Notch signaling in breast cancer contexts, potentially identifying therapeutic intervention points .
When investigating DTX1's E3 ligase activity using biotin-conjugated antibodies, researchers should consider several methodological aspects:
E2 Partner Selection: DTX1 partners with specific E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes, particularly E2C and E2N, to regulate Notch1 signaling. Silencing these E2 enzymes elevates Notch signaling similar to DTX1 knockdown, suggesting their functional partnership . When designing ubiquitination assays, include these validated E2 partners.
In Vitro Ubiquitination Reconstitution: To study DTX1's ubiquitination activity, reconstitute the system using purified components: DTX1, E1 enzyme, ATP, biotinylated ubiquitin, and either E2C, E2N, or E2D1 as a positive control . This approach allows direct measurement of DTX1's enzymatic activity.
Substrate Validation Approaches: DTX1 has 165 potential ubiquitination targets with significant Z-scores. When investigating a specific substrate, confirm the interaction using multiple techniques beyond antibody-based detection, including mass spectrometry validation and functional assays .
Signal Amplification Considerations: The biotin-streptavidin system provides excellent signal amplification but may introduce background. Implement stringent controls, including no-E2 controls and catalytically inactive DTX1 mutants, to distinguish specific from non-specific signals.
Assay Timing: DTX1-mediated ubiquitination kinetics may vary by substrate. Perform time-course experiments to determine optimal incubation periods for detecting ubiquitination events for your specific substrate of interest.
Optimizing co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) with biotin-conjugated DTX1 antibody requires careful attention to several critical factors:
Antibody Immobilization Strategy: Utilize the biotin conjugation for efficient capture on streptavidin-coated magnetic beads, which offers several advantages over traditional agarose beads:
Higher binding capacity and reduced non-specific binding
More gentle elution conditions preserving weak interactions
Compatible with downstream mass spectrometry analysis
Lysis Conditions Optimization: Select lysis buffers that maintain protein-protein interactions while effectively solubilizing membrane-associated DTX1:
For transmembrane interactions: Use buffers containing 0.5-1% NP-40 or Triton X-100
For nuclear interactions: Add 150-300mM NaCl to disrupt chromatin associations without breaking protein complexes
Always include protease and phosphatase inhibitors to preserve interaction integrity
Cross-linking Consideration: For transient interactions, particularly those involving the Notch signaling complex, implement mild cross-linking (0.5-1% formaldehyde for 10 minutes) prior to cell lysis to stabilize complexes.
Sequential Elution Strategy: Employ a step-wise elution approach to differentiate between high-affinity and low-affinity DTX1 binding partners, which can reveal hierarchical interaction networks relevant to DTX1's regulatory functions.
Validation of Novel Interactions: Confirm identified interactions through reciprocal co-IP and functional assays, particularly focusing on candidates that may explain DTX1's role in regulating Notch1 recycling and cancer cell migration .
Common background sources when using biotin-conjugated DTX1 antibody in immunohistochemistry and their solutions include:
For breast cancer tissue specifically, implement an additional blocking step with 0.3% hydrogen peroxide in methanol before antigen retrieval to reduce endogenous peroxidase activity, which is particularly high in these samples .
When encountering discrepancies between DTX1 mRNA and protein expression data, researchers should systematically evaluate several possible explanations:
Post-transcriptional Regulation: DTX1, as an E3 ubiquitin ligase, may be subject to extensive post-transcriptional regulation including:
Methodological Limitations: Consider technical factors that may contribute to observed discrepancies:
Antibody specificity issues, particularly for closely related DTX family members
Epitope masking through protein-protein interactions in certain cellular contexts
Differential extraction efficiency between subcellular compartments
Subcellular Localization Changes: DTX1 can redistribute between cellular compartments upon activation, potentially affecting detection efficiency:
Temporal Dynamics: Evaluate whether sampling timing may explain discrepancies:
DTX1 protein may exhibit shorter half-life than its mRNA
Cell cycle-dependent regulation may affect protein but not mRNA levels
Reconciliation Approach: To resolve discrepancies, implement complementary techniques:
When investigating DTX1's role in Notch signaling using biotin-conjugated antibodies, the following control experiments are essential:
Antibody Specificity Controls:
Notch Pathway Validation Controls:
Functional Validation Controls:
Trafficking Pathway Controls:
Cell Type Specificity Controls:
Biotin-conjugated DTX1 antibody can be employed in a multi-tiered approach to assess differential expression across breast cancer molecular subtypes:
Tissue Microarray Analysis: Develop a comprehensive immunohistochemistry protocol (1:50-1:200 dilution) for large-scale tissue microarray screening across:
Luminal A (ER+/PR+/HER2-)
Luminal B (ER+/PR+/HER2+)
HER2-enriched (ER-/PR-/HER2+)
Triple-negative/basal-like (ER-/PR-/HER2-)
This approach allows correlation of DTX1 expression with established molecular markers and clinical outcomes.
Cell Line Validation: Validate tissue findings using characterized breast cancer cell lines representing different molecular subtypes:
HCC1937 (basal, BRCA1 mutated)
T47D (luminal A)
MDA-MB-468 (triple-negative)
Research indicates differential DTX1 expression across these cell lines, suggesting subtype-specific regulation.
Quantitative Analysis Strategy:
Implement digital image analysis using Aperio or QuPath software for standardized scoring
Develop a weighted histoscore incorporating both staining intensity and percentage of positive cells
Correlate DTX1 expression with proliferation markers (Ki-67), migration capability, and patient survival data
Functional Impact Assessment: For each molecular subtype:
Clinical Correlation Analysis: Create a multivariable model incorporating:
DTX1 expression level
Molecular subtype
Clinical parameters
Treatment response
This comprehensive approach can reveal whether DTX1 serves as a prognostic or predictive biomarker specific to certain breast cancer subtypes .
When developing multiplexed immunofluorescence panels that include biotin-conjugated DTX1 antibody alongside other pathway markers, researchers should address several critical considerations:
Panel Design Strategy:
Pathway-focused components: Include key Notch pathway proteins (NOTCH1, JAG1, HES1) to contextually interpret DTX1 expression
Trafficking markers: Add RAB4A, RAB11 to visualize co-localization with recycling compartments
Cell-type markers: Incorporate lineage-specific markers (e.g., CK8/18 for luminal, CK5/6 for basal cells) in breast cancer studies
Functional markers: Add proliferation (Ki-67) or EMT markers (E-cadherin, Vimentin) to correlate with DTX1 expression
Technical Compatibility Factors:
Biotin interference management: Use tyramide signal amplification (TSA) for the biotin-conjugated DTX1 antibody early in the staining sequence before introducing other biotin-containing components
Spectral separation: Select fluorophores with minimal spectral overlap; consider Opal™ fluorophores or Quantum Dots for narrow emission peaks
Antibody cross-reactivity: Validate that anti-DTX1 doesn't cross-react with other DTX family proteins (DTX2-4) to ensure specificity
Sequential staining requirements: Implement heat-mediated antibody stripping between rounds if antibodies are from the same species
Optimization Parameters:
Epitope retrieval compatibility: Identify a single retrieval condition compatible with all targets or implement a sequential staining approach
Signal-to-noise enhancement: Use appropriate blocking (both for non-specific binding and endogenous biotin)
Signal amplification balancing: Adjust streptavidin-fluorophore concentration (1:200-1:1000) to achieve balanced signal intensity across all markers
Analysis Considerations:
Subcellular co-localization quantification: Implement high-resolution confocal imaging with appropriate co-localization algorithms
Single-cell analysis: Use cell segmentation algorithms to quantify marker expression at single-cell level
Spatial relationship mapping: Analyze DTX1 expression in relation to tumor microenvironment components
Validation Approach:
Researchers can quantitatively assess DTX1's E3 ligase activity using biotin-conjugated antibodies through several complementary approaches:
In Vitro Ubiquitination Assays:
Reconstituted system components: Combine purified DTX1, E1 enzyme, ATP, biotinylated ubiquitin, and validated E2 partners (E2C, E2N, or E2D1)
Detection strategy: Use streptavidin-HRP to detect biotinylated ubiquitin chains on substrates after SDS-PAGE and Western blotting
Quantification method: Measure band intensity relative to input substrate using densitometry
Controls: Include reactions lacking ATP, E1, E2, or using catalytically inactive DTX1 mutants
Cellular Ubiquitination Dynamics:
Experimental design: Transfect cells with HA-tagged ubiquitin and DTX1 (wild-type or mutant)
Immunoprecipitation approach: Use biotin-conjugated DTX1 antibody to pull down DTX1 complexes
Detection methodology: Probe with anti-HA antibody to detect ubiquitinated species
Quantification strategy: Compare ubiquitination levels between wild-type and E3 ligase-deficient DTX1 mutants
Substrate-Specific Activity Measurement:
Target identification: Focus on verified DTX1 substrates identified through proteomics screening (165 potential targets with Z-scores ≥3)
Pulse-chase design: Label cells with biotin-tagged protein precursors, then chase with DTX1 overexpression/knockdown
Analysis approach: Quantify substrate half-life changes as a measure of DTX1-mediated degradation
Validation strategy: Confirm with proteasome inhibitors to verify the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway involvement
Notch1 Recycling Kinetics:
Experimental system: Utilize antibody uptake assays with scFv-N1-sfGFP-GLuc to track Notch1 recycling
Comparative analysis: Measure recycling rates in DTX1-depleted versus control cells
Quantification method: Calculate relative recycling rates using luciferase activity measurements
Control experiments: Include Rab4a and Rab11 knockdowns to distinguish recycling pathways
High-Throughput Screening Platform:
Assay design: Develop a cell-based reporter system where DTX1 activity regulates a fluorescent or luminescent readout
Validation approach: Confirm using biotin-conjugated DTX1 antibody to correlate activity with expression levels
Analysis method: Implement automated image analysis for quantification of substrate levels in single cells
Application: Screen for compounds that modulate DTX1 activity in breast cancer contexts
Biotin-conjugated DTX1 antibody can be instrumental in elucidating therapy resistance mechanisms in breast cancer through multiple investigative approaches:
Expression Pattern Analysis in Resistant Populations:
Comparative immunohistochemistry: Apply DTX1 antibody (1:50-1:200 dilution) to matched pre- and post-treatment patient samples to identify expression changes associated with acquired resistance
Single-cell analysis: Utilize flow cytometry with biotin-conjugated DTX1 antibody to identify resistant subpopulations with altered DTX1 expression
Quantification approach: Develop a DTX1 expression index correlating with treatment response metrics
Notch Pathway Modulation in Resistance:
Resistance model systems: Establish therapy-resistant breast cancer cell lines through long-term drug exposure
Pathway analysis: Quantify DTX1 expression alongside Notch pathway components (NOTCH1, JAG1, HES1) in resistant versus sensitive cells
Functional validation: Manipulate DTX1 levels in resistant cells to determine if resistance can be reversed
Mechanistic insight: Assess if DTX1 downregulation (observed in aggressive breast cancer) contributes to therapy resistance through enhanced Notch signaling
Combination Therapy Rationale Development:
Target identification: Use DTX1 antibody to screen for correlations between DTX1 levels and response to various therapies
Synergy hypothesis: Test if DTX1 modulation sensitizes cells to standard therapies
Biomarker development: Develop a DTX1-based predictive assay for therapy selection
Validation approach: Confirm findings using patient-derived xenograft models with varied DTX1 expression
Cancer Stem Cell (CSC) Regulation:
Population identification: Use biotin-conjugated DTX1 antibody in combination with CSC markers (CD44+/CD24-)
Functional analysis: Determine if DTX1 expression correlates with stemness properties
Therapeutic implications: Assess if targeting cells with specific DTX1 expression patterns can eliminate therapy-resistant CSCs
Pathway integration: Explore how DTX1-mediated Notch regulation affects CSC maintenance in resistant populations
Clinical Translation Framework:
Patient stratification strategy: Develop a DTX1 expression scoring system correlating with therapy response
Companion diagnostic potential: Evaluate biotin-conjugated DTX1 antibody for clinical assay development
Therapeutic vulnerability identification: Screen for compounds that specifically target cells with altered DTX1 expression
Resistance monitoring: Implement serial DTX1 assessment during treatment to detect resistance emergence
To investigate the interplay between DTX1 and other E3 ligases in regulating cellular homeostasis, researchers can employ several sophisticated approaches:
Comprehensive E3 Ligase Interaction Mapping:
Proximity-based biotinylation: Utilize BioID or APEX2 fused to DTX1 to identify proximal E3 ligases in living cells
Co-immunoprecipitation networks: Use biotin-conjugated DTX1 antibody for pulldown followed by mass spectrometry to identify E3 ligase complexes
FRET/BRET analysis: Measure direct protein-protein interactions between DTX1 and other E3 ligases
Validation strategy: Confirm interactions through reciprocal co-IP and functional assays
Substrate Competition Analysis:
Shared substrate identification: Compare the 165 potential DTX1 substrates with known targets of other E3 ligases
Ubiquitination dynamics: Assess how modulating DTX1 affects ubiquitination patterns mediated by other E3 ligases
E2 enzyme utilization: Investigate competitive or cooperative usage of E2C and E2N by DTX1 and other E3 ligases
Quantification approach: Develop targeted proteomics assays to measure ubiquitination sites on shared substrates
Pathway Cross-regulation Mapping:
Notch-centered analysis: Investigate how DTX1 cooperates with or antagonizes other E3 ligases that regulate Notch signaling
Receptor trafficking integration: Examine how DTX1's role in receptor recycling intersects with other E3 ligases controlling endocytic trafficking
Signaling node identification: Map points where DTX1-mediated ubiquitination converges with other E3 ligase pathways
Validation approach: Use genetic epistasis experiments to establish hierarchy of E3 ligase functions
Temporal Dynamics and Compensation Mechanisms:
Inducible systems: Develop rapidly inducible DTX1 depletion systems to study acute versus chronic adaptation
Compensatory expression analysis: Measure changes in other E3 ligase expression following DTX1 modulation
Kinetic modeling: Develop mathematical models of the E3 ligase network incorporating experimentally determined parameters
Single-cell trajectory analysis: Track cellular responses to DTX1 perturbation over time at single-cell resolution
Disease-Specific Homeostatic Disruption:
Breast cancer context: Examine how altered DTX1 expression in breast cancer affects the broader E3 ligase network
Therapeutic vulnerability identification: Screen for synthetic lethality between DTX1 and other E3 ligases
Patient-derived models: Compare E3 ligase network topology in normal versus breast cancer tissues
Clinical correlation: Develop multivariate analysis incorporating multiple E3 ligases to predict disease progression
Developing therapeutic strategies targeting the DTX1-Notch axis based on antibody studies requires careful consideration of several key factors:
Target Validation and Mechanism Refinement:
Expression pattern analysis: Use biotin-conjugated DTX1 antibody to comprehensively map DTX1 expression across breast cancer subtypes and correlate with clinical outcomes
Mechanism prioritization: Determine whether therapeutic approaches should:
Pathway specificity assessment: Define the consequences of DTX1 modulation on Notch signaling versus other pathways
Therapeutic window evaluation: Compare effects of DTX1 modulation in cancer versus normal cells using antibody-based quantification
Therapeutic Modality Selection:
Protein replacement strategies: For tumors with low DTX1 expression , consider:
Recombinant DTX1 protein delivery systems
Gene therapy approaches to restore DTX1 expression
Small molecule development: For targeting DTX1's E3 ligase activity:
Antibody-based therapeutics: Consider:
Antibody-drug conjugates targeting cells with specific DTX1 expression patterns
Bispecific antibodies linking DTX1-expressing cells to immune effectors
Biomarker Development Strategy:
Diagnostic assay optimization: Refine immunohistochemical protocols using biotin-conjugated DTX1 antibody for patient stratification
Response prediction: Develop a scoring system integrating:
DTX1 expression level (using standardized antibody-based detection)
Notch pathway activation status
Receptor recycling dynamics
Resistance monitoring: Implement serial assessment of DTX1 expression during treatment to detect adaptive changes
Companion diagnostic potential: Validate biotin-conjugated DTX1 antibody for regulatory-compliant diagnostic use
Combination Therapy Design:
Pathway-based combinations: Integrate DTX1-targeted therapies with:
Synthetic lethality approaches: Identify vulnerabilities created by altered DTX1 levels
Cancer subtype-specific strategies: Design different combination approaches for:
Translational Research Roadmap:
Model system selection: Utilize:
Clinical trial design considerations: Include:
Antibody-based patient selection criteria
Pharmacodynamic biomarkers measuring DTX1 pathway modulation
Combination strategies based on mechanistic rationale
Resistance mechanism anticipation: Proactively investigate potential adaptation mechanisms to DTX1-targeted therapies