The DVL2 antibody is a polyclonal rabbit IgG raised against the DVL2 fusion protein (Ag2666), with a calculated molecular weight of 79 kDa. Post-translational modifications result in an observed molecular weight of 90–95 kDa . Key characteristics include:
Reactivity: Tested in human, mouse, and rat samples; cited reactivity extends to pig and Xenopus .
Storage: PBS with sodium azide and glycerol, stored at -20°C .
The antibody is validated for multiple techniques, with recommended dilutions as follows :
| Application | Dilution |
|---|---|
| Western Blot (WB) | 1:2000–1:16,000 |
| Immunoprecipitation (IP) | 0.5–4.0 µg/mg lysate |
| Immunohistochemistry (IHC) | 1:50–1:500 |
| Immunofluorescence (IF) | 1:200–1:800 |
| Co-Immunoprecipitation (CoIP) | - |
The DVL2 antibody has enabled critical insights into its protein’s role in disease mechanisms:
Tumor Immunity: DVL2 regulates immune modulatory genes, with higher expression correlating to reduced CD8α+ T-cell infiltration and worse prognosis in HER2+ breast cancer .
Proliferation: Knockdown of DVL2 reduces cancer cell growth and induces G1 arrest, as shown in HER2+ breast cancer models .
Rheumatoid Arthritis: DVL2 overexpression inhibits NF-κB nuclear translocation and reduces inflammatory cytokine secretion in synovial fibroblasts .
Apoptosis: DVL2 promotes apoptosis in fibroblast-like synoviocytes by downregulating anti-apoptotic genes .
DVL2 antibodies have been validated for multiple experimental applications including Western Blotting (WB), Immunohistochemistry (IHC), Immunofluorescence/Immunocytochemistry (IF/ICC), Immunoprecipitation (IP), Co-Immunoprecipitation (CoIP), and ELISA assays. The validated dilution ranges for these applications are:
| Application | Recommended Dilution |
|---|---|
| Western Blot (WB) | 1:2000-1:16000 |
| Immunoprecipitation (IP) | 0.5-4.0 μg for 1.0-3.0 mg of total protein lysate |
| Immunohistochemistry (IHC) | 1:50-1:500 |
| Immunofluorescence (IF)/ICC | 1:200-1:800 |
When designing experiments, it is essential to optimize antibody concentration for your specific cell line or tissue type as reactivity may vary between samples .
DVL2 antibodies have been tested and confirmed to have reactivity with human, mouse, and rat samples. Published literature also cites reactivity with pig and xenopus models, expanding potential research applications across multiple species. This cross-species reactivity makes DVL2 antibodies valuable tools for comparative studies between different model organisms .
For optimal preservation of antibody activity, DVL2 antibodies should be stored at -20°C in a buffer containing PBS with 0.02% sodium azide and 50% glycerol at pH 7.3. Under these conditions, the antibody remains stable for one year. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles should be avoided as they can lead to protein denaturation and reduced antibody performance. Working aliquots may be prepared for frequent use to prevent degradation of the primary stock .
When using DVL2 antibodies in knockdown or knockout studies, positive and negative controls are essential for result validation. Multiple publications have used DVL2 antibodies for KD/KO verification. Effective controls include:
Positive control: Lysates from cells known to express DVL2 (e.g., HEK-293, MCF-7, or HepG2 cells)
Negative control: Lysates from the same cell line with DVL2 knockdown using siRNA or CRISPR-Cas9
Loading control: Probing for a housekeeping protein (e.g., GAPDH, β-actin) to ensure equal loading
The difference in band intensity between control and KD/KO samples provides quantitative validation of both the knockdown efficiency and antibody specificity .
For optimal DVL2 detection in tissue sections, antigen retrieval is a critical step. The recommended protocol involves using TE buffer at pH 9.0. Alternatively, citrate buffer at pH 6.0 may be used, though results may vary depending on tissue fixation methods and sample age. Antigen retrieval optimization may be necessary for specific tissue types, particularly for formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples where protein epitopes may be masked by crosslinking .
Recent studies have revealed significant correlations between DVL2 expression and immune markers in HER2-positive breast cancer. Analysis of clinical samples demonstrated that higher DVL2 expression at baseline biopsy showed a significant negative correlation with CD8α levels (r = -0.67, p < 0.05), indicating potential immunosuppressive effects. Conversely, DVL2 expression positively correlated with neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (r = 0.58, p < 0.05), a clinical parameter where higher values indicate worse cancer prognosis. These findings suggest DVL2 may play a role in modulating the tumor immune microenvironment, potentially contributing to immune evasion in breast cancer .
To investigate DVL2's impact on cancer cell proliferation, researchers can employ multiple complementary approaches:
Loss-of-function studies using siRNA or shRNA targeting DVL2
Live cell imaging to monitor proliferation rates over time
Cell cycle analysis using flow cytometry to quantify cell distribution across G1, S, and G2/M phases
RT-qPCR analysis of Wnt target genes involved in proliferation
Western blot analysis of downstream signaling proteins
Combinatorial studies with targeted therapies (e.g., Neratinib for HER2+ breast cancer)
This multi-faceted approach has revealed that DVL2 knockdown results in reduced proliferation, higher growth arrest in G1 phase, and limited mitosis (G2/M), supporting DVL2's pro-proliferative role in cancer cells .
DVL2 antibodies have been validated for immunohistochemistry in multiple cancer tissue types, including:
Human lung cancer tissue
Human gliomas tissue
Human prostate cancer tissue
Human breast cancer tissue (particularly HER2-positive samples)
Additionally, normal mouse and rat colon tissues have been validated for comparative studies. When working with these tissue types, researchers should follow the recommended antigen retrieval methods (TE buffer pH 9.0 or citrate buffer pH 6.0) and antibody dilutions (1:50-1:500) for optimal results .
DVL2 functions as a negative regulator of inflammatory cytokine production, particularly in rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLSs). To effectively study this modulatory effect, researchers should employ multiple complementary methods:
ELISA analysis of cell supernatants to quantify secreted cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8)
RT-PCR for measuring cytokine mRNA levels
RNA-seq to comprehensively analyze altered gene expression patterns
Stimulation with TNF-α to activate the NF-κB pathway and observe DVL2's inhibitory effects
Research has demonstrated that DVL2 overexpression reduces the release of IL-6 both with and without TNF-α stimulation, while IL-1β and IL-8 inhibition becomes apparent only upon TNF-α stimulation. This suggests DVL2's anti-inflammatory effects are most pronounced in inflammatory contexts .
DVL2 inhibits the NF-κB pathway through multiple molecular mechanisms that can be investigated through the following experimental approaches:
FlowSight analysis to assess nuclear translocation of P65
Immunoprecipitation (IP) to detect direct interaction between DVL2 and P65
Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) to evaluate P65 binding to promoters of target genes
RNA-seq to identify altered expression of NF-κB pathway genes
Research findings demonstrate that DVL2 overexpression inhibits TNF-α-induced nuclear translocation of P65, a crucial step in NF-κB pathway activation. Furthermore, IP analysis confirms direct interaction between DVL2 and P65 in RA-FLSs. ChIP assays reveal that DVL2 inhibits TNF-α-induced binding of P65 to promoters of anti-apoptotic and inflammatory genes, providing a mechanistic explanation for DVL2's anti-inflammatory effects .
To effectively study DVL2's dual role in regulating both apoptosis and inflammation, researchers should implement a comprehensive experimental approach:
Apoptosis analysis:
Flow cytometry with Annexin V/PI staining
Western blot for apoptotic markers (cleaved caspase-3, PARP)
RT-PCR for anti-apoptotic genes (A20, GADD45β, cIAP1, cIAP2)
Inflammation analysis:
ELISA for secreted cytokines
RT-PCR for inflammatory cytokine expression
NF-κB pathway activation assessment
RNA-seq for global gene expression changes
Studies have revealed that DVL2 overexpression decreases mRNA levels of NF-κB-dependent anti-apoptotic genes (A20, GADD45β, cIAP2) and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8), particularly upon TNF-α stimulation. This indicates that DVL2 promotes apoptosis while simultaneously inhibiting inflammatory responses, possibly through its inhibitory effect on the NF-κB pathway .
When working with DVL2 antibodies, researchers must consider potential cross-reactivity with other DVL paralogs (DVL1 and DVL3) due to sequence homology. To address this challenge:
Validate antibody specificity using knockout/knockdown controls for each DVL paralog
Perform Western blot analysis to verify that the antibody detects a band at the expected molecular weight for DVL2 (90-95 kDa) rather than DVL1 or DVL3
Consider using multiple antibodies targeting different epitopes of DVL2
Include recombinant DVL1, DVL2, and DVL3 proteins as controls to assess cross-reactivity
In functional studies, consider the redundancy between DVL paralogs by evaluating the expression levels of all three proteins and potentially employing combinatorial knockdowns to fully understand their collective contributions to the observed phenotypes .
The discrepancy between the calculated molecular weight of DVL2 (79 kDa) and the observed weight in experimental conditions (90-95 kDa) requires careful methodological consideration:
Analyze post-translational modifications:
Phosphorylation status using phospho-specific antibodies or phosphatase treatment
Ubiquitination profile using ubiquitin-specific antibodies or deubiquitinase treatment
Glycosylation analysis using glycosidase treatments
Optimize SDS-PAGE conditions:
Test different acrylamide percentages (8-10% for proteins >70 kDa)
Adjust running buffer composition and pH
Modify sample preparation (denaturing conditions, reducing agents)
Include recombinant DVL2 protein as a reference standard
This comprehensive approach can help researchers accurately identify DVL2 bands and understand the molecular basis for the observed weight discrepancy .
To achieve optimal DVL2 antibody performance across multiple experimental platforms, researchers should implement systematic optimization strategies:
| Application | Optimization Strategy |
|---|---|
| Western Blot | Titrate antibody (1:2000-1:16000); test blocking reagents (5% milk vs. BSA); optimize exposure times |
| IHC | Compare antigen retrieval methods (TE buffer pH 9.0 vs. citrate buffer pH 6.0); titrate antibody (1:50-1:500); test detection systems |
| IF/ICC | Optimize fixation methods (PFA vs. methanol); titrate antibody (1:200-1:800); test counterstains |
| IP | Adjust antibody amount (0.5-4.0 μg per 1.0-3.0 mg lysate); compare lysis buffers; optimize bead volumes |
Each experimental system may require specific optimization to obtain optimal results. It is recommended that researchers perform preliminary validation experiments to determine the ideal conditions for their specific sample types and experimental questions .
Current research suggests DVL2 as a promising therapeutic target with dual potential in cancer and inflammatory diseases. In HER2-positive breast cancer, DVL2 appears to promote cancer cell proliferation and modulate the tumor immune microenvironment, with higher expression correlating with decreased CD8+ T cell infiltration and worse prognostic markers. Conversely, in inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, DVL2 overexpression inhibits inflammatory cytokine production and promotes apoptosis through NF-κB pathway inhibition.
This dual role suggests context-dependent therapeutic approaches:
In cancer: DVL2 inhibition might reduce cancer cell proliferation and enhance anti-tumor immunity
In inflammatory diseases: DVL2 activation could reduce inflammatory cytokine production and promote resolution of inflammation
Future therapeutic development will require further understanding of tissue-specific functions and pathway crosstalk to optimize targeting strategies .
While antibody-based approaches remain fundamental to DVL2 research, emerging methodologies offer promising avenues for deeper mechanistic insights:
CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing for precise DVL2 knockout or mutation
Proximity labeling techniques (BioID, APEX) to identify novel DVL2 interacting partners
Single-cell RNA-seq to characterize DVL2's cell type-specific functions
Super-resolution microscopy for detailed subcellular localization
Patient-derived organoids to study DVL2 in physiologically relevant models
Phospho-proteomics to map DVL2 signaling networks
In vivo imaging with reporter systems to monitor DVL2 activity in real-time
These advanced approaches can complement traditional antibody-based methods to provide more comprehensive understanding of DVL2's complex biological functions across different cellular contexts and disease states .
To effectively integrate DVL2 research within the broader context of Wnt signaling, researchers should adopt multifaceted approaches that connect DVL2-specific findings to established Wnt pathway mechanisms:
Investigate DVL2's interactions with canonical and non-canonical Wnt pathway components:
β-catenin stabilization and nuclear translocation
JNK pathway activation
Calcium signaling modulation
Compare and contrast DVL paralogs (DVL1, DVL2, DVL3):
Paralog-specific functions
Redundancy and compensation mechanisms
Tissue-specific expression patterns
Explore crosstalk between Wnt/DVL2 and other signaling pathways:
NF-κB pathway (established in inflammatory contexts)
HER2 signaling (relevant in breast cancer)
TNF signaling (for inflammation regulation)
Develop integrated multi-omics approaches:
Combine transcriptomics, proteomics, and epigenomics
Correlate DVL2 expression with global Wnt pathway activity
Map DVL2-dependent signaling networks