The ELF3 Antibody, Biotin conjugated is a specialized immunoreagent designed for detecting the E74-like factor 3 (ELF3) transcription factor in various biological assays. ELF3, a 41–43 kDa member of the ETS protein family, plays critical roles in epithelial cell differentiation, inflammation, and cancer progression . The biotin-conjugated format facilitates high-affinity detection through streptavidin-based systems, enhancing sensitivity in techniques like ELISA, Western blot (WB), and immunohistochemistry (IHC) .
ELF3 contains key structural domains:
PNT/Pointed domain (aa 46–132): Mediates dimerization and protein–protein interactions .
A/T Hook DNA-binding domain (aa 236–252): Targets AT-rich DNA motifs .
ETS DNA-binding domain (aa 273–355): Binds transcriptional regulatory regions .
ELF3 interacts with transcriptional coactivators (e.g., CREBBP, EP300) and regulates oncogenic pathways, including β-catenin transactivation in colorectal cancer .
The antibody is biotinylated using Lightning-Link® Type A, a rapid conjugation kit requiring minimal hands-on time (<20 minutes) . This method ensures high recovery (100%) and compatibility with standard antibody formulations . For assays, biotinylated antibodies are paired with streptavidin–HRP or streptavidin-conjugated fluorophores for signal amplification .
Colorectal Cancer (CRC): ELF3 amplifies β-catenin signaling by transactivating its promoter, promoting tumor progression . Studies using ELF3 antibodies (e.g., Cusabio CSB-PA007598LD01HU) confirmed its role in nuclear β-catenin accumulation and poor prognosis .
Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs): ELF3 mediates IL-1α-induced differentiation into invasive cancer-associated fibroblasts (iCAFs), with knockdown experiments validating its necessity .
ELISA: Demonstrated linear dose–response curves for ELF3 detection in cell lysates .
WB: Detects a 42 kDa band in human liver and carcinoma cell lines (A431, PC-3) .
IHC: Identifies ELF3 in paraffin-embedded tissues using chromogenic staining .
Biotin-conjugated ELF3 antibodies are primarily used for detecting ELF3 protein expression in various cancer cell lines and tissue samples. The main applications include:
Western blot analysis for protein detection and quantification
Immunoprecipitation assays to study protein-protein interactions
Immunohistochemistry for tissue localization studies
ChIP (Chromatin Immunoprecipitation) assays to investigate ELF3 binding to promoter regions of target genes
Research has demonstrated that ELF3 antibodies can effectively detect ELF3 expression in prostate cancer cell lines (LNCaP), lung carcinoma cell lines (A549, PC-9), and mouse embryonic fibroblast cell lines (NIH-3T3) . The biotin conjugation significantly enhances detection sensitivity by allowing for streptavidin-based signal amplification, which is particularly valuable in samples with low ELF3 expression levels.
For optimal Western blot detection of ELF3 using biotin-conjugated antibodies, researchers should follow these methodological steps:
Prepare cell/tissue lysates under reducing conditions
Separate proteins using SDS-PAGE (10-12% gel recommended)
Transfer proteins to PVDF membrane
Block membrane with appropriate blocking buffer (typically 5% non-fat milk or BSA)
Incubate with biotin-conjugated ELF3 antibody (optimal dilution: 1:1000-1:2000)
Detect using streptavidin-HRP conjugate (1:5000-1:10000 dilution)
Visualize using enhanced chemiluminescence
Published data indicates that ELF3 is detected at approximately 42 kDa under these conditions . For optimal results, researchers should use Immunoblot Buffer Group 1 or equivalent to reduce background and non-specific binding.
Validating antibody specificity is crucial for reliable research outcomes. For biotin-conjugated ELF3 antibody, employ these validation approaches:
Positive and negative control samples: Use cell lines known to express ELF3 (e.g., PC-3, A549) as positive controls and cell lines with low/no ELF3 expression as negative controls.
siRNA knockdown validation: Perform siRNA-mediated knockdown of ELF3 using validated siRNAs (such as siELF3#1 and siELF3#2 targeting the coding region) . The signal from biotin-conjugated ELF3 antibody should significantly decrease in knockdown samples.
Overexpression validation: Use ELF3-overexpressing cell models (such as TetOn-Flag-ELF3 systems) to confirm increased antibody signal.
Competition assays: Pre-incubate the biotin-conjugated antibody with recombinant ELF3 protein before application to your samples. This should diminish specific signals.
Peptide blocking: Use the immunizing peptide to block antibody binding, which should eliminate specific signals.
Studies have demonstrated that efficient ELF3 knockdown can be achieved using specific siRNAs, with western blot analysis showing a significant reduction in the 42 kDa band corresponding to ELF3 .
Biotin-conjugated ELF3 antibodies can be instrumental in studying the interaction between ELF3 and androgen receptor (AR) in prostate cancer through these methodological approaches:
Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP): Use biotin-conjugated ELF3 antibody to pull down ELF3 protein complexes, followed by western blot detection of AR. Research has shown that the ELF3-AR interaction is significantly enhanced in the presence of R1881 (synthetic androgen) .
Proximity ligation assay (PLA): This technique allows visualization of protein-protein interactions in situ. Using biotin-conjugated ELF3 antibody alongside an AR-specific antibody enables detection of ELF3-AR proximity within cells.
ChIP-reChIP assays: To investigate co-occupancy of ELF3 and AR at specific genomic loci, perform sequential ChIP with both antibodies.
GST pull-down validation: Use recombinant GST-ELF3 and AR fragments to map interaction domains. Research indicates that both amino- and carboxy-terminal domains of AR can bind to ELF3 .
The interaction between ELF3 and AR has significant functional consequences, as ELF3 has been identified as a repressor of AR action in prostate cancer. This repressive function suggests that loss of ELF3 expression may contribute to prostate cancer pathogenesis through enhanced AR signaling .
When using biotin-conjugated ELF3 antibodies for ChIP experiments, researchers should consider these methodological details:
Crosslinking optimization: Use 1% formaldehyde for 10 minutes at room temperature, as ELF3 binds DNA directly through its ETS domain.
Sonication parameters: Optimize sonication conditions to generate DNA fragments of 200-500 bp for optimal resolution.
Antibody amount: Typically 2-5 μg of biotin-conjugated ELF3 antibody per ChIP reaction is sufficient. Determine optimal antibody concentration empirically for each experimental system.
Streptavidin bead capture: Use streptavidin-coated magnetic beads for efficient capture of biotin-conjugated antibody-protein-DNA complexes.
Positive controls: Include primers targeting known ELF3 binding sites. Research has identified ELF3 binding to promoter regions of multiple genes including EHF and TGIF1 .
Data analysis: Calculate fold enrichment of ELF3 binding at target sites compared to IgG control immunoprecipitate. Published data shows significant enrichment (p<0.05) of ELF3 at promoter regions of master transcription factors in lung adenocarcinoma .
As demonstrated in lung adenocarcinoma models, ELF3 can bind to promoter regions of multiple genes, functioning within a regulatory network of transcription factors that drive cancer progression .
For investigating ELF3's role in BRCA1-associated breast cancer, biotin-conjugated ELF3 antibodies can be employed in these research approaches:
Expression analysis: Use immunohistochemistry with biotin-conjugated ELF3 antibodies to analyze ELF3 expression patterns in BRCA1-mutated versus non-mutated breast cancer samples. Data from TCGA and METABRIC databases show significantly higher ELF3 expression in BRCA1-associated breast tumors than in non-BRCA1-associated breast tumors .
Functional studies: Employ biotin-conjugated ELF3 antibodies in western blot analysis to monitor ELF3 expression changes following replication stress induction, which has been shown to upregulate ELF3 in BRCA1-associated contexts .
Protein interaction network analysis: Use IP-mass spectrometry with biotin-conjugated ELF3 antibodies to identify protein interaction networks disrupted by high ELF3 expression in BRCA1-deficient cells.
Target gene regulation: Perform ChIP-seq with biotin-conjugated ELF3 antibodies to identify genomic targets of ELF3 in BRCA1-deficient breast cancer models.
Research has identified several disrupted protein-protein interactions (PPIs) involving ELF3 in cancer contexts, including interactions with ERBB3, ETS1, and TIMP3, which may play roles in BRCA1-associated breast cancer progression .
When using biotin-conjugated ELF3 antibody for flow cytometry, researchers often encounter these challenges:
Low signal intensity:
Problem: ELF3 is primarily a nuclear transcription factor, making detection challenging.
Solution: Ensure proper cell permeabilization using 0.1% Triton X-100 or saponin-based buffers. Use streptavidin conjugated to bright fluorophores (PE or APC) for signal amplification.
High background signal:
Problem: Endogenous biotin can cause high background.
Solution: Block endogenous biotin using avidin/biotin blocking kits before incubation with biotin-conjugated ELF3 antibody.
Specificity concerns:
Fixation-induced epitope masking:
Problem: Some fixation methods may mask the ELF3 epitope.
Solution: Test multiple fixation protocols; methanol-based fixation often works better than formaldehyde for nuclear transcription factors.
Published research has successfully used ELF3 antibodies to detect expression differences between various cancer cell lines, suggesting that with proper optimization, flow cytometry can be effective for ELF3 detection .
For optimal IHC results with biotin-conjugated ELF3 antibody, implement these methodological refinements:
Antigen retrieval optimization:
Test multiple methods (citrate buffer pH 6.0, EDTA buffer pH 9.0, enzymatic retrieval)
Heat-induced epitope retrieval at 95-98°C for 20 minutes in citrate buffer often yields best results for nuclear transcription factors
Endogenous biotin blocking:
Critical step: Use commercial avidin/biotin blocking kits before antibody application
Alternative: 0.1% avidin followed by 0.01% biotin incubation steps
Signal amplification systems:
Standard: Streptavidin-HRP systems
Enhanced sensitivity: Tyramide signal amplification (TSA) for low-expressing samples
Counterstaining considerations:
Light hematoxylin counterstaining (30 seconds) preserves nuclear ELF3 signal visibility
Avoid overstaining which can mask specific ELF3 nuclear staining
Positive and negative controls:
Positive controls: Prostate cancer tissues (PC-3 xenografts), lung adenocarcinoma samples
Negative controls: Tissue sections incubated with isotype control antibodies
Research utilizing ELF3 immunohistochemistry has successfully differentiated expression patterns between tumor subtypes, particularly showing higher expression in lung adenocarcinoma compared to adjacent non-malignant tissue .
ELF3 expression shows significant variation across cancer types, with important implications for biotin-conjugated ELF3 antibody detection strategies:
For methodological consistency across cancer types:
Use standardized protein extraction protocols optimized for nuclear proteins
Include appropriate positive controls (cell lines with known ELF3 expression)
Consider tissue-specific fixation and permeabilization requirements
Normalize expression to appropriate housekeeping proteins (GAPDH or β-actin)
For investigating ELF3's oncogenic role in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), biotin-conjugated ELF3 antibodies can be employed in these methodological approaches:
Research has demonstrated that ELF3 overexpression significantly increases cell proliferation in human bronchial epithelial cells, suggesting its oncogenic potential in lung adenocarcinoma development .
When employing biotin-conjugated ELF3 antibody in multiplexed immunofluorescence assays, researchers should address these methodological considerations:
Antibody panel design:
Signal separation optimization:
Use streptavidin conjugated to spectrally distinct fluorophores (Alexa Fluor 488, 555, 647)
Implement spectral unmixing for closely overlapping fluorophore emissions
Consider sequential detection rather than simultaneous for challenging multiplex combinations
Controls for multiplexed assays:
Single antibody controls to confirm specificity and absence of crosstalk
Fluorescence minus one (FMO) controls to establish gating boundaries
Absorption controls to verify absence of secondary antibody cross-reactivity
Image acquisition and analysis:
Use confocal microscopy for optimal spatial resolution of nuclear ELF3 signals
Employ automated image analysis software with nuclear segmentation capabilities
Quantify co-localization using established metrics (Pearson's correlation, Mander's overlap)
Research has successfully demonstrated ELF3 co-localization with AR in nuclei of LNCaP cells following R1881 treatment, highlighting the feasibility of multiplexed approaches to study ELF3 interactions .
Integrating biotin-conjugated ELF3 antibody with single-cell technologies provides powerful approaches to analyze cellular heterogeneity:
Single-cell mass cytometry (CyTOF):
Conjugate ELF3 antibody with biotin, followed by detection with metal-labeled streptavidin
Include markers for cell cycle phases, differentiation states, and lineage markers
Enables high-dimensional analysis of ELF3 expression in relation to multiple cellular states
Single-cell Western blotting:
Use biotin-conjugated ELF3 antibody to detect ELF3 protein at single-cell resolution
Can reveal heterogeneity in ELF3 expression levels not detectable in bulk analysis
Particularly valuable for analyzing mixed cell populations in tumor samples
Imaging mass cytometry (IMC):
Apply biotin-conjugated ELF3 antibody followed by metal-tagged streptavidin
Preserves spatial context while delivering single-cell resolution
Can identify rare ELF3-expressing cells within complex tissue architectures
CITE-seq approaches:
Combine biotin-conjugated ELF3 antibody protein detection with transcriptome analysis
Correlate ELF3 protein levels with gene expression signatures at single-cell level
Particularly valuable for identifying cells with discordant mRNA/protein levels
These approaches can address important biological questions, such as the heterogeneity of ELF3 expression in luminal progenitor cells in BRCA1 mutation carriers, which have been identified as cells of origin for BRCA1-deficient breast cancers .
Biotin-conjugated ELF3 antibody can be effectively integrated with genetic manipulation approaches through these methodological strategies:
CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing validation:
Use biotin-conjugated ELF3 antibody to confirm successful knockout/knockin
Western blot or immunofluorescence to verify complete protein loss in knockout models
Detect tagged ELF3 variants in knockin models
siRNA/shRNA knockdown studies:
Conditional expression systems:
Rescue experiments:
After ELF3 knockdown/knockout, reintroduce wild-type or mutant ELF3 variants
Use biotin-conjugated ELF3 antibody to confirm expression of rescue constructs
Distinguish between endogenous and exogenous ELF3 using epitope tags
Research has demonstrated that ELF3 overexpression inhibits prostate cancer cell growth in xenograft models, while knockdown increases androgen-dependent migration of prostate cancer cells , highlighting the utility of combining genetic manipulation with antibody-based detection.
For prognostic studies utilizing biotin-conjugated ELF3 antibodies, researchers should implement these methodological approaches:
Research demonstrates significant prognostic value of ELF3 expression in specific cancer subtypes, with particularly strong prognostic significance in Stage I LUAD patients (log-rank p = 1.00E-06) , indicating the potential clinical utility of ELF3 as a prognostic biomarker.
Biotin-conjugated ELF3 antibodies can support translational research for targeted therapy development through these methodological approaches:
Target validation studies:
Use biotin-conjugated ELF3 antibody to confirm target expression in preclinical models
Validate on-target effects of ELF3-directed therapeutics via western blot
Monitor changes in ELF3 expression following therapeutic intervention
Combination therapy research:
Patient stratification biomarker development:
Standardize ELF3 detection protocols for potential companion diagnostic applications
Establish clinically relevant cutoff values for high versus low ELF3 expression
Correlate ELF3 expression with response to specific therapies
Pharmacodynamic (PD) biomarker applications:
Use biotin-conjugated ELF3 antibody to monitor target engagement and modulation
Develop protocols for pre- and post-treatment biopsies to evaluate ELF3 expression changes
Correlate with clinical outcomes and drug efficacy
Research has demonstrated that inhibition of super-enhancer-associated targets reduces ELF3 expression and attenuates malignant progression in lung adenocarcinoma models , suggesting potential therapeutic approaches targeting ELF3 regulatory pathways.