The EPHA6 Antibody, Biotin conjugated is a biotinylated polyclonal antibody targeting the N-terminal region of Ephrin type-A receptor 6 (EPHA6), a receptor tyrosine kinase involved in cellular signaling, angiogenesis, and cancer progression. Biotin conjugation enables high-affinity interactions with streptavidin or avidin, enhancing detection sensitivity in assays such as Western blotting (WB) and immunohistochemistry (IHC).
EPHA6 belongs to the Eph receptor family, which binds ephrin-A ligands to regulate bidirectional signaling critical for cell migration, synaptic plasticity, and angiogenesis. The biotin conjugation enables:
Streptavidin-mediated multimerization: Enhancing receptor clustering, which mimics natural ligand-induced activation .
Sensitivity in detection: Biotin-streptavidin interactions amplify signal-to-noise ratios in assays like WB, enabling low-abundance protein detection .
EPHA6 is implicated in prostate cancer metastasis and angiogenesis. Knockdown of EPHA6 reduces tumor growth, microvascular density, and endothelial tube formation, highlighting its role in promoting neovascularization . The biotin-conjugated antibody could facilitate:
Target validation: Detecting EPHA6 expression in tumor tissues using streptavidin-linked secondary antibodies.
Therapeutic development: Exploring EPHA6 as a biomarker or target for anti-angiogenic therapies .
EPHA6 is critical in neural development and synaptic plasticity. In Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease models, EPHA6 antibodies may aid in studying receptor dysregulation. The biotin conjugation supports:
Immunoprecipitation: Isolating EPHA6 complexes for downstream signaling analysis.
In situ detection: Visualizing receptor localization in brain tissue sections .
While EPHA6 shares structural similarities with other Eph receptors, its biotin-conjugated antibody offers unique advantages:
Western Blot:
Immunohistochemistry:
EPHA6 is a receptor tyrosine kinase that promiscuously binds GPI-anchored ephrin-A family ligands on adjacent cells. This interaction initiates contact-dependent, bidirectional signaling in neighboring cells. Signaling downstream of the receptor is termed "forward signaling," while signaling downstream of the ephrin ligand is referred to as "reverse signaling."
EPHA6 (Ephrin type-A receptor 6) is a receptor tyrosine kinase with a molecular weight of approximately 116 kDa that functions in signal transduction pathways. The EPHA6 antibody discussed here (CSB-PA890673LD01HU) is a biotin-conjugated rabbit polyclonal antibody raised against recombinant Human Ephrin type-A receptor 6 protein (specifically amino acids 132-279) . This receptor belongs to the ephrin receptor subfamily and contributes to contact-dependent bidirectional signaling between adjacent cells. The biotin conjugation enables versatile detection methods, particularly when combined with streptavidin-based detection systems .
EPHA6 receptors function as part of the Eph receptor tyrosine kinase family, which binds GPI-anchored ephrin-A ligands on adjacent cells. This binding initiates bidirectional signaling, with forward signaling occurring downstream of the receptor and reverse signaling occurring downstream of the ephrin ligand . Similar to other Eph receptors such as EphA2, EPHA6 likely requires dimerization or clustering of ligands to elicit agonistic activity in cells . The receptor-ligand interaction leads to phosphorylation events that trigger downstream signaling cascades involved in various cellular processes, including cell migration, adhesion, and tissue boundary formation.
For optimal preservation of EPHA6 Antibody, Biotin conjugated activity, store the antibody at -20°C or -80°C upon receipt . Critical handling considerations include:
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles that can degrade antibody function
The antibody is provided in liquid form with a specific buffer composition: 0.03% Proclin 300 as preservative, 50% Glycerol, and 0.01M PBS at pH 7.4
Allow the antibody to equilibrate to room temperature before opening the vial
When diluting, use appropriate buffers that maintain pH stability and protein integrity
Consider aliquoting the stock solution into smaller volumes to minimize freeze-thaw cycles
Based on manufacturer specifications, EPHA6 Antibody, Biotin conjugated has been validated for ELISA applications . Although not specifically validated for other techniques, biotin-conjugated antibodies generally perform well in:
Immunohistochemistry (IHC)
Flow cytometry
Immunofluorescence microscopy
Pull-down assays (when combined with streptavidin-coated beads)
Multiplex detection systems
Each application requires specific optimization steps, including determination of optimal antibody dilution, incubation time, and appropriate blocking reagents to minimize background signals and maximize specific detection.
When designing ELISA protocols using biotin-conjugated EPHA6 antibody, consider the following methodological approach:
Plate Preparation: Coat high-binding 96-well plates with target antigen (for direct ELISA) or capture antibody (for sandwich ELISA)
Blocking: Use 2-5% BSA in PBS or 5% non-fat dry milk to reduce non-specific binding
Primary Incubation: If using in a sandwich ELISA, apply sample containing EPHA6 protein
Detection: Apply biotin-conjugated EPHA6 antibody at optimized dilution (typically starting at 1:1000)
Signal Development: Add streptavidin-HRP (horseradish peroxidase) conjugate
Visualization: Add appropriate substrate (TMB for colorimetric detection)
Detection Controls: Include multiple controls:
Negative control without primary antibody
Negative control with isotype control antibody
Positive control with known EPHA6-expressing samples
This approach maximizes specificity while minimizing background signal interference.
For quantitative assessment of signal-to-noise ratio when using biotin-conjugated EPHA6 antibody:
Baseline Determination: Measure signal from negative controls (no antigen, isotype control)
Specific Signal Measurement: Measure signal from samples containing EPHA6
Signal-to-noise Calculation: Divide specific signal by background signal
Optimization Matrix:
| Parameter | Low Setting | Optimal Range | High Setting | Effect on S/N Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antibody Dilution | 1:100 | 1:500-1:2000 | 1:5000 | Higher dilution improves S/N to a point |
| Blocking Agent % | 1% | 2-5% | 10% | Higher % reduces background |
| Incubation Time | 30 min | 1-2 hours | Overnight | Longer time increases sensitivity and may affect background |
| Wash Stringency | 3 washes | 4-5 washes | 6+ washes | More washes reduce background |
Serial Dilution Analysis: Perform serial dilutions of the sample to determine the linear detection range
Statistical Validation: Calculate coefficient of variation between replicates (<15% is generally acceptable)
EPHA6 Antibody, Biotin conjugated can be effectively employed to study receptor internalization and trafficking through these methodological approaches:
Time-course Internalization Assay:
Label cell surface EPHA6 with biotin-conjugated antibody at 4°C (prevents internalization)
Shift cells to 37°C to permit internalization
At various time points, remove surface-bound antibody with mild acid wash
Permeabilize cells and detect internalized antibody using fluorescently labeled streptavidin
Quantify by flow cytometry or confocal microscopy
Co-localization Studies:
Label cells with biotin-conjugated EPHA6 antibody and induce internalization
Fix and permeabilize cells
Counter-stain with markers for early endosomes (EEA1), late endosomes (Rab7), lysosomes (LAMP1), or recycling endosomes (Rab11)
Visualize using multi-channel confocal microscopy
Quantify co-localization using Pearson's correlation coefficient or Manders' overlap coefficient
Similar to studies with EphA2, receptor activation may induce receptor degradation, which can be monitored by tracking the decline in total receptor levels over time .
EPHA6 receptor clustering can be studied using biotin-streptavidin systems through these methodological approaches:
Multimerization Strategy:
Combine biotinylated EPHA6 antibody with streptavidin at various ratios (1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1)
Use these complexes to induce receptor clustering on cell surfaces
Compare receptor activation (phosphorylation) levels using phospho-specific antibodies
Quantify downstream signaling events
This approach mimics strategies employed for EphA2, where biotin-streptavidin complexes enhanced receptor activation . Specifically:
Quantification Methods:
Immunoblotting for phosphorylated EPHA6
FRET-based assays to detect receptor proximity
Super-resolution microscopy (STORM or PALM) to visualize clustering patterns
Comparative Analysis Table:
| Clustering Approach | Advantages | Limitations | Quantification Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antibody-induced clustering | Specific to EPHA6 | May activate artificial signaling | Western blot, FRET |
| Ligand-induced clustering | Physiologically relevant | Cross-reactivity with other Eph receptors | Phospho-specific antibodies |
| Biotin-streptavidin clustering | Highly controllable stoichiometry | May alter receptor mobility | Super-resolution microscopy |
For adapting EPHA6 Antibody, Biotin conjugated for in vivo imaging studies, researchers should consider:
Streptavidin Conjugation Strategy:
Conjugate biotin-EPHA6 antibody with fluorescently labeled streptavidin (e.g., AlexaFluor dyes)
Optimize the antibody:streptavidin ratio (typically 4:1) for maximum signal intensity
Purify complexes using size exclusion chromatography
Animal Model Selection and Preparation:
Imaging Protocol:
Administer purified antibody-streptavidin complex intravenously
Allow 24-72 hours for tumor accumulation and background clearance
Use appropriate imaging modality (IVIS system for whole-body imaging, confocal intravital microscopy for higher resolution)
Quantify tumor-to-background ratio across multiple time points
Validation Studies:
Perform ex vivo tissue analysis to confirm specific binding
Conduct immunohistochemistry on harvested tissues
Correlate imaging signal with actual EPHA6 expression levels determined by Western blot or PCR
This methodology builds upon successful approaches demonstrated with EphA2-targeting biotinylated agents in orthotopic models of breast and pancreatic cancers .
High background is a common challenge when working with biotin-conjugated antibodies. The following table outlines major causes and mitigation strategies:
| Problem Source | Cause | Mitigation Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Endogenous biotin | Naturally occurring biotin in biological samples | Pre-block with avidin/streptavidin; Use biotin-blocking kits |
| Non-specific binding | Fc receptor binding | Add 10% normal serum from host species of secondary reagent |
| Insufficient blocking | Inadequate blocking of non-specific binding sites | Increase blocking time (2 hours minimum); Use combination blockers (BSA + serum) |
| Excessive antibody concentration | Too much primary antibody | Titrate antibody; Use more stringent washing (add 0.1% Tween-20) |
| Cross-reactivity | Antibody binds to related epitopes | Perform adsorption controls; Validate with knockout/knockdown samples |
| Streptavidin concentration | Excessive streptavidin-conjugate | Titrate streptavidin conjugate; Increase wash steps |
For EPHA6 Antibody, Biotin conjugated specifically:
Begin with a dilution range of 1:500-1:2000 for ELISA applications
Implement a blocking step using buffers containing biotin-free BSA
If applying to tissues with high endogenous biotin (kidney, liver), use specialized biotin-blocking steps
Comprehensive validation of EPHA6 Antibody, Biotin conjugated should include:
Positive Control Testing:
Test on cell lines with known EPHA6 expression (based on RNA-seq or proteomics data)
Compare signal intensity with EPHA6 expression levels
Negative Control Testing:
Test on EPHA6 knockout/knockdown models
If unavailable, use cell lines known to lack EPHA6 expression
Peptide Competition Assay:
Pre-incubate antibody with excess immunizing peptide (the 132-279AA region of human EPHA6)
Compare signal with and without peptide competition
Signal should be significantly reduced with peptide competition
Cross-reactivity Assessment:
Test against other EphA family members (particularly EphA2, EphA4)
Use recombinant proteins in ELISA format for quantitative comparison
Multiple Detection Method Validation:
Compare results using different detection methods (WB, IF, ELISA)
Patterns should be consistent across methods
Confirmation with Alternative Antibodies:
Compare with non-biotinylated anti-EPHA6 antibodies
Results should be concordant between different antibody clones
To address signal variability in longitudinal studies:
Reference Standards Implementation:
Include a standard curve of recombinant EPHA6 protein in each experiment
Express results as relative units based on standard curve
Maintain a large batch of reference standard aliquots for consistent comparison
Antibody Stability Monitoring:
Aliquot antibody preparations to minimize freeze-thaw cycles
Prepare a control sample with known EPHA6 expression level
Test antibody activity against this control periodically
Document signal:background ratio over time
Normalization Strategies:
For Western blots: normalize to housekeeping proteins
For ELISA: use internal reference samples in each plate
For imaging: include calibration markers
Environmental Variable Control:
Maintain consistent incubation temperatures (±1°C)
Use the same lot of detection reagents when possible
Control humidity variation during incubation steps
Statistical Approach to Variability:
Use technical replicates (minimum 3) for each experimental point
Implement appropriate statistical tests for longitudinal data (repeated measures ANOVA)
Establish acceptable coefficient of variation thresholds (typically <15% for technical replicates)
When comparing EPHA6 Antibody, Biotin conjugated with other Eph receptor targeting approaches:
For functional studies versus detection purposes:
Optimize for signal-to-noise ratio
Focus on antibody dilution and incubation conditions
Primary concern is specificity and sensitivity
Consider antibody effects on receptor activity
Determine if antibody is neutralizing or agonistic
Assess impact of biotin-streptavidin interaction on receptor clustering
Evaluate potential for receptor internalization upon binding
| Parameter | For Detection | For Functional Studies |
|---|---|---|
| Antibody Concentration | Optimized for signal:noise | Titratable to determine dose-response |
| Temperature | 4°C to room temp | 37°C to permit cellular responses |
| Incubation Time | As needed for detection | Time-course to capture dynamics |
| Controls | Isotype controls | Blocking antibodies, kinase inhibitors |
| Readouts | Signal intensity | Phosphorylation, internalization, downstream signaling |
For functional studies, researchers should validate whether the EPHA6 Antibody, Biotin conjugated acts as an agonist or antagonist of receptor function through phosphorylation assays and downstream signaling analysis, similar to approaches used with EphA2 receptor studies .
Integration into multi-parameter analysis systems can be achieved through:
Multicolor Flow Cytometry:
Combine with differently colored fluorophores on streptavidin (e.g., streptavidin-PE, streptavidin-APC)
Use in conjunction with other surface markers or intracellular phospho-proteins
Develop sequential staining protocols to prevent steric hindrance
Implementation example:
First panel: EPHA6 (biotin-streptavidin-PE) + CD31 (FITC) + Phospho-ERK (APC)
Second panel: EPHA6 (biotin-streptavidin-PE) + EphA2 (APC) + EphB2 (FITC)
Multiplexed Imaging:
Apply multispectral imaging techniques
Use streptavidin conjugated to spectrally distinct fluorophores
Combine with tyramide signal amplification for enhanced sensitivity
Example workflow:
Primary staining with EPHA6 Antibody, Biotin conjugated
Sequential detection with different streptavidin-fluorophore conjugates
Image acquisition using multispectral imaging systems
Spectral unmixing to separate overlapping signals
Protein Array Integration:
Include EPHA6 Antibody, Biotin conjugated in antibody arrays
Develop customized arrays for Eph receptor family analysis
Use in reverse-phase protein arrays for patient sample analysis
Similar approaches have been successfully demonstrated with EphA2-targeting biotin-conjugated agents, particularly in combination with fluorescently-tagged streptavidin for in vivo tumor targeting in orthotopic mouse models .