Antibodies targeting FAM166B are primarily polyclonal, generated through immunization with synthetic peptides derived from the protein’s sequence. Key steps in their development include:
Immunogen Design: The immunogen for Sigma-Aldrich’s HPA045540 antibody, for example, includes the peptide sequence RAQFIFAKNCSQVWAEALSDFTHLHEKQGSEELPKEAKGRKDTEKDQVPEPEGQLEEPTLEVVEQASPYSMDDRDPRKFFMSGFTGYVPCARFLFGSSF .
Validation Methods:
Orthogonal Validation: Cross-checking antibody specificity using RNA-seq data from the Human Protein Atlas ensures consistency with gene expression profiles .
Western Blot: Tested on lysates from human tissues (e.g., adrenal gland, fallopian tube) to confirm target recognition .
Immunohistochemistry (IHC): Applied to cancer tissues (e.g., colorectal, breast) to map subcellular localization .
| Antibody | Source | Applications | Validation |
|---|---|---|---|
| HPA045540 | Sigma-Aldrich | IHC (1:50–1:200), WB | Orthogonal RNAseq |
| ABIN6753743 | Antibodies-Online | WB | Peptide array |
| Rabbit pAb | Bio-Techne | IHC, WB | Enhanced validation |
FAM166B antibodies are employed in diverse research areas:
Cancer Research:
Protein Interactions: Used in co-immunoprecipitation assays to identify binding partners, though no significant interactions have been reported to date .
Western Blotting: Detects the 30.6 kDa protein in lysates, confirming tissue-specific expression (adrenal gland, respiratory epithelia) .
Despite advancements, challenges remain:
FAM166B (family with sequence similarity 166, member B) is also known as hypothetical protein LOC730112 . It belongs to a family of proteins with sequence similarity, though its precise biological function remains under investigation. Current research indicates it is expressed in human tissues and may have cellular functional significance that warrants further investigation through antibody-based detection methods . When designing experiments to elucidate FAM166B function, researchers should consider:
Expression profiling across multiple tissue types using immunohistochemistry
Co-localization studies with known cellular markers
Knockdown or overexpression studies to observe phenotypic changes
Interaction studies to identify binding partners
The FAM166B polyclonal antibody has been validated for several important research applications:
For optimal results in these applications, the antibody should be used within the validated dilution ranges. For immunohistochemistry and immunohistochemistry-paraffin applications, the recommended dilution range is 1:50 - 1:200 . When developing new protocols or adapting existing ones, these ranges serve as a starting point, with optimization recommended for each specific experimental context.
| Species | Applications | Source | Product Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human | IHC, IHC-P, IF | Rabbit | Polyclonal |
| Human | Western Blot | Rabbit | Polyclonal |
| Cow, Human, Pig | Western Blot | Not specified | Polyclonal |
When conducting cross-species studies, validation experiments should be performed to confirm specific reactivity in your model organism of interest. This validation might include positive and negative controls, as well as blocking peptide experiments to confirm specificity.
Sample preparation is critical for obtaining reliable results with FAM166B antibody. Based on the validated applications, here are methodological recommendations:
For Immunohistochemistry (Paraffin):
Fix tissues in 10% neutral buffered formalin for 24-48 hours
Process and embed in paraffin using standard protocols
Section tissues at 4-6 μm thickness
Deparaffinize and rehydrate sections
Perform heat-induced epitope retrieval (HIER) using citrate buffer (pH 6.0) or EDTA buffer (pH 9.0)
Block endogenous peroxidase activity with 3% hydrogen peroxide
Incubate at 4°C overnight or at room temperature for 1-2 hours
Apply appropriate detection system
Counterstain, dehydrate, and mount
For Immunofluorescence:
Fix cells in 4% paraformaldehyde for 15-20 minutes at room temperature
Permeabilize with 0.1-0.5% Triton X-100
Block with 1-5% normal serum from the same species as the secondary antibody
Apply primary antibody at appropriate dilution
Incubate at 4°C overnight or at room temperature for 1-2 hours
Apply fluorophore-conjugated secondary antibody
Counterstain nuclei and mount with anti-fade mounting medium
When experiencing inconsistent results with FAM166B antibody, consider the following methodological troubleshooting approaches:
For optimal antibody performance, follow these storage recommendations:
Store at 4°C for short-term usage (days to weeks)
Aliquot and store at -20°C for long-term storage (months to years)
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles that can degrade antibody quality and performance
The antibody is supplied in PBS (pH 7.2) and 40% Glycerol with 0.02% Sodium Azide, which helps maintain stability
Rigorous experimental design requires appropriate controls to ensure result validity:
Positive Controls:
Human tissues or cell lines known to express FAM166B
Recombinant FAM166B protein expression systems
Negative Controls:
Tissues known not to express FAM166B
Isotype control antibody (rabbit IgG at equivalent concentration)
Primary antibody omission
Technical Controls:
Standardized positive control samples run across experimental batches
Dilution series to establish optimal antibody concentration
Multiple detection methods to confirm findings
For researchers investigating complex tissue architectures or protein interactions, multiplex staining provides valuable contextual information:
Panel Selection:
Choose antibodies raised in different host species
If using multiple rabbit antibodies, employ sequential staining with thorough blocking between rounds
Consider tyramide signal amplification (TSA) systems for same-species antibodies
Methodological Approach:
Begin with the lowest abundance target (likely FAM166B)
Use spectral unmixing if fluorescent wavelengths have overlap
Consider chromogenic multiplex IHC for long-term slide stability
Validation Strategy:
Test each antibody individually before combining
Include single-stained controls for establishing specificity
Perform blocking studies to ensure no cross-reactivity between detection systems
When moving beyond qualitative assessment to quantitative analysis of FAM166B expression:
Image Analysis Techniques:
Digital image analysis using thresholding and segmentation
H-score method (combining intensity and percentage positive cells)
Automated whole slide imaging with algorithm-based quantification
Expression Level Quantification:
Semiquantitative scoring (0, 1+, 2+, 3+)
Quantitative immunofluorescence using standardized fluorescent units
Comparative expression across tissue types or disease states
Statistical Approaches:
Non-parametric tests for semiquantitative scoring data
ANOVA or t-tests for continuous measurement data
Correlation analysis with clinical parameters or other biomarkers
Understanding expression patterns provides important context for research applications:
Normal Tissues:
While specific expression data for FAM166B is limited in the search results, the antibody has been validated for human tissue detection
The Human Protein Atlas project may provide additional expression data through comprehensive tissue microarrays
Pathological Tissues:
Research into FAM166B expression in disease states is ongoing
Consider exploring:
Expression changes in malignant versus normal tissues
Correlation with prognostic or diagnostic parameters
Association with specific cellular phenotypes or pathways
As research into FAM166B continues to evolve, several promising applications show potential:
Single-cell Analysis:
Investigation of FAM166B expression heterogeneity within tissues
Correlation with cell type-specific markers in complex tissues
Integration with genomic and transcriptomic data
Therapeutic Target Validation:
Evaluation of FAM166B as a potential biomarker
Expression analysis in response to experimental therapeutics
Structure-function relationship studies
Developmental Biology:
Expression patterns during tissue development and differentiation
Temporal and spatial regulation studies
Comparative analysis across model organisms to understand evolutionary conservation
When FAM166B is expressed at low levels, standard protocols may require modification:
Signal Amplification Methods:
Sample Preparation Considerations:
Optimized fixation to preserve epitope integrity
Enhanced antigen retrieval methods (higher temperature, longer duration)
Use of specialized permeabilization protocols for difficult tissues
Detection Strategy:
Consider fluorescence-based detection for improved signal-to-noise ratio
Use confocal microscopy to reduce background interference
Employ image stacking or deconvolution for signal enhancement
Different tissue types present unique challenges requiring protocol adjustments:
| Tissue Type | Methodological Considerations |
|---|---|
| Brain | Longer fixation time, specialized antigen retrieval |
| Muscle | Enhanced permeabilization, extended primary antibody incubation |
| Adipose | Reduced temperature during processing to prevent lipid loss |
| Fibrotic Tissues | More aggressive antigen retrieval, consideration of enzyme digestion |
| Highly Vascularized | Additional blocking of endogenous biotin and peroxidase |
For all tissue types, preliminary optimization experiments should determine the ideal protocol parameters for detecting FAM166B with clarity and specificity.