FAM222B Antibody is a polyclonal antibody targeting the FAM222B protein, encoded by the C17orf63 gene. It is primarily used in research to study protein expression, localization, and functional roles in human diseases. The antibody is validated for applications such as ELISA, Western blot (WB), and immunohistochemistry (IHC), enabling its use in diverse experimental workflows. Below is a detailed breakdown of its specifications, applications, and research findings.
IHC/IF: Critical for studying FAM222B expression in tumor microenvironments, such as colorectal cancer (CRC), where elevated FAM222B correlates with poor prognosis .
WB: Confirms protein size and isoform presence, aiding in post-translational modification studies.
FAM222B Antibody has been utilized to study its role in oncology:
While FAM222B itself is not directly implicated in Alzheimer’s disease (unlike FAM222A ), its antibody serves as a tool for studying paralogous proteins or cross-reactivity in CNS disorders.
FAM222B (also known as C17orf63, chromosome 17 open reading frame 63, FLJ10700, or hypothetical protein LOC55731) is a human protein localized primarily in the nucleoplasm . For its detection, researchers can use several types of antibodies:
These antibodies are typically raised against recombinant fragments of human FAM222B protein, with immunogens corresponding to different amino acid regions such as aa 100-200 or aa 351-562 .
FAM222B antibodies have been validated for multiple experimental applications:
Experimental validation shows positive detection in multiple human cell lines and tissues including RT-4, U-251 MG cell lysates, human plasma, liver, tonsil, and rectum tissues .
Optimization is critical for obtaining specific signals while minimizing background. For FAM222B antibodies:
Western Blot Optimization:
Start with the manufacturer's recommended dilution (typically 1:250)
Perform a dilution series (e.g., 1:100, 1:250, 1:500, 1:1000)
Include appropriate positive controls (e.g., RT-4 or U-251 MG cell lysates)
Verify the band size (predicted molecular weight is approximately 60 kDa)
Adjust blocking conditions (5% non-fat milk or BSA) if non-specific binding occurs
Immunohistochemistry/Immunocytochemistry Optimization:
Begin with recommended dilutions (1:50 for IHC-P, 1-4 μg/ml for ICC/IF)
Test antigen retrieval methods (heat-induced vs. enzymatic)
Adjust incubation time and temperature
Include positive control tissues (e.g., human rectum for IHC-P)
ELISA Optimization:
Start with 1:500 dilution and adjust based on signal intensity
Test different coating concentrations of capture antigen
Optimize secondary antibody dilution
Determine optimal substrate incubation time
Sample preparation significantly impacts antibody performance:
For Western Blot:
Use RIPA or NP-40 buffer with protease inhibitors for cell/tissue lysis
Determine optimal protein loading (typically 10-30 μg per lane)
Ensure complete protein denaturation (boil in Laemmli buffer for 5 minutes)
Include phosphatase inhibitors if phosphorylation status is relevant
For IHC-P:
Fix tissues in 10% neutral buffered formalin (24-48 hours)
Use proper paraffin embedding and sectioning techniques (4-6 μm sections)
Test different antigen retrieval methods (citrate buffer pH 6.0 or EDTA buffer pH 9.0)
Block endogenous peroxidase activity (3% H₂O₂) and non-specific binding sites
For ICC/IF:
Fix cells with 4% paraformaldehyde (10-15 minutes at room temperature)
Permeabilize with 0.1-0.5% Triton X-100 (5-10 minutes)
Block with appropriate serum (5-10% normal serum from the same species as secondary antibody)
Include nuclear counterstain (e.g., DAPI) to verify nuclear localization
Antibody specificity is critical for reliable results. Verify FAM222B antibody specificity through:
Positive and Negative Controls:
Include known positive controls (e.g., human cell lines with documented FAM222B expression)
Use negative controls (tissues/cells known to lack FAM222B expression)
Apply isotype controls to rule out non-specific binding
Knockdown/Knockout Validation:
Compare staining in wild-type vs. FAM222B-knockdown/knockout samples
Verify signal reduction/elimination in depleted samples
Peptide Competition:
Pre-incubate antibody with excess immunizing peptide
Observe signal reduction/elimination in peptide-blocked samples
Orthogonal Detection Methods:
Confirm protein expression using alternative antibodies targeting different epitopes
Correlate protein expression with mRNA levels (RT-PCR, RNA-seq)
Specificity Testing:
Based on available data, most commercial FAM222B antibodies are validated for human samples . To determine potential cross-reactivity:
Sequence Homology Analysis:
Compare FAM222B protein sequences across species
Identify the epitope region recognized by the antibody
Calculate percent identity in the epitope region
Empirical Cross-Reactivity Testing:
Test antibody on samples from multiple species
Use tissues with known FAM222B expression patterns
Compare staining patterns and band sizes across species
Manufacturer Information:
Check product datasheets for verified cross-reactivity
Contact manufacturers for unpublished cross-reactivity data
Literature Review:
Search for publications using the specific antibody across species
When cross-reactivity data is limited, consider using species-specific antibodies rather than assuming cross-reactivity based on sequence homology alone.
Multiplexed immunofluorescence allows simultaneous detection of multiple proteins:
Antibody Panel Design:
Sequential Staining Protocol:
Start with lowest concentration antibody first
Use tyramide signal amplification for weak signals
Include proper washing steps between antibody applications
Consider microwave treatment for antibody stripping if using same-species antibodies
Controls for Multiplexing:
Single-stain controls to verify specificity and rule out bleed-through
Fluorophore-minus-one controls to establish proper compensation
Blocking between sequential rounds to prevent cross-reactivity
Imaging Considerations:
Optimize exposure settings for each fluorophore
Perform linear unmixing for overlapping spectra
Use appropriate filters to minimize bleed-through
FAM222B has been observed in the nucleus but excluded from nucleoli in human CACO-2 cells , making it suitable for co-localization studies with other nuclear or nucleolar markers.
While the search results don't specifically mention ChIP applications for FAM222B antibodies, researchers interested in exploring FAM222B interactions with chromatin should consider:
Antibody Selection:
Choose antibodies validated for immunoprecipitation
Ensure the epitope is accessible in cross-linked chromatin
Verify antibody specificity in IP conditions
Protocol Optimization:
Test different cross-linking conditions (0.5-2% formaldehyde, 5-15 minutes)
Optimize sonication parameters for appropriate chromatin fragment size (200-500 bp)
Determine optimal antibody concentration and incubation conditions
Include appropriate positive controls (e.g., histone marks) and negative controls (IgG)
Validation Approaches:
Perform Western blot on input and IP samples to confirm enrichment
Include known positive and negative genomic regions in qPCR validation
Consider ChIP-seq to identify genome-wide binding patterns
Data Analysis Considerations:
Use appropriate normalization methods (percent input, IgG control)
Perform biological replicates to ensure reproducibility
Correlate ChIP data with expression or functional data
Since FAM222B localizes to the nucleoplasm , ChIP studies could provide valuable insights into its potential role in gene regulation.
When encountering unexpected results:
Verify with Multiple Approaches:
Use different antibodies targeting distinct epitopes
Compare results across multiple detection methods (WB, IHC, ICC, IF)
Correlate protein expression with mRNA levels
Consider Biological Variables:
Cell type-specific expression patterns
Effects of cell cycle stage on localization
Stimulus-dependent translocation (e.g., stress, signaling)
Post-translational modifications affecting epitope recognition
Technical Validation:
Test different fixation and permeabilization methods
Compare fresh vs. frozen vs. FFPE samples
Control for autofluorescence or endogenous peroxidase activity
Literature Comparison:
While most commercial FAM222B antibodies are rabbit polyclonal IgG , researchers developing functional antibodies should consider:
Isotype Selection Based on Function:
Fc-Mediated Effector Functions:
Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC)
Antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP)
Complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC)
Engineering Considerations:
For most research applications targeting FAM222B, effector functions may not be critical unless studying targeted protein degradation or cellular depletion strategies.
Ensuring antibody quality is essential for reproducible research:
Characteristic Assessment:
Verify antibody specificity through the methods described in 3.1
Determine batch-to-batch consistency through standardized assays
Assess binding affinity and epitope accessibility in different applications
Storage and Handling:
Reporting Standards:
Document complete antibody information in publications:
Supplier and catalog number
Clone/lot number
Host species and isotype
Validated applications and dilutions
Positive and negative controls used
Validation Best Practices:
Use orthogonal methods to confirm specificity
Consider genetic knockdown/knockout validation
Include proper controls in all experiments
Test antibody performance across multiple lots when possible