The At2g11200 gene encodes an F-box protein, part of the Skp1-Cullin-F-box (SCF) ubiquitin ligase complex. F-box proteins typically mediate substrate recognition during ubiquitination, marking proteins for proteasomal degradation. While the exact biological role of At2g11200 remains under investigation, its structural classification suggests involvement in:
The At2g11200 antibody is primarily used in plant molecular biology to:
Investigate the expression and localization of the At2g11200 protein in Arabidopsis tissues.
Study its interaction partners in SCF complexes.
Explore its role in stress responses or developmental pathways via knockout/mutant analyses .
Functional Data Gap: The precise biological role of At2g11200 remains uncharacterized in published studies.
Validation Needs: Independent verification of antibody specificity in peer-reviewed literature is lacking.
Potential Studies: CRISPR-Cas9 knockout models or co-immunoprecipitation assays could elucidate its interactome and physiological roles .
AT2G11200 is an F-box family protein in Arabidopsis thaliana that plays a role in protein-protein interactions and ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation pathways. This 154 amino acid protein (17671.60 Da) is predicted to primarily localize to the nucleus with a SUBAcon score of 0.651 . The protein contains F-box domains (cyclin-like and Skp2-like) that are critical for its function in cellular signaling and regulation.
Antibodies against AT2G11200 are valuable research tools for:
Studying protein expression patterns across different tissues
Investigating protein localization through immunohistochemistry
Analyzing protein-protein interactions involving this F-box protein
Examining protein abundance changes under different experimental conditions
Validating gene knockout or knockdown experiments
Understanding this protein's role requires specific antibodies that can detect it with high specificity, particularly when investigating plant developmental pathways and stress responses.
When selecting an antibody against AT2G11200, researchers should consider:
Antibody Specificity: Ensure the antibody recognizes AT2G11200 without cross-reactivity to other F-box proteins, particularly its closest homolog (F-box and associated interaction domains-containing protein, AT3G17320.1) .
Antibody Format: Determine whether polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies are more suitable for your application. Monoclonal antibodies offer higher specificity to a single epitope, while polyclonal antibodies recognize multiple epitopes and may provide stronger signals .
Species Reactivity: Confirm whether the antibody is specific to Arabidopsis thaliana or if it cross-reacts with homologous proteins in other plant species, which could be advantageous for comparative studies .
Validated Applications: Verify that the antibody has been validated for your specific application (Western blot, immunohistochemistry, ELISA, etc.) with supporting data .
Epitope Information: Understanding which region of AT2G11200 the antibody recognizes is critical, especially when working with protein variants or studying protein interactions where epitope accessibility may be affected.
Purification Method: Consider whether the antibody was purified using affinity methods like Protein G, which can affect its performance in certain applications .
Optimizing Western blot protocols for AT2G11200 detection involves several critical considerations:
Sample Preparation:
Gel Selection and Running Conditions:
Transfer and Blocking:
Optimize transfer time (typically 60-90 minutes at 100V) for this relatively small protein
Use 5% non-fat dry milk or BSA in TBST for blocking (test both to determine which gives lower background)
Antibody Incubation:
Detection and Visualization:
Consider enhanced chemiluminescence (ECL) detection for standard applications
For quantitative analysis, fluorescent secondary antibodies may provide better linearity
Validation Controls:
Include positive controls (tissues known to express AT2G11200)
Include negative controls (knockout lines or tissues with minimal expression)
Effective immunoprecipitation (IP) of AT2G11200 requires careful methodological considerations:
Lysate Preparation:
Use a lysis buffer that maintains protein-protein interactions while effectively solubilizing membrane-associated proteins (typically containing 0.5-1% NP-40 or Triton X-100)
Include both protease and phosphatase inhibitors to preserve native interactions
Consider crosslinking with formaldehyde (0.1-1%) before lysis for capturing transient interactions
Pre-clearing Strategy:
Pre-clear lysates with protein G beads to reduce non-specific binding
Pre-incubate with a non-specific antibody of the same isotype to absorb proteins that bind non-specifically to antibodies
Antibody Coupling:
Covalently couple antibodies to beads using dimethyl pimelimidate (DMP) to prevent antibody leaching into the eluted sample
Alternatively, use commercially available magnetic beads pre-coated with protein G
IP Controls:
Include an IgG control from the same species as the AT2G11200 antibody
Include a sample from AT2G11200 knockout plants as a negative control
Elution Strategies:
For mass spectrometry analysis: elute with Laemmli buffer without reducing agents, add reducing agents later
For functional studies: consider gentle elution with competing peptides
Verification Methods:
Confirm IP success by Western blot using a portion of the IP sample
Consider a reciprocal IP using antibodies against suspected interaction partners
This approach is particularly valuable for identifying components of SCF (Skp1-Cullin-F-box) complexes that may contain AT2G11200 as their F-box component.
Observing multiple bands when detecting AT2G11200 can occur for several biological and technical reasons:
To address these issues:
Optimize sample preparation:
Use stronger denaturing conditions if complexes are suspected
Enhance protease inhibition if degradation is likely
Consider phosphatase treatment if phosphorylation contributes to shifts
Perform validation experiments:
Use blocking peptides to confirm specificity
Compare wild-type and knockout samples
Test antibody against recombinant AT2G11200 protein
Advanced analysis techniques:
Consider 2D gel electrophoresis to separate isoforms by both size and charge
Apply mass spectrometry to identify the exact nature of each band
Understanding the pattern of bands can provide valuable insights into AT2G11200 regulation and post-translational processing in different experimental conditions.
Quantitative analysis of AT2G11200 expression requires rigorous methodology to ensure accuracy and reproducibility:
Sample Standardization:
Collect tissues at consistent developmental stages
Standardize growth conditions, including light cycles, temperature, and nutrient availability
Process all samples simultaneously when possible
Protein Extraction Optimization:
Use a consistent extraction protocol with a buffer suitable for nuclear proteins
Measure total protein concentration using Bradford or BCA assay
Load equal total protein amounts (typically 20-50 μg) for each sample
Western Blot Quantification:
Image Analysis Protocol:
Capture images within the linear range of detection
Use software like ImageJ to quantify band intensity
Normalize AT2G11200 signal to loading control signal
Statistical Analysis:
Run at least three biological replicates
Apply appropriate statistical tests (e.g., ANOVA followed by Tukey's test)
Report both fold changes and p-values
Complementary Approaches:
Investigating the dynamic localization and trafficking of AT2G11200 requires sophisticated methodologies:
Immunofluorescence Microscopy:
Cell Fractionation Validation:
Perform subcellular fractionation to isolate nuclear, cytoplasmic, and other fractions
Analyze fractions by Western blot with AT2G11200 antibody
Use compartment-specific markers (histone H3 for nucleus, etc.) as controls
Compare experimental results with SUBAcon prediction (nuclear localization, 0.651)
Proximity Labeling Approaches:
Create fusion proteins with BioID or APEX2 proximity labeling enzymes
Validate fusion proteins using AT2G11200 antibodies
Identify proximal proteins through streptavidin pulldown and mass spectrometry
Live-Cell Imaging Complementation:
Validate fluorescent protein fusions with immunofluorescence using AT2G11200 antibodies
Use techniques like FRAP (Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching) to study protein dynamics
Confirm findings with antibody staining at fixed timepoints
Environmental Response Analysis:
Investigate localization changes under various stresses or hormone treatments
Quantify nuclear/cytoplasmic ratios under different conditions
Correlate localization changes with function
This multi-faceted approach allows researchers to build a comprehensive understanding of AT2G11200's spatial regulation and movement within plant cells.
Developing a highly specific monoclonal antibody against AT2G11200 requires careful planning and execution:
Antigen Design Considerations:
Analyze AT2G11200 sequence for unique regions that differ from homologous F-box proteins
Consider using:
a) Full-length recombinant protein for maximum epitope coverage
b) Unique peptide sequences (15-25 amino acids) for improved specificity
c) Structural epitopes if 3D information is available
Avoid regions with high post-translational modification potential unless specifically targeting those forms
Production Platforms:
Consider newer AI-guided antibody generation approaches like MAGE (Monoclonal Antibody GEnerator) that can design paired heavy-light chain antibody sequences
Traditional hybridoma technology remains effective for producing mouse monoclonal antibodies
Phage display libraries can offer alternatives when immunization is challenging
Screening Strategy:
Perform initial ELISA screening against the immunizing antigen
Follow with Western blot screening against plant extracts
Include competition assays with free antigen to confirm specificity
Test against AT2G11200 knockout plant extracts as negative controls
Epitope Mapping:
Determine the exact binding region using overlapping peptides
Validate binding to native protein in plant extracts
Ensure the epitope is accessible in applications of interest
Validation in Multiple Applications:
Test antibody performance in Western blot, immunoprecipitation, immunohistochemistry
Determine optimal working dilutions for each application
Validate with recombinant protein and plant tissue samples
Clone Selection and Production:
This methodical approach increases the likelihood of generating a high-quality monoclonal antibody suitable for diverse research applications involving AT2G11200.
Designing robust experiments to investigate AT2G11200 function requires:
Experimental Controls:
Positive Controls: Include tissues with known AT2G11200 expression
Negative Controls: Use at2g11200 knockout/knockdown lines
Antibody Controls: Include secondary-only controls and isotype controls
Treatment Controls: Include appropriate vehicle controls for any treatments
Experimental Approaches Matrix:
Experimental Design Principles:
Use appropriate statistical design (randomization, blocking, replication)
Include time-course analyses when studying dynamic processes
Consider tissue-specific and developmental stage-specific analyses
Use both loss-of-function and gain-of-function approaches for validation
Data Integration Strategy:
Correlate protein levels with phenotypic data
Integrate with publicly available transcriptomic/proteomic datasets
Consider how AT2G11200 functions within known F-box protein networks
This structured approach facilitates meaningful discoveries about AT2G11200 function while minimizing experimental artifacts and misinterpretations.
Validating antibody specificity is crucial for generating reliable data. For AT2G11200 antibodies, consider:
Genetic Validation Approaches:
Test antibody on at2g11200 knockout/knockdown lines (should show absent/reduced signal)
Test on AT2G11200 overexpression lines (should show increased signal)
Use CRISPR-Cas9 edited lines with epitope modifications
Biochemical Validation Methods:
Perform peptide competition assays using the immunizing peptide
Pre-absorb antibody with recombinant AT2G11200 protein
Test cross-reactivity with closely related F-box proteins
Specificity Testing Matrix:
| Validation Approach | Expected Outcome | Potential Pitfalls | Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knockout line testing | No band at predicted MW | Residual truncated protein | Use antibodies to different epitopes |
| Overexpression testing | Increased band intensity | Saturation of signal | Use dilution series, quantitative detection |
| Peptide competition | Signal elimination | Incomplete blocking | Increase peptide concentration |
| Recombinant protein | Single band at expected size | Tags affecting migration | Use tag-free protein when possible |
| Mass spectrometry | Identification of AT2G11200 | Low abundance | Enrich before analysis |
Application-Specific Validation:
For immunohistochemistry: Compare with RNA in situ hybridization patterns
For IP: Confirm pulled-down protein identity by mass spectrometry
For Western blot: Compare migration with recombinant protein standard
Cross-Species Validation:
If the antibody is expected to recognize homologs in other species, test against extracts from those species
Compare observed patterns with sequence conservation data
These comprehensive validation approaches ensure that experimental findings using AT2G11200 antibodies are reliable and reproducible across different research contexts.
Integrating AT2G11200 antibodies with cutting-edge technologies provides powerful insights into dynamic regulation:
Proximity-Dependent Labeling:
Validate BioID or TurboID fusion constructs using AT2G11200 antibodies
Map the dynamic interactome of AT2G11200 under different conditions
Identify transient interactions that may be missed by traditional co-IP
Single-Cell Protein Analysis:
Apply AT2G11200 antibodies in single-cell Western blot technologies
Combine with single-cell transcriptomics to correlate protein and mRNA levels
Analyze cell-to-cell variability in AT2G11200 expression and localization
Super-Resolution Microscopy:
Use fluorophore-conjugated secondary antibodies compatible with STORM/PALM
Achieve nanoscale resolution of AT2G11200 localization within the nucleus
Co-visualize with other proteins to map nuclear subdomains
Optogenetic Approaches:
Validate optogenetic fusion constructs with AT2G11200 antibodies
Study real-time protein relocalization followed by fixation and immunostaining
Correlate light-induced functional changes with protein dynamics
Quantitative Multiplexed Imaging:
Use AT2G11200 antibodies in CycIF (Cyclic Immunofluorescence) or CODEX
Profile dozens of proteins simultaneously in the same tissue section
Create comprehensive spatial maps of F-box protein networks
These integrated approaches push beyond traditional antibody applications to reveal dynamic aspects of AT2G11200 biology that would otherwise remain inaccessible.
Applying AT2G11200 antibodies across species requires careful methodological considerations:
Epitope Conservation Analysis:
Perform sequence alignment of AT2G11200 homologs across species
Identify regions of high conservation that may contain shared epitopes
Consider generating antibodies to highly conserved regions for cross-species studies
Experimental Validation Strategy:
Test antibodies systematically against extracts from multiple species
Validate bands of interest by mass spectrometry when possible
Use genetic approaches (when available) to confirm specificity
Cross-Reactivity Assessment Matrix:
| Plant Species | Sequence Identity (%) | Expected MW (kDa) | Validation Approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arabidopsis thaliana | 100 | 17.7 | Knockout lines |
| Brassica species | ~80-90 (estimated) | Varies | Recombinant protein |
| Other crucifers | ~70-80 (estimated) | Varies | Mass spectrometry |
| Distant dicots | ~50-60 (estimated) | Varies | Epitope mapping |
| Monocots | ~40-50 (estimated) | Varies | Immunoprecipitation + MS |
Optimization for Diverse Plant Tissues:
Functional Conservation Studies:
Combine immunolocalization across species with functional assays
Correlate protein expression patterns with conserved phenotypes
Integrate with evolutionary analyses of F-box gene families
This methodical approach allows researchers to leverage AT2G11200 antibodies for comparative studies that illuminate evolutionary conservation and divergence of F-box protein functions across plant species.