At3g28330 Antibody is a polyclonal antibody designed to detect the protein encoded by the At3g28330 gene in Arabidopsis thaliana (thale cress). This gene is annotated as SHUKR (a sporophytic regulator of male gametogenesis) and is linked to ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis during plant development . The antibody is commercially available for research applications, including Western blotting and immunofluorescence, to study SHUKR's role in regulating pollen development .
Structure: Antibodies generally comprise two heavy and two light chains with variable regions for antigen binding . While structural details of At3g28330 Antibody are not explicitly published, its reactivity is validated against recombinant SHUKR protein .
SHUKR inhibits premature activation of male gametogenesis by suppressing F-box gene expression during meiosis. It acts through the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) to delay the transition from sporophytic to gametophytic phases in pollen development .
At3g28330 Antibody is primarily used to investigate:
Developmental Regulation: SHUKR’s role in timing F-box gene expression during meiosis .
Protein Localization: Subcellular distribution of SHUKR in Arabidopsis tissues.
Gene Expression Studies: Validating SHUKR knockout or overexpression lines.
Repression Mechanism: SHUKR delays the expression of male gametophyte-specific F-box genes (e.g., At5g02980, At5g62510) until post-meiotic stages .
Phenotypic Analysis: shukr mutants exhibit precocious F-box gene activation, leading to developmental defects in pollen .
| Application | Target Species | Validation Method | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Blot | Arabidopsis thaliana | Recombinant protein | Cusabio |
| Immunofluorescence | Pollen cells | GFP-tagged F-box reporters | Elife |
Specificity: Confirmed via reactivity with recombinant SHUKR and absence of signal in shukr mutants .
Cross-Reactivity: No reported off-target binding in Arabidopsis proteome screens .
Mechanistic Studies: Elucidate SHUKR’s interaction partners in the UPS.
Agricultural Relevance: Explore SHUKR’s role in stress-induced pollen sterility.
CRISPR Mutants: Develop shukr knockout lines to analyze developmental trade-offs.
At3g28330 is an F-box protein found in Arabidopsis lyrata and Arabidopsis thaliana. F-box proteins function as components of SCF (Skp1-Cullin-F-box) ubiquitin ligase complexes that mediate protein degradation through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. These complexes play crucial roles in plant growth regulation, hormonal signaling, stress responses, and developmental processes. At3g28330 specifically belongs to the F-box protein family that has been annotated in the Arabidopsis genome . This protein likely participates in substrate recognition for targeted protein degradation, thereby regulating various cellular processes through controlled proteolysis of specific target proteins. The gene has been identified through genomic analysis, and its study contributes to our understanding of protein turnover mechanisms in plant biology.
Antibodies targeting At3g28330 may be available in several formats, each with distinct characteristics:
Monoclonal antibodies: Derived from a single B cell clone, these recognize a single epitope on the At3g28330 protein, offering high specificity and consistency between batches. These antibodies are particularly valuable for applications requiring precise epitope recognition .
Polyclonal antibodies: Generated from multiple B cell lineages, these recognize multiple epitopes on the At3g28330 protein, providing robust detection but potentially more batch-to-batch variation.
Recombinant antibodies: Engineered antibodies with defined properties, allowing customization of characteristics such as affinity, specificity, and format.
When selecting an antibody, researchers should consider the intended application (Western blot, immunohistochemistry, immunoprecipitation), host species (mouse, rat, rabbit), and specific validation data available for each antibody preparation .
Thorough validation of At3g28330 antibodies is essential for generating reliable and reproducible research data. A comprehensive validation approach should include:
Specificity testing:
Verify absence of signal in At3g28330 knockout or knockdown plants
Confirm appropriate molecular weight detection in Western blot
Perform peptide competition assays to confirm epitope specificity
Application-specific validation:
Test across all intended applications (Western blot, immunohistochemistry, immunoprecipitation)
Optimize conditions for each application separately
Document specific conditions yielding optimal results
Advanced validation methods:
Controls:
Include positive controls (tissues known to express At3g28330)
Include negative controls (knockout tissues, isotype controls, secondary antibody-only controls)
Proper validation using multiple complementary approaches ensures that experimental findings truly reflect At3g28330 biology rather than artifacts or cross-reactivity.
Optimizing Western blot protocols for At3g28330 detection requires systematic adjustment of multiple parameters:
Sample preparation:
Use extraction buffers containing appropriate detergents (1% Triton X-100 or NP-40)
Include protease inhibitors to prevent degradation
Optimize protein concentration (typically 20-50 μg total protein)
Ensure complete denaturation for membrane proteins (boil for 5-10 minutes)
Gel electrophoresis:
Select appropriate acrylamide percentage (10-12% for F-box proteins)
Include molecular weight markers that span the expected size range
Load equal amounts of protein across all samples
Transfer and blocking:
Optimize transfer conditions based on protein size (F-box proteins typically 40-60 kDa)
Test different membrane types (PVDF often works better for plant proteins)
Compare different blocking agents (5% milk, 3-5% BSA) and durations
Antibody incubation:
Titrate primary antibody concentration (typically 1:500 to 1:5000)
Test different incubation temperatures and times (4°C overnight often yields cleaner results)
Include 0.05-0.1% Tween-20 in antibody dilution buffers to reduce background
Detection:
Choose appropriate detection method based on target abundance
For low abundance proteins, enhanced chemiluminescence or fluorescent detection systems provide better sensitivity
Optimize exposure times to avoid signal saturation
Systematic optimization of these parameters will establish a reliable protocol for consistent At3g28330 detection in Western blots .
Successful immunoprecipitation (IP) of At3g28330 requires careful consideration of experimental conditions to preserve protein-protein interactions:
Buffer composition:
Use mild lysis buffers (e.g., 50 mM Tris-HCl pH 7.5, 150 mM NaCl, 1% NP-40)
Include protease and phosphatase inhibitors to preserve modifications
Consider adding protein stabilizing agents (e.g., 10% glycerol)
Maintain cold temperature throughout the procedure
IP procedure:
Pre-clear lysates with protein A/G beads to reduce non-specific binding
Determine optimal antibody amount (typically 2-5 μg per reaction)
Test both direct antibody-bead conjugation and indirect capture methods
Optimize incubation time (4-16 hours at 4°C usually works well)
Washing conditions:
Balance stringency (to reduce background) with maintaining interactions
Typically 4-5 washes with buffer containing 0.1-0.2% detergent
Consider including a high salt wash (300-500 mM NaCl) to reduce non-specific binding
Elution strategies:
Denaturing: SDS sample buffer (disrupts all interactions)
Native: Excess antigen peptide (for peptide antibodies) or low pH glycine buffer
Analysis:
Western blotting for known or suspected interactors
Mass spectrometry for unbiased identification of interaction partners
For transient interactions, consider chemical crosslinking prior to cell lysis to stabilize complexes . IP-MS approaches are particularly valuable for identifying novel interaction partners of At3g28330 in an unbiased manner.
Immunohistochemical localization of At3g28330 in plant tissues requires special considerations due to the unique properties of plant cells:
Tissue fixation and processing:
Fix tissues in 4% paraformaldehyde for 2-4 hours at room temperature
Consider vacuum infiltration to ensure fixative penetration
For paraffin embedding, limit dehydration times to preserve antigenicity
For cryosectioning, use optimal cutting temperature (OCT) compound and snap freeze
Plant-specific considerations:
Cell wall permeabilization may require enzymatic digestion (1% cellulase, 0.5% pectinase)
Autofluorescence reduction using 0.1% sodium borohydride or 0.1% Sudan Black B
Chlorophyll removal with ethanol series if using fluorescent detection
Antigen retrieval:
Heat-induced epitope retrieval (10 mM citrate buffer, pH 6.0, 95°C for 10-20 min)
Enzymatic retrieval using proteinase K (1-10 μg/ml for 5-15 min)
Test both methods to determine optimal conditions
Immunostaining protocol:
Block with 5% normal serum (from secondary antibody host species)
Optimize primary antibody dilution (typically 1:50 to 1:500)
Incubate overnight at 4°C in a humidified chamber
Use fluorophore-conjugated or enzyme-conjugated secondary antibodies
Include DAPI or other counterstains to visualize cellular context
Controls:
Omit primary antibody (secondary antibody control)
Use tissues from knockout/knockdown plants as negative controls
Include co-localization with organelle markers for precise subcellular localization
This optimized approach will enable reliable visualization of At3g28330 localization patterns in plant tissues .
Accurate quantification of At3g28330 protein levels requires careful experimental design and appropriate controls:
Western blot quantification:
Ensure linear range of detection by testing multiple sample dilutions
Use internal loading controls (housekeeping proteins like actin or GAPDH)
Capture images using a digital system with a linear dynamic range
Use densitometry software for quantification (ImageJ or commercial alternatives)
Always include a standard curve if absolute quantification is required
ELISA approaches:
Consider developing a sandwich ELISA using two different antibodies
Generate standard curves using recombinant At3g28330 protein
Include multiple technical replicates (at least triplicates)
Validate assay range, sensitivity, and specificity
Account for matrix effects from plant tissue extracts
Statistical analysis:
Perform at least three biological replicates for statistical validity
Apply appropriate statistical tests (t-test for two conditions, ANOVA for multiple conditions)
Report both raw data and normalized values when possible
Consider data transformation if distribution is not normal
Validation:
Confirm key findings with orthogonal methods
Use genetic approaches (overexpression, knockdown) to validate antibody specificity
Consider absolute quantification methods (e.g., selected reaction monitoring mass spectrometry)
This systematic approach to quantification will provide reliable measurements of At3g28330 protein levels across different experimental conditions .
Discrepancies between protein and mRNA levels of At3g28330 are not uncommon and may reflect important biological phenomena rather than technical artifacts:
Biological explanations:
Post-transcriptional regulation (miRNA targeting, mRNA stability)
Translational control (ribosome occupancy, translation efficiency)
Post-translational regulation (protein stability, degradation rates)
Temporal delays between transcription and translation
Different half-lives of mRNA versus protein
Technical considerations:
Antibody specificity issues (cross-reactivity with related F-box proteins)
RNA extraction or sequencing biases
Different sensitivities of the methods
Sample preparation differences
Investigation approaches:
Temporal analysis to identify potential delays between mRNA and protein expression
Protein stability assays (cycloheximide chase experiments)
Proteasome inhibitor studies to assess degradation pathways
Analysis of post-translational modifications
Polysome profiling to assess translational efficiency
Reconciliation strategies:
Use multiple antibodies targeting different epitopes
Employ orthogonal protein detection methods
Validate key findings with genetic approaches
Consider integrative computational approaches that account for mRNA-to-protein relationship dynamics
Understanding the biological basis of these discrepancies can provide valuable insights into the regulation of At3g28330 at multiple levels .
Proper analysis and interpretation of At3g28330 localization data requires attention to several important factors:
Imaging considerations:
Use consistent acquisition parameters across all samples
Include appropriate controls in every experiment
Capture multiple cells and fields of view for representative data
Consider three-dimensional analysis for complete spatial information
Account for plant cell-specific features (vacuoles, cell walls, plastids)
Co-localization analysis:
Use established organelle markers for reference
Apply quantitative co-localization metrics (Pearson's, Mander's coefficients)
Consider super-resolution techniques for precise localization
Account for the dynamic nature of protein localization
Common pitfalls:
Autofluorescence in plant tissues can be mistaken for specific signal
Fixation artifacts may alter subcellular localization
Antibody accessibility issues in dense tissue regions
Overexpression systems may show artifactual localization patterns
Validation approaches:
Confirm findings with orthogonal methods (e.g., cell fractionation)
Use genetic tagging (GFP fusions) to verify antibody results
Compare localization across different fixation methods
Examine localization changes under different physiological conditions
Data presentation:
Include scale bars in all images
Present representative images alongside quantification
Show entire cells or tissues for context
Use appropriate color assignment and contrast settings
These considerations will help ensure that localization data for At3g28330 is robust, reproducible, and biologically meaningful .
Beyond standard immunoprecipitation, several advanced techniques can leverage At3g28330 antibodies to study protein-protein interactions:
Proximity ligation assay (PLA):
Detects protein interactions in situ with subcellular resolution
Requires two antibodies raised in different species (one targeting At3g28330, another targeting potential interactors)
Produces fluorescent spots only when proteins are within 40 nm of each other
Enables quantification of interaction events per cell
FRET-based immunoassays:
Fluorescence resonance energy transfer between antibodies
Label primary or secondary antibodies with donor and acceptor fluorophores
Provides spatial information about interactions in fixed specimens
Requires careful controls for spectral overlap
BioID or APEX2 proximity labeling:
Fusion of biotin ligase or peroxidase to At3g28330
Enables biotinylation of proximal proteins
Biotinylated proteins are captured with streptavidin
Antibodies verify the presence of At3g28330 in the complex
Immunoaffinity purification for structural studies:
Use antibodies to purify native protein complexes
Analyze by cryo-electron microscopy or mass spectrometry
Determine stoichiometry and structural arrangement
May require specialized antibody formats (Fab fragments)
Sequential immunoprecipitation (Re-IP):
First IP with At3g28330 antibody
Elute under native conditions
Second IP with antibody against suspected partner
Confirms ternary or higher-order complexes
These advanced approaches provide deeper insights into the composition, dynamics, and functional significance of At3g28330-containing protein complexes in plant cells .
Antibody-based detection of post-translational modifications (PTMs) on At3g28330 requires specialized approaches:
Two-step detection strategy:
Immunoprecipitate At3g28330 using specific antibodies
Probe with modification-specific antibodies (phospho, ubiquitin, SUMO, etc.)
Alternatively, immunoprecipitate with modification antibodies and detect At3g28330
PTM-specific antibody development:
Generate antibodies against specific modified peptides from At3g28330
Implement dual-purification strategy (positive selection on modified peptide, negative selection against unmodified peptide)
Extensive validation for modification specificity
IP-MS workflow for PTM mapping:
Immunoprecipitate At3g28330
Analyze by mass spectrometry with PTM-specific methods
Quantify modification stoichiometry
Compare modifications across different conditions
Functional validation:
Site-directed mutagenesis of modified residues
Phenotypic analysis of mutant plants
In vitro enzymatic assays to confirm modification
PTM dynamics analysis:
Time-course studies after stimulus application
Inhibitor studies to block specific modification pathways
Correlation of modifications with protein activity or localization
This multi-faceted approach can reveal how PTMs regulate At3g28330 function, localization, stability, and interactions with other proteins .
Integrating antibody-based protein detection with genomic approaches provides a comprehensive understanding of At3g28330 biology:
ChIP-seq applications:
If At3g28330 interacts with DNA or chromatin-associated proteins
Immunoprecipitate with At3g28330 antibodies, followed by DNA sequencing
Map genomic regions associated with At3g28330 complexes
Integrate with transcriptomic data to identify regulated genes
RIP-seq approach:
If At3g28330 interacts with RNA
Immunoprecipitate RNA-protein complexes with At3g28330 antibodies
Sequence associated RNAs
Identify potential RNA targets
Integration with GWAS/QTL studies:
Examine protein levels in natural variants
Correlate protein abundance with genetic polymorphisms
Link genetic variation to protein function
Provide mechanistic understanding of trait associations
Multi-omics data integration:
Correlate protein levels (detected by antibodies) with:
Transcriptomic data (RNA-seq)
Epigenomic modifications (ChIP-seq)
Metabolomic profiles
Apply systems biology approaches to model regulatory networks
Develop predictive models of At3g28330 function
Single-cell applications:
Combine immunostaining with single-cell RNA-seq
Analyze cell-specific expression patterns
Identify cell types where At3g28330 is active
Map developmental or stress-responsive trajectories
These integrative approaches place At3g28330 protein function within broader cellular and organismal contexts, providing insights into its biological roles and regulatory mechanisms .
Researchers working with At3g28330 antibodies may encounter several common challenges:
High background in Western blots:
Increase blocking time (overnight at 4°C)
Use different blocking agents (switch between milk and BSA)
Increase washing duration and number of washes
Dilute primary antibody further
Add 0.1-0.3M NaCl to washing buffers to reduce ionic interactions
Multiple bands in Western blots:
Verify if bands represent different isoforms, degradation products, or PTMs
Include appropriate controls (knockout/knockdown samples)
Perform peptide competition assays
Test different extraction/lysis buffers to minimize degradation
Consider different antibodies targeting different epitopes
No signal or weak signal:
Verify protein expression in your sample (use positive controls)
Decrease antibody dilution
Try different antibody incubation conditions (time, temperature)
Use more sensitive detection methods
Implement antigen retrieval methods for IHC
Enrich for protein through immunoprecipitation before detection
Non-specific staining in immunohistochemistry:
Test different fixation methods
Optimize permeabilization conditions
Increase antibody dilution
Extend blocking time or use different blocking agents
Pre-adsorb antibody with non-specific proteins
Technical validation:
Include recombinant protein standards when available
Perform batch testing of antibodies before extensive use
Document lot-to-lot variation
Create detailed protocols for reproducibility
Systematic optimization of these parameters will help establish reliable and reproducible results when working with At3g28330 antibodies .
Confirming antibody specificity for At3g28330 requires multiple complementary approaches:
Genetic validation:
Test on samples from At3g28330 knockout or knockdown plants
Compare with overexpression systems
Analyze multiple independent mutant lines
Molecular validation:
Verify detection at the correct molecular weight in Western blot
Perform peptide competition assays
Test reactivity against recombinant At3g28330 protein
Analyze mass spectrometry data from immunoprecipitated samples
Cross-reactivity assessment:
Test against closely related F-box proteins
Compare reactivity across plant species
Examine potential cross-reactivity in proteome-wide arrays
Multiple antibody approach:
Compare results from different antibodies targeting different At3g28330 epitopes
Consistent results across different antibodies increase confidence
Orthogonal techniques:
Correlation with GFP-tagged protein localization
Agreement with mass spectrometry protein identification
Consistency with RNA expression data
A robust validation should demonstrate absence of signal in knockout samples, appropriate molecular weight detection, and confirmation of protein identity through complementary methods . The IP-MS validation approach is particularly powerful as it directly identifies the proteins being recognized by the antibody.
Ensuring reproducibility and reliability across experiments requires systematic quality control measures:
Antibody management:
Maintain detailed records of antibody source, lot number, and validation data
Aliquot antibodies to minimize freeze-thaw cycles
Store according to manufacturer recommendations
Test new lots against previous lots before full implementation
Experimental controls:
Include consistent positive and negative controls in every experiment
Use biological reference standards when available
Implement technical replicates within experiments
Include procedural controls (e.g., secondary antibody-only)
Standardization:
Develop detailed SOPs for each application
Use consistent protocols across experiments
Maintain consistent sample preparation methods
Document any deviations from protocols
Data management:
Record all experimental parameters
Document image acquisition settings
Implement consistent analysis methods
Archive raw data for future re-analysis
Quantitative quality metrics:
Signal-to-noise ratio measurements
Consistency of control sample measurements
Statistical process control for longitudinal monitoring
Performance trending across experiments
| Quality Parameter | Acceptance Criteria | Action if Failed |
|---|---|---|
| Signal-to-noise ratio | >5:1 | Optimize blocking or antibody dilution |
| Negative control signal | <10% of positive control | Troubleshoot background issues |
| Positive control consistency | Within 20% of historical average | Investigate reagent or procedure changes |
| Replicate CV | <15% for technical replicates | Improve technique or sample preparation |
| Lot-to-lot variation | <25% difference in signal intensity | Adjust dilution or consider alternative lot |
Implementation of these quality control measures ensures consistent and reliable results across multiple experiments and enhances confidence in research findings .
Emerging antibody technologies offer exciting possibilities for advancing At3g28330 research:
Next-generation antibody formats:
Nanobodies (single-domain antibodies): Smaller size for better tissue penetration and epitope access
Bispecific antibodies: Simultaneously targeting At3g28330 and interacting partners
Recombinant antibody fragments: Greater consistency and renewable supply
Advanced imaging applications:
Super-resolution microscopy compatible antibodies
Expansion microscopy for plant tissues
Live-cell imaging with cell-permeable antibody fragments
Correlative light and electron microscopy with antibody detection
Multiplexed detection systems:
Simultaneous detection of multiple proteins in single samples
Mass cytometry (CyTOF) adapted for plant single-cell suspensions
Sequential immunofluorescence for co-localization studies
Spatial proteomics combined with transcriptomics
Engineered functionality:
Antibody-based biosensors for real-time monitoring
Optogenetic antibody systems for controlled binding
Intrabodies for manipulation of protein function in living cells
Antibody-directed protein degradation systems
High-throughput applications:
Microfluidic antibody applications
Automated immunoprecipitation systems
Large-scale screening of protein interactions
These advancing technologies will enable more precise, sensitive, and informative studies of At3g28330 protein function, regulation, and interactions in plant systems .
While At3g28330 research is fundamental in nature, several potential agricultural applications may emerge:
Crop improvement strategies:
Understanding F-box protein functions in stress response pathways
Identifying targets for genetic modification to enhance stress tolerance
Developing crops with improved developmental regulation
Screening germplasm collections for beneficial protein variants
Diagnostic applications:
Antibody-based detection of stress responses in crops
Monitoring protein biomarkers for plant health assessment
Field-deployable immunoassays for rapid phenotyping
High-throughput screening methods for breeding programs
Functional genomics applications:
Correlating genetic variation with protein function
Understanding protein-level effects of beneficial alleles
Identifying post-translational regulation in important crop traits
Developing predictive models for protein network responses
Technical innovations:
Adapting antibody-based research tools for crop species
Developing plant-specific validation methods
Creating standardized antibody resources for plant research
Establishing proteomics workflows optimized for agricultural applications
The fundamental knowledge gained through At3g28330 antibody research may ultimately contribute to developing crops with enhanced traits for sustainable agriculture .
Integrating multiple disciplinary approaches can provide a more comprehensive understanding of At3g28330 biology:
Structural biology integration:
Antibody-facilitated protein purification for structural studies
Cryo-electron microscopy of At3g28330-containing complexes
Structure-function analysis of protein domains
Molecular modeling of protein interactions
Systems biology approaches:
Network modeling of At3g28330 interactions
Integration of proteomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic data
Computational prediction of protein function and regulation
Machine learning applications for pattern recognition in multi-omics data
Developmental biology perspectives:
Spatiotemporal mapping of protein expression throughout development
Single-cell analysis of protein heterogeneity
Lineage-specific protein function assessment
Comparative analysis across plant species
Evolutionary biology insights:
Comparative analysis of F-box proteins across species
Understanding evolutionary constraints on protein function
Identifying conserved and divergent regulatory mechanisms
Reconstructing the evolutionary history of protein interaction networks
Synthetic biology applications:
Engineering novel functions into F-box protein scaffolds
Developing synthetic regulatory circuits based on protein degradation
Creating biosensors using antibody-based detection systems
Repurposing plant protein networks for biotechnology applications
These interdisciplinary approaches collectively enhance our understanding of At3g28330's biological role and potential applications in both fundamental and applied research contexts .