The term "FKBP20-1" does not appear in the reviewed literature. The closest homologs include:
FKBP20-2: A thylakoid lumen immunophilin in Arabidopsis critical for photosystem II (PSII) supercomplex assembly .
FKBP11: A plasma cell-specific antibody folding catalyst implicated in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) .
FKBP5: A widely studied immunophilin targeted by polyclonal antibodies (e.g., Cell Signaling Technology #8245) .
This discrepancy suggests either (a) a nomenclature variation (e.g., species-specific naming conventions) or (b) a less characterized FKBP isoform not yet widely reported.
FK506-binding proteins (FKBPs) are immunophilins with peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase (PPIase) activity, facilitating protein folding and stress responses. Key findings from related FKBP antibodies include:
While FKBP20-1-specific antibodies are not documented, broader trends in FKBP-targeting reagents highlight:
Commercial Availability: Antibodies against FKBP10, FKBP5, and FKBP11 are marketed for research (e.g., Biorbyt orb637053, Thermo Fisher A300-209A) .
Technical Applications:
The absence of FKBP20-1-specific data underscores potential gaps in current literature. Future studies could explore:
Ortholog Identification: Cross-reactivity screening of existing FKBP antibodies (e.g., anti-FKBP20-2) in other species.
Functional Redundancy: FKBP11 and cyclophilin B show overlapping roles in antibody folding, suggesting similar redundancy might exist for FKBP20-1 .
Disease Associations: Analogous to FKBP11 in IPF, FKBP20-1 might play roles in fibrosis or autoimmune disorders if expressed in analogous cell types.
FKBP20-1 belongs to the FK506-binding protein family, which functions as peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerases (PPIases). These enzymes accelerate protein folding during protein synthesis by catalyzing the cis-trans isomerization of peptide bonds at proline residues . While specific information about FKBP20-1 is limited in the available literature, the FKBP family generally plays critical roles in protein folding, cellular signaling, and immunoregulation through their interactions with immunosuppressant drugs such as FK506 and rapamycin.
Based on research with related FKBP family antibodies, these reagents typically work well with human samples including cell lysates, tissue sections, and cultured cell lines. For example, FKBP10 antibodies have demonstrated compatibility with human tonsil tissue in immunohistochemical analyses and various cell lysates including A2058 and A-375 cell lines in Western blot applications . When working with FKBP20-1 antibody, similar sample compatibility would be anticipated, though validation is essential for each specific application.
While specific information about FKBP20-1 antibody applications is limited in the literature, antibodies targeting FKBP family proteins are commonly employed in Western blotting (WB), immunohistochemistry with paraffin-embedded tissues (IHC-P), and intracellular flow cytometry . These techniques enable researchers to investigate protein expression, localization, and interactions in various experimental contexts. When designing experiments with FKBP20-1 antibody, these applications would serve as logical starting points.
Based on protocols established for related FKBP family antibodies, consider the following optimization approach:
Initial antibody dilution: Start with 1/1000 dilution for Western blot applications
Protein loading: Use approximately 35 μg of total protein per lane
Detection method: ECL (enhanced chemiluminescence) technique is suitable for visualization
Expected molecular weight: Verify the predicted band size for your specific FKBP target
Positive controls: Use cell lines known to express the target (similar to how A2058 or A-375 cell lines work for FKBP10)
Systematic optimization of antibody concentration, blocking conditions, and incubation times will be necessary for optimal results with FKBP20-1 specifically.
Rigorous validation requires multiple controls:
Positive tissue/cell controls: Include samples with known expression of the target protein
Negative controls: Samples where the protein is known to be absent or depleted
Isotype controls: Include appropriate isotype-matched control antibodies
Peptide competition assays: Pre-incubate antibody with immunizing peptide to confirm specificity
FKBP20-1 knockdown/knockout controls: Use siRNA or CRISPR-modified cells lacking the target
Cross-reactivity assessment: Test against related FKBP family members to ensure specificity
These controls help distinguish true positive signals from potential artifacts or cross-reactivity with related proteins in the FKBP family.
For tissue-based detection, consider the following optimization strategy based on related FKBP antibody protocols:
Initial antibody dilution: Begin with 1/50 dilution for paraffin-embedded tissues
Antigen retrieval: Test both heat-induced epitope retrieval methods (citrate buffer pH 6.0 and EDTA buffer pH 9.0)
Detection system: Use a sensitive detection system appropriate for your species (e.g., HRP-polymer for rabbit antibodies)
Counterstaining: Hematoxylin works well for nuclear visualization
Positive control tissues: Include tissues with known expression patterns (e.g., tonsil tissue has been effective for FKBP10)
FKBP family proteins interact with various binding partners that may influence experimental design. For example, FAP48 (FKBP-associated protein 48) interacts with FKBP52 and FKBP12, and these complexes are dissociated by immunosuppressant drugs like FK506 and rapamycin . When studying FKBP20-1, researchers should consider:
Potential binding partners that may co-precipitate in immunoprecipitation experiments
The effect of immunosuppressive drugs on protein-protein interactions
The need for co-immunoprecipitation studies to identify relevant complexes
How overexpression or inhibition of potential binding partners might affect FKBP20-1 function
Understanding these interaction networks is crucial for accurate data interpretation and experimental design.
Fc gamma receptors (FcγRs) can significantly impact antibody-based studies. As demonstrated with PD-1 antibodies, FcγR engagement can influence antibody functionality through co-localization effects . For FKBP20-1 research:
Consider how FcγR interactions might affect functional assays involving FKBP20-1 antibodies
Be aware that antibody isotype and Fc domain modifications can alter engagement with different FcγRs
In cellular assays, FcγR expression on target cells may influence antibody behavior beyond simple epitope binding
For in vivo applications, consider testing antibodies with modified Fc regions to optimize desired effector functions
These considerations become particularly important when using FKBP20-1 antibodies in functional rather than purely descriptive studies.
Based on research with related FKBP family members, investigators studying FKBP20-1 in signaling pathways should consider:
NFAT1 activation status: Assess the phosphorylation/dephosphorylation state of NFAT1 following experimental manipulations
MAPK pathway analysis: Monitor p38 and JNK activation via phosphorylation-specific antibodies
IL-2 synthesis measurements: Quantify IL-2 production as a readout of T cell activation
Cellular proliferation assays: Use techniques like MTT assays to measure effects on cell growth
The experimental design should include appropriate time points, stimulation conditions (e.g., PMA/ionomycin), and consideration of how immunosuppressive drugs (FK506, rapamycin) might modulate these pathways.
Common technical challenges include:
| Issue | Possible Causes | Recommended Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| False positives | Cross-reactivity with related FKBP isoforms | Validate antibody specificity with competing peptides or knockout controls |
| Nonspecific binding | Optimize blocking conditions and antibody concentration | |
| Secondary antibody cross-reactivity | Include secondary-only controls | |
| False negatives | Epitope masking in protein complexes | Try different extraction/denaturation methods |
| Low expression levels | Increase sample concentration or use more sensitive detection methods | |
| Epitope destruction during processing | Test alternative fixation methods or antigen retrieval protocols |
When faced with discrepancies between techniques (e.g., Western blot vs. IHC vs. flow cytometry):
Consider methodological differences: Each technique examines proteins under different conditions (denatured vs. native, in situ vs. extracted)
Validate antibody performance in each specific application
Assess epitope accessibility: Different fixation/preparation methods may affect epitope recognition
Use complementary detection methods: Employ multiple antibodies targeting different epitopes
Consider post-translational modifications: Some epitopes may be masked by phosphorylation or other modifications
Contradictory results often provide valuable insights into protein behavior under different experimental conditions rather than indicating experimental failure.
When investigating FKBP20-1 interactions:
Be aware that immunosuppressive drugs can disrupt FKBP-protein interactions, as demonstrated with FAP48-FKBP52 complexes that dissociate in the presence of FK506 or rapamycin
Use both forward and reverse co-immunoprecipitation strategies to confirm interactions
Consider dose-dependent effects: As little as 100 nM FK506 or 1 μM rapamycin can be sufficient to disrupt certain FKBP-protein interactions
Include appropriate controls for nonspecific binding
Consider native vs. denaturing conditions, as some interactions may be sensitive to detergent choice
Recent advances in repurposing antibodies for therapeutic effects suggest promising research directions:
Investigate FKBP20-1 involvement in T cell regulation similar to how PD-1 agonist antibodies have been developed for autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis
Explore whether FKBP20-1 antibodies can modulate T cell activation in autoimmune contexts
Assess the roles of different Fc domains in determining whether antibodies act as agonists or antagonists
Investigate correlations between FKBP20-1 expression and autoimmune disease progression
Consider how FKBP20-1-targeting strategies might complement existing immunomodulatory approaches
These investigations could potentially open new therapeutic avenues based on fundamental research findings.
When examining FKBP20-1 expression patterns:
Consider how related FKBP proteins affect expression of genes like argininosuccinate synthetase and Myc antagonist Mxi1, as observed with FAP48
Assess whether FKBP20-1 overexpression or inhibition affects cellular proliferation similar to other FKBP-associated proteins
Investigate potential tissue-specific expression patterns and regulatory mechanisms
Examine relationships between FKBP20-1 and other immunophilins in different cellular contexts
Consider how immune activation states might alter FKBP20-1 expression levels
Understanding these expression dynamics will help contextualize experimental findings across different model systems.