HRP-conjugated FN1 antibodies are versatile across multiple laboratory techniques:
Recent studies utilizing HRP-conjugated FN1 antibodies have revealed:
Pathological Correlations: Elevated plasma FN1 levels in ME/CFS and long COVID patients correlate with disease severity, linked to depleted natural IgM antibodies against FN1 .
Matrix Remodeling: FN1 antibodies detect superfibronectin polymers in tumor microenvironments, which inhibit angiogenesis and metastasis .
Assay Precision: Intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation (CVs) for FN1 quantification range between 6.8–9.7% in validated ELISA kits .
Storage: Stable at 4°C for short-term; long-term storage at -20°C in 50% glycerol .
Interference: Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles and exposure to light to preserve HRP activity .
Controls: Use species-matched IgG-HRP conjugates (e.g., Mouse IgG1-HRP) to minimize background .
STRING: 10116.ENSRNOP00000019772
UniGene: Rn.1604
HRP-conjugated fibronectin antibodies are optimized for multiple detection methodologies in protein research. These antibodies are primarily suitable for Western blotting (WB), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunohistochemistry on paraffin-embedded sections (IHC-P), and immunohistochemistry on frozen sections (IHC-F) . The HRP conjugation enables direct detection without requiring secondary antibodies, streamlining experimental workflows and potentially reducing background signal. For Western blotting applications, recommended dilutions typically range from 1:300 to 1:5000, while IHC applications generally use 1:100 to 1:400 dilutions depending on the specific antibody and experimental conditions .
Available HRP-conjugated fibronectin antibodies demonstrate cross-reactivity with multiple species, allowing for versatile experimental design:
This multi-species reactivity enables comparative studies across model organisms while maintaining consistent detection methodologies .
For maximum stability and performance, HRP-conjugated Fn1 antibodies require specific storage conditions. Most products should be stored at -20°C in their supplied buffer solutions, which typically contain stabilizing agents such as BSA, glycerol, and preservatives . To minimize activity loss from repeated freeze-thaw cycles, it is recommended to aliquot the antibody into multiple small volumes upon receipt . The typical storage buffer composition includes:
PBS (pH 7.3-7.4)
1% BSA (as a stabilizer)
50% Glycerol (cryoprotectant)
Under these conditions, most antibodies maintain stability for approximately 12 months from date of receipt .
When validating HRP-conjugated Fn1 antibodies, appropriate positive controls are crucial for confirming specificity. Researchers should consider using:
Cell lines with known high fibronectin expression: Fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and certain cancer cell lines reliably express fibronectin
Tissues with established fibronectin expression patterns: Connective tissues, wound healing models, and embryonic tissues
Recombinant fibronectin protein: Particularly useful for Western blotting validation
The antibody should detect fibronectin at its expected molecular weight of approximately 220-250 kDa, though proteolytic fragments may also be observed. For immunohistochemistry, positive staining should appear primarily in the extracellular matrix and at cell surfaces, consistent with fibronectin's biological distribution as a secreted glycoprotein present in dimeric or multimeric forms at cell surfaces and in the extracellular matrix .
Determining the optimal working dilution requires systematic titration across recommended ranges:
Application | Recommended Dilution Range | Starting Point |
---|---|---|
Western Blotting | 1:300-5000 | 1:2000 |
ELISA | 1:500-1000 | 1:500 |
IHC-P | 1:200-400 | 1:200 |
IHC-F | 1:100-500 | 1:200 |
To determine optimal dilution, perform a dilution series using consistent sample preparations. Evaluate signal-to-noise ratio, maintaining sufficient signal strength while minimizing background. Consider that over-dilution may lead to false negatives, while insufficient dilution may cause high background and non-specific binding. Sample-specific factors including fibronectin abundance, phosphorylation status, and potential splice variants may necessitate further optimization beyond manufacturer recommendations .
The choice of blocking agent significantly impacts specificity and background levels when using HRP-conjugated antibodies. For HRP-conjugated Fn1 antibodies, recommended blocking strategies include:
BSA (1-5%): Effective for many applications but may contain bovine fibronectin, potentially causing cross-reactivity
Non-fat dry milk (3-5%): Excellent for Western blots but may contain biotin, causing interference in biotin-based detection systems
Normal serum (5-10%): Serum from the same species as the secondary antibody would be used in (not directly applicable for direct HRP conjugates)
Commercial blocking solutions: Formulated specifically for HRP-conjugated antibodies
When working with fibronectin detection, researchers should avoid blocking with gelatin, as fibronectin naturally binds to gelatin, potentially causing high background or false positive results .
Fibronectin fibrillogenesis is essential for proper extracellular matrix assembly and cellular functions including osteoblast mineralization and collagen deposition . HRP-conjugated Fn1 antibodies can be employed to study this process through:
Time-course immunofluorescence studies: Monitor fibril formation kinetics using dual labeling with other matrix proteins
Matrix decellularization protocols: Preserve fibronectin matrix architecture while removing cellular components
Co-immunoprecipitation: Identify protein-protein interactions during matrix assembly
Analysis of anastellin-induced superfibronectin: Study the enhanced adhesive properties of this polymer
These approaches allow researchers to investigate the molecular mechanisms through which fibronectin participates in matrix assembly processes, which are critical for osteoblast compaction and mineralization . HRP-conjugated antibodies facilitate direct detection of different fibronectin assemblies, from soluble dimeric forms to complex multimeric fibrils.
Fibronectin exists in both cellular and plasma forms, which can complicate specific detection. When studying cellular fibronectin in the presence of plasma, consider these approaches:
Use antibodies targeting the Extra Domain B (EDB) splice variant, which is present in cellular but not plasma fibronectin
Perform extensive washing steps to remove unbound plasma fibronectin
Pre-adsorb samples with appropriate controls to reduce non-specific binding
Consider depleting plasma fibronectin using gelatin-Sepharose columns prior to analysis
Use confocal microscopy to precisely localize cellular versus plasma fibronectin deposits
The EDB domain of fibronectin is particularly valuable as a target because it is predominantly expressed in tumor-associated fibroblasts and has restricted expression in normal tissues, making it useful for distinguishing cellular fibronectin from plasma fibronectin in cancer research applications .
Fibronectin undergoes alternative splicing to generate up to 20 different transcript variants with distinct functional properties . To distinguish between these variants:
Select antibodies targeting specific domains (e.g., Extra Domain B) that are uniquely present in certain splice variants
Use domain-specific antibodies in combination with size-based separation techniques
Perform comparative analysis across tissues or cell types with known splice variant expression patterns
Incorporate RT-PCR or RNA-seq data for comprehensive characterization alongside protein detection
The Extra Domain B splice variant (EDB+FN) has particular relevance in cancer research as it is broadly expressed in the stroma of pancreatic, non-small cell lung, breast, ovarian, and head and neck cancers, while showing restricted expression in normal tissues. This makes it a valuable target for antibody-drug conjugates in experimental cancer therapeutics .
HRP-conjugated Fn1 antibodies are valuable tools for studying the complex role of fibronectin in the tumor microenvironment. The Extra Domain B splice variant of fibronectin (EDB+FN) is particularly significant as it is deposited by tumor-associated fibroblasts and contributes to tumor growth, angiogenesis, and invasion . Research applications include:
Characterizing fibronectin deposition patterns in different cancer types
Mapping the spatial relationship between fibronectin and immune cell infiltration
Evaluating changes in fibronectin expression following various therapies
Supporting the development of targeted anti-cancer approaches
Studies have demonstrated that antibody-drug conjugates targeting EDB+FN can deliver potent antitumor effects, with enhanced efficacy when combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors. After treatment with EDB-ADC, increased phospho-histone H3 (a pharmacodynamic biomarker of response) was observed in tumor cells distal to the target site, indicating the potential for these antibodies to facilitate localized drug delivery to tumors .
Multiplexed immunostaining with HRP-conjugated Fn1 antibodies requires careful planning to avoid interference between detection systems:
Sequential detection protocols: Complete HRP-based detection, then quench peroxidase activity before subsequent rounds
Spectral unmixing: Use different chromogens with distinct spectral properties
Tyramide signal amplification (TSA): Enables multiple antigen detection on a single slide
Advanced substrate selection: Choose substrates with minimal spectral overlap
When studying fibronectin alongside other extracellular matrix proteins or cell surface receptors, researchers should consider the following technical challenges:
Cross-reactivity between fibronectin and its binding partners (collagen, heparin, fibrin)
Potential masking of epitopes within dense matrix structures
Need for specialized antigen retrieval methods to expose fibronectin epitopes without disrupting tissue architecture
Successful multiplexing allows simultaneous visualization of fibronectin alongside its interacting proteins or cellular components, providing insights into complex biological processes .
Fibronectin plays a critical role in mechanotransduction by transmitting forces between cells and the extracellular matrix. HRP-conjugated Fn1 antibodies can elucidate these mechanisms through:
Live-cell imaging studies: Visualize real-time conformational changes in fibronectin during cell-applied forces
Correlative microscopy: Combine structural information with functional readouts of mechanical signaling
Force-dependent epitope exposure analysis: Identify cryptic binding sites revealed under mechanical strain
Tissue stiffness correlations: Map fibronectin organization in tissues of varying rigidity
These approaches help researchers investigate how fibronectin fibrillogenesis contributes to mechanical sensing and signaling, which is essential for processes like osteoblast mineralization and liver autophagy. Recent research indicates that fibronectin secreted by contracting muscle induces liver autophagy and systemic insulin sensitization via hepatic ITGA5:ITGB1 integrin receptor signaling, highlighting its role in mechanically regulated metabolic processes .
Recent technological developments are expanding the utility of HRP-conjugated Fn1 antibodies beyond traditional applications:
Super-resolution microscopy: Enabling visualization of nanoscale fibronectin organization and dynamics
Microfluidic systems: Allowing real-time monitoring of fibronectin deposition under flow conditions
CRISPR-engineered cell lines: Creating precise fibronectin variant models for antibody validation
AI-assisted image analysis: Facilitating quantitative assessment of complex fibronectin networks
Single-cell proteomics: Linking fibronectin expression patterns to cellular heterogeneity
These technologies promise to deepen our understanding of fibronectin's diverse biological functions, from wound healing and embryogenesis to cancer progression and mechanosensing .
To gain comprehensive biological insights, researchers should consider integrating HRP-conjugated Fn1 antibody data with:
Transcriptomics: Correlate protein detection with splice variant expression patterns
Proteomics: Map the fibronectin interactome under different physiological conditions
Glycomics: Characterize glycosylation patterns that modify fibronectin function
Metabolomics: Link fibronectin-mediated signaling to cellular metabolic states
Spatial transcriptomics: Correlate localized fibronectin deposition with regional gene expression
This multi-omics integration approach enables researchers to connect fibronectin's structural roles with its signaling functions across diverse biological contexts, including its involvement in ECM-receptor interaction, focal adhesion, cancer pathways, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, and small cell lung cancer progression .