FRMD6 antibodies are primarily used to detect and quantify FRMD6 protein expression in cells and tissues. Key features include:
These antibodies have been validated in diverse models, including hippocampal neurons, glioblastoma (GBM) cells, and lung cancer tissues .
Mitochondrial Dysfunction: FRMD6 knockdown in neurons induces mitochondrial fragmentation, reduced membrane potential (), and impaired ATP production, all detected via FRMD6-specific antibodies in Western blots and immunofluorescence .
Amyloid-β (Aβ) Toxicity: Overexpression of FRMD6 rescues Aβ-induced mitochondrial defects, demonstrated using immunoblotting and TMRM staining in primary neurons .
Tumor Suppression: FRMD6 antibodies revealed reduced FRMD6 expression in glioblastoma (GBM) tissues compared to normal brain tissue. Overexpression inhibits GBM cell proliferation and invasion by downregulating phosphorylated c-Met and PDGFRα/β .
Lung Cancer: FRMD6 promotes mTOR pathway activation in lung adenocarcinoma, identified through co-immunoprecipitation assays using FRMD6 antibodies .
Hippo Pathway Regulation: FRMD6 antibodies detected upregulated FRMD6 in senescent fibroblasts, linking it to YAP/TAZ inactivation and p21/p16 expression .
ERK and mTOR Signaling: FRMD6 knockdown increases ERK1/2 phosphorylation in neurons, while its overexpression suppresses mTOR-S6K interaction in cancer cells .
Receptor Tyrosine Kinase (RTK) Modulation: Antibody arrays and Western blots showed FRMD6 inhibits c-Met and PDGFRα/β activation in GBM, reducing tumor growth in vivo .
Mitochondrial Rescue: FRMD6 overexpression reverses Aβ-induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial fragmentation in Alzheimer’s models .
Anti-GBM Activity: Intracranial GBM progression is delayed in mice with FRMD6-overexpressing tumors, validated via Ki67 staining and survival assays .
Epitope Specificity: FRMD6 antibodies targeting the N-terminal domain (aa 217–240) show no cross-reactivity with unrelated proteins in preabsorption controls .
Subcellular Localization: Immunofluorescence confirmed FRMD6’s presence in cytoplasmic and nuclear compartments, with distinct patterns in neurons versus cancer cells .
FRMD6 is a member of the Ezrin/Radixin/Moesin (ERM) family protein and a human homologue of Drosophila expanded (ex). It has emerged as a significant research target due to its involvement in multiple cellular processes and disease pathways. FRMD6 functions as a potential Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk gene as identified through genome-wide association and neuroimaging studies . Additionally, it plays crucial roles in mitochondrial function, with research demonstrating that FRMD6 knockdown leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and fragmentation .
In cancer research, particularly glioblastoma (GBM), FRMD6 appears to function as a tumor suppressor. Studies have shown it is downregulated in human GBM cells and tissues, and increased FRMD6 expression inhibits GBM cell proliferation and invasion both in vitro and in vivo . This dual relevance to both neurodegenerative conditions and cancer makes FRMD6 antibodies valuable research tools for understanding diverse disease mechanisms.
Immunocytochemistry analysis reveals that FRMD6 displays both cytoplasmic and nuclear localization in cells. This was specifically observed in GBM cells expressing v5-tagged FRMD6 protein . The dual localization pattern suggests FRMD6 may have distinct functions in different cellular compartments.
For researchers performing immunostaining with FRMD6 antibodies, it's important to note:
Both nuclear and cytoplasmic signals should be expected and analyzed
When studying mitochondrial functions of FRMD6, co-staining with mitochondrial markers is recommended to assess potential mitochondrial association
Appropriate counterstaining with nuclear dyes helps confirm nuclear localization
Validation with epitope-tagged FRMD6 (such as v5-tagged constructs used in the literature) can serve as positive controls for staining specificity
This subcellular distribution information proves crucial for interpreting experimental results and understanding FRMD6's potential roles in different cellular compartments and signaling pathways.
FRMD6 antibodies serve multiple critical research applications across various experimental platforms:
Protein expression analysis:
Cellular localization studies:
Disease-focused investigations:
Therapeutic development:
These applications make FRMD6 antibodies essential tools in both basic science and translational research investigating neurodegenerative diseases and cancer biology.
FRMD6 is the human homologue of Drosophila expanded (ex), which functions upstream of the Hippo signaling pathway. The relationship between FRMD6 and the Hippo pathway appears complex and somewhat controversial based on current research:
Interestingly, research indicates that unlike increased expression of merlin (the human homolog of Drosophila merlin), which enhances stress-induced activation of the Hippo pathway, increased FRMD6 expression displays little effect on the pathway in some experimental contexts . This suggests potential divergence between the functions of Drosophila expanded and human FRMD6, or context-dependent regulation.
For researchers investigating FRMD6-Hippo interactions:
Both FRMD6 expression and components of the Hippo pathway should be examined simultaneously
The context-specific effects of FRMD6 must be considered when designing experiments
Multiple cell types and experimental conditions may be necessary to fully characterize this relationship
This complex relationship requires careful experimental design when using FRMD6 antibodies to study Hippo pathway connections.
Based on available research data, FRMD6 expression has been documented in several cell types:
Normal human astrocytes express detectable levels of endogenous FRMD6, making them useful positive controls for antibody validation
Neuronal cells show significant FRMD6 expression:
Glioblastoma (GBM) cell lines show variable FRMD6 expression:
This expression pattern information is valuable for researchers selecting appropriate cell models and controls when working with FRMD6 antibodies. The differential expression between normal cells and cancer cells, particularly in the context of glioblastoma, also suggests potential diagnostic or prognostic applications for FRMD6 detection.
FRMD6 antibodies provide valuable tools for investigating the connection between FRMD6 and mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD). Research has established that FRMD6 plays a critical role in maintaining mitochondrial function and that its downregulation by Aβ contributes to mitochondrial dysfunction in AD models .
Several experimental approaches utilizing FRMD6 antibodies can elucidate these mechanisms:
Monitoring FRMD6 expression changes in response to Aβ:
Correlating FRMD6 levels with mitochondrial parameters:
Immunofluorescence co-staining using FRMD6 antibodies and mitochondrial markers can examine relationships between FRMD6 expression and mitochondrial morphology
Western blotting for FRMD6 alongside markers of mitochondrial dynamics (e.g., OPA1) can assess connections between FRMD6 and mitochondrial fusion/fission processes
Research findings demonstrate that FRMD6 knockdown neurons display:
Decreased mitochondrial membrane potential
Reduced complex IV activity
Decreased ATP production
Diminished MTT reduction capacity
Abnormal mitochondrial morphology including mitochondrial swelling
Increased expression of short OPA1 without changes in total OPA1 levels
Importantly, overexpression of FRMD6 attenuates Aβ-induced perturbations in mitochondrial function, including enhanced production of reactive oxygen species and decreases in metabolic activity . These findings suggest that FRMD6 antibodies are essential for tracking expression in neurodegeneration models and validating therapeutic approaches aimed at enhancing FRMD6 expression.
Based on established research methodologies, several protocols can effectively detect FRMD6 expression changes in Alzheimer's disease (AD) models:
Western blotting protocol for FRMD6 detection:
Treat cells (HT-22 cells or primary neurons) with Aβ at appropriate concentrations
Perform cell lysis and protein extraction using buffers that preserve protein integrity
Separate proteins via SDS-PAGE and transfer to appropriate membranes
Probe with validated FRMD6-specific antibodies (primary) followed by appropriate secondary antibodies
Quantify protein levels relative to established loading controls
This approach successfully detected Aβ-induced downregulation of FRMD6 protein expression in published studies
Immunofluorescence protocol for localization studies:
Fix and permeabilize neuronal cultures using standard procedures
Block with appropriate serum and incubate with FRMD6 primary antibodies
Apply fluorescently-tagged secondary antibodies
For mitochondrial studies, co-stain with mitochondrial markers (e.g., TOMM20, MitoTracker)
Analyze FRMD6 signal intensity and localization patterns
This method allows correlation between FRMD6 levels and mitochondrial morphology changes
Expression manipulation validation:
Functional assays that correlate with FRMD6 expression:
These protocols have successfully demonstrated that Aβ induces FRMD6 downregulation and that FRMD6 overexpression can rescue Aβ-induced abnormalities in mitochondrial function, morphology, and energetics in AD models.
Research has uncovered a novel mechanism by which FRMD6 influences cellular function, particularly in glioblastoma (GBM), through regulation of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) activities. FRMD6 antibodies play a crucial role in investigating this relationship.
The effects of FRMD6 manipulation on RTK activities show distinct patterns:
FRMD6 overexpression:
FRMD6 knockdown:
Methodological approaches using antibodies to assess FRMD6-RTK relationships include:
Proteome Profiler Human Phospho-RTK Array analysis:
Western blotting with phospho-specific antibodies:
Functional rescue experiments:
Research has demonstrated that expression of constitutively active c-Met (TPR-Met fusion protein) largely reverses the anti-GBM effect of FRMD6 in vivo, suggesting that FRMD6 exerts its anti-GBM effect at least partially through inhibiting c-Met RTK activity . This mechanistic insight provides potential therapeutic targets for GBM treatment.
Ensuring FRMD6 antibody specificity is critical for obtaining reliable research results. Based on established research practices, several validation methods are recommended:
Expression modulation controls:
FRMD6 knockdown: Using shRNA-mediated knockdown of FRMD6 provides an excellent negative control for antibody validation
FRMD6 overexpression: Retroviral or adeno-associated viral vectors expressing FRMD6 offer positive controls
Western blotting should show corresponding decreases or increases in band intensity
These approaches confirm that the antibody detects the intended target
Epitope tag validation:
Cell line panel analysis:
Multiple antibody concordance:
Using different antibodies targeting distinct epitopes of FRMD6
Comparing detection patterns across applications
Concordant results increase confidence in specificity
For optimal results, researchers should:
Include appropriate positive and negative controls in each experiment
Validate antibodies for each specific application (Western blot, immunofluorescence, etc.)
Consider potential cross-reactivity with other FERM domain-containing proteins
Document validation results thoroughly to support research findings
These validation approaches ensure that experimental results accurately reflect FRMD6 biology rather than antibody artifacts.
FRMD6 antibodies serve as valuable tools for investigating this protein's role in cancer progression, particularly in glioblastoma (GBM) where FRMD6 appears to function as a tumor suppressor. Several effective experimental approaches include:
Expression analysis in patient samples and cell lines:
Functional validation through expression manipulation:
In vivo tumor models with FRMD6 modulation:
Mechanistic studies linking FRMD6 to cancer pathways:
Rescue experiments to confirm causality:
Published research has established that:
FRMD6 knockdown significantly enhances GBM cell proliferation and invasion in vitro
FRMD6 knockdown promotes subcutaneous GBM growth and intracranial GBM progression in vivo
FRMD6 overexpression inhibits GBM cell proliferation and invasion
These effects are mediated at least partially through inhibition of RTK activity
These findings suggest FRMD6 antibodies are essential tools for cancer research, particularly in studying tumor suppressor mechanisms in glioblastoma.
Successful Western blotting with FRMD6 antibodies requires attention to several key technical details:
Sample preparation considerations:
Complete cell lysis is essential; RIPA buffer has been successfully used in published FRMD6 research
Include protease inhibitors to prevent degradation
For phosphorylation studies (when examining related RTK signaling), phosphatase inhibitors must be added
Protein quantification and equal loading are critical for comparative analyses
Gel electrophoresis parameters:
Standard SDS-PAGE conditions are appropriate
8-10% gels typically provide good resolution for FRMD6 detection
Include molecular weight markers to confirm the expected size of FRMD6
Transfer and blocking optimization:
Standard transfer protocols to PVDF or nitrocellulose membranes are effective
Blocking with 5% non-fat dry milk or BSA in TBST reduces background
Optimization of blocking time may be necessary depending on the specific antibody
Antibody incubation conditions:
Primary antibody dilutions must be optimized; published studies have used commercially available FRMD6 antibodies
Overnight incubation at 4°C typically provides optimal results
Thorough washing steps are essential for reducing background
Detection systems:
Both chemiluminescence and fluorescence-based detection systems have been used successfully
For quantitative analysis, fluorescence-based systems provide better linearity
Controls and validation:
Troubleshooting recommendations:
For weak signals: Increase antibody concentration, extend incubation time, or use signal enhancement systems
For high background: Increase washing stringency, optimize blocking, or decrease antibody concentration
For multiple bands: Verify specificity with knockdown controls, consider using different antibody clones
These protocols have successfully detected FRMD6 in various experimental contexts, including confirmation of knockdown efficiency, validation of overexpression, and assessment of expression changes in response to treatments like Aβ exposure .
Optimization of immunofluorescence protocols for FRMD6 colocalization studies requires attention to several critical parameters:
Fixation and permeabilization considerations:
Paraformaldehyde fixation (typically 4%) preserves protein localization
Permeabilization with 0.1-0.2% Triton X-100 allows antibody access to intracellular FRMD6
For mitochondrial colocalization studies, gentler permeabilization may better preserve mitochondrial morphology
Antibody selection and validation:
Confirm FRMD6 antibody specificity using controls (knockdown, overexpression)
For colocalization with mitochondria, select compatible mitochondrial markers (e.g., TOMM20, MitoTracker)
For colocalization with RTKs (c-Met, PDGFR), select antibodies raised in different species to avoid cross-reactivity
Staining protocol optimization:
Sequential staining may be preferable to simultaneous incubation
Thorough washing between steps reduces background and cross-reactivity
Extended primary antibody incubation (overnight at 4°C) often improves signal quality
Imaging parameters for accurate colocalization assessment:
Confocal microscopy with appropriate channel separation prevents bleed-through
Z-stack acquisition enables three-dimensional colocalization analysis
Consistent exposure settings across experimental conditions enable quantitative comparisons
Quantitative colocalization analysis methods:
Pearson's correlation coefficient or Mander's overlap coefficient for quantifying colocalization
Analysis should be performed on multiple cells across independent experiments
Software tools (ImageJ with colocalization plugins, CellProfiler) facilitate quantitative analysis
Controls for colocalization studies:
Single-stained samples to set thresholds and check for bleed-through
Positive controls using known interacting proteins
Negative controls using proteins known not to colocalize
Research has successfully used these approaches to:
Examine relationships between FRMD6 expression and mitochondrial morphology
Investigate FRMD6's role in protecting against Aβ-induced mitochondrial fragmentation
These methodological considerations ensure reliable and reproducible results when investigating FRMD6's interactions with cellular structures and other proteins.
Accurate quantification of FRMD6 expression changes is essential for understanding its role in disease processes and cellular functions. Several quantitative approaches have proven effective:
Western blot densitometry analysis:
Capture images using linear detection systems (fluorescence-based Western blotting preferred)
Normalize FRMD6 band intensity to appropriate loading controls
Use software like ImageJ, Image Lab, or specialized Western blot analysis programs
Include standard curves when possible for absolute quantification
This approach successfully quantified FRMD6 expression changes in published studies
Immunofluorescence intensity quantification:
Maintain consistent imaging parameters across all experimental conditions
Measure mean fluorescence intensity within defined cellular regions
Analyze multiple cells per condition (typically >30) across independent experiments
This method allows assessment of both expression levels and subcellular distribution changes
qRT-PCR for mRNA expression analysis:
While not explicitly mentioned in the search results, this complementary approach verifies transcriptional changes
Requires careful primer design specific to FRMD6
Normalization to multiple reference genes enhances reliability
Flow cytometry for single-cell quantification:
Enables analysis of large cell populations
Provides distribution data rather than just mean values
Requires optimization of cell permeabilization for intracellular FRMD6 detection
Statistical analysis considerations:
Apply appropriate statistical tests based on data distribution
Report effect sizes alongside statistical significance
Account for biological and technical variability
Power analysis ensures adequate sample sizes
Experimental design for robust quantification:
Include relevant controls (positive, negative, knockdown, overexpression)
Perform time-course experiments to capture dynamic changes
Use multiple complementary quantification methods when possible
These approaches have successfully quantified FRMD6 expression changes in various experimental contexts, including:
Selecting the appropriate quantification method depends on the specific research question, available materials, and required sensitivity.
While the search results don't specifically detail high-throughput screening (HTS) with FRMD6 antibodies, the following approaches can be developed based on established principles and the FRMD6 research context:
Microplate-based immunoassay development:
Automated Western blot systems:
Utilize capillary-based automated Western platforms
Standardize sample preparation and loading
Develop protocols for consistent FRMD6 detection across multiple samples
High-content imaging approaches:
Immunofluorescence in microplate format with automated image acquisition
Develop algorithms for quantifying FRMD6 expression and localization
Particularly valuable for screening compounds that affect FRMD6 in the context of:
Flow cytometry screening:
Develop protocols for intracellular FRMD6 staining compatible with flow cytometry
Enable rapid assessment of expression changes across large cell populations
Allows multiparameter analysis with other cellular markers
Compound library screening applications:
Technical considerations for HTS implementation:
Ensure antibody lot consistency throughout screening campaigns
Include appropriate positive and negative controls on each plate
Develop robust statistical methods for hit identification
Establish secondary validation assays for confirming primary hits
Functional readouts that can accompany FRMD6 detection:
Mitochondrial function assays (membrane potential, ROS production)
Cell proliferation and invasion measurements
RTK activity assessment
These approaches would enable screening of compound libraries, genetic modifiers, or environmental factors that influence FRMD6 expression or function, potentially identifying therapeutic strategies for conditions where FRMD6 dysregulation plays a role.
The search results suggest potential therapeutic applications targeting FRMD6 in both Alzheimer's disease and glioblastoma. Key considerations for developing such strategies include:
Therapeutic approaches for Alzheimer's disease:
Enhancing FRMD6 expression appears beneficial, as research demonstrates that:
Therapeutic approaches for glioblastoma:
Mechanistic considerations for drug development:
Therapeutic modality options:
Gene therapy approaches to restore or enhance FRMD6 expression
Small molecules that upregulate endogenous FRMD6
Peptide mimetics that replicate FRMD6's interactions with key targets
Combination therapies targeting FRMD6 alongside established treatment approaches
Biomarker development for patient stratification:
FRMD6 antibodies would be essential for developing companion diagnostics
Identifying patients most likely to benefit from FRMD6-targeted therapies
Monitoring treatment response through FRMD6 expression or activity assessment
Challenges in therapeutic development:
Tissue-specific delivery of FRMD6-modulating agents
Potential off-target effects given FRMD6's multiple functions
Overcoming the blood-brain barrier for neurological applications
Determining optimal timing of intervention in disease progression
The research suggests that for Alzheimer's disease, approaches that enhance Willin/FRMD6 expression hold potential as therapeutic strategies for protecting against Aβ-induced mitochondrial and neuronal dysfunction . For glioblastoma, restoring FRMD6 expression or mimicking its inhibitory effects on RTK activity could represent promising treatment avenues .