The GLIS3 antibody, FITC conjugated, is utilized in:
Cell Type: Undifferentiated spermatogonia, pancreatic islet cells, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells.
Protocol: Cells are fixed, permeabilized, and stained with the antibody at 1:20–1:100 dilution. FITC signal is detected via flow cytometry.
Key Findings:
Tissue: Pancreatic islets, thyroid, testes, TNBC xenografts.
Protocol: Sections are stained with GLIS3-FITC (2 µg/mL) and counterstained with DAPI.
Key Findings:
Mechanism: GLIS3 knockdown increases mitochondrial apoptosis (cytochrome c release) in β-cells exposed to palmitate or cytokines .
Implications: Dysregulated GLIS3 may contribute to β-cell loss in diabetes.
Findings: GLIS3 mutant testes show elevated LINE-1 and IAP retrotransposon transcripts, leading to germ cell apoptosis .
Mechanism: GLIS3 activates NF-κB signaling (p65 nuclear translocation, EMSA binding) to promote proliferation, migration, and invasion in TNBC cells .
Cross-Reactivity: Ensure specificity via blocking controls, especially in tissues with high background fluorescence.
Optimal Conjugation: Excessive FITC labeling can compromise antibody binding. Validate signal-to-noise ratio.
Storage: Store at -20°C in PBS with 50% glycerol and 0.02% sodium azide to prevent aggregation .
GLIS3 is a Krüppel-like zinc finger transcription factor that functions as both a repressor and activator of transcription. It binds to the consensus sequence 5'-GACCACCCAC-3' to regulate gene expression . GLIS3 plays critical roles in pancreatic development and beta-cell function, with mutations in the GLIS3 gene linked to neonatal diabetes . Research on GLIS3 is particularly important for understanding pancreatic islet development and pathogenesis of diabetes, as GLIS3 directly transactivates Neurogenin 3 (Neurog3), a key transcription factor in endocrine pancreas lineage determination .
FITC-conjugated GLIS3 antibodies are particularly well-suited for immunofluorescence applications including:
Flow cytometry for quantifying GLIS3-expressing cells
Immunocytochemistry/immunofluorescence (ICC/IF) on cultured cells
Fluorescence microscopy of tissue sections
Live-cell imaging (for certain membrane-associated fractions)
Based on validated applications of unconjugated GLIS3 antibodies, optimal results are typically achieved in ICC/IF applications, such as those demonstrated in A549 cells (human lung carcinoma cell line) where GLIS3 antibodies have been successfully used at concentrations of 2 μg/ml .
GLIS3 predominantly localizes to the nucleus, consistent with its function as a transcription factor. When visualized using FITC-conjugated antibodies, GLIS3 typically shows a nuclear staining pattern with some nucleolar exclusion. In certain developmental contexts or pathological conditions, cytoplasmic retention may be observed. During ChIP-seq experiments, GLIS3 has been shown to bind within proximal regulatory regions (defined as within 5 kb upstream or downstream of transcription start sites) of target genes . This nuclear localization is critical for its function in transcriptional regulation of genes like Neurog3 and members of the WNT signaling pathway .
For optimal FITC-conjugated GLIS3 antibody staining, the following fixation and permeabilization protocols are recommended based on validated applications:
Fixation: 4% paraformaldehyde (PFA) for 15-20 minutes at room temperature
Permeabilization: 0.1-0.3% Triton X-100 for 10 minutes at room temperature
This approach has been validated in A549 cells, where PFA fixation followed by Triton X-100 permeabilization allowed effective GLIS3 detection .
Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples are suitable
Antigen retrieval: Citrate buffer (pH 6.0) heat-induced epitope retrieval
Typical dilutions for primary antibody: 1/50 (as demonstrated in human thyroid tissue)
For FITC-conjugated antibodies specifically, minimize exposure to light throughout the protocol to prevent photobleaching of the fluorophore.
When conducting experiments with FITC-conjugated GLIS3 antibodies, the following controls are essential:
Negative controls:
Isotype control (FITC-conjugated IgG from same species as the GLIS3 antibody)
Secondary antibody-only control (if using indirect detection)
GLIS3 knockout or knockdown samples (ideally GLIS3-/- cells)
Positive controls:
Cell lines with known GLIS3 expression (e.g., pancreatic islet cells, thyroid tissue)
Overexpression systems (cells transfected with GLIS3 expression constructs)
Specificity controls:
Peptide competition assay using the immunizing peptide (GLIS3 aa 550-700)
Comparison with alternative GLIS3 antibody clones
In particular, GLIS3-/- mouse models have shown >95% reduction in NEUROG3-positive cells compared to wild-type controls, providing a strong validation system for antibody specificity .
For multiplexed imaging with FITC-conjugated GLIS3 antibodies, consider the following approach:
Compatible fluorophore selection:
FITC emission (green, ~520 nm) can be combined with:
Red fluorophores (e.g., Texas Red, Cy3) for transcription factors that colocalize with GLIS3
Far-red fluorophores (e.g., Cy5, Alexa Fluor 647) for additional markers
DAPI (blue) for nuclear counterstaining
Recommended multiplex combinations:
Sequential staining protocol:
Fix and permeabilize samples
Block with appropriate serum
Apply directly conjugated antibodies simultaneously if using different species
For same-species antibodies, use sequential staining with blocked fab fragments between steps
Controls for spectral overlap should be included to ensure proper separation of signals.
While FITC conjugation is not typically used for ChIP applications (as it may interfere with antigen binding), the following protocol adaptations can enable chromatin studies with GLIS3 antibodies:
ChIP-seq optimization:
Use unconjugated GLIS3 antibody for immunoprecipitation
Perform ChIP using 1-5 μg antibody per 25 μg chromatin
Focus on identified GLIS3 response elements (GLIS3REs), particularly the consensus sequence 5'-GACCACCCAC-3'
Known GLIS3 binding sites:
Data analysis parameters:
For visualization of GLIS3 binding post-ChIP, FITC-labeled secondary antibodies can be used in combination with confocal microscopy to correlate binding with nuclear architecture.
When encountering contradictory results in GLIS3 detection across developmental stages, employ these systematic troubleshooting approaches:
Developmental timing considerations:
Epitope masking resolution:
Different fixation protocols may mask the GLIS3 epitope
Test multiple antigen retrieval methods (heat-induced vs. enzymatic)
Consider using antibodies targeting different GLIS3 epitopes
Protein interaction effects:
Cross-validation approaches:
FITC-conjugated GLIS3 antibodies offer valuable tools for monitoring and optimizing stem cell differentiation protocols:
Differentiation monitoring:
GLIS3 has been shown to direct differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs)
Use FITC-conjugated GLIS3 antibodies for:
Flow cytometry to quantify GLIS3-expressing populations during differentiation
Live-cell sorting of GLIS3-positive progenitors
Time-lapse imaging to track GLIS3 expression dynamics
Pancreatic differentiation optimization:
Differentiation efficiency quantification:
Use flow cytometry with FITC-conjugated GLIS3 antibodies to determine percentage of cells expressing GLIS3 at each differentiation stage
Correlate GLIS3 expression patterns with functional maturation markers
Create quantitative benchmarks for successful differentiation based on GLIS3 signal intensity and localization
To rigorously validate GLIS3 antibody specificity, especially for FITC-conjugated variants, implement these validation strategies:
Genetic validation approaches:
GLIS3 knockout models: Complete absence of signal should be observed in GLIS3-/- samples
GLIS3 knockdown: Signal intensity should correlate with degree of knockdown
Overexpression systems: Increased signal should correspond with GLIS3 overexpression
Molecular validation methods:
Western blot: Confirm single band of appropriate molecular weight (~90 kDa)
Mass spectrometry: Verify immunoprecipitated protein identity
RNA-protein correlation: Compare antibody signal with mRNA expression levels
Performance metrics to assess:
Signal-to-noise ratio in positive vs. negative samples
Dynamic range of detection
Reproducibility across technical replicates
Consistency between antibody lots
Studies in GLIS3-/- mouse models have demonstrated >95% reduction in NEUROG3-positive cells, providing a benchmark for antibody validation in developmental contexts .
For enhancing detection of low-abundance GLIS3 protein, particularly in developmental contexts, consider these signal amplification strategies:
Enzymatic amplification methods:
Tyramide Signal Amplification (TSA): Can enhance FITC signal 10-50 fold
Implementation protocol:
Use biotinylated primary or secondary antibody
Add streptavidin-HRP
Apply FITC-tyramide substrate
Allow brief reaction (5-10 minutes)
Stop reaction and proceed with imaging
Multi-layer detection systems:
Primary antibody → Biotinylated secondary → Streptavidin-FITC
Each layer increases sensitivity approximately 2-3 fold
Signal-to-noise optimization:
Extended blocking (2-3 hours) with 5% serum + 1% BSA
Longer, more dilute primary antibody incubation (overnight at 4°C)
Inclusion of 0.1% Triton X-100 in wash buffers
For quantitative applications, generate standard curves using known quantities of recombinant GLIS3 protein to determine detection limits and linear range of amplified signals.
To maintain FITC fluorescence integrity in stained samples over extended periods, implement these preservation strategies:
Mounting medium selection:
Use anti-fade mounting media containing:
p-Phenylenediamine (PPD, 0.1-1%)
n-Propyl gallate (0.5%)
DABCO (1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane, 2.5%)
Commercial options: ProLong Gold, Vectashield, or FluorSave
Storage conditions optimization:
Temperature: -20°C for long-term storage
Humidity: Store with desiccant to prevent moisture
Light exposure: Shield from light using opaque containers
Seal edges of coverslips with nail polish to prevent oxidation
Stability enhancement timeline:
Short-term (1-7 days): 4°C in dark conditions
Medium-term (1-6 months): -20°C with anti-fade mounting media
Long-term (6+ months): -80°C after post-fixation with 4% PFA
Re-staining protocols:
For samples requiring re-examination after signal fading:
Remove coverslip in PBS
Wash extensively to remove mounting medium
Re-stain with freshly prepared FITC-conjugated antibody
Mount with fresh anti-fade medium
To establish meaningful correlations between GLIS3 expression and functional outcomes:
Image analysis parameters:
Nuclear intensity measurements (mean fluorescence intensity)
Nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio of GLIS3 signal
Percentage of GLIS3-positive cells in a population
Colocalization coefficients with interacting proteins (e.g., HNF6, FOXA2)
Functional correlation approaches:
Gene expression correlation: Measure expression of GLIS3 target genes (e.g., Neurog3) using qRT-PCR or RNA-seq
Reporter assays: Use GLIS3RE-driven reporters containing the consensus sequence (5'-GACCACCCAC-3')
Physiological outcomes: For pancreatic studies, correlate with insulin production or glucose responsiveness
Statistical analysis workflow:
Determine normality of data distribution
Apply appropriate parametric or non-parametric tests
Use regression analysis to establish quantitative relationships
Account for confounding variables through multivariate analysis
In developmental studies, correlate GLIS3 expression patterns with known benchmarks such as the 95% reduction in NEUROG3-positive cells observed in GLIS3-/- embryos at E12.5 .
For effective analysis of GLIS3 binding patterns from ChIP-seq data, implement these computational approaches:
Recommended analysis pipeline:
GLIS3 binding pattern characterization:
Integration with other genomic datasets:
RNA-seq to correlate binding with gene expression changes
ATAC-seq or DNase-seq to correlate with chromatin accessibility
Hi-C data to understand 3D chromatin organization around GLIS3 binding sites
Visualization tools:
UCSC Genome Browser for viewing binding profiles
IGV (Integrative Genomics Viewer) for detailed inspection
Heatmaps of binding intensity across different conditions
These approaches have successfully identified GLIS3 binding to WNT gene promoters and established GLIS3 as a transcriptional activator of WNT signaling .
To effectively integrate FITC-conjugated GLIS3 antibody detection with single-cell analysis:
Single-cell preparation optimization:
Gentle dissociation protocols to preserve nuclear integrity
Use of nuclear membrane stabilizers during fixation
Careful titration of antibody concentration to minimize background
Flow cytometry applications:
Single-cell sorting of GLIS3-FITC positive populations
Index sorting to correlate GLIS3 expression with subsequent single-cell RNA-seq
Protocol for pancreatic progenitors:
Dissociate tissue with TrypLE (15 min, 37°C)
Fix with 2% PFA (10 min, RT)
Permeabilize with 0.1% Triton X-100
Stain with FITC-conjugated GLIS3 antibody (1:100)
Sort cells based on GLIS3 expression levels
CyTOF (mass cytometry) integration:
Metal-tagged GLIS3 antibodies can provide higher multiplexing capacity
Comparison with FITC-conjugated antibodies shows similar detection patterns
Allows simultaneous detection of >30 markers
Single-cell sequencing correlation:
GLIS3-positive cells can be indexed and subjected to scRNA-seq
GLIS3 protein levels (by FITC intensity) can be correlated with mRNA expression
Regulatory network reconstruction by combining protein and RNA data
This integrated approach is particularly valuable for studying heterogeneous populations during pancreatic development and disease progression.
A systematic comparison of GLIS3 detection methods reveals distinct advantages and limitations:
| Detection Method | Sensitivity | Specificity | Quantification | Live Cell Compatible | Spatial Resolution | Temporal Resolution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FITC-conjugated antibody | Moderate-High | High | Semi-quantitative | No (fixed cells) | High (~200 nm) | Snapshot only |
| Unconjugated primary + FITC secondary | High | High | Semi-quantitative | No | High | Snapshot only |
| GLIS3-GFP fusion protein | Moderate | Variable | Quantitative | Yes | High | Real-time |
| RNA FISH for GLIS3 mRNA | High | High | Quantitative | Limited | High | Snapshot only |
| ChIP-seq | Low-Moderate | Very High | Semi-quantitative | No | Genomic only | Snapshot only |
| Western blot | Moderate | High | Semi-quantitative | No | None | Snapshot only |
FITC-conjugated antibodies offer a balance of specificity and sensitivity, with the advantage of single-step staining protocols. For developmental studies, combining FITC-conjugated GLIS3 antibodies with lineage markers has proven particularly effective for tracking differentiation trajectories.
FITC-conjugated GLIS3 antibodies offer specific advantages in developmental biology research contexts:
Embryonic pancreas development studies:
Track GLIS3 expression during critical developmental windows (E12.5-E13.5)
Monitor co-expression with NEUROG3 to evaluate proper endocrine lineage specification
Assess dysregulation in diabetic models
Application protocol:
Section embryonic pancreatic tissue (5-8 μm)
Perform heat-mediated antigen retrieval
Block with 10% serum
Apply FITC-conjugated GLIS3 antibody (1:50-1:100)
Counterstain with DAPI and markers of interest
Stem cell differentiation monitoring:
Quantify GLIS3 expression during directed differentiation protocols
Isolate GLIS3-positive progenitor populations
Validate proper developmental trajectory toward pancreatic lineages
Organ morphogenesis assessment:
Beyond pancreas, GLIS3 plays roles in kidney, liver, and thyroid development
FITC-conjugated antibodies allow simultaneous assessment of GLIS3 with tissue-specific markers
These applications have been instrumental in establishing GLIS3's role in pancreatic islet differentiation via direct transactivation of Neurog3, providing insights into neonatal diabetes pathogenesis .
FITC-conjugated GLIS3 antibodies can help resolve conflicting genomic data through these integrated approaches:
Protein-centric validation of genomic findings:
Use FITC-conjugated GLIS3 antibodies to verify:
Protein expression corresponds with mRNA levels
Protein localization matches predicted function
Developmental timing of expression aligns with genomic data
Multi-omics integration strategies:
Combine FITC-GLIS3 immunofluorescence with:
Single-cell RNA-seq to correlate protein and mRNA at cellular level
ChIP-seq to confirm binding at predicted target sites
ATAC-seq to correlate GLIS3 binding with chromatin accessibility
Specific conflict resolution approaches:
For discrepancies in temporal expression:
Perform detailed time-course experiments with FITC-GLIS3 antibodies
Compare with mRNA dynamics using RT-PCR or RNA-seq
For binding site conflicts:
Combine FITC-GLIS3 immunofluorescence with DNA FISH to visualize co-localization
Perform sequential ChIP followed by immunofluorescence validation
Case study: GLIS3-Neurog3 regulatory axis:
ChIP experiments have identified multiple GLIS3REs in the Neurog3 promoter
Using FITC-GLIS3 antibodies to track protein expression in wild-type vs. mutant models provides functional validation of genomic binding data
This approach confirmed that GLIS3 directly transactivates Neurog3, resolving previously conflicting models of pancreatic endocrine lineage specification