GREM1 (Gremlin-1) is a secreted glycoprotein that functions as a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonist. It belongs to the DAN family of BMP antagonists and is also known as CKTSF1B1, DAND2, and DRM. GREM1 has a molecular weight of approximately 20.7 kDa . Biologically, GREM1 plays crucial roles in:
Embryonic development and organogenesis
Regulation of cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation
Modulation of BMP signaling pathways
Regulation of tissue homeostasis
Involvement in carcinogenesis and fibrotic processes
Recent research has identified GREM1 as being highly expressed in bladder cancer tissues, with expression levels correlating with tumor stage, grade, and patient prognosis . Additionally, GREM1 has been implicated in metabolic disorders, though anti-GREM1 treatment did not demonstrate efficacy in reducing liver inflammation or fibrosis .
For GREM1 Antibody, HRP conjugated (e.g., product CSB-PA009892LB01HU), the recommended storage conditions are:
Upon receipt, store at -20°C or -80°C
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, as this can compromise antibody integrity
The antibody is typically formulated in a storage buffer containing 50% glycerol, 0.01M PBS (pH 7.4), and 0.03% Proclin 300 as a preservative
For long-term storage, aliquoting the antibody into smaller volumes is advisable to minimize freeze-thaw cycles. Always maintain the cold chain when handling the antibody to preserve its activity.
| Application | Suitability | Optimization Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| ELISA | Highly suitable | Optimal dilution typically 1:1000-1:5000 |
| Western Blot | Variable (depends on antibody) | May require optimization of blocking conditions |
| Immunohistochemistry | Available for some antibodies | Antigen retrieval method critical |
| Immunofluorescence | Available for some antibodies | Secondary antibody selection important |
When selecting a GREM1 antibody for a specific application, verify the validated applications provided by the manufacturer. For the HRP-conjugated version, it's particularly well-suited for direct detection in ELISA without the need for secondary antibodies .
Validating antibody specificity is crucial for obtaining reliable research results. For GREM1 Antibody, consider the following validation approaches:
Positive and negative controls:
Knockdown or knockout verification:
Peptide competition assay:
Pre-incubate the antibody with excess recombinant GREM1 protein
The specific signal should be significantly reduced or eliminated
Molecular weight verification:
Multiple antibody approach:
Use two different GREM1 antibodies targeting different epitopes
Concordant results increase confidence in specificity
When using GREM1 Antibody, HRP conjugated in ELISA, consider the following methodological recommendations:
Sample preparation:
For tissue samples: Prepare homogenates in appropriate lysis buffer with protease inhibitors
For cell culture supernatants: Centrifuge to remove cellular debris
For serum/plasma: Dilute samples appropriately (typically 1:10 to 1:100)
Coating and blocking:
Coat wells with capture antibody or sample (depending on ELISA format)
Block with 1-5% BSA or non-fat milk in PBS for 1-2 hours at room temperature
Antibody dilution:
Determine optimal working dilution by titration
Typical starting dilution for HRP-conjugated antibodies: 1:1000 to 1:5000
Dilute in blocking buffer to reduce background
Detection and visualization:
Use TMB, ABTS, or other HRP substrates for colorimetric detection
Add stop solution after appropriate development time
Measure absorbance at appropriate wavelength (typically 450nm for TMB)
Controls:
Include standard curve using recombinant GREM1 protein
Include blank wells (no sample) to assess background
Consider including a positive control sample with known GREM1 content
Optimization tips:
Adjust coating buffer pH to optimize antigen binding
Optimize antibody incubation time and temperature
Consider adding 0.05% Tween-20 to wash buffers to reduce non-specific binding
GREM1 has been implicated in cancer progression, particularly in bladder cancer. Here's a methodological approach to investigate its role:
Expression analysis:
Functional studies:
Signaling pathway analysis:
EMT marker assessment:
In vivo models:
Establish xenograft models with GREM1-overexpressing or GREM1-knockdown cancer cells
Monitor tumor growth, metastasis, and response to therapeutics
Analyze tumor samples for pathway activation and EMT marker expression
GREM1 functions as a BMP antagonist, making the study of its interactions with BMP signaling components crucial. Consider these methodological approaches:
Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP):
Use GREM1 Antibody to pull down GREM1 and associated proteins
Probe for BMP2, BMP4, or BMP7 in the immunoprecipitated complex
Alternatively, immunoprecipitate BMP proteins and probe for GREM1
Proximity ligation assay (PLA):
Detect protein-protein interactions in situ in fixed cells or tissues
Requires antibodies against GREM1 and BMPs from different species
Provides spatial information about interaction sites within cells
Functional reporter assays:
Utilize BMP-responsive element (BRE) luciferase reporter systems
Assess how GREM1 manipulation affects BMP-induced luciferase activity
Can evaluate effects of GREM1 on different BMP ligands specifically
Analysis of downstream signaling:
RNA-seq or qPCR analysis:
Evaluate expression changes in BMP target genes following GREM1 manipulation
Focus on genes like ID1, ID2, SMAD6, SMAD7, which are direct BMP targets
Analysis can reveal the extent and specificity of GREM1's antagonism toward different BMP ligands
Based on research findings, particularly in bladder cancer, GREM1 expression correlates significantly with clinical outcomes:
When encountering problems with GREM1 Antibody, HRP conjugated, consider these troubleshooting approaches:
Weak signal issues:
Increase antibody concentration (use titration to determine optimal concentration)
Extend incubation time or adjust temperature
Enhance detection system (longer substrate development, more sensitive substrate)
Check sample preparation (protein degradation, insufficient extraction)
Verify storage conditions of antibody (degradation due to improper storage)
High background or non-specific binding:
Increase blocking time or concentration (5% BSA or milk instead of 1-3%)
Add 0.05-0.1% Tween-20 to wash buffers and increase washing steps
Reduce antibody concentration
Pre-absorb antibody with non-specific proteins
Filter buffers to remove particulates
Cross-reactivity concerns:
Verify antibody specificity using knockdown/knockout controls
Perform peptide competition assays
Check for homologous proteins that might cross-react
Consider using more specific antibodies if available
Optimization matrix approach:
Systematically vary key parameters (antibody dilution, incubation time, temperature)
Document all changes and results to identify optimal conditions
Once optimized, maintain consistent protocols
When incorporating GREM1 Antibody into multiplex analyses (detecting multiple targets simultaneously), consider these methodological recommendations:
Antibody compatibility:
Ensure antibodies are from different host species to avoid cross-reactivity
If using multiple antibodies from the same species, use directly conjugated antibodies with different fluorophores
Test for cross-reactivity between secondary antibodies
Signal separation:
For fluorescent detection, choose fluorophores with minimal spectral overlap
For chromogenic detection, ensure clear visual distinction between signals
For HRP-conjugated antibodies, consider sequential detection with different substrates
Panel design considerations:
Balance between number of targets and signal clarity
Include proper single-stain controls for each antibody
Include unstained controls to assess autofluorescence
Sample preparation:
Optimize fixation and permeabilization to accommodate all targets
Consider antigen retrieval methods compatible with all targets
Use blocking reagents that reduce background for all antibodies in the panel
Data analysis:
Account for spectral overlap through compensation (flow cytometry) or unmixing (imaging)
Establish robust gating or thresholding strategies
Consider advanced analysis tools for high-dimensional data (tSNE, UMAP)
Understanding cell-specific expression of GREM1 is crucial for experimental design. Based on current research:
Primary cell types expressing GREM1:
Experimental design implications:
Select appropriate cell models based on research question
Consider co-culture systems to study interactions between GREM1-producing and GREM1-responsive cells
Evaluate primary cells versus cell lines for physiological relevance
Tissue expression patterns:
Cell isolation and purification strategies:
FACS sorting based on cell-specific markers to isolate GREM1-expressing cells
Laser capture microdissection to isolate specific regions from tissue sections
Magnetic bead separation for specific cell populations
Validation approaches:
In situ hybridization to confirm mRNA expression in specific cell types
Dual immunofluorescence to co-localize GREM1 with cell-type specific markers
Single-cell RNA sequencing to comprehensively map expression across cell types
For quantitative assessment of GREM1 protein in tissue samples, consider these methodological approaches:
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) quantification:
Use digital image analysis software to quantify staining intensity
Develop a consistent scoring system (e.g., H-score = percentage × intensity)
Include internal controls for normalization across samples
Consider automated platforms for higher throughput and objectivity
Western blot analysis:
Standardize protein extraction protocols for tissue homogenates
Include loading controls (β-actin, GAPDH) for normalization
Use densitometry software for band quantification
Create standard curves with recombinant GREM1 for absolute quantification
ELISA-based quantification:
Homogenize tissue samples in appropriate buffer with protease inhibitors
Develop standard curves using recombinant GREM1
Consider sandwich ELISA for higher specificity
Account for matrix effects in tissue homogenates
Mass spectrometry approaches:
Targeted MS approaches for absolute quantification
Incorporate labeled internal standards
Sample fractionation to reduce complexity
Data analysis using specialized software for protein quantification
Multiplex protein assays:
Luminex or similar bead-based assays for simultaneous quantification of multiple proteins
Correlate GREM1 levels with other biomarkers or signaling molecules
Establish normalization strategies across different protein targets