GSDMA (Gasdermin A) is a pore-forming protein critical for pyroptosis, a form of inflammatory cell death. The Biotin-conjugated GSDMA antibody enables targeted detection of this protein through its high-affinity binding to biotin-streptavidin systems, enhancing sensitivity in assays like Western blot (WB) and immunohistochemistry (IHC).
This antibody is validated for multiple techniques, with recommended dilution ranges:
Pyroptosis Mechanism: GSDMA is cleaved by Streptococcus pyogenes protease SpeB, releasing its N-terminal pore-forming domain. This triggers pyroptosis, preventing bacterial invasion .
Membrane Binding: The N-terminal fragment binds cardiolipin and phosphatidylserine, forming 10–15 nm pores in membranes .
Western Blot: Detected GSDMA in HeLa cells transfected with human GSDMA (DDDDK-tagged) at 49 kDa .
IHC: Strong staining in squamous epithelia of mouse stomach and human skin, confirming tissue-specific expression .
The Biotin-conjugated variant offers distinct advantages:
GSDMA belongs to the gasdermin family of proteins, which comprises five members (GSDMA-GSDME) in humans. These proteins are predominantly expressed in the skin, mucosa, and immune sentinel cells and function as key executioners of inflammatory cell death, specifically pyroptosis . GSDMA is particularly noted for its role in inducing apoptosis . Gasdermins are pore-forming proteins that, upon activation, create membrane pores leading to cellular swelling, membrane rupture, and release of cellular contents including pro-inflammatory cytokines. This process recruits immune cells to infection sites and promotes protective immunity . Unlike some other gasdermin family members such as GSDMD, which has been specifically demonstrated to provide protection against oral Salmonella infection , the precise physiological and pathological roles of GSDMA continue to be an active area of investigation.
Biotin-conjugated GSDMA polyclonal antibodies, such as the bs-16331r-biotin variant, are generated from rabbits immunized with KLH-conjugated synthetic peptides derived from human GSDMA . These antibodies typically:
Target specific epitopes within the GSDMA protein (immunogen range often between amino acids 21-120 of the 445 amino acid protein)
Demonstrate reactivity with mouse and rat GSDMA, with predicted cross-reactivity to human, dog, cow, and horse GSDMA proteins
Maintain a concentration of approximately 1μg/μl
Are stored in aqueous buffered solutions containing TBS (pH 7.4) with BSA, preservatives, and glycerol
Require storage at -20°C for optimal stability (shelf life of approximately 12 months)
Have applications in Western Blotting, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry techniques
The biotin conjugation provides significant advantages for detection sensitivity and versatility when used with avidin/streptavidin detection systems, making these antibodies particularly valuable for complex tissue analysis or low-abundance protein detection scenarios.
The optimal antibody dilution varies significantly depending on the specific application, sample type, and detection method. Based on technical specifications for GSDMA antibodies, the following dilution ranges are recommended:
| Application | Recommended Dilution Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Western Blotting (WB) | 1:300-5000 | Higher dilutions may be suitable for high-abundance samples |
| ELISA | 1:500-1000 | More consistent results with lower dilution variability |
| Immunohistochemistry (Paraffin, IHC-P) | 1:200-400 | May require antigen retrieval optimization |
| Immunohistochemistry (Frozen, IHC-F) | 1:100-500 | Generally requires less concentrated antibody than paraffin sections |
When investigating GSDMA's role in pyroptosis using biotin-conjugated antibodies, consider this methodological approach:
Experimental Design:
Use appropriate cell models that express GSDMA (skin epithelial cells, certain immune cells)
Include both positive controls (cells known to express GSDMA) and negative controls (GSDMA-knockout cells or tissues)
Design time-course experiments to capture the dynamic process of pyroptosis
Induction of Pyroptosis:
Treat cells with known pyroptosis inducers (e.g., canonical inflammasome activators)
Monitor morphological changes characteristic of pyroptosis (cell swelling, membrane rupture)
Detection Methods:
Immunofluorescence with biotin-conjugated GSDMA antibodies (1:100-200 dilution) followed by streptavidin-conjugated fluorophores to visualize GSDMA localization before and during pyroptosis
Western blotting to detect GSDMA processing (look for both full-length ~49 kDa and cleaved N-terminal fragments)
Flow cytometry to quantify cells undergoing pyroptosis in correlation with GSDMA expression
Co-localization studies with membrane markers to assess pore formation
Functional Validation:
This comprehensive approach allows for thorough characterization of GSDMA's role in pyroptotic cell death while leveraging the enhanced sensitivity provided by biotin-conjugated antibodies.
Investigating gasdermin family cross-talk requires sophisticated experimental approaches. Biotin-conjugated GSDMA antibodies offer several methodological advantages:
Multiplex Immunofluorescence Analysis:
Utilize biotin-conjugated GSDMA antibodies in combination with directly-labeled antibodies against other gasdermin family members
Employ streptavidin conjugated to spectrally distinct fluorophores (e.g., far-red) to differentiate GSDMA from other gasdermins labeled with green or red fluorophores
This approach allows simultaneous visualization of multiple gasdermin family members within the same cellular compartments
Sequential Immunoprecipitation Strategy:
First, immunoprecipitate with biotin-conjugated GSDMA antibodies using streptavidin beads
Analyze precipitates for co-precipitating gasdermin family members by Western blotting
Follow with reverse co-immunoprecipitation using antibodies against other gasdermins
This reciprocal approach helps validate authentic protein-protein interactions
Proximity Ligation Assays (PLA):
Combine biotin-conjugated GSDMA antibodies with primary antibodies against other gasdermin family members
Use streptavidin-conjugated PLA probes together with secondary antibody-conjugated PLA probes
This method generates fluorescent signals only when proteins are in close proximity (<40 nm), providing spatial evidence of potential interactions
Functional Cross-talk Analysis:
In models with selective knockdown of individual gasdermins, use biotin-conjugated GSDMA antibodies to assess whether GSDMA localization, processing, or activity changes when other family members are absent
Employ purified recombinant gasdermins with biotin-labeled GSDMA to study direct interactions in cell-free systems
These approaches can reveal whether different gasdermin family members work cooperatively, competitively, or independently in executing pyroptosis across different cellular contexts and inflammatory stimuli.
When analyzing co-localization data from immunohistochemistry experiments using biotin-conjugated GSDMA antibodies, researchers should address several critical considerations:
High background is a common challenge when using biotin-conjugated antibodies in immunohistochemistry. To resolve this issue with GSDMA biotin-conjugated antibodies, consider implementing these methodological approaches:
Address Endogenous Biotin Interference:
Implement an avidin-biotin blocking step before primary antibody incubation
Commercially available kits provide sequential application of avidin (binds endogenous biotin) followed by biotin (saturates remaining avidin binding sites)
This is particularly crucial for biotin-rich tissues such as liver, kidney, and brain
Optimize Blocking Protocol:
Extend blocking time to 1-2 hours at room temperature
Use a combination of normal serum (5-10%) from the species of the secondary antibody
Add 0.1-0.3% Triton X-100 for better penetration in fixed tissues
Include 1% BSA to reduce nonspecific protein interactions
Consider specialized blocking reagents like Mouse-on-Mouse blocking solutions if using mouse tissues
Antibody Dilution and Incubation Adjustments:
Test a broader dilution series beyond the recommended 1:200-400 range for IHC-P
Increase antibody dilution gradually if background persists
Switch to overnight incubation at 4°C instead of shorter room temperature incubation
Implement additional washing steps (at least 3 x 10 minutes) with gentle agitation
Detection System Modifications:
Try different streptavidin conjugates if one gives high background
Consider using streptavidin conjugates with smaller reporter molecules
Dilute the streptavidin conjugate further than recommended
Use tyramide signal amplification only when absolutely necessary for low-abundance targets, as it can amplify background
Consider alternative detection methods if biotin-based systems consistently yield high background
Employing these strategies systematically while changing one variable at a time will help identify the source of background issues and optimize protocols for clean, specific staining with biotin-conjugated GSDMA antibodies.
When faced with discrepancies between Western blot (WB) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) results using biotin-conjugated GSDMA antibodies, researchers should systematically investigate several potential explanations:
Epitope Accessibility Differences:
In WB, proteins are denatured, exposing all epitopes
In IHC, epitopes may be partially masked by protein folding or interactions
Solution: Try different antigen retrieval methods for IHC (heat-induced vs. enzymatic)
Test multiple GSDMA antibodies targeting different epitopes (N-terminal vs. C-terminal regions)
Protein Modification Status:
Post-translational modifications may differ between lysed samples and fixed tissues
Phosphorylation, cleavage, or complex formation can affect antibody recognition
Solution: Use phosphatase treatment on some samples to assess impact of phosphorylation
Compare native vs. reducing conditions in WB to evaluate complex formation
Cross-Reactivity Profiles:
Create a validation table comparing reactivity across applications:
| Sample Type | Expected MW | WB Result | IHC Result | Possible Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mouse liver | 49 kDa | Positive | Negative | Epitope masking in tissue |
| Human skin | 49 kDa | Weak band | Strong signal | Enrichment in specific cell types |
| COLO 320 cells | 49 kDa | Multiple bands | Diffuse staining | Potential degradation products |
Methodological Troubleshooting:
For WB discrepancies:
Verify protein transfer efficiency with reversible staining
Try gradient gels to better resolve GSDMA (49 kDa)
Increase blocking stringency to reduce non-specific bands
Use positive control lysates known to express GSDMA
For IHC discrepancies:
Optimize fixation time (overfixation can mask epitopes)
Try fresh frozen sections if formalin-fixed samples give poor results
Employ signal amplification systems for low abundance detection
Test biotin blocking systems to reduce background
Biological Context Considerations:
By systematically addressing these variables, researchers can better understand the source of discrepancies and determine which application provides the most reliable data for their specific research question.
Designing experiments to investigate GSDMA's role in disease models requires a comprehensive approach leveraging the advantages of biotin-conjugated antibodies:
Disease Model Selection and Validation:
Choose models relevant to GSDMA's known expression pattern (epithelial tissues, skin, mucosa)
Consider models of inflammatory conditions, epithelial barrier dysfunction, or cancer
Validate GSDMA expression in your model system before extensive experimentation
Compare GSDMA expression patterns between healthy and diseased states using biotin-conjugated antibodies at 1:200-400 dilution for IHC-P
Multi-parametric Analysis Strategy:
Implement sequential tissue staining protocols:
First round: Biotin-conjugated GSDMA antibody with streptavidin-fluorophore detection
Second round: Antibodies against disease markers or immune cell populations
Digital image analysis to correlate GSDMA localization with disease progression
Combine with laser capture microdissection to isolate GSDMA-positive regions for molecular analysis
Functional Assessment Methods:
Genetic approaches:
Generate conditional GSDMA knockout models using Cre-lox system
Employ CRISPR/Cas9 for cell line modifications
Use inducible overexpression systems to study dosage effects
Pharmacological approaches:
Test pyroptosis inhibitors in disease models
Assess effects on GSDMA processing and localization
Real-time monitoring:
Employ live-cell imaging with membrane integrity markers
Measure inflammatory cytokine release in correlation with GSDMA activation
Translational Research Considerations:
For potential clinical correlations:
Apply biotin-conjugated GSDMA antibodies to patient-derived xenografts
Analyze GSDMA expression in tissue microarrays of patient samples
Correlate GSDMA expression patterns with clinical outcomes
Compare with other gasdermin family members to assess potential redundancy or specialized functions, similar to approaches used in studying GSDMD's protective role against Salmonella infection
Controls and Validation Framework:
Positive controls: Include tissues known to express GSDMA (stomach, skin)
Negative controls: Use tissues from GSDMA-knockout models
Antibody validation: Confirm specificity through peptide competition assays
Independent verification: Validate key findings with alternative detection methods beyond biotin-streptavidin systems
This comprehensive experimental framework allows researchers to thoroughly investigate GSDMA's role in disease pathophysiology while maximizing the detection sensitivity offered by biotin-conjugated antibodies.
Multiplex immunofluorescence studies with biotin-conjugated GSDMA antibodies require careful experimental design and execution:
By addressing these considerations systematically, researchers can obtain reliable multiplex data that reveals the complex relationships between GSDMA and other components of pyroptotic pathways across different biological contexts.
Biotin-conjugated GSDMA antibodies can serve as valuable tools for comparative studies investigating gasdermin evolution across species. This research direction involves several methodological considerations:
Cross-Species Reactivity Assessment:
Systematic testing of biotin-conjugated GSDMA antibodies across tissues from different species:
Mammalian models (mouse, rat, human, non-human primates)
Non-mammalian vertebrates (zebrafish, chickens)
Evolutionary distant organisms where gasdermin homologs are predicted
Create a comprehensive cross-reactivity profile based on epitope conservation:
| Species | GSDMA Homolog | Epitope Conservation | Reactivity with Anti-human GSDMA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human | GSDMA | 100% (reference) | Strong (WB, IHC) |
| Mouse | Gsdma1-3 | 78-85% | Moderate (WB, IHC) |
| Rat | Gsdma | 76% | Moderate (WB) |
| Dog | GSDMA | 80% (predicted) | Weak (predicted) |
| Zebrafish | gsdmea | <60% | Not expected |
Structural and Functional Conservation Analysis:
Immunoprecipitation with biotin-conjugated antibodies followed by mass spectrometry to identify species-specific binding partners
Comparative immunohistochemistry to map expression patterns across homologous tissues
Functional assays to assess conservation of pore-forming activity:
Liposome leakage assays with immunopurified GSDMA from different species
Cell permeabilization studies in heterologous expression systems
Evolutionary Divergence Mapping:
Epitope mapping using peptide arrays to identify conserved and divergent regions
Correlation of antibody reactivity with phylogenetic distances
Investigation of selective pressures (positive/negative selection) on specific GSDMA domains
Comparative analysis with other gasdermin family members (GSDMB, GSDMD) to understand family evolution
Technical Advantages of Biotin Conjugation:
Enhanced sensitivity for detecting low-abundance homologs
Versatility across detection platforms
Potential for retrieving gasdermin-containing complexes for evolutionary proteomics
Compatibility with archived/fixed specimens from diverse species
Experimental Design Considerations:
This evolutionary approach could reveal insights into how pyroptotic mechanisms evolved across species and help identify conserved functional domains that might represent targets for therapeutic intervention in gasdermin-mediated diseases.
Investigating GSDMA-membrane interactions presents unique challenges that require specialized approaches leveraging biotin-conjugated antibodies:
In Vitro Membrane System Analyses:
Liposome binding assays:
Prepare liposomes with varying lipid compositions
Incubate with recombinant GSDMA or cell lysates
Detect bound GSDMA using biotin-conjugated antibodies and streptavidin-fluorophores
Quantify binding by fluorescence intensity measurements
Supported lipid bilayer (SLB) systems:
Create SLBs on glass surfaces with defined composition
Visualize GSDMA binding and oligomerization using total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy
Use biotin-conjugated antibodies with quantum dot-conjugated streptavidin for single-molecule tracking
Cellular Membrane Interaction Studies:
Live-cell surface labeling:
Use non-permeabilizing conditions to detect plasma membrane-associated GSDMA
Apply biotin-conjugated antibodies to live cells followed by streptavidin-fluorophore detection
Compare surface labeling before/after pyroptosis induction
Membrane fractionation approach:
Separate cellular membranes through ultracentrifugation
Analyze GSDMA distribution across fractions by Western blotting
Correlate with membrane lipid composition analysis
Super-resolution Microscopy Techniques:
STORM/PALM imaging:
Use biotin-conjugated GSDMA antibodies with photoswitchable fluorophore-conjugated streptavidin
Visualize nanoscale organization of GSDMA pores in membranes
Achieve 10-20 nm resolution of GSDMA structures
Correlative light-electron microscopy:
Locate GSDMA using biotin-conjugated antibodies and gold-conjugated streptavidin
Correlate with membrane ultrastructure at electron microscopy level
Lipid Interaction Specificity Assessment:
Lipid strip/array binding assays:
Incubate recombinant GSDMA with membranes containing spotted lipids
Detect binding using biotin-conjugated antibodies
Compare binding profiles with other gasdermin family members
Functional relevance to pore formation:
Advanced Biophysical Approaches:
Surface plasmon resonance (SPR):
Immobilize lipid membranes on sensor chips
Measure GSDMA binding kinetics in real-time
Validate specificity using biotin-conjugated antibodies
Atomic force microscopy (AFM):
These methodological approaches provide complementary insights into the mechanisms by which GSDMA interacts with and potentially disrupts cellular membranes, advancing our understanding of its role in pyroptotic cell death pathways.
Biotin-conjugated GSDMA antibodies offer unique advantages for high-throughput screening (HTS) in drug discovery focused on pyroptosis modulation:
Assay Development for Primary Screening:
Cell-based ELISA approaches:
Seed cells in 384-well plates and treat with compound libraries
Fix and permeabilize cells at various timepoints
Detect GSDMA cleavage or membrane translocation using biotin-conjugated antibodies
Quantify using HRP-streptavidin and colorimetric/chemiluminescent substrates
Automated immunofluorescence platforms:
Employ biotin-conjugated GSDMA antibodies with fluorescent streptavidin conjugates
Multiplex with markers for cell viability and membrane integrity
Analyze using high-content imaging systems for multiple parameters:
GSDMA subcellular localization
Evidence of pore formation
Cell morphological changes
Quantitative intensity measurements
Hit Validation Methodologies:
Dose-response characterization:
Test hits across concentration ranges (nM to μM)
Quantify GSDMA cleavage, oligomerization, and membrane translocation
Establish EC50/IC50 values for GSDMA modulation
Mechanism of action studies:
Immunoprecipitation using biotin-conjugated GSDMA antibodies to assess compound effects on protein interactions
In-cell target engagement assays to confirm direct binding to GSDMA
Counter-screening against other gasdermin family members to assess selectivity
Advanced Screening Applications:
FRET-based assays:
Design systems using biotin-conjugated GSDMA antibodies paired with fluorophore-labeled streptavidin
Monitor conformational changes or protein-protein interactions in real-time
Enables kinetic measurements suitable for HTS platforms
Surface plasmon resonance screening:
Immobilize biotin-conjugated GSDMA antibodies on streptavidin sensor chips
Screen for compounds that alter GSDMA binding to membrane components
Provides binding kinetics data for hit compounds
Translational Research Integration:
Patient-derived cell screening:
Apply biotin-conjugated GSDMA antibody assays to primary cells from patients
Profile drug responses across diverse genetic backgrounds
Identify patient-specific modulators of GSDMA activity
In vivo efficacy validation:
This integration of biotin-conjugated GSDMA antibodies into drug discovery workflows provides opportunities to identify novel therapeutic candidates targeting pyroptotic cell death pathways, with potential applications in inflammatory disorders, infection, and cancer.
Single-cell analysis with biotin-conjugated GSDMA antibodies requires specialized methodological considerations to obtain reliable, high-resolution data:
Single-Cell Protein Analysis Approaches:
Mass cytometry (CyTOF) integration:
Conjugate GSDMA antibodies with biotin for metal-tagged streptavidin detection
Combine with up to 40 additional cellular markers
Establish optimal staining concentrations through titration (typically higher dilution than flow cytometry)
Implement proper barcoding strategies for batch processing
Single-cell Western blotting:
Capture single cells in microwell arrays
Perform in-situ lysis, protein separation, and immobilization
Probe with biotin-conjugated GSDMA antibodies
Detect using fluorescent streptavidin conjugates
Multimodal Single-Cell Analysis:
CITE-seq compatibility:
Convert biotin-conjugated antibodies to oligonucleotide-tagged versions
Simultaneously profile GSDMA protein levels and transcriptome
Correlate protein expression with mRNA abundance at single-cell resolution
Spatial transcriptomics integration:
Use biotin-conjugated GSDMA antibodies in sequential immunofluorescence
Overlay with spatial transcriptomics data
Create multimodal maps of GSDMA expression and activation states in tissue context
Technical Optimization for Single-Cell Applications:
Signal amplification strategies:
Tyramide signal amplification for low-abundance detection
Proximity ligation assays for detecting protein-protein interactions
Rolling circle amplification for enhanced sensitivity
Background reduction approaches:
Cell-specific autofluorescence profiling and computational removal
Optimized fixation protocols to preserve epitopes while reducing background
Careful titration to identify minimal antibody concentration for specific signal
Analytical Considerations:
Data normalization approaches:
Use stable housekeeping proteins as internal controls
Implement bead-based standards for cross-experiment calibration
Apply computational methods to correct batch effects
High-dimensional data analysis:
Unsupervised clustering to identify cell populations based on GSDMA and other markers
Trajectory analysis to map GSDMA activation during cell death processes
Visualization techniques (tSNE, UMAP) to represent complex single-cell data
Validation Framework:
Orthogonal validation:
Compare single-cell protein measurements with bulk analysis
Validate key findings using genetic approaches (CRISPR knockout)
Correlate GSDMA activation with functional readouts at single-cell level
Technical controls:
Addressing these methodological considerations enables researchers to generate robust single-cell data on GSDMA expression, localization, and activation states, providing unprecedented insights into the heterogeneity of pyroptotic responses across cell populations.