The HADHB antibody is a research tool designed to detect the hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase trifunctional protein subunit beta (HADHB), a mitochondrial enzyme critical for fatty acid beta-oxidation. HADHB forms part of the mitochondrial trifunctional enzyme (MTP) complex, which catalyzes the last three steps of long-chain fatty acid metabolism. Antibodies targeting HADHB are widely used in molecular biology to study its role in energy metabolism, cancer, and mitochondrial disorders.
Western Blot (WB): Commonly used to detect HADHB protein expression in cell lysates and tissue samples. Antibodies like Proteintech’s 29091-1-AP (rabbit IgG) and Abcam’s ab230667 (rabbit polyclonal) are validated for this application .
Immunohistochemistry (IHC): Used to localize HADHB in tissues, such as human stomach or colon cancer samples. Antigen retrieval with TE buffer (pH 9.0) or citrate buffer (pH 6.0) is recommended .
Immunofluorescence (IF/ICC): Detects mitochondrial HADHB localization in cells, as demonstrated with Proteintech’s 67967-1-Ig (mouse IgG2b) .
Cancer Studies: HADHB antibodies have been used to investigate its tumor-suppressive role in stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) and colorectal cancer. Upregulation of HADHB inhibits tumor growth by regulating the Hippo-YAP signaling pathway .
Mitochondrial Disorders: Mutations in HADHB are linked to mitochondrial trifunctional protein deficiency, a fatty acid oxidation disorder. Antibodies like ab230667 are used to diagnose or study such mutations .
HADHB is essential for long-chain fatty acid oxidation, a process critical for energy production in tissues like the heart and liver. Its dysfunction leads to metabolic disorders, including mitochondrial trifunctional protein deficiency .
In stomach adenocarcinoma, low HADHB expression correlates with tumor progression. Overexpression of HADHB inhibits cell proliferation and migration by activating the Hippo-YAP pathway, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target .
HADHB interacts with estrogen receptor beta (ERβ), which regulates its enzymatic activity. ERβ knockdown enhances HADHB’s thiolytic cleavage activity, indicating a functional link between nuclear receptors and mitochondrial metabolism .
HADHB is the beta subunit of the mitochondrial trifunctional enzyme that catalyzes the last three reactions of the mitochondrial beta-oxidation pathway, which is the major energy-producing process in tissues. This pathway breaks down fatty acids into acetyl-CoA through four consecutive reactions . HADHB has several alternative names including TP-beta, Acetyl-CoA acyltransferase, and Beta-ketothiolase . It has a calculated molecular weight of 51 kDa, though the observed molecular weight in experimental conditions ranges from 47-52 kDa depending on the antibody used .
The protein is critical in research focusing on:
Mitochondrial energy metabolism
Fatty acid oxidation disorders
Metabolic diseases
Cancer metabolism
Adipocyte regulation
Mutations in the HADHB gene can cause mitochondrial trifunctional protein (MTP) deficiency, a serious disorder affecting fatty acid metabolism that can manifest with peripheral neuropathy and brain dysfunction .
The choice between monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies should be based on your specific experimental requirements:
Monoclonal antibodies (e.g., 67967-1-Ig):
Provide higher specificity for a single epitope
Offer greater consistency between batches
Recommended dilution for WB: 1:5000-1:50000
Ideal for quantitative analysis and applications requiring high reproducibility
Polyclonal antibodies (e.g., 29091-1-AP):
Recognize multiple epitopes of HADHB
Generally provide higher sensitivity
Recommended dilution for WB: 1:1000-1:8000
Better for detecting denatured proteins or in applications where the epitope might be partially masked
For novel research questions or when working with challenging samples, begin with a well-validated polyclonal antibody. For precise quantification or when absolute specificity is essential, a characterized monoclonal antibody may be preferable.
Proper antibody validation is essential for reliable research results. When validating a HADHB antibody:
Reactivity verification:
Molecular weight confirmation:
Knockdown/knockout validation:
Use HADHB knockdown or knockout samples as negative controls
Some antibodies are already validated in KD/KO applications as mentioned in search result #6
Cross-application testing:
Confirm detection across multiple techniques (WB, IHC, IF)
Compare results between different antibodies targeting distinct HADHB epitopes
Expression correlation:
Correlate protein detection with mRNA expression (qRT-PCR)
Search result #8 describes qRT-PCR methods for HADHB gene expression analysis
For optimal Western blot results with HADHB antibodies:
Sample preparation:
Extract proteins from tissues/cells using RIPA lysis buffer with protease inhibitor cocktail
Adjust all samples to equal protein concentration
Electrophoresis and transfer conditions:
Antibody incubation:
Block membrane with 5% skim milk or BSA in TBST for 90 minutes
Dilute primary antibodies:
Incubate with primary antibody overnight at 4°C
Wash thoroughly with TBST
Incubate with appropriate HRP-conjugated secondary antibody for 1-2 hours at room temperature
Wash thoroughly with TBST
Detection and analysis:
Visualize using chemiluminescence detection system
Analyze band intensity using image analysis software like ImageJ
The expected molecular weight for HADHB is 47-52 kDa, with slight variations depending on the specific antibody and experimental conditions .
For immunohistochemistry applications with HADHB antibodies:
Tissue preparation:
Fix tissues in formalin
Embed in paraffin
Section to 3-μm thickness
Heat sections at 60°C for 2 hours
Antigen retrieval:
Blocking and antibody incubation:
Block non-specific binding with 5% BSA
Incubate overnight at 4°C
Incubate with HRP-labeled secondary antibody for 1 hour at 25°C
Visualization:
Develop with diaminobenzidine (DAB)
Counterstain nuclei with hematoxylin
Controls:
Negative control: Incubate sections with PBS instead of primary antibody
Positive control: Use tissues with known HADHB expression (heart, liver)
Validated tissues for IHC include human stomach tissue, human colon, and human colon cancer tissue .
For immunofluorescence detection of HADHB:
Cell preparation:
Culture cells on coverslips or appropriate chambers
Fix cells (typically with 4% paraformaldehyde)
Permeabilize with 0.1-0.5% Triton X-100
Block with appropriate blocking buffer (5% BSA recommended)
Antibody incubation:
Dilute monoclonal antibody 67967-1-Ig at 1:200-1:800 for IF/ICC
Incubate overnight at 4°C
Wash thoroughly with PBS
Incubate with fluorophore-conjugated secondary antibody
Wash thoroughly with PBS
Nuclear counterstaining and mounting:
Counterstain nuclei with DAPI or similar DNA dye
Mount with anti-fade mounting medium
Controls and validation:
HeLa cells have been validated for positive IF/ICC detection with HADHB antibody 67967-1-Ig
Consider co-staining with mitochondrial markers to confirm mitochondrial localization
For mitochondrial proteins like HADHB, ensure adequate permeabilization as the double membrane structure of mitochondria can limit antibody access.
When experiencing high background or non-specific binding with HADHB antibodies:
Antibody dilution optimization:
Increase dilution factor within recommended ranges:
Blocking improvements:
Extend blocking time (2 hours at room temperature or overnight at 4°C)
Test alternative blocking agents (5% BSA vs. 5% non-fat milk)
Add 0.1-0.3% Tween-20 to blocking buffer to reduce hydrophobic interactions
Washing optimization:
Increase number of washes (5-6 washes)
Extend washing duration (10 minutes per wash)
Use fresh wash buffer for each washing step
Add detergent (0.1% Tween-20) to wash buffer
Sample preparation refinements:
Ensure complete protein denaturation
Filter lysates before loading
Antibody quality:
Store antibodies according to manufacturer recommendations (-20°C, avoid freeze-thaw cycles)
Aliquot antibodies to minimize freeze-thaw cycles
Use freshly diluted antibody preparations
If persistent background issues occur with one antibody format, consider switching between monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies as they offer different specificity profiles.
For tissues with low HADHB expression levels:
Sample enrichment:
Perform subcellular fractionation to isolate mitochondria
Use larger amounts of starting material
Concentrate protein samples using precipitation methods
Signal amplification in Western blot:
Use more sensitive detection systems (e.g., enhanced chemiluminescence)
Extend primary antibody incubation time (overnight at 4°C)
Reduce antibody dilution (within manufacturer's recommended range)
Use signal enhancers compatible with your detection system
Signal amplification in IHC/IF:
Implement tyramide signal amplification (TSA)
Use biotin-streptavidin amplification systems
Extend DAB development time carefully while monitoring background
Use more concentrated primary antibody (within recommended range)
Antigen retrieval optimization for IHC:
Test both recommended retrieval methods (TE buffer pH 9.0 and citrate buffer pH 6.0)
Optimize retrieval duration and temperature
Consider using pressure cooker-based retrieval methods
Alternative detection methods:
Consider more sensitive techniques like proximity ligation assay
Use ELISA for quantitative detection in homogenates
The observed molecular weight of HADHB can vary between experiments for several reasons:
Expected variation:
Calculated molecular weight: 51 kDa
Observed molecular weight: 47 kDa (67967-1-Ig) or 52 kDa (29091-1-AP)
Causes of molecular weight variation:
Post-translational modifications:
Phosphorylation, acetylation, or other modifications can affect migration
Fatty acid metabolism enzymes like HADHB may undergo regulatory modifications
Sample preparation differences:
Degree of denaturation can affect protein conformation and migration
Buffer composition influences protein-SDS interactions
Reducing agent concentration affects disulfide bond disruption
Gel system variations:
Acrylamide percentage affects migration patterns
Buffer composition (Tris-glycine vs. Tris-tricine) influences mobility
Gradient vs. fixed percentage gels show different resolution patterns
Species-specific differences:
Tissue-specific processing:
Different tissues may express variants or process the protein differently
Mitochondrial import and processing can vary by tissue type
To address discrepancies, always include appropriate positive controls, use a molecular weight ladder, and maintain consistent experimental conditions for comparative studies.
HADHB antibodies are valuable tools for investigating protein interactions within mitochondrial energy metabolism pathways:
Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP):
Lyse cells in appropriate buffer (e.g., 10 mM Hepes-KOH, pH 7.9, 0.5% NP-40, 140 mM NaCl, 10 mM KCl, 1.5 mM MgCl₂ with protease inhibitors)
Pre-clear lysate with protein A/G beads at 4°C for 1 hour
Incubate pre-cleared lysate with anti-HADHB antibody and protein A/G beads at 4°C for 5 hours with rotation
Wash precipitates and analyze by Western blot for potential binding partners
Validated interactions:
ERβ (estrogen receptor beta) has been shown to interact and colocalize with HADHB in mitochondria
Other mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation enzymes may be detected as interaction partners
Reciprocal confirmation:
Perform reverse Co-IP using antibodies against suspected interaction partners
Confirm that HADHB can be detected in these precipitates
Validate with multiple antibodies targeting different epitopes
Advanced interaction techniques:
Proximity ligation assay (PLA) for visualizing interactions in situ
FRET/BRET analysis for quantifying interactions in living cells
Crosslinking mass spectrometry for mapping interaction interfaces
The search results provide specific methodologies for Co-IP with HADHB antibodies that can be adapted for investigating new protein-protein interactions in various research contexts .
HADHB antibodies can be instrumental in studying disease models, particularly those involving mitochondrial dysfunction:
Mitochondrial trifunctional protein deficiency:
Use Western blot to compare HADHB expression and processing in patient samples versus controls
Analyze specific mutations (e.g., c.1175C>T [p.A392V]) and their effects on protein expression
Monitor changes in response to treatments (e.g., low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet, MCT diet, L-carnitine supplementation)
Cancer models:
Perform expression analysis across cancer types and stages
Search result #2 describes HADHB analysis in stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD)
Correlate expression with survival data using tissue microarrays
Use IHC to assess tissue distribution in tumor samples compared to adjacent normal tissue
Metabolic disease models:
Study HADHB expression changes in diabetes, obesity, and fatty liver disease models
Investigate adipocyte differentiation and function in obesity models
Search result #8 describes methods for studying HADHB in adipocyte regulation
Neurological disorder models:
Assess HADHB expression in models of peripheral neuropathy
Search result #3 describes a case with neuropathy and higher brain dysfunction
Use IHC to examine HADHB distribution in neural tissues
Experimental approaches:
Gene expression manipulation (overexpression, knockdown, knockout)
Search result #8 details methods for HADHB overexpression and analysis
Pharmacological interventions targeting mitochondrial function
Metabolic challenge experiments (fasting, high-fat diet, exercise)
Modern research increasingly combines antibody-based detection with multi-omics approaches:
Proteomics integration:
Use HADHB antibodies for immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry
Verify proteomic hits with Western blot using HADHB antibodies
Correlate global proteomic changes with HADHB expression levels
Combine with post-translational modification (PTM) enrichment strategies
Transcriptomics correlation:
Pair RNA-seq data with protein-level validation using HADHB antibodies
Search result #8 describes transcriptome sequencing of HADHB-overexpressing cells
Identify discordant expression patterns between mRNA and protein
Validate key differentially expressed genes (DEGs) at protein level
Pathway analysis verification:
Use antibodies to confirm key nodes in identified pathways
Search result #2 describes "pathway enrichment analysis" with HADHB as target
Verify predicted protein interactions from bioinformatic analyses
Search result #8 mentions protein-protein interaction analysis using tools like String and Cytoscape
Metabolomics connection:
Correlate HADHB protein levels with changes in fatty acid metabolites
Assess impact of HADHB manipulation on global metabolic profiles
Connect metabolite changes to protein expression using antibody detection
Integrated experimental design:
Use consistent experimental conditions across omics platforms
Perform time-course studies with parallel sampling for different analyses
Incorporate antibody-based imaging to provide spatial context to omics data
Search results #2 and #8 provide specific examples of integrating HADHB antibody detection with transcriptomic and pathway analyses, offering templates for multi-omics experimental design.
As a mitochondrial protein, HADHB localization requires specialized approaches:
Subcellular fractionation:
Isolate pure mitochondrial fractions from tissues/cells
Verify fraction purity using organelle markers
Detect HADHB distribution across fractions by Western blot
Compare distribution under different metabolic conditions
Super-resolution microscopy:
Use immunofluorescence with HADHB antibodies at optimized dilutions (1:200-1:800)
Co-stain with mitochondrial markers (TOM20, MitoTracker)
Apply techniques like STED, STORM, or SIM for sub-mitochondrial resolution
Quantify distribution patterns using specialized image analysis software
Electron microscopy:
Perform immunogold labeling with HADHB antibodies
Visualize precise submitochondrial localization
Determine association with mitochondrial cristae, matrix, or membranes
Import and processing studies:
Compare precursor and mature forms using Western blot
Track import kinetics using pulse-chase experiments
Analyze processing using mitochondrial import inhibitors
Dynamic localization:
Study redistribution under metabolic stress conditions
Investigate co-localization with other beta-oxidation enzymes
Examine potential mitochondrial subdomains specialized for fatty acid oxidation
The search results confirm HADHB is primarily a mitochondrial protein, with antibodies validated for detecting this localization in various experimental systems .
HADHB is central to mitochondrial fatty acid beta-oxidation, making its antibodies valuable for metabolism studies:
Expression correlation with metabolic state:
Compare HADHB protein levels across tissues with different metabolic profiles
Analyze expression changes during fasting/feeding cycles
Examine regulation during exercise or cold exposure
Study developmental changes in expression patterns
Metabolic challenge experiments:
Use high-fat diet models to study adaptive responses
Analyze changes during fasting or caloric restriction
Examine cold adaptation, which increases fatty acid oxidation
Study responses to specific fatty acid types (saturated vs. unsaturated)
Functional complex assembly:
Investigate interaction with HADHA (alpha subunit) using co-immunoprecipitation
Study complex formation under different metabolic conditions
Analyze defects in assembly in disease models
Disease model applications:
Study HADHB expression in mitochondrial disease models
Investigate metabolic adaptations in cancer, which often shows altered fatty acid metabolism
Examine changes in obesity and diabetes models
Search result #8 describes studying HADHB in adipocyte regulation
Pharmacological interventions:
Monitor HADHB responses to drugs targeting mitochondrial function
Study effects of fatty acid oxidation inhibitors
Examine adaptation to metabolic modulators
Combining HADHB antibody detection with metabolic flux analysis provides comprehensive insights into fatty acid metabolism regulation under various physiological and pathological conditions.
For adapting HADHB antibody detection to high-throughput screening:
Microplate immunoassays:
Develop ELISA protocols using validated HADHB antibodies
Optimize antibody concentrations for signal-to-noise ratio
Develop sandwich ELISA using complementary antibodies targeting different epitopes
Validate with positive and negative controls
Automated Western blot systems:
Adapt HADHB antibody protocols to capillary Western platforms
Optimize antibody dilutions for automated systems
Develop multiplex protocols to detect HADHB alongside other proteins
Incorporate appropriate loading and normalization controls
Tissue microarray analysis:
Use validated IHC conditions for HADHB detection (1:500-1:2000 dilution)
Optimize staining parameters for automated systems
Develop quantitative scoring methods for expression levels
Include appropriate controls on each array
Cell-based high-content screening:
Optimize immunofluorescence protocols for automated microscopy
Develop robust image analysis pipelines for HADHB quantification
Include co-staining with mitochondrial markers for colocalization analysis
Validate using cells with manipulated HADHB expression
Quality control considerations:
Include positive and negative controls on each plate/array
Use standard curves where appropriate
Incorporate technical and biological replicates
Maintain consistent antibody lots for large-scale screens
These approaches enable systematic screening of HADHB expression and localization across multiple conditions, tissues, or compound treatments while maintaining data quality and reproducibility.