HLTF is a helicase-like transcription factor implicated in DNA repair and carcinogenesis . The FITC-conjugated antibody combines a primary antibody targeting HLTF with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), a green-fluorescing dye (Amax=492nm; Emax=520nm) . This conjugation enables visualization of HLTF via fluorescence microscopy or flow cytometry.
Target: HLTF protein (helicase-like transcription factor).
Applications: Immunofluorescence (IF), flow cytometry (FC), and Western blot (WB) .
The antibody is used in:
Cancer Research: Detecting early tumor markers, as HLTF expression correlates with carcinogenesis in kidney tumor models .
DNA Repair Studies: Monitoring HLTF’s role in helicase-mediated DNA repair pathways .
Imaging: Tracking subcellular localization of HLTF in live or fixed cells .
| Application | Dilution Range |
|---|---|
| Immunofluorescence (IF) | 1:50–1:500 |
| Flow Cytometry (FC) | 1:20–1:100 |
| Western Blot (WB) | 1:1000–1:5000 |
Labeling Efficiency: Higher FITC-labeling indices in antibodies correlate with reduced binding affinity for target antigens, potentially leading to non-specific staining .
Kidney Tumor Model: HLTF expression was detected in early-stage tumor buds using immunohistochemistry, suggesting its role as an early cancer marker .
Subcellular Localization: Co-staining with FITC-conjugated antibodies revealed HLTF localization in nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments during DNA damage responses .
| Tumor Stage | HLTF-Positive Cells (%) |
|---|---|
| Early Tumor Buds | 100% |
| Advanced Tumors | 10% |
Optimization: Titrate antibody dilutions for each experimental system to minimize background noise .
Cross-Reactivity: Verify specificity for target species (human, mouse, rat) .
Stability: Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles; store at -20°C .
HLTF (Helicase-Like Transcription Factor) is a multifunctional nuclear protein that plays critical roles in transcriptional regulation, DNA damage response, and genome stability maintenance. It belongs to the SWI/SNF family of proteins with both DNA helicase and E3 ubiquitin ligase activities. HLTF has gained significant research interest because its expression is altered in various cancers, making it an important molecule in cancer biology investigations. Studies have demonstrated that HLTF expression is linked to initial steps of carcinogenesis in certain cancer models, such as kidney tumors in Syrian golden hamsters, where strong HLTF labeling is detected in early tumor buds, establishing it as an early cancer marker in this model . The multifaceted functions of HLTF in DNA repair, replication fork rescue, and chromatin remodeling make it an attractive target for molecular research across multiple disciplines.
FITC (Fluorescein isothiocyanate) is a commonly used fluorescent dye that emits green fluorescence when excited with blue light (typically at 488 nm). FITC-conjugated antibodies offer several advantages in research applications:
Direct visualization capabilities without the need for secondary antibody incubation steps
Compatibility with standard fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry equipment
Well-established excitation/emission spectra that minimize overlap with other common fluorophores
Stability under standard laboratory storage conditions when properly maintained
FITC-conjugated antibodies like the HLTF antibody (AA 332-476) are particularly useful for applications such as immunofluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, and fluorescence-based immunoassays. The conjugation enables direct detection of HLTF protein without requiring secondary antibody steps, streamlining experimental workflows . When using FITC-conjugated antibodies, researchers should be mindful of photobleaching effects and ensure proper storage conditions to maintain signal intensity.
The FITC-conjugated HLTF antibody is suitable for multiple research applications, with specific protocols established for each method:
Immunofluorescence (IF)/Immunocytochemistry (ICC): Used to visualize HLTF protein localization within cellular compartments. Typical dilutions range from 1:50 to 1:500, with positive detection confirmed in cell lines such as HeLa .
Flow Cytometry: Enables quantification of HLTF expression in cell populations and can be used for cell sorting based on HLTF expression levels.
Dual-labeling experiments: The FITC-conjugated HLTF antibody can be combined with antibodies conjugated to different fluorophores for co-localization studies. For example, simultaneous demonstration of structural proteins like vimentin and HLTF has been performed using a mixture of mouse monoclonal anti-vimentin antibodies and rabbit polyclonal anti-HLTF antibodies .
Western Blot: While unconjugated HLTF antibodies are typically used for Western blot applications (dilution 1:500-1:1000), the FITC-conjugated version can be utilized in specialized fluorescence-based Western blot systems .
When designing experiments with FITC-conjugated HLTF antibody, researchers should optimize antibody concentrations and include appropriate controls to ensure specific binding and minimal background fluorescence.
Optimizing protocols for FITC-conjugated HLTF antibody in immunofluorescence requires systematic adjustment of several parameters:
Fixation method selection: For HLTF detection, 4% paraformaldehyde in phosphate buffered saline (DPBS) at 4°C is commonly used, as demonstrated in previous studies. The fixation time (typically 15 minutes) should be carefully controlled to preserve epitope accessibility while maintaining cellular structure .
Blocking optimization: Using 5% normal goat serum in PBS (NGS-PBS) for 20 minutes at room temperature before primary antibody incubation helps minimize non-specific binding .
Antibody titration: Begin with manufacturer-recommended dilutions (typically 1:50 to 1:500 for IF/ICC) and perform serial dilutions to identify the optimal concentration that provides the best signal-to-noise ratio .
Incubation conditions: Test different incubation times and temperatures (e.g., 1 hour at room temperature versus overnight at 4°C) to determine which conditions yield optimal staining.
Counterstaining considerations: When performing dual labeling, select complementary fluorophores that have minimal spectral overlap with FITC to avoid bleed-through artifacts. For example, Texas Red-conjugated reagents have been successfully paired with FITC-labeled antibodies .
Mounting media selection: Use anti-fade mounting media to minimize photobleaching of the FITC signal during microscopy and storage.
Researchers should document each optimization step systematically and include appropriate controls (isotype, secondary-only, and unstained) to ensure the specificity of observed signals.
When working with FITC-conjugated HLTF antibody, several controls are essential to ensure experimental validity:
Isotype control: An isotype-matched control antibody conjugated to FITC should be used at the same concentration as the HLTF antibody to assess non-specific binding due to antibody class characteristics .
Negative tissue/cell controls: Cell lines or tissues known not to express HLTF should be included to confirm antibody specificity.
Positive tissue/cell controls: Cells with confirmed HLTF expression, such as HeLa or K-562 cells, should be included to validate antibody functionality .
Peptide competition assay: Pre-incubation of the HLTF antibody with its immunogenic peptide (corresponding to AA 332-476) should abolish specific staining if the antibody is truly specific.
Fluorescence minus one (FMO) controls: In multicolor flow cytometry, FMO controls help determine proper gating by excluding the FITC-conjugated HLTF antibody from the staining panel.
Fixed versus live cell comparisons: When applicable, comparing staining patterns in fixed versus live cells can provide insights into potential fixation artifacts.
Systematic inclusion of these controls enables confident interpretation of experimental results and helps troubleshoot any unexpected staining patterns or background issues.
Validating antibody specificity is crucial for generating reliable research findings. For FITC-conjugated HLTF antibody, researchers should employ multiple complementary approaches:
Genetic validation: Use HLTF knockout or knockdown models (via CRISPR-Cas9 or siRNA) to confirm that the antibody signal is lost or significantly reduced when the target protein is not expressed .
Western blot correlation: Perform Western blot analysis using unconjugated HLTF antibody on the same samples used for immunofluorescence to verify that the observed molecular weight matches the predicted size of HLTF (approximately 114 kDa) .
Immunoprecipitation validation: Conduct immunoprecipitation experiments with HLTF antibody followed by mass spectrometry analysis to confirm that the precipitated protein is indeed HLTF .
Epitope mapping: If discrepancies arise, consider using alternative HLTF antibodies targeting different epitopes (e.g., N-terminal vs. C-terminal) to confirm staining patterns. Inconsistencies may suggest isoform-specific detection or potential cross-reactivity .
Multiple detection methods: Compare results across different detection platforms (e.g., flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry) to ensure consistency in HLTF detection.
Literature cross-validation: Compare experimental findings with published results to identify any discrepancies that might indicate specificity issues.
By systematically implementing these validation approaches, researchers can establish high confidence in the specificity of their FITC-conjugated HLTF antibody and produce more reliable experimental data.
FITC-conjugated HLTF antibody offers valuable applications in cancer research based on HLTF's documented role in tumorigenesis:
Early cancer detection: Studies have shown that HLTF expression is an early marker in certain cancer models. For instance, in kidney tumors induced in Syrian golden hamsters, strong HLTF labeling was detected in small tumor buds, making it a potential early cancer biomarker. Flow cytometry with FITC-conjugated HLTF antibody can help quantify this expression in patient samples or experimental models .
Cancer progression monitoring: Research has demonstrated that HLTF expression patterns change during cancer progression. In the kidney tumor model, while 100% of cells in early tumor buds expressed HLTF, this decreased to approximately 10% in advanced tumors. FITC-conjugated HLTF antibody enables visualization and quantification of this dynamic expression pattern .
Dual-marker analysis: By combining FITC-conjugated HLTF antibody with antibodies against other cancer-relevant proteins (conjugated to different fluorophores), researchers can perform multiplexed analysis to characterize heterogeneous tumor cell populations. For example, simultaneous detection of HLTF and structural proteins like vimentin can provide insights into cancer cell phenotypes .
Xenograft model evaluation: HLTF expression patterns can be evaluated in xenograft models using immunofluorescence with FITC-conjugated HLTF antibody, allowing correlation between in vitro and in vivo findings. Previous research showed that only about 10% of cells remained HLTF-positive in xenografts produced by HKT-1097 cells in nude mice .
The specific relationship between HLTF expression and carcinogenesis makes FITC-conjugated HLTF antibody a valuable tool for investigating cancer initiation, progression, and heterogeneity.
For successful dual immunofluorescence labeling with FITC-conjugated HLTF antibody and other markers, researchers should follow this optimized protocol:
Sample preparation:
Blocking:
Primary antibody incubation:
For co-localization with cytoskeletal proteins like vimentin: Prepare a mixture of mouse monoclonal anti-vimentin antibody and rabbit FITC-conjugated anti-HLTF antibody at optimized concentrations
Alternatively, for co-localization with nuclear proteins: Use a sequential approach where samples are first exposed to anti-HLTF antibodies followed by additional markers
Secondary antibody incubation (for non-conjugated primary antibodies):
Mounting and visualization:
Mount samples in anti-fade medium containing DAPI for nuclear counterstaining
Image using appropriate filter sets for FITC (excitation ~490 nm, emission ~525 nm) and the paired fluorophore
For specific combinations that have been successfully demonstrated:
HLTF and vimentin: Use mouse anti-vimentin with FITC-conjugated anti-mouse secondary, followed by rabbit anti-HLTF with Texas Red-conjugated streptavidin
HLTF and lamin: Sequential exposure to anti-HLTF antibodies followed by FITC-conjugated detection
Careful selection of complementary fluorophores and optimization of antibody concentrations are critical for successful dual labeling experiments.
When encountering weak or non-specific signals with FITC-conjugated HLTF antibody, systematic troubleshooting is essential:
For weak signals:
Antibody concentration adjustment: Increase antibody concentration incrementally (e.g., from 1:500 to 1:100) while monitoring background levels .
Epitope retrieval optimization: Test different antigen retrieval methods if applicable (heat-induced or enzymatic) to improve epitope accessibility.
Signal amplification: Consider implementing a biotin-streptavidin amplification system, similar to the approach used for Texas Red detection in previous studies .
Fixation adjustment: Different fixation protocols may preserve the HLTF epitope better; compare paraformaldehyde, methanol, and acetone fixation.
Incubation time extension: Extend primary antibody incubation time (e.g., overnight at 4°C instead of 1 hour at room temperature).
For non-specific signals:
Blocking enhancement: Increase blocking serum concentration (e.g., from 5% to 10%) or try different blocking agents (BSA, casein, or commercial blocking solutions).
Washing optimization: Implement more stringent washing steps with increased duration or detergent concentration in wash buffers.
Isotype control comparison: Compare staining patterns with an isotype-matched control antibody at the same concentration to identify non-specific binding .
Secondary antibody controls: When using detection systems, include secondary-only controls to identify potential background from this source.
Autofluorescence reduction: Treat samples with autofluorescence reducers like Sudan Black B or commercially available quenching solutions if tissue autofluorescence is interfering with FITC signal detection.
Methodological documentation:
Document all troubleshooting steps systematically, recording images, settings, and protocols for each condition to identify the optimal approach for your specific experimental system.
When evaluating different detection systems for HLTF, several factors should be considered:
| Detection System | Advantages | Limitations | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| FITC-conjugated anti-HLTF | - Direct detection without secondary antibody - Compatible with standard fluorescence filters - Enables dual-labeling with red fluorophores - Stable under standard storage conditions | - Potential photobleaching - Limited signal amplification - Autofluorescence interference in some tissues | Immunofluorescence, Flow cytometry |
| Unconjugated anti-HLTF with fluorescent secondary | - Signal amplification through multiple secondary binding - Flexibility to change detection fluorophore - Lower cost for multiple targets using same host | - Additional incubation step required - Potential for cross-reactivity - Batch variability of secondary antibodies | Immunofluorescence, Western blot, IHC |
| HRP-conjugated anti-HLTF | - Enzymatic amplification increases sensitivity - Permanent signal (non-fading) - Compatible with brightfield microscopy | - Limited multiplexing capabilities - Potential for diffusion artifacts - Requires substrate addition | Immunohistochemistry, Western blot, ELISA |
| Biotin-conjugated anti-HLTF | - Versatile detection with streptavidin conjugates - High signal amplification potential - Compatible with various detection methods | - Endogenous biotin interference - Multiple step protocol - Potential for high background | Immunohistochemistry, Western blot, Complex detection systems |
When selecting between different epitope-specific HLTF antibodies, researchers should consider several critical factors:
Isoform specificity: HLTF has multiple isoforms, and antibodies targeting different epitopes may recognize distinct subsets of these isoforms. For comprehensive detection, researchers may need to use antibodies targeting conserved regions like AA 332-476 .
Functional domain targeting: HLTF contains multiple functional domains including DNA-binding domains, ATPase domains, and RING finger domains. Antibodies targeting specific domains may be preferred depending on research questions:
Post-translational modification interference: Consider whether the epitope region might be subject to post-translational modifications that could mask antibody binding. Available HLTF antibodies target various regions including:
Cross-species reactivity requirements: Different epitope-specific antibodies show varying cross-reactivity profiles. For comparative studies across species, select antibodies with appropriate cross-reactivity:
Application compatibility: Certain epitopes may be more accessible in specific applications. For example, some epitopes may be masked in fixed tissue but accessible in Western blotting. Available antibodies have been validated for specific applications:
By carefully evaluating these factors in relation to specific research objectives, investigators can select the most appropriate epitope-specific HLTF antibody for their studies.
Integrating FITC-conjugated HLTF antibody into multiparameter flow cytometry panels requires careful planning to maximize information yield while minimizing spectral overlap. The following methodological approach is recommended:
Panel design considerations:
FITC emits in the green spectrum (~525 nm), so pair with fluorophores that have minimal spectral overlap such as PE-Cy7, APC, and BV605
For a standard 4-color panel, combine FITC-HLTF with PE (red), APC (far red), and a violet dye like BV421
When designing panels, account for relative expression levels of targets (place HLTF-FITC in an appropriate channel based on expected expression intensity)
Sample preparation protocol:
Staining sequence optimization:
For panels including both surface and intracellular markers:
Stain for surface markers first
Fix and permeabilize cells
Stain for HLTF and other intracellular targets
Essential controls:
Data analysis approach:
Apply compensation based on single-color controls
Use FMO controls to set gates for HLTF-positive populations
Consider dimensionality reduction techniques (tSNE, UMAP) for visualizing HLTF expression patterns in relation to other markers
For cancer research applications specifically, researchers might construct a panel including:
FITC-HLTF
PE-conjugated proliferation marker (Ki-67)
APC-conjugated apoptosis marker
BV421-conjugated cell type-specific marker
This approach enables correlation of HLTF expression with proliferation status, apoptotic tendencies, and cell lineage information in heterogeneous samples like tumor biopsies.
Several cutting-edge research applications could benefit from incorporating FITC-conjugated HLTF antibody:
Single-cell analysis of tumor heterogeneity: Given that HLTF expression varies significantly within tumors (from 100% in early tumor buds to approximately 10% in advanced tumors), FITC-conjugated HLTF antibody could enable identification and isolation of distinct tumor cell subpopulations for single-cell sequencing or proteomics analysis . This would provide insights into how HLTF-expressing cells differ from HLTF-negative cells within the same tumor.
Live-cell imaging of DNA damage responses: Since HLTF plays a role in DNA damage repair, membrane-permeable FITC-conjugated HLTF antibody fragments could potentially be developed to track HLTF recruitment to DNA damage sites in real-time, providing new insights into repair kinetics and mechanisms.
Chromatin immunoprecipitation combined with sequencing (ChIP-seq): FITC-conjugated HLTF antibody could be adapted for ChIP-seq applications to map genome-wide binding sites of HLTF, elucidating its role in transcriptional regulation and DNA repair pathway choice.
Liquid biopsy development: Given HLTF's role as an early cancer marker in some models, FITC-conjugated HLTF antibody could be utilized in developing flow cytometry-based liquid biopsy approaches for detecting circulating tumor cells with altered HLTF expression .
Multiplexed tissue imaging: Integration of FITC-conjugated HLTF antibody into multiplexed imaging platforms (e.g., Imaging Mass Cytometry or CODEX) would enable spatial mapping of HLTF expression in relation to numerous other markers in the tissue microenvironment, providing insights into its contextual roles in different tissue states.
Therapeutic response monitoring: Changes in HLTF expression patterns could potentially serve as biomarkers for response to certain cancer therapies, particularly those targeting DNA repair pathways. Flow cytometry with FITC-conjugated HLTF antibody would enable quantitative assessment of these changes.
These emerging applications represent promising research directions where FITC-conjugated HLTF antibody could contribute to significant scientific advances.
HLTF expression analysis using FITC-conjugated antibodies can provide valuable insights for cancer research with direct implications for therapeutic development:
Cancer evolution monitoring: Studies have shown that HLTF expression undergoes dynamic changes during cancer progression. In experimental models, HLTF expression decreases from 100% in early tumor buds to approximately 10% in advanced tumors . This pattern suggests that:
HLTF could serve as a marker for tracking cancer evolution
The loss of HLTF expression might be associated with more aggressive phenotypes
Flow cytometry with FITC-conjugated HLTF antibody enables quantitative assessment of these population dynamics
Therapy resistance mechanisms: HLTF's role in DNA repair suggests that its expression status might influence response to DNA-damaging therapies:
HLTF-expressing cells may have enhanced repair capabilities and potentially greater resistance to certain chemotherapeutics
Identifying and quantifying HLTF-positive versus HLTF-negative populations using flow cytometry could predict heterogeneous treatment responses
Combined analysis with other DNA repair markers could create response prediction panels
Metastasis potential assessment: The correlation between HLTF expression changes and cancer progression suggests potential utility in predicting metastatic potential:
Flow cytometry analysis of HLTF expression in primary tumors versus metastatic sites
Correlation of circulating tumor cell HLTF expression with metastatic outcomes
Integration of HLTF expression data with other metastasis markers for improved prognostication
Targeted therapy development: Understanding HLTF's functional roles through expression analysis can inform development of targeted therapies:
HLTF-positive cancer cells might be vulnerable to inhibitors targeting its helicase or E3 ubiquitin ligase activities
HLTF-negative cells might have synthetic lethal vulnerabilities due to compromised DNA repair capabilities
Quantitative assessment of HLTF expression using FITC-conjugated antibodies would be essential for patient stratification in such therapeutic approaches
This expression analysis approach using FITC-conjugated HLTF antibody offers a methodological framework for translating basic cancer biology insights into clinical applications through precise quantification and characterization of HLTF-expressing cell populations.
Several methodological advances could enhance the sensitivity and specificity of HLTF detection in complex biological samples:
Signal amplification technologies:
Tyramide Signal Amplification (TSA): This enzyme-mediated amplification approach could be adapted for FITC-conjugated antibodies to enhance signal intensity by 10-100 fold for detecting low-abundance HLTF
Proximity Ligation Assay (PLA): Combining FITC-conjugated HLTF antibody with antibodies against known HLTF-interacting proteins in a PLA format would increase specificity by detecting only HLTF molecules in relevant protein complexes
Advanced microscopy techniques:
Super-resolution microscopy: Techniques like STORM or PALM could improve spatial resolution of HLTF detection beyond the diffraction limit, enabling visualization of HLTF distribution within nuclear microdomains
Light-sheet microscopy: This approach could enable sensitive detection of HLTF in thick tissue sections with reduced photobleaching of the FITC signal
Multimodal detection approaches:
Combined fluorescence and mass spectrometry imaging: Correlating FITC-HLTF antibody signals with mass spectrometry data would provide orthogonal validation of HLTF detection
RNA-protein co-detection: Simultaneous visualization of HLTF protein (via FITC-antibody) and HLTF mRNA (via fluorescent in situ hybridization) would enhance confidence in detection specificity
Machine learning-assisted image analysis:
Developing deep learning algorithms trained on validated HLTF staining patterns to automatically identify specific versus non-specific signals
Integration of multiparameter data (morphology, intensity, co-localization) to improve discrimination between true and false positive signals
Microfluidic enrichment techniques:
Development of microfluidic platforms incorporating FITC-conjugated HLTF antibodies for selective capture and enrichment of HLTF-expressing cells from heterogeneous samples like blood or tumor digests
Integration with downstream single-cell analysis platforms for comprehensive characterization
Antibody engineering approaches:
Development of recombinant antibody fragments with enhanced specificity for HLTF epitopes
Creation of bispecific antibodies targeting HLTF and a second cancer-relevant protein to improve detection specificity in oncology applications
By integrating these methodological advances, researchers could achieve significant improvements in both sensitivity and specificity of HLTF detection across various experimental platforms, from basic research to potential clinical applications.
To maintain optimal performance of FITC-conjugated HLTF antibody, researchers should adhere to these evidence-based best practices:
Storage conditions:
Handling precautions:
Minimize exposure to light during all handling steps
Work in reduced ambient lighting when preparing dilutions
Use amber tubes or wrap tubes in aluminum foil when working with the antibody
Return to -20°C storage promptly after use
Dilution and preparation:
Thaw aliquots on ice or at 4°C rather than at room temperature
Centrifuge briefly before opening tubes to collect liquid at the bottom
Prepare working dilutions in appropriate buffers immediately before use
For long-term storage of working dilutions, add carriers such as 0.1% BSA to prevent antibody adsorption to tube walls
Safety considerations:
Quality control measures:
Adherence to these storage and handling practices will help ensure consistent performance and maximize the useful lifespan of FITC-conjugated HLTF antibody preparations.
Interdisciplinary collaborations leveraging FITC-conjugated HLTF antibody technology could drive significant advances across multiple research domains:
Cancer Biology and Clinical Oncology:
Collaboration between basic researchers and clinical oncologists to correlate HLTF expression patterns with patient outcomes
Development of HLTF-based companion diagnostics for stratifying patients in clinical trials
Integration of HLTF expression data with genomic profiling to identify molecular subtypes of cancers
DNA Repair and Genome Stability Research:
Partnerships between DNA repair biochemists and cell biologists to visualize HLTF recruitment to damaged DNA in real-time
Correlation of HLTF expression patterns with genomic instability markers in cancer and aging models
Investigation of HLTF's role in replication stress responses through multiparameter imaging
Drug Discovery and Pharmaceutical Research:
Collaboration with medicinal chemists to develop and test compounds targeting HLTF or synthetic lethal partners
High-content screening platforms incorporating FITC-HLTF antibody to identify modulators of HLTF expression or localization
Biomarker development for emerging therapeutic approaches targeting DNA repair pathways
Bioinformatics and Systems Biology:
Integration of HLTF expression data from imaging and flow cytometry with multi-omics datasets
Development of machine learning approaches to identify patterns in HLTF expression across cancer types
Modeling the impact of HLTF expression heterogeneity on tumor evolution
Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Research:
Exploration of HLTF's role in stem cell maintenance and differentiation
Investigation of HLTF expression during embryonic development and tissue regeneration
Correlation of HLTF expression with epigenetic modifications during cellular state transitions
Bioengineering and Nanotechnology:
Development of nanoparticle-based delivery systems targeting HLTF-expressing cells
Creation of microfluidic platforms for isolation and characterization of HLTF-expressing cells
Engineering of biosensors incorporating FITC-conjugated antibody fragments for real-time monitoring of HLTF expression
These collaborative approaches would leverage the specificity and versatility of FITC-conjugated HLTF antibody technology to address complex biological questions across disciplines, potentially yielding transformative insights and applications.
When evaluating FITC-conjugated HLTF antibodies from different suppliers, researchers should employ a systematic comparison approach:
Antibody specifications assessment:
Epitope comparison: Determine which region of HLTF each antibody targets (e.g., AA 332-476, N-terminal, C-terminal)
Clonality: Compare performance of monoclonal versus polyclonal antibodies for your specific application
Host species: Consider implications for co-staining with other antibodies
Purification method: Evaluate whether antibodies are affinity-purified (e.g., Protein G purification with >95% purity)
Immunogen: Review the specific HLTF sequence used to generate each antibody
Validation data comparison:
| Validation Parameter | Assessment Method | Acceptance Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Specificity | Western blot showing single band at expected MW (114 kDa) | Clear single band with minimal non-specific binding |
| Sensitivity | Titration series in flow cytometry or IF | Detectable signal at ≤1:500 dilution |
| Reproducibility | Same experiment performed across multiple lots | Consistent staining pattern and intensity |
| Application versatility | Validated performance across multiple applications | Consistent performance in your specific application |
| Cross-reactivity | Testing across species of interest | Confirmed reactivity with target species |
Head-to-head experimental comparison:
Supplier support evaluation:
Technical documentation completeness
Availability of application-specific protocols
Responsiveness to technical inquiries
Replacement policies for underperforming products
Cost-benefit analysis:
Price per experiment (considering optimal dilution)
Quantity needed for planned experiments
Shipping and storage requirements
Potential downstream costs of antibody failure