Target specificity: Binds to the N-terminal region (amino acids 1-240) of human IFRD1 protein, a regulator of cellular differentiation and stress responses .
A 2024 study demonstrated its effectiveness in tracking IFRD1's subcellular redistribution during glutamine starvation, showing increased ER localization through colocalization with calnexin markers .
Recent studies using this reagent revealed:
Autophagy regulation: IFRD1 modulates ATG14 degradation via TRIM21-mediated ubiquitination, detectable through FITC-antibody-based imaging of protein complexes .
Chromatin dynamics: Enabled visualization of IFRD1's nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling during histone H1.0 degradation processes .
Therapeutic targeting: Served as key reagent in preclinical HCC models evaluating CB-839 glutaminase inhibitor combinations .
Fixation: Methanol-free 4% PFA preserves epitope integrity
Signal enhancement: 0.1% Triton X-100 permeabilization increases detection sensitivity by 38%
Counterstaining compatibility: DAPI (1 µg/mL) shows no spectral overlap with FITC emission
A 2025 intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma study achieved optimal IHC results using citrate buffer (pH 6.0) antigen retrieval followed by 1:200 antibody dilution .
IFRD1 (Interferon-related developmental regulator 1), also known as Nerve growth factor-inducible protein PC4, is a multifunctional protein that plays crucial roles in various biological processes. It regulates gene activity in proliferative and differentiative pathways induced by NGF (Nerve Growth Factor) and may function as an autocrine factor that attenuates or amplifies initial ligand-induced signals . Research significance stems from IFRD1's involvement in diverse physiological and pathological processes, including:
Immune evasion mechanisms exploited by human papillomavirus through EGFR-IFRD1-mediated pathways
Skeletal muscle regeneration and regulation of osteoclast differentiation
Maintenance of bladder epithelial homeostasis with implications for urological disorders
Tumor cell survival under glutamine starvation conditions in hepatocellular carcinoma
The wide-ranging functions of IFRD1 make it an important target for investigating cellular signaling pathways, immune responses, and potential therapeutic interventions.
FITC-conjugated IFRD1 antibodies are optimized for fluorescence-based detection methods. The recommended techniques include:
Flow Cytometry: Ideal for quantitative analysis of IFRD1 expression in single-cell suspensions. Protocol optimization should include titration experiments to determine optimal antibody concentration and inclusion of appropriate isotype controls.
Immunofluorescence Microscopy: Suitable for visualizing cellular localization of IFRD1. The fluorescein excitation maximum at 495nm and emission maximum at 519nm provides good signal-to-noise ratio with standard FITC filter sets.
High-Content Imaging: For automated, quantitative analysis of IFRD1 expression and localization across large cell populations.
Intracellular Flow Cytometry: Requires permeabilization steps as IFRD1 functions primarily as an intracellular protein regulating differentiation pathways .
When selecting detection methods, researchers should consider that IFRD1 exhibits differential expression patterns across tissues, with notable expression in the superficial urothelial cell layer of the bladder as demonstrated through X-gal staining in IFRD1 reporter mice .
Optimization of fixation and permeabilization protocols is critical for successful detection of IFRD1 using FITC-conjugated antibodies. Based on research practices:
Fixation:
Paraformaldehyde (4%): Recommended for general applications, preserves cellular architecture while maintaining epitope accessibility.
Cross-linking fixatives containing glutaraldehyde: Effective for preserving IFRD1 detection in whole organ preparations, as demonstrated in bladder tissue analyses .
Methanol fixation: May be suitable for some applications but can affect FITC fluorescence intensity.
Permeabilization:
Mild detergents (0.1-0.5% Triton X-100 or 0.1% Saponin): Suitable for intracellular detection of IFRD1.
Digitonin (10-50 μg/ml): For selective permeabilization of the plasma membrane while preserving internal membranes.
Optimization steps:
Compare multiple fixation times (10-30 minutes) at room temperature
Test different permeabilization conditions using a cell type similar to your experimental system
Include positive controls where IFRD1 is known to be expressed (e.g., stimulated immune cells or urothelial tissue sections)
Compare results with non-FITC conjugated IFRD1 antibodies to assess potential loss of signal during fixation
Research with IFRD1 antibodies in bladder tissue has demonstrated successful detection using both fresh frozen sections and whole-organ fixed preparations , indicating flexibility in fixation approaches depending on experimental needs.
Background reduction is essential for generating reliable data with FITC-conjugated IFRD1 antibodies. The following blocking strategies are recommended:
Primary blocking agents:
5-10% normal serum: Use serum from the species in which the secondary antibody was raised (if using detection systems with secondary antibodies)
3-5% BSA in PBS: Effective for most applications
Commercial blocking buffers: Specifically formulated for fluorescence applications to minimize autofluorescence
Additional blocking considerations:
Fc receptor blocking: Critical when examining immune cells that express Fc receptors to prevent non-specific binding
Biotin/avidin blocking: Important if using detection systems involving biotin
Autofluorescence reduction: Pre-treatment with 0.1-1% sodium borohydride can reduce cellular autofluorescence, particularly relevant in tissues with high collagen content
Optimization protocol:
Test multiple blocking buffer formulations
Include isotype control antibodies conjugated to FITC
Perform blocking time course (30 minutes to overnight at 4°C)
Include antigen competition controls to verify specificity
The specificity of antibody binding is particularly important when investigating IFRD1's interactions with its numerous binding partners, such as those identified in the human urothelial cell line through co-immunoprecipitation followed by tandem mass spectrometry .
Reliable quantification of IFRD1 expression requires careful experimental design and appropriate controls. The following approaches are recommended:
Flow cytometry quantification:
Standard curve calibration: Use calibration beads with known quantities of FITC molecules to establish fluorescence intensity standards
Mean Fluorescence Intensity (MFI): Calculate relative expression levels by comparing sample MFI to control populations
Population analysis: Determine percentage of cells expressing IFRD1 above threshold established with isotype controls
Microscopy-based quantification:
Integrated density measurements: Calculate the product of area and mean gray value
Background correction: Subtract average background readings from adjacent non-expressing regions
Nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio analysis: IFRD1 can shuttle between cellular compartments based on activation state
Western blot correlation:
When possible, correlate fluorescence-based measurements with western blot quantification using non-conjugated IFRD1 antibodies. Studies have used antibodies from Abcam (anti-IFRD1) with successful protein detection .
RNA-protein correlation:
Consider parallel quantification of IFRD1 transcript levels using RT-qPCR as performed in bladder homeostasis studies . This can help validate antibody-based protein measurements and identify potential post-transcriptional regulation.
| Method | Advantages | Limitations | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flow Cytometry | Single-cell resolution, high throughput | Limited spatial information | Population studies, intracellular signaling |
| Immunofluorescence | Spatial context, cellular localization | Lower throughput | Tissue architecture, localization studies |
| Western Blot Correlation | Molecular weight confirmation | Loss of cellular resolution | Protein isoform detection, validation |
| RNA-Protein Correlation | Transcriptional insights | Indirect measurement | Regulatory mechanism studies |
Studying IFRD1 interaction partners requires specialized approaches that maintain protein-protein interactions while leveraging the fluorescent properties of FITC conjugation:
Proximity Ligation Assay (PLA):
Use FITC-conjugated anti-IFRD1 antibody with non-conjugated antibodies against suspected interaction partners
Implement oligonucleotide-linked secondary antibodies that generate fluorescent spots when proteins are in close proximity
Quantify interaction events as discrete fluorescent signals
Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET):
Pair FITC-conjugated IFRD1 antibody (donor) with antibodies against interaction partners conjugated to compatible acceptor fluorophores
Measure energy transfer to determine molecular proximity
Calculate FRET efficiency to estimate relative distances between proteins
Co-immunoprecipitation with fluorescence detection:
Building on established co-IP methods used for IFRD1 , incorporate fluorescence-based detection:
Use FITC-conjugated IFRD1 antibodies for immunoprecipitation
Detect co-precipitated proteins using complementary techniques
Implement fluorescence scanning of IP products separated by gel electrophoresis
Functional validation approaches:
For validating interactions functionally, consider knockdown approaches using siRNA techniques as documented for IFRD1. Previous research has successfully employed 19-nucleotide siRNA sequences specific to PC4/Tis7 (IFRD1) with sequences:
These approaches can help identify and validate interaction partners such as those involved in IFRD1's roles in mediating EGFR signaling or its interaction with proteins involved in translational processes .
Rigorous validation of antibody specificity is essential for reliable research outcomes. Implement the following validation strategies:
Genetic approaches:
IFRD1 knockdown/knockout controls: Use siRNA knockdown of IFRD1 as demonstrated in previous studies or CRISPR-Cas9 knockout cell lines to confirm signal reduction
Overexpression systems: Compare signal in cells with normal versus overexpressed IFRD1 levels
IFRD1 reporter systems: Use established reporter systems such as the X-gal staining in IFRD1 reporter mice for correlation with antibody signal
Biochemical validation:
Peptide competition assays: Pre-incubate antibody with purified IFRD1 antigen or immunizing peptide to demonstrate signal reduction
Multiple antibody comparison: Test multiple antibodies targeting different IFRD1 epitopes
Western blot correlation: Confirm specificity by western blot showing expected 50-55 kDa band corresponding to IFRD1
Physiological validation:
Induction experiments: Verify increased IFRD1 detection under conditions known to upregulate expression, such as:
Tissue expression patterns: Confirm detection in tissues with known IFRD1 expression (e.g., superficial urothelial cell layer of the bladder)
Document validation results systematically using the following format:
| Validation Approach | Expected Result | Alternative Explanation If Result Not Observed | Resolution Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| siRNA Knockdown | Decreased signal | Insufficient knockdown efficiency | Optimize siRNA delivery, use multiple siRNAs |
| Peptide Competition | Signal abolishment | Non-specific binding | Test different blocking conditions |
| Expression Induction | Increased signal | Poor antibody sensitivity | Optimize detection method, signal amplification |
| Western Blot Correlation | Single band at correct MW | Cross-reactivity | Try different antibody clone |
Several technical challenges can affect experiments with FITC-conjugated IFRD1 antibodies. Here are common issues and their solutions:
Photobleaching:
Issue: FITC is susceptible to photobleaching during prolonged imaging
Solution: Use anti-fade mounting media, minimize exposure times, consider alternative more photostable fluorophores for extended imaging sessions
Autofluorescence interference:
Issue: Tissues may exhibit natural fluorescence in the FITC emission spectrum
Solution: Implement tissue-specific autofluorescence reduction protocols such as Sudan Black B treatment or spectral unmixing during image acquisition
pH sensitivity:
Issue: FITC fluorescence is pH-dependent, decreasing in acidic conditions
Solution: Maintain consistent pH (ideally pH 8.0) in all buffers used for antibody incubation and washing steps
Fixation-induced epitope masking:
Issue: IFRD1 epitopes may be masked during fixation
Solution: Test multiple fixation protocols; consider antigen retrieval methods such as citrate buffer treatment for formalin-fixed tissues
Low signal-to-noise ratio:
Issue: Weak specific signal relative to background
Solution: Optimize antibody concentration through titration experiments, increase incubation time at 4°C, implement signal amplification systems
Cross-reactivity concerns:
Issue: Potential cross-reactivity with related proteins
Solution: Validate using IFRD1 knockout controls, perform careful bioinformatic analysis of epitope uniqueness
Subcellular localization accuracy:
Issue: IFRD1 exhibits complex localization patterns dependent on cellular state
Solution: Use subcellular markers to confirm localization, implement super-resolution microscopy techniques for detailed analysis
Based on insights from research using IFRD1 antibodies , key recommendations include careful optimization of fixation conditions (as demonstrated in bladder tissue preparations) and correlation with complementary approaches such as gene expression analysis to validate antibody-based findings.
IFRD1 has been implicated in several disease processes, making it an important research target. FITC-conjugated antibodies enable multiple investigative approaches:
Cancer research applications:
IFRD1 promotes tumor cell survival under glutamine starvation in hepatocellular carcinoma . Research approaches include:
Treatment response monitoring: Assess changes in IFRD1 expression following glutaminase inhibitor (CB-839) treatment
Metabolic stress pathway analysis: Correlate IFRD1 expression with markers of autophagy (given IFRD1's role in inhibiting autophagy by promoting proteasomal degradation of ATG14)
Therapeutic target validation: Use FITC-conjugated antibodies to confirm IFRD1 knockdown efficacy in preclinical models
Viral infection studies:
IFRD1 is exploited by human papillomavirus for immune evasion . Research applications include:
Viral immune evasion mechanism assessment: Track IFRD1 expression and localization during viral infection
EGFR-IFRD1-NFκB pathway analysis: Monitor changes in IFRD1 expression following EGFR inhibitor (cetuximab) treatment
Cytokine response correlation: Measure relationship between IFRD1 levels and pro-inflammatory cytokine production
Inflammatory disorder research:
Immune cell activation studies: Monitor IFRD1 dynamics during immune cell activation
Tissue-specific inflammation models: Investigate IFRD1 expression in models of bladder inflammation, given its role in bladder epithelial homeostasis
Methodological approach table:
| Disease Context | Key Research Question | Experimental Approach | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cancer | Does IFRD1 inhibition sensitize tumors to glutamine restriction? | Flow cytometry of treated vs. untreated cells | Increased cell death markers in IFRD1-inhibited cells under glutamine restriction |
| Viral Infection | Does cetuximab treatment affect IFRD1-mediated immune evasion? | Immunofluorescence monitoring of IFRD1 and NFκB acetylation | Decreased IFRD1 and increased acetylated RelA K310 levels |
| Tissue Homeostasis | How does IFRD1 loss affect ER stress in epithelial tissues? | Multi-color IF for IFRD1 and BiP in bladder sections | Increased BiP signal in IFRD1-deficient tissues |
Multiplexing enables simultaneous detection of IFRD1 and other proteins to gain comprehensive insights into biological processes. Optimal strategies include:
Spectral compatibility planning:
Complementary fluorophores: Pair FITC (Ex/Em: 495/519nm) with fluorophores having minimal spectral overlap:
Cy3 or PE (Ex/Em: ~550/570nm)
APC (Ex/Em: ~650/660nm)
Pacific Blue (Ex/Em: ~410/455nm)
Sequential imaging: For confocal microscopy of challenging combinations, consider sequential acquisition to minimize bleed-through
Multi-parameter flow cytometry:
When investigating IFRD1 in immune contexts as described in HPV research :
Combine FITC-IFRD1 with surface markers (CD45, CD3, etc.) using red/far-red fluorophores
Add nuclear markers (transcription factors) with violet/UV-excited fluorophores
Include functional readouts (cytokine production, phospho-proteins) with orange/red fluorophores
High-dimensional analysis approaches:
Spectral unmixing: For confocal microscopy or spectral flow cytometry
Iterative staining: Cyclic immunofluorescence protocols for high-parameter imaging
Signal separation algorithms: Computational approaches to separate overlapping signals
Biologically relevant multiplexing panels:
Based on IFRD1 research findings, particularly valuable marker combinations include:
These multiplexing approaches allow researchers to simultaneously assess IFRD1 expression and its functional relationships with interacting proteins and pathways.
For flow cytometry data:
Population comparisons: Use non-parametric tests (Mann-Whitney U) for comparing median fluorescence intensity between experimental groups
Multi-parameter analysis: Implement dimensionality reduction techniques (tSNE, UMAP) to identify cell populations with correlated IFRD1 expression patterns
Correlation analysis: Spearman rank correlation for assessing relationships between IFRD1 and other markers
For immunofluorescence microscopy data:
Image segmentation: Automated cell/nucleus identification followed by intensity measurements
Spatial statistics: Nearest neighbor analysis for assessing clustering of IFRD1-positive cells
Colocalization analysis: Pearson's correlation coefficient or Manders' overlap coefficient for quantifying IFRD1 colocalization with other proteins
For time-course experiments:
Repeated measures ANOVA: For comparing IFRD1 expression changes over time between treatment groups
Linear mixed models: To account for within-subject correlations in longitudinal studies
Survival analysis: Kaplan-Meier with IFRD1 expression as stratification variable in disease progression studies
Sample size considerations:
Based on effect sizes observed in previous IFRD1 studies:
Gene expression differences between WT and Ifrd1-/- mice showed 1.5-fold changes (FDR-adjusted p<0.05)
For detecting similar effect sizes with 80% power at alpha=0.05, minimum sample sizes of 5-8 per group are typically required
Visualization recommendations:
Box plots with individual data points: For comparing IFRD1 expression across experimental groups
Heatmaps: For visualizing IFRD1 correlations with multiple other markers
Violin plots: For displaying distribution characteristics of IFRD1 expression
IFRD1 function is regulated by both expression levels and subcellular localization, requiring careful interpretation of experimental observations:
Distinguishing localization from expression changes:
Functional interpretation guidelines:
| Observation | Potential Biological Meaning | Validation Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Increased total IFRD1, uniform distribution | Transcriptional upregulation | Confirm with RT-qPCR for IFRD1 mRNA |
| Unchanged total IFRD1, nuclear accumulation | Activation of nuclear functions | Assess interaction with nuclear binding partners |
| Decreased total IFRD1, specific compartment loss | Compartment-specific degradation | Test proteasome inhibition effect |
| Punctate cytoplasmic pattern | Potential association with stress granules or processing bodies | Co-stain with compartment markers |
Context-specific interpretation:
In HPV-infected cells: IFRD1 localization affects its ability to modulate RelA acetylation, with nuclear IFRD1 potentially indicating active NFκB pathway suppression
In metabolically stressed cells: Cytoplasmic IFRD1 accumulation may indicate its role in regulating autophagy proteins like ATG14
In urothelial cells: IFRD1 expression in superficial cell layers suggests role in terminal differentiation
Integrative analysis approach:
Correlate localization patterns with functional readouts (e.g., target gene expression)
Compare with known stimuli that affect IFRD1 localization (EGFR pathway activation, metabolic stress)
Consider post-translational modifications that might affect localization (phosphorylation, acetylation)
Careful interpretation of both expression and localization data provides deeper insights into IFRD1's context-specific functions across different research models.