IGF1R (Ab-1165/1166) antibody is a polyclonal antibody designed to detect endogenous levels of total IGF1R protein. This antibody specifically recognizes the region around amino acids 1165/1166 of human IGF1R, which includes critical tyrosine residues involved in receptor activation. The antibody serves as an essential tool for researchers investigating the expression, localization, and function of IGF1R in various biological contexts .
IGF1R is a transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) that influences numerous cellular processes including the cell cycle, cell migration, metabolism, survival, proliferation, and differentiation . The receptor exhibits high affinity for insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and lower affinity for IGF-II .
Upon ligand binding, IGF1R undergoes autophosphorylation at specific tyrosine residues, including those at positions 1165 and 1166, which activates its intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity. This activation triggers downstream signaling cascades, including the PI3K/AKT, MAPK/ERK, and JAK/STAT pathways .
IGF1R undergoes controlled intramembrane proteolysis (RIP), featuring metalloprotease-dependent constitutive ectodomain shedding. This produces a membrane-anchored 52 kDa C-terminal fragment, which is further processed by presenilin gamma-secretase to yield an intracellular 50 kDa fragment . The antibody specifically targets the region containing the tyrosine residues that are phosphorylated during receptor activation.
IGF1R is widely expressed across various tissues and frequently exists as a hybrid receptor with the insulin receptor (INSR) in muscle, heart, kidney, adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, hepatoma, fibroblasts, spleen, and placenta . This distribution pattern highlights the receptor's importance in multiple physiological processes.
Notably, IGF1R is often overexpressed in various tumors, including melanomas and cancers of the colon, pancreas, prostate, and kidney . This overexpression pattern has made IGF1R an important target for cancer research and potential therapeutic interventions.
The IGF1R (Ab-1165/1166) antibody has demonstrated utility in several research contexts:
The primary validated application for this antibody is Western blotting, where it has been shown to detect the endogenous levels of total IGF1R protein . The antibody recognizes the expected band at approximately 95-200 kDa, corresponding to the full-length IGF1R protein .
Extensive cross-reactivity testing has demonstrated that antibodies against total IGF1R, including the Ab-1165/1166 variant, do not cross-react with the insulin receptor (IR), despite the high homology between these receptor types . This specificity is critical for experiments requiring clear discrimination between IGF1R and IR signaling.
In contrast, antibodies targeting phosphorylated IGF1R often show considerable cross-reactivity with phosphorylated IR, as demonstrated in systematic tests conducted using an Insulin Receptor β ELISA kit . This finding underscores the value of antibodies against total IGF1R, like Ab-1165/1166, for capturing IGF1R specifically before assessing its phosphorylation state.
Recent research has utilized IGF1R antibodies and inhibitors to investigate the receptor's role in neuronal function, particularly in axonal transport:
Studies have demonstrated that IGF1R activity regulates the retrograde axonal transport of signaling endosomes in motor neurons. IGF1R inhibition was found to increase the velocity of signaling endosomes in motor neuron axons, both in vitro and in vivo . This effect was specific to signaling endosomes, as IGF1R inhibition did not alter the transport of other cellular components such as mitochondria or lysosomes .
Research suggests that IGF1R's effect on axonal transport is linked to the dynein adaptor bicaudal D1 (BICD1). IGF1R inhibition was shown to result in increased de novo synthesis of BICD1 in motor neuron axons, which may explain the enhanced transport velocities observed . This finding provides insight into the molecular mechanisms by which IGF1R influences intracellular trafficking.
Of particular interest, IGF1R inhibition was found to improve deficits in signaling endosome transport in the SOD1G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) . This suggests that IGF1R could represent a novel therapeutic target for ALS and potentially other neurodegenerative conditions characterized by axonal transport deficits .
These findings highlight the importance of specific antibodies like IGF1R (Ab-1165/1166) in identifying and characterizing the receptor's expression and localization in neuronal contexts, complementing functional studies using receptor inhibitors.
Another important application of IGF1R antibodies has been in the detection of IGF1R in circulating exosomes:
Research has employed IGF1R antibodies to capture and analyze IGF1R expression in exosomes isolated from human plasma. IGF1R capture beads generated by coupling mouse monoclonal IGF1R antibody to surface-activated magnetic beads have been used in microfluidic devices to isolate exosomes for subsequent analysis .
Studies comparing exosomal IGF1R levels between healthy controls and cancer patients have found higher expression of total IGF1R in plasma exosomes from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients than in healthy controls . This suggests potential utility of exosomal IGF1R as a biomarker for certain cancer types, further emphasizing the importance of specific antibodies for IGF1R detection.
IGF1R (Ab-1165/1166) Antibody is a polyclonal antibody that specifically recognizes the insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF1R) at the Ab-1165/1166 region. This antibody is generated using a synthetic peptide of human IGF1R corresponding to the 1165/1166 amino acid residues as the immunogen. It is primarily designed for research applications requiring specific detection of IGF1R in various experimental systems .
The epitope targeted by this antibody is significant because it corresponds to a region involved in the receptor's phosphorylation and activation mechanisms, making it valuable for studying IGF1R signaling dynamics in different cellular contexts.
IGF1R is a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) that plays critical roles in multiple cellular processes including:
Cell cycle progression and proliferation
Prevention of apoptosis (programmed cell death)
Mediation of growth hormone responses
Cell metabolism regulation
Tissue differentiation and development
From a research perspective, IGF1R is significant because it influences both normal physiological processes and pathological conditions. It functions as a transmembrane molecular scaffold that, upon ligand binding, activates downstream signaling pathways including PI3K/AKT, MAPK/ERK, and JAK/STAT, which collectively regulate cellular growth, survival, and metabolism .
In developmental biology, IGF1R plays crucial roles in embryonic development, bone growth, and neuroprotection. In pathological contexts, aberrant activation of IGF1R signaling has been implicated in various cancers, including breast, lung, and colorectal malignancies, making it an important target for oncology research .
The IGF1R protein has several important molecular characteristics relevant to research applications:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Gene Location | Chromosome 15q26.3 (human) |
| Precursor Protein | 1,376 amino acids |
| Processed Structure | Cleaves into α and β subunits |
| Molecular Weight | Approximately 154.8 kilodaltons |
| Common Synonyms | IGFR, CD221, IGFIR, JTK13 |
| Alternative Names | IGF-I receptor, Soluble IGF1R variant 1 |
| UniProt Identifier | P08069 |
The protein belongs to the insulin receptor family and is expressed in a wide variety of tissues and cell types. Understanding these molecular details is critical for experimental design, especially when conducting research involving protein expression, purification, or analysis .
The IGF1R (Ab-1165/1166) Antibody has been validated for several research applications:
Western Blotting (WB): The primary validated application, useful for detecting IGF1R protein expression levels in cell or tissue lysates .
Flow Cytometry: Can be used to analyze IGF1R expression on cell surfaces, as demonstrated in protocols using HeLa cells with appropriate secondary antibodies such as FITC-conjugated goat anti-mouse/rabbit IgG .
Immunohistochemistry: While not explicitly mentioned in all sources, polyclonal antibodies against IGF1R are commonly used for tissue staining.
ImmunoPET Imaging: Specialized application for in vivo visualization of IGF1R expression, particularly in cancer models such as prostate cancer xenografts .
Each application requires specific optimization for reliable results, including antibody dilution, incubation conditions, and detection methods.
For optimal Western Blotting results with IGF1R (Ab-1165/1166) Antibody, researchers should follow this methodological approach:
Sample Preparation:
Lyse cells or tissues in a buffer containing protease and phosphatase inhibitors
Determine protein concentration using Bradford or BCA assay
Prepare 20-50 μg of protein per lane with reducing sample buffer
Gel Electrophoresis:
Use a discontinuous SDS-PAGE system with 5% enrichment gel and 10-15% separation gel
Include molecular weight markers with range covering ~154.8 kDa
Transfer:
Transfer proteins to PVDF or nitrocellulose membrane
Confirm transfer efficiency with reversible staining (Ponceau S)
Blocking:
Block membrane with 5% non-fat dry milk or BSA in TBST for 1 hour at room temperature
Primary Antibody Incubation:
Dilute IGF1R (Ab-1165/1166) Antibody (optimal dilution should be determined empirically, typically 1:500-1:2000)
Incubate overnight at 4°C with gentle rocking
Washing and Secondary Antibody:
Wash membrane 3x with TBST
Incubate with HRP-conjugated anti-rabbit secondary antibody (typically 1:5000) for 1 hour
Wash 3x with TBST
Detection:
The antibody comes in PBS with 0.05% sodium azide and 50% glycerol (pH 7.3), which should be considered when calculating final buffer compositions for your experiment .
For effective flow cytometry applications with IGF1R (Ab-1165/1166) Antibody, researchers should implement the following protocol:
Cell Preparation:
Harvest cells of interest (e.g., HeLa cells for positive control)
Adjust concentration to approximately 1×10^6 cells/mL
Wash cells in cold PBS containing 1-2% serum or BSA
Antibody Incubation:
Incubate cells with IGF1R (Ab-1165/1166) Antibody at an optimized concentration (approximately 0.5-1 μg/mL) for 30 minutes at room temperature
For negative controls, use isotype control antibody (mouse IgG1) at equivalent concentration
Washing:
Wash cells three times with cold PBS to remove unbound antibody
Secondary Antibody:
Incubate with fluorophore-conjugated secondary antibody (e.g., FITC-labeled rabbit anti-mouse/rabbit IgG at 1 μg/mL) for 30 minutes at room temperature
Alternatively, if using a directly conjugated primary antibody version, skip this step
Final Preparation:
Wash cells and resuspend in appropriate buffer
Add viability dye if needed
Filter samples through 40-70 μm mesh to remove aggregates
Analysis:
For quantitative comparison, calculate mean fluorescence intensity and compare with appropriate controls to determine specific binding.
IGF1R signaling can significantly impact experimental outcomes through multiple mechanisms that researchers must consider:
Downstream Pathway Activation: IGF1R activation triggers several signaling cascades:
PI3K/AKT pathway: Promotes cell survival and metabolism
MAPK/ERK pathway: Drives cell proliferation and differentiation
JAK/STAT pathway: Regulates gene expression
Cross-talk with Other Signaling Systems:
IGF1R can heterodimerize with insulin receptor (IR)
It interacts with other growth factor receptors (e.g., EGFR)
Estrogen receptor signaling can modulate IGF1R activity
Experimental Considerations:
Serum starvation may be necessary to minimize baseline IGF1R activation
The phosphorylation status of IGF1R affects antibody binding in some epitopes
Cell confluence levels can affect receptor expression and activation
Cell type-specific differences in IGF1R expression levels must be accounted for
Temporal Aspects:
When designing experiments involving IGF1R (Ab-1165/1166) Antibody, these signaling considerations should inform your experimental design, controls, and interpretation of results.
When utilizing IGF1R (Ab-1165/1166) Antibody in cancer research, researchers should address these critical considerations:
Expression Heterogeneity:
Phosphorylation Status Analysis:
Total IGF1R vs. phosphorylated IGF1R provide different information
Consider using phospho-specific antibodies in parallel experiments
Activation status may not correlate with total protein levels
Microenvironmental Factors:
Tumor microenvironment contains IGF1/IGF2 that may activate the receptor
Hypoxia can alter IGF1R expression and signaling
Stromal cells may contribute to IGF axis regulation
Therapeutic Resistance Mechanisms:
IGF1R upregulation is associated with resistance to various targeted therapies
Compensatory signaling through insulin receptor may occur
Consider analyzing IR/IGF1R hybrid receptors
In Vivo Models:
These considerations will enhance the rigor and reproducibility of cancer research involving IGF1R targeting and analysis.
For in vivo imaging applications, IGF1R (Ab-1165/1166) Antibody can be adapted using these methodological approaches:
Antibody Modification for Imaging:
Conjugation with radioisotopes (e.g., 64Cu) for PET imaging
Fluorophore labeling for fluorescence imaging
Ensure conjugation preserves antibody binding properties
Animal Model Selection:
Protocol Optimization:
Determine optimal antibody dose (typically 5-10 μg for mice)
Establish time course for optimal tumor-to-background ratio
Consider pharmacokinetic studies to determine ideal imaging time points
Validation Approaches:
Perform ex vivo biodistribution studies to confirm imaging results
Correlate imaging signal with immunohistochemistry of harvested tissues
Use blocking studies with unlabeled antibody to confirm specificity
Data Analysis:
This approach has been successfully employed for developing immunoPET tracers for prostate cancer imaging, demonstrating the feasibility of using anti-IGF1R antibodies for in vivo visualization of receptor expression.
Researchers commonly encounter several challenges when working with IGF1R (Ab-1165/1166) Antibody:
Specificity Issues:
Challenge: Cross-reactivity with insulin receptor due to homology
Solution: Validate specificity using IGF1R knockout/knockdown cells or IGF1R-negative cell lines like LNCaP
Sensitivity Limitations:
Challenge: Detecting low abundance IGF1R expression
Solution: Implement signal amplification methods such as tyramide signal amplification; concentrate protein samples; use high-sensitivity detection reagents
Background Signal:
Challenge: High background in immunostaining or Western blotting
Solution: Optimize blocking (5% BSA rather than milk for phospho-detection); increase washing steps; titrate antibody concentration; use more stringent washing buffers
Receptor Activation Status:
Challenge: Distinguishing between active and inactive receptor
Solution: Include controls with IGF1 stimulation; use phospho-specific antibodies in parallel experiments
Reproducibility Issues:
Addressing these challenges through methodological optimization will significantly improve experimental outcomes with this antibody.
To rigorously validate IGF1R (Ab-1165/1166) Antibody specificity in experimental systems, implement this comprehensive approach:
Genetic Controls:
Use IGF1R knockdown/knockout models (siRNA, CRISPR-Cas9)
Compare IGF1R-positive (e.g., DU-145) vs. IGF1R-negative (e.g., LNCaP) cell lines
Express tagged versions of IGF1R for parallel detection
Peptide Competition Assay:
Pre-incubate antibody with excess immunizing peptide (Ab-1165/1166 sequence)
Expected result: Signal elimination/reduction indicates specificity
Multiple Detection Methods:
Compare results across different techniques (WB, flow cytometry, IHC)
Consistent detection pattern supports specificity
Use different antibodies targeting distinct IGF1R epitopes
Functional Validation:
Correlate antibody signal with functional readouts of IGF1R activity
Stimulate cells with IGF1 and monitor receptor phosphorylation
Inhibit IGF1R with small molecule inhibitors and observe signal changes
Molecular Weight Verification:
These validation steps should be documented thoroughly and included in publications to support the reliability of research findings.
For researchers pursuing specialized applications requiring IGF1R (Ab-1165/1166) Antibody conjugation, these critical parameters must be carefully optimized:
Conjugation Chemistry Selection:
Consider the functional groups available on the antibody (lysines, cysteines)
Choose chemistry compatible with the label (fluorophore, enzyme, radioisotope)
Evaluate potential impact on antigen-binding region
Antibody-to-Label Ratio Optimization:
Determine optimal degree of labeling (DOL)
Excessive labeling can impair binding affinity
Insufficient labeling reduces detection sensitivity
Typical optimal ranges:
Fluorophores: 2-6 molecules per antibody
Enzymes: 1-2 molecules per antibody
Purification Considerations:
Remove unconjugated label thoroughly
Verify conjugate purity by spectroscopic methods
Consider size exclusion chromatography for optimal separation
Stability Assessment:
Test storage conditions (temperature, buffer composition)
Determine shelf-life through time-course experiments
Add stabilizers if necessary (e.g., BSA, glycerol)
Functional Validation:
Available conjugation options for IGF1R antibodies include:
Fluorophores: AF350, AF488, AF555, AF594, AF647, and others
Enzymes: HRP, Alkaline Phosphatase
Tandem dyes: APC, PE combinations
Small molecules: Biotin
IGF1R (Ab-1165/1166) Antibody is finding important applications in neurodegenerative disease research, particularly in these emerging areas:
Axonal Transport Studies:
IGF1R has been identified as a modulator of signaling endosome trafficking
Deficits in axonal transport are linked to various neurodegenerative conditions
The antibody enables visualization and tracking of IGF1R-containing endosomes
Research applications include studying the role of IGF1R in models of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Neuroprotective Mechanisms:
IGF1R signaling promotes neuronal survival and axonal growth
The antibody allows correlation of receptor levels with neuroprotective outcomes
Enables investigation of IGF1R's role in preventing neuronal death
Methodological Approaches:
Live-cell imaging of fluorescently labeled IGF1R antibodies
Co-localization studies with markers of retrograde and anterograde transport
Analysis of signaling endosome dynamics in neuronal cultures and brain slices
Therapeutic Target Evaluation:
This emerging research field connects IGF1R signaling with fundamental processes in neuronal maintenance and highlights the potential therapeutic implications of targeting this receptor in neurodegenerative conditions.
Recent advances in therapeutic targeting research utilizing IGF1R antibodies include:
Dual-Targeting Approaches:
Development of bispecific antibodies targeting both IGF1R and other cancer-related receptors
Combined targeting of IGF1R and insulin receptor to prevent compensatory signaling
Evaluation of synergistic effects with standard chemotherapeutic agents
Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs):
Engineering IGF1R antibodies as delivery vehicles for cytotoxic payloads
Optimization of linker chemistry and drug-to-antibody ratios
Evaluation of tumor-selective delivery based on differential IGF1R expression
Immune System Engagement:
Development of IGF1R antibodies that recruit immune effector cells
Investigation of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) mechanisms
Combination strategies with immune checkpoint inhibitors
Predictive Biomarkers:
Correlation of IGF1R expression levels with therapeutic response
Identification of molecular signatures predictive of response to IGF1R targeting
Development of companion diagnostics using IGF1R antibodies
Novel Delivery Systems:
These developments represent cutting-edge applications of IGF1R antibodies beyond traditional research uses, highlighting their potential in translational medicine and therapeutic development.