ITGAV (Integrin alpha V) is a transmembrane receptor protein that forms heterodimers with various beta subunits, most notably ITGB3, ITGB5, ITGB6, and ITGB8. These heterodimers function as receptors for a wide array of ligands including vitronectin, cytotactin, fibronectin, fibrinogen, laminin, matrix metalloproteinase-2, osteopontin, osteomodulin, prothrombin, thrombospondin, and von Willebrand factor. ITGAV-containing integrins specifically recognize and bind to the R-G-D (Arg-Gly-Asp) sequence present in numerous ligands .
The biological significance of ITGAV extends to multiple cellular processes including:
Cell adhesion and migration
Extracellular matrix interactions
Signal transduction pathways
Growth factor signaling modulation
Recent research has identified ITGAV:ITGB3 as a binding partner for various growth factors including FGF1, IGF1, IGF2, and IL1B, with this interaction being essential for their respective signaling pathways . Additionally, ITGAV:ITGB5 has been identified as a critical integrin pair necessary for cancer cell expansion, highlighting its potential role in oncogenic processes .
HRP (Horseradish Peroxidase) conjugation provides significant advantages for ITGAV detection in research applications through a direct enzymatic detection system. The HRP enzyme catalyzes the oxidation of substrates (such as TMB) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, producing a colorimetric, chemiluminescent, or fluorescent signal depending on the substrate used .
The primary methodological advantages include:
Increased sensitivity: The enzymatic amplification allows for detection of low abundance ITGAV proteins
Reduced protocol complexity: Direct conjugation eliminates the need for secondary antibody incubation steps
Decreased background: Fewer antibody layers result in reduced non-specific binding
Faster experimental timeline: Elimination of secondary antibody incubation shortens the protocol
For ITGAV detection specifically, HRP-conjugated antibodies are particularly valuable in Western blot applications (recommended dilution 1:1,000-1:2,000) and immunohistochemistry where precise localization of the protein is required . The enzymatic reaction with TMB substrate produces a measurable color change at 450nm, enabling quantitative analysis of ITGAV abundance .
The ITGAV protein contains several distinct structural domains that influence antibody recognition and experimental outcomes. The most critical domain is the β-propeller domain, which contains a central pocket essential for heterodimer formation with beta integrin partners .
Recent CRISPR-tiling studies have specifically pinpointed this integral pocket within the β-propeller domain as crucial for ITGAV-ITGB5 dimerization . This structural insight is particularly important when selecting antibodies, as those targeting epitopes within or near this region may potentially interfere with natural heterodimer formation and alter experimental outcomes.
Additionally, ITGAV contains:
A heavy chain and light chain region that form the complete integrin structure
Extracellular domains containing ligand-binding regions that recognize RGD motifs
Transmembrane regions anchoring the protein to the cell membrane
Cytoplasmic domains involved in intracellular signaling
When selecting an ITGAV antibody for specific applications, researchers should consider which domain is being targeted, as this may influence protein detection in different experimental contexts or states of activation .
For optimal Western blot results with HRP-conjugated ITGAV antibody, sample preparation must preserve protein integrity while maximizing epitope accessibility. The following methodological approach has been validated across multiple studies:
Sample Extraction Protocol:
Harvest cells during logarithmic growth phase (70-80% confluence)
Wash cells twice with ice-cold PBS to remove media components
Lyse cells using a buffer containing:
50mM Tris-HCl (pH 7.4)
150mM NaCl
1% NP-40 or Triton X-100
0.5% sodium deoxycholate
Protease inhibitor cocktail
Incubate on ice for 30 minutes with gentle agitation
Centrifuge at 14,000×g for 15 minutes at 4°C
Collect supernatant and determine protein concentration
SDS-PAGE and Transfer Parameters:
Load 20-40μg of total protein per lane
Separate proteins on 7.5-10% polyacrylamide gels (ITGAV has a calculated molecular weight of 116kDa)
Transfer to PVDF membrane at 100V for 60-90 minutes in cold transfer buffer
Block with 5% non-fat dry milk in TBST for 1 hour at room temperature
Antibody Incubation:
Dilute HRP-conjugated ITGAV antibody at 1:1,000-1:2,000 in blocking buffer
Incubate membrane overnight at 4°C with gentle agitation
Wash membrane 3 times with TBST, 5 minutes each
Develop using enhanced chemiluminescence substrate
This protocol has been validated with multiple cancer cell lines including MCF-7 cells, which demonstrate reliable ITGAV detection .
Optimizing ITGAV detection in tissue samples requires careful consideration of fixation, antigen retrieval, and antibody incubation parameters. Based on validated protocols, the following methodological approach is recommended:
Tissue Processing and Fixation:
Fix tissue in 10% neutral buffered formalin for 24-48 hours
Process and embed in paraffin following standard histological procedures
Section tissues at 4-6μm thickness onto charged slides
Dry sections overnight at 37°C
Antigen Retrieval Optimization:
Heat-induced epitope retrieval in citrate buffer (pH 6.0) for 20 minutes
Allow slides to cool in buffer for 20 minutes before proceeding
Wash in PBS (3 times, 5 minutes each)
Immunostaining Protocol:
Block endogenous peroxidase with 3% H₂O₂ in methanol for 15 minutes
Block non-specific binding with 5% normal serum for 1 hour
Incubate in a humidified chamber at 4°C overnight
Wash thoroughly with PBS (3 times, 5 minutes each)
Develop with DAB substrate until optimal signal intensity (2-10 minutes)
Counterstain with hematoxylin, dehydrate, and mount
For dual immunofluorescence applications, the HRP-conjugated ITGAV antibody can be detected using tyramide signal amplification systems to enable multiplex analysis with other markers. This approach is particularly valuable for examining ITGAV heterodimer formation with various beta partners in tissue contexts .
Rigorous controls are critical for ensuring the validity and reproducibility of experiments using ITGAV antibody. The following control strategy addresses key aspects of experimental design:
Positive Controls:
Human tissue samples with established ITGAV expression patterns (placenta, vasculature)
Recombinant ITGAV protein for Western blot standard curves
Negative Controls:
Primary antibody omission control (all reagents except primary antibody)
Isotype control (irrelevant HRP-conjugated IgG at matching concentration)
Cell lines with CRISPR knockout of ITGAV
Competitive binding with immunizing peptide (when available)
Technical Controls:
Loading control for Western blot (β-actin, GAPDH)
Tissue positive internal control (blood vessels typically express ITGAV)
Serial dilution of primary antibody to confirm specificity
Cross-reactivity assessment with related integrin alpha subunits
Validation Approaches:
Comparison of results using alternative ITGAV antibody clones
Correlation with mRNA expression data
Functional validation using ITGAV inhibitors or siRNA knockdown
For flow cytometry applications specifically, unstained cells and fluorescence minus one (FMO) controls should be included to establish proper gating strategies. Validated flow cytometry protocols for ITGAV detection include using the antibody at 1:50-1:100 dilution as demonstrated with MCF-7 cells .
Distinguishing specific from non-specific signals is crucial for accurate ITGAV detection. The following methodological approach helps establish signal specificity:
Signal Verification Strategy:
Molecular Weight Verification:
Peptide Competition Assay:
Pre-incubate the antibody with excess immunizing peptide
Compare signal between competed and non-competed antibody
Specific signals should be substantially reduced or eliminated
Signal Correlation Analysis:
Compare detection patterns across multiple techniques (WB, IHC, flow cytometry)
Specific signals should show consistent patterns across methodologies
Compare results with mRNA expression data
Genetic Validation Approaches:
Test antibody on samples with ITGAV knockdown/knockout
Specific signals should be reduced proportionally to knockdown efficiency
Include heterozygous samples to verify dose-dependent signal reduction
Cross-Reactivity Assessment:
Test on samples expressing related integrin family members
Verify absence of signal in species not covered by the antibody's reactivity profile
For flow cytometry applications, non-specific binding can be minimized by:
Using appropriate blocking sera matched to secondary antibody species
Including dead cell discrimination dyes to eliminate autofluorescent dead cells
When faced with contradictory results between ITGAV antibody data and other experimental approaches, a systematic troubleshooting strategy should be employed:
Methodological Reconciliation Approach:
Technical Validation:
Verify antibody quality through fresh aliquots and validation controls
Confirm protein loading and transfer efficiency in Western blots
Assess tissue fixation quality and antigen retrieval efficiency in IHC
Evaluate sample preparation methods for potential epitope masking
Biological Variability Assessment:
Consider post-translational modifications affecting epitope recognition
Evaluate potential alternative splicing variants of ITGAV
Assess heterodimer formation status which may mask epitopes
Consider activation state of the integrin complex
Contextual Reconciliation:
Examine differences in experimental conditions between contradictory findings
Consider cell type-specific regulation of ITGAV expression
Evaluate matrix composition differences affecting integrin conformation
Assess potential compensatory mechanisms in genetic models
Cross-Validation Strategies:
Deploy alternative antibody clones recognizing different ITGAV epitopes
Utilize non-antibody detection methods (mass spectrometry, RNA-seq)
Combine functional assays with molecular detection
Implement genetic labeling approaches (CRISPR-mediated tagging)
A specific example of reconciliation involves understanding the relationship between ITGAV and its binding partners: mutations in binding partners (like ITGB5) may affect ITGAV stability or localization without altering expression levels, creating apparent contradictions between functional and expression data .
Distinguishing between different ITGAV heterodimers (αVβ3, αVβ5, αVβ6, αVβ8) is methodologically challenging but can be accomplished through:
Heterodimer Discrimination Strategy:
Co-Immunoprecipitation Approach:
Immunoprecipitate with ITGAV antibody
Probe with specific beta subunit antibodies (ITGB3, ITGB5, ITGB6, ITGB8)
Quantify relative abundance of each heterodimer
Proximity Ligation Assay (PLA):
Combine ITGAV antibody with specific beta subunit antibodies
PLA signal occurs only when proteins are within 40nm
Quantify distinct heterodimer populations in situ
Function-Blocking Antibody Approach:
Apply selective function-blocking antibodies targeting specific heterodimers
Measure functional outcomes (adhesion, signaling)
Determine relative contribution of each heterodimer
Heterodimer-Specific Detection:
Utilize conformation-specific antibodies that recognize only assembled heterodimers
Focus on activation state-specific epitopes that emerge upon heterodimer formation
Consider ligand binding domains that differ between heterodimers
Correlation Analysis:
Compare ITGAV expression patterns with beta subunit distribution
Identify tissue/cell types with predominant expression of specific beta partners
Utilize the distinct ligand preference of different heterodimers
Recent research has highlighted the importance of the ITGAV-ITGB5 heterodimer in cancer cell expansion, making this specific heterodimer a particularly valuable target for discrimination studies in oncology research contexts .
Recent CRISPR screens have identified the ITGAV-ITGB5 heterodimer as the essential integrin pair for cancer cell expansion, making this a critical area for advanced investigation . The HRP-conjugated ITGAV antibody can be leveraged in several sophisticated experimental approaches:
Cancer Research Applications:
Pharmacological Inhibitor Studies:
Monitor ITGAV-ITGB5 heterodimer stability following treatment with novel inhibitors like Cpd_AV2
Quantify heterodimer dissociation kinetics using time-course analysis
Correlate heterodimer stability with cancer cell apoptosis markers
Dimerization Domain Analysis:
Investigate the β-propeller domain of ITGAV which contains the critical pocket for heterodimer formation
Track conformational changes upon ligand binding or inhibitor treatment
Couple with site-directed mutagenesis of key residues in the dimerization interface
Tumor Microenvironment Interaction Studies:
Analyze ITGAV localization at tumor-stroma boundaries
Correlate ITGAV expression with extracellular matrix composition
Investigate ITGAV-dependent mechanosensing in tumor progression
Signaling Pathway Integration:
Examine co-localization of ITGAV with downstream signaling molecules
Investigate phosphorylation cascades triggered by ITGAV-ITGB5 activation
Analyze cross-talk between integrin and growth factor receptor pathways
The CRISPR-Tiling-Instructed Computer-Aided (CRISPR-TICA) approach has identified the integral pocket within the β-propeller domain of ITGAV as critical for cancer progression, making this region a high-priority target for therapeutic development and mechanistic studies .
Understanding the molecular mechanisms governing ITGAV heterodimer stability is critical for both basic science and therapeutic development. The following advanced methodological approaches can be employed:
Molecular Mechanism Analysis:
Structural Biology Integration:
Combine antibody epitope mapping with structural data
Correlate antibody binding with heterodimer stability measurements
Identify conformational epitopes that appear during heterodimer dissociation
Live Cell Imaging Approaches:
Utilize FRET-based sensors to monitor heterodimer proximity in real-time
Track heterodimer dynamics during cell migration and adhesion
Correlate with cellular phenotypes following perturbation
Quantitative Binding Kinetics:
Measure association/dissociation rates of ITGAV with beta partners
Compare kinetics in the presence of various ligands or inhibitors
Correlate binding parameters with functional outcomes
High-Resolution Microscopy:
Employ super-resolution techniques to visualize nanoscale organization of ITGAV
Track dynamic reorganization during cellular processes
Identify molecular co-clustering with signaling partners
Recent research using Cpd_AV2, which targets the β-propeller central pocket of ITGAV, demonstrated rapid uncoupling of integrin αVβ5 followed by cellular apoptosis. This provides a mechanistic model for studying heterodimer stability in various cellular contexts .
ITGAV and its binding partners have been implicated in rare genetic disorders, including early-onset inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Advanced research approaches include:
Genetic Disorder Investigation Strategy:
Digenic Inheritance Analysis:
Genotype-Phenotype Correlation:
Compare clinical manifestations with specific ITGAV variant profiles
Develop mutation-specific antibodies for variant protein detection
Correlate mutation location with functional domains of ITGAV
Conservation Analysis Approach:
Examine evolutionary conservation of affected residues across species
Predict functional impact of mutations in highly conserved regions
Compare with in vitro functional assays to validate predictions
Therapeutic Response Prediction:
Stratify patients based on ITGAV variant status
Correlate variant profiles with response to integrin-targeted therapies
Develop personalized treatment approaches based on specific mutations
Animal Model Development:
Generate knock-in models with specific ITGAV mutations
Compare phenotypes with human disease manifestations
Test potential therapeutic approaches in genetically accurate models
Exome sequencing has identified extremely rare ITGAV variants in monozygotic twins with early-onset IBD, highlighting the importance of incorporating genetic screening into research on integrin-associated disorders .
Proper storage and handling of HRP-conjugated ITGAV antibody is critical for maintaining its activity and ensuring reproducible results across experiments. Based on manufacturer recommendations:
Storage Conditions:
Long-term storage: -20°C for up to one year
Short-term storage and frequent use: 4°C for up to one month
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles that can degrade both antibody and HRP enzyme
Storage Formulation:
The standard formulation includes:
1mg/ml antibody concentration in PBS
0.02% sodium azide as preservative
50% glycerol for cryoprotection
Handling Practices:
Aliquot upon first thaw to minimize freeze-thaw cycles
Thaw at room temperature or 4°C, never at higher temperatures
Mix gently by inversion, avoid vortexing which can denature antibodies
Centrifuge briefly before opening to collect all liquid at the bottom
Use sterile technique when handling to prevent microbial contamination
Quality Control Monitoring:
Check for visible precipitates before use (indication of degradation)
Include positive controls with known ITGAV expression in each experiment
Monitor signal-to-noise ratio across experiments to detect potential activity loss
Consider preparing standard curves to track sensitivity over time
Following these storage and handling guidelines will help ensure consistent antibody performance and reliable experimental results.
Precision metrics are essential for evaluating the reliability of ITGAV quantification using ELISA with HRP-conjugated antibodies. Based on validated protocols:
Intra-assay Precision (within-run precision):
Measured by testing three samples (low, middle, and high ITGAV concentrations) 20 times on one plate
Typical coefficient of variation (CV): <10%
Example data showed CV values of 4.8% (low), 6.2% (middle), and 3.9% (high) concentration samples
Inter-assay Precision (between-run precision):
Determined by testing three samples in 20 separate assays
Typical coefficient of variation (CV): <15%
Example data showed CV values of 8.7% (low), 10.3% (middle), and 7.6% (high) concentration samples
Precision Optimization Factors:
Antibody quality and consistency
Careful adherence to incubation times and temperatures
Precise reagent preparation and pipetting
Consistent washing technique
Standardized plate reading parameters
Analytical Performance Characteristics:
Detection range: 0.156-10 ng/mL (typical for ITGAV ELISA)
Sensitivity: <0.1 ng/mL
Recovery rate: 85-115% in spiked samples
These precision metrics ensure that ITGAV quantification is reliable and reproducible across experiments, which is critical for longitudinal studies and multi-center research collaborations.
Human Integrin Alpha V (ITGαV) ELISA Kit Performance Characteristics:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Detection Range | 0.156-10 ng/mL |
| Sensitivity | <0.1 ng/mL |
| Intra-assay CV | <10% |
| Inter-assay CV | <15% |
| Sample Recovery | 85-115% |
| Cross-reactivity | No significant cross-reactivity with other integrins |
| Sample Types Compatible | Tissue homogenates, cell lysates, biological fluids |