The KDR (Ab-951) antibody is a polyclonal rabbit-derived antibody targeting the kinase insert domain receptor (KDR), also known as vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2). This receptor plays a critical role in angiogenesis, vascular permeability, and endothelial cell proliferation . The antibody is designed to recognize a specific peptide sequence around amino acids 949–953 (K-D-Y-V-G) derived from human VEGFR2, making it valuable for studying VEGF signaling pathways in both physiological and pathological contexts .
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Immunogen Sequence | K-D-Y-V-G (aa. 949–953 of human VEGFR2) |
| Epitope Location | Near Tyr951, a phosphorylation site involved in receptor activation |
| Purification Method | Affinity chromatography using epitope-specific peptide |
| Concentration | 1.0 mg/mL in PBS (pH 7.4, 150 mM NaCl, 0.02% sodium azide, 50% glycerol) |
The antibody’s specificity for VEGFR2 is validated through western blot (WB) and immunohistochemistry (IHC), where it detects endogenous levels of the receptor without cross-reactivity to phosphorylated isoforms . This distinguishes it from phospho-specific antibodies targeting activated VEGFR2 .
The KDR (Ab-951) antibody is employed across multiple experimental platforms, offering insights into VEGFR2 expression and localization.
In WB, the antibody detects a ~230 kDa band corresponding to VEGFR2 in lysates from cell lines such as SKOV3 (ovarian carcinoma) and MCF cells . Optimal dilutions range from 1:500 to 1:1000, ensuring minimal background noise .
IHC applications include staining paraffin-embedded human breast carcinoma tissues and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) sections. Dilutions of 1:50–1:200 are recommended, with antigen retrieval protocols enhancing signal specificity .
IF studies use the antibody at 1:100–1:200 to localize VEGFR2 in endothelial cells, such as in microvascular endothelial cell cultures . This method highlights receptor distribution in membrane and cytoplasmic compartments.
| Application | Dilution Range | Key Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Western Blot | 1:500–1:1000 | Detection of VEGFR2 in tumor cell lysates |
| Immunohistochemistry | 1:50–1:200 | VEGFR2 staining in breast carcinoma tissues |
| Immunofluorescence | 1:100–1:200 | Localization in endothelial cell cultures |
| Species | Reactivity | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Human | High | Cancer research, angiogenesis studies |
| Mouse | High | Developmental biology, knockout models |
| Rat | Moderate | Cardiovascular drug testing |
Studies using the KDR (Ab-951) antibody have advanced understanding of VEGFR2’s role in disease:
Cancer Angiogenesis: Demonstrated upregulated VEGFR2 expression in breast carcinoma tissues, correlating with metastatic potential .
Endothelial Cell Migration: Shown to inhibit tube formation in microvascular endothelial cells when blocking VEGFR2 signaling .
HIV-1 Pathogenesis: Linked to enhanced angiogenesis in Kaposi’s sarcoma via interaction with viral Tat protein .
Key validations include:
The KDR (Ab-951) antibody differs from other VEGFR2-targeting antibodies in epitope specificity and applications:
While robust, the antibody has limitations:
KDR (Ab-951) Antibody is a rabbit polyclonal antibody that specifically recognizes the VEGF Receptor 2 (VEGFR2/KDR) when phosphorylated at tyrosine residue 951 (Tyr951). The antibody targets a specific peptide sequence around amino acids 949-953 (K-D-Y-V-G) derived from human VEGFR2. This antibody is valuable for detecting endogenous VEGFR2 only when this specific tyrosine residue is phosphorylated, making it useful for studying VEGFR2 activation states .
KDR (Ab-951) Antibody has confirmed reactivity with human, mouse, and rat specimens. This cross-species reactivity makes it valuable for comparative studies across different model systems. Researchers should validate optimal dilutions when working with each species as sensitivity may vary slightly across species despite the high sequence conservation in the target region .
The antibody should be stored at -20°C or -80°C for long-term storage. It is supplied at 1.0mg/mL in phosphate buffered saline (without Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺), pH 7.4, containing 150mM NaCl, 0.02% sodium azide, and 50% glycerol as stabilizers. Researchers should avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles as these can degrade antibody performance. For short-term storage (up to 6 months), the antibody can be kept at 4°C. Always centrifuge briefly before opening the vial to ensure solution homogeneity .
KDR (Ab-951) Antibody has been validated for multiple research applications with specific recommended dilutions:
| Application | Recommended Dilution | Special Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Western Blotting (WB) | 1:500 - 1:1000 | Expected MW: 230 kDa |
| Immunohistochemistry (IHC) | 1:50 - 1:100 | Optimize fixation conditions |
| Immunofluorescence (IF) | 1:100 - 1:200 | Use appropriate blocking agents |
| ELISA | Optimization required | Validate specificity with controls |
These dilutions serve as starting points and may require optimization based on sample type, preparation method, and detection system .
For phosphorylation studies with KDR (Ab-951) Antibody, researchers should implement multiple controls:
Positive control: Cells treated with VEGF to stimulate VEGFR2 phosphorylation
Negative control: Untreated cells or cells treated with VEGFR2 kinase inhibitors
Phosphatase control: Sample treated with lambda phosphatase to demonstrate phospho-specificity
Loading control: Detection of total VEGFR2 using a non-phospho-specific antibody
Peptide competition: Pre-incubation with phospho-peptide (K-D-pY-V-G) should abolish signal
These controls help validate that observed signals represent specific detection of phosphorylated Tyr951 on VEGFR2 rather than non-specific binding or artifacts .
For optimal results with KDR (Ab-951) Antibody, sample preparation should preserve phosphorylation status:
Cell lysis: Use buffers containing phosphatase inhibitors (e.g., sodium orthovanadate, sodium fluoride, β-glycerophosphate)
Tissue samples: Flash-freeze immediately after collection and homogenize in ice-cold lysis buffer with phosphatase inhibitors
Fixation for IHC/IF: 4% paraformaldehyde is preferred; avoid prolonged fixation
Antigen retrieval: Heat-induced epitope retrieval in citrate buffer (pH 6.0) or EDTA buffer (pH 9.0)
Blocking: Use 5% BSA rather than milk (which contains phosphatases) in TBS-T
These methodological considerations help maintain phospho-epitope integrity throughout the experimental workflow .
KDR (Ab-951) Antibody specifically detects phosphorylation at Tyr951, which is particularly important for understanding VEGFR2 signaling in angiogenesis. The Tyr951 residue serves as a binding site for TSAd (T-cell-specific adaptor) and contributes to VEGF-induced actin reorganization and migration, distinct from other phosphorylation sites:
pTyr951: Primarily involved in cell migration and vascular permeability pathways
pTyr1054/1059: Critical for kinase activation
pTyr1175: Main site for PLCγ binding and proliferation signaling
pTyr1214: Involved in p38 MAPK activation
When investigating specific aspects of VEGFR2 signaling, researchers should select phospho-antibodies targeting the relevant sites. For comprehensive pathway analysis, consider using multiple phospho-site specific antibodies in parallel experiments .
While KDR (Ab-951) Antibody demonstrates high specificity for phosphorylated VEGFR2 at Tyr951, researchers should be aware of potential cross-reactivity issues in complex tissue samples:
Similar phospho-tyrosine motifs in related receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs)
Non-specific binding to denatured proteins in fixed tissues
Background in highly vascularized tissues with abundant VEGFR2 expression
To address these concerns:
Always include appropriate negative controls
Validate antibody specificity using siRNA/shRNA knockdown of VEGFR2
Consider peptide competition assays with phospho-Tyr951 peptide
Use dual staining approaches with other VEGFR2 antibodies to confirm specificity
For particularly challenging samples, consider using phospho-enrichment techniques prior to analysis to enhance signal-to-noise ratio .
Detecting low-abundance phosphorylation events requires optimization strategies:
Signal amplification: Use tyramide signal amplification (TSA) for IHC/IF or highly sensitive ECL substrates for WB
Sample enrichment: Perform immunoprecipitation of total VEGFR2 before probing with phospho-specific antibody
Phosphatase inhibition: Use cocktails containing both serine/threonine and tyrosine phosphatase inhibitors
Stimulation conditions: Optimize VEGF concentration and stimulation time to maximize phosphorylation
Quantitative techniques: Consider using phospho-flow cytometry for single-cell analysis
These approaches can significantly improve detection sensitivity, especially in primary cells or tissue samples where phosphorylation signals may be transient or weak .
KDR (Ab-951) Antibody can be integrated into multiplexed phospho-signaling workflows to understand VEGFR2 pathway dynamics:
Sequential immunoblotting: Strip and reprobe membranes with antibodies for downstream mediators (PLCγ, ERK, AKT)
Multiplexed immunofluorescence: Combine with other phospho-antibodies using spectrally distinct fluorophores
Mass cytometry (CyTOF): Conjugate with metal isotopes for high-dimensional single-cell analysis
Proximity ligation assay (PLA): Pair with antibodies against interaction partners to detect molecular proximity
Reverse phase protein array (RPPA): Profile multiple phosphorylation events in parallel
When designing multiplexed experiments, select antibodies raised in different host species to avoid cross-reactivity during detection, and carefully validate each antibody individually before combining them .
When incorporating KDR (Ab-951) Antibody into phosphoproteomics workflows:
Antibody-based enrichment: Use the antibody for immunoprecipitation before mass spectrometry analysis
Validation of MS findings: Confirm phosphoproteomics hits using the antibody in orthogonal assays
Quantification standards: Include phosphopeptide standards for the Tyr951 epitope for calibration
Spatial information: Complement MS data with IF/IHC to provide spatial context for phosphorylation events
Temporal dynamics: Use the antibody to validate temporal phosphorylation profiles identified in MS studies
This integration provides complementary advantages: the specificity of antibody-based detection and the comprehensive coverage of mass spectrometry-based phosphoproteomics .
For investigating pathological angiogenesis, researchers can apply KDR (Ab-951) Antibody in several specialized approaches:
Tumor xenograft models: Assess phospho-VEGFR2 (Tyr951) in tumor vasculature after anti-angiogenic treatments
Retinal neovascularization models: Quantify phospho-VEGFR2 in retinal whole-mounts
Ex vivo angiogenesis assays: Monitor phosphorylation dynamics in aortic ring sprouting assays
Patient-derived samples: Compare phospho-VEGFR2 patterns in normal versus pathological tissue samples
Drug screening: Evaluate compound effects on VEGFR2 phosphorylation status
The VEGFR2 signaling system plays a key role in vascular development and regulation of vascular permeability. In pathological contexts like HIV-1 infection, interaction with extracellular viral Tat protein can enhance angiogenesis in Kaposi's sarcoma lesions, making phospho-specific detection particularly valuable in understanding disease mechanisms .
Researchers investigating resistance to VEGFR2-targeted therapies are using KDR (Ab-951) Antibody to:
Monitor phosphorylation status at Tyr951 versus other sites (Tyr1175, Tyr1214) during treatment
Identify differential phosphorylation patterns in resistant versus sensitive tumors
Study compensatory signaling through alternative phosphorylation sites
Evaluate combination treatments targeting multiple RTK pathways
Develop phosphorylation-based biomarkers for predicting treatment response
This application helps elucidate molecular mechanisms of resistance to anti-angiogenic therapies by determining whether resistance involves bypass of VEGFR2 signaling or altered phosphorylation patterns within the receptor itself .
For single-cell analysis of VEGFR2 phosphorylation:
Fixation optimization: Develop protocols that preserve phospho-epitopes while maintaining cellular architecture
Signal amplification: Implement techniques like tyramide signal amplification for detecting low-abundance signals
Multiplexed detection: Combine with markers for cell identity, cell cycle, and downstream signaling
Image analysis: Use automated image analysis tools to quantify phospho-VEGFR2 intensity at single-cell resolution
Validation approaches: Confirm findings with orthogonal techniques like phospho-flow cytometry
These approaches allow researchers to address heterogeneity in VEGFR2 signaling across different cell populations within complex tissues, providing insights into differential responses to angiogenic stimuli or inhibitors .
Researchers may encounter several challenges when using this antibody for Western blotting:
| Challenge | Potential Causes | Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| Weak signal | Low phosphorylation levels | Stimulate cells with VEGF (50ng/ml, 5-10 min); Use phosphatase inhibitors |
| High background | Non-specific binding | Increase blocking time; Use 5% BSA instead of milk; Optimize antibody dilution (1:500-1:1000) |
| Multiple bands | Degradation products; Cross-reactivity | Use fresh samples; Add protease inhibitors; Validate with knockdown controls |
| No signal | Loss of phosphorylation | Avoid phosphatase exposure; Maintain samples at 4°C; Process samples quickly |
| Inconsistent results | Variability in phosphorylation | Standardize stimulation protocols; Include positive control samples |
When working with phospho-specific antibodies like KDR (Ab-951), sample preparation is critical for maintaining phosphorylation status throughout the experimental procedure .
To verify antibody specificity:
Phosphatase treatment: Treating duplicate samples with lambda phosphatase should eliminate signal
Peptide competition: Pre-incubating antibody with phospho-peptide versus non-phospho-peptide
Genetic approaches: Testing samples from VEGFR2 knockout models or after siRNA knockdown
Pharmacological inhibition: Using selective VEGFR2 kinase inhibitors to block phosphorylation
Mass spectrometry validation: Confirming phosphorylation status of Tyr951 in samples showing positive signal
These validation steps are essential for ensuring that observed signals genuinely represent phosphorylated VEGFR2 at Tyr951 rather than artifacts or cross-reactivity with other phospho-proteins .
The polyclonal KDR (Ab-951) Antibody offers distinct advantages and limitations compared to monoclonal alternatives:
| Feature | Polyclonal KDR (Ab-951) | Monoclonal Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Epitope recognition | Multiple epitopes around pTyr951 | Single epitope, more precise specificity |
| Signal strength | Often stronger signal due to multiple binding sites | May provide lower signal but higher specificity |
| Lot-to-lot consistency | Some variation between production lots | Greater consistency between lots |
| Cross-reactivity | May recognize closely related epitopes | Generally lower cross-reactivity |
| Applications versatility | Often works across multiple applications | May be optimized for specific applications |
For critical quantitative studies or clinical research applications, researchers may benefit from comparing results using both antibody types. For qualitative detection of phosphorylated VEGFR2, the polyclonal antibody often provides sufficient specificity with enhanced sensitivity .
For comprehensive VEGFR2 pathway analysis, consider these complementary approaches:
Total VEGFR2 antibodies: To normalize phospho-signal to total receptor expression
Antibodies against other phosphorylation sites (pTyr1054/1059, pTyr1175, pTyr1214)
Downstream signaling markers: Phospho-PLCγ, phospho-ERK, phospho-AKT
VEGF ligand detection tools: ELISA kits or antibodies for quantifying VEGF levels
Functional assays: Endothelial cell migration, tube formation, and proliferation assays
This multi-faceted approach enables researchers to correlate receptor phosphorylation status with downstream signaling events and functional outcomes, providing a more complete picture of VEGFR2 pathway activation in their experimental system .
KDR (Ab-951) Antibody can advance research on targeted therapies by:
Elucidating site-specific phosphorylation patterns in response to novel inhibitors
Identifying differential effects of inhibitors on distinct VEGFR2 phosphorylation sites
Monitoring treatment response in patient-derived samples or xenograft models
Characterizing resistance mechanisms involving altered phosphorylation patterns
Developing phosphorylation-based companion diagnostics for therapy selection
The VEGF-kinase ligand/receptor signaling system plays a crucial role in vascular development and regulation of vascular permeability, making it a key target for therapeutic intervention in multiple disease contexts .
Emerging technologies that will enhance KDR (Ab-951) Antibody applications include: