LGALS4 encodes Galectin-4, a β-galactoside-binding protein expressed predominantly in gastrointestinal epithelial cells. It regulates cell adhesion, apoptosis, and immune responses, with significant implications in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression . Studies show LGALS4 acts as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting glycolysis, promoting apoptosis, and disrupting Wnt/β-catenin signaling in CRC . Its downregulation correlates with poor prognosis, making it a potential therapeutic target and biomarker .
The LGALS4 Antibody, HRP conjugated (Product Code: CSB-PA012889LB01HU) is a rabbit polyclonal antibody developed against recombinant Human Galectin-4 (1-323AA). Its HRP tag facilitates colorimetric or chemiluminescent detection in immunoassays such as ELISA .
Host Species: Rabbit
Conjugate: Horseradish Peroxidase (HRP)
Reactivity: Human
Applications: ELISA (primary application), with potential adaptability to Western blot (WB) or immunohistochemistry (IHC) based on protocol optimization .
| Conjugate | Product Code | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| HRP | CSB-PA012889LB01HU | ELISA |
| FITC | CSB-PA012889LC01HU | Immunofluorescence |
| Biotin | CSB-PA012889LD01HU | ELISA, Flow Cytometry |
The HRP-conjugated LGALS4 antibody is primarily used in ELISA to quantify Galectin-4 levels in serum or tissue lysates. Example applications include:
Cancer Biomarker Studies: Detecting LGALS4 expression in CRC tissues to assess tumor progression .
Inflammatory Disease Research: Measuring LGALS4 in intestinal inflammation models .
Recent studies utilizing LGALS4 antibodies (including non-conjugated variants) highlight its mechanistic roles:
CRC Cell Apoptosis: Overexpression of LGALS4 increases caspase-3/9 and Bax while reducing Bcl-2, enhancing 5-FU-induced apoptosis .
Metabolic Reprogramming: LGALS4 suppresses glycolysis, reducing ATP and lactate production in CRC cells .
Clinical Correlation: Low LGALS4 levels predict poor survival and chemoresistance in CRC patients .
The HRP-conjugated antibody enables high-throughput screening of these phenomena in clinical samples, supporting translational research .
Further studies should explore:
LGALS4 (Lectin galactoside-binding soluble 4), also known as Galectin-4 (Gal-4), is a member of the galectin family that specifically binds to lactose and related β-galactoside sugars. It consists of two carbohydrate recognition domains connected by a flexible linker region. LGALS4 is primarily expressed in epithelial cells throughout the gastrointestinal tract, including the antrum, ileum, colon, and rectum .
This protein serves multiple critical physiological functions:
Assembly and stabilization of adherens junctions between epithelial cells
Maintenance of intestinal homeostasis
Regulation of mucosal immunity
Contribution to epithelial differentiation
Modulation of cell-cell adhesion in the gastrointestinal tract
In normal colonic epithelial cells, LGALS4 expression is typically high, but its expression is often significantly altered in various pathological conditions, suggesting its importance in maintaining normal tissue function .
The LGALS4 Antibody, HRP conjugated has been validated for several laboratory applications with particular utility in immunodetection methods:
ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay): Primary application where the HRP conjugation enables direct detection without need for secondary antibodies
Western Blotting: Effective for protein detection in tissue lysates, with successful detection of LGALS4 at approximately 36-44 kDa under reducing conditions
Immunohistochemistry: Useful for examining LGALS4 expression patterns in tissue sections, particularly in gastrointestinal and tumor samples
Simple Western™: Compatible with automated capillary-based Western blotting systems for protein detection in complex samples
The direct HRP conjugation makes this antibody particularly advantageous for streamlining immunodetection protocols by eliminating the secondary antibody incubation step, thereby reducing background and cross-reactivity issues.
LGALS4 Antibody, HRP conjugated demonstrates specific reactivity depending on the manufacturer and specific product:
| Product | Reactivity | Source | Validated Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assay Genie PACO63672 | Human | Rabbit | ELISA |
| Thomas Scientific product | Rat | Not specified | ELISA |
| R&D Systems AF1227 | Human/Mouse/Rat | Goat | Western Blot, Simple Western™ |
When selecting an LGALS4 antibody for your research, it is essential to verify the reactivity against your species of interest. Cross-reactivity between human, mouse, and rat LGALS4 has been demonstrated for some antibody products, making them versatile tools for comparative studies across these species. Western blot validation shows specific bands at approximately 36-44 kDa depending on the experimental conditions and detection system used .
LGALS4 expression exhibits distinct patterns between normal and cancer tissues, particularly in colorectal tissues:
Normal colonic epithelial cells: High LGALS4 expression is typically observed, suggesting its importance in maintaining normal intestinal function
Colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues: Significantly lower LGALS4 expression compared to normal colonic tissues, supporting its potential role as a tumor suppressor
Cell line models: Research demonstrates significantly reduced LGALS4 expression in CRC cell lines (LoVo, HCT-116) compared to normal colonic epithelial cells (NCM460)
This differential expression pattern has important implications for both diagnostic applications and understanding the molecular pathogenesis of gastrointestinal cancers. The downregulation of LGALS4 in CRC tissues correlates with disease progression, increased invasiveness, and reduced sensitivity to certain chemotherapeutic agents, highlighting its potential as both a prognostic marker and therapeutic target .
LGALS4 exerts significant effects on cell cycle regulation in cancer cells, with overexpression studies revealing its capacity to induce cell cycle arrest:
Flow cytometric analysis of CRC cells (LoVo and HCT-116) overexpressing LGALS4 demonstrated:
Significant G1 phase arrest with approximately 1.5-1.8-fold increase in G1 phase cells
Dramatic 10-15-fold decrease in S phase cells compared to control cells
Downregulation of key cell cycle regulatory proteins including CDK1, Cyclin B1, and Cyclin A2
These findings suggest that LGALS4 functions as a cell cycle checkpoint regulator, primarily by preventing the G1-to-S phase transition. At the molecular level, LGALS4 appears to exert this effect by modulating the expression of cell cycle-related proteins that normally drive this transition. This mechanism contributes to LGALS4's tumor suppressor activity by limiting uncontrolled cellular proliferation in colorectal cancer cells .
Methodologically, researchers investigating LGALS4's impact on cell cycle should consider using:
Flow cytometry with propidium iodide staining for cell cycle distribution analysis
Western blotting and RT-qPCR to measure expression of cell cycle-related proteins
LGALS4 overexpression or knockdown systems to directly manipulate its levels
LGALS4 (Galectin-4) has emerged as a significant mediator of immune evasion in cancer, particularly in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Research has revealed several key mechanisms:
T-cell apoptosis induction: Extracellular LGALS4 directly induces T-cell apoptosis by binding to N-glycosylation residues on CD3ε/δ complexes, thereby reducing anti-tumor immunity
Immune cell composition alterations: Single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis of tumors with reduced LGALS4 expression showed:
Stromal remodeling: LGALS4 reduction is associated with alterations in cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) subtypes:
These findings suggest LGALS4 as a promising target for immunotherapy approaches, particularly in combination with existing checkpoint inhibitors. Methodologically, researchers investigating LGALS4's immunomodulatory functions should consider co-culture systems with immune cells, T-cell apoptosis assays, and in vivo models focusing on immune cell infiltration and phenotyping.
LGALS4 overexpression significantly enhances apoptotic processes in colorectal cancer cells through multiple molecular mechanisms:
Flow cytometric analysis of CRC cells (LoVo and HCT-116) overexpressing LGALS4 demonstrated:
At the molecular level, LGALS4 overexpression alters the expression of key apoptosis regulators:
Pro-apoptotic factors: Significant upregulation of CASP3 (Caspase-3), BAX, and CASP9 (Caspase-9) at both mRNA and protein levels
These molecular changes create a cellular environment favoring programmed cell death, with activated caspase cascades driving the execution phase of apoptosis. The BAX/BCL2 ratio shift further contributes to mitochondrial membrane destabilization, cytochrome c release, and subsequent caspase activation.
Researchers investigating LGALS4's impact on apoptosis should employ:
Annexin V/PI flow cytometry for apoptosis quantification
RT-qPCR and Western blotting for apoptosis-related gene expression analysis
Caspase activity assays to confirm functional activation of apoptotic pathways
Mitochondrial membrane potential assays to assess the intrinsic apoptosis pathway involvement
LGALS4 exhibits tumor suppressor activity in colorectal cancer through multiple interconnected molecular mechanisms:
Inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway:
Cell cycle regulation:
Enhanced apoptotic signaling:
Anti-invasive properties:
Metabolic reprogramming effects:
LGALS4's multifaceted tumor suppressor activities offer potential therapeutic opportunities. Research demonstrates that restoration of LGALS4 expression or function could potentially sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), suggesting value in combination therapy approaches .
Comprehensive validation of LGALS4 antibody specificity requires multiple complementary approaches:
Western Blot Analysis with Multiple Tissues:
Overexpression and Knockdown Controls:
Automated Capillary-Based Simple Western™ Analysis:
Peptide Competition Assays:
Pre-incubate antibody with purified LGALS4 protein or peptide
Specific signal should be blocked or significantly reduced
Confirms binding to intended epitope
Multiple Antibody Validation:
Use different antibodies targeting distinct LGALS4 epitopes
Consistent results across different antibodies increase confidence in specificity
Immunoprecipitation Followed by Mass Spectrometry:
Advanced validation to confirm the antibody is capturing the intended protein
Identifies potential cross-reacting proteins
These validation approaches should be documented with appropriate positive and negative controls to ensure reliable research outcomes when using LGALS4 antibodies for critical studies.
Optimizing LGALS4 Antibody, HRP conjugated for dual immunohistochemistry requires careful protocol development:
Antibody Dilution Optimization:
Perform dilution series experiments (starting with manufacturer's recommendation)
For LGALS4 Antibody, HRP conjugated, initial testing at 1:100, 1:250, 1:500, and 1:1000 dilutions
Select the dilution providing specific staining with minimal background
Sequential Staining Approach:
First detection: LGALS4 Antibody, HRP conjugated with DAB substrate (brown)
Stripping or blocking: Apply glycine-HCl buffer (pH 2.2) or commercial antibody stripping solution
Second detection: Alternate marker antibody with alkaline phosphatase and permanent red chromogen
Antigen Retrieval Compatibility:
Test multiple antigen retrieval methods (heat-induced vs. enzymatic)
For LGALS4, heat-induced epitope retrieval in citrate buffer (pH 6.0) often works well
Ensure retrieval method is compatible with both target proteins
Blocking Strategy Enhancement:
Implement dual blocking procedure:
Avidin/biotin blocking for endogenous biotin
Peroxidase blocking (3% H₂O₂) for endogenous peroxidase
Include specific blocking for second detection system
Signal Amplification Systems:
For weaker LGALS4 signals, consider tyramide signal amplification
Balance amplification to prevent signal bleed-through between detection systems
Controls for Dual Staining Validation:
Single-stained controls for each antibody
No-primary antibody controls for each detection system
Serial section controls with reversed staining order
Counterstaining Considerations:
Use lighter hematoxylin counterstain (e.g., modified Mayer's formula)
Adjust counterstaining time to avoid masking specific signals
This methodical approach helps establish reliable dual staining protocols while maintaining the specificity and sensitivity of LGALS4 detection in complex tissue samples.
Investigating LGALS4's influence on chemotherapy sensitivity requires comprehensive experimental strategies:
Overexpression and Knockdown Models:
Dose-Response Analysis:
Treat modified and control cells with concentration gradients of chemotherapeutic agents (5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin)
Generate IC50 curves to quantify sensitivity differences
Standardize treatment duration (24, 48, 72 hours) for consistent comparisons
Cell Viability Assays:
Apoptosis Assessment:
Colony Formation Assays:
Evaluate long-term survival and proliferative capacity after drug treatment
Compare colony numbers and sizes between LGALS4-modified and control cells
Combination Treatment Approaches:
Test LGALS4 modulation with multiple chemotherapeutic agents
Evaluate potential synergistic effects using Chou-Talalay method
Calculate combination indices to determine interaction type
In Vivo Xenograft Models:
Implant LGALS4-modified cancer cells in immunocompromised mice
Administer chemotherapeutic agents and monitor tumor growth
Analyze tumor tissue for apoptosis markers and drug response
Research has already demonstrated that LGALS4 overexpression enhances 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells, suggesting its potential as a chemosensitizer . These comprehensive experimental approaches would further elucidate the mechanisms underlying this effect.
LGALS4 plays a significant role in regulating cancer cell metabolism, particularly affecting glycolysis and cellular adaptation to metabolic stress:
Impact on Glucose Utilization:
Survival Under Glucose Deprivation:
Tolerance to Glycolytic Inhibition:
Metabolic Reprogramming Mechanisms:
Potential mechanisms include:
Modulation of metabolic enzyme expression or activity
Alteration of metabolic signaling pathways
Shifts between glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation
These adaptations may represent cancer cell survival strategies
Therapeutic Implications:
The dual role of LGALS4 in glycolysis inhibition while promoting metabolic stress tolerance suggests complex regulatory functions
Targeting aerobic glycolysis may be a promising strategy for CRC treatment
Combined approaches targeting both LGALS4 and glycolytic pathways might enhance therapeutic efficacy
The relationship between LGALS4 and metabolic regulation highlights important considerations for cancer metabolism research and potential therapeutic approaches targeting metabolic vulnerabilities in cancer cells.
Proper storage and handling of LGALS4 Antibody, HRP conjugated is critical for maintaining its activity and specificity:
Storage Temperature: Store at -20°C for long-term preservation, with aliquots to minimize freeze-thaw cycles
Buffer Composition: Typical preservation buffer includes 50% Glycerol, 0.01M PBS (pH 7.4), and 0.03% Proclin 300 as preservative
Aliquoting Guidelines: Prepare single-use aliquots upon receipt to prevent repeated freeze-thaw cycles
Thawing Protocol: Thaw rapidly at room temperature followed by brief centrifugation to collect content at the bottom of the tube
Working Dilution Stability: Diluted antibody typically remains stable for up to 24 hours at 4°C; prepare fresh working dilutions for optimal results
Transport Conditions: Ship on ice packs; short-term transport at ambient temperature is generally acceptable
Light Protection: Minimize exposure to light as HRP conjugates can be light-sensitive
Microbial Contamination Prevention: Use sterile technique when handling the antibody
Expiration Considerations: Performance may gradually decline beyond the manufacturer's expiration date; validation is recommended for critical applications
Adherence to these storage and handling guidelines will help ensure consistent performance in experimental applications and extend the usable life of the antibody preparation.
When encountering non-specific binding with LGALS4 Antibody, HRP conjugated, consider this systematic troubleshooting approach:
Optimize Antibody Dilution:
Test a dilution series beyond manufacturer recommendations
For ELISA: Try 2-fold serial dilutions from 1:500 to 1:4000
For Western blot: Test dilutions from 1:1000 to 1:5000
Higher dilutions often reduce non-specific binding while maintaining specific signal
Enhance Blocking Protocol:
Extend blocking time to 2 hours at room temperature
Try alternative blocking agents:
BSA (1-5%) for general applications
Casein (0.5-2%) for particularly problematic samples
Commercial blocking solutions specifically formulated for HRP-conjugated antibodies
Consider dual blocking with protein block followed by serum block
Improve Washing Procedures:
Increase wash cycles between steps (minimum 5 washes)
Extend wash duration to 5-10 minutes per wash
Add 0.05-0.1% Tween-20 to wash buffers to reduce hydrophobic interactions
Consider higher salt concentration (up to 500mM NaCl) in wash buffers for high-background samples
Address Sample-Specific Issues:
Pre-absorb antibody with non-target tissue lysate
Treat samples with commercially available background reducers
For tissues with high endogenous peroxidase: Double peroxidase quenching (3% H₂O₂, 30 min)
For tissues with biotin: Use avidin/biotin blocking kit prior to antibody application
Adjust Detection Parameters:
Reduce substrate incubation time
Dilute HRP substrate solution
For chemiluminescent detection: Optimize exposure time
Consider alternative, less sensitive substrates for high-background applications
Perform Validation Controls:
Run antibody with known positive and negative control tissues
Include secondary-only controls to identify secondary antibody issues
Use isotype controls to identify Fc receptor binding
Systematic application of these approaches should significantly reduce non-specific binding while preserving specific LGALS4 detection in your experimental system.
Materials Required:
High-binding ELISA plates
Coating buffer: 100 mM carbonate-bicarbonate buffer (pH 9.6)
Blocking buffer: PBS with 2% BSA and 0.05% Tween-20
Wash buffer: PBS with 0.05% Tween-20 (PBST)
TMB substrate solution
2N H₂SO₄ stop solution
LGALS4 protein standard (for standard curve)
Procedure:
Plate Coating:
For direct ELISA: Coat wells with target antigen (1-10 μg/mL) in coating buffer (100 μL/well)
For sandwich ELISA: Coat with capture antibody against LGALS4 (1-5 μg/mL)
Seal plate and incubate overnight at 4°C
Blocking:
Wash plate 3 times with PBST
Add 300 μL blocking buffer to each well
Incubate 2 hours at room temperature with gentle shaking
Sample Application:
Wash plate 3 times with PBST
Add samples and standards in appropriate dilutions (100 μL/well)
For sandwich ELISA: Incubate 2 hours at room temperature with shaking
Antibody Application:
For direct ELISA: Wash 5 times with PBST, then add LGALS4 Antibody, HRP conjugated (recommended starting dilution 1:1000 in blocking buffer, 100 μL/well)
For sandwich ELISA: After sample incubation and washing, add LGALS4 Antibody, HRP conjugated
Incubate 1 hour at room temperature with gentle shaking
Detection:
Wash plate 5 times with PBST (300 μL/well)
Add 100 μL TMB substrate solution to each well
Incubate in the dark for 15-30 minutes at room temperature, monitoring color development
Stop reaction with 50 μL 2N H₂SO₄ per well
Measurement:
Read absorbance at 450 nm, with 620 nm as reference wavelength
Calculate results using standard curve
Optimization Tips:
Determine optimal antibody concentration through checkerboard titration
For human samples, optimal dilution typically starts at 1:1000-1:2000
For rat samples, initial testing at 1:500-1:1000 is recommended
Include both positive and negative controls in each assay
Perform all standards and samples in duplicate or triplicate
This protocol can be adjusted based on specific experimental requirements and optimized for particular sample types.
LGALS4 expression analysis offers significant potential for improving colorectal cancer management through several clinically relevant applications:
Prognostic Biomarker Development:
Chemotherapy Response Prediction:
Therapeutic Target Identification:
Combination Therapy Development:
Metabolic Vulnerability Exploitation:
Therapeutic Resistance Mechanisms:
LGALS4 downregulation may contribute to acquired treatment resistance
Monitoring expression changes during treatment could identify resistance development
Adaptive strategies targeting LGALS4-related pathways might overcome resistance
Future research directions should focus on developing standardized LGALS4 expression assays suitable for clinical implementation, prospective validation in larger patient cohorts, and investigation of LGALS4-targeted therapeutic approaches, potentially using LGALS4 antibodies for both diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
Emerging research with LGALS4 Antibody is revealing promising applications in pancreatic cancer immunotherapy, particularly in addressing the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment:
Blocking Immune Evasion Mechanisms:
LGALS4 antibodies can potentially neutralize extracellular Galectin-4 that induces T-cell apoptosis
By preventing LGALS4 binding to N-glycosylation residues on CD3ε/δ, antibodies may protect T-cells from apoptosis
This approach could preserve tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte function within the tumor microenvironment
Immunotherapy Combination Enhancement:
LGALS4 neutralization may synergize with checkpoint inhibitors (anti-PD-1/PD-L1, anti-CTLA-4)
Preliminary research indicates tumors with reduced LGALS4 expression show increased immune cell infiltration
Combined approaches may overcome the typically poor response to immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer
Tumor Microenvironment Reprogramming:
Biomarker Development for Immunotherapy Response:
LGALS4 expression levels may predict response to immunotherapy
Antibody-based detection of LGALS4 in liquid biopsies could provide non-invasive monitoring
May help identify patients most likely to benefit from combined LGALS4/checkpoint inhibition
Novel Therapeutic Antibody Engineering:
Development of therapeutic-grade anti-LGALS4 antibodies with optimized binding properties
Bispecific antibodies targeting both LGALS4 and immune checkpoint molecules
Antibody-drug conjugates delivering cytotoxic agents specifically to LGALS4-expressing cells
These emerging applications highlight LGALS4 as a promising drug target for overcoming immunosuppression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, with LGALS4 antibodies playing crucial roles in both mechanistic research and potential therapeutic development .
Researchers utilizing LGALS4 Antibody, HRP conjugated should consider several critical factors when designing experiments across various research contexts:
Experimental Design Framework:
Application-Specific Considerations:
ELISA: Match coating antigen/antibody with detection system; optimize blocking to minimize background
Western Blotting: Expect bands at 36-44 kDa depending on species and conditions; optimize transfer parameters for this molecular weight range
IHC/ICC: Consider tissue-specific expression patterns; LGALS4 is primarily expressed in GI tract epithelia
Cross-Species Applications:
Sample Preparation Impact:
LGALS4 detection may be affected by fixation methods and duration
For tissue samples, optimize antigen retrieval methods (citrate vs. EDTA buffers)
Consider native vs. reducing conditions for protein analysis based on epitope accessibility
Data Interpretation Frameworks:
Technology Integration:
Consider multiplexing opportunities (dual staining with other markers)
Explore compatibility with automated platforms for higher throughput
Evaluate integration with emerging technologies (mass cytometry, spatial transcriptomics)
By systematically addressing these considerations, researchers can maximize the reliability and significance of their experiments utilizing LGALS4 Antibody, HRP conjugated across diverse research contexts.
Several promising research directions could significantly advance our understanding of LGALS4's multifaceted roles in cancer biology:
Multi-omics Integration:
Comprehensive characterization of LGALS4-associated pathways using integrated proteomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics
Network analysis to identify key nodal points in LGALS4 signaling networks
Single-cell multi-omics to understand cellular heterogeneity in LGALS4 expression and function
Structural Biology Approaches:
Detailed analysis of LGALS4's two carbohydrate recognition domains and their distinct binding partners
Structure-function studies to identify critical regions for protein-protein and protein-carbohydrate interactions
Development of small molecule inhibitors based on structural insights
Immunomodulatory Mechanisms:
Glycobiology Connections:
Identification of specific glycosylation patterns recognized by LGALS4 in different contexts
Analysis of how altered glycosylation in cancer affects LGALS4 function
Investigation of competing galectin family members and their interplay
Metabolic Regulation Mechanisms:
Therapeutic Translation:
Development of LGALS4-targeting approaches (antibodies, small molecules, glycomimetics)
Clinical correlation studies linking LGALS4 expression with treatment outcomes
Combination therapy strategies incorporating LGALS4 modulation
Non-canonical Functions:
Investigation of potential nuclear roles for LGALS4
Exploration of LGALS4's interactions with non-coding RNAs
Analysis of post-translational modifications affecting LGALS4 function