MDH1B (Malate Dehydrogenase 1B, NAD Soluble) is part of the malate dehydrogenase superfamily that has been detected at the transcript level in humans . It is predicted to be involved in NADH metabolic processes, dicarboxylic acid metabolic pathways, and the tricarboxylic acid cycle . While MDH1B's precise function remains under investigation, it shares structural similarities with other malate dehydrogenases that catalyze the reversible conversion of malate to oxaloacetate using NAD+ as a cofactor.
MDH1B antibodies are primarily utilized in Western Blotting (WB) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) applications to detect and quantify MDH1B protein expression in human tissues and cell lines . These antibodies are also employed in ELISA assays for quantitative analysis of MDH1B in biological samples including serum, plasma, cell culture supernatants, and other biological fluids . Emerging applications include their use in mechanistic studies investigating metabolic pathways and potential roles in cancer metabolism.
Commercial MDH1B antibodies typically target several regions of the protein:
The choice of epitope can significantly impact specificity and application suitability, with central region antibodies (304-332) being particularly common for human MDH1B detection .
For optimal Western blotting results with MDH1B antibodies:
Sample preparation: Extract proteins using standard lysis buffers containing protease inhibitors
Gel electrophoresis: Load 30-35μg of protein per lane on 5-20% SDS-PAGE gels
Transfer: Transfer proteins to nitrocellulose membrane at 150mA for 50-90 minutes
Blocking: Block membrane with 5% non-fat milk in TBS for 1.5 hours at room temperature
Primary antibody: Dilute MDH1B antibody 1:1000 and incubate overnight at 4°C
Washing: Wash membrane with TBS-0.1% Tween three times (5 minutes each)
Secondary antibody: Incubate with appropriate HRP-conjugated secondary antibody (1:500) for 1.5 hours at room temperature
Detection: Develop using enhanced chemiluminescence (ECL) detection system
The expected band size for MDH1B is approximately 58 kDa .
For IHC applications with MDH1B antibodies:
Tissue preparation: Use paraffin-embedded sections of human tissue
Antigen retrieval: Perform heat-mediated antigen retrieval in EDTA buffer (pH 8.0)
Blocking: Block tissue sections with 10% goat serum to minimize background
Primary antibody: Dilute MDH1B antibody 1:1000-1:2500 and incubate overnight at 4°C
Secondary antibody: Use peroxidase-conjugated anti-rabbit IgG as secondary antibody and incubate for 30 minutes at 37°C
Optimal dilution should be determined empirically for each tissue type and fixation method.
When implementing MDH1B ELISA assays:
Sample types: Compatible with serum, plasma, cell culture supernatants, and other biological fluids
Assay principle: The sandwich ELISA format employs a pre-coated antibody specific for MDH1B
Protocol overview:
Samples and standards are pipetted into wells where MDH1B binds to immobilized antibody
After washing, a biotin-conjugated antibody specific for MDH1B is added
Following washing, streptavidin-HRP is added to wells
After a final wash, substrate solution is added, producing color proportional to MDH1B amount
Duration: Multiple-step standard sandwich ELISA with working time of 3-5 hours
Specificity: Assays show high specificity with no significant cross-reactivity with analogues
MDH1B antibodies can provide valuable insights into cancer metabolic reprogramming through:
Expression analysis: Quantifying MDH1B expression changes across different cancer types and stages
Localization studies: Using fluorescently conjugated MDH1B antibodies (FITC, PE) to track subcellular localization changes during cancer progression
Metabolic pathway investigation: Correlating MDH1B expression with HIF-1α and other metabolic markers
Therapeutic targeting validation: Monitoring effects of MDH1/2 dual inhibitors on MDH1B expression and metabolic profiles
Research has shown that dual MDH1/2 inhibitors can reduce ATP content in lung cancer cells and suppress HIF-1α accumulation, potentially providing new therapeutic avenues .
When working with conjugated MDH1B antibodies (PE, FITC, HRP, etc.):
Signal-to-noise optimization:
PE-conjugated antibodies: Optimal for flow cytometry with higher sensitivity than FITC
FITC-conjugated antibodies: Suitable for immunofluorescence but more susceptible to photobleaching
HRP-conjugated antibodies: Preferred for enhanced sensitivity in Western blotting and ELISA
Handling considerations:
Protect fluorophore-conjugated antibodies from light during all steps
Store at recommended temperatures (typically 4°C short-term, -20°C long-term)
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles that can degrade conjugates
Application-specific dilutions:
To address potential cross-reactivity with other malate dehydrogenase family members:
Epitope selection strategy:
Choose antibodies targeting the central region (AA 304-332) where MDH1B sequence diverges from MDH1 and MDH2
Validate specificity using knockout/knockdown controls
Consider peptide competition assays to confirm binding specificity
Experimental validation:
Run parallel reactions with MDH1, MDH2, and MDH1B recombinant proteins
Include neutralizing peptides corresponding to the immunogen sequence
Implement dual-staining approaches to distinguish between isoforms
Data interpretation:
When analyzing MDH1B expression patterns:
Baseline expression assessment:
Compare expression levels in normal tissues against established housekeeping proteins
Consider tissue-specific metabolic requirements when interpreting expression levels
Note that MDH1B expression may vary significantly between tissues based on metabolic activity
Comparative analysis framework:
Implement quantitative densitometry for Western blot data normalization
Use appropriate statistical methods for comparing multiple tissue types
Consider both protein and transcript levels for comprehensive analysis
Physiological context interpretation:
A comprehensive validation approach includes:
For comprehensive multi-omics integration:
Correlation with transcriptomics:
Compare protein levels detected by MDH1B antibodies with mRNA expression data
Investigate potential post-transcriptional regulation mechanisms when discrepancies occur
Use transcript data to guide tissue selection for antibody-based studies
Integration with metabolomics:
Correlate MDH1B protein levels with malate, oxaloacetate, and NADH/NAD+ ratios
Investigate metabolic flux through MDH1B by combining protein expression with isotope labeling studies
Assess impact of MDH1B inhibition on broader metabolome profiles
Functional genomics connections:
MDH1B antibodies are increasingly valuable in cancer metabolism research:
Metabolic rewiring assessment:
Quantify MDH1B expression changes across cancer progression stages
Correlate with hypoxia markers to understand metabolic adaptation
Investigate associations with glycolysis versus oxidative phosphorylation balance
Therapeutic response monitoring:
Track MDH1B expression changes following treatment with metabolism-targeting drugs
Assess effects of dual MDH1/2 inhibitors on cancer cell bioenergetics
Correlate inhibition efficiency with anti-tumor effects
Translational applications:
When investigating MDH1B's role in NAD+/NADH homeostasis:
Direct enzymatic activity assessment:
Measure MDH1B activity using recombinant protein and NAD+/NADH assays
Compare with mitochondrial and cytosolic MDH isoforms
Determine substrate preferences and kinetic parameters
Cellular redox state correlation:
Use genetically encoded NAD+/NADH sensors alongside MDH1B immunostaining
Perform subcellular fractionation to determine compartment-specific effects
Implement metabolic flux analysis with stable isotope tracers
Genetic perturbation approaches: