MTMR10 is a member of the myotubularin-related protein family, classified as a probable pseudophosphatase. Its biological significance stems from its structural characteristics, particularly the presence of a glutamic acid (Glu) residue instead of the conserved cysteine (Cys) residue typically found in the dsPTPase catalytic loop. This substitution renders MTMR10 catalytically inactive . This property suggests that MTMR10 likely serves as a regulatory protein rather than an enzyme with direct catalytic activity in cellular pathways. Understanding MTMR10's function is essential for researchers investigating phosphatase-related signaling mechanisms, particularly in contexts where inactive phosphatase homologs play important regulatory roles.
MTMR10 antibodies have been validated for several research techniques, including:
Western Blotting (WB): Commercial antibodies like ABIN2790822 have been specifically validated for this application
Immunohistochemistry (IHC): Antibodies such as HPA006081 can be used at dilutions of 1:50-1:200
Immunofluorescence (IF): The recommended concentration range is 0.25-2 μg/mL for optimal results
For best results in these applications, researchers should optimize antibody concentrations for their specific experimental systems, as tissue type and fixation methods can affect antibody performance.
Commercial MTMR10 antibodies show varying reactivity profiles across species. For instance:
ABIN2790822 demonstrates reactivity with human (100%), mouse (77%), guinea pig (79%), and horse (77%) MTMR10
These reactivity profiles are typically determined through sequence comparison and experimental validation. The percentages indicate the degree of predicted cross-reactivity based on sequence homology between species. Researchers working with non-human models should carefully verify antibody performance in their specific species of interest before conducting extensive experiments.
MTMR10 antibodies should generally be stored at -20°C for long-term preservation. For short-term use (up to one week), storing at 2-8°C is acceptable . To maintain antibody quality:
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which can degrade antibody performance
Consider aliquoting the antibody upon receipt to minimize freeze-thaw events
Follow manufacturer guidelines for specific formulations, as some may contain preservatives like sodium azide that require special handling
Proper storage is crucial for maintaining antibody performance across experiments and ensuring reproducible results in long-term research projects.
Validating MTMR10 antibody specificity requires a multi-faceted approach:
Positive and negative controls:
Use tissue or cell lines known to express or lack MTMR10
Consider MTMR10 knockdown/knockout samples as negative controls
Peptide competition assays:
Multiple antibody validation:
Use antibodies targeting different epitopes of MTMR10
Consistent results across antibodies increase confidence in specificity
Mass spectrometry verification:
For the most rigorous validation, immunoprecipitate with the MTMR10 antibody and verify the pulled-down protein by mass spectrometry
This comprehensive validation strategy helps distinguish true MTMR10 signals from potential cross-reactivity with related proteins, particularly other members of the myotubularin-related protein family.
When working with challenging tissues or applications, consider these optimization strategies:
Antigen retrieval modifications:
For formalin-fixed tissues, test both heat-induced and enzymatic antigen retrieval methods
Optimize pH conditions (commonly pH 6.0 or pH 9.0 buffers) for your specific tissue
Signal amplification systems:
Implement tyramide signal amplification (TSA) for low abundance targets
Consider biotin-streptavidin amplification systems while controlling for endogenous biotin
Antibody concentration optimization:
Blocking optimization:
Test alternative blocking reagents (BSA, normal serum, commercial blockers)
Consider dual blocking protocols for tissues with high background
These approaches can significantly improve detection of MTMR10 in tissues where standard protocols yield suboptimal results.
When designing co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) experiments with MTMR10 antibodies:
Antibody selection:
Lysis buffer optimization:
Test both stringent (RIPA) and milder (NP-40 based) lysis buffers
Include appropriate protease and phosphatase inhibitors
Cross-linking considerations:
For transient interactions, consider using membrane-permeable crosslinkers
Optimize crosslinking time and concentration to preserve interactions without creating artifacts
Pull-down controls:
Include IgG control pull-downs matched to the host species of your MTMR10 antibody
Incorporate input samples (pre-IP lysate) at appropriate dilutions
Protein detection strategy:
For detection of co-precipitated proteins, use antibodies raised in different host species than the MTMR10 antibody
Consider using protein A/G beads that have been pre-cleared with the lysate
These methodological considerations help ensure that detected interactions are specific to MTMR10 rather than artifacts of the co-IP procedure.
Common issues and solutions for Western blotting with MTMR10 antibodies include:
| Issue | Potential Causes | Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| No signal | - Insufficient protein loading - Inadequate transfer - Degraded antibody | - Increase protein amount (30-50 μg) - Verify transfer with Ponceau S staining - Use fresh antibody aliquot |
| Multiple bands | - Cross-reactivity with related proteins - Protein degradation - Post-translational modifications | - Increase blocking stringency - Add protease inhibitors to lysate - Test different lysis buffers |
| High background | - Insufficient blocking - Antibody concentration too high - Membrane overexposure | - Increase blocking time/concentration - Dilute primary antibody (e.g., 1:1000-1:5000) - Reduce exposure time |
| Inconsistent results | - Variable MTMR10 expression - Inconsistent sample preparation | - Include positive control samples - Standardize lysis and loading protocols |
When optimizing Western blots with MTMR10 antibodies, consider that the predicted molecular weight should be verified against the expected size of human MTMR10, and loading controls should be carefully selected to match the abundance level of MTMR10 in your samples.
Optimizing immunofluorescence for MTMR10 detection requires cell-type specific considerations:
Fixation method selection:
For cytoplasmic localization: Test 4% paraformaldehyde versus methanol fixation
For potential nuclear localization: Consider dual fixation protocols
Cell-type specific permeabilization:
Adherent cells: Standard 0.1-0.3% Triton X-100 is usually sufficient
Suspension cells: May require gentler permeabilization (0.05% saponin)
Primary cells: May benefit from digitonin for selective membrane permeabilization
Antibody incubation parameters:
Signal-to-noise optimization:
Include appropriate blocking peptides to assess specificity
Consider signal amplification for low-abundance expression
Test multiple mounting media to reduce autofluorescence
These optimizations should be systematically tested and documented to establish a reliable protocol for your specific cell system.
When planning immunohistochemistry (IHC) experiments with MTMR10 antibodies:
Sample preparation considerations:
Fixation type and duration significantly impact epitope preservation
Section thickness affects antibody penetration (5-7 μm optimal for most applications)
Fresh versus archival samples may require different protocols
Staining protocol development:
Detection system selection:
Colorimetric (DAB) versus fluorescent detection depends on experimental goals
Polymer-based detection systems often provide superior sensitivity compared to ABC methods
Multiplex staining requires careful antibody pairing to avoid cross-reactivity
Quantification approach:
Define scoring criteria before experiment execution
Consider digital pathology tools for unbiased quantification
Include appropriate controls for normalization
By systematically addressing these considerations, researchers can develop robust IHC protocols for MTMR10 detection across various tissue types.
Structure-based prediction methods, similar to the position-specific structure-scoring matrix (P3SM) approach described for influenza virus antibodies , can be adapted for MTMR10 antibody research:
Application to epitope mapping:
Use Rosetta-based predictions to identify structurally conserved regions in MTMR10
Model antibody-antigen interactions to predict binding epitopes
Prioritize conservation analysis of predicted binding interfaces
Cross-reactivity prediction:
Apply structural homology modeling to predict potential cross-reactivity with related myotubularin family proteins
Use structure-prediction scores to identify antibodies with potential off-target binding
Optimization of recombinant antibodies:
Employ computational design to engineer improved MTMR10-binding antibodies
Predict structural effects of framework mutations on binding affinity
Model HCDR3 loops to optimize antigen recognition
Validation methods:
Combine in silico predictions with experimental validation using techniques like hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry
Verify predicted structural features through crystallography
This structure-based approach can complement sequence-based methods, potentially identifying structural homologs that might be missed by sequence analysis alone, similar to how the P3SM method identified antibodies with structural similarity despite sequence divergence .
When investigating MTMR10 protein-protein interactions:
Experimental design considerations:
Methodological approaches:
Proximity ligation assays provide higher sensitivity than traditional co-localization
FRET/BRET approaches can reveal direct interactions in living cells
Co-immunoprecipitation with stringently validated antibodies remains the gold standard
Controls and validation:
Include antibodies against known MTMR10 interacting partners as positive controls
Use binding-deficient mutants as negative controls
Validate key findings with orthogonal methods (e.g., pull-down with recombinant proteins)
Advanced techniques:
BioID or APEX2 proximity labeling can reveal the wider MTMR10 interactome
Crosslinking mass spectrometry can map interaction interfaces at amino acid resolution
Live-cell imaging with tagged constructs can be used to confirm antibody-based findings
These approaches provide complementary information about MTMR10's interaction network, helping to elucidate its biological function beyond its catalytically inactive phosphatase domain.
Integrating MTMR10 antibody detection with multi-omics approaches enables more comprehensive insights:
Proteomics integration:
Use MTMR10 immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry to identify interaction partners
Compare antibody-based quantification with mass spectrometry-based quantification for validation
Identify post-translational modifications that might affect antibody recognition
Transcriptomics correlation:
Compare MTMR10 protein levels (antibody-based) with mRNA expression to identify post-transcriptional regulation
Use transcriptomics data to identify contexts where MTMR10 is differentially expressed for targeted antibody studies
Functional genomics applications:
In CRISPR knockout/knockdown validation, use MTMR10 antibodies to confirm protein depletion
For overexpression studies, verify protein levels using calibrated antibody-based methods
Spatial biology approaches:
Combine immunofluorescence with in situ hybridization for simultaneous protein and mRNA detection
Use multiplexed antibody panels including MTMR10 for spatial proteomics
Correlate spatial data with single-cell transcriptomics for comprehensive cellular heterogeneity analysis
This integrated approach leverages the specificity of antibody-based detection while contextualizing findings within broader molecular datasets.
Several emerging technologies have potential to advance MTMR10 antibody applications:
Advanced imaging approaches:
Super-resolution microscopy techniques can reveal MTMR10 subcellular localization beyond diffraction limits
Expansion microscopy can physically enlarge samples for improved visualization of MTMR10 complexes
Live-cell antibody-based imaging using cell-permeable nanobodies
Single-cell proteomics integration:
Antibody-based CyTOF for single-cell MTMR10 quantification across heterogeneous populations
Integration with single-cell RNA-seq for multi-modal analysis
Spatial proteomics using multiplexed antibody panels including MTMR10
Synthetic biology approaches:
Split-protein complementation assays using MTMR10 antibody-derived binding domains
Optogenetic tools coupled with antibody-based detection for dynamic interaction studies
Protein degradation technologies (PROTAC, dTAG) validated with MTMR10 antibodies
Computational enhancements:
Machine learning for improved antibody design targeting specific MTMR10 epitopes
AI-assisted image analysis for quantification of antibody-based signals
Integrative analysis platforms combining antibody-based data with other molecular datasets
These emerging approaches could significantly expand the utility of MTMR10 antibodies beyond traditional applications, enabling more sophisticated investigations into MTMR10 biology.
Recent advances in antibody engineering offer opportunities for enhanced MTMR10 research:
Recombinant antibody technologies:
Single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) against MTMR10 could improve tissue penetration
Bispecific antibodies could simultaneously target MTMR10 and potential interaction partners
Intrabodies designed for specific subcellular compartments could track MTMR10 localization
Affinity and specificity engineering:
Functionalized antibodies:
Photocrosslinking antibodies could covalently capture transient MTMR10 interactions
Enzyme-conjugated antibodies could enable proximity-based labeling of the MTMR10 microenvironment
pH-sensitive or conformation-specific antibodies could detect functional states of MTMR10
Production improvements:
Yeast or mammalian display technologies could yield antibodies with improved properties
Chemically defined recombinant production could enhance batch-to-batch consistency
Alternative scaffolds with improved stability might complement traditional antibodies
These engineering advances could address current limitations in MTMR10 antibody research, particularly regarding specificity, sensitivity, and functional applications.