MYF5 (Myogenic Factor 5) is a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor critical for skeletal muscle development and differentiation. Antibodies targeting MYF5 are widely used to study myogenesis, muscle regeneration, and related pathologies. The horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-conjugated MYF5 antibody is a specialized immunological tool that combines high specificity for MYF5 with enzymatic detection capabilities, enabling sensitive visualization in assays like Western blot (WB) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). This article synthesizes technical specifications, research applications, and validation data from diverse sources to provide a comprehensive overview.
HRP-conjugated MYF5 antibodies are typically derived from rabbit polyclonal or monoclonal sources. Key features include:
Immunogen: Synthetic peptides corresponding to MYF5 sequences (e.g., LSSLDCLSNIVDRITSSEQPGLPLQDLASLSPVASTDSQPATPGASSSRL for C-terminal targeting) .
Predicted Homology: 93% homology across mammals (Cow, Dog, Horse) and 85–93% in rodents .
HRP-conjugated MYF5 antibodies are validated for:
Western Blot (WB): Detects MYF5 at ~28–39 kDa (observed molecular weight varies due to post-translational modifications) .
Immunoprecipitation (IP): Isolates MYF5-protein complexes (e.g., interactions with ID1, TCF3, or CALM1) .
Immunohistochemistry (IHC): Localizes MYF5 in muscle tissue sections .
WB Specificity: Distinct bands in human skeletal muscle (39 kDa), mouse/rat muscle lysates .
Blocking Controls: Peptide-blocking experiments confirm specificity (e.g., MBS3225807 blocks MBS3200766 activity) .
Cross-Reactivity: No off-target binding in heart tissue lysates (negative control) .
MYF5 activates muscle-specific genes (e.g., myogenin) and drives myoblast differentiation .
Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals MYF5’s role in maintaining myogenic cell populations; mutations disrupt muscle fiber formation .
Muscle Atrophy: Dysfunctional MYF5 correlates with impaired satellite cell differentiation .
Cancer: MYF5 is mutually exclusive with MYOD in rhabdomyosarcoma, influencing tumor growth .
Primary Antibody: Dilute HRP-conjugated MYF5 antibody 1:1,000–1:50,000 in 5% non-fat dry milk/TBST .
Detection: Chemiluminescent substrate (e.g., ECL) with exposure times ≤5 minutes .
High Background: Optimize blocking with 5% BSA or reduce antibody concentration .
Non-Specific Bands: Validate with knockout controls or peptide competition assays .
Recent studies utilizing HRP-conjugated MYF5 antibodies have uncovered:
MYF5 is a transcriptional activator that stimulates the transcription of muscle-specific genes and plays a crucial role in muscle differentiation. It co-occupies the core promoter region of muscle-specific genes with MYOG and MYOD1 during myogenesis. Furthermore, MYF5 induces the differentiation of fibroblasts into myoblasts. It is believed to be a sequence-specific DNA-binding protein.
MYF5's Role in Myogenesis and Related Conditions:
MYF5 (Myogenic Factor 5) functions as a transcriptional activator that promotes transcription of muscle-specific target genes and plays a critical role in muscle differentiation. It co-occupies muscle-specific gene promoter core regions during myogenesis alongside MYOG and MYOD1. Importantly, MYF5 helps maintain the balance between myoblast proliferation and differentiation, ensuring effective muscle regeneration and repair. Dysfunctional MYF5 can contribute to disease progression in muscle-related pathologies . The protein induces fibroblasts to differentiate into myoblasts and is characterized as a sequence-specific DNA-binding protein .
Human MYF5 protein consists of 255 amino acid residues with a molecular mass of approximately 28.3 kDa. It belongs to the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) family of transcription factors (specifically class C, bHLHc2) and is primarily localized in the nucleus where it performs its transcriptional regulatory functions . The protein contains DNA-binding domains that enable its interaction with specific promoter regions of muscle-related genes, facilitating its role in myogenesis and muscle differentiation .
HRP (Horseradish Peroxidase)-conjugated MYF5 antibodies offer direct detection capabilities without requiring secondary antibody incubation, which streamlines experimental workflows and reduces background noise. This direct detection system is particularly advantageous for ELISA applications where the conjugated enzyme can immediately react with substrate to produce a measurable signal . This approach reduces experiment time, eliminates potential cross-reactivity issues from secondary antibodies, and can enhance sensitivity in assays where detection amplification is not required.
MYF5 antibody with HRP conjugation is primarily optimized for ELISA applications, allowing for direct detection of the target protein . While unconjugated MYF5 antibodies are suitable for multiple applications including Western Blot (WB), Immunocytochemistry (ICC), Immunofluorescence (IF), and Immunohistochemistry (IHC), the HRP-conjugated version is specifically designed for enhanced performance in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays where direct enzymatic detection is advantageous . The conjugated antibody eliminates the need for secondary antibody incubation steps, streamlining the experimental workflow.
For optimal detection of MYF5 in cellular contexts, fixation with paraformaldehyde followed by permeabilization with saponin is recommended, as demonstrated in flow cytometry protocols . For immunocytochemistry applications, immersion fixation of cells (such as C2C12 mouse myoblast cell line) followed by antibody incubation at 10 μg/mL for approximately 3 hours at room temperature has been shown to be effective . Nuclear counterstaining with DAPI is advisable since MYF5 is primarily localized in the nucleus. When using HRP-conjugated antibodies for ELISA, careful blocking steps are essential to minimize background signal.
For ELISA using MYF5 antibody with HRP conjugation, the following methodology is recommended:
Coat microplate wells with capture antigen or antibody (depending on sandwich or direct ELISA format)
Block non-specific binding sites with appropriate blocking buffer (typically containing BSA or non-fat milk)
Add samples containing MYF5 protein
Add HRP-conjugated MYF5 antibody at experimentally optimized dilution (typically starting with manufacturer's recommendation)
Incubate at the specified temperature and duration (often 1-2 hours at room temperature or overnight at 4°C)
Wash thoroughly to remove unbound antibody
Add HRP substrate (TMB, ABTS, or OPD)
Measure colorimetric signal using a spectrophotometer at appropriate wavelength
Optimal antibody concentration should be determined experimentally for each specific application and sample type.
To minimize non-specific binding when using HRP-conjugated MYF5 antibodies:
Optimize blocking conditions using 3-5% BSA or non-fat dry milk in PBST/TBST
Ensure thorough washing between steps (at least 3-5 washes)
Pre-absorb the antibody with irrelevant proteins if cross-reactivity is observed
Include appropriate negative controls (samples lacking MYF5 expression)
Titrate antibody concentration to determine optimal signal-to-noise ratio
Consider adding 0.1-0.3% Tween-20 in washing buffers to reduce hydrophobic interactions
For ELISA applications, evaluate different plate types (high binding vs. medium binding)
The purity of sample preparation significantly impacts specificity, so proper sample processing protocols should be followed carefully.
Common issues when detecting MYF5 in muscle tissue samples include:
Background signal: Optimize blocking conditions using 3-5% BSA or non-fat milk and increase washing steps
Weak signal: Consider antigen retrieval methods for fixed tissues; heat-induced epitope retrieval in citrate buffer (pH 6.0) is often effective
Variable expression levels: MYF5 expression varies with muscle developmental stage and regeneration status; appropriate positive controls representing similar physiological conditions should be included
Cross-reactivity with other MRFs: Due to structural similarities with other myogenic regulatory factors, validate antibody specificity using known positive and negative controls
Nuclear localization challenges: Ensure proper permeabilization methods are used, as MYF5 is primarily nuclear; saponin permeabilization has shown good results
For HRP-conjugated antibodies specifically, substrate selection and development time should be carefully optimized to maintain signal-to-noise ratio.
Dilution optimization for HRP-conjugated MYF5 antibody should follow a systematic titration approach:
Prepare a dilution series (typically 1:500, 1:1000, 1:2000, 1:5000, 1:10000) of the antibody
Run parallel assays with identical positive control samples containing known MYF5 expression
Include negative controls lacking MYF5 expression for each dilution
Calculate signal-to-noise ratio for each dilution (positive signal divided by background signal)
Select the dilution that provides the highest signal-to-noise ratio while maintaining sufficient absolute signal intensity
Validate the selected dilution across multiple experimental replicates
Consider that optimal dilution may vary between different lots of antibody or different sample types
As stated in resource , "Optimal dilutions should be determined by each laboratory for each application," emphasizing the importance of empirical optimization.
For accurate interpretation of Western blot results using MYF5 antibodies:
Expected molecular weight: Human MYF5 protein has a theoretical molecular weight of 28.3 kDa , but post-translational modifications may cause slight variations
Band pattern analysis: Single band at expected molecular weight indicates specificity; multiple bands may indicate isoforms, degradation products, or non-specific binding
Tissue specificity: Strongest expression is typically observed in skeletal muscle tissue, particularly during development or regeneration
Developmental timing: Expression levels vary significantly during different developmental stages; fetal skeletal muscle typically shows higher expression than adult tissue except during regeneration
Quantification methodology: For semi-quantitative analysis, normalize MYF5 signal to housekeeping proteins (β-actin, GAPDH) and use digital image analysis software
For HRP-conjugated antibodies specifically used in other applications like ELISA, similar considerations for specificity and expression patterns apply when interpreting results.
When working with MYF5 antibody, HRP conjugated, the following controls should be included:
Positive tissue control: C2C12 mouse myoblast cell line or skeletal muscle tissue (particularly fetal tissue) which has demonstrated MYF5 expression
Negative tissue control: Cell types or tissues not expressing MYF5 (e.g., fully differentiated tissues not undergoing regeneration)
Antibody controls:
Primary antibody omission control
Isotype control antibody at equivalent concentration
Blocking peptide competition assay to confirm specificity
Signal development control: Include a known positive sample developed for different time intervals when using HRP substrate to optimize signal-to-background ratio
Cross-reactivity control: If working with multiple species, include samples from various species to confirm cross-reactivity as claimed by manufacturer
These controls are essential for validating experimental results and troubleshooting potential issues with antibody specificity or protocol optimization.
In muscle regeneration studies, MYF5 expression analysis should be approached as follows:
Temporal profiling: MYF5 expression increases in satellite cells during early regeneration phases; establish a time-course analysis (e.g., 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 14 days post-injury)
Co-localization analysis: Perform dual immunostaining of MYF5 with satellite cell markers (Pax7) and other myogenic factors (MyoD, myogenin) to track progression through the regeneration program
Quantitative assessment:
Count MYF5+ cells per field or per fiber
Measure fluorescence intensity in immunofluorescence studies
Quantify protein levels by Western blot or ELISA normalized to total protein
Spatial distribution: Analyze MYF5 expression relative to injury site and regenerating regions
Correlation with functional recovery: Link MYF5 expression patterns with physiological or histological markers of muscle regeneration
MYF5 expression helps maintain the balance between myoblast proliferation and differentiation, making it a crucial marker for monitoring regeneration efficiency.
The HRP-conjugated MYF5 antibody can be employed in multi-faceted approaches to investigate interplay with other myogenic regulatory factors:
Sequential ChIP assays: Use ELISA-based detection to analyze the co-occupancy of MYF5 with MYOD1 and MYOG on muscle-specific gene promoters
Protein complex detection: Develop sandwich ELISA systems using HRP-conjugated MYF5 antibody paired with antibodies against interacting partners
Temporal expression analysis: Utilize the antibody in time-course studies to establish expression sequence of MRFs during myogenesis or regeneration
Comparative quantification: Develop multiplexed ELISA approaches to simultaneously quantify different MRFs using differentially conjugated antibodies
Signal pathway investigation: Combine with phospho-specific antibodies to correlate MYF5 expression with activation of relevant signaling pathways
The high specificity of properly validated HRP-conjugated antibodies makes them valuable tools for investigating these complex molecular interactions in myogenesis.
When designing experiments to study MYF5's role in satellite cell activation:
Isolation timing: Satellite cells should be isolated at specific time points following injury or activation stimulus to capture the dynamic expression of MYF5
Quiescence preservation: Minimize activation during isolation by using gentle dissociation methods and maintaining cold conditions
Purification methodology: FACS sorting for satellite cell markers (Pax7+/Myf5-/+) with careful gating strategies
Culture conditions: Use suspension cultures or specialized matrices that preserve satellite cell characteristics rather than triggering immediate differentiation
Single-cell analysis: Consider coupling antibody detection with single-cell approaches to address heterogeneity in satellite cell populations
In vivo tracking: For animal studies, consider EdU labeling combined with MYF5 detection to track proliferation of activated satellite cells
Detection sensitivity: Optimize detection protocols for low abundance proteins in quiescent vs. activated states
These methodological considerations help capture the true biological role of MYF5 in satellite cell biology while minimizing experimental artifacts.
While HRP-conjugated antibodies are not typically used for ChIP, the following adapted methodology could be employed using unconjugated MYF5 antibodies with subsequent detection systems:
Crosslinking optimization: For transcription factors like MYF5, dual crosslinking with DSG (disuccinimidyl glutarate) followed by formaldehyde can improve capture of protein-DNA complexes
Sonication parameters: Optimize sonication conditions to generate DNA fragments of 200-500bp, ideal for resolving binding sites
Antibody validation: Validate MYF5 antibody specificity for ChIP applications using positive controls (known MYF5 binding sites)
Sequential ChIP (Re-ChIP): Perform sequential immunoprecipitation with antibodies against MYF5 followed by other myogenic factors to identify co-regulated targets
ChIP-seq analysis: Couple with next-generation sequencing to identify genome-wide binding sites
Motif analysis: Analyze recovered sequences for consensus binding motifs using bioinformatic tools
Validation studies: Confirm novel targets using reporter assays with wild-type and mutated binding sites
This approach enables comprehensive identification of the MYF5 targetome in different cellular contexts, advancing understanding of its regulatory networks.
MYF5 antibody can be utilized in several approaches to evaluate muscle disorders:
Diagnostic biomarker assessment: Quantify MYF5 expression in muscle biopsies from patients with various myopathies compared to healthy controls
Regenerative capacity evaluation: Assess MYF5+ satellite cell populations in dystrophic muscles to determine regenerative potential
Therapy response monitoring: Track changes in MYF5 expression following therapeutic interventions to assess impact on myogenic programming
Disease progression markers: Correlate MYF5 expression patterns with clinical parameters and disease progression
Comparative analysis: Develop immunohistochemistry scoring systems to standardize MYF5 evaluation across patient cohorts
Dysfunctional MYF5 can contribute to disease progression in muscle-related pathologies, making its detection valuable for understanding pathophysiological mechanisms.
To distinguish between active and reserve satellite cell populations:
Co-immunostaining protocol: Combine MYF5 antibody detection with Pax7 (present in all satellite cells) and MyoD (active cells) to identify:
Pax7+/MYF5-/MyoD- (quiescent reserve cells)
Pax7+/MYF5+/MyoD- (early activated cells)
Pax7+/MYF5+/MyoD+ (committed actively proliferating cells)
EdU pulse-chase labeling: Combine with MYF5 detection to identify proliferating vs. non-proliferating MYF5+ populations
Flow cytometry panel design: Develop multi-parameter flow cytometry to quantify these populations in cell suspensions
Single-cell sequencing integration: Validate antibody-based classifications with transcriptomic profiles
Lineage tracing validation: In animal models, combine with genetic lineage tracing of Myf5-expressing cells
This multi-parameter approach allows for functional classification of satellite cell subpopulations and their dynamics during homeostasis and regeneration.
When facing discrepancies between MYF5 protein and mRNA levels:
Technical validation:
Confirm antibody specificity using knockout/knockdown controls
Validate primer specificity for mRNA detection
Use multiple antibodies targeting different epitopes
Biological explanations exploration:
Investigate post-transcriptional regulation (miRNAs targeting MYF5 mRNA)
Examine protein stability and degradation pathways
Assess translation efficiency using polysome profiling
Temporal dynamics consideration:
Perform high-resolution time-course studies as protein may lag behind mRNA
Consider pulsed expression followed by protein persistence
Methodological approaches:
These discrepancies often reveal important regulatory mechanisms controlling MYF5 expression and function during myogenesis.