The NARS Antibody targets asparaginyl-tRNA synthetase (NARS), a cytoplasmic enzyme critical for protein synthesis. NARS catalyzes the attachment of asparagine to its cognate tRNA during translation, ensuring genetic code fidelity . Commercial NARS antibodies are widely used in research to study NARS expression, localization, and functional roles in cellular processes.
Detects NARS at ~65 kDa in human cell lysates (e.g., U87-MG glioblastoma, liver tissue) .
Recommended dilutions: 1:500–1:3000, depending on sample type .
Validated in paraffin-embedded tissues with antigen-retrieval protocols .
Localizes NARS to cytoplasmic regions, consistent with its role in translation .
Controls: Include positive controls (e.g., human liver tissue) and negative controls (knockout cell lines) to validate specificity .
Cross-Reactivity: Verify reactivity in non-human species (e.g., mouse, rat) using alignment tools .
Signal Optimization: Adjust antibody concentrations and blocking buffers to reduce background noise .
While NARS antibodies are robust in basic research, challenges persist:
NARS catalyzes the attachment of asparagine to tRNA(Asn) in a two-step reaction: asparagine is first activated by ATP to form Asn-AMP and then transferred to the acceptor end of tRNA(Asn). Beyond its crucial role in protein synthesis, NARS functions as a signaling molecule that induces migration of CCR3-expressing cells. It plays a vital role in the development of the cerebral cortex, being essential for proper proliferation of radial glial cells.
NARS (Asparaginyl-tRNA synthetase, also known as NARS1 or AsnRS) is an enzyme that catalyzes the attachment of asparagine to tRNA(Asn) through a two-step reaction: first activating asparagine with ATP to form Asn-AMP, then transferring it to the acceptor end of tRNA(Asn) . Beyond its canonical role in protein synthesis, NARS functions as a signaling molecule that induces migration of CCR3-expressing cells . It also plays an essential role in cerebral cortex development, specifically in proper proliferation of radial glial cells . This dual functionality makes NARS antibodies particularly valuable for studying both protein synthesis mechanisms and neurological development processes.
Commercial NARS antibodies have demonstrated confirmed reactivity with human, mouse, and rat samples . Specifically, the rabbit polyclonal NARS antibody (e.g., ab252995) has been validated for use with these species across multiple techniques. When designing experiments, researchers should note that NARS antibodies have been successfully used with various tissue samples, including human rectum, cerebellum, cerebral cortex, and liver tissues, as well as cell lines such as RT4 (human urinary bladder cancer) and U-251 MG (human brain glioma) . Cross-reactivity with other species requires empirical validation before experimental use.
NARS antibodies serve multiple experimental purposes across different techniques:
| Technique | Application | Typical Dilution | Sample Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Blot (WB) | Protein detection & quantification | 0.4 μg/mL | Cell lysates |
| Immunohistochemistry (IHC-P) | Tissue localization | 1/5000 | Paraffin-embedded tissues |
| Immunocytochemistry (ICC/IF) | Subcellular localization | Variable | Fixed cells |
| Immunoprecipitation (IP) | Protein-protein interactions | As recommended | Cell/tissue lysates |
| Dot Blot (DB) | Rapid protein detection | Variable | Purified protein/lysates |
These applications enable researchers to investigate NARS expression patterns, protein interactions, and functional roles in different biological contexts .
For optimal Western blot detection of NARS, researchers should consider the following methodological approach:
Sample preparation: Extract protein using RIPA or NP-40 buffer supplemented with protease inhibitors.
Gel selection: Use 10% SDS-PAGE gels as NARS has a predicted molecular weight of 63 kDa .
Transfer conditions: Transfer to PVDF membranes at 100V for 1 hour or 30V overnight for larger proteins.
Blocking: Block with 5% non-fat milk or BSA in TBST for 1 hour at room temperature.
Primary antibody incubation: Dilute anti-NARS antibody to 0.4 μg/mL in blocking buffer and incubate overnight at 4°C .
Detection: Use HRP-conjugated secondary antibodies with appropriate chemiluminescent substrates.
Expected results: Verify the presence of a band at approximately 63 kDa, confirming NARS detection .
Inclusion of positive controls (e.g., RT4 or U-251 MG cell lysates) helps validate experimental success, while negative controls (secondary antibody only) confirm specificity .
When performing immunohistochemistry with NARS antibodies, researchers should implement the following protocol optimizations:
Tissue fixation: Use 10% neutral buffered formalin for consistent preservation of antigenic epitopes.
Antigen retrieval: Perform heat-induced epitope retrieval in citrate buffer (pH 6.0) or EDTA buffer (pH 9.0) to unmask antigens.
Blocking: Use 3% hydrogen peroxide to block endogenous peroxidases, followed by 5-10% normal serum from the species of the secondary antibody.
Antibody dilution: Based on published results, a 1/5000 dilution of NARS antibody is recommended for paraffin-embedded tissues .
Incubation conditions: Incubate primary antibody overnight at 4°C in a humidified chamber.
Counterstaining: Use hematoxylin for nuclear visualization after DAB development.
Controls: Include cerebellum or cerebral cortex tissues as positive controls given demonstrated reactivity .
These methodological considerations ensure specific staining and reliable interpretation of NARS expression in tissue sections.
When encountering non-specific binding with NARS antibodies, implement these methodological solutions:
Antibody validation: Verify antibody specificity through knockout/knockdown controls or peptide competition assays.
Blocking optimization: Increase blocking agent concentration to 5-10% and extend blocking time to 2 hours.
Antibody titration: Perform dilution series tests (1:1000 to 1:10,000) to identify optimal antibody concentration.
Buffer modifications:
Add 0.1-0.5% Triton X-100 to reduce hydrophobic interactions
Increase salt concentration (150-500 mM NaCl) to disrupt low-affinity binding
Add 0.1-1% BSA as a carrier protein
Washing stringency: Increase wash steps (5-6 times) and duration (10 minutes each) with gentle agitation.
Secondary antibody cross-reactivity: Use highly cross-adsorbed secondary antibodies and include serum from the host species.
Tissue-specific considerations: For brain tissues with high lipid content, extend deparaffinization steps and consider using Sudan Black B to reduce autofluorescence .
Systematic application of these troubleshooting steps will help identify and eliminate sources of non-specific binding.
To ensure experimental reliability with NARS antibodies, implement these quality control measures:
Antibody validation:
Experimental controls:
Technical validation:
Run parallel detection with two different NARS antibodies targeting distinct epitopes
Use alternative detection methods (e.g., mass spectrometry) to confirm identified bands
Verify cellular localization patterns through fractionation studies
Data documentation:
Record antibody source, catalog number, lot number, and dilution
Document exposure times for imaging
Maintain standardized protocols across experiments
These quality control measures enhance experimental reproducibility and result interpretation.
To investigate NARS's dual functionality, researchers should implement these methodological approaches:
Differential function analysis:
Use site-directed mutagenesis to generate NARS variants with impaired aminoacylation activity but intact signaling capacity
Apply these variants in complementation assays to distinguish between functions
Utilize domain-specific antibodies to track differential localization
Developmental studies:
Perform time-course analysis of NARS expression in cerebral cortex during development
Correlate NARS levels with radial glial cell proliferation markers
Use conditional knockout models with temporal control to determine critical developmental windows
Protein-protein interaction mapping:
Conduct co-immunoprecipitation with NARS antibodies followed by mass spectrometry
Perform proximity ligation assays to identify in situ interaction partners
Use FRET/BRET assays to validate direct protein interactions
Signaling pathway interrogation:
Apply pharmacological inhibitors of CCR3 signaling while monitoring NARS activity
Use phospho-specific antibodies to track signaling cascade activation
Implement RNA-seq after NARS knockdown to identify downstream effectors
These advanced approaches enable dissection of NARS's distinct roles and their mechanistic underpinnings in different cellular contexts .
When investigating NARS in heterogeneous tissue systems, implement these specialized methodological strategies:
Cell type-specific analysis:
Combine NARS immunostaining with cell type-specific markers in multiplexed immunofluorescence
Implement laser capture microdissection followed by Western blot to isolate specific cell populations
Use flow cytometry with permeabilization for intracellular NARS detection in mixed cell populations
Spatial distribution analysis:
Apply tissue clearing techniques (CLARITY, iDISCO) for whole-organ NARS visualization
Implement high-resolution confocal or light-sheet microscopy for 3D reconstructions
Correlate NARS expression with tissue architecture through digital spatial profiling
Single-cell resolution approaches:
Combine immunohistochemistry with RNAscope to correlate protein and mRNA levels
Perform image cytometry on tissue sections for quantitative single-cell analysis
Use CyTOF with metal-conjugated NARS antibodies for high-dimensional phenotyping
Dynamic regulation studies:
Implement intravital microscopy with fluorescently tagged NARS antibodies in animal models
Correlate NARS levels with functional readouts through simultaneous electrophysiology recordings
Track changes during pathological processes through longitudinal sampling approaches
These advanced techniques enable comprehensive analysis of NARS expression and function across diverse cell types within complex tissue environments .
Bispecific antibody approaches offer innovative methodological advantages for NARS research:
Dual targeting strategies:
Design bispecific antibodies targeting NARS and its interaction partners simultaneously
Create constructs recognizing both NARS and markers of specific subcellular compartments
Develop antibodies targeting NARS and tissue-specific antigens for selective visualization
Advanced therapeutic applications:
Engineer bispecific antibodies linking NARS recognition with immune cell recruitment
Create constructs targeting both inflammatory responses and NARS signaling
Develop antibodies capable of modulating NARS activity through conformation-selective binding
Technical implementation:
Apply phage display technology for rapid screening of bispecific antibody libraries
Utilize computational approaches to predict optimal epitope combinations
Implement antibody engineering to optimize binding affinity and specificity
The application of bispecific antibody technologies represents a significant advancement in NARS research, enabling simultaneous targeting of multiple disease pathways and improved therapeutic efficacy with reduced side effects .
Machine learning approaches are transforming NARS antibody research through these methodological innovations:
Epitope prediction and optimization:
Apply deep learning algorithms to predict antibody-antigen interactions with increased accuracy
Use neural networks to identify optimal epitopes within the NARS protein structure
Implement computational models to predict cross-reactivity and minimize off-target binding
Experimental design enhancement:
Utilize predictive algorithms to optimize antibody screening protocols
Apply machine learning to identify optimal buffer conditions and reduce non-specific binding
Implement automated image analysis for standardized interpretation of immunostaining results
Data integration and analysis:
Develop algorithms that integrate antibody binding data with functional outcomes
Create predictive models connecting NARS expression patterns with disease progression
Implement deep learning approaches for pattern recognition in complex tissue systems
Production optimization:
Apply machine learning to optimize hybridoma selection and antibody expression
Utilize predictive models to enhance stability and reduce batch-to-batch variation
Implement computational approaches to predict and mitigate potential immunogenicity
These machine learning applications are dramatically reducing antibody development timelines from years to months while enhancing specificity and efficacy for research applications .