In efforts to create a recombinant monoclonal antibody specific to NEUROD1, the initial step involved immunizing a rabbit with a synthesized peptide derived from human NEUROD1 protein. Following immunization, B cells were isolated from the rabbit, and RNA was extracted from these cells. The extracted RNA was reverse-transcribed into cDNA, which served as a template for extending NEUROD1 antibody genes using degenerate primers. These extended NEUROD1 antibody genes were incorporated into a plasmid vector and introduced into host cells for expression. Subsequently, the NEUROD1 recombinant monoclonal antibody was purified from the cell culture supernatant through affinity chromatography and evaluated for its utility in ELISA, IF, and FC applications, showing specific reactivity with human NEUROD1 protein.
NEUROD1 is a critical transcription factor that orchestrates the differentiation and maturation of neurons during development, contributes to the formation of neural circuits, and plays a role in the maintenance of neuronal identity. Its functions are essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system, and its dysregulation can have significant implications for neurological health and disease.
This recombinant monoclonal antibody, specifically targeting NEUROD1, was developed through a rigorous process. The initial step involved immunizing a rabbit with a synthesized peptide derived from human NEUROD1 protein. B cells were isolated from the immunized rabbit, and RNA was extracted. This RNA was then reverse-transcribed into cDNA, serving as a template for extending NEUROD1 antibody genes using degenerate primers. These extended genes were incorporated into a plasmid vector and introduced into host cells for expression. The resulting NEUROD1 recombinant monoclonal antibody was purified from the cell culture supernatant via affinity chromatography. Extensive testing confirmed its utility in ELISA, IF, and FC applications, demonstrating specific reactivity with human NEUROD1 protein.
NEUROD1, a crucial transcription factor, plays a pivotal role in the differentiation and maturation of neurons during development. Its involvement extends to the formation of neural circuits and the maintenance of neuronal identity. These functions are essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system, and disruptions in NEUROD1 regulation can have significant consequences for neurological health and disease.
NEUROD1 (Neurogenic Differentiation Factor 1) is a member of the NeuroD family of basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors. It functions as a transcriptional activator by binding to E box-containing promoter consensus core sequences (5'-CANNTG-3'). NEUROD1 associates with the p300/CBP transcription coactivator complex to stimulate transcription of target genes including the secretin gene and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor CDKN1A .
NEUROD1 plays critical roles in multiple cell differentiation pathways, particularly in the development of early retinal ganglion cells, inner ear sensory neurons, cerebellar granule cells, hippocampal dentate gyrus cells, pancreatic islet cells, and enteroendocrine cells of the small intestine. Additionally, it regulates insulin gene expression, with mutations associated with type II diabetes mellitus .
NEUROD1 recombinant monoclonal antibodies have been validated for multiple research applications with specific performance characteristics:
Application | Validated Clones | Notes |
---|---|---|
Western Blotting (WB) | 3H8, EPR17084 | Observed at 47 kDa (predicted 40 kDa) |
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) | 3H8, EPR17084 | Works on both paraffin and frozen sections |
Immunofluorescence (IF) | 3H8, EPR17084 | Shows predominantly nuclear localization |
Flow Cytometry | 3H8 | Requires cell permeabilization |
ELISA (E) | 3H8 | Good for quantitative analysis |
The specific applications may vary between manufacturers and clone types .
Both mouse and rabbit monoclonal antibodies are available for NEUROD1 detection, each with distinct characteristics:
Feature | Mouse Monoclonal (e.g., 3H8) | Rabbit Monoclonal (e.g., EPR17084) |
---|---|---|
Host | Mouse | Rabbit |
Isotype | IgG2a Kappa | IgG |
Target region | aa 200-300 of human NEUROD1 | Proprietary epitope |
Species reactivity | Human | Human, Mouse |
Background in mouse tissues | May have higher background | Lower background in mouse tissues |
Applications | WB, IHC-P, IF, Flow Cyt, ELISA | WB, IHC, IF |
Selection should be based on experimental requirements including target species, tissue type, and specific application .
For optimal stability and performance, NEUROD1 antibodies should be stored at -20°C or lower temperatures. To prevent degradation from repeated freeze-thaw cycles, it is recommended to aliquot the antibody into smaller volumes before freezing. Most commercially available NEUROD1 antibodies are formulated in phosphate-buffered saline (pH 7.2), sometimes with preservatives or stabilizers .
Optimizing Western blot protocols for NEUROD1 detection requires careful consideration of several parameters:
Parameter | Recommended Conditions |
---|---|
Sample preparation | Fresh tissue/cell lysates with protease inhibitors |
Protein loading | 10-20 μg total protein per lane |
Gel percentage | 10-12% SDS-PAGE gels |
Transfer membrane | PVDF membrane |
Blocking solution | 5% non-fat dry milk in TBST |
Primary antibody dilution | 1:500-1:1000 for mouse monoclonal (3H8) |
Primary antibody incubation | Overnight at 4°C |
Detection system | HRP-conjugated secondary antibody with ECL |
Expected band size | 47 kDa (observed) vs. 40 kDa (predicted) |
Most reliable positive controls include human cerebellum lysate, which shows strong NEUROD1 expression in published Western blots .
Proper experimental controls are essential for validating results with NEUROD1 antibodies:
Positive controls:
Human cerebellum lysate (strongly expresses NEUROD1)
Human fetal heart tissue
Human fetal brain tissue
Negative controls:
Mouse liver tissue (minimal NEUROD1 expression)
Secondary antibody-only controls (omitting primary antibody)
Isotype controls (irrelevant primary antibody of same isotype)
Loading/staining controls:
For Western blot: Anti-alpha Tubulin antibody (e.g., ab7291)
For immunofluorescence: DAPI nuclear counterstain
For IHC: Hematoxylin counterstain
Published data confirms strong NEUROD1 expression in human cerebellum but minimal expression in tissues like liver, providing reliable positive and negative tissue controls respectively .
The epitope targeted by NEUROD1 antibodies significantly impacts their performance across applications:
The mouse monoclonal antibody (clone 3H8) targets amino acids 201-300 of NEUROD1, a region that includes part of the functional bHLH domain. This targeting strategy offers advantages for detecting specific functional aspects of NEUROD1 but may have limitations depending on protein conformation and interactions .
Key considerations include:
Epitopes within functional domains may be masked in protein complexes
Antibodies targeting highly conserved regions provide better cross-species reactivity
Post-translational modifications near the epitope may affect antibody recognition
Different applications (native vs. denatured protein detection) may require different epitope selections
For studying NEUROD1's role in transcriptional complexes, understanding the targeted epitope is crucial for proper experimental design and interpretation .
Based on published protocols, the following IHC parameters provide optimal NEUROD1 detection:
For frozen sections:
Fixation: 10% paraformaldehyde for 10 minutes
Primary antibody: Rabbit monoclonal antibody (EPR17084) at 10 μg/ml
Incubation: 15 minutes at room temperature
Detection: HRP-conjugated compact polymer system with DAB chromogen
Counterstain: Hematoxylin
Mounting: DPX mounting medium
This protocol has been successfully used for mouse brain tissue, showing strong nuclear staining in neuronal populations with minimal background .
For paraffin sections:
Antigen retrieval: Heat-induced epitope retrieval using citrate buffer (pH 6.0)
Blocking: 5% normal serum in PBS
Primary antibody: Mouse monoclonal antibody (3H8) at appropriate dilution
Detection: Standard immunoperoxidase methods
Negative control tissues (e.g., liver) should always be included to confirm specificity of staining patterns .
NEUROD1 antibodies provide valuable tools for investigating neurogenesis in multiple contexts:
Developmental studies:
NEUROD1 is crucial for the development of neuronal populations in various regions. Antibodies can track its expression during critical developmental windows, particularly in:
Early retinal ganglion cells
Inner ear sensory neurons
Granule cells in the cerebellum and hippocampus
Pancreatic endocrine cells
Neuronal differentiation:
Experimental manipulations of NEUROD1 expression (e.g., using Neurod1-IRES-RFP constructs) demonstrate its sufficiency to promote neuroblast delamination. Co-immunostaining for NEUROD1 and neuronal markers like TuJ1 can identify stages of differentiation .
Transcriptional mechanisms:
NEUROD1 functions through binding to E-box DNA elements and association with cofactors. Chromatin immunoprecipitation using NEUROD1 antibodies can identify target genes and regulatory elements involved in neurogenesis .
Functional studies:
Research has shown that NEUROD1 can inhibit Nop-1 activity through binding to E-box elements, representing a mechanism for regulation of neural precursor differentiation. This interaction can be studied through co-immunoprecipitation and reporter assays .
Flow cytometry with NEUROD1 antibodies requires specific protocol adaptations:
Cell preparation considerations:
As a transcription factor, NEUROD1 is primarily nuclear, requiring cell permeabilization
Fixation with 2-4% paraformaldehyde followed by permeabilization with 0.1% Triton X-100 or saponin
Blocking with 1-5% serum matching the secondary antibody species
Antibody selection:
Mouse monoclonal antibody (clone 3H8) has been validated for flow cytometry
Starting dilution of 1:50-1:100, with titration recommended
Controls:
Isotype control antibodies are essential for setting proper gates
Include both positive control cells (neuronal precursors) and negative control populations
Consider co-staining with markers like TuJ1 to identify specific neuronal populations
Analysis:
NEUROD1 expression may be heterogeneous in developing neuronal populations
Consider cell cycle analysis in conjunction with NEUROD1 staining to correlate with proliferation status
The carrier-free format of some commercially available NEUROD1 antibodies makes them particularly suitable for flow cytometry applications .