The NOMO1 antibody is a rabbit-derived polyclonal antibody raised against a recombinant fusion protein corresponding to the NOMO1 sequence (GenBank Accession: BC065535) . Key properties include:
FITC is a fluorochrome dye that absorbs light at 495 nm and emits at 525 nm, enabling fluorescence detection . Conjugation to antibodies involves covalent linkage to lysine residues, typically via an isothiocyanate group. Key considerations include:
The conjugate is ideal for fluorescence-based assays requiring NOMO1 detection:
Use Case: Quantify NOMO1 expression in cell populations.
Protocol: Cells are fixed/permeabilized, stained with the antibody, and analyzed using flow cytometers . Example workflow:
Trade-offs: Higher FITC labeling indices may reduce antibody-antigen binding affinity .
Optimization: Titrate antibody concentrations for each application .
NOMO1 is an ER-resident transmembrane protein critical for maintaining ER morphology and force-bearing capabilities . Its Ig-like domains facilitate dimerization, as shown in in vitro binding assays .
| Application | Dilution | Tested Samples |
|---|---|---|
| Western Blot | 1:500–1:2000 | Mouse colon, A431 cells |
| Immunohistochemistry | 1:200–1:800 | Human colon cancer, pancreas |
| Immunofluorescence | 1:20–1:200 | MCF-7 cells |
NOMO1 (Nodal Modulator 1) is a 1,222 amino acid highly conserved single-pass type I membrane protein expressed in various tissues including colon tumor tissue and normal colonic mucosa . It functions as a critical determinant of heart formation and is known to be involved in the pathological process of congenital heart disease (CHD) . Recent structural studies have revealed that NOMO comprises twelve Ig-like domains that reside in the ER lumen, followed by a single transmembrane domain and a short cytosolic tail . NOMO proteins (including NOMO1, NOMO2, and NOMO3) act as antagonists of Nodal signaling and interact with Nicalin to form a Nicalin-NOMO complex, where they are either rapidly degraded or stabilized by Nicalin .
The NOMO1 antibody with FITC conjugation is primarily recommended for flow cytometry (at dilutions of 1:20-100) and immunofluorescence on paraffin-embedded tissues (IF/IHC-P at dilutions of 1:50-200) . These applications allow researchers to investigate NOMO1 expression patterns in various cell types and tissues. The antibody demonstrates reactivity with human, mouse, and rat samples, providing versatility across different experimental models . Beyond basic detection, this antibody can be applied in studies examining NOMO1's role in cardiomyocyte differentiation, ER morphology maintenance, and nodal signaling pathways .
NOMO1 antibody with FITC conjugation provides a valuable tool for investigating NOMO1's critical role in heart formation and congenital heart disease (CHD). Research has shown that upregulation of miR-33a-5p inhibits human cardiomyocyte progenitor cells (hCMPCs) proliferation, cell cycle G0/S transition, and differentiation into cardiomyocytes while promoting apoptosis by targeting NOMO1 . To study this relationship, researchers can use FITC-conjugated NOMO1 antibodies to:
Track NOMO1 expression levels in cardiomyocyte progenitor cells during differentiation
Assess co-localization with cardiac differentiation markers like GATA4, cTnT, and MEF2C
Evaluate changes in NOMO1 expression following miR-33a-5p manipulation
Methodology should include flow cytometric analysis of NOMO1 expression in conjunction with cell cycle markers and apoptotic markers to correlate NOMO1 levels with cardiomyocyte proliferation and apoptosis rates in normal versus CHD models .
Recent structural studies have identified NOMO as a force-bearing transmembrane protein with critical interfaces between distal Ig domains that enable it to maintain ER morphology and buffer mechanical forces . To investigate this function:
Combine FITC-NOMO1 antibody staining with live cell imaging to track NOMO1 dynamics in response to mechanical stimuli
Perform Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP) experiments using the FITC signal to measure NOMO1 mobility within the ER membrane
Compare wild-type NOMO1 mobility with mutant variants (particularly those affecting the Ig 1/10/11 interface)
FRAP experiments have revealed that NOMO exhibits markedly slow and restricted lateral mobility compared to other ER proteins like Sec61β, and even slower than LBR, which is limited by attachment to the nuclear lamina . The specific experimental approach would involve transfecting cells with NOMO variants and measuring FITC fluorescence recovery over time following photobleaching of a defined region of interest (ROI) .
NOMO proteins function as antagonists of Nodal signaling through interaction with Nicalin . To study this pathway:
Use FITC-conjugated NOMO1 antibodies in co-immunoprecipitation experiments followed by flow cytometry or fluorescence microscopy to identify binding partners in the Nodal signaling pathway
Perform dual-labeling experiments with antibodies against Nodal pathway components to assess co-localization
Design time-course experiments measuring NOMO1 expression (via FITC signal intensity) during developmental processes regulated by Nodal signaling
For Nodal pathway activation studies, researchers can treat cells with recombinant Nodal protein and track changes in NOMO1 expression and localization using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy with the FITC-conjugated antibody .
For optimal flow cytometry results with FITC-conjugated NOMO1 antibody:
Begin with single-cell suspensions at a concentration of 10^5 to 10^8 cells per test in 100 μL final volume
Carefully titrate the antibody for optimal performance (recommended starting dilution: 1:20-100)
Use ≤0.125 μg per test to avoid potential quenching of FITC fluorescence that can occur at higher concentrations
Include appropriate controls:
Unstained cells
Isotype control (Rabbit IgG-FITC)
Single-color controls if performing multicolor flow cytometry
For confirming specificity in complex samples (e.g., differentiated cardiomyocytes), researchers should include additional markers such as CD45 FITC and CD33 PE-Cy7 antibodies as used in published protocols . When analyzing data, compensate for spectral overlap if using multiple fluorophores, and be aware that FITC signals can be quenched by anti-FITC antibodies in some applications .
For optimal immunofluorescence results with FITC-conjugated NOMO1 antibody on paraffin-embedded tissues (IHC-P):
| Parameter | Recommended Range | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Dilution | 1:50-200 | Start with 1:100 and adjust based on signal-to-noise ratio |
| Antigen Retrieval | Heat-induced in citrate buffer (pH 6.0) | Critical for accessing NOMO1 epitopes in fixed tissue |
| Blocking | 5-10% normal serum | Use serum from species unrelated to primary antibody |
| Incubation Time | 1-2 hours at RT or overnight at 4°C | Longer times may improve signal but increase background |
| Mounting Medium | Anti-fade with DAPI | Prevents photobleaching and counterstains nuclei |
For co-localization studies with ER markers, confocal microscopy should be employed with appropriate excitation (488 nm) and emission (515-530 nm) filters for FITC detection . Given NOMO1's role as a transmembrane protein in the ER, counterstaining with ER markers can provide valuable context for interpreting NOMO1 localization patterns .
Quantitative assessment of NOMO1 expression using FITC-conjugated antibodies can be accomplished through:
Flow Cytometry Quantification:
Use standardized FITC beads to establish a fluorescence calibration curve
Express results as Molecules of Equivalent Soluble Fluorochrome (MESF) or antibody binding capacity (ABC)
Apply the calibration to convert mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) values to absolute protein numbers
Fluorescence Microscopy Quantification:
Employ software-based image analysis (ImageJ/FIJI with appropriate plugins)
Establish consistent exposure settings across all experimental conditions
Perform background subtraction and normalize to cell number or area
Quantitative RT-PCR Correlation:
For comparative studies between different cell types or experimental conditions, researchers should standardize their protocols and include appropriate positive and negative controls to account for autofluorescence and non-specific binding.
FITC signal quenching is a documented concern with FITC-conjugated antibodies and can impact experimental outcomes . To address this issue:
Titration Optimization:
Carefully titrate the antibody concentration (recommended ≤0.125 μg per test for flow cytometry)
Test multiple concentrations to identify the optimal signal-to-noise ratio
Alternative Detection Strategies:
Consider secondary detection using anti-FITC antibodies conjugated to alternative fluorophores
Compare direct FITC detection with secondary amplification methods
Environmental Factors:
Maintain pH between 7.2-8.5 where FITC fluorescence is optimal
Avoid exposure to strong light sources during sample preparation
Use antifade reagents in mounting media for microscopy applications
Validation Approaches:
Confirm NOMO1 detection patterns using alternative antibodies with different conjugates
Correlate FITC-based detection with orthogonal methods (Western blot, qPCR)
If signal quenching is suspected, researchers can compare the fluorescence intensity of cells stained directly with the FITC-conjugated NOMO1 antibody versus those stained with unconjugated primary followed by FITC-conjugated secondary antibody as a control .
When faced with contradictory results from NOMO1-FITC antibody experiments:
Antibody Validation:
Experimental Design Assessment:
Evaluate fixation and permeabilization protocols, as these can affect epitope accessibility
Consider subcellular localization - NOMO1 is a transmembrane protein in the ER with specific domains in different cellular compartments
Assess potential interference from other experimental factors (e.g., overexpression constructs, treatment conditions)
Data Integration:
Combine FITC-based flow cytometry data with western blot quantification
Correlate protein detection with mRNA expression data
Consider the impact of post-translational modifications on antibody binding
Context-Specific Expression:
A systematic approach to troubleshooting contradictory data includes designing controlled experiments that isolate variables and progressively eliminate potential sources of inconsistency.
Designing effective multi-parameter flow cytometry panels including NOMO1-FITC antibodies requires careful consideration of spectral overlap and antibody compatibility:
| Marker | Fluorophore | Excitation (nm) | Emission (nm) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOMO1 | FITC | 488 | 525 | Target protein detection |
| CD45 | PE-Cy7 | 488/561 | 785 | Leukocyte identification |
| CD33 | APC | 633 | 660 | Myeloid cell identification |
| Annexin V | PE | 561 | 578 | Apoptosis detection |
| GATA4 | Pacific Blue | 405 | 455 | Cardiac differentiation |
For compensating spectral overlap:
Prepare single-stained controls for each fluorophore
Include an unstained control and FMO (Fluorescence Minus One) controls
Perform automated compensation using flow cytometry software
For analyzing intracellular NOMO1 along with surface markers:
First stain for surface markers (e.g., CD45, CD33)
Fix and permeabilize cells using a commercial kit appropriate for intracellular staining
Then stain with NOMO1-FITC antibody at the optimal concentration
This approach has been validated in studies examining myeloid cell populations and has been used to confirm AML presence by flow cytometry .
Recent structural studies have identified NOMO as a force-bearing transmembrane protein with critical interfaces between distal Ig domains . This finding opens new research directions for FITC-conjugated NOMO1 antibodies:
Live-Cell Force Measurements:
Using FRET-based biosensors combined with NOMO1-FITC antibodies to measure tension across NOMO1 in living cells
Correlating NOMO1 localization with cellular force generation and transmission
ER-Cytoskeleton Interactions:
Investigating NOMO1's role in mediating connections between the ER membrane and cytoskeletal elements
Studying how mechanical forces affect NOMO1 distribution and dynamics in the ER membrane
Differentiation Mechanics:
These research directions build on findings that NOMO exhibits markedly slow and restricted lateral mobility within the ER membrane, which depends partly on the presence of the Ig 1/10/11 interface . FITC-conjugated antibodies can enable real-time tracking of NOMO1 dynamics during mechanical stimulation experiments.
Studies have established that miR-33a-5p targets NOMO1 to modulate human cardiomyocyte activity, suggesting an important regulatory relationship with implications for congenital heart disease . Future research applications include:
miRNA Target Validation:
Using NOMO1-FITC antibodies to quantify protein expression changes following miRNA manipulation
Flow cytometric analysis can provide single-cell resolution of NOMO1 regulation by miRNAs
Therapeutic Development:
Screening potential therapeutic compounds that modulate the miR-33a-5p/NOMO1 axis
Using FITC-conjugated antibodies to rapidly assess NOMO1 expression in drug screening platforms
Disease Modeling:
Applying NOMO1-FITC antibodies in patient-derived iPSC models of congenital heart disease
Correlating NOMO1 expression patterns with disease phenotypes and severity
These approaches could help elucidate the complex relationship between miRNA regulation of NOMO1 and disease pathogenesis, potentially identifying new therapeutic targets for conditions like congenital heart disease .