FITC-conjugated secondary antibodies are critical for detecting NTSR1 in fluorescence-based techniques. Key applications include:
Example: Boster Bio’s A04610-4 antibody (unconjugated) was tested in flow cytometry using THP-1 cells. FITC-labeled secondary antibodies (e.g., DyLight®488) enabled quantification of NTSR1 surface expression .
Protocol: Cells are fixed, blocked, incubated with primary antibody, and detected with FITC-conjugated secondary.
Example: Thermo Fisher’s PA5-77538 antibody (unconjugated) is validated for IF. FITC-labeled secondaries highlight NTSR1 localization in cultured cells or tissue sections .
Protocol: Cells are permeabilized, blocked, stained with primary antibody, and visualized with FITC-secondary.
Example: Antibodies-online’s ABIN7303746 (unconjugated) detects NTSR1 at ~43–49 kDa in WB. FITC-conjugated secondaries are less common here; chemiluminescent detection is standard .
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): NTSR1 overexpression correlates with tumor invasion. FITC-labeled anti-BrdU antibodies (unrelated to NTSR1) were used to assess proliferation, but NTSR1 antibodies (e.g., TA328679) could complement such studies .
Breast Cancer: Thermo Fisher’s PA5-77538 detects NTSR1 in MDA-MB-468 lysates, suggesting utility in studying receptor expression in metastatic cells .
Live Imaging: NTSR1-Venus knock-in mice enable real-time tracking of receptor trafficking. While FITC is not used here, this model highlights the need for fluorescent tags to study GPCR dynamics .
Primary Antibody Selection: Choose antibodies validated for target specificity (e.g., ABIN7303746 recognizes endogenous NTSR1 ).
Secondary Antibody Pairing: Use species-specific FITC-conjugated IgG (e.g., goat anti-rabbit IgG-FITC).
Controls: Include isotype controls (e.g., rabbit IgG) to eliminate non-specific binding .
Low Signal: Increase primary antibody concentration or extend incubation time.
Background Noise: Optimize blocking buffers (e.g., 5% BSA) and wash steps.
NTSR1 (Neurotensin Receptor Type 1) is a G-protein coupled receptor that functions as a high-affinity receptor for neurotensin. It has a molecular weight of approximately 43-49 kDa, with search results indicating 43 kDa in Western blot applications and 49 kDa in product specifications . The receptor belongs to the G-protein coupled receptor 1 family and is also known as NT-R-1, NTR1, or NTRH . The receptor's full amino acid sequence begins with MRLNSSAPGTPGTPAADPFQRAQAGLEEALLAPGFGNASGNASERVLAAPSSELDVNTDIYSKVLVTAVY .
When studying NTSR1 using antibodies, researchers should be aware that the receptor's molecular characteristics influence detection methods:
| Characteristic | Detail | Experimental Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular Weight | 43-49 kDa | Critical for identifying correct bands in Western blot |
| Superfamily | G-protein coupled receptor 1 family | May influence membrane localization and detergent requirements |
| Amino Acid Sequence | N-terminal region (1-70 aa) commonly used as immunogen | Antibodies may target extracellular domains |
Based on search results, NTSR1 antibodies have been validated for several research applications:
FITC conjugation would be particularly advantageous for flow cytometry applications as it eliminates the need for secondary antibody incubation. In the validated protocol, THP-1 cells were analyzed using a fluorescently-labeled secondary antibody (DyLight®488) , suggesting that direct FITC conjugation would streamline this workflow.
Multiple cell lines have been validated for NTSR1 expression and can serve as positive controls:
When designing experiments with FITC-conjugated NTSR1 antibodies, these cell lines provide reliable positive controls for optimizing staining protocols.
While the search results don't specifically address FITC-conjugated NTSR1 antibodies, a validated flow cytometry protocol using fluorescently-labeled secondary antibodies provides a methodological framework :
Fix cells with 4% paraformaldehyde
Block with 10% normal goat serum
Incubate with FITC-conjugated NTSR1 antibody (approximately 1 μg per 1×10^6 cells based on validated protocol)
Analyze using flow cytometry with appropriate filters for FITC (excitation ~495 nm, emission ~519 nm)
When adapting this protocol for FITC-conjugated antibodies, researchers should:
Eliminate the secondary antibody incubation step
Include appropriate controls including isotype control (FITC-conjugated rabbit IgG)
Establish baseline with unlabeled sample
Search results provide detailed Western blot conditions for NTSR1 detection :
For FITC-conjugated antibodies in Western blot applications, fluorescence imaging rather than chemiluminescence would be required, potentially affecting sensitivity.
Based on validated protocols for NTSR1 detection , researchers should include:
Unstained cells - to establish autofluorescence baseline
Isotype control - FITC-conjugated rabbit IgG to assess non-specific binding
Negative control - cells known not to express NTSR1
Positive control - validated cell lines such as THP-1, MCF-7, PC-3, or DU145
Blocking control - pre-incubation with unconjugated antibody or immunizing peptide
Search result specifically mentions using rabbit IgG (1 μg/1×10^6 cells) as an isotype control and unlabelled samples as baseline controls.
NTSR1 plays significant roles in neuronal signaling pathways. Search result indicates that "Nts can directly engage NtsR1-expressing DA neurons to modify DA signaling," highlighting its importance in dopaminergic pathways.
Researchers investigating NTSR1 in neuroscience should consider:
Using FITC-conjugated NTSR1 antibodies to visualize receptor distribution in neuronal populations
Combining with other neuronal markers to identify NtsR1-expressing dopaminergic neurons
Employing the NtsR1 NEO-Cre genetic tools mentioned in search result to create conditional expression models
The cellular mechanism revealed in search result provides a foundation for understanding how neurotensin modulates dopamine signaling, making NTSR1 an important target in neuroscience research.
Recent research highlights significant applications of NTSR1-targeted approaches in cancer:
| Therapeutic Approach | Cancer Models | Key Findings | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| [177Lu]Lu-NA-ET1 | AsPC-1, HT-29, PC-3 | 1.9–4.4-fold increased tumor retention | |
| [177Lu]Lu-3BP-227 | AsPC-1, HT-29, PC-3 | Clinically investigated benchmark |
Search result reveals that "[177Lu]Lu-NA-ET1, an NTSR1-targeted construct" demonstrated "increased (1.9–4.4-fold) tumor retention and radiation dose delivery relative to the control." This represents a significant advancement in targeted radionuclide therapy approaches.
FITC-conjugated NTSR1 antibodies could serve as valuable tools for:
Screening tumors for NTSR1 expression to predict therapeutic response
Monitoring receptor dynamics following treatment
Studying receptor internalization mechanisms that influence therapeutic efficacy
To optimize experimental outcomes with FITC-conjugated NTSR1 antibodies:
Signal amplification techniques:
Tyramide signal amplification for low-abundance targets
Multi-layer antibody approaches for enhanced sensitivity
Microscopy optimization:
Confocal microscopy for improved spatial resolution
Deconvolution algorithms to enhance signal-to-noise ratio
Appropriate filter sets optimized for FITC (excitation 495 nm, emission 519 nm)
Sample preparation:
Based on search results and , optimal storage conditions include:
Search result specifically notes: "At -20°C for one year from date of receipt. After reconstitution, at 4°C for one month. It can also be aliquotted and stored frozen at -20°C for six months. Avoid repeated freezing and thawing."
For FITC-conjugated antibodies, additional precautions include:
Storage in dark containers to prevent photobleaching
Addition of preservatives (e.g., sodium azide) to prevent microbial growth
Several challenges may arise when working with NTSR1 antibodies:
Specificity concerns:
Signal intensity issues:
Background reduction:
Epitope accessibility:
Comprehensive validation approaches include:
Positive controls:
Negative controls:
Blocking experiments:
Pre-incubation with immunizing peptide
Competitive binding with unconjugated antibody
Genetic validation:
Multiple detection methods:
The development of NTSR1-targeted therapeutics creates new opportunities for antibody-based research:
Companion diagnostics:
FITC-conjugated NTSR1 antibodies could serve as screening tools to identify patients likely to respond to NTSR1-targeted therapies
Therapeutic monitoring:
Mechanistic studies:
Multiplexed approaches:
Combining NTSR1 detection with other cancer biomarkers to develop comprehensive diagnostic panels
Emerging technologies that may enhance FITC-conjugated NTSR1 antibody applications include:
Photobleaching reduction:
Novel anti-fade reagents
Oxygen-scavenging systems for live-cell applications
Signal enhancement:
FITC-tyramide signal amplification approaches
Quantum dot conjugation for improved photostability
Advanced imaging methods:
Super-resolution microscopy to visualize receptor clustering
Live-cell imaging to track receptor dynamics in real-time
Sample preparation innovations:
Tissue clearing techniques for three-dimensional receptor mapping
Optimized fixation protocols that preserve epitope accessibility while maintaining tissue architecture
By incorporating these methodological advances, researchers can maximize the utility of FITC-conjugated NTSR1 antibodies in their experimental systems.