4G8 is a monoclonal antibody historically used to detect amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides in Alzheimer’s disease research. It targets residues 18–23 of Aβ (sequence: VFFAED) . Contrary to initial assumptions of sequence specificity, recent findings demonstrate that 4G8 recognizes a conformation-dependent epitope common to amyloid fibrils of unrelated proteins, including α-synuclein and islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) .
4G8 binds to fibrillar aggregates of:
Aβ (associated with Alzheimer’s disease)
α-Synuclein (linked to Parkinson’s disease and multiple system atrophy)
This reactivity is aggregation-dependent; 4G8 does not bind monomeric forms of these proteins .
| Feature | 4G8 Antibody Behavior |
|---|---|
| Epitope Type | Conformational (non-linear) |
| Sequence Specificity | Low (binds generic fibril structures) |
| Aggregation Dependency | Binds only fibrils, not monomers |
| Cross-Reactivity | α-Synuclein, IAPP, Aβ |
Colocalization Studies: In human multiple system atrophy brain tissues, 4G8 colocalizes with α-synuclein-specific antibody LB509, confirming fibrillar co-deposition .
Reverse Cross-Reactivity: LB509 (anti-α-synuclein) also recognizes Aβ fibrils, highlighting reciprocal generic epitope recognition .
Misinterpretation Risk: 4G8’s broad reactivity challenges its use as a sequence-specific tool.
Validation Requirement: Researchers must confirm target specificity using orthogonal methods (e.g., mass spectrometry) .
Amyloid Typing: Identifies fibrillar aggregates across neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases.
Therapeutic Development: Informs antibody design by revealing pitfalls in conformational epitope targeting.
P4H8 antibody (CSB-PA124091XA01DOA) is a rabbit polyclonal antibody generated against a recombinant Arabidopsis thaliana P4H8 protein. The antibody targets the F4JNU8 UniProt protein and is supplied in liquid form containing 50% glycerol in 0.01M PBS (pH 7.4) with 0.03% Proclin 300 as a preservative . The antibody has undergone antigen affinity purification and is validated for ELISA and Western Blot applications . This product is classified as an IgG isotype and specifically targets P4H8 in Arabidopsis thaliana samples.
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Code | CSB-PA124091XA01DOA |
| Host | Rabbit |
| Clonality | Polyclonal |
| Target | P4H8 (F4JNU8) |
| Species Reactivity | Arabidopsis thaliana |
| Validated Applications | ELISA, WB |
| Formulation | 50% Glycerol, 0.01M PBS, pH 7.4, 0.03% Proclin 300 |
| Purification | Antigen Affinity Purified |
| Isotype | IgG |
The P4H8 antibody has been validated primarily for Western Blot (WB) and ELISA applications in Arabidopsis thaliana research . For Western Blotting, the recommended dilution range is 1:500-1:1,000, which provides optimal signal-to-noise ratio for detection of the target protein . When implementing this antibody in your research protocol, consider the following methodological approaches:
For Western Blotting: After protein sample separation by SDS-PAGE and transfer to a membrane, block with 5% non-fat milk in TBST for 1 hour at room temperature. Incubate the membrane with diluted P4H8 antibody (1:500-1:1,000) overnight at 4°C. After washing with TBST, apply an appropriate HRP-conjugated secondary anti-rabbit antibody for detection.
For ELISA: Coat plates with antigen at 1-10 μg/mL in carbonate buffer overnight at 4°C. After blocking, add diluted P4H8 antibody (recommended starting dilution: 1:1,000) and incubate for 1-2 hours at room temperature. Follow with detection using HRP-conjugated secondary antibody and appropriate substrate.
Proper storage and handling are critical for maintaining antibody activity and extending shelf life. For P4H8 antibody, the following conditions are recommended:
Upon receipt, store the antibody at -20°C or -80°C for long-term preservation . The 50% glycerol formulation helps prevent freeze-thaw damage, but repeated freeze-thaw cycles should still be avoided as they can significantly reduce antibody activity . If frequent use is anticipated, consider aliquoting the antibody into smaller volumes to minimize freeze-thaw cycles.
When handling the antibody:
Allow it to equilibrate to room temperature before opening the vial
Use sterile techniques when pipetting
Briefly centrifuge the vial before opening to ensure collection of all liquid
Return to storage at -20°C or -80°C immediately after use
For diluted working solutions, store at 4°C for up to one week; for longer storage, prepare fresh dilutions
Antibody validation is crucial for ensuring experimental reliability. For P4H8 antibody, consider implementing these methodological approaches to verify specificity:
Positive and Negative Controls: Use wild-type Arabidopsis thaliana samples as positive controls and samples from P4H8 knockout mutants as negative controls. The absence of signal in knockout samples strongly confirms antibody specificity.
Western Blot Analysis: Verify that the detected band corresponds to the expected molecular weight of P4H8 protein. Compare the banding pattern with published literature or databases.
Pre-absorption Test: Pre-incubate the antibody with excess purified recombinant P4H8 protein before application in your experiment. Signal reduction or elimination indicates antibody specificity.
Multiple Antibody Approach: If available, compare results using another antibody against a different epitope of P4H8 or a tagged version of the protein.
RNA Expression Correlation: Correlate protein detection levels with RNA expression data for P4H8 across different tissues or conditions.
For antibodies targeting plant proteins like P4H8, additional considerations include testing cross-reactivity with closely related proteins and validation in different plant tissues to account for tissue-specific post-translational modifications.
Several factors can impact antibody performance in experimental applications. For P4H8 antibody, consider these technical considerations:
1. Sample Preparation Variables:
Protein extraction method: Different buffers may affect protein conformation and epitope accessibility
Fixation protocols: Overfixation can mask epitopes
Protein denaturation: The P4H8 antibody may recognize conformational or linear epitopes differently
2. Experimental Conditions:
Antibody dilution: Suboptimal concentration may result in weak signals or high background
Incubation time and temperature: These affect antibody-antigen binding kinetics
Blocking reagents: Insufficient blocking leads to high background; over-blocking may reduce specific signals
Buffer composition: pH and salt concentration influence antibody-antigen interactions
3. Technical Factors:
Membrane type for Western blotting: PVDF or nitrocellulose membranes have different protein binding properties
Detection systems: Chemiluminescence, fluorescence, or colorimetric methods have varying sensitivities
Lot-to-lot variability: Different antibody lots may show slight variations in performance
To optimize experimental conditions, perform a titration experiment using different antibody dilutions and incubation times to determine optimal signal-to-noise ratio for your specific application.
When working with P4H8 antibody, researchers may encounter several common issues. Here are evidence-based troubleshooting strategies:
For Weak or No Signal:
Increase antibody concentration (try 1:250 dilution if 1:500 is insufficient)
Extend primary antibody incubation time (overnight at 4°C instead of 1-2 hours)
Enhance protein extraction efficiency using different lysis buffers
Verify target protein expression levels in your samples
Check if the epitope is masked by protein folding or post-translational modifications
For High Background:
Increase blocking time or concentration (5% BSA instead of 3%)
Use more stringent washing conditions (increase TBST washing steps to 5x10 minutes)
Optimize secondary antibody dilution (try 1:5000-1:10000)
Pre-absorb the antibody with non-specific proteins from the same species
Reduce primary antibody concentration
For Multiple Bands:
Optimize gel percentage to better resolve proteins of similar molecular weights
Use freshly prepared samples to minimize protein degradation
Add protease inhibitors during sample preparation
Verify if multiple bands represent different isoforms or post-translational modifications
Perform peptide competition assays to determine which bands represent specific binding
Investigating protein-protein interactions involving P4H8 requires careful experimental design. Consider these methodological approaches:
Co-Immunoprecipitation (Co-IP):
Cross-link proteins in vivo using formaldehyde or other crosslinking agents
Lyse cells under non-denaturing conditions to preserve protein complexes
Pre-clear lysates with protein A/G beads to reduce non-specific binding
Incubate with P4H8 antibody at 4°C overnight with gentle rotation
Capture antibody-protein complexes using protein A/G beads
Analyze precipitated complexes by mass spectrometry or Western blotting
Proximity Ligation Assay (PLA):
This technique allows visualization of protein interactions in situ with high specificity and sensitivity:
Fix and permeabilize plant tissue sections
Apply P4H8 antibody and antibody against suspected interaction partner
Add PLA probes with complementary oligonucleotides
Perform ligation and amplification steps
Visualize interaction sites as fluorescent spots using microscopy
Bimolecular Fluorescence Complementation (BiFC):
This approach requires genetic modification but can complement antibody-based methods:
Create fusion constructs of P4H8 and suspected interaction partners with split fluorescent protein fragments
Co-express constructs in plant cells
Monitor reconstitution of fluorescence signal indicating protein proximity
Use P4H8 antibody in parallel experiments to validate expression levels
These approaches can be combined with mutational analysis or domain mapping to identify specific interaction regions within the P4H8 protein structure.
When selecting an antibody for plant prolyl hydroxylase research, it's important to understand how P4H8 antibody compares with alternatives. Here's a comparative analysis:
Epitope Recognition and Specificity:
The P4H8 antibody targets a recombinant fusion protein corresponding to Arabidopsis thaliana P4H8 . This differs from other prolyl hydroxylase antibodies that may target specific domains or peptide sequences. For instance, P4H1 antibody (CSB-PA272281XA01DOA) and P4H3 antibody (CSB-PA570822XA01DOA) target different members of the same family . When studying conserved regions, consider potential cross-reactivity between family members.
Comparative Performance Across Applications:
While P4H8 antibody is validated for ELISA and Western blot , other plant prolyl hydroxylase antibodies may offer additional validated applications. For example, some antibodies in this family might be validated for immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence, providing complementary research capabilities.
Species Reactivity Profiles:
The P4H8 antibody specifically targets Arabidopsis thaliana P4H8 . Other antibodies may offer broader cross-reactivity across plant species or be specific to different plant models. When working with non-model plants, extensive validation is necessary regardless of the antibody chosen.
| Antibody | Target | Host | Applications | Species Reactivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P4H8 (CSB-PA124091XA01DOA) | P4H8 | Rabbit | ELISA, WB | Arabidopsis thaliana |
| P4H3 (CSB-PA570822XA01DOA) | P4H3 | Rabbit | Similar | Arabidopsis thaliana |
| P4H11 (CSB-PA595080XA01DOA) | P4H11 | Rabbit | Similar | Arabidopsis thaliana |
| P4H5 (CSB-PA998674XA01DOA) | P4H5 | Rabbit | Similar | Arabidopsis thaliana |
When designing comprehensive studies of plant prolyl hydroxylases, consider using multiple antibodies targeting different family members to elucidate the distinct roles of each protein.
Plant prolyl hydroxylases play important roles in stress responses, making P4H8 antibody valuable for emerging research applications. Here are advanced methodological approaches:
1. Stress-Induced Post-Translational Modifications:
P4H8 and related prolyl hydroxylases catalyze hydroxylation of proline residues in target proteins. Using the P4H8 antibody in combination with mass spectrometry can help identify:
Changes in P4H8 expression or localization under various stress conditions
Altered substrate hydroxylation patterns during stress response
Novel target proteins not previously associated with prolyl hydroxylation
2. Subcellular Redistribution Analysis:
Under stress conditions, many proteins undergo changes in subcellular localization:
Employ subcellular fractionation followed by Western blotting with P4H8 antibody
Perform immunofluorescence microscopy to track P4H8 localization changes
Combine with co-localization studies to identify stress-specific protein interactions
3. Developmental and Tissue-Specific Expression:
Plant responses to stress vary across developmental stages and tissues:
Use P4H8 antibody for immunohistochemistry on tissue sections from plants under various stress conditions
Perform Western blot analysis on tissues with differential sensitivity to stress
Compare P4H8 protein levels with transcriptomic data to identify post-transcriptional regulation
4. Signaling Pathway Integration:
Prolyl hydroxylases may function as oxygen sensors and integrate with other stress signaling pathways:
Use P4H8 antibody for phospho-specific Western blotting to detect potential regulatory phosphorylation
Employ immunoprecipitation with P4H8 antibody followed by analysis of associated proteins in stress vs. normal conditions
Develop antibodies against hydroxylated substrates to track P4H8 enzymatic activity in vivo
These emerging applications demonstrate how P4H8 antibody can contribute to understanding complex plant stress response mechanisms beyond basic protein detection, potentially leading to agricultural applications for improving crop stress tolerance.
Current research in antibody engineering suggests several promising directions for enhancing P4H8 antibody performance:
Affinity Maturation Approaches:
Recent advances in directed evolution of antibodies could be applied to enhance P4H8 antibody binding affinity. As demonstrated in research on antibody specificity , library-based selection approaches combined with computational modeling can identify antibody variants with improved binding characteristics. For P4H8 antibody, this could involve:
Phage display selection with stringent washing conditions to isolate high-affinity variants
Computational prediction of mutations that enhance epitope recognition
Site-directed mutagenesis of complementarity-determining regions (CDRs)
pH-Dependent Binding Engineering:
Research has identified naturally-occurring antibodies with pH-dependent target binding properties . Applying these principles to P4H8 antibody could enable:
Development of variants with enhanced binding at physiological pH and reduced binding at endosomal pH
Creation of antibody tools that release bound antigens under specific conditions
Engineering of recyclable antibody reagents for improved experimental outcomes
Fragment-Based Approaches:
Converting the full P4H8 antibody into smaller fragments (Fab, scFv, or nanobodies) could provide several advantages:
Improved tissue penetration for immunohistochemistry applications
Reduced background through elimination of Fc-mediated interactions
Enhanced production efficiency in recombinant systems
These advanced engineering approaches could transform P4H8 from a basic research tool into a versatile reagent with customizable properties for specialized applications in plant biology.
Plant prolyl hydroxylases are involved in hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein (HRGP) modification, which is critical for cell wall formation. P4H8 antibody could facilitate several novel research approaches:
Cell Wall Proteomics:
The P4H8 antibody could be utilized to immunoprecipitate P4H8 along with its substrate proteins from cell wall extracts. This approach would:
Identify specific targets of P4H8-mediated hydroxylation
Elucidate the timing of proline hydroxylation during cell wall protein synthesis
Reveal how environmental conditions affect P4H8 activity and substrate selection
Developmental Regulation Studies:
By applying P4H8 antibody across different developmental stages and tissues:
Map the spatiotemporal expression pattern of P4H8 during plant development
Correlate P4H8 expression with cell wall rigidity and composition
Identify regulatory relationships between P4H8 and cell wall synthesis genes
Stress Response Integration:
Cell wall remodeling is a key component of plant stress responses. P4H8 antibody could help reveal:
How abiotic stresses alter P4H8 expression and localization
Whether pathogen infection triggers changes in P4H8-mediated hydroxylation
If P4H8 activity correlates with altered mechanical properties of the cell wall during stress
These research directions could provide insights into the fundamental mechanisms of plant growth and development, with potential applications in improving crop resilience and biomass properties.
Integrating P4H8 antibody-derived data into systems biology frameworks offers powerful opportunities for understanding complex plant protein modification networks:
Multi-omics Data Integration:
P4H8 antibody-based proteomics can be integrated with other data types:
Combine P4H8 immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry (IP-MS) data with transcriptomics to identify post-transcriptional regulation
Correlate P4H8 protein levels and localization with metabolomic profiles, particularly hydroxyproline-containing metabolites
Integrate P4H8 substrate data with phosphoproteomics to reveal potential crosstalk between hydroxylation and phosphorylation
Network Modeling Approaches:
Data from P4H8 antibody experiments can inform mathematical models:
Construct protein-protein interaction networks centered on P4H8 and its substrates
Develop kinetic models of hydroxylation processes in different cellular compartments
Create predictive models of how environmental factors influence P4H8 activity
Comparative Systems Analyses:
P4H8 antibody can facilitate cross-species comparisons:
Analyze conservation of P4H8-substrate interactions across plant lineages
Identify evolutionary adaptations in hydroxylation networks related to environmental niches
Compare P4H8 function between model systems (Arabidopsis) and crop species