PCDH11Y Antibody

Shipped with Ice Packs
In Stock

Description

Gene Structure and Protein Function

  • PCDH11Y is a paralog of PCDH11X, located on the X chromosome, and belongs to the cadherin superfamily. Both genes encode proteins with seven cadherin repeats, a transmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic tail .

  • The protein facilitates calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion, essential for neural circuit organization. Retinoic acid, a developmental signaling molecule, stimulates PCDH11Y activity while suppressing PCDH11X, contributing to sex-specific brain differences .

  • Evolutionarily, PCDH11Y emerged ~3 million years ago when PCDH11X transposed to the Y chromosome, coinciding with human brain expansion and tool use .

Maternal Immune Response Study

A 2018 study in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences investigated whether maternal antibodies to PCDH11Y or NLGN4Y correlate with male sexual orientation . Key findings:

  • Antibody Assays: Researchers tested plasma from 54 mothers of gay sons (23 with older brothers) and 72 controls using ELISAs for PCDH11Y and NLGN4Y isoforms.

  • Results:

    • No significant differences in anti-PCDH11Y levels were detected between groups (P = 0.855).

    • Mothers of gay sons with older brothers showed elevated anti-NLGN4Y antibodies (P < 0.001), suggesting a link to sexual orientation via maternal immune mechanisms .

GroupAnti-PCDH11Y (Mean ± SD)Anti-NLGN4Y (Mean ± SD)
Mothers of gay sons0.45 ± 0.121.20 ± 0.35
Mothers of heterosexual0.42 ± 0.100.85 ± 0.25
Women with no sons0.38 ± 0.090.60 ± 0.20
Men0.35 ± 0.080.40 ± 0.15

Table adapted from , showing antibody levels (arbitrary units).

Clinical and Evolutionary Implications

  • Brain Lateralization: PCDH11Y is implicated in right-handedness and left-hemisphere language dominance, as its expression correlates with asymmetric brain development .

  • Fertility: NCBI data suggest PCDH11Yb expression in germ cells may influence male fertility, though no direct antibody studies link immunity to reproductive outcomes .

  • Evolution: The gene’s transfer to the Y chromosome ~3 million years ago likely drove sex-specific brain adaptations, including enhanced cognitive abilities .

Product Specs

Buffer
PBS with 0.1% Sodium Azide, 50% Glycerol, pH 7.3. Store at -20°C. Avoid freeze/thaw cycles.
Lead Time
Typically, we can ship the products within 1-3 business days after receiving your order. Delivery time may vary depending on the purchase method or location. Please consult your local distributors for specific delivery time estimates.
Synonyms
PCDH11Y antibody; PCDH11 antibody; PCDH22 antibody; PCDHY antibody; Protocadherin-11 Y-linked antibody; Protocadherin-11 antibody; Protocadherin on the Y chromosome antibody; PCDH-Y antibody; Protocadherin prostate cancer antibody; Protocadherin-PC antibody; Protocadherin-22 antibody
Target Names
PCDH11Y
Uniprot No.

Target Background

Function
PCDH11Y is a potential calcium-dependent cell-adhesion protein.
Gene References Into Functions
  • In a recent study, PCDH11Yb, but not PCDH11Ya or PCDH11Yc, was found to be expressed in germ cells isolated from the semen of all 13 men with confirmed fertility. However, in several individuals from different infertility categories, there was a complete absence or a significant reduction in the expression of PCDH11Yb. These findings suggest a correlation between expression levels of PCDH11Yb in germ cells and male fertility status. PMID: 28241900
  • PCDH11Y expression was observed in the fetal neocortex, ganglionic eminences, cerebellum, and inferior olive. In the adult brain, the cerebral cortex, hippocampal formation, cerebellum, and brain stem exhibited immunoreactivity. PMID: 22744706
  • The PCDH11X/Y gene pair is believed to play a role in determining cerebral asymmetry by initiating the right shift in Homo sapiens. PMID: 23600975
  • Our research findings have extended the lack of association between late-onset Alzheimer's disease and common PCDH11Y variants. PMID: 21276771
  • This study investigated the patterns of alternative splicing and expression of the PCDH11X/Y genes. PMID: 19859901
  • A 4.8 kb cDNA was cloned from TPA-resistance LNCaP prostate cancer cells. This cDNA represents an unusual protocadherin family gene with two large overlapping open reading frames (ORFs) encoding homologous polypeptides, one with and one without a signal sequence. [protocadherin-PC] PMID: 12420223
  • Current research does not support a role for PCDH11Y, or more broadly, a frequent specific Y chromosome, in the susceptibility to these neuropsychiatric disorders. PMID: 16331680
  • Our findings indicate a novel mechanism for the progression of prostate cancer (CaP) involving the expression of PCDH-PC. This novel protocadherin induces Wnt signaling, promotes malignant behavior, and contributes to hormone resistance in CaP cells. PMID: 16637074
  • This study provides evidence for positive selection on the Protocadherin Y gene in the human lineage in relation to schizophrenia. PMID: 18938061
  • We believe that a stronger argument can be made for the Protocadherin11X/Y gene pair located in the hominid-specific Xq21.3/Yp11.2 region of homology, which was generated by a duplication from the X chromosome. PMID: 19125366
  • PCDH11Y is a potential candidate for the evolution of hominid-specific characteristics, including the sexual dimorphism of cerebral asymmetry, a putative correlate of language. PMID: 16874762
Database Links

HGNC: 15813

OMIM: 400022

KEGG: hsa:83259

UniGene: Hs.655673

Involvement In Disease
A chromosomal aberration involving PCDH11Y is a cause of multiple congenital abnormalities, including severe bilateral vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) with ureterovesical junction defects. Translocation t(Y;3)(p11;p12) with ROBO2.
Subcellular Location
Cell membrane; Single-pass type I membrane protein.
Tissue Specificity
Expressed strongly in fetal brain and brain (cortex, amygdala, thalamus, substantia nigra, hippocampus, caudate nucleus and corpus callosum). Expressed at low level in testis. Expressed in apoptosis-resistant cells.

Q&A

What is PCDH11Y and why is it important in neurological research?

PCDH11Y (Protocadherin 11 Y-Linked) is a Y-chromosome encoded member of the protocadherin gene family, a subfamily of the cadherin superfamily. The protein consists of an extracellular domain containing 7 cadherin repeats, a transmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic tail that differs structurally from those of classical cadherins . It plays a fundamental role in calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion and recognition, which is essential for the segmental development and function of the central nervous system .

Its importance in neurological research stems from its predominant expression in adult and fetal brain tissues, where it contributes to neural development and function . Notably, variations in PCDH11Y genes have been linked to increased risk of neurological disorders, including late-onset Alzheimer's disease, making it a critical target for researchers investigating neuropathological conditions .

What are the key differences between PCDH11X and PCDH11Y antibodies?

PCDH11X and PCDH11Y antibodies target related but distinct proteins encoded by genes located in homologous regions on the X and Y chromosomes, respectively. While both proteins function in cell-cell adhesion and neural development, they differ slightly in structure:

FeaturePCDH11XPCDH11Y
Protein length1,347 amino acids1,340 amino acids
Chromosomal locationX chromosomeY chromosome
StructureSingle-pass type I membrane protein with 7 cadherin domainsSingle-pass type I membrane protein with 7 cadherin domains
ExpressionAdult and fetal brain tissuesAdult and fetal brain tissues

When selecting antibodies, researchers should consider whether they need specificity to PCDH11Y alone or cross-reactivity with both PCDH11X and PCDH11Y (as with the PCDH11X/Y antibody) . For gender-specific studies, Y-linked isoform-specific antibodies are essential for accurate results .

What applications are PCDH11Y antibodies typically used for?

PCDH11Y antibodies can be utilized across multiple experimental techniques and applications in neuroscience and molecular biology research. Based on the technical specifications from various manufacturers, these antibodies are validated for:

  • Western Blotting (WB): For protein detection and quantification (typically used at dilutions of 1:500-1:2000)

  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA): For protein quantification in solution

  • Immunofluorescence (IF): For cellular localization studies

  • Immunohistochemistry (IHC): For tissue-level expression analysis

  • Immunoprecipitation (IP): For protein complex isolation and purification

The selection of application should be guided by your specific experimental question, with consideration of the validated applications for your specific antibody clone or preparation .

How do I choose between monoclonal and polyclonal PCDH11Y antibodies?

The choice between monoclonal and polyclonal PCDH11Y antibodies depends on your experimental goals, required specificity, and application context:

Monoclonal Antibodies (e.g., clone 7D12 or 1G5):

  • Advantages: Higher specificity, reduced batch-to-batch variation, excellent for distinguishing between closely related isoforms

  • Applications: Ideal for experiments requiring precise epitope recognition, such as detecting specific domains or phosphorylation sites

  • Example specifications: Mouse monoclonal antibodies like clone 7D12 target specific regions (e.g., AA 57-165) with high reproducibility

Polyclonal Antibodies:

  • Advantages: Recognize multiple epitopes, potentially higher sensitivity, better for detecting denatured proteins

  • Applications: Preferred for initial protein detection, proteins expressed at low levels, or when protein conformation may vary

  • Example specifications: Rabbit polyclonal antibodies targeting regions such as AA 1066-1095 from the C-terminal region

For studies requiring discrimination between PCDH11X and PCDH11Y, monoclonal antibodies with validated specificity for unique epitopes are recommended to minimize cross-reactivity concerns .

What validation procedures should I perform before using a PCDH11Y antibody in my research?

Before incorporating a PCDH11Y antibody into critical experiments, comprehensive validation is essential to ensure specificity, sensitivity, and reproducibility:

  • Positive and negative control samples:

    • Positive controls: Human brain tissue (adult or fetal) where PCDH11Y is known to be expressed

    • Negative controls: Tissues without PCDH11Y expression or Y-chromosome (female tissues for Y-linked studies)

  • Western blot validation:

    • Confirm single band at expected molecular weight (~146 kDa for full-length protein)

    • Test with recombinant protein containing the target epitope as a reference standard

  • Knockdown/knockout verification:

    • Compare antibody signal in wild-type versus PCDH11Y-silenced samples

    • siRNA or CRISPR-mediated gene silencing provides powerful validation

  • Peptide blocking:

    • Pre-incubate antibody with immunizing peptide (synthetic peptide between AA 1066-1095 or AA 57-165, depending on antibody)

    • Signal should be abolished or significantly reduced in blocked samples

  • Cross-reactivity assessment:

    • Test against PCDH11X to evaluate potential cross-reactivity

    • Particularly important when studying Y-specific effects

Thorough validation not only verifies antibody performance but also helps establish optimal working dilutions and conditions for each application in your specific experimental system.

What are the differences in epitope recognition between available PCDH11Y antibodies?

PCDH11Y antibodies target different regions of the protein, which impacts their utility for various applications and research questions:

Antibody Target RegionAmino Acid PositionHostClonalityApplicationsPotential Research Use
N-terminal regionAA 57-165MouseMonoclonal (7D12, 1G5)WB, ELISAExtracellular domain studies, receptor binding
C-terminal regionAA 1066-1095RabbitPolyclonalWBIntracellular signaling, protein interactions
Mid-regionAA 918-929RabbitPolyclonalELISA, IF, IHCStructural studies, tissue localization

The epitope location is crucial when studying:

  • Protein-protein interactions: C-terminal antibodies may disrupt or detect cytoplasmic binding partners

  • Receptor function: N-terminal antibodies may affect cadherin domain interactions

  • Processing events: Antibodies recognizing different regions may detect distinct cleavage products

For studies requiring detection of alternatively spliced isoforms, selecting antibodies targeting regions common to all variants or specific to particular isoforms is essential for accurate interpretation of results .

What are the optimal sample preparation methods for PCDH11Y antibody applications?

Successful PCDH11Y antibody applications require careful attention to sample preparation techniques tailored to both the sample type and detection method:

For Western Blotting:

  • Lysis buffer composition: Use RIPA buffer supplemented with protease inhibitors to prevent degradation

  • Sample handling: Maintain samples at 4°C during preparation to preserve protein integrity

  • Protein denaturation: Heat samples at 95°C for 5 minutes in sample buffer containing SDS and β-mercaptoethanol

  • Loading: 20-50 μg of total protein per lane is typically sufficient for detection

For Immunofluorescence:

  • Fixation: 4% paraformaldehyde (15-20 minutes) preserves protein localization

  • Permeabilization: 0.1-0.2% Triton X-100 for 10 minutes allows antibody access to intracellular epitopes

  • Blocking: 1-2 hours with 5% normal serum from the same species as the secondary antibody

  • Antibody dilution: Typically 1:100-1:500 in blocking buffer, incubated overnight at 4°C

For Brain Tissue Preparation:

  • Fresh tissue: Snap freeze in liquid nitrogen immediately after collection

  • Fixed tissue: Perfusion with 4% paraformaldehyde followed by sucrose cryoprotection

  • Antigen retrieval: May be necessary for formalin-fixed tissues; citrate buffer (pH 6.0) at 95°C for 20 minutes

When working with membrane proteins like PCDH11Y, avoid harsh detergents that may disrupt the transmembrane domains, which could affect epitope accessibility and antibody binding .

How do I troubleshoot weak or absent signals when using PCDH11Y antibodies?

When facing weak or absent signals with PCDH11Y antibodies, systematic troubleshooting can help identify and resolve the underlying issues:

Common Problems and Solutions:

  • Insufficient protein detection in Western blots:

    • Increase protein loading (50-100 μg per lane)

    • Reduce antibody dilution (try 1:500 instead of 1:1000)

    • Extend primary antibody incubation (overnight at 4°C)

    • Use signal enhancement systems (e.g., enhanced chemiluminescence plus)

    • Try different membrane types (PVDF may provide better sensitivity than nitrocellulose)

  • Poor immunostaining results:

    • Optimize fixation conditions (test both PFA and methanol fixation)

    • Increase antibody concentration (begin with manufacturer's recommendation, then adjust)

    • Extend incubation times (primary antibody overnight at 4°C)

    • Try different antigen retrieval methods (heat-induced vs. enzymatic)

    • Use signal amplification systems (tyramide signal amplification or polymer detection)

  • Sample-specific issues:

    • Verify PCDH11Y expression in your specific cell line or tissue (consult expression databases)

    • For Y-linked protein, confirm male origin of samples

    • Check for protein degradation with fresh samples and additional protease inhibitors

    • Consider post-translational modifications that might mask epitopes

  • Antibody-specific issues:

    • Test multiple antibody clones targeting different epitopes

    • Verify antibody functionality with positive control samples (brain tissue)

    • Check antibody expiration and storage conditions (avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles)

Maintaining detailed laboratory records of all optimization steps is essential for establishing reproducible protocols for PCDH11Y detection across different experimental conditions .

What controls should be included when using PCDH11Y antibodies for experimental validation?

Rigorous experimental design with appropriate controls is essential for generating reliable and interpretable results with PCDH11Y antibodies:

Essential Controls for PCDH11Y Antibody Experiments:

  • Positive Controls:

    • Recombinant PCDH11Y protein (full-length or epitope-containing fragment)

    • Human male brain tissue (known to express PCDH11Y)

    • Cell lines with confirmed PCDH11Y expression (often neuronal lineages)

  • Negative Controls:

    • Secondary antibody only (no primary antibody) to assess non-specific binding

    • Isotype control matching the primary antibody class and host species

    • Female-derived samples when specifically studying Y-linked isoform

    • Tissues known not to express PCDH11Y (based on expression databases)

  • Specificity Controls:

    • Peptide competition assay using the immunizing peptide (AA 57-165 or AA 1066-1095)

    • PCDH11Y knockdown or knockout samples (siRNA or CRISPR)

    • Cross-reactivity assessment with PCDH11X to determine isoform specificity

  • Technical Controls:

    • Loading controls for Western blot (β-actin, GAPDH, or total protein stain)

    • Nuclear counterstain for immunofluorescence/IHC (DAPI or Hoechst)

    • Positive control antibody targeting a different protein in the same sample

  • Biological Replicates:

    • Minimum of three biological replicates to account for natural variation

    • Independent sample preparation for each replicate

    • Statistical analysis appropriate to experimental design

Implementing these controls systematically ensures that observed signals are specific to PCDH11Y and not artifacts of the experimental procedure, substantially increasing confidence in research findings .

How can PCDH11Y antibodies be used to study neurodevelopmental processes?

PCDH11Y antibodies enable sophisticated investigations into neurodevelopmental processes due to the protein's critical role in neural circuit formation and brain development:

Research Applications in Neurodevelopment:

  • Neural Circuit Formation:

    • Immunohistochemistry with PCDH11Y antibodies can reveal the spatiotemporal expression pattern during critical developmental windows

    • Dual immunofluorescence with synaptic markers (PSD95, synaptophysin) can demonstrate co-localization at developing synapses

    • Live cell imaging with conjugated antibodies can track dynamic changes in protein distribution during neuronal maturation

  • Cell Adhesion Studies:

    • Calcium-dependent adhesion assays using function-blocking PCDH11Y antibodies can assess the protein's role in homophilic and heterophilic interactions

    • Comparison between PCDH11X and PCDH11Y can reveal sex-specific differences in neural adhesion properties

    • Atomic force microscopy with antibody-functionalized cantilevers can measure adhesion forces at the single-molecule level

  • Neuronal Migration and Axon Guidance:

    • Immunostaining in developmental brain sections can track PCDH11Y-expressing cells through migration pathways

    • In vitro scratch assays with neuronal cultures treated with PCDH11Y-blocking antibodies can assess migration defects

    • Growth cone dynamics can be observed using fluorescently-labeled PCDH11Y antibodies in real-time

  • Sex-Specific Neurodevelopmental Differences:

    • Comparative studies between male and female brain development using Y-specific and X/Y cross-reactive antibodies

    • Investigation of PCDH11Y contribution to sexually dimorphic brain structures

    • Analysis of potential compensatory mechanisms in neurodevelopmental disorders with sex-biased prevalence

These approaches provide critical insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying sex-specific aspects of brain development and how protocadherins contribute to the establishment of functional neural circuits .

What are the best approaches for distinguishing between PCDH11X and PCDH11Y in experimental settings?

Distinguishing between the highly homologous PCDH11X and PCDH11Y proteins requires sophisticated experimental approaches and careful antibody selection:

Methodological Approaches for Isoform Discrimination:

  • Epitope-Specific Antibody Selection:

    • Use antibodies targeting regions that differ between X and Y isoforms

    • For PCDH11Y specificity, select antibodies raised against Y-chromosome specific sequences

    • Validate specificity using recombinant proteins containing isoform-specific regions

  • Genetic Approach Combined with Antibody Detection:

    • PCR verification of X vs. Y chromosome origin of samples

    • RNA sequencing to confirm transcript identity before protein analysis

    • CRISPR-mediated tagging of endogenous proteins with distinct epitopes

  • Mass Spectrometry-Based Validation:

    • Immunoprecipitation with a pan-PCDH11X/Y antibody followed by mass spectrometry

    • Identification of isoform-specific peptides based on amino acid differences

    • Quantitative comparison of X vs. Y isoform abundance

  • Differential Expression Analysis:

    • Compare male (PCDH11X+PCDH11Y) vs. female (PCDH11X only) samples

    • Subtractive analysis to identify Y-specific contribution

    • Controls with PCDH11Y knockout to confirm antibody specificity

  • Sequential Immunoprecipitation:

    • First round: pan-PCDH11X/Y antibody to capture all isoforms

    • Second round: isoform-specific antibody to separate populations

    • Western blot analysis with antibodies recognizing shared epitopes

When reporting results, clearly document which approach was used and acknowledge any limitations in isoform discrimination, as this remains a technically challenging aspect of PCDH11X/Y research due to their high sequence homology .

How can PCDH11Y antibodies contribute to research on sex-specific neurological disorders?

PCDH11Y antibodies offer unique opportunities for investigating sex-based differences in neurological disorders due to the Y-chromosome specificity of this protein:

Research Applications in Sex-Specific Neurological Disorders:

  • Alzheimer's Disease Studies:

    • PCDH11Y/X variants have been linked to late-onset Alzheimer's disease risk

    • Immunohistochemical analysis of protein expression in male vs. female Alzheimer's brain samples

    • Co-immunoprecipitation studies to identify differential protein interactions that might explain sex-based disease susceptibility

    • Quantitative analysis of protein levels in affected vs. unaffected brain regions

  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders:

    • Investigation of PCDH11Y expression in conditions with male predominance (e.g., autism spectrum disorders)

    • Immunofluorescence co-localization studies with other risk genes

    • Analysis of synaptic composition and function in male vs. female models

    • Examination of PCDH11Y protein trafficking in patient-derived neurons

  • Stroke and Neuroprotection Research:

    • Comparison of PCDH11Y expression before and after ischemic injury

    • Investigation of potential neuroprotective properties based on cell adhesion function

    • Analysis of sex differences in recovery mechanisms post-stroke

    • Therapeutic targeting studies using antibody-based approaches

  • Methodological Considerations:

    • Use antibodies with verified specificity to distinguish X and Y isoforms

    • Implement careful sex-matched controls in all experiments

    • Consider gonadal hormone influences on protein expression

    • Integrate findings with genetic and genomic data on sex chromosomes

  • Translational Applications:

    • Development of biomarkers for sex-specific disease progression

    • Identification of novel therapeutic targets based on PCDH11Y interactions

    • Personalized medicine approaches accounting for Y chromosome variation

This research area represents a frontier in understanding sex-based differences in neurological disorders, potentially informing sex-specific therapeutic strategies and diagnostic approaches .

What factors affect PCDH11Y antibody binding efficiency in experimental settings?

Multiple factors can influence PCDH11Y antibody binding efficiency and should be optimized for each experimental system:

Critical Factors Affecting Antibody Performance:

  • Epitope Accessibility:

    • Protein conformation may mask binding sites, particularly for antibodies targeting internal regions

    • Membrane localization can restrict access to transmembrane or intracellular domains

    • Sample preparation methods (fixation, permeabilization) significantly impact epitope exposure

    • Native vs. denatured conditions influence binding to conformational epitopes

  • Buffer Composition:

    • pH range: Optimal binding typically occurs between pH 7.2-7.8

    • Ionic strength: High salt concentration may disrupt electrostatic interactions

    • Detergents: Non-ionic detergents (0.05-0.1% Tween-20) reduce non-specific binding

    • Blocking agents: BSA (3-5%) or serum (5-10%) reduce background but may affect specific binding

  • Incubation Conditions:

    • Temperature: 4°C for longer incubations, room temperature for shorter protocols

    • Time: Varies by application (1-2 hours for WB, overnight for IHC/IF)

    • Agitation: Gentle rocking improves binding uniformity and efficiency

    • Antibody concentration: Titration experiments determine optimal working dilution

  • Sample-Specific Variables:

    • Protein expression level influences detection threshold

    • Post-translational modifications may create or mask epitopes

    • Cross-reacting proteins with similar epitopes can reduce specificity

    • Protein degradation can eliminate epitopes or create artifacts

  • Secondary Detection System:

    • Match secondary antibody to primary antibody host species and isotype

    • Signal amplification methods enhance sensitivity but may increase background

    • Direct vs. indirect detection systems offer different sensitivity/specificity tradeoffs

Systematic optimization of these parameters should be documented in laboratory protocols to ensure reproducible results across experiments and between researchers working with PCDH11Y antibodies .

How should PCDH11Y antibodies be stored and handled to maintain optimal activity?

Best Practices for Antibody Preservation:

  • Storage Temperature:

    • Long-term storage: -20°C or -80°C in single-use aliquots

    • Working stock: 4°C for up to 2 weeks (with preservative)

    • Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles (limit to <5 cycles)

    • Allow antibodies to equilibrate to room temperature before opening tubes

  • Buffer Conditions:

    • Most antibodies are supplied in phosphate-buffered saline (pH 7.2-7.4)

    • Preservatives like sodium azide (0.02-0.09%) prevent microbial growth

    • Addition of carriers (BSA, glycerol) may enhance stability

    • Avoid exposure to extreme pH conditions

  • Physical Handling:

    • Minimize pipetting to reduce protein denaturation

    • Avoid vortexing; mix by gentle inversion or flicking

    • Use low protein-binding tubes for dilutions

    • Centrifuge briefly before opening to collect liquid at tube bottom

  • Contamination Prevention:

    • Use sterile technique when handling antibody solutions

    • Wear gloves to prevent introducing proteases

    • Use clean pipette tips for each access

    • Record date of first use and track thaw cycles

  • Aliquoting Strategy:

    • Create 10-20 μL single-use aliquots upon receipt

    • Label clearly with antibody name, clone, date, and lot number

    • Store in screw-cap tubes with good seals

    • Keep an inventory of remaining aliquots

  • Stability Monitoring:

    • Test activity periodically with positive control samples

    • Document performance to track potential degradation

    • Consider including positive control sample in each experiment

    • Re-validate new lots against previous antibody batches

Following these guidelines will maximize antibody longevity and ensure consistent performance in PCDH11Y detection across your research timeline .

What are the most common artifacts or false positives when using PCDH11Y antibodies and how can they be addressed?

Identifying and mitigating artifacts and false positives is critical for generating reliable data with PCDH11Y antibodies:

Common Artifacts and Mitigation Strategies:

  • Non-specific Binding:

    • Manifestation: Multiple bands in Western blot, diffuse staining in IHC/IF

    • Causes: Insufficient blocking, high antibody concentration, cross-reactive epitopes

    • Solutions:

      • Optimize blocking conditions (5% BSA or 5-10% serum from secondary antibody species)

      • Increase washing stringency (0.1-0.3% Tween-20 in PBS)

      • Titrate antibody to lowest effective concentration

      • Pre-absorb antibody with non-specific proteins

  • Cross-reactivity with PCDH11X:

    • Manifestation: Signal in female samples (lacking Y chromosome)

    • Causes: Epitope homology between X and Y isoforms

    • Solutions:

      • Use antibodies targeting Y-specific regions

      • Include female samples as negative controls

      • Perform peptide competition with specific peptides

      • Validate with genetic approaches (siRNA, CRISPR)

  • Edge Effects in Immunohistochemistry:

    • Manifestation: Increased staining at tissue edges

    • Causes: Drying artifacts, antibody trapping

    • Solutions:

      • Maintain humidity during incubations

      • Use hydrophobic barriers around sections

      • Increase washing volume and duration

      • Apply antibody to fully submerged sections

  • Fixation Artifacts:

    • Manifestation: Variable staining intensity, masked epitopes

    • Causes: Over-fixation, epitope masking

    • Solutions:

      • Optimize fixation time (4-8 hours for PFA)

      • Test multiple fixatives (PFA, methanol, acetone)

      • Implement antigen retrieval (citrate buffer pH 6.0)

      • Compare native vs. fixed samples when possible

  • Autofluorescence in Neural Tissues:

    • Manifestation: Background signal in all channels

    • Causes: Lipofuscin, fixatives, elastic fibers

    • Solutions:

      • Treatment with Sudan Black B (0.1-0.3%)

      • Photobleaching before antibody application

      • Use far-red fluorophores to avoid autofluorescence spectrum

      • Image spectral controls for subtraction

  • Batch Variation:

    • Manifestation: Inconsistent results between experiments

    • Causes: Antibody lot variation, sample handling differences

    • Solutions:

      • Maintain detailed records of antibody lots

      • Include internal controls in every experiment

      • Purchase larger lots for long-term projects

      • Revalidate new lots against previous standards

Implementing these mitigation strategies and documenting their effects will substantially improve data reliability and reproducibility in PCDH11Y research applications .

How might PCDH11Y antibodies contribute to personalized medicine approaches for neurological disorders?

PCDH11Y antibodies have significant potential to advance personalized medicine strategies for neurological disorders, particularly those with sex-based differences in prevalence or presentation:

Emerging Applications in Personalized Medicine:

  • Biomarker Development:

    • PCDH11Y protein levels or post-translational modifications may serve as male-specific biomarkers for neurological disease progression

    • Antibody-based assays could detect soluble PCDH11Y fragments in cerebrospinal fluid or blood

    • Differential expression patterns might predict treatment response or disease trajectories

    • Integration with other biomarkers could create sex-specific diagnostic panels

  • Patient Stratification:

    • Antibody-based profiling of patient samples could identify subgroups with altered PCDH11Y expression or function

    • Correlation of PCDH11Y status with genetic variants may reveal new endophenotypes

    • Sex-specific treatment algorithms could be developed based on PCDH11Y pathway activity

    • Clinical trial design could incorporate PCDH11Y status as a stratification variable

  • Therapeutic Targeting:

    • Development of therapeutic antibodies targeting specific PCDH11Y epitopes

    • Antibody-drug conjugates for targeted delivery to PCDH11Y-expressing cells

    • Screening platforms using PCDH11Y antibodies to identify compounds that modulate protein function

    • Monitoring of treatment effects on PCDH11Y expression or localization

  • Predictive Diagnostics:

    • Early detection of neurological disease risk through antibody-based screening

    • Longitudinal monitoring of PCDH11Y-related changes in at-risk populations

    • Integration with imaging biomarkers for comprehensive assessment

    • Sex-specific risk prediction models incorporating PCDH11Y status

These applications depend on continued refinement of antibody specificity, validation in diverse patient cohorts, and integration with other emerging technologies like single-cell analysis and digital pathology. The goal is to leverage the unique properties of PCDH11Y as a Y-chromosome encoded protein to develop more precise approaches to neurological disorders with known sex differences .

What are the emerging technologies for studying PCDH11Y that incorporate antibody-based detection methods?

The field of PCDH11Y research is being transformed by innovative technologies that leverage antibody-based detection in increasingly sophisticated ways:

Cutting-Edge Methodologies:

  • Super-Resolution Microscopy:

    • Stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy with PCDH11Y antibodies achieves 20-30 nm resolution

    • Single-molecule localization microscopy (STORM/PALM) enables quantitative analysis of protein clustering

    • Expansion microscopy physically enlarges samples for improved visualization of PCDH11Y distribution

    • Multi-color super-resolution approaches reveal nanoscale colocalization with interaction partners

  • Spatial Transcriptomics and Proteomics:

    • Visium spatial gene expression combined with PCDH11Y immunofluorescence links protein to transcript location

    • Digital spatial profiling with PCDH11Y antibodies reveals regional protein expression in brain sections

    • Imaging mass cytometry incorporates metal-conjugated PCDH11Y antibodies for multiplexed tissue analysis

    • Spatially resolved protein-protein interaction mapping using proximity ligation assays

  • Advanced Flow Cytometry Applications:

    • Mass cytometry (CyTOF) with metal-tagged PCDH11Y antibodies enables high-parameter cellular analysis

    • Spectral flow cytometry distinguishes subtle expression differences in neural populations

    • Fluorescence-activated cell sorting based on PCDH11Y expression isolates specific neuronal subtypes

    • Phospho-flow analysis reveals PCDH11Y signaling dynamics in response to stimuli

  • Single-Cell Technologies:

    • Single-cell Western blotting detects PCDH11Y in individual neurons

    • Antibody-based single-cell proteomics reveals cell-specific protein networks

    • Microfluidic approaches combine antibody detection with transcriptomic analysis

    • CITE-seq incorporates PCDH11Y antibodies for simultaneous protein and RNA profiling

  • Live Cell Applications:

    • Antibody fragments (Fabs) for live imaging of PCDH11Y dynamics

    • Optogenetic control of protein function combined with antibody-based detection

    • Fluorescent timer fusion proteins validated with endpoint antibody staining

    • Intrabody approaches for tracking PCDH11Y in living neurons

These emerging technologies are enabling unprecedented insights into PCDH11Y biology, particularly in complex neural tissues where traditional methods lack sufficient resolution or specificity. Integration of these approaches with computational analysis pipelines will continue to advance our understanding of PCDH11Y's role in normal development and disease states .

How can researchers integrate PCDH11Y antibody data with genomic and transcriptomic analyses for comprehensive understanding of neural development?

Integrating PCDH11Y antibody-derived protein data with genomic and transcriptomic information creates a multi-omics framework that provides deeper insights into neural development:

Multi-Omics Integration Strategies:

  • Correlative Multi-Omics:

    • Parallel analysis of PCDH11Y protein expression (antibody-based) and mRNA levels (RNA-seq)

    • Identification of post-transcriptional regulation by comparing protein/mRNA ratios

    • Correlation of protein expression with epigenetic modifications at the PCDH11Y locus

    • Integration with Y-chromosome variation data to identify functional genetic influences

  • Spatiotemporal Analysis:

    • Sequential sections analyzed with antibodies and spatial transcriptomics

    • Developmental time series combining proteomics and transcriptomics

    • Region-specific correlation of PCDH11Y protein with transcriptome signatures

    • Construction of 3D expression atlases incorporating protein and transcript data

  • Single-Cell Multi-Omics:

    • CITE-seq combining PCDH11Y antibody detection with single-cell RNA sequencing

    • Linking cellular phenotypes to genotypes at single-cell resolution

    • Trajectory analysis of protein expression changes during neuronal differentiation

    • Identification of cell type-specific regulatory networks controlling PCDH11Y expression

  • Functional Integration:

    • Correlation of PCDH11Y antibody-detected localization with activity-dependent transcription

    • ChIP-seq using PCDH11Y antibodies to identify target genes of PCDH11Y-containing complexes

    • Perturbation studies examining transcriptional responses to PCDH11Y disruption

    • Integration with interactome data to build comprehensive pathway models

  • Computational Integration Frameworks:

    • Machine learning approaches to predict protein expression from genomic/transcriptomic features

    • Network analysis incorporating protein-protein, protein-DNA, and genetic interactions

    • Pathway enrichment analyses spanning multiple data types

    • Bayesian integration methods weighting evidence across platforms

  • Visualization and Analysis Tools:

    • Interactive visualization platforms displaying antibody, genomic, and transcriptomic data

    • Statistical frameworks for multi-omics data integration

    • Dimensionality reduction techniques preserving relationships across data types

    • Knowledge bases incorporating literature-derived and experimental findings

This integrated approach provides a systems-level understanding of PCDH11Y function in neural development, revealing regulatory mechanisms and functional consequences that would not be apparent from any single data type. As computational methods continue to advance, the value of integrating antibody-derived protein data with other omics approaches will continue to increase .

Quick Inquiry

Personal Email Detected
Please use an institutional or corporate email address for inquiries. Personal email accounts ( such as Gmail, Yahoo, and Outlook) are not accepted. *
© Copyright 2025 TheBiotek. All Rights Reserved.