Methodological validation involves:
Knockdown confirmation: Use RNAi constructs (e.g., shRNA) targeting PFK-1.1, followed by RT-PCR and Western blot to quantify mRNA/protein reduction. In CNE2 nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells, sh-PFK-507 reduced PFK1 mRNA by 4.0-fold (p < 0.001) and enzyme activity by 3.0-fold .
Immunofluorescence controls: Include isotype-matched antibodies and untransfected cells to assess non-specific binding .
Functional rescue experiments: Re-express PFK-1.1 in knockdown models to reverse phenotypic effects (e.g., restored glycolysis in PFK1-deficient cells) .
Negative controls: Untransfected cells, scrambled shRNA, and isotype-matched antibodies .
Positive controls: Tissues/cells with confirmed high PFK-1.1 expression (e.g., metastatic cancer lines) .
Technical replicates: Run assays in triplicate to account for plate variability in ELISA or Western blot .
Construct selection: Test multiple shRNA sequences (e.g., sh-PFK-507 achieved 75% knockdown efficiency in CNE2 cells vs. non-functional sh-PFK-698) .
Phenotypic assays:
| shRNA Construct | mRNA Reduction (Fold) | Protein Reduction (Fold) | Enzyme Activity Reduction (Fold) |
|---|---|---|---|
| sh-PFK-507 | 4.0* | 4.0* | 3.0* |
| sh-PFK-698 | 1.1 | 1.2 | 1.1 |
| *Data from ; p < 0.001 |
Mechanistic rationale: PFK-1.1 regulates glycolysis, which impacts T-cell metabolism and tumor microenvironment .
Experimental design:
Antibody validation: Follow OIE Validation Standards for specificity, repeatability, and robustness .
Data normalization: Use housekeeping genes (e.g., GAPDH) for Western blot and spike-in controls for ELISA .