KEGG: pgi:PG_1424
STRING: 242619.PG1424
PG_1424 Antibody (PACO61886) is a polyclonal antibody developed against Porphyromonas gingivalis Peptidylarginine deiminase protein. It is produced in rabbits and demonstrates specific reactivity with Porphyromonas gingivalis samples. The primary research applications for this antibody include Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and Western Blotting (WB), with recommended dilution ranges of 1:2000-1:10000 for ELISA and 1:500-1:5000 for Western Blot applications .
The antibody has been validated through Western Blot analysis, showing detection of a specific band at the predicted molecular weight of 63 kDa, confirming its specificity for the target protein . This antibody serves as an important research tool for investigators studying Porphyromonas gingivalis, which is a significant periodontal pathogen.
Horseradish Peroxidase (HRP) conjugation significantly enhances antibody functionality in immunoassays by providing a sensitive detection system through enzymatic signal amplification. When HRP is conjugated to an antibody, it catalyzes reactions that produce colorimetric, chemiluminescent, or fluorescent signals that can be readily measured, enabling the quantitative detection of target antigens.
The HRP enzyme catalyzes the oxidation of substrates such as luminol in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, generating a chemiluminescent signal. This reaction can be further enhanced with the addition of compounds such as 4-(1-Imidazolyl)phenol (4-IMP), which acts as an enhancer to increase signal intensity and stability . This signal amplification capability allows for the detection of even low-abundance target proteins, significantly improving assay sensitivity.
Moreover, HRP-conjugated antibodies demonstrate excellent stability and retention of both enzymatic and immunological activities, making them versatile tools for various immunoassay formats including ELISA, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry .
The optimal storage conditions for PG_1424 Antibody, HRP conjugated, involve maintaining the antibody in a stabilizing buffer at appropriate temperature conditions to preserve both antibody binding activity and HRP enzymatic function. According to the product information, the antibody is supplied in liquid form containing 50% glycerol, 0.01M PBS at pH 7.4, with 0.03% Proclin 300 as a preservative .
For long-term storage, the antibody should be kept at -20°C, where the high glycerol content (50%) prevents freezing damage to the protein structure. For routine use and short-term storage (up to 1 month), the antibody can be stored at 4°C. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles should be avoided as they can progressively damage both the antibody's binding capacity and the HRP enzyme activity.
When using the antibody, it should be allowed to equilibrate to room temperature before opening the vial to prevent condensation, which can introduce microbial contamination and accelerate degradation.
Optimizing Western blot protocols with PG_1424 Antibody, HRP conjugated, requires careful consideration of several critical parameters to achieve high sensitivity and specificity. Based on validation data, this antibody has demonstrated successful detection of its target protein at a concentration of 3.7μg/ml, producing a clear band at 63 kDa . To achieve optimal results:
Blocking optimization: Use 5% non-fat dry milk or 3-5% BSA in TBST to minimize background. For phosphoprotein detection, BSA is preferred over milk proteins which contain phosphatases.
Antibody dilution: Begin with the manufacturer's recommended dilution range (1:500-1:5000) and optimize through titration experiments. For PG_1424 specifically, a dilution of 1:1000 may serve as a good starting point based on its validated performance .
Incubation conditions: For primary antibody incubation, overnight at 4°C generally yields the best signal-to-noise ratio, though 1-2 hours at room temperature may be sufficient for abundant targets.
Detection enhancement: Employ enhanced chemiluminescence (ECL) substrates with gradient sensitivity options. For low abundance targets, consider using signal enhancers such as 4-(1-Imidazolyl)phenol (4-IMP), which has been shown to significantly improve chemiluminescence signal intensity .
Secondary antibody selection: Use high-quality anti-rabbit IgG HRP-conjugated secondary antibodies at appropriate dilutions (typically 1:5000-1:50000). In published validations, goat polyclonal to rabbit IgG at 1/50000 dilution has demonstrated excellent results with this antibody .
Membrane optimization: PVDF membranes typically offer better protein binding capacity and signal-to-noise ratio than nitrocellulose for HRP-based detection systems.
By systematically optimizing these parameters, researchers can achieve high-quality Western blot results with minimal background and maximum specificity when using PG_1424 Antibody, HRP conjugated.
Several advanced strategies can significantly enhance the sensitivity of immunoassays using HRP-conjugated antibodies:
Signal amplification with anti-HRP antibodies: A novel approach involves using biotinylated anti-HRP antibodies to attach, via a streptavidin bridge, liposomaly entrapped HRP. This method has demonstrated remarkably low detection limits (0.895 pg/mL in plasma samples), which is more than five times lower than when using classical HRP-antigen conjugates alone .
Chemiluminescent enhancers: The incorporation of enhancers such as 4-(1-Imidazolyl)phenol (4-IMP) in the luminol/H₂O₂ reaction mixture produces a very high-intensity and relatively stable chemiluminescence signal. This enhancement strategy can dramatically improve the detection limit of HRP-based assays .
Optimized substrate selection: Different substrates (TMB, ABTS, OPD for colorimetric; luminol and its derivatives for chemiluminescence) offer varying degrees of sensitivity. Luminol-based substrates generally provide higher sensitivity than colorimetric alternatives.
Recombinant conjugate technology: Utilizing recombinant HRP-antibody conjugates instead of chemically conjugated versions offers several advantages, including homogeneous composition, defined 1:1 stoichiometry, and retention of both the enzymatic and antigen-binding functions. These benefits contribute to enhanced assay reproducibility and sensitivity .
Signal integration time optimization: For chemiluminescent detection, optimizing the signal integration time can significantly improve sensitivity without increasing background noise.
Two-step vs. one-step protocols: In competitive ELISAs, separating the competitive binding step from the detection step (two-step approach) often yields higher sensitivity than simultaneous competition and detection (one-step approach).
Recombinant production of HRP-antibody conjugates offers several significant advantages over traditional chemical conjugation methods:
Homogeneity and defined stoichiometry: Recombinant conjugates have a precisely defined 1:1 stoichiometry between the antibody fragment and HRP enzyme, whereas chemical conjugation typically produces heterogeneous mixtures with variable enzyme-to-antibody ratios . This table compares key characteristics:
| Characteristic | Recombinant Production | Chemical Conjugation |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Homogeneous | Heterogeneous mixture |
| Stoichiometry | Defined 1:1 ratio | Variable ratios |
| Functional activity | Fully retained | Partial inactivation |
| Reproducibility | High | Moderate to low |
| Production complexity | Scalable once established | Labor-intensive |
Functional activity preservation: Chemical conjugation methods frequently result in partial inactivation of the enzyme and/or altered antigen binding, affecting both the specificity and sensitivity of immunoassays. Recombinant conjugates preserve the functional activities of both the marker protein and the antibody .
Expression system selection: While E. coli expression systems face challenges with HRP expression (often forming inclusion bodies), methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris has proven more suitable for producing functional HRP-antibody conjugates in secreted form . This expression system enables post-translational glycosylation, improving protein solubility and reducing aggregation.
Vector design flexibility: Recombinant approaches allow for the creation of universal vectors where simple re-cloning at specific restriction sites (such as PstI/BstEII and BamHI/XhoI) enables the replacement of variable antibody regions, facilitating rapid adaptation to different target antigens .
Reproducibility and scalability: Once established, recombinant production methods offer superior batch-to-batch consistency and are more amenable to scaling, making them particularly valuable for applications requiring high reproducibility .
The scientific literature demonstrates that recombinant HRP-Fab conjugates produced in P. pastoris maintain antigen-binding properties similar to those of monoclonal antibodies, as evidenced in competitive immunoassays (IC₅₀ ~3 ng/ml) .
Non-specific binding represents one of the most common challenges when working with HRP-conjugated antibodies in immunoassays. Systematic troubleshooting approaches include:
Blocking optimization: Insufficient blocking is a primary cause of non-specific binding. Test different blocking agents (BSA, casein, non-fat dry milk, commercial blockers) at various concentrations (1-5%). For antibodies recognizing bacterial targets like PG_1424, BSA often performs better than milk-based blockers which may contain contaminating antibodies or antigens .
Antibody titration: Excessive antibody concentration frequently leads to non-specific binding. Perform a dilution series (typically starting from 1:500 and extending to 1:5000 for Western blots) to identify the optimal concentration that maximizes specific signal while minimizing background .
Buffer modification: Increase the salt concentration (150-500 mM NaCl) and/or add mild detergents (0.05-0.1% Tween-20) to reduce hydrophobic interactions responsible for non-specific binding. For particularly stubborn background, consider adding 0.1-0.3% Triton X-100.
Cross-adsorption: If cross-reactivity with related species is observed, pre-adsorb the antibody with proteins from the cross-reactive species or tissues.
Secondary antibody selection: Use highly cross-adsorbed secondary antibodies specifically designed to minimize cross-reactivity. For PG_1424 Antibody, high-quality anti-rabbit IgG secondary antibodies are recommended .
Negative controls: Include appropriate negative controls (omitting primary antibody, using isotype control, pre-immune serum) to distinguish between specific and non-specific signals.
Wash optimization: Increase washing stringency by extending wash durations, increasing the number of washes, or adding mild detergents to wash buffers.
By systematically addressing these factors, researchers can significantly reduce non-specific binding and improve the signal-to-noise ratio when working with HRP-conjugated antibodies in immunological assays.
Validating the specificity of PG_1424 Antibody, HRP conjugated, requires a multi-faceted approach to ensure reliable experimental results:
Western blot analysis: The most definitive validation approach involves Western blot detection of the target protein at the expected molecular weight. For PG_1424 Antibody, validation has been performed showing detection of a specific band at the predicted 63 kDa size for the target protein . Look for a single, clean band at the expected molecular weight.
Positive and negative controls: Include both positive controls (recombinant protein or cell/tissue lysates known to express the target) and negative controls (samples known to lack the target protein). For PG_1424, recombinant Porphyromonas gingivalis Peptidylarginine deiminase protein has been used successfully as a positive control .
Peptide competition assay: Pre-incubate the antibody with excess immunizing peptide or recombinant protein before application to the sample. Specific binding should be significantly reduced or eliminated.
Knockout/knockdown validation: When available, use genetic knockout or knockdown models to confirm specificity. The absence or reduction of signal in these models strongly supports antibody specificity.
Multiple antibody comparison: Use multiple antibodies targeting different epitopes of the same protein and compare their labeling patterns. Concordant results increase confidence in specificity.
Mass spectrometry confirmation: For the most rigorous validation, immunoprecipitate the target protein using the antibody and confirm its identity through mass spectrometry analysis.
Cross-reactivity testing: Test the antibody against closely related proteins or organisms to assess potential cross-reactivity. This is particularly important for microbial targets like those from Porphyromonas gingivalis to ensure species specificity.
A systematic implementation of these validation strategies ensures that experimental findings based on PG_1424 Antibody, HRP conjugated, accurately reflect the biology of the target protein rather than artifacts from non-specific interactions.
The selection of an appropriate expression system is critical for successfully producing functional recombinant HRP-antibody conjugates. Various systems offer distinct advantages and limitations:
Pichia pastoris (methylotrophic yeast): Currently considered the optimal expression system for recombinant HRP-antibody conjugates. P. pastoris offers several key advantages:
Enables post-translational glycosylation, improving protein solubility and functionality
Supports secretion of the conjugate into the medium, simplifying purification
Provides high-yield expression under optimized conditions
Has been successfully used to express both HRP and antibody fragments individually and as conjugates
The scientific literature has demonstrated that P. pastoris is more suitable for antibody expression than bacterial systems, particularly for secreted forms that require proper folding and post-translational modifications .
Escherichia coli: While widely used for protein expression, E. coli presents significant limitations for HRP-antibody conjugates:
Lacks post-translational glycosylation machinery
HRP expression typically results in inclusion bodies without enzymatic activity
Limited success with functional expression of HRP-antibody conjugates
Potential endotoxin contamination requiring additional purification steps
Mammalian cell systems: Offer proper folding and post-translational modifications but have drawbacks:
Lower yield compared to yeast systems
Higher production costs
More complex cultivation requirements
Longer development timelines
Insect cell systems: Represent a middle ground between mammalian and yeast systems:
Support complex glycosylation patterns
Moderate expression yields
Potential issues with hypermannosylation
A comparison table of expression system characteristics for recombinant HRP-antibody conjugates:
| Expression System | Glycosylation | Yield | Conjugate Functionality | Scalability | Cost Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pichia pastoris | Yes (high mannose) | High | Excellent | Very good | High |
| Escherichia coli | No | Variable | Poor to moderate | Excellent | Very high |
| Mammalian cells | Complex, human-like | Low-moderate | Excellent | Moderate | Low |
| Insect cells | Simplified | Moderate | Good | Good | Moderate |
Based on current research, the P. pastoris expression system represents the most promising approach for producing functional recombinant HRP-antibody conjugates, balancing proper protein processing with practical considerations of yield and scalability .
Liposomal chemiluminescence markers represent an advanced approach to dramatically enhance the detection sensitivity of HRP-conjugated antibody-based immunoassays. This innovative technology combines the signal amplification properties of liposomes with the catalytic capabilities of HRP:
Mechanism of enhancement: Biotinylated anti-HRP antibodies are utilized to attach, via a streptavidin bridge, liposomaly entrapped HRP to the primary antibody-antigen complex. This multilayered approach significantly multiplies the number of HRP molecules associated with each binding event, dramatically amplifying the signal .
Quantifiable improvements: This approach has demonstrated remarkable sensitivity improvements, achieving detection limits as low as 0.895 pg/mL in plasma samples. This represents more than a five-fold improvement in sensitivity compared to conventional HRP-antigen conjugates alone .
Enhancer chemistry: The incorporation of 4-(1-Imidazolyl)phenol (4-IMP) as an enhancer in the luminol/H₂O₂ reaction mixture produces a high-intensity and relatively stable chemiluminescence signal, further improving detection capability . The enhancer modifies the reaction kinetics to produce brighter, longer-lasting signals.
Assay precision: Immunoassays utilizing this enhancement approach demonstrate acceptable precision metrics with intra-assay relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 6.8-9.9% and inter-assay RSDs of 11-17%, indicating reliable quantification even at extremely low analyte concentrations .
Universal applicability: This enhancement strategy can be applied to a wide range of target molecules without requiring redesign of existing antigen-HRP based immunoassay kits, making it a versatile approach for improving sensitivity across numerous applications .
Implementation considerations: The approach requires additional reagents (biotinylated anti-HRP antibodies, streptavidin, liposomal HRP), but the sensitivity gains often justify the increased complexity, particularly for analytes present at very low concentrations or in limited sample volumes.
This advanced methodology represents a significant technological advancement for researchers requiring ultrasensitive detection capabilities, particularly in diagnostic applications or when working with precious or limited samples.
Designing effective immunoassays with PG_1424 Antibody, HRP conjugated, requires careful consideration of multiple factors to ensure robust, reproducible, and sensitive results:
Target characteristics and abundance: For Porphyromonas gingivalis Peptidylarginine deiminase protein detection, consider the expected concentration range in your samples. For low-abundance targets, plan for signal enhancement strategies such as biotinylated anti-HRP antibody approaches or liposomal chemiluminescence markers .
Assay format selection: Choose between direct, indirect, sandwich, or competitive formats based on your research objectives. For PG_1424 Antibody, both ELISA and Western blot formats have been validated, with recommended dilutions of 1:2000-1:10000 for ELISA and 1:500-1:5000 for Western blot applications .
Sample preparation optimization: Develop appropriate extraction and preparation protocols specific to your sample type. For bacterial proteins like those from P. gingivalis, consider specialized lysis buffers containing lysozyme, DNase, and protease inhibitors to maximize target protein extraction while preserving epitope integrity.
Calibration curve design: For quantitative applications, design a calibration curve using purified recombinant Porphyromonas gingivalis Peptidylarginine deiminase protein (44-556AA) as used in the immunogen preparation for this antibody . Include at least 6-8 concentration points spanning 2-3 orders of magnitude.
Antibody titration: Perform systematic antibody titration experiments to determine the optimal concentration that maximizes specific signal while minimizing background. Starting points based on manufacturer recommendations are 1:2000-1:10000 for ELISA and 1:500-1:5000 for Western blot applications .
Detection system selection: Consider the required sensitivity and available instrumentation when selecting between colorimetric, fluorescent, or chemiluminescent detection systems. For maximum sensitivity, chemiluminescent detection with enhancers such as 4-(1-Imidazolyl)phenol (4-IMP) offers superior performance .
Controls implementation: Design comprehensive controls including positive controls (recombinant protein), negative controls (samples lacking target), and technical controls (primary antibody omission, isotype controls) to ensure result validity and facilitate troubleshooting.
Data analysis planning: Establish data analysis protocols before beginning experiments, including curve fitting methods, acceptance criteria for standards and controls, and statistical approaches for comparing experimental groups.
By systematically addressing these considerations during the experimental design phase, researchers can maximize the reliability and sensitivity of immunoassays utilizing PG_1424 Antibody, HRP conjugated.