Phospho-ERBB4 (Y1284) antibody is a rabbit polyclonal IgG validated for Western blot (WB), immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), and ELISA. It specifically recognizes the phosphorylated Y1284 residue within the human ERBB4 protein, a site critical for ligand-induced receptor activation and downstream signaling .
The Y1284 phosphorylation site is part of ERBB4’s intracellular tyrosine kinase domain. Phosphorylation at this residue is induced by ligands such as neuregulins (NRG1–4) or HB-EGF, leading to receptor dimerization and activation of pathways like MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT . Key findings include:
TNF-α Transactivation: TNF-α indirectly activates ERBB4 via TACE-mediated HB-EGF release, which triggers Y1284 phosphorylation. MEK/ERK pathway inhibition (e.g., U0126) abolishes this phosphorylation, confirming ERK’s role in TACE activation .
Survival Signaling: ERBB4 phosphorylation at Y1284 protects colon epithelial cells from TNF-induced apoptosis. Blocking TACE (via TAPI-1) or ERBB4 phosphorylation reverses this protective effect .
Detects a ~185 kDa band corresponding to full-length ERBB4 and ~80 kDa fragments (post-proteolytic processing) .
Used in studies demonstrating ERBB4 phosphorylation in response to TNF-α (Fig. 2C, ).
Apoptosis Regulation: YAMC-ErbB4 cells overexpressing phosphorylated ERBB4 show reduced cleaved PARP and caspase-3 levels under TNF/cycloheximide stress .
Pathway Crosstalk: ERBB4 Y1284 phosphorylation links TNF-α signaling to MAPK/ERK cascades, highlighting its role in inflammatory responses .
| Application | Recommended Dilution |
|---|---|
| Western Blot | 1:500 – 1:2000 |
| Immunohistochemistry | 1:100 – 1:300 |
| Immunofluorescence | 1:200 – 1:1000 |
| ELISA | 1:10,000 |
ERBB4/HER4 is a 180kDa (observed) receptor tyrosine kinase belonging to the epidermal growth factor receptor subfamily. It is a single-pass type I membrane protein containing multiple functional domains: cysteine-rich domains, a transmembrane domain, a tyrosine kinase domain, a phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase binding site, and a PDZ domain binding motif .
The phosphorylation at tyrosine 1284 (Y1284) represents a critical regulatory site that occurs after ligand binding triggers receptor dimerization and autophosphorylation. This specific phosphorylation event serves as a docking site for downstream signaling molecules, particularly in pathways related to cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation . Y1284 phosphorylation is especially significant in activating signaling cascades that regulate cellular responses to neuregulins and other EGF family members .
ERBB4 signaling is distinguished from other ERBB family members (EGFR/ERBB1, ERBB2/HER2, ERBB3/HER3) by its unique ability to undergo proteolytic processing, releasing both cytoplasmic and extracellular fragments that can function independently . Unlike other family members, ERBB4 also exists in multiple splice variants that affect ligand specificity and downstream signaling pathways.
The Y1284 phosphorylation site is particularly important because it serves as a specific docking point for signaling proteins involved in the MAPK pathway activation. While other ERBB family members share some phosphorylation-dependent signaling mechanisms, the Y1284 site in ERBB4 creates unique signaling capabilities, particularly in neuronal development, cardiac function, and mammary gland differentiation contexts . This phosphorylation site helps determine which downstream pathways are activated after receptor stimulation.
Activators:
Neuregulins (NRG1, NRG2, NRG3, NRG4): Primary physiological ligands that induce receptor dimerization and autophosphorylation
EGF family members: Betacellulin (BTC), Epiregulin (EREG), and Heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HBEGF)
IGF: As indicated by positive controls using MCF7+IGF cell lines in antibody validation studies
Inhibitors:
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting the ERBB family
Phosphatase enzymes that dephosphorylate specific tyrosine residues
Receptor antagonists that prevent ligand binding and subsequent activation
The detection of these phosphorylation states often requires specific experimental conditions, such as stimulation with growth factors like IGF prior to analysis .
For optimal Western blot detection of phosphorylated ERBB4 Y1284:
Sample Preparation:
Protocol Parameters:
Controls and Validation:
This methodology ensures specific detection of the phosphorylated Y1284 site while minimizing background and non-specific signals.
For successful immunofluorescence experiments with Phospho-ERBB4 (Y1284) antibodies:
Sample Preparation:
Protocol Optimization:
Recommended antibody dilutions: 1:50-1:200 for immunofluorescence applications
Fixation: 4% paraformaldehyde (10 minutes) preserves phospho-epitopes better than methanol
Permeabilization: 0.1% Triton X-100 (5-10 minutes)
Blocking: 5% normal serum (matching secondary antibody species) with 1% BSA
Secondary detection: Use high-quality fluorophore-conjugated secondary antibodies (e.g., Cy3 Goat Anti-Rabbit IgG)
Include phosphatase inhibitors in all buffers
Controls and Validation:
This approach maximizes signal-to-noise ratio while ensuring the specificity of phospho-ERBB4 Y1284 detection in cellular contexts.
When working with Phospho-ERBB4 (Y1284) antibodies, researchers should consider several cross-reactivity issues:
To address these concerns:
Always include appropriate positive and negative controls
Validate antibody specificity using phosphatase treatment
Consider using blocking peptides (available from some manufacturers) to confirm specificity
For critical experiments, validate results with a second antibody from a different supplier
The discrepancy between the calculated (147kDa) and observed (180kDa) molecular weight of ERBB4 is a common phenomenon with several possible explanations:
Post-translational Modifications:
Glycosylation: ERBB4 contains multiple glycosylation sites in its extracellular domain
Phosphorylation: Multiple tyrosine, serine, and threonine phosphorylation sites
Ubiquitination: Can add significant molecular weight
Structural Features:
The extended conformation of ERBB4 may result in slower migration during SDS-PAGE
The high number of cysteine-rich domains affects protein folding and SDS binding
Technical Considerations:
Gel percentage and running conditions can affect apparent molecular weight
Protein standards used for calibration might not reflect actual migration patterns of heavily modified proteins
This discrepancy is well-established and documented across multiple antibody datasheets , confirming that the 180kDa band represents the authentic ERBB4 protein. When troubleshooting, researchers should expect to observe ERBB4 at approximately 180kDa rather than its calculated weight of 147kDa.
When experiencing weak or absent phospho-ERBB4 Y1284 signals, consider these common issues and solutions:
Insufficient Phosphorylation:
Phosphatase Activity:
Problem: Phosphorylation sites are rapidly dephosphorylated during sample preparation
Solution: Include phosphatase inhibitors in all buffers (lysis, washing, etc.)
Technique: Keep samples cold and process quickly
Antibody-Related Issues:
Sample Preparation:
Problem: Inefficient protein extraction or denaturation
Solution: Ensure complete lysis with appropriate buffers containing detergents
Technique: Heat samples appropriately (95°C for 5 minutes) in reducing sample buffer
Detection System Limitations:
Implementing these troubleshooting approaches systematically will help identify and resolve the specific cause of weak phospho-ERBB4 Y1284 signals in your experimental system.
Distinguishing between specific and non-specific bands is crucial for accurate interpretation of phospho-ERBB4 Y1284 Western blots:
Molecular Weight Verification:
Validation Controls:
Phosphatase treatment: Treat duplicate samples with lambda phosphatase—specific phospho-bands should disappear
Peptide competition: Pre-incubation with phospho-peptide immunogen should eliminate specific bands
Knockout/knockdown validation: Test samples with ERBB4 knockdown or knockout—specific bands should be reduced or absent
Transfection controls: Compare wild-type ERBB4 with Y1284F mutant transfected cells
Stimulation Response:
Specific phospho-bands should increase in intensity after appropriate stimulation
Compare unstimulated vs. stimulated (e.g., with neuregulins or IGF) samples
Time-course experiments can confirm the dynamic nature of specific phosphorylation events
Antibody Specificity Testing:
Use multiple antibodies recognizing different epitopes or phosphorylation sites
Compare monoclonal (more specific) vs. polyclonal (potentially less specific) antibodies
Different antibody clones may have different non-specific binding profiles
By systematically implementing these approaches, researchers can confidently identify specific phospho-ERBB4 Y1284 signals and avoid misinterpretation of non-specific bands.
Y1284 phosphorylation of ERBB4 plays complex roles in cancer biology through multiple mechanisms:
Signaling Pathway Activation:
The phosphorylated Y1284 site serves as a docking platform for signaling adapters that activate MAPK pathways, promoting cancer cell proliferation
Different ERBB4 isoforms with phosphorylated Y1284 can activate distinct downstream pathways, including PI3K/AKT signaling in specific splice variants (JM-A CYT-1 and JM-B CYT-1)
These pathways contribute to cancer hallmarks including sustained proliferation, resistance to cell death, and metastatic potential
Therapeutic Resistance Mechanisms:
Y1284 phosphorylation can activate compensatory signaling when other ERBB family members (e.g., EGFR, HER2) are inhibited by targeted therapies
The persistence of Y1284 phosphorylation during therapy may indicate pathway reactivation and emerging resistance
Cross-talk between ERBB4 Y1284-mediated signaling and other oncogenic pathways can circumvent single-agent targeted therapies
Tissue-Specific Effects:
In breast cancer: ERBB4 Y1284 phosphorylation can have context-dependent effects (tumor-promoting in some subtypes, tumor-suppressive in others)
In lung cancer: May contribute to resistance to EGFR-targeted therapies
In neurological malignancies: Activates survival pathways due to ERBB4's role in neural development
Monitoring Y1284 phosphorylation status may serve as a biomarker for treatment response and resistance development, potentially guiding combination therapy approaches that target multiple ERBB family members or downstream pathways simultaneously.
The relationship between ERBB4 Y1284 phosphorylation and alternative splicing represents a sophisticated regulatory mechanism:
ERBB4 Splice Variants and Y1284 Accessibility:
ERBB4 has multiple splice variants affecting both the juxtamembrane domain (JM-a/JM-b) and the cytoplasmic domain (CYT-1/CYT-2)
The Y1284 phosphorylation site is present in all major ERBB4 isoforms, but its accessibility and signaling outcomes may differ between variants
JM-a variants undergo proteolytic processing more readily than JM-b variants, potentially affecting the cellular localization and signaling capacity of the phosphorylated Y1284 site
Differential Signaling Outcomes:
Tissue-Specific Expression Patterns:
This complex interplay between alternative splicing and Y1284 phosphorylation allows for fine-tuning of ERBB4 signaling in different cellular contexts and helps explain the diverse biological roles of ERBB4 across different tissues and developmental stages.
Incorporating Phospho-ERBB4 (Y1284) antibodies into multiplexed phosphoproteomic analyses enables comprehensive signaling pathway characterization:
Multiplex Immunoassay Approaches:
Antibody microarrays: Include Phospho-ERBB4 (Y1284) antibodies alongside other phospho-specific antibodies
Multiplex Western blotting: Use differently labeled secondary antibodies to detect multiple phosphoproteins simultaneously
Bead-based assays: Couple Phospho-ERBB4 (Y1284) antibodies to spectrally distinct beads for flow cytometry-based detection
Mass Spectrometry Integration:
Immunoprecipitation with Phospho-ERBB4 (Y1284) antibodies followed by mass spectrometry to identify interacting partners
Targeted mass spectrometry (MRM/PRM) using heavy-labeled phosphopeptide standards corresponding to the Y1284 site
SILAC or TMT-based quantification to measure changes in Y1284 phosphorylation across different conditions
Single-Cell Phosphoproteomic Applications:
Multiplex immunofluorescence using Phospho-ERBB4 (Y1284) antibodies with other signaling markers
Mass cytometry (CyTOF) integration using metal-labeled Phospho-ERBB4 (Y1284) antibodies
Spatial proteomics approaches to map Y1284 phosphorylation in tissue contexts
Technical Considerations:
Validate antibody compatibility with fixation protocols used in multiplexed approaches
Ensure minimal cross-reactivity with other phospho-epitopes
Optimize antibody concentrations to achieve balanced signal across all analytes
Include appropriate phosphorylation controls for each target
These approaches allow researchers to position ERBB4 Y1284 phosphorylation within broader signaling networks and to understand how this specific phosphorylation event coordinates with other phosphorylation-dependent signaling processes in normal and disease states.
Investigating ERBB4 Y1284 phosphorylation dynamics in live cells requires specialized techniques:
Genetically Encoded Biosensors:
FRET-based biosensors incorporating the Y1284 region between fluorescent proteins
Phosphorylation-dependent conformational changes alter FRET efficiency
Design considerations: Optimize linker length and fluorophore pairs for maximum dynamic range
Analysis methods: Ratiometric imaging with appropriate controls for photobleaching and spectral bleed-through
Phospho-Specific Cellular Probes:
Membrane-permeable peptide probes with phosphorylation-sensitive fluorophores
Cell-penetrating antibody fragments (e.g., ScFvs) derived from Phospho-ERBB4 (Y1284) antibodies
Optimization requirements: Balance probe concentration, incubation time, and signal-to-background ratio
Engineered ERBB4 Constructs:
ERBB4-FP fusion proteins for tracking localization concurrent with biochemical phosphorylation assays
Split luciferase complementation systems triggered by phosphorylation-dependent protein interactions
CRISPR-modified endogenous ERBB4 with minimal tags for physiological relevance
Temporal Analysis Approaches:
High-speed confocal microscopy to capture rapid phosphorylation events
Optogenetic control of ERBB4 activation for precise temporal stimulation
Microfluidic systems for controlled ligand delivery and temporal resolution of phosphorylation
Quantification Methods:
Single-cell analysis to account for cell-to-cell variability
Computational approaches for tracking phosphorylation kinetics across subcellular compartments
Correlative light and electron microscopy to link phosphorylation events to ultrastructural features
These methodologies provide insights into the spatiotemporal dynamics of ERBB4 Y1284 phosphorylation that are not accessible through traditional fixed-cell or biochemical approaches, revealing how this phosphorylation event coordinates signaling in real time.
Phospho-ERBB4 (Y1284) antibodies offer powerful tools for investigating neuregulin-dependent signaling in cardiac development:
Developmental Stage Analysis:
Cellular Response Characterization:
Primary cardiomyocyte cultures treated with neuregulins to assess Y1284 phosphorylation kinetics
Comparison between proliferating and differentiating cardiomyocytes
Co-localization studies with other cardiac signaling components using multiplexed immunofluorescence
Functional Correlation Studies:
Inhibition of Y1284 phosphorylation (via ERBB4 inhibitors or Y1284F mutants) and assessment of cardiac developmental outcomes
Correlation between phosphorylation levels and functional parameters (contractility, calcium handling)
Integration with transcriptomic data to link Y1284 phosphorylation to cardiac gene expression programs
Disease Model Applications:
Comparison of Y1284 phosphorylation in normal versus congenital heart disease models
Assessment in cardiac stress conditions (hypoxia, pressure overload)
Evaluation in regenerative medicine applications involving cardiomyocyte proliferation
This methodological approach enables researchers to establish causal relationships between ERBB4 Y1284 phosphorylation and specific aspects of cardiac development, potentially identifying therapeutic targets for congenital heart diseases or cardiac regeneration strategies.
Using Phospho-ERBB4 (Y1284) antibodies in patient-derived samples requires careful methodological considerations:
Sample Collection and Preservation:
Immediate fixation/freezing is crucial to preserve phosphorylation status
Standardized protocols must be established for consistent results across samples
Consider using phosphatase inhibitors during collection and processing
Document ischemia time as this affects phosphorylation integrity
Tissue Heterogeneity Management:
Microdissection techniques to isolate relevant cell populations
Single-cell approaches to account for cellular heterogeneity
Spatial mapping of phosphorylation patterns within heterogeneous tissues
Correlation with cell-type specific markers
Quantification and Standardization:
Establish quantitative scoring systems (H-score, digital image analysis)
Include calibration standards across batches
Use phosphorylation-insensitive ERBB4 antibodies to normalize for total ERBB4 expression
Implement quality control metrics for phosphorylation preservation
Clinical Correlation Methods:
Correlate Y1284 phosphorylation with treatment response data
Longitudinal sampling to track changes during treatment
Integration with other molecular biomarkers
Standardized reporting formats for clinical decision support
Technical Validation Requirements:
Confirm antibody specificity in patient-derived tissues
Establish thresholds for positivity based on clinical outcomes
Cross-validate with orthogonal methods (e.g., mass spectrometry)
Participate in inter-laboratory standardization initiatives
These methodological considerations are essential for developing Phospho-ERBB4 (Y1284) as a reliable biomarker for personalized treatment decisions, particularly in cancer therapies targeting ERBB family members.
Mass spectrometry (MS) provides complementary approaches to antibody-based detection of ERBB4 Y1284 phosphorylation:
Unbiased Phosphosite Identification:
Shotgun phosphoproteomics can confirm Y1284 phosphorylation without antibody bias
Enables discovery of novel phosphorylation sites co-regulated with Y1284
Characterizes phosphorylation stoichiometry across multiple ERBB4 phosphosites
Identifies previously uncharacterized phosphorylation sites near Y1284
Quantitative Analysis Methods:
Targeted MS approaches (MRM/PRM) for absolute quantification of Y1284 phosphopeptides
SILAC, TMT, or label-free quantification for relative abundance measurements
Heavy-labeled phosphopeptide standards enable direct quantification of phosphorylation stoichiometry
Time-course experiments with higher temporal resolution than possible with antibodies
Integrated Approaches:
Phospho-ERBB4 (Y1284) antibody immunoprecipitation followed by MS analysis
Identification of proteins that interact specifically with phosphorylated Y1284
Comprehensive mapping of the phosphorylated ERBB4 interactome
Correlation between Y1284 phosphorylation and other post-translational modifications
Technical Considerations:
Sample preparation optimization for phosphopeptide enrichment
MS instrument parameters for improved sensitivity and specificity
Bioinformatic workflows for phosphosite assignment and quantification
Integration of MS and antibody-based data in systems biology approaches
This complementary approach leverages the strengths of both techniques: antibodies provide high sensitivity and spatial information, while MS offers unbiased detection, multiplexing capability, and absolute quantification potential.
Several emerging technologies promise to revolutionize Phospho-ERBB4 (Y1284) research:
Advanced Imaging Technologies:
Super-resolution microscopy: Nanoscale visualization of phosphorylation-dependent protein interactions
Expansion microscopy: Physical magnification of specimens for improved phospho-epitope detection
Light-sheet microscopy: Rapid 3D imaging of phosphorylation dynamics in organoids or embryos
Correlative light and electron microscopy: Linking phosphorylation events to ultrastructural features
Single-Cell Technologies:
Single-cell phosphoproteomics: Cell-specific phosphorylation profiles in heterogeneous populations
Spatial transcriptomics integration: Correlating Y1284 phosphorylation with gene expression in tissue contexts
CyTOF and imaging mass cytometry: Multiplexed detection of phosphorylation events in single cells
Microfluidic approaches for high-throughput single-cell signaling analysis
Artificial Intelligence Applications:
Deep learning for phosphorylation site prediction and functional annotation
Computer vision algorithms for automated quantification of phosphorylation patterns
Integrated systems biology modeling of phosphorylation networks
AI-assisted experimental design for phosphorylation studies
Genome Engineering Approaches:
CRISPR-based tagging of endogenous ERBB4 for physiological studies
Base editing to introduce specific mutations affecting Y1284 phosphorylation
Optogenetic control of ERBB4 signaling pathways
Synthetic biology circuits responsive to Y1284 phosphorylation
These technological advances will enable more precise, comprehensive, and physiologically relevant characterization of ERBB4 Y1284 phosphorylation in various biological and disease contexts.
The coordination between Y1284 phosphorylation and other post-translational modifications creates a sophisticated regulatory network:
Phosphorylation Code Integration:
Y1284 phosphorylation may influence or be influenced by other phosphorylation events on ERBB4
Hierarchical phosphorylation patterns may exist where Y1284 phosphorylation primes for additional modifications
Different kinases and phosphatases may regulate specific subsets of ERBB4 phosphorylation sites
Cross-Modal PTM Interactions:
Ubiquitination: Y1284 phosphorylation may regulate receptor ubiquitination and degradation
Glycosylation: May affect receptor localization and consequently Y1284 phosphorylation accessibility
Proteolytic processing: Y1284 phosphorylation may influence susceptibility to γ-secretase cleavage
SUMOylation: May regulate nuclear localization of ERBB4 fragments containing phosphorylated Y1284
Spatiotemporal Coordination:
Different subcellular compartments may feature distinct patterns of Y1284 phosphorylation and other PTMs
Temporal sequences of modifications may create signaling waves that regulate different cellular processes
PTM patterns may vary with cell cycle phase or differentiation state
Methodological Approaches for Integrated Analysis:
Multi-antibody approaches targeting different modifications simultaneously
Mass spectrometry analysis of sequential immunoprecipitations
Proximity ligation assays to detect co-occurrence of modifications
Computational modeling of PTM interplay based on experimental data
Understanding this complex interplay will provide a more complete picture of ERBB4 regulation and potentially reveal new therapeutic strategies targeting specific PTM combinations.
Integrating Phospho-ERBB4 (Y1284) data into systems biology models requires methodical approaches:
Data Collection Standardization:
Standardized protocols for phosphorylation quantification across experimental systems
Time-resolved measurements capturing kinetics of Y1284 phosphorylation
Dose-response relationships between ligand concentrations and Y1284 phosphorylation
Multi-omics data collection (phosphoproteomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics) in parallel
Computational Modeling Frameworks:
Ordinary differential equation (ODE) models capturing phosphorylation kinetics
Bayesian network approaches to infer causal relationships
Agent-based models for spatial aspects of receptor activation and phosphorylation
Integration of Y1284 phosphorylation nodes into existing RTK signaling models
Network Analysis Approaches:
Identification of Y1284 phosphorylation-dependent protein interactions
Pathway enrichment analysis downstream of Y1284 phosphorylation
Network perturbation analysis to identify key regulatory nodes
Comparison of network structures across different cellular contexts
Validation and Refinement Strategies:
Experimental validation of model predictions using targeted interventions
Sensitivity analysis to identify critical parameters in Y1284 phosphorylation regulation
Iterative model refinement based on new experimental data
Cross-validation across different cell types and experimental conditions