Applications : Immunohistochemical staining
Sample type: Rat Tissues
Review: the expression of phospho-insulin receptor substrate 1 (phospho-IRS-1-Ser616) was determined by immunohistochemical staining.
Phosphorylation of IRS1 at Serine 636 plays a critical regulatory role in insulin signaling. IRS-1, a major substrate of the insulin receptor, is phosphorylated in response to stimulation by insulin, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and interleukin 4 (IL-4). While tyrosine phosphorylation generally promotes insulin signaling, serine phosphorylation at specific sites like Ser636 often functions as a negative regulator of insulin action, potentially contributing to insulin resistance. The phosphorylation status at this site serves as an important molecular marker for investigating insulin signaling dynamics in various physiological and pathological conditions .
Phospho-IRS1 (Ser636) antibodies are specifically designed to recognize IRS1 only when phosphorylated at the Serine 636 residue, distinguishing it from other phosphorylation sites. This specificity is achieved through the use of synthetic phosphopeptides corresponding to residues surrounding Ser636, such as "D(631) Y M P M (pS) P K S V S A P Q Q I(646)" in human IRS-1 . Other phosphorylation sites, such as Ser612 (Ser616 in human sequence) or Tyr632, require different specific antibodies. Each phosphorylation site has distinct functional implications in insulin signaling, with some sites enhancing and others dampening insulin action . Detection methods must be carefully calibrated for each site due to differences in epitope accessibility and phosphorylation dynamics.
For optimal maintenance of Phospho-IRS1 (Ser636) antibody activity, store the antibody at -20°C for long-term preservation (up to 12 months) . For short-term storage and frequent use, storing at 4°C for up to one month is acceptable . The antibody is typically supplied in a stabilizing buffer containing glycerol (often 50%) and preservatives like sodium azide (0.02%), which helps maintain activity . Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles as they can degrade antibody quality and reduce specific binding capacity . When handling, allow the antibody to equilibrate to room temperature before opening, and then gently mix (do not vortex) the solution to ensure homogeneity before use . For daily experimental work, aliquoting the antibody into smaller volumes can help prevent repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
To optimize Western blot protocols for Phospho-IRS1 (Ser636) detection, researchers should implement several critical methodological adjustments:
Sample preparation: Include phosphatase inhibitors in lysis buffers to preserve phosphorylation status. Rapid processing of samples on ice is essential.
Loading controls: Use total IRS1 antibody in parallel blots to normalize phospho-specific signal.
Dilution optimization: Start with recommended dilutions (1:500-1:2000) and adjust based on signal intensity. The table below provides a starting point for dilution optimization:
| Application | Recommended Dilution Range | Optimal Starting Dilution |
|---|---|---|
| Western Blot | 1:500-1:2000 | 1:1000 |
| IHC | 1:50-1:300 | 1:100 |
| IF | 1:200-1:1000 | 1:500 |
Blocking optimization: Use 5% BSA rather than milk for blocking and antibody dilution, as milk contains phosphoproteins that may interfere.
Molecular weight reference: Expect bands at approximately 150-170 kDa rather than the calculated 132 kDa, as observed in multiple validation studies .
Positive controls: Include insulin-stimulated samples (e.g., 3T3-L1 cells treated with 1 μg/mL insulin for 5-10 minutes) to verify antibody specificity .
Validation: Consider using phosphopeptide competition assays to confirm specificity, as demonstrated in validation images from commercial antibodies .
These optimizations will enhance sensitivity and specificity when detecting phosphorylated IRS1 at Ser636.
When selecting controls for Phospho-IRS1 (Ser636) experiments, researchers should incorporate several critical considerations:
Positive Controls:
Insulin-stimulated cell lines: MCF-7, SH-SY5Y, or 3T3-L1 cells treated with 1 μg/mL insulin for 5-10 minutes show robust Ser636 phosphorylation .
Growth factor stimulation: Cells treated with IGF-1 also demonstrate increased Ser636 phosphorylation .
Verified cell lysates: Commercial lysates from RAW, 293T, or COLO205 cells have been validated for Ser636 phosphorylation .
Negative Controls:
Phosphatase treatment: Samples treated with CIP (Calf Intestinal Phosphatase) for 1 hour effectively dephosphorylate IRS1, as demonstrated in validation experiments .
Phospho-peptide competition: Pre-incubation of antibody with immunizing phosphopeptide blocks specific binding in both Western blot and immunohistochemistry applications .
Serum-starved cells: Cells deprived of serum for 12-24 hours typically show reduced Ser636 phosphorylation.
Additional Control Strategies:
siRNA knockdown of IRS1 to confirm signal specificity.
Concurrent detection of total IRS1 in parallel samples to normalize phospho-specific signals.
Treatment with specific inhibitors of pathways known to modulate Ser636 phosphorylation.
Implementation of these comprehensive control strategies enhances experimental rigor and facilitates accurate interpretation of results related to IRS1 Ser636 phosphorylation.
Optimal sample preparation for preserving IRS1 phosphorylation at Ser636 requires meticulous attention to several critical factors:
Rapid sample processing: Minimize time between tissue/cell collection and lysis to prevent phosphatase activity. For tissues, flash-freezing in liquid nitrogen immediately after collection is essential.
Phosphatase inhibitor cocktails: Include comprehensive phosphatase inhibitor mixtures in lysis buffers containing:
Sodium fluoride (NaF): 50 mM
Sodium orthovanadate (Na₃VO₄): 1-2 mM
β-glycerophosphate: 10-20 mM
Sodium pyrophosphate: 5-10 mM
EDTA: 1-2 mM
Lysis buffer composition: Use PBS-based buffers containing 50% glycerol, 0.5% protein protectant, and 0.05% stabilizer at pH 7.4 as utilized in validated antibody preparations .
Temperature control: Maintain samples at 4°C throughout processing; perform all procedures on ice.
Controlled cell stimulation: For insulin-stimulated samples, standardize treatment conditions (1 μg/mL insulin for precisely 5-10 minutes) to ensure reproducible phosphorylation patterns .
Avoiding freeze-thaw cycles: Once prepared, aliquot lysates to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles which can degrade phosphorylation.
Protein extraction: Use gentle extraction methods that preserve protein modifications while ensuring efficient extraction of membrane-associated IRS1.
Following these methodological approaches will significantly enhance the detection fidelity of Ser636 phosphorylation in experimental systems.
The discrepancy between calculated (132 kDa) and observed (150-170 kDa) molecular weights for Phospho-IRS1 represents a common challenge in phosphoprotein analysis. This phenomenon occurs due to several factors that researchers should understand and address:
Post-translational modifications: Multiple phosphorylation sites on IRS1 beyond Ser636 contribute to reduced electrophoretic mobility. IRS1 contains numerous serine/threonine and tyrosine phosphorylation sites that can be simultaneously modified .
Technical approaches to address this issue:
Use appropriate molecular weight markers spanning 100-200 kDa range
Include positive control lysates with confirmed phospho-IRS1 (Ser636) expression
When analyzing novel samples, perform validation with total IRS1 antibody in parallel
Consider gradient gels (4-15%) to improve resolution of high molecular weight proteins
Additional verification methods:
Interpretation frameworks: The observed molecular weight discrepancy is well-documented across multiple antibody sources and should be considered a normal characteristic of IRS1 detection rather than an experimental artifact.
This comprehensive approach enables accurate identification and quantification of phospho-IRS1 despite the molecular weight discrepancy.
When detecting Phospho-IRS1 (Ser636) across different species, researchers should be aware of several critical considerations that affect experimental design and data interpretation:
Sequence conservation and antibody cross-reactivity:
The sequence surrounding Ser636 is 100% conserved in humans, mice, and rats , enabling cross-species reactivity for most commercially available antibodies .
The immunogen peptide sequence "D(631) Y M P M (pS) P K S V S A P Q Q I(646)" from human IRS-1 corresponds to homologous regions in mouse and rat IRS-1 .
Species-specific considerations for sample preparation:
Application-specific optimization:
| Species | Optimal WB Dilution | Recommended Positive Control |
|---|---|---|
| Human | 1:500-1:2000 | MCF-7, SH-SY5Y cells |
| Mouse | 1:500-1:2000 | 3T3-L1, 3T3 cells |
| Rat | 1:500-1:1000 | Primary adipocytes, L6 cells |
Detection sensitivity differences:
Human samples typically show stronger signals at equivalent antibody concentrations
Mouse samples may require higher antibody concentrations or enhanced detection systems
Rat samples benefit from extended primary antibody incubation (overnight at 4°C)
Verification strategies:
Use species-specific positive controls with validated phosphorylation status
Apply phosphopeptide competition assays to confirm specificity in each species
These methodological adaptations ensure accurate cross-species detection and quantification of Phospho-IRS1 (Ser636).
Troubleshooting weak or non-specific signals when detecting Phospho-IRS1 (Ser636) in immunohistochemistry requires systematic optimization of multiple parameters:
Antigen retrieval optimization:
For formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues, high-pressure and high-temperature Tris-EDTA buffer (pH 8.0) significantly improves epitope accessibility .
Extended retrieval times (20-40 minutes) may be necessary for tissues with dense extracellular matrix.
Enzymatic retrieval methods are generally not recommended for phospho-epitopes.
Signal amplification strategies:
Implement tyramide signal amplification for weak signals
Extend primary antibody incubation to overnight at 4°C
Optimize secondary antibody concentration and incubation time
Background reduction techniques:
Pre-incubate sections with 10% serum from the same species as the secondary antibody
Include 0.1-0.3% Triton X-100 in antibody diluent to reduce non-specific membrane binding
Use avidin/biotin blocking steps when employing biotin-based detection systems
Phospho-specific controls:
Dilution optimization:
| Tissue Type | Recommended Starting Dilution | Optimization Range |
|---|---|---|
| Human | 1:100 | 1:50-1:200 |
| Mouse | 1:100 | 1:50-1:150 |
| Rat | 1:50 | 1:25-1:100 |
Fixation considerations:
Phospho-epitopes are particularly sensitive to overfixation; limit fixation time to 24 hours
Consider alternative fixatives such as zinc-based formulations for improved phospho-epitope preservation
Implementation of these systematic troubleshooting approaches will significantly enhance signal specificity and intensity in immunohistochemical applications.
Phosphorylation of IRS1 at Ser636 represents a critical molecular mechanism in insulin resistance development through several interconnected pathways:
Negative regulation of insulin signaling:
Ser636 phosphorylation impairs tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS1, attenuating downstream PI3K-Akt signaling .
This creates a molecular switch that reduces insulin receptor-mediated signal transduction efficiency.
Enhanced Ser636 phosphorylation has been observed in insulin-resistant states across multiple tissue types .
Pathway integration:
Inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β) induce Ser636 phosphorylation through activation of stress kinases .
Nutrient excess, particularly fatty acids, promotes Ser636 phosphorylation via activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) .
Chronic hyperinsulinemia creates a feedback loop enhancing Ser636 phosphorylation, perpetuating insulin resistance .
Tissue-specific effects:
| Tissue | Effect of Ser636 Phosphorylation | Downstream Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Skeletal Muscle | Reduced GLUT4 translocation | Decreased glucose uptake |
| Liver | Impaired suppression of gluconeogenesis | Increased hepatic glucose production |
| Adipose | Attenuated insulin-stimulated lipogenesis | Dyslipidemia |
Temporal dynamics:
Therapeutic implications:
Compounds that prevent excessive Ser636 phosphorylation may serve as insulin sensitizers
Assessment of Ser636 phosphorylation status could function as a biomarker for insulin resistance severity
Understanding these molecular mechanisms provides insights into potential therapeutic targets and diagnostic approaches for metabolic disorders characterized by insulin resistance.
Studying temporal dynamics of IRS1 phosphorylation at Ser636 requires sophisticated experimental designs that capture both rapid signaling events and long-term adaptations:
Acute stimulation time course:
Stimulate cells with insulin (1 μg/mL) and collect samples at precise time points: 0, 2, 5, 10, 15, 30, 60, and 120 minutes .
Implement rapid lysis techniques to "freeze" phosphorylation status at each time point.
Use parallel samples to simultaneously assess Ser636 phosphorylation, total IRS1 levels, and tyrosine phosphorylation.
Pulse-chase designs:
Apply insulin pulse (5-10 minutes) followed by insulin removal.
Monitor phosphorylation decay kinetics at multiple post-stimulation time points.
Correlate Ser636 dephosphorylation rates with recovery of insulin sensitivity.
Single-cell analyses:
Chronic adaptation models:
| Experimental Duration | Model System | Parameters to Monitor |
|---|---|---|
| 6-24 hours | Cell cultures with repeated insulin pulses | Basal vs. stimulated phosphorylation |
| 3-7 days | Ex vivo tissue explants | Tissue-specific adaptation patterns |
| 2-12 weeks | Animal models with dietary intervention | Systemic and tissue-specific changes |
Multiparametric analyses:
Simultaneously assess multiple IRS1 phosphorylation sites (Ser636, Ser612, Tyr632) to develop comprehensive phosphorylation signatures .
Correlate with downstream signaling events (Akt phosphorylation, GSK3β inhibition).
Implement mathematical modeling to predict phosphorylation dynamics under various conditions.
Reversibility assessment:
Apply specific inhibitors of kinases responsible for Ser636 phosphorylation at different time points.
Determine critical windows for intervention to reverse established insulin resistance.
These comprehensive experimental approaches enable detailed characterization of the temporal dynamics of IRS1 Ser636 phosphorylation in both physiological and pathological contexts.
Integrating Phospho-IRS1 (Ser636) data with broader signaling pathway analyses requires strategic methodological approaches:
Multiplex phosphoprotein analysis:
Implement multiplex Western blotting to simultaneously detect Phospho-IRS1 (Ser636) alongside key pathway components:
Insulin receptor activation (phospho-IR)
Downstream effectors (phospho-Akt, phospho-ERK)
Feedback regulators (phospho-S6K, phospho-JNK)
Establish quantitative relationships between these components through densitometric analysis.
Pathway perturbation strategies:
Apply selective inhibitors to determine pathway dependencies:
Measure changes in Ser636 phosphorylation following these interventions.
Multi-omics integration:
Correlate phosphoproteomic data including Ser636 phosphorylation with:
Transcriptomic changes in insulin-responsive genes
Metabolomic profiles reflecting insulin action
Proteomic alterations in insulin signaling complexes
Implement computational approaches to construct integrated network models.
Functional correlation analyses:
| Phosphorylation Event | Functional Readout | Integration Method |
|---|---|---|
| IRS1 (Ser636) | Glucose uptake | Correlation analysis |
| IRS1 (Ser636) | Glycogen synthesis | Regression modeling |
| IRS1 (Ser636) | Protein synthesis | Multivariate analysis |
Temporal coordination assessment:
Establish detailed time courses for multiple signaling events relative to Ser636 phosphorylation
Identify sequential activation/inhibition patterns and feedback mechanisms
Develop systems biology models incorporating these temporal relationships
Spatial signaling integration:
These integration strategies provide comprehensive insights into how Ser636 phosphorylation coordinates with broader cellular signaling networks in both physiological and pathological contexts.
Emerging applications for Phospho-IRS1 (Ser636) antibodies in clinical biomarker research encompass multiple innovative approaches:
Precision medicine stratification:
Phospho-IRS1 (Ser636) levels in patient-derived samples (muscle biopsies, adipose tissue) may predict responsiveness to insulin-sensitizing therapies.
Development of immunohistochemical scoring systems for phosphorylation intensity correlating with insulin resistance severity .
Integration with other biomarkers to create composite indices for metabolic disease progression.
Minimally-invasive diagnostic approaches:
Adaptation of standard antibodies for detection of Phospho-IRS1 (Ser636) in circulating extracellular vesicles derived from insulin-responsive tissues.
Development of ultrasensitive detection methods for phosphoproteins in liquid biopsies.
Correlation of phosphorylation patterns with clinical outcomes and treatment responses.
Therapeutic monitoring applications:
Assessment of Phospho-IRS1 (Ser636):total IRS1 ratios to monitor efficacy of insulin-sensitizing interventions.
Longitudinal tracking of phosphorylation status during lifestyle modification programs.
Pharmacodynamic marker for novel compounds targeting insulin resistance mechanisms.
Novel tissue applications:
| Tissue Type | Emerging Biomarker Application | Clinical Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Hypothalamus | Central insulin resistance markers | Metabolic disease progression |
| Vascular endothelium | Cardiometabolic risk assessment | Cardiovascular complications |
| Immune cells | Immunometabolic dysfunction | Inflammatory components of metabolic disease |
Multiplex biomarker platforms:
Advanced imaging applications:
These emerging applications represent the frontier of translational research utilizing Phospho-IRS1 (Ser636) antibodies for clinical biomarker development.
Advanced microscopy techniques offer transformative opportunities for studying Phospho-IRS1 (Ser636) subcellular localization with unprecedented resolution and quantitative capacity:
Super-resolution microscopy applications:
Stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy enables visualization of Phospho-IRS1 (Ser636) distribution within membrane microdomains at ~50 nm resolution.
Single-molecule localization microscopy (PALM/STORM) can resolve individual phosphorylated IRS1 molecules relative to insulin receptors and downstream effectors.
Structured illumination microscopy (SIM) improves resolution of conventional immunofluorescence to track dynamic redistribution following insulin stimulation .
Live-cell imaging innovations:
FRET-based biosensors incorporating phospho-specific binding domains can report real-time Ser636 phosphorylation dynamics.
Optogenetic tools combined with phospho-specific antibodies enable both manipulation and visualization of phosphorylation events.
Lattice light-sheet microscopy allows extended 3D imaging of phosphorylation changes with minimal phototoxicity.
Correlative microscopy approaches:
Correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) links Phospho-IRS1 (Ser636) immunofluorescence with ultrastructural contexts.
Expansion microscopy physically magnifies specimens to enhance resolution of conventional confocal systems.
Mass spectrometry imaging coupled with immunofluorescence provides molecular context for phosphorylation patterns.
Multiplexed imaging strategies:
| Technique | Application to Phospho-IRS1 (Ser636) | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Cyclic immunofluorescence | Multiple phosphorylation sites on single sample | Comprehensive phosphorylation profile |
| Spectral unmixing | Simultaneous visualization of multiple pathway components | Contextual pathway information |
| Proximity ligation assay | Detection of phospho-dependent protein interactions | Functional consequences of phosphorylation |
Quantitative analysis enhancements:
Machine learning algorithms for automated detection and quantification of phospho-specific signals.
3D reconstruction of complete phosphorylation landscapes within cells and tissues.
Single-cell spatial analysis correlating phosphorylation patterns with cellular phenotypes.
Tissue-level applications:
Tissue clearing techniques enabling whole-organ imaging of phosphorylation patterns.
Light-sheet microscopy for rapid 3D visualization of phosphorylation distribution in intact specimens.
In vivo microscopy using phospho-specific probes to monitor signaling dynamics in living organisms.
These advanced microscopy approaches dramatically enhance our ability to visualize and quantify the dynamic subcellular distribution of Phospho-IRS1 (Ser636) in the context of insulin signaling.
Developing next-generation phospho-specific antibodies for IRS1 (Ser636) with enhanced specificity presents several methodological challenges and innovative solutions:
Epitope design optimization:
Current approaches use immunizing peptides spanning residues 631-646 surrounding Ser636 , but may benefit from:
Extended flanking sequences to enhance conformational specificity
Introduction of subtle modifications to increase phospho-epitope prominence
Cyclic peptide designs that better mimic native protein structure
Cross-reactivity mitigation:
IRS1 contains multiple phosphorylation sites with similar surrounding sequences
Advanced negative selection strategies using non-phosphorylated peptides and peptides phosphorylated at similar sites (e.g., Ser612/Ser616) can enhance specificity
Implementation of deep sequencing of antibody repertoires to identify highly discriminating clones
Validation methodology enhancement:
Incorporation of CRISPR-engineered cell lines with Ser636-to-Alanine mutations as definitive negative controls
Mass spectrometry correlation to precisely quantify antibody specificity across multiple phosphorylation sites
Development of standardized phosphopeptide arrays for comprehensive cross-reactivity profiling
Format diversification challenges:
| Antibody Format | Technical Challenge | Potential Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Monoclonal antibodies | Limited epitope recognition | Phage display with synthetic libraries |
| Recombinant antibodies | Expression system optimization | Mammalian expression with phosphatase inhibition |
| Single-domain antibodies | Maintaining phospho-specificity | Engineered binding pockets for phosphate recognition |
Species cross-reactivity engineering:
Although the Ser636 region is conserved across human, mouse, and rat , subtle surrounding sequence differences can affect binding
Systematic mutagenesis to identify antibody residues critical for species-specific recognition
Development of pan-specific antibodies optimized for consistent performance across model systems
Application-specific optimization:
Each detection method (WB, IHC, IF, IP) places different demands on antibody performance
Specialized screening procedures focusing on specific application parameters rather than general binding
Incorporation of application-specific tags or modifications to enhance performance in targeted contexts
Reproducibility enhancement:
Transition from polyclonal to recombinant monoclonal formats to ensure batch-to-batch consistency
Implementation of absolute quantification standards for phospho-epitope recognition
Development of synthetic reference standards for quality control across laboratories