Phospho-JAK2 (Tyr1007/1008) antibodies are immunoreagents designed to detect Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) when phosphorylated at tyrosine residues 1007 and 1008. This dual phosphorylation event occurs upon cytokine receptor activation (e.g., IL-6, IFN-α, GM-CSF) and initiates downstream STAT protein activation, driving processes like cell proliferation, differentiation, and immune responses .
JAK2 belongs to the non-receptor tyrosine kinase family and partners with JAK1, JAK3, or TYK2 to mediate signaling across diverse cytokine receptors. Dysregulation of this pathway is implicated in inflammatory diseases and cancers, making phosphorylation status a key biomarker for therapeutic targeting .
HTRF vs. Western Blot: The HTRF assay demonstrates 8-fold greater sensitivity than Western Blot in detecting phosphorylated JAK2, enabling low-abundance target quantification without electrophoresis .
siRNA Knockdown: HEL92.1.7 cells treated with JAK2-specific siRNA showed 55% reduction in phosphorylation signal, while JAK1/JAK3 siRNA had no effect, confirming antibody specificity .
In HEL92.1.7 cells:
Ruxolitinib, Tofacitinib, and Pacritinib (JAK inhibitors) induced dose-dependent suppression of Tyr1007/1008 phosphorylation, validating the antibody’s utility in drug efficacy studies .
Cell Stimulation: Pervanadate (100 µM, 30 min) is used to maximize phosphorylation before lysis .
Lysis and Detection: Lysates are analyzed via HTRF (16 µL sample + 4 µL detection reagents) or Western Blot, with HTRF enabling no-wash, high-throughput workflows .
JAK2 (Janus kinase 2) is a protein tyrosine kinase involved in cytokine receptor signaling pathways. The phosphorylation of tyrosine residues 1007/1008 in the activation loop of JAK2 is critical for regulating its kinase activity. These residues are homologous to tyrosine residues 1054/1055 in Tyk2, which play similar regulatory roles in Tyk2 kinase activity . Phosphorylation at these sites occurs during cytokine signaling and leads to downstream activation of STAT (signal transducers and activators of transcription) proteins, which ultimately regulate gene transcription including interferon-stimulated genes .
In the JAK-STAT pathway, JAK2 functions as follows:
JAK2 associates with cytokine receptors that lack intrinsic kinase activity
Upon cytokine binding to receptors, JAK2 becomes activated through auto-phosphorylation at Tyr1007/1008
Activated JAK2 phosphorylates the cytokine receptor, creating docking sites for STAT proteins
STAT proteins are recruited and phosphorylated by JAK2
Phosphorylated STATs dimerize and translocate to the nucleus
In the nucleus, STAT dimers regulate transcription of target genes
JAK2 is particularly important for IFN-gamma receptor signaling, where it initiates the signaling cascade while JAK1 functions as an amplifier . Research has suggested that Tyk2 and JAK3 might potentially substitute for JAK2 function if properly positioned within the IFN-gamma receptor complex .
Based on the technical information provided by manufacturers, phospho-JAK2 (Tyr1007/1008) antibodies are validated for multiple applications:
For optimal results, researchers should validate these dilutions in their specific experimental systems .
To maintain JAK2 phosphorylation during sample preparation:
Rapidly extract proteins using ice-cold lysis buffers containing phosphatase inhibitors (sodium orthovanadate, sodium fluoride, β-glycerophosphate)
For tissue samples, flash-freeze in liquid nitrogen immediately after collection
Use detergent-based lysis buffers (e.g., RIPA or NP-40) with protease inhibitors
Maintain samples at 4°C throughout processing
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles of protein lysates
Process samples quickly to minimize time for phosphatase activity
If using cultured cells, stimulate with appropriate cytokines just before lysis to maximize phosphorylation signals
These practices help prevent artificial dephosphorylation during sample handling .
For optimal Western blot detection of phospho-JAK2 (Tyr1007/1008):
Protein concentration: Load 20-50 μg of total protein per lane
Gel percentage: Use 7-8% SDS-PAGE gels (JAK2 is approximately 125-130 kDa)
Transfer conditions: Transfer proteins to PVDF membranes at 30V overnight at 4°C
Blocking: Block membranes with 5% BSA in TBST (not milk, which contains phosphatases)
Primary antibody: Dilute phospho-JAK2 antibody 1:1000 in 5% BSA/TBST and incubate overnight at 4°C
Washing: Wash membranes 3-4 times with TBST, 5-10 minutes each
Secondary antibody: Use appropriate HRP-conjugated secondary antibody at 1:2000-1:5000
Detection: Use enhanced chemiluminescence (ECL) detection systems
Manufacturers recommend these specific dilutions:
Proper experimental controls are essential:
Positive controls:
Cell lines treated with cytokines known to activate JAK2 (e.g., IFN-γ, IL-6, growth hormone)
Specialized positive control lysates (available from some manufacturers)
Negative controls:
Unstimulated cells (showing baseline phosphorylation)
JAK2 inhibitor-treated cells (e.g., AG490, ruxolitinib)
siRNA/shRNA JAK2 knockdown samples
Specificity controls:
Blocking with immunizing phosphopeptide
Probing parallel blots with total JAK2 antibody to confirm protein presence
Treatment with lambda phosphatase to remove phosphorylation
Loading controls:
Probing for housekeeping proteins (β-actin, GAPDH)
Total protein stains (Ponceau S, REVERT total protein stain)
These controls help validate antibody specificity and experimental reliability .
Phospho-JAK2 antibodies provide critical insights into diseases associated with JAK2 mutations:
Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs):
Detecting constitutive JAK2 activation in polycythemia vera patients with JAK2 V617F mutation
Monitoring phosphorylation status before and after JAK inhibitor treatment
Quantifying aberrant JAK2 signaling in primary patient samples
Research applications:
Evaluating efficacy of novel JAK2 inhibitors through phosphorylation status
Studying resistance mechanisms to JAK2 inhibitor therapy
Investigating downstream signaling pathways affected by mutant JAK2
Clinical correlations:
Assessing correlation between JAK2 phosphorylation levels and disease severity
Monitoring therapy response through phospho-JAK2 levels
These antibodies enable researchers to study diseases including polycythemia vera, thrombocythemia, myelofibrosis, and acute myelogenous leukemia where JAK2 plays a pathogenic role .
To investigate JAK2 signaling dynamics:
Time-course experiments:
Stimulate cells with cytokines and collect samples at various timepoints (30 seconds to 24 hours)
Use phospho-JAK2 antibodies to track activation kinetics
Correlate with downstream STAT phosphorylation patterns
Spatial distribution analysis:
Employ immunofluorescence with phospho-JAK2 antibodies to track subcellular localization
Use co-localization studies with receptor molecules to examine signaling complexes
Apply high-resolution microscopy techniques (confocal, TIRF) for detailed spatial information
Quantitative approaches:
Phospho-flow cytometry for single-cell analysis of JAK2 activation
Multiplexed analysis of JAK2 and downstream targets (STAT3, STAT5)
Mass cytometry (CyTOF) for comprehensive signaling network analysis
These approaches provide detailed insights into the temporal and spatial dynamics of JAK2 signaling .
Researchers frequently encounter these challenges:
Weak or absent signal:
Increase antibody concentration or incubation time
Ensure proper stimulation of cells (e.g., with IFN-γ, IL-6)
Try alternative detection methods with higher sensitivity
Verify phosphatase inhibitors were included in lysis buffer
Check for rapid processing of samples to prevent dephosphorylation
High background:
Increase blocking time or concentration (5% BSA recommended)
Use more stringent washing steps (longer, more frequent)
Decrease antibody concentration
Try alternative blocking agents (casein, commercial blockers)
Ensure proper antibody dilution in 5% BSA (not milk)
Non-specific bands:
Verify antibody specificity with appropriate controls
Optimize primary antibody concentration
Consider using alternative clone if available
Pre-clear lysates with protein A/G beads before immunoprecipitation
Inconsistent results:
Standardize lysate preparation protocols
Maintain consistent stimulation parameters
Use freshly prepared reagents
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles of antibodies and samples
These solutions are based on technical information from manufacturers and research experience .
Optimizing phospho-JAK2 detection across different experimental systems:
Primary cells vs. cell lines:
Primary cells may require gentler lysis conditions
Cell lines often show higher basal phosphorylation
Adjust stimulation protocols (duration, concentration) for different cell types
Consider cell-specific JAK2 expression levels when planning experiments
Tissue-specific considerations:
For immunohistochemistry, optimize antigen retrieval methods (heat vs. enzymatic)
Different tissues may require adjusted fixation protocols
Consider tissue-specific phosphatase activity and adjust inhibitor cocktails
For brain tissue, extend fixation time; for liver, enhance permeabilization
Species-specific optimization:
Verify cross-reactivity with your species of interest
The phospho-JAK2 (Tyr1007/1008) epitope is conserved across human, mouse, and rat
Some antibodies show reactivity only with specific species (check manufacturer specifications)
Protocol adjustments:
For flow cytometry: optimize fixation/permeabilization protocols
For immunofluorescence: adjust detergent type and concentration for cell type
For Western blotting: modify gel percentage based on tissue-specific protein content
These considerations help maximize signal-to-noise ratio in different experimental systems .
Phospho-JAK2 antibodies offer valuable insights into inflammatory and immune conditions:
Cytokine signaling analysis:
Evaluate JAK2 activation in response to pro-inflammatory cytokines
Correlate phospho-JAK2 levels with disease severity in animal models
Track changes in JAK2 activation during disease progression
Therapeutic evaluation:
Monitor JAK inhibitor efficacy through phospho-JAK2 reduction
Compare different JAK inhibitors' potency and selectivity
Investigate resistance mechanisms to JAK inhibitor therapy
Cell-specific responses:
Use flow cytometry with phospho-JAK2 antibodies to identify responsive immune cell subsets
Analyze differential JAK2 activation across cell populations
Correlate with functional outcomes (cytokine production, proliferation)
These approaches have been applied to study conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and autoimmune disorders where JAK-STAT signaling plays important roles .
Working with clinical specimens requires special attention:
Sample preservation:
Process samples immediately after collection
Use specialized fixatives that preserve phospho-epitopes
Consider using phosphatase inhibitor cocktails during collection
Protocol modifications:
Optimize lysis buffers for specific tissue types
Adjust antibody concentrations for potentially lower target abundance
Consider sensitivity limitations with precious samples
Analytical approaches:
Use quantitative methods (ELISA, phospho-flow) for objective measurement
Include appropriate normal tissue controls
Normalize phospho-JAK2 signals to total JAK2 levels
Clinical correlation methodology:
Establish standardized scoring systems for immunohistochemistry
Use digital pathology tools for quantitative assessment
Correlate phospho-JAK2 levels with clinical parameters and outcomes
These considerations help ensure reliable phospho-JAK2 detection in complex clinical samples .
When selecting between antibody formats:
| Feature | Monoclonal Antibodies | Polyclonal Antibodies |
|---|---|---|
| Specificity | Highly specific to single epitope | Recognize multiple epitopes |
| Consistency | High lot-to-lot reproducibility | May vary between batches |
| Sensitivity | May have lower sensitivity | Often higher sensitivity due to multiple binding sites |
| Background | Generally lower background | May show higher background |
| Applications | Excel in applications requiring high specificity (flow cytometry) | Better for applications needing high sensitivity (IHC) |
| Examples | Cell Signaling #3776 (C80C3 clone) | Cell Signaling #3771 |
Researchers should select the appropriate antibody format based on their specific application requirements .
Recombinant phospho-JAK2 antibodies offer several benefits:
Technical advantages:
Superior lot-to-lot consistency
Defined sequence eliminates batch variation
Animal-free manufacturing process
Potentially higher specificity due to controlled production
Experimental benefits:
More reproducible results across experiments
Reliable supply without animal source limitations
Often available in multiple formats (unconjugated, various conjugates)
Can be engineered for specific properties (increased affinity, stability)
Available options:
These advantages make recombinant antibodies increasingly preferred for critical research applications requiring high reproducibility .
Phospho-JAK2 antibodies are poised to advance single-cell research through:
Integration with cutting-edge technologies:
Single-cell phospho-proteomics to map JAK2 activation heterogeneity
Mass cytometry (CyTOF) for comprehensive signaling network analysis
Imaging mass cytometry for spatial resolution of JAK2 activation in tissues
Spectral flow cytometry for multiplexed phospho-protein detection
Combined genomic and phospho-protein analysis:
CITE-seq approaches incorporating phospho-JAK2 antibodies
Correlation of JAK2 mutations with phosphorylation status at single-cell level
Spatial transcriptomics combined with phospho-JAK2 imaging
Technological advances:
Development of brighter fluorophore conjugates for improved sensitivity
Antibody engineering for enhanced cell permeability
Novel fixation methods preserving phospho-epitopes while enabling genomic analysis
These developments will provide unprecedented insights into cellular heterogeneity in JAK2-dependent signaling and disease processes .
Integrating phospho-JAK2 antibodies with other research tools enables exploration of:
Regulatory mechanisms of JAK2 signaling:
Combining CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing with phospho-JAK2 detection to identify novel regulators
Using proximity labeling techniques (BioID, APEX) to map phospho-JAK2 interaction networks
Implementing optogenetic control of JAK2 activation with phospho-antibody readouts
Spatial-temporal dynamics:
Live-cell imaging using nanobody-based sensors derived from phospho-JAK2 antibodies
Super-resolution microscopy to visualize JAK2 signaling nanoclusters
Correlative light-electron microscopy for ultrastructural context of JAK2 activation
Therapeutic development:
High-content screening using phospho-JAK2 antibodies to identify novel inhibitors
Patient-derived organoid testing with phospho-JAK2 readouts for personalized medicine
Development of JAK2-targeted degraders with phospho-JAK2 as pharmacodynamic marker