Phospho-SMAD1 (Ser187) is a transcription factor activated by bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) receptors. Phosphorylation at S187 modulates SMAD1’s nuclear translocation and interaction with co-regulators like SMAD4 to control gene expression during embryogenesis, cell differentiation, and tissue homeostasis . This modification is mediated by kinases such as CDK8/9 and MAPK1 .
Phospho-SMAD1 (S187) antibodies are validated for multiple applications across species:
Western Blot:
IHC:
Specificity:
While validated for human, mouse, and rat, in silico analyses suggest potential reactivity with:
Phospho-SMAD1 (S187) antibodies enable studies on:
SMAD1 undergoes two distinct phosphorylation events that have substantially different functional consequences:
| Phosphorylation Site | Kinase Responsible | Functional Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| C-terminal (S463/465) | BMP Type I receptors | Activation of SMAD1, complex formation with SMAD4, nuclear translocation, transcriptional activation |
| Linker region (S187) | MAPK/Erk pathway | Traditionally viewed as inhibitory, leading to degradation and cytoplasmic retention, but can also participate in pathway cross-talk and complex formation with other proteins like Xbra |
These differential phosphorylation events allow for integration of multiple signaling inputs. While C-terminal phosphorylation primarily activates canonical BMP signaling, linker region phosphorylation at sites including S187 enables context-dependent modulation of SMAD1 activity, creating a more nuanced cellular response .
The Phospho-SMAD1 (S187) Antibody has been validated for multiple applications with specific recommended dilutions:
| Application | Recommended Dilution | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Western Blot (WB) | 1:500-1:2000 | Higher sensitivity at 1:500 for detecting endogenous levels |
| Immunohistochemistry (IHC) | 1:50-1:300 | Optimal dilution varies by tissue type |
| ELISA | 1:10000 | Higher dilution appropriate for this sensitive method |
| Immunoprecipitation (IP) | 1:50-1:200 | Effective for protein complex studies |
| Immunocytochemistry (ICC) | 1:50-1:200 | For cellular localization studies |
When optimizing the antibody for your specific experimental system, it is advisable to test a range of dilutions starting with the manufacturer's recommendations .
The Phospho-SMAD1 (S187) Antibody shows confirmed reactivity with multiple species:
| Species | Reactivity Status | Validation Method |
|---|---|---|
| Human | Confirmed | Western blot, IHC, multiple cell lines including HeLa |
| Mouse | Confirmed | Western blot (Raw264.7 cells) |
| Rat | Confirmed | Western blot (H9C2 cells) |
| Monkey | Confirmed | Cross-reactivity testing |
| Xenopus | Predicted | Based on sequence homology |
The antibody has been specifically tested in UV-treated cell lines across these species, making it versatile for comparative studies across different model systems .
Preserving phosphorylation status is critical when working with phospho-specific antibodies. For Phospho-SMAD1 (S187), consider these methodological approaches:
Buffer composition: Use lysis buffers containing phosphatase inhibitors (sodium fluoride, sodium orthovanadate, β-glycerophosphate) at appropriate concentrations.
Temperature control: Maintain samples at 4°C throughout processing to minimize phosphatase activity.
Rapid processing: Minimize the time between tissue/cell collection and protein denaturation.
Sample storage: For preservation of phosphorylated epitopes, store samples at -80°C with 50% glycerol in buffer containing phosphatase inhibitors.
Stimulation controls: For positive control samples, treat cells with UV (4h) or BMP2, which have been shown to increase phosphorylation at S187 .
The detection of phosphorylated SMAD1 is highly sensitive to sample preparation conditions, and improper handling can lead to false negative results due to rapid dephosphorylation by endogenous phosphatases .
To effectively investigate the cross-talk between MAPK/Erk and BMP signaling using Phospho-SMAD1 (S187) Antibody:
Pathway manipulation: Use pathway-specific activators (BMP2/4 for BMP pathway, FGF for MAPK/Erk pathway) and inhibitors (U0126 for MAPK/Erk pathway) to dissect specific contributions .
Temporal analysis: Perform time-course experiments to track the dynamics of SMAD1 phosphorylation, as the timing of phosphorylation events at different sites is crucial for pathway integration.
Co-immunoprecipitation: Combine the Phospho-SMAD1 (S187) Antibody with antibodies against pathway components (like SMAD4 or Xbra/Brachyury) to identify context-dependent protein complexes .
Subcellular fractionation: Separate nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions to determine how phosphorylation affects SMAD1 localization.
Mutational analysis: Compare wild-type SMAD1 with phospho-mimetic (S→D) or phospho-resistant (S→A) mutants in functional assays to determine the specific contribution of S187 phosphorylation .
Recent research has identified complex regulatory mechanisms involving Xbra (a transcription factor induced by FGF/Erk signaling), which can physically interact with linker-phosphorylated SMAD1 to form Xbra/SMAD1/SMAD4 trimeric complexes, leading to sustained nuclear localization of SMAD1 and protection from degradation .
The Phospho-SMAD1 (S187) Antibody is a valuable tool for studying developmental processes where BMP and MAPK pathway integration is critical:
Mesoderm specification: This antibody can track how SMAD1 linker phosphorylation influences lateral mesoderm formation. Recent research in Xenopus embryos has shown that Xbra-dependent cooperative interplay between FGF/Erk and BMP/SMAD1 signaling is essential for lateral mesoderm specification .
Tissue-specific signaling integration: Different embryonic tissues require specific levels of BMP activity, which can be monitored using the phospho-specific antibody. For example, somite formation may require moderate BMP/SMAD1 activity modulated by MAPK input, while ventral blood island formation may require higher BMP/SMAD1 activity .
Temporal regulation: During critical developmental windows, the timing of phosphorylation events can determine cell fate decisions. The antibody allows researchers to track these events with temporal precision.
In vivo models: The antibody has been successfully used in genetic models including mice with mutations that prevent phosphorylation of either the C-terminal motif or the MAPK motifs in the linker region, providing insights into the physiological significance of these phosphorylation events .
Whole-mount immunostaining: For developmental studies in model organisms like Xenopus, whole-mount immunostaining with this antibody can reveal spatial patterns of pathway activation.
Of particular interest, recent research has shown that mice with mutations in SMAD1 linker phosphorylation sites exhibit defects in gastric epithelial homeostasis, primordial germ cell formation, and head and branchial arch development, underscoring the importance of MAPK-dependent SMAD1 phosphorylation in development .
The Phospho-SMAD1 (S187) Antibody is particularly useful for investigating the complex regulation of SMAD1 stability and turnover:
Ubiquitination studies: FGF/MAPK-mediated phosphorylation at S187 and other linker sites can prime SMAD1 for subsequent GSK3β-mediated phosphorylation, leading to polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. This antibody allows researchers to track this initial phosphorylation event .
Protein half-life analysis: By combining cycloheximide (CHX) treatment with western blotting using this antibody, researchers can measure the half-life of phosphorylated SMAD1 under various conditions.
Protective mechanisms: Recent research has identified that proteins like Xbra can protect linker-phosphorylated SMAD1 from degradation. This antibody has been used to demonstrate that Xbra maintains the levels of phospho-mimetic SMAD1 even in the presence of GSK3β .
Subcellular localization: Linker phosphorylation can affect nuclear localization of SMAD1. Immunofluorescence with this antibody can reveal how S187 phosphorylation influences protein trafficking.
Context-dependent regulation: The signaling outcome of S187 phosphorylation varies by cellular context, and this antibody helps reveal these differential effects across tissues and developmental stages.
In Xenopus embryos, researchers found that Xbra physically interacts with linker-phosphorylated SMAD1 to form a trimeric complex with SMAD4, which protects SMAD1 from ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation and promotes its nuclear localization .
Several technical factors can lead to weak or absent signal when using Phospho-SMAD1 (S187) Antibody:
Insufficient pathway activation: SMAD1 phosphorylation at S187 requires active MAPK/Erk signaling. Consider using positive controls with UV treatment (4 hours) or FGF stimulation, which have been demonstrated to increase this phosphorylation .
Rapid dephosphorylation: Phosphorylation at S187 can be rapidly lost during sample preparation. Ensure your lysis buffer contains sufficient phosphatase inhibitors.
Protein degradation: Linker-phosphorylated SMAD1 is targeted for degradation. Consider using proteasome inhibitors (MG132) in your experimental design.
Inappropriate blocking agents: Some blocking agents can interfere with phospho-specific antibody binding. Try different blocking solutions (BSA versus milk).
Antibody dilution: At 1:2000, signal may be weak for endogenous levels. Start with a 1:500 dilution for greater sensitivity .
Storage conditions: Antibody efficacy can decrease with repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Store at -20°C or -80°C in small aliquots with 50% glycerol .
Validation method: Consider running a phosphatase-treated control alongside your samples to confirm signal specificity.
If troubleshooting fails to resolve issues, manufacturers typically recommend confirming the presence of total SMAD1 protein first using a non-phospho-specific antibody before concluding there is an issue with the phospho-specific detection.
Ensuring signal specificity is critical for accurate interpretation of results with Phospho-SMAD1 (S187) Antibody:
Blocking peptide competition: Use the synthetic phosphopeptide derived from human SMAD1 around the phosphorylation site of S187 to compete with antibody binding. Signal that disappears with peptide competition is likely specific .
Phosphatase treatment control: Treat a duplicate sample with lambda phosphatase before immunoblotting to demonstrate phosphorylation-dependent recognition.
Pathway inhibition control: Treat cells with U0126 (MAPK/Erk inhibitor) to prevent S187 phosphorylation. Reduction or loss of signal confirms specificity to the MAPK-mediated phosphorylation .
Mutant controls: If available, use SMAD1 S187A (phospho-resistant) mutant samples as negative controls.
Molecular weight verification: Phosphorylated SMAD1 has an observed molecular weight of approximately 60 kDa, which may differ slightly from the calculated weight of 52 kDa due to post-translational modifications .
Cross-reactivity testing: While this antibody is specific for phospho-S187 in SMAD1, it's important to note that it does not cross-react with other proteins but may recognize the same phosphorylated motif in the highly homologous SMAD5 and SMAD8 proteins .
For immunohistochemistry applications, always include a negative control using the secondary antibody alone or PBS instead of the primary antibody to identify any non-specific background staining .