PLA2G4B (Phospholipase A2, Group IVB Cytosolic) is a calcium-dependent phospholipase that selectively hydrolyzes glycerophospholipids in the sn-2 position with a preference for arachidonoyl phospholipids. It has gained research interest due to its involvement in lipid metabolism and inflammation pathways. PLA2G4B has been implicated in psoriasis progression through activation of IL-17 production via the CD1b lipid antigen pathway, making it a potential therapeutic target for inflammatory skin conditions . The protein has a much weaker enzymatic activity compared to PLA2G4A, with different isoforms showing varying substrate specificities .
PLA2G4B transcribes naturally-occurring mRNAs that are co-transcribed products of the neighboring JMJD7 and PLA2G4B genes. Incompletely processed read-through transcripts from these two loci are abundantly expressed in most tissues, creating fusion proteins that share amino acid sequences with each individual gene product. These transcripts include a partial JmjC domain and downstream C2 and phospholipase A2 domains, though the full function of this readthrough product has not been definitively determined .
The biotin-conjugated PLA2G4B antibody is typically a rabbit-derived polyclonal antibody targeting amino acids 396-424 or 514-781 from human PLA2G4B. It is affinity purified (>95% purity using Protein G) and supplied in a buffer containing 50% glycerol, 0.01M PBS (pH 7.4), with 0.03% Proclin 300 as a preservative . The antibody is reactive with human samples and applicable for several detection methods including ELISA, Western Blotting, and in some formulations, Flow Cytometry .
Based on manufacturer validations, the biotin-conjugated PLA2G4B antibody has been tested and approved for:
ELISA: As the primary detection method across all manufacturers
Western Blotting (WB): Recommended dilution typically 1-5 μg/mL
For immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence applications, verification is recommended as these applications vary between different epitope-targeting antibodies .
For Western blot optimization with biotin-conjugated PLA2G4B antibody:
Sample preparation: Use fresh samples with protease inhibitors to prevent degradation
Protein loading: 20-40 μg of total protein is typically sufficient
Blocking: Use 5% BSA in TBST rather than milk (which contains endogenous biotin)
Primary antibody dilution: Start with 1-2 μg/mL and adjust based on signal strength
Detection: Use streptavidin-HRP conjugate (1:5000-1:10000) as secondary detection reagent
Expected molecular weight: ~53 kDa for the main PLA2G4B protein band
Controls: Include a positive control tissue with known PLA2G4B expression
Note that optimization might be necessary as the antibody targets a readthrough protein that may show tissue-specific expression patterns .
When developing an ELISA method with biotin-conjugated PLA2G4B antibody:
Coating concentration: For capture antibody approach, use 1-10 μg/mL of non-biotinylated anti-PLA2G4B
Blocking agent: Use biotin-free blocking solution (e.g., BSA or casein-based)
Sample dilution: Prepare a dilution series to determine optimal concentration
Detection: Utilize streptavidin-HRP system (avoid avidin due to higher background)
Substrate: TMB substrate provides sensitive detection with biotinylated antibodies
Standard curve: Recombinant PLA2G4B protein (514-781AA region) can serve as a calibrator
Cross-reactivity: The antibody is human-specific; non-human samples may not yield reliable results
High background is a common challenge with biotinylated antibodies. Consider these solutions:
Pre-block endogenous biotin using a biotin blocking kit (especially important for tissues rich in endogenous biotin like liver, kidney, and brain)
Increase washing steps (5-6 washes of 5 minutes each)
Decrease antibody concentration (try a 1:2 or 1:5 dilution from your current concentration)
Use streptavidin-based detection systems rather than avidin (less non-specific binding)
Include 0.1-0.5% Tween-20 in wash buffers to reduce hydrophobic interactions
For immunohistochemistry, perform antigen retrieval at pH 6.0 rather than pH 9.0
Prepare fresh buffers before each experiment to prevent contamination
The biotin-conjugated PLA2G4B antibody has been primarily validated for human samples. Cross-reactivity testing with mouse, rat, and other mammalian species varies by manufacturer and epitope target. Antibodies targeting the 396-424 amino acid region typically show human specificity, while antibodies targeting other regions may cross-react with mouse and rat samples . Researchers should validate cross-reactivity when working with non-human samples, especially since PLA2G4B contains readthrough transcripts that may have species-specific variations .
To preserve antibody activity:
Storage temperature: Maintain at -20°C for long-term storage
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles (prepare small aliquots upon receipt)
Working dilutions should be prepared fresh and used within 24 hours
Protect from light (biotin conjugates can be light-sensitive)
Shipping conditions: The antibody is typically shipped on dry ice
Buffer components: The antibody is supplied in 50% glycerol with preservatives, making it stable at -20°C for at least 12 months from date of receipt
Do not store diluted antibody for future use
Building on findings implicating PLA2G4B in psoriasis , researchers can:
Employ the antibody for immunohistochemical analysis of psoriatic skin lesions versus healthy controls
Use flow cytometry to quantify PLA2G4B expression in isolated skin-infiltrating immune cells
Develop co-immunoprecipitation experiments to identify PLA2G4B-interacting proteins in the IL-17 pathway
Track changes in PLA2G4B expression following experimental treatments using quantitative immunofluorescence
Combine with siRNA knockdown studies to correlate protein reduction with functional changes
Research has demonstrated that silencing PLA2G4B with siRNA-505 inhibits keratinocyte proliferation and migration, and suppresses psoriasis progression in mouse models . The biotinylated antibody can validate successful knockdown at the protein level.
To study the unique JMJD7-PLA2G4B readthrough transcripts:
Epitope mapping: Compare results from antibodies targeting different regions (N-terminal vs. C-terminal) to distinguish between conventional PLA2G4B and readthrough products
Size analysis: Western blotting can identify multiple isoforms and fusion proteins
Tissue distribution: Quantify expression across different tissues using biotinylated antibody in flow cytometry
Subcellular localization: Combine with organelle markers to determine compartmentalization
Functional assays: After immunoprecipitation, assess enzymatic activity against different phospholipid substrates
The readthrough transcript encodes fusion proteins with partial JmjC domain and downstream C2 and phospholipase A2 domains, potentially exhibiting functions distinct from conventional PLA2G4B .
For multiplex experimental design:
Utilize the biotin tag for streptavidin-based capture in multiplex bead arrays
Combine with differently labeled antibodies against other inflammatory pathway components
Incorporate with antibodies against IL-17 pathway proteins to investigate correlation
Use with anti-CD1b antibodies to study the proposed lipid antigen presentation mechanism
Employ quantum dot-streptavidin conjugates for multi-color imaging with high sensitivity
Consider microfluidic-based approaches for analyzing multiple parameters simultaneously
When designing multiplex systems, validate that streptavidin conjugates do not interfere with other detection systems and optimize signal-to-noise ratios for each target .
PLA2G4B and the JMJD7-PLA2G4B readthrough transcripts show variable expression across tissues:
Ubiquitous baseline expression: Low-level expression in most tissues
Elevated expression in:
Subcellular localization: Primarily cytosolic, with potential membrane association during activation
Expression changes: May be upregulated during inflammation or in response to calcium signaling
When interpreting immunoassay results, consider that different isoforms may predominate in different tissues, and readthrough products may have tissue-specific expression patterns .
To confirm antibody specificity:
Blocking peptide experiments: Pre-incubate antibody with immunizing peptide before application
Knockout/knockdown controls: Compare signal in PLA2G4B-silenced cells (e.g., using siRNA-505)
Multiple antibody approach: Compare results with antibodies targeting different PLA2G4B epitopes
Expected molecular weight verification: Confirm the ~53 kDa band in Western blots
Positive and negative tissue controls: Use tissues with known expression patterns
Cross-reactivity testing: Test against recombinant PLA2G4A to confirm specificity within the phospholipase family
Rigorous validation is particularly important given the complexity of readthrough transcripts and multiple isoforms .
When investigating PLA2G4B's phospholipase activity:
Positive control: Include PLA2G4A (more active enzyme) as a benchmark
Negative control: Use catalytically inactive PLA2G4B mutant
Calcium dependency: Test activity with and without calcium (PLA2G4B is calcium-dependent)
Substrate specificity controls: Compare activity against:
Inhibitor studies: Use phospholipase inhibitors to confirm specificity of enzymatic assays
Remember that PLA2G4B has weaker enzymatic activity than PLA2G4A, and different isoforms show varying substrate specificities .