The biotinylated PRPS2 antibody enables sensitive detection in these experimental contexts:
Apoptosis regulation studies:
PRPS2 knockdown in GC1/GC2 spermatogenic cells increases apoptosis rates from 2.8% to 16.1% (p<0.01), linked to:
↓ E2F1 transcription factor expression (2.1-fold reduction)
↓ Anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 (1.8-fold) and Bcl-xL (2.3-fold)
↑ Pro-apoptotic Caspase 6 (3.2-fold) and Caspase 9 (2.7-fold)
Gene expression modulation:
RNA sequencing revealed PRPS2 depletion alters 3,131 genes (1,582 upregulated, 1,549 downregulated) associated with:
Recent studies employing PRPS2 detection tools uncovered these biological insights:
These findings position PRPS2 as a potential therapeutic target for male infertility disorders, with its biotin-conjugated antibody serving as an essential tool for:
Quantifying PRPS2 expression changes in gene knockout models
Developing diagnostic ELISA assays for spermatogenic dysfunction
Investigating PRPS2's interaction network through pull-down assays
PRPS2 (Phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate synthetase 2) is a rate-limiting enzyme that plays a crucial role in purine and pyrimidine nucleotide synthesis. This enzyme catalyzes the synthesis of phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate (PRPP), which is essential for nucleotide metabolism . PRPS2 has gained significant research interest due to its involvement in several biological processes:
Male reproductive health: PRPS2 depletion has been linked to hypospermatogenesis and increased apoptosis of spermatogenic cells
Cell proliferation pathways: As a key enzyme in nucleotide synthesis, it influences cellular proliferation mechanisms
Differential roles from other PRPS isoforms: Unlike PRPS1, which plays a role in normal cell nucleotide metabolism, PRPS2 has been associated with tumor formation and development
Understanding PRPS2 function provides insights into both normal physiological processes and pathological conditions, making it a valuable research target.
Biotin conjugation significantly enhances antibody functionality through several mechanisms:
Signal amplification: Biotin-labeled antibodies, when combined with streptavidin- or avidin-based conjugates, allow for signal amplification of lowly expressed proteins
Versatility across applications: Biotin-conjugated antibodies can be used in multiple applications including western blotting, ELISA, immunohistochemistry, immunocytochemistry, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry
Bridged detection systems: The Bridged Avidin-Biotin (BRAB) method enables complex detection systems where antigens are "sandwiched" between capture antibodies and biotin-labeled antibodies
Enhanced sensitivity: The high-affinity biotin-(strept)avidin interaction (Kd ≈ 10^-15 M) provides exceptional sensitivity for detecting proteins expressed at low levels
This conjugation strategy is particularly valuable for PRPS2 research where precise localization and quantification are essential for understanding its role in cellular processes.
The optimal protocol for biotinylating PRPS2 antibodies involves using long-chain biotin NHS ester (LCB-NHS) to ensure maximal activity and specificity:
Standard Laboratory Protocol:
Add 10 µl of LCB-NHS solution to 1 ml of 2 mg/ml PRPS2 antibody
Incubate at room temperature for 50 minutes to allow complete conjugation
Terminate the reaction by adding 0.5 ml of 1M Tris-HCl, pH 8.0
Dialyze for 24-48 hours against 1X PBS to remove unreacted biotin
Critical considerations:
Maintain a molar ratio of biotin:antibody between 4:1 and 8:1 to achieve optimal labeling without compromising antibody binding
Store conjugated antibodies in light-protected vials or covered with aluminum foil
For long-term storage (>12 months), dilute conjugates with up to 50% glycerol and store at -20°C to -80°C
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles as they compromise both enzyme activity and antibody binding
This protocol ensures efficient biotinylation while preserving the functional integrity of the PRPS2 antibody.
Optimizing western blotting conditions for biotin-conjugated PRPS2 antibodies requires careful attention to several parameters:
Sample preparation and electrophoresis:
PRPS2 has an observed molecular weight of 30-34 kDa ; use 10% SDS-PAGE gels for optimal resolution
Include positive control samples such as A375 cells, which have demonstrated positive western blot results with PRPS2 antibodies
Load 20-30 μg of total protein per lane for optimal detection
Blotting and detection optimization:
Transfer proteins to nitrocellulose or PVDF membranes using standard protocols
Block with 5% non-fat milk or BSA in TBST (Tris-buffered saline with 0.1% Tween-20)
Critical step: Dilute biotin-conjugated primary PRPS2 antibodies at 1:500-1:2000 ratio in blocking buffer
Incubate membrane overnight at 4°C with gentle rocking
Wash thoroughly with TBST (3-5 times, 5 minutes each)
Incubate with streptavidin-HRP (1:5000-1:10000) for 1 hour at room temperature
Wash thoroughly with TBST (3-5 times, 5 minutes each)
Develop using chemiluminescence substrate and image
Troubleshooting considerations:
If background is high, increase washing steps and/or decrease streptavidin-HRP concentration
If signal is weak, increase antibody concentration or extend incubation time
Pre-absorb antibodies with blocking proteins if non-specific binding occurs
This optimized protocol accounts for the specific characteristics of biotin-conjugated PRPS2 antibodies, ensuring consistent and reliable results.
Biotin-conjugated PRPS2 antibodies offer significant advantages in multiplex immunoassays through strategic implementation:
Cytometric Bead Array (CBA) Applications:
Utilize matched antibody pairs such as 85090-3-PBS (capture) and 85090-1-PBS (detection) for PRPS2
Conjugate detection antibodies with biotin following established protocols
Employ streptavidin-fluorophore conjugates with distinct emission spectra for multiplexing
Include appropriate controls to establish assay specificity and sensitivity
Multiplex Imaging Strategies:
Design sequential staining protocols to prevent cross-reactivity between antibodies
Use biotin-conjugated PRPS2 antibodies at optimized dilutions (1:200-1:800 for IF/ICC)
Employ orthogonal detection systems (e.g., directly labeled antibodies for other targets)
Conduct spectral unmixing if using fluorophores with overlapping emission profiles
Critical Considerations:
Validate antibody specificity in single-target experiments before multiplexing
Optimize signal-to-noise ratios for each target in the multiplex panel
Consider the spatial distribution of targets when designing multiplexing strategies
Implement computational analysis for quantitative evaluation of multiplexed signals
These approaches enable researchers to simultaneously analyze PRPS2 alongside other biomarkers of interest, providing more comprehensive insights into biological processes while conserving valuable samples.
When investigating PRPS2's role in spermatogenesis and male infertility, researchers should consider several critical factors:
Experimental Design Considerations:
Include appropriate mouse models of hypospermatogenesis as established reference systems
Compare PRPS2 expression levels across developmental stages (4-10 weeks) to capture temporal patterns
Incorporate cellular models such as GC1-spg (spermatogonial cell line) and GC2-spg (spermatocyte cell line) for in vitro studies
Design experiments to assess both PRPS2 knockdown and overexpression effects
Key Methodological Approaches:
Flow cytometry analysis: Quantify apoptotic rates in spermatogenic cells using annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide staining
Immunofluorescence staining: Analyze PRPS2 and E2F1 colocalization in testicular tissue
Western blot analysis: Evaluate expression of apoptotic markers (Caspase 6, Caspase 9) in relation to PRPS2 levels
Gene expression profiling: Examine downstream effects of PRPS2 modulation on apoptosis-related genes
Data Interpretation Framework:
Consider that PRPS2 depletion increases apoptotic rates in spermatogenic cells (~16.1% in GC1/shPRPS2 vs. 2.8% in controls)
Recognize that PRPS2 regulates E2F1, which in turn modulates the P53/Bcl-xl/Bcl-2/Caspase 6/Caspase 9 apoptosis pathway
Note that PRPS2 expression progressively increases during normal testicular development
This comprehensive approach allows researchers to establish mechanistic links between PRPS2 function and male reproductive disorders, potentially identifying therapeutic targets or diagnostic markers.
Validating the specificity of biotin-conjugated PRPS2 antibodies requires a multi-faceted approach:
Recommended Validation Strategy:
Knockout/Knockdown Controls:
Cross-Reactivity Assessment:
Test the antibody against recombinant PRPS1 and PRPS2 proteins to confirm isoform specificity
Evaluate antibody performance in tissues known to express different levels of PRPS2
Compare reactivity patterns across multiple species if using in comparative studies
Orthogonal Detection Methods:
Confirm PRPS2 expression using multiple antibodies targeting different epitopes
Verify protein expression using gene expression analysis (qRT-PCR)
Compare results from different applications (WB, IHC, IF) for consistency
Peptide Competition Assay:
Data Analysis Considerations:
Document antibody validation in publications following guidelines from the International Working Group for Antibody Validation
Include appropriate positive controls (A375 cells, mouse spleen tissue)
Report quantitative metrics of specificity (signal-to-noise ratio, coefficient of variation)
This systematic validation approach ensures that experimental findings accurately reflect PRPS2 biology rather than antibody artifacts.
Researchers working with biotin-conjugated PRPS2 antibodies may encounter several technical challenges, each requiring specific troubleshooting approaches:
| Challenge Factor | Troubleshooting Approach |
|---|---|
| Over-amplification | Titrate streptavidin-conjugate concentration to prevent signal saturation |
| Under-amplification | Use enhanced detection systems (e.g., TSA) for low-abundance PRPS2 |
| Inconsistent conjugate ratios | Standardize biotin:antibody ratios during conjugation protocols |
| Biotin-streptavidin steric hindrance | Consider using biotin-conjugated F(ab) fragments for improved access |
Implementing these systematic troubleshooting approaches will help researchers overcome technical challenges and obtain reliable, reproducible results when working with biotin-conjugated PRPS2 antibodies.
Biotin-conjugated PRPS2 antibodies provide powerful tools for dissecting the E2F1-mediated apoptosis pathway in spermatogenic cells:
Mechanistic Insights from Current Research:
PRPS2 and E2F1 are colocalized in GC1 and GC2 cells and normal testicular tissue, suggesting a functional relationship
PRPS2 downregulation decreases E2F1 expression, establishing a regulatory connection
E2F1 overexpression can rescue spermatogenic cells from apoptosis induced by PRPS2 depletion
The apoptotic pathway involves P53/Bcl-xl/Bcl-2/Caspase 6/Caspase 9 regulation downstream of E2F1
Advanced Research Applications:
Co-Immunoprecipitation (Co-IP):
Use biotin-conjugated PRPS2 antibodies to pull down protein complexes
Analyze interactions between PRPS2, E2F1, and other regulatory proteins
Map the temporal dynamics of these interactions during spermatogenesis
Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP):
Investigate whether PRPS2 directly or indirectly regulates E2F1 at the transcriptional level
Map genomic binding sites using ChIP-seq approaches
Correlate binding patterns with gene expression changes
Proximity Ligation Assays (PLA):
Visualize and quantify PRPS2-E2F1 interactions in situ
Compare interaction patterns between normal and pathological samples
Assess how these interactions change in response to experimental manipulations
Live-Cell Imaging:
Develop systems using biotin-conjugated antibody fragments for live-cell imaging
Track PRPS2 and E2F1 dynamics during apoptosis induction
Correlate protein redistribution with cellular phenotypes
Potential Research Questions:
Does PRPS2 regulate E2F1 directly through protein-protein interactions or indirectly through metabolic effects on nucleotide synthesis?
How do PRPS2-E2F1 interactions differ between normal spermatogenesis and hypospermatogenesis?
Can targeting the PRPS2-E2F1 axis provide therapeutic opportunities for male infertility?
These approaches using biotin-conjugated PRPS2 antibodies would significantly advance our understanding of this critical pathway in male reproductive biology.
Biotin-conjugated PRPS2 antibodies are enabling innovative applications in both reproductive medicine and cancer research:
Emerging Applications in Reproductive Medicine:
Diagnostic Biomarker Development:
Single-Cell Profiling of Testicular Tissue:
Biotin-conjugated PRPS2 antibodies can be integrated into mass cytometry or imaging mass cytometry
This allows comprehensive phenotyping of heterogeneous testicular cell populations
Correlation of PRPS2 expression with cell differentiation states provides insights into spermatogenesis
Therapeutic Target Validation:
Promising Applications in Cancer Research:
Differential Metabolic Dependencies:
Therapeutic Resistance Mechanisms:
PRPS2's role in nucleotide synthesis suggests potential involvement in resistance to antimetabolite therapies
Multiplex imaging with biotin-conjugated PRPS2 antibodies can reveal spatial relationships with drug resistance markers
This could inform combination therapy approaches targeting both PRPS2 and complementary pathways
Cell Death Pathway Analysis:
PRPS2 regulation of E2F1 and downstream apoptotic pathways has implications beyond reproductive biology
Biotin-conjugated PRPS2 antibodies enable dynamic monitoring of these pathways in response to therapeutic interventions
This approach could identify synthetic lethal interactions for cancer treatment
Future Research Directions:
Development of conditional PRPS2 knockout models to further elucidate tissue-specific functions
Investigation of PRPS2's role in cancer stem cell maintenance and therapy resistance
Exploration of PRPS2 as a target for male contraceptive development
These emerging applications highlight the versatility of biotin-conjugated PRPS2 antibodies across multiple fields of biomedical research.
Proper storage and handling are critical for maintaining the activity and specificity of biotin-conjugated PRPS2 antibodies:
Storage Conditions by Duration:
Critical Handling Procedures:
Light Protection:
Aliquoting Strategy:
Thawing Protocol:
Thaw frozen antibodies completely at 4°C or on ice
Mix gently by inversion, avoid vortexing which can denature antibodies
Briefly centrifuge to collect contents at the bottom of the tube
Working Solution Preparation:
Dilute antibodies in fresh, cold buffer immediately before use
For applications requiring lower background, prepare working solutions with fresh buffer containing 0.1-0.5% BSA
Use polypropylene tubes to prevent antibody adherence to container walls
Recommended Storage Buffers:
| Buffer Component | Function | Typical Concentration |
|---|---|---|
| PBS (pH 7.2-7.4) | Maintains physiological pH | 1X |
| Sodium azide | Prevents microbial growth | 0.02-0.09% |
| Glycerol | Prevents freezing damage | 50% |
| BSA (optional) | Prevents adsorption to surfaces | 0.1-1% |
Quality Control Measures:
Before each use, check for visible precipitation or unusual color changes
Periodically test antibody performance using positive controls (e.g., A375 cells for PRPS2)
Document lot number, receipt date, and thawing dates for troubleshooting
Following these storage and handling recommendations will help ensure consistent performance and extend the useful life of biotin-conjugated PRPS2 antibodies.
Researchers should consult comprehensive reference materials and validation datasets to ensure reliable results with biotin-conjugated PRPS2 antibodies:
Essential Reference Resources:
Protein Databases and Tools:
Antibody Validation Repositories:
Antibodypedia - Collates user experiences and validation data
Protein Atlas - Provides tissue expression maps for PRPS2
CiteAb - Compiles citations where specific antibodies have been used successfully
Published Validation Images:
Recommended Validation Datasets:
Methodological Reference Studies:
PRPS2 in Male Fertility:
Biotin Conjugation Techniques:
Advanced Applications:
Critical Assessment Framework:
Compare validation data across multiple antibody vendors
Assess consistency between orthogonal detection methods
Evaluate reproducibility across independent studies
Consider context-specific factors (species, tissue type, fixation method)