The FITC-conjugated PYGO2 antibody is utilized in diverse experimental workflows:
Immunofluorescence (IF): Visualizes PYGO2 localization in cellular compartments, particularly in studies of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways .
Immunocytochemistry (ICC): Detects PYGO2 expression in fixed cells, aiding in progenitor cell research .
ELISA: Quantifies PYGO2 levels in biological samples with high sensitivity (dilution range: 1:20,000–1:40,000) .
Recent studies highlight PYGO2's role in cancer and immunity, with implications for antibody utility:
Prostate Cancer Immunotherapy: PYGO2 deletion enhances cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) infiltration and sensitizes tumors to immune checkpoint blockade . The antibody’s FITC conjugate enables tracking PYGO2 expression in tumor microenvironment studies .
Chromatin Regulation: PYGO2 interacts with WDR5, a histone methyltransferase complex component, to modulate histone H3K4 methylation . FITC-labeled antibodies facilitate co-localization studies of PYGO2 and chromatin modifiers .
FITC-conjugated PYGO2 antibodies are one of several formats available. A comparison with other conjugates is provided below:
PYGO2 is a protein-coding gene associated with G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) and Wnt signaling pathways. It functions in chromatin binding and acts as a histone acetyltransferase regulator . As an emerging epigenetic switch, PYGO2 regulates stem cell self-renewal, somatic cell division, and hormone-induced gene expression through both Wnt-dependent and Wnt-independent pathways . Its role in signal transduction through the Wnt pathway makes it particularly relevant in developmental and cancer biology research .
PYGO2 has both cell-autonomous functions and cell non-autonomous roles in shaping the tumor microenvironment (TME), particularly affecting T-cell infiltration and activity in certain cancers . This dual functionality makes it an intriguing target for both basic science investigations and translational research efforts in oncology.
The FITC-conjugated PYGO2 antibody is particularly valuable for fluorescence-based applications including:
Flow cytometry (intracellular): Allows quantitative analysis of PYGO2 expression at the single-cell level
Immunocytochemistry/Immunofluorescence (ICC/IF): Enables visualization of PYGO2 subcellular localization
ELISA: Provides quantitative measurement of PYGO2 in biological samples
For researchers studying PYGO2 expression patterns, the FITC conjugation eliminates the need for secondary antibody incubation steps, reducing background and simplifying experimental workflows. The antibody has been validated with human samples and is suitable for detecting PYGO2 protein in its native conformation .
PYGO2 demonstrates a complex subcellular distribution pattern with cytoplasmic, membranous, and nuclear localization . This multi-compartment distribution necessitates careful consideration when selecting fixation and permeabilization protocols for immunostaining experiments.
For optimal detection across all subcellular compartments:
Use paraformaldehyde fixation (4%) followed by gentle detergent permeabilization
Include both nuclear and cytoplasmic markers in multiplexed imaging experiments
Consider subcellular fractionation followed by western blotting for quantitative assessment of PYGO2 distribution
The FITC-conjugated antibody is particularly advantageous for visualizing this distribution pattern as its direct fluorescence enables high-resolution imaging of differential localization patterns across experimental conditions .
To maintain optimal activity of the FITC-conjugated PYGO2 antibody:
Store at -20°C or -80°C immediately upon receipt
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles that can degrade both antibody function and FITC fluorescence
Store in the dark to prevent photobleaching of the FITC conjugate
Consider aliquoting the antibody into single-use volumes before freezing
The antibody is typically supplied in a buffer containing 50% glycerol and PBS (pH 7.4) with 0.03% Proclin 300 as a preservative
When preparing working dilutions, maintain temperature at 4°C and use within 24 hours for optimal results. Long-term storage of diluted antibody is not recommended due to potential loss of activity and fluorescence intensity.
Based on validated expression patterns, the following tissues serve as excellent positive controls for PYGO2 antibody validation:
| Tissue Type | Application | Notes on Expression |
|---|---|---|
| Fallopian Tube | IHC-P | Consistent expression in epithelial cells |
| Adrenal Gland | IHC-P | Moderate to strong expression |
| Kidney | IHC-P | Distinct expression pattern |
| Lung Adenocarcinoma | IHC-P, Flow Cytometry | Often shows upregulated expression |
| Lung Neuroendocrine Tumor | IHC-P | Strong, reproducible signal |
| Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma | IHC-P | Differential expression pattern |
| Testis | Western Blot | Strong bands at expected molecular weight |
Transitional cell carcinoma samples have also been validated as reliable positive controls . For negative controls, consider using tissue known to express low PYGO2 levels or employ isotype-matched, non-specific antibodies to establish background staining levels.
PYGO2 has significant associations with cancer progression across multiple tumor types. The FITC-conjugated antibody can be employed in several advanced experimental designs:
Tumor Microenvironment Studies: Research has revealed that PYGO2 plays a cell non-autonomous role in shaping the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment of prostate cancer, particularly affecting T-cell infiltration and activity . Flow cytometry with the FITC-conjugated antibody allows evaluation of PYGO2 expression in various cell populations within the tumor microenvironment simultaneously.
Cancer Grade Correlation: Studies have shown that 59% of patient tumor specimens exhibit positive PYGO2 immunohistochemistry staining with increased intensity correlating with the grade of malignancy, especially for WHO grade III and IV tumors . The FITC-conjugated antibody can be used in tissue microarray studies to systematically evaluate this correlation across larger patient cohorts.
Metastasis Investigation: Significant associations have been found between PYGO2 protein expression in colorectal cancer and tumor cell metastasis to lymph nodes . Using the antibody in longitudinal studies of primary and metastatic samples can help elucidate the mechanistic role of PYGO2 in the metastatic cascade.
Prognostic Biomarker Development: Abnormal PYGO2 expression has been associated with poor differentiation, advanced tumor stage, and poor prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer patients . Flow cytometry with the FITC-conjugated antibody can be used for potential development of clinical diagnostic assays.
For optimal results in flow cytometry with FITC-conjugated PYGO2 antibody:
Cell Preparation:
Use single-cell suspensions with viability >90%
For adherent cell lines, use non-enzymatic dissociation methods when possible to preserve surface epitopes
Include a viability dye (compatible with FITC fluorescence spectrum) to exclude dead cells
Fixation and Permeabilization:
Staining Protocol:
Block with 5% normal serum from the same species as secondary antibodies
Use recommended antibody concentration (typically 1-5 μg per million cells)
Include appropriate isotype control at the same concentration
Perform staining at 4°C for 30-45 minutes in the dark
Signal Optimization:
Perform titration experiments to determine optimal antibody concentration
Include FMO (Fluorescence Minus One) controls to set proper gates
Compensate properly if using multiple fluorophores
Research has revealed important interactions between PYGO2 and the p53 pathway that can be investigated using antibody-based techniques:
PYGO2-p53 Direct Interaction:
Functional Impact on p53 Activity:
Post-translational Modifications:
Experimental Approach:
Treat cells with p53 activators (nutlin-3, doxorubicin)
Perform parallel flow cytometry and western blotting with PYGO2 and p53 antibodies
Analyze correlation between PYGO2 expression and p53 activity markers
PYGO2 exhibits localization in cytoplasmic, membranous, and nuclear compartments , presenting technical challenges for comprehensive detection:
Fixation Optimization:
Cross-linking fixatives (paraformaldehyde) preserve structural relationships but may mask some epitopes
Alcohol-based fixatives often provide better nuclear antigen detection but may alter membrane structure
Sequential fixation protocols may be necessary for complete epitope preservation
Permeabilization Strategies:
Nuclear localization requires more robust permeabilization (0.1-0.5% Triton X-100)
Membranous detection often benefits from gentler detergents (0.01-0.05% saponin)
Consider separate protocols optimized for each compartment if single conditions yield insufficient results
Imaging Considerations:
Use confocal microscopy for accurate subcellular localization
Z-stack acquisition ensures complete examination of all compartments
Consider super-resolution techniques for detailed co-localization studies
Quantification Approaches:
Implement intensity correlation analysis for co-localization studies
Perform subcellular fractionation followed by western blotting for biochemical validation
Use automated image analysis algorithms for unbiased compartment quantification
Recent research has revealed that PYGO2 plays a role in shaping the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, with significant implications for immunotherapy:
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Response:
T-cell Infiltration Assessment:
Combination Therapy Design:
Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cell Interaction:
This integrated approach using PYGO2 antibody-based analyses can contribute significantly to understanding and improving immunotherapy response in multiple cancer types.
Researchers working with PYGO2 antibodies may encounter several technical challenges:
| Issue | Possible Causes | Recommended Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| Weak signal intensity | Insufficient permeabilization for nuclear detection | Optimize permeabilization with titrated detergent concentrations |
| Epitope masking during fixation | Try alternative fixation methods or antigen retrieval | |
| Antibody concentration too low | Perform antibody titration experiments | |
| High background | Insufficient blocking | Increase blocking time/concentration |
| Non-specific binding | Include additional washing steps and detergent | |
| Autofluorescence (especially in FITC channel) | Include autofluorescence quenching steps or use spectral unmixing | |
| Variable results across experiments | Inconsistent fixation/permeabilization | Standardize protocols with precise timing and temperatures |
| Antibody degradation | Minimize freeze-thaw cycles, store properly | |
| Photobleaching of FITC | Protect from light, acquire data promptly after staining |
For the FITC-conjugated antibody specifically, remember that FITC is sensitive to high pH and photobleaching. Keep solutions slightly acidic (pH 7.2-7.4) and minimize exposure to light during all experimental steps .
Comprehensive validation requires multiple control strategies:
Positive Controls:
Negative Controls:
Isotype-matched control antibody at identical concentration
Secondary antibody-only controls (for non-conjugated primary antibodies)
Tissues known to express minimal PYGO2
Technical Validation:
Perform peptide blocking experiments using the immunogen peptide
Compare staining patterns across multiple PYGO2 antibodies targeting different epitopes
If possible, include PYGO2 knockout/knockdown samples
Application-Specific Controls:
For flow cytometry: FMO (Fluorescence Minus One) controls
For western blotting: molecular weight markers and loading controls
For IHC/ICC: tissue microarrays with gradients of expression
Proper documentation of these validation steps is essential for publication and reproducibility of research findings.
Multiplex immunofluorescence incorporating PYGO2 detection can provide valuable insights into its interactions with other proteins and its role in different cellular contexts:
Panel Design Considerations:
FITC emission spectrum (peak ~525nm) requires careful panel design to minimize spillover
Combine with far-red fluorophores (such as Cy5, Alexa 647) to minimize spectral overlap
Include markers for subcellular compartments to contextualize PYGO2 localization
Recommended Multiplex Combinations:
Wnt Pathway Panel: PYGO2-FITC + β-catenin + TCF/LEF factors
Cell Cycle Panel: PYGO2-FITC + Ki67 + Cyclin markers
EMT Panel: PYGO2-FITC + E-cadherin + Vimentin
Tumor Microenvironment Panel: PYGO2-FITC + CD8 + CD4 + FOXP3
Technical Optimization:
Sequential staining may be necessary to prevent antibody cross-reactivity
Consider signal amplification methods for weaker markers
Implement spectral unmixing for highly multiplexed panels
Analysis Approaches:
Quantify co-localization coefficients between PYGO2 and interacting proteins
Perform neighborhood analysis in tissue sections to identify spatial relationships
Consider machine learning approaches for pattern recognition in complex datasets
PYGO2 regulates stem cell self-renewal and somatic cell division , making it particularly relevant for cancer stem cell research:
Experimental Approaches:
Flow cytometry with FITC-conjugated PYGO2 antibody alongside established cancer stem cell markers
Sphere formation assays comparing PYGO2-high versus PYGO2-low sorted populations
Lineage tracing experiments in model systems with PYGO2 manipulation
Mechanistic Studies:
ChIP-seq to identify PYGO2 binding sites at stem cell-related gene promoters
RNA-seq of PYGO2-manipulated cells to identify transcriptional networks
Protein-protein interaction studies focusing on chromatin modifiers
Clinical Correlation:
Analysis of PYGO2 expression in treatment-resistant tumor populations
Correlation of PYGO2 levels with cancer recurrence and metastasis
Development of therapeutic strategies targeting PYGO2 in cancer stem cells
This research direction could provide valuable insights into the fundamental mechanisms of tumor initiation, progression, and therapy resistance.
Research suggests multiple promising avenues for therapeutic development:
Combination with Immunotherapy:
Biomarker Development:
Target Validation:
PYGO2 antibodies can validate the specificity of newly developed small molecule inhibitors
Pharmacodynamic studies using the antibody can confirm target engagement in vivo
Delivery System Development:
Antibody-drug conjugates targeting PYGO2 could be explored
Nanoparticle targeting strategies using PYGO2-specific binding domains