Host Species: Available in mouse monoclonal (e.g., sc-74586 from Santa Cruz Biotechnology ) or rabbit polyclonal formats (e.g., QA32613 from Qtonics ).
Clonality: Monoclonal (mouse) or polyclonal (rabbit), depending on the product .
Conjugation: Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), with excitation/emission maxima at 499/515 nm .
Reactivity: Human-specific in most cases, though some variants cross-react with mouse and rat .
Applications:
Storage: Stable at -20°C in PBS with 50% glycerol and protease inhibitors .
Melanosome Transport: Rab27A regulates melanosome motility by interacting with myosin Va, and mutations cause Griscelli syndrome (hypopigmentation and immunodeficiency) .
Cancer Progression: Overexpression of Rab27A in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) promotes tumor growth and metastasis via exosome-mediated TYK2/STAT3 signaling .
Immune Function: Rab27A facilitates cytotoxic granule release in T-cells, critical for immune response .
Rab27A binds coronin 3 in its GDP-bound state to regulate endocytosis .
Phosphorylation profiling shows Rab27A modulates IFNα-TYK2 signaling in NSCLC, affecting cytokine secretion .
Immunofluorescence:
ELISA:
Specificity: Validated via knockdown cell lines (e.g., reduced signal in Rab27A-deficient U-87 MG cells) .
Cross-Reactivity: Some antibodies show reactivity with bovine, mouse, and rat homologs .
Batch Consistency: Protein G purification ensures high lot-to-lot reproducibility .
RAB27A is a member of the Rab family of small GTPases, also known as Ras-related protein RAB27A or GTP-binding protein Ram. This membrane-bound protein is approximately 26 kDa in size and plays critical roles in several cellular processes . RAB27A functions primarily in protein transport and small GTPase-mediated signal transduction pathways .
It serves as an essential component of the secretory machinery in various cell types, notably regulating the exocytosis of specialized secretory granules in melanocytes and cytotoxic T-cells . In granulocytes, RAB27A functions as a key component of the secretory machinery of azurophilic granules, likely working in conjunction with its effector protein JFC1/Slp1 .
Interestingly, RAB27A also acts as a negative regulator of phagocytosis by prolonging the actin-coating stage through suppression of Coronin 1A accumulation at F-actin coats . Mutations in the RAB27A gene are associated with Griscelli syndrome type 2 (GS2), a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by partial albinism and immunodeficiency, including uncontrolled macrophage activation known as hemophagocytic syndrome .
FITC-conjugated RAB27A antibodies are available in several formats with varying specifications:
The antibodies recognize the full-length RAB27A protein or specific immunogenic regions. For instance, some products use recombinant human Ras-related protein Rab-27A protein (amino acids 2-221) as the immunogen . When selecting an antibody, consider the specific experimental requirements and validated applications.
Validating antibody specificity is crucial for obtaining reliable research results. For FITC-conjugated RAB27A antibodies, consider these validation approaches:
Genetic validation:
Compare staining patterns between wild-type cells and RAB27A knockdown models. Published studies demonstrate that specific bands at approximately 26 kDa are detected in parental cell lines but significantly reduced in RAB27A knockdown cell lines .
Use siRNA or shRNA to reduce RAB27A expression and confirm corresponding decrease in antibody staining.
Perform rescue experiments with RAB27A re-expression to restore staining patterns.
Molecular validation:
Functional validation:
Control experiments:
Include isotype controls at the same concentration as the primary antibody.
Perform staining on cell types with known differential expression of RAB27A.
Include secondary antibody-only controls when using indirect detection methods.
Proper storage and handling are essential for maintaining antibody performance over time:
Storage recommendations:
Store at -20°C in small aliquots to minimize freeze-thaw cycles .
For lyophilized antibodies, reconstitute according to manufacturer's instructions.
Some products may be stored at 2-8°C for short-term use (typically less than 1 month) .
Include preservatives such as sodium azide (0.02-0.09%) to prevent microbial contamination in antibody solutions .
Handling precautions:
Allow antibodies to equilibrate to room temperature before opening vials.
Use appropriate personal protective equipment, as some formulations contain sodium azide, which is toxic .
Work with antibodies in reduced light conditions to minimize photobleaching.
Centrifuge vials briefly before opening to collect contents at the bottom.
Use sterile techniques when handling stock solutions to prevent contamination.
Working solution preparation:
Dilute antibodies in appropriate buffers immediately before use.
Typical working dilutions range from 1:50 to 1:500, though optimal concentrations should be determined empirically for each application .
Include carrier proteins (1-5% BSA or normal serum) in dilution buffers to prevent non-specific binding.
Successful immunofluorescence staining with FITC-conjugated RAB27A antibodies requires careful protocol optimization:
Cell preparation:
Culture cells on appropriate coverslips or chamber slides.
For adherent cells, seed at 50-70% confluence to allow visualization of individual cells.
For suspension cells, cytospin or poly-L-lysine coating can improve adherence.
Fixation and permeabilization:
Fix cells with 4% paraformaldehyde for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.
Wash three times with PBS.
Permeabilize with 0.1-0.2% Triton X-100 for 5-10 minutes to access intracellular RAB27A.
For membrane-associated RAB27A, consider gentler permeabilization with 0.1% saponin.
Blocking and antibody incubation:
Block with 5% normal serum in PBS for 30-60 minutes at room temperature.
Dilute FITC-conjugated RAB27A antibody in blocking buffer (typically 1:50 to 1:200).
Incubate for 1-2 hours at room temperature or overnight at 4°C in a humidified chamber.
Wash three times with PBS.
Nuclear counterstaining and mounting:
Counterstain nuclei with DAPI (1 μg/ml) for 5 minutes.
Wash three times with PBS.
Mount with anti-fade mounting medium to reduce photobleaching.
Seal with nail polish for long-term storage.
Controls to include:
Flow cytometry with FITC-conjugated RAB27A antibodies requires specific optimization strategies:
Antibody titration:
Prepare a dilution series of antibody (typically 1:10, 1:50, 1:100, 1:500, 1:1000).
Stain a fixed number of cells (approximately 1×10^6) with each dilution.
Include positive controls (cells known to express RAB27A) and negative controls.
Calculate the staining index (mean fluorescence intensity of positive population minus mean of negative population, divided by twice the standard deviation of the negative population).
Select the concentration with the highest staining index while maintaining low background staining.
Fixation and permeabilization optimization:
For intracellular detection of RAB27A, compare different fixation methods:
4% paraformaldehyde (10-15 minutes)
70-100% methanol (-20°C, 10 minutes)
Commercial fixation/permeabilization kits
Test various permeabilization reagents:
0.1-0.5% saponin (reversible, preserves membranes)
0.1-0.3% Triton X-100 (stronger permeabilization)
Commercial permeabilization buffers optimized for flow cytometry
Sample preparation protocol:
Harvest cells (1-5×10^6) and wash twice with PBS.
Fix cells using the optimized method.
Permeabilize cells if detecting intracellular RAB27A.
Block with 2-5% serum in PBS for 15-30 minutes.
Stain with titrated FITC-RAB27A antibody for 30-60 minutes at room temperature in the dark.
Wash twice with PBS + 0.5% BSA.
Resuspend in appropriate buffer for flow cytometry analysis.
Analytical considerations:
Use biexponential display for the FITC channel to properly visualize the full range of expression.
Set PMT voltages based on unstained and single-stained controls.
For multi-parameter analysis, include fluorescence minus one (FMO) controls.
Consider viability dyes to exclude dead cells, which can bind antibodies non-specifically.
Proper controls are critical for generating reliable and interpretable data:
Primary validation controls:
Positive cell control: Cell lines known to express RAB27A, such as K562 chronic myelogenous leukemia cells .
Negative cell control: RAB27A knockdown cells, as demonstrated in U-87 MG glioblastoma cell lines .
Isotype control: FITC-conjugated antibody of the same isotype (IgG1 for monoclonal or IgG for polyclonal ) but with irrelevant specificity.
Technical controls:
Unstained cells: To assess autofluorescence.
Single-color controls: When performing multi-color experiments, for compensation setting.
Fluorescence minus one (FMO) controls: Include all fluorophores except FITC-RAB27A to set accurate gating boundaries.
Secondary antibody-only control: If using indirect immunofluorescence methods.
Biological validation controls:
Expression modulation: Compare staining in cells with manipulated RAB27A levels (overexpression, knockdown).
Functional correlates: Include assays measuring RAB27A-dependent processes (e.g., secretion, phagocytosis).
Multiple detection methods: Validate findings with alternative techniques (e.g., Western blot, qPCR).
Specificity controls:
Peptide competition: Pre-incubation of antibody with immunizing peptide should abolish specific staining.
Multiple antibody clones: Compare staining patterns with antibodies targeting different RAB27A epitopes.
RAB27A mutants: Use cells expressing inactive (T23N) or constitutively active (Q78L) RAB27A mutants .
Accurate quantification of RAB27A expression requires standardized approaches:
Flow cytometry quantification:
Use calibration beads with known FITC molecules of equivalent soluble fluorochrome (MESF).
Create a standard curve relating mean fluorescence intensity to MESF values.
Express RAB27A levels as molecules per cell based on the calibration curve.
Calculate relative expression between different samples or treatments.
Microscopy-based quantification:
Capture images using identical acquisition parameters (exposure time, gain, offset).
Define regions of interest (ROI) around cells or specific subcellular compartments.
Measure mean fluorescence intensity within ROIs.
Subtract background from cell-free areas.
Normalize to cell area or volume when comparing different cell types.
Western blot complementary quantification:
RAB27A antibodies detect a specific band at approximately 26 kDa .
Perform Western blot with cell lysates from the same samples used for fluorescence-based assays.
Use housekeeping proteins (β-actin, GAPDH) as loading controls.
Quantify band intensity using densitometry software.
Correlate Western blot results with fluorescence measurements.
Data analysis considerations:
For heterogeneous populations, consider single-cell analysis rather than population averages.
Account for autofluorescence by subtracting signal from unstained controls.
For time-course studies, correct for photobleaching effects.
Report fold-changes rather than absolute values when comparing across experiments.
RAB27A is critical for secretory processes in specialized cells, and FITC-conjugated antibodies can reveal important mechanistic insights:
Co-localization studies:
Perform dual or triple immunofluorescence with markers of secretory organelles:
Lysosomal markers (LAMP1, LAMP2)
Melanosome markers (PMEL17, TYR)
Lytic granule markers (perforin, granzymes)
Calculate co-localization coefficients (Pearson's, Manders') to quantify spatial relationships.
Use super-resolution microscopy (STED, SIM, STORM) for precise localization on secretory vesicles.
Secretory granule movement:
Combine fixed-cell RAB27A staining with live-cell tracking of labeled secretory cargo.
Analyze RAB27A distribution during different stages of secretion:
Granule biogenesis
Transport to the plasma membrane
Docking and fusion
Correlate RAB27A localization with secretory efficiency.
Functional assays:
Measure release of secretory cargo after modulating RAB27A levels.
For immune cells: quantify cytokine release, degranulation, or cytotoxicity.
For melanocytes: assess melanosome transfer to keratinocytes.
For neurons/neuroendocrine cells: measure neurotransmitter/hormone release.
Effector protein interactions:
RAB27A negatively regulates phagocytosis through F-actin remodeling mechanisms :
Phagocytosis assay design:
Use fluorescently labeled particles (bacteria, zymosan, beads) as phagocytic targets.
After fixed time points, stain cells with FITC-RAB27A antibodies.
Quantify phagocytic efficiency relative to RAB27A localization.
Compare wild-type cells with RAB27A knockdown models, which show enhanced phagocytosis .
F-actin dynamics assessment:
Study the process of phagosome formation focusing on F-actin dynamics:
F-actin assembly
F-actin extension around particles
F-actin degradation leading to phagosome internalization
Use fluorescently labeled phalloidin to visualize F-actin structures.
Track RAB27A localization during these distinct phases.
RAB27A knockdown cells exhibit accelerated F-actin remodeling processes compared to control cells .
Molecular mechanism exploration:
Experimental workflow:
Prepare macrophages or neutrophils on coverslips.
Add opsonized particles (e.g., C3bi-opsonized zymosan) to initiate phagocytosis .
Fix cells at different time points (2, 5, 10, 15, 30 minutes).
Stain for RAB27A, F-actin, and additional markers of interest.
Quantify the percentage of cells with RAB27A-positive phagocytic cups/phagosomes.
Measure the kinetics of F-actin assembly and disassembly in relation to RAB27A localization.
Distinguishing between active and inactive RAB27A states provides critical functional insights:
GTP-binding state detection:
Standard FITC-RAB27A antibodies typically detect total RAB27A, regardless of activation state.
Use complementary techniques to determine activation:
Compare total RAB27A distribution (by antibody staining) with active RAB27A localization.
Subcellular localization analysis:
Active RAB27A is predominantly membrane-associated.
Perform subcellular fractionation to separate membrane and cytosolic fractions.
Use FITC-RAB27A antibodies to quantify distribution between compartments.
Correlate membrane association with activation state.
Treatments that activate RAB27A should increase membrane-associated fraction.
Functional correlation:
GTP-bound RAB27A interacts with effector proteins like JFC1/Slp1 .
Co-immunoprecipitate RAB27A with its effectors using specific antibodies.
The presence of JFC1/Slp1 in RAB27A immunoprecipitates indicates active RAB27A .
Compare effector binding in different cellular contexts or following stimulation.
Experimental design for activation studies:
Stimulate cells with appropriate agonists (e.g., PMA for secretory cells).
Fix cells at different time points post-stimulation.
Perform FITC-RAB27A immunostaining to track translocation to membranes.
In parallel, perform biochemical assays for GTP-loading.
Correlate membrane association with activation state.
RAB27A and RAB27B share significant sequence homology but have distinct functions:
Antibody selection:
Verify that the selected RAB27A antibody does not cross-react with RAB27B.
Review the immunogen sequence used for antibody generation.
Choose antibodies raised against regions with lowest sequence identity.
Validate specificity using cells expressing only RAB27A or RAB27B.
Experimental validation:
Perform Western blot analysis of RAB27A and RAB27B recombinant proteins.
Test antibody on lysates from cells with selective knockdown of either protein.
Compare staining patterns with validated RAB27A-specific and RAB27B-specific antibodies.
The expected molecular weight of RAB27A is approximately 26 kDa .
Complementary approaches:
Differential localization:
In some cell types, RAB27A and RAB27B show distinct subcellular localization patterns.
Compare antibody staining with the known distribution of each isoform.
Document cell type-specific expression patterns that differ between the isoforms.
Use multi-color imaging to simultaneously detect both proteins when possible.
Technical challenges with FITC-conjugated RAB27A antibodies require systematic troubleshooting:
High background fluorescence:
Cause: Insufficient blocking, non-specific binding, autofluorescence
Solutions:
Increase blocking time/concentration (5-10% serum)
Optimize antibody dilution through careful titration
Include 0.1-0.3% Triton X-100 in antibody diluent
Use tissues from RAB27A knockout models as negative controls
Include additional washing steps with 0.1% Tween-20
Weak or absent signal:
Cause: Epitope masking during fixation, insufficient permeabilization, antibody degradation
Solutions:
Try alternative fixation methods (compare PFA vs. methanol)
Increase permeabilization time or concentration
Check antibody storage conditions (avoid repeated freeze-thaw)
Use fresh antibody aliquot
Try antigen retrieval methods for tissue sections
Consider signal amplification methods
Inconsistent staining patterns:
Cause: Variable expression levels, cell cycle dependence, technical inconsistency
Solutions:
Standardize cell culture conditions
Synchronize cells if appropriate
Develop robust staining protocols with precise timing
Include positive control cells with known RAB27A expression
Process all samples in parallel during staining procedure
Photobleaching:
Cause: FITC is relatively susceptible to photobleaching
Solutions:
Use anti-fade mounting media
Minimize exposure to excitation light during imaging
Acquire images from unexposed fields
Consider alternative more photostable fluorophores (e.g., Alexa Fluor 488)
Store slides in the dark at 4°C
Implementing FITC-conjugated RAB27A antibodies in multi-parameter panels requires careful planning:
Panel design considerations:
FITC emission spectrum (peak ~515 nm) overlaps with PE and other green-yellow fluorophores.
Position FITC in the panel based on expected RAB27A expression level.
Use brighter fluorophores for lower-expressed targets.
Apply proper compensation using single-stained controls.
Use fluorescence minus one (FMO) controls to set accurate gates.
Spectral compatibility table:
Sample preparation optimization:
For intracellular RAB27A detection, use specialized fixation/permeabilization kits.
Optimize staining buffer composition (PBS with 0.5-2% BSA or FBS, 0.1% sodium azide).
Consider the impact of permeabilization on forward/side scatter characteristics.
Include viability dye to exclude dead cells, which can bind antibodies non-specifically.
Analysis strategies:
Use biexponential display for the FITC channel to properly visualize the full range of expression.
Consider dimensionality reduction techniques (tSNE, UMAP) for relating RAB27A expression to cell subsets.
Perform Boolean gating to identify cell populations with specific RAB27A expression patterns.
Compare median fluorescence intensity (MFI) between experimental groups.
While FITC-conjugated antibodies are primarily used for fluorescence-based detection, they can sometimes be adapted for Western blotting:
Sample preparation:
Detection considerations:
Most imaging systems can detect FITC fluorescence directly on membranes.
Alternatively, use secondary antibodies for enhanced sensitivity:
HRP-conjugated secondary followed by chemiluminescence detection
Fluorescently-labeled secondary antibodies for multiplexed detection
Protocol adaptations:
Reduce exposure to light throughout the procedure.
Consider using the unconjugated version of the same antibody clone for optimal results.
If using FITC fluorescence directly, use PVDF membranes (lower autofluorescence than nitrocellulose).
Block with 5% BSA rather than milk (lower autofluorescence).
Include TBST with 0.1% Tween-20 in all washing steps.
Alternative approaches:
For quantitative Western blot analysis, unconjugated RAB27A antibodies may provide better sensitivity.
Consider using Western blotting as a complementary method to validate flow cytometry or microscopy findings.
Simple Western™ systems can detect RAB27A at approximately 31 kDa in K562 cell lysates .
Emerging technologies are expanding our ability to study RAB27A:
Advanced imaging approaches:
Super-resolution microscopy (STED, SIM, STORM) provides nanoscale resolution of RAB27A localization.
Light sheet microscopy allows 3D visualization of RAB27A distribution in intact tissues.
Correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) connects RAB27A fluorescence with ultrastructural context.
Live-cell complementary approaches using RAB27A-fluorescent protein fusions for dynamic studies.
Multi-omics integration:
Combine antibody-based RAB27A detection with transcriptomics data.
Correlate RAB27A protein levels and localization with proteomic profiles.
Integrate RAB27A studies with interaction networks from protein-protein interaction databases.
Use systems biology approaches to contextualize RAB27A function within larger regulatory networks.
High-throughput screening:
Automated microscopy platforms for RAB27A-based phenotypic screens.
CRISPR screens to identify novel regulators of RAB27A trafficking and function.
Drug screens to identify compounds affecting RAB27A-dependent processes.
Multiparametric analysis combining RAB27A with other cellular markers.
Proximity labeling techniques:
BioID or APEX2 fused to RAB27A to identify proximal interacting proteins.
PLA (proximity ligation assay) to visualize and quantify RAB27A interactions with effector proteins.
FRET-based sensors to monitor RAB27A activation in live cells.
Split-GFP systems to detect RAB27A-effector interactions with reduced background.
Griscelli syndrome type 2 (GS2) is directly linked to RAB27A mutations, and FITC-conjugated antibodies can provide valuable insights:
Diagnostic applications:
Analyze RAB27A expression and localization in patient-derived cells.
Compare staining patterns between healthy controls and GS2 patients.
Correlate specific mutations with altered RAB27A expression or distribution.
Use flow cytometry to quantify RAB27A levels in different immune cell populations.
Pathophysiological mechanisms:
Therapeutic development:
Screen compounds that might rescue RAB27A mutant phenotypes.
Evaluate gene therapy approaches using RAB27A antibodies to confirm expression.
Monitor RAB27A expression and function in patient-derived cells after therapeutic interventions.
Develop RAB27A-based biomarkers for treatment response.
Research model validation:
Verify RAB27A expression in animal models of Griscelli syndrome.
Compare findings in patient samples with those in model systems.
Test potential therapeutic strategies using RAB27A as a readout for efficacy.
Validate gene editing approaches targeting RAB27A mutations.
RAB27A has emerging roles in cancer progression, particularly in tumor secretion and metastasis:
Cancer cell secretion:
Use FITC-RAB27A antibodies to study exosome secretion from cancer cells.
Investigate RAB27A-positive secretory lysosomes in tumor invasion.
Compare RAB27A localization in cancer cells versus normal counterparts.
Correlate RAB27A expression with markers of tumor aggression.
Experimental approaches:
Flow cytometry to quantify RAB27A levels across cancer cell lines and patient samples.
Immunofluorescence microscopy to analyze RAB27A distribution in tumor tissues.
Co-localization with tumor markers and secretory pathway components.
Functional assays linking RAB27A to tumor cell biology (migration, invasion, drug resistance).
Translational applications:
Evaluate RAB27A as a potential biomarker for cancer progression.
Investigate correlations between RAB27A expression and treatment response.
Develop therapeutic strategies targeting RAB27A-dependent secretion pathways.
Use RAB27A antibodies to monitor treatment effects on tumor secretory function.
Research areas:
RAB27A role in tumor microenvironment communication via exosomes.
Impact on immune evasion mechanisms.
Involvement in metastatic niche preparation.
Potential as a therapeutic target to inhibit tumor progression.